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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10722 February 7, 2018 Jumada I 21, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals PM meets Algerian energy minister Paris Louvre In brief apologises

QATAR | Offi cial for Abu Dhabi Emir greets Queen on accession anniversary His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness map distortion the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to HM Queen zLaunches inquiry into a new one to Abu Dhabi, surely the @ Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on exhibition of map MuseeLouvre is not okay with this?” the occasion of the anniversary of her she wrote. accession to the throne. HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met Algerian Energy Minister that omitted Qatar Last year, the UAE paid France’s Mustapha Guitouni and his accompanying delegation in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways to iconic Louvre Museum a whopping QATAR | Offi cial enhance the co-operation between the two countries, especially in the field of energy. HE the Minister of Energy and Industry he Louvre Museum in Paris has $520mn for the use of its name in its Emir congratulates Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada also met with the Algerian minister. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of co-operation apologised for the omission of own Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, which between the two countries in the fields of energy and industry. Dr al-Sada congratulated Guitouni on the successful launch of the TQatar in a map exhibited by the fi nally opened its doors last November NZ governor-general first phase of the Algerian-Qatari steel project. Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum and opened after a fi ve-year delay. His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim an investigation into the geographical Dr al-Marri said the UAE authori- bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness distortion that had led to widespread ties’ aggression against the heritage, the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin condemnation. history and culture of the peoples of Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables This information was shared by the region and the Louvre Abu Dhabi of congratulations to the Governor- Chairman of the National Human “scandal” are not aimed at Qatar alone General of New Zealand, Patsy Reddy, Rights Committee HE Dr Ali bin but at world’s cultural heritage. on the occasion of her country’s Al Wakrah Stadium set for Smaikh al-Marri after he met the Lou- The NHRC chairman called upon of- National Day. HE the Prime Minister vre Museum authorities in Paris earlier fi cials of the Louvre Museum Paris to and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah this week. In a series of tweets, he said protect art and culture from “political bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent the Louvre Paris will raise the issue exploitation” and to take fi rm measures a similar cable the Prime Minister of with the UAE during the visit of French to protect intellectual and cultural her- New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. completion by 2018-end offi cials to Abu Dhabi next week. itage. “By wrongly depicting and display- He said what happened at the Abu ARAB WORLD | Confl ict AFP ing the map, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Dhabi museum was an attempt to ob- Doha damaged the credibility of French cul- literate the identity of the people and Dozens dead in strikes tural and educational institutions,” he the State of Qatar, and the misuse of art on Syria rebel enclave said in one of the tweets. as a tool to settle political scores. Fresh regime strikes on a besieged he Qatar World Cup venue de- The Louvre Abu Dhabi later replaced “The Louvre affi rms its keenness to rebel-held enclave near Damascus signed by celebrated Iraqi-Brit- the map of the Arabian Peninsula that preserve the credibility of this global killed close to 70 civilians yesterday Tish architect Zaha Hadid will be omitted Qatar, saying the mistake was cultural and tourist institution and to despite mounting Western pressure on fi nished by the end of 2018, offi cials re- an “oversight” that had been rectifi ed. keep it away from any political con- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The sponsible for the project said yesterday. The map, one of several aiming at fl icts, in order to affi rm the cultural and bloodshed came a day after another 31 The 40,000 capacity, $575mn placing exhibits in their geographical historical message that this French cul- civilians were killed in Eastern Ghouta (465mn euros) Al Wakrah Stadium is context, was located in the children’s tural edifi ce holds worldwide.” and as the United Nations pleaded for a expected to be one of two further 2022 section of the museum. He said the Louvre recognises the truce in the seven-year-old war to allow venues completed this year. Analysts had pointed out that the eff orts of the National Human Rights for aid deliveries. Page 10 Building work on the 60,000 Al Bayt “geographical deletion” was incom- Committee in spreading the culture of Stadium is also expected to be com- patible with France’s agreement to let human rights through the “Calligraphy ASIA | Calamity pleted by December. Abu Dhabi use the Louvre’s name. on Human Rights in Islamic Culture” If so, it will mean Qatar will have The error was pointed out on January exhibition and the importance of work- Two killed, over 100 built almost half of its proposed eight 19 by the Chairperson of Qatar Muse- ing with the committee to disseminate hurt in Taiwan quake venues with four years still to go to the ums, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Ha- the principles of human rights and uni- A 6.4-magnitude quake on the east tournament. mad bin Khalifa al-Thani. versal human values through culture coast of Taiwan has left two dead and The Khalifa International Stadium, also “Although the notion of museums is and art. more than 100 injured after buildings the venue for the 2019 World Athletics A general view taken yesterday shows construction work at the Al Wakrah Stadium, were toppled and a hotel collapsed. Championships, was completed last year. a World Cup venue designed by celebrated Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Premier William Lai said two people “We will be fi nishing hopefully by had died in the quake in the port city the end of this year and then ready He said the design would also make it Major works by Hadid include the of Hualien and 114 were injured, some to use,” Thani al-Zarraa, Al Wakrah’s “one of the loudest stadiums” in 2022. Guangzhou Opera House in China, the seriously. The national fire agency said project manager said. “All the ambience and cheering will Bergisel ski jump and the aquatics cen- Gulf crisis: NHRC calls at least four buildings had fallen or One of the major tasks ahead is to fi t hit the roof and come back into the sta- tre at the 2012 London Olympics. been damaged. the stadium’s distinctive retractable dium,” he said. Zarraa said the stadium would “be roof — meant to resemble the sails of a Al Wakrah Stadium will be used dur- one of her (Hadid’s) legacies”. on EU to forgo neutrality traditional dhow fi shing boat — com- ing the World Cup for games up to and The project has not been without prised of some 1,400 pieces, which will including quarter-fi nals. controversy. be shipped to Qatar from Italy. After the World Cup, the capacity Qatar is building eight stadiums for QNA Dr al-Marri stressed that the issuance Once completed, 2022 World Cup will be reduced to 20,000. the World Cup, although FIFA has yet Paris of an offi cial report from the United Na- offi cials will trial the stadium with It was one of Hadid’s last major de- to decide on a fi nal number of venues tions High Commissioner for Human “test matches” including potential in- signs before her death in March 2016, and could instruct the State to build a Rights, condemning the siege expressly ternational friendlies, said Zarraa. aged 65. ninth. hairman of the National Human and recognises the occurrence of dis- Rights Committee (NHRC) HE criminatory and arbitrary violations CDr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri has against the people of Qatar, nullifi ed all called on the European Union coun- arguments to justify neutrality. tries and some other nations to eschew This came in a statement by Dr al- the position of neutrality towards the Marri, who is currently visiting France Ingushetia president meets energy minister Gulf crisis and join international hu- as part of a European tour including man rights organisations calling for an Germany. QNA The Ingushetia leader, who is on For his part, Dr al-Sada stressed Qa- immediate end to the siege imposed on Dr al-Marri discussed with French Doha a visit to Qatar, expressed during tar’s keenness to enhance the aspects of Qatar. offi cials the repercussions of the unjust the meeting his country’s desire to co-operation between the two friendly He noted that neutrality is not al- siege imposed on Qatar since June 5, strengthen bilateral relations in all countries and encourage Qatari com- lowed, because impartiality may amount and the eff orts exerted by the National ngushetia President Yunus-bek fi elds, especially in energy and indus- panies to study opportunities of indus- to collusion and encourage those in- Committee for the defence of the vic- Yevkurov met in Doha yesterday with try. He proposed forming a working trial investment in the energy fi eld in volved to continue their violations of tims and the legal procedures initiated IHE the Minister of Energy and Indus- group to study investment opportuni- the Russian Federation, including the human rights, which are criminalised by to follow up those involved in the viola- try Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada. ties in both countries. Republic of Ingushetia. international laws and conventions. tions. Qatar remains well-placed to meet rising LNG demand atar remains well-placed to desh,” the Fitch Group company said. cleaner-burning natural gas is set to than double the 5mn tonnes per annum point of competition for market share ing competition in the region, Qatar’s meet rising LNG demand in the “Despite the continuing diplomatic increase in the coming years, it said. contract volumes that are in place, BMI over BMI’s forecast period. position in Asia will remain dominant, Qface of competition for regional crisis in the region, Qatar’s LNG ex- In July 2017, Qatar announced that noted. “We do not expect Qatar’s position BMI noted. market share from the US, Russia and ports remain largely unimpacted by it plans to raise its LNG production to “Qatar remains well-positioned to as a key LNG player in the region to be “With the planned expansion of LNG Australia due to its low production political tensions in the GCC region,” 100mn tonnes a year within the next continue being the biggest supplier challenged in the coming years, though capacity in Qatar, the country will in- costs and spare capacity, BMI Research BMI said. fi ve to seven years. Despite widespread of LNG to global markets supported Doha will see increasing competition creasingly focus on new emerging LNG has said in a report. The country’s export destinations forecasts indicating an LNG glut, by low production costs and the pres- from Australia’s LNG supplies, following markets in the region. As a result of “With growing demand for natural are well-diversifi ed with Europe re- China’s attempts to combat pollution ence of necessary infrastructure. Also, the completion of Wheatstone, Prelude growing demand for gas in Pakistan and gas, Asia will continue being a focal maining a key trade partner. However, led to a 43% increase in LNG imports Qatar’s strategic location, giving the and Icthys projects. As a result of grow- Bangladesh and rising consumption in point of competition for market share higher prices of liquefi ed natural gas in in 2017, with Qatar often acting as a country access to potential export ing competition, Qatar may also see in- more established markets such as India in the LNG space. Amid increasing Asia, supported by growing demand of “swing supplier”, increasing its ex- markets, will support Doha’s ambitious creasing pressures from the demand side, and Thailand, we are expecting to see competition, Qatar will look for new natural gas in the region, will continue ports to the region to meet demand plans andhelp expand its presence in as LNG buyers may want to renegotiate greater volumes of LNG supplies deliv- export destinations in the region, tar- driving global export dynamics. spikes. Asia,” BMI said. long-term contracts to refl ect the chang- ered to these less traditional but faster- geting less established markets such As part of eff orts to reduce pollu- LNG exports from Qatar to China With increasing demand for natu- ing price dynamics,” BMI said. growing demand centres in Asia,” BMI as Pakistan, Thailand and Bangla- tion in urban areas, Asia’s demand for increased 49% in 2017, and were more ral gas, Asia will continue being a focal Even with challenges and increas- added. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 QATAR PM meets Iranian ambassador QTA ties up with 50 hotels to bring Sport Day off ers

atar Tourism Authority of up to 50% and free gym class- Next Chapter of National Tour- sport and recreation tourism of- (QTA) has again part- es. ism Sector Strategy 2017-2023,” fering,” she noted. “We are de- Qnered with 50 mem- Foodies can also enjoy healthy QTA’s public relations and com- lighted to see a 25% increase in bers of the country’s hospital- buff ets at special prices while munications acting director Ja- the number of hospitality part- ity sector to offer residents and those seeking a staycation can waher al-khuzaei said. ners demonstrating their shared visitors a healthy and action- avail of a ‘bed-and-healthy- commitment to supporting the packed National Sport Day breakfast’ at attractive rates for “We are delighted to see a country’s vision for a healthy (NSD). the duration of the off er. 25% increase in the number nation.” This year, hotels from across This year, the sector sees a of hospitality partners As the various hotels are pro- the 2, 3, 4 and 5-star categories 25% increase in the number demonstrating their shared viding diff erent off ers, QTA will be off ering various packages of hotels providing special commitment to supporting advises residents to check a de- from February 12 to 14. NSD offers compared to 2017. the country’s vision for a tailed listing of the hotel deals, According to QTA, the off ers It is also the first year for ho- healthy nation” which is available at www.vis- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met are designed to promote healthy tels from the 2 and 3-star cat- itqatar.qa/qnsd2018. the ambassador of Iran to Qatar, Mohamed Ali Subhani, in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, they lifestyles among residents and egories to participate. “NSD is an opportunity to Prior reservations are required reviewed aspects of strengthening and developing relations between the two countries, in addition visitors of all ages. Packages in- “Leveraging our sports and showcase Qatar’s wide array of for all hotel off ers – those inter- to issues of mutual interest. clude free access to hotel gyms, recreation assets is a key area of hotel spas and resorts which ested should contact the hotel discounts on gym memberships focus for us as we implement the form an important part of our directly to make a reservation. AZF unveils family activities for National Sport Day

o mark its seventh Na- the perfect blend of sports and avoiding being hit themselves. walking that can be enjoyed by arena, will house a variety of ac- The Fun Run race, one of the tional Sport Day celebra- family fun that will bring local The event will begin at 9am non-athletes as a healthy physi- tivities for families and friends. most popular events in AZF’s Ttion, Aspire Zone Foun- community members of all ages and last until 3pm. cal activity. Aspire Dome’s diverse and NSD programme in previous dation (AZF) has announced together to create memorable It takes place on Football Pitch Thanks to its low-impact na- challenging activities attracts years, is back by popular demand that it is organising more than experiences. 10. ture, the sport is especially use- thousands of visitors each year. and will be open to all members 20 sporting activities for com- “Our seventh National Sport zJapanese Kendo demonstra- ful for the elderly and anyone Sprinting, hammer throwing of the community, including munity members of all ages and Day celebration builds on AZF’s tions and Scandinavian Nordic with knee problems. and vertical jumps will be organ- men, women, families, children physical capabilities. eff orts all year round to promote Walk return for the second year. z Various children’s activi- ised from 10am to 4pm at Aspire and persons with special needs, This year’s celebration in As- a healthy and active lifestyle In collaboration with the Japa- ties at Aspire Zone’s outdoor Dome’s Indoor Athletics Track, the statement adds. pire Zone, spread across its out- among the people in Qatar in nese embassy in Qatar, AZF is pitches. In addition to dodge- while football skills demonstra- The race comprises a 2.5km door and indoor facilities, is ex- line with Qatar National Vision bringing back the Japanese Ken- ball and the Japanese Kendo, tions activities will take place at course around Khalifa Interna- pected to be “one of the biggest 2030.” do demonstrations. activities organised especially the Indoor Football Pitch. tional Stadium. in the country”, AZF has said in a zQatar’s fi rst-ever dodgeball Kendo is one of the world’s for children on Pitch 10 from A set of entertaining multi- Registration for the race will press statement. competition at Aspire Zone AZF oldest martial arts, which found 9am to 3pm include Boot camp skill activities will be organised begin at 6.30am and last until Speaking about this year’s said it collaborates with various its roots in Japan. Visitors will and Telematch competitions, for little boys from 10am to 4pm 7.30am. programme, Nasser Abdullah local and international entities not only get to watch these per- Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri 5-a-side tournaments, foot- in the Multipurpose Hall 01, The race will then start at 8am al-Hajri, chairman of the NSD “year after year to introduce formances, but will also be able ball, martial arts and slackline while young girls can enjoy rack- in the designated area between Organising Committee at AZF, new and unique activities for to take part in them from 9am ture, the activity can be enjoyed skills demonstrations. et sports and gymnastic circuit Khalifa International Stadium said: “The team at Aspire Zone families”. This year, dodgeball to 1pm on Aspire Zone’s Football by non-athletes of all ages. Face-painting, arts and crafts, activities in the Multipurpose and The Torch Doha. Foundation has worked tireless- joins the wide range of activities Pitch 10. The Nordic Walk has been maize cones, a skipping rope and Hall 02 from 10am to 1pm. More information about As- ly to organise a range of unique “that visitors have come to ex- Meanwhile, the Nordic Walk growing in popularity in recent obstacle courses will also be set A series of ‘Team Building’ pire Zone Foundation’s pro- and thrilling family-oriented pect from AZF”, the statement will take place from 11am in As- years thanks to its many ben- up in Pitch 10 from 8.30am to exercises that foster teamwork grammes and events is available sporting activities designed to notes. petar’s West Wing. efi ts, as it delivers total body 12noon. and co-operation will also be or- on its social media channels, create an ideal sporting atmos- Dodgeball is similar to a hand- Nordic Walking is a form of fi tness, increases cardio fi tness, z Challenge yourself and dis- ganised from 10am to 3pm at the through the ‘Life in Aspire’ phere in a family-friendly envi- ball game in which players or exercise whereby participants burns calories and activates cover your potential at Aspire Gymnastics Hall. smartphone app or from the ronment. family members in two teams try use especially designed poles. 90% of the body’s muscles. Dome. Aspire Dome, the world’s z The iconic Fun Run race to website, http://www.lifeina- This year’s programme off ers to throw balls at each other while Thanks to its low-impact na- It is a ‘total body’ version of largest indoor multi-purpose be one of this year’s highlights. spire.qa/NSD Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 3 QATAR

Advisory Council speaker meets ambassadors

HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud yesterday held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Ethiopia, Italy, Serbia and Singapore to Qatar – Metasebia Tadesse; Pasquale Salzano; Jasminko Pozderac; and Jai Sohan, respectively. The meetings discussed ways to further develop bilateral relations. Qatar Airways launches direct fl ights to Penang atar Airways’ fi rst Airports Holdings Berhad Pattaya, as well as adding together for the past 17 non-stop fl ight to managing director Datuk additional services to Krabi, years, we take pleasure in QPenang touched Badlisham bin Ghazali and Ho Chi Minh City and Ha- welcoming Qatar Airways, down yesterday (February Penang Global Tourism noi. which will be another great 6) at Penang International CEO Ooi Chok Yan. Chief Minister Eng said: addition to the existing in- Airport (PIA), inaugurat- “We are delighted to “We off er a Unesco World ternational airlines at PIA,” ing its second destination in launch direct fl ights to Pen- Heritage city that is capti- Ghazali added. Malaysia. ang, a long-anticipated ad- vating not only our cultural With this new route, Qa- The new route forms part dition to our global route diversity and religious har- tar Airways will be the fi rst of the airline’s robust ex- network. Our Kuala Lumpur mony but also in off ering Middle Eastern carrier to pansion plans throughout service started in 2001, and our natural beauty and world off er non-stop fl ight serv- South East Asia. it has since grown to a triple- class tourism products.” ice from Doha to Penang, Qatar Airways fl ight daily direct non-stop serv- With the current triple- a city well known for being QR850, operated by a Boe- ice to and from Doha,” Qatar daily frequencies to Kuala a Unesco World Heritage ing 787 Dreamliner, de- Airways Group chief execu- Lumpur, which cater to the City. parted Hamad Interna- tive Akbar al-Baker said. many passengers travelling At a press conference tional Airport on Tuesday at “We are tremendously to destinations in North held at the Shangri-La Rasa 2.30am and arrived PIA at pleased to now be able to of- America and Europe, Ghaz- Sayang, Amin, announced Qatar Airways’ VIP delegation was warmly welcomed at PIA. 2.30pm yesterday. fer our passengers another ali said they believe that the Penang route will be The delegation led by Qa- exciting destination to ex- the same demand for these boosted to a four-times- tar Airways chief commer- perience in this beautiful destinations from Penang is weekly frequency from July cial offi cer Ehab Amin was country,” he noted. growing rapidly. 1. accompanied by Malaysian Al-Baker stressed that As one of the busiest Until then, Qatar Air- ambassador to Qatar Ah- the addition of Penang to airports in Malaysia, PIA ways will fl y three times mad Fadil Shamsuddin. the airline’s global net- recorded 7mn passenger a week to Penang with its The VIP delegation was work comes as part of its movements last year. state-of-the-art Boeing 787 greeted in Penang by Qa- continued expansion plans “It is without doubt that Dreamliner, which features tari ambassador to Malaysia throughout Eastern Asia. the airport is the hub for 22 seats in Business Class Essa bin Mohamed al-Man- Qatar Airways recently northern Malaysia, bearing and 232 seats in Economy nai, Penang’s Chief Minis- launched direct services to potential for increased con- Class, with spacious cabins ter Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia Thailand’s Chiang Mai and nectivity. Having worked and specially-designed in- teriors. From ornate temples to tropical gardens, the sights and sounds of Penang re- fl ect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Holidaymakers and busi- ness travellers alike will be enchanted by the country’s magnifi cent scenery. Penang, known as the gourmet capital of Malay- sia, off ers a host of culinary delights to please the palate. It is also the most frequent- ed destination for retirees in Malaysia. Qatar Airways fi rst launched service to Ma- laysia in December 2001 and currently operates a Qatar Airways flight QR850, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, receives a traditional triple-daily service to Kuala water cannon salute yesterday at PIA. Lumpur.

Extra self-service check-in kiosks for Qatar Airways passengers Qatar Airways is installing additional self-service check-in element of our passengers’ journey both on the ground and kiosks at the award-winning Hamad International Airport in the air,” he added. (HIA) to make the check-in experience faster and more Global aviation industry body International Air Transport convenient for passengers. Association estimates that by 2020, some 80% of airline The new kiosks will enable more passengers to perform self passengers will be off ered self-service options throughout check-in and print their boarding pass, avoiding long queues their journey, representing an annual savings of up to $2.1bn at check-in counters and providing a faster and hassle-free for the airline industry. experience. HIA met a number of significant milestones in 2017, The kiosks will also feature a self bag-drop facility. During including being classified as a five-star airport by Skytrax, installation, Row 3 will be used for Economy Class check-in making it one of only five other airports in the world to to enable the installation of the additional kiosks. achieve this status. “We are dedicated to ensuring that our passengers’ journey HIA was also ranked ‘Sixth Best Airport in the World’ by the is smooth and streamlined from the moment they purchase 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards, moving up four places their ticket to their arrival at their final destination,” Qatar from 2016. It also won the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said. title for three years in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the “We remain committed to continuing to enhance every Middle East’ for two years in a row.

US-Gulf ties to be explored at GU-Q lecture

eorgetown Univer- Benjamin is director The talk will focus on the sity in Qatar (GU- of the John Sloan Dickey changing nature of the US’ G Q) has announced Center for International involvement in the Gulf, that ambassador Daniel Understanding at Dart- including its engagements Benjamin aims to offer mouth College and has with disputes between na- some insight into recent previously served as am- tions and its stance towards shifts in US policy to- bassador-at-large and regional powers. wards the Gulf region at co-ordinator for counter- It will also explore how an upcoming talk. terrorism at the US State Gulf countries can strength- The lecture, titled ‘US- Department. en their voice in US delib- GCC Relations in an Era In this role, he was the erations, even as the nation of Disruption’, will be held principal counterterrorism moves to decrease its reli- on GU-Q’s Education City adviser to then Secretary of ance on foreign energy im- campus at 6pm today. State Hillary Clinton. ports. Daniel Benjamin Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 QATAR

QFC off icials at the HMC paediatric ward. QFC staff visit children’s ward at Hamad Hospital

he employees of the Qatar Fi- Toys “R” Us that lifted the children’s ration, thanked QFC for its kind visit nancial Center (QFC) Authority spirits. “Through focusing on the chil- paid to the patients at Hamad General T(QFCA), QFC Regulatory Au- dren’s welfare, we are investing in our Hospital and the valuable gifts it dis- thority, Qatar International Court and future generations and ensuring the tributed to them. Dispute Resolution Centre and Qatar continued growth and development “HMC is keen to provide safe, af- Finance and Business Academy volun- of our country,” Yousef Abdullah Fa- fectionate and eff ective healthcare teered to visit Hamad General Hospi- khroo, chief marketing and corporate services for each of its patients. In ad- tal’s paediatric ward as part of corpo- communications offi cer, QFCA, said. dition, the corporation pays consid- rate social responsibility. Maitha Saad al-Buainain, executive erable attention to meeting their dif- The QFC employees played and in- director of Community Partnership ferent needs, relieving their pains, as teracted with the children and their and Patients Outreach at Hamad Gen- well as promoting volunteerism in the parents, and distributed gifts from eral Hospital, Hamad Medical Corpo- community,” she added.

Recall of Ariston dryer models

The Ministry of Economy and The MEC said the recall campaign The MEC has urged all customers to Commerce (MEC), in collaboration comes within the framework of report any violations to its Consumer with Video Home & Electronic Centre, its ongoing eff orts to ensure that Protection and Anti-Commercial has announced the recall of Ariston suppliers follow up on product defects Fraud Department through the dryer model of April 2004-September and repairs to protect consumers. following channels: Call centre: 2015 because in some rare cases, The MEC has urged consumers to 16001, e-mail: [email protected], excess fluff can come into contact stop using the dryers and to contact Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, Instagram: with the heating element and present the company to make the necessary MEC_Qatar, MEC mobile app for a risk of fire. repairs free of charge. Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 5 QATAR

Australian ambassador Dr Axel Wabenhorst, director of LuLu Group International Mohamed Althaf, other dignitaries and students at the inauguration of the Australian Festival at LuLu Hypermarket — Al Messila. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Australian Festival 2018 kicks off at LuLu outlets

uLu Group, in co- Althaf, director of LuLu lege Doha and Compass The festival also high- operation with the Group International, and International School Doha lights specialties and de- LAustralian embassy, several other dignitaries (Nord Anglia Education) lights such as Aussie burgers has launched the Australian from various sectors. were also present at the in- and other popular Austral- Festival 2018 at its outlets in The festival is being held augural ceremony. ian dishes at the hot food Qatar. at LuLu outlets in the coun- The King’s College Doha counters. In a press statement yes- try until February 12. students performed an While Australian prod- terday, the Group said it has In his inaugural speech, iconic song from Australia ucts have been available in been conducting the festi- Dr Wabenhorst commended to mark the occasion. Live LuLu stores for a long time, val in other places for many the eff orts made by LuLu cooking sessions by a chef this promotional campaign years, and this is the fi rst Group in highlighting and from Meat & Livestock Aus- “endeavours to promote a time that the initiative has promoting Australian food tralia have been organised wide range of Australian been brought to the Qatar and other products in its at every LuLu outlet during products and augment sales region. stores. the festival, the statement by increasing the extent of Australian ambassa- He was impressed with notes. imports”, the statement ex- dor Dr Axel Wabenhorst the supporting point-of- The festival showcases plains. launched the festival at sale materials utilised in- major product lines that Halal-certifi ed food is of LuLu Hypermarket — Al store, and noted that beef are directly imported from growing importance in the Messila yesterday. The in- and lamb were among the Australia. The important trade between Qatar and augural ceremony was also main items exported to Qa- categories include fresh Australia, leading to the attended by officials from tar from Australia. meat, cheese, olives, free- launch of specialised Halal- the Australian embassy, He also pointed out that range eggs, muesli bars, certifi cation bodies in Aus- Yara Elsergany and Lamees there has been a signifi cant bread, varieties of milk and tralia. Shaat, members of the increase in the export of milk products, organic baby These governing bodies Qatar Australia and New livestock from Australia in foods, sauce, cake mix, hon- have been created to moni- Zealand Business Associa- recent months. ey, fresh/frozen fruits and tor, supervise and certify all tion (Qanzba), Mohamed Students of King’s Col- vegetables, etc. products imported to Qatar. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 QATAR

Type 1 diabetes most common Sidra expands referrals among children, and opens new services says expert idra Medicine, a specialty children’s, young people Sand women’s healthcare ype 1 diabetes is the most the understanding of childhood organisation and member of common form of the diabetes. Qatar Foundation for Education, Tcondition in children, He said diabetes manifests Science and Community De- according to an expert who dis- itself through either a defect in velopment, has announced the cussed childhood diabetes and the body’s production of insu- next stage in its phased opening the best ways to diagnose and lin leading to a higher concen- with expanded referral options manage the disease at the lat- tration of glucose in the blood, and new services available to est instalment of Weill Cornell or a defect in the action of in- patients. Medicine – Qatar’s (WCM-Q) sulin. The Women’s Clinic at Sidra Grand Rounds lecture series. In children, Prof Hussain Medicine has begun accepting The talk, entitled ‘Diabetes said, type 1 diabetes, where referrals from Al-Rayyan Health in Children: Causes, Classifi- the pancreas fails to produce Centre and Gharrafat Al Rayyan cation and Management’ was enough insulin, is the most Health Centre, in addition to delivered by Prof Khalid Hus- common, whereas in adults, ongoing referrals from Hamad sain, chief of paediatric endo- type 2 diabetes is more preva- Medical Corporation and Primary crinology at Sidra Medicine. lent and manifests itself as Health Care Corporation centres. Prof Hussain outlined the insulin resistance. Type 2 dia- The Sidra Medicine main different types of diabetes in betes is generally related to hospital, in addition to doing children, explained how par- lifestyle and affects around elective Cesarean deliveries, ticular diagnoses can alter the 17% of people in Qatar whereas has begun scheduling births treatment and management of type 1 is a complex autoim- by planned induction of la- the disease, and spoke about mune disease. Along with these bour. Deliveries by induction the research that is furthering most common variations of of labour will be scheduled by the condition, Prof Hussain referral only. Women who go also outlined other types of the into spontaneous labour will condition, including neonatal, need to go to HMC for deliv- mitochondrial, syndromic and eries. This also applies to pa- MODY (Maturity-Onset Dia- tients currently registered and betes of the Young). receiving their antenatal care He described the most effec- at Sidra Medicine. tive management of the various Under children’s and young types of diabetes and how ac- people’s services, additional low- curate diagnosis of the specific risk orthopaedics and all general Sidra Medicine staff with the first twins. The healthcare organisation has announced the next stage in its phased opening with expanded referral options variation affects the medica- surgery services have also become and new services available to patients. tion and control of the disease. available. From February 11, pae- Dr Stephen Atkin, professor diatric neurology and rheuma- non-invasive cardiology serv- welcoming our fi rst babies to portance to the entire team at later, followed by several more of medicine at WCM-Q, said, tology clinics, as well as complex ices, as well as low-risk general treating our fi rst inpatients. Sidra Medicine.” births including twins in the “Prof Hussain is an acknowl- general paediatric care, will open surgery, urology, plastic and Most importantly, however, the Since opening its doors on three weeks since opening. edged expert on childhood dia- at Sidra Medicine. ear, nose and throat surgical intense preparation and systems January 14 and as of January 31, The current schedule of in- betes and a renowned clinician The latest inpatient chil- procedures. testing we conducted ahead of Sidra Medicine’s main hospi- patient services will be ramped and researcher. His talk has dren’s services will be added Dr John Ferguson, Sidra Med- opening has ensured effi ciency tal has performed 79 paediatric up through mid-2018 to in- been truly valuable for health- to the list of existing services icine chief medical offi cer said, and safety with no adverse pa- procedures and 13 C-sections, clude more complex paediatric care professionals and his work currently available by referral “The weeks since we opened tient outcomes. As a hospital admitted 33 paediatric patients surgeries, specialist paediatric in the laboratory will hopefully and appointment only. This our main hospital building have focusing on some of the most and welcomed 14 babies. The services in cardiology and oth- continue to bring further en- includes pulmonology, gastro- been marked with many heart- complex medical specialties, fi rst baby girl arrived on January ers, as well as deliveries, focus- Prof Khalid Hussain lightenment to the topic.” enterology, endocrinology and warming developments, from patient safety is of utmost im- 14, and the fi rst baby boy a day ing on high-risk pregnancies.

Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 QATAR New models of Cayenne unveiled

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

he latest generation of Porsche’s Cayenne and TCayenne S, the brand’s fl agship and successful SUV model line, have been unveiled in Qatar yesterday by Por- Salman Jassem al-Darwish (right) and Ahed Dawood unveil the new Cayenne yesterday. sche Centre Doha, Al Boraq PICTURES: Thajudheen Automobiles Co. “Since its initial launch, the also larger than before, ranging Cayenne has been one of the from 19 to 21 inches. most popular models in Qatar, Both developments are derived and I have no doubt that the from the 911 to improve agility, third generation, which off ers stability and safety, whilst rear- even more sports car perform- axle steering also reduces the ance and practicality, will con- turning circle by 0.6 metres for tinue this success story,” Por- even greater practicality. sche Centre Doha chairman and The new Cayenne also of- CEO Salman Jassem al-Darwish fers a spacious cabin with sev- said. eral comfort and convenience The vehicles were unveiled The new Cayenne S. features throughout. by al-Darwish, Porsche Mid- Performance driven dle East and Africa CEO Deesch As a true sports car in its seg- enne remained the most impor- with 34% of Porsche’s sales. engines: The third generation Papke and Porsche brand man- ment, the new Cayenne features tant Porsche for the Qatar mar- “We already saw an 8% in- model range Cayenne com- ager Ahed Dawood at a special powerful turbocharged engines, ket, which he pointed out as “an crease in 2017 compared to 2016 bines powerful and effi cient event. enhanced chassis systems, a SUV-dominated market”. and with the Cayenne we defi - engines with a new, responsive The new Cayenne’s versatility range of off -road modes and a “People have fell in love with nitely envision a greater devel- eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Deesch Papke at the press briefing. is truly unique. It is at home on sharper design. the Cayenne since its introduc- opment in sales and we will leave The six-cylinder turbo en- any road, but it is equally ready Some of the additional en- tion in 2002,” he said, adding, it by the end of 2018 to disclose,” gine of the Cayenne delivers 450 engine with 440hp (an increase new generation and exceeds the to explore new terrain,” al-Dar- hancements to the latest gen- “The demand has always been Dawood added. Nm of torque and 340hp, a 40hp of 20hp) and 550Nm of torque. It engine of its predecessor by 30hp wish noted. “It enjoys a short eration include ‘intelligent as- overwhelming for the Cayenne Basic retail prices of the Cay- increase on its predecessor. It reaches 100km/h in 5.2 seconds while the maximum torque of sprint as much as a long road sistance systems’ and more year after year.” enne is QR296,600 while the reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, (4.9 seconds with the optional 770Nm represents an increase of trip, and the commute to work connectivity features aimed at While the Porsche Macan Cayenne S is QR361,200. or just 5.9 seconds with the op- Sport Chrono Package) and 20Nm. It accelerates from zero to as much as a lap on the track.” off ering improved driver and (the brand’s compact SUV) For the fi rst time, the Cayenne tional Sport Chrono Package, boasts a top speed of 265km/h. 100km/h in 4.1 seconds (or 3.9 “That is really what sets the passenger comfort. doubled in sales in 2017 (33%), is available with rear-axle steer- and has a top speed of 245 km/h. With its 550hp biturbo eight- seconds with the Sport Chrono Cayenne apart from any other Dawood echoed al-Darwish’s Dawood noted that Cayenne’s ing as an option and a mixed The Cayenne S is powered by cylinder engine, the Cayenne Package), and achieves a top SUV,” al-Darwish stressed. statement saying that the Cay- sales maintained its leadership tyre confi guration. The tyres are a 2.9-litre, biturbo-charged V6 Turbo is the top model in the speed of 286km/h. DJWE forum to shine spotlight QU and staff college sign MoU on role of jewellery designers atar University (QU) researchers. Both institu- ate and graduate levels. Joaan he 15th edition of its 2018 and 2019 editions as businesses to a new level, yesterday signed a tions will also co-operate Bin Jassim Joint Command Doha Jewellery and we expand our long-stand- with a forum which will Qmemorandum of to support and encourage and Staff College provides TWatches Exhibition ing relationship with the explore key issues in the understanding ( MoU) with joint research for faculty high-quality military edu- (DJWE) will be holding its exhibition, since its incep- industry, while benefi ting Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Com- in areas that are of their cation. This partnership will forum on February 22 at tion,” Fifty One East chair- from the insights of global mand and Staff College (JB- interest and to strength- contribute to strengthening the Doha Exhibition and man and managing director experts. JJCSC) to establish collabo- en relations between links between both institu- Convention Centre (DECC). Bader al-Darwish said. “The business sector is ration in the fi eld of research their research teams. tions and to exploring new Sponsored by Fifty One “We are pleased to pro- one of the important sec- and strategic studies. Other areas of collabora- collaboration opportunities East, the forum will be a vide our customers with tors that contribute to The MoU was signed by tion include the organisa- in various areas.” new initiative to highlight world-class brands and Qatar’s position on the QU president Dr Hassan al- tion of joint academic and Al-Naimi said, “This the role played by jewellery experiences at Fifty One calendar of international Derham and JBJJCSC Staff strategic conferences, sem- MoU will contribute to pro- designers in both local and East, so it lends itself that events. It is also one of the Major General Mohamed inars and workshops. moting relations between international markets. we are helping to support main sectors that contrib- Hamad Mohamed al-Naimi Dr al-Derham said, “Qa- Qatar University and Joaan The event will feature the inaugural DJWE Forum utes to achieving the ob- in the presence of offi cials tar University and Joaan Bin Bin Jassim Joint Command seminars curated by top that will off er access to jectives of the next phase from both institutions. Jassim Joint Command and and Staff College in the brands and personalities industry leaders, helping of the national tourism The terms of the MoU in- Staff College are both aca- fi eld of research. It will also in the industry. It will of- to off er insights to Qatar’s strategy,” he said. “It also clude collaboration between demic institutions. As Qa- serve to enhancing JBJJCSC fer behind the scenes ac- watches and jewellery en- plays an important role in QU and JBJJCSC on educa- tar’s fi rst national university, programmes, particularly cess to the luxurious world thusiasts,” he added. supporting the country’s tion and theoretical training, Qatar University provides in the fi eld of international of jewellery and watches, Over the past 15 years, vision for the private sec- Major General Mohamed Hamad Mohamed al-Naimi and Dr and the exchange of profes- various academic pro- and leadership relations and including fascinating top- DJWE has successfully re- tor, as well as developing Hassan al-Derham at the event. sional expertise, experts and grammes at the undergradu- strategic management.” ics from gemstones to tained its position as a hub local companies.” Arab designs, as well as the for jewellery afi cionados, Held under the patron- history and traditions of and as one of the forefront age of Qatar’s Prime Min- Doha to host AICR haute horology. business events held in ister and Interior Minister Attendees will be able to Qatar, according to Qatar HE Sheikh Abdullah bin congress in 2021 participate in the forum. Tourism Authority’s ex- Nasser bin Khalifa al-Tha- Aspire launches photography The International Association Visitors can pre-register hibitions director Ahmed ni, the highly-anticipated for Deputy Managers and Front via www.djwe.qa, or on- al-Obaidli. DJWE 2018 returns to Qa- Off ice Managers of Luxury site on the day of the event. Al-Obaidli stressed that tar’s fl ourishing exhibition Hotels (AICR) Qatar Chapter has “We welcome this new this year, the exhibition calendar from February 21 contest as part of kite festival confirmed that Doha will host the partnership with DJWE in takes its support to local to 26 at DECC. organisation’s annual congress in 2021. spire Zone Foundation (AZF) each receive a professional camera, the The event is expected to gather has announced the launch statement points out. more than 300 members of the Aof a photography compe- AZF stressed that many interna- hospitality sector for a four-day tition that will see amateur and tional teams have expressed their programme which combines professional photographers in Qa- enthusiasm for this year’s event, educational content as well as tar compete for a chance to win including an Italian team that par- social activities. prizes and be crowned as the 2018 ticipated in last year’s festival. They “The hosting of the Congress Aspire International Kite Festival described their experience in 2017 in Doha comes after years of Photography Competition winner. as “unforgettable”. dedicated planning and lobbying The competition will be held for The Italian trio of Aquilonisti and we are particularly grateful the fi rst time on the sidelines of the Eolo Gubbio, Andrea Baff oni and for Qatar Tourism Authority’s second Aspire International Kite Moreno Lauri said “the fi rst edi- (QTA) Festival from March 6 to 9, AZF has tion was a truly amazing experi- guidance said in a statement. Ahmed al-Khulaifi, chairman, Qatar ence” and that taking part in the and support This year’s Aspire International Photographic Society. festival and coming to Qatar for the through the Kite Festival “promises to be one of fi rst time ever was “so special as we process,” the largest kite festivals in the world “Aspire Park is also the perfect were given the opportunity to meet AICR and is expected to attract thousands venue for photographers, with its so many amazing people”. president of visitors,” the statement notes, vast open spaces and diverse land- Meanwhile, Singapore Kite Asso- Ahmed adding that “there will be plenty to scape providing an ideal opportu- ciation president Wing Lee, whose Kamel, pictured, said. capture” during the event. nity for photographers to use dif- organisation helped with workshops Qatar’s hospitality sector off ers The competition has been or- ferent lenses, angles and lighting and presentations for students and the best guest experience in the ganised in collaboration with Qatar throughout the day.” public in 2017, said: “Those who Gulf region, according to the Photographic Society, opening the The competition will be open to took part in last year’s event recog- Olery Guest Experience in the doors to their membership of more all who are 10 years old and above, nised the thrill and excitement of Middle East Report for the years than 1,000 professionals. It is also according to AZF. It will accept 3-5 fl ying a kite immediately after con- 2016 and 2017. expected to attract hundreds of high-quality photographs, without struction in their workshops. Their “We are pleased to have amateur photography enthusiasts any watermarks or personal infor- radiant smiles brought immediate supported the local AICR from across Qatar. mation, on a CD in JPEG or TIFF satisfaction to the instructors.” chapter and are committed to Ahmed al-Khulaifi , chairman of 300 DPI format for every individual The returning French kite fl ier, continue helping them to host a Qatar Photographic Society, said: submission. The use of photo ed- Roger Tessa-Gambassi, who bagged memorable event in 2021,” QTA’s “We would like to extend the invi- iting programmes such as Adobe the second place last year, said what exhibitions director Ahmed al- tation to all professional and ama- Photoshop shall be limited to minor encouraged him to participate again Obaidli said. teur photographers in Qatar and colour touches. was that he felt like he was tak- “This congress presents a great ask them to come and demonstrate The conditions will be announced ing part in a festival that “would opportunity for us to showcase their talent and capture this beau- on Aspire Zone’s ‘Life in Aspire’ one day become one of the world’s Qatar’s tourism and hospitality tiful sport that connects Qatar’s website, www.lifeinaspire.qa, and leading kits festivals”. assets,” he noted. diverse local communities. AZF’s social media websites. The 2017 edition of the festival AICR is an international “Aspire Park is the perfect venue A business class plane ticket to a attracted more than 40,000 people organisation with representation for this amazing festival and pho- destination of their choice will be and the event has since become a in 18 countries and 1,200 tography competition, and we’re awarded to the fi rst-place winner of milestone in Aspire Zone’s annual members. The Qatar Chapter sure that those who enter and the 2018 Aspire International Kite Fes- events calendar. It refl ects the or- includes more than 45 members attend the festival will have no tival Photography Competition. The ganisation’s capabilities and exper- from leading four and five-star shortage of opportunities to cap- second-place winner will receive two tise in delivering a unique combi- hotels and resorts. Qatar has ture some amazingly creative and economy class plane tickets, while the nation of sports and entertainment, been a member of AICR since colourful shots.” third- and fourth-place winners will the statement added. November 2015. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 9 QATAR/REGION Money exchange with links to Dubai govt ‘a hub for laundering empire’

By Linton Besser “It’s about that layering and A large volume of money was run through the UAE ness development in a legitimate Four Corners, ABC actually spreading your risk and way, that becomes an attractive actually trying to make it as com- Government-owned Wall Street Exchange proposition.” plicated as possible to try and Wall Street Exchange was ex- defect law enforcement from de- Money laundering operation run by Altaf Khanani ran its posed during congressional in- multinational currency tecting where those monies have vestigations into the September exchange bankrolled by been transferred to.” international transfers through multiple currency exchanges 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers Athe United Arab Emirates Assistant Commissioner Stew- Wall Street Exchange was exposed during congressional in Manhattan. has emerged as a key conduit art said the Khanani network was Some of the fi nances for the for a global money laundering laundering between $14bn and investigations into September 2001 attacks Altaf Khanani was seized in terrorist strike were sent through operation which has siphoned $16bn a year for organised crime Panama in September 2015 by Wall Street Exchange by Ali Abdul hundreds of millions of dollars syndicates across the world. ministration, the US Treasury Since 2005, the company has pointed director-general of the the US Drug Enforcement Aziz Ali — nephew to plot mas- out of Australia. “We’re talking about the up- issued sanctions against his been a subsidiary of the Emirates UAE Federal Tax Authority, and Administration. (Courtesy: ABC) termind Khalid Sheikh Mohamed Wall Street Exchange, one of per echelons of organised crime family and associates, and au- Post Group, the UAE’s postal Abdulkareem Alzarouni, the — in April 2000, though the bulk the largest money remitters in here,” he said. thorities in Dubai closed down service. chief fi nancial offi cer of the Na- Dubai as a bolt-hole for serious of the $119,500 he moved for the the Middle East and which has In Australia, Khanani was laun- the Al Zarooni Exchange. In 2012, the UAE government tional Bank of Abu Dhabi. organised crime syndicates. operation was laundered through its main offi ce in Dubai, has been dering drug money for the Lone But Four Corners has learned took 100% ownership of Wall The EPG 2013 annual report — “I think the nature of in- another company in Dubai called identifi ed by the Australian Fed- Wolves and Comanchero bikie that a large volume of the money Street Exchange, buying the the most recent one it has pub- vestment in Dubai is such that the UAE Exchange Centre. eral Police as a major hub for the gangs, as well as Lebanese mafi a that Khanani was moving around 40% of its shares still owned by lished — said the Exchange had there’s incredible investment The AFP has recently been movement of drug profi ts and fi gures living in western Sydney. the world was being run through its founder, Indian tycoon Asgar two “correspondent banks” in opportunity for legitimate en- able to fi nd common ground terrorism fi nance. He was also moving money Wall Street Exchange. Shakoor Patel. Australia. It is not clear what the terprise, and that stands to with the UAE. In September last Australian Federal Police on behalf of Mexican cocaine The company operates in a lu- Now, the Khanani revelations term is meant to describe, and reason it’s only going to be at- year, it successfully secured the (AFP) Assistant Commissioner cartels and terrorism groups in- crative market. raise the prospect that the UAE the company did not respond to tractive on that basis that ille- extradition of Michael Ibrahim David Stewart has told Four cluding Al Qaeda and D-Com- In 2014, the most recent year for Government has unwittingly questions from Four Corners. gitimate enterprise is going to and Fadi Ibrahim from Dubai on Corners the money laundering pany. D-Company is a criminal which the World Bank has fi gures, enabled one of the world’s largest The Australian Transaction have an opportunity there to try charges of running a drug and operation run by Altaf Khanani terrorist organisation run by Da- workers in the UAE sent more money laundering operations. Reports and Analysis Centre and play in that space,” Assistant tobacco importation ring. — who is now in jail in Florida wood Ibrahim. than $19bn out of the country, There is no suggestion the cur- (Austrac) said the Wall Street Commissioner Stewart said. “The relationship that we — ran its international transfers Since about 2008, Khanani principally to friends and family rent leadership of Emirates Post Exchange had not been identi- “When you look at the money have in Australia with our Emir- through multiple currency ex- ran the network from the Al Za- living across South Asia. Group (EPG) was in any way in- fi ed in Australia as a “reporting laundering opportunity for peo- ates colleagues is absolutely fi rst changes. rooni Exchange in Dubai. Its cash outfl ows were eclipsed volved in the Khanani operation, entity on our register of remit- ple to actually take funds off - class and we have a very deep “Wall Street Exchange … After Khanani was seized in only by the United States, Saudi but it is stacked with high-fl yers. tance service providers”. shore to another country, and respect and a great collaboration was another one that was being Panama in September 2015 by Arabia, Russia, Switzerland and Directors include Khalid Ali Law enforcement agencies trying to legitimise it through with them,” Assistant Commis- used,” he confi rmed. the US Drug Enforcement Ad- Germany. al-Bustani, who in 2017 was ap- across the world have long cited property acquisition or busi- sioner Stewart said.

Al Jazeera Media Network in marketing pact with Euronews Group Al Jazeera Media Network has Network has said in a press ating new programmes tailored made great strides over the last Rouhani rules out talks over missiles appointed Euronews Group as its statement. to specific markets and partners. few years to organically target content and brand syndication Since 2014, AJ+ is available on its Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews, younger segments of audience AFP hani also criticised the ongoing Rouhani reiterated that the nu- agent to represent Al Jazeera’s own social networks and through said: “We are proud to have been through its digital native AJ+. Ab- Tehran off ensive in northern Syria, say- clear deal, signed with six world digital flagship brand, AJ+, on a its mobile app in English, Arabic chosen by Al Jazeera Media Net- dulla Alnajjar, executive director ing it was showing “no results”. powers, could not be renegotiated. worldwide scale. and Spanish, and will be soon in work to participate in AJ+’s future for Global Brand and Communi- “We will negotiate with no one “The key to the problems be- With this, Euronews Group is French. Euronews has proposed development, which has gained cations at the network, added: “I ran’s President Hassan on our weapons,” Rouhani said. tween Tehran and Washington now in charge of marketing and its expertise to Al Jazeera Media worldwide recognition among am delighted with this strategic Rouhani said yesterday that “Iranian-made missiles have is in Washington’s hands. They promoting AJ+ digital channels to Network to develop the online young people at a very fast pace engagement with Euronews, Inegotiations on the coun- never been off ensive and never need to stop their threats and third-party clients and specifically infotainment brand. since its launch. which will further extend the try’s missile programme were will be. They are defensive and sanctions and pressure, and to its well-established worldwide Euronews will make AJ+ content Dr Yaser Bishr, executive direc- reach of the AJ+ brand to new out of the question. are not designed to carry weap- automatically the situation will network of content and syndica- available on new media partners’ tor of Digital, Aljazeera Media markets and diverse audiences Speaking to reporters at a ons of mass destruction, since improve and we can think about tion partners, Al Jazeera Media digital products and propose cre- Network, noted: “Al Jazeera has across the globe. press conference in Tehran, Rou- we don’t have any,” he said. our future,” Rouhani said. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 ARAB WORLD

Lebanese UN seeks Syria ceasefi re as leaders say Israel threatens air strikes pound rebel areas stability The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said the bombardment of Eastern Reuters Ghouta had killed 63 people Beirut

Reuters Beirut ebanon’s top three leaders accused Israel yesterday of Lthreatening the stability of he United Nations called the border region between them, yesterday for an im- amid rising tension over territo- Tmediate humanitarian rial and maritime boundaries. ceasefi re in Syria of at least a President Michel Aoun, Prime month, as heavy air strikes were Minister Saad al-Hariri, and reported to have killed scores of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri people in the last major rebel agreed to act to stop Israel from stronghold near Damascus. building a wall on Lebanese land Separately, UN war crimes at the border, and infringing on experts said they were investi- an energy block in disputed wa- gating several reports of bombs ters. allegedly containing chlorine Arguments over the wall and gas being used against civil- Lebanon’s plans to explore for ians in the rebel-held towns of off shore oil and gas have elevat- Saraqeb in the northwestern ed tensions between Israel and province of Idlib and Douma in Lebanon. the Eastern Ghouta suburbs of Calm has largely prevailed Damascus. along the frontier since 2006, The Syrian government de- when Israel fought a war with nies using chemical weapons. Lebanon’s heavily-armed Hez- The Syrian Observatory for bollah movement. Human Rights said yester- The month-long confl ict day’s bombardment of Eastern killed about 1,200 people in Leb- Ghouta had killed 63 people. anon, mostly civilians, and 160 A local offi cial, Khalil Aybour, Israelis, most of them troops. put the toll at 53. There has been no major con- On Monday, air strikes killed frontation between Israel and 30 people in Eastern Ghouta, Hezbollah since. the Observatory said. Israel has said the border wall “Today there is no safe area is being built on its territory. at all. This is a key point peo- A man is seen running after an air raid in the besieged town of Douma in eastern Ghouta in People are seen inspecting remains of victims after an air raid in the besieged The Lebanese government ple should know: there is no Damascus, yesterday. town of Douma in eastern Ghouta in Damascus. says it passes through land that safe space,” Siraj Mahmoud, the belongs to Lebanon but lies on head of the Civil Defence rescue and regional humanitarian co- ment villages in Idlib also con- lation”. Reports of air strikes ing Turkey launched against the up observation posts in parts of the Israeli side of the Blue Line, service in opposition-held rural ordinator for the Syria Crisis. tinued to be besieged by rebels. hitting at least three hospitals Kurdish YPG militia in Afrin. Idlib and Aleppo province. where the UN demarcated Is- Damascus, told Reuters. Syrian President Bashar al- Some two million people in the past 48 hours “make a The YPG has been an important But militants fi ring rockets rael’s withdrawal from southern “Right now, we have people Assad, helped by militias and now live in Idlib, one million of mockery of so-called US ally in the war against Is- and mortars killed one soldier Lebanon in 2000. under rubble, the targeting is the Russian air force, is pursu- whom have already been dis- “de-escalation zones”, Pin- lamic State militants, but Anka- on Monday as Turkish forces The three Lebanese lead- ongoing, warplanes on residen- ing military campaigns against placed. heiro said, referring to a Rus- ra sees it as an extension of the moved to set up such a post ers met to study recent “Israeli tial neighbourhoods.” insurgents in the last major Since the most recent Syr- sian-led truce deal for rebel- Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), south of Aleppo, near the front threats, and saw in them...a di- Insurgent shelling of gov- pockets of territory held by his ian army off ensive began in held territory, which has failed which is listed as a terrorist line between rebels and pro- rect threat to the stability” of the ernment-held Damascus killed opponents in western Syria. mid December, 300,000 peo- to stop fi ghting there. group by Turkey, the European Syrian government forces, the border region, the president’s three people, the Observatory There were air raids on towns ple have been displaced within “There is a misperception Union and Washington. military said. offi ce said in a statement. and Syrian state media report- across Eastern Ghouta includ- Idlib, said Moumtzis. that the de-escalation areas Turkish President Tayyip Er- It was the second attack on They agreed to act “at various ed. ing Douma, where an entire “We’re running out of solu- have resulted in peace and sta- dogan ramped up his verbal as- the soldiers in a week. regional and international levels Air strikes also killed at least building fell, a witness said. tions where we put these peo- bility...if anything, these have sault on the US role in Syria yes- In an apparent warning to to prevent Israel from building six people in rebel-held Idlib The UN representatives not- ple.” Syria’s protracted war, been serious escalation areas,” terday, saying US forces should Ankara, a commander in the the cement wall...and from the including fi ve in Tarmala vil- ed that Eastern Ghouta had not which spiralled out of street said Moumtzis. leave Manbij, a Syrian city held military alliance supporting possibility of infringing on Leb- lage, the Observatory said. received inter-agency aid since protests against Assad’s rule in France’s Foreign Ministry by YPG-allied forces with sup- Assad said the Syrian army had anon’s oil and gas wealth and its UN offi cials in Syria called November. 2011, will soon enter its eighth said it was concerned by the re- port from a US-led anti-Islamic deployed new air defences and (territorial) waters.” for fi ghting to stop to enable aid “Meanwhile, fi ghting and year, having killed hundreds of ports of chlorine used on civil- State coalition. anti-aircraft missiles to front deliveries and the evacuation of retaliatory shelling from all thousands of people and forced ians in Syria, but it was too soon “If the United States says it is lines with rebels in the Aleppo sick and wounded, listing sev- parties are impacting civilians millions to leave the country as to confi rm them. sending 5,000 trucks and 2,000 and Idlib areas. en areas of concern including in this region and Damascus, refugees. French President Emmanuel cargo planes of weapons for the “They cover the air space northern Syria’s Kurdish-led causing scores of deaths and in- Paulo Pinheiro, head of the Macron said last May that “any fi ght against Daesh (Islamic of the Syrian north,” the com- Afrin region, being targeted by a juries,” said their statement, re- International Commission use of chemical weapons would State), we don’t believe this,” mander told Reuters. Protest closes Turkish off ensive. leased before the latest casualty of Inquiry on Syria, said the result in reprisals and an im- Erdogan said. That would include the Afrin “For the last two months we tolls emerged yesterday. government siege of Eastern mediate riposte, at least where “It means you have calcula- area where Turkish warplanes have not had a single (aid-de- They said civilians in Idlib Ghouta featured “the interna- France is concerned”. tions against Turkey and Iran, have been supporting the Gaza border livery) convoy.This is really out- were being forced to move re- tional crimes of indiscriminate The confl ict has been further and maybe Russia.” ground off ensive by the Turk- rageous,” said Panos Moumtzis, peatedly to escape fi ghting, bombardment and deliberate complicated since January by In accord with Iran and Rus- ish army and allied Free Syrian assistant UN secretary general noting that two pro-govern- starvation of the civilian popu- a an off ensive that neighbour- sia, Turkey’s military is setting Army factions. crossing

AFP Iraqi groups urge Protest against US fund freeze Gaza City ozens of truck drivers prevented goods from Dentering the Gaza Strip full US withdrawal from Israel yesterday in a day- long protest at the humanitar- Reuters like a threat from anyone against ian situation in the Palestinian Baghdad Americans seriously.” enclave. “There’s not that many of us The trucks belonging to Gazan here and we are all operating businesses blocked the roads wo Iraqi groups are de- within Iraqi military bases. A near the Kerem Shalom crossing manding all US forces lot of this is frankly just political into Israel, the main entry point Tleave Iraq, opposing plans posturing and trying to take ad- for imports into Gaza, in a pro- by Baghdad and Washington to vantage of stories in the press to test organised by private sector retain some in training and advi- make broader political points,” associations. sory roles. he said. The US-led internation- Nahed Shuhibar, head of the But Iraqi Prime Minister al military coalition helped Iraqi Gaza’s Private Transport Asso- Haider al-Abadi told report- forces recapture territory taken ciation, said more than 50 trucks ers US forces were needed “to by Islamic State in 2014 and Palestinians take part in a protest against the US move to freeze funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) at were being used in the protest. completely fi nish the job” of 2015, providing air and artillery the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. “Our message is that we have destroying Islamic State in Iraq support in the battle for Mosul, children and families who want and Syria. An Iraqi government and trained tens of thousands of to live,” he said. spokesman said on Monday US elite Iraqi soldiers. Around 150 protesters took forces — who number more than “There is a plan for a gradual part in the demonstration. 5,000 — had begun reducing drawdown of coalition forces, Many held signs condemning their numbers but some would but the danger is still present Israel and calling for reconcilia- remain. The Badr Organization, in Syria and we need to cover a Israeli forces shoot dead Hamas fi ghter tion between Hamas and Fatah, a group with a minister in Aba- huge area from the air to monitor which many hope could help di’s government in charge of the the border,” Abadi told reporters ease conditions in Gaza. interior said any remaining US in Baghdad yesterday. AFP tacks, with violence common to the rabbi’s murder on Janu- of Israeli army jeeps entered Gaza suff ers from around 40% troops would be a cause of insta- Abadi did not address a ques- Nablus in the West Bank between Pal- ary 9, Israel’s government in a Yamoun and besieged a part of unemployment and more than bility. tion about the specifi c threats. estinians and Israeli settlers or rare move decided to “legal- the town. two-thirds of its 2mn residents “The two governments should “The coalition will tailor our security forces. ise” the rogue West Bank out- Heavy clashes broke out rely on international aid, ac- co-ordinate to ensure a full forces in consultation with our sraeli forces yesterday shot Hamas said the suspect post where he lived, Havat Gi- with live fi re, according to a cording to the United Nations. withdrawal. US presence will Iraqi partners in order to en- dead a Hamas member killed overnight was a member lad, essentially creating a new Palestinian security source. The UN’s envoy for the Middle be cause for internal polarisa- sure the lasting defeat of Daesh Isuspected of killing a rabbi of its armed wing. settlement.There were further Hamas’ armed wing, the East peace process warned last tion and a magnet for terrorists,” (Islamic State),” its director of as two deadly attacks against The 19-year-old believed calls for more settlement con- Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, week that the enclave was on the Badr spokesman Kareem Nuri operations, Brigadier General Israeli settlers in a month in- to have committed Monday’s struction at yesterday’s funer- claimed Jarrar as a member verge of “full collapse.” said. Jonathan Braga, said in a state- creased tensions in the occu- stabbing remained at large. al for Ben Gal held at the Har and welcomed the attack on Israel has maintained a crip- Kataib Hezbollah, a more mil- ment on Monday. pied West Bank. “The security forces will Bracha settlement where he January 9 that saw Raziel She- pling blockade on the coastal itant, secretive and anti-Amer- Braga said even if the compo- The Palestinian suspect in catch whoever tries to attack lived, Israeli media reported. vach, 35, shot dead. territory for a decade, while ican group, repeated threats to sition of the force changes, the the murder of the rabbi on Jan- Israeli citizens and we will deal The overnight raid occurred It said a “Qassam bullet” Egypt has also largely sealed its attack US forces. coalition would maintain the ca- uary 9 was shot dead in a pre- with them to the fullest extent in the village of Yamoun near was responsible for the mur- border in recent years. “We are serious about get- pabilities and presence to con- dawn raid hours after another of the law,” Israeli Prime Min- Jenin, where the 22-year-old der, though it was unclear if Palestinian president Mah- ting the Americans out, using tinue to train, advise and equip Israeli was killed in a stabbing ister Benjamin Netanyahu said suspect, Ahmad Jarrar, was the Hamas leadership was moud Abbas’ secular Fatah party the force of arms because the Iraqi forces to ensure that Islam- in the West Bank. yesterday. said to be hiding. claiming direct responsibility based in the occupied West Bank Americans don’t understand any ic State does not re-emerge. Several hundred mourners Both attacks have led to Is- It came after a weeks-long for the attack or whether the and Gaza’s rulers Hamas agreed other language,” its spokesman, US offi cials say while Islamic attended the funeral yester- raeli calls for more settlement manhunt for Jarrar, the son of cell acted on its own. a reconciliation deal in October, Jaafar al-Husseini, told Beirut- State has lost most of the ter- day for Itamar Ben Gal, the building in the West Bank, a Hamas fi gure killed by Israeli Israeli forces had been hunt- but its implementation has fal- based al-Mayadeen TV on Mon- ritory it once controlled in Iraq 29-year-old man killed a day which has been under Israeli forces during the second inti- ing for the assailants since the tered. Two weeks ago, private day. and Syria, there is concern about earlier who was also a rabbi. occupation for more than 50 fada of the early 2000s. murder, with roadblocks and sector companies in Gaza organ- A US offi cial in Baghdad said: fi ghters returning to insurgency There was no indication of a years. Beginning late Monday and checkpoints set up following ised a general strike to protest “We take anything that sounds tactics. direct link between the two at- Earlier this week in response into early yesterday, dozens the attack. economic conditions in the strip. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 11 AFRICA

ATTACK JUSTICE OUTBREAK IMPASSE DIPLOMACY 12 patients stabbed in Somali gets death for role Nigeria lassa fever death West Africa bloc sanctions DR Congo tells Belgium to DR Congo hospital beds in Mogadishu bombing toll 31: health minister Guinea-Bissau politicians shut consulate, cut flights

Unidentified assailants stabbed 12 patients in A Somali military court yesterday sentenced to death Thirty-one people have died from Lassa fever West Africa’s regional bloc has slapped The Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered their hospital beds in the restive DR Congo city a man convicted of driving a truck bomb as part of in Nigeria since the start of this year, the health sanctions on 19 lawmakers and associates Belgium to close a consulate and cut flights by of Goma, with fears it was the work of Ugandan a deadly attack that killed more than 500 people minister said, with cases of the viral disease of the president in Guinea-Bissau, including Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s foreign ministry said rebels, off icials said yesterday. Three of the in the capital, Mogadishu, in October. “Hasan Aden recorded across the country. Isaac Adewole his son, over the continued failure to end a yesterday, in a further deterioration of relations victims were seriously hurt in the knife rampage Isak was sentenced to death and Abdullahi Hassan told reporters in Abuja that the outbreak political impasse, a statement said yesterday. between Belgium and its former colony. overnight Sunday-Monday in two health centres Absuge was sentenced to life imprisonment,” said was currently “active in 15 states, (with) 105 The impoverished West African nation has been Belgium closed its consulate in the southeastern in the Goma district of Mbosho, provincial health the Somali military court chairman, Hassan Ali Nur, laboratory-confirmed cases, three probable in the throes of a power struggle since August city of Lubumbashi after being told to do minister Martial Kambumbu told AFP. “It is the according to the Somali News Agency. Reporters cases, with 31 deaths”. Ten of the 31 dead were 2015, when President Jose Mario Vaz sacked so by Kinshasa, a Belgian foreign ministry first time we have seen patients being stabbed in were not permitted to cover the trial. The part played health workers, he added. In Ivory Coast, prime minister Domingos Simoes Pereira. A spokesman said. Congo had also decided to health facilities in Goma,” said Etienne Kambale, by Absuge, who was sentenced in absentia, in the meanwhile, Health and Public Hygiene Minister faction of 15 lawmakers in the African Party for close its consulate in the northern Belgian civil society rapporteur in North Kivu province. “It attacks was not clear. The October 14 bombing Raymonde Goudou Coff ie said yesterday that the the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde city of Antwerp. Brussels Airlines, owned by is surprising. We are wondering if it was the Allied sparked angry street protests against Al Qaeda- country had stepped up vigilance “in light of the... has broken away in support of Vaz while the Germany’s Lufthansa, has had its flight to and Democratic Forces who have turned up in Goma, linked militant group Shebaab but Shebaab never situation in aff ected countries and the flow of majority backed Pereira. The sanctions include from Kinshasa cut to four per week from seven, because this is the way they killed people in Beni.” claimed responsibility for the attack. (travellers) among the nations of the sub-region.” a travel ban and a freeze of bank accounts. the foreign ministry and the airline said.

Lawyer charged Jacob Zuma faces ouster, with treason over Odinga ‘swearing in’

Reuters key speech postponed Nairobi

By Gregory Walton, AFP Kenyan opposition politician was yesterday charged Cape Town with treason over the symbolic presidential “swear- Aing in” of opposition leader Raila Odinga, reigniting street protests in which one person was killed. outh Africa on yesterday Demonstrators took to the streets in the west, the heart- postponed its State of the land of support for Odinga, who maintains he was the win- SNation address, the keynote ner of an election that returned President Uhuru Kenyatta to political event of the year, as the power last year. ruling ANC party grappled over the Two opposition lawmakers present at the “swearing in” a future of President Jacob Zuma. week ago were arrested and later released. Zuma, in power since 2009, is So far police have not arrested Odinga. fi ghting for survival. He faces the Campaigning lawyer Miguna Miguna was arrested on Fri- imminent risk of being ousted day in a dawn raid on his home. from offi ce by his own party after He was granted bail of 50,000 Kenyan shillings ($500) multiple graft scandals. but has remained in police custody with his whereabouts The African National Congress unknown until he appeared yesterday in court in Kajiado (ANC), which has ruled since County, neighbouring Nairobi, to hear the charges. Nelson Mandela won the post- He was charged with “being present and consenting to apartheid 1994 election, is divided the administration of an oath to commit a capital off ence, over whether Zuma should be “re- namely treason”, the charge sheet read. called” from his position. As president, Zuma had been “Once again the state is wilfully violating Mr due to deliver the State of the Miguna’s rights by moving him without any Nation address to parliament in notice to his lawyers or his family and, in order to Cape Town tomorrow — a closely- frustrate their access to him, to a court stationed watched event that shapes the po- outside Nairobi” litical agenda for the coming year. But the party’s national ex- Miguna refused to enter a plea, saying his case should be ecutive committee, its highest heard in a court in Nairobi, privately-owned Citizen Televi- decision-making body, will hold sion reported. In Nairobi, High Court judge Luka Kimaru or- a special meeting today to discuss dered that Miguna be released. his possible removal. “I will not get out of this court until he is released,” he “We thought that we needed said, as people in court shouted: “We want Miguna!” to create room for establishing a Isaac Okero, president of the Law Society of Kenya, told much more conducive political South African National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete announcing yesterday that the State of the Nation address has been postponed. reporters: “Once again the state is wilfully violating Mr Mi- atmosphere in parliament,” par- guna’s rights by moving him without any notice to his law- liamentary Speaker Baleka Mbete But Zuma loyalists have said spects Ramaphosa because Ram- there was “overwhelming evi- the party, particularly among rural yers or his family and, in order to frustrate their access to told reporters. that the serving president should aphosa has not gone through all dence that systematic looting by members and within his own Zulu him, to a court stationed outside Nairobi.” “A new date for the State of the complete his second and fi nal the rituals to become an ANC patronage networks linked to community. Odinga’s supporters protested against the charges, block- Nation address will be announced term in offi ce, which would end president...he was not in prison, President Zuma have betrayed the “If he doesn’t resign following ing roads and clashing with police in the western city of Kis- very soon.” when elections are held next year. he was not in exile.” country Nelson Mandela dreamed a recall then it will be a very cha- umu, a Reuters witness said. The ANC executive committee Duarte confi rmed that if Zuma Zuma faces several court cases, of.” otic situation,” Ben Payton, analyst Police used tear gas and fi red warning shots to disperse them. meeting today may “recall” Zuma resigned, deputy president Ram- including over 783 payments he Previous State of Nation ad- for the London-based Maplecroft Witness Carlos Ouma said a county revenue collector was from offi ce. aphosa would automatically take received allegedly linked to an dresses by Zuma have seen an consultancy, told AFP. “Ramaphosa killed by a stray bullet after police fi red into the air to dis- He is constitutionally entitled offi ce. “What we are hoping for arms deal before he came to power outpouring of anger by his critics. will look weak if he can’t get Zuma perse demonstrators in nearby Ahero, Miguna’s home town. to refuse to obey the instruction, is that the NEC (national execu- in 2009. Opposition lawmakers have out now. He won’t be able to back County Revenue Supervisor Frank Omondi confi rmed the but to do so would trigger political tive committee) will emerge with Many graft allegations against shouted him down or been eject- down now without losing face.” death. The government yesterday also suspended the pass- chaos, say commentators. a united view on this matter,” she him have centred on the wealthy ed from the chamber by security John Steenhuisen, chief whip port of David Ndii, an opposition strategist, according to a The ANC’s deputy secretary- said. Gupta family, who are accused of guards in a melee of fl ying fi sts. of the opposition Democratic Al- letter he posted on Twitter. general, Jessie Duarte, told re- The power struggle has rocked unfairly obtaining lucrative gov- Zuma could leave offi ce either liance, party, welcomed the post- A government offi cial, who asked not to be named, con- porters that senior party offi cials the ANC, the much-celebrated ernment contracts and even be- by resigning, through losing a vote ponement but said any delay to fi rmed its authenticity. had discussed Zuma’s future on liberation party which led the fi ght ing able to choose ministerial ap- of no-confi dence in parliament or the budget on February 21 would Odinga ran against Kenyatta in an election last August Monday. against white-minority rule but pointments. impeachment proceedings. be fi nancially damaging to the which was nullifi ed by the Supreme Court on procedural “It was discussed at a great deal has since lost much of its public The Nelson Mandela Founda- He could also be “recalled” by country. grounds. of length. I can say to you that support. tion, which promotes the legacy the ANC — as happened to his Ramaphosa, 65, is a former Kenyatta won a repeat poll in October after Odinga boy- there are diff erent views,” she said. “Jacob Zuma is not just a push- of South Africa’s anti-apartheid predecessor Thabo Mbeki, in 2008 trade unionist who led talks to end cotted it, saying it would not be fair. Many ANC members are push- over,” Xolani Dube, an analyst icon, called for Zuma to be ousted — but a recall is a party process apartheid rule in the early 1990s Three privately owned television stations were shut down ing for Cyril Ramaphosa, the new with the Xubera think-tank in as he had “demonstrated that he is rather than a constitutional order. and then became a multi-million- last week as they began to cover the “swearing in”. head of the party, to replace Zuma, Durban, told AFP. not fi t to govern”. And despite the attacks on him, aire businessman before returning Two resumed broadcasts on Monday, days after a court 75, as president immediately. “He is not someone who re- In a damning statement, it said Zuma still enjoys support within to politics. ordered them reopened.

Tsvangirai debunks Parched Cape Town residents queue at midnight for water

‘sickness’ rumour By Wendell Roelf, Reuters os,” said Saleigh van der Schyff , as Cape Town he inched forward in a long queue where people lined up to collect Reuters water from a natural spring in the Harare undreds of Cape Town Newlands suburb. residents are being forced “I hope Day Zero never comes, Hto queue overnight to but I can see with people wanting imbabwe’s main opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangi- stock up on water as South Afri- to come here and the desperation rai, is critically ill in a South African hospital and his ca’s second largest economic hub for water, we are soon going to re- Zsupporters should “brace for the worst”, a party source and tourism attraction struggles alize that water is more valuable with knowledge of his condition said yesterday. with a severe drought that could than oil,” he said at 11 pm on Mon- Without its founder at the helm, Tsvangirai’s Movement see taps turned off in May. day as a steady stream of people for Democratic Change (MDC) is likely to face immediate in- The lines are a foretaste of what continued to arrive at the spring stability and could even split, handing a gift to new President looks set to become a much bigger to fi ll their containers. Emmerson Mnangagwa in an election expected in the next problem for the city unless rain falls. The spring runs 24-hours a six months. On Monday, city offi cials day and has at least three security Mnangagwa came to power in November after a de fac- pushed back “Day Zero” — the day guards on duty to keep tempers in to military coup against 93-year-old Robert Mugabe, the taps could run dry — by a month check. former guerrilla leader who had run Zimbabwe since inde- to May 11 from April 16, as farmers Cape Town city authorities pendence from Britain in 1980. in the water intensive agriculture have previously tested out a wa- Tsvangirai, 65, has been in and out of hospital since dis- sector cut back consumption amid ter collection site at a soccer fi eld, closing in June 2016 that he had colon cancer. tight restrictions. saying it plans to roll out an es- He returned to Johannesburg in neighbouring South Af- Last week, dam levels in West- timated 200 such water points rica for his latest round of treatment in early January. ern Cape province fell to 24.5% across the city. “From the medical report that I received yesterday the sit- from 25.3% the previous week and People will queue between uation is not looking good. He is critically ill and we should from nearly 38% a year ago. metal fences under the gaze of the brace for the worst,” the source in Tsvangirai’s MDC said. Cape Town’s drought is part of army and police as they wait in Tsvangirai’s Twitter feed contested the report, saying the a wider climate change pattern line to fi ll up their containers. former union leader, who emerged two decades ago as Mu- seen around the country includ- Authorities say each person will gabe’s principal political challenger, was “shocked” to read ing Eastern Cape province, where be allocated 25 litres of water per People queue to collect water from a spring in the Newlands suburb of Cape Town. of his deteriorating condition. several towns also face water day, and have been urging resi- “Of course I have cancer and not feeling too well but I am shortages. dents of the city to “save water or “I am extremely worried be- violent. One person was arrested, foot of Table Mountain, pick-up stable and the process is under control. I have been frequent- For hard-pressed residents in queue for water” in the run-up to cause of all the negative things offi cials said. trucks with empty containers pull ly on Twitter of late, I am recovering,” the feed said. the port city of 4mn, fear and anx- Day Zero. that could happen,” said Sharon Worried about diseases spread- over under a bridge as people bend Tsvangirai spokesman Luke Tamborinyoka said the MDC iety stalk the lines as people con- From the beginning of Febru- O’Connor, a 63-year-old fi nancial ing, the city has warned residents down on the pavement to access leader was “stable but the nation should keep on praying”. sider what might happen when ary, residents and visitors will assistant as she waited her turn. about drinking water from unsafe the water source. Tsvangirai’s illness has exposed deep rifts in the MDC, large crowds are forced to queue be allocated only 50 litres a day, Close to the brewery spring at sources across the city. “Desperate times call for des- with his subordinates jockeying publicly to succeed him. for emergency water rations at seven times less than the average Newlands, city offi cials stepped At another popular collection perate measures,” said one busi- Last month, Tsvangirai said it was time for the older gen- collection points. US citizen, according to the World in after an altercation to access site where water fl ows in the sur- ness man, who only identifi ed eration to step back and make way for “new hands”. “I think there is going to be cha- Water Council. another spring in the area turned burb of Woodstock that lies at the himself as Amien. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 AMERICA

Probe into Republicans believe FBI, Justice false tsunami alerts that trying to ‘delegitimise’ Trump spooked Americans Reuters US House panel votes to release Democrat rebuttal to disputed memo of the Russia investigation unless it New York comes with a trove of evidence. A US House panel voted unanimously Republicans “found themselves in an redactions, if any, they would make to “Show me the proof,” he said. Reuters Monday in favour of publicly releasing insupportable position when they re- protect classified information. “I’ve put them on probation. You New York early three out of four Re- the Democratic rebuttal to President leased a misleading memo and refused Top Senate Democrat Chuck have to earn my trust back.” publicans believe the FBI and Donald Trump and fellow Republicans’ to release the Democratic response, so Schumer said that, as a matter of “full Ron Krebs, a foreign policy expert NJustice Department are trying claims that the FBI abused its powers I think they were compelled to take the transparency,” and given that Schiff ’s at the University of Minnesota, said S offi cials were yesterday investi- to undermine US President Donald while investigating his campaign. action they did today,” Schiff said. memo is based on the same underly- people usually looked to political gating how incorrect alerts were Trump, according to a Reuters/Ipsos “The vote was unanimous to release The panel voted last week to declas- ing documents as the Republican’s leaders and the media for guidance on Ubroadcast to cellphones warning poll released on Monday, a sharp turn this,” Adam Schiff , the top Democrat on sify a memo composed by Chairman document, the president should be fully how to view issues and organisations residents of coastal cities from New York for a party that has historically been the Republican-controlled House Intel- Devin Nunes that claims Democrat- prepared to release it. they do not know much about. to New Orleans of possible tsunami waves. a strong backer of law enforcement ligence Committee, told reporters. funded research prompted the Federal “If he refuses, the American people He said public trust in the FBI could The false alerts, intended to be a test agencies. The panel’s action sets up a clash Bureau of Investigation to spy on a will be forced to wonder: what is the further erode unless there was a bi- message, appeared to have been sent by Overall, most of the public still be- with Trump, who has five days to review former Trump campaign aide. president trying to hide?” Schumer said. partisan eff ort in Congress to support the private forecasting company Ac- lieves that Trump or someone from the request to release the document. Democrats feared Trump would use Critics have warned that releasing the investigation. cuWeather, according to images of the his campaign worked with Russia to Democrats had pushed to have it the memo as a pretext for firing senior evidence during a prominent investiga- “The real question is how long this alerts posted on social media by people infl uence the 2016 US presidential published after Republicans voted off icials and subvert the investigation, tion that could reach the highest level will last,” Krebs said. “How long will who said they had received them. The US election, allegations that Moscow and along party lines to declassify their own led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, of government would set a dangerous Republicans in Congress move in National Weather Service and the Federal Trump have repeatedly denied. memo over objections by the FBI and into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 US precedent. lockstep with the president?” Communications Commission said they The February 3-5 poll found that Justice Department. election and possible coordination “However, we believe what the But among Americans overall, the were investigating the false alarm. Americans were sharply divided along Trump had strongly backed the between Trump’s camp and Moscow. Republicans did last week with their false latest poll showed that people did not The National Weather Service said its party lines over a federal investigation release of the Republican memo last Schiff , concerned that the White memo was so poisonous that the only appear to have changed their minds National Tsunami Warning Center had into potential ties between Trump’s week. Should Trump refuse to declas- House might “redact our memo for po- antidote would be to correct the record about the Russia investigation. issued a routine test message earlier in 2016 campaign and Russia, a contro- sify the Democratic version, a standoff litical purposes,” said he has asked the and give the public the full picture” by In all, 52% of all adults said they the day that someone had misconstrued. versy that has hung over his year-old between the White House and Demo- FBI and Justice Department to review publishing the Democratic counterpart, believed Trump or someone from his “The test message was released by at presidency. crats could follow. his document and report back on what House Democrat Eric Swalwell told CNN. campaign worked with Russia to in- least one private sector company as an Trump has called the probe a witch fl uence the election and that it was offi cial Tsunami Warning, resulting in hunt and accused the top leadership likely “authorities will fi nd evidence widespread reports of tsunami warn- of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ty and the White House are working confi dence in the country’s law en- “It’s a win-win for him,” South- of an illegal relationship between the ings received via phones and other media and Justice Department of being bi- to delegitimise the FBI and DoJ in the forcement agencies, compared with ers said. “If he’s exonerated, he wins. Trump administration and Russia.” across the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, ased against him. investigation of Russian tampering in the 75% who expressed a similar level If he’s not, he explains that the FBI is Those percentages have not and the Caribbean,” the service said in a The dispute has caused an extraor- the 2016 presidential election.” of confi dence in the Trump admin- corrupt and it’s all a witch hunt, and changed since the last time the poll statement. dinary breach between the White The poll fi ndings appear to re- istration and 47% who said the same he wins. And his base will be even asked those questions in 2017. AccuWeather also sought to clear up House and law enforcement and fl ect the infl uence that Trump wields about Congress. more energied.” The Reuters/Ipsos poll was con- the confusion. “The National Weather deepened partisan rancour. among Republicans, who have long Erroll Southers, a national secu- Lloyd Billiter Jr, a retired Texas oil- ducted online in English across the Service Tsunami Warning this morning Some 73% of Republicans agreed reserved some of their highest levels rity expert and former FBI agent, said fi eld services worker who participated United States. It gathered responses was a TEST,” AccuWeather wrote on its that “members of the FBI and Depart- of trust for the country’s law enforce- Trump had shown an uncanny ability in the poll, said he thought the FBI had from 2,251 adults, including 941 Dem- Twitter account. ment of Justice are working to del- ment agencies. to shape his supporters’ views of the become too political and “their people ocrats and 827 Republicans, and had a It was not clear how the error was made egitimise Trump through politically Nearly 84% of Republicans said in world in a way that benefi ts him. have gone astray.” credibility interval, a measure of ac- or how many people saw the false alerts. motivated investigations.” a January 2015 Reuters/Ipsos poll that By hammering at federal investi- Billiter, 64, said he was shocked to curacy, of two percentage points for Offi cials with the company did not re- But three in four Democrats said they had a “favourable” view of the FBI. gators, Southers said, Trump was in- hear reports that investigators said the entire sample and four percentage spond to requests for comment. they believed a competing narrative Last month, 91% of Republicans oculating himself from any political critical things of Trump, and he would points for both the Republicans and The alerts came after the state of Ha- that “members of the Republican Par- said they had a “great deal” or “some” fallout that may follow. not believe anything that comes out Democrats. waii mistakenly warned residents of the islands of an inbound missile last month, sparking panic. The message was later Jurors’ identities in ‘El Chapo’ blamed on an employee’s error. Last month, residents of the West drug trial to remain secret Hospital visit Coast were warned to brace for possible tsunami after an earthquake off the coast US judge in Brooklyn has ruled that the of Alaska. The warnings were later lifted identities of jurors expected to decide and no signifi cant damage was reported. Athe fate of accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman at a trial this year will be kept secret. Trump links NFL death In a decision on Monday, US District Judge to illegal migrants Brian Cogan said jurors’ names, addresses and places of employment will be shielded from President Donald Trump yesterday sought Guzman, his lawyers, prosecutors and the press. to use the death of a NFL player in a car He also ordered that jurors be transported to crash — which police say was caused by and from the courthouse by federal marshals, an undocumented migrant — to bolster his and sequestered from the public while there. campaign to tighten border security. Eduardo Balarezo, a lawyer for Guzman, did Two days after Indianapolis Colts not immediately respond yesterday to requests player Edwin Jackson and another man for comment. were killed, Trump highlighted that the US prosecutors have accused Guzman, 60, of suspected drunk driver — who had been running a global cocaine, heroin and metham- deported twice in the past — was again phetamine smuggling operation as the leader of in the country illegally. the Sinaloa Cartel, and playing a central role in “So disgraceful that a person illegally a decade-long Mexican drug war where more in our country killed @Colts linebacker than 100,000 people have died. Edwin Jackson. This is just one of many Cogan said the US government “presented such preventable tragedies. We must get strong and credible reasons to believe that the the Dems to get tough on the Border, jury needs protection,” and the evidence might and with illegal immigration, FAST!” depict a “pattern of violence” by Guzman and Trump tweeted. his associates that might cause jurors to fear for Jackson and the driver of his ride- their safety. share car were killed after a pickup driv- “That many of the allegations involve mur- en by a 37-year-old man struck both of der, assault, kidnapping, or torture of potential them as they were standing on the side witnesses or those suspected of assisting law of a highway by their stopped vehicle. enforcement makes the government’s concerns Indiana police identified the suspect particularly salient,” Cogan wrote. as Manuel Orrego-Savala, a Guatemalan The judge also said the signifi cant media at- national. tention to the case could raise the potential for Immigration authorities are working juror names to become public, exposing jurors with local police on the case. to the risk of intimidation or harassment. Trump has demanded that Democrats Balarezo had argued that having an anony- in Congress agree more spending to mous jury would undermine the presumption build a “wall” on the Mexican border and that Guzman was innocent, create an unfair on America’s Immigration and Customs impression that Guzman was dangerous, and Enforcement (ICE) deportation force. impair the defendant’s ability to obtain a fair Police said after the truck hit them, jury. Orrego-Savala then tried to flee the He said keeping juror identities from the scene on foot before being arrested. public and news media would have been a “fair “My prayers and best wishes are with compromise.” the family of Edwin Jackson, a wonderful The trial of Guzman is scheduled to begin young man whose life was so senselessly in September, according to court records, and First Lady Melania Trump plays with a child from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital during a visit to the hospital in Cincinnati on Monday. taken,” Trump tweeted. could last a few months.

US Supreme Court allows revamp of Pennsylvania electoral map

Reuters publican legislators until Friday tional polls showing voters strongly Democratic voters of meaningful the state Constitution, not the US Washington to submit a revised map to Demo- favouring Democrats in 2018 over ballots, violating the state Consti- Constitution. cratic Governor Tom Wolf, who President Donald Trump’s party. tution’s guarantees of equal pro- The legal challenge was brought would have until February 15 to Democrats, who hold only fi ve tection and free speech. by the League of Women Voters of he US Supreme Court on sign off on the changes. of Pennsylvania’s 18 congres- Republicans, including mem- Pennsylvania and several Demo- Monday refused to block a If those deadlines pass without sional districts despite its status bers of the state legislature, poten- cratic voters. Tlower court ruling requir- an agreement, the state court said as a closely divided electoral swing tial candidates and voters, asked “This was always a Pennsylvania ing Republican-drawn congres- it would rewrite the map itself. state, must capture at least two the Supreme Court to put the rul- state court case about Pennsyl- sional districts in Pennsylvania to In a statement, the state’s top dozen seats currently held by Re- ing on hold, saying redrawing the vania’s Constitution, and the US be reworked immediately, boost- Republican lawmakers, Senate publicans in the November 6 con- district lines this month would Supreme Court rightly refused the ing Democratic hopes of winning President Pro Tempore Joe Scar- gressional mid-term elections to cause chaos ahead of the Novem- Republican legislative leaders’ at- control this year of the US House nati and House Speaker Mike wrest control of the US House. ber House races. tempt to manufacture a federal is- of Representatives. Turzai, said they still believe the The Pennsylvania fi ght is one Experts have held up Pennsylva- sue,” said R Stanton Jones, a lawyer Justice Samuel Alito denied an Pennsylvania Supreme Court ex- of several across the United States nia as one of the most extreme ex- for the plaintiff s. emergency application fi led by Re- ceeded its authority. focusing on what is known as par- amples of gerrymandering, point- “Pennsylvania voters will now publicans to stop the immediate “We will do our best to comply tisan gerrymandering, the ma- ing to bizarrely shaped districts get to cast their ballots in fair elec- reworking of the electoral district with the Pennsylvania Supreme nipulation of the composition of that have earned nicknames like tions this year.” boundaries, preserving a ruling by Court’s January 22 order, but may legislative districts to amplify the “Goofy kicking Donald Duck.” The US Supreme Court is already the state’s top court that they had be compelled to pursue further legal voting power of one party at the The Republican-controlled leg- weighing whether to set for the fi rst unlawfully sought partisan advan- action in federal court,” they said. expense of another. islature created the current map in time a legal standard for partisan tage over the Democrats in draw- A new map potentially could give In a 5-2 vote along party lines, 2011, after the 2010 US census. gerrymandering in two cases out of ing the maps. Democratic candidates a chance the Democratic-controlled Penn- The appeal had been seen as a Wisconsin and Maryland. The January 22 Pennsylvania to pick up several Republican-held sylvania court ruled that Repub- legal long shot in part because the The court is expected to rule by Supreme Court ruling gives Re- seats in Pennsylvania alone, with na- licans crafted the map to deprive underlying lawsuit was based on the end of June in both cases. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA US power not in decline across Asia-Pacifi c, says Dunford

AFP portray the United States as a de- America is not reducing its pres- a new national defence strategy on Asia in the context of China’s work with us and keep us in the their relationship with Beijing”. Darwin, Australia clining power, and obviously I re- ence in the Asia-Pacifi c, where to calling Russia and China “Great growing military might. region. There’s no realignment In Sydney, Dunford met defence ject that,” Dunford, the chairman a major extent it has underwrit- Power” rivals. Trump “seems “As China continues its eco- (with China), but a tremendous offi cials including his Australian of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , said ten regional security since the to have returned a focus to the nomic and military ascendance, amount of uncertainty,” he told counterpart and discussed sever- S commitment to the without naming China directly. end of World War II. Asia-Pacifi c region and is mak- asserting power through an all- AFP. al issues including regional secu- Asia-Pacifi c remains un- “If you look at the health of our When Trump as a candidate ing clear that he’s not about to of-nation long-term strategy, it Dunford’s Australia vis- rity and the threat of terrorism. Uwavering even though ri- alliances in the region ... The suggested South Korea and Ja- pull out on Asia-Pacifi c allies,” will continue to pursue a military it comes as a debate rumbles Some in Washington wish vals falsely depict its infl uence as evidence refl ects anything other pan should get their own nuclear Davis told AFP. modernisation programme,” De- about the extent to which Can- their Australian counterparts waning, the country’s top general than a decline in Pacifi c power. weapons and berated allies for “He might talk in terms of fence Secretary Jim Mattis wrote berra should align itself with its would do more to stand up to said yesterday. We have enduring interests here, not pulling their weight, Asia- America fi rst ... but he is mak- in the strategy. China “seeks In- longstanding ally America, or China, including by conducting General Joe Dunford’s remarks we have enduring commitment watchers feared for American ing the case that America is not do-Pacifi c regional hegemony in pay more heed to the desires of “freedom of navigation” opera- came weeks after the Pentagon and an enduring presence in the engagement under the new pres- about to turn its back.” the near term and displacement of China, its biggest trade partner. tions in which naval vessels sail unveiled a new national defence Pacifi c.” ident. Trump’s withdrawal from Under Barack Obama, the the United States to achieve global “There is little danger to that close to Chinese-claimed mili- strategy labelling China as a Dunford is on a week-long the Trans Pacifi c Partnership United States pursued a much- preeminence in the future.” (US-Australia) alliance rupturing tarised islets in the South China “strategic competitor” that bul- visit to parts of the US military’s trade deal made matters worse, vaunted “pivot” that saw Wash- But Abe Denmark, a former or being signifi cantly damaged in Sea. lies its neighbours, and as Amer- enormous Pacifi c Command, though he has recently made ington try to shift its focus from Pentagon offi cial under Obama the immediate term,” said Mike For the moment at least, there ica seeks to counter a narrative which spans almost half the noises about America possibly the Middle East to the Asia-Pa- who now directs the Asia Pro- Fuchs, a former State Depart- is little Australian appetite to that President Donald Trump’s globe. It follows trips by other rejoining. cifi c. The national defence strat- gramme at the Woodrow Wilson ment offi cial specialising in Asia conduct such operations. “They administration is uninterested senior Trump offi cials, including Malcolm Davis, a senior ana- egy spells out that “inter-state International Center for Schol- who now works at the Washing- would needlessly escalate the in Asia unless seen through the Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, lyst at the Australian Strategic strategic competition, not ter- ars, said Asian partners still see ton-based Center for American situation,” Davis said. “At this prism of North Korea. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Policy Institute, said observ- rorism, is now the primary con- America as disengaged. “Even Progress. But there is a “belief by point in time we feel it’s more “There’s absolutely, in some and the president himself. They ers are encouraged by recent US cern in US national security,” and though they see us as in retreat some in Australia that they need useful to engage in quiet diplo- corners, a concerted eff ort to want to show that as China rises, moves, including publication of makes clear America will focus or decline, they still want to to hedge political bets and bolster macy.” Pence headed to ‘Peace Olympics’

Reuters Tokyo/Seoul

S Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Japan Uyesterday at the start of an Asia trip that takes him to the Winter Olympics in South Korea, saying he had no plans to talk to North Korean offi cials but leav- ing open the chance of a meeting. US Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen walk upon his arrival at Yokota Air Base on the outskirts The United States believes of Tokyo, Japan. North Korea, which has sent a team to the Games, is using the between US scepticism and the He will also hold talks with black crosses drawn through event for crude propaganda. As his optimism of South Korean Presi- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and them. guest for the opening ceremony on dent Moon Jae-in, who wants to Minister of Finance Taro Aso and Seoul had banned all North Friday, Pence is bringing the father use the Games to improve rela- will address US troops at Yokota Korean ships entering its ports of Otto Warmbier, an American tions with the North and open Air Base near Tokyo before fl ying after the North Korean torpedo student who was imprisoned in the door to eventual talks on its to South Korea tomorrow. attack in 2010 — the event that North Korea for 17 months and weapons programmes. Games North Korea’s ceremonial Pence will commemorate during died in June 2017 from lack of oxy- organisers have picked up on leader, Kim Yong-nam, is also his visit. US Secretary of State gen and blood to the brain. Moon’s theme of peace and rec- travelling to the Games this week, Rex Tillerson said on Monday Pence will also visit a memo- onciliation. the most senior North Korean of- “we’ll have to see what happens” rial for 46 South Korean sailors North Korean ship Mangyongbong-92 carrying the Samjiyon art troupe arrives at Mukjo port in Donghae, “Through the participation of fi cial to enter the South since the when asked whether Pence or killed in 2010 in the sinking of South Korea, yesterday. North Korea, the ‘Peace Olym- Korean War ended with a truce, other offi cials would meet North a warship that Seoul blamed on pics’ has been realised and this not a peace treaty. Koreans at the Games. a North Korean torpedo attack. clear test last year and a series of said it would expand its nuclear at the Games, but left open the will lead a foundation to improve Hundreds of North Korean of- “The vice president most cer- “The vice president will be there missile tests, in defi ance of UN capability. possibility of a meeting. “Presi- inter-Korean relations,” Games fi cials, athletes, cheerleaders and tainly is not seeking a meeting with Mr Warmbier at the opening Security Council resolutions. US President Donald Trump dent Trump has said he always chief Lee Hee-beom told report- artistic performers are also ex- with the North Koreans,” a White ceremony ... to remind the world In Geneva, the United States has said he hopes “something believes in talking, but I haven’t ers. pected. House offi cial said. of the atrocities that happen in said that North Korea may be good” can come from North requested any meetings. But In Japan, which has the big- A North Korean ferry, taking North Korea’s state-run Ro- North Korea,” a White House of- only months away from being Korea’s participation in the we’ll see what happens,” Pence gest concentration of US Marines advantage of a rare sanctions dong Sinmun newspaper de- fi cial said on Monday. able to strike the United States Pyeongchang Games, but his ad- told reporters. outside the United States and is exemption from Seoul, arrived scribed Trump in an editorial South Korea, a close US ally with a nuclear-tipped ballistic visers see North Korean leader During Pence’s visit, Wash- home to the powerful US Seventh in the South yesterday, carrying yesterday as a lunatic who was that hosts about 28,500 Ameri- missile, while North Korea said Kim Jong-un’s embrace of the ington wants to keep the focus on Fleet, Pence will visit a Japanese a 140-strong orchestra which slandering the nation with talk of can troops, a legacy of the 1950- Washington was considering a Games as a facade of internation- the North’s disregard for calls to Self Defence Force Patriot PAC- will perform near Pyeongchang North Korean oppression. “This 53 Korean War, has welcomed pre-emptive strike. The clash al goodwill and co-operation. halt its nuclear programme and 3 missile battery, which would and in the capital, Seoul. It was is the intolerable, politically mo- the North Korean team, part of came at the UN-sponsored Con- Speaking during the fl ight to convince allies to keep pressuring be Japan’s last line of defence greeted by throngs of protest- tivated provocation and tyranni- eff orts to improve ties after the ference on Disarmament days Japan, Pence said he had no plans Pyongyang, offi cials said earlier. against incoming North Korean ers, some of whom held large cal blackmail ...,” it said in a com- North conducted its sixth nu- after the Trump administration to talk to North Korean offi cials However, there are tensions warheads. photos of Kim Jong-un with mentary.

Wedding of Japan princess to be postponed: reports

Hong Kong pro-democracy The wedding of Princess Mako, the eldest They have already informed the emperor mother, Jiji reported. The emperor shocked granddaughter of Emperor Akihito, and her and empress that their wedding-related the nation in 2016 when he signalled his college sweetheart will be postponed until ceremonies will be delayed until 2020, since desire to take a back seat after nearly three 2020 due to lack of “suff icient preparations”, the imperial family’s schedule will be tight decades in the job, citing age and health activists win appeal in court news reports said yesterday. Mako and Kei next year as Akihito abdicates, Jiji said. problems. He will leave the post on April Komuro, both 26, had been scheduled to “I’m very sorry for causing a big trouble and 30, 2019 – the first time for more than two become formally engaged in a traditional extra burden to those who have sincerely centuries that a Japanese emperor has AFP cluding the defendants’ idealism, for which he is currently on bail court ceremony next month before their helped our wedding,” Mako said. An imperial stepped down. Akihito’s eldest son, 57-year- Hong Kong their youth and the fact that they pending appeal. The unlaw- wedding on November 4. household agency off icial said the couple old Crown Prince Naruhito, is set to ascend had not off ended before. ful assembly charges for which But the couple have decided there was still want to get married and denied any the Chrysanthemum Throne a day later. The government’s move to Wong, Law and Chow were jailed not enough time to make “suff icient connection between the postponement Mako is the eldest daughter of Prince oshua Wong and two other seek jail sentences for the activ- related to their involvement in preparations”, Mako said in a statement and a recent magazine article about alleged Akishino, Naruhito’s brother, and Princess leading Hong Kong democ- ists was seen as further evidence the storming of a fenced-off quoted by Jiji Press. money trouble involving the fiance’s Kiko. Jracy activists won an appeal of Beijing’s growing infl uence government forecourt known as against their jail terms at the over the city, with Chinese au- Civic Square in September 2014. city’s highest court yesterday in thorities particularly riled by the That sparked the wider Umbrella a case seen as a test of the inde- emergence of activists calling for Movement rallies which brought pendence of the city’s judiciary, independence for Hong Kong. parts of the city to a standstill. Straight into the gravestones which some fear is under pres- Wong and Law’s political party The protests called for fully free sure from Beijing. Demosisto wants self-determi- leadership elections to replace But the trio warned it was not a nation for the city. a system where the city’s chief time for celebration because the Mabel Au, director of Amnesty executive is selected by a pro- semi-autonomous Chinese city International Hong Kong, said Beijing committee, but failed to still faced threats to its freedoms. the court had corrected an injus- win any concessions. Wong, Nathan Law and Alex tice. “The government’s venge- Since then there have been Chow were jailed in August last ful pursuit of harsher sentences growing signs that China is in- year for their role in the mass led to the trio being jailed and it creasing its control over Hong pro-democracy Umbrella Move- is right this has now been over- Kong. Hong Kong has been gov- ment protests of 2014 after Hong turned,” she said in a statement. erned under a “one country, two Kong’s government pushed for “All politically motivated systems” deal since 1997, when more severe sentences. A lower prosecutions aimed at silencing Britain handed the territory back court had originally given Wong those promoting democracy in to China. and Law community service or- Hong Kong must be dropped.” The deal allows citizens rights ders and Chow a suspended sen- But while yesterday’s judgement unseen on the mainland, includ- tence. But after the government’s found in favour of the activists, it ing freedom of speech and a par- intervention they were jailed for also endorsed the view of the ap- tially directly elected legislature, between six and eight months by peal court that unlawful assem- as well as an independent judici- the Court of Appeal. All three ac- bly involving violence must be ary. But the jailing of democracy tivists were later bailed pending deterred, saying even the “rela- activists, the disqualifi cation of their appeal. tively low” degree of violence in opposition lawmakers from the Chief Justice Geoff rey Ma said the trio’s case could in future lead legislature at Beijing’s request yesterday that the terms given to to jail terms. and the lack of answers over the the trio were “signifi cantly more “According to the judgement, disappearance of fi ve Hong Kong severe” than the range previously maybe more activists will be booksellers who resurfaced in the given for unlawful assembly of- locked up,” said Wong outside mainland have fuelled concern. fences. The judgement in the court after the ruling. “It’s not Last month the government Court of Final Appeal backed the the time for any congratulation banned high-profi le democracy decision of the magistrate who or celebration.” activist Agnes Chow from run- originally handed down non- Wong, 21, who became the ning for the legislature in what A Mercedes SUV lies amongst the gravestones at a cemetery in the Sydney suburb of South Coogee yesterday. The early morning custodial sentences, saying she face of the Umbrella Movement, activists said was another sign crash caused significant damage after the driver failed to take a corner, crashing through a wall before landing on the gravestones. had not “erred in principle” by could soon return to prison for political debate was being shut Police said the driver failed a roadside alcohol breath test before going to hospital. taking into account factors in- another protest-related off ence, down. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 BRITAIN

CRACKDOWN LAW AND ORDER PLAN LEGAL JUSTICE 21 held in raids against Police failing to collect Mayor to set up child Chorister sues public Man jailed for stabbing human traff ickers evidence, watchdog warns obesity taskforce school over failed career ex-girlfriend to death

Police yesterday arrested 21 people on suspicion of Murderers could be escaping justice because Sadiq Khan will establish a taskforce to tackle A chorister who once sang for the Queen is suing A man has been jailed for murdering his ex- involvement in human traff icking in a nationwide police are failing to gather critical forensic rising childhood obesity. The mayor is searching a leading public school for £650,000, claiming girlfriend by stabbing her 75 times in her car. operation against organised people smuggling. evidence at crime scenes, a government for a chairperson and up to 12 board members. its failure to help in his battle with epilepsy threw Molly McLaren, 23, died in a “frenzied” attack at The National Crime Agency said it had launched watchdog warned yesterday. Dr Gillian Tully, He said: “Tackling the childhood obesity his career off course. Rhys Brown, 23, joined the Dockside shopping centre in Chatham, Kent, “a major operation targeting a suspected people the forensic sciences regulator, told MPs that epidemic in the capital is a crucial part of £35,000-a-year Lancing College as a music on June 29. Joshua Stimpson, 26, had admitted smuggling criminal network” in London, north- off icers were sometimes not realising that ensuring that all young Londoners are able to scholarship pupil aged 13 and was diagnosed manslaughter but denied murder before his trial eastern and southern England. “The operation is deaths were “potential homicides” and failing flourish and lead happy, healthy lives.” Almost in his first year. He claims he was destined for at Maidstone Crown Court. Sentencing him to the latest phase of a year-long investigation, which to collect and send off material for testing 40% of 10- and 11-year-olds in London are obese, success, but that the school failed to make a serve a minimum of 26 years in prison, judge has involved law enforcement colleagues in the to establish the cause of death. The death with those in most deprived areas the worst “reasonable adjustments” for his condition, Adele Williams said: “This was a cruel, calculated UK and in Europe,” the NCA said. It said some 350 of 13-month-old Poppi Worthington was one aff ected. A total of 44% of year six children in wrecking his chances of a university education and cowardly act.” The judge told Stimpson he off icers from the NCA and four regional police example where evidence had been lost, but Barking and Dagenham are overweight or obese, and a dazzling music career. He told Central may never be released for his “wickedness”. “You forces raided more than 20 properties in towns “there have been other cases of this sort”, she compared with 25% in Richmond. Problems London county court that the diagnosis in 2008 are a highly-dangerous young man and you will and cities including Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, told the Commons Science and Technology often continue into adulthood, leading to type-2 threw him off course and that “adjustments were pose a very considerable risk to women for a very Stockton, Newcastle, Hastings and London. Committee. diabetes and heart problems. not made”, forcing him to leave when he was 14. considerable period in the future,” she added. Pressure grows Gun salute as Queen marks anniversary on DPD, May after courier dies of diabetes

Guardian News and Media in Dorset on behalf of M&S, John London Lewis and Amazon. The com- pany made more than £100mn in profi t last year, the equivalent of owning Street’s adviser £20,000 per courier, but does not on modern work has de- provide sick pay or paid holiday. Dscribed the death of a After the Guardian revealed the diabetic DPD delivery driver as circumstances of Lane’s death, it “shocking”, as Marks & Spencer apologised for fi ning him in July said it would be seeking answers but denied that when he fi rst col- from the parcel company over the lapsed seven months earlier he was driver’s treatment. threatened with £150 charges. Matthew Taylor said the gov- His death has increased the po- ernment must urgently address litical pressure for reform of work poor quality work in Britain after practices at the bottom of the UK’s the Guardian revealed how Don labour market. Lane, a 53-year-old father of one, Downing Street is today ex- collapsed and died from diabe- pected to fi nally announce its re- Members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a 41-gun salute in Green Park in central London yesterday to mark the 66th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s tes after being fi ned £150 by the sponse to employment reforms accession to the throne. courier company for attending a proposed by Taylor last July, but hospital appointment to treat his the backdrop is now a chorus of disease. anger from gig economy workers, Lane missed three other hospi- consumers, trade unions and MPs tal appointments to treat kidney united in opposition at how Lane damage, partly because he was was treated. afraid of being fi ned. He collapsed The shadow business secretary, at the wheel of his van while on de- Rebecca Long-Bailey, described liveries a few months before dying Lane’s case as heartbreaking. She in January. said: “Bad conditions, bogus self- Assange loses fi ght to have After the Guardian revealed the employment and the non-en- story, there were signs of a con- forcement of rights have become sumer backlash, with shoppers all too common in Tory Britain and telling DPD and M&S they would this case shows just how broken consider stopping using them be- the system is.” cause of Lane’s treatment. Frances O’Grady, the secretary One DPD customer wrote on the general of the TUC, said it was “a arrest warrant dropped fi rm’s online feedback form: “How tragedy”. She said Theresa May’s about giving them some sick leave. response would be “an acid test” Guardian News and Media his former bail conditions in the his physical and psychological Therefore a warrant stands,” have expressed an interest in Shocked by reports in the paper. of the government’s commitment London UK. health have deteriorated and are Watkins said. prosecuting Assange, and there Would think twice about using to “creating a Britain that works Last month Mark Summers in serious peril.” Assange remains concerned has been a US investigation into DPD if that’s how you treat peo- for all”. QC, representing Assange, told Arbuthnot said evidence that he faces a secret US in- WikiLeaks’ activities. ple.” Taylor, who was recruited by ulian Assange will continue the senior district judge, Emma handed to the court concern- dictment on charges related to British offi cials would be ex- An M&S customer posted on May to propose reforms to mod- to face arrest if he leaves Arbuthnot, that since the Swed- ing Assange’s medical problems WikiLeaks’ disclosure of leaked pected to take Assange into Twitter: “In future when I order ern working practices shortly af- Jthe Ecuadorian embassy af- ish case had been dropped the included “a terrible bad tooth, classifi ed US documents. custody if there was a US indict- online, especially with M&S, if the ter she entered Downing Street, ter a judge ruled that the arrest warrant had “lost its purpose frozen shoulder and depression”. WikiLeaks said yesterday that ment and extradition request. delivery company is DPD I shall said: “Genuine self-employment warrant against the WikiLeaks and its function”. He said be- But Aaron Watkins, repre- Assange could face life in prison Ecuador recently granted him cancel the order and order with a provides benefi ts which com- founder was still valid. cause Swedish extradition pro- senting the Crown Prosecution in the US for a variety of charges citizenship and asylum in an company which doesn’t use DPD.” pensate for the fact that you Assange, 46, skipped bail to ceedings against Assange had Service, said Assange’s argu- including espionage, conspiracy attempt to resolve the politi- A spokesman for M&S, one of don’t have sick pay or consulta- enter the embassy in 2012 to come to an end, so had the life of ment for having the warrant and theft. cal impasse over his continued the courier fi rm’s biggest clients, tion rights. The problem with the avoid extradition to Sweden over the arrest warrant. dropped was “strange and un- The group says US grand jury presence in the UK. It had tried said it was “very sad” about Lane’s model that Don Lane was working allegations of sexual assault and The defence papers stated: tenable”. proceedings against Assange unsuccessfully to persuade death. It added: “The circum- under is that it looks as though rape, which he denies. “He (Assange) has spent fi ve- “Assange had been released began as early as 2010, but it is British offi cials to give Assange stances will be raised as part of our you get very little of those up- Though Swedish prosecu- and-a-half years in conditions on bail in proceedings; he was not publicly known if he faces diplomatic status, which might ongoing discussions with courier sides. His experience shows we tors dropped the investigation which, on any view, are akin to under a duty to surrender to a US indictment because of the have made it possible for him providers.” urgently need to address poor against him, he faces arrest if he imprisonment, without access the custody of the court and he strict secrecy rules governing US to leave Britain even if he was Lane worked as a self-employed quality work, particularly at the leaves the building in Knights- to adequate medical care or sun- failed to surrender at the ap- grand jury actions. sought by US offi cials. courier for DPD delivering parcels bottom of the labour market.” bridge, London, for breaching light, in circumstances where pointed time for him to do so. Several prominent US offi cials

Women’s suffrage Court rejects bid to show Father fi ghts against life-support ruling

Britain could stop Brexit but Haastrup accused hospital Guardian News and Media London chiefs of “rushing to kill” Isaiah Reuters drawing its Article 50 notifi ca- stay in the EU, they say. before he had been given a prop- Edinburgh tion, regardless of whether the 27 Jo Maugham, a lawyer funding er opportunity to seek permis- other EU members authorise it to the Scottish legal case, said the he father of a boy with sion to appeal. He submitted his do so. case was plainly in the national brain damage is preparing grounds for appeal on Monday Scottish court yesterday To date, there are no plans to interest. “I will support an ap- Tan appeal against a high and a hearing has been set for rejected a legal attempt to stop Brexit and opinion polls peal against this decision – to the court ruling allowing doctors to February 21. Aask the European Court of have shown no clear sign of a Supreme Court if necessary,” he stop providing life support for The trust told the judge that Justice (ECJ) to clarify whether change of heart. said. his 11-month-old son. Isaiah was in a very low state of Britain could unilaterally stop the In 2016, Britain voted to leave He argues that while there is Justice MacDonald ruled on consciousness, unable to move Brexit process. the EU by 52 to 48%. But a recent no doubt that Britain could stop January 29 that Isaiah Haastrup or breathe independently, was on The case was brought by a poll showed most Britons would Brexit with the permission of the could be allowed to die against a ventilator and did not respond group of anti-Brexit lawmakers support a vote on whether or not other 27 members, it should seek his parents’ wishes. Lanre Haas- to stimulation. in an attempt to show that Brit- to leave once the terms of depar- to establish a legal right to do so trup has been granted a hearing His mother, Takesha Thomas, ain’s decision to leave the Euro- ture are known. unilaterally whether the rest of at the court of appeal later this told the court she believed her pean Union could be reversed if And lawmakers defi ed the gov- the bloc likes it or not. month. son responded to her voice and London withdrew its notifi cation ernment in December by giving “To improve the bargaining Specialists caring for Isaiah at touch. of Article 50 — the process by parliament a much more sub- position of the UK, to ensure we King’s College hospital in Lon- His father fought back tears which Brexit was formally initi- stantial say on whether to accept retain the opt-outs and rebates don won their case in the family at the hearing as he outlined a ated. the fi nal Brexit deal. that we presently enjoy, and to division of the high court after series of complaints about the But judge J Raymond Doherty Prime Minister Theresa May’s place the decision entirely in the arguing that giving further in- hospital to MacDonald. He said of Scotland’s top civil court de- government is divided on exactly hands of the parliament and – if tensive care to Isaiah, who will the trust had “harmed” Isaiah clined to refer the matter to the what the terms of Brexit should it chooses – its people, we must be 12 months old on February 18, at birth and a “negligence case” ECJ. “I am not satisfi ed that the be but is clear that Britain will seek to establish a legal route to was not in his best interests. was under way. application has a real prospect of be leaving the European Union in revocability,” he wrote in an ex- He sustained “catastrophic” MacDonald said in his ruling success. Permission to proceed is March next year. planatory blog. brain damage due to being de- that he had reached his decision refused,” he said. Anti-Brexit campaigners have Yesterday’s decision can be prived of oxygen at birth. with “profound sadness” after A lawyer for the group who been arguing that once the nego- appealed in Scotland and then, if King’s College hospital NHS examining Isaiah’s best interests brought the case said they would tiated terms of Brexit are known, permission is granted, to the UK foundation trust had asked Mac- from a broad perspective. He appeal against the ruling. lawmakers should be given the Supreme Court in London. From Prime Minister Theresa May gives a speech on public life Donald to give it the go-ahead to was “satisfi ed that it is not in his At stake is an attempt to clarify option to vote on the deal. there it could be referred to the to mark the centenary of women’s suff rage in Manchester provide only palliative care. best interests for life-sustaining whether Britain theoretically has In that case, one of the options ECJ, which rules on the meaning yesterday. Doctors had intended to with- medical treatment to be contin- the option of unilaterally with- should be to reverse Brexit and of EU law. draw life support on Monday, ued”. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 15 EUROPE

POLITICS HECKLED TRIAL LEGISLATION DEFENCE Poland’s president signs Rogue robot upstages Paris attacks suspect Dutch MPs ponder ending Russia defends right to Holocaust bill into law Turkey minister refuses to go to court law against insulting king deploy missiles

President Andrzej Duda yesterday signed into Being interrupted by impatient audience The main surviving suspect of the November Dutch MPs will this week debate the touchy Russia said yesterday it had the right to put law a controversial Holocaust bill intended to members is a headache — but part of the job — 2015 attacks in Paris, Salah Abdeslam, has subject of scrapping royal defamation weapons anywhere it chose on its own territory, safeguard Poland’s image abroad but which for most politicians. But for Turkey’s Transport decided not to attend the second day of his laws, but the issue has exposed rifts within after reports that Moscow had deployed nuclear- has instead triggered an unprecedented and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan, trial tomorrow in Brussels, the Belgian court the fragile ruling coalition, news reports capable Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad drew diplomatic row with Israel and tensions with the heckling yesterday came from an unusual said. Abdeslam travelled to the court from a say. The Netherlands remains one of the criticism from its neighbours and Nato. From the US and Ukraine. Duda also said he would source — a stubborn robot called Sanbot. The white prison close to Paris on Monday — but told few countries that still maintains “lese Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, send the legislation, which now comes into toddler-sized robot was a guest on stage as Arslan the hearing he was tired and had barely slept. majeste” laws, dating back to 1830, making the missiles would be able to reach large swathes force, to the Constitutional Tribunal to rule gave an address in Ankara to mark Safer Internet He was taken to another French prison close it a criminal offence to insult Dutch King of territory in NATO-members Poland, Lithuania, on whether it conforms with guarantees for Day. “Speak slowly! I don’t understand what you to the Belgian border on Monday night. The Willem-Alexander. Parliament’s lower house Latvia and Estonia. Asked about reports of the freedom of speech. The law sets fines or a are saying! What are you talking about?” the robot court’s president said Abdeslam had now will tomorrow discuss a bill proposed by the deployment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov maximum three-year jail term for anyone asked Arslan. The minister smiled as the audience decided he did not wish to appear again progressive D66 party, which would drop said: “The deployment of one weapon or another, ascribing “responsibility or co-responsibility burst into laughter when they realised the source of tomorrow. Police said Abdeslam fled Paris on clauses against defaming the king contained the deployment of military units and so forth on to the Polish nation or state for crimes the interruption. Arslan finally told Sanbot’s handlers the night in November 2015 when attackers within wider laws on crimes against the Russian territory, is exclusively a sovereign issue committed by the Nazi Third Reich. to deal with the misfiring robot so he could carry on. including his elder brother killed 130 people. royalty. for the Russian Federation.” EU opens door Winter treat to Balkans with 2025 target for membership

Reuters Meanwhile, Chinese investment in Strasbourg the region, though welcomed by gov- ernments, is seen as undermining EU standards because it does not come he European Union yesterday with the same stringent requirements acted to reinvigorate the mem- as EU aid. Tbership ambitions of six Balkan But in a change of tone, top EU of- states and reclaim the region as its own fi cials now insist there is no alterna- amid growing Russian and Chinese in- tive but for them to join the European fl uence, setting 2025 as a goal for Serbia Union. and Montenegro to join. Their inclusion is being held up as Seeking to breathe fresh life into the an EU ideal that is long overdue since EU with Britain set to leave, the European the 1989 end of the Cold War and the Commission set out a strategy to bring break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Western Balkan nations into the fold if Hahn told Reuters last month it was they achieve required reforms, marking a “time to fi nish the work of 1989”. change after years of fading interest. Support for EU membership still A woman skis on the snow-covered Montmartre hill in front of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris. Meteo France put the greater Paris region on alert for “The door is open...There is a clear ranges from roughly 75% in Kosovo to snow and black ice on roads, among 36 departments on alert across the country. Meanwhile, the Eiff el Tower turned away tourists yesterday as snow swept path for the Western Balkans to fi nally 52% in Serbia. across northern France, snarling trains and giving the capital its first real dose of wintry weather this season. Rail operator SNCF has had to slow down trains join the European Union,” EU foreign The Balkan strategy drawn up in on several of its high-speed TGV lines, with service disrupted across much of northern France. policy chief Federica Mogherini said as Brussels aims to show the region that she presented the plan at the European membership is certain if countries Parliament in Strasbourg. meet EU demands including establish- “The future of the Union is not ing independent courts, a free press bound to be at 27,” she said, referring and breaking up crime rings that have to the current membership level of the badly weakened governments. bloc, discounting Britain, which is due Integration means increasing ac- to leave in 2019. cess to EU funds and is designed to However, both Mogherini and Jo- foster reforms to lure investors, boost hannes Hahn, the EU’s enlargement growth and encourage stability in a France’s Macron confronts commissioner, stressed that 2025 was region still grappling with the lega- meant as an encouragement to Albania, cy of Yugoslavia’s socialist planned Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montene- economy. gro and Serbia to join, but should not be Albania and Montenegro are already seen as a deadline. members of the U.S-led Nato alliance “We will not repeat the mistakes of while Macedonia is likely to be of- Corsica on more autonomy the past,” Hahn said earlier in Brussels. fered Nato membership, often seen as He was alluding to what many be- a springboard to EU membership, if it Reuters Since then, the same dissatisfaction “Justice was delivered and will tion and health, as well as a recovery lieve was the rushed accession of Ro- can overcome a dispute over its name Ajaccio, France with mainstream parties that has spurred be followed, without complacency, in the number of people learning and mania and Bulgaria in 2007 and the with Greece. secessionist ambitions elsewhere in Eu- without forgetting, without amnes- speaking Welsh. poorly managed migration of eastern EU leaders will embrace the 2025 rope, such as Catalonia, has bolstered the ty.” Support for outright independence, European workers to Britain, which timeline at a special Western Balkans rench President Emmanuel nationalists’ political support. Unlike Spain and Germany, France however, remains low. turned many Britons against the Euro- summit in May in Sofi a, the Commis- Macron yesterday travelled to In December, the two-party “Pe a has been reluctant to devolve much Within the Pe a Corsica alliance, pean project. sion said. FCorsica to confront demands Corsica” (For Corsica) nationalist alli- power to its regions, despite some de- the moderately autonomist Femu a Hahn cited “enlargement fatigue” in Serbia and Montenegro are the most for greater autonomy for the restive ance won nearly two-thirds of seats in centralisation in the 1980s. Corsica party holds power in numbers some EU countries that still needed to advanced in the so-called accession Mediterranean island by nationalists the regional assembly. Corsica’s nationalists are them- over the committed Separatist Corsica be overcome, but also noted European process but Hahn said that could eas- buoyed by unprecedented political Its leaders demand a special status selves divided over whether their am- Libera party. companies were investing heavily in ily change. strength. for Corsica in the constitution and bition should be enhanced autonomy Even so, Femu politician Gilles the Balkans. “We will only accept a new member Macron paid homage to Claude greater autonomy, as well as equal or independence. Simeoni, who heads the regional ex- Commission President Jean-Claude state if it has resolved its confl icts with Erignac, the island’s prefect who was status for the French and Corsican Corsica’s tiny 8.6bn euro economy ecutive, last week told Reuters that Juncker had played down enlargement its neighbours,” Hahn said. shot dead by separatists in Ajaccio two languages and amnesty for Corsicans is propped up by central government Macron risked violence if he did not at the start of his fi ve-year term in 2014, Serbia does not recognise the inde- decades ago, and will later meet na- jailed for pro-independence violence. fi nancing and local tax breaks, and take talks seriously. and that left Balkan citizens wondering pendence of Kosovo, its former prov- tionalist leaders before setting out his Macron has said he is open to some lacks the clout of Catalonia, which “In the 1980s and 1990s, when the if they would ever be admitted. ince. vision for Corsica in a speech today. changes but has ruled out recognising accounts for a fi fth of the Spanish nationalist movement only represent- Macedonia has been an EU candi- Belgrade’s ally Russia and fi ve EU Corsica’s relationship with main- Corsican alongside French, and yes- economy, or Scotland, which enjoys ed a minority and was violent, govern- date country since 2005. Montenegro, states have also refused to recognise land France has long troubled French terday reiterated his refusal to pardon substantial devolved authority while ments of the left and right held talks where Russia is accused of backing a Kosovo, including Spain, which is try- presidents. Corsican militants. remaining within the United King- with men in balaclavas,” he said in the failed coup, has been one since 2010. ing to contain its own separatists in Separatists waged a 40-year militant “Corsica, a proud and dignifi ed dom. interview. Serbia, where Russian media are a Catalonia. campaign, blowing up police stations land, was dirtied by this crime,” Ma- Some parallels might be drawn with “But today, when we represent a growing source of news, has been since Mogherini said she hoped the Kos- and mansions owned by mainlanders cron, on his fi rst visit to the island, Wales where a devolution of powers majority and say there is no other path 2012. Albania won candidate country ovo issue could be resolved by the end and carrying out assassinations, before said in reference to the 1998 shooting from London in the late 1990s led to than democracy, the government does status in 2014. of her mandate in 2019. laying down arms in 2014. of Erignac. more autonomy over housing, educa- not want to budge on anything.”

Denmark mulls ban on full-face veil in public The Danish government yester- ($166). Repeated violations would Merkel says ready for ‘painful compromises’ to get coalition day proposed a ban on Islamic be fined up to 10,000 kroner. full-face veils such as the niqab The proposed ban says the and burqa in public spaces, mak- “burqa, niqab and balaclavas Reuters since the September 24 election returned fund, as was envisaged in a coalition ing it likely to become the next where only eyes and mouth are Berlin no clear outcome. blueprint agreed on January 12. European country to restrict the visible are examples of clothes After initially vowing to rebuild in oppo- Some conservatives fear that rushing wearing of the religious garment. that hide the face”. sition, the SPD is now trying to extract con- ahead with European integration would “It is incompatible with the But covering the face in a erman Chancellor Angela Mer- cessions on healthcare and employment be too costly to German taxpayers — con- values in Danish society and recognisable manner, such as kel said she was ready to make policy that could win over sceptics among cerns fuelled by former European Central disrespectful to the community wearing winter clothing, sports G“painful compromises” to clinch its 443,000 members, who get the fi nal say Bank chief economist Otmar Issing, who to keep one’s face hidden when gear and masks for festivities, are a coalition deal with the Social Demo- on whether to go ahead with the coalition. described the January coalition blueprint meeting each other in public exempted. crats (SPD), whose leader said yesterday The Rheinische Post newspaper said as “a farewell to the idea of an EU aimed spaces,” Justice Minister Soren It is not known how many was “decision day” for negotiators after Germany’s Constitutional Court was ex- at stability”. Pape Poulsen said in a statement. women wear the niqab and burqa months of political uncertainty. amining fi ve complaints about the legiti- Both Merkel’s conservative bloc and “With a ban on covering the in Denmark. “I don’t think there Both blocs agreed late on Monday they macy of the SPD members’ ballot. the SPD are under pressure not to con- face, we are drawing a line in are many who wear the burqa needed more time to reach a deal on re- A spokesman for the court said two of cede too much in the negotiations, or else the sand and underlining that in here in Denmark. But if you do, newing their “grand coalition” and de- the fi ve complaints had been rejected. see their support ebb further. Denmark we show each other you should be punished with a cided to resume talks at the headquarters In 2013, the court rejected an injunc- An Insa poll on Monday showed trust and respect by meeting face fine,” Poulsen told reporters, ac- of Merkel’s party. tion seeking to stop a similar ballot on the mounting pressure on Schulz, with sup- to face,” he added. cording to news agency Ritzau. “Each of us will have to make painful German Chancellor Angela Merkel gives grounds that it was unconstitutional to give port for the SPD dropping to just 17%, The proposal is to be assessed The full-face veil is a hot-button compromises and I am ready for that,” a statement as she arrives for further SPD members more say than other voters. below its election result of 20.5%, which by non-governmental human issue across Europe. Merkel told reporters. talks to form a new government in Berlin. SPD politician Ulrich Kelber believed was the party’s worst since Germany be- rights organisations and possibly The European Court of Human “When we see the movements on the all the complaints would fail this time came a federal republic in 1949. re-written to take their remarks Rights last year upheld a Belgian stock markets over the last hours, we live Germany could face a new election or too: “Forecast: fi ddlesticks!” he tweeted. That left the SPD just two percentage into consideration. ban on wearing it in public. in turbulent times and what is expected an unprecedented minority government The SPD campaigned last year for “a points ahead of the far-right Alternative The centre-right government France was the first European of us as popular parties...is that we form if SPD members reject a coalition deal. better and fairer Europe”. Its leader Mar- for Germany (AfD), on 15%. The conserv- is expected to present a bill to country to ban the niqab in public a government for the good of the people, Andreas Scheuer, secretary-general of tin Schulz on Monday lauded an agree- atives slipped to 30.5%, suggesting there parliament in the spring. places with a law that took eff ect one that brings stability,” she said. Merkel’s Bavarian allies, said there was no ment his party and the conservatives would be no majority for a grand coalition With the support of the coun- in 2011. Merkel’s failure to cobble together a gov- possibility of extending the talks. reached that he said included “an invest- if an election were held now. try’s second largest party, the Spain’s highest court annulled ernment more than four months after a na- “So we have to come to an agreement ment budget for the euro zone and an end SPD negotiator Carsten Schneider said anti-immigration Danish People’s in 2013 a ban on the full-face veil tional election has raised concerns among tonight. Anything else would be unrea- of forced austerity!” a deal was close. Party, the proposed legislation is in public buildings that had been investors and partner countries at a time sonable for our citizens.” But Schulz made no specifi c mention “I think we have 90% to 95 %, but the likely to be adopted. brought in three years earlier when Europe is facing multiple challenges Senior negotiators from both blocs of any plans to advocate for more pow- remaining 5% is still important,” he said. A violation of the ban would by the northeastern region of — including the need for euro zone reform met yesterday morning. Germany has ers and responsibilities for the European “It’s not going to be a masterpiece but lead to a fine of 1,000 kroner Catalonia. and Britain’s departure from the EU. been governed by a caretaker government Stability Mechanism euro zone bailout it will do for the next 3-1/2 years.” Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 INDIA

PROTEST INSURGENCY DEMAND JUDICIARY INVESTIGATION TN parties to hold meetings Catholic schools shut Family wants Kasganj Act on your own plan Bihar’s ‘Bahubali’ MLA against bus fare hike down after threats want him declared martyr to decongest traff ic: SC booked for murder

Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu will hold public All Christian missionary schools in and around Family members of Chandan Gupta, who was killed The Supreme Court yesterday criticised the Delhi Bihar police yesterday registered a murder case meetings in all district headquarters condemning the Imphal in Manipur remained shut for the second in the Kasganj violence on Republic Day, met Uttar government and police for not acting on their against independent legislator and criminal- bus fare increase on February 13. A resolution to this day yesterday following threats from insurgents. Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath yesterday and own action plan for decongesting traff ic in the turned-politician Anant Singh, popularly known eff ect was passed at a meeting of leaders of several Manipur’s Education Minister T Radheshyam demanded that he be given a martyr’s status. The sister national capital, saying they have taken up only as Bahubali, an off icial said. Nikki Yadav, wife parties held at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam appealed to the insurgent group, Kangleipak of the slain youth told reporters that the chief minister five of the 77 sites identified by the Task Force of Ramjanam Yadav who was shot dead two headquarters here. The meeting was chaired by Communist Party (Military Council) not to patiently heard them out but did not respond to their to ease the situation. The action plan for easing days ago, lodged the case in Barh railway police DMK leader M K Stalin. He said the parties will later vitiate the academic atmosphere in the Catholic demand for declaring Gupta a martyr. “We have given traff ic in Delhi was submitted to the top court last station in Patna district. Singh has been named decide who all will participate in the meetings and schools. “These educational institutes have been our demand in writing but there was no assurance year and was prepared by a Task Force comprising a conspirator in the murder of Ramjanam where. He also said the meeting of the opposition imparting formal education to over one lakh from the chief minister. We are hopeful that the state representatives of the Delhi government and Yadav, who was killed late Sunday at the railway parties passed a resolution demanding the release of students in the state. There should not be any government will take a sympathetic view on the of Delhi police. Describing the statement by the station, the district police off icial said. Police said students arrested for participating in the anti-bus fare ban on these institutes in the larger interest of the matter,” a family member said. The family also asked lawyer Wasim Qadri, appearing for both the slain Ramjanam Yadav was also a criminal and hike agitation. Asked about the possibility of electoral students,” Radheshyam said. Though the minister Adityanath to direct police to ensure that all those guilty central and Delhi governments, as “bald”, a bench was wanted in several cases. Anant Singh, the alliance with the parties that attended yesterday’s promised “adequate security”, the parents said are brought to justice. An off icial said the chief minister of Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Deepak independent legislator from Mokamah assembly meeting at DMK headquarters, Stalin said the answer they were not convinced. The principals of some promised that those responsible for Gupta’s killing will Gupta said, “You are not following your own constituency, is also known as ‘Chhote Sarkar’ for will be given during the election time. Recently schools declined to disclose the demands of the not be spared. Gupta was killed in the violence that plans.” The Task Force had identified 77 sites to his muscle and money power. In 2015 he resigned the state transport undertakings in Tamil Nadu insurgents but said the schools and colleges will broke out after clashes erupted during the ‘Tiranga decongest traff ic in the national capital but the from the ruling Janata Dal-United and contested announced a hike in their fares. be closed till the threats are withdrawn. Yatra’ taken out by the ABVP on the Republic Day. government acted only on five VIP zones. and won assembly polls from behind bars.

Protest against govt policies Congress sees ‘huge scam’ in Rafale deal, slams BJP govt

IANS mittee on Security, sacrifi cing ment Procedure, 2013, before New Delhi both national interests and na- fi nalising any deal related to de- Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala speaks at a rally of hundreds of Kerala’s United Democratic Front supporters holding a tional security and blatant promo- fence equipment, it has to fi rst 70km-long cloth banner to protest against various policies of the central and state governments in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. tion of fi nancial interests of capi- go through the Contract Nego- The banner – with the signatures of more than 10mn people – stretched up to Kollam, 70km away, where former chief minister ongress president Ra- talist friends by Prime Minister tiations Committee and then the Oommen Chandy led the protesters. hul Gandhi yesterday Narendra Modi mark the purchase Price Negotiations Committee Cslammed the government of 36 Rafale fi ghter aircraft by would fi rst make ‘price discovery’ for maintaining “secrecy” on the Modi government from Dassault followed by inter-governmental deal for 36 Rafale fi ghter jets with Aviation of France,” party leaders agreement. France after Defence Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajeev Gowda “The Cabinet Committee on Nirmala Sitharam told parliament and Randeep Singh Surjewala said Security has to clear the deal be- that its details were “classifi ed at a press conference here. fore the announcement of pur- information” and could not be Gowda, a Rajya Sabha member, chase. But on April 10, 2015, when disclosed. on Monday asked the government Modiji unilaterally announced the Kerala assembly sees heated The Congress also termed the the cost of each Rafale jet as per deal, none of these steps had been deal a “great Indian mystery”, and the new deal, but the government followed.” claimed that a “huge scam” is refused to disclose it, with Sith- Surjewala said that on July 4, brewing as due procedures in the araman, in a written reply, main- 2014, Eurofi ghter Typhoon – an- purchase of the fi ghter jets were taining that as per Article 10 of the other bidder along with Dasault – debate over Kodiyeri’s son not followed and were bought off Inter-Governmental Agreement wrote to the then defence minis- the shelf “like oranges”. (IGA) between the Indian and ter Arun Jaitley off ering to reduce IANS Kerala diaspora in the Middle son of BJP president Amit Shah, money after liquidating his share “Top Secret (Not for Distribu- French governments on the deal, its prices by 20%. This, he said, Thiruvananthapuram East. these were never taken up in par- in his business after his cheque tion) RM (Raksha Minister) says the classifi ed information and ma- could have saved millions of dol- “I am not going to withdraw liamentary forums. Now you are was misused by the son-in-law the price negotiated for each Ra- terial is governed by the provisions lars to the exchequer but the Modi from moving this motion. Binoy doing this purposely. These issues of Atlas Ramachandran (cur- fale jet by the PM and his ‘reliable’ of the security agreement signed government ignored it. haos reigned in the Ker- can’t leave Dubai; another son have nothing to do with either the rently in jail in UAE). He has done buddy is a state secret,” Gandhi between the two nations in 2008. “On November 17, 2017, the de- ala Assembly yesterday, – Bineesh is also facing cases in state government or the assem- no wrong at all, but he is fac- said in a tweet. Azad, the Leader of Opposition fence minister in a press confer- Cmarked by noisy scenes Dubai. There are cases against bly. These are just business issues. ing the music as he tried to help “Action Points – Informing in the upper house, said that the ence stated that 36 Rafale aircraft and cat calls as the ruling and the sons of Left legislator Vijayan And what is even more surprising someone,” said Jayarajan. Parliament about the price is a Congress government had sought were purchased on ‘emergency opposition parties clashed over Pillai and also Communist Party is this has been raised by a person Congress leader Ramesh national security threat and Brand to buy 126 Rafale fi ghter aircraft basis’. What was the need to buy the issue of Kerala Marxist leader of India (Marxist) legislator E P who has a vigilance case against Chennithala remarked it’s very all who ask, anti-national,” he at roughly Rs5.26bn per jet with aircraft on ‘emergency basis’ on Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s elder Jayarajan. All this highlights the him,” said Vijayan. surprising to see the chief minis- said in another tweet. transfer of technology. April 10, 2015 when regular pur- son Binoy Balakrishnan, who is fall of the CPM, and all these cas- The assembly witnessed noisy ter speaking of morality and ask- The Congress said the gov- “But we now hear that the Modi chase had already been negotiated accused of being involved in a es are now being covered exten- scenes as members from both ing not to raise non-issues. ernment was not disclosing the government is buying the same through an international tender fraud case in Dubai. sively in the media,” said Akkara. sides were seen shouting at each “Have you forgotten what all exact cost of the entire deal but aircraft for around Rs1,517 crore on December 12, 2012? Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan In reply, Chief Minister Pi- other and on many occasions the issues you raised when we were in it “heard” that the new cost per (Rs15.17bn) per jet, that is, three “Why is it that despite the urged the opposition not to seek narayi Vijayan said there is a speaker was seen trying to appeal offi ce (2011-16) and the language jet is around three times higher times the cost fi nalised in our ‘emergency purchase’ and the lapse an adjournment motion on the concerted attempt by the oppo- for calm, but it fell on deaf ears. that was used by the person (V S than the price fi nalised in the deal deal. Is it true? Why is Modi gov- of 35 months, not a single aircraft issue of Binoy’s current position sition to raise unwanted issues Jayarajan, a former minister Achuthanandan) who raised it struck by the Congress govern- ernment not disclosing this? This has been delivered? How long will it in Dubai, saying this has nothing with an aim to tarnish the image who had to quit over allegations as opposition leader, and it was ment in 2012. is not a state secret. The public of take for the delivery of the aircraft? to do with the assembly or the of the CPM and its leadership. he appointed his close relatives against our chief minister Oom- “Complete non-transparency this country has a right to know.” Is it not correct that the Indian Air state government. “In the past, when allega- in key posts, said what is needed men Chandy? You should under- in the purchase price of aircraft, He said that while striking a Force will not have delivery of the However, Congress legisla- tions were raised against the is a ban and strong action against stand all the issues that have been fl agrant violation of the manda- deal with the French company in aircraft till end of 2019 as stated tor Anil Akkara said he will raise sons of Congress leader and media for putting out “baseless raised against Kodiyeri were not tory provisions of the ‘Defence 2015, Prime Minister Modi did not in the public domain? Does it not the issue as the case has caused former minister (Vayalar Ravi), P news”. brought out by us, but your own Procurement Procedure’ and prior follow the due procedure. compromise India’s strategic inter- a huge dent on the image of the Chidambaram’s son Karti and the “My son is now paying out party is behind this news. clearance from the Cabinet Com- “As per the Defence Procure- ests?” Surjewala added. Modi takes a step closer to 2019 win via ‘Modicare’

eaders of the Diary must 100-odd minutes the minister swallow his words because the Modi is shrewd enough to real- price (MSP) of all farm produce be familiar with the Indian cannot be expected to elaborate details of the programme are ise that by the time the next Lok to 1.5 times the input cost. Niti Rparable of the blind men on all that he and his team has emerging slowly. Swallowing Sabha elections roll in some time Ayog, the government’s econom- and the elephant, how each one planned for the nation. Very of- Delhi Diary words is second nature to politi- in April-May 2019, enough im- ic think-tank, is already working described the elephant diff er- ten you will hear the minister cians anywhere, so Chidambar- pact would have been made, es- on the programme. ently by just touching its diff er- saying “the details of this are giv- By A K B Krishnan am won’t be worried. pecially among the rural folk, for Much of the infrastructure ent parts and eventually started en in the annexure” or something The proposal, according to him to retain power. proposals also are rural oriented. quarrelling, as we Indians often to that eff ect, meaning those who Gulf Times Correspondent some government sources, is There has been some specu- Some 57,000km of rural roads are do if others don’t agree with our want to study a point threadbare for a centre-state joint eff ort on lation that the polls will be ad- scheduled to be built in the next viewpoint. will have to delve into the annex- a 60-40 basis. This is a clever vanced to coincide with the as- one year. The budget also envis- India’s annual budget is some- ures. The Hindu newspaper called it a dra Modi’s other major initiatives move by Modi because no state sembly elections in Rajasthan ages construction of 5.1mn fi xed thing like an elephant. It’s hu- So, if the budget is an elephant, “mix of populism and prudence”, like the ‘Swachch Bharat’ (Clean government would want to be later this year, but it is quite roof houses with toilets in villag- mongous. The budget papers those who sit down to analyse it columnist Neerja Chowdhary India) mission, the movement seen as objecting to a healthcare doubtful whether Modi would be es. These are still small numbers running into several thousand immediately after its presenta- felt it was “rather colourless but to free India from open defeca- scheme for its people and that in any hurry to do so, especially compared to the vastness of the pages are transported from the tion are somewhat like the blind politically focused” and veteran tion that has been scourge of the too by spending a fraction of the when his biggest pro-poor pro- country but a major jump from fi nance ministry’s underground men, at least the majority of commentator and educationist countryside for decades and the total expense. gramme has just come out of the the UPA era’s best performance printing facility to the parlia- them. Of course the politicians Pratap Bhanu Gupta was of the free distribution of cooking gas According to fi nance ministry anvil. He will also be aware of his of 27,000km of roads and 1.4mn ment building in a truck. I doubt are diff erent. Those in the op- view Jaitley was trying to bluff his to nearly 30mn households where offi cials it may take six months party’s blunder in 2004 when the houses. if anyone has ever read the entire position will only describe it dis- “way out on the three tensions – poor women had been exposed to or so for the programme to go on then prime minister Atal Behari Infrastructure work has two budget in toto all these years. It is paragingly while those from the rural vs urban, public vs private poisonous fumes from kerosene- stream. But if 500mn people are Vajpayee went in for elections main advantages. It provides jobs compartmentalised into several ruling side will only have affi rm- and global vs Indian.” fi red stoves or even worse. going to be served, it is only natu- with more than a year left in his even as it brings development. sections based on inputs from ative superlatives for the budget. But almost every expert is Much has achieved in all these ral that it takes time. As Jitendra tenure and suff ered a shock de- According to Roads Minister Ni- the various ministries, industries You will be none the wiser lis- unanimous in the view that the spheres, especially in the matter Singh, junior minister in Modi’s feat at the hands of Sonia Gan- tin Gadkare, a Rs100bn project and other sources and each sec- tening to them. Hence, what a three main thrusts of the budget of awareness which is the most cabinet, remarked, “This (an- dhi-led United Progressive Alli- could provide jobs to as many as tion will have diff erent heads and Palaniyappan Chidambaram or a – farmers’ welfare, healthcare diffi cult part when you are deal- nouncement) is the fi rst step in ance (UPA). 100,000 people. The budget al- sub-sections. Piyush Goyal says must be taken and infrastructure – have been ing with a largely uneducated that journey of a thousand miles.” Agriculture and infrastructure locates close to Rs6trn for roads, While the fi nance minister and with that proverbial pinch of salt. long overdue and Jaitley had fi - population. This is a work in Singh may have used a very are the other two areas where railways, airports and inland wa- his secretariat will have an overall But even non-partisan jour- nally addressed these issues in progress in every sense. oft-heard phrase about the Jaitley is planning to spend large terways. You can do the math. picture of what is in those papers, nalists and economists are bound an emphatic manner. Perhaps the So, if Chidambaram feels thousand-mile journey but he sums. Both have a rural ring about If all these proposals are im- the gist of all the main points are to have diff ering views because one proposal that stands head the health insurance scheme – was also indirectly iterating what them. Farmers, especially the plemented as planned, and that is distilled into a few score pages they analyse it from diff erent and shoulders above all others dubbed ‘Modicare’ on the lines most Indians have come to be- small and marginal ones, mostly a big ‘IF’, Modi should have little which are then stuff ed into a angles. So, if respected econo- is the promise of health insur- of ‘Obamacare’– is just another lieve – that Modi is here for the live in villages. Jaitley has reiter- problem returning winner next gleaming leather attache case for mist-journalist Swaminathan S ance cover of Rs500,000 each for ‘jumla’ (false promise) because long haul. Providing insurance ated the government’s commit- year. But the recent by-elections the minister to carry into the Lok Anklesaria Aiyar described Fi- 100mn poor families. Jaitley did not elaborate on how coverage for 500mn people can- ment to double farmer income by in Rajasthan have given an alto- Sabha on B-day. nance Minister Arun Jaitley’s This announcement is of a he was going to fund the initia- not be done in a day or a year or 2022. To this end he is proposing gether diff erent signal. But that’s Naturally, in a speech lasting latest budget as “non-populist”, piece with Prime Minister Naren- tive, he may eventually have to perhaps even in fi ve years. But to increase the minimum support a story for another day. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 17 INDIA Over 100,000 tax notices sent to Bitcoin investors: offi cial

IANS comes as virtual currencies Income Tax Department had ing notices and so that would be them with the notorious Ponzi “The government or Reserve Bitcoins in India have been New Delhi have been tumbling on wor- conducted various surveys on taxed,” he added. schemes fl oated to dupe gullible Bank of India has not authorised trading at more than Rs1mn ries about government regu- cryptocurrency exchanges to Chandra also said that as per investors. any virtual currencies as a me- each, while people are invest- lation. Bitcoin fell to its low- understand how many people income tax laws, money invested A Finance Ministry statement dium of exchange. Further, the ing amounts ranging from he Income Tax Depart- est since November at $5,992 are regular contributors, how in virtual currencies would be said that as virtual currencies government or any other regu- Rs3,000 to several millions of ment has issued about in the Hong Kong market in many had registered themselves taxable if the source is unex- were not backed by assets, their lator in India has not given li- rupees. T100,000 notices to people early trade yesterday. and how many have traded on plained. Moreover, the profi t prices are entirely a “matter of cence to any agency for working Bitcoin values in New York, who have invested in crypto- “People who have made in- exchanges. gained on such investments is mere speculation”. as exchange or any other kind of for instance, have soared nearly currencies like Bitcoin without vestments (in cryptocurrencies) “We found out that there is no taxable. “Consumers need to be alert intermediary for any virtual cur- 1,600% over the past year and declaring these in their income and have not declared income clarity on investments made by “So we will tax that particular and extremely cautious as to rency,” the statement said. have gone upwards of $15,000. tax returns, a top offi cial said while fi ling taxes, and have not many people which means that amount and they should pay tax avoid getting trapped in such According to investigation In December, cryptocur- yesterday. paid tax on the profi t earned by they have not declared it prop- on that,” Chandra added. Ponzi schemes,” it said. agencies here, with the demand rency dealer Pluto Exchange The revelation by Central investing are being sent notices erly. In December last, the In- It clarifi ed that cryptocurren- and price of cryptocurrencies announced the launch of In- Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) as we feel that it is all taxable,” “We have informed all the DGs dian government sounded the cies are not legal tender and do on the rise, cyber criminals have dia’s first mobile application chairman Sushil Chandra Chandra said. (Directors General of Income alarm on the phenomenon of not have any regulatory permis- found innovative ways to dupe for transacting in virtual cur- at an Assocham event here According to Chandra, the Tax) across India, they are issu- cryptocurrencies, comparing sion or protection in India. those looking to invest. rencies. Fear of misuse Goa dressed up for carnival no ground for terming Aadhaar illegal, says SC

IANS “My status gives me the New Delhi right to my entitlement. My identity has nothing to do with my entitlement. So how he Supreme Court yes- can there be a condition in law terday remarked that to deny me my rightful enti- Tthe mere possibility of tlement because my identity misuse cannot be the reason cannot be established except to declare the Aadhaar law by Aadhaar? Is this procedur- unconstitutional, after senior ally and substantively reason- advocate Kapil Sibal argued able?” he asked. that the information provided Sibal further told the court to the government can be pro- that Aadhaar is nothing but spectively misused. “right to information for the Justice D Y Chandrachud state” and that “information is said the possibility of misuse power and if the power is given is no ground to declare a law to state, it will use it like never unconstitutional, and for the before”. court to strike down a law pe- Aadhaar can’t identify titioners have to establish that whether a person is a terror- it is arbitrary. ist or a money launderer “un- Commencing his arguments less you have information of The Divja roundabout in Panaji, Goa wears a festive look ahead of Viva Carnival celebration, yesterday. The carnival to be held from February 10 to 13 will be celebrated on pleas challenging the con- the crime,” he said, adding in Mapusa, Margoa and Vasco da Gama. stitutional validity of the that there is no technology in Aadhaar scheme, Sibal argued the world which has not been before the fi ve-judge consti- misused. tution bench headed by Chief “The same technology can Justice Dipak Misra, that per- benefi t mankind, the same can sonal data is already out in the destroy it,” Sibal added. public domain. Meanwhile, the government “Once a genie is out of yesterday admitted that there the bottle, it cannot be put had been incidents of money back...,” he said, adding that being fraudulently withdrawn 33 infected with HIV after the whole procedure is wrong from bank accounts using the as there is no check in taking customers’ Aadhaar number. Aadhaar details. As per the information, at The bench is hearing chal- least six such cases had been lenges to the constitution- reported by four public sector al validity of the Aadhaar banks so far involving fraud of quack uses tainted syringe scheme on the touchstone of around Rs10.5mn, parliament the fundamental right to pri- was told. Agencies tients whether they had used “Patients have told us this has a sketchy healthcare record matter and will arrest the ac- vacy on a batch of petitions by “As per data reported by Lucknow common syringes, some of them man is about 35 years old and in a country whose spending on cused soon,” Singh said. former Karnataka High Court Public Sector Banks (PSBs), told us about a doctor they went would go around on a bicycle, medical care ranks among the Nath Singh informed that ef- judge K S Puttuswamy, Mag- there have been incidents of to who uses the same syringe on giving out pills and injections to lowest in the world as a percent- forts were on to arrest the quack. saysay awardee Shanta Sinha, money being fraudulently t least 33 people have all his patients.” treat colds, coughs and other ail- age of GDP. The aff ected persons have feminist researcher Kalyani withdrawn from bank ac- tested positive for HIV in Arun Pratap Singh, a Bangar- ments. Dozens of deaths from en- been admitted to the Kanpur Sen Menon and others. counts using the custom- Athe northern state of Ut- mau police offi cial, said an in- He is a quack,” Choudhary cephalitis in Uttar Pradesh last medical college and were being The government is creating ers’ Aadhaar number in a few tar Pradesh after an unqualifi ed vestigative fi le had been opened said. year led to a fi restorm of criti- counselled and treated there, the a “monolith, a system with no banks,” Minister of State for medical practitioner injected against the suspect doctor iden- Five of those infected were cism of the state’s Chief Minister minister said. choices,” Sibal, appearing for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla some of them with an infected tifi ed as Rajendra Kumar. children, mostly under the age of Yogi Adityanath, who took offi ce Offi cials informed that a one of the petitioners, argued, told the Rajya Sabha. syringe, a government offi cial Singh said Kumar had gone 12 years. early last year. medical camp was organised by saying it was collecting data to He said steps had been tak- said. into hiding and police were A shortage of doctors in In- Uttar Pradesh Health Minister the state’s health department destroy a person’s choice. en to prevent such cases and The 33 were confi rmed from searching for him. dia leads many patients to de- Sidharth Nath Singh told report- at Bangarmau in Unnao district “Identity is a matter of action also initiated against among 566 people tested at gov- He said the doctor could be pend on unqualifi ed practition- ers that the patients had been on February 3 and during Elisa proof but when we want to those responsible for the re- ernment-organised HIV screen- charged with carrying out a ers, many of whom work out of referred to the anti-retroviral and other confi rmatory tests, 40 state our identity, the State ported cases. ing camps on January 24, 25 and negligent act likely to spread in- hole-in-the-wall clinics in rural therapy centre in the nearby city persons were found to be infect- says we can do it only in one While two cases of fraudu- 27, according to S P Choudhary, fection of diseases, voluntarily areas. of Kanpur. ed by HIV. particular way. lent mapping of Aadhaar chief medical offi cer (CMO) of causing grievous harm by using The Indian Medical Associa- The therapy involves a com- Locals allege that the quack “The State tells me that in numbers were reported Unnao district. dangerous weapons or means, tion estimates that about 45% of bination of anti-retroviral drugs used to use one syringe for injec- order to get a certain service in Bank of India involving The camps were set up af- and practising medicine without the people in India who practice to suppress HIV and stop its pro- tions on every patient and pos- I am entitled to, I have to get Rs10.37mn, another two cases ter several suspected HIV cases having registration as a medical medicine have no formal train- gression. sibly infected others by a needle Aadhaar. It says I have no other surfaced in Syndicate Bank in- showed up during routine tests practitioner with the state gov- ing. ART also helps prevent trans- used on an Aids patient. choice. If I am a widow, Sched- volving Rs20.26mn. at the district hospitals in Ban- ernment. Critics have in the past mission of HIV. The minister said that the area uled Caste or Scheduled Tribe In both cases surfacing in garmau town in Unnai late last Choudhary said he was not blamed a lack of stringent crim- India had a total of 2.1mn where the incident took place community member, my caste the Bank of India, the govern- year, he added. sure how many of the 33 cases inal penalties that allow quacks people living with HIV at the has lots of truck drivers who stop certifi cate or my ration card or ment said fraudulent mapping “We ask HIV patients various were connected to Kumar, but to thrive. end of 2016, with new in- and use this area for sex. BPL card will not establish my of Aadhaar numbers was done things to know the source of in- that an investigation by a state Uttar Pradesh, India’s most fections that year totalling He said that awareness camps identity. Only an Aadhaar card by business correspondents or fection,” Choudhary said. government committee was populous state run by the rul- 80,000. will be organised there to pre- will do...,” he said. staff . “When we asked these pa- continuing. ing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), “We are investigating the vent this. Gunmen kill offi cer, free militant in hospital raid

Agencies tor General of Police Ghulam by the security forces in Kul- Srinagar Hassan Bhat said. gam district.” He said another officer was Police refuted media reports critically wounded in the au- that the escaped militant had wo gunmen opened fi re dacious daytime attack in the snatched the rifl e of a police- yesterday in a hospital heart of Kashmir’s capital man before escaping. Tin Jammu and Kashmir city. The area around the hospital where a Pakistani militant was Patients and hospital staff was sealed. Vehicles moving in brought for treatment, an of- panicked but none were in- the city were being searched to fi cial said, escaping with the jured. trace the escaped militant. high-profi le prisoner and kill- Bhat said a manhunt was All exit points from Srinagar ing a police offi cer in the daring underway to capture Jutt, an city were also sealed as vehicles assault. infl uential rebel who ranked going to urban and rural areas A manhunt is underway second in command of the were being checked. after the assailants stormed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) mili- The Pakistan-based militant the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh tant group at the time of his group is active in Kashmir, reg- Hospital in Srinagar and arrest. ularly staging armed assaults opened fire on police guard- “Jutt, a resident of Multan in on the roughly half a million ing Naveed Jutt, a Pakistani Pakistan, joined the LeT in 2011 soldiers. rebel imprisoned in the state and was active in the Kashmir LeT has been blamed for a since 2014. Valley for four years before he string of deadly attacks inside “The militants attacked the was arrested in Kulgam district India, most notably the Mum- policemen inside the hospital, last year,” police said. bai carnage in November 2008 killed one accompanying the “He was a close associate that left more than 160 people Pakistani prisoner, and fl ed on of Abu Qasim, the LeT com- dead in violence on the streets Policemen play bagpipes during a wreath laying ceremony for a slain colleague a motorcycle,” Deputy Inspec- mander, who was killed in 2015 of the fi nancial capital. in Srinagar yesterday. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 LATIN AMERICA

ECONOMY LEGAL CLAIM OBITUARY FINDINGS Venezuela sees massive Court overturns injunction Man ‘killed in Honduras Chile’s first female fighter UN rights rapporteur raps currency devaluation against live cattle exports police crackdown’ pilot dies aged 97 El Salvador on killings

Venezuela’s languishing currency, the bolivar, Brazil’s government has won a court decision A man was killed in Honduras when police Margot Duhalde, who flew Spitfires in World War Police and soldiers in El Salvador may have has officially slid 86.6% against the euro allowing the export of live cattle, overturning forcibly removed demonstrators blocking a II as Chile’s first female fighter pilot, has died committed extrajudicial killings and used according to a new auction of the European an injunction obtained by an animal rights road in protest against the disputed re-election at the age of 97, the government said. Duhalde excessive force in their battle against violent currency by Venezuela’s central bank. The group, the agriculture ministry said. “Victory for of President Juan Orlando Hernandez, rights smashed gender tradition in Chile by learning to street gangs in the central American country, auction saw the official value of a euro soar Brazilian farming. Exports freed,” Agriculture groups said. The man, identified as Ismael fly at age 16. Years later, she answered the call the United Nations said. Agnes Callamard, the from 4,146.13 bolivars in the last auction in Minister Blairo Maggi said announcing that Hernandez, “died when military police fired of French President Charles de Gaulle to fight UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary August 2017 to 30,987.50 bolivars now. No a Sao Paulo appeals court had allowed the live rounds,” said the co-ordinator of the non- the Nazis. A country girl from southern Chile or arbitrary executions, said her findings did not dollar auction has been held since September, export of any shipment of live cattle. The court governmental Committee for the Defence of of French Basque ancestry, Duhalde became indicate a state policy that came from above so the value of the greenback was not given by found that all the government’s export permits Human Rights in Honduras, Hugo Maldonado. her country’s first female pilot — and the only but rather the actions of a few members of the the central bank. The central bank rate set by fully complied with the laws, Maggi said. The The incident took place in Choloma, a town woman aviator to join the Free French Forces of security forces. Callamard was on a two-week the auctions, called the DICOM, is the official injunction to halt the export of live animals was 190kms north of the capital Tegucigalpa. A de Gaulle’s government in exile. “Ever since I can tour of El Salvador. “I have found a pattern of one used by the government as part of its granted by a lower court in Sao Paulo on behalf police spokesman said off icers were seeking remember, I wanted to fly,” she said last year. behaviour between security personnel that currency controls to prevent capital leaving of an animal rights group which argued that long- to verify information about the death they had “According to my mother, I started saying ‘plane’ could be considered as extrajudicial killings,” the crisis-hit country. distance shipping amounted to animal cruelty. received from various sources. before I could say ‘mummy.’” Callamard told a news conference. Rio carnival Macri meets relatives of missing sub crew parties attract crowds, but little funding

AFP He’s from a “bloco” called Or- Rio de Janeiro questra Voadora, or Flying Or- chestra, which launched in 2009 and now draws crowds of more magine putting on the big- than 100,000 to its parade. gest show in town, pulling “We were just 15 amateur mu- Iin hundreds of thousands sicians who played in various of people, but still wondering parades and we decided to create if you’ll be able to fund basic our own band,” Rodrigues said. things like loudspeakers. “We’ve had crazy growth.” That’s the odd situation facing Success, though, means ever Rio de Janeiro’s informal carni- higher costs, especially for sound val street parties called “blocos,” systems and the extra security which take over the Brazilian city needed to deal with large crowds. every year at this time and have Organisers raise money mostly grown far beyond their humble by taking their bands around the roots. country for fee-paying concerts Although much less known outside of carnival season. abroad than the colourful, or- They also look for private Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri and relatives of the 44 crew members of the missing at sea ARA San Juan submarine attend a meeting at the Casa Rosada ganised parades at the Sambod- sponsors, a goal that has become Presidential Palace in Buenos Aires yesterday. romo, the “blocos” are an equal- harder at a time of economic ly important part of the carnival slump in Brazil. “Everyone is a that turns Rio into the world’s volunteer here. biggest party before the start of We share the tasks,” said Rod- the Catholic period of Lent. rigues, who estimates the costs A total of 473 “blocos” will at around 70,000 reais ($21,700). have danced their way through “Last year was the fi rst time we Rio de Janeiro’s streets over Jan- didn’t have to pay from our own uary and February, some of them pockets.” performing twice, so that the to- Another popular “bloco,” tal number of parties is expected Quizomba, which was started in Pension bill short on to hit 600. 2001 by fi ve friends, holds pay- Bands playing mainly samba ing classes for drumming, with music and costumes are the about 2,000 students so far, said main constants. director Andre Schmidt. But otherwise each “bloco” “People have no idea how the has its own identity, ranging carnival is fi nanced. We’re the from one for dogs in fancy dress ones who take the party into the votes, says Temer aide to the mammoth Cordao da Bola streets but this year we won’t Preta, which attracts more than have any sponsors,” said the Congressional leaders said Congressional leaders said ernment was 40 votes short of a bulging budget defi cit that be able to govern Brazil next a million revellers, scheduled for founder of Multibloco, Thais that the plan to overhaul the that the plan to overhaul the the two-thirds super majority cost Brazil its investment grade year if spending reforms are not February 10. Bezerra. costly social security system costly social security system of 308 needed for approval. credit rating in late 2015. made.” To watch the extravaganza at At the Terreirada Cearense would never get through if it would never get through if it Economists said Brazil’s defi - Lawmakers returned from the Sambodromo, you need to “bloco,” Igor Conde said they was not voted on this month was not voted on this month “Nobody will be able to cit is unsustainable and mainly their recess on Monday to start pay anything between 10 and had borrowed 13,000 reais before lawmakers begin to fo- govern Brazil next year if driven up by pensions. In GDP debating the bill, which the 500 reais ($3-$155). ($4,036) to cover last year’s Reuters cus on the October general spending reforms are not terms it has more than dou- government plans to put to the However, the fact that “blo- budget shortfall. Brasilia election. made” bled between 2014 and 2017. vote after next week’s Carnival cos” don’t charge for entry Carnival brings a splurge of “We have made adjustments Offi cial fi gures released last holiday. means these laid-back events spending on hotels, restaurants to the bill to address legitimate Marun said he was confi dent month showed that the social Government whips were ne- are increasingly struggling to and other tourism staples in Rio. resident Michel Temer concerns and create softer rules that the bill would pass this security defi cit grew by 18.7% gotiating with lawmakers for pay the simplest bills. City hall says it expects about has appealed to Congress of transition. Now the time has month because there are be- in real terms in 2017, to a record further concessions to make Despite being annual fi xtures 3.5bn reais ($1.1bn) this year, up Pto approve his pension re- come to take a decision,” Temer tween 80 and 100 Congressmen 268.8bn reais ($82.49bn). the bill more palatable to the — and, some would argue, the from 3bn in 2017. form proposal to bring Brazil’s said in a message to Congress at who have not yet made up their “The pension vote must be in lower chamber. But they said real soul of carnival season — According to tourism offi cials budget defi cit under control, the start of the legislative year. minds. February. If we delay further, we important provisions such as “most ‘blocos’ began with no at Riotur, 6.5mn people take but a Cabinet minister said his His minister in charge of po- The postponement of a vote will never pass it,” lower house the introduction of a mini- more than a group of friends,” part in the festivities, including government still lacks some 40 litical aff airs, Carlos Marun, in December has raised doubts speaker Rodrigo Maia said at a mum age of retirement were said Tiago Rodrigues. 1.5mn tourists. votes to pass the unpopular bill. however, told reporters the gov- about Temer’s ability to rein in news conference. “Nobody will not on the table. Migrant deaths on Overpass collapses Bogota protests over Escobar restaurant

US-Mexico border rise AFP When AFP visited the res- Singapore taurant in the heart of Sin- gapore’s business district AFP 611,689 migrants apprehended etal or otherwise heavily decom- yesterday evening, patrons Geneva in 2016. posed on the border, so for many olombia has lodged occupied about a dozen ta- Fewer migrants thus appear to of the deaths we record we do not an angry complaint bles having post-work drinks, be making the perilous overland know the cause of death,” Julie Cwith Singapore over seemingly unaware of the he number of migrants journey to America from central Black, who co-ordinates IOM’s a restaurant in the city-state controversy. who died near the US- American and Mexico, in what Missing Migrant Project, said. named after drug kingpin Pa- Several bouquets stood on TMexico border rose in 2017 has widely been attributed to Gender can also be diffi cult to blo Escobar. stands by the door next to a even as the number of attempted harsh, anti-immigrant rheto- determine: while only 20 of last In a three-page letter to the decal of Escobar’s face, con- border crossings fell dramatical- ric from US President Donald year’s victims were determined foreign ministry dated Febru- gratulating the eatery on its ly, the United Nations’ migration Trump since he came to power in to be women, gender could not ary 2, the Colombian embassy recent opening. agency said yesterday. early 2017. be determined in more than 100 expressed “serious concern”, Owner Stan Sri Ganesh said Last year, 412 migrant deaths Migrants from central Amer- cases, Black said. saying the eatery was paying he decided on the name “sim- were recorded on either side of ica and Mexico willing to make Seven of the migrants who tribute to the “worst criminal ply because it had the word the border, up from 398 a year the dangerous trip risk being died last year were children, the in the history of Colombia”. ‘bar’ in it”. Several users have earlier, the International Organ- victimised by thieves, crimi- IOM numbers show. “The embassy of the Repub- posted abusive comments and isation for Migration said, add- nal gangs and traffi ckers who One major cause of death lic of Colombia wants to share sent threatening messages ing that 16 migrant deaths had sometimes take their money and among migrants along the bor- some information to refresh to the gastropub’s Facebook already been recorded in the area abandon them in desperate con- der in 2017 was the heavy rain- the horror that this criminal page, he said. so far in 2018. ditions on either side of the US fall early in the year that swelled caused in Colombia...not to “It was meant to be a pun... “The increase in deaths is es- border. the Rio Grande, making it more mention the drug addiction he we never expected the abuse.” pecially concerning, as the avail- Violence meanwhile does not treacherous to cross. promoted and the war he de- More than two decades af- able data indicate that far fewer appear to be a main cause of mi- In all, 91 of the migrants who clared,” the letter said. ter police shot Escobar dead migrants entered the US via its grant deaths near the border. died near the border last year “If the idea of the owner was in his stronghold of Medellin, border with Mexico in the last According to IOM statis- drowned, up from 67 in 2016, the to make his or her business the cocaine cartel leader was year,” Frank Laczko, head of IOM’s tics, only fi ve of the deaths re- IOM statistics show. look profi table and trendy, it is immortalised in the hit Netfl ix Global Migration Data Analysis corded last year were confi rmed Another 46 died from expo- A section of a busy roadway overpass collapsed in the centre inducing...confusion, because series “Narcos”. Centre, said in a statement. to be due to violence, such as sure and dehydration during of Brazil’s capital yesterday, plunging slabs of concrete on top Colombia is not what ‘Narcos- Escobar is still deeply popu- Last year, the US Border Patrol blunt force trauma and gunshot warm months, when tempera- of parked cars and an outdoor restaurant. Firemen rushed to Netfl ix’ portrays anymore.” lar in Medellin, where he is reported apprehending 341,084 wounds. tures often top 40 degrees Cel- the scene in Brasilia but there were no immediate reports of It said Colombia cannot regarded as a anti-hero — sou- migrants along the southwestern However, “there are a lot of sius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), people being killed, wounded or trapped. “tolerate any more tributes to venirs with his face on them do border — a 44% drop from the bodies recovered which are skel- while 18 died from hypothermia. that criminal.” brisk business. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 19 PAKISTAN US expresses Tensions with military desire to retain have eased: PM Abbasi relations with Internews another quote from the inter- bursements from the Coalition Islamabad view, saying: “We have had some Support Fund. Pakistan frank discussions – there’s much Despite the aid suspension, better understanding, it’s still an Pakistan wasn’t consider- akistani Prime Minister evolving relationship, there’s a ing closing US supply routes Internews ‘US could lift aid Shahid Abbasi has said consensus on most issues.” into landlocked Afghanistan, Islamabad Pthat after his predecessor Voicing scepticism over US he added. Pakistan, he said, suspension’ Nawaz Sharif’s disqualifi cation, President Donald Trump’s Af- would also continue intelligence The United States could tensions between the govern- ghan strategy, Abbasi said that co-operation with the US. he US-Pakistan rela- consider ending a suspen- ment and armed forces have Islamabad was ready to help Abbasi said that a growing re- tionship appears to have sion of security assistance to eased. mediate talks with the Taliban lationship with China shouldn’t Tsurvived yet another Pakistan, if it takes “decisive In an interview to a panel of because “at the end of the day stop Pakistan’s co-operation near-fatal blow as Washington and sustained” actions journalists from the Bloomb- the Afghans have to sit down with the US as these were not reaffi rmed that it had no desire against militant groups in the erg news agency, Abbasi said and talk”. mutually exclusive relationships to sever ties with Pakistan or country, the State Depart- there was no military solution “These are Afghan nationals and nobody wanted it to be so. launch military strikes inside ment’s No. 2 off icial said to the confl ict in Afghanistan. who were arrested inside Paki- He said that he believed the its territory. yesterday. He warned that little progress stan, they were not involved in relationship with China was The assurance about main- “We may consider lifting the would be made until all sides a terror attack on us otherwise more of a longer term “a deeper taining the bilateral relation- suspension when we see de- entered into peace talks. we would have prosecuted them relationship, the US is probably ship came from Deputy Secre- cisive and sustained actions In a report based on the inter- here, so we handed them back to more transactional”. tary of State John Sullivan, who to address our concerns, in- view, Bloomberg observed that the Afghans,” he said. Abbasi said that Pakistan had delivered this message to Af- cluding targeting all terrorist with elections scheduled in less Abbasi said that the hand- taken action against the chari- ghan not Pakistani leaders dur- groups operating within its than six months, the govern- ing over of over 27 Taliban and ties linked to Hafi z Saeed, who ing a visit to Kabul last week. territory, without distinction,” ment was “keen not to agitate Haqqani network insurgents to was released from house arrest “In my discussions with Deputy Secretary of State the military”. Afghanistan in November was a in Lahore in November. the Afghan government, we John Sullivan told the Senate Abbasi admitted that “there “routine” prisoner transfer.” In the last two to three months, focused on the relationship Foreign Relations Committee. was a lot of friction institution- About the US decision to sus- Pakistan had “more or less complied” between Afghanistan and Pa- The US government last ally that built up over the last pend security assistance to Pa- with sanctions against the Falah-i- kistan (and) the need for con- month said it was suspending year”. kistan, Abbasi said that US mili- Insaniat Foundation and Jamaatud tinued bilateral discussions at least $900mn in security The report, which describes tary funding was already “very Dawa, he said. More action against between them,” he said at a assistance to Pakistan until it the prime minister’s comments minimal” and Pakistan was still Saeed was unlikely as “we have no Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi: “There was a lot of friction recent State Department news takes action against the Af- as “relatively candid”, included owed billions of dollars in reim- charges against him,” he added. institutionally that built up over the last year.” briefi ng in Washington. ghan Taliban and the Haqqani “I also emphasised that the network militant groups. United States must continue to have its bilateral relationship Pakistan with Pakistan, both on its own if Pakistan came up during his terms and with respect to the discussion in Kabul, Sullivan urged to region, including Afghanistan.” did not only confi rm that it solve killing Political parties prepare The visit followed a series did but also talked about tell- of attacks in Kabul last week ing Afghan leaders that the US of Chinese which killed almost 150 peo- wanted to retain its relations ple and left the country ter- with both Afghanistan and national rorised. Sullivan was there [in Pakistan. for March 3 Senate polls Kabul] to assure the Afghan Last week, a senior US gen- hina yesterday government of continued US eral also assured Islamabad urged Pakistan support in the war against ter- that the US had no plans to Cto rapidly bring Internews When asked about how many gotten nomination forms for Soomro, Rukhsana Zuberi, rorism. conduct military operations perpetrators to justice Karachi assembly members are required the Senate elections which will Khalid Javed, son of senior During his two-day stay in inside Pakistan. after unidentifi ed gun- to elect a senator, the secretary be held on March 3. stalwart of party ND Khan and the Afghan capital, Sullivan “We actually don’t con- men shot at two Chinese said, the Election Commission Twelve senators from Sindh Kirshina Kolhi are among other met President Ashraf Ghani, template military operations nationals in the southern he Pakistan Sarzameen of Pakistan has not fi nalised the will be elected next month. Ac- names being considered for the Chief Executive Abdullah Ab- inside Pakistan,” US Joint Staff city of Karachi, killing Party (PSP) may become formula yet. cording to the election com- ticket. dullah and Foreign Minister Director Lt Gen Kenneth Mc- one of them, AFP reports Tthe only party in Sindh Not only these seven mem- mission schedule, the last date Meanwhile, the names of Salahuddin Rabbani as well as Kenzie said at a Pentagon news from Beijing. province to get the votes for its bers, but MQM’s Irum Azeem for fi ling of nomination papers Kamran Tessori, Dr Farogh other government leaders. briefi ng. The two Chinese were nominee in the Senate elections Farooq and PTI’s Hafeezuddin, is February 8 and the names of Nasim, Aminul Haq, Shabir “In all of his meetings, the At another news briefi ng, in their car in an upmar- without having a member in the who has formally joined the the nominated candidates will Qaimkhani, and Nasreen Jalil deputy secretary focused his US Central Command Chief ket area on Monday when provincial assembly. PSP, can also cast their votes in be displayed on February 9. are reportedly being considered discussions on the peace proc- Gen Joseph Votel said that the attackers in another The seven disgruntled Mut- the upcoming Senate elections. “After that, we will start the in MQM-Pakistan circles. ess, elections and inclusivity, while “we have had our dif- car opened fi re on their tahida Qaumi Movement “We are hopeful to get more scrutiny process which will According to the party posi- and advancing development ferences with Pakistan over vehicle, according to po- (MQM) – Pakistan lawmakers than what other people expect continue till February 12 and tion in Sindh Assembly which eff orts,” said a State Depart- the years on this, Pakistan lice, describing it as an who have resigned from their because many MQM-Pakistan the last date for withdrawal has 168 members, the PPP has ment statement issued after remains absolutely critical to apparent “targeted at- party and joined PSP are likely MPAs will also give their votes is February 19,” the election majority with 94 members, the the visit. the solution of the problem in tack”. to cast votes for Raza Haroon, a to our candidate, Raza Haroon,” commission spokesperson said. MQM has 50 (including its nine “He also reaffi rmed the Afghanistan”. One of the Chinese party nominee. PSP President Anis Qaimkhani As the senate elections are members who have joined other United States’ commitment to Sullivan in his statement re- suff ered two bullet Sources privy to the develop- said. approaching fast, people and parties, but their resignations working with the government fl ected US desire to continue wounds to his head and ment said that Shiraz Waheed, The spokesperson for MQM- diff erent political parties have have not yet been accepted), and the people of Afghanistan partnership with Pakistan and later succumbed to his Bilqees Mukhtar, Nadeem Razi, Pakistan, however, rejected the started lobbying to get tickets Pakistan Muslim League Func- to bring peace, security, and its interests in Afghanistan. injuries, the head of the Mohammad Dilawar, Irtiza Fa- notion. “Those who have left and make alliances for the Sen- tional has nine, PML-Nawaz sustained economic growth to “We have made clear to the government hospital rooqui, Muhammad Razaque our party and joined the PSP ate elections. seven, National Peoples Party Afghanistan and the region,” it Pakistani government our ex- said. and Abdullah Shaikh left MQM can’t cast their votes because In Sindh, the ruling Paki- one, PTI four (including Ha- added. pectations for them to take ac- “The consulate general but can still case their votes. we have challenged their legal stan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has feezuddin who has joined PSP) Sullivan’s statement at the tion against terrorists that are of China has sent offi cials “They have submitted their position in court following de- discussed various names for and one independent candidate news briefi ng, however, makes in sanctuaries in Pakistan to re- to the hospital and urged resignations, which have not laying tactics by the Sindh As- Senate positions. Senate Chair- Amir Hyder Shah has now joined it clear that Afghan leaders – duce the pressure and the threat the police to solve the yet been accepted by the speak- sembly speaker to accept their person Mian Raza Rabbani and PML-N. Two seats are vacant who blame Pakistan for last of violence in Afghanistan, and case as soon as possible er. They are entitled to cast the resignations,” he said. Murtaza Wahab will both retire after the deaths of Mir Hazar week’s attacks – also raised the to contribute to a lasting and and bring the criminals votes,” the Sindh Assembly sec- Around 109 people from dif- this March. Khan Bijarani and Sardar Ahmed issue [Pakistan] with him. enduring peace in Afghanistan to justice,” foreign min- retary said. ferent political parties have Moula Bux Chandio, Qasim Ali Pitafi , both of the PPP. When a reporter asked him and the region,” he said. istry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular briefi ng. The two Chinese were working for a shipping Child’s play company. Thousands of Chinese Fresh rules for lower engineers and techni- cians are working in Pa- kistan. China is ramping up investment as part of a courts sought $54bn project known as the China-Pakistan Eco- Internews lished by the World Justice In- on litigants and prosecution of nomic Corridor, upgrad- Islamabad dex and the World Bank’s Ease perjurers, stipulate maximum ing infrastructure, power of Doing Business Survey as time limit for diff erent kinds and transport links be- he Supreme Court of well as those conducted by the of suits, petitions and appeals tween its far-western Pakistan has been re- Supreme Court and many oth- and regulate alternative dis- Xinjiang region and Pa- Tquested to direct the ers reveal that the right of ac- pute resolution, in addition to kistan’s Gwadar port. Law and Justice Commis- cess to justice is being violated discipline the lawyers abusing Last October, Pakistan sion to devise for lower courts in Pakistan in a systematic and the process of the court. confi rmed the death of fresh rules stipulating maxi- wholesale manner. They also requested the two Chinese nationals mum time limit for deciding Litigants of all kinds who Supreme Court to order the who were kidnapped in suits, petitions and appeals and seek to enforce their right federal and provincial govern- the southwestern city also disclose the average time through courts face inordi- ments to submit a report on the of Quetta, months after courts and tribunals consume nate delays which cannot be total number of pending cas- the Islamic State group in handing down a decree, reasonably predicted. es, including suits, petitions, claimed it had killed order or judgement. The study conducted by the appeals and revisions. them. In a joint petition, legal Supreme Court on the direc- They said the registrars of When asked whether practitioners Umeer Ijaz Gi- tive of former chief justice Jaw- high courts should be directed Beijing was concerned lani, Attaullah Hakeem Kundi, wad S. Khawaja concluded that to furnish the total number of about the safety of its Muhammad Haider Imtiaz, it took an average of 25 years to prosecutions initiated and con- citizens in Pakistan, Raheel Ahmed and Hadiya conclude litigation in Pakistan. victions obtained under sections Geng noted Pakistan’s Aziz also sought a court or- Likewise, another study on 193-196 of the PPC by judges government and mili- der for the National Judiciary lower courts conducted by one under their superintendence tary have taken a se- Policy Making Committee to of the petitioners suggested over the past three years. ries of counterterror- revise the national judicial that the total shelf-life of an The petitioners argued that ism and social security policy on the basis of scien- average case in civil courts of the high court registrars should measures. tifi c assessment of the present Punjab was around 37.3 months also submit periodic reports “We support Paki- state of aff airs and its causes (more than three years) and on the steps taken by their stan’s relevant actions and submit it to the Supreme from institution onwards all rule committees to enforce the to safeguard national Court. the way to the passing of a de- fundamental right of access to security and we be- The petitioners said they cree, an average case required justice, and in case such com- lieve Pakistan will con- were personally aggrieved by around 58 hearings. mittees had not been consti- tinue to take measures the lack of enforcement of the The petitioners requested tuted or were insuffi ciently to safeguard the safety fundamental right of access the apex court to order the reg- active, they should be directed of Chinese institu- to justice as well as the loss of istrars of high courts to make to constitute the rules commit- tions and personnel in reputation of the judicial sys- fresh rules under Article 202 of tees, equip them with profes- Pakistan,” Geng said. Children play on a trampoline in a slum on the outskirts of Islamabad yesterday. tem in the eyes of the people. the Constitution and Section sional staff and convene their A number of studies pub- 122 of the CPC for imposing cost meetings on a regular basis. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 PHILIPPINES Duterte reneges on China deal, bans foreign research ships

Reuters “Let me be very clear about According to Pinol, Duterte Manila this: the Philippine Rise is ours said the navy should deploy ves- and any insinuation that it is sels to chase away any fi shing or open to everybody should end research vessels, and he wants hilippine President Rod- with this declaration,” Duterte the air force to patrol the area. rigo Duterte has banned all told a cabinet meeting on Mon- Presidential spokesman Harry Pforeign scientifi c research day, according to a Facebook Roque confi rmed Duterte’s or- off the country’s Pacifi c coast post by his Agriculture Secre- der, which he said was over a and told the navy to chase away tary, Emmanuel Pinol. The area “national security issue”. Roque unauthorised vessels, despite is roughly the size of Greece and gave no explanation as to why earlier allowing Chinese ocea- believed to be rich in biodiver- only a few weeks ago Duterte nographers to operate there. sity and tuna. Scientists from personally endorsed China’s There was no clear explana- the United States and Japan have research at Benham Rise to be tion for the about-face by the surveyed it numerous times. performed jointly with Filipino mercurial Duterte, who has cul- However, Chinese interest, in- scientists. tivated warm ties with China, cluding some 18 offi cial requests “Our sovereign right is un- ostensibly to attract loans and in 17 years, has caused concern questioned,” Roque told a regu- This handout photo released yesterday by the Philippine Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (DA-AFID) shows a investments and lessen Ma- among Philippine nationalists lar news briefi ng. Coast Guard ship sailing along Benham Rise, off the east coast of the main island of Luzon. nila’s dependence on the United mistrustful of its intentions af- “All licences are deemed can- States. The area of focus is Ben- ter decades of disputes and per- celled. There are no foreign In Beijing, Chinese Foreign east of the Philippines, though Pinol said the agriculture de- He said the president’s order ham Rise, which the United Na- ceived encroachments by Beijing entities conducting scientifi c Ministry spokesman Geng Sh- not around Benham Rise. partment had sent two research stemmed from a statement from tions in 2012 declared part of the in the South China Sea. research,” Roque said, adding uang said a Chinese scientifi c “China respects the Philip- vessels to monitor “foreign a “low-level diplomat of another Philippines’ continental shelf. Benham Rise is not in the that innocent passage would be ship, with four Philippine scien- pines’ sovereign and jurisdiction groups” and the military would country” who said the area does Manila last year renamed it South China Sea and Beijing has allowed, in accordance with in- tists on board, had recently com- rights over the relevant waters,” deploy unmanned aerial surveil- not belong to any country. “Philippine Rise”. made no claim to it. ternational law. pleted a scientifi c mission to the Geng told a daily news briefi ng. lance vehicles. He did not elaborate. Bulldozers crush sports cars in president’s graft warning

AFP Manila

hilippine President Ro- drigo Duterte watched Pbulldozers fl atten dozens of sports cars and other luxury vehicles yesterday as part of a drive to fi ght corruption at the country’s customs bureau. A Jaguar, a Lexus, a Corvette Stingray, and dozens of top-end German sedans and Japanese SUVs were crushed at a customs yard in the capital Manila. The vehicles were seized after they were smuggled in, authorities said. A total of 30 vehicles worth a combined 61.6mn pesos ($1.2mn) were scrapped in Ma- nila and two other cities on Du- terte’s orders The president has made fi ght- ing corruption and illegal drugs the cornerstones of his six-year President Rodrigo Duterte walks with Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapena (right) as they inspect luxury term. vehicles prior to destroying them at a ceremony at the customs yard in Manila, yesterday, after they were A bulldozer crushes luxury vehicles at a ceremony at the customs yard in Manila yesterday. “Reduce them to scrap met- seized for being smuggled illegally. al,” Duterte said in a speech to of the country’s most corrupt at the ceremony that he has re- Two other employees were customs employees after the and then auctioned with the problem,” Duterte said. The state’s key revenue-generating government agencies. assigned 691 of his some 7,000 dismissed and 16 others have event. Normally, seized smug- government taking the pro- Bureau of Customs collects du- agencies. It consistently tops Customs commissioner employees since he took office been suspended over alleged il- gled vehicles are impounded ceeds. “I will pay for them, no ties on imports and is one of the independent surveys as one Isidro Lapena said in a speech in August last year. legal activity, he added.

Infl ation reaches three-year highs aft er Three kids new tax measures Supreme Court Govt signs $233mn Inflation in the Philippines last month hit its highest level for copter deal with killed in more than three years due to President Rodrigo Duterte’s new tax measures and poor weather, backs martial law Canada to fi ght rebels grenade blast the economic planning agency said yesterday. Inflation in Janu- ary 2018 rose to an annualised AFP justices’ 10-5 vote to throw out law across the entire nation to Reuters etnam War-era UH-1H Huey DPA 4.0%, the highest since the 4.3% Manila the petition. fi ght crime and terrorism. Manila rotary aircraft, the workhorse Manila posted in October 2014, the “The rebellion that spawned Martial law is an extremely of the Philippine Air Force. National Economic and Develop- the Marawi incident persists,” sensitive issue in the Philip- The Philippines acquired ment Authority said. Duterte in he Philippine Supreme it added, saying public safety pines, after dictator Ferdinand he Philippines signed a those from the United States. hree children were killed December signed a tax reform law Court yesterday ap- required the extension. Marcos used military rule to deal with Canada yes- Defence Secretary Delfin in a southern Philippine known by its acronym TRAIN and Tproved a one-year ex- Hundreds of gunmen ram- hold on to power a generation Tterday to buy 16 com- Lorenzana signed the nego- Tprovince when a grenade aimed at raising funds for his mas- tension of President Rodrigo paged through the city of Ma- ago. Opponents argued that bat utility helicopters worth tiated government contract they were playing with explod- sive spending programme for new Duterte’s martial law decree rawi in May last year in what extended martial law violated a $233.36mn, as the military with the Canadian Commer- ed, an army spokesman said yes- roads, railways, ports and airports. covering the southern third authorities said was part of an constitutional provision limit- prepared to step up opera- cial Corp, which was licensed terday. It included a rise in the excise tax of the country, a ruling which attempt to establish a South- ing the initial period to 60 days. tions against hardliners and to sell the American military The children, aged 1, 3 and on coal, the fuel that runs almost a critic described as a blow to east Asian base for IS in the However yesterday’s Su- communist rebels. aircraft. It was the second 12, were seen playing with and half the country’s power plants, human rights. mainly Catholic Philippines. preme Court ruling said the The Bell 412EPI helicop- time the Philippines has ac- throwing the M203 grenade and tax increases on tobacco Duterte initially imposed A US-backed military cam- constitution was “silent” on ters will be delivered early quired Bell helicopters. launcher ammunition at the ter- products, automobiles, petroleum military rule across Mindanao paign took fi ve months to de- how many times Congress may next year as President Rod- In 2014, it bought eight race for their house in Lianga products and even sweetened — home to about 20mn people feat the militants, with the bat- extend martial law. rigo Duterte re-focuses the lower variant of the aircraft town in Surigao del Sur province beverages. “The push in inflation is — in May last year, when the tle claiming more than 1,100 The Supreme Court added armed forces modernisa- for 4.8bn pesos. on Monday night. partly due to TRAIN, considering military was fi ghting a deadly lives and leaving large parts of that claims of rights violations tion programme to tackle The Philippines is spend- “After a few minutes, the resi- particularly the excise on fuel and uprising by pro-Islamic State Marawi in ruins. under martial law were “spec- growing domestic threats as ing 125bn pesos for the next dents heard an explosion,” said additional ‘sin’ taxes,” Economic group militants in Marawi city. Duterte declared in October ulative”. Maoist fighters and pro-Is- five years to modernise its First Lieutenant Michael Pascua, Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia Congress later endorsed his that the city was “liberated” An Amnesty International lamic State extremists try to armed forces, but putting spokesman for an army infantry said in a statement. Rising food plan to prolong martial rule and military chiefs said mili- report in November said troops regroup. priority on equipment and battalion. and non-alcoholic beverage prices across the region until the end tant leaders, including the IS detained and tortured civilians “The helicopters will be armaments for internal secu- “When they checked the lo- along with a series of typhoons of 2018. But rights campaign- leader in Southeast Asia, had trying to fl ee Marawi. used for the military’s inter- rity operations to defeat do- cation of the blast, they found late last year that crimped supplies ers, warning of a looming dic- been killed. Opposition lawmaker Edcel nal security operations,” Ma- mestic threats as well protect the three lifeless bodies of the of farm products, led to the higher tatorship, asked the Supreme But authorities have said Lagman, who was among those jor-General Restituto Padilla, its maritime borders. victims lying on the fl oor,” he inflation in January, he added. The Court in December to block the that those who escaped are who fi led the petition, said yes- military chief of plans, told It is also acquiring three added. January figure remained within extension. regrouping and recruiting in terday’s ruling would lead to a Reuters, adding the aircraft frigates from South Korea, Pascua said initial investiga- the government’s 2.0 to 4.0% infla- “The President and Con- Mindanao. derogation of civil liberties. could also be used for search- air defence radars from Is- tions showed the explosive am- tion target for the whole of 2018. gress had suffi cient factual Duterte, who is also waging “The Supreme Court ver- and-rescue and disaster relief rael, armoured vehicles, a munition was found by one of The Philippines posted 3.2% infla- bases to extend (martial rule)”, a deadly drug war throughout dict will embolden President operations. long-range patrol aircraft the victims’ fathers two years tion for 2017. the court said in a statement the country, has repeatedly Rodrigo Duterte in fl outing The helicopters would re- and assault rifles and grenade ago. The father is not a member yesterday, summarising the warned he may impose martial the rule of law,” Lagman said. place the second-hand Vi- launchers from Russia. of the military or police. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Resistance figures fight back on social media As security forces surrounded his home shortly after a state of emergency had been declared Maldives court revokes in the Maldives, 80-year-old ex- president Abdul Gayoom deftly hit social media to tell the world of his impending arrest, AFP reports from Hong Kong. The government quickly sought to control the flow of information out of the famed Indian Ocean holiday order to free prisoners islands following its declaration late Monday night, according AFP cratic Party (MDP) said the U- to local media outlets and the Malé turn of the Supreme Court was Committee to Protect Journalists, due to pressure brought on the an international watchdog. three judges. However, Gayoom, opposition he Maldives’ highest “Yameen has used coercion politicians and even the Supreme court yesterday revoked to get the original decision re- Court, gave a blow-by-blow Tan order to release nine voked,” MDP spokesman Hamid account of the dramatic events via high-profi le political prison- Abdul Ghafoor said. Twitter, Periscope and other social ers a day after President Ab- The Maldives’ top judge was media platforms. dulla Yameen declared a state of arrested yesterday as security Moments after posting a tweet emergency and arrested two top forces stormed the Supreme stating that “a large number” of judges. Court at dawn. police had converged on his home, The remaining three judges The detention of Chief Justice Gayoom calmly delivered a live of the Supreme Court said in a Abdulla Saeed and another Su- video message that was aired by statement they were rescinding preme Court judge dramatically an opposition politician on her the order to release the prisoners raised the stakes after Yameen Periscope account. “in light of the concerns raised refused to comply with the “Right now, police are here to by the president”. court’s order to release political arrest me. I remain steadfast in my “The Supreme Court bench dissidents. resolve,” Gayoom said in a quiet hereby rescinds number 5 of its It was the latest twist in a po- voice. order to release the individuals,” litical battle that has plunged “I don’t know what charges they it said. the tiny Indian Ocean nation have against me. I have not done The court’s original decision into crisis and sparked a strong anything to be arrested. I urge you signed by all fi ve judges of the US protest. to remain steadfast in your resolve apex court on February 1 had Several countries have warned too,” he added. quashed a terrorism conviction against travel to the upmarket “We will not give up on the against former president and holiday paradise, which depends reform work we are doing. I wish opposition leader Mohamed heavily on tourism, at the peak all Maldivians success. Remain Nasheed, among others. of the season. courageous and I pray Allah The shock decision of the Yameen, facing threats from a almighty to direct us to the right court in support of the political galvanised political opposition path.” dissidents was seen as clearing to impeach him for alleged cor- When the Maldives’ top judge was the way for Nasheed to end his ruption, had earlier ordered a This handout image received from the Mihaaru newspaper shows opposition supporters outside the Supreme Court in Male after Maldivian arrested on Tuesday, off icials from self-imposed exile and return to shutdown of parliament. President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency, yesterday. the Supreme Court similarly fought the country to contest elections In a televised address to the back via social media. later this year. nation, the president accused The 80-year-old president for acting illegally and called on the been in exile since 2016 when the move and called on Yameen “BREAKING NEWS: THE The move also included an or- the judges of being part of a plot 30 years until the country’s fi rst US and India to step in and help he travelled to the UK for medi- to comply with the rule of law. NATIONAL DEFENSE FORCES OF der for the government to restore to overthrow him. democratic elections in 2008 – remove him from offi ce. cal treatment and was granted The United Nations, Australia, THE MALDIVES HAVE BROKEN the seats of 12 legislators sacked “I had to declare a national was taken from his home in the “President Yameen has illegal- asylum there. Britain, Canada, India and the INTO THE SUPREME COURT OF for defecting from Yameen’s emergency because there was capital Male around midnight on ly declared martial law and over- He has repeatedly accused US had welcomed the court’s THE MALDIVES,” said a post on @ party, giving the opposition the no other way to investigate these Monday, hours after the govern- run the state. We must remove Yameen of corruption and decision last week, while UN judiciarymv, the off icial account majority in the assembly and judges,” he said. ment announced a 15-day state him from power,” said Nasheed, pledged to return from exile and Secretary General Antonio Gu- of the country’s top court. meaning they could potentially “We had to fi nd out how thick of emergency. the fi rst democratically elected run for president in elections due terres at the weekend called for After authorities detained Chief impeach the president. the plot or coup was.” “I have not done anything to be leader of the Maldives, in a state- to be held later this year, after the “restraint”. Justice Abdulla Saeed and But Yameen refused to com- Yameen has presided over an arrested,” Gayoom said in a video ment issued yesterday. Supreme Court last week quashed The escalating crisis has also another Supreme Court judge, it ply with the order and instead escalating crackdown on dissent message to supporters posted on “We would like the Indian his terrorism conviction. led several countries including was unclear who had control of declared a 15-day state of emer- since he came to power in 2013, Twitter. government to send an en- Yesterday, he said he was call- the US and China to advise their the account. gency in the honeymoon islands, battering the image of the up- “I urge you to remain steadfast voy, backed by its military, to ing on India to send troops to the citizens against travelling to the “This is to inform that the giving sweeping powers to secu- market holiday paradise. in your resolve too. We will not free the judges and the political strategically located archipelago, Maldives. Supreme Court of the Maldives rity forces to arrest and detain On Monday he ordered the ar- give up on the reform work we detainees.” which has grown increasingly Last year nearly 1.4mn foreign continues to function under the individuals while curtailing rest of his estranged half-broth- are doing.” Nasheed was jailed in 2015 close to regional rival China un- holidaymakers visited the tiny guidance of the Judicial Council,” the powers of the judiciary and er and former president Mau- The exiled leader of the Mal- after he was convicted on a ter- der Yameen’s leadership. nation of 1,190 coral islets famed another tweet on the account parliament to impeach him. moon Abdul Gayoom, who had dives opposition, Mohamed rorism charge widely seen as The United States said it was for its pristine and secluded said. Nasheed’s Maldivian Demo- sided with the main opposition. Nasheed, accused Yameen of politically motivated. He has “troubled and disappointed” by beaches. Gayoom, president for 30 years until the country’s first democratic elections in 2008 and Yameen’s estranged half-brother, was detained after he sided with the opposition. Bangladesh bans protests The New York-based Committee Diplomat suspended over to Protect Journalists released a statement after the state of emergency was declared ahead of Khaleda’s verdict condemning what it said was throat-slitting gesture a government “attack” on the AFP she was convicted. silencing them.” press. Dhaka Her party says the charges A police spokesperson “Authorities in the Maldives AFP authorities who have promised hated military uniform ran against the two-time prime could not confi rm the number must immediately stop trying Colombo reconciliation after decades of a finger across his neck... a minister are politically of arrests. to exert control over the media ethnic civil war. gesture that he would slit our angladesh police motivated. Prothom Alo, the country’s and access to information,” “Authorities in Sri Lanka have necks,” one of the participants banned street protests “I hereby declare that no largest circulation Bengali Steven Butler, the CPJ’s Asia Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry taken serious note of videos wrote on the protest Byesterday ahead of a processions – by standing up daily, put the number of ar- programme co-ordinator, said yesterday suspended being circulated... involving the organisers’ website. verdict against opposition or sitting down – will be al- rests at more than 1,100 in- in a statement. a senior diplomat for minister counsellor behaving The rebels – known as leader Khaleda Zia, whose lowed on the roads that block cluding 431 on Monday alone. “The Maldives should abide by its threatening to slit the throats in an off ensive manner,” the the Tamil Tigers – were party says more than a thou- public or vehicular move- Senior BNP offi cials in- constitutional commitment to the of minority Tamils protesting ministry said. crushed in a no-holds-barred sand of its activists have been ments,” Dhaka Police chief cluding former minister freedom of speech.” outside its High Commission Fernando, who is a brigadier, off ensive that sparked detained. Asaduzzaman Mia said in a Amanullah Aman are among The Maldives Broadcasting in London. was involved in fighting during widespread allegations that Zia, 72, may face up to life statement. those arrested. Commission warned media Minister counsellor the bloody finale to the island’s as many as 40,000 Tamil in prison if found guilty to- BNP spokesman Ruhul Political demonstrations outlets last week they could be Priyanka Fernando, who Tamil separatist war in 2009, civilians were killed by morrow on charges of embez- Rizvi said police were raiding by Zia’s centre-right BNP and shut down if they were deemed is also a serving off icer when Sri Lankan troops were security forces. zling $252,000. homes and offi ces of opposi- its Islamist allies in 2014 and a threat to national security, in the Sri Lankan army, accused of massive human The current government, Her Bangladesh National- tion activists and supporters 2015 left nearly 200 people according to the CPJ. was relieved of his duties rights abuses. which came to power in ist Party (BNP) says police to detain them. dead. Twenty-four-hour news channel pending a disciplinary The Tamil protesters in London January 2015, has promised and other security forces have “The government is turn- A conviction could restrict RaajjeTV said yesterday on inquiry over Sunday’s were demonstrating against to investigate the alleged detained more than a thou- ing the country into a police Zia’s participation in elec- Twitter it indeed feared such a incident. the continued occupation atrocities and release sand of its activists and of- state,” he said, saying police tions to be held at the end of fate. Videos of Fernando making of private Tamil land in the private land occupied by fi cials in a nationwide crack- have so far detained nearly this year. “RaajjeTV shutdown... imminent. throat-slitting gestures were island’s war-scarred north, nine the military in former war down before the verdict. 1,200 BNP activists since The BNP boycotted 2014 Will continue to work for the shared widely on social media, years after the end of fighting. zones, but progress has Dhaka Metropolitan Police January 30. polls but is expected to con- people of the Maldives till the last embarrassing Sri Lankan An off icer “wearing the much- been slow. said it feared opposition par- “They are hijacking the test the upcoming general minute,” it tweeted. “We have no ties could “create anarchy” if people’s right to protest by election. security.” Bangladesh PM calls for joint OIC Nepal to ban vehicles older than 20 years eff orts to tap tourism opportunities to tackle pollution

By Mizan Rahman “There are numerous scopes “There are numerous scopes ices, and a large consumer com- “Bangladesh continues to DPA the roads,” said Birendra Ba- Dhaka and opportunities around us to and opportunities around munity, it has a huge potential maintain friendly relations with Kathmandu hadur Swar, a spokesman of work together for the better- us to work together for the to develop faith-based Islamic all OIC member-states and plays the department of transport ment and welfare of the people betterment and welfare of the products and services. signifi cant role to uphold Mus- management. angladesh Prime Minister of Muslim Ummah. In view of people of Muslim Ummah and “These products and services lim solidarity in pursuit of the epal will ban from The rule exempts taxis. Sheikh Hasina yesterday the current global scenario, the in view of the current global have become popular even in the great Islamic values of fraternity, the roads vehicles “We will check the vehi- Bsaid tourism is one of the relationship among the OIC scenario, the relationship non-Muslim communities. We justice, cohesion and inclusion Nolder than 20 years cles and if they are 20 years areas where Islamic countries member-states should be based among the OIC member-states should work together to preserve as a whole,” she said. across the country in a bid old, then they won’t be al- can work together to explore on mutual trust, understanding should be based on mutual and conserve the Islamic culture Terming Bangladesh as an to control worsening air lowed to drive. We hope this greater opportunities and po- and co-operation,” she said. trust, understanding and co- and heritages,” she added. ideal place for tourism the prime quality and to ease traffi c will help reduce pollution tential. Bangladesh Minister for Civil operation” Hasina said travel and tourism minister said the country has a congestion, offi cials said and ease traffi c across the “Tourism is the fastest grow- Aviation and Tourism Shajahan have occupied a signifi cant por- lot of resources for developing yesterday. country,” he said. ing sector greatly contributing Kamal presided over the func- sentative of UN World Tourism tion with other Islamic products tourism industry. The government decision, Authorities have also to economy and employment tion. Organisation (UNWTO), also and services. “Islamic fi nance, Cox’s Bazar, the longest un- which followed a similar cam- banned cars from core parts across the world. Tourism is one OIC Secretary General Yousef spoke on the occasion. halal foods, pharmaceuticals broken beach in the world with paign in the capital Kathman- of Kathmandu to reduce of the areas where we have great- bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen at- Hasina said Islamic economy and cosmetics and tourism are the longest marine drive, the du a year ago, will throw out congestion. er opportunities and potential to tended the function as guest of has become a new phenomenon. some of the growing sectors of Sundarbans, the largest man- around 5,000 ageing vehicles, The global Environ- work together,” she said while honour while tourism ministry “It continues to grow and be op- the Islamic economy. In order to grove forest in the world and the including buses, trucks and mental Performance Index inaugurating the 10th session of secretary Ghulam Farooque gave erated by the Muslim commu- develop these sectors, member- home of the Royal Bengal Tiger pickups. released early last month the Islamic Conference of Tour- welcome address. nity around the world. Because states of OIC need enhanced co- and Kuakata, the daughter of the “After mid-March, vehicles ranked Nepal’s air quality ism Ministers (ICTM) in Dhaka Chairperson of the 9th Ses- of the universal acceptability of operation and partnerships both sea, are the great attractions for that are older than 20 years as one of the worst in the yesterday. sion of ICTM (Niger), repre- the Islamic products and serv- in public and private sectors. the tourists. will not be allowed to drive on world. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Illegal siege constitutes grave Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko violation of human rights P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] QNA 44350478 (News), New York 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) atar has stressed that the illegal measures taken by the 44350474 siege countries constitute facebook.com/gulftimes Qa grave violation of civil, economic and social rights as they have twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar had a negative impact on the lives of thousands. This came in a speech delivered by Najat Daham al-Abdullah, Director of the Family Aff airs Department GULF TIMES at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs before the 56th session of the Commission for Social Development on item 3 (b) entitled “Review of United Nations plans and programmes of Crypto buff s action relating to situation of social groups”. She said that while Qatar devotes its eff orts to implementing plans and beware: Bitcoin programmes for the success of the social development process at the national level and working in a spirit of co-operation and co-ordination with international institutions to achieve is in trouble the goals of the United Nations Plan for Sustainable Development 2030, the State’s policy in this area faces a serious Bitcoin, which accounts for more than one-third of the challenge as a result of the siege and the $280bn cryptocurrencies market, is in trouble. illegal measures against the Qatar since Since reaching a record high of $19,511 on December June 5, 2017. Najat Daham al-Abdullah, Director of the Family Aff airs Department at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and These measures constitute a grave Social Aff airs. 18 shortly after the introduction of regulated futures violation of civil, economic and social contracts in the US, bitcoin has wiped out more than half rights, including the prohibition of in line with the Plan of Sustainable founded in 2008, a social institution She referred to the important its value amid waves of negative news. Setbacks included the entry of Qatari nationals into the Development 2030, adopted in 2015, that supports activities aimed at role played by the Ministry of escalating regulatory threats from authorities around the territories of the countries imposing Goals, in terms of goals, visions and creating employment opportunities and Administrative Development, Labour such measures, and to prevent nationals mechanisms. allowing young people in the Arab world and Social Aff airs in achieving the world including India, South Korea, China and the US; a of those countries from travelling to or With Qatar’s belief in the importance to participate and engage in economic vision of Qatar 2030, which aims record $500mn heist at a Japanese exchange, fears of price residing in Qatar. of promoting and protecting human and social development. at achieving the goals of the 2030 manipulation and Facebook’s ban on cryptocurrency ads. These unilateral measures have rights, the State had made great eff orts Qatar signed a memorandum Sustainable Development Plan. To be sure, the fi nancial world is growing warier of the had a negative impact on the lives of to create an enabling environment for of understanding on September She also noted the role played by highly volatile digital currencies amid growing bubble thousands of women, children and men, the development of all segments of 18, 2017 with the United Nations the Qatar Foundation for Social Work she noted, adding that they have cut off society, including youth, persons with Office for Combating Terrorism and as a higher institution that embraces warnings. family ties, deprived hundreds of Qatari disabilities, the elderly and the family, Silatech Foundation to strengthen several institutions, strategies and Banks in Britain and the US have banned the use of students of their right to continue their as the basic unit of society, in addition the capacities of young people in the policies, providing technical support, credit cards to buy bitcoin and other cryptos fearing a education at universities, the right to to the State’s keenness to integrate their Arab and Islamic region to recruit and contributing to the proposal and plunge in their value will leave customers unable to repay work was also aff ected for many of the issues into all national development launch projects to prevent them from development of legislative instruments, citizens of the siege countries working plans and strategies, and to establish violent extremism. and expanding eff ective partnerships their debts. in Qatar who were forced to return and support social institutions that The promotion and protection of with government departments, private Some banks are now stepping up scrutiny over its home, and other rights and freedoms provide high quality services to these the rights of persons with disabilities sector institutions and civil society employees dealings with cryptocurrencies, including such as freedom of ownership and categories, she noted. is a matter of great concern in Qatar, organisations in the fi eld of social trading. Many banks freedom of movement. She said that in the light of the role one of the fi rst countries to ratify the development. have also stayed She said that despite the negative that young people could play in society, Convention on the Rights of Persons The Doha International Family Bitcoin is the economic impact of the blockade, the State paid special attention to with Disabilities in 2008. Institute (DIFI), which has consultative away from off ering the government of Qatar has them and made continuous eff orts to “We have come a long way in this status with the Economic and Social “biggest bubble in cryptocurrency trades striven from the beginning to take promote their important role in the area. Actions and measures at the Council of the United Nations, was for their clients. comprehensive measures to mitigate development and to provide them legislative and executive level to ensure one of the leading institutions to human history” Eight years since the humanitarian and social impact with an environment conducive to that the issues and needs of persons raise awareness of the role of the of these unilateral measures and to creativity and innovation, by investing with disabilities are integrated into all family in social development and the birth of bitcoin, central banks around the world are provide basic requirements for citizens in their abilities through excellent development policies and programmes, the achievement of sustainable increasingly compelled to address the potential upsides and all residents of the country without education and training programmes with a view to overcoming the obstacles development goals and to enrich the and downsides of digital currencies. However, their exception. as well as to expand the horizons of facing them, enhancing their access to work of the sessions of the Commission approaches have been extremely contrasting. Najat Daham al-Abdullah, Director their participation in public life and all services and facilitating their daily for Social Development through of the Family Aff airs Department decision-making and employment lives and ensuring that any obstacles research, briefi ngs and side events, In The Federal Reserve hasn’t been overtly enthusiastic at the Ministry of Administrative opportunities for them, she referred to their participation in public life are co-operation with the Economic and about the idea of a central-bank issued answer to bitcoin; Development, Labour and Social to the establishment of the Youth removed”, she said. Social Commission for Western Asia the European Central Bank has repeatedly warned about Aff airs, added that the attention of the Advisory Committee in 2017, which She pointed out that Qatar is one (ESCWA), organised a meeting in Doha the dangers of investing in digital currencies, while China Commission for Social Development aims to promote a culture of dialogue of the leading countries in the fi eld of in March 2018 on the social protection has cracked down on private digital issuers, banning to the eradication of poverty refl ects and participation among young people integrating persons with disabilities of the family, she added. the international community’s and enable them to express their in society, both in the education and Najat Daham al-Abdullah, exchange trading of bitcoin and others. determination to achieve this goal, views and aspirations, and activate healthcare system and the labour concluded by reiterating that the There’s, however, a new area of excitement about which is a fundamental pillar of their leadership and creative skills market in the public and private sectors, delegation of Qatar will continue bitcoin. Blockchain — the technology used for verifying the goals of the 2030 Sustainable to encourage them to participate in as well as in the fi eld of sports through its policy of achieving social and recording transactions that’s at the heart of bitcoin Development Plan. community activities by raising self- organising competitions for persons development goals at the national She said that Qatar has been awareness and a sense of responsibility. with disabilities and encouraging and international levels, expanding — is seen as having the potential to reshape the global achieving this goal from an early stage She stressed that the State co- their participation in sports activities partnerships with the United Nations fi nancial system and possibly other industries. More than which is based on Qatar Vision 2030 operates with the civil society including World Cup 2022, which we and initiatives to improve the 100 banks including Barclays Bank and JPMorgan Chase adopted in 2008, which refl ects the organisations on youth, including strive to be inclusive and accessible to situation of the needy, especially in & Co have joined the R3 consortium, created to fi nd ways vision of the leadership of the State the Silatech Foundation, which was all including people with disabilities. the least developed countries. to use blockchain as a decentralised ledger to track money transfers and other transactions. Nasdaq is already using blockchain for trading securities in private companies; it is also being tested by retailers like Wal-Mart Stores for ensuring food safety. For all the brighter scope, there is a conspicuous dark side. Bitcoin rose to prominence with Silk Road, a marketplace for weapons, drugs and other illicit goods, and some cryptos are still being used for such sales even after Silk Road was shut down. It’s also the currency of choice for ransomware hackers, who have invaded millions of computers across the world. Bitcoin is the “biggest bubble in human history,” said “Dr Doom” Nouriel Roubini. There are more than 1,300 cryptocurrencies and “most of them are even worse” than the largest digital token, he said. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co, has termed bitcoin as a “fraud” that’s destined to unravel gradually. Amid concerns over transparency, the jury is still out on whether bitcoin is a growing bubble, or a sustainable investment asset. But the crypto’s boom-and-bust wild ride off ers yet another historical lesson to a discerning investor: Any windfall return that defi es fundamental market wisdom is bound to end up in a crash.

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© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Gulf Times Wednesday, February 7, 2018 23 COMMENT China’s irresistible rise

By Jim O’Neill Of course, such an achievement London would be driven largely by China. Still, taken together, the remaining BRICs are larger than Japan. And now that hina’s recently released GDP Brazil and Russia have put their recent data for 2017 confi rm it: the recessions behind them, the BRICs country’s dramatic rise, with will likely make a large contribution to Cthe concomitant increase in nominal global GDP in 2018. its global economic relevance, is not One fi nal consideration for the global slowing down. growth outlook is the Chinese consumer. To be sure, there has been fresh Many commentators still discuss China media chatter about the reliability as if it were solely an industrial power. of Chinese data, owing to reports But consumption in China has crept that some provinces have been up nearly to 40% of GDP. Since 2010, overestimating their economic Chinese consumers have added around performance in recent years. But for $2.9tn to the world economy. That is all we know, other provinces may have bigger than the United Kingdom’s entire been doing the opposite. And in any economy. British trade negotiators case, the provinces that have admitted should take note: after Brexit, the to infl ating their data are not large Chinese market will be more important enough to have a signifi cant impact on to the UK economy than ever. the national picture. Yet, in addition to its annualised Moreover, two key points are often data, China also recently reported lost in the debate about China’s offi cial its December data, which revealed statistics, which the country fi rst monthly reported-retail-sales growth starting releasing in the late 1990s. of a slightly disappointing 9.4% First, the debate is relevant only if year-on-year. One hopes that this China is increasing the degree to which is a refl ection not of a consumption it overestimates its data. Second, slowdown, but rather of Chinese China’s published data should be policymakers tightening fi nancial considered in the context of its trading conditions in the second half of 2017. partners’ own fi gures, as well as those Needless to say, as China becomes of major international companies increasingly important to the global that do business in China. As I have economy, its upside and downside written before, it is telling that China risks will continue to have far-reaching has overtaken both France and the implications for the rest of the world. United States to become Germany’s And, indeed, a consumption slowdown top trading partner. would be bad not just for China, but As for the annualised 2017 data, also for the rest of the world economy, most of the media focus has been China’s total economic output grew to $12.7tn in 2017, representing a massive increase of 13% ($1.5tn) in just 12 months. which is now depending on China’s shift on China’s reported real (infl ation- from industrial production to domestic adjusted) GDP growth, which, at 6.9%, $12.7tn in 2017, representing a massive useful. Not only has China averted the catch up to Japan. Yet 2018 has barely it essentially created a new economy consumption. – Project Syndicate represents the fi rst acceleration in a increase of 13% ($1.5tn) in just 12 risk of defl ation; it has done so with an started, and already China’s economy the size of South Korea, twice the size couple of years and an improvement months. appreciating currency. is two-and-a-half times larger than of Switzerland, and three times the zJim O’Neill, a former chairman of even on the government’s soft target Clearly, those who have warned When my former Goldman Sachs Japan’s, fi ve times larger than India’s, size of Sweden. The latest data suggest Goldman Sachs Asset Management rate of 6.5%. But the more important that China is following in Japan’s colleagues and I fi rst started tracking six times larger than Brazil’s, and eight that China could catch up to the US, in and a former UK Treasury Minister, fi gure is China’s nominal GDP growth footsteps and heading for a long-term the rise of the BRIC economies (Brazil, times larger than Russia’s. It is also nominal terms, sometime around 2027, is Honorary Professor of Economics translated into US dollars. Owing defl ationary cycle have been far off Russia, India, and China) in the early larger than the entire eurozone. if not before. Within a decade after at Manchester University and former partly to a strengthening renminbi, the mark. To my mind, such simplistic 2000s, we fi gured that it would take China’s staggering $1.5tn expansion that, the BRIC countries collectively Chairman of the British government’s China’s total economic output grew to comparisons are never particularly until the end of 2015 just for China to in 2017 means that, in nominal terms, could catch up to the G7 economies. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance.

How to beat addiction to digital technology Three-day forecast TODAY brains have been trained to allot a Maximum Temperature : 240c By Oliver Burkeman Minimum Temperature : 150c New York substantive portion of our ‘automatic attention’ to our smartphones.” Every THURSDAY time I use the phone for something Maximum Temperature : 260c ecently, I bought a piece indisputably meaningful, such as Minimum Temperature : 160c of digital technology to tending to a friendship, I’m reinforcing FRIDAY help me conquer my low- the allure of all its other functions, Maximum Temperature : 260c Rlevel addiction to digital most of which aren’t. Minimum Temperature : 140c Stop racing. You’ll still get there just technology. Yes, yes, I know this makes Fisherman's forecast me sound like a sucker, no better than as quickly those techno-junkies who queue The frequently touted remedy is WARNING a “digital detox” – banning yourself Inshore : Expected poor horizon- overnight at the Apple store for an tal visibility at places at early glimpse at the meaninglessness from connectivity for hours or days at first. of their lives. But bear with me: Ditto, a time. But that can have the perverse which costs about £30, is a thimble- eff ect of making the banned object more Offshore : Nil WEATHER sized contraption that clips to my belt enticing. What I love about Ditto is that Inshore : Hazy to misty/foggy at and vibrates when I get texts or calls it makes my phone boring: if I know places at first becomes from specifi c people. So I can stash I’ll be buzzed for the important stuff , moderate temperature- and partly cloudy,cold my phone in my bag, out of sight and where’s the excitement in checking it? by night. reach, confi dent I’ll be contactable for, That’s also the eff ect of another tip, WIND say, a baby emergency. You can use featured in Catherine Price’s useful Inshore : Southeasterly- North- the iPhone’s “do not disturb” feature book How To Break Up With Your easterly 04-10 KT, to do something similar; but last year, Phone, published next month: switch Offshrore : Variable less that 10 KT researchers showed that just having a your display from colour to greyscale. Visibility : 4 - 8 KM/2 KM or less at phone in your sightline impairs your maybe. Didn’t we manage fi ne before all those addictive apps are essentially (This is apparently so threatening places at first. cognitive capacities. By contrast, smartphones came along? The parasites. to the addiction business model, it’s SEA STATE Ditto replicates all the secret joy of trouble is that smartphones, like most “Hundreds of daily activities that hidden fi ve levels deep on the iPhone: Offshore : 1-3 FT accidentally leaving your phone at technology, aren’t simply bad. They’re used to be performed in separate go to Settings > General > Accessibility home, with none of the accompanying worse: a diabolical mixture of bad locations, with diff erent gestures, > Display Accommodations > Colour Around the region panic. and very good. I love receiving photos and through a range of interpersonal Filters.) Instantly, your phone is Weather Readers even more curmudgeonly of the baby while I’m at work; I love interactions, have now all been vastly duller. Perhaps that’s how we’ll Weather tomorrow Max/min than I am may mutter that if I have FaceTiming with faraway friends; collapsed into the smartphone,” says fi nd a sane relationship with tech: today Max/min M Sunny 24/09 such a tortured relationship with I just hate the compulsion to stare Jocelyn Glei, in a recent episode of not through self-discipline, but by Baghdad Sunny 25/09 M Sunny 26/12 my phone, I should just get rid of absently at the web every fi ve minutes. Hurry Slowly, her podcast on slowing making it too tedious to bother with. - Kuwait City Sunny 24/11 Sunny 23/14 it – downgrade to a dumbphone, That’s the smartphone’s whole trick: down and cultivating attention. “Our Guardian News and Media Manama M Sunny 23/14 Muscat M Sunny 25/18 Sunny 24/18 Tehran M Sunny 13/03 P Cloudy 09/01 Live issues ‘Fidget spinners’ pose serious injury risk

By Shereen Lehman Reuters Health in an e-mail. One child swallowed the central and the battery cover is tight, without Reuters Health “We were also wondering if anyone disk cap of a broken fi dget spinner, chance of being removed by the child, else at other medical centres around including a small button battery, said Gurevich. the country has seen ingestion while the other youngster swallowed a Dr Athos Bousvaros, a paediatric Around the world wallowed button batteries injuries from fi dget spinners. Once battery released from a damaged disk. gastroenterologist at Boston Weather Weather from fl ashing “fi dget spinners” we connected with our colleagues in One child required emergency Children’s Hospital who co- today Max/min tomorrow Max/min can lead to severe injuries in Denver, Colorado, who also had a child surgery to remove a piece of the broken authored an editorial published with Athens Showers 18/11 Sunny 18/08 Syoung children, doctors warn. with a similar injury, we knew this toy, including a one-inch button the report, told Reuters Health by Beirut Sunny 20/14 P Cloudy 21/17 The fi dget spinner is a toy made needed to reach the medical and lay battery, and remained in the hospital phone, “Most button batteries have Bangkok Sunny 31/21 Sunny 32/22 of metal or plastic and consists of a public communities,” said Gurevich, for nearly three weeks. warnings, they’re difficult to open up Berlin P Cloudy 03/-6 Sunny 02/-6 central bearing surrounded by three who is a paediatric gastroenterologist “Any toy, and just as important any and people are aware of them. But it Cairo P Cloudy 29/17 M Sunny 32/16 arm-pods, which rotate around the at Steven & Alexandra Cohen household object, that is powered by a sounds like with these cases of fidget Cape Town Sunny 28/19 P Cloudy 25/17 centre. Some types of fi dget spinners Children’s Medical Centre in New button battery can be dangerous in the spinners, the spinners were easy Colombo T Storms 30/24 S T Storms 31/24 include light emitting diodes (LED) Hyde Park, New York. hands of children,” Gurevich said. to break, the batteries were inside, Dhaka P Cloudy 29/18 P Cloudy 28/16 that run on button batteries. A new Reports of isolated non-ingestion Many battery ingestions in small (and) there wasn’t any warning Hong Kong P Cloudy 17/15 Cloudy 19/17 report details two cases in which injuries related to use and misuse children occur after a battery is about the battery.” Istanbul S Showers 14/09 Showers 15/07 young children suff ered burns to the of fi dget spinners had already led dislodged from a product not intended A swallowed battery could Jakarta T Storm 29/24 T Storm 29/24 esophagus after ingesting batteries the US Consumer Product Safety for children, such as a watch, hearing potentially tear a hole in the esophagus Karachi Sunny 28/12 P Cloudy 28/12 from the toys. Commission (CPSC) to issue formal aid, or adult electronic device, said connected to the aorta, and the child London M Sunny 06/-2 P Cloudy 07/04 “After treating our 4-year-old public safety tips related to its use, Gurevich. could bleed to death, said Bousvaros. Manila P Cloudy 29/22 P Cloudy 29/22 patient with signifi cant injury (from) said Gurevich. “It is important for caregivers to “That’s really the risk of these Moscow Cloudy -8/-17 Cloudy -7/-8 ingestion of a fi dget spinner disc “However, the focus was not evaluate what objects around the button batteries. Basically it’s very New Delhi Sunny 23/07 M Sunny 23/08 containing a button battery, we particularly on ingestion risk, which is house are not intended for child use, severely caustic,” he said. “In the New York Rain & Snow 06/-2 Sunny 01/-4 were immediately of the mindset the most dangerous risk of any related but could be reached by kids and lead worst case scenario, which none of Paris Snow 01/-6 P Cloudy 01/-6 that this was an important advocacy to this toy if there is a button battery to accidental ingestion,” he said. “If these cases had, you get the feared Sao Paulo P Cloudy 27/16 P Cloudy 29/18 opportunity because of how common involved,” he said. it is in the house and not in a locked complication of the aorta-esophageal Seoul P Cloudy -3/-11 Sunny -2/-8 this toy is in households with kids of Gurevich and his colleagues cabinet or drawer, children will fi nd it.” fi stula, which is a well known, though Singapore M Cloudy 29/24 P Cloudy 29/23 all ages, and how poorly marked many described the two children’s With toys, it’s important to check rare complication of button batteries Sydney P Cloudy 25/18 Cloudy 27/19 of the toy’s packaging is regarding any cases in the Journal of Pediatric the compartment housing the battery ingestion and almost always results in Tokyo Clear 08/-1 Clear 07/01 warnings,” Dr Yoseph Gurevich told Gastroenterology and Nutrition. to make sure it is completely secure death.” Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 QATAR

HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi inaugurates the Education City Career Fair as HBKU president Dr Ahmad Hasnah looks on. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed Some of the students visiting various booths at the fair. Commercial Bank targets Qatari talent

Commercial Bank’s National Development Team is participating at the Education City Career Fair which began yesterday to recruit top Qatari nationals, it was announced in a statement. Commercial Bank’s National Development Programme invests significant resources towards the skills and training of young Qataris Over 70 fi rms off er jobs in as part of the bank’s commitment to developing talent in line with the National Vision 2030 for the benefit of current and future generations. The National Development Team, which is part of Commercial Bank’s Human Capital Department, is looking to hire the best local talents available in the market to join the bank’s professional team and embark on a successful career in banking. Education City career fair Commercial Bank Group CEO Joseph Abraham said: “Commercial Bank is proud of our Qatari heritage and being the go-to local bank for By Joseph Varghese have a great opportunity to dis- media, education and research, the full spectrum of Qatari banking needs. “Qatari nationals who are Staff Reporter cuss with them exciting options management consulting, oil and ambitious, innovative and share our entrepreneurial vision stand to for their future,” Adam Ahmad gas, sports, technology, and tel- have a great career at Commercial Bank and be part of the dynamic al-Saadi, director, Community ecommunications sectors. new banking profession of the future.” ver 70 organisations from Outreach and Student Relations, Michael Sandaluk, vice presi- Commercial Bank acting chief Human Capital off icer Abdulla al-Fadli Qatar are showcasing Student Aff airs, HBKU told Gulf dent of HR Operations at Qatar said: “Commercial Bank invests in young Qataris to become the next Ovarious career options Times on the sidelines of the Shell, said, “Qatar Shell is com- generation of highly-skilled banking leaders, and we are rolling out and opportunities for graduates event. mitted to contributing to the ob- new National Talent Development Programmes during mid-2018 to from Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- “This year, we had an intensive jectives of Qatar National Vision ensure our future leaders receive the very best training and enhanced sity (HBKU) and the partner uni- training for the students and the 2030 through the development professional development.” versities at the 4th edition of the alumni to make them more pre- of national talent and capabili- Education City Career Fair that pared for the fair. We had a full- ties. We are proud to participate got under way yesterday at the day programme with a ‘Get Pre- in the Education City Career Student Centre of HBKU. pared Event’ for a whole day with Fair, which is an ideal platform The fair was inaugurated by employees from Shell Qatar. We for us to connect with students HE the Minister of Administra- also provided them training in and graduates. tive Development, Labour and CV review as well as mock inter- “Our aim is to become the em- Social Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al- view. The fi rst and second-year ployer of choice for the graduates Jafali al-Nuaimi and saw high- students were prepared with the who will help Qatar Shell, the level ministerial attendance at necessary skills for prospective energy industry and the State of the opening ceremony. jobs. Qatar in delivering the national The two-day fair sponsored by After every career fair, we col- vision.” Shell Qatar brings together stu- lect feedback from the students This year, a wide number of dents and alumni of HBKU and and the exhibitors and accord- career opportunities have been all Education City partner uni- ingly, we make the changes in the made available. From amongst versities with prospective em- fair,” added al-Saadi. the participating organisa- ployers from more than 10 dif- At 2017 career fair, more than tions, 46 companies have made ferent sectors. 75 students and alumni had suc- Adam Ahmad al-Saadi full-time opportunities avail- “We have got a great response cessful access to summer intern- able; 11 companies are looking from various sectors of employ- ship opportunities and more have declared vacancies and/or approximately 40 companies to fi ll part-time vacancies; 52 ers. Over 70 organisations in- than 20 students were able to internship opportunities against have extended summer intern- companies are off ering vari- cluding ministries, semi-gov- secure jobs through the employ- which they are seeking qualifi ed ship opportunities. ous internships; 14 companies ernment organisations as well ment fair and take their careers candidates. In this edition, more Prospective employers rep- are extending scholarships and as private companies are par- to the next level. As per partici- than 50 companies have pro- resent a diverse range of indus- sponsorships and 12 companies ticipating in the fair this year. pation requirements this year, vided full-time opportunities tries, including airlines, bank- have developed job-shadowing Members of Commercial Bank’s National Development Team at the The students and the alumni will all organisations in attendance for Education City graduates and ing, beverage, broadcasting and opportunities. Education City Career Fair.

QF welcomes Halifax mayor and delegation

atar Foundation (QF) ing QF’s diff erent academic in- yesterday welcomed stitutes, science and research QMike Savage, Mayor of centres, and community devel- Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) to opment initiatives. Education City. The visitors also heard how Savage was welcomed to the QF’s fl agship development, Ed- QF headquarters along with ucation City, serves as a hub of Nancy Phillips, vice-president, academic excellence, housing Trade and International Ac- a range of educational facili- tivities, Halifax Partnership; ties, from QF schools to partner and Taleb Abidali, principal of universities and its homegrown the Nova Scotia building fi rm, institution, Hamad Bin Khalifa Cresco Developments. University. Mayor Savage is also presi- Following the presentation, dent of the World Energy Cit- the delegation was taken to the ies Partnership, a multinational open-air viewing platform on partnership comprising 20 of the eighth fl oor of the QF head- the world’s leading energy capi- quarters, where they were shown tals, including Halifax, Calgary, the education and research St John’s, Rio de Janeiro, Cape buildings of Education City, and Town, Karamay, Houston and discussed future plans at QF. Doha. Concluding the visit, Savage, During the visit, the Canadian Phillips and Abidali signed the delegation was given a compre- Visitors Book to commemorate The Qatar Charity and Start Network off icials at their meeting in London. hensive presentation highlight- the visit. Start Network membership for Qatar Charity

he UK-based Start Net- Lowrie and a number of its man- system.” Al-Kuwari expressed humanitarian work and enhance institutions, which resulted in work yesterday received agers and offi cers met with the his gratitude on the QC’s ad- co-ordination and co-operation, the signing of more than 93 part- Tin London a visiting del- QC delegation headed by CEO mission to the network and said especially in the crisis areas. The nership and co-operation agree- egation from Qatar Charity (QC) Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Kuwari. In this refl ected the keenness of the CEO said QC has the experience ments so far,” added al-Kuwari. to present its membership cer- his welcome speech, Start Net- Start Network to open up, co- of more than a quarter of a cen- QC joined the Start Network in tifi cate. work CEO Sean Lowrie said, “We operate and co-ordinate with tury in the fi eld of humanitarian February 2016 as an observer, Start Network includes 42 welcome Qatar Charity and the humanitarian organisations work. It operates in more than and in November 2017, it was national and international aid fresh perspective and expertise outside the European Commu- 60 countries through its 27 fi eld granted full membership by the agencies and humanitarian or- it will bring to the Start Network, nity and, in particular, with the offi ces as well as in partnerships Start Network Board of Directors ganisations from fi ve continents as we lead for change in humani- humanitarian organisations in with the United Nations agen- on the basis that all membership and provides quick and eff ective tarian aid. Our newest member the South. cies, pointing out that QC made conditions are met. humanitarian assistance to those and its commitment to humani- He stressed that QC is keen to 42 co-operation agreements The membership is a recogni- aff ected in the areas of humani- tarian values are central to the be an active and eff ective mem- with the UN agencies. tion for the vital role played by tarian crisis. Start Network’s ethos and the ber of the alliance in co-opera- “Qatar Charity also actively QC, as well as for its capabilities Start Network’s vice-chair- driving force behind our work tion with the rest of its members works with many international and experiences that it has at the Mike Savage during his visit to Qatar Foundation’s headquarters man Matthew Carter, CEO Sean to improve the international aid in order to develop and improve humanitarian organisations and regional and international levels. in Education City.