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Nation 16 Sports 25 Chill Out QA gets ‘Airline of Uzbekistan beat Qatar, sink Afghan children tell of the Year’ recognition Al Anabi 2018 World Cup hopes their deepest fears

Draft law on EMIR MEETS KING OF JORDAN domestic helps Crackdown specifies their rights & duties on ‘yellow box’ TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA THE draft law on domestic violators soon, workers, which was approved by the Cabinet, clearly specifies their rights and duties as well as the process of recruitment, says Kharji salary payment, holidays and working hours. According to the law, the recruitment of domestic helps Over 100 radar cameras will be carried out through li- censed recruitment agencies installed to monitor in the country. The draft law includes a overtaking from right mechanism to regulate the re- lationship between sponsors The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani met King Abdullah II bin al Hussein of Jordan on Tuesday. They HISHAM AL-JUNDI and domestic helps and to ad- discussed bilateral relations and means to enhance them in all fields. The two leaders discussed subjects on the DOHA dress controversial issues be- schedule of the 28th Arab Summit. The Emir is in Jordan to participate in the 28th Arab Summit. PAGE 3 ing raised for quite some time THE Traffic Department will soon crack through notarised labour con- down on people who block the traffic tracts to protect the rights of the at intersections by stopping in the two parties in case of a dispute. “yellow box”, Brigadier Mohammed Saad The contract is expected al Kharji, Director General of General to specify wages, annual leave Directorate of Traffic (GDT), has said. and tickets, sources told Al Qatar seeks to boost ties The practice of stopping in the yellow Sharq newspaper. box is on the rise and strict action is need- According to the law, do- ed to stop it, he added. mestic workers will be entitled with UK in all fields: PM Brig Kharji said installation of mo- Director General of General Directorate of to a weekly off. bile speed radars on roads has helped in Traffic Brigadier Mohammed Saad al Kharji. Maximum daily working reducing the number of fatalities and ac- (RAFEEK PALAYOOR) hours, overtime, break times QNA tions with the UK and continues cidents. So far, more than 100 radar cam- as well as the end of serv- BIRMINGHAM QIA, consortium buy to work towards strengthening eras have been installed on Doha streets ice gratuity and provision of 61% stake in UK’s it in political, economic, invest- to monitor overtaking from the right. Road Safety healthcare have also been ad- QATAR is at an important stage National Grid ment, military and cultural fields. Almost all roads, including the ones dressed. in achieving sustainable develop- “Qatar looks forward to more prone to accidents, have been covered by O Region-wise GDT divisions will be The Shura Council will fur- ment through the implementation LONDON Qatar Investment Author- cooperation with the UK to con- the new speed radar system, Brig Kharji established across the country to ther study the draft law. of Qatar National Vision 2030 ity (QIA) and a consortium that tinue the process of diversify- said. cooperate with Ashghal in study of strategies and programmes aimed includes Macquarie Group, China ing and developing of the Qatari Kharji said region-wise GDT divisions detours and finding solutions to at reducing dependence on oil and Investment Corporation, Allianz economy,” the PM said. will be established across the country to Quick read gas, achieving economic diversifi- Capital, Hermes Investment Man- He said Qatar also looks for- cooperate with Public Works Author- traffic jams cation and transforming the coun- agement, Dalmore Capital and Am- ward to increase partnership ity (Ashghal) in the study of detours and O These divisons will be set up in April Arab leaders set to try into a knowledge-based econo- ber Infrastructure have acquired 61 with the UK in its upcoming new finding solutions to traffic jams. oppose Trump’s M-E my, Prime Minister and Minister percent stake in the National Grid, exciting start. He said these divisions will have an en- O The new smart driving test system, policy shifts of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah the UK’s gas distribution company. “As we look forward to more gineer and an investigation officer who will which is on trial at Al Dalla driving bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- contributions from British com- keep a watch on the Black Spots – areas with SWEIMEH A draft statement said in Birmingham on Tuesday. rior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser panies in the Qatari economy, highest accident rates – and find solutions. school, will be introduced at all driving to be put to an Arab summit “Qatar has made significant bin Khalifa al Thani and UK Prime I would like to point to the im- The new divisions will be set up ac- schools soon Wednesday opposes plans by strides in this area and the non- Minister Theresa May attended the portant role of British companies cording to the geographical region. President Donald Trump to move oil sector has grown to occupy a agreement signing. (QNA) in the development of the Qatari These divisions will start working from Washington's embassy in Israel big share of the GDP of 2016. We economy over the past decades, next month. The idea of creating these test system, which is on trial at Al Dalla to Jerusalem and consider alter- were very pleased to sign with as they have strongly contrib- region-based divisions was discussed and driving school, will be introduced at all natives to a Palestinian state. the UK Prime Minister an MoU the PM said. uted to the booming oil and gas approved at the National Traffic Safety driving schools soon. The draft, which was drawn up for the 2030 Strategy, to enhance He said Qatar values the his- industry and other economic Committee (NTSC). by the Palestinian delegation, strategic action with the UK,” torical and unique bilateral rela- fields. PAGE 17 Kharji said the new smart driving Continued on page 3 Ô was approved by Arab foreign ministers at an eve-of-summit meeting in the Jordanian Dead Sea resort of Sweimeh. PAGE 12 CMC calls for unified pricing of fish Restructuring Scottish parliament of top Indian backs independence HISHAM AL-JUNDI It also recommended the MEC CMC member Sheikha al referendum DOHA to prevent auctioneers from The CMC has recom- Jufeiri demanded opening of community determining the price of fish at mended that the more fish markets close to the EDINBURGH The Scottish parlia- THE Central Municipal Coun- the Central Fish Market. MEC impose more seaside in Doha after the relo- organisations ment on Tuesday backed a bid cil (CMC) has called for uni- CMC member Abdallah control over fish pric- cation of the Central Fish Mar- to hold a new independence ref- fied pricing of fish in markets al Sulaity said the dispar- ket to Um Salal. She said it on the cards erendum in 2018 or 2019, but across the country and recom- ity in fish price was very high ing and announce would be more convenient for the British government rejected mended the Ministry of Econ- from market to market. He fish price every day families to access fish markets SANTHOSH CHANDRAN the proposal. The stand-off omy and Commerce (MEC) to said shop owners fix prices on and fish auctions. DOHA complicates the UK’s political impose greater control over their own without any control Jassim al Malki, another situation just as years of daunt- fish pricing. which lead to higher prices af- and Environment (MME) said mended MME to allocate desig- CMC member, said the prices IN a move to provide maxi- ing negotiations on the terms of At its meeting on Tues- fecting consumers. they inspect the quantities at nated areas at harbours where of other products at markets mum representation and in- its exit from the European Union day, the CMC demanded that Meanwhile, officials from fish markets, but the prices are fish can be unloaded and sold should be monitored as well. clusiveness to the Indian ex- are about to begin. PAGE 11 the MEC should announce the the Fisheries Department at to be monitored by the MEC. on the spot for greater control patriate community in Qatar price of fish for 1kg every day. the Ministry of Municipality Therefore, the CMC recom- over the selling process. More on page 3 Ô in various social services and community organisations, the existing apex bodies, which function under the aegis of Embassy of India in Doha, are likely to be restructured soon. MoTC signs four pacts to develop transport sector A temporary committee headed by the Indian Ambas- Abdulaziz Ali bin Hamad al Attiyah. The Abdulrahman bin Jassim Ali al Thani. sador to Qatar HE P Kumaran Explores potential ventures project would reflect the ministry’s in- The agreement reflects ministry’s in- with members including the terest in developing transport-related terest in developing transport-related heads of Indian Cultural Cen- with private sector manufacturing in the country. The MoTC manufacturing industries in the country tre (ICC), Indian Community envisioned itself to provide a multi-modal to contribute to diversifying and expand- Benevolent Forum (ICBF), TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK transport system that is integrated, acces- ing the economic activities in Qatar. Indian Business Professionals DOHA sible and inclusive for all citizens in the The third MoU with Mawaqif Zakia to Network (IBPN, Ad Hoc Com- country. explore potential partnership to create an mittee of Indian Sports Centre THE Ministry of Transport and Com- In addition, this project invites pub- automated parking system in West Bay (ISC) and prominent Indian munications (MoTC) has signed four lic-private partnership, as it would help was signed by Assistant Undersecretary community leaders was estab- memoranda of understanding (MoU) in elevate the efficiency of facilities for local of Land Transport Rashid Taleb al Nabet lished for the purpose. the field of land transport as part of its communities and support economic de- and Mawaqif Zakia’s General Manager Speaking to Qatar Tribune efforts to develop a modern transport velopment. Mohamed Hlep. recently, Kumaran said, “The sector in Qatar. It is envisaged that these would assist Moreover, in a strategic move to take move will help ensure the max- The agreements reflect the ministry’s in business development and contribute the Connected and Automated Vehicles imum representation of the In- efforts to encourage private sector’s con- to achieving economic, social, human and program (CAV) in Qatar to the next level, dian population in community tribution to the transport projects. environmental development goals of the the ministry signed an MoU with the Qatar activities and increase the in- The first MoU with Smart Transport Qatar National Vision 2030. Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC), for volvement of social workers in to explore potential ventures was signed The second MoU with Union Global which a consortium on CAV is announced. community service benefiting by Hassan al Hail, the Minister’s Advi- Projects was signed by Hassan al Hail and a large section of the Indian Officials at the agreement signing ceremony in Doha on Tuesday. sor, and Smart Transport’s Chairman Union Global Project’s Chairman Sheikh Continued on page 3 Ô expatriates.” PAGE 2 02 Wednesday, March 29, 2017

‘32,681 Qataris ‘Restructure plan’ on cards for top visited Turkey in 2016’ Indian community organisations TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA SANTHOSH CHANDRAN The move [restructure plan] benefiting a large section of the In- ture plan,” said the ambassador, who DOHA will help ensure maximum dian expatriates. The new structure is also the patron of these bodies. QATARI nationals travelling to Turkey representation of the Indian would be more decentralised, trans- ICC, at present, _is the largest in 2016 reached 32,681 tourists, accord- IN a move to provide maximum population in community parent, inclusive and democratic. We Indian community group compris- ing to new figures released by the Turkish representation and inclusiveness activities and increase the want to ensure the involvement of a ing nearly 2,000 members. There are Consulate General Cultural and Informa- to the Indian expatriate commu- involvement of social workers large number of people in commu- more than 100 ICC-affiliated organi- tion Office in Dubai. nity in Qatar in various social serv- in community service benefiting nity activities.” sations focused on various activities The figures show a 27 percent in- ices and community organisations, a large section of Indian expats. The first review committee such as arts and culture, social wel- crease in tourists travelling to Turkey the existing apex bodies which meeting was held in Doha, recently. fare and sports. The new initiative is from the Gulf Cooperation Council function under the aegis of Embas- The new structure would be more According to the plan, the associa- also expected to reduce the workload (GCC) countries over the 2014-2016 sy of India in Doha are likely to be decentralised, transparent, tions focusing on social service and of ICC offices and the decentralisa- time period. restructured soon. inclusive and democratic community welfare will be shifted tion process will make each organisa- “This growth shows that Turkey is A temporary committee headed ~ Ambassador of India to Qatar from ICC to ICBF. The sports bod- tion more effective and responsible. culturally and economically interesting by the Ambassador of India to Qatar HE P Kumaran ies affiliated with the ICC will come The ambassador stated that he is for GCC travellers,” said Salih Ozer, At- HE P Kumaran and heads of Indian under the umbrella of Indian Sports open to all suggestions and recom- taché of Culture and Information, Turkey Cultural Centre (ICC), Indian Com- Centre. However, a majority of or- mendations from Indian commu- to the UAE. “Over the past year, we have munity Benevolent Forum (ICBF), ers as members has been formed to “The move will help ensure maxi- ganisations related to cultural ac- nity leaders which would increase conducted many workshops and semi- Indian Business Professionals Net- look into the issues and chalk out the mum representation of the Indian tivities working under the ICC will the community representation in nars for our GCC travel agents to get them work (IBPN), Ad Hoc Committee restructure plan. population in community activities remain unaffected. different activities and benefit the better acquainted with what Turkey has of Indian Sports Centre (ISC) and Speaking to Qatar Tribune re- and increase the involvement of so- “Offices of all the four apex bodies wider Indian expatriate population to offer to the GCC traveller.” prominent Indian community lead- cently, Ambassador Kumaran said, cial workers in community service under one roof are also part of the fu- in Qatar. Turkey has strengthened its position as a top holiday destination for GCC na- tionals and residents. From January to December 2016, a total of 822,849 hol- iday-makers from the GCC visited Tur- key’s many destinations. ‘Qatar-Greece ties very strong’ “We attach a great deal of importance to these deepening relations between ASHRAF SIDDIQUI Greece and Qatar. It is based on sin- ogy and progress. The country hosts in securing economic sustainability.” Turkey and the Gulf countries. Qatar, in DOHA cerity and shared values. We are cel- a large expatriate population and is He added that in these difficult particular, continues to contribute heav- ebrating the 10th anniversary of our preparing well to host a grand FIFA times in the region and across the ily to Turkey’s tourist numbers,”Ozer THE Embassy of Greece in Qatar will diplomatic relations since both the 2022 World Cup.” world, Qatar is performing its duty said, adding, “We have taken many steps hold an official reception in Doha countries established their embassies The ambassador continued: very well by providing an opportuni- to simplify GCC tourists’ access to Turkey on Wednesday to celebrate the In- at the same time in their respective “And, during my last six months here, ty for a decent life for all and humani- including expediting visa process.” dependence Day and also the 10th countries in 2007.” I found out much more than what tarian aid to all the displaced people. Turkey is one of the top tourism desti- anniversary of diplomatic relations The ambassador, who be- I had heard before. Under the wise The ambassador said that, at nations in the world based on the number with Qatar. gan his term in Qatar recently, leadership of Qatar, the country has present, seven Greek companies of tourists and revenues. Whether its na- In a recent interview, the Ambas- recounted:“Before arriving in Qatar, prospered a lot. The nation’s wealth are working in Qatar on prestigious ture and the outdoors, history and arche- sador of Greece to Qatar HE Con- I knew that Qatar was rich in re- has been used for the benefit of all cit- projects and around 2,500 Greek ology or beaches and relaxation, travel- Ambassador of Greece to Qatar HE stantinos Orphanides said: “We have sources and has been on the path of izens. The resources have been used nationals are serving in Qatar in lers from everywhere in the GCC can find Constantinos Orphanides. strong bilateral relations between rapid growth, with a lot of technol- well to renovate the infrastructure and various sectors. their unique experience in Turkey. Nation Wednesday, March 29, 2017 03

28TH ARAB SUMMIT: HH THE EMIR ARRIVES IN JORDAN

THE Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani arrived,on Tuesday, to The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to participate in the 28th Arab Summit. King Abdullah II bin al Hussein received HH the Emir at the Queen Alia International Airport. Prince Faisal bin al Hussein, Prime Minis- ter of Jordan Dr Hani al Mulki, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abo al Ghait, Royal Court Chief in Jordan Fayez al Tarawneh, Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ay- man al Safadi, Qatar’s Ambassador to Jordan HE Bandar bin Mohammed Abdullah al Attiyah, Jordan’s Ambas- sador to Qatar HE Zahi Mohammad al Samadi, and a number of ranking civilian and military Jordanian of- ficials were also present. HH the Emir gave a statement upon arrival expressing delight at being in Amman to participate in HH the Emir wished both the king which is taking place during a very more solidarity. HH the Emir then the 28th Arab Summit. HH the Emir and the people of Jordan further critical time regionally and inter- expressed hope that the summit will conveyed his greetings and those of progress and prosperity. nationally. HH the Emir added that lead to developing joint Arab work the Qatari people to King Abdullah II HH the Emir then greeted Arab such developments call on all Arab in line with the hopes of the Arab of Jordan and the Jordanian people. leaders participating in the summit, countries to work together and show people. (QNA)

Spring Fest to kick off at ‘New driving test system to be fully automatic’ Continued from page 1 Ô Mall of Qatar tomorrow HE said the new driving test system is fully automatic and there will be no TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK need for an officer to sit with the appli- DOHA cant seeking a driving licence. “This new system of issuing driving li- THE Mall of Qatar has an- cence will be fair and ensure more trans- nounced an array of entertain- parency in the test process,” Brig Kharji ment activities including the added. debut of Hot Air Balloon Show The General Directorate of Traffic during the Spring Festival, added a new “Off Road” Chevrolet Sil- which is set to kick off at the verado to its fleet in cooperation with mall, on Thursday (March 30). Jaidah Automotive, Chevrolet exclusive The festival, which will be flower arrangement workshops, Visitors can check with Mall of dealer in Qatar. The special edition of held until April 22, is part of the mall wide parades and new Qatar information desk to enter Chevrolet Silverado was presented by mall’s commitment to deliver shows from MOQ LIVE resi- the draw. Jaidah Automotive to the GDT to assist in year-round entertainment for dent troupe during the festival. “Our Spring Festival will road rescue and safety. visitors, according to a Mall of In addition, shoppers who take visitors of all ages on an Mohammed Jaidah, Group Execu- Qatar press release on Tuesday. spend QR300 at any of the re- exciting journey. We look for- tive Director of Jaidah Group, thanked The Mall of Qatar will of- tailers can enter an exciting ward to welcoming visitors to GDT for improving road safety. “We hope fer a wide range of entertain- draw, that will take place on what will be an unforgettable that the new Chevrolet Silverado with its ment events including unique April 22, the final day of the fes- festival in Qatar,” said Rony power and capabilities will assist the de- live performances, hot air bal- tival, with a chance to win a Ma- Mourani, General Manager of partment in rescue efforts and improving loon rides, balloons modelling, serati Gran Cabrio Sports 4.7L. Mall of Qatar. road safety,”Jaidah added. (PHOTOGRAPH: RAFEEK PALAYOOR) CMC urges Ashghal to instal more CAV tech to check accidents, road signs to help commuters enhance driving experience Continued from page 1 Ô HISHAM ALJUNDI DOHA THIS is the first consortium to HMC to launch national drive be created on CAV in Qatar and THE Public Services and Utili- the region aiming to create the ties Committee at the Central ecosystem needed for facilitat- Municipal Council (CMC) against Alzheimer’s disease ing early deployment of CAV on on Tuesday urged the Public national and regional scales. Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ to HISHAM ALJUNDI ly Geriatrics at HMC Dr Hanadi al Hamad said. The MoU was signed by As- install more signposts and rear- DOHA Speaking at a Central Municipal Council sistant Undersecretary of Land range the existing ones for the session, she said a comprehensive field survey Transport Rashid Taleb al Nabet convenience of commuters. HAMAD Medical Corporation (HMC) will will also be conducted in the country to get ac- and QMIC’s Executive Director The panel at CMC’s weekly launch a national campaign to raise awareness curate number of people with aging diseases and CEO Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya. be able to communicate with completely, as well as enhancing regular meeting pointed out about Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases related to memory loss. According to her, as This MoU declares the min- each other and with the road daily driving experience. that some roads lack in road associated with aging next month. per the figures available 6 percent of Qataris istry as a founding member of network wirelessly (V2X) ac- QMIC has plans to carry out signs indicating towards vil- The campaign titled ‘Nisyan’ aims at ending aged 65 and above suffer from geriatric dis- the consortium. cording to global standards. a field pilot of V2X systems (Qa- lages or towns on the way. the stigma associated with old age diseases by eases especially Alzheimer’s. Given its mandate and lead- This will enable the reali- tar V2X pilot) and applications The CMC members also raising general awareness of people and facili- She, however, added that the percentage ing role in realising advanced sation of next generation road in 2017-18 in Qatar. This will said that some other roads have tating treatment of patients of Alzheimer’s and was expected to go up to 15 percent by 2050. and seamless transport systems safety systems. allow QMIC and its partners to misleading road signs, which other loss of memory diseases by best local and According to her, Alzheimer’s constituted 60 and road safety technologies in It is considered as a key ena- test CAV in real field scenarios call for immediate attention of foreign doctors, the Head Acting Chair of Elder- percent of the geriatric disease cases. Qatar, the ministry will play an bler for future autonomous and as vehicles and roadside units the authority as motorists can important advisory role and aid self-driving vehicles. Studies will be used together with a few never reach their destination if in facilitating development and conducted by various transport applications. they follow the directions men- So, if a passenger has to reach way to the Hamad airport. be made more visible and clear- piloting activities in support of authorities show that connected The Qatar CAV consor- tioned in the signposts. one of these localities, the sign- The CMC members sought er to motorists. The CMC also getting Qatar ready to deploy vehicles, if fully implemented, tium stakeholders will be hold- CMC member Mohammed posts will be of no help to him. signposts at petrol stations, urged Ashghal to consider safety CAV systems and applications. could mitigate up to 80 percent ing periodic meetings (most Khayarin said that there are Another member Sheikha mosques and other services measures while installing or re- CAV refers to the concept, of road accidents. probably every three months), not enough signposts between al Jufeiri said some road signs with distances to places clearly arranging road signs and ensure where as part of newly emerg- In the past, the focus has during which the progress of Dukhan road and Doha men- are too small that one tends to mentioned on them. The CMC that road signs do not block traf- ing cooperative intelligent been on how to survive accidents the Qatar CAV pilot will be re- tioning the localities on the way. overlook them as the one on recommended that road signs fic signs or vision on the road. transport systems, vehicles will and the CAV aims to avoid them viewed and discussed.

CALL FOR EFFORTS TO REDUCE ROAD ACCIDENT INJURIES Hamad Trauma Center hosts GCC Traffic Dept delegation

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK aimed at fostering coopera- Ambulance Service in car- DOHA tion between GCC govern- ing for those injured prior ment organisations and com- to and during transport to DR Hassan al Thani, head of munity groups to improve hospital. Trauma and Vascular Sur- traffic safety in the region He noted that technol- gery at Hamad Medical Cor- and to help prevent avoidable ogy advancements introduced poration (HMC), has stressed deaths and casualties caused into HMC ambulances have the importance of unifying by road traffic accidents. improved the level of care efforts aimed at reducing in- Dr al Thani as well as other provided to the injured before juries caused by road traffic senior clinicians and officials they arrive at hospital. accidents. from the Corporate Commu- Dr Wafa al Yazeedi, head He stated that traffic ac- nication Department’s Public of Medical Rehabilitation cidents are one of the leading Relations team welcomed the at HMC, discussed the re- causes of death and disability delegation. habilitation services pro- in the region. Dr al Thani stressed the vided to accident victims, Dr al Thani made the re- need to fully implement the highlighting the expertise of marks while receiving a del- National Traffic Safety Strat- staff working at the new Qa- egation from the GCC Traffic egy to help prevent accidents tar Rehabilitation Institute Department at Hamad Trau- and protect the safety of in- (QRI) which started to offer ma Center at Hamad General dividuals through enforcing some outpatient services late Hospital recently. necessary traffic laws and leg- last year. The visit was part of this islation. She stressed the impor- year’s GCC Traffic Week ini- He added that public edu- tance of taking necessary tiative. cation and provisions to en- safety precautions to control Organised each year by sure drivers are qualified are road accidents and reduce the the Ministry of Interior’s Traf- also required. number of casualties. fic Department, this year’s Ali Darwish, assistant The delegation concluded events were held under the executive director of the their visit by meeting with theme ‘Your Life is a Trust’. Ambulance Service at HMC, patients who were victims of Activities during the week The delegation’s visit was part of this year’s GCC Traffic Week initiative. highlighted the role of the road traffic accidents. 04 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Nation

News in brief QU hosts 23rd GCC meet to explore collaboration

FM discusses in continuing education, community service Syria with French counterpart QNA lid al Khater said: “This meet- Kuwait University Vice DOHA ing contributes to showcasing President for Academic Support MINISTER of Foreign Affairs the experiences of universities Services and Secretary General HE Sheikh Mohammed bin THE Center of Continuing Edu- in the GCC region in the field of the Committee of Deans of Abdulrahman al Thani has cation (CCE) at Qatar Univer- of continuing education and Deanships, Colleges and Com- held a telephone conversa- sity (QU) hosted the 23rd Meet- community service. It aligns munity Service Centers in the tion with Minister of Foreign ing of the Deans of Deanships, with QU’s commitment to drive GCC Dr Jasem Ramadan Al- Affairs of France Jean-Marc Colleges and Community Serv- forward the spirit of continuing kandari said: “I would like to Ayrault. They discussed bi- ice Centres in the GCC aimed at education and community serv- thank Qatar University for host- lateral relations and means exploring collaboration oppor- ice in the wider community.” ing this significant meeting at a of boosting them, as well tunities to develop methods of CCE Director Dr Rajab time when community service as a number of regional and continuing education and com- Abdulla al Esmail said: “Con- has become very important. We international issues of com- munity service. tinuing education includes any look forward to implementing mon concern, especially the The meeting assumes signif- education or training after uni- the recommendations that will Syria situation. (QNA) icance because of the changes versity. It also includes the edu- emerge from the meeting’s dis- taking place in the educational The meeting explored collaboration opportunities to develop methods of continuing education. cational activities that provide cussions.” Chief of Staff and technological fields at both the members of community Secretary General of the meets Kuwaiti regional and global levels. release, the event’s programme munity Service Centers in the es and expertise of the universi- with opportunities to enhance Committee of Deans of Dean- The two-day event drew the included two discussion ses- GCC, a presentation on the ties in the GCC. Each institution their knowledge and develop ships, Colleges and Community commander participation of over 30 deans sions focused on the recom- proposals by Qassim University suggested a programme or a their skills. This meeting seeks Service Centers at Universities CHIEF of Staff HE Major and directors of community mendations and suggestions and Kuwait University, and the session in areas of community to provide efficient solutions to in Saudi Arabia Dr Abdullah General (Pilot) Ghanim bin service and continuing educa- that emerged from the 22nd organisational structure of the service, continuing education, bridge the gap between the edu- al Razeen said: “This meeting Shaheen al Ghanim met tion centres in the GCC. They Meeting of the Deans of Dean- general secretariat of the Com- and skills and resources devel- cation sector and the workplace provides us with a platform to Commander of the Kuwaiti shared their ideas and experi- ships, Colleges and Community mittee of Deans of Deanships, opment that can be applied in as well as the necessary tools share and discuss our initiatives Naval Forces Major General ences on a wide range of issues Service Centers in the GCC, the Colleges and Community Serv- the GCC universities. and methods to shape excellent and to explore collaboration op- Khaled al Kandari on Tues- related to continuing education annual report and 5-year plan ice Centers. In his remarks, QU Vice graduates who are able to com- portunities in the field of con- day. During the meeting, they and community service. of the Committee of Deans of It also included over 20 President for Administration pete against their counterparts tinuing education and commu- reviewed bilateral relations in According to a QU press Deanships, Colleges and Com- presentations on the experienc- and Financial Affairs Dr Kha- in developed countries.” nity service.” military cooperation and ways to develop them. (QNA) QMC chairman meets envoy QC opens health centre in Chad Careem’s Google Maps service of Singapore CHAIRMAN of Qatar Me- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to be available in Qatar dia Corporation (QMC) HE DOHA Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK have the option to open the Car- al Thani met Ambassador of QATAR Charity (QC), with donations DOHA eem app and confirm their booking, Singapore to Qatar HE Jai from a Qatari philanthropist, has with their pick-up and drop-off de- S Sohan in Doha on Tues- opened an integrated health centre IN a move aimed at further strength- tails transferring to the Careem app day. They discussed media in Omdurman, Chad, to improve the ening its commitment to user experi- automatically. relations between the two healthcare situation in the region. ence and convenience, Careem, the “As the go-to app for directions countries. (QNA) The Uthman Ibn Affan Health region’s leading ride-hailing service, and navigation, Google Maps is an Centre was opened at a ceremony at- announces that it is now integrated extremely popular service and inte- MEC recalls tended by the Chadian health minis- into Google Maps. grating Careem within the app means Infiniti Y50, M35, ter, Ambassador of Qatar to Chad HE The service is currently available users can now take advantage of the Hamad bin Abdul Hadi al Hajri, offi- The Uthman Ibn Affan Health Centre will provide healthcare for 20,000 people. on Android and iOS to users in the benefits of both the apps simultane- M45 & FX35 cials and religious figures from Qatar UAE and will be rolled out in Qatar ously. This translates into a seamless THE Ministry of Economy and and a large gathering of people from medical services, reduce epidemics the minister added. and across the other markets in the and uninterrupted ride-hailing expe- Commerce (MEC), in collabo- the surrounding areas. and infectious diseases, which are very It is noteworthy that the same Qa- region, in the coming weeks. rience for our customers that saves ration with Saleh Al Hamad The centre will provide healthcare prevalent in the region, and immunise tari donor had previously financed a The integration of Careem’s serv- their time and effort and maximizes Al Mana Company, dealer of for 20,000 people. The 250-square children against these diseases. number of important projects Chad’s ices with Google Maps means a fast- convenience,” said Wael Nafee, VP of Nissan vehicles in Qatar, has metre building comprises eight main Stressing on the distinctiveness Omdurman region, including drilling er ride-hailing experience for users Product at Careem. announced the recall of In- rooms and their dependencies, a phar- of the health centre, the Chadian of a solar-powered artesian well and of both the apps. For users search- “We are passionate about simpli- finiti Y50, M35, M45 models macy, a store, private toilets for the minister praised QC for carrying provision of a grain-grinding machine ing for directions in Google Maps, a fying people’s lives by using the pow- of year 2007-2009 and S50, staff, patients and visitors, basic med- out such projects that promote the and irrigation pumps for farmers. He simple tap on the ride-hailing icon er of technology and building creative FX35 models of year 2004- ical equipment and office supplies, in development in Chad. QC projects has pledged to develop the region with on the far right will reveal the clos- alliances, and we remain dedicated to 2006 over a potential defect addition to an electric generator to contribute to the development of the implementation of more projects, est available Careem cars, along with this mission by continuously inno- in the passenger air bag keep the centre constantly running. the healthcare sector as well as the including a primary school, a mosque, the expected pick-up time and fare vating and rolling out leading-edge inflator. (TNN) With the establishment of the health human development through its a Holy Quran memorisation centre estimate for a ride to their selected transportation solutions for our us- centre, QC aims to provide people with income-generating projects in Chad, and a training centre. destination. At this point, users will ers,” he added. Traffic diversion on Street No. 967 THE Public Works Authority (Ash- ghal) will close a part of Street No. 967 connected to Al Thakhira Road starting March 30 (Thursday) for two months. The closure extends for 100 me- 1RWL¿FDWLRQIRUH[SUHVVLRQRILQWHUHVWIRUWKHSUHTXDOL¿FDWLRQIRUSURFXUHPHQW tres in both directions at the junction RISUHFRQWUDFWSURIHVVLRQDOGHVLJQFRQVXOWDQF\VHUYLFHVIRU&376(6HDVRQDO between Street No. 967 and Al Tha- khira Road near Al Meera. Traffic will 6WRUDJH/DJRRQ 352-(&7,',$'6 be diverted to a newly-constructed Invitation to pre-qualify alternative road near the closed part. The Public Works Authority of the state of qatar (ashghal) wishes to pre-qualify a short-list of The temporary diversion is to fa- FRPSHWHQWSURIHVVLRQDOFRQVXOWDQWRUJDQL]DWLRQV WKH³SUHTXDOL¿HGDSSOLFDQWV´ IRULQYLWDWLRQWR cilitate the works of laying sewer ris- ing mains as part of the Al Thakhira WHQGHUIRUWKHSURFXUHPHQWRISUHFRQWUDFWSURIHVVLRQDOGHVLJQFRQVXOWDQF\VHUYLFHVIRUFSWVH sewage treatment works. Ashghal has seasonal storage lagoon project. The authority is seeking expressions of interest from eligible requested motorists to abide by the DSSOLFDQWVZLVKLQJWREHSUHTXDOL¿HGWRFDUU\RXWWKHVHUYLFHV7KHDSSOLFDQWVKDOOGHPRQVWUDWH speed limit and follow diversion road UHOHYDQWFRPSHWHQFLHVH[SHULHQFHVFDSDELOLWLHVXQGHUVWDQGLQJDQGWKHFRPPLWPHQWWRZRUNLQJ signs to ensure their safety. 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‡7HQGHULQJDQG&RQWUDFW$ZDUG6WDJH$OOVHUYLFHVDVVRFLDWHGZLWK&RVW(VWLPDWH3UHSDUDWLRQV visit 7HQGHU'RFXPHQW&RPSLODWLRQ7HQGHULQJ7HQGHU&ODUL¿FDWLRQDQG0DQDJHPHQW7HQGHU (YDOXDWLRQV)LQDQFLDO$SSUDLVDOVDQG&RQWUDFW$ZDUG $QWLFLSDWHG6WDUWLQ$8*867 3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ'RFXPHQW 6WHS,QWHUHVWHGFRPSDQLHVDUHLQYLWHGWRYLVLWWKH3:$ZHEVLWHZZZDVKJKDOJRYTD 0DLQSDJHIRUWKHOLQNWRGRZQORDGWKH([SUHVVLRQRI,QWHUHVWGRFXPHQWZKLFKFRPSULVHV ([SUHVVLRQRI,QWHUHVW$FNQRZOHGJHPHQW)RUPDQGWKH$QWL&RUUXSWLRQDQG&RQ¿GHQWLDOLW\ GHFODUDWLRQ%RWKGRFXPHQWVDUHWREHUHWXUQHGE\WK$SULOQRODWHUWKDQSPORFDO 'RKDWLPH *07KUV LQVRIWFRS\WRFRQWUDFWV#DVKJKDOJRYTD 6WHS7KH3:$VKDOOLVVXHWKH3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ'RFXPHQWWRWKHLQWHUHVWHGFRPSDQLHVE\HPDLO ZKLFKFRPSULVH &RQVXOWDQWV3UH4XDOL¿FDWLRQ'RFXPHQWV 3DUWV  3URFHGXUHVUHWXUQGDWH V DQGDOOQHFHVVDU\ LQVWUXFWLRQVVKDOOEHGHVFULEHGLQWKHDIRUHPHQWLRQHGSURFHGXUH 3URMHFW%ULHI 6XEPLVVLRQ2I3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ$SSOLFDWLRQ Read online 24X7....

$OOVXEPLVVLRQVVKDOOEHDGGUHVVHGWR3XEOLF:RUNV$XWKRULW\0DQDJHU2I&RQWUDFWV'HSDUWPHQW Your news, views $VKJKDO7RZHU  *URXQG)ORRU32%R['RKD4DWDU $OOHQTXLULHVDUHWREHGLUHFWHGWR7KH0DQDJHURI&RQWUDFWV'HSDUWPHQW(PDLO FRQWUDFWV#DVKJKDOJRYTD Nation Wednesday, March 29, 2017 05 For foodies! QTA & QFC to facilitate establishment six-live cooking of business events companies in Qatar theatres at QIFF SHERATON Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Under the agreement, DMG Events LLC becomes the first business events organiser to operate in Qatar is taking part in the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) at Hotel Park from March 29 to April 8. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK companies to establish a pres- important step forward in this framework, which allows quick am confident that DMG Events At this year’s event, Sheraton Grand Doha invites DOHA ence in Qatar, in turn helping to area,” said Saif al Kuwari, di- and easy set up process, repatria- will contribute positively to the foodies to enjoy the tastes of a wide-range of delicious contribute to the growth of busi- rector of PR & Communication tion of 100 percent of profits and diversification and development dishes, all freshly prepared by the hotel’s talented inter- QATAR Tourism Authority ness events, a priority sub-sector at QTA. “Qatar offers a variety 100 percent foreign ownership. of the private sector.” national chefs. (QTA) and the Qatar Financial of Qatar’s tourism industry. of investment avenues across Commenting on the sign- The MoU between QTA and There will be six-live cooking theatres lasting 30 Centre (QFC) have signed a DMG Events LLC, global the full value chain of tourism ing, Kamal Naji, QFC Author- QFC also paves the way for a minutes for festival-goers,as part of a series of ‘Chef’s memorandum of understanding producer of market-leading ex- products and services, including ity’s Chief Strategy and Business joint study of the tourism indus- Table’ events. This includes: Chef Indika kicking it off (MoU) aimed at facilitating the hibitions and conferences, has those needed to attract and host Development Officer, said:“Our try in Qatar, which aims to pro- with a healthy salad (March 29, 5pm), Chef Mauro Bel- establishment of business events become the first such company successful business events. We collaboration with QTA aims to vide investors interested in the lodi presenting Italian cuisine (March 30, 9pm), Chef companies in Qatar. to enter the Qatari market under are pleased that DMG Events further develop and enhance Qa- country’s tourism sector with the Vincent Lee Asian Cuisine (March 31, 9pm), Arabic Through the agreement, this agreement. recognises the strong prospects tar’s thriving tourism industry. insights needed to make sound cuisine will be showcased by Chef Issam Sedoq (April QFC has added business events “QTA has been working that the Qatar markets offers Our efforts in collaboration with business decisions. 2, 8pm), and the succulent tastes of South America by companies to the list of entities closely with various authorities and look forward to working QTA are aimed at facilitating the DMG Events is set to launch Chef Luciano Carobini (April 3, 7pm). Chef Stephenson which can be licensed and incor- to introduce policies that sup- with them to tap into the sec- establishment of business events a number of trade exhibitions Simson will also take crowds on a tour to discover deli- porated in to QFC’s regulatory port our efforts to attract for- tor’s potential.” companies in Qatar as the nation in the coming year, including cious sweets (April 8, 6pm). framework. This makes it sig- eign investment to Qatar’s tour- Companies licensed and continues to welcome some of one focusing on interior design In addition, Sheraton Grand Doha will host the fa- nificantly easier for international ism sector, and we are grateful incorporated into QFC ben- the biggest financial, sport and and another on the building mous Arab Chef Manal al Alem at Al Hubara Restau- exhibition and event organising to QFC for helping us to take an efit from its unique legislative cultural events in the region. I services industry. rant (April 4, 7pm) to dazzle an intimate group of 20, early booking recommended. (TNN) Ooredoo tv: Qatar e-Nature semi-final winners named Ooredoo offers lowest Premium Bangladesh call rates remote control TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK with new promotion DOHA OOREDOO has announced on OOREDOO has announced on Tuesday a Tuesday that its Ooredoo tv cus- FIVE schools from across Qatar new promotion for its Hala Bangladesh Key tomers can now choose to upgrade have qualified for the finals of the customers offering the incredible value of to a new and improved Ooredoo tv Qatar e-Nature Schools Competi- just 13Dhs per minute and 20Dhs per SMS Remote Control. tion 2017. to the country. The company has listened to Sixty-three students from 21 The promotion, which will run until customer feedback on its remote private and independent schools March 31, 2017, will enable customers to en- control and has improved its fea- participated in the semi-finals, joy the lowest rates in Qatar to Bangladesh as tures in line with user needs. which took place at the May- well as a 7Dhs saving per minute. The new Ooredoo tv Remote mouna Primary Independent Previously, customers subscribed to the Control features a host of handy School for Girls recently. The service were eligible to take advantage of services and short key buttons finals and awards ceremony will the reduced rate of just 20Dhs per minute for viewers most frequently used take place at The Westin Hotel and SMS, one of the best rates to Bangla- functions including dedicated keys on April 25, 2017. desh in Qatar. for the MBC HD channels, most The five qualifying schools All Hala customers can benefit from the watched channels, Video on De- that have progressed to the finals discounted call cost by subscribing to the mand content, the Ooredoo tv App are: Elite International School, Al Hala Bangladesh Key for QR2 per week. Store and more. Khansaa Primary Independent To subscribe, Hala customers simply need Fatima Sultan al Kuwari, Di- School for Girls, Alshaqab Primary The contest finals and awards ceremony are slated to be held on April 25. to send ‘BAN’ to 121 via SMS. The subscrip- rector Community & Public Re- Independent School for Girls, Abu tion will be automatically renewed weekly, as lations, Ooredoo, commented: Hanifa Model Independent School birds, insects, flora, reptiles, mam- presented to the winners after vironment Centre. The contest long as customers have the QR2 subscription “It’s only right that our Ooredoo for Boys and Nord Anglia Interna- mals, marine life and nature re- the conclusion of the final round allows students to actively learn fee in their mobile credit balance. To cancel tv Remote Control lives up to this tional School Al Khor. serves in Qatar. of the contest. The event organ- about Qatar’s beautiful and di- the service customers can SMS ‘STOP BAN’ smart offering and we’re delight- The quarter and semi-final Preparations for the final iser’s, high-profile public figures verse wildlife. to 121. ed to have developed it with our rounds were filled with com- rounds have already begun, as and media personnel are all ex- The user-friendly Qatar e- The Hala Bangladesh Key, which has customer’s feedback and needs petitive spirit and suspense. This the qualifying schools are all ea- pected to attend the event. Nature app is available for down- become one of the most popular pre-paid in mind.” year’s questions were more chal- ger to be recognised as the win- The Qatar e-Nature schools load free of charge on Apple Store, subscriptions in Qatar, was launched follow- The price of the new Ooredoo lenging, testing the teams’ as- ner of the 2017 Qatar e-Nature contest is organised by Sasol, the Google Play store, Windows Phone ing high demand from Bangladeshi migrant tv Remote Control is QR60 for all sertiveness, team work skills and schools contest, at the awards Ministry of Education and Higher Store and on the website (www. workers in the country. (TNN) existing subscribers. (TNN) showcasing their knowledge about ceremony. The accolades will be Education and Friends of the En- enature.qa). 06 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Philippines / Southeast Asia

News Indonesia’s president says open to death penalty review in brief eight -- two Australians, a Bra- Widodo has insisted that the death penalty is part of Indonesia’s Public support zilian, an Indonesian and four Five dead in blast Nigerians -- who were put to at boat refuelling law and serves as a deterrent against drug trafficking Why not? But I must ask death in a single night in April in Philippines my people. If my people 2015 on the prison island of AFP dons from death-row drug the first step towards abolish- say OK, they say yes, Nusakambangan. The convicts MANILA Five crew mem- JAKARTA convicts, ending a four-year ing the death penalty, a move I will start to prepare were taken to a jungle clearing bers of a motor boat in the moratorium. which needs approval in par- on the island, which houses southern Philippines have INDONESIA’S President Joko But in recent months he liament which has been dis- Indonesian President several high-security prisons, been killed in an explosion Widodo said he would restore has softened his position. cussing the issue for the past Joko Widodo and tied to stakes before being that occurred while they a moratorium on the death Asked in an interview with year. shot, in an move that triggered were refuelling the vessel, penalty if he won the backing AFP on Monday whether he However, Widodo said it global revulsion. the country’s coast guard of the people, after a spate of would consider a moratorium, would be difficult to secure Widodo has insisted that said on Tuesday. executions that drew interna- Widodo said: “Why not? But I parliamentary backing with- He cited a 2015 survey by a the death penalty is part of Four other crew mem- tional condemnation. must ask my people. out clear public support in a private pollster that found 85 power, Indonesia has hauled Indonesia’s law and serves as bers of the ML Satellite Widodo declared an anti- “If my people say OK, they conservative, Muslim-major- percent of Indonesians sup- 18 people -- 15 of them for- deterrent against drug traf- were injured in the accident drugs campaign soon after say yes, I will start to prepare,” ity country where voters are port the death penalty for drug eigners -- before the firing ficking. However, last Novem- on Monday evening at a coming to power in 2014 and he said. deeply concerned about high traffickers. squad for drug trafficking. ber he said he was “open for private wharf in the city of refused all requests for par- A moratorium could be levels of addiction. Since Widodo came to They include a group of options” to abolish it. Zamboanga, 875 kilometres south of Manila. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blast. (DPA) Kim Jong-nam’s body Thailand sends EU summons envoy ousted PM tax bill still in Kuala Lumpur for $494 million BANGKOK Thai tax au- morgue, says Malaysia thorities have sent ousted to explain new trash former prime minister AFP the murder. There are fears his Thaksin Shinawatra a whop- KUALA LUMPUR 21-year-old son, Kim Han-sol, ping 17 billion baht ($494 could be targeted next and the million) tax bill over the sale SIX weeks after the airport as- family is thought to be in hid- of shares in a telecoms sassination of Kim Jong-nam, ing. The killing has triggered a company more than a dec- talking by Duterte Malaysia on Tuesday said it bitter row between Malaysia ade ago, his lawyer said on was still waiting for family to and North Korea, which have Tuesday. claim the body, denying ru- The claim is over the The Philippine president threatens to hang EU officials who oppose death penalty restoration mours it had been sent back to sale of shares in Shin Corp. Pyongyang. to Singapore’s Temasek The half-brother of North Holdings. Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un Thaksin’s legal team was poisoned with the lethal would appeal to the revenue nerve agent VX in a brazen department within 30 days, Cold War-style assassina- his lawyer said. (REUTERS) tion on February 13 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Cambodia bans “There have been a lot of human breast milk rumours that the body was exports to US cremated but we would not do this without the responsible PHNOM Penh Cambodia parties giving us directives or Kim Jong-nam officially banned selling and agreement,” Health Minister S exporting locally-pumped Subramaniam told reporters. human breast milk on Tues- In recent days, there has Kuala Lumpur has been day, after reports exposed been some speculation that waiting for the next of kin how women were turning Kuala Lumpur had done a deal to come forward and claim to the controversial trade with Pyongyang to send the the body, but as this has to boost meagre incomes body to North Korea, in ex- not happened, they are now in one of Southeast Asia’s change for the return of nine seeking other solutions poorest countries. Malaysians being prevented The order comes from leaving by Kim Jong-un’s after Cambodia temporarily regime. Other reports suggest- expelled each other’s ambas- halted breast milk exports ed the corpse would be trans- sadors and barred their citi- by Utah-based Ambrosia ported to Macau, where Kim zens from leaving. Labs, which claims to be had been living with his family. Two women – one Viet- the first firm to source the “The body is still in the namese and one Indonesian – product from overseas and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (centre-left) during the groundbreaking ceremony of drug rehabilitation centre in the province of Bukidnon, morgue at Hospital Kuala have been arrested and charged distribute it in the US. (AFP) Northern Mindanao, recently. (EPA) Lumpur,” Subramaniam said, with the murder. Airport CCTV adding it would remain there footage shows them approach- Taiwan democracy AP O Duterte denied condoning extrajudicial killings but has repeatedly until the government had de- ing the 45-year-old victim and activist said to be MANILA Denials cided what to do. apparently smearing his face threatened drug suspects with death and said he is ready to rot in Kuala Lumpur has been with a piece of cloth. detained in China Duterte has lashed out jail to protect Filipinos from atrocious crimes linked to drugs THE European Union on Mon- at the EU repeatedly waiting for the next of kin to Investigators are seeking TAIPEI People close to a day summoned a Philippine O The EU denied Duterte’s allegations that it proposed solving the come forward and claim the seven North Korean suspects, Taiwanese pro-democracy for raising human envoy to explain an expletive- rights concerns over Philippines’ drug problem by creating treatment clinics where illegal body, but as this has not hap- four of whom left Malaysia on activist say he went missing laden tirade by President Ro- drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine would be dispensed pened, they are now seeking the day of the murder. nine days ago during a visit drigo Duterte, who threatened his war on drug efforts other solutions. The police chief has said he to the Chinese territory of to hang EU officials for oppos- Kim’s wife and children, believes they fled to Pyongyang Macau and appears to be in ing his efforts to re-impose the on Friday the EU had pro- they will inject you or give you that “aims to support recovery who were living in exile in the while the other three are hid- Chinese custody. death penalty. posed a “health-based solu- shabu,” he said in a speech from addiction, while keeping Chinese territory of Macau, ing in North Korea’s embassy The Taiwan Association The EU’s external action tion” to the drug problem that before Filipino-Chinese busi- families together and facilitat- staged a vanishing act after in Kuala Lumpur. for Human Rights said Lee service, the equivalent of a involved dispensing metham- nessmen. “Then if you want ing development of social and Ming-che disappeared after foreign office, said it hauled job skills.” clearing immigration on Charge d’Affaires Alan Deniega Philippines defends Duterte’s The voluntary programme March 19 in Macau. in to its Brussels headquarters plans to develop “recovery Lee’s wife, Lee Ching-yu, to provide “an explanation for ‘unacceptable’ remarks clinics and recovery homes,” Malaysian PM undecided on said Tuesday that a Taiwan- the recent, unacceptable com- MANILA The Philippine government on Tuesday defended a re- where patients can receive bet- ese government agency ments of President Duterte.” cent expletive-laden tirade by President Rodrigo Duterte against ter care, education and coun- buying France’s Rafale jets also told her this week it The move highlights grow- the European Union, after the bloc summoned the country’s seling without prescribing had indirect information ing European exasperation envoy to explain the “unacceptable” remarks. medication and ensuring con- REUTERS MiG-29 combat planes, nearly pointing to a Chinese state with the president. Earlier, the Duterte had called members of the European Parliament fidentiality. Livelihood skills KUALA LUMPUR half of which are grounded. security detention. (AP) EU denied his allegations that “sons of bitches” and threatened to hang them all for urging will be taught, the European Defence Minister Hisham- it proposed solving the Philip- Philippine authorities to stop legislation to reinstat Union said. MALAYSIAN Prime Minister muddin Hussein was reported pines’ drug problem by creat- ”It was in the context of non-interference with national Thousands have died un- Najib Razak said on Tuesday in the media as saying the race ing treatment clinics where sovereign affairs,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told a der Duterte’s crackdown, that he discussed the possible for new fighter jets has nar- illegal drugs such as metham- press conference when asked how the Philippine envoy ex- which was launched after he purchase of Dassault Aviation rowed to the Rafale and the Taiwan’s former phetamine or cocaine would plained Duterte’s remarks. took office in June, alarming SA’s Rafale fighter jets with Eurofighter Typhoon, built by be dispensed. “The president felt that they were impinging, infringing on the EU, Western governments French President Francois Hol- BAE Systems . president Ma The EU Delegation to the national sovereignty,” he added. “He (was) emphasising that we and UN rights officials. lande but remained undecided. “I know you will be making Philippines issued a statement should be left alone to be able to do our part.” (DPA) Duterte has said he will not “We’re not ready yet to a decision, and against that found innocent of saying it has not “suggested, be intimidated by threats by make a decision, but we take background, we want to pro- discussed, proposed or con- critics to impeach him or file note of its success in other vide the necessary support,” secrets leak, libel sidered the use of any substi- petamine, locally known as cocaine, they will give you co- a case against him before the countries...,” Najib said at a Hollande said in his speech af- tution drugs when treating ad- shabu, cocaine or heroin. caine and if they want heroin, International Criminal Court joint news conference with ter comments from Najib. AP diction to methamphetamine He branded the supposed they will give you heroin.” for the killings, mostly of poor Hollande in Kuala Lumpur. “Our ministers are al- TAIPEI ... or any other drug addiction EU proposal a “government- The EU said that in coop- drug dealers and users. Rafale is seen as a front- ready working to that effect. in the Philippines.” It did not sponsored idiotic exercise.” eration with the World Health He has denied condoning runner as Malaysia looks to All I would like to say is that TAIWAN’S China-friendly mention Duterte by name. “The sons of bitches, they Organisation and experts, it extrajudicial killings but has buy up to 18 jets in a deal po- the Rafale jet is the best in its former President Ma Ying- Duterte, who has lashed want us to build clinics, then was working with Manila’s repeatedly threatened drug tentially worth more than $2 category, and then we propose jeou was found innocent on out at the EU repeatedly for we should, instead of arrest- Department of Health and the suspects with death and said billion, sources have said. to discuss the prices, and the Tuesday of libel and leaking raising human rights concerns ing or putting them in prison government’s main anti-drug he is ready to rot in jail to pro- Malaysia’s plan is to re- specifications. I trust you will confidential information in a over his deadly crackdown on like in other countries, you go agency and selected villages tect Filipinos from atrocious place the Royal Malaysian Air make the decision when the case involving suspected influ- illegal drugs, said in a speech there and if you want shabu to implement a programme crimes linked to drugs. Force’s squadron of Russian time comes,” he added. ence peddling by a powerful lawmaker. The Taipei District Court found Ma innocent. Ma, a US- educated legal scholar, had de- Wild Thai tiger cub footage ignites hope for endangered species nied the charges. Ma was credited with sub- stantially improving Taiwan’s AFP lation -- the largest in the world Indochinese tigers, which which are treasured as talis- relations with rival China dur- BANGKOK with about three dozen tigers are generally smaller than mans and used in traditional ing his two terms in office from -- is based in a western forest their Bengal and Siberian medicines popular in China. 2008 to 2016. His Nationalist CONSERVATIONISTS on corridor in Thailand near the counterparts, once roamed Conservationists and park Party lost both the presidency Tuesday hailed the discovery border with Myanmar. across much of Asia. But today officials attributed Thailand’s and its parliamentary majority of a new breeding population “The extraordinary rebound only an estimated 221 remain, success story to a rise in coun- to the pro-independence Dem- of tigers in Thailand as a “mi- of eastern Thailand’s tigers is with the vast majority in Thai- ter-poaching efforts over the ocratic Progressive Party in raculous” victory for a sub- nothing short of miraculous,” land and a handful in neigh- past few decades. But they elections in January last year. species nearly wiped out by said John Goodrich, the tiger bouring Myanmar. warned that the breeding pop- The charges against Ma poaching. programme director at Pan- Aggressive poaching, weak ulations remained vulnerable stemmed from a 2013 law- Images of some tigers in- thera, a wild cat preservation law enforcement and habitat and would not thrive without a suit brought by Democratic cluding six cubs, captured by group that backed the survey. loss has rendered the animals sustained commitment to bust- Progressive Party lawmaker camera traps in an eastern The camera trap footage, all but extinct in southern Chi- ing poachers and taking down Ker Chien-ming alleging that Thai jungle throughout 2016, which shows female tigers and na, Cambodia, Laos and Viet- the lucrative trafficking trade. the then-president leaked in- confirm the presence of what is their cubs traipsing through nam, according to scientists. The Dong Phayayen-Khao formation from a wiretapped only the world’s second known the leafy jungle, was captured Tiger farms around the Yai forest complex still hosts conversation featuring pow- breeding population of the en- with help from the anti-traf- region have also boosted the only modest tiger density of erful Nationalist lawmaker dangered Indochinese tiger. ficking group Freeland and trafficking trade by propping 0.63 tigers per 100 square Wang Jin-pyng. The only other growing popu- Thai park authorities. up demand for tiger parts, kilometres. Two Indochinese tigers roam the forest in Eastern Thailand. (AFP) India Wednesday, March 29, 2017 07 Universal identity cards to be issued to Only 7 percent women in police forces: BBC barred from shooting in tiger all disabled: Govt Govt reserves for five years: Govt NEW Delhi A universal identity card, to be accepted by central and NEW Delhi There are about seven percent women in Indian police NEW Delhi The BBC has been banned to film in tiger reserves for NEWS state governments, will be issued to all disabled to help them forces in the country and the states and union territories have five years as its documentary on Kaziranga National Park “misrepre- IN BRIEF avail various welfare schemes and quota, Social Justice and been asked to increase their numbers by up to 33 per cent, the sented” the immunity provided to forest staff as a “shoot-to-kill” pol- Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said on Tuesday. As government on Tuesday said. “As on January 1, 2016, the repre- icy, the Centre on Tuesday said. Environment Minister Anil Madhav per 2011 census there were 2.68 crore disabled in the country, sentation of women police personnel is 7.10 per cent at all India Dave said that there were “inconsistencies” between the “synopsis but so far there is no proper identity document for them. (PTI) level,” Minister of State for Home Hansraj G Ahir said.(PTI) provided and the final documentary released for airing”.(PTI)

‘Racist’ attack Air India stands firm on flight ban for Sena MP

PTI Sena files privilege NEW DELHI motion on barring SHIV Sena MP Ravindra Gaik- MP from flying wad has booked another ticket with Air India but it was can- NEW DELHI Lok Sabha celled on Tuesday by the air- Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on line, days after all Indian car- Tuesday said she was con- riers banned him from flying sidering a privilege motion by for assaulting an AI staffer. the Shiv Sena on the ban by Sources said that the MP all airlines on party member had purchased an open ticket Ravindra Gaikwad. The issue prior to the ban, which his was raised by Sena member staff had booked for Wednes- Anandrao Adsul when Zero day morning to travel from Hour started. Adsul, who had Mumbai to Delhi. raised the issue on Monday The ticket “has been can- as well, was seen speaking celled”, an Air India (AI) state- even though his microphone ment said. was not working. Mahajan The Shiv Sena MP, who is said a privilege motion notice at the centre of a raging storm had been received. (IANS) for assaulting an elderly Air India employee last Thursday , was earlier barred from flying by all major domestic airlines remained unapologetic about in an unprecedented step in his conduct. People hold a protest against African nationals over the death of a teenager from drug overdose allegedly supplied by Nigerians, in Greater Noida on Monday. (PTI) Indian aviation history. An FIR has been registered A day after the incident, against him on the basis of the the national carrier had can- complaint lodged by Air India celled a return ticket of the MP for repeatedly hitting 62-year- while IndiGo too had followed old Duty Manager R Sukumar Police arrest five over attack suit, forcing him to take a train with sandals on a Pune-Delhi to Maharashtra. flight after it landed. The MP from western In- The MP was angry at not dian state of Maharashtra’s being given a business class on Africans in Greater Noida Osmanabad, however, has seat though he had boarded an continued to brazen it out and all-economy flight.

“The government is com- Foreign ministry condemns violence mitted to ensuring safety and African students demand security against Africans as deplorable security of all foreigners in after seemingly racist assaults India. People from Africa, in- India keeps off UN talks cluding students and youth, NEW DELHI Claiming that the Greater Noida incident was a “hate AFP cially motivated,” senior police remain our valued partners,” crime”, an association of African students on Tuesday demanded on nuclear weapons ban NEW DELHI officer Sujata Singh told AFP. said a ministry statement. that they be provided adequate security in India. “In Greater No- “Five attackers have been Singh said around 500 ida, they (locals) say that Africans ‘we don’t want you to be here PTI abstained from voting on that POLICE arrested five men arrested and four others are people had assembled for a anymore’. These are actually hate crimes against the African UNITED NATIONS resolution. Tuesday after hundreds of an- on the run,” she said, adding candle-lit vigil in Noida to de- community. Africans are not secure in this country,” Association The first substantive ses- gry residents of a north Indian that 300 people were involved mand justice for the teenager, of African Students President Samuel Jack said. He said Africans INDIA is not participating sion of the conference be- city attacked Africans with in the rioting. and became violent after spot- may not come to India for studies due to safety concerns in the in the first UN conference gan here yesterday. In its sticks and metal chairs follow- India’s foreign ministry ting a group of Nigerians. wake of such incidents. (PTI) in more than 20 years on a Explanation of Vote (EoV) ing the death of a local teen- condemned the incident as One television station global nuclear weapons ban given for its abstention on ager from a suspected drug “deplorable” and said it had showed an angry mob hitting a which opened here amid ob- the resolution in October, In- overdose. assured the Nigerian high car with sticks, while another the security marshals. I was the illegal drug trade. jections from major nuclear dia had said that it was “not Around a dozen people commissioner (ambassador) showed dozens of attackers running but they followed me The issue was thrown into powers. convinced” that the proposed were wounded in the violence that all steps were being taken hitting shoppers in a mall with and attacked me,” he said on the spotlight after a Congolese More than 120 nations in conference could address the late Monday in Greater Noida, to protect the country’s na- metal chairs. NDTV television. national was stoned to death October last year voted on a longstanding expectation of a satellite city of New Delhi tionals. Endurance Amalawa, one “Some people were hit- last year in a dispute over an UN General Assembly reso- the international community where hundreds of African Many Nigerians were tar- of the attacked students, said ting us, pushing us out... they auto-rickshaw. lution to convene the confer- for a comprehensive instru- students are based. geted in the violence, which he was outside the mall with dragged my brother outside After that, African am- ence to negotiate a legally ment on nuclear disarma- “Rumours were being was apparently triggered by his brother when they saw an and start hitting him.” bassadors in New Delhi binding treaty to prohibit ment. spread that Africans are be- the release without charge angry mob running towards Africans living in India threatened to advise students nuclear weapons, leading to- India also maintained that hind the youth’s death and of five Nigerian students de- them. frequently face discrimination from their countries to avoid wards their total elimination. the Geneva-based Conference racist comments were made tained over the teenager’s “We kept crying for help, and even violence, and are of- schools in the capital for their Britain, France, Israel, Russia on Disarmament (CD) is the on social media. It looks ra- death. but no one came, not even ten accused of involvement in own safety. and the US voted no, while single multilateral disarma- China, India and Pakistan ment negotiation forum. 3 civilians, militant killed in fresh Kashmir gun battle Crackdown on ‘illegal’

PTI abattoirs begins to bite SRINAGAR CM Mehbooba asks local PTI Pradesh has totally stopped militants togive up arms NEW DELHI since the crackdown on slaugh- THREE civilians were killed terhouses and the ensuing on Tuesday in security forces’ SRINAGAR Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti SUPPLY of meat has been hit strike in UP. A meat wholesaler action against protestors near on Tuesday asked local militants, who want to return to the main- hard in the Indian capital due said some suppliers from Ut- an encounter site in Budgam stream, to give up their arms as nothing can be achieved through to the crackdown on illegal tar Pradesh, who have licences district in Kashmir during violence. “Today an encounter is going on at Chadoora... We made abattoirs and the meat sellers’ to run their business, have also an anti-militancy operation efforts to tell the lad to lay his arms and come back. Violence strike in neighbouring Uttar stopped sending goats fearing which ended with the killing of will not yield anything,” she said addressing an election rally in Pradesh but the real impact will attacks by vigilantes. the lone militant. south Kashmir. Mehbooba said violence has only led to death and be felt only after the nine-day- Traders said the shortage of “One militant has been destruction in Jammu and Kashmir over the years. (PTI) long Navratra. supply will not affect Delhi till killed and a weapon has been Industry experts said the after the Navratra though mar- recovered from the scene of A group of youth pelt stones on security forces during an anti-militant festival, during which Hindus ginal increase in mutton prices the encounter,” an army offi- injured in security forces’ ac- in the early hours today fol- operation at village Durbugh in Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s generally abstain from eating has been reported in some ar- cial said. tion against a large number of lowing information about the Budgam district on Tuesday. (PTI) non-vegetarian food, will “sof- eas. Garish Oberoi, Vice Presi- The encounter has ended, protestors who pelted stones presence of militants in the ten the blow” of shortage of dent of Federation of Hotel a police official said adding on the law enforcing personnel area, the police official said. been identified as Zahid Dar, rity forces were going on till meat as its consumption comes and Restaurant Associations of that one para trooper also sus- allegedly in a vain bid to help He said the search opera- Saqib Ahmad and Ishfaq Ah- reports last came in, he added. down by around 50 per cent India, said chicken and mutton tained injuries. the holed up militant escape. tion turned into a gunbattle mad Wani. The trend of civilians as- during the period in Delhi. supply to hotel industry has not Three civilians -- all young Security forces launched a after the militant opened firing All of them had firearm in- sembling near encounter sites An official in Ghazipur been affected significantly. He, men in their twenties -- were cordon and search operation on security forces. juries, the official said. Clashes and engaging security forces wholesale meat market said however, said buffalo meat sup- killed while 18 others were in Durbugh area of Chadoora The slain civilians have between protestors and secu- in clashes emerged last year. supply of goats from Uttar ply has been hit hard.

UP CM Yogi sounds more statesman than rabble-rouser REUTERS “My government will be ease among members of the tions about India’s secular sciences at Ashoka University GORAKHPUR for everyone, not specifically Muslim community, who status, and whether Modi, outside Delhi. for any caste or community ... make up nearly a fifth of Ut- himself a product of a nation- In a gleaming white tem- SINCE Indian Prime Minis- We will work for development tar Pradesh’s 200 million or alist Hindu upbringing, in- ple compound in Gorakhpur, ter Narendra Modi stunned of all sections and castes,” so people. tends to pursue more aggres- people crowd Adityanath’s the political establishment by Adityanath said shortly after “We should just go about sive pro-Hindu policies as he offices to petition his band of promoting a hardline Hindu being made chief minister of doing our job and pray the pursues economic reforms. fanatical followers in the Hin- priest to one of the country’s Uttar Pradesh, India’s most Hindu Yuva Vahini doesn’t Adityanath was a key cam- du Youth Force to settle their most powerful positions, populous state. take over mosques to build paigner for Modi’s Bharatiya personal grievances. Yogi Adityanath has sounded The words jar with what new temples,” said local Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Clerks hammer out their more statesman than rabble- the shaven-headed leader of driver Aijaz Sheikh, referring Pradesh elections, and the requests on old mechanical rouser. the Gorakhnath sect has been to the Hindu Youth Force set thumping victory he helped typewriters, handing them to Gone is the fiery anti- saying from public platforms up by Adityanath in 2002 to deliver underlined how a di- members of the force to deal Muslim rhetoric and promo- throughout a political career carry out his agenda. visive candidate could eclipse with. tion of Hindu supremacy spanning nearly 20 years. “If we react then we will rivals who tried to reach out Not all disputes concern for which the saffron-robed In his northern power pay the price. The loss will be across communities. religion, but Adityanath’s 44-year-old is known, and in base - the down-at-heel town ours and no Hindu will come “With Yogi Adityanath’s devotees say their main mis- its place is a message of social of Gorakhpur near the Nepa- to stand with us in Gora- appointment, vigilantism sion is to fight against creep- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi arrives to attend the inclusion more akin to Modi’s lese border - Adityanath’s khpur.” has been upgraded into state ing encroachment by Uttar oath ceremony of 17th Legislative Assembly at Vidhan Sabha in language since sweeping to more conciliatory comments Adityanath’s ascent has policy,” said Gilles Verniers, Pradesh’s Muslim commu- Lucknow Tuesday. (PTI) power in 2014. have done little to dispel un- prompted widespread ques- assistant professor of political nity. 08 Wednesday, March 29, 2017

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 PRINTED AT ALI BIN ALI PRINTING PRESS Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF President Putin Under Pressure Will GOP Learn The recent street protests show that Russians are willing to risk retribution to resist the authoritarian measures of the Kremlin HEN it comes to modern authoritar- The police response to the protests was From Failure? ian leaders, President Vladimir Putin predictably brutal. More than 1,000 dem- Wof Russia ranks high for ruthlessness onstrators in Moscow were beaten and ar- and repression. Yet as the Sunday protests rested, including Navalny. Although many in Moscow and other cities proved, he has of those detained were soon released, Na- After the health care debacle, Republicans must get their act together on tax reforms failed to crush the spirit and courage of Rus- valny on Monday received a 15-day prison sian citizens who are willing to risk retribu- sentence for resisting arrest. He wants to tion to resist the excesses of his regime. run for president in 2018, and seems to DAVID BROOKS | The anti-government demonstrations have the charisma and a sufficiently strong NYT NEWS SERVICE were the largest in more than five years, message, clearly, to bring people out into drawing tens of thousands of people into the streets. HE Republican Health Care bill the streets in scores of cities despite a Without directly attacking Putin, whose failed because it was a bad bill that sweeping ban on unsanctioned rallies. The public approval rating remains high, Nav- had almost no authentic public sup- protests called for the resignation of Prime alny has focused on corruption, which is en- port. It took benefits away from tens Minister Dmitry Medvedev; their proximate demic in Russia, and some believe it could Tof millions of vulnerable people to cause was a 50-minute video produced by be Putin’s Achilles’ heel. Nevertheless, the give tax breaks to the rich few. Alexei Navalny and other opposition al- obstacles to unseating Putin are formida- When Republicans turn to tax reform, lies and viewed more than 13 million times ble; indeed, a previous trumped-up convic- they will start on much stronger ground. on social media. The video alleged that tion may make it difficult for Navalny to run The Republican plans, at least in their Medvedev had receive bribes from promi- for office. broad conceptions, are built solidly on the nent oligarchs that enabled him to main- Despite Trump’s perplexing fondness two frameworks that have shaped recent tain fancy estates, vineyards and yachts in for Putin, the State Department issued a tax reform discussions. Russia and overseas. The protests also re- statement condemning the detention of The first is simplification, the idea that flected broader public discontents, includ- hundreds of “peaceful protesters,” includ- a cleaner tax code, with fewer loopholes ing unhappiness with the economy and the ing Navalny, and asserting that “detaining and lower rates, would foster economic government’s suppression of peaceful dem- peaceful protesters, human rights observers growth. The second is substitution, the onstrations. and journalists is an affront to core demo- idea that the overall rate of taxation is less Protesters knew the risks. In nearly 20 cratic values.” The statement was issued by important than what you tax. The current years as president or prime minister, Putin Mark Toner, the acting spokesman, not Sec- code taxes income heavily and barely tax- has worked to crush any serious political retary of State Rex Tillerson, which would es consumption. To increase dynamism opposition, independent media, freedom have had more effect. and growth, we should substitute taxes on of expression and human rights in general. Putin remains firmly in the driver’s seat, investment with taxes on spending. He has also been aggressive on the interna- but Sunday’s events should give him pause. The first framework shaped the tax tional stage with his annexation of Crimea Many protesters were young people who reform of 1986 and is locked in many peo- and military involvement in Syria on behalf reportedly get their news from more inde- ple’s brains today. But my impression is of President Bashar al Assad. Over the past pendent sources, not state-run media, and that economists have come to see the sec- five months, some eight high-profile Rus- apparently are not cowed by the man in the ond framework as more important. sians, including five diplomats, have died, Kremlin. Given Russia’s economic, demo- The research shows that cutting top some in suspicious circumstances. Putin graphic and other challenges, Putin cannot marginal rates does not produce as much has long been accused of killing journalists be certain he can control the future even if growth as the supply siders expected. some family resemblance to the X Tax, the easy stuff, which is cutting the taxes, and other opponents. he controls the present. Meanwhile, research by the Organization David Bradford’s version of a consump- while skipping the hard stuff – closing for Economic Cooperation and Develop- tion tax that isn’t necessarily regressive. loopholes and finding substitute reve- New York Times ment and others has found that corporate So the basic GOP framework is good. nue sources. The second temptation will income taxes have a more negative effect There are at least three main problems. be to scale back the whole enterprise so on growth than income, payroll or con- The consumption tax rates are too low that you can declare victory with a much sumption taxes. It’s more important to smaller bill. The third temptation will be cut those. to can the border tax, which is associated Most rich nations today combine con- Tax reform probably won’t survive if with Paul Ryan and which the Freedom A Bad Idea To Cut Prison Visitations sumption taxes and a low corporate rate. the Republicans try to do it the way Caucus already opposes. OVERNOR Andrew Cuomo of New ened visitation policies, establishing visiting As Kevin Hassett, who’s been mentioned they tried to do health care – stay- By the time legislation is crafted, York likes to trumpet his record as a hours seven days a week in the aftermath of as President Donald Trump’s likely Coun- ing within the lines of Republican probably in early summer, the good ba- Gcriminal-justice reformer, pointing to the prison riots at Attica in 1971. But prison cil of Economic Advisers chairman, has orthodoxy while veering over to the sic framework could transmogrify into the reduction in the state prison popula- overcrowding in recent decades meant more noted, 34 out of the 35 OECD nations extreme right in the hopes of win- something completely ugly – a bill that tion and the closing of 13 prisons under visitors and led to cutbacks in visitations at have VAT or VAT-like consumption taxes. explodes the national debt while handing his watch. A lot more needs to be done, but medium-security prisons to weekends and The United States is the only outlier. ning the Freedom Caucus massive benefits to the rich. Then we’d be Cuomo has shown an understanding of the holidays only. The House Republican tax reform bill back where we were with health care re- need for humane justice policies. The budget proposal would cut visits embraces both frameworks, but it leans to raise enough revenue, the whole thing form, with a bill that benefits very few and So it was all the more inexplicable that at maximum-security prisons from seven on the substitution framework more is much more regressive than it needs which no one likes. his budget for 2017-18 called for slashing days a week to three, which would eliminate heavily. The most exhaustive look at the to be, and the current political climate Tax reform probably won’t survive if family visiting hours at New York’s 17 max- the jobs of 39 corrections officers, saving a Republican tax plan I’ve seen was written is probably going to make the bill much, the Republicans try to do it the way they imum-security prisons, a hugely destructive meager $2.6 million a year, out of an annual by David A Weisbach of the University of much worse, not much, much better. tried to do health care – staying within move that would save the state budget a tiny corrections budget of more than $3 billion. Chicago Law School. He notes that the After the health care debacle, Repub- the lines of Republican orthodoxy while amount of money. In place of face-to-face visits, inmates and Republican plan would simplify the rates licans desperately need a win. Moreover, veering over to the extreme right in the No one disputes how important these their families are being offered video con- and close a lot of loopholes – the simpli- they are massively underestimating how hopes of winning the Freedom Caucus. visits are to the inmates and their families. ferences, which are no substitute for in-per- fication framework – but it wouldn’t radi- hard tax reform is going to be. Tax reform will probably only pass with Research shows that prisoners who get son contact. cally reshape the taxation of individuals. Every single loophole in the tax code bipartisan buy-in, if there are enough po- regular visits from their families are more Making visits to upstate prisons can Business taxes, meanwhile, would be has a ferocious defender, a fact that has tential yes votes that you can afford to lose likely to do well upon their release, are less be difficult for inmates’ families, who are transformed. The Republican plan cuts scared off all the recent administrations some off on the extremes. likely to commit new crimes and may even disproportionately poor and often have in- corporate rates, allows the immediate from attempting tax reform. So even just Tax reform is one of the few issues be less violent while in prison – keeping flexible work or child-care schedules. But expensing of investments and eliminates the loophole closing piece is going to be where Republican and Democratic think- people safer and reducing costs to taxpay- many make the trip anyway. Ending vis- the taxation of income from sales in for- like Guadalcanal. Raising consumption ing overlaps. It’s one of the few ways to ers. For children in particular – more than its on all but Friday, Saturday and Sunday eign countries while raising an import tax, taxes on top of that – against the fero- significantly boost growth. If Republicans 100,000 of whom have a parent behind bars would only worsen the long lines and week- which functions sort of like a VAT. “These cious opposition of the retail sector – will can learn from their errors, they can get in New York – in-person visits are a crucial end overcrowding that already afflict many changes would go a long way toward shift- be Guadalcanal on stilts. this done. part of developing healthy, long-term bonds prison visiting rooms. The state should be ing the tax system to taxing consumption The Republicans are going into this If, on the other hand, tax reform fails, with their incarcerated parents. working to make things easier, not harder, rather than income,” Weisbach writes. process from a position of extreme weak- the GOP majority is forfeit and Washing- New York was once a pioneer of enlight- on these families. Moreover, the Republican plan bears ness. The first temptation will be to do ton will descend to utter dysfunction. New York Times The Stinging Insult Of Hosni Mubarak’s Release The release of Egypt’s former dictator shows that new rulers have as much contempt for justice as he did MONA ELTAHAWY | NYT SYNDICATE branches of the security forces and ap- Millions of Egyptians took to the as softballs to Mubarak. The minister would people, most of whom were Muslim Broth- pointed the judges. That ensured Egypt’s streets to demand Morsi’s resignation on then call on those journalists to ensure the erhood supporters, in a single day in 2013? HEN I heard that Egypt’s former judicial system was configured to deny the first anniversary of his taking office. president was given a chance to provide the Egyptians of every political persuasion president Hosni Mubarak had genuine justice. So, how could a regime try Many Egyptians saw Morsi as preoccupied state-run outlets with his talking points. deserve justice. That must never be con- been released on Friday from the one of its own and find him guilty? I know: with consolidating power for the Muslim Only by shouting out my questions sidered unrealistic. Rather, it is myopic military hospital where he had delusional. How does such a regime try Brotherhood movement from which he would I finally catch his attention and get and naïve to think that supporting our Wbeen detained since his trial be- those who are not its own? The day before came, rather than acting as the transition- his answers. Mubarak used to call me the dictators, as so many Western administra- gan a few months after the January 2011 Mubarak walked free, a Cairo court again al president they elected him to be. After “troublemaker from Reuters.” His security tions do, will make real the mirage of sta- revolution that ousted him, I looked up postponed issuing a verdict in the case of three days of mass protests, the head of the detail once confiscated my press card be- bility they claim to support. It must never pictures from that trial. I wanted to re- an Egyptian-American, Aya Hijazi, her military, now the president, Abdel Fattah cause I did not stand, as the state-owned be considered delusional to expect our hu- member the thrill, albeit short-lived, of Egyptian husband and several others who el Sisi, overthrew the Morsi government. media representatives did, when the presi- man rights to be respected. seeing this incarnation of all the entitle- worked with them to provide services for I supported the overthrow of Mubarak. dent entered a restaurant on the Sinai Five American administrations, Demo- ment accrued over nearly 30 years of rule street children. They have been impris- I also supported the millions of Egyptians Peninsula where we were waiting for his cratic and Republican, supported the Mu- confined to the cage where defendants are oned since May 2014 on absurd charges of who took to the streets against Morsi and I news conference with the visiting Russian barak regime. As frustrated as I was with kept in Egyptian courtrooms. human trafficking and sexual abuse. was glad to see him go. But I opposed Sisi’s foreign minister. the Obama administration’s continuation It is awful and humiliating to be in that Also in the days before Mubarak’s seizure of power because I oppose mili- “Tell Mona Eltahawy that next time of that support, through economic and mil- cage. That is its intention. release, a petition was circulating on tary rule. Like Mubarak, Morsi was put in the president arrives anywhere, she must itary aid, and its foot-dragging at the start So this was a sight that expressed Egyptian social media calling for medi- a defendant’s cage, but he did not spend stand up,” the presidential palace’s media of our revolution, at least President Obama Egypt’s revolutionary audacity. Mubarak cal amnesty for a 22-year-old imprisoned his nights in a cushy military hospital. office told my Reuters colleagues when never invited Sisi to the White House. Sisi was the first of the leaders overthrown by student, Ahmed el Khatib, who is suffering Morsi and his senior advisers were held they called to get my press card back. Re- was the first foreign leader to call Donald J the uprisings that swept across this region from an illness brought on by unsanitary incommunicado by the military for several pression can be predictable and pathetic. Trump after his election victory. I am sure to be present at his trial. Some will tell you prison conditions. He is one of an estimat- months before prosecutors began filing I am angry and sad at Mubarak’s re- Sisi is now celebrating his invitation to visit that Mubarak’s being in that cage was all ed 60,000 political prisoners in Egypt’s multiple charges, several of which resulted lease not just because of what could have the White House next Monday. I am not. I a show scripted by a military government jails, many of whom are sick but are de- in his conviction. Held in a high-security been, but what now cannot be, as long as am not so delusional that I’d imagine the that would not ultimately permit the im- nied medical treatment. During his trial, prison near Alexandria, he is unlikely to our criminal justice system comforts the Trump administration will use that meet- prisonment of one of its own. (Mubarak Mubarak received the best medical care walk free anytime soon. powerful and afflicts the powerless. If Mu- ing to press Egypt’s president on matters of was once the commander of the Air Force.) Egypt can offer in a military hospital. As a Reuters correspondent in Cairo in barak was not held accountable for the kill- justice, freedom or human rights. Some will tell you that it was unrealistic, To understand how our military rulers the 1990s, I covered Mubarak’s presidency ing of some 900 people in the 11 days of even delusional, to have ever expected jus- try those who are not their own, contrast for several years. All the president’s news the uprising, how will we hold accountable (Mona Eltahawy is the author tice for those killed by Mubarak’s security the trial of Mubarak with our second oust- conferences would begin with the informa- Sisi and other senior security personnel ac- of ‘Headscarves and Hymens: forces during the revolution. ed president, Mohamed Morsi, who was tion minister giving out questions for re- countable for another massacre, soon after Why the Middle East Needs For years, Mubarak created myriad elected after Mubarak was forced out. porters from the state-owned media to pitch they overthrew Morsi, of more than 800 a Sexual Revolution’.)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Wednesday, March 29, 2017 09 Number of Kenyans going hungry doubles to 3 mn: Red Cross Plane crash kills six people in eastern Zimbabwe

THE number of Kenyans needing emergency food aid has doubled in the past three months to SIX people were killed when a small plane crashed in eastern Zimbabwe near the border with three million, the Red Cross said Tuesday, as the impact of a devastating drought worsens. Mozambique, a state-owned newspaper said on Tuesday. The Mozambican-registered eight- News KENYA is one of several East African countries suffering from food crises, along with Ethiopia; seater plane crashed into the Vumba mountains near the Mozambican boarder, with witness- in brief South Sudan, where famine has already been declared; and Somalia, on the brink of its third es blaming bad weather, The Herald newspaper said. Four of the people were directors of a famine in 25 years. Outside the region, Yemen and Nigeria are also facing famine, in what the Mozambican company that has operations in Zimbabwe, while the two crew members were a United Nations has called the worst humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II. Like father and son. The Herald said an aid force helicopter had airlifted the bodies to a nearby many of its neighbours, Kenya is suffering the effects of two failed rainy season. (AFP) hospital. (REUTERS)

S Sudan rebels claim seizing town; govt rejects assertion Mali’s former rebels agree to

REUTERS the place. join peace negotiations JUBA “It is lies created by the rebels that they have killed AFP militias aimed at ending suc- SOUTH Sudanese rebels said and captured people,” gov- BAMAKO cessive separatist uprisings in they had taken control of a “It is lies created by the ernment army spokesman Mali’s north, most recently in town on the Ugandan border rebels that they have killed Santo Domic Chol said. FORMER rebels in Mali on 2012, and to isolate jihadist and killed 14 soldiers in the and captured people,” The United Nations says Tuesday reversed a decision groups. fighting. at least a quarter of South to boycott a national recon- On Monday, the Coordi- An account dismissed on -Santo Domic Chol Sudan’s population has been ciliation conference after re- nation of Movements of Aza- Tuesday as “ridiculous and un- displaced in a three-year civ- ceiving assurances from the wad (CMA), t he former rebel founded” by the government. il war triggered by President government, a spokesman alliance, and Mali’s opposi- The SPLM-IO insurgents south of the capital Juba. Salva Kiir’s decision to sack said. tion groupings announced loyal to former vice presi- The government said the Machar in 2013. The talks were agreed in they would not attend, saying dent Riek Machar said they rebels had raided the prison, Many people in and a 2015 peace deal signed by the planned 7-day meeting freed prisoners from the jail freed a number of people it around Kajo-Keji have fled Tuareg-led rebels, the gov- was not long enough and its in Kajo-Keji early on Monday described as prisoners-of- to Uganda to escape the (File photo) South Sudanese rebels claim responsibility for border ernment and pro-Bamako aims were too limited. around 100km (60 miles) war, but then the rebels left fighting. town attack and freeing prisoners of war.

Unrest in Congo as Catholic bishops Monster cyclone batters withdraw from talks REUTERS of last year in which secu- Australia’s northeast KINSHASA rity forces killed at least 40 people. ISOLATED unrest broke Congo’s conference of The storm uprooted out in Democratic Republic Catholic bishops (CENCO) trees, tore down of Congo’s capital on Tues- helped negotiate a Dec. 31 day after Catholic bishops deal aimed at avoiding a fences and knocked withdrew from their role as political crisis by ensuring mediators between the gov- an election this year to elect out power supply ernment and opposition in Kabila’s successor. talks aimed at paving the In January, the bishops AP way for delayed elections warned that the deal was at TOWNSVILLE this year. risk of unravelling if poli- Demonstrators, some ticians did not act quickly A powerful cyclone packing burning tyres at city cross- to reach compromises and winds of up to 260 kilometers roads, took to the streets in implement the deal. (160 miles) per hour roared several areas in Kinshasa. The bishops stepped across Australia’s tropical In one instance, police fired aside on Tuesday af- northeast on Tuesday, up- tear gas to disperse a small ter progress on the deal rooting trees, tearing down group of youths. stalled, raising the prospect fences and knocking out pow- Many shops remained of renewed violence in a er to thousands, officials said. closed and some schools country that has suffered a Cyclone Debbie, which called parents to collect succession of wars and re- slammed into the coast of their children, a Reuters bellions. Queensland state as a fierce witness said. “We think that there’s Category 4 storm, quickly be- President Joseph Kabi- no longer anything to do,” gan to weaken after making la’s mandate ran out in De- Donatien Nshole, secretary landfall near the resort town cember but polls were not general of CENCO, said. of Airlie Beach, the Austral- held due to what the gov- “We have given all our ian Bureau of Meteorology ernment said were budget- time and all our energy and said. By Tuesday night, it had ary constraints, sparking in the meantime pastoral been downgraded to a Cate- violent protests at the end work suffers.” gory 2 storm, with wind gust- ing up to 155 kilometers (95 miles) per hour. One man was injured af- ter a wall collapsed in Pros- erpine, a town south of Airlie Beach, Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was in sta- ble condition. The extent of the dam- Outdoor furniture lies in a pool at a motel as Cyclone Debbie hits the northern Queensland town of Airlie Beach, located south of Townsville in age from the storm was not Australia on Tuesday. (REUTERS) known as night fell across the region, but there were from the storm with his wife than 50,000 households were reports of roofs peeling from and four daughters inside without power. homes, fences crumbling and their house in Proserpine. “Conditions have dete- trees snapping in half. The He could see that four of his riorated rapidly,” Austral- idyllic Whitsunday Islands, a neighbors’ sheds had been ian Prime Minister Malcolm popular tourist destination, destroyed and every house Turnbull said in an address were hit particularly hard, Widespread within sight including his Nature’s fury to Parliament. “Take care (File photo) Delegates and members of Congolese Episcopal with one recorded wind gust own had lost their fences. and stay safe. Be prepared to Conference (Cenco). of 263 kilometers (163 miles) damage At least four trees had been “It sounds like you got a shelter in place until Wednes- jumbo jet sitting on the roof of per hour, the meteorology The extent of the damage was smashed to pieces. day.” UN, EU and AU condemn reported bureau reported. “It sounds like you got a your house,” John Collins said The storm also poses a The slow-moving storm not known as night fell, but jumbo jet sitting on the roof by telephone of the wind serious threat to the farm- killing of DR Congo police officers pounded the coastal region there were reports of roofs of your house,” Collins said roaring outside. “It really is so ing region’s crops. The area for hours, creating what peeling from homes, fences by telephone of the wind loud. It’s incredible,” adds produces sugarcane and a THE UN, EU and African Union expressed “grave concern” Stewart called a “battering crumbling and trees snapping roaring outside. “It really is Collins. wide range of fruits and veg- Tuesday over violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ram effect,” with the same in half. The slow-moving storm so loud. It’s incredible.” etables, including tomatoes, Kasai region including the reported killing of 39 police offic- areas enduring the howling pounded the coastal region for Collins’ wife and two mangoes and peppers. ers. The organisations “condemn this despicable act and winds and drenching rains hours, creating what was of their daughters were so morning, and they were re- The federal govern- express their condolences to the families of the victims,” they for a punishingly long time. called a “battering ram effect.” scared they were hiding un- signed to several more hours ment noted that it had kept said, after Congolese national police accused rebels of killing Communities along more der blankets. Meanwhile, one of waiting until it was safe to on standby to help with the officers in an ambush on Friday. than 300 kilometers (190 of his other daughters whom emerge from their house. clean-up the soldiers, heli- Together with the International Organisation of Francopho- miles) of coastline were ex- he described as “a real weath- “It’s just going on and on copters and planes ready to nie, they “express deep concern over the grave situation in pected to be impacted, Stew- debris and reopening roads, er nerd” was enthralled with and on,” he said. mobilise. The effects of the the Kasai provinces” in central DR Congo. They called for an art said. State Recovery Coordinator the storm, and was diligently Thousands of people storm were felt across a huge “urgent response from the country’s political leaders” to curb Australia’s military was Brigadier Chris Field said. listening to the radio for up- evacuated low-lying areas in swathe of coast that would the violence.” (AFP) sending vehicles, aircraft and John Collins, a member dates on its path. the storm’s path on Monday. span the distance between supplies to the region, with of the Whitsundays govern- The family’s power had Hundreds of schools were London and Berlin, although soldiers focusing on clearing ment council, was sheltering been out since Tuesday closed on Tuesday and more not all areas were badly hit.

South Africa’s Gordhan returns home, Tributes pour in for S Africa’s anti-apartheid icon Kathrada says still FM despite talk of sacking AFP which were on Robben Island, said in a statement. Kathrada’s JOHANNESBURG the notorious jail off the coast activism against white-minor- REUTERS Gordhan said “yes” when of Cape Town. After the end ity apartheid rule started at JOHANNESBURG/PRETORIA asked by a reporter if he was CELEBRATED South African of apartheid, he served from the age of 17, when he was one still the finance minister. anti-apartheid activist Ahmed 1994 to 1999 as parliamen- of 2,000 “passive resisters” ar- FINANCE Minister Pravin He was speaking outside Kathrada, a Robben Island tary counsellor to President rested in 1946 for defying laws Gordhan flew back to South a court in the capital Preto- prisoner and one of Nelson Mandela in the first African that discriminated against In- Africa on Tuesday, obeying an ria, where he attended the Mandela’s closest colleagues National Congress (ANC) gov- dian South Africans. abrupt recall from President hearing of a case over the clo- in the struggle against white ernment. Soon afterwards, he went Jacob Zuma, and said he was sure of accounts belonging to rule, died Tuesday aged 87. Leading a flood of tributes, underground to continue the still the finance minister when friends of the president, the Kathrada was among those retired Archbishop Desmond struggle as a member of the asked about reports that he Gupta brothers. The case has tried and jailed alongside Tutu described Kathrada as “a ANC’s armed wing, Umkhonto was about to be sacked. been a bone of contention be- Mandela in the Rivonia trial in man of remarkable gentleness, we Sizwe (MK). The rand, which trimmed tween Zuma and his finance 1964, which drew worldwide modesty and steadfastness”, In July 1963, the police its losses to 1 percent against minister. attention to the brutalities of hailing him a moral leader of swooped on Liliesleaf Farm the dollar following his com- Talk Radio 702 said Gord- the apartheid regime. the anti-apartheid movement. in Rivonia, outside Johan- ment, has been volatile since han’s dismissal had been dis- He died in hospital in Jo- “These were people of the nesburg, where Kathrada and Zuma ordered Gordhan to cussed on Monday at talks hannesburg after a short ill- highest integrity and moral fi- other senior activists were return from a trip to Britain, between Zuma and the South ness following brain surgery, bre who, through their humil- meeting in secret. rattling investors who see the African Communist Party, al- his charity foundation said. ity and humanity, inspired our His fellow prisoners in- minister as a focus of stabil- lies of the ruling African Na- Kathrada spent 26 years and collective self-worth and the cluded Mandela, Walter Sisulu A portrait of the late Ahmed Kathrada hangs at Nelson Mandela foun- ity. tional Congress. three months in prison, 18 of world’s confidence in us,” Tutu and Denis Goldberg. dation during his memorial service on Monday. (AFP) 10 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Pakistan / South Asia

Chaotic politics Foreign spies News in brief can no longer enter Pakistan Afghan refugees’ repatriation to as diplomats: restart next month Interior Minister ISLAMABAD THE PROCESS of voluntary repatriation of DAWN NEWS Afghan refugees to their ISLAMABAD country will resume from next month, a spokesman INTERIOR MINISTER Chaud- for the United Nations High hary Nisar Ali Khan on Tuesday Commission for Refugee said that agents from foreign in- (UNHCR) said Tuesday. telligence agencies cannot enter The spokesman told Radio the country under the cover of Pakistan that the process diplomatic assignments. was temporarily suspended While addressing a press in November last year due conference in Islamabad, to winter season. A repatria- Nisar said that the interior tion centre has been set up ministry was thoroughly at Chamkani near Peshawar checking and verifying every to register refugees willing visa application before grant- to go back to Afghanistan. ing anyone admission to the The UNHCR is providing country, including diplomats. $400 to each returning refu- "This was not the case a gee besides food and other few years ago when people basic items. (DAWN NEWS) used to travel to Pakistan us- ing faked documents or with- Senior Afghan out a valid visa and had to be general arrested given documents at airports on graft charges here," he said. "This does not happen KABUL THE AFGHAN govern- anymore. No one can enter the ment arrested a senior gen- country without proper docu- eral on corruption charges mentation; and if they do, they on Monday, a year after he are sent back immediately and was deployed to crack down the airline they are travelling on fraud and other shady on is penalised heavily." dealings in restive Helmand The interior minister also province. Major General said Pakistan will soon receive Mohammad Moeen Faqeer all visa applications online was detained on charges by so that records can be main- the Attorney Generals' Anti- tained in a central database. Corruption Justice Center, "We are moving past that defense ministry spokesman era where one hand does not Dawlat Waziri said. Faqeer Police raid the Maldivian Democratic Party office after party members took part in a protest outside parliament in Male, on Monday. (AFP) know what the other is up to in was sent to take command this country," Nisar said. of the Afghan army's 215th The centralisation process Corps in Helmand in early will begin as soon as formal ap- 2016, after the previous com- proval is obtained from the PM mander became embroiled in US asks Maldives to restore House, he added. questions over improper pay- Nisar also spoke of a crack- ments to non-existent "ghost down on diplomatic missions soldiers." (REUTERS) in the country. Indian army chief faith in democracy after vote "A year and a half ago, there were 400 houses [be- arrives in Nepal longing to foreign missions] on four-day visit that were not ready to share The plea comes as Maldives’ ruling party sacked the country’s former strongman as its leader their information with the gov- KATHMANDU INDIAN Army ernment. One day, the interior chief General Bipin Rawat AFP Maldives said in a statement. impeach the speaker of the members inside the parliament ministry decided to block the arrived here on Tuesday on MALE It came as the Maldives' house, a move aimed at un- chamber," the government said houses' entries and exits. As a four-day official visit to Ne- ruling party sacked the coun- dermining Yameen's hold on in a statement. soon as we started doing that pal during which he will be THE UNITED STATES on try's former strongman We call on the government power before 2018 elections. Media were not allowed everything began to unravel," conferred the honorary rank Tuesday asked the Maldives to president Maumoon Abdul to restore faith in Nasheed had hoped that access, but images posted on Nisar said. of general of the Nepal Army restore faith in democracy af- Gayoom as its leader, after he democratic processes by the surprise alliance with social media showed several and hold talks with the top ter the government deployed led an unsuccessful rebellion ensuring free and impartial Gayoom would provide opposition-aligned MPs being leadership. Chief of Staff troops to parliament to forci- against his half-brother, who proceedings in parliament enough parliamentary support evicted while armed police kept of Nepal Army Purna Chan- bly remove opposition politi- is now in power. to oust the speaker. opposition supporters from dra Thapa received Rawat cians, sparking chaotic scenes. Gayoom's sacking followed United States embassy Instead there were cha- gathering outside the building. in Tribhuvan International US expressed concern about an abortive bid to impeach the otic scenes in parliament as "What we saw in Majlis Airport in Kathmandu today. "irregularities" that impeded a speaker and take control of opposition legislators staged today was a total disgrace" As a tradition between the free and fair vote in parliament, parliament, as part of a pact of sympathising with the oppo- a rowdy protest before los- Gayoom tweeted, referring to two national defence forces, after plain-clothes soldiers he entered over the weekend sition," said a Progressive Party ing the vote as some of their the country's parliament. Nepal President Bidhya Devi evicted MPs as they attempted with exiled opposition leader of Maldives (PPM) official who members were physically car- "The extent of govt's fear of Bhandari will confer the to impeach the speaker. Mohamed Nasheed. asked not to be named. ried away by troops. a free vote. All the reason why honorary General of Nepal "We call on the govern- National President Abdul- "His ideology no longer The government blamed we must overhaul the system!" Army to Rawat at a special ment to restore faith in demo- la Yameen had recently taken aligns with that of the PPM," the chaos on the opposition. There was no immediate programme at her official cratic processes by ensuring executive control of the party, the official told AFP. "The no-confidence motion comment from Gayoom, cur- residence 'Sheetal Niwas' free and impartial proceed- but his half-brother was its Gayoom had urged PPM (impeachment) was defeated af- rently on holiday in neigh- on Wednesday. During the ings in parliament," the US nominal president. legislators to vote with the ter unprecedented disturbances bouring India, on his sacking Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar visit, Rawat will call on the embassy to Sri Lanka and the "Gayoom has been accused opposition on Monday to perpetrated by the opposition from the party. Ali Khan PM. (PTI) Four women die as ferry sinks in Five Afghan War crime probes will hinder reconciliation Military courts to continue in Bangladesh river troops dead in DHAKA AT LEAST four in Sri Lanka: Former defence secretary Pakistan amid violence surge people died and several Taliban attack remain missing after a REUTERS Gotabaya Rajaksa, the progress towards meeting DPA expired in January this ferry carrying about 80 DPA COLOMBO most influential government commitments to establishing ISLAMABAD year, political groups had passengers capsized on KABUL officer in the Rajapaksa gov- a credible investigation into been unable to agree on an Tuesday in Bangladesh's WAR CRIME investigations ernment, has been accused alleged war crimes during the PAKISTAN’S Senate on Tues- extension. But a surge in Panguchi River, police said. AT LEAST five Afghan backed by some Western of committing war crimes in country's civil war. day passed an amendment attacks across Pakistan, in Rescuers recovered the soldiers are dead after countries and the United Na- the final weeks of the con- The United Nations origi- to the country's constitution which around 130 people bodies of four female pas- Taliban forces attacked tions will exacerbate the dif- flict ended in May 2009. He nally asked Sri Lanka to have that allows military courts for were killed in recent weeks, sengers from the river in a checkpoint in Afghani- ferences between Sri Lanka's has denied all the allegations foreign judges run the war terrorism suspects to operate forced opponents of army Bagerhat, 370 kilometers stan's southern Kandahar two main ethnic groups in- against him. crime probe focusing par- for another two years. tribunals to reconsider. (230 miles) southwest province overnight, offi- stead of uniting them, former A UN panel has said ticularly on the last few days Rights activists are con- Pakistan's lower house from Dhaka, police said. cials said on Tuesday. defence secretary Gotabaya around 40,000 people, mostly of the conflict. But President cerned that a parallel judi- passed the bill on March 21. Rashedul Alam, a police Mohammad Sadiq Rajapaksa said on Monday. ethnic minority Tamils, were Maithripala Sirisena later said cial system will undermine Similar to last time, the official from Morelganj in Essa, a spokesman of the As defence secretary, killed in the war's final phase. he would not agree to having civil liberties. legislation includes a two- Bagerhat, said a combina- 205th Atal military corps Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Families in the former north- foreign judges. The military tribunals year sunset clause from the tion of strong currents and in Kandahar, said that brother of former leader Ma- ern war zone still complain of "How can you talk about were set up for a two-year date of enactment. overloading caused the three other soldiers were hinda Rajapaksa, oversaw the thousands of enforced disap- investigations and foreign term in Jan 2015 after Taliban Rights activists said giving ferry to sink. He added wounded after Taliban defeat of the separatist, pre- pearances during that time. judges at the same time bring- gunmen stormed a school in more powers to the military, that most of the passen- forces attacked the out- dominantly Hindu Liberation Gotabaya made his com- ing these communities togeth- north-western Pakistan, kill- which has ruled the country gers could swim to safety post in Khakrez district. Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) ments four days after the U.N. er?" he told a Foreign Corre- ing nearly 150 students. for half its existence, would but at least 18, mainly The attack started at 2 by the government military in Human Rights Council said spondents Association of Sri After the two-year term undermine the rule of law. women and children, are am and ended around 6 am. a 26-year war. Sri Lanka must make more Lanka late on Monday. still missing. (REUTERS) The Taliban force suffered heavy casualties, Essa said, Pakistani jailed adding that the situation is in Germany for now under control. spying for Iran According to Essa, 22 Poor farmers face uphill battle with Pakistan’s climate extremes Taliban members were BERLIN A PAKISTANI man killed and 26 other were REUTERS few miles from Larkana, in eradicate poverty, hunger and was convicted in Germany wounded in the clash. BAKRANI southern Pakistan's Sindh malnutrition, experts warn. Monday of spying for Iran to In the meantime, Haji province. The crop was too "Providing the poor farm- search out potential attack Sayed Jan Khakrezwal, SINCE his father died in labour intensive, and took too ers with required technical, targets for the Revolution- head of the provincial coun- 2011, Moeez Assadullah has long to get to harvest, he said. financial and institutional ary Guards. The defendant, cil, said the number of Af- been looking after his family's Now he squeezes out a liv- support ... is key," said Khuda 31-year-old Mustufa Haidar ghan National Army casual- farm alone. ing for his family cultivating Bakhsh, an agriculture scien- Syed-Naqfi, was sentenced ties was actually higher. The 21-year-old tends the vegetables that grow more tist at the COMSATS Institute to four years and three "In the attack, 11 sol- 3 hectares (7 acres) of land quickly and require less water. of Information Technology in months in prison "for work- diers were killed while 17 without the help of his two "In view of the rapidly Vehari, in Punjab province. ing for a foreign intelligence others are missing" said brothers, who lost interest in changing weather and upheav- In Bakrani, Assadul- service". The court found Khakrezwal. He could not farming when they realised al in it, growing a six-month lah, after abandoning rice, is he spied "against Germany say if the missing soldiers that more erratic weather was rice crop that requires huge ir- growing traditional varieties and another NATO member", had been kidnapped or making agriculture an unreli- rigation and care was not a vi- of cauliflower, spinach, green France, for the Quds Force, had deserted. able source of income. able option compared to grow- Farmers busy in spraying pesticide on vegetable crop at a farm, in chilli, cabbage, tomatoes and the foreign operations wing A Taliban spokesman, They now work at a brick ing vegetables," he said. Multan. onion. He says that in his vil- of the elite Revolutionary Zabihullah Mujahid, tweet- kiln in the nearby town of Many of Pakistan's farmers lage many farmers with larger Guards. Syed-Naqfi com- ed that the Taliban had Larkana. But Assadullah has are trying to adapt to changing land, money and education, the country's agricultural land plots of land are adopting wa- piled dossiers on possible overrun "3 check posts" in taken a risk, and come up with climate conditions - a process meanwhile, are finding the - out of farming unless they get ter conservation technologies, attack targets -- a German Khakrez and Shahwalikot his own plan to adapt to shift- that can prove difficult for those switch easier. That reality help, experts say. such as drip irrigation. lawmaker who is the former districts, killing 23 men. ing weather patterns. with little in the way of educa- suggests Pakistan may face a Failing small farms could He would like to join them, head of a German-Israeli Taliban accounts are often Three years ago he tion or savings to help them future where an uncertain undermine government efforts but the installation costs - up organisation. (AFP) exaggerated. stopped growing rice on the make the required switches. climate forces the poor - who to achieve sustainable agricul- to $700 per hectare - are too farm in Bakrani, a village a Richer farmers, with more cultivate over 80 percent of ture and food security, and to high, he says. UK / Europe Wednesday, March 29, 2017 11 Poland to withdraw from Eurocorps Germany launches second probe into Berlin ground crew reach pay deal to force: official suspected Turkish spying end strike STRASBOURG Poland will withdraw from the Eurocorps mili- BERLIN Germany launched a second investigation on Tuesday FRANKFURT Ground crews at airports in Berlin have reached NEWS tary group by 2020, a spokesman for the Strasbourg-based into suspected spying by Turkey, one element of a growing a pay deal with employers after repeated strikes that have IN BRIEF intergovernmental body said Tuesday. The withdrawal of NATO rift between the powerful NATO allies. “We have launched an grounded flights in recent weeks, the two sides said Tuesday. member Poland, which has “associate nation” status in investigation against an unnamed entity on suspicion of espio- Around 2,000 workers at the city’s Tegel and Schoenefeld Eurocorps, is a “decision of the Polish government,” Colonel nage,” a spokesman for the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (GBA) airports could see hourly wages increase by as much as 14 Vicente Dalmau told AFP. (AFP) said. (REUTERS) percent, or 1.90 euros ($2.06) after the deal. (REUTERS) Daily Mail faces backlash over Brexit ‘battle of the legs’ headline

AFP and focused on what could shiny nude tights and pointy The coverage sparked a charge, saying: “It’s 2017. told the Express and Star re- LONDON be read into their outfits and shoes -- a look replicated by But May said she did not swift backlash against Brit- This sexism must be con- gional newspaper. body language. career women of a certain age mind if people wanted to ain’s second-most popular signed to history. Shame on The Conservative leader BRITAIN’S Daily Mail news- “Never mind Brexit, who worldwide”. have “a bit of fun” around newspaper, which sells 1.5 the Daily Mail.” said there had always been paper faced a backlash Tues- won Legs-it!”, the tabloid’s And in what the tabloid the way she dressed million copies daily. Amelia Womack, the close attention on what she day for comparing the legs front page said, alongside called a “light-hearted verdict Former women and equal- Green Party’s deputy leader, wore, particularly her shoes on show when British Prime a picture of the two leaders on the big showdown”, col- ities minister Nicky Morgan has formally complained to -- which are typically leop- Minister Theresa May and meeting in a Glasgow hotel umnist Sarah Vine asserted: arranged,” she said, while called it “appalling sexism” the Independent Press Stand- ard-print kitten heels. Scottish First Minister Nicola on Monday. “What stands out here are the “Sturgeon’s shorter but unde- that Britain’s most senior fe- ards Organisation, claiming “Most people concentrate Sturgeon held talks. “It wasn’t quite stilettos legs -- and the vast expanse niably more shapely shanks male politicians were being the headline discriminated on what we do as politicians,” While the two leaders at dawn, but there was a dis- on show. are altogether more flirty.” judged for their legs. on the grounds of gender. she said. clashed over Brexit, which tinctly frosty atmosphere,” it “Both women consider Sturgeon’s pose was “a The conservative Mail is But May said she did not “But if people want to May is set to trigger Wednes- read underneath. their pins to be the finest direct attempt at seduction... the bete noire of the left, for mind if people wanted to have a bit of fun about how day, and Sturgeon’s push for Inside, the paper’s style weapon in their physical ar- ‘Come, succumb to my revo- whom Daily Mail bashing is have “a bit of fun” around the we dress, then so be it.” another Scottish independ- editor compared their “boxy senal. lutionary allure,’ she seems an instinctive visceral reflex. way she dressed. A spokesman for Stur- ence referendum, the Mail navy blazers, skirts that “May’s famously long to be saying. ‘You know you Opposition Labour lead- “You will notice that I am geon said the focus on legs spun it as a battle of the legs stopped just above the knee, extremities are demurely want to’.” er Jeremy Corbyn led the wearing trousers today!” she was “slightly surprising”. New NATO-Russia Scottish parliament backs talks on eve of Tillerson visit call for 2nd referendum

AFP BRUSSELS The ambassadors will dis- cuss the crisis in Ukraine NATO ambassadors will as well as Afghanistan’s meet the Russian envoy on Thursday in a new bid to security, and terrorism in ease tensions on the eve of the region, a NATO official the alliance’s first talks with said US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. NATO was alarmed when The ambassadors will Moscow annexed Crimea discuss the crisis in Ukraine from Ukraine in March as well as Afghanistan’s se- 2014 and has accused curity, and terrorism in the Russia since of fuelling a region, a NATO official said. rebellion in eastern “Following consulta- tions with the members of Ukraine against the pro- the NATO-Russia Council Western government in (NRC), I have invited them Kiev to a meeting at ambassado- rial level,” NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said in a state- ment. will also discuss “military “The meeting will take activities, reciprocal trans- place on 30 March at NATO parency and risk reduction headquarters in Brussels,” in order to improve stabil- he added. ity and security in the Euro- The NRC had met regu- Atlantic area,” the NATO larly until the Ukraine cri- official said on condition of sis plunged relations with anonymity. Moscow into the deep freeze The meeting comes on in 2014, though this will be the eve of Tillerson’s visit to the fourth meeting since the Brussels for consultations forum resumed nearly a year with the other foreign min- ago. isters of the 28-nation alli- NATO was alarmed when ance. Moscow annexed Crimea NATO rescheduled the from Ukraine in March 2014 meeting for Friday after Till- and has accused Russia since erson was unable to make of fuelling a rebellion in the original date next week eastern Ukraine against the and sowed doubts about US pro-Western government in President Donald Trump’s Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks during a debate on a second referendum on independence at Scotland’s parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh, on Tuesday. (AP) Kiev. commitment to an alliance US-led NATO has sus- he had dismissed as “obso- pended all practical coop- lete.” British govt quick to British Prime Minister it would refuse to enter into a good Brexit deal that would eration with Russia over its Tillerson’s decision to Theresa May is due to trigger negotiations on Sturgeon’s work for every part of the UK. role in Ukraine but Stolten- skip the initial NATO meet- reject the proposal Article 50 of the bloc’s Lis- proposal. Having won the vote in berg has said political chan- ing and visit Moscow the bon Treaty on Wednesday, a “It would be unfair to the Scottish assembly, Stur- nels of communication have same month instead also REUTERS formal step that will start two the people of Scotland to ask geon said she would not seek always remained open. fuelled concerns among the EDINBURGH/LONDON years of talks on withdrawal them to make a crucial deci- discussions with London un- Russia’s ambassador to alliance about Trump’s ad- terms and future trade rela- sion without the necessary Strained ties til after Article 50 was trig- NATO Alexander Grushko miration for Russian Presi- THE Scottish parliament on tions. information about our future gered because she recognised and alliance counterparts dent Vladimir Putin. Tuesday backed a bid to hold The Scottish legislature in relationship with Europe, or The Brexit issue has strained Wednesday was a momentous a new independence referen- Edinburgh voted by a majority what an independent Scotland ties between the UK’s four day and May should not be dum in 2018 or 2019, but the of 69 to 59 to give First Minis- would look like,” it said in a constituent parts because distracted. British government immedi- ter Nicola Sturgeon a mandate statement. England and Wales voted to She told the chamber that ately rejected the proposal. to formally seek permission Sturgeon has said the leave the EU while Scotland if London sought to block her The stand-off further com- from the British parliament in shape of the future deal should and Northern Ireland voted to plan, she would return before Carlos gets third plicates the United Kingdom’s London to prepare for a ref- become clear between the au- remain in the bloc the Edinburgh legislature after political situation just as years erendum in late 2018 or early tumn of 2018 and the spring of Easter to say how she would of daunting negotiations on 2019. 2019, and the Scottish execu- handle the situation. She gave life sentence the terms of its exit from the “The people of Scotland tive would also put forward a no further details. European Union are about to should have the right to choose detailed plan by then for what “When the nature of the Sturgeon was strongly REUTERS central Paris, which also in- begin. between Brexit, possibly a very independence would entail. change that is made inevitable criticised during the debate by PARIS jured 34 people. He denied The Brexit issue has hard Brexit, or becoming an Scots voted against inde- by Brexit becomes clear, that lawmakers from the Conserva- involvement in the attack. strained ties between the UK’s independent country able to pendence by 55 to 45 percent change should not be imposed tive, Labour and Liberal Dem- A French court sent Car- In the 1970s and 1980s, four constituent parts because chart our own course,” Stur- in 2014 but Sturgeon argues upon us,” she said. ocrat opposition parties who los the Jackal, once one of the Marxist militant and England and Wales voted to geon said earlier in the cham- the Brexit vote changed cir- May has said “now is not said most Scots were tired of the world’s most wanted self-dubbed “elite gunman” leave the EU while Scotland ber. cumstances and they should the time” for a new vote on the independence debate and criminals, back to jail for became a symbol of Cold and Northern Ireland voted to But the British govern- not be dragged out of the EU Scottish independence and in- did not wish to go through the his third life sentence on War anti-imperialism and remain. ment swiftly responded that against their will. sisted her focus was on getting argument again so soon. Tuesday after convicting public enemy number one him of a grenade attack 42 for Western governments. years ago on a Paris shop He sealed his notoriety that killed two people. in 1975 with the hostage- The Venezuelan, whose taking of OPEC oil minis- You can still stop Brexit, EU lawmakers tell Britons real name is Ilich Ramirez ters in Vienna in the name Sanchez, is already serving of the Palestinian struggle, REUTERS in Britain who want to halt Insisting Britain can U- two life sentences in France and went on to become an BRUSSELS Brexit. turn enters hazy legal terri- EU ‘firm’ on citizens’ rights after for deadly attacks in the international gun-for-hire “We do not want to close tory. Brexit: Negotiator 1970s and 1980s. with Soviet bloc protec- EUROPEAN Union lawmak- the door to common sense,” It defies May, who says The 67-year-old Rami- tors. ers want to tell Britons they Philippe Lamberts, Belgian the process cannot be halted BRUSSELS EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned London rez, in a final statement be- At the start of his trial can change their minds and co-leader of the Greens in the despite Brexit opponents’ Tuesday on the eve of its Brexit launch that the bloc would be fore the judges announced two weeks ago, Ramirez stay in the EU after Prime parliament, told reporters. A hopes of a new referendum «firm» on the rights of European citizens living in Britain. “#Brexit their verdict, denounced described himself as a Minister Theresa May trig- member of the Brexit team or British parliamentary made EU citizens worry about their future in EU27 and UK. EU the trial as “absurd” and “professional revolution- gers a two-year Brexit count- in the legislature, which will vote. And although EU offi- will be firm on their rights @The3Million #citizensfirst,” former said he was being tried on ary”. down on Wednesday. have to approve an exit trea- cials disagree with May and French minister Barnier tweeted in English. Brussels insists that phoney evidence. The two life sentences The European Parlia- ty, Lamberts added: “There have said the process can be Britain’s divorce, including issues such as the rights of more His lawyers had urged he is already serving in ment is drafting a resolution will be a reference to the rev- stopped, with the consent of than three million EU nationals in the UK, must be dealt with the special Paris court to France are for the murder to respond to May’s notice of ocability of Article 50.” all states, they do not wel- before any future trade relationship. (AFP) acquit him but the court of two French police of- withdrawal under Article 50 Elmar Brok, a member of come Brussels lawmakers’ found him guilty and hand- ficers and an informant of the EU treaty. Senior law- the team from German Chan- bid to revive the issue. ed down the life sentenced in June 1975 and for a se- makers said it would stress cellor Angela Merkel’s Chris- Donald Tusk, the Euro- would agree to let Britain lines for the Brexit negotia- requested by prosecutors. ries of attacks on trains, a London could still halt the tian Democrats, also said pean Council President who stay if it had a change of tions, EU officials said. Even Ramirez was charged train station and a Paris process, as long as the other there was such a reference will receive May’s letter on heart. governments most reluctant with murder over the Sept. street in 1982 and 1983 member states agreed. in the draft resolution, to be Wednesday, has said since But he will make no men- to see Britain go have little 15, 1974 grenade attack on that killed 11 people and The resolution text is not agreed by party leaders on last June’s referendum vote tion of that this week when appetite for the further upset the Publicis drugstore in wounded about 150 more. yet final but the intent is to Wednesday and put to a vote to leave that he was sure he gives the EU’s response to and uncertainty a British U- strengthen the hand of those in the legislature next week. the other 27 member states May by issuing draft guide- turn would have. 12 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Gulf / Middle East EU court lifts EU sanctions on Libyan dictator’s daughter Man with knife arrested trying to enter Tunisian parliament

BRUSSELS Europe’s second-highest court on Tuesday lifted sanctions on the daughter of former TUNIS A young man trying to enter the Tunisian parliament was arrested on Tuesday when a Libyan leader Moamer Qhadafi, arguing the changed situation in Libya no longer justified the scanner at the entrance detected that he had a knife, officials said. A parliamentary official told News measures. As part of sanctions imposed in 2011 over serious human rights violations in Libya, Reuters it was not immediately clear why the man was attempting to enter the building. A member in brief Aisha Moamer Mohamed El-Qadafi was included on a list of people subjected by EU govern- of parliament told local media he was among a group of students who had come to watch a par- ments to a travel ban and a freeze on their financial assets. At the time, the European Union’s liamentary session. Security at the parliament building in Tunis has been tightened since gunmen General Court, only lower than the Court of Justice, approved the sanctions based on “close- stormed the neighbouring Bardo Museum two years ago and killed 21 foreign tourists. Islamic ness of association with (the) regime.” (REUTERS) State claimed responsibility for the attack. (REUTERS) Engineers work to ease pressure on Syrian dam REUTERS seen in the area. TABQA DAM, SYRIA Work on the dam was be- ing carried out after the Syrian SYRIAN engineers worked on government on Sunday said Tuesday to open spillways and it had been damaged by US ease pressure on a major dam air strikes and could collapse, across the Euphrates River, with the risk of catastrophic amid a pause in a US-backed flooding. assault to capture it from Is- Islamic State said the lamic State, a Reuters witness dam’s operating systems were said. not working properly and it The Tabqa dam is a key was vulnerable to collapse. strategic target in the military The US-led coalition later said campaign to isolate and cap- it saw no imminent danger to ture the Syrian city of Raqqa, the dam, unless the militants Islamic State’s biggest urban planned to blow it up. stronghold. No fighting could be seen The engineers arrived or heard at the dam on Tues- from the dam’s northern en- day, according to the Reuters trance which the US-backed photographer who was at the Syrian Democratic Forces site for about 90 minutes. (SDF) alliance captured last The UK-based Syrian Ob- week. The dam’s southern servatory for Human Rights reaches remain in the hands of on Tuesday cited sources say- the militants. ing Islamic State had sent 900 Coalition aircraft could be fighters from Raqqa to con- heard overhead as SDF fight- front the SDF as it advances ers manned positions on the on the city on several fronts. It dam. Coalition forces in ar- was not clear where they had moured vehicles were also been sent to.

Syrian Arab Red Crescent members and technicians arrive to examine water levels at the Tabqa dam in Syria on Tuesday. (AFP) No peace deal without US role, says Syria opposition The HNC delegation is expected to meet with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Genady Gatilov today

AFP GENEVA IS counter-attacks to defend north Syria stronghold A POLITICAL deal to end the Syrian conflict is not possible TABQA DAM Clashes raged around a key northern Syrian town on without a strong US role, the Tuesday after the Islamic State group launched a counter-attack opposition’s chief negotiator to fend off a US-backed advance near the militants’ stronghold Turkey sends told AFP, warning that Wash- Raqa. Backed by air power from the international coalition bomb- ington’s absence was threaten- ing IS, the Syrian Democratic Forces are laying the groundwork ing ongoing peace talks. for an assault on the heart of the militants’ so-called “caliphate”. Lead negotiator for the A key part of the campaign is the battle for the IS-held town of team to UK main opposition High Nego- Tabqa on the Euphrates River, as well as the adjacent dam and tiations Committee (HNC), military airport. The SDF seized the Tabqa airbase late Sunday Mohamad Sabra, said in an and began moving north towards the town itself, but IS fighters over flight ban interview late on Monday that began pushing back on Tuesday, said the Syrian Observatory the UN-backed talks in Gene- for Human Rights. “The fighting is a result of IS launching a va remained “stalled”. counter-offensive to exhaust the Syrian Democratic Forces AFP ble,” Arslan said. “There can be no real and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura (centre) gestures during around the Tabqa military airport,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, who ANKARA The British move came viable political solution with- a meeting of Intra-Syria peace talks with Syria’s opposition delegation heads the Observatory. The SDF was working to “consolidate its after Washington banned out the presence of the Ameri- at Palais des Nations in Geneva, on Tuesday. (AP) positions” near the airport ahead of a final push for the town, TURKEY sent a team of ex- electronic devices larger cans,” he said. he said. IS launched the attack with a car bomb targeting SDF perts to Britain Tuesday to than mobile phones on di- The United States has seem to be having less impact. expected to meet with Rus- forces stationed near the airport, the alliance’s media arm said. try to pursuade London to rect flights to the US from a “moral duty” to throw its At the same time, regime sian Deputy Foreign Minister Fierce clashes broke out but the SDF held back the attack and lift a ban on passengers car- 10 airports in seven Middle weight behind efforts to end supporters Russia and Iran Genady Gatilov on Wednes- managed to seize some ammunition and rocket stores from IS, rying large electronic devic- Eastern countries and Tur- the six-year conflict, he added. along with rebel-backer Tur- day, after he met with the according to pictures published by the SDF. (AFP) es on flights from Istanbul, key, allowing them only in Years of diplomatic ini- key have been pushing sepa- government delegation on the Turkish transport min- hold luggage. tiatives have failed to end the rate negotiations in Astana Tuesday. ister said. The UK ban affects 14 war, which has killed more since January after gains In the interview, Sabra Britain issued a ban last airlines including British than 320,000 people and dis- on the ground by Damascus also reiterated the HNC’s Around 40,000 Syrians displaced week on laptops and tablet Airways, EasyJet and flag placed millions since it started turned the tables in the con- often-repeated claim that the by fighting near Hama computers in the passenger carrier Turkish Airlines, in March 2011 with protests flict. Syrian government delega- compartment of flights from whose profits have already against President Bashar al- While urging Washington tion, headed by the country’s GENEVA About 40,000 people, mainly women and children, five countries from the Mid- been hit by a slew of terror Assad’s regime. to be more fully engaged in the ambassador to the UN Bashar have been displaced by fighting northwest of Hama city in dle East and northern Africa attacks in 2016. Washington has long peace process, Sabra warned al-Jaafari, was “not seriously Syria, the United Nations said on Tuesday. Since a rebel offen- as well as Turkey. In a bid to make passen- been the biggest backer of that a deal would be impos- involved” in the talks. sive began in the area a week ago, people have fled south and Ahmet Arslan told CNN gers “more comfortable” af- the Syrian opposition, but it sible “if the Russians do not “Until now, we don’t have west to Hama city and to other towns nearby and in neighbour- Turk he “felt” Britain would ter the bans, the airline said appears to be putting far less withdraw their (military) sup- a partner in these negotia- ing districts including Homs, Latakia and Tartous, the United shortly lift the ban “because passengers could use their diplomatic muscle towards port for the regime.” tions,” he insisted. Nations said. (REUTERS) our meetings suggest this” laptops until they board. the rebel cause since Presi- Russia’s entry into the His comments came amid but said talks with the US The devices would then dent Donald Trump came to conflict in September 2015 a fifth round of negotiations would likely be “longer-run- be placed in a special area in power in January. -- when it began launching in Geneva being mediated political future. Sabra insisted that “once ning.” the cargo hold of the aircraft Two UN-backed taskforc- air strikes to shore up Assad’s by UN Special Envoy Staffan The government has ruled the transitional government “What I expect from the and returned to their owners es co-chaired by the United forces -- played a significant de Mistura which have re- out discussing Assad’s possi- is formed,” Assad’s regime UK especially is for the ban upon arrival at the destina- States and Russia and aimed at role in turning the tide for the mained clouded by persistent ble departure, while the HNC would end, and he “and his to be lifted as soon as possi- tion, Turkish Airlines said. securing ceasefires and access Syrian regime. violence on the ground and says it will refuse any deal that clique will be referred to a fair for humanitarian aid in Syria The HNC delegation was deadlock over the country’s leaves him in power. trial” for their crimes. UN chief urges Arabs to unite against Syria war Arab leaders set to oppose

government says it is hosting Trump’s M-E policy shifts Guterres meets with women living in Zaatari, 1.4 million. AFP cupied in 1967, including east Jordan says the influx has SWEIMEH, JORDAN Jerusalem,” the draft says. home to some 80,000 Syrian refugees strained its resources and has It calls on “all countries to insisted it must screen new- A DRAFT statement to be put respect UN Security Council AFP “When Arab countries are di- comers to ensure they are gen- to an Arab summit Wednesday resolutions that reject Israel’s ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP, JORDAN vided, it has allowed others to uine refugees and not militants opposes plans by President annexation of occupied east intervene and to manipulate seeking to infiltrate the country. Donald Trump to move Wash- Jerusalem” and “not to move UN chief Antonio Guterres situations, creating instability, Guterres, who headed the ington’s embassy in Israel to their embassies” from Tel Aviv called on Arab leaders on Tues- breeding conflict and facilitat- UNHCR when the Syrian war Jerusalem and consider alter- to the Holy City. day to set aside their differenc- ing the lives of terrorist organi- broke out, said he remembered natives to a Palestinian state. Since taking office in Janu- es to confront Syria’s six-year sations.” the first Syrian refugees arriv- The draft, which was ary, Trump has indicated he is conflict, as he toured a Syrian Guterres met with wom- ing in Zaatari when it opened. drawn up by the Palestinian willing to break with decades refugee camp in Jordan. en and girls living in Zaatari, “How sad it is, how terrible delegation, was approved by of US policy by moving the “Arab unity is a very impor- home to some 80,000 Syrian it is, that today we still have Arab foreign ministers at an embassy and being open to a tant element in order to allow refugees. Zaatari camp... and that the eve-of-summit meeting in the one-state solution to the Israe- this region to be stabilised and The war has killed more tragedy of Syrians is going on Jordanian Dead Sea resort of li-Palestinian conflict if both for... the Syrian refugees to find than 320,000 people and and on and on,” he said. Sweimeh. sides agree it. again a future that corresponds forced 4.9 million people to flee He urged the international Arab League member Palestinian president to their aspirations,” Guterres their country. community to step up hu- states “reaffirm their commit- Mahmoud Abbas is to join said. In Jordan, where the UN manitarian aid to the refugees ment to the two-state solution other Arab leaders at Wednes- Speaking on the eve of an High Commissioner for Refu- in Jordan and other regional UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks to refugees during and to the right of the State of day’s summit. Next month, he Arab League summit hosted gees (UNHCR) says it has reg- countries that are hosting a visit to the UN-run Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees, in northern Palestine to restore its sover- heads to the White House for by Jordan, the UN chief said: istered 630,000 Syrians, the them. Jordan, on Tuesday. (AP) eignty over the territories oc- his first meeting with Trump. Gulf / Middle East Wednesday, March 29, 2017 13 Yemen claims capture of senior al Qaeda leader Saudi shoots down ‘smuggled’ Yemen rebel missiles

ADEN Yemeni troops captured a senior leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) dur- RIYADH Saudi Arabia intercepted four missiles fired by Yemeni rebels on Tuesday, a Saudi-led coali- ing an early morning raid on Tuesday in the southeastern Hadramawt region, a local security of- tion said, in what it described as evidence of arms smuggling through a rebel-held Red Sea port. News ficial said. Special forces stormed the house in a remote village where Abu Ali al-Sayari, a Saudi The coalition has said previously that it destroyed much of the Shiite rebels’ missile capability in brief national of Yemeni origins, was hiding, the official said. They detained three others and killed early in its two-year-old bombing campaign and says persistent launches show they are receiving two more. Al Qaeda militants took advantage of Yemen’s civil war which began in 2015, seizing new deliveries from abroad. “Early this morning, four missiles were intercepted,” the coalition said. parts of the country’s south before government soldiers and troops from a Saudi-led Arab coali- “The ongoing missile attacks on Saudi cities provide clear evidence of the arms smuggling that tion drove them out of major population centres. (REUTERS) continues to take place in Yemen, notably through the port of Hodeida.” (AFP)

Fighting rages on Investigators probe Mosul blast as Iraqi forces push into Old City

REUTERS Coalition ‘probably’ MOSUL, IRAQ had role in civilian INVESTIGATORS are in the casualties: US Iraqi city of Mosul to deter- WASHINGTON Coalition mine whether a US-led coali- forces were “probably” tion strike or Islamic State- involved in the deaths of rigged explosives caused a numerous civilians during blast that destroyed buildings recent bombings in west Mo- and may have killed more than sul, the head of the anti-IS 200 people, a US military coalition in Baghdad said on commander said. Tuesday. “We probably had a Conflicting accounts have role in those casualties,” US emerged since the March 17 General Stephen Townsend, explosion in al-Jadida district commander of Combined in west Mosul, where Iraqi Joint Task Force Operation forces backed by US-led coali- Inherent Resolve, told report- tion air strikes are fighting to ers in a phone briefing from clear Islamic State militants Baghdad. (AFP) from Iraq’s second city. Iraq’s military command has blamed militants for rig- clear they had caused the cas- ging a building with explosives ualties. to cause civilian casualties, but “It is very possible that Federal police members carry their weapons during a battle with Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq, on Tuesday. (REUTERS) some witnesses say it was col- Daesh blew up that building to lapsed by an air strike, burying blame it on the coalition in or- many families under the rub- der to cause a delay in the of- ble. fensive on Mosul and cause a If confirmed, the toll would delay in the use of coalition air UN, Amnesty call for boost be one of the worst since the strikes,” Milley said, using an 2003 US-led invasion, raising Arabic term for Islamic State. questions about civilian safety “It is possible that a coali- as Iraq’s Shi’ite-led government tion air strike did it. We don’t tries to avoid alienating Mosul’s know yet. There are investiga- to safety of Mosul civilians mostly Sunni population. tors on the ground.” US Army chief of staff Gen. A source close to Abadi’s AFP office spokeswoman Ravina deaths, in flagrant violation of the city. Mark Milley, after meeting office said the US military del- MOSUL, IRAQ Shamdasani said. Rising death international humanitarian “We heard these instruc- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider egation also called for more IS has targeted civilians law,” she said. tions on the radio... Also leaf- al-Abadi and Iraq’s defence coordination among the Iraqi THE United Nations and Am- and used them as human toll.. In the east, the Iraqi forces lets were dropped by planes. minister late on Monday, said security force units on the nesty International called on shields, while strikes by anti- More than 300 adopted a strategy of encour- This is why we stayed in our there had been air strikes in ground and for consideration Tuesday for greater efforts to IS forces have also left civilians civilians have been aging civilians to stay at home, homes,” he said. the vicinity that day and on that thousands of civilians are protect civilians in west Mosul, dead. dropping leaflets into the city Amnesty said that, in many previous days but it was not stuck in their homes. where the UN said over 300 UN human rights chief killed in west Mosul with safety instructions for cases it investigated, east Mo- were killed since mid-Febru- Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein called since February 17 residents. sul residents said IS fighters ary. on Iraqi and US-led coalition “The fact that Iraqi au- had been present in or near Hundreds of thousands forces “to undertake an ur- O IS has targeted civilians thorities repeatedly advised houses targeted in the strikes. more civilians are still inside gent review of tactics to ensure and used them as human civilians to remain at home In one case, five members west Mosul, caught up in dead- that the impact on civilians is shields, while strikes by instead of fleeing the area, in- of a family and their neighbour ly fighting between the Islamic reduced to an absolute mini- anti-IS forces have also left dicates that coalition forces were killed in a raid on a house State group and Iraqi forces mum.” civilians dead should have known that these where IS fighters were hiding battling to retake the area from IS’s “strategy of using strikes were likely to result in a but the militants survived that the militants. children, men and women to significant numbers of civilian attack, Amnesty quoted survi- West Mosul is both smaller shield themselves from attack showed “an alarming pattern casualties,” Rovera said. vors as saying. and more densely populated is cowardly and disgraceful. It of US-led coalition air strikes Amnesty quoted Waad Ah- That pattern has also been than the city’s east, meaning breaches the most basic stand- which have destroyed whole mad al-Tai, an east Mosul resi- repeated in west Mosul, ac- that this stage of the battle pos- ards of human dignity and mo- houses with entire families in- dent, as saying six members cording to witnesses. es a greater danger to civilians rality,” he said. side”. of his extended family -- in- Two witnesses who have than those that came before. Amnesty’s Donatella “The high civilian toll sug- cluding his nine-year-old son now fled the city said that a More than 300 civilians Rovera said field research in gests that coalition forces... and three-year-old daughter -- building with around 170 peo- Civil protection rescue team work on the debris of a destroyed house have been killed in west Mosul east Mosul -- which was re- have failed to take adequate were killed after they followed ple inside was destroyed in the to recover the body of people killed during fights between Iraq secu- since February 17, UN rights captured from IS in January -- precautions to prevent civilian government advice not to flee Mosul al-Jadida area. rity forces and IS on the western side of Mosul recently. (AP)

Russia, Iran ink economic deals as Rouhani visits Moscow Israeli ban on MPs’ visits to

AFP sult considering that it was MOSCOW achieved in unstable global flashpoint holy site challenged conditions and amid persist- RUSSIA signed on Tuesday ent volatility on the commod- a string of bilateral agree- ity and currency markets,” AFP for Jewish prayer rights at and the third-holiest in Islam, ments with Iran as President Putin said. JERUSALEM the site, calls the 17-month it is central to the Israeli-Pales- Vladimir Putin hosted his Ira- A joint statement pub- ban “discriminatory” in the tinian conflict. nian counterpart Hassan Rou- lished by the Kremlin said that AN Israeli lawmaker petitioned petition. Netanyahu had in October hani for his first official visit to “special attention” had been the Supreme Court Tuesday 2015 instructed police to bar Moscow. paid to cooperation in energy, against Prime Minister Ben- ministers and lawmakers from The meeting between Pu- with both sides pledging to jamin Netanyahu’s ban on vis- The ban was aimed at visiting. tin and Rouhani, who have continue efforts to stabilise the its by MPs and ministers to a helping restore calm The order was part of at- grown closer through their international market. flashpoint religious site in Je- following a previous tempts to restore calm follow- mutual support of Syrian pres- In addition to cooperation rusalem, his office said. upsurge in violence ing an outburst of Palestinian ident Bashar al-Assad, mostly on Syria, energy and defence The petition comes with violence, fuelled in part by fears focused on flourishing eco- ties have deepened between concerns over whether vio- among Muslims that Israel was nomic ties in the fields of en- Iran and Russia in recent Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) shakes hands with Iranian lence will again flare up for the The hilltop site in Israeli- planning to assert further con- ergy and industry. years. President Hassan Rouhani at the Kremlin in Moscow on Tuesday. (AP) upcoming Jewish holiday of annexed east Jerusalem is trol over the site. Putin said in televised Russia is to build nine of Passover beginning April 10. known to Muslims as the Har- Jews are allowed to visit the comments after the meeting Iran’s 20 proposed nuclear The relationship has blos- Rouhani is looking to The ban was aimed at help- am al-Sharif compound, which compound but not pray there, that trade between the coun- reactors and has emerged as a somed under Rouhani despite boost Iran’s economy ahead of ing restore calm following a includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the site has been the scene tries had “grown more than 70 long-term arms partner, sup- the countries having a compli- elections in May, in which he previous upsurge in violence. and the Dome of the Rock, and of regular incidents when Jews percent” last year. plying Tehran with its S-300 cated history over territory, oil is expected to stand for a sec- Yehuda Glick, who was to Jews as the Temple Mount. try to break the rule and Mus- “This is truly a good re- air defence missile system. and Communist ideology. ond term. once shot over his campaign The holiest site in Judaism lims intervene to stop them. UN may use other Yemen ports to ensure food pipeline, avert famine

Yemen’s main port at Ho- “However, because we ports such as Aden” and land The UN has received only 7 percent deida is badly damaged and find there is a possibility of convoys from Saudi Ara- of $2.1 billion it appealed for in 2017 has been short of cranes. The the attack on the Hodeida bia and other neighbouring International Committee of area because of the current countries, he said. the Red Cross (ICRC) has al- west coast military activity, Aden port will be insuffi- REUTERS group against a Western- ready switched to using Aden that port may become inop- cient due to its size and con- GENEVA backed Sunni Arab coalition port in the south. erable or inaccessible in the gestion. Salif port is used for led by Saudi Arabia that is “We face an enormous near future,” he said. dry goods and Ras Isa for oil. THE United Nations is con- carrying out air strikes. At difficulty bringing material Army forces and a group The ICRC said last week sidering using other ports in least 10,000 people have into the country because of of militias launched an of- that the world has three to Yemen or land convoys to de- been killed in the fighting. the coalition’s activities on fensive on the Red Sea coast four months to save millions liver food for 17 million hun- Jamie McGoldrick, UN the open seas and the delays in January to deprive the of people in Yemen from gry people in case the main humanitarian coordinator in bringing vessels into Ho- Houthis of ports and to iso- starvation. port of Hodeida is attacked, in Yemen, said the aid effort deida, which is the main port late them. Nearly 50,000 “I think ICRC is right. the chief UN humanitarian was on a “knife edge” due to for us to supply humanitar- people have already fled, We have estimated that our official there said on Tues- insufficient funding, despite ian and commercial goods in joining 2 million displaced, food stocks in the country are day. the threat of famine. The UN to the country,” McGoldrick McGoldrick said. around a three-months sup- Yemen has been divided has received only 7 percent told a Geneva news briefing, The United Nations is ply, both from a humanitar- Yemenis stand over the rubble of buildings in Sana’a, Yemen, by two years of civil war that of its $2.1 billion appeal for speaking by telephone from looking at “contingency plan- ian and a commercial point recently. (EPA) pits the Iran-allied Houthi 2017. Sana’a. ning of using alternative of view,” McGoldrick said. 14 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 United States

Hospital shares drop as Republicans Obamacare repeal is back on Republican agenda weigh healthcare repeal THE NEW YORK TIMES was dispatched to Capitol Hill of hard-line conservatives and ed to act because insurers were WASHINGTON on Tuesday for lunchtime talks. more moderate Republicans developing the premiums and NEW YORK US hospital stocks dropped on Tuesday as Republi- “We’re not going to re- torpedoed legislation to repeal benefit packages for health cans in the US House of Representatives said they were consider- HOUSE REPUBLICANS lead- trench into our corners or President Barack Obama’s sig- plans they would offer in 2018, ing a renewed push to repeal and replace Obamacare, after the ers and the White House, un- put up dividing lines,” House nature domestic achievement. with review by federal and state effort failed last week. Shares of Community Health Systems der pressure from conservative Speaker Paul Ryan said after a The replacement bill would officials beginning soon. Inc dropped 7.6 percent and Tenet Healthcare Corp shares fell activists, have restarted nego- meeting of House Republicans still leave 24 million more The new talks, which have 4.8 percent at mid-afternoon. HCA Holdings Inc, Universal Health tiations on legislation to repeal that was dominated by a dis- Americans without insurance been going on quietly this week, Services Inc and Envision Healthcare Corp were all down around the Affordable Care Act, with cussion of how to restart the after a decade, a major worry involve Stephen K. Bannon, the 2 percent. Sector stocks had gained after Republicans on Friday House leaders declaring that health negotiations. for moderate Republicans. president’s chief strategist, and pulled legislation to gut the 2010 Affordable Care Act, often Democrats were celebrating the The House Republican It would also leave in place members of the two Republican dubbed Obamacare, and said they would move on to other issues law’s survival prematurely. whip, Steve Scalise of Louisi- regulations on the health in- factions that helped sink the bill on President Donald Trump's agenda, like tax reform. But some Just days after Trump said ana, said of Democrats, “Their surance industry that conserv- last week, the hard-right Free- observers and investors were skeptical. Julius Hobson, a health- he was moving on to other is- celebration is premature. atives find anathema. dom Caucus and the more cen- House Speaker Paul Ryan care lobbyist and attorney with the law firm Polsinelli, said a "full sues, senior White House offi- We are closer to repealing Ryan declined to say what trist Tuesday Group. blown push at the repeal and replace is going to be extremely cials are now saying they have Obamacare than we ever have might be in the next version Any deal would require es that were so sharp they led difficult to pull off. I can't see how they achieve that." Republi- hope that they can still score been before.” of the Republicans’ repeal overcoming significant differ- Trump and Ryan to pull the cans had long promised to repeal and replace former President the kind of big legislative victory It is not clear what political bill, nor would he sketch any ences about how to rework a bill from consideration just as Barack Obama's signature domestic healthcare policy, but that has so far eluded Trump. dynamics might have changed schedule for action. law that covers about one-fifth the House was scheduled to could not get their various factions to agree on a bill. (REUTERS) Vice President Mike Pence since Friday, when a coalition But he said Congress need- of the US economy, differenc- vote on Friday. Campaign controversy Trump signs order House intelligence panel chief to roll back climate protection rules in hot water over Russia probe REUTERS speaking on a stage lined WASHINGTON with coal miners. The wide-ranging order US President Donald Trump is the boldest yet in Trump's signed an executive order on broader push to cut envi- Tuesday to undo a slew of ronmental regulation to Obama-era climate change revive the drilling and min- regulations that his admin- ing industries, a promise istration says is hobbling oil he made repeatedly during drillers and coal miners, a the presidential campaign. move environmental groups But energy analysts and have vowed to take to court. executives have questioned The decree's main target whether the moves will have is former President Barack a big effect on their indus- Obama's Clean Power Plan tries, and environmentalists that required states to slash have called them reckless. carbon emissions from pow- "I cannot tell you how er plants - a critical element many jobs the executive or- in helping the United States der is going to create but I meet its commitments to a can tell you that it provides global climate change ac- confidence in this admin- cord reached by nearly 200 istration's commitment to countries in Paris in 2015. the coal industry," Kentucky The so-called "Energy Coal Association president Independence" order also Tyler White told Reuters. reverses a ban on coal leas- Trump signed the or- ing on federal lands, undoes der with EPA Administrator rules to curb methane emis- Scott Pruitt, Interior Sec- sions from oil and gas pro- retary Ryan Zinke, Energy duction, and reduces the Secretary Rick Perry and VP weight of climate change Mike Pence by his side. and carbon emissions in US presidents have policy and infrastructure aimed to reduce US depend- permitting decisions. ence on foreign oil since the "I am taking historic Arab oil embargo of the steps to lift restrictions on 1970s, which triggered soar- American energy, to reverse ing prices. But the United government intrusion, and States still imports about to cancel job-killing regula- 7.9 million barrels of crude tions," Trump said at the oil a day, almost enough Environmental Protec- meet total oil demand in Ja- tion Agency headquarters, pan and India combined. US President Donald Trump holds up an executive order on ‘Energy Independence,’ eliminating Obama-era climate change regulations, during a signing ceremony at the Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Washington, on Tuesday. (REUTERS)

His national security adviser, The question mark on Nunes’ objectivity House Speaker Ryan backs Nunes Michael Flynn, was fired last More Democrats oppose could add momentum to calls for an month after misrepresenting WASHINGTON THE TOP Republican in Congress on Tuesday meetings with the Russian Supreme Court pick independent investigation commission stood by Devin Nunes, an ally of President Donald Trump who ambassador. heads the House of Representatives intelligence committee and AG Jeff Sessions, a Trump REUTERS jority. Republicans control is under fire for his handling of an investigation into possible campaign adviser, has recused WASHINGTON the Senate 52-48. REUTERS Nunes, a close Trump ally. Russian ties to Trump’s election campaign. Democrats accuse himself from FBI probes in- There are now 20 sena- WASHINGTON Their Republican Senate Nunes of being too close to the president to be able to head volving Trump. This week, the DEMOCRATIC opposition tors who have backed colleague, Susan Collins, also the probe. Some of Nunes’ fellow Republicans have questioned Senate Intelligence Committee, to President Donald Trump's Democratic leader Chuck THREE Republican senators said the controversies have his objectivity after he made a controversial announcement which is also investigating Rus- U.S. Supreme Court nomi- Schumer's filibuster call - up joined Democrats on Tuesday damaged the House panel's last week about U.S. spy agency surveillance. House Speaker sia's role in the election, said it nee grew on Monday while from 16 on Friday. in questioning the objectivity of credibility. Paul Ryan, asked at a news conference whether Nunes should wanted to question Trump's the White House demanded Senator Joe Manchin, the chairman of House of Rep- The outcry over Nunes' ac- step aside from the investigation and if he knew the source son-in-law and adviser, Jared a "fair, up-or-down vote" in however, announced on resentatives intelligence com- tions since FBI’s Comey con- of Nunes’ claims about surveillance, said: “No and no.” At Kushner, about meetings he the Senate on confirming Neil Monday that he opposes a mittee in its investigation of firmed the FBI was investigat- an event in the White House, Trump declined to comment on held with the ambassador and Gorsuch to the lifetime post. filibuster, according to an possible Russia ties to President ing possible ties between Russia whether Nunes should step back. (REUTERS) a Russian banker in December. Four more Democratic aide, and Senator Heidi Donald Trump's campaign. and the Trump campaign could On Monday, Democratic senators added their sup- Heitkamp also indicated she Senators John McCain and add momentum to calls for an congressional leaders asked port to a growing effort to would oppose it. Lindsey Graham stopped short independent commission to in- mittee canceled one scheduled investigation continues." Nunes to recuse himself from block a confirmation vote "It's my duty to fully of calling on the chairman, vestigate the matter. meeting this week, a congres- The specter of possible the Russia probe, saying he through the use of a filibus- consider any Supreme Representative Devin Nunes, "I think he put his objec- sional aide told Reuters. Russian influence on the pres- was too close to the president ter. That procedural hurdle Court nominee, regard- to recuse himself, as a growing tivity in question, at the very Nunes brushed off ques- idential election in Trump's to conduct an impartial inves- requires 60 votes in the 100- less of which party is in the number of Democrats have, but least," Graham said on NBC's tions on whether he would rec- favor has cast a shadow over tigation. Nunes, like Sessions, seat Senate to allow a confir- White House," she said in a their pointed criticism added "Today" show. use himself on Tuesday, telling the Republican president, was a member of Trump's mation vote by a simple ma- statement. to the controversy surrounding Amid the rancor, the com- reporters at the Capitol, "The who took office on Jan. 20. transition team.

Electronics ban not a long-term White House eyes $18 bn social scheme cuts 3 Iraqi refugees charged solution: IATA AP with immigration fraud MONTREAL BRITISH and US WASHINGTON bans on laptops and tablet REUTERS cued, the statement said. computers in the cabin of THE WHITE HOUSE is fol- WASHINGTON According to an affidavit in flights are not sustainable lowing up its longshot roster support of the criminal com- in the long term, the head of of budget cuts with a wish list Unlikely to THREE Iraqi refugees in Vir- plaint, a US citizen identified the association represent- of $18 billion worth of imme- ginia were charged with im- only as R.H. was kidnapped ing airlines said on Tuesday. diate reductions, including be enacted migration fraud on Tuesday and held with other hostages for "The current measures are cuts to medical research, in- after failing to disclose their months in horrible conditions not acceptable as a long-term frastructure, and community Like President Donald Trump’s relationship to a man who was in an underground bunker in solution to whatever threat development grants. 2018 budget, which was involved in the kidnapping of a Iraq, the Justice Dept said. they are trying to mitigate," Like President Donald panned by both Democrats US citizen in Iraq in 2004, the A raid in 2005 freed the said the director general of Trump's 2018 budget, which and Republicans earlier this Justice Department said. hostages, and Majid al Mash- the International Air Transport was panned by both Demo- Trump’s proposed 2018 budget eliminates an independent agency that month, the proposals have Yousif al Mashhandani, 35, handani, the brother of the Association said. "Even in crats and Republicans earlier coordinates the efforts of several federal agencies which play a role in little chance to be enacted of Vienna, Virginia; his brother, two men arrested in Virginia, the short term, it is difficult this month, the proposals have preventing and ending homelessness among other sweeping cuts. (AP) Adil Hasan, 38, of Burke, Vir- admitted his complicity in the to understand their effective- little chance to be enacted. ginia; and Hasan's wife, Enas kidnapping. Neither brother ness. And the commercial But they could create bad search into medical cures and The documents arrived from a showdown with Dem- Ibrahim, 32, also of Burke, in the US included him on the distortions they create are political optics for the strug- funding for new roads and as negotiations over a catch- ocrats over whether to fund were arrested on Tuesday and extensive lists of family mem- severe," he said. "We call on gling Trump White House, bridges here at home. all spending package continue Trump's request for imme- charged with attempting to bers provided as part of the governments to work with the since the administration asked Unlike the budget docu- Tuesday with the aim of avert- diate funding to build a wall obtain naturalization as US naturalization process, the de- industry to find a way to keep earlier for $3 billion to pay ment itself, the roster of cuts ing a partial government shut- along the US-Mexico border. citizens in a manner contrary to partment said. flying secure without separat- for the Trump's controversial do not represent official ad- down at the end of next month. Senate Democrats have threat- law, the department said. When interviewed by agents ing passengers from their U.S.-Mexico border wall and ministration proposals. In- The package would wrap up $1.1 ened to filibuster any language All three are lawful perma- from the Federal Bureau of In- personal electronics." Wash- other immigration enforce- stead, they were sent to Capi- trillion in unfinished spending providing money for the wall. nent residents of the United vestigation, Yousif al Mashhan- ington last week banned ment plans. During the cam- tol Hill as a set of "options" for bills and address the adminis- Asked about including States, but while Mashhan- dani said he omitted references electronic devices bigger paign, Trump promised Mex- GOP staff aides and lawmak- tration's request for an imme- Southern border wall financ- dani was applying for citizen- to Majid because when he was a than mobile phones on direct ico would pay for the wall. ers crafting a catchall spend- diate $30 billion in additional ing in the broader spend- ship, officials determined that refugee, others had told him he flights to the US from 10 air- Now, the White House ing bill for the ongoing budget Pentagon spending. ing package, Sen. Roy Blunt, his fingerprints matched those would not be allowed into the ports in seven M-E countries wants the wall and Pentagon year, which ends Sept. 30. That Those talks are intensify- R-Mo., a key negotiator, said, found on a document at a site United States if any immediate and Turkey. (AFP) increases be paid for using suggests the White House isn't ing, but Senate Republicans "They will not pass together. where a US citizen kidnapped family members had a criminal steep, immediate cuts to re- determined to press the cuts. are considering backing away That's just my view." in Iraq in 2004 had been res- background. Wednesday, March 29, 2017 15 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email Pakistan Prism [email protected] or call (974) 44422077

Doha Bank Retail Banking Head Gul Khan and PIS Principal Nargis Raza Otho with the award winners. PIS honours meritorious students The award winners, who included 115 students of SSC and HSSC, were given merit certificates. The first, second and third position holders were presented with shields and roll of honour by the chief guest and the school principal AKISTAN International School percent in SSC and 94 percent in HSSC. Humanities), Sidra Sher Khan 3rd (SSC (PIS) honoured its students The principal also highlighted the re- Humanities), Abeer Yasmeen Babar 1st who have excelled in the annu- markable achievements of the students (HSSC Pre-Medical), Muhammad Faizan al Secondary School Certificate in co-curricular and extra-curricular ac- 2nd (HSSC Pre-Medical), Muhammad (SSC) and Higher Secondary tivities in the last academic year. Khalid 3rd (HSSC Pre-Medical), Mu- School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, at Their achievements included wins in hammad Kamran Janjua 1st (HSSC Pre- the school’s Annual Academic Achievement debate, drama, poetry, painting, creative Engineering), Maaz Khurram 2nd (HSSC Awards Ceremony held recently. writing, exhibition and sports and games Pre-Engineering), Muhammad Sufyan The meritorious students were hon- competitions at both inter-school and in- 3rd (HSSC Pre-Engineering), Magisha oured with shields, roll of honour and merit tra-schools level. Asif 1st (HSSC Science General), Omar certificates. She said that work on the IGCSE Block Saleem 2nd (HSSC Science General), Pakistani Embassy Community Wel- of the school would start shortly and it Saba Bashir 3rd (HSSC Science General), fare Attaché and PIS Board of Governors would become operative by the end of Ahmed Shamsul Alam 1st (HSSC Com- Vice-Chairman Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial 2017. “This is an important milestone in merce), Mohammed Ahmed Nawaz 2nd was the chief guest. Doha Bank Retail the success journey of Pakistan Interna- (HSSC Commerce) and Hifsa Fazal Elahi Banking Head Gul Khan was the guest of tional School. Initiation of IGCSE classes 3rd (HSSC Commerce). honour. A large number of parents, stu- on our campus will benefit the community Eesha Naeem set a new record among A student receives his shield from Doha Bank Retail Banking Head Gul Khan. dents and guests attended the event. to get the children international qualifica- students of Qatar-based Pakistani schools In her welcome address, PIS Principal tion within the sociocultural context that by securing 1,010 marks out of 1,050. Nargis Raza Otho thanked the guests for is Pakistani,” she said. Osama Mohammad Iqbal was feted attending the function and boosting the As many as 115 students of SSC and with a special shield and iPad for being morale of the children. HSSC were among the award-winners. A1 declared The Best Delegate at DESMUN “Today we look forward to Almighty grade holders were feted with merit cer- 2017. Winners of literary competition, sci- Qatar Social and Cultural Centre for the Blind which was launched in 2004. Allah who has showered on us plentiful tificates by the principal while the first, ence exhibition, and MUN Osama Safdar, blessings. This event is a great opportu- second and third position holders were Asad Bashir, Abdul Aziz, Abdullah Sal- nity to highlight the achievements ac- honoured with shields and roll of honour eem, Amina Nasir, Laiba Maryam, Sabar complished by the school in this session,” by the chief guest and the principal. Jameel and Sana Nadeem were awarded said Otho. The students who secured top posi- with iPads as special prizes. In her annual school report, she said tions in their respective groups of SSC The valedictorians, Muhammad Ham- that students performed creditably well and HSSC exams were Eesha Naeem 1st mad Khan and Mahnoor Shahid, ex- in the SSC and HSSC Annual Examina- (SSC Science), Danial Hannan Babar 2nd pressed gratitude to the Almighty and tions conducted by the FBISE, Islama- (SSC Science), Sana Saleem 3rd (SSC their teachers and parents for their success. bad, last year. Science), Fatima Bakht Jamal 1st (SSC They said they would always cherish the The overall pass percentage was 95 Humanities), Fahima Rahmat 2nd (SSC sweet memories of their school days.

Seminar on child custody PIS Principal Nargis Raza Otho presents a certificate of merit to a student. and wills to help expats

PAKISTAN Profession- als Forum Qatar (PPFQ) Pakistani Embassy Welfare Community Attaché and PIS Board of Governors Vice-Chairman Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial will host a seminar ti- and PIS Principal Nargis Raza Otho with the award-winners. Students wait to receive their honours. tled ‘Child Custody and Wills: A Practical Guide for Qatar’, at Shangri-La Hotel on April 1. PPFQ is bringing together a small panel of legal and banking experts who will help guide people through the preparation of legal documents, including child guardianship and wills, local legalisation and registration steps, and practical sugges- tions and tips on imple- mentation, a PPFQ offi- cial said. “Our hope is to pro- vide the community with an opportunity to better prepare them- selves and to put in place an enforceable will. “This is of particular importance given our expatriate status, re- gardless of passport and nationality,” said the of- ficial. Community Welfare Attaché Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial (middle) with Doha Bank’s Head of Retail Banking Gul Khan (right) and PIS Principal Nargis Raza Otho at the ceremony. 16 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 The Last Word QA gets ‘Airline of Arab Educational Training Center the Year’ recognition TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for Gulf States opens in Doha DOHA

MALEK HELALI QATAR Airways (QA) ac- DOHA cepted the prestigious ‘Air- line of the Year’ award at the THE Arab Educational 2017 Air Transport Awards Training Center for Gulf recently, as the airline was States (AETCGS) marked recognised for its innovation, the opening of its Doha service, hospitality and lead- branch at a ceremony at- ing product design. tended by the Minister of The awards ceremony, Education and Higher Edu- held at an exclusive and pres- cation HE Dr Mohammed tigious ceremony at the Latrou bin Abdul Wahed al Ham- Residence in Ekali, Greece, madi on Tuesday. recognised QA as the world’s Dr Ali bin Abdul Kha- leading airline, bestowing it liqal Karni, Director-Gener- with the highest honour of the al of the Arab Bureau of Ed- evening, at an event attended ucation for the Gulf States by the world’s leading airline (ABEGS) , stressed on the executives. importance of educational Qatar Airways Group Chief training in influencing ideas Executive Akbar al Baker said: and equipping the provid- “We are deeply honoured to ers of education with the have been recognised by the required skillset to develop readers of Air Transport News hibition in Berlin, at which the professionally and excel in as the 2017 Airline of the Year. airline launched its new Qsuite their careers. We take immense pride in driv- for Business Class. Karni praised the efforts ing our airline to be the best QSuite features the in- of the ministry in provid- in the industry and to deliver dustry’s first-ever double bed ing the necessary means our passengers an unprece- available in Business Class, for the establishment of the dented on-board experience. with privacy panels that stow AETCGS Doha as well as Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed al Hammadi with other officials in Doha on Tuesday. To receive acknowledgement away, allowing passengers in the support of Qatar’s wise from the loyal passengers who adjoining seats to create their leadership in refining the a culture of productivity Megbel said:“Refining out- choose to fly with Qatar Air- own private room. Adjustable quality of education to meet by providing scientifically comes in the educational ways is the highest honour for panels and movable TV moni- international standards. proven methods of train- field and focusing on career us to achieve and pushes us to tors on the centre four seats The centre– which has ing in collaboration with development through the work even harder to provide allow colleagues, friends or been around for over 15 the best experts worldwide. implementation of the best them with the level of commit- families travelling together years – aims to be a leader She added that the opening training practices can be ment, service and attention to to transform their space into in educational training in of the Doha branch featur- achieved through sharing detail that they deserve every a private suite, allowing them the region and globally ing outstanding facilities expertise between the GCC time they travel.” to work, dine and socialise through commitment, qual- and modern equipment will countries.” The Airline of the Year together. ity and collaboration be- expand the ABEGS’ ambi- Megbel emphasised that award was bestowed upon QA These new features pro- tween its member states in tions towards enhancing the centre relies on modern for its continued ambition to vide the ultimate customisable the Gulf. the quality of education in non-traditional training ensure the airline’s passenger travel experience that enables Director of AETCGS the region. programmes that ultimate- experience is the absolute best passengers to create an envi- Doha Dr Moza Nasser al Addressing the audi- ly aspire to secure a better in the industry with regards to ronment that suits their own Kaabi said that the centre, ence on behalf of the cen- future for younger genera- both product and service, an unique needs and ensures that since its establishment in tre’s Board of Trustees, Dr tions through education in ambition witnessed just ear- QA continues to lead the airline 2001, strives to reinforce Mohammed bin Saud al the Gulf States. lier this month at an exclusive industry in terms of passenger reveal ceremony at the ITB ex- experience in the skies. QCHP-AD marks NU-Q students feted in media & research 1st anniversary of TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

national CME/CPD NORTHWESTERN Univer- sity in Qatar (NU-Q) has recog- nised a group of its students for programme their excellence in media and research at a ceremony held in TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK and Accreditation Council Education City recently. DOHA for Continuing Medical The university’s an- Education (ACCME). nual Media and Research THE Qatar Council for During a session of the Awards highlight students’ Healthcare Practitioners three-day event, Dr Essam successes in the areas of re- Accreditation Department El Sayed, CME/CPD super- search, documentary, crea- (QCHP-AD) celebrated the visor, discussed the CME/ tive writing, fiction, news and first anniversary of the Na- CPD system and the frame- multimedia content. tional Continuing Medical work in detail. He also “This is a chance for NU-Q Education and Continuing tackled how to record ac- students to have their aca- Northwestern University in Qatar’s annual Media and Research Awards highlight students’ successes in the areas of research, documentary, Professional Development tivities in the CPD e-port- demic and professional work — creative writing, fiction, news and multimedia content. (CME/CPD) Accreditation folio, CPD requirements journalism, films and research System with the success and CPD appeal processes. — assessed by outside experts of the 1st round-up of the The speaker also who give them high marks programme, recently. shared useful resources consistently,” said Everette E. The event targeted all and reading materials that Dennis, dean and CEO. healthcare professionals in are available in the QCHP- Prior to the awards cer- Qatar with over 470 prac- AD website and e-portfolio emony, the university hosted titioners and focal points/ that are beneficial for the a showcase of all nominees representatives from vari- healthcare practitioners. at the HBKU Student Center ous healthcare sectors tak- He also highlighted some in Education City. All of the ing part in the occasion. FAQs related to CME/CPD submissions were adjudicat- At the formal opening system and framework and ed by local and international of the event, Dr Samar Mo- provided answers. industry leaders – many of hamed A Aboulsoud, acting After an hour of inform- whom were present at both CEO of QCHP, highlighted ative lecture, a 30-minute events to recognise the efforts the importance of CME/ question and answer ses- of the nominees. CPD system as well as the sion followed. “I’m glad that people are international recognitions The seminar was ac- passionate about telling these received by QCHP-AD Ac- credited by the QCHP-AD. stories, making sure that we energy, passion and support received. We want to keep tell- The Media and Research Northwestern community. creditation System from Hence, eligible partici- know about these issues. What that the students have for each ing stories and give awareness Awards marks the conclusion “What I’ve seen at the cere- American Medical Associa- pants may claim credit for is important is that the stu- other are wonderful to see. It to all those who don’t to have a of NU-Q’s ‘Go Wild Week’, the mony and throughout the judg- tion (AMA), the American taking part in the activ- dents keep on doing it and heartens me that there are that platform to project their stories annual spirit week on cam- ing process was passion and Academy for Family Phy- ity under Category 1 ac- that they remember it’s all many young people who want or struggles,” said communica- pus. Throughout the week, commitment — outstanding sicians (AAFP), Royal Col- credited group learning about the people,” said Kamahl to do this still.” tion sophomore Hissa al Man- NU-Q Student Union organ- work,” said Simon Ferguson, lege of Physicians and Sur- activities of the National Santamaria, a journalist at Al “We’re incredibly proud nai of her award-winning film ised events and activities for chief executive officer at Reso- geons of Canada (RCPSC) Framework. Jazeera English. “I think peo- of our work and we’re over- which examines the Palestin- the student body, staff, fac- lution Group, adding, “The fu- ple have the right idea. The whelmed by the feedback we’ve ian identity. ulty, alumni and the extended ture of NU-Q is very bright.” Poetry workshop ends with slam performance

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ported each other to find their DOHA own voice.” Participant Abdullah Tom, QATAR National Library a student at Weill Cornell (QNL), in collaboration with Medicine-Qatar, commented the German Embassy Doha on the experience. “I decided and the Goethe-Institut Gulf to participate in the work- Region, recently hosted a ‘Po- shop in order to cultivate my etry Slam’ workshop, followed creativity and to find ways in by a public performance, as which I could improve my po- part of the Qatar Germany etry skills. The workshop of- 2017 Year of Culture. fered me a great opportunity The workshop took place to find the spark that inspires for over three days, and was me to write more.” delivered by German poetry Qatar Germany 2017 Year slammers and instructors, of Culture is a year-long pro- Julian Heun and Domin- gramme designed to deepen ique Macri. To celebrate the understanding between na- conclusion of the event, the tions through the mutual ex- participants performed their change of arts, culture, herit- newly-constructed poems Participants of QNL’s recent ‘Poetry Slam’ workshop perform at the HBKU Student Center in Education City as part of the Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture. age and sport, developed by at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Qatar Museums in partner- University (HBKU) Student of our participants was re- es, which created an ener- language is not important – I workshop aimed to help par- creativity and develop their ship with the Goethe-Institut Centre in Education City to ally impressive. They all came getic and varied environment always say if you don’t under- ticipants conquer their stage writing skills. It was great to Gulf Region, the German Em- the public. from different nationalities on stage. It also emphasised stand a poem, just feel it.” fright by providing them with experience how the partici- bassy in Doha and the Embas- Macri said: “The variety and spoke different languag- the fact that using the same Heun commented: “The the tools to tap into their pants came together and sup- sy of Qatar in Germany. WK

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Quick read Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum Day 2 Woqod appoints Saad al Mohannadi as the new CEO DOHA Qatar Fuel Company Qatar’s stellar growth offers (Woqod) has appointed Saad al Mohannadi as the chief executive officer of the company replacing Ibrahim Jahham al Kuwari, the company said in a statement on an opportunity for UK: PM the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) website on Tuesday. Woqod has said in the statement that the de- cision to appoint Mohannadi as the CEO was taken after review- ing Article 25 of the company’s Qatar sees Brexit as articles of association and the recommendation of Qatar Petrole- chance to supply UK um’s board of directors. The new CEO will be entitled to exercise the powers conferred upon him more gas, says Sada by the company’s regulations and procedures or as directed by the board of directors. The appoint- REUTERS ment shall be effective from April DOHA 1, 2017. (TNN) QATAR sees Britain's exit from the European Union as al khaliji to disclose an opportunity to boost sup- first quarter results plies of liquefied natural gas on April 19 meeting to the world's fifth-largest economy and is open to in- DOHA Al Khalij Commercial vesting in British energy as- Bank (al khaliji) on Tuesday sets, Qatar's energy minister announced that its board of said. directors would meet on April The Gulf state has 40 bil- 19, 2017 to approve and lion pounds ($50 billion) of disclose first quarter results of investments in Britain and We can sense the possibility the current financial year. The delivers 90 percent of Brit- of the UK’s manufacturing bank had posted a net profit ain's imports of liquefied power going higher, and of QR427 million in 2016. The natural gas. with that the need for bank’s net operating income for Prime Minister HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani and UK Prime Minister Theresa May watch over the signing of a shareholders’ Qatar, the world's biggest energy. For that, Qatar will 2016 reached QR1.2 billion and agreement for Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) acquisition of a share in National Grid, the UK’s gas distribution company. (QNA) exporter of LNG, pledged 5 was 1 percent higher than the billion pounds of investment always be there to supply previous year. This growth was in Britain on Monday in a the energy required driven mainly by a 22 percent UK can go a long way in helping Qatar become a knowledge economy: PM show of support as Prime Energy Minister HE Dr growth in interest income that Minister Theresa May begins stood at QR1.8 billion by end- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ranks Qatar first in the world the formal process of nego- Mohammed bin Saleh al Sada 2016 and QR198 million in net DOHA QIA’s National PM visits Quran tax payment index for 2016 tiating a divorce settlement fee and commission income for Grid agreement exhibition and 2017, the PM said the with the EU. Highlights the same period. (TNN) QATAR’S stellar growth and BIRMINGHAM Prime Minister BIRMINGHAM Prime Minister business and investment en- "The UK will have a new its ongoing economic diversi- and Minister of Interior HE and Minister of Interior HE vironment in Qatar offers sig- era post-Brexit ... The ne- O Qatar says British fication efforts offer “signifi- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser nificant advantages to foreign gotiations will start among Qatar Investment cant and remarkable” oppor- companies operating in the Europeans and nobody is manufacturing may rise bin Khalifa al Thani and Brit- bin Khalifa al Thani, along post-Brexit Authority to sell 40% tunities for Britain to advance ish Prime Minister Theresa with British Prime Minister country extremely clear about where of Santander Brasil and enhance its cooperation May on Tuesday attended Theresa May, paid a visit to a In the past few months, the negotiations will lead to," O Minister “open-minded” with the country, Prime Min- the signing of a sharehold- Quran exhibition, which was Qatar has taken important Energy and Industry Minis- QATAR Investment Authority (QIA) ister and Minister of Interior measures to strengthen the ter HE Dr Mohammed bin about investing in UK ers’ agreement for Qatar held on the sidelines of the energy assets has put as many as 80 million HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nass- Investment Authority’s (QIA) second Qatar-UK Business business and investment envi- Saleh al Sada said in an in- units of Banco Santander Brasil er bin Khalifa al Thani said in acquisition of a share in and Investment Forum at Bir- ronment in order to promote terview. O Growing European gas SA up for sale, liquidating 40 per- Birmingham on Tuesday. National Grid, the UK’s gas mingham. The Prime Minister growth in non-oil sector and "However, we can sense cent of its position after shares “Qatar’s economy has support the private sector to the possibility of the UK's demand an opportunity for distribution company. The also viewed a rare and old Qatar more than doubled over the past been one of the best perform- agreement stipulates that holy Quran manuscript. HE expand its role in the national manufacturing power go- year. In a Tuesday securities ing economies in the world, QIA acquires 61 percent of the Prime Minister was also economy, he added. ing higher, and with that the filing, Santander Brasil, the No. with an average GDP growth National Grid as part of the briefed on the history of the Also, work is under way need for energy. For that, market. The UK is a very im- 3 private-sector bank, said the rate of 6 percent between consortium. (QNA) manuscript. (QNA) to develop laws and legisla- Qatar will always be there to portant market," Sada said. offering of units will be underwrit- 2010 and 2016,” he said while tions to facilitate procedures supply the energy required. When global oversup- ten by its investment banking addressing the Qatar-UK for granting and renewing Certainly we can contribute ply of gas peaks in the next unit as well as Bank of America Business and Investment Fo- implement major infrastruc- new partnerships with Qatari various types of commercial to the UK's need." two to three years, a possible Corp and Credit Suisse Group rum being held in the central ture projects, especially in ed- companies. and industrial licences, in Britain started receiving rise in demand for energy AG. At Monday’s closing price, London city. The three-day ucation, health and transport, There are also significant addition to developing and LNG from Qatar in 2008 in Europe and Britain could the offering could raise as much event began in London on as well as projects related to opportunities for co-opera- expanding industrial and lo- via ships that dock at South present an opportunity for as $896 million for QIA. PG 19 Monday. hosting the 2022 FIFA World tion in the management, op- gistic zones. Hook in Kent, one of Eu- Qatar, he added. “Despite a sharp drop in Cup. eration and support of these These actions will facili- rope's largest LNG terminals, Doha has made billions oil and gas prices over the “These projects provide projects, he added tate cooperation and joint which is owned by Qatar. of dollars securing long-term Qatar flat; rest of past two years, Qatar has significant and remarkable “Our quest for a knowl- ventures between Qatari and Qatar faces rising compe- contracts with Asian con- Gulf trade steady achieved good growth rates, opportunities for the two edge economy requires a British companies in the fu- tition in Asia from other LNG sumers such as Japan and or higher thanks to its efforts in diversi- countries to advance and en- distinct level of education, ture. producers as new projects in has the world's largest fleet fying economic activities and hance cooperation,” he said. research and training, and Concluding his speech, the the United States and Aus- of LNG carriers. Like other MOST Gulf stock markets were increasing the efficiency of He said the situation the UK is known to be a lead- Prime Minister said, “I hope tralia come online in the next Gulf economies, Qatar is try- steady or in positive territory public spending. The Qatari presents British companies ing country in this field,” the our discussions today and the few years, and Doha has said ing to restructure its econo- in early trade on Tuesday after economy is expected to grow with an opportunity to ex- Prime Minister said. outcome of this forum will it will focus on expanding my to rely less on hydrocar- Asian bourses rebounded, but by 3.5 percent in 2017,” the pand their contribution to Citing the World Eco- strengthen the relations be- contracts in Europe. bons, and Sada said Britain trading volumes were generally Prime Minister said. the development of the Qa- nomic Forum’s Global Com- tween Qatar and the United "Europe is an important could contribute. thin. Abu Dhabi’s index edged “Qatar will continue to tari economy and building petitiveness Rankings, which Kingdom in all fields.” up 0.1 percent and Qatar was flat, with Qatar National Bank climbing 0.6 percent. The Saudi Arabian index added 0.2 percent Visionary leadership Investors’ trust QA’s honour after half an hour. Saudi Automo- A healthy economic growth under the I’m delighted the Forum is meeting in I am honoured that Qatar Airways has been tive, which offers services to visionary leadership of the Emir HH Birmingham and giving us the opportunity able to participate in this event. We are motorists, saw unusually heavy trading volume and was the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and a to promote current investment and trade proud of the part we play in encouraging most active stock; it surged 4.7 business-friendly environment make opportunities. I see it as a strong signal of trade between the UK and Qatar with percent. Riyad Bank lost 2.4 international collaborations easy in Qatar confidence from Qatari investors in the more than 70 flights each week percent. (REUTERS) Commercial Bank CEO city and the wider region between Qatar and UK Joseph Abraham Councillor John Clancy, Birmingham City Qatar Airways CEO Baker al Baker Exchange rate Currency buy QR sell QR US 3.6315 3.6495 UK, Qatar set up joint committee to pave Qatar has given strong Euro 3.9202 4.0114 Pound Sterling 4.5374 4.6338 way for post-Brexit trade deal: May vote of confidence in UK Indian Rupee 0.0551 0.0564 BIRMINGHAM Britain is establish- education, healthcare, energy and finan- economy: Liam Fox Pakistani Rupee 00000 0.0350 ing a joint economic and trade cial services. Philippine Peso 0.0713 0.0737 committee to pave the way for a “I’m delighted that we are also BIRMINGHAM The Emir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad post-Brexit trade agreement with establishing a new joint economic and al Thani has given a strong vote of confidence in the British Sri Lankan Rupee 00000 0.0246 Qatar and the rest of the Gulf, UK trade committee,” she said ahead economy, Britain’s Trade Minister Liam Fox said on Tuesday after Bangladeshi Taka 00000 0.0464 Prime Minister Theresa May said of her scheduled meeting with Qatari the country pledged 5 billion pounds ($6.28 billion) of investment Nepalese Rupee 00000 0.0357 in Birmingham on Tuesday. investors on Tuesday. in Britain. She was addressing the Qatar- “I hope we can pave the way for Prime Minister Theresa May, who met HH the Emir at the Gulf Japanese Yen 0.0306 0.0314 UK Business and Investment Forum. an ambitious trade agreement for Cooperation Council last year, is due to formally begin the proc- Kuwaiti Dinar 11.803 12.031 May, who is due to begin the when the UK has left the ess of Britain’s exit from the European Union on Wednesday. Omani Riyal 9.2560 9.4960 formal process of leaving EU including exploring “We will have an independent trade policy, giving us oppor- the European Union on whether we can forge a tunity to forge deeper trade links with old friends and new al- Saudi Riyal 0.9570 0.9755 Wednesday, said Britain new trade agreement lies,” Fox told a Qatar-UK investment conference in Birming- UAE Dirham 0.9770 0.9938 was seeking to deepen its for the whole of the ham, central England. “Qatar’s emir has given a strong Bahraini Dinar 9.5410 9.6960 relationship with Qatar in Gulf area,” she added. vote of confidence and faith in our economy.”(REUTERS) Liam Fox areas including defence, Theresa May (REUTERS) Source: www.dohabank.com.qa SEE ALSO PAGES 18, 19 18 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Economy & Business

BOOSTING QATAR-UK ECONOMIC TIES Saudi Arabia bank lending QA to add growth slows 2 new UK in February

destinations, REUTERS says Baker DUBAI GROWTH in Saudi Arabian bank lending almost halted in TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK February, central bank data DOHA showed on Tuesday, with companies holding back from QATAR Airways CEO Bak- investment in the face of stub- er al Baker has hinted at bornly low oil prices and con- the likelihood of the airline cern over government austerity adding two new UK desti- policies. nations. Bank lending to the private He was speaking at a sector showed year-on-year panel discussion on the growth of only 0.3 percent in leading role that aviation February, slowing from 1.8 plays in expanding busi- percent in January and down ness relationship between sharply from the 10 percent reg- Qatar and the UK, on the istered a year earlier. first day of the Qatar-UK Bankers say part of the rea- Business and Investment son for the lending slowdown Forum. is that state money is flowing Qatar Airways partici- more freely through the econo- pated in the forum in Lon- my than it was for most of last don and Birmingham this year, when the government week, a press release issued stopped paying many of its bills as low oil prices took a heavy toll on public coffers.

ATM withdrawal In a sign of sluggish consumer Minister of Economy and Commerce HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed al Thani met on Tuesday with UK Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox on the spending, cash withdrawals Qatar Airways CEO Baker al sidelines of the Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum. During the meeting, they discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries and the importance of devel- from automated teller Baker oping the trade exchange. In addition, they explored cooperation opportunities especially in the investment field. The trade volume between Qatar and UK is valued at QR11.6 machines dropped to the billion in 2016, and there are 80 British companies operating in Qatar with a capital of QR8.1 billion in the fields of oil, gas, infrastructure and information technology. There lowest level for more than a on Tuesday said. are also 672 Qatari-British companies with a joint capital, operating in Qatar. year in February, the central At the panel discussion, bank data showed Baker spoke alongside oth- er leading speakers such as Dr Hanan al Kuwari, Minis- ter of Public Health, and Dr The lack of government Hassan al Darhem, Presi- Commercial Bank participates payments forced companies dent, Qatar University. to draw on credit facilities for Qatar Airways works operating funds, inflating loan with many British compa- growth. In the past few months, nies such as Rolls Royce, in Qatar-UK business forum Riyadh has resumed bill pay- contributing to investment ments, easing the pressure on and employment opportu- companies. nities, the press statement However, companies re- added. Baker hinted to- CEO Joseph main nervous about investing wards a further commit- as the government plans fresh ment to the British economy Abraham austerity measures in coming with a potential expansion months, including domestic fuel to two new UK destinations. delivers speech price rises and a tax on tobacco Baker said: “I am hon- and sugary drinks, which will oured that Qatar Airways TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK increase companies' costs and has been able to participate DOHA weigh on consumer demand. in this important event. We In a sign of sluggish con- are proud of the part we COMMERCIAL Bank partici- sumer spending, cash with- play in encouraging trade pated in the Qatar-UK Busi- drawals from automated teller between the UK and Qatar ness and Investment Forum machines dropped to the low- with more than 70 flights held in London, with CEO est level for more than a year in each week between Qatar Joseph Abraham delivering February, the central bank data and destinations in the UK a speech on potential part- showed, while the government such as London Heathrow, nership opportunities for the continued to draw down foreign Birmingham, Edinburgh private sector, the bank said assets to help pay its bills. and Manchester. in a press release on Tuesday. Net foreign assets at the “In addition, London is The Commercial Bank central bank fell by $9.8 bil- home to the headquarters CEO spoke about the tremen- lion from the previous month of International Airlines dous opportunities for the pri- to $506.9 billion, their lowest Group (IAG), of which we vate sector, against a backdrop level since August 2011. They are a proud shareholder of healthy economic growth, reached a record high of $737 and the UK will also be the and government policies billion in August 2014 before very first market to which creating a business-friendly starting to fall. we will fly our recently environment. Among those assets, most launched Qsuite this sum- Abraham said the scale of Officials of Commercial Bank at the Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum in London recently. of which are believed to be in mer, bringing First to Busi- the government’s ambition US dollars, deposits with banks ness Class, a direct reflec- and the scope of the Nation- ing World Cup stadiums and communications. banking has supported nu- and diversified Qatari pri- abroad dropped by $5.2 billion tion of the importance we al Vision 2030 meant that related infrastructure, to also Commercial Bank’s merous multi-national and vate sector in line with the to $95.1 billion. Investments place upon the Qatar – UK partnership opportunities include sectors such as tour- strong domestic network joint venture companies in National Vision 2030, he in foreign securities shrank by relationship.” went far beyond construct- ism, health, education and and franchises in all areas of Qatar to support a healthy added. $4.3 billion to $355.3 billion. QNB announces smartphone winners Dubai to introduce robots of its online banking campaign in government services IANS DUBAI

DUBAI will soon be introduc- ing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its government sectors, a media report said. A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) smart lab will soon begin training government officials to implement AI in a wide vari- ety of tasks that will make lives easier, reported Khaleej Times on Tuesday. The lab, launched on Mon- day during a workshop by the Smart Dubai Office (SDO) and Smart Dubai Government Es- tablishment, will begin train- ing a batch of 200 persons next Intelligent robots won’t handle specific human relation interaction, but month, but will later on be open will become a tool in serving and supporting the human beings. to researchers, students and the general public, said the report. government services and city reported the daily. "To move towards the fu- experiences". "Intelligent robots won't ture, we have to redefine gov- "Unlike humans, machines handle specific human relation ernment and embed AI in our can surf through hundreds of interaction, but will become a services. We have no choice journals in a minute, be con- tool in serving and supporting Smartphone winners of QNB’s Internet and mobile banking services campaign. but to embrace technology," sistent across activities and the human being. Therefore, said Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, avoid making mistakes," said it isn't very effective for us as TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Customers were eligible ers with a value of QR50 or a release on Tuesday. Director-General of Smart Du- the official, adding that AI governments and colleagues to DOHA to enter the raffle draw to win more for any of the following The campaign aims to bai Office. helps humans to make better think that robots will be steal- the smartphones iPhone 7 partners: Ooredoo, Vodafone reward customers for their "We want to replace call decisions. ing our jobs," said Raford, add- QNB has announced 16 smart- and Samsung Edge 7, after Qatar, QPost, QatarCool, or trust in QNB’s online bank- centres and help parents While studies have shown ing that AI should be thought phone winners after the end of making banking transfers Kahrama. ing services and is part of choose schools for their chil- that AI will replace 50 per cent of as "New Collar Jobs". the first phase of a campaign, to other beneficiaries inside The second raffle draw the bank’s ongoing efforts to dren using cognitive comput- of all jobs by 2025, Noah Ra- With machines growing the bank launched recently, to and outside Qatar, Western under the campaign, which provide best experiences for ing," she said. ford, Chief Operations Officer more intelligent every year, encourage customers to take Union remittances, PayPal runs until May 8, 2017, will be its customers in line with its An official said that the of Dubai Future Foundation, Raford added AI will revolu- advantage of its Internet and transfers, bill payments, and held on May 15 to win another strategy to position custom- government wants "to look at said the technology will be tionise everyday life by under- mobile banking services. payment of prepaid vouch- 16 smartphones, QNB said in ers as a first priority. how we can integrate AI into more like a helpful colleague, standing human needs. Economy & Business Wednesday, March 29, 2017 19

PRIME MINISTER MEETS PRINCE CHARLES QIA to sell 40% stake in Santander Brasil bank

REUTERS SAO PAULO

QATAR Investment Author- ity (QIA) has put as many as 80 million units of Banco Santander Brasil SA up for sale, liquidating 40 percent of its position after shares more than doubled over the past year. In a Tuesday securities fil- ing, Santander Brasil, the No. 3 private-sector bank, said the offering of units will be un- derwritten by its investment banking unit as well as Bank of America Corp and Credit Su- isse Group AG. Santander Brasil units correspond to a blend of one common and one preferred share in the bank, a division of Spain's Banco Santander SA. At Monday's closing price, the offering could raise as much as 2.8 billion reais ($896 million) for QIA, an invest- ment firm controlled by the Gulf state's government, if it chooses to exercise an addi- tional allotment of 12 million

QIA, which Santander Brazil identified in its securities filing by its previous name Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani on Tuesday met with the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, at the Clarence House Palace in London on the occasion of the of Qatar Holdings LLC, said Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum. During the meeting, they reviewed the relations between the two countries and the means of further developing them. They also stressed the importance of the Qatar-UK it expects to remain the Business and Investment Forum in serving the two nations’ interests. (QNA) second largest shareholder of Santander Brasil after the sale

units. QIA, which Santander Brazil identified in its secu- Qatari banks lead GCC with highest rities filing by its previous name of Qatar Holdings LLC, said it expects to remain the second largest shareholder of revenue growth in 2016, says report Santander Brasil after the sale. In an emailed statement, QIA said it intends to sell ap- According to BCG’s analy- proximately 40 percent of its The significant growth in Qatari banks’ revenue was catapulted sis, it is obvious that banks 5.5 percent stake in Santander by the integration of acquired banks, the report said with superior strategies and Brasil. QIA has been an in- strong business models can vestor in Santander Brasil for TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK findings, it is worth mention- The growth in Qatar is truly execute decisively and nearly seven years. DOHA ing the effect of the biggest based on acquisition, the re- grow the strongest. Leaders The sale, known as a public integration of Finansbank by port said adding that all other still managed to achieve rev- offering with restricted efforts, QATARI banks led the GCC Qatar National Bank. Without countries managed to remain enue and profit growth. How- differs from standard equity banking sector with highest this acquisition, Qatar would below or close to their revenue ever, the report said, some of offerings in that QIA does not revenue growth of 24.4 per- have only grown by 5.4 per- growth. the fast runners of the past have to request registration of cent in 2016, the Boston Con- cent and profit growth would With this low growth year have slowed down. the plan with securities indus- sulting Group (BCG) has said be negative with 8.2 percent” of 2016, the report said, GCC Over the past decade, the try watchdog CVM. Only quali- in its latest report. BCG has said in the report. banks concluded a three year leading banks have grown at fied investors can participate, The significant growth in On the other side of the decline, from a high level in double or triple the rate of the and the deals cannot be mar- Qatari banks’ revenue was spectrum UAE banks collec- 2014. average ones. In almost all keted through road shows or catapulted by the integration tively had no revenue growth In 2016, the report said, cases, such a development is the media. of acquired banks, the report and saw a decline in profits by retail banking revenues in the based on a superior and con- The offering follows a 95 said. 4.5 percent after an increase in GCC experienced a further sistently-executed strategy. percent increase in the price of Due to a massive increase provisions by 12.8 percent. uptick of 5.4 percent, largely “In the coming three to five Santander Brasil units in 2016, in loan-loss provisions (LLPs) With the exception of Qa- due to an increase in Saudi years, we consider the digitisa- a rally that has puzzled many in Qatar, largely for the same tar, all countries grew in the Arabia’s revenue growth of 12 tion of processes as the most investors. reason, profits declined slight- low single digits, the report percent. important task that banks The units fell 6.1 percent ly by 1.8 percent, the report said, adding that the region GCC retail profits also The Qatar National Bank headquarters building in Doha. need to achieve – since this on Tuesday, leading losses on said. had to deal with a negative de- grew predominantly due the will enable advanced banks to Brazil's benchmark Bovespa “Traditionally, we report velopment in profits. positive development in Sau- “In 2016, only 10 percent the slower growth range. The reach the next level of custom- stock index and nearly erasing the revenue and profit de- LLPs catapulated but var- di Arabia. The growth rate of GCC banks were able to number of banks in ‘group’ er experience as well as cost this year's gains. velopments of GCC banks ied significantly between the in all the other countries was achieve double digit revenue and for the ‘retail’ and ‘corpo- efficiency. Moreover new busi- An index tracking shares of independently, whether the countries. Qatar had the high- moderate; only Qatari banks and profit growth. Slightly rate’ segments deviate, since ness opportunities are aris- banks and financial companies revenue growth is organic or est increase with 140.2 percent reached a double-digit growth more than 50 percent of banks not all banks have a complete ing in the wake of the digital on the São Paulo Stock Ex- through acquisitions done at followed by Saudi Arabia with rate with 13 percent, the report experienced declining profits. segment reporting yet,” the re- transformation,” the report change advanced 12.4 percent home or abroad. For our 2016 39.9 percent, the report said. said. Many more banks entered port said. concluded. in the period.

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QATAR EXCHANGE

ADJ.CLOSE CHANGE CHANGE % BID SIZE BID ASK ASK SIZE OPEN PRICE HIGH LOW LAST PREVIUOS CLOSE NUMBER TRADES VOLUME TRADED VALUE (000) YEAR HIGH YEAR LOW Aamal Co QSC 14.50 0.12 0.83 2,500 14.49 14.50 7,482 14.38 14.60 14.33 14.50 14.38 50 111,793 1,615.39 16.10 10.60 Ahli Bank QSC 35.00 0.00 0.00 900 33.00 36.00 775 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 35.00 0 0 0.00 47.10 33.05 Al Khalij Commercial Bank QSC 14.65 0.05 0.34 74,174 14.65 14.73 1,550 14.65 14.66 14.55 14.65 14.60 10 28,364 415.55 18.49 13.65 Al Meera Consumer Goods Co QSC 167.70 1.70 1.02 8,374 167.70 167.80 360 166.00 168.00 166.00 167.70 166.00 57 17,806 2,974.52 225.00 149.50 Al Khaleej Takaful Group QSC 21.00 0.70 3.45 2,223 20.45 21.20 1,709 20.07 21.00 20.07 21.00 20.30 17 28,608 588.31 30.50 18.50 Barwa Real Estate Co QSC 35.45 0.75 2.16 80,000 35.00 35.45 39,118 34.60 35.45 34.60 35.45 34.70 278 550,269 19,244.74 41.80 28.00 Dlala Brokerage and Investment Holding Co QSC 23.39 0.29 1.26 1,500 23.15 23.39 1,190 23.00 23.43 22.80 23.39 23.10 66 371,831 8,612.22 26.40 11.00 Doha Bank QSC 31.00 0.05 0.16 1,000 30.95 31.00 80 30.95 31.40 30.95 31.00 30.95 88 294,482 9,129.97 42.92 29.90 Doha Insurance Co QSC 17.20 0.30 1.78 6,598 16.37 17.20 4,265 16.70 17.20 16.70 17.20 16.90 4 1,300 22.17 22.00 16.03 Ezdan Holding Group QSC 15.90 0.00 0.00 12,000 15.83 15.90 77,572 15.95 15.98 15.81 15.90 15.90 172 1,132,308 18,007.04 20.24 12.10 Gulf International Services QSC 27.70 0.15 0.54 264 27.60 27.70 564 27.60 27.85 27.50 27.70 27.55 84 205,651 5,688.29 51.50 26.50 Gulf Warehousing Co QSC 52.50 0.20 0.38 377 52.10 52.50 9,005 53.40 53.40 52.00 52.50 52.30 68 114,194 5,975.24 66.10 40.05 Industries Qatar QSC 110.70 1.70 1.56 4,541 110.00 110.70 4,958 109.00 110.70 109.00 110.70 109.00 152 122,305 13,465.94 122.00 88.00 Islamic Holding Group QSC 68.20 3.20 4.92 118 67.80 68.20 1,914 65.60 68.90 65.00 68.20 65.00 310 401,116 27,110.65 85.50 49.20 Mannai Corporation QSC 80.60 (0.60) (0.74) 181 80.50 80.60 349 80.50 80.70 80.50 80.60 81.20 6 1,094 88.19 105.50 75.10 Masraf Al Rayan QSC 43.10 (0.45) (1.03) 11,117 43.00 43.10 4,420 43.35 43.35 42.70 43.10 43.55 316 458,103 19,691.28 44.20 28.60 Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development QSC 14.30 0.10 0.70 1,444 14.30 14.37 4,300 14.30 14.60 14.21 14.30 14.20 392 1,985,921 28,652.47 15.70 10.50 Medicare Group QSC 98.90 (1.10) (1.10) 1,000 97.90 98.90 3,135 99.20 99.50 97.90 98.90 100.00 164 114,299 11,283.18 125.80 55.00 Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Co QSC 15.10 0.12 0.80 3,000 15.06 15.14 2,000 14.98 15.20 14.94 15.10 14.98 172 333,123 5,032.58 21.00 14.01 Alijarah Holding Co QSC 18.96 (0.14) (0.73) 2,000 18.90 18.96 17,700 19.19 19.19 18.75 18.96 19.10 178 460,953 8,733.57 22.49 10.90 Ooredoo QSC 99.50 (0.10) (0.10) 583 98.70 99.50 2,500 99.60 99.80 98.70 99.50 99.60 186 93,018 9,232.41 116.10 60.00 Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Co QSC 30.00 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 33.00 390 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 30.00 0 0 0.00 40.00 23.10 Commercial Bank QSC 34.50 0.50 1.47 16,191 34.00 34.50 25,000 33.95 34.50 33.80 34.50 34.00 128 481,280 16,428.09 45.24 30.20 Qatar Electricity and Water Co QSC 221.00 1.10 0.50 1,000 216.60 221.00 3,961 220.10 221.00 214.10 221.00 219.90 37 9,861 2,159.70 247.90 175.10 Qatar Gas Transport Co Ltd 21.40 (0.01) (0.05) 4,364 21.30 21.40 118,867 21.41 21.50 21.27 21.40 21.41 52 125,182 2,680.76 25.20 18.70 Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co SAQ 39.00 (2.00) (4.88) 3,583 39.00 41.00 1,815 41.00 41.00 39.00 39.00 41.00 3 3,600 140.75 54.50 38.10 Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Co QSC 44.50 0.95 2.18 444 43.55 44.50 1,311 43.55 44.50 43.50 44.50 43.55 9 4,819 212.31 49.20 34.00 Qatar International Islamic Bank QSC 67.50 0.00 0.00 2,990 67.40 67.50 9,462 67.10 68.00 67.10 67.50 67.50 74 100,592 6,794.16 73.30 52.10 Qatar Islamic Bank SAQ 102.40 (0.20) (0.19) 2,851 102.00 102.40 1,403 102.00 102.40 100.10 102.40 102.60 86 104,683 10,662.74 117.00 75.10 Qatar Islamic Insurance Co QSC 68.30 0.30 0.44 1,076 67.30 68.30 1,250 67.30 70.00 67.20 68.30 68.00 41 57,959 3,968.41 72.00 47.80 Qatar National Cement Co QSC 79.00 0.00 0.00 1,444 78.50 78.90 1,965 78.40 79.00 78.40 79.00 79.00 15 8,268 649.63 102.10 73.10 Qatari German Company for Medical Devices QSC 9.77 0.24 2.52 500 9.63 9.77 7,805 9.60 9.80 9.60 9.77 9.53 35 65,726 636.23 14.62 9.11 Qatar Fuel QSC 135.90 (0.10) (0.07) 2,236 135.30 135.90 874 136.00 136.00 135.30 135.90 136.00 70 49,988 6,780.72 154.59 99.08 Qatar Insurance Co SAQ 71.00 0.00 0.00 1,476 69.70 71.00 10,800 70.90 71.00 69.10 71.00 71.00 109 117,963 8,309.55 79.74 60.00 Qatar Navigation QSC 76.20 (0.20) (0.26) 3,548 76.20 76.90 825 76.90 76.90 76.10 76.20 76.40 43 101,747 7,755.23 98.00 75.60 Qatar Oman Investment Co QSC 9.76 (0.21) (2.11) 2,828 9.76 9.94 450 9.75 9.76 9.75 9.76 9.97 5 2,312 22.55 12.94 9.03 Qatari Investors Group QSC 61.90 (1.50) (2.37) 7,915 61.90 62.00 7,853 63.00 63.40 61.50 61.90 63.40 124 81,135 5,055.38 70.40 23.15 Qatar National Bank SAQ 147.00 1.00 0.68 4,973 146.60 147.00 14,669 145.90 147.00 145.80 147.00 146.00 168 369,995 54,098.39 158.64 121.36 Salam International Investment QSC 10.45 (0.05) (0.48) 7,401 10.45 10.50 1,285 10.50 10.50 10.45 10.45 10.50 28 100,053 1,048.52 13.69 8.99 United Development Co 19.68 0.00 0.00 1,246 19.63 19.68 7,000 19.75 19.75 19.63 19.68 19.68 88 123,821 2,435.54 22.94 16.50 Vodafone Qatar QSC 9.57 0.40 4.36 132,198 9.57 9.58 2,000 9.23 9.66 9.17 9.57 9.17 874 5,793,247 54,998.87 13.15 8.61 Widam Food Co QSC 66.20 1.10 1.69 120 66.00 66.20 501 65.90 66.80 65.10 66.20 65.10 32 12,610 830.82 72.90 38.70 Zad Holding Co SAQ 89.60 3.60 4.19 279 86.00 88.90 541 89.60 89.60 89.60 89.60 86.00 1 417 37.36 93.90 65.50 Qatar First Bank LLC 8.60 0.01 0.12 5,028 8.58 8.60 8,559 8.65 8.73 8.58 8.60 8.59 251 1,155,400 9,954.27 16.80 8.50

DUBAI KUWAIT PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE Dubai Financial Market 3,446.97 -0.21 Dubai Investments 2.46 0.82 Boursa Kuwait Market Price Index 7,051.84 0.28 Equipment Holding Company 59.00 0.00 Arabian Scandinavian Insurance Co 2.31 0.00 Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Co 0.84 -1.29 Mezzan Holding Company 1,020.00 0.00 Kuwait Bahrain International Exchange Co 158.00 0.00 Agility Public Warehousing Co 9.43 0.00 Dubai Islamic Bank 5.53 -0.54 Kuwait Telecommunications Company 890.00 1.14 Eyas for Higer and Technical Education Co 400.00 0.00 RIYADH Air Arabia 1.07 0.00 Dubai Refreshments 18.85 0.00 Safat Global Holding Co 32.00 -1.54 Commercial Facilities Co 186.00 1.09 PRICE % CHANGE Ajman Bank 1.30 0.00 Deyaar Development 0.56 -0.36 Warba Bank 260.00 0.00 Fujairah Cement Industries Co 90.00 -1.10 Saudi Stock Exchange Tadawul 6,872.77 0.30 Al Firdous Holdings 0.70 0.00 Dubai Financial Market 1.25 0.00 Burgan for Well Drilling Trading and Maintenance 88.00 -1.12 First Dubai for Real Estate Development Co 60.00 -1.64 Riyad Bank 10.40 -1.89 Al Mazaya Holding Company 1.89 0.00 Dubai National Insurance & Reinsurance Co 2.75 0.00 Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait 305.00 0.00 Kuwait Food Co 2,400.00 0.00 Bank Aljazira 15.00 0.33 Al Ramz Corporation Investment and Development 1.59 0.00 Drake and Scull International 0.44 -2.20 Aayan Leasing and Investment Co 50.00 -1.96 First Takaful Insurance Co 60.00 -1.64 Saudi Investment Bank 13.30 0.38 Al Sagr National Insurance Co 4.55 0.00 Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Co 6.05 -0.49 Al Dar National Real Estate Company 11.00 0.00 Gulf Bank 250.00 0.00 Alawwal Bank 10.75 0.47 Al Salam Bank Bahrain 0.97 -0.52 Dubai Insurance Co 3.33 0.00 Afaq Educational Services Company 156.00 0.00 Gulf Cement Co 88.00 -1.12 Banque Saudi Fransi 23.85 -0.21 Al Salam Group Holding Co 0.62 -1.43 Commercial Bank of Dubai 4.80 0.00 Arabi Group Holdings 104.00 1.96 Gulf Franchising Holding Co 65.00 -1.52 Saudi British Bank 21.30 1.91 Alliance Insurance 383.50 0.00 DXB Entertainments 0.99 -1.58 Agility Public Warehousing Co 640.00 -1.54 GFH Financial Group 210.00 -4.55 Arab National Bank 19.30 1.31 Al Madina for Finance and Investment Co 0.62 -4.49 Ekttitab Holding Co 0.49 0.00 Al Ahleia Insurance Co 495.00 0.00 Gulf Investment House 45.00 0.00 Samba Financial Group 20.70 -0.24 Al Salam Bank Sudan 1.94 -3.00 Emirates Islamic Bank 11.00 0.00 Ajwan Gulf Real Estate Co 65.00 -5.80 Gulf Insurance Group 550.00 0.00 Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation 63.25 0.40 Amanat Holdings 1.10 -0.90 Emaar Malls Group 2.58 3.61 ALAFCO Avaiation Lease and Finance Company 240.00 0.00 Gulf North Africa Holding Co 41.00 0.00 Bank Albilad 18.05 0.56 Amlak Finance 1.07 -3.60 Emaar Properties 7.20 -0.96 Kuwait Real Estate Holding Co 40.00 5.26 Gulf Petroleum Investment Company 48.50 -2.02 Alinma Bank 14.90 0.68 Arab Insurance Group 1.66 0.00 Emirates Investment Bank 416.27 0.00 Al Eid Food Company 86.00 0.00 Kuwait Gypsum Manufacturing and Trading Co 95.00 0.00 National Commercial Bank 38.50 1.05 Arabtec Holding 0.88 -1.24 Emirates NBD Bank 8.10 0.00 Alimtiaz Investment Group Co 188.00 0.00 Hayat Communications Co 95.00 5.56 Takween Advanced Industries 12.40 0.40 Aramex 4.98 0.20 Emirates Refreshments 4.05 0.00 Al Kout Industrial Projects Co 700.00 0.00 Hilal Cement Co 216.00 0.00 Basic Chemical Industries Co 24.20 0.83 Damac Properties Dubai Co 2.77 0.36 GFH Financial Group 2.47 -6.08 Al Mudon International Real Estate Co 46.00 -2.13 Hits Telecom Holding Co 50.00 0.00 Saudi Arabian Mining Co 40.50 0.75 AlShamel International Holding Co 385.00 0.00 Human Soft Holding Company 3,100.00 0.00 Astra Industrial Group 15.90 0.63 ABU DHABI Al Aman Investment Company 52.00 0.00 IFA Hotels and Resorts Co 182.00 -5.21 Al Sorayai Trading and Industrial Group Company 10.60 1.92 Taameer Real Estate Investment Co 38.00 -2.56 International Financial Advisors 45.50 2.25 Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co 15.90 0.63 PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE Amar Finance and Leasing Company 51.00 0.00 Arzan Financial Group for Financing & Investment 40.00 1.27 United Wire Factories Co 22.70 1.11 Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange General Index 4,469.66 0.10 AXA Green Crescent Insurance Co 0.72 0.00 Amwal International Investment Company 88.00 6.02 Injazzat Real Estate Development Co 96.00 2.13 Bawan Co 18.90 1.89 Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Co 55.00 0.00 Gulf Medical Projects Co 2.62 1.55 Aqar Real Estate Investments Co 80.00 0.00 Inovest 110.00 1.85 Electrical Industries Co 24.25 3.63 Al Buhaira National Insurance Co 2.39 0.00 Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries 2.27 0.44 Al-Arabiya Real Estate Co 41.50 -1.19 Investors Holding Group Co 28.50 -1.72 Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co 28.20 1.81 Abu Dhabi Aviation 2.73 0.00 Insurance House 0.75 0.00 Ajial Real Estate Entertainment Co 176.00 3.53 Independent Petroleum Group 400.00 0.00 Mohammad Al Mojil Group Co 12.55 0.00 Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank 6.85 2.39 Invest Bank 2.30 0.00 Energy House Holding Company 37.00 -5.13 International Resorts Company 38.00 0.00 Saudi Steel Pipes Co 16.50 0.30 Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank 3.83 -1.79 Al Khaleej Investment Co 1.32 0.00 Al Argan International Real Estate Co 182.00 -5.21 UniCap Investment and Finance Co 50.00 0.00 Abdullah Abdul Mohsin Al Khodari Sons Co 12.45 0.40 Abu Dhabi National Hotels Co 2.93 -0.34 Manazel Real Estate 0.53 -3.64 Arkan Al Kuwait Real Estate Company 83.00 1.22 Ithmaar Holding 51.00 0.00 Al Tayyar Travel Group Holding Company 30.50 0.66 Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co 3.21 -0.31 Methaq Takaful Insurance Co 0.82 0.00 Automated Systems Co 305.00 0.00 Jazeera Airways Co 590.00 1.72 Abdulmohsen Al Hokair Group for Tourism ... 31.30 2.96 Abu Dhabi Ship Building 2.72 0.00 National Bank of Abu Dhabi 10.50 0.48 Advanced Technology Co 920.00 0.00 Jeeran Holding Company 53.00 0.00 Methanol Chemicals Company 6.80 0.74 Al Fujairah National Insurance Co 300.00 0.00 National Bank of Fujairah 3.26 -9.94 Sanad Holding Co 100.00 0.00 KAMCO Investment Co 88.00 0.00 National Petrochemical Co 19.65 0.77 Agthia Group 6.33 -1.09 National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain 3.10 0.00 Bayan Investment Company 46.50 -2.11 Kuwait Building Materials Manufacturing Co 112.00 9.80 Saudi Basic Industries Corporation 96.25 -0.26 Al Khazna Insurance Company 0.42 0.00 National Corp for Tourism and Hotels 2.90 0.00 Boubyan International Industries Holding Co 23.00 0.00 Kuwait Business Town Real Estate Co 57.00 0.00 Saudi Arabia Fertilizers Co 68.25 1.87 Aldar Properties 2.41 -0.41 National Marine Dredging 4.50 0.00 Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co 335.00 0.00 Kuwait Cement Co 510.00 2.00 Saudi Arabian Refineries Co 33.70 1.20 Arkan Building Materials Co 0.70 1.45 Oman and Emirates Holding Co 0.95 0.00 Ahli United Bank 460.00 -1.08 Asiya Capital Investments Co 40.00 0.00 Saudi Ceramic Co 28.50 1.79 International Fish Farming Holding Co 1.94 -5.37 Ooredoo QSC 91.00 0.00 Boubyan Bank 405.00 -1.22 Kuwait National Cinema Comapny 1,380.00 0.00 Savola Group Company 41.00 2.24 Al Wathba National Insurance Co 12.75 0.00 Umm Al Qaiwain Cement Industries Co 0.95 0.00 Boubyan Petrochemical Co 570.00 0.00 Kuwait Co for Process Plant Construction... 164.00 0.00 National Industrialization Company 16.40 1.55 Abu Dhabi National for Building Materials Co 0.50 -1.96 National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah 4.80 0.00 Burgan Bank 335.00 1.52 Kuwait Foundry Company 315.00 -1.56 Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical ... 35.60 0.56 Bank of Sharjah 1.40 0.00 Ras Al Khaimah for White Cement & Construction ... 1.20 0.00 Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co 485.00 0.00 Kuwait Finance House 590.00 -3.28 National Gas and Industrialization Co 32.40 -0.61 Commercial Bank International 1.72 0.00 Ras Al Khaimah National Insurance Company 4.10 0.00 Livestock Transport and Trading Co 216.00 2.86 Kuwait Finance and Investment Company 44.50 0.00 National Gypsum Co 13.45 0.75 Dana Gas 0.43 -2.27 Ras Al Khaimah Poultry and Feeding Co 3.70 0.00 Commercial Bank of Kuwait 450.00 -1.10 Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Co 67.00 -1.47 Wafrah for Industry and Development Co 23.40 2.41 Al Dhafra Insurance Co 3.85 0.00 Ras Al Khaimah Cement Co 0.85 -5.56 Combined Group Contracting Company 520.00 1.96 Kuwait Hotels Co 250.00 0.00 Saudi Cable Co 5.75 0.00 Emirates Insurance Company 5.98 0.00 Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics 2.20 5.77 National Cleaning Co 51.00 -8.93 Kuwait International Bank 242.00 0.00 Saudi Advanced Industries Co 13.40 1.52 Eshraq Properties Company 1.03 -4.63 RAK Properties 0.63 -1.56 Coast Investment and Development Co 49.00 3.16 Future Kid Entertainment and Real Estate Co 124.00 8.77 Saudi Industrial Development Co 11.90 2.15 Emirates Telecommunications Group Co 17.90 0.00 Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development Co 1.07 0.00 Dalqan Real Estate Company 350.00 0.00 Kuwait Insurance Company 265.00 -3.64 Al Ahsa Development Co 15.00 0.67 Fujairah Building Industries Co 1.56 0.00 Sudatel Telecom Group Ltd 0.68 3.03 Danah Al Safat Foodstuff Co 102.00 0.00 Kuwait Investment Company SAK 100.00 -1.96 National Company for Glass Industries 18.25 1.11 Fujairah Cement Industries Co 1.13 0.00 Sharjah Group Co 1.50 0.00 Al Deera Holding Co 36.00 1.41 Kuwait and Middle East Financial Investment Co 32.00 1.59 Saudi Arabian Amiantit Co 6.75 0.75 First Gulf Bank 13.00 0.39 Sharjah Islamic Bank 1.37 0.00 Educational Holding Group 280.00 -1.75 Privatization Holding Co 52.00 0.00 Alujain Corporation 20.40 1.49 Finance House 1.58 0.00 Sharjah Insurance Co 3.85 0.00 Egypt Kuwait Holding Co SAE 200.00 0.00 Kuwait Projects Company Holding 495.00 0.00 Filing and Packing Materials Manufacturing Co 35.30 0.86 Foodco Holding 6.00 -6.25 Abu Dhabi National Energy Co 0.45 0.00 Ekttitab Holding Co 42.50 0.00 Kuwait Real Estate Company 69.00 -1.43 Saudi Industrial Services Co 14.80 0.68 Gulf Cement Co 1.00 -4.76 Abu Dhabi National Takaful Co 5.15 0.00 Al-Enmaa Real Estate Company 43.50 0.00 Kuwait Syrian Holding Co 41.00 1.23 Arabian Pipes Co 16.20 0.93 Nama Chemicals Co 3.95 1.28 BAHRAIN MUSCAT National Metal Manufacturing and Casting Co 23.20 1.75 Saudi Chemical Co 33.20 0.91 PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE Zamil Industrial Investment Co 29.10 0.69 Bahrain All Share Index 1,377.56 -0.37 Bahrain Middle East Bank 0.03 0.00 Muscat SE General Index 5,543.09 -1.08 Construction Materials Industries & Contracting Co 0.03 0.00 Saudi Industrial Investment Group 19.30 2.12 Al Baraka Banking Group 0.45 0.00 BMMI 0.78 0.00 Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles Co 0.15 0.00 Computer Stationery Industry 0.26 0.00 Sahara Petrochemical Co 14.50 0.35 Ahli United Bank 0.84 -1.18 Delmon Poultry Co 0.32 0.00 Ahli Bank 0.19 -6.03 Dhofar Beverage and Food Stuff Co 0.26 0.00 Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Co 129.00 2.58 Alahlia Insurance Co 0.24 0.00 Esterad Investment Co 0.14 0.00 Abrasives Manufacturing Co 0.05 0.00 Dhofar Cattle Feed Co 0.22 0.00 Almarai Co 69.25 1.09 Al Salam Bank Bahrain 0.10 -0.98 GFH Financial Group 0.71 -2.76 ACWA Power Barka 0.78 0.00 Dhofar Fisheries and Food Industries Co 1.28 0.00 Yanbu National Petrochemicals Co 55.75 0.90 Aluminium Bahrain 0.38 2.69 Gulf Hotel Group 0.59 0.00 Al Fajar Al Alamia Co 0.75 0.00 Dhofar University 1.49 0.00 Saudi Paper Manufacturing Co 9.70 0.52 Arab Banking Corporation 0.36 0.00 Inovest 0.28 0.00 Fincorp Al Amal Fund 0.96 0.00 Dhofar International Development & Investment ... 0.34 -5.56 Saudi International Petrochemical Co 16.20 -0.61 Arab Insurance Group 0.44 0.00 Investcorp Bank 8.60 0.00 Al Anwar Holdings 0.20 1.00 Financial Corporation Co 0.10 0.00 Al Babtain Power and Telecommunication Co 29.80 1.02 Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co 0.55 0.00 Ithmaar Holding 0.17 0.00 Al Jazeira Services Co 0.18 0.00 Flexible Industrial Packages Company 0.06 0.00 Advanced Petrochemical Co 46.00 1.32 Bahrain Car Parks Co 0.15 -2.68 Khaleeji Commercial Bank 0.12 0.85 Al Jazeera Steel Products Co 0.21 0.00 Financial Services Co 0.17 0.00 Al Abdullatif Industrial Investment Co 14.55 1.04 Bahrain Cinema Co 1.30 0.00 Nass Corporation 0.12 -3.94 Al Batinah Development & Investment Holding Co 0.09 1.18 Galfar Engineering and Contracting 0.39 0.00 Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co 7.70 1.32 Bahrain Commercial Facilities Co 0.73 0.00 National Bank of Bahrain 0.68 0.00 Al Maha Ceramics Co 0.44 0.00 Galfar Engineering and Contracting 0.08 0.00 Saudi Vitrified Clay Pipe Co 55.50 1.37 Bahrain Duty Free Shop Complex 0.84 0.00 National Hotels Co 0.28 0.00 Al Madina Investment Co 0.07 1.47 Global Financial Investments Holding 0.17 0.00 Middle East Specialized Cables Co 7.75 0.65 Bahrain Family Leisure Co 0.08 0.00 Securities and Investment Co C 0.00 0.00 Al Omaniya Financial Services 0.28 0.00 Gulf Investment Services Holding Co 0.11 0.00 Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co 12.50 0.40 Bahrain Flour Mills Co 0.39 0.00 Seef Properties 0.21 0.00 Majan College University College 0.51 0.00 Gulf Mushroom Products Co 0.31 0.00 Hail Cement Co 11.10 0.00 Bahrain Islamic Bank 0.14 0.00 Taib Bank C 2.73 0.00 Al Batinah Power Company 0.18 0.00 Gulf Plastic Industries Co 0.39 0.00 Najran Cement Co 10.90 0.46 Bahrain National Holding Company 0.42 5.00 Takaful International Co 0.10 0.00 Bank Dhofar 0.23 -16.59 Gulf Stone Co 0.12 0.00 City Cement Co C 12.55 0.00 Bahrain Ship Repairing and Engineering Co 1.60 0.00 Trafco Group 0.23 0.00 #N/A 0.00 0.00 HSBC Bank Oman 0.13 0.00 Northern Region Cement Co 10.60 -0.93 Bahrain Telecommunications Company 0.28 0.00 United Gulf Bank 0.36 0.00 Bank Nizwa 0.09 1.11 Al Hassan Engineering Co 0.06 0.00 Umm Al Qura Cement Co 19.00 -0.78 Bahrain Tourism Co 0.23 0.00 United Gulf Investment Corporation 0.10 0.00 Bank Sohar 0.15 0.00 Hotels Management International Co 1.25 0.00 Arabian Cement Co 38.00 -0.26 Banader Hotels Co 0.07 0.00 United Paper Industries C 0.30 0.00 Oman Oil Marketing Co 1.85 0.00 Al Jazeira Services Co 0.55 0.00 Yamama Cement Company 18.30 -0.27 BBK 0.40 0.00 Zain Bahrain 0.09 0.00 Oman Oil Marketing Co 0.25 0.00 Al Kamil Power Co 0.31 0.00 Saudi Cement Co 60.25 0.00 Bank Muscat 0.00 0.00 Al Buraimi Hotel Co 0.88 0.00 Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Co 1.46 0.00 Qassim Cement Company 50.00 0.00

Information contained herein is believed to be reliable & has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy & completeness cannot be guaranteed. This publication is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale of any financial instrument. Prior to entering into any transaction, investors are advised to obtain independent advice regarding the suitability of particular financial instruments/strategies based on their investment objectives. Bulls & Bears Wednesday, March 29, 2017 21

FTSE NASDAQ TOP GAINERS NASDAQ TOP LOSERS STANDARD & POOR’S

PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE FTSE International 7,343.42 0.68 Lloyds Banking Group 66.50 -0.24 Priceline Group Inc 1,789.24 0.97 TESARO Inc 152.25 -2.86 Standard & Poor’s Corp 2,354.63 0.56 Anglo American 1,208.62 1.25 London Stock Exchange Group 3,018.90 0.33 Catalyst Biosciences Inc 16.49 220.27 Heska Corp 95.53 -2.74 Standard & Poor’s Corp 1,043.79 0.55 Associated British Foods 2,624.10 -1.43 Micro Focus International 2,214.71 1.51 Tesla Inc 277.69 2.76 Apple Inc 142.83 1.38 Lancaster Colony Corp 126.33 -1.95 Admiral Group 1,990.26 0.81 Mediclinic International 770.26 0.92 Panera Bread Co 259.63 2.52 AbbVie Inc 65.95 -0.23 Ashtead Group 1,603.09 0.94 Merlin Entertainments 475.51 0.59 Investors Title Co 159.00 3.25 Cellect Biotechnology Ltd 8.41 -22.83 Abbott Laboratories 44.56 -0.31 Antofagasta 794.70 0.88 Marks and Spencer Group 332.50 -0.69 MGE Energy Inc 66.90 5.69 Accenture 120.97 1.32 Credit Suisse AG 73.66 4.35 HTG Molecular Diagnostics Inc 7.22 -24.38 Allergan plc 240.60 0.51 Aviva 530.61 1.91 Mondi 1,920.20 0.62 German American Bancorp Inc 47.06 6.16 ICU Medical Inc 153.20 -1.00 American International Group Inc 61.86 1.53 AstraZeneca 4,942.95 -0.29 WM Morrison Supermarkets 235.00 -0.59 Atrion Corp 471.10 0.52 Cryoport Inc 2.07 -44.83 Allstate Corp 81.56 0.58 Babcock International Group 870.25 -0.29 National Grid 1,013.76 -0.15 LendingTree Inc 122.15 2.05 Amgen Inc 164.57 -0.21 BAE Systems 645.24 1.48 Next 4,288.61 1.35 First Citizens BancShares Inc 327.64 0.71 Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc 115.53 -1.40 Amazon.com Inc 856.11 1.10 Barclays 226.12 1.74 Old Mutual 216.69 0.09 Altisource Portfolio Solutions SA 34.58 6.30 Blueprint Medicines Corp 42.38 -3.72 American Express Co 78.28 0.88 British American Tobacco 5,219.19 -0.17 Provident Financial 2,922.99 -0.10 SVB Financial Group 180.70 1.12 Bank of America Corp 23.45 1.82 Barratt Developments 544.30 0.37 Prudential 1,713.62 1.26 Virtus Investment Partners Inc 103.45 1.92 Ryanair Holdings 83.33 -1.77 Biogen Inc 273.87 -0.49 British Land Company 599.00 -0.58 Persimmon 2,087.89 0.43 Equinix Inc 386.24 0.58 XBiotech Inc 16.56 -8.49 Bank of New York Mellon Corp 46.92 1.45 BHP Billiton 1,227.30 2.51 Pearson 655.38 3.63 Apple Inc 142.84 1.39 ePlus inc 132.10 -1.05 BlackRock Inc 380.86 1.56 Bunzl plc 2,315.23 0.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 7,309.88 -0.42 Ulta Beauty Inc 282.20 0.74 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co 56.22 0.32 Raven Industries Inc 28.40 -4.54 BP 448.78 1.24 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 240.84 1.42 #N/A 45.15 4.15 Berkshire Hathaway Inc 167.92 0.29 Burberry Group 1,737.56 -0.17 Royal Dutch Shell 2,084.53 1.59 Selecta Biosciences Inc 13.70 14.93 Pulse Biosciences Inc 31.99 -3.99 Citigroup Inc 59.25 1.58 Caterpillar Inc 92.64 1.23 BT Group 323.51 -0.22 Royal Dutch Shell 2,199.05 1.68 Celgene Corp 124.95 0.07 Coca Cola HBC AG 2,022.16 0.40 Rio Tinto 3,178.30 2.81 DOW JONES Colgate-Palmolive Co 73.76 0.45 Carnival 4,559.46 1.47 Royal Mail 420.17 -0.12 Comcast Corp 37.02 -0.24 Centrica 218.51 -0.55 Rolls-Royce Holdings 744.61 1.41 Dow Jones & Company Inc 20,652.72 0.50 International Business Machines Corp 174.18 0.24 Capital One Financial Corp 84.21 2.53 Compass Group 1,503.84 -0.07 Randgold Resources Ltd 7,124.49 -0.07 Dow Jones & Company Inc 7,151.29 0.68 J B Hunt Transport Services Inc 92.18 1.80 ConocoPhillips 45.08 1.78 Croda International 3,577.93 0.06 RSA Insurance Group 592.19 0.08 American Airlines Group Inc 42.09 0.84 JetBlue Airways Corp 20.71 2.07 Costco Wholesale Corp 166.09 -0.04 CRH 2,784.56 1.38 Rentokil Initial 245.37 0.25 Apple Inc 142.83 1.38 Johnson & Johnson 125.20 -0.48 Cisco Systems Inc 33.99 0.00 ConvaTec Group 267.42 1.47 J Sainsbury 264.92 -1.08 American Electric Power Company Inc 67.66 -0.04 JPMorgan Chase & Co 88.64 1.60 CVS Health Corp 78.62 0.14 DCC 7,018.64 0.71 Schroders 3,056.12 0.62 AES Corp 11.18 0.45 Kirby Corp 68.65 2.54 Chevron Corp 107.61 1.25 Diageo 2,302.03 0.37 Sage Group 632.88 0.16 Alaska Air Group Inc 95.77 0.81 Coca-Cola Co 42.43 0.25 E I du Pont de Nemours and Co 81.62 1.29 Direct Line Insurance Group 336.30 0.53 Shire 4,727.95 0.28 American Water Works Company Inc 76.99 0.20 Kansas City Southern 85.58 2.00 Danaher Corp 85.68 -0.42 American Express Co 78.28 0.88 Landstar System Inc 84.30 0.90 Experian 1,621.08 -0.49 St. James’s Place 1,056.07 -0.10 Walt Disney Co 112.73 0.31 Boeing Co 177.12 0.58 Southwest Airlines Co 53.76 1.66 easyJet plc 1,000.54 -1.33 Smurfit Kappa Group 2,110.38 2.50 Dow Chemical Co 64.86 1.31 Avis Budget Group Inc 28.53 1.06 Matson Inc 30.98 1.37 Duke Energy Corp 82.75 -0.05 Fresnillo 1,559.64 0.77 Sky 978.75 -0.05 Caterpillar Inc 92.64 1.23 McDonald’s Corp 129.27 -0.17 Emerson Electric Co 59.24 1.39 GKN 367.67 0.79 Standard Life 355.17 1.75 C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc 77.44 0.55 3M Co 190.88 0.24 Exelon Corp 35.58 -0.73 GlaxoSmithKline 1,673.90 0.00 Smiths Group 1,594.64 0.06 CenterPoint Energy Inc 27.60 -0.33 Merck & Co Inc 63.17 -0.03 Ford Motor Co 11.73 2.36 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 1,997.74 0.00 Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust 360.00 2.11 Cisco Systems Inc 33.99 0.00 Microsoft Corp 64.99 -0.17 FedEx Corp 189.57 1.35 Hammerson 564.36 -1.23 Smith & Nephew 1,240.94 -0.24 CSX Corp 47.07 1.86 NextEra Energy Inc 131.45 0.27 Twenty-First Century Fox Inc 31.82 1.82 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,291.83 0.16 SSE 1,507.82 -0.60 Chevron Corp 107.61 1.25 NiSource Inc 23.73 -0.34 Twenty-First Century Fox Inc 32.51 1.91 HSBC Holdings 652.05 1.38 Standard Chartered 745.18 4.07 Dominion Resources Inc 78.05 0.17 Nike Inc 56.38 0.80 General Dynamics Corp 188.06 1.39 International Consolidated Airlines Group SA 533.81 0.28 Severn Trent 2,420.14 -0.54 Delta Air Lines Inc 46.14 0.08 Norfolk Southern Corp 113.30 1.95 General Electric Co 29.54 0.34 InterContinental Hotels Group 3,842.00 0.50 Tesco 188.96 0.66 E I du Pont de Nemours and Co 81.62 1.29 PG&E Corp 67.20 0.01 Gilead Sciences Inc 67.12 -0.56 3i Group 699.58 -0.14 Tui AG 1,115.49 1.25 Walt Disney Co 112.73 0.31 Public Service Enterprise Group Inc 44.52 -0.49 General Motors Co 35.81 3.17 Duke Energy Corp 82.75 -0.05 Pfizer Inc 34.13 -0.15 Imperial Brands 3,823.36 0.18 Taylor Wimpey 192.15 0.16 Alphabet Inc 820.41 0.11 Consolidated Edison Inc 78.33 -0.28 Procter & Gamble Co 90.50 0.01 Informa 644.58 -0.23 Unilever 3,993.74 -0.29 Alphabet Inc 839.10 0.07 Edison International 80.64 0.17 Ryder System Inc 75.16 3.09 Goldman Sachs Group Inc 228.83 1.49 Intu Properties 272.72 -1.09 United Utilities Group 1,003.38 -0.60 Exelon Corp 35.58 -0.73 Southern Co 50.18 -0.25 Halliburton Co 48.09 0.65 Intertek Group 3,918.93 0.08 Vodafone Group 209.76 -0.17 Expeditors International of Washington Inc 56.26 1.13 Travelers Companies Inc 121.18 0.14 Honeywell International Inc 125.25 0.60 ITV 209.89 0.24 Wolseley 5,130.36 5.06 FedEx Corp 189.57 1.35 United Continental Holdings Inc 69.74 2.00 International Business Machines Corp 174.18 0.24 Johnson Matthey 2,994.48 2.24 Worldpay Group 292.70 1.10 FirstEnergy Corp 31.36 -0.10 UnitedHealth Group Inc 164.30 -0.18 Johnson & Johnson 125.20 -0.48 Kingfisher 325.25 -0.31 WPP 1,709.14 0.59 General Electric Co 29.54 0.34 Union Pacific Corp 105.15 1.09 JPMorgan Chase & Co 88.64 1.60 Legal & General Group 247.04 0.04 Whitbread 3,918.43 -0.13 Goldman Sachs Group Inc 228.83 1.49 United Parcel Service Inc 106.21 1.36 Kraft Heinz Co 91.41 0.18 Kinder Morgan Inc 21.39 1.69 Coca-Cola Co 42.43 0.25 MUMBAI Eli Lilly and Co 84.75 0.61 Lockheed Martin Corp 269.43 0.85 PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE Lowe’s Companies Inc 82.32 0.93 BSE Ltd 3,957.11 0.59 Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd 200.40 -0.35 InterGlobe Aviation Ltd 1,038.60 -1.38 Reliance Power Ltd 47.85 0.63 Mastercard Inc 112.46 0.46 ABB India Ltd 1,190.65 0.62 Cummins India Ltd 937.15 1.17 IPCA Laboratories Ltd 589.00 1.89 Rural Electrification Corp Ltd 172.25 -1.66 McDonald’s Corp 129.27 -0.17 ACC Ltd 1,416.60 1.48 Dabur India Ltd 275.45 0.49 ITC Ltd 280.50 -0.50 Sanofi India Ltd 4,784.65 2.12 Mondelez International Inc 43.62 0.21 Adani Enterprises Ltd 104.55 0.67 Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd 366.25 0.91 JSW Steel Ltd 181.60 1.17 State Bank of India 282.15 1.00 Medtronic 80.94 -0.11 Adani Port and Special Economic Zone Ltd 320.80 0.52 Dish TV India Ltd 108.95 -0.50 Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd 94.45 0.27 Shree Cement Ltd 16,674.10 1.94 Metlife Inc 52.48 1.53 Adani Power Ltd 39.90 2.05 Divi’s Laboratories Ltd 631.90 -0.32 Jet Airways (India) Ltd 512.95 1.77 Shriram City Union Finance Ltd 2,112.00 1.51 3M Co 190.88 0.24 Altria Group Inc 73.05 -0.20 Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd 1,531.50 -0.34 DLF Ltd 149.40 1.32 Jindal Steel And Power Ltd 120.05 3.09 Shriram Transport Finance Company Ltd 1,073.85 5.29 Monsanto Co 114.08 -0.01 Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd 153.00 -0.68 Dr.Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd 2,635.85 -0.11 JSW Energy Ltd 61.60 1.07 Siemens Ltd 1,250.00 0.81 Merck & Co Inc 63.17 -0.03 AIA Engineering Ltd 1,506.45 1.91 Eicher Motors Ltd 24,936.80 3.18 Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd 808.00 2.33 South Indian Bank Ltd 20.20 0.00 Morgan Stanley 42.30 1.73 Ajanta Pharma Ltd 1,795.00 -0.01 Emami Ltd 1,017.00 0.16 Jubilant Foodworks Ltd 1,097.00 -0.31 SRF Ltd 1,596.00 -0.41 Microsoft Corp 64.99 -0.17 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd 593.80 1.32 Engineers India Ltd 146.40 -0.07 Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd 368.30 0.07 Steel Authority of India Ltd 60.25 -0.08 NextEra Energy Inc 131.45 0.27 Alkem Laboratories Ltd 2,199.95 -0.38 Exide Industries Ltd 216.40 1.33 Karnataka Bank Ltd 139.90 0.07 Strides Shasun Ltd 1,126.60 0.75 Nike Inc 56.38 0.80 Amara Raja Batteries Ltd 873.00 1.42 Federal Bank Ltd 90.50 0.39 Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd 859.85 -1.25 Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd 323.50 0.05 Oracle Corp 44.94 0.22 Ambuja Cements Ltd 228.30 0.20 Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd 399.20 2.06 L&T Finance Holdings Ltd 121.70 1.33 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd 698.55 1.10 Occidental Petroleum Corp 63.22 0.56 Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd 1,156.00 -0.68 GAIL (India) Ltd 375.00 -0.07 Larsen & Toubro Ltd 1,545.75 -0.06 Sun TV Network Ltd 779.30 2.47 Priceline Group Inc 1,789.59 0.99 Apollo Tyres Ltd 203.90 -3.18 Gillette India Ltd 4,081.00 -0.89 LIC Housing Finance Ltd 612.85 0.76 Supreme Industries Ltd 1,045.00 -0.18 PepsiCo Inc 112.29 0.41 Arvind Ltd 391.20 0.23 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd 5,283.00 1.57 Lupin Ltd 1,456.50 -0.45 Suzlon Energy Ltd 18.50 0.54 Pfizer Inc 34.13 -0.15 Ashok Leyland Ltd 86.45 0.70 GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd 2,702.10 -1.29 Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd 329.30 2.83 Tata Chemicals Ltd 592.30 1.44 Procter & Gamble Co 90.50 0.01 Axis Bank Ltd 502.95 3.23 Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd 875.00 0.01 Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd 1,276.65 0.74 Tata Communications Ltd 718.10 -0.10 Philip Morris International Inc 112.57 0.17 Bajaj Auto Ltd 2,829.00 0.56 GMR Infrastructure Ltd 16.50 0.92 Maruti Suzuki India Ltd 5,975.55 -0.18 Tata Consultancy Services Ltd 2,429.85 0.74 Bajaj Finance Ltd 1,193.00 0.84 Godrej Consumer Products Ltd 1,695.00 1.38 Max Financial Services Ltd 570.00 -1.78 Tata Elxsi Ltd 1,491.00 0.22 Bajaj Finserv Ltd 4,083.70 0.73 Godrej Industries Ltd 503.00 -0.04 MindTree Ltd 461.20 -0.15 Tata Global Beverages Ltd 150.65 1.31 Bajaj Holdings and Investment Ltd 2,110.00 2.45 Grasim Industries Ltd 1,062.50 -0.09 Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd 372.35 1.83 Tata Motors Ltd 285.45 2.31 Bank of India Ltd 135.90 0.44 Gruh Finance Ltd 370.95 0.00 Mphasis Ltd 598.20 -0.30 Tata Motors Ltd 472.40 1.48 TOKYO Bata India Ltd 552.35 1.68 Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd 168.30 -0.41 MRF Ltd 58,312.25 -2.66 Tata Power Company Ltd 88.80 2.01 PRICE % CHANGE Bayer CropScience Ltd 3,750.00 -1.12 Gujarat State Petronet Ltd 164.00 3.47 Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd 1,204.80 -1.59 Tata Steel Ltd 479.90 0.47 Berger Paints India Ltd 230.25 -0.17 Havells India Ltd 450.20 0.31 Muthoot Finance Ltd 351.00 0.54 Tech Mahindra Ltd 455.60 -2.72 Nikkei Inc 19,202.87 1.14 Bharat Electronics Ltd 158.40 -0.31 HCL Technologies Ltd 860.05 0.51 NTPC Ltd 164.85 0.79 Ramco Cements Ltd 658.30 2.26 Denka Co Ltd 598.00 1.87 Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd 834.60 -2.63 HDFC Bank Ltd 1,418.75 0.52 Natco Pharma Ltd 784.05 1.86 Thermax Limited 907.40 0.22 Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd 1,572.00 -0.29 Bharat Forge Ltd 1,047.60 2.97 Hero MotoCorp Ltd 3,330.00 -0.31 NCC Ltd 81.15 0.25 Titan Company Ltd 453.80 1.24 Hitachi Zosen Corp 643.00 1.26 Bharti Airtel Ltd 340.65 0.61 Hexaware Technologies Ltd 220.40 1.78 Nestle India Ltd 6,497.80 0.93 Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd 1,444.75 2.85 Mizuho Financial Group Inc 210.90 1.35 Bharti Infratel Ltd 318.75 1.98 Hindustan Unilever Ltd 902.55 0.56 NHPC Ltd 31.30 0.00 Torrent Power Ltd 216.55 0.70 Maruha Nichiro Corp 3,490.00 0.43 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd 9,779.00 2.30 Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd 168.40 0.15 Hindustan Zinc Ltd 326.00 0.62 NMDC Ltd 133.90 -0.07 TV18 Broadcast Ltd 41.50 -1.07 DOWA Holdings Co Ltd 807.00 0.62 Biocon Ltd 1,136.70 0.30 Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd 518.50 0.25 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd 187.15 -1.08 TVS Motor Company Ltd 432.30 0.79 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd 465.10 0.89 Bank of Baroda Ltd 173.65 1.14 Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd 1,503.80 1.97 Oil India Ltd 331.00 -0.63 UltraTech Cement Ltd 3,993.75 1.01 Daiwa Securities Group Inc 708.00 1.72 Blue Dart Express Ltd 5,015.10 -1.30 Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd 78.60 0.13 Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd 3,816.85 1.16 Union Bank of India Ltd 155.40 0.23 Inpex Corp 1,095.50 1.81 Bosch Ltd 22,998.90 0.82 Indian Oil Corpn Ltd 369.70 -0.40 PI Industries Ltd 848.90 -0.63 United Breweries Ltd 776.90 0.92 Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co Ltd 1,760.00 0.69 Britannia Industries Ltd 3,342.00 1.24 ICICI Bank Ltd 276.95 1.26 Page Industries Ltd 14,880.15 1.21 United Spirits Ltd 2,185.00 -0.39 Furukawa Co Ltd 217.00 1.40 Cadila Healthcare Ltd 452.95 0.90 IDBI Bank Ltd 75.85 1.20 Petronet LNG Ltd 410.55 1.10 UPL Ltd 722.75 -0.48 Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd 342.00 1.18 Canara Bank Ltd 297.05 0.08 Idea Cellular Ltd 88.45 1.09 Pidilite Industries Ltd 696.70 1.88 Vakrangee Ltd 336.30 1.36 Comsys Holdings Corp 2,049.00 1.09 Castrol India Ltd 416.25 -0.23 IDFC Bank Ltd 60.50 -0.33 Piramal Enterprises Ltd 1,860.00 0.42 Vedanta Ltd 265.05 1.49 Mitsui Chemicals Inc 559.00 1.45 CESC Ltd 831.50 1.09 IDFC Ltd 54.40 -0.09 Power Finance Corporation Ltd 144.45 1.62 Voltas Ltd 393.50 1.35 Furukawa Electric Co Ltd 3,990.00 2.18 Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co Ltd 983.85 -1.06 Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd 962.30 0.41 Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Ltd 7,055.00 3.31 Welspun India Ltd 88.00 -0.68 IHI Corp 342.00 0.00 Cipla Ltd 593.95 0.33 Indian Hotels Company Ltd 124.30 1.30 Punjab National Bank 147.75 0.68 Wipro Ltd 506.55 0.62 Matsui Securities Co Ltd 912.00 0.88 Coal India Ltd 290.95 -0.33 Indraprastha Gas Ltd 1,021.70 0.41 Rajesh Exports Ltd 583.85 2.85 Wockhardt Ltd 731.95 1.86 Taisei Corp 832.00 -0.24 Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd 989.00 0.75 Indusind Bank Ltd 1,404.00 0.12 Reliance Capital Ltd 604.10 1.66 Yes Bank Ltd 1,535.30 0.49 Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp 868.00 2.30 Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd 1,860.50 2.00 Container Corporation of India Ltd 1,245.00 0.70 Info Edge India Ltd 816.00 1.35 Reliance Communications Ltd 38.40 0.92 Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd 531.10 2.79 Concordia Financial Group Ltd 536.80 1.32 CRISIL Ltd 1,921.00 0.87 Infosys Ltd 1,035.10 0.61 Reliance Infrastructure Ltd 566.80 0.59 Nissan Motor Co Ltd 1,134.00 0.89 MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc 3,700.00 1.31 KARACHI Shimizu Corp 1,025.00 1.28 Isuzu Motors Ltd 1,514.50 1.20 PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE PRICE % CHANGE Sony Financial Holdings Inc 1,879.00 0.97 Karachi Stock 48,523.41 -0.32 Engro Fertilizers Ltd 64.74 -0.55 K-Electric Ltd 8.47 -0.70 Pakistan Oilfields Ltd 444.01 -1.37 Haseko Corp 1,268.00 0.40 Abbott Laboratories Pakistan Ltd 942.78 -0.79 Engro Foods Ltd 169.00 -0.49 Kohat Cement Company Ltd 268.00 0.28 Pakistan Petroleum Ltd 152.88 -1.35 Dentsu Inc 6,110.00 1.50 Adamjee Insurance Company Ltd 77.00 -0.05 Fatima Fertilizer Company Ltd 38.50 -0.39 Kohinoor Textile Mills Ltd 115.26 - Pakistan Services Ltd 939.00 - Okuma Corp 1,233.00 -1.20 Allied Bank Ltd 95.01 -0.51 Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Ltd 53.39 -0.52 KOT Addu Power Company Ltd 80.17 -0.48 Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd 429.00 -0.09 Toyota Motor Corp 6,218.00 0.97 Allied Rental Modaraba 25.18 - Fauji Cement Company Ltd 43.10 -0.21 Lucky Cement Ltd 871.95 -0.73 Pak Suzuki Motor Co Ltd 647.50 0.37 Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc 2,062.50 1.93 Arif Habib Corporation Ltd 43.80 -0.59 Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd 104.69 0.21 Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd 126.00 -0.65 Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Ltd 28.70 -0.17 Kajima Corp 752.00 1.21 Askari Bank Ltd 20.86 - Faysal Bank Ltd 20.75 -0.48 Mari Petroleum Company Ltd 1,320.50 2.36 Pakistan Tobacco Company Ltd 1,396.50 5.00 Kao Corp 6,198.00 1.21 Associated Services Ltd 99.00 - Feroze1888 Mills Ltd 134.00 1.14 MCB Bank Ltd 228.50 -0.21 Philip Morris (Pakistan) Ltd 2,473.80 5.00 Amada Holdings Co Ltd 1,274.00 1.11 Attock Petroleum Ltd 636.75 0.04 Ghani Glass Ltd 130.00 - Meezan Bank Ltd 71.00 1.43 PICIC Growth Fund 35.00 -0.60 Hino Motors Ltd 1,397.00 0.87 Attock Refinery Ltd 455.89 -0.20 Habib Bank Ltd 283.50 -0.35 Millat Tractors Ltd 1,280.00 1.58 Pioneer Cement Ltd 142.00 0.35 Tokio Marine Holdings Inc 4,841.00 1.23 Bank Alfalah Ltd 37.00 -0.40 Habib Metropolitan Bank Ltd 31.60 -1.16 Murree Brewery Company Ltd 792.00 -1.86 Punjab Oil Mills Ltd 351.56 -5.00 Daiwa House Industry Co Ltd 3,247.00 1.50 Bank Al-Habib Ltd 53.50 -1.85 Hascol Petroleum Ltd 315.51 -0.98 National Bank of Pakistan 74.95 -0.13 Rafhan Maize Products Co Ltd 7,650.00 - Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd 5,267.00 1.39 Bank of Punjab 16.61 -5.68 Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd 788.00 0.24 National Foods Ltd 339.87 1.30 Saif Power Ltd 33.50 0.66 Komatsu Ltd 2,950.00 0.25 Bannu Woollen Mills Ltd 75.50 -0.54 Hub Power Company Ltd 132.25 0.30 National Refinery Ltd 721.00 0.18 Searle Company Ltd 607.00 -2.60 T&D Holdings Inc 1,673.00 1.46 Bata Pakistan Ltd 4,200.00 - Hum Network Ltd 12.51 - Nestle Pakistan Ltd 9,010.00 - Service Industries Ltd 1,462.05 -0.07 Astellas Pharma Inc 1,513.00 0.87 Bestway Cement Ltd 286.90 1.28 Ibrahim Fibres Ltd 77.70 5.00 Nishat Chunian Power Ltd 47.76 -0.19 Shell Pakistan Ltd 623.00 0.18 Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd 792.00 1.02 Cherat Cement Company Ltd 190.00 -0.04 ICI Pakistan Ltd 1,140.00 -0.44 Nishat Chunian Ltd 62.10 0.42 Shifa International Hospitals Ltd 270.99 - Mazda Motor Corp 1,588.00 1.89 Cherat Packaging Ltd 301.00 -0.98 Indus Dyeing & Manufacturing Co Ltd 760.00 - Nishat Mills Ltd 168.00 -2.22 Soneri Bank Ltd 16.55 -1.95 Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd 2,428.50 1.48 Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Ltd 2,165.00 -3.78 Indus Motor Company Ltd 1,592.01 -0.44 Nishat Power Ltd 51.50 -0.02 Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Ltd 23.72 -3.58 JGC Corp 1,973.00 1.08 Crescent Steel & Allied Products Ltd 247.00 2.55 IGI Insurance Ltd 362.00 0.42 Oil and Gas Development Co Ltd 146.00 -0.98 Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd 141.00 -2.58 Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co Ltd 1,929.00 2.12 D G Khan Cement Company Ltd 232.48 -0.51 International Steels Ltd 131.60 -1.17 ORIX Leasing Pakistan Ltd 49.01 0.02 Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd 38.63 -4.10 Hitachi Construction Machinery Co Ltd 2,819.00 0.28 Dawood Hercules Corporation Ltd 133.98 0.30 JDW Sugar Mills Ltd 534.99 - Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd 16.52 -0.66 Thal Ltd 538.00 -0.76 Honda Motor Co Ltd 3,403.00 0.38 Dolmen City REIT 11.16 0.09 Jahangir Siddiqui & Company Ltd 24.59 5.00 Packages Ltd 876.00 -1.83 TRG Pakistan Ltd 52.35 0.50 Mitsubishi Estate Co Ltd 2,093.50 1.23 EFU General Insurance Ltd 167.50 3.08 Jubilee Life Insurance Company Ltd 690.00 -0.14 Pak Elektron Ltd 88.65 0.90 United Bank Ltd 229.00 0.58 Nisshin Seifun Group Inc 1,740.00 0.87 Engro Corporation Ltd 375.80 -1.15 Jubilee General Insurance Company Ltd 116.00 0.87 Pakistan International Container Terminal Ltd 425.00 1.41 Shionogi & Co Ltd 5,846.00 0.97

Information contained herein is believed to be reliable & has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy & completeness cannot be guaranteed. This publication is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale of any financial instrument. Prior to entering into any transaction, investors are advised to obtain independent advice regarding the suitability of particular financial instruments/strategies based on their investment objectives. 22 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Economy & Business ‘Aramco tax cut Amazon buys Souq.com lifts company’s after fierce competition value by $1 tn’ On Monday, Dubai-based Emaar Malls had offered $800 million to acquire ME’s largest online retailer REUTERS with the new system around DUBAI 60 percent of the profit goes to the government," Erling- SAUDI Arabia's decision to sen said. cut tax paid by national oil He predicted oil prices giant Saudi Aramco has in- would reach $75 by the time creased its value by $1 tril- of the IPO, which would be lion, an analyst estimated near the long-term price on Tuesday ahead of Ara- needed to justify the share mco's initial public offer of prices of other large global shares, expected to be the oil companies. world's largest. Global consultants San- The government said on ford C. Bernstein & Co said Monday it was cutting the in a report that since Aram- tax rate for Aramco to 50 co had not released detailed percent from 85 percent as financial information, it was part of preparations for next impossible to make a reli- year's IPO, which would sell as much as 5 percent of the company. "By drastically reducing the tax rate, more cash will go to the potential owners of Saudi Aramco compared to the government," said Espen Erlingsen, vice-pres- ident for analysis at Rystad Energy, an oil and gas con- sulting service based in Oslo and New York. "Assuming long-term Assuming long-term oil prices averaging $75 per oil prices averaging barrel, the valuation of the $75 per barrel, the company increases from valuation of the company $0.4 trillion to $1.4 tril- increases from $0.4 lion," he said in a report. That is good news for trillion to $1.4 trillion the Saudi government, Espen Erlingsen, which hopes to raise money vice-president for analysis to cover a $79 billion budget Souq.com won a major vote of confidence last year and emerged as the highest-valued internet company in the region when it secured $275 million in funding from international deficit and invest in new in- at Rystad Energy investors to support its growth. dustries as it tries to diver- sify the economy in an era able estimate of its value. AFP of $650 million. Founded vote of confidence last year early investor in Souq, hailed of low oil prices. But they said the size DUBAI in 2005 as an auction site, About Souq and emerged as the highest- the deal on Twitter, writing: Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi oil reserves, larger Souq.com has evolved into valued internet company in "History is made". Mohammed bin Salman, than those of other oil com- TECH giant Amazon expand- a retailer and a marketplace O Founded in 2005 as an the region when it secured He described the acquisi- who leads economic re- panies, suggested Aramco ed its global reach Tuesday for third-party sellers. The auction site, Souq.com has $275 million in funding from tion as the "biggest regional forms, has said the IPO will could look cheap even at $2 with the announcement of a company says it attracts more evolved into a retailer and international investors to tech deal" since Yahoo in value Aramco at a minimum trillion - although that fig- deal to buy Dubai-based Souq. than 24 million unique visits support its growth. 2009 purchased Maktoob, of $2 trillion. A number ure excluded factors such as com, the Middle East's largest per month. a marketplace for At the time, Mouchawar the first provider of Arabic much smaller than that political risks. online retailer. In a joint statement an- third-party sellers said the e-commerce mar- email services. could jeopardise the offer Using a different valu- The agreement, the fi- nouncing the agreement, the O Souq.com attracts over ket in the Middle East was Mouchawar launched and damage his own political ation method, enterprise nancial details of which were two companies said the deal "growing very fast" and ex- Souq from within Maktoob, position. Erlingsen calcu- value per flowing barrel, not disclosed, brings Amazon would be finalised this year 45 million visits per month pected to reach $20 billion which he joined after he land- lated Aramco's value based suggests a figure in the range into a fast-growing market as "subject to closing conditions". in 2016. ed in the United Arab Emir- on discounted free cash flow of $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion, it continues to invest in its Souq.com chief executive ment. Known for its huge on- ates in 2000. Born in Syria, for each oil field. Under the though the expected long life core retail network despite officer and co-founder Ron- Amazon senior vice presi- line retail operations, Ama- Mouchawar had studied en- new tax rate, much of the of Aramco's reserves com- expanding into a wide range aldo Mouchawar called the dent Russ Grandinetti said zon has been expanding into gineering and worked for company's payments to the pared with other companies of services. agreement "a critical next the deal made sense as both areas including cloud com- several tech companies in the government are expected to means Aramco could com- It appears competition step in growing our e-com- companies "share the same puting and streaming video United States. be in the form of dividends, mand a premium to those was fierce to acquire Souq. merce presence on behalf of DNA". where it is trying to rival Souq.com attracts over 45 not tax. numbers, Bernstein said. com, with the Amazon deal customers across the region." "We're both driven by Netflix. million visits per month. "The total value of Saudi Investment bank Tudor, announced just a day after "By becoming part of the customers, invention and But online shopping re- But the Middle East con- Aramco's revenue after costs Pickering, Holt & Co esti- Dubai-based Emaar Malls Amazon family, we'll be able long-term thinking," he said. mains at its core, with its re- tinues to have a "significant is around $3.4 trillion. With mated a valuation of $1.1 confirmed offering $800 mil- to vastly expand our delivery "We're looking forward to tail operations taking in $26 untapped e-commerce poten- the old tax system, around trillion for Aramco, assum- lion to acquire the site. capabilities and customer se- both learning from and sup- billion in North America and tial" according to a report last 88 percent of the value went ing free cash flow of $55 Amazon had walked away lection much faster, as well porting them with Amazon $14 billion in the rest of the year by consultancy McKinsey, to the government through billion a year from its up- from talks with Souq.com as continue Amazon's great technology and global re- world in the last quarter of which put the region's e-com- taxes and royalties, while stream operations. earlier this year, but it report- track record of empowering sources." 2016. Samih Toukan, the head merce at around one percent edly came back with an offer sellers," he said in the state- Souq.com won a major of Jabbar Internet Group, an of total retail. Saudi sovereign fund expands footprint with Jordan investment firm

investing in US ride-hailing ed across sectors and diversi- PIF said it owned 90 percent of the new firm Uber and a global tech- fies sources of income," PIF nology fund, and considering managing director Yasir al- investment firm with the remainder held other investments ranging Our efforts include the Rumayyan said. by 15 Jordanian banks from a Kuwaiti food maker to development of a portfolio The PIF revealed its Jorda- German financial firms. that has greater nian venture as Saudi Arabia's PIF said it owned 90 per- King Salman visited Jordan. REUTERS The Public Investment cent of the new investment geographical diversification, The state-run Saudi Press DUBAI Fund, founded in 1971 to fi- firm with the remainder held is risk-adjusted across Agency said private Saudi and nance development projects by 15 Jordanian banks, includ- sectors and diversifies Jordanian companies signed a SAUDI Arabia's top sovereign within Saudi Arabia, has tra- ing Arab Bank and Jordan Is- sources of income dozen agreements on business wealth fund said on Tuesday ditionally served largely as lamic Bank. The company will cooperation. it was expanding its interna- a holding company for the initially have $10 million of Yasir al Rumayyan, PIF Saudi officials said last tional presence by creating an government's stakes in Saudi capital which may rise in the Managing Director year that they aimed to expand investment firm that would companies. long term to as much as $3 bil- the PIF eventually from $160 pursue real estate, energy, But under Saudi economic lion, it said. billion to about $2 trillion, tourism and infrastructure reforms launched last year, "Our efforts include the that has greater geographical making it the world's largest Saudi Arabia’s King Salman (right), arrives in Amman, Jordan on projects in Jordan. the PIF is expanding abroad, development of a portfolio diversification, is risk-adjust- sovereign fund. Monday. (AP)

Will the OPEC agreement hold in the second half of 2017? Major oil traders see OPEC, non-OPEC extending output cut deal has been slow to erode. However, OPEC’s decision will also hinge on whether he said it would depend on the oil price at the time of the next OPEC Russia follows through on its promise to cut meeting, scheduled for May 25. production by 300,000 barrels per day by April "At $50 per barrel there's a lot of incentive to continue the policy, REUTERS production has put the brakes on a at $60 per barrel, no. It'll depend LONDON rebounding oil price. After rally- on how fundamentals exert them- ing to above $55 a barrel after the selves in the second quarter," MAJOR oil traders gathered in December agreement, crude is now Hardy said. Switzerland this week said they ex- trading at around $51 a barrel. OPEC's decision will also hinge pected OPEC and non-OPEC pro- "Will the agreement hold? By on whether Russia follows through ducers to extend their pact to curb and large, yes. I think the rewards on its promise to cut production by output in the second half of this have been there, they (the cuts) 300,000 barrel per day by April. year, providing Russia complies. put a floor to the market," said While the push for non-OPEC "I think the surprise so far this Tornqvist. cuts was led by Russian President year is how quickly shale came A committee of ministers from Vladimir Putin, the producer has back on a relatively modest price OPEC and non-OPEC members been slow to comply. rebound," Gunvor CEO Torbjorn said on Sunday that it had agreed "Russian compliance hasn't Tornqvist told a panel at the FT to review whether the global pact been 100 percent," Marco Dunand, Commodities Global Summit in to limit supplies should be extend- Kuwait Oil Minister Ali al Omair (centre) with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak (left) and OPEC Secretary General CEO of Mercuria, said. "I think a Lausanne. ed by six months. Mohammad Barkindo in Kuwait City recently. (REUTERS) lot of the onus is on Russia to show An unexpectedly quick return The upturn in shale output has that they are serious about this. If of US shale production since also prompted OPEC to engage although Tornqvist said he did not Russell Hardy, Vitol's chief and non-OPEC members to extend Russia comes to the fold with non- OPEC and non-OPEC producers US producers in talks about how expect the pace of recovery in shale executive for Europe, Middle East their pact as the market's cushion OPEC then we'll see a floor of $60 agreed in December to limit oil best to tame the global oil glut, production to be sustained. and Africa, said he expected OPEC of 300 million barrels in stocks per barrel." 23 www.guide.com.qa Wednesday, March 29, 2017

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NYT What is ITER? proposed a cut of roughly 20 per- SAINT-PAUL-LEZ-DURANCE, FRANCE cent to the department’s Office of Short for International Thermonuclear Science, which funds basic research AT a dusty construction site here Experimental Reactor, it is an enormously including ITER. (The department amid the limestone ridges of Pro- complex and costly physics experiment. It is also funds another long-troubled vence, workers scurry around im- being built to test a long-held dream: that fusion project, which uses lasers, mense slabs of concrete arranged nuclear fusion, the atomic reaction that takes at Lawrence Livermore National in a ring like a modern-day Stone- place in the sun and in hydrogen bombs, can What is fusion? Laboratory in California.) henge. Deuterium be controlled to generate power Fusion is the energy source of the Bigot met with the new energy It looks like the beginnings of a Sun and stars. In the tremendous secretary, Rick Perry, last week in large commercial power plant, but Washington, and said he found it is not. The project, called ITER, heat and gravity at the core of these Perry “very open to listening” about is an enormous, and enormously stellar bodies, hydrogen nuclei ITER and its long-term goals. “But complex and costly, physics ex- collide, fuse into heavier helium he has to make some short-term periment. But if it succeeds, it could atoms and release tremendous choices” with his budget, Bigot determine the power plants of the What does it do? amounts of energy in the process said. future and make an invaluable con- It will produce heat, not electricity. But if it works Energy Department press aides tribution to reducing planet-warm- did not respond to requests for ing emissions. — if it produces more energy than it consumes, comment. ITER, short for International which smaller fusion experiments so far have What is tokamak? Some in Congress, including Thermonuclear Experimental Re- not been able to do — it could lead to plants The tokamak is an experimental Lamar Alexander, the Republican actor (and pronounced EAT-er), that generate electricity without the machine designed to harness the senator from Tennessee, while is being built to test a long-held climate-affecting carbon emissions or most of Fusion energy of fusion. Inside a tokamak, lauding Bigot’s efforts, argue that dream: that nuclear fusion, the the hazards of existing nuclear reactors the energy produced through the the project already consumes too atomic reaction that takes place in fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat much of the Energy Department’s the sun and in hydrogen bombs, can in the walls of the vessel. Just like a basic research budget of about $5 be controlled to generate power. billion. First discussed in 1985 at a Tritium Helium conventional power plant, a fusion “I remain concerned that con- United States-Soviet Union sum- power plant will use this heat to tinuing to support the ITER project mit, the multinational effort, in produce steam and then electricity would come at the expense of other which the European Union has a by way of turbines and generators Office of Science priorities that the 45 percent stake and the United Department of Energy has said are States, Russia, China and three more important — and that I con- other partners 9 percent each, How does it work? What is plasma? sider more important,” Alexander has long been cited as a crucial said in a statement. step toward a future of near-lim- In ITER, fusion will be achieved in a tokamak device At extreme temperatures, electrons While it is not clear what would itless electric power. that uses magnetic fields to contain and control what are separated from nuclei and a gas happen to the project if the United ITER will produce heat, not is called plasma. The plasma particles are heated— becomes a plasma—an ionized States withdrew, Bigot argues that electricity. But if it works — if it that is, sped up—by different types of auxiliary state of matter similar to a gas. it is in every participating country’s produces more energy than it con- heating methods. The fusion between deuterium and Fusion plasmas provide the interest to see it through. “You have sumes, which smaller fusion ex- tritium (DT) nuclei produces one helium nucleus, one environment in which light elements a chance to know if fusion works periments so far have not been able neutron, and great amounts of energy. can fuse and yield energy. or not,” he said. “If you miss this to do — it could lead to plants that chance, maybe it will never come generate electricity without the again.” climate-affecting carbon emissions In a fusion power plant, that of fossil-fuel plants or most of the heat would be used to make steam hazards of existing nuclear reactors to turn a turbine to generate elec- that split atoms rather than join tricity, much as existing power them. plants do using other sources of Success, however, has always heat, like burning coal. ITER’s heat seemed just a few decades away for will be dissipated through cooling ITER. The project has progressed in towers. fits and starts for years, plagued by There is no risk of a runaway design and management problems reaction and meltdown as with nu- that have led to long delays and bal- Breakthrough clear fission and, while radioactive looning costs. waste is produced, it is not nearly ITER is moving ahead now, soon? as long-lived as the spent fuel rods with a director-general, Bernard and irradiated components of a fis- Bigot, who took over two years ago Fusion is very hard. Plasma is not sion reactor. after an independent analysis that your friend. It tries to do everything To fuse, atomic nuclei must was highly critical of the project. it can to really displease you move very fast — they must be ex- Bigot, who previously ran France’s tremely hot — to overcome natural atomic energy agency, has earned Bernard Bigot, ITER director general repulsive forces and collide. In the high marks for resolving manage- sun, the extreme gravitational field ment problems and developing a does much of the work. Nuclei need realistic schedule based more on to be at a temperature of about 15 physics and engineering and less on million degrees Celsius. politics. In a tokamak, without such a “I do believe we are moving at strong gravitational pull, the atoms full speed and maybe accelerating,” need to be about 10 times hotter. So Bigot said in an interview. enormous amounts of energy are The site here is now studded required to heat the plasma, using with tower cranes as crews work pulsating magnetic fields and other on the concrete structures that will sources like microwaves. Just a few support and surround the heart of feet away, on the other hand, the the experiment, a doughnut-shaped windings of the superconducting chamber called a tokamak. This is electromagnets need to be cooled to where the fusion reactions will take a few degrees above absolute zero. place, within a plasma, a roiling Needless to say, the material and cloud of ionized atoms so hot that it technical challenges are extreme. can be contained only by extremely Although all fusion reactors strong magnetic fields. to date have produced less en- Pieces of the tokamak and other ergy than they use, physicists are components, including giant su- expecting that ITER will benefit perconducting electromagnets and from its larger size, and will pro- a structure that at approximately duce about 10 times more power 100 feet in diameter and 100 feet than it consumes. But they will tall will be the largest stainless-steel face many challenges, chief among vacuum vessel ever made, are be- them developing the ability to pre- ing fabricated in the participating vent instabilities in the edges of countries. Assembly is set to begin the plasma that can damage the next year in a giant hall erected experiment. next to the tokamak site. Even in its early stages of con- There are struction, the project seems over- major techni- whelmingly complex. Embedded cal hurdles in the concrete surfaces are thou- in a project sands of steel plates. They seem to where the be scattered at random throughout manufacturing the structure, but actually are pre- and construction cisely located. ITER is being built are on the scale of At the ITER construction site, immense slabs of concrete lie in a ring like to French nuclear plant standards, shipbuilding but the parts need a modern-day Stonehenge. which prohibit drilling into con- to fit with the precision of a fine crete. So the plates — eventually watch. about 80,000 of them — are where “It’s a challenge,” said Bigot, other components of the structure who devotes much of his time to drogen isotopes, deuterium and cial fusion power plant would be euros (currently about $22 billion). ITER, especially in the United will be attached as construction issues related to integrating parts tritium, and can be sustained for even further down the road. But the actual cost of components States, which left the project for five progresses. from various countries. “We need perhaps six or seven minutes and “Fusion is very hard,” said Ric- may be higher in some of the par- years at the turn of the century and A mistake or two now could to be very sensitive about quality.” release large amounts of energy, cardo Betti, a researcher at the ticipating countries, like the United where funding through the Energy wreak havoc a few years down the Even if the project proceeds would not be achieved until 2035 at University of Rochester who has States, because of high labour costs. Department has long been a politi- road, but Bigot said that in this smoothly, the goal of “first plasma,” the earliest. followed the ITER project for years. The eventual total US contribution, cal football. and other work on ITER, the key using pure hydrogen that does That is a half century after the “Plasma is not your friend. It tries which includes an enormous central The department confirmed its to avoiding errors was taking time. not undergo fusion, would not be subject of cooperating on a fusion to do everything it can to really dis- electromagnet capable, it is said, of support for ITER in a report last “People consider that it’s long,” reached for another eight years. A project came up at a meeting in Ge- please you.” lifting an aircraft carrier, has been year and Congress approved $115 he said, referring to critics of the so-called burning plasma, which neva between President Ronald Re- Fusion is also very expensive. estimated at about $4 billion. million for it. It is unclear, though, project timetable. “But if you want contains a fraction of an ounce of agan and the Soviet leader Mikhail ITER estimates the cost of design Despite the recent progress how the project will fare in the full control of quality, you need fusible fuel in the form of two hy- Gorbachev. A functional commer- and construction at about 20 billion there are still plenty of doubts about Trump administration, which has time.” ZZZGLVVFRPTD 6$)(7<75$,1,1* 2BUBScT
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Cavs drop to second India No.1 team in Tests Clevaland lose to Spurs, fall off Eastern India register 2-1 series win over Australia, CRICKET TEST top spot for first time since 2015 PAGE 28 retain ICC No. 1 Test team ranking PAGE 27 NEW ZEALAND VS SOUTH AFRICA Uzbeks break past Qatar defence Ahmedov’s strike seals 1-0 win for hosts, sinks Qatar’s hopes

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ing free kick. TASHKENT Qatar, who will host the 2022 World Cup finals, are DESPITE a resolute defence bottom of the group with four put up by Qatar, hosts Uz- points, nine outside the auto- bekistan managed to seal matic qualification places with a vital 1-0 victory at the three games remaining. Bunyodkor Stadium on Just as it appeared the Tuesday and maintain their hosts could be in for a frustrat- bid for automatic qualifica- ing night, Ahmedov curled in tion for the FIFA World Cup a lovely low free-kick from 20 Russia 2018 leaving coach yards in the 65th minute to put Jorge Fossati’s boys rooted the Uzbeks in front. The mid- to the bottom of Group A. fielder forced goalkeeper Saad al 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ASIA ZONE STANDINGS: GROUP A TEAM P W D L GF GA GD PTS IRAN 7 5 2 0 6 0 6 17 S KOREA 7 4 1 2 9 7 2 13 UZBEKISTAN 7 4 0 3 6 4 2 12 SYRIA 7 2 2 3 2 3 -1 8 CHINA 7 1 2 4 3 7 -4 5 QATAR 7 1 1 5 3 8 -5 4

The all-important goal Sheeb to tip wide from distance came from Odil Ahmedov’s with 17 minutes remaining. second-half free-kick. In a frantic final 10 minutes A 1-0 loss to Syria last Qatar’s Luiz Junior had a goal week meant Uzbekistan ruled out for offside before Egor needed three points to stay Krimets miscued against his within striking distance of sec- own crossbar. But Uzbekistan ond-placed Korea Republic, held out to remain third in but the opening 45 minutes Group A, a point behind Korea saw the Central Asians strug- Republic, who defeated Syria gle to break past strong Qatar 1-0 earlier on Tuesday. defence. Qatar, who will host the Uzbekistan, however, 2022 World Cup finals, are put a disappointing run of bottom of the group with four results behind them thanks points, nine outside the auto- to the Shanghai SIPG mid- matic qualification places with Qatar’s Rodrigo Tabata (right) battles for the ball with Uzbekistan’s Odil Ahmedov during their Russia 2018 World Cup Group A qualifying match at the Bunyodkor Stadium in fielder Odil Ahmedov’s curl- three games remaining. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Tuesday. (AP)

Quick read Mahdi Ali Saudi Arabia beat Iraq, join Japan at the top CAF chief Ahmad quits as UAE AGENCIES 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ASIA ZONE backs Morocco 2026 RIYADH World Cup bid coach after STANDINGS: GROUP B SAUDI Arabia beat Iraq 1-0 in TEAM P W D L GF GA GD PTS RABAT: New African football Australia loss the third round of the World JAPAN 7 5 1 1 14 5 9 16 chief Ahmad Ahmad gave his backing on Tuesday to a poten- Cup group stage qualifiers at SAUDI ARABIA 7 5 1 1 13 5 8 16 AFC.COM King Abdallah Sports City in tial bid from Morocco to host AUSTRALIA 7 3 4 0 11 6 5 13 SYDNEY Jeddah on Tuesday, maintain- the 2026 World Cup. ing their lead in Group B. UAE 7 3 0 4 7 10 -3 9 The north African country has MAHDI Ali has resigned Yahya al Shehri scored IRAQ 7 1 1 5 7 10 -3 4 bid to host the global showpiece as head coach of the Unit- Saudi Arabia’s sole goal in THAILAND 7 0 1 6 3 19 -16 1 on four previous occasions but ed Arab Emirates (UAE) the 53rd minute, while Nawaf missed out on the 1994, 1998, following his side’s 2-0 Al-Abid and Salman Al-Faraj last two rounds has shown 2006 and 2010 editions. FIFA World Cup qualify- were both booked with a yel- Scoreline that there is still room for us “We are convinced that Morocco ing loss to Australia. low card each. Group A to improve,” said Lippi, who could organise this competition Tuesday’s result at the Saudi Arabia beat Iraq 2-1 (Jeong- took over as China coach in just as was done by South Af- Sydney Football Stadium away from home when the two South Korea 1 October. rica in 2010,” said Ahmad, who left the UAE occupying sides met earlier in the group Ho 4) Syria 0 “They were two good was elected president of the fourth spot in Group B and last year. Iran 1 (Taremi 46) matches, but when facing a Confederation of African Foot- their hopes of reaching China 0 strong side like Iran our de- ball (CAF) earlier this month to Russia 2018 hanging by Iran beat China, Uzbekistan 1 fence needs to improve.” replace Issa Hayatou, at a press the slenderest of threads. Australia get crucial win Japan confirmed Thai- conference in Marrakesh. “Now is the time for me Earlier in Tehran, Iran took a (Akhmedov 65) Qatar 0 land’s elimination with a 4-0 Ahmad’s backing comes just a to leave,” Ali, who assumed significant step towards quali- Group B thumping at Saitama Stadium few months after FIFA president the role in 2012, told report- fying for next year’s World Cup Australia 2 (Irvine 6, in Group B that strengthened Gianni Infantino declared that ers after the game. finals with a 1-0 win over China Leckie 78) UAE 0 their own qualifying hopes. the country has the necessary that pushed Marcello Lippi’s Japan are three points “infrastructure and organisa- team closer to the brink of elimi- Japan 4 (Kagawa 8, ahead of third placed Austral- tional capacity” to host the nation. Okazaki 19, Kubo 57, ia, who picked up their first World Cup. Mehdi Taremi scored the Yoshida 83) Thailand 0 win in five games with a 2-0 But a year ago, FIFA had ac- only goal of the game less than Saudi Arabia’s Nawaf Alabid (left) controls the ball as Iraq’s Amjed Attwan Saudi Arabia 1 (Yehya victory over the United Arab cepted that Morocco paid bribes a minute after halftime as Iran Kadhi tries to get possession during their Asia 2018 World Cup Cup quali- al Shehri 53) Iraq 0 Emirates, whose coach Mahdi to the former head of the North remained unbeaten in the third fying match at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Tuesday. (AFP) Ali resigned after the game. and Central American Confed- round of Asia’s qualifying tour- “Very proud of the players, eration in trying to win the nament for Russia 2018. who got their own campaign China, however, failed to fifth in the group, eight points it was a challenging 10 days right to host the 1998 Carlos Queiroz’s team back on track with a 1-0 win build on last week’s morale- adrift of the Koreans, who oc- for us,” Australia coach Ange and 2010 tournaments – moved on to 17 points from over Syria that reduced the boosting win over Stielike’s cupy the second of the two au- Postecoglou told Fox Sports. something that could prejudice seven games, four clear of mounting pressure on coach side in front of a packed-out tomatic qualifying berths. any future bid. (AFP) Mahdi Ali second-placed South Korea, Uli Stielike. Azadi Stadium. They remain “The experience of the More on page 30 Ô

“I resigned before the Iraq game (in November), but the UAE Football Asso- ciation insisted I continue. “It is a very bad mo- Bukharov saves Russia the blushes against Belgium ment for me. I wish I could leave the national team in AFP CSKA Moscow fullback among the elite with the Confed- Benteke then scored twice a better condition. But this MOSCOW Viktor Vasin had given Russia erations Cup just three months within the space of three min- is life. We have to accept it. an early lead. away and the World Cup – for utes following defensive slip- After five years, I did my ALEXANDER Bukharov net- The result sweetened a bit- which they qualify automatically ups to give Belgium a com- best,” he added. ted an injury-time equaliser ter pill for the Russian fans as hosts – next year. manding 3-1 lead at halftime. Under Ali’s guidance, as Russia battled back from after the country's team hit a Russia, spurred on by a ca- After the interval the visitors, the UAE won the 2013 two goals down to draw 3-3 new low on Friday with a first pacity 43,700 crowd, got off to a fifth in the FIFA rankings, took Gulf Cup of Nations and with Belgium in the first-ever ever defeat to an African team flying start after just three min- their foot off the gas, allowing reached the semi-finals match at Sochi's Fisht Arena – a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast. utes as Dmitry Kombarov redi- Lokomotiv Moscow's Miran- of the AFC Asian Cup two on Tuesday. That was coach Stanislav rected a left wing freekick by Al- chuk to reduce the arrears after a years later in Australia. Bukharov and Alexei Mi- Cherchesov's third defeat in six exander Samedov to Vasin, who one-two with Bukharov 16 min- The UAE are now ranchuk came off the bench matches since taking over in sent the ball home from the edge utes from time. set to resume their FIFA to cancel out the visitors' two- August – the other two coming of the six-yard box. Rostov forward Bukharov World Cup qualification goal lead after Everton for- against Costa Rica and Qatar The visitors pinned the home then beat Liverpool goalkeeper campaign in June when ward Kevin Mirallas scored last year. team back and Mirallas equal- Simon Mignolet from eight they travel to Bangkok to from the spot and Crystal Pal- And it had raised ques- Russia’s Alexander Bukharov (left) and Alexander Samedov celebrate ised with a 17th minute spotkick yards out in the second minute take on Thailand. ace striker Christian Benteke tions about the ability of Russia, a goal during their 3-3 draw in the friendly against Belgium at after Roman Neustadter fouled of stoppage time to save the added a first half brace. ranked 60th by FIFA, to compete Fisht Stadium in Sochi on Tuesday. (AP) Benteke in the area. day for the hosts. 26 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports Murray, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic sign up No Tomic for Australia's Davis Cup tie World number one Murray out of for Madrid Masters with USA Davis Cup quarter-final News MADRID: World number one Andy Murray and Australian Open SYDNEY: Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt left out Bernard Tomic on LONDON: World number one Andy Murray has been ruled out of the champion Roger Federer will be amongst a stellar field for Tuesday as he named an unchanged team for the Davis Cup World British team to play France in next month's Davis Cup quarter-final with an in brief May's Madrid Masters, the ATP said on Monday. The current Group quarter-final clash with the United States. Temperamental elbow injury, it was announced Tuesday.The same injury forced him to pull top 43 players in the world will be in the draw, including former world number 16 Nick Kyrgios spearheads the same side that swept out of the ongoing Miami Open and he will now miss the April 7-9 tie away world No.1s Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, winners of a past the Czech Republic in the last round, with Sam Groth, Jordan to France in Rouen, with the absence of the three-time Grand Slam cham- combined 26 Grand Slam titles. Thompson and doubles specialist John Peers. pion and double Olympic gold medallist dealing a huge blow to Britain.

Kerber books Miami Open clash with Venus as Cibulkova; Muguruza ousted

AFP the decisive points, Kuznet- MIAMI sova going 4-1 up, but after two lengthy rallies, both of which WORLD number one Angelique were won by the 36-year-old Kerber despatched Japanese Williams, the oldest player in qualifier Risa Ozaki 6-2, 6-2 to the tournament emerged victo- set up a quarter-final clash with rious. The victory, sealed with Venus Williams Monday at the a delicate slice at the net, was Miami Open. Williams' first against a top 10 Seven-time Grand Slam opponent since 2015. champion Williams fought past "It was tough out there," Russian seventh-seed Svetlana Williams said. "She is like a Kuznetsova 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to wall. To come back in the tie- reach the last eight. break was great, I hope I can Fourth-seed Dominika Ci- keep that tennis up." bulkova of Slovakia crashed Safarova, ranked 36th in the out to the Czech Republic's Lu- world, moved into the quarter- cie Safarova and ailing French finals with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 vic- Open champion Garbine Mu- tory over Cibulkova, which was guruza also bowed out in the her first triumph against a top fourth round. 10 opponent since 2015. Illness has disrupted Safa- RESULTS rova's campaigns over the past two years but the seven-time 4TH ROUND WTA title winner, looks to be on Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt Risa Ozaki (JPN) 6-2, 6-2 the right track. Venus Williams (USA x11) bt Svetlana Kuznetsova "I feel healthy now -- thank (RUS x7) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) God and I'll keep trying to push Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Samantha Stosur (AUS my limits more and more," she x14) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 Johanna Konta (GBR x10) bt Lara Arruabarrena said. The 30-year-old Czech will (ESP) 7-5, 6-1 face Dane Caroline Wozniacki Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x12) bt Garbine Muguruza who advanced when Spain's (ESP x6) 7-6 (7/1), retired, illness Muguruza retired feeling ill af- Lucie Safarova (CZE) bt Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x4) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 ter being edged in a first set tie- Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO x26) bt Bethanie Mattek- break. Sands (USA) 7-5, 6-4 In an all-Czech clash, Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Barbora Zahlavova number two seed Karolina Strycova (CZE x15) 6-1, 6-4 Pliskova enjoyed a 6-1, 6-4 win over Barbora Strycova. Kerber took charge early, Pliskova will come up breaking twice to establish a 4-1 against Croatian Mirjana Lucic- lead and she was in firm control Baroni whose impressive late from then on. career revival continued with The German said that while the 35-year-old beating Ameri- her opponent may only have can Bethanie Mattek-Sands been ranked 87th she had stud- 7-5, 6-4. Lucic-Baroni said she ied Ozaki's game closely before was benefitting from a more the contest. "She came through thoughtful approach to prepa- the qualies, she beat good play- ration. "I've always worked Roger Federer of Switzerland (right) and Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina greets after their match at the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida, on Monday. (AP) ers, so I was ready for it," Kerber hard, but we're working much said. "I talked with my team and smarter now," she said. I knew that she's moving good "We're not murdering me and bringing a lot of balls back. I six hours a day anymore, but was trying to play my game and we're doing good things." Peerless Federer rolls over be aggressive." While she has never ap- Williams cruised through peared in the Miami quarters the first set before Kuznetsova, before, this will be her third a two-time Grand Slam cham- quarter-final appearance in her Del Potro to reach 4th round pion and runner-up at Indian last four WTA events and she Wells last week, fought back goes into the match knowing to take the second set to a tie- she beat Piliskova in the last break. It was a fierce battle for eight in the Australian Open. The Swiss will next play for the quarter-finals, taking on Spanish 14th seed Roberto Bautista Agut DPA this season with two titles. RESULTS Kerber spent 62 minutes in your racquet. MIAMI Federer will next play for defeating Japanese qualifier "I'm playing really well, the quarter-finals, taking on 3RD ROUND Risa Ozaki 6-2, 6-2. Second and hopefully I'll hold the tro- ROGER Federer trounced Spanish 14th seed Roberto Stan Wawrinka (SUI x1) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) 6-3, seed Karolina Pliskova was phy here and it'll feel great. I'm 6-4 Juan Martin del Potro for the Bautista Agut, who beat Sam Alexander Zverev (GER) bt John Isner (USA) 6-7 also untested as she ham- just gonna keep putting myself 16th time in 21 meetings on Querrey 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/5) mered fellow Czech Barbora out in positions where I have Monday, steamrolling the Ar- The Swiss secured the Nick Kyrgios (AUS x12) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO x17) Strycova 6-1, 6-4. the opportunity to do well and gentine 6-3, 6-4 for a fourth- opening set against 2009 US 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2) Compatriot Lucie Safaro- win trophies. That's all I can David Goffin (BEL x8) bt Diego Schwartzman (ARG) round spot at the Miami Mas- Open winner Del Potro after 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 va advanced with an upset of really do." ters. saving four break points in the Roger Federer (SUI x4) bt Juan Martin del Potro (ARG fourth seed Dominika Cibulk- Muguruza explained her The Swiss, who is bidding ninth game before polishing it x29) 6-3, 6-4 ova 7-6 (7-5), 6-1. medical predicament: "I start- for this month's Masters 1000 off with a perfect drop shot. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x14) bt Sam Querrey Former number one Caro- ed normal and then around (USA x22) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 double after winning Indian He took a 3-2 lead from a Tomas Berdych (CZE x10) bt Gilles Muller (LUX x24) line Wozniacki was handed a 3-all I started to feel headache Wells eight days ago, avoided break in the second on his way 6-3, 6-4 pass as French Open holder and pain in my stomach ... a a jinx from a decade ago to to victory as he continues the Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt Borna Coric (CRO) 6-4, Garbine Muguruza quit after little bit dizzy. the day when he was upset at bid for a 90th career title. 2-6, 7-6 (7/3) their first set, feeling ill as she "I'm a little bit sad now Crandon Park by Argentine "I felt I was more the ag- dropped 7-6 (7-1). because I'm not feeling very Guillermo Canas. gressor, it was more my next line up against Adrian Wozniacki moved into her well because I fought so hard Del Potro had won three racquet. I like it that way. I Mannarino of France, a win- sixth quarter-final of 2017. for those two first rounds. It's of their last five encounters, thought it was a good match," ner over Croatian Borna Coric "Obviously when you're disappointing to be out of the but the Swiss now stands as the winner said. 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3). that close, you want to win it," tournament not feeling well the winner in all six of their Czech 10th seed Tomas It was smooth sailing on Wozniacki said as she seeks and playing good. Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return to Risa Ozaki of Japan at Masters confrontations. The Berdych beat Gilles Mueller the women's side in the fourth a first 2017 title. "Especially "I felt I was playing good. I the Miami Open on Monday. Kerber won 6-2, 6-2. (AP) 35-year-old holds a 15-1 record 6-3, 6-4 without ceremony to round as top seed Angelique when you feel like it was on had a very good level."

Excitement in the air as Workers’ Cup reach final stage Wakrah, Khor in relegation battle TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Later on at 4:45pm at the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA Qatar Sports Club, DULSCO DOHA will go head to head against THE fifth edition of the Work- DELTA in the final of the Work- AL Wakrah take on Al Khor in ers Cup is coming to a close ers Shield. a must-win match for coach and it is now time for the final DULSCO narrowly beat Kais Yâakoubi's side on Sat- matches of the Workers’ Cup Galfar on penalties last week urday. and the Workers’ Shield with to book their place in the final It has been a season to for- the games set to take place on against a tough DELTA side get for The Blue Waves who March 31 at the Qatar Sports who won 1-0 against Medgulf in are currently rooted to the bot- Club Stadium. the semis of the Workers Shield. tom of the QSL standings. Four matches will be The final of the Wokers Cup Wakrah must register a played on the day including will kick off at 7:00pm between win against their relegation the finals and the third-place Nakheel Landscapes and Al As- rivals Khor or be formally rele- play offs, which will take place makh Facilities. gated to the Qatar Gas League. Action during the reverse fixture between Al Khor and Al Wakrah last at the QFA Al Thumama Fields Nakheel Landscapes It’s going to be a major ask December. earlier in the day. booked their place in the final for the Blue Waves who have There have been plenty of by winning against L&T on only registered two victories the day and Wakrah will again the end of the season. excitements in the fifth edi- penalties. Al Asmakh Facilities all season. be relying on the Moroccan Khor officials have been tion of the tournament with 76 Players in action during one of the matches of the Workers Cup at will be high on confidence after However Wakrah did pick number ten to pull his side to clear over the last few weeks matches played so far and with the Al Thumama Fields in Al Thumama recently. beat AALCO Group 3-0 in the their first victory of the season victory again. that their side can beat the drop close to 11,000 spectators at- semi-finals. against Al Khor with a narrow As for Al Khor, they are cur- and avoid the play-off game. tending in total. In the third-place playoffs Al Misnad will face Medgulf to General admission to all 1-0 win back in December and rently in 11th place in the QSL Brazilian import Madson The spectators had plenty to of the Workers Cup, L&T will decide the third placed team in Workers’ Cup matches is free that will be a source of strength standings, and could be set for a has been ever present at Al keep them on the edge of their take on AALCO Group with the the Workers Shield. Both games and everyone is encouraged to for the squad. relegation play-off against Qa- Khor this season and will be seats as a total of 397 goals have match kicking off at 8:30am. will take place at QFA Al Thu- attend and cheer on the par- Midfielder Mouhcine Mou- tar SC of the Qatar Gas League, targeting to add to his tally of been scored up till now. At the same time, Galfar mama Fields. ticipating teams. touali scored the only goal on should they remain eleventh at six goals this season. Sports Wednesday, March 29, 2017 27 ‘Unbelievable’ India thrash Australia Extend home-winning streak with 2-1 series win AFP DHARAMSALA

SKIPPER Virat Kohli said Australia were no longer his friends after India wrapped up a bad-tempered Test se- ries 2-1 with a thumping eight-wicket win in Dharam- sala on Tuesday. Chasing 106 on the penul- timate day of the fourth Test, opener Lokesh Rahul hit 51 not out at India's newest Test Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar venue as the hosts seized back presents the ICC ‘Number One the Border-Gavaskar trophy Team Trophy’ to Virat Kohli after from Australia. India won the Test series against Australia at HPCA Stadium in India’s cricket board Dharamsala on Tuesday. (PTI) rewarded their players SCOREBOARD who featured in all four Tests with a cash bonanza AUSTRALIA (1ST INNINGS): 300 INDIA (1ST INNINGS): 332 of $77,000. AUSTRALIA (2ND INNINGS): 137 INDIA (2ND INNINGS; OVERNIGHT 19-0) L. Rahul not out ...... 51 India's stand-in skipper M. Vijay c Wade b Cummins ...... 8 Ajinkya Rahane (38 not out) C. Pujara run out ...... 0 A. Rahane not out ...... 38 hit two sixes in a row off pace- Extras: (b4, lb5) ...... 9 man Pat Cummins en route to Total: (For 2 wkts; 23.5 overs) ...... 106 the team's seventh successive Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Vijay), 2-46 (Pujara). Test series victory, a run that Bowling: Cummins 8-2-42-1, Hazlewood 6-2-14-0, O’Keefe 4.5-1-22-0, Lyon 5-0-19-0. kicked off with their triumph Result: India won by 8 wickets in Sri Lanka in 2015. Series: India clinch four-match series 2-1 But Kohli, who sat out the ON A PEAK OF SUCCESS IN THE HILLS: The Indian cricket team with the Border-Gavaskar trophy after winning the fourth Test and the series against Australia 2-1 at the Himachal Toss: Australia. final Test with a shoulder injury, Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday. (AFP) said any warm feelings he had responsibility shown by all the toward Australia before the Test proven wrong, and you won't in an extended home season. warded their players who fea- emotions slip. I apologise for less than 24 overs. guys in the team was pleasing had evaporated during the bitter hear me say that ever again." "Unbelievable. This is tured in all four Tests with a that," said Smith. The main architect of India's to see," he added. contest that ensued between the The 28-year-old skipper the best series win so far," cash bonanza of $77,000. In the maiden Test played victory was all-rounder Ravin- Kohli's own behaviour was world's top two sides. caused a furore in the second said Kohli, who received the Smith meanwhile apolo- in Dharamsala, India scored dra Jadeja, who was named parodied in the Australian "I thought that was the Test after accusing his counter- Test mace on behalf of India gised for letting emotions get 332 in their first innings in re- man of the match and series for media, some of whom dispar- case, but it has changed for part Steven Smith of repeatedly for ending the season as the the better of him. On Monday ply to Australia's 300, before his exceptional performance. agingly compared him to US sure. As I said in the heat of abusing the decision review sys- world's top side. footage indicated he called the tourists collapsed for just He top-scored with 63 in the President Donald Trump. the battle, you want to be com- tem. But Kohli, who managed “The way the Australian Murali Vijay a "cheat" for 137 on the third day. first innings before taking three The contest will also be petitive but yeah I have been only 46 runs in the series, said team gave us a fight was really wrongly claiming a catch. On day four, India lost wickets with his left-arm spin remembered for the fine form proven wrong," Kohli told a the hard-fought series against amazing, but the way the (In- "I have been pretty intense Vijay to fast bowler Pat Cum- during Australia's second knock. of Aussie captain Smith, who post-match press conference. Australia was the most satisfy- dia) guys kept bouncing back throughout this series. I really mins and Cheteshwar Pujara "The way the guys handled amassed 499 runs with three "The thing I said before ing of India's recent run, that in- showed the true character of wanted to do well for the team. to a run out. But these were situations and the way Ajinkya centuries, becoming only the the first Test (about being cluded victories over New Zea- the side.” At times I have been in my the only scares for the hosts, led was outstanding," Kohli said. sixth visiting batsman to hit as friends), I have certainly been land, England and Bangladesh India's cricket board re- own bubble and have let my who reached their target in "But the maturity and the many hundreds. Aussies no longer SA face defeat after Williamson’s 176 AFP SCOREBOARD friends, says Kohli; HAMILTON SOUTH AFRICA (1ST INNINGS): 314 2-0-7-0. SOUTH Africa paid homage to NEW ZEALAND (1ST INNS; OVERNIGHT 321-4) SOUTH AFRICA (2ND INNINGS) a “fabulous” Kane Williamson K. Williamson c Philander b Morkel 176 D. Elgar c Watling b de Grandhomme 5 Smith apologises M. Santner c Duminy b Rabada 41 T. de Bruyn run out (Williamson/Watling) 12 on Tuesday after the New Zea- B. Watling b Maharaj 24 H. Amla c de Grandhomme b Patel 19 land captain's 176 left the Pro- C. de Grandhomme c de Kock b Morkel 57 J. Duminy b Patel 13 PTI of verbal altercations between teas on the ropes with a day to M. Henry c Elgar b Maharaj 12 F. du Plessis batting 15 DHARAMSALA players of both the sides with play in the deciding final Test J. Patel c de Kock b Rabada 5 T. Bavuma c Watling b Henry 1 N. Wagner not out 0 Q. de Kock batting 15 the Australian media becom- in Hamilton. Extras: (lb12, w5, nb7) 24 Extras: 0 VIRAT Kohli remained com- ing an extension of its team “We’ve got a mountain to Total: (All out; 162.1) 489 Total: (For 5 wickets; 39 overs) 80 bative, declaring he was no and targetting Kohli viciously. climb,” assistant coach Adrian Fall of wickets: 5-381 (Williamson), 6-397 (Santner), Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Elgar), 2-25 (de Bruyn) 3-49 longer friends with Austral- But Smith sought to douse the Birrell said after South Africa 7-443 (Watling), 8-477 (Henry), 9-489 (Patel), 10-489 (Amla), 4-50 (Duminy), 5-59 (Bavuma). (de Grandhomme). Bowling: Henry 11-4-20-1, de Grandhomme 8-5-15-1, ian cricketers, but Steve Smith fire on Tuesday by apologising were reduced to 80 for five at Bowling: Philander 33-7-79-0 (2nb), Morkel 36.1-7- Wagner 5-0-16-0, Patel 12-2-22-2, Santner 3-0-7-0 struck a conciliatory note by for his emotional slips despite stumps on day four, 95 runs 100-4, Rabada 34-3-122-4 (1w,1nb), Maharaj 50-8- Toss: South Africa. apologising for letting his the fact that he had not even short of making New Zealand 118-2, Duminy 6-0-38-0, Elgar 1-0-13-0, Bavuma Series: South Africa lead 1-0. emotions slip as hostilities lin- been questioned about it. bat again. gered at the end of an intense “At times I have been in “Kane Williamson’s in- New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (right) during his innings of Test series. my own bubble and have let nings was a fabulous innings 176 against South Africa on Day Four of the third Test at Seddon Park the flow-on effect from Wil- by 100 runs it was always go- India won 2-1 in perhaps the my emotions slip. I apologise and you've got to sometimes in Hamilton on Tuesday. (AFP) liamson's marathon innings. ing to be a survival match.” most fierce battle of an incred- for that,” Smith said at the end doff your cap to a good player." “One hundred and sixty Faf du Plessis and Quinton ible home season of 13 Tests, of of the series. With Colin de Grandhom- nited the assault on the South out for 12 in a bizarre mid- two overs is a long time to be de Kock were both 15 not out which Kohli's men lost only one “It was a magnificent se- me also firing with the bat with African top order in the sixth pitch collision when he was in the field and it was a hard at stumps. Birrell said they match – to Australia. ries. One of the best I have a quickfire 57, New Zealand over when he removed Dean ball-watching and veered into day. Players are fatigued and were looking for de Kock, who been a part of. Credit to In- started the day seven runs Elgar for five and later took a Amla, leaving the batsmen to bat on the back of that is set up their eight wicket win in dia, they are a fantastic cricket ahead and added 168 before smart catch to dismiss Hashim sprawled on the ground. always going to be difficult.” the second Test to go 1-0 up in side, particularly in their back- they were all out for 489. Amla for 19. Birrell said the Proteas' he said. the series, to go on the attack yard. If you give them a sniff, De Grandhomme then ig- Theinus de Bruyn was run batting mayhem was part of “Once they got ahead of us when play resumes. At times I have been in my they will take that,” the Aus- own bubble and have let my tralian skipper said. emotions slip. I apologise Smith though did not hide for that. his disappointment with the BCCI for uploading the video of Steven Smith a showdown between Matthew England on brink of new city-based T20 tourney Wade and Ravindra Jadeja dur- ing the fourth Test here. AFP In contrast, Kohli had no LONDON The IPL and the Big Bash qualms saying answering in the are the only senior domes- negative when asked if he still ENGLISH cricket took a step tic Twenty20 events in India considered Aussies his friends closer to the launch of a Twen- and Australia respectively off the field as he had said at the ty20 tournament on Monday but the ECB plans to keep start of the series. “No, it has after the England and Wales changed for sure. I thought that Cricket Board set in motion the Blast going alongside Australia’s captain Steven Smith, was the case but it has changed the process for a rule change its new tournament, which it (left) with Indian counterpart for sure. As I said in the heat of that will pave the way for a hopes to launch in 2020. Virat Kohli after India won the the battle, you want to be com- city-based event. Dharmsala Test on Tuesday. (AP) petitive but yeah I have been ECB officials, having seen proven wrong. the success of the Indian Pre- England, two in the Midlands “Regardless of whether we “The thing I said before the mier League and especially and one each in the west, includ- are on top or not, we speak, if first Test, I have certainly been Australia's city-based Big Bash ing Wales, and the south. something pokes us we speak proven wrong and you won't Twenty20 tournaments, believe That way the eight cur- and give it right back. All people hear me say that ever again,” they need something similar to rent Test grounds in Britain don't digest it well but we take Kohli said. help them reach family audi- – Lord's, The Oval (London), it very well and we give it back The reaction was hardly a ences and encourage children to Headingley, Old Trafford even better,” Kohli said at the surprise given that apart from become cricket fans. A spectator enjoys the weather during day one of the First-Class cricket match between Kent and Leeds (north), Edgbaston, Trent end of the four-match series. the verbal altercations, his However, the proposal has Bradford MCCU, at The Spitfire Ground, in Canterbury, England, on Tuesday. A proposed new eight-team Bridge (Midlands), Cardiff That comment summed shoulder injury was mocked by proved hugely controversial as, city-based Twenty20 tournament in England moved a step closer on Tuesday in what England and Wales (west) and Southampton up the Indian spirit during the Australians and the media if enacted, it will mean that for Cricket Board chairman called a ‘watershed moment’. (AP) (south) – could host a side in the series. The crowd favour- Down Under went as far as to the first time there is a major a tournament where none of ites were not averse to a good compare him with controversial domestic cricket tournament in creating the new tournament. and recreational boards. ity of all of us to steer cricket the teams will have any formal scrap but neither were the US President Donald Trump. England that does not feature all The IPL and the Big Bash It looks as if the ECB will to a strong future and to pass it link to an existing county. ever-aggressive Australians. Worst, the Cricket Aus- 18 first-class counties. are the only senior domestic get the 31 votes they require, on in even better shape. The ECB said the event, The confrontations began tralia CEO James Sutherland, At present, the ECB's rules Twenty20 events in India and not least because all the first- “A new T20 competition which some fear could lead to with Steve Smith’s ‘DRS Brain in a sarcastic remark to a radio state all those clubs must be Australia respectively but the class counties will be guaran- can be the most globally rele- a downgrading of the increas- Fade’ and the Indian captain's station, said Kohli perhaps did involved in its competitions – ECB plans to keep the Blast teed £1.3 million ($1.6 million, vant, fresh and dynamic tour- ingly popular Blast, would strong response to it. not know the spelling of sorry. the first-class County Champi- going alongside its new tour- 1.5 million euros) annually for nament in world cricket, built see each of the sides involved Kohli had stopped just Brushing the criticism aside, onship, the 50-over One-Day nament, which it hopes to five years if the tournament for here but highly valued all have a 15-man squad featuring short of calling Smith a cheat Kohli said he hardly cared for Cup and the Twenty20 Blast. launch in 2020. comes into being. around the world.” three overseas players, select- and the Australian was quick what was spoken or written But ECB chairman Colin Monday saw the ECB “This is about growth and Although the identities of ed by a draft as happens in the to retort that his Indian about him Down Under. Graves will formally ask his present what it says was a "de- securing our future,” said ECB the eight teams in the new event IPL. They would compete in a counterpart's allegations “Some people want to cre- board on Tuesday to trigger a tailed overview" of its plans to chief executive Tom Harrison have yet to be revealed, it is ex- 36-game tournament played were rubbish. ate some spice sitting in some change in those regulations in its 41 members, which include on Monday. “As guardians of pected that their would be two over a 38-day window with Thereafter, it was a series part of the world.” a bid to initiate the process for the first-class counties, MCC the game, it is the responsibil- in London, two in the north of four home games per team. 28 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports NFL owners Spurs drop Cavs to 2nd approve Raiders’ in East after 103-74 rout move to Vegas AFP added. “At this point in the sea- AP cated. LOS ANGELES son we just aren’t playing good PHOENIX “All the Raiders fans basketball. It’s frustrating right my age, no way you can do KAWHI Leonard scored 25 now, but we are a veteran ball SOMETIME in the not dis- it,” said Ivan Davis, a fan of points and left to a standing club and we will work through tant future, they will become the team for a half-century. ovation Monday as the San An- this and get things together. the Las Vegas Raiders. “Anyone who lived through tonio Spurs humbled the NBA We’ve been like a rollercoaster Until then, likely in 2020, the first one will not sup- champion Cleveland Cavaliers all season long and we have to Mark Davis’ team belongs to port them. The older Raiders 103-74 less than three weeks get things right.” Oakland. Well, sort of. fans, you lost them forever. before the start of the playoffs. The Spurs posted their fifth NFL owners approved The ones who gave their life The late-season glamour straight win and at 57-16 pulled the Raiders’ move to Las Ve- blood to you, you lost them match-up in San Antonio fizzled within two games of the Golden gas 31-1 at the league meet- forever.” as the Spurs took control in the State Warriors in the race for ings on Monday. Miami was There will be new fans, first quarter thanks not only to the best record in the league the lone dissenter. Davis of course, in a new locale, a stars like Leonard and LaMar- and the Western Conference insisted the club his father, place no one imagined the cus Aldridge but also to stellar lead. Hall of Fame owner Al Davis, NFL venturing to just a few play from their reserves. Pau Gasol scored 14 points built into a champion — in Adding to the misery for and Manu Ginobili chipped in Oakland and Los Angeles Cleveland, Cavs superstar Le- 12 for the Spurs, who host the — should still be considered Bron James took an elbow just Warriors on Wednesday. a part of the Bay Area com- above the shoulder blades from While the San Antonio munity. Spurs David Lee in the waning crowed was geared up for a “I wouldn’t use the term seconds of the third quarter that playoff-calibre contest, the lame duck,” Davis insisted. sent him slumping to the court. Spurs soon took all suspense “We’re still the Raiders and He stayed there for several out of the proceedings, using a we represent Raider Nation. scary minutes before making 17-8 run over the final half of “There will be disap- his way to the bench and with the first quarter to take a 28-18 pointed fans, and it’s impor- the Cavs trailing 81-58 going lead. tant for me to talk to them to into the fouth quarter didn’t re- The Spurs’ bench were big explain why and how.” turn to the court. contributors, out-scoring Cleve- As he does so, he also can “I’m fine,” he said after the land’s bench 15-0 in the first address what is ahead for a Oakland Raiders owner Mark game, vowing to be ready for quarter and 28-0 in the first team that, on the field, clearly Davis speaks during a news the Cavs’ next game on Thurs- half. is on the rise. Yet, questions conference after NFL owners day at Chicago. Cavs star Kyrie Irving abound how much support approved their move to Las James scored 17 points be- scored just eight points and the Raiders can possibly re- Vegas on Monday. (AP) fore departing, but the Cavs saw his run of 21 straight games tain in what is now a tempo- endured their ninth defeat in 15 with at least 20 points end. rary home. years ago. But with their games in March. “We had a really good night “My emotions are $1.7 billion stadium not to be The Cavaliers connected on defensively – everything came mixed,” said coach Jack completed before 2020, the just 37.3 percent of their shots from that,” Spurs coach Gregg Del Rio, a Bay Area native. Raiders have three seasons from the floor and for the first Popovich said. “While I’m sad for family and to fill playing elsewhere. time since November 2015 fell Oklahoma City’s Russell friends and fans in the Oak- “We have two more years out of first place in the Eastern Westbrook drained a pull-up land area, I also recognise of lease options for Oakland Conference as their record fell jump shot with 7.1 seconds re- the tremendous opportunity right now,” Davis said. “If to 47-26. The Boston Celtics maining to cap the Thunder’s going forward for our organi- the fans would like us to stay now lead the East at 48-26. thrilling comeback for a 92-91 sation. That being said, my there, we’d love to be there James said the seeding for victory over the Mavericks in mission remains the same. for that and possibly talk the playoffs was not a major Dallas. To lead this team here and to them about extending it concern. Westbrook scored 37 points now. Players and coaches for maybe 2019 as well, and “I want us to be playing bet- – 16 of them in the fourth quar- need to understand their try to bring a championship ter basketball,” James said after ter – with 13 rebounds and 10 defined roles. We all need to back to Oakland.” the Cavs were held to a season- assists for his third straight bring positive energy every- “The existing size of Las low points total. “That’s what it triple-double and his 37th of the day as we focus on things that Vegas, the diversification and comes down to. season. THE CLAW: San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard dunks during the second half of an NBA game we can control.” the growth that it has under- “San Antonio is a well-oiled He needs four more triple- against the Cleveland Cavaliers in San Antonio on Monday. (AP) What they can’t control gone over the last 20 years, machine and they exploit any- doubles to tie Oscar Robertson’s is community reaction in a combine to make it a mid- thing you are not doing well,” he single-season record of 41 set in 1961-62. Elsewhere, the playoff- tory. place where devotion to the sized market today,” said Although Oklahoma City bound Toronto Raptors posted Kristaps Porzingis scored Raiders during their Oakland league executive Eric Grub- Results were down much of the contest, their sixth straight victory, 131- 25 points with eight rebounds years — they spent 1982-94 man, the NFL’s point man they finished on a 14-0 scoring 112 over the Orlando Magic. and three blocked shots for in Los Angeles — has been on stadium projects, “but SACRAMENTO 91 Memphis 90 run – Westbrook posting a doz- DeMar DeRozan led the the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony, admirable. Even during all one that is exhibiting signifi- UTAH 108 New Orleans 100 en points in the surge to victory. Raptors with 36 points. Coy back from a two-game injury the losing between their last cantly above average growth. Oklahoma City 92 DALLAS 91 “I guess I just come out and Joseph added a double-double absence added 21 points and Super Bowl appearance, for Those things in combination, compete every night,” West- for Toronto with 15 points and Derrick Rose scored 27. The de- the 2002 season, and their its current size with its above SAN ANTONIO 103 Cleveland 74 brook said. “I just try to find 13 assists. feat dropped the Pistons 1 1/2 next winning record, which average growth, combined to TORONTO 131 Orlando 112 ways to help my team win and The New York Knicks dealt games behind the Miami Heat came last year, the Black give the rest of the ownership NY KNICKS 109 Detroit 95 always keep a ‘never quit’ men- the Detroit Pistons’ playoff for the eighth and final playoff Hole gang has been dedi- confidence.” tality and always keep it going.” hopes a blow with a 109-95 vic- spot in the East. Jeanie Buss thwarts family coup, Monahan scores one, makes three as maintains control of LA Lakers AFP family trust set up by their late in-form Flames beat Avalanche 4-2 LOS ANGELES father, longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who died in 2013. JEANIE Buss will remain the “The message is clear here: controlling owner of the NBA’s Do not underestimate Jeanie With six games Los Angeles Lakers under an Buss,” Streisand, told the Los remaining, Calgary agreement reached with her Angeles Times, which reported brothers, her lawyer confirmed that Jeanie, Jim and Johnny can clinch a playoff on Monday. Buss had on Monday asked a spot for just the Attorney Adam Streisand Los Angeles County Superior also said that Jeanie Buss has Court judge to issue an order second time in the removed one of her siblings, saying Jeanie will serve as con- Jim Buss, as a trustee and re- trolling owner and on the team’s past eight seasons placed him with her younger board of directors for as long as with a regulation sister, Janie Buss. the family owns the club. The agreement ends a dis- The family feud erupted win over LA pute that surfaced in court this days after Jeanie Buss shook month after Buss brothers Jim up the Lakers management AP and Johnny proposed a board last month, firing Jim Buss CALGARY, ALBERTA of directors that didn’t include as vice president of basketball Jeanie Buss – which would operations. She also sacked ANOTHER big night for Sean have meant she couldn’t con- general manager Mitch Kup- Monahan’s line has the red- tinue as controlling owner of chak and hired former Lakers hot Calgary Flames one win the team. great Earvin “Magic” Johnson away from clinching an NHL a Jeanie Buss argued that as president of basketball op- playoff spot. circumvented the terms of the erations. Monahan scored his team- leading 26th goal and added three assists as the Flames beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on Monday. Senators urge USA Hockey to With six games remaining, Calgary can clinch a playoff end dispute with women’s team spot for just the second time in the past eight seasons with AP agree to what was hammered a regulation win over Los An- WASHINGTON out after 10-plus hours of in- geles on Wednesday. Calgary Flames centre Sean Monahan (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first period goal against the Colorado Ava- person talks a week ago. “Confidence is big for our lanche at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) PRESSURE is mounting on The senators, all Demo- club. When we start going and USA Hockey in its wage dis- crats, cited the Ted Stevens everyone’s playing their role Results in the Pacific Division but are seconds into the game, Cal- pute with the women’s national Olympic and Amateur Sports we’re a hard team to beat,” just one point back of both gary took advantage with team. Act and told Ogrean he should said Monahan, whose four- CALGARY 4 Colorado 2 the Edmonton Oilers and San Monahan’s shot deflecting in On Monday, 16 US senators ensure the team receives “equi- point night ties a career-high. ST. LOUIS 4 Arizona 1 Jose Sharks, who each hold a off the stick of defenseman wrote a letter to executive direc- table resources.” Monahan’s linemates game in hand. Erik Johnson. tor Dave Ogrean, urging him to They joined a chorus of sup- Micheal Ferland and Johnny TAMPA BAY 5 Chicago 4 (OT) Sven Andrighetto scored The score stayed that way resolve the matter. The message port that includes unions repre- Gaudreau also scored, as did Detroit 4 CAROLINA 3 (OT) both goals for Colorado. His until 4:33 of the second when came four days before the start senting players from the NHL, Troy Brouwer. Calgary has BUFFALO 4 Florida 2 second came with 1:54 re- Ferland took a feed from of the women’s world champi- NBA, NFL and Major League won nine of its past 10 games maining and the goalie pulled. Gaudreau and fired in his onship, which players threat- Baseball. Those organisations at home. Nashville 3 NY ISLANDERS 1 The last-place Avalanche have 15th goal. The Avs got on the ened to boycott if significant said over the weekend they “I’m proud of the guys and lost six games in a row overall scoreboard at 3:06 of the third progress was not made toward stood with the women’s team the spot they’ve put them- and nine straight on the road. period on a power play when an agreement. and criticised USA Hockey for selves in,” Flames coach Glen percentage in the NHL. the last four games. “To play a “We’re just trying to talk Johnson’s shot missed the USA Hockey’s board of di- attempting to find replacement Gulutzan said. “A lot of hard “There were a few dark big game against a division ri- to them about being loose and net, but Andrighetto swatted rectors held a meeting on Mon- players. work went into that and now days in this locker room, but val on Wednesday and be able playing like we have nothing the lively rebound off the end day, but had not emerged with The U.S. is the defending we need to finish it off.” what we’ve been able to do to clinch playoffs and get this to lose and making sure that boards past Brian Elliott. a resolution as of late Monday champion at the International It’s been quite a turna- from December on has been hockey club back in the play- we’re creating enough op- Calgary restored its two- night. Players said on Sunday Ice Hockey Women’s World round for a hockey club that great for this room and great offs, it means a lot to every- portunities,” Avs coach Jared goal cushion less than two in a statement that they were Championship, which begins was 5-10-1 in mid-November for this city,” said Brouwer, body in here.” Bednar said. minutes later through Brou- hopeful USA Hockey would Friday in Plymouth, Michigan. and had the worst winning who scored his third goal in The Flames remain fourth Handed a power play 23 wer. Sports Wednesday, March 29, 2017 29 Cycling doping Rain washes out Doctor insists he gave Bangladesh-Lanka ODI Wiggins legal drug after Taskin hat-trick The wash-out means Bangladesh cannot lose the series after winning the first match by 90 runs

AFP DAMBULLA

HEAVY rain washed out the second One-Day Interna- tional of a three-match se- ries between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Dambulla on Tuesday. Bangladesh could not Bangladesh bowler Taskin Ahmed (left) celebrates dismissing Sri Lankan start their innings due to batsman Nuwan Pradeep during the second OD) against Sri Lanka at the rain after bowling out Sri Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday. (AFP) Lanka for 311 runs in 49.5 overs, thanks to a hat-trick Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan to complete his fifty before of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, Pradeep in the final over to racing to his century in 102 who finished with 4-47. complete his hat-trick, be- balls with a single off Mor- The wash-out means coming the fifth Bangladeshi taza. Bangladesh cannot lose the bowler to achieve the feat. He also shared 83 runs series after winning the first Mashrafe Mortaza took for the third wicket with match by 90 runs on Satur- opener Danushka Gu- Dinesh Chandimal, who day. nathilaka early for nine but chipped in with 24 runs. Needing a win to stay Mendis shared 111 runs with Milinda Siriwardana also alive in the tournament, skipper Upul Tharanga for made a useful contribution Kusal Mendis laid the foun- the second wicket to put Sri with 30 runs. A graphic representation of how cyclists enhance their performances through mechanical and biological methods. dation for a strong total for Lanka in a strong position. Sri Lanka made three Sri Lanka with 102 off 107 A direct hit from Mah- changes to their squad, balls before Taskin’s late mudullah helped Bangla- bringing in Nuwan Kulaseka- Freeman has said the package contained the legal decongestant Fluimucil burst halted their progress desh separate the duo as ra, Nuwan Pradeep and Dil- at the Rangiri International Tharanga was run out for 65, ruwan Perera for Sachith AFP from Freeman in which he said after his medical records were Stadium. trying to complete a single of Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara LONDON Doping the package contained “only revealed by the Russia-based Taskin took a catch off a no-ball off Mustafizur Rah- and Lakshan Sandakan. Fluimucil”. Fancy Bears computer hacking his own bowling to dismiss man. The third and final match THE doctor at the centre of cheat? Freeman said the Fluimu- group. Mendis. Then he removed Mendis struck a six and of the series will be held in a doping rules row involving cil was for use in a nebuliser British Cycling, which has Asela Gunuratne (39), a four in the next two balls Colombo on April 1. British cycling great Bradley O UK Anti-Doping is and that many doctors believe presided over one of the coun- Wiggins has insisted he gave currently investigating just it to be “helpful in managing try’s most successful Olympic the multiple Olympic cham- exactly what was in the stage riders, who... are prone sports of recent Games, has pion a legal decongestant. contents of a now to chestiness and excess respi- also come under fire for how UK Anti-Doping is cur- infamous ‘jiffy bag’ sent to ratory mucus production” be- it dealt with sexism allegations Fatigued World No. 1 Johnson rently investigating just exact- Dr Richard Freeman at the cause of the demands of elite- involving former coach Shane ly what was in the contents of end of the 2011 Criterium level cycling. Sutton. withdraws from Houston Open a now infamous ‘jiffy bag’ sent du Dauphine race in France Freeman added he he had Tuesday saw Britain’s to Dr Richard Freeman at the gone to the trouble of send- Press Association publish a let- end of the 2011 Criterium du amid suggestions it could ing the medicine via a British ter from Liz Nicholl, the chair- AFP with my team, I have decided Dauphine race in France amid have contained a banned cycling employee because he man of UK Sport, the national WASHINGTON to withdraw from this week’s suggestions it could have con- substance. wished to avoid a repeat of the funding agency, to British Cy- Houston Open,” Johnson said. tained a banned substance. 2002 incident that cost British cling in which she revealed her WORLD number one Dustin “Having played seven Richard Freeman, the then O Freeman said the skier Alain Baxter an Olym- “serious concerns” about the Johnson withdrew from the rounds of competitive golf in Team Sky doctor, has said the Fluimucil was for use in a pic medal when he bought an way it was dealing with those PGA Houston Open on Mon- the last five days, I feel it is package contained the legal nebuliser and that many over-the-counter nasal spray allegations. day, citing fatigue after win- best to give my mind and body decongestant Fluimucil. doctors believe it to be in the United States that con- Sutton resigned in April ning seven matches last week a much-needed rest heading Freeman had been due to “helpful in managing stage tained a banned substance not last year after rider Jess Var- to capture his third consecu- into Masters week. appear before a committee of riders, who... are prone to used in the UK version. nish alleged he had told her to tive US PGA Tour victory. “I sincerely apologize to British lawmakers on March 1 chestiness and excess Team Sky, Wiggins and “go and have a baby” following The 32-year-old Ameri- my many friends and fans in but was too ill to attend. respiratory mucus Freeman have all repeatedly her failure to qualify for the can edged Spain’s Jon Rahm Houston... and I look forward In that hearing Nicole Sap- production” because of the denied any wrongdoing. Rio Olympics. 1 up in Sunday’s champion- to returning in the coming stead, the head of United King- demands of elite-level Freeman said it would have Later an independent re- ship match of the World Golf Dustin Johnson years.” dom Anti-Doping, said it was been “desirable” if he kept a view of British Cycling’s per- Championships-Match Play at Johnson has played five impossible for her to be certain cycling. copy of his medical notes, add- formance programme was set Austin, Texas. With the Masters, the times in Houston, finishing about the contents of the pack- ing: “I regret not doing this.” up. Johnson won seven year’s first major champion- third last year ahead of shar- age as Freeman had told her Freeman was due to ap- Last week five-time Ol- According to a leaked copy matches over five days, includ- ship, coming next week at ing fourth at the 2016 Masters. the relevant medical records pear before the same commit- ympic gold medallist Wiggins of the review published this ing two each on Saturday and Augusta National, Johnson Johnson won his first ma- had disappeared when his lap- tee of MPs on that date but promised to “shock a few peo- month by the Daily Mail, Brit- Sunday, to stretch a win streak selected rest over the benefits jor title last June at Oakmont top was stolen while on holiday withdrew, citing ill health. ple” when he finally comments ish Cycling looked to change that began last month at Rivi- of playing the week before and is the only golfer to win in Greece in 2014. However, the House of on the case after the UKAD in- the conclusions of its own orig- era, where he surged atop the the showdown for the green every WGC title. The Masters It has been alleged that the Commons Culture, Media and quiry is complete. inal inquiry into Sutton in a bid world rankings, and included jacket. will be his first major tourna- package contained the banned Sport Committee has now Wiggins retired in Novem- to retain the highly-regarded the WGC Mexico event three “After a great deal of ment as the world number corticosteroid triamcinolone. published a letter it received ber last year, some two months Australian. weeks ago. thought and consultation one. Gilbert takes opening Force shut down alleged Super Rugby axe AFP Australian Rugby Union SYDNEY chief Bill Pulver said no deci- stage win at De Panne sions had been taken. WESTERN Force on Tuesday “At this point, there has AFP at the end of the 205km first Flanders for the first time. dismissed concerns they face been no determination on the BRUSSELS stage of Three Days of De A winner of all three Ar- the axe from the troubled Su- future competition format or Panne. dennes Classics – Amstel per Rugby competition after a the teams involved in the com- BELGIAN Philippe Gilbert It was the former world Gold, Fleche Wallonne and report suggested they will be petition,” he said in a statement. took a solo victory in Tues- champion’s first victory of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege – Gil- scrapped in a revamped format. “We also wish to confirm day’s opening stage of the fi- season and came after recent bert’s best previous finish at Organisers SANZAAR are for the public record that no nal warm-up event ahead of near misses on a pair of cob- Flanders was third in 2009 grappling with a way forward decision has been taken on the Sunday’s prestigious Tour of bled classics – Gilbert was sec- and 2010. for the confusing 18-team, five- removal of one of Australia’s Flanders. ond at both E3 Harelbeke and He made his winning nation southern hemisphere Super Rugby teams.” The 34-year-old Quick Dwars door Vlaanderen last move on the Mur de Gram- championship and announced The competition currently Step Floors rider finished 17 week. mont climb 16km from the fin- some three weeks ago that a straddles 17 time zones and seconds ahead of Australia’s The Ardennes Classics spe- ish and never looked back. shake-up was imminent. than the ACT Brumbies or Mel- the Australian Rugby Union four continents, resulting in Luke Durbridge with Simone cialist is targeting the cobbled Wednesday’s second stage Since then it has been mute bourne Rebels. The NSW Wara- and at that time made very clear complaints of lopsided con- Consonni of Italy another 17 classics this season as he bids is a hilly 193km ride from Zot- on the issue. tahs and Queensland Reds are that there was a number of fac- tests, taxing travel times and seconds further back in third to win the ‘Monument’ Tour of tegem to Coxyde. In the absence of any deci- widely considered safe. tors to be considered and there a fragmented conference sys- sions, speculation has been rife But Force chief executive hadn’t been any decisions made tem seen as too confusing for that it will be trimmed back to Mark Sinderberry rejected this. and we’ve had no further corre- fans. 15 clubs, with South Africa los- “The reports that are com- spondence since then.” Problems intensified in ing two of its six teams and Aus- ing out of Sydney at the mo- Sinderberry was adamant 2016, when Super Rugby ex- tralia cutting one of five. ment are totally false,” he told Western Force was not facing panded from 15 teams to 18 Sydney’s Daily Telegraph the Australian Broadcasting the axe. with the introduction of Ja- stated on Tuesday that Western Corporation. “It’s not a case of whether pan’s Sunwolves, Argentina’s Force, which was founded in “Two-and-a-half weeks ago they should or not, at all. They Jaguares and South Africa’s 2005, would be chopped rather we had a telephone link up with will survive,” he said. Southern Kings. F1 opener puts overtaking in the spotlight

REUTERS was asked how difficult it had sweep past Fernando Alon- surprise to the likes of triple LONDON been to get past rivals. so’s McLaren. champion Lewis Hamilton, Melbourne’s Albert Park But they were rare high- who had flagged up in testing FORMULA One entered a has never ranked high on the lights of a race without that the new aerodynamic bold new era in Sunday’s list of circuits with the most crashes or a safety car. regulations had a downside Australian season-opener overtaking manoeuvres but “It was hard to follow and and could lead to proces- with bigger tyres, faster cars fans saw hardly any after the drive close behind others,” sional racing. and a winning Ferrari but the opening lap. Force India’s complained Red Bull’s Max The cars are creating lack of overtaking is causing Sergio Perez took both Toro Verstappen, who has built far more downforce, taking concern. Rossos while team mate Es- up a reputation as one of the some corners flat out and “What overtaking?,” said teban Ocon was in a three- sport’s most exciting over- throwing out more turbulent Belgian cyclist Philippe Gilbert of Quick-Step Floors competes in the Kapelmuur during the first stage of Brazilian veteran Felipe Mas- car battle that saw him and takers. air that makes it harder for the Driedaagse De Panne - Koksijde cycling race, 206,2 km from De Panne to Zottegem on Tuesday. (AFP) sa when the Williams driver Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg The problem came as no followers to get close. 30 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports

News in brief Japan rout Thailand 4-0 Putin wants Russian National Guard for FIFA World Cup security MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin has called on the Russian as Okazaki scores 50th National Guard to ensure security at the 2018 football World Cup in Russia. “Work on ensuring security at the forthcom- ing FIFA World Cup and Confederations Cup will require much effort,” Putin said on Monday at a meeting with the Russian Australia defeat UAE 2-0 in Sydney, ending a run of four games without a win Guard’s command, reports Tass news agency. He asked the Russian Guard to “pay special attention to that”. The President noted that the formation of the Russian Guard is proceeding dynamically and in compliance with the schedule. “The new federal agency is being formed in compliance with the schedule. I would like to thank you for that. Work goes on in due pace and with due quality,” he said. Putin congratu- lated the Russian Guard’s senior officers on their professional holiday, the National Guard Troops Day.

FIFA probes Ivory Coast, Senegal crowd trouble in Paris friendly GENEVA: FIFA said on Tuesday it had launched an investiga- tion into incidents which led to the abandonment of a friendly match between Ivory Coast and Senegal in Paris following a series of pitch invasions. The sides were level at 1-1 late on Monday when French referee Tony Chapron called off the match in the 88th minute as fans from both sides flooded onto the pitch. Images showed rowdy supporters chasing across the pitch after climbing over fences while one fan was seen tackling a player in the middle of the pitch. “We are currently analysing and gathering information concerning the incidents, “a FIFA spokesman said. He added that “should it be consid- ered appropriate, disciplinary proceedings may be opened”. Liverpool forward Sadio Mane had given Senegal the lead on 67 minutes from the penalty spot but Fulham’s Cyriac Gohi Bi equalised for the Ivorians just four minutes later.

Leipzig’s Werner back to training after injury ‘catastrophe’ BERLIN: Germany striker Timo Werner returned to training with Bundesliga high-fliers RB Leipzig on Tuesday, less than a week after tearing a thigh muscle while making his debut for the world champions. Werner, 21, hurt his left thigh in last Wednesday’s 1-0 home win against England, which RB coach Ralph Hasenhuettl labelled a “catastrophe” as his club prepare to play three games in seven days. But Werner completed a 30-minute training run on Tuesday, then finished with some sprints, before signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Nevertheless, Hasenhuettl says Werner still needs time to recover as second-placed Leipzig prepare for Saturday’s home match against bottom side Darmstadt following two successive league defeats.

Partizan Belgrade have European ban lifted in finance case

BERLIN: Serbian club Partizan Belgrade will be able to play in European competition next season after UEFA lifted a ban imposed in January. The case went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which said on Tuesday Partizan had paid money it owed, in particular debts to Serbian tax authorities. Partizan had been excluded from the next UEFA competition it qualified for in the next three seasons for breaching European body UEFA’s club licensing and financial fair play regulations. The 2015 Serbian champions had amassed debts of almost 2.5 million euros, it was reported at the time. CAS said in a state- ment that following the opening of arbitration proceedings new Japan’s forward Shinji Okazaki (left) and Thailand’s Koravit Namwiset (right) during group B World Cup 2018 qualifying match in Saitama on Tuesday. (AFP) evidence was presented to clarify Partizan’s overdue payments position with tax authorities. Partizan’s exclusion was then AFP Thursday, provisionally took goals, which helps our cause minute corner gave Irvine a made conditional on the club’s timely payment of other overdue SAITAMA, JAPAN top spot with 16 points from Half-century as goal difference could prove free header that took a deflec- payments. The club has now satisfied the condition, CAS said. seven games. to be crucial,” he added. tion on its way into the net. LEICESTER City striker Shinji But Saudi Arabia can move goal mark “But we have put ourselves While UAE threatened Okazaki celebrated his 50th back above them on goal dif- in a good position to qualify at times through 2016 Asian international goal on Tuesday ference with victory over Iraq O Okazaki’s landmark for the World Cup with three player of the year Omar Ab- Asian Cup 2019 qualifier as Japan brushed aside Thai- in Jeddah later on Tuesday. goal, on his 108th Japan big games left.” dulrahman, it struggled to land 4-0 to edge closer to a “I’m incredibly happy to appearance, came on 19 Australia defeated United create enough clear chances sixth successive World Cup. get that goal,” Okazaki told re- minutes in Saitama and Arab Emirates 2-0 in Sydney to seriously worry the Asian Shinji Kagawa gave the porters. “I hadn’t scored for a effectively killed the on Tuesday, ending a run of champion. hosts the lead in their Asian while so it was a relief. Hope- contest. four games without a win to With 12 minutes remain- Group B qualifier with a sharp fully I can keep on scoring get qualification for the 2018 ing Leckie headed home a finish after eight minutes, be- goals for Japan.” World Cup back on track. James Troisi cross to give fore Okazaki thundered home “We’re not at the World South Korea However, UAE’s second Australia three points that a diving header to bring up his Cup yet,” he added. “We have loss in five days prompted kept alive hope of a fourth half-century in swashbuckling to make sure we keep taking edge Syria coach Mahdi Ali to announce successive World Cup appear- style. our chances and win our re- O South Korea stayed his resignation at the news ance, and in its own hands. Okazaki’s landmark goal, maining games.” conference. He’d been in South Korea stayed sec- on his 108th Japan appear- Australia, the reigning second in Group A thanks charge since 2012. ond in Group A thanks to a ance, came on 19 minutes in Asian champions, are three to a fourth-minute goal Goals in each half from fourth-minute goal from de- Saitama and effectively killed points behind Japan with from defender Hong Jackson Irvine and Math- fender Hong Jeong-ho. the contest. three matches left after beat- Jeong-ho. ew Leckie sealed a vital win After losing in China five Yuya Kubo and Maya ing the Emirates 2-0 at home. for the Socceroos, who had days earlier, South Korea re- Yoshida added further goals The top two teams from “I have to congratulate slipped into third place in turned to winning ways for for the Blue Samurai after the each group qualify automati- the players on two super vic- Group B behind Saudi Arabia under-pressure coach Uli break and Eiji Kawashima cally for next year’s World tories,” said the Franco-Bos- and Japan after four succes- Stielike in Seoul. saved a late penalty from Adi- Cup in Russia. nian. “It wasn’t an easy game sive draws. Syria, fourth in the group, Bikram Lama (right) of Nepal is comforted by Aditya Chuandhary sak Kraisorn to deny rock-bot- Japan coach Vahid Halil- today and they gave us a few UAE arrived in Sydney in had chances through Alaa during the qualifying match between the Philippines and Nepal tom Thailand a consolation. hodzic refused to get carried problems but we produced an fourth, a point behind Aus- Al Shbli in the first half, and for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, in Manila on Tuesday. Japan, who won 2-0 in away after a great week for his effective performance.” tralia. Firas al Khatib hitting the The Philippines won 4-1. (AFP) the United Arab Emirates last side. “We scored four lovely Lax marking at a seventh- crossbar in injury time. Southgate irked by Crystal Palace chief’s Zaha remark the first player he watched af- Despite his disappoint- The Palace striker was capped twice ter being confirmed as Eng- ment at missing out on Zaha, land’s permanent manager last Southgate says he is only in- by England in 2012-13, but switched November, but by then it was terested in players who have too late. a burning desire to play for allegiance to Ivory Coast “I didn’t really appreciate England. “Any time you leave AFP tweet: “Never wavered in my there was this disappearing a player out of squads, you run LONDON belief of @wilfriedzaha, why is the risk of them going across to this goal not for @England?” “If you don’t feel that inter- another country,” he said. ENGLAND manager Gareth “I’m not sure it’s help- “But in the end I have to Southgate has taken issue with ful as a comment. I wouldn’t nal, 100 percent passion focus on the players that are Crystal Palace chairman Steve comment on his decisions,” for playing for England, I’m desperate to play for England. Parish’s views on the inter- Southgate told reporters af- not sure it’s for me to sell “If you don’t feel that in- national tug-of-war involving ter England’s 2-0 World Cup that to you. It should be ternal, 100 percent passion for Ivory Coast winger Wilfried qualifying win over Lithuania your desire to do it,” playing for England, I’m not Zaha. at Wembley on Sunday. sure it’s for me to sell that to Zaha was capped twice by “I know the chairman’s got Southgate said. you. It should be your desire England, in 2012 and 2013, quite a vociferous view on it. to do it. “The inherent desire but switched allegiances to Steve’s an intelligent guy who’s egg timer on him going to the to play for your country is the Ivory Coast, the country of done a great job for that foot- Ivory Coast,” Southgate ad- most important thing if we’re his birth, late last year and ball club.” mitted. “I didn’t want to just going to be successful. has since made six appear- Southgate, a former Palace pick him because there was a “Part of your identity as ances for them. He scored a captain, previously coached chance that that might hap- a national team has got to be fine solo goal in Ivory Coast’s Zaha during his time as Eng- pen. The first opportunity I pride in the shirt. So for me the 2-0 friendly win over Russia land Under-21s manager. had as permanent manager, I Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action during a Premier League match at Selhurst in London recently. commitment has to come from last week, prompting Parish to The Palace winger, 24, was did go and speak to him.” (REUTERS) the player.” Sports Wednesday, March 29, 2017 31 Nigeria could shun London after visa hassle, says coach Rohr

AFP tween signatory countries and ABUJA where international travellers require only a single visa for NIGERIA could avoid play- travel. ing friendlies in London from Currently, 26 European now on because of problems countries are part of the area. obtaining visas for staff and Rohr told reporters in players, coach Gernot Rohr London on Monday night that has said. Nigeria tried to find a last- The Super Eagles played minute replacement when it Senegal at non-league Barnet’s became clear the match would ground in north London last not go ahead against Burkina Friday, drawing 1-1, but a sec- Faso. ond scheduled match against Officials from Burkina Burkina Faso on Monday had Faso were reportedly told the to be called off. application would be complet- The Nigeria Football Fed- ed in Morocco, where the team eration (NFF) said seven was playing on Friday, as there Burkinabe players failed to se- was no British mission in Oua- cure British entry visas. gadougou. Rohr said several of his But the applications were players also found themselves still pending when the mission unable to travel, including de- closed for the weekend. fenders Kingsley Madu, of Bel- Rohr, who has previously gian side Zulte Waregem, and managed national sides Ga- Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (left) argues with first assistant referee Emerson Augusto de Carvalho at the end of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia South American qualifier Musa Mohammed, who plays bon, Niger and Burkina Faso, football match against Chile, at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, recently. (AFP) with Zeljeznicar Sarajevo. has worked mainly with play- The German coach said he ers based in mainland Europe will now suggest that friend- since he took charge of Nigeria lies and training camps be ar- last year. ranged on mainland Europe The former Bordeaux Messi gets 4-match ban to avoid further difficulties as player and coach, who has it was “too complicated to get also managed several Euro- visas” in Britain. pean domestic sides, including “I think it’s better to stay Ajaccio, has said it costs less to in Schengen, in Europe, than do so and the facilities are bet- go to London where the peo- ter than in Nigeria. for swearing at official ple have problems. Even some Nigeria plan to set up a players in our team couldn’t training camp in France in come, you know. They didn’t May and play a friendly against Messi, 29, will also miss in similar cases,” FIFA said. get the visa in time.” Corsica as part of preparations The referee assistant Carvalho says he only realised games away to Uruguay and The AFA said it would ap- Britain is not part of the for a 2019 Africa Cup of Na- Messi was insulting him on reading press reports home to Venezuela and Peru. peal against the decision. Schengen zone, where there tions qualifier against South The Barcelona forward will be “Messi is sad, today we are no border controls be- Africa in June. eligible again when Argentina lost an important player,” said REUTERS His absence will be a se- match after being harried and visit Ecuador on Oct. 10. AFA national teams secretary ZURICH vere blow to the two-times fouled by Chile’s Jean Beause- Argentina are third in Jorge Miadosqui. world champions who are jour. The official patted him on the 10-team South American Messi has not enjoyed the ARGENTINA forward Lionel struggling in the marathon the head and tried to calm him group with 22 points from same success with Argentina Messi has been banned from South American campaign down but Messi kept ranting. 13 games but have only a as he has with Barcelona and their next four competitive where results have included FIFA said in a letter to two-point cushion over sixth- announced his international internationals, starting with home defeats by Ecuador and the Argentine Football Asso- placed Chile, with Colombia retirement last year before Tuesday’s World Cup quali- Paraguay and a 3-0 mauling ciation (AFA), published by (21) and Ecuador (20) sand- back-tracking on his decision. fier in Bolivia, for swearing at by arch-rivals Brazil. Argentine media, that the in- wiched in between. He also led a player media a match official, FIFA said on FIFA said Messi had “di- cident was not detailed in the The top four qualify di- silence in protest at perceived Tuesday. rected insulting words at an referee’s report at the time and rectly for the tournament in mistreatment of the team. The decision was an- assistant referee” during the was brought to its attention by Russia next year and the fifth- Messi was frustrated when nounced less than six hours 1-0 win over Chile on Friday, the media. placed side go into a playoff Argentina lost 1-0 after extra- before kickoff of the match in which he scored the only Carvalho said he did not against a team from Oceania time to Germany in the 2014 in La Paz and means the five- goal from a penalty. understand at the time what for another place in the global World Cup final, then on times world player of the year Television pictures showed Messi was saying. showpiece event. penalties to Chile in the 2015 will play in only one of Argen- him swearing at Brazilian “I only realised he was “This decision is in line Copa America final and again tina’s remaining five World linesman Emerson Augusto swearing afterwards on read- with the FIFA Disciplinary on spot-kicks to Chile in last Gernot Rohr, Nigeria coach, has hinted that the Super Eagles may pay Cup qualifiers. do Carvalho at the end of the ing the press,” he said. Committee’s previous rulings year’s Copa Centenario final. its friendlies in Europe instead of London.

Promoter of Madeira Record Real move all down Portugal airport to be named after Ronaldo to Hazard, says Calderon

AFP club, so it wouldn’t be easy, LONDON but as always it would depend The Madrid star is expected to attend on the wishes of the player. If CHELSEA’S Eden Hazard will he wants to leave, he will leave a ceremony at the airport outside his decide on a move to Real Ma- -- that’s always the point,” Cal- drid at the end of the season, deron told Talksport Radio’s hometown of Funchal today with the Spanish giants pre- Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast AP pared to pay a world record show on Tuesday. FUNCHAL, PORTUGAL ernment. transfer fee, according to “It’s all about the player. “Sometimes, national former club president Ramon The player must say, ‘I want to WELCOME to Cristiano Ro- gratitude has short memory, Calderon. leave and go to Real Madrid’, naldo Airport. That will likely but Madeira doesn’t,” Miguel The Belgium midfielder is and that will be the moment be the message awaiting pas- Albuquerque, the president of under contract with Premier they start negotiating.” sengers in the Madeira Islands the Madeira government, said League leaders Chelsea un- Hazard, who arrived at when the local airport is re- when the name change was til June 2020 but Hazard, a Stamford Bridge from Lille named after the local star. announced last year. He added childhood fan of Real coach in 2012, has regained his best Ronaldo is expected to at- that the tribute was fair con- Zinedine Zidane, has been re- form under Blues manager An- tend a ceremony at the airport sidering Ronaldo’s services to peatedly linked with a move to tonio Conte, with west London outside his hometown of Fun- his homeland. the Bernabeu. But Calderon club Chelsea 10 points in front chal on Wednesday, a day after Ronaldo is regarded as a reckons it will cost Real a at the top of the table with 10 his Portugal side plays Sweden promoter of Madeira, which is world record fee of £100 mil- league games of the season left. in the city in a friendly. considered one of the world’s lion ($125 million, 115 million “Chelsea will ask for a lot of It will be the first time Ro- top travel destinations. euros) to make the move a re- money, I think that’s what the naldo plays with the national A couple of years ago, ality. situation will be at the end of team in the city where he grew he used his social media ac- “Chelsea aren’t a selling the season,” Calderon said. up. Funchal also features a Ro- counts to ask fans to vote for naldo statue, a museum about Madeira in a contest organized him, and a hotel complex by the travel industry. The is- named after him. lands southwest of Portugal “This game is a great trib- are known for their incredible Costa return bolsters ute to the people of Madeira, they deserve it,” Ronaldo said Bayern’s treble bid on the Portuguese Football Politicians Federation website. AFP worse than feared and may Portugal’s squad landed say no BERLIN require surgery, but Bayern’s on Monday at the airport, dis- chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- playing the trophy it won at O The name change BAYERN Munich’s hopes of menigge rubbished those the 2016 European Champi- attracted a lot of attention securing a second treble in four claims. “An operation is not, onship in France. locally, with some years received a boost on Tues- and was never, an issue,” Rum- A sign with the player’s im- politicians opposing it and day with Douglas Costa back in menigge said on Monday. age was already being added saying that the footballer’s training after the club confirmed “According to the team doc- to the facade of the airport, name should be added to a he does not need knee surgery. tor, the player is fine. “He’s do- which until Tuesday was called stadium or another The Brazil winger did some sta- ing so well that he will be back the Madeira International sporting venue. bility exercises at Bayern’s train- playing in the not so distant fu- Airport. The name change at ing ground as Carlo Ancelotti’s ture.” the airport, known as one of O Some said the Madeira Portugal’s player Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia squad gathered after the inter- Bayern host Augsburg on the windiest in the world, at- regional government didn’t group B qualifying match at Luz Stadium in Lisbon, on Sunday. (EPA) national break. Saturday in the Bavarian derby tracted a lot of attention lo- have the legal right to make Costa, 26, was sidelined for with the Munich giants 13 points cally, with some politicians the African coast, and some From there he made it to Man- jersey number on Ronaldo’s Bayern’s 1-0 win at Borussia clear in Germany’s top tier. opposing it and saying that the the name change without 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) chester United and eventually statue after Messi received the Monchengladbach ten days ago Rummenigge said Costa is footballer’s name should be consulting the main from the European continent. to Real Madrid, becoming one world player prize. with what Ancelotti described as unlikley to face Augsburg, but he added to a stadium or another government. Ronaldo grew up in Fun- of the world’s biggest soccer The statue was unveiled in “a minor knee problem”, but it should be available for Bayern’s sporting venue. Some said the chal sharing a room with his stars. He received his fourth 2014 in the presence of Ronal- sidelined him for Brazil’s World Champions League quarter- Madeira regional government landscapes, and their wine is older brother and two older world player of the year award do and his close relatives. His Cup qualifiers against Uruguay final next month against Real didn’t have the legal right to known worldwide. sisters before moving to the this year. family is also expected to at- and Paraguay. Madrid, as well as the German make the name change with- The islands are about 500 mainland to join the youth Last year, vandals paint- tend the airport ceremony on Last week, broadcaster Cup semi-final at home to rivals out consulting the main gov- kilometers (310 miles) from squads of Sporting Lisbon. ed Lionel Messi’s name and Wednesday. Sport1 said Costa’s injury was Borussia Dortmund. 32 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports Baracetti is new Qatar beach volleyball team coach

Brazilian Oncken appointed technical head of junior and youth teams; Rajdi is new U-17 coach

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for two years, before being DOHA given the charge of the senior team last season. As a player, ARGENTINA’S Mariano Ba- he has been quite successful, racetti has replaced national wining the world title at the beach volleyball team’s Bra- 2001 World Championships zilian coach Pedro Pablo in Klagenfurt, Austria, in Costa. company of Martin Conde. The Qatar Volleyball As- Besides, the three-time sociation also appointed Bra- Olympian featured in 190 zilian veteran Percy Oncken tournaments and was top- for reorganising the youth ranked on the 2002 FIVB and junior volleyball in the World Tour. He was also (From left) Qatar U-17 team coach Malek Rajdi, junior and youth teams technical director Percy On- country and Malek Rajdi as ranked among the top ten cken, QVA President Ali Ghanim al Kuwari, Qatar beach volleyball coach Mariano Baracetti, Qatar Beach the national under-17 coach. from 2000 to 2006 on the Volleyball Commission Deputy Chairman Mohammed Salem and Pablo during a media presentation in QVA President Ali Tour. Doha on Tuesday. Ghanim al Kuwari present- As a coach, he guided the ed all the three officials at a Argentine pair to the gold Qatar team during the Rio Ol- opportunity to work with the tional junior and youth teams press conference in Doha on medal in the Panamerican ympics. Both the Qatari play- Qatar national team. My as- to eight world championships Tuesday. “We’re happy to Games in Toronto in 2015. ers (Jefferson Santos Pereira sistant Pablo and I will try to in his long tenure as the head present three new persons for Also his trainees had bagged and Cherif Younnouse) were do our best and help the play- coach. He also trained Brazil- different but very important the bronze medal in the men’s impressive. ers,” he added. ian Super League men and responsibilities, related with section and fifth place in the “My initial challenge is the “Also, I will see how we women teams. the senior beach volleyball women’s section in the 2014 Asian Tour, which is starting can organise the beach vol- “I’ve seen the matches of so. I don’t know much about for Qatar,” Oncken added. team, junior and youth struc- Youth Olympics in Nanjing. soon. Then we’ve the Asian leyball at the club level so that Qatari under-11, 13, 15 and Qatar as we never played at For Rajdi, the biggest tures. Their profiles are im- Talking about his goals Championships which is very we can improve the competi- 17 players. I’ll first try to find the international level. challenge is the world cham- pressive, we hope to continue and challenges, the 42-year- crucial for us. This will decide tion level and get more play- players with good height and “I wish to thank the QVA pionships. “We’ll work now our development work at var- old coach said, “Pedro (the our fate for the World Cham- ers graduated into the senior attitude. Then I’ll prepare for giving me a chance to on the under-17 team. Our ious levels,” said Kuwari. former coach) did a great job pionships, to be staged in Vi- level,” Baracetti added. them for the international work here. I will work with goal is the qualification for Baracetti had been the na- and guided the Qatar team to enna,” added the Argentine. Oncken, a 56-year-old profile. I will be able to speak the same passion as I did in the World Championship in tional under-18 team coach many big successes. I saw the “I’m proud to be given an Brazilian, has coached his na- about it more after a month or Brazil. I’ll try to give my best 2019.” Frijns aims for Huge turnout, thrilling races make Qatar GP a great success

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK a strong finish DOHA THE 2017 MotoGP World Championship kicked off af- ter a break of more than four in Bahrain months and did so with a spec- tacular Grand Prix of Qatar, held in association with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). Although rain played spoil- sport on Saturday and threat- ened to do so on Sunday, the Grand Prix of Qatar produced spectacular and thrilling races in all the categories. Yamaha rider Maverick Viñales carried forward his excellent pre-season form into the race weekend and produced a brilliant ride to become the first winner of the 207 MotoGP season. It wasn’t an easy outing for the young Spaniard though. Viñales started from pole po- sition but dropped to fifth as he started cautiously. But then the 22-year-old carved his way through the riders and ended Qatar Tourism Authority, QMMF and Losail Circuit Sports Club officials during the Grand Prix of Qatar. up winning the race after a nail-biting battle with Ducati Hassan al Ibrahim, Chief Grand Prix of Qatar. From the efforts and hard work put in rider Andrea Dovizioso, who multiple activities in the fam- to get the track ready for the had to be content with second. Tourism Development ily zone to the thrilling race ac- race.” In third place was MotoGP Officer at QTA said: “The tion, the fans had a great time. Hassan al Ibrahim, Chief star Valentino Rossi. race has been fantastic Despite the weather, there was Tourism Development Of- In Moto2 , Franco Mor- and we are pleased with a huge increase in the number ficer at QTA said: “The race Qatar-based Charlie Frijns during a race at the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. He is fired for his bidelli finally registered his the high turn-out of spec- of spectators as compared to has been fantastic and we are best performance during the finale round in Bahrain. first win of the class with a tators, which is testament last year. pleased with the high turnout dominating performance. The to MotoGP’s position as Saud al Attiyah, Losail of spectators, which is testa- find the same form he showed Italian battled with Thomas Circuit Sports Club President, ment to MotoGP's position Leading regional drivers prepare for here in the second race of the Luthi during the initial part one of the marquee annu- commented, “We are very as one of the marquee annual season, and give everything he of the race but was then able al sport events in the happy with the success of the sport events in the Qatari and Porsche GT3 Cup Middle East series has to fight for the champion- to take the lead and didn’t re- Qatari and international Grand Prix of Qatar. Despite international sport calendars. showdown ship title. linquish it till the end. Luthi sport calendars.” the weather conditions we Sports and recreation tourism Frijns said, “I said from the finished second with Takaaki managed to run a great event. have great potential to be ma- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK formances of my season in this very beginning of Season 8 that Nakagami taking third. was decided on the last lap. In This year we have witnessed jor contributors to the econ- DOHA final round.” consistency would play an im- Earlier on Sunday, Joan second place was British rider an increase in the number of omy, and we look forward to The first round of Season portant part in my champion- Mir was the first winner of the John McPhee and pole posi- spectators and we would like working with our partners at QATAR-BASED driver Charlie 8 bought mixed emotions for ship campaign. Over the first day taking the opening round tion man Jorge Martin fin- to thank the QTA for being Losail Circuit Sports Club and Frijns reflected on his incred- the young Qatar resident, af- few rounds, I displayed the in the Moto3 class under lights ished third. involved in this international the industry to build a sustain- ible season of competition in ter a disappointing fifth place form I needed, and by the half- at Losail International Cir- It was a four-day event for championship. I also want able and diverse calendar of the Porsche GT3 Cup Chal- finish in Race 1, Frijns then way stage of the season found cuit. The Spaniard claimed a the large number of spectators to thank the Losail Circuit annual sporting events that lenge Middle East, as he looks laid down a marker of intent myself in a very strong position brilliant victory in Qatar that who turned up to watch the Sports Club staff for all the draw more visitors to Qatar." to learnings from previous in the second race with an in- at the top of the overall stand- rounds as the key to his suc- credible performance earning ings. Every race has been so cess in the upcoming finale of him his first race win in three close, with some of the newer Season 8. years. From then on, the battle and younger drivers showing After ten races across six for the top of the standings was some impressive determina- months and three of the re- on, and with the points being tion and skill. gion’s most famous racing cir- so close throughout the open- “I’ve managed to keep my- cuits, the final round of Season ing rounds, it was difficult to self in a strong position in the 8 is closing in and the Middle tell who would cross the finish championship despite some East’s top motor racers have line in the top three positions disappointing results, and with their sights firmly set on the in each race. only two races to go I know championship silverware. By the time the series how important it will be for me For Charlie Frijns the up- reached the halfway stage of to claim as many points as pos- coming weekend will be a huge the season with six races down, sible.” occasion on top of what has things had still not opened up He added, “I am one of a been one of the most competi- in the championship standings few of the drivers in this cham- tive editions of the series ever, with Charlie Frijns and Irish pionship that has experienced especially in his chase for the driver Ryan Cullen was locked racing as part of the Formula 1 gold category title. on 90 points each. The tight weekend here in Bahrain. I am Across the weekend of April separation continued through hoping I can use this to my ad- 15 and 16, the Porsche GT3 Cup Round 4 after which just 63 vantage and remain cool under Challenge will power into Bah- points separated the top six the pressure of the occasion. It rain where Round 6 will take drivers in the overall standings. is always an amazing experi- on the role of support race for The championship re- ence to compete on the world the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air turned to Bahrain for the pe- stage of motorsport, and I al- Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. nultimate round of the season ways say that anything could The added theatre, excite- with Charlie Frijns knowing happen. ment and attention of Formula that every single point would “For me, I am going to 1 is something Frijns hopes to count. After a fourth and third have to put all the enjoyment use as motivation for success, place finish in both races of and excitement aside and fo- not a distraction. “It’s a huge Round 5, Frijns allowed Cullen cus on getting the job done. A occasion for all of the drivers in to pull a 33-point gap at the top top three finish for me in this the championship, the added of championship standings. championship would be huge excited and pressure can really With a total of 50 points on of- for my racing career so I hope play a part in the result. And for fer in the final two races of the to drive well and make that me I need two of the best per- season, Frijns will be hoping to dream a reality,” he said. A big crowd of fans at the start of the Grand Prix of Qatar in Losail on Sunday. Wednesday, March 29, 2017

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Bakhti, 13, from the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan, who now lives in Kabul. D/2LC41L3,H)04 '0,,*/'L03)H00K0('/0C)( NYT SYNDICATE and the Taliban intensifies, and Pakistan in northeastern Afghanistan, but her If I don’t go to school, I will become forces Afghan refugees to return home, family members were displaced by nothing in the future; if I go to school, I HEN the first day of the according to Save the Children, an advo- fighting seven years ago. She now lives will become a doctor. I want to become new school year started cacy group. in a refugee camp in Kabul. She went a doctor. in Afghanistan this year, We spoke to five of those children. to school for three years before being We live in tents here; we have two 3.7 million boys and girls Here are their stories in their own words. pulled out. tents. I sleep with my five brothers were not expected to be in They have been translated and edited. I loved going to school, but we don’t and sisters in one tent, and my father, attendance, because of increased vio- have enough money to buy notebooks mother, and two small sisters sleep in lence, displacement and poverty. The and other things. Our relatives are angry the other. total number — roughly 1 in 3 school-age ‘I loved going to school, but we at us for leaving school, but without For breakfast, if something is left Afghan children — is expected to grow this don’t have enough money’ notebooks it was not possible to study over from dinner we eat that. If not, year as violence between Afghan forces Lina, 12, is from Kapisa province and do homework. we eat bread with tea. After breakfast, *%0)('*)" 0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  

I bring water from the well, which is a not behave well; they were very violent. one-hour walk away. Providing drinking They would call me the “strange girl.” water for our home is my responsibility, I also stopped going because my two and I bring water in a wheelbarrow, in brothers are alone. I am afraid they will these small barrels, two or three times a get lost — I have to stay and look after day. I also collect small pieces of wood them. If my mother was around, I would and plastic to burn for heating our study. But now I can’t. home. My cousins go to school. Those who go to school, they look good. I also want to go to school, but it is not going to ‘If you go to school, you will have happen. a good future’ Zahid, 8, is from Surkh Rod, a district in eastern Nangarhar province. ‘I am happy when night comes’ He and his four siblings help his father Imamuddin, 15, is from Charchino collect metal scraps in Jalalabad, a district in Oruzgan province. After nearby city. intense fighting in the district, which All members of my family sleep in is now controlled by the Taliban, his one room that we rent for $25 a month. father moved half of the family to Tirin After waking, I wash my face, then I eat Kot. my breakfast, which is tea with bread, I studied up to fifth grade in our and then I take my sack and go to the district, but schools closed a year ago bazaar. because of fighting, and now the Taliban During the day, I collect scraps of control our village. There was fighting metal, wood and paper. For lunch, I wait every day, and I wasn’t even able to leave in front of a bakery — the baker himself our house. or someone else gives me a loaf of bread Zahid, 8, from Surkh Rod, a district in eastern Nangarhar Provincein in Afghanistan. My mother and five sisters are still in that I share with my friend or my cousin. the district; we are trying to bring them We sell the things we collect during here soon. We live in a rented house, the day for 20 cents, and then I bring the which has three rooms, and we pay money home and we buy tea, sugar or about $60 a month for rent. My father, something else with it. In a whole day, two brothers and I share one room. It’s the most I earn is 50 cents. winter, and to keep a room warm needs I do not go to school because we a lot of wood, and we can hardly make don’t have money to pay school expens- one room warm. es. The 20 cents I earn is to pay for sugar Life is hard for me here because I and tea. do nothing. I am very bored. But I am My relatives and friends are going happy when night comes, and at least I to school, and when I see them, I wish I can go to sleep. would be able to go to school and do my I really want to become a doctor and studies, too. If you go to school, you will serve the people. I am asking my father have a good future. If you don’t, you will to send me to English classes in Tirin not. Kot, but my father cannot afford the fees. I am studying my old books from school, and I have completed each book ‘If my father were alive, I would many times. not be spending the day in the I may start working, or move to bazaar’ another province where we can find a Raqibullah, 12, is from a village on better living. I am worried about my the outskirts of Tirin Kot, a city in Oruz- future and education. Life was good back gan province in southern Afghanistan. in the district — we had a good living, His father was killed a year and a half we had land and orchards and schools ago by a blast from a roadside bomb. and fellow students, but here you do not Raqibullah then moved to Tirin Kot. know anybody. Fighting deprived us of When I was in the village, I was going everything. to school, but there are no schools there anymore. I only studied up to fourth Raqibullah, 12, from a village on the outskirts of Imamuddin, 15, from Charchino District in (Cover: Lina, 12, from Kapisa Province in grade, but I can still read and write. Tirin Kot in southern Afghanistan. Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan. northeastern Afghanistan.) In the city, I sell sweets from a cart to feed my siblings. I have three broth- should be going, too. But I have to earn sweeping inside and outside, wash- FAHIM ABED, MUJIB MASHAL AND ZAHRA NADER ers and three sisters, and we all live money in order to feed my family and ing the dishes. If there is a carpet in FROM KABUL; TAIMOOR SHAH FROM KANDAHAR; together. My oldest brother is 14 years afford the rent. progress, then I get to help weave the NAJIM RAHIM FROM KUNDUZ; AND KHALID ALOKOZAY old, and the youngest in our family is carpet. FROM JALALABAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE REPORTING. my 4-year-old sister. My older brother is From each carpet, I get about 80 also working with me. ‘My two brothers are alone’ cents as a tip. The rest of the money goes If my father were alive, I would not Bakhti, 13, is from the northern city to the house expenses. Last time from be spending the day in the bazaar selling of Mazar-i-Sharif. Her mother died of the 80 cents, I bought a comb for myself things. hepatitis B three years ago. Her father, and socks for my brothers. My cousins are still in the village who works as a day labourer in Iran, When I lived in Mazar, I studied until where there is no school. But my neigh- left her and her younger brothers in fourth grade. When we came to Kabul, bours here — they attend private school Kabul with their uncle. I went to school for about three months and government schools. When I see I wake up around 6 am After break- but then stopped. The classes here were boys going to school, I really feel like I fast, I do the housework — cleaning, not like those in Mazar. The students did  0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY 

Group photo with attendees. NC'C)*)2C43(0($*)-(L*K*4 I&3,H3420#')0+0,"H&)CI,0(')&1'&)0( TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK by revealing ancient construction tech- nology for building extremely durable HE Qatar Chapter of the structures that lasts for centuries. Institution of Engineers India Among the distinguished guests were (IEI) organised a workshop on Indian Embassy in Qatar First Secretary ‘Building Extremely Durable Dinesh Udenia, Al Fardan Group Chief De- Structures that last for 500 to velopment Officer Fayad Mohamed Khatib, 1000 years by revealing Ancient Con- and Qatar University Civil Engineering As- struction Technology’. sistant Professor Dr Nasser A Alnuaimi. Honorary Secretary Dipak Dahake Honorary Chairman Aniruddha outlined the Qatar Chapter’s professional Kulkarni announced the upcoming skill activities and talked about corporate/ development programme for blue collar non-corporate membership of the institu- technical staff. Abhijit Kuwalekar in his tion. He said the Qatar chapter is offer- vote of thanks said that IEI Qatar will ing free life-membership to corporate continue in its quest to promote innova- members and free annual membership to tive technologies/inventions, engineering graduate engineers. products for the benefit of the engineer- Nandadeep Designers and Vaulers Pvt ing fraternity in Qatar. Ltd India Managing Director Dr Mahesh IEI Qatar Chapter released an eBook Felicitation of speaker. Varma shared his professional experience on the workshop. 3),C &I,311L**,('&H04'(20' L32L0('(1*)034D 0#C+ TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Research. In recognition of their academic IMANISH Poovalingam diligence, Himanish and Amrit re- Jayanthi and Amrit Manoj ceived the International Benchmark Menon, Class III students Tests Award for Excellence and cash of Birla Public School, have prize. been commended for get- The award reflects the constant ting the highest score in Mathematics effort of the school and the commit- in the International Benchmark ment of their teachers and parents in Tests for 2016 conducted by Austral- achieving the milestone in their aca- ian Council for Educational demic life. Himanish Poovalingam Jayanthi Amrit Manoj Menon 3'"13)1&3' 0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY   *),HC'0)C"*I(0)%0H TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

N awareness programme organ- ised jointly by Mediaplus and DFriends Cultural Centre discussed in detail the water crisis in various parts of the planet. The seminar observed that there are over 663 million people living without a safe water supply close to home, spend- ing countless hours queuing or trekking to distant sources, and coping with the health impacts of using contaminated water. This year’s theme: ‘Why waste water’, is in support of the sustainable development goal on improving water quality and reducing, treating and reus- ing waste water. water, only water wasted,” he added. inaugurated the event. He shed light on advocate sustainable management of The vast majority of all the waste Friends Cultural Centre Executive the water crisis and urged united action freshwater resources. water from houses, cities, industry and Director Habeeburahman Kizhissery to sort out the issue. An international day to celebrate agriculture flows back to nature with- underlined the importance of preserving Mediaplus CEO Amanulla Vadakkan- freshwater was recommended at the out being treated or reused – polluting natural resources and rain water. gara conducted the event. Mindtune 1992 United Nations Conference on En- drinking and bathing and irrigation Climate change, population growth patron Mashood Thirithiyad, Chaliyar vironment and Development (UNCED). and losing valuable nutrients and other and economic development demand for Doha General Secretary EK Abdul The United Nations General Assembly recoverable materials. sustainable solutions to make the world Latheef and PK Star Group Managing responded by designating March 22, “Reducing and safely treating and future-proof. Waste water is perceived Director PK Mustafa also spoke on the 1993, as the first World Water Day. reusing wastewater, for example in agri- as a valuable resource in the circular occasion. Each year, World Water Day high- culture and aquaculture, protect work- economy and its safe management is an Jinto Sebastian led the gathering in lights a specific aspect of freshwater. ers, farmers and consumers, promotes efficient investment in the health of hu- the save-water pledge. Under the theme ‘Water and Wastewa- food security, health and wellbeing,” mans and ecosystems. Improving waste The event started with the recitation ter’, the year 2017 provides an important said Top End Solutions Assistant Gen- water management means improvement of poems by ONV Kuruppu and En- opportunity to consolidate and build eral Manager R Sathishchandran. Top on all 6 targets of the sustainable devel- chakkad Balachandran. upon the previous World Water Days to End Solutions focuses on applying latest opment goal on water. World Water Day is observed an- highlight the symbiosis between water technology for water purification and re- Indian Community Benevolent nually on March 22, to focus attention and wastewater in the quest for sustain- cycling. “There is no such thing as waste Forum President Davis Edakkulathur on the importance of freshwater and to able development.

organized the country’s 8th Qatar International Its aim is to map an itinerary of modernism THE MIA BAZAAR Food Festival. The culinary extravaganza will and profile the practice of the Iraqi artist. When: Every Saturday till end of April 2017 be located mainly at Hotel Park, in front of Time: 12 noon to 7pm The Sheraton Hotel. This year’s event features QATAR MOTOR SHOW 2017 Venue: MIA Park celebrity chefs Manal al Alem, Fawaz, Roaya When: April 18-22 With around 150 stalls, MIA Park Bazaar is Saleh and Nusret Gökce – famously known as a modern version of the old souq tradition. Ì   Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center Salt Bae. The festival offers new excitements You can browse and buy handicraft, acces- Admission: Free along with popular attractions offered in the past sories, paintings, clothing, food, jewellery, year including food trucks and competitions. This year is Qatar Motor Show’s 7th edition. photography and artworks. The bazaar offers a ‘Driving to Innovation’ is the 2017 slogan re- wealth of gift options for both young and old. flecting the event’s strategy to attract brands A to introduce their technologically innovative NC'C) features shaping the industry. Qatar Motor MAHASEEL FESTIVAL KATARA Show is part of the strategy to position Qatar When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as a premium business events destination. until the end of April 2017 Time: 8am to 6pm IWED 2017 Venue: Katara Cultural Village When: April 25–29 Organised by The Cultural Village Foundation Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center – Katara, the Mahaseel Festival provides residents and visitors goods freshly picked from Qatar farms. THE DOLLS EXHIBITION Admission: Free When: Till March 30 IWED 2017 is a one stop shop wedding exhibi- Time: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm tion providing contemporary trends and ideas IMPERIAL THREADS: MOTIFS AND Venue: Katara Cultural Village, Building 22 for planning a perfect wedding. Over 120 ARTISANS FROM TURKEY, IRAN AND INDIA RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION Admission: Free international, regional & local wedding profes- When: Till November 4 BY DIA AL-AZZAWI sionals will take up space at the 5,000-square Venue: Museum of Islamic Art Cultural village foundation - Katara presents Date: Till April 16 the dolls exhibition by the Artist Siamak Azmi meter exhibition centre. Visitors can expect This exhibition focuses on the exchange of Venue: Mathaf and QM Gallery - Al Riwaq to see elegant wedding and evening gowns, cultures between the Ottoman Safavid and Qatar Museums (QM) has organised an exhibi- wedding cake displays, floral designs, latest Mughal Empires. The exhibition highlights QATAR INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL tion entitled “Retrospective” for one of the wedding photography exhibits, hair and make- MIA’s masterpiece carpets, among other When: Till April 8 most renowned modern artists of the Arab up tutorials, musical entertainments and daily artworks, from Turkey, Iran and India, prima- Venue: The Hotel Park (in front of Sheraton Hotel) world: Dia Al-Azzawi. The exhibition show- daily fashion shows. It is also a place to meed rily from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Admission: Free cases over 546 works across fifty years. the best wedding planners in the country. Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways have  0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  D)*&4H'*$4

*LCC4- ($3'1L0(*// L0 0C),@NC'C) /*)C)'L*&) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK .*34('L0$*),H FFIRMING its commitment to supporting action on climate Dchange and raising awareness about energy conservation, Doha Bank 34+C)-342 switched off the lights in its corporate headquarters and select branches across Qatar as part of its participation in the 11th annual Earth Hour. C)'L*&) A people’s movement organised annually by the World Wide Fund TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour is the world’s largest demonstration of sup- NITED Development Company (UDC), master developer of The port for action on climate change. Pearl-Qatar, took part, along with a number of shops and resi- To mark the event, every year dents of the Island, in the Earth Hour initiative last Saturday by people around the world turn off all switching off unnecessary lights from 8.30 pm till 9.30 pm local time. non-essential lights for one hour from Earth Hour, the largest climate support initiative of its kind, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. aims to draw attention to and raise awareness of the risks of climate Commenting on the need for change by encouraging participants to turn off lights for one hour on decisive action on climate change, the last Saturday of March. Last year, 178 countries participated in Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman the initiative. said, “Climate Change is the greatest Participating in Earth Hour comes within UDC’s commitment to challenge facing humanity in the 21st its social responsibility towards the local environment, evident by its Century. Effective mitigation of cli- efforts in integrating sustainable practices into business decisions and mate change risk will not be achieved by adopting conscious methods in the management and recycling of unless all state and non-state indi- waste on the Island. UDC also adopts policies to ensure the optimal viduals step up their efforts towards a use of energy in all its projects, and organises events that aim to high- low-carbon future, and we believe the light environmental and social initiatives and concerns. private sector has a vital role to play in making this transition possible. As an active and long-standing advocate for environmental sustainability, Doha Bank has consistently lent its support to initiatives that aim to reduce green- C)'L*&)*I(0)%0HC' á%04K31-*'0,0('C" house gas emissions, and we are happy to be able to once again contribute to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the fight to save our planet with our participation in Earth Hour.” ÖVENPICK Hotel West Bay Doha Doha Bank is one of the very few celebrated Earth Hour with 60 institutions in the region that have minutes of darkness and a special an active “green” policy in all areas of celebration of ‘Live Green’ at the hotel’s their business. lobby on March 25, with a big crowd of employees and guests. To celebrate the occasion, the Gold Green Globe certified hotel turned off all unnecessary lights and lit candles to conserve energy as a part of the annual global initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions across the planet. For that evening, the ground floors at Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha featured a ‘Live Green’ area with pillars made from recycled wood and other materials, as a symbol of sustainability. Hotel employees gathered to light can- long recycling initiative to encourage all small contribution as part of the larger dles and commemorated this special employees to recycle at homes as well, to efforts throughout the world, showing evening to honour the environment. truly embody the aspect of living green. our concern and support in spreading As the property turned off its lights “It is our continued commitment awareness about sustainability.” from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the hotel to maintain an effective environmental One of the key goals of the hotel is to invited guests to stand for sustainability management policy for the preserva- promote and create awareness around with General Manager Ghada Sadek and tion of a healthy environment for future sustainability and green-friendly living, other members of management, and generations,” said Sadek. “By turning off while creating a culture and promoting Doha bank head office building. enjoy complimentary snacks and bever- non-essential lights, evoking candle pow- an attitude towards recycling and energy ages, as well as famous Mövenpick ice er and involving both staff and guests for conservation throughout the hotel’s basic cream. The hotel also announced a week- one hour in the lobby, we have made our daily operations. 3/0('",0 0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  

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AFP The report found that “all of the the study of 155 countries. “One of the main reasons we can top four countries rank highly on all The United States slipped to do all this is the oil money,” she ac- CHILLY climate isn’t keep- the main factors found to support number 14 because of less social knowledged. ing Norway from basking happiness: caring, freedom, generos- support and greater corruption – the “We of course managed our re- in the glow of being named ity, honesty, health, income and good very factors explaining why Nordic sources well for the good of society, the world’s happiest coun- governance.” countries fare better on the happiness but we were also really lucky to have try. Rounding out the top 10 were Fin- scale. these resources,” she said. DThe Scandinavian country surged land, in fifth place, The Netherlands Norway, the largest oil producer in The World Happiness Report was from fourth place in last year’s UN (6), Canada (7), New Zealand (8) and western Europe, is a prosperous coun- released by the United Nations on the assessment all the way to the top spot, Australia and Sweden tied for 9th. try – despite a recent drop in oil prices International Day of Happiness. It is according to the World Happiness All in the top 10 were affluent, – with a very generous welfare state. the fifth such report since the first was Report 2017. developed nations, though the report “We won the lottery,” Arne Larsen, published in 2012. Other top countries on the list said that money was not the only a retired civil servant, said in central “Since then we have come a long included Nordic neighbours Denmark ingredient for happiness. Oslo. way. Happiness is increasingly con- and Iceland, as well as Switzerland. In fact, among the wealthier “Oil is part of it, but you shouldn’t sidered the proper measure of social Norwegian Prime Minister Erna countries the differences in happiness exaggerate its importance because life progress and the goal of public poli- Solberg, who is facing a tough re-elec- levels had a lot to do with “differences was good in Norway before too. cy,” the report said. tion battle in September, welcomed in mental health, physical health and “I think it has more to do with While the 10 countries at the the report as “a nice validation. personal relationships: the biggest fundamental societal factors: Norway top remained the same as in a 2016 “For many years, Norway has been single source of misery is mental ill- is quite homogenous, it’s a country update, those in the bottom 10, behind Denmark in this ranking. ness,” the report said. where the gap between the state and which had the lowest life evaluations, “I’ve made a point of it in many “Income differences matter more the people is not very big, and where showed greater variation. dinner speeches in the Nordics. Now I in poorer countries, but even their there is a lot of trust,” he said. The Central African Republic, which must find something new!” she said in mental illness is a major source of Thea Sofie Rusten Grastveit, who returned to the surveyed group, came a message on Facebook in Norwegian. misery,” it added. works as an advisor for a humanitar- in dead last at 155, with Burundi and “But even if we top this statistic Another major country, China, ian agency, echoed those thoughts. Tanzania doing only slightly better. now we (must) continue to prioritise has made major economic strides Thirty years old and pregnant with Among the 20 largest losers, five mental health care, to improve follow- in recent years. But its people are her first child, she is getting ready to were in the Middle East and North up of children and young people not happier than 25 years ago, the take a 16-month parental leave, which Africa and five were in sub-Saharan because many are still struggling.” report found. China ranked 79th in she will share 50-50 with her husband. Africa.  0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  **-$*)+ D+0+*3) 'LC'2)CI("*& ,3-0C(*42

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HUCK Berry, who died on March 18, at 90, was rock’s first great songwriter. Here’s what’s less known: He also wrote its first great memoir. L&1-0))" attitudes Chuck Berry: The Autobiogra- during this era. That phy was published in 1987. Its first word is “hospitaboo,” a combina- sentence is a declaration of independ- tion of “hospitality” and “taboo.” It means, he ence and intent: “This book is entirely writes, “how do you do but don’t-you-dare.” written, phrase by phrase, by yours truly, Chuck Berry had an outsize libido, and it got him into Berry.” trouble. He had more than his share of what he Not for him the bland evasions in those music calls “mal-publicity.” He was arrested in 1959 for memoirs ghostwritten, with added strings and transporting a teenager across state lines for im- synthesised filler, by hack journalists. He wrote moral purposes. (He says he did not know she was much of the book in prison, where he was serving underage.) He had fetishes. In 1990, after the book time for tax evasion. The early parts read as if he was published, he was found to have videotapes of had scratched them in pencil, ecstatically, onto his women using the toilet in his restaurant. cell wall. I’m not here to defend this behaviour. I’m here One of the things that made Berry’s songs jump to say that in Chuck Berry: The Autobiography, he out of the radio was his mischievous feel for words writes with a wide-awake candour that’s unusual and his knack for alighting on details so fresh that and refreshing. they squeak. “They finished off an apartment with He doesn’t stint on the complicated and com- a two-room Roebuck sale,” he sang about the new- plicating details. Berry’s recall is amazing. Reading lyweds in You Never Can Tell. “The Coolerator was about his best-remembered kisses, cuddles, crushes crammed with TV dinners and ginger ale.” and hotel room exploits is like reading gastronome This same instinctive feel for language flows into Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin on his favourite the autobiography. You’re not far into it before he meals. Women adored Berry as much as he them. describes a friend who is “as ugly as death eating a “I was slow with shyness when it was in the vein dirty doughnut.” A few pages before that, a girl is so of trying to suck face,” Berry writes about his teen- pretty that the author “would have daily taken out age years, in a line that feels as if it could have been her garbage just to be near her can.” plucked from one of his songs. He got less shy. His sentences pop, as if he had a Coolerator He married when young, and he bears down, in crammed with them. He writes about the world like his book, on the meanings of intimacy. You sense a man noticing everything for the first time. that he is working out his grateful feelings in front Berry’s book details the indignities of touring in of your eyes. the South as a black musician during the 1950s and “The greatest highs I’ve ever had in my life have ’60s. There are the restaurants that would not seat come from a mob of as many as 62,000 voices,” he L3(K*$0)/&,C4H*)3234C,I**- him, the hotels where he could not book a room. He writes, “and also from the moan of one.” is ruefully funny about the lengths to which strip The first third of Berry’s memoir is better than LC(('31-342K*$0)G'H*0(4k' club bouncers would go, in New Orleans, to keep a its second third. The final third crumbles, as did his black man out while maintaining a veneer of polite- career, into recriminations over bad business deals 1*4'C34C/C,(04*'0G ness. and legal woes. But this powerful and original book He also writes about how, in St Louis, where he has sticking power. It doesn’t contain a false note. was born, a mixed-race couple spotted by police “I don’t advocate sorrow,” Berry writes. “I pur- would be hauled in for mandatory venereal disease sue happiness in all avenues of life, and so I shall shots. avoid funerals, even my own.” Berry’s book, reread Chuck Berry being Chuck Berry, he comes up now, is a kind of jazz funeral, a woozy second-line with his own portmanteau for the South’s racial parade through the streets. It’s an earful. 01L4*,*2" 0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  Q *$'* +C4C20"*&) (+C)'KL*40 4*'3/31C'3*4( I0''0) IANS Systems in Denver, Colorado. RE you annoyed In the study, the research- with your smartphone’s ers collected more than 5,000 smart- LC'(,00K')C1-342 relentless stream of text phone records from 22 participants messages, push alerts, over four weeks. social media messages The participants took a test to see andD other noisy notifications? how their personalities aligned with H0%310+C"I0 Take heart, experts at Rutgers traits such as extroversion, agreeable- University in New Jersey, US, have ness, conscientiousness, neuroticism developed a new model that allows and openness, to help predict how inter- the smartphones to learn automati- ruptible people were. )&34342"*&)(,00K cally like a “human secretary” and The results showed that when partici- predict the user’s receptiveness to pants were in a pleasant mood, they were IANS distractions by the notifications. likely to be more interruptible than if they “Ideally, a smartphone notifica- were in an unpleasant mood. It also varied NABLE to get proper sleep at night? Blame that sleep tion management system should be based on their location. tracking app, as a new study has revealed that wearable like an excellent human secretary But participants were reluctant to be in-  sleep tracking devices such as Fitbit or Apple Watch, who knows when you want to terrupted when they were study- designed to help people track sleep, may actually be keeping be interrupted or left alone,” ing and were less interruptible people awake. said Janne Lindqvist, as- when exercising. The findings showed that when it comes to sleep, that en- sistant professor at Rutgers “Preferably, your smart- thusiasm for the devices may overshadow what they can deliver. University. phone would recognise your “It’s great that so many people want to improve their sleep. Currently, the notifica- patterns of use and behav- However, the claims of these devices really outweigh validation tion management system is iour and schedule notifica- of what they have shown to be doing. They don’t do a good job not smart or only depends tions to minimise interrup- of estimating sleep accurately,” said lead author Kelly Glazer on a user’s setting, such as tions,” Lindqvist added. Baron, psychologist at Rush University in Illinois, US. turning on or off certain  The findings could help People tend to get so worried about whether or not they notifications. phone makers and were getting enough shut-eye each night that the stress and The model can help to app developers anxiety keeps them awake. This may cause them ‘orthosomnia’ better manage smartphone build offerings that – an unhealthy preoccupation with achieving perfect sleep, the notifications using a sense are more useful researchers said. of personality type and and less annoying, People pursuing the quantified self rely on the daily acquisi- work patterns of the researchers said. tion of data to enhance their mental and physical life. But, some individuals. “We know that people do take it too far and that can be stressful, Baron said. The study people struggle In addition, the sleep monitoring data on these devices can will be pub- with time manage- also be misleading as these popular devices are unable to accu- lished in May ment all the time, so rately discriminate stages of sleep, the researchers emphasised at the ACM a smartphone, instead in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. CHI Confer- of being a nuisance, “They are not able to differentiate between light and deep ence on Hu- could actually help sleep. Furthermore, they might call it sleep when you’re reading man Factors with things,” Lindqvist in bed,” Baron explained. in Computing added. On the other hand, these sleep-tracking devices, if used properly can be helpful, especially for those suffering with sleep apnea – a serious sleep disorder – the researchers said, while working toward finding better ways to incorporate them into the standard techniques of sleep therapy.  0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  130410 *$H3HCI*)32340(20''*D&(')C,3C|  DL0,K((*,%0C+"('0)" NYT SYNDICATE mans moved from Southeast Asia onto this landmass, some settling in what is UMAN skeletons and archaeo- now New Guinea, others traveling farther logical remains in Australia can south into Australia. be traced back nearly 50,000 They kept to the coastlines until they years before the trail disap- reached southern Australia 49,000 years pears. Before then, apparently, ago. But once this great migration was Australia was free of humans. finished, the new study suggests, the So how did people get there, and ancestors of today’s Aborigines hunkered when? Where did humans first arrive on down in their new homes — for tens of the continent, and how did they spread thousands of years. across the entire landmass? The mitochondrial DNA contains no Answers to some of these questions evidence that these populations mixed in are stored in the DNA of aboriginal Aus- any significant way, surprising research- tralians. A genetic study of 111 aboriginal ers. “We were fully expecting a fully Australians offers an interesting — and, in diverse mix of people in all places at all some respects, unexpected — view of their times,” Cooper said. remarkable story. This is not the sort of migratory pat- All living aboriginal Australians de- tern documented by gene testing on other scend from a single founding population continents. In Europe, for instance, new that arrived about 50,000 years ago, populations have swept in every few thou- the study shows. They swept around the sand years, mixing with the societies they continent, along the coasts, in a matter of encountered. centuries. And yet, for tens of thousands Farming explains the difference, of years after, those populations remained Cooper suggests. Unlike Africa, Asia and isolated, rarely mixing. Europe, Australia did not experience the The DNA used in the new study comes rise of agriculture several thousand years from aboriginal hair collected during a se- ago. “If you don’t have cheap carbohy- ries of expeditions between 1926 and 1963. drates, you don’t increase in population The Board for Anthropological Research at size,” he said. the University of Adelaide sent researchers Populations grew on other conti- to communities across Australia, where nents, but they often risked catastrophic they collected vast amounts of information crop failure. When that happened, about aboriginal languages, ceremonies, Cooper said, “there’s only one response artwork, cosmologies and genealogy. — mass migration.” Many aboriginal Australians today In Australia, however, Aborigines did no longer live where their ancestors did. not depend on crops and lived as nomads During the 1900s, the country’s govern- in discrete regions. They never needed to ment forcibly removed many from their move across the continent. traditional lands and separated children “This is really very surprising but also from families. Many aboriginal Austral- hard to doubt,” said Stephan Schiffels, a ians moved to cities far from where they population geneticist at the Max Planck grew up. Institute for the Science of Human History Thanks to the subjects’ age and de- decades that the hair had been in storage, longed to a single human lineage, indicat- in Germany, who was not involved in the tailed records, scientists suspected the the genetic traces may have broken down ing that all Aborigines descended from a study. “The data is what it is.” hair samples might offer a glimpse of the beyond recognition. single migration to the continent. Schiffels and other researchers raised pre-colonial past. “It seemed obvious that Making matters worse, the hair had Mitochondrial DNA gradually accu- the possibility that the mitochondrial DNA this collection is perhaps the best way to been cut with scissors. The best way to get mulates mutations at a roughly regular was missing important details of Austral- reconstruct Australian history,” said Alan genetic material from a strand of hair is to rate, ticking like a molecular clock. By ian history. Cooper, a pioneer in ancient DNA studies pull it out at its DNA-rich root. adding up the mutations in the hair sam- DNA in the nucleus of each cell, com- at the University of Adelaide. Given these uncertainties, the sci- ples, the scientists also estimated that ing from both parents, can offer clues to a He and his colleagues first sought entists decided to increase the odds their owners all descended from a com- wider range of ancestors. consent for the tests from the descend- of success by searching for abundant mon ancestor who lived around 50,000 It turns out, however, that Cooper and ants of the people whose hair samples mitochondrial DNA, which is situated years ago. That finding fits nicely with his colleagues were too pessimistic about had been collected. They travelled to outside the cell nucleus and is inherited the estimated ages of the oldest archaeo- the hair samples. Skin cells stuck to the aboriginal communities, spending sev- solely from the mother. Eventually, the logical sites in Australia. hair shafts turn out to contain rich sup- eral days talking to family members to scientists managed to piece together all The mitochondrial tree also provided plies of nuclear DNA. address their concerns. All but one of the the mitochondrial genes in each of the clues to how people spread through the “We can do the entire genome for families they visited gave them permis- hair samples. continent. each of these samples,” Cooper said. “So sion to run the study. By comparing the aboriginal sequences Fifty thousand years ago, sea lev- we’re returning to these communities Cooper and his colleagues knew ex- to DNA from other parts of the world, the els were so low that Australia and New to ask for permission to get a far more tracting DNA would not be easy. Over the scientists determined that they all be- Guinea formed a single continent. Hu- detailed look.” *,,"$**H 0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY   0,3((C 1C)'L"ICHC')0+0+I0)342HC'0(

IANS rthy said: “11 years married. Right?” Then McCarthy said: “No, but I’m She added: “11 years married, and I awful with years. Like I ask my sister ELISSA McCarthy, who is mar- would say 18, 19.” Margie, ‘When was I in New York?’, ried to actor Ben Falcone, says Falcone said: “I think we met 19 ‘When was I in school’. I have been like she is bad at remembering dates years ago. I think we’ve been together this for some reason... I can’t remem- and years – even if it is to do with her 16?” ber.” marriage. To that, McCarthy replied: “I think “I would remember like what you are McCarthy opened up about her mar- it’s more than that but, I think it’s 18.” wearing, what we did, where we went to riage on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. The host then joked that it would be dinner. I would remember like that stuff When host DeGeneres asked them for great help if they can tell an accurate but in terms of like was it 1988 or was it how long they have been together, McCa- date. like 2011, I’m like....umm,” she added. Melissa McCarthy 0))"Y L3,,3KK0 &('3430I0)YEC"4 C,3- K,C443421*,,CI*)C'3*4| j¡3)'kH&)342 IANS USTIN Bieber and Zayn Malik are reportedly plan- ning to collaborate for a new single. I3)'LHC"KC)'" The rumours of them working together started coming IANS up after Bieber retweeted a link of Malik’s new single from his upcom- ATY Perry and actor Ryan ing album featuring rapper Partyn- Phillippe were report- extdoor. edly “flirting and giggling” “Justin has been really compli- Justin Bieber Zayn Malik at singer Elton Johns 70th mentary of Zayn’s new music and birthday party. there have been tentative discussions house on fire. Justin even re-tweeted M“Katy Perry and Ryan Phillippe about them working on something a link to Zayn’s single on his Twitter were totally flirting at Elton John’s together,” a source said. which he doesn’t just do for anyone,” birthday party! They were seated at The source added that the two are the source said. separate tables but he becoming friends. “It would be a huge collaboration made his way over to “They are in touch and chatting if it happened so watch out for it,” her and sat down about all sorts and getting on like a the source added. next to her,” a source said. “She was totally giggling and at one point 3''-004'*/3#I*4H$3'L*,30 he had his hand Ryan Phillippe on her knee. Then he took IANS off but came for more flirting,” the source back added. RAD Pitt reportedly wants to later Perry and Phillippe fix his relationship with Ange- were joined by Neil  lina Jolie for the sake of their Patrick Harris, Jon six children. Hamm, James Corden According to a source, Pitt is and Heidi Klum at the trying to figure out what’s best for star-studded party on their children – Maddox, 15, Pax, March 25. 13, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins The news about them Knox and Vivienne, 8 – so they can flirting comes as a shock have a normal life. because Perry was report- “No matter how much Angie has Katy edly thinking about rekin- hurt him, Brad was, and is, deter- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Perry dling romance with her mined to mend his relationship with former beau John Mayer. her for the sake of the children,” the respectful relationship with Angie “She’s told him she still source said. is what’s best for them,” added the loves him, but she’s still very “Their welfare is more impor- source. hesitant to give him another tant to him than anything else in Pitt and Jolie have been in a cus- chance. She’s afraid of getting this world and he knows having a tody battle over their children. hurt by him again,” the source said.  0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  *,,"$**H

IANS tappa killed Baahubali. Veteran Tamil actor Sathyaraj plays Kattappa in the franchise. ARAN Johar thanked the mak- He finally revealed why he killed Baahubali. *4k'LC%0'04K0)104'*/ ers of Baahubali for letting him “Producer Shobu paid me very well to kill have a small part of the project. Prabhas. My director Rajamouli asked me He also said he doesn’t even to kill Baahubali, and I obliged. Why would have ten percent of director SS I kill Prabhas otherwise?” he asked, with MRajamouli’s gumption. laughter. Johar, who had acquired the theatrical Sathyaraj also said that though he has rights of the Hindi version of Baahubali starred in over 250 films, the world knows C.C+*&,3k( franchise, said Baahubali is “probably the him as Kattappa. Tamannaah Bhatia, who greatest film ever made.” At the pre-release plays princess Avantika in the film, added event of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, that it’s once in a lifetime experience to be Johar said: “This is the biggest movie event part of Baahubali. She thanked Rajamouli in the history of Indian cinema and I have for giving her the opportunity. to say I’m amazed. “Though it’s been two years since 2&+K'3*4[ “This is pure dedication, pure the release of the first part, people strength and this is what I want are still excited as though it to go back to and teach.” At released last week,” she said. the event, a special audio- At the event, the film’s video on Johar’s career was audio was also launched. screened. He said he was Composer MM Keera- MC)C4*LC) “stumped.” vani talked about the “Baahubali, 67 years music behind the trailer, later, has beaten the magic which has clocked over created by Mughal-e-Azam 100 million views. on screen. Rajamouli’s cinema Actress Anushka has soul, his personality has Shetty said that everyone *LC)Y$L*LCH gumption and I don’t think I even got to learn something from C1J&3)0H'L0'L0C')31C, have ten percent of it,” he said. SS Rajamouli each other while working on the Producer Shobu Yarlagadda project. )32L'(*/'L034H3 thanked Johar for helping them conquer “While all of us put in so much effort one of the toughest industries (Bollywood) in the film, Prabhas dedicated five years of %0)(3*4*/ with Baahubali. “We went to Karan Johar his life to it. All of us are proud of him,” she to take Baahubali out of Tollywood. When said. CCL&IC,3/)C41L3(0Y he saw the film, he could see the potential Rana Daggubati, who plays Bhallala in it. Since he believed in the film and put Deva in the film, said every minute of (C3HCCL&IC,33( his name on it, we could conquer Bolly- the last five years was close to his heart. K)*ICI,"'L02)0C'0(' wood market. He said that he will miss working on the “Thank you, Karan Johar, for being a project. When Rajamouli finally arrived ¡,+0%0)+CH0 part of this journey,” Yarlagadda said, and on stage, he had a lot of people to thank. added that the film wouldn’t have hap- From policemen who helped conduct the pened if everybody didn’t stick together for event smoothly to his crew members, he five years. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is extended heartfelt gratitude. Rajamouli slated for release on April 28. thanked his wife Rama for her support and The film will finally explain why Kat- for keeping him grounded.

3,,K,C"0%04C2L*(''*$*)-$3'L 00)C.C2C34[31-" PTI screen or not,” Vicky said. “I want to test for a part in Raju Sir’s film. to work with him every time I get So, I went to his office and gave an ICKY Kaushal says he wants a chance. Neeraj is my man. I will audition. I was called again a couple to be a part of every film made make sure he casts me, I can even go of days later when he narrated the Vicky  by the Masaan director Neeraj on to emotionally blackmail him.” script to me. “I asked him what was Kaushal Ghaywan, who gave him his first In the biopic, being directed by next. That’s when Raju Sir told me I break in films, even if that means Rajkumar Hirani, Vicky plays one of had the role, I was stumped. appearing as a ghost. Dutt’s closest friends. “It was really hard for me to The 28-year-old actor, who will He, however, is not ready to re- believe that I will be working with be seen in Sanjay Dutt’s biopic, veal more about the role. “My char- him. It was one of the best narra- says he wants to work with acter is one of Sanjay Dutt’s closest tions I have ever been through.” Ghaywan every time he gets friends and that’s all I can say at Apart from Dutt’s biopic, Vicky a chance, irrespective of the this point. He is someone who has will be seen in a rom-com for the role or subject. “I want to really seen him through thick and first time. Titled, Love Per Square work in every Neeraj Ghay- thin of his life and stood by him,” Foot, the movie will release later wan film. Vicky said adding that he came to this year. “This is a romantic com- “I have told him that I am know he had landed the role after edy based in Mumbai. It is the first ready to play a ghost so that I the PK director was through with time that I am doing comedy. can say I was there in at least the narration. “It is a break from all the serious one frame of his film. I don’t “I got a call by casting director roles that I have done till now,” he care if my face is visible on the Mukesh Chhabra and he asked me said. *,,"$**H 0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY   C4''*2*$*),H$3H0 3),((L*&,HL3'IC1-3/ $3'LH323'C,/*)C"[ '*&1L0H34CKK)*K)3C'0,"Y (C"(D-(LC"M&+C) L3,KCL0''" IANS KSHAY Kumar, who is IANS I eat muesli either in a smoothie form trained in martial arts, with yoghurt, almond milk, coconut says girls should not HILPA Shetty says she is milk and some fruit. I eat that as a pre- panic if touched inap- very excited about her digital starter and then I have two eggs little propriately. They should foray where she promotes later. It’s very important to have fibre- insteadD hit back. health and imparts cooking rich breakfast,” she said. Shilpa also Akshay, along with the team of lessons. She said she wants to emphasised on eating on time. “I think his forthcoming film Naam Shaba- take the project forward worldwide. “I that’s the most important thing for any na – Manoj Bajpayee and Taapsee have just started this whole foray into working person – to eat on time. Pannu and producer Neeraj Pan- digital with a YouTube channel and my Normally I like to have my lunch at dey – visited the Gargi College for Akshay Kumar website on health. 12:30 pm, my body starts craving for women. This is something that I want to it,” said Shilpa, who has launched fit- Akshay spoke extensively on the take worldwide,” Shilpa said. “Health is ness DVDS and books. importance of women knowing self- extremely important for all of us. I am How important is it defence techniques. doing this very passionately. for actresses to remain “In our country, I believe, girls I am very happy that we have fit to get the best should not learn martial arts or self- .&('$C4''*'0,,"*&*40 got three verticals that focus roles in Bollywood? defence because I feel they should 'L342}3/C2&"'*&1L0("*&Y on health – nutrition, yoga “I don’t think you be free to walk anywhere, anytime, and functional training, and should maintain any place. But unfortunately, be- H*4k'KC431Y34/C1'YL3'L3+ it’s all-encompassing. I am a diet or have cause of some dirty people they have IC1-C4H)&4 teaching people how to modification in to learn self-defence,” Akshay said. cook healthy, so that’s a your life to get a “I am running a school in Mum- Akshay said. new avatar and people role. bai and I want to open one school Akshay is known for his work in have not seen it before,” “I think you here (in Delhi) but I don’t know action-packed films like the Khiladi she added. need to do it be- when it will happen. I just want to series as well as Mohra, Elaan, Su- The actress spoke cause you want to be tell you one thing – if a guy touches haag, Rowdy Rathore and Holiday: on the sidelines of the fit and healthy. Hav- you, don’t panic, in fact, hit him A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. launch of the cereal ing a lifestyle modifica- back and run,” he added. As a promotional step for Naam Saffola Multigrain tion for the rest of your The 49-year-old actor says that Shabana, Akshay and Taapsee had Flakes. She was at life is the way to go. Any a man is successful in harassing a also posted on social media a video the event along with person who is fit, who girl when she “freezes” and doesn’t teaching self-defence techniques to dietician and health looks good, will react. girls. expert Pooja Ma- have discipline “What happens in life – how Naam Shabana is a spy-thriller khija. Talking about and nobody gets does a guy succeed in harassing a film directed by Shivam Nair and her morning food it free,” said the girl, to get her under control? Be- produced by Neeraj Pandey and rituals, Shilpa – a 41-year-old, who cause a woman or a girl freezes. She Shital Bhatia under the Friday Film- mother of one – finds Bollywood doesn’t know when a man touches works banner. said, “I am a break- actress Deepika her, she doesn’t know what to do. So A spin-off of the 2015 film Baby, fast girl. Padukone very fit. don’t ever freeze, just shout... That with Taapsee reprising her role as I eat at 7:30 is the biggest thing, just shout Shabana, the film is releasing on am till 7:30 pm. Shilpa Shetty loudly and run, but don’t freeze,” Friday. I make sure that *&2L'*+C34'C34IC,C410I0'$004K0)(*4C,YK)*/0((3*4C,,3/0[ )3"C4-C IANS what you feel is important,” Priyanka said. in 2003 with The Hero: Love Story of a “I work very hard but when I need Spy. Projects like Don, Fashion, 7 Khoon RIYANKA Chopra, who has been to make time for myself, my family or Maaf, Barfi!, Mary Kom and Bajirao Mas- Priyanka juggling work between the US and friends for example, I will make the time. tani are milestones in her career. Chopra India, says it is easy to get lost in “I understand my priorities and so The actress said it is important to work but she makes it a point to take out does my team so when I need to do some- have people in your life who show you some time for her friends and family. She thing that’s important to me I will. I also the mirror. “My family, friends and says she finds a balance in her personal make an effort to be connected. It’s easy team have always been that for me and I and professional life “by living a double to get lost in work.” wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s im- life.” For Priyanka, it all started at the age of portant to have an objective perspective “Let’s be honest, it’s tough to always 17 when she was crowned Miss World. She or a view point different from yours,” maintain a balance but you’ve got to do soon stepped into the world of Bollywood said the actress.  0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  ,C"L*&(0

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Home and family mean everything to you. You are /"*& intelligent, thoughtful and well-loved by oth- K3H0)+C4 ers. In the next three years, you will experience $0)0I*)4 a time of culmination, success and financial accumulation. That’s why it is wise to settle your '*HC"X debts this year. This also is a social year that deals with the results of last year’s changes.

You are sharing your Birthday with: Ming Tsai, author/chef; Pearl Bailey, jazz singer; Scott Wilson, actor.

E3'( ,C"L*&(0 0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY     

'C)C,- By King Features Syndicate, Inc.

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO This is a good day for mental work, Research will go well today Someone older or more expe- A conversation with a boss or parent This is a great day to study anything, Discussions about shared property, because you will be careful and will because your mind is steady rienced might have excellent will be instructive today. Both par- because you have focus and inheritances, wills and insurance not overlook details. Furthermore, and focused. You will stay on advice for you today. It never ties will make progress in a practical concentration. Furthermore, you issues will go well today. You you will have the steady endur- track, looking for what you hurts to listen, does it? way, especially in terms of planning. won’t overlook or skip things. will be thorough in everything ance to finish what you begin. want to find until you find it. you do; plus, someone more experienced might help you.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS Pisces Discussions with partners and close You will get a lot done at work This is a good day for practical This is a good day for family discus- This is an excellent day to do future Value your moneymaking friends are serious today, because today because you are in a planning regarding sports, future sions, especially discussions with a planning. This planning might be ideas today, because you are you are in a serious frame of mind. practical, hands-on frame of social occasions and anything parent or an older family member. personal or professional. Discus- in a sensible frame of mind. Furthermore, people who are older mind. Be ready to listen to a related to kids. Get out a pen and You will come up with practical sions with siblings and relatives You have practical ideas about and more experienced will help you boss or a more experienced paper, and start making a list. ideas for now and in the future. will be serious and productive. how to deal with your assets. now. Listen to what is offered. co-worker who might help you.  0H40(HC"Y C)1L QY  *%30(4NC'C)

CITY CENTRE CINEMA VILLAGGIO CINEMA ASIAN TOWN CINEMA MALL CINEMA

EL QERD BEYT KALE (ARABIC): 11.45 AM, 1.45 PM, 3.45 PM, 5.45 PM, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (FANTASY): 10:30 PM, 11.15 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, ALAMARA (MALAYALAM): 12.45 PM, 5.45 PM, 8.15 PM, 10.45 PM BARBIE VIDEO GAME HERO (ANIMATION): 2 PM, 3.30 PM 7.45 PM, 9.45 , 11.45 PM 3:45 PM, 4.45 PM, 7.30 PM, 10.15 PM, 6:30 PM, 9:15 PM, 12 AM VEERAM (MALAYALAM): 6 PM PHILLAURI (HINDI): 5.30 PM, 10.45 PM POWER RANGERS (ACTION): 4.45 PM, 7 PM, 9.15 PM (IMAX-3D) 12 PM, 2:45 PM, 5:30 PM, 8:15 PM, 11 PM POWER RANGERS (ACTION): 12.45 PM, 3.30 PM, 6.15 PM, 9 PM, 11.45 ANGAMALY DIARIES (MALAYALAM): 8.15 PM, 10.45 PM PHILLAURI (HINDI): 11.30 PM PM [VIP SCREEN] 11.45 PM, 2.30 PM, 5.15 PM, 8 PM, 10.45 PM KONG SKULL ISLAND (ACTION): 11 AM, 1:30 PM, 4 PM, 6:30 PM, 9 PM, 11:30 PM KATAMA RAYUDU (TELUGU): 3.30 PM, 6.15 PM, 9 PM, 11.45 PM LIFE (THRILLER): 9.45 PM, 11.30 PM LIFE (THRILLER): 11.30 AM, 1.45 PM, 4 PM, 6.15 PM, 8.30 PM, 10.45 (IMAX-3D) 12:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 5:15, 7:45 PM, 10:15 PM EL QERD BEYT KALE (ARABIC): 9.45 PM PM LIFE (THRILLER): 10.30 AM, 12.45 PM, 3 PM, 5.15 PM, 7.30PM, 9.45 AUTOBAHN (ACTION): 7.30 PM, 11.30 PM PHILLAURI (HINDI): 10.45 AM, 1.15 PM, 3.45 PM, 6.15 PM, 8.45 PM, PM , 12 AM ALAMARA 11.15 PM EL QERD BEYT KALE (ARABIC): 10.45 PM, 12.45 PM, 2.45 PM, 4.45 PM, GULF MALL CINEMA (MALAYALAM): 3 PM, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST : AUTOBAHN (ACTION): 12 PM, 2.15 PM, 4.30 PM, 6.45 PM, 9 PM, 6.45 PM, 8.45 PM, 10.45 PM (FANTASY) 2.30 PM, 5.15 PM, 7.30 PM 11.15 PM POWER RANGERS (ACTION): (3D) 12.30 PM, 3.15 PM, 6 PM, 8.45 PM, EL QERD BEYT KALE (ARABIC): 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM, 10 PM, KATAMA RAYUDU (TELUGU): 5 PM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (FANTASY): 12.30 PM, 3.15 PM, 6 PM, 8.45 11.30 PM 12 AM KONG: SKULL ISLAND (ACTION): 7.30 PM PM, 11.30 PM (3D) 2.30 AM, 7.45 PM PHILLAURI (HINDI): 11.15 AM, 1.45 PM, 4.15 PM, 6.45 PM, 9.15 PM, POWER RANGERS (ACTION): 10.30 AM, 1 PM, 3.45 PM, 6.30 PM, 9.15 KATAMA RAYUDU (TELUGU): 11.30 PM, 2.30 PM, 5.30PM, 8.30 PM, 11.45 PM PM, 12 AM (MX4D) 2.30 PM, 7.45 PM [VIP SCREEN] 12 PM, 2.45 PM, ROYAL PLAZA 11.30 PM AUTOBAHN (ACTION): (IMAX-3D) 12.30 PM, 2.45 PM, 5 PM, 7.15 PM, 5.30 PM, 8.15 PM, 11 PM BARBIE VIDEO GAME HERO (ANIMATION): 2 PM, 3.30 PM ALAMARA (MALAYALAM): 11.15 PM, 1.45 PM, 4.15 PM, 6.45 PM, 9.15 9.30 PM, 11.45 PM, 12 AM BARBIE VIDEO GAME HERO (ANIMATION): 10.30 PM, 12.15 PM, 2 PM, 3.45 PM PM, 11.45 PM LOGAN (ACTION): 11 AM, 1.45 PM, 4.30 PM, 7.15 PM, 10 PM YOGI-OH (ANIMATION): 11.45 PM, 2.15 PM, 4.45 PM POWER RANGERS (ACTION): 4.30 PM, 6.45 PM, 9 PM KONG: SKULL ISLAND (ACTION): 11.30 AM, 2 PM, 4.30 PM, 7 PM, 9.30 BADRINATH KI DULHANIA (HINDI): 10.30 AM, 3.30 PM, 8.30 PM LIFE (THRILLER): 12.30 PM, 2.45 PM, 5 PM, 7.15 PM, 9.30 PM,11.45 PM PHILLAURI (HINDI): 11.15 PM PM, 12 AM. (3D) 12 PM, 5.15 PM, 10.30 PM SLEEPLESS (ACTION): 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM, 9 PM, 11 PM PHILLAURI (HINDI): 11 AM, 1.30 PM, 4 PM, 6.30 PM, 9 PM, 11.30 PM LIFE (THRILLER): 9.15 PM LOGAN (ACTION): 12.45 PM, 6.15 PM, 11.45 PM AKHEER (COMEDY): 1.15 PM, 6.15 PM, 11.15 PM AUTOBAHN (ACTION): 10.30 PM, 12.45 PM, 3 PM, 5.15 PM, 7.30 PM, EL QERD BEYT KALE (ARABIC): 7 PM BADRINATH KI DULHANIA (HINDI): 3.30 PM, 9 PM 9.45 PM, 12 AM AUTOBAHN (ACTION): 11.15 PM SLEEPLESS (ACTION): 10.45 AM, 12.45 PM, 2.45 PM, 4.45 PM, 6.45 SHEPHERDS & BUTCHER (CRIME): 11.15 PM, 1.30 PM, 3.45 PM, 6 PM, YOGI-OH (ANIMATION): 2.30 PM, 4.45 PM PM, 8.45 PM, 10.45 PM 8.15 PM, 10.30 PM ALAMARA (MALAYALAM): 11.15 PM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (FANTASY): 12.45 PM, 3.30 PM, 6.15 PM, 7.15 SHEPHERDS & BUTCHER (CRIME): 7.15 PM PM, 9 PM, 10.30 PM, 11.45 PM [VIP SCREEN] 11.45 PM, 2.30 PM, BEAUTY AND BEAST (ANIMATION): 2.15 PM, 5 PM, 9 PM 5.15 PM, 8 PM, 10.45 PM KONG: SKULL ISLAND (ACTION): 10.30 AM, 1 PM, 3.30 PM, 6 PM, 8.30 PM, 11 PM [MX4D] 12 PM, 5.15 PM, 10.30 PM [VIP SCREEN] 11 AM, LANDMARK CINEMA 1.30 PM, 4 PM, 6.30 PM, 9 PM, 11.30 PM SLEEPLESS (ACTION): 5.30 PM, 7.30 PM, 9.30 PM, 11.30 PM BARBIE VIDEO GAME HERO (ANIMATION): 2.30 PM, 4.30 PM POWER RANGERS (ACTION): 2.30 PM, 5 PM, 7.15 PM YOGI-OH (ANIMATION): 4.30 PM AL KHOR CINEMA LIFE (THRILLER): 9.15 PM KATAMA RAYUDU (TELUGU): 8.30 PM, 11 PM POWER RANGERS (ACTION): 12.30 PM, 6 PM, 8.45 PM EL QERD BEYT KALE (ARABIC): 6.45 PM KATAMA RAYUDU (TELUGU): 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM, 8 PM, 11 PM AUTOBAHN (ACTION): 8.45 PM, 11 PM ALAMARA (MALAYALAM): 1.15 PM, 3.45 PM, 6.15 PM,11.30 PM ALAMARA (MALAYALAM): 11.15 PM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (FANTASY): 10.30AM, 3.15PM, 8.45PM, 11.30PM PHILLAURI (HINDI) ALAMARA (MALAYALAM) BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (FANTASY): 2.15 PM, 6.30 PM NOTICE: Timings are subject to change without prior notice.

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