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Wednesday 18 April 2018 | 2 Sha’baan I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7500 | 2 Riyals Freedom to roam with Bill Protection! Terms & conditions apply

PM & Salini Impregilo CEO discuss cooperation UN hails Qatar’s Guidelines for efforts in crime prevention and e-commerce criminal justice QNA

VIENNA: The United Nations introduced (UN) has praised the efforts made by the State of Qatar to implement the Doha Declaration THE PENINSULA “In Qatar, the on Crime Prevention and e-commerce Criminal Justice, considering that DOHA: Minister of Transport the global program for the and Communications H E market has shown implementation of this decla- Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti healthy growth ration is a unique initiative in the announced yesterday that the consistent with history of international confer- Ministry has issued the global rates, with the ences on crime prevention. Comprehensive Guidelines for E-Commerce, which is the first e-commerce market →SEE ALSO PAGE 10 of its kind in the Arab region, now estimated at and aims to further boost local $1.3bn,” said Minister QNL extends e-commerce sector. of Transport and The e-commerce market in partnership with Qatar has recorded a robust Communications. growth and is estimated to be Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, met British Library at $1.3bn, he added. yesterday morning with Chief Executive Officer of Italian Salini Impregilo, Eng Pietro Salini, on the Addressing “E-Commerce use e-commerce among con- occasion of his visit to the country. They reviewed cooperation between the State of Qatar and THE PENINSULA Forum Qatar-2018”, organised sumers has significantly Salini Impregilo and the prospects for enhancing them. by the Ministry of Transport and increased from 14 percent in DOHA: H E Sheikha Hind bint Communications (MoTC) at St 2016 to 20 percent in 2017. “Now, Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chair- Regis Hotel yesterday, the Min- more and more companies are person and CEO of Qatar Foun- ister said that MoTC is currently seeking to provide e-commerce dation, and Roly Keating, Chief working on an innovative project locally, especially in the service Executive of the British Library, aimed at boosting consumer con- sector, and the pace is growing Woqod planning 28 petrol station projects signed an agreement that will fidence in the local e-commerce as private car transport, food see Qatar National Library (QNL) sector. This project is due to be delivery and local car services THE PENINSULA increase the total number of order to cater to the growing needs begin Phase 3 of its partnership launched by the end of this year. become easier and more effi- service stations operated by the of the local market and ensure that with the British Library. The Ministry is also working to cient,” he added. DOHA: Residents in Qatar will see company to 100 by 2020 high quality products and services create strategic partnerships with The Minister pointed out that several new petrol stations this Woqod’s Chief Executive are available to all our customers →FULL REPORT ON PAGE 2 local and international entities local efforts in this field are echoed year as Qatar Fuel (Woqod) has Officer, Eng Saad Rashid Al at their convenience across the to help local SMEs expand their at the level of international classi- announced yesterday that it is Muhannadi, speaking on the side- country”. markets and access the latest fications of Qatar in electronic currently engaged in 28 petrol lines of the opening of Al With the addition of Al technology achievements. commerce, which rose 15 ranks station projects and most of these Thumama station, said: “We are Thumama petrol station, the Major new “In Qatar, the e-commerce compared to 2015, according to the projects are expected to be oper- pleased to open this new station company’s branded stations exhibition of The market has shown healthy report of the United Nations Con- ational this year. in Al Thumama to provide basic network increased to 49. Al growth consistent with global ference on Trade and Devel- The company opened its 61st services to the community. The Thumama station is equipped Al Thani Collection rates, with the e-commerce opment (Unctad 2017). service station in Al Thumama new opening reflects our ambi- with Woqod’s unique RFID- opens in Beijing, China market now estimated at $1.3bn,” area yesterday. Woqod’s tious plans to expand our network based electronic payment said the Minister adding that the →SEE ALSO PAGE 3 expansion strategy seeks to and accessibility within Qatar, in service (WOQODe). →PAGE 4-5 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 Advisory Council Speaker meets envoys of Russia, Eritrea & Cuba Arab and German Tales exhibition opens at QNL FAZEENA SALEEM The exhibition also includes perceived as fictional literature THE PENINSULA rare Egyptian tales written on for children and figure promi- papyri (writing surfaces made nently in modern adaptations, DOHA: The Arab and German from the pith of a plant growing including film. While the first Her- Tales exhibition opened at the in the Egyptian wetlands), such itage Library Exhibition begun Qatar National Library (QNL), as the Story of Sinuhe, dating from yesterday at the QNL. It displays yesterday in the presence of the XII dynasty (approximately more than 400 items from the H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al 1900 years BCE), a cuneiform QNL Heritage Library collection Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO tablet with the Epic of Gilgamesh that illustrate the spread and evo- of Qatar Foundation (QF). from the 13th century BCE, and lution of ideas throughout the The exhibition ‘Arab and examinations of the famed One Arabic and Islamic world, as well German Tales: Transcending Cul- Thousand and One Nights as document interactions tures’ being held as part of events through the Arabic oral tradition, between the Arab world and the organised to mark QNL’s official before it was adapted and West over the past several Speaker of the Advisory Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, yesterday met inauguration. It showcases how amended by European writers centuries. separately with the Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to Qatar, Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, the Ambassador some of the best known tales from such as the Brothers Grimm. Also QNL’s ‘Book Club for the of the Russian Federation to Qatar Noor Mohammad Julov, and the Ambassador of Republic of both Arab and German and wider The exhibition also provides Blind’ project was launched by the Cuba to Qatar, Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez. During these meetings, they discussed parliamentary Western – cultures developed an insight into the history of President of the World Blind relations between the State of Qatar and Eritrea, Russia and Cuba and ways of supporting and from common roots, splitting over Arabic and German fairy and folk Union, Dr Fredrick K. Schroeder. developing them, in addition a number of issues of common concern. the centuries to reflect the soci- tales, and how the two traditions It aims at giving social opportu- eties that adopted them. influenced each other. It aims to nities and promotes equal access Minister of State H E Dr show the transcultural value of to the resources and services of Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, narrative traditions as a shared the library. While, during a dis- Dr Hessa Al Jaber, Member of intangible cultural heritage and cussion on ‘Truth Matters: The Era Advisory Council, Hans Udo highlight mutual influences, of Fake News,’ a line-up of jour- Health Minister, Sweden’s envoy discuss bilateral ties Muzel, German Ambassador to shared ideas and cultural transfer nalists, academics, diplomats, Qatar, and Dr Sohair Wastawy, between the Arab world and library leaders and experts on Executive Director of QNL, Germany through storytelling and Middle East affairs discussed ways several other dignitaries and dip- tales up to today. Although in both in which ‘fake news’ is being used lomats were also present during the Arab world and Germany in the current political climate to the opening of the Arab and these famous tales originated for manipulate political agendas and German Tales exhibition. an adult audience, today they are what should be done about it. “Cultures connect countries and cultures connect people. This exhibition features a selection of ancient papyri, rare manuscripts as well as rich traditions of story- telling, which has been a main component of literature since ancient days,” said Muzel. In this exhibition, unique masterpieces from antiquity to the present day are presented for the first time together, including stories of the Arabian Nights, the fairy tales of Minister of Public Health, H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, with the Ambassador of the Kingdom the Brothers Grimm, and samples of Sweden to the State of Qatar, Eva Bolano. During the meeting, they discussed relations between of the original Arabic handwriting H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO the two countries and means of developing and boosting them, especially in the health fields. of the famous German poet of QF, and Minister of State H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. with other dignitaries at the Heritage Library exhibition. Readers borrowed over 320,000 books from QNL FAZEENA SALEEM including giving access to some Rem Koolhaas, the main historical collections relating to THE PENINSULA rare books for the public,” said Dr architect of QNL, said, “The library history of Qatar and the Gulf, Wastawy, addressing a press con- being built within the Education medieval Arab science and DOHA: The Qatar National Library ference held at the QNL City gives an important message. medicine. (QNL), which was inaugurated on yesterday. It has made Education City more “The partnership begun in Monday, has received more than “Since November 7, we have than a campus and as place ded- 2012, which lead forming the 200,000 visitors and checked out had more than 200,000 visits. We icated to universities…. I also con- Qatar Digital Library in 2014, the 320,000 books, since its experi- have also seen a very high level sider the library as a place where virtual version of Qatar National mental opening in November of borrowing, with almost 40 the community can gather not Library. These collections which 2017, said Dr Sohair Wastawy, percent, which is 320,000 books only for reading but for several tells the story of Qatar and the Executive Director, QNL. have been checked out,” she other activities.” region not just digitalized docu- QNL is the newest national added. While the Qatar Digital Library ments but maps, manuscripts and library of the 21st century and QNL’s main collection features (QDL), launched in October 2014 photographs,” said Roly Keating, QNL Executive Director Dr Sohair Wastawy (third left), QNL’s architect hosts one million books. It also literature spanning an array of and managed by the QNL, is the Chief Executive of the British Rem Koolhaas (second right), and British Library Chief Executive houses a rare collection in the Her- subjects and genres, including world’s largest open-access digital Library. itage Library and provides free Arabic, English and other lan- Roly Keating (right) with other officials during a press conference repository for Middle Eastern “Now we have 9 million users access to resources on the Qatar guages as well as dedicated sec- held at the QNL, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA history. from around the world. We have Digital Library. tions for children and teens. Activ- QDL is the most important a big ambition to bring 900,000 “It’s (QNL) a national library ities and services at the QNL are contemplate, engage, and be children, teens and adults, along outcome of the partnership more images on to the Qatar with a mandate to serve the public. designed in a way making it a inspired and empowered. with special purpose activities and between the QNL and British Digital Library and to increasingly Unlike many national libraries, this place for the entire community to QNL hosts more than 500 workshops for academics, histo- Library. It has digitalized and give deepen our relations here over the is completely open for the public, gather, learn, innovate, community events each year for rians and researchers. free access to the British Library’s next years,” he added.

NHRC chief, Ecuador envoy review ties QNL extends partnership with British Library

THE PENINSULA 900,000 pages of new material Phase 3 of the understanding. Collaborating on the Arabian Gulf as well as with Qatar National Library and DOHA: H E Sheikha Hind bint Arabic manuscripts on science. project will involve Qatar Foundation has enabled Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chair- The Arabian Gulf-related the digitization of the British Library to make our person and CEO of Qatar Foun- material includes music, maps, 900,000 pages of collections relating to Arabian dation, and Roly Keating, Chief ships’ logs, reports, letters, new material on the Gulf history and Arabic science Executive of the British Library, private papers (including the accessible to hundreds of thou- yesterday signed an agreement Curzon Papers), and historical Arabian Gulf as well as sands of users across the world, that will see Qatar National publications. Arabic manuscripts on fostering new areas of research Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee H E Dr Ali bin Library (QNL) begin Phase 3 of QNL Deputy Executive and creativity, and transforming Samikh Al Marri, with the Ambassador Ecuador to the State of Qatar, science. The Arabian its partnership with the British Director for International Rela- access to these important Yvonne Abdul Baki. They discussed means of cooperation on issues Gulf-related material Library. The next phase, which tions and Communications, Dr collections”. of mutual concern as well as activating communication mechanisms will begin in January 2019, will Stuart Hamilton, said: “Most of includes music, maps, Dr Sohair Wastawy, Exec- to exchange expertise and experiences in human rights issues. allow QNL to continue digitizing the reports and letters we’ve ships’ logs, reports, utive Director, QNL, remarked: the British Library’s historical selected for Phase 3 are uncata- letters, private papers “Our partnership with the British collections on the Arabian Gulf logued and were therefore pre- (including the Curzon Library has resulted in one of the region. viously inaccessible. They will be largest collections of historical Customs Chairman meets Spanish envoy The ongoing digitization new to researchers. Since they Papers), and historical records on the Middle East being project, one of the largest of its form the lion’s share of Phase 3, publications. placed online. The QDL has been DOHA: Chairman of General country and facilitating foreign kind, started in 2012. The first these documents will shed much of huge benefit to researchers Authority of Customs, Ahmed bin trade, as well as ways to stim- two phases digitized more than new light on the history of Qatar working on the history of the Abdullah Al Jamal, met with ulate trade movement between 1.5 million pages, which are now and the Arabian Gulf. We think increased in frequency during the Arabian Gulf and the history of Ambassador of the Kingdom of countries, and the role of gov- accessible on the Qatar Digital the public will be especially cap- Arabian Gulf’s early incorpo- Arab science. The third phase of Spain to the State of Qatar, ernment agencies working in Library (www.QDL.qa). The QDL tivated by the East India ration into the global economy”. our ongoing digitization efforts Ignacio Escobar Guerrero. ports in pushing the economic is a free online digital archive Company ships’ logs from the Roly Keating, Chief Exec- will allow scholars worldwide During the meeting, the two strength of States. They also dis- that has had more than 1 million 1600s–1850s. We will digitally utive of the British Library, said: access to even more historical sides discussed ways to enhance cussed supporting the nomi- users and 8.8 million page views map them so that viewers can “One of the British Library’s core material from the British Library, joint cooperation in customs nation of the Spanish candidate since its launch in October 2014. follow each ship’s journey and purposes is to work with which is sure to foster new and fields , the role of customs in pro- to the General Secretariat of the Phase 3 of the project will see how shipping between the partners around the world to exciting scholarship on these tecting the internal security of the World Customs Organization. involve the digitization of Arabian Gulf, India, and Britain advance knowledge and mutual subjects”. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 HOME 03 Qatar-US Economic Forum to begin today in North Carolina

THE PENINSULA and economic relations and pro- US private sectors to establish joint vides an important platform for investment projects. DOHA: Qatar-US Economic dialogue between businessmen The Minister also met with Forum, oganised by the Ministry from both countries. The forum representatives of the Charleston of Economy and Commerce, will also presents an opportunity to Regional Development Alliance. begin today in Raleigh, North promote cooperation between the The meeting was attended by a Carolina. Qatari and US private sectors and number of CEOs from major com- The Forum will be organised to discuss the development of joint panies in South Carolina in health, in cooperation with the Qatar investment projects to the benefit technology, training and devel- Chamber, the US Chamber of of both countries. opment sectors. Commerce, the Qatari Busi- Minister of Economy and The officials met over a nessmen Association, the US- Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin business lunch organised on the Qatari Business Council and a Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, sidelines of Qatar’s Economic number of official US agencies. met with Mark Sanford, a US Con- Roadshow in Charleston, South The forum is organised within gressman from South Carolina. Carolina. Discussions touched on Minister of Economy and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani met with the framework of Qatar’s Eco- The meeting took place on the the prospects for joint cooperation Mark Sanford, a US Congressman from South Carolina. The Minister also met with the representatives nomic Roadshow in the US, which sidelines of Qatar’s Economic in the economic, trade and of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. spanned four US cities in its first Roadshow in Charleston, South investment fields and the pro- phase starting in Miami Florida, Carolina. Discussions touched on motion of bilateral relations. National Vision 2030, which sig- governmental partners committed future. The Charleston Regional then Washington DC, Charleston, the promotion of cooperation Attendees also discussed the nificantly contributes to the to strengthening regional Development Alliance also serves South Carolina and Raleigh, North between Qatar and the US, par- investment incentives that Qatar nation’s development. employment and building a base as a catalyst for long-term regional Carolina. ticularly in the economic and is offering and the economic The alliance brings together a of high-value industries to prosperity by attracting the The forum aims at bolstering investment sectors as well as diversification strategy pursued growing network of investors, improve the three-county Char- world’s best companies, talent, and expanding Qatari-U.S trade efforts to encourage the Qatari and by the state to achieve the Qatar staff, business, academic and leston region’s economy into the and entrepreneurs. Comprehensive guidelines for e-commerce launched

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 infrastructure, high-income Qatar is a promising market, but He added that the local population with high levels of it’s still facing some challenges. starting companies are doing digital penetration, with smart She pointed out that a recent their part in developing inno- phones use at more than 94 study by the Ministry showed vative solutions to the indi- percent and internet use at 100 that local SMEs accounted for vidual needs of consumers in per cent,” said the Minister. only 33 percent of the $1.3bn of Qatar, stressing that the more He pointed out that the local e-commerce transactions in the needs are met, the more system should rise to the level 2017 in Qatar, while 67percent e-commerce market in Qatar of challenges, and provide that of those transactions went to has flourished. range and the kind of services international traders. “Our ambitions for the required to push the spread of She stressed that the Min- e-commerce growth goes e-commerce, take advantage istry is keen on building on this beyond the current situation of the capabilities of the state growth by empowering local relying on the vast horizons and invest them to the merchants and then raising the offered by our potential. The maximum extent possible. domestic share of e-commerce country has many elements to MoTC’s Assistant Undersec- to 70 percent by 2022, in order create an environment con- retary for Digital Community to raise the cumulative value of ducive to e-commerce, Development Affairs Reem e-commerce transactions by Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti and Qatar Central Bank Governor including a strong and secure Mohammed Al Mansouri said local SMEs e-commerce com- H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani and other dignitaries at the E-Commerce Forum Qatar-2018. telecommunications and IT the e-commerce market in panies to $6bn by 2022. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 HOME 05 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 EdEx Qatar expo opens AMNA PERVAIZ RAO education insights to transform shows that Qatar has become THE PENINSULA your teaching and learning attractive hub for education experiences. Access more than investment. The education DOHA: Improving education 30 completely free-to-attend committee at QC is holding delivery in Qatar, EdEx Qatar, practical seminars and net- regular meetings with investors featuring more than 50 exhib- working sessions. Join educators to solve problems and chal- itors, opened its doors for public from across the region today of lenges that face private edu- at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. completely free learning and cation,” he added. Under the patronage of interactive networking activities The unique blend of Inspi- Prime Minister and Interior Min- focused on improving education rational Seminars, Hands-On ister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin delivery in Qatar. Demos and Informal Peer-to- Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Talking to The Peninsula, Peer Learning Sessions will EdEx Qatar featured more than QC Vice-Chairman Muhammed ensure that EdEx Qatar is the thousand visitors, 30 seminars, bin Ahmed bin Towar Al most beneficial event in Doha 30 international speakers, 100 Kuwari, said: “ Every year we this year. Seminar streams Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada (fifth right), Assistant Under-Secretary for Environment Affairs, with pre-arranged meetings. see improvement in our edu- include, Excellence in Lead- other officals from the Ministry, is being explained about recycling device (Tadweer) at the event The conference is organised cation system, these exhibitions ership, Developing an EdTech by EdEx Qatar in partnership and conferences make our Strategy, Higher Education, in Al Khor Park yesterday. with the Ministry of Education system grow better. Such events Improving Teaching & Learning, & Higher Education and Qatar help school teachers, parents, World Class Professional Devel- Chamber of Commerce & students and many people to opment and ENGAGE+ Net- MME launches initiative to turn Industry (QC). EdEx Qatar is the improve and get a glance of working Activities. leading event for any business new technology which includes The two-day conference and that can contribute positively to learning skills. This new tech- exhibition provides ministries, organic waste into fertiliser the quality of teaching and nology helps the students and public and private school learning in Qatar. It is attended teachers to make learning leaders with the opportunity to SANAULLAH ATAULLAH by education leaders from the process more easy and fea- discover the latest ideas and Environment while speaking at Ministry supports any initiative Ministry, Kindergarten, Schools, sible.” “The immense partici- solutions that will help the THE PENINSULA the launch ceremony. regarding waste recycling as they Colleges and Universities from pation of specialised companies nation move towards delivering He said that under the initi- are also useful on economical Qatar. and interested investor in EdEx a more competitive education DOHA: Ministry of Municipality ative, the food waste and tree point of view saving huge money EdEx Qatar gives the latest Conference and Exhibition system. and Environment, represented by leaves will be turned into high by reducing pressure on dumping the Public Parks Department, quality organic compost and waste operation. It is also helpful launched a nationwide initiative fodders adding that organic fer- in reducing the carbon emission at Al Khor Park yesterday to turn tilisers will be used in greenery of to protect the environment. food waste and tree leaves in to the park in place of the chemical The sophisticated recycling organic fertiliser with the help of one. “The initiative is based on machine is called Tadweer (which a sophisticated recycling machine. Qatar National Vision 2030 which means recycling in Arabic). The Ministry plans to expand stresses that “environment devel- “Tadweer” device is an innovative this initiative to other parts of the opment and economic growth are tool that recycles organic waste country by installing recycling fundamental goals where one can into eco-friendly organic com- machines in several places. not be sacrificed at the expense posts that are useful for soil. The initiative, “National Recy- of other”, said Al Sada Initially two recycling devices cling Awareness (Tadweer), is He said that Tadweer initia- will be set up at Al Khor Park with being implemented by the Min- tive’s vision is according to the the capacity of 30kg waste in 20 istry in collaboration with Ras national sustainability initiative hours, said Mohammed Ali Al Laffan Power Company (RLPC) that aims at recycling food waste Khori, Director of Public Parks. and Al Tayyar Company for Mar- and trees leaves turning them into He said that functions of the keting and Event Management. organic compost for a healthy devices are grinding organic “The initiative aims at cre- environment and green Qatar. waste and initial drying, elimi- ating awareness about envi- “Qatar has reached an nation harmful bacteria and final ronment protection and sustain- advanced stage in waste man- drying for fluid disposal. ability among all segments of the agement sector as there are four The initiative was launched community in a bid to preserve centres across the country to sort initially in Al Khor Park as it is one the natural resources and to out domestic and solid waste on of the largest public parks in the achieve the goal of self-suffi- daily basis,” said Al Sada, adding country attracting up to 50,000 ciency,” said Ahmed Mohammed that sorted waste are being send visitors at weekend producing Al Sada, Assistant Undersec- to the Domestic Solid Waste Man- huge quantity of food waste, said QC Vice-Chairman Muhammed bin Ahmed bin Towar Al Kuwari and other dignitaries at the aunch l retary for Environment Affairs at agement Centre in Mesaieed for Hamad Al Bahr, Director of wast of EdEx-Qatar 2018 yesterday. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA the Ministry of Municipality and recycling. He said that the management plant at Mesaieed. New Outcome-Based Strategic Planning Manual unveiled SIDI MOHAMED charge of strategic planning accomplishment, which was at that time as the General Sec- the Ministry of Administrative THE PENINSULA affairs in ministries and gov- called for by Emir H H Sheikh retariat for Development Development, Labour and Social ernment agencies, especially Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Planning) and others, he said, Affairs and the Ministry of Devel- planning and quality depart- his speech at the opening of the adding: “It was adopted as a cur- opment Planning and Statistics. DOHA: The Ministry of Devel- ments, helping them perform 45th Session of the Advisory riculum at the Institute of Public The new manual is charac- opment Planning and Statistics their tasks in the preparation of Council on November 1, 2016” Al Administration and in specialised terised by adoption of the prac- (MDPS) yesterday launched the strategic and executive plans for Athba added in a press con- workshops in the field of tical approach of planning in second updated edition of the their ministries and agencies in ference held in the ministry Outcome-Based Strategic addition to the theoretical aspect, Outcome-Based Strategic accordance with the planning premises. Planning supervised by the Min- being closely linked to the Planning Manual. system followed by the State of It is worth mentioning that istry of Development Planning National Development Strategy “The new manual is Qatar, which is the Outcome- the first edition of the Outcome- and Statistics, in collaboration 2018-2022 and real examples of important tool in building Based Strategic Planning System, Based Strategic Planning Manual with specialised institutions the sectoral strategies set forth planning capacities for those in said Hamad Rashid Al Athba was issued almost seven years selected due to their outstanding in the strategy, and clear prac- (pictured), Assistant Under- ago in July, 2011. It was overseen expertise in the field of capacity tical steps supported by sim- secretary for Planning at that time by the Secretariat building in strategic planning”. plified outlines and graphs that Affairs. “It will also con- General of the Council of Min- The Task Team that prepared help planners in the ministry/ tribute to deepening and isters and with the participation the new manual was comprised government agency build and consolidating the culture of of the Ministry of Development of experts from the Ministry of prepare strategic plans and planning, work and Planning and Statistics (known Interior, the Ministry of Finance, outputs plans/executive plans. Early Childhood Center building opens THE PENINSULA equipped with the latest tech- nologies and research offices. DOHA: Qatar University inau- During the opening gurated its new Early speech, Dr Hassan bin Rashid Childhood Center building Al Derham, President of Qatar with a modern and innovative University, said: “It is my design that enables the centre pleasure and honour to inau- to provide advanced services gurate today the new building in the fields of research, of the Early Childhood Center education and training. The at Qatar University that was construction of this building built in accordance to the best was sponsored by LNG Japan international, regional and and facilitated by Qatargas local standards. The estab- and the Embassy of Japan in lishment of this educational Qatar. facility is aligned with the The state-of-the-art vision of Qatar University to Officials take a tour around the new Early Childhood Center building spreads across 30,494 promote quality educational building. sqm that holds seven class- programmes for early rooms for 140 children, childhood learning and to be equipped with all the needed a leader in the development Furthermore, the Center is pioneering model for a facilities. In addition, the of best practices, research and committed to offer bespoke learning environment that building houses a library, an delivery of educational training and professional serves students of the Primary indoor game court, a gym, a services.” development for teachers, Education program at Qatar multi-purpose room, an “As part of QU’s mission to families and professionals in University in their occasional outdoor playground and a support scientific research, the this field.” Al Derham added. field visits during their years nurse room. Furthermore, the Center provides many Dr Fatima Al Maadadi, of study. The Center provides building has a dedicated space research services to collect Director of Early Childhood best practices that bridge the for research and teaching pur- data that serve the field of Center, commented: “The relationship between theory poses such as training halls early childhood learning. Center seeks to be a and practice.” WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 HOME 07 Qatar Airways and Air Italy announce codeshare deal

Qatar Airways first began flying to Italy in 2002 further routes on the Qatar countries that share many eco- with a service from Doha to Milan. A year later, the Airways network to Singapore nomic affiliations,” he added. airline launched direct service to Rome. In 2011, the and Male. In 2017, Qatar Airways award-winning airline started operating to Venice, Qatar Airways Group Chief acquired 49 percent of AQA and in 2016, Qatar Airways further strengthened its Executive Officer, Akbar Al Holding, the new parent commitment to the country with a daily service to Pisa. Baker, said: “We are pleased to company of Air Italy. Italy’s long be announcing this codeshare established privately owned with the newly-launched Air airline was previously known as THE PENINSULA Rome (FCO), Naples (NAP), Olbia Italy. The new agreement will Meridiana, however, in February (OLB), Palermo (PMO) and provide seamless connectivity this year, the airline announced DOHA: Qatar Airways Calabria (SUF). The agreement for Qatar Airways passengers a new phase of growth and announced yesterday a new also consists of Air Italy’s route direct service to Rome. In 2011, destination, Qatar Airways has arriving at our Italian gateways, development, starting with its codeshare agreement with Air between Rome Fiumicino Airport the award-winning airline been operating 42 weekly flights onto further domestic destina- brand new identity and livery as Italy, starting from April 24. The and Olbia Costa Smeralda started operating to Venice, and from its home and hub in Doha, tions, enabling them to explore Air Italy. The new airline aims to new agreement provides code- Airport (OLB). in 2016, Qatar Airways further Hamad International Airport, to this beautiful country”. acquire 50 aircraft by 2022, and shares on Air Italy’s routes Qatar Airways first began strengthened its commitment to Italy. From 24 April Air Italy will “This codeshare between has already committed to between Milan-Malpensa Airport flying to Italy in 2002 with a the country with a daily service also offer codeshare flights on Qatar Airways and Air Italy dem- receiving 20 brand new Boeing and six domestic cities across service from Doha to Milan. A to Pisa. all of Qatar Airways’ Italy to onstrates the strengthening ties 737-Max aircraft type, starting Italy, including Catania (CTA), year later, the airline launched Since adding its fourth Italian Doha services along with two between Italy and Qatar; two this month. Qatar makes debut at Chinese travel & tourism event Civil Defence holds meeting with participants of Samlah2 exercise THE PENINSULA to plan future visits to Qatar, whether for business or leisure.” DOHA: The General Directorate during the evaluation process DOHA: In a bid to strengthen and The web-based promotional of Civil Defence yesterday of the exercise. grow the destination’s presence activities include the launch of organised a meeting with the Major Muhammad Ahmad Al and appeal in the Chinese market, the destination e-learning tool, representatives of the bodies Maarafi, Director of Operations Qatar is making its debut trade Tawash (www.tawashqatar.cn) who took part in the Samlah2 Department at Civil Defence, show appearance at the 14th in Mandarin to allow Chinese exercise carried out at Ras Laffan praised the efforts of all the par- China Outbound Travel & Tourism travel agents to become cer- Emergency and Safety College ticipants in the exercise. Major Market (COTTM) event being held tified Qatar destination experts. by Civil Defence and other Faiz Al Anzi, from Operations in Beijing. The Qatar destination is also competent authorities recently. Department at Al Shamal said Qatar’s delegation to the going live on Sina Weibo and The meeting was held to that the Samlah 2 exercise industry’s most prominent trade WeChat where Chinese net- honour the participant bodies included five scenarios: A gas event in China is led by Qatar izens and industry partners can and identify the results leak at an industrial facility, a jet Tourism Authority (QTA) and easily follow the destination’s achieved during the exercise fire, a residential tower fire, a consists of representatives from Qatar’s Ambassador to China, Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri, updates and gain access to and lessons learned as well as building collapse and a chemical 12 hospitality partners and tour with industry professionals at Qatar’s pavilion at China Outbound important travel planning listen to the observations made leak scenario. operators. Qatar’s pavilion at Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) event in Beijing. information. COTTM opened on Monday, and Thanks to Qatar’s recent visa was visited by Ambassador to working closely with the local Rashed AlQurese, Chief Mar- policy changes, Chinese citizens China, Sultan bin Salmeen Al tourism and hospitality sector to keting & Promotion Officer at can now enter Qatar visa free. Mansouri. ensure they are officially ready QTA said: The visa waiver is valid for 30 Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting to welcome Chinese guests and “We are pleased to have this days from the date of issuance Chairman of QTA said, “Our first tour groups.” year’s COTTM serve as a and entitles its holder to spend appearance at COTTM follows In September 2017, Qatar launchpad for a number of up to 30 days in Qatar, during on a series of significant steps gained Approved Destination online initiatives that will com- either a single trip or on mul- taken to offer Qatar’s renowned Status (ADS), allowing it to plement the on-the-ground tiple trips. In addition, the five- hospitality to Chinese travelers receive tourist groups from efforts of our representative star national carrier, Qatar as they discover our country’s China and to promote Qatar as offices in China. The online ini- Airways has 31 weekly direct cultural heritage and natural a tourism destination within tiatives have been carefully tai- flights connecting Doha to treasures.” He added, “Our China. QTA has since opened lored to suit the needs of Chinese Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Brigadier Hamad Osma Al Duhaimi, Assistant Director General efforts in China are being representative offices in Beijing, travel trade and visitors to pro- Chengdu, Shanghai, and of the Civil Defence, honouring a participant. matched in Qatar where we are Guangzhou and Shanghai. viding them the tools they need Hangzhou in mainland China. WISH asks experts to make report on healthcare in conflict settings THE PENINSULA which will explore the many chal- you have to live with ill health. lenges faced by communities and I’m very keen that through DOHA: The World Innovation healthcare practitioners living WISH’s focus on healthcare in Summit for Health (WISH), an and working in conflict zones conflict settings we’ll spearhead initiative of Qatar Foundation around the world. Experts from a global effort to bring help and (QF), has convened a team of Médecins Sans Frontières hope to the tens of millions of global experts to prepare a (Doctors Without Borders), the people affected by conflict.” special report on healthcare in International Rescue Committee, The event was one of three conflict settings, to be presented Humanity First, and the World that have been organized by at WISH 2018 in November. Health Organization will also WISH at the University of Oxford The report was announced contribute. this April. Previously, the Qatar at a WISH event at the Uni- The WISH event gathered Foundation initiative used a versity of Oxford’s Harris Man- representatives of several lecture by Paul Farmer, CEO of chester College recently by Dr. organizations from across the Mind, the UK’s leading mental Mukesh Kapila, Chair of the UK that have an interest in the health charity, to announce a WISH Healthcare in Conflict topic highlighted. Among those report on anxiety and Zones Research Group. Dr. present were representatives of depression. Kapila, who is Professor of humanitarian groups, charities, The third event is a public Global Health and Humanitarian universities, and think tanks. lecture by Dr. Mohammed Ghaly Affairs at the University of Man- Dr Kapila, said, “We live on Islamic ethics and palliative chester, was one of two special during a time of unprecedented care at the Investcorp Lecture guest speakers at the event. challenges for humankind, and Theatre, St Antony’s College, He was joined as a guest central to our well-being is University of Oxford. WISH 2018 speaker by Dr. Mohammed Bin healthcare. We may or may not will once again gather global Ghanim Al-Ali Al Maadheed, know how to end wars, but I healthcare leaders in QNCC this Chairman of Qatar Red Crescent. believe that we’re definitely November to highlight and Dr. Al Maadheed is one of the capable of mitigating suffering. address some of the world’s global experts who will be con- “Just because you’re living most pressing healthcare tributing to the WISH report, in a warzone doesn’t mean that challenges. Qatar Charity observes Arab Orphans Day THE PENINSULA performing arts, handcrafts, DOHA: Qatar Charity observed games, competi- the Arab Orphans Day by organ- tions, and gifts. ising a programme at Aspire Zone ‘Future and a similar event in the city of Leaders’ partici- Garissa in Kenya. The programme pated with a aimed at highlighting the issues group of players of orphans around the world, and representing the encourage donations for the Qatar Players orphans care. Association, in a The celebration was held as The Arab Orphans Day celebrations in the city football match part of QC’s activities for its of Garissa in Kenya. held on the side- sponsored orphans for this year, lines of the fes- as the charity implements a adults, social, sports, media tival.The Director number of sports, health, edu- figures participated in the event. of Projects and Centers at QC’s cation, entertainment activities The festival included a group Executive Management of Local with the aim of providing com- of entertaining, colouring, Operations, Fareed Khaleel Al prehensive care to orphans. sports, cultural and religious Siddieqy said the orphans care A large group of children, activities in addition to is one of our top priorities. 08 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018

HBKU’s QEERI KidzMondo Doha hosts Ooredoo honoured with signs collaboration award for support agreement with Annual Partners Event Venergate THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA AMNA PERVAIZ RAO After the tour, and enter- THE PENINSULA DOHA: Ooredoo was honoured tainment from Ghifar Hariri’s with an award at the first-ever Dance Studio, Ooredoo was hon- DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa KidzMondo Doha Partners’ Event. oured with an award for its ongoing University’s (HBKU) Qatar DOHA: KidzMondo Doha, part The event, which was designed partnership and support. Environment and Energy of AURA Entertainment Services, to celebrate one year of fun, Talking about the award, Research Institute (QEERI) and and one-of-a-kind edutainment learning and freedom with Kidz- Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Venergate CO. LTD., have city in Qatar, hosted ‘Annual Mondo for all kids in Doha, gave Director of PR and Corporate established a joint collabo- Partners Event’ on Monday. KidzMondo supporters the Communications, Ooredoo ration agreement that aims to The event offered all chance to network and see the Qatar, said: “We’re proud to be develop and commercialize an partners a great opportunity to amazing work KidzMondo has supporting such an important advanced battery technology share best practices and learn done since its launch. facility for Qatar’s children and for electricity storage including from each other. KidzMondo As a Strategic Partner of wish KidzMondo another year solar applications. Venergate Doha team welcomed its guests KidzMondo Doha, a host of of success. Being honoured with CO. LTD is a consortium of five with a commemorative hoisting Ooredoo employees attended the award is a truly lovely sen- Korean companies (JNTG Co. of the KidzMondo (KM) flag to the special event and partici- timent, as we plan to continue Ltd., Pro-Power Communi- the tune of the KM National pated in a number of activities supporting KidzMondo and cation Co. Ltd., ILDO F&C Co. Anthem. Nabil R Barakat, General Manager of KidzMondo Doha, with other – including visiting the ‘Ooredoo Qatar’s children in 2018 and Ltd., Dong-A Hwa Sung Co. The celebration of one year officials at the Annual Partners Event at Mall of Qatar. Zone’ in the edutainment city. beyond.’ Ltd., E-quality Inc). These of fun, learning and freedom for companies bring a long expe- all kids in Doha commenced rience in technology devel- with a performance by Ghifar Located in the country’s largest and most KidzMondo Doha’s commitment tions provider Ooredoo. opment and commerciali- Hariri, choreographer and unique ‘Mall of Qatar’, KidzMondo Doha spans to collaborating with its partners Some of the key establish- zation and well-established artistic trainer, captivating the across a built up area of about approximately in order to set the benchmark for ments at the indoor theme park capabilities in product design audience with an enthralling 8000 m2, with more than 60 establishments edutainment in the country and include a bank, aircraft, fire and manufacturing. LIVE performance by the troupe explore opportunities for mutual station, gas station, police station, As a part of its mission to of Ghifar Hariri’s Dance Studio! that host well over 80 role-playing activities growth. hospital, driving institute, race address Qatar’s grand chal- The event was commemo- for children. Concluding the special event, track, university, car wash, bar- lenges, QEERI researchers are rated by a cake cutting cer- the KidzMondo Doha team took bershop, TV, radio, and an Oil & already working to develop emony with all the partners of its guests on a special tour of the Gas Refinery, among others. energy storage solutions to KidzMondo Doha. They sol- KidzMondo Doha, a subsidiary visionaries, artists and leader of kid-sized city and its unique Located in the country’s support the large-scale emnly pledged to preserve the of Aura Entertainment has had change, who act as the seed of a indoor establishments, which largest and most unique ‘Mall of deployment of solar tech- rights of KidzMondo, keep its many milestones but most knowledge-based society upon have been built in collaboration Qatar’, KidzMondo Doha spans nology in Qatar. This joint col- spirit alive, current and socially importantly brought a fresh which the Qatar National Vision with a purposeful selection of across a built up area of about laboration will allow QEERI to relevant. outlook in the entertainment 2030 can be realised,” he added prominent institutions and approximately 8000 m2, with accelerate the development Nabil R Barakat, General and experiential learning space”. Nabil Barakat expressed his leading brands from a plethora more than 60 establishments that and the deployment of a viable Manager of KidzMondo Doha, “We thank all our collabo- gratitude to the edutainment of fields and disciplines, including host well over 80 role-playing energy storage technology said: “We are delighted to have rators and industry partners who city’s partners for playing an world-renowned air carrier Qatar activities for children. Since it suited for Qatar’s climate. completed a year of this globally believed in our vision and have indispensable role in turning the Airways, QIIB, perfume company opened its doors to families in Commenting on this part- successful edutainment concept supported us throughout. You are innovative edutainment concept Abdul Samad Al Qurashi, grade- Qatar, the indoor amusement nership, Energy Storage that empowers and inspires the playing a pivotal role in building into a tangible reality for the one licensed builder UrbaCon park has welcomed thousands of Research Portfolio Lead and future generations of Doha. In a second home for Qatar’s present and future generations Trading & Contracting (UCC), and visitors and managed to create a Technology Committee Chair at its first year of operations, upcoming generation of of Qatar, and reaffirmed Qatar’s leading telecommunica- loyal following of young fans. QEERI, Dr. Rachid Zaffou said: “This industrial partnership rep- resents an opportunity for QEERI to further support its mission to transform scientific Lulu warns shoppers against fake raffle prizes & gift vouchers ideas into value-added tech- nology innovations that can benefit Qatar in its effort towards THE PENINSULA “We have come to know about details with the intent of details”, an official spokesperson Group has already lodged official a sustainable and prosperous some incidents of attempted defrauding them with false news of Lulu Management said in a complaint with the concerned future.” QEERI is working DOHA: Prominent retailer Lulu frauds in the name of Lulu, where of winning a prize or with some statement. police authorities against such towards tackling the Energy Hypermarkets has issued a clari- the callers have identified them- offers at Lulu. Lulu Group hereby The public at large is advised fraudsters. Security Grand Challenge fication on some fake posts circu- selves as calling on behalf of Lulu declares that it never contacted to exercise extreme caution while Lulu further informed the through focused research in lating in social media regarding and tried to obtain certain by itself and has not authorized dealing with anyone asking for general-public to stay up-to-date several related areas, “Raffle Prizes & Gift Vouchers” and personal and financial infor- anyone to contact its customers their bank card or other personal with our latest news, promotions, including photovoltaics, has warned shoppers to be very mation of the persons, including or common public for their details and report the matter to and contests only through our energy storage, and smart grid careful about such frauds. their bank account and bank card banking, credit card or any similar the concerned authorities. Lulu official social media accounts. research portfolios.

‘Msheireb Downtown Doha’ to be Radisson Blu Hotel wins showcased at Cityscape Qatar 2018 FACT Qatar Dining Awards DOHA: Msheireb Properties (MP), Msheireb, MDD’s large open THE PENINSULA the leading real estate devel- public square, that boasts the winners awarded based on opment company and a largest retractable outdoor roof both the public vote and subsidiary of Qatar Foundation in the Middle East. DOHA: Radisson Blu Hotel critics’ opinion. for Education, Sciences and Social Two of the four hotels at MDD Doha won two awards at the Gordon MacKenzie, Development, will participate at will be present on the pavilion fourth FACT Qatar Dining General Manager said: “The Cityscape Qatar 2018 this month highlighting their upcoming hos- Awards, held on April 8. With Radisson Blu Hotel Doha to showcase its flagship devel- pitality offerings; the interna- 7 of their restaurants nomi- prides itself on its Food & Bev- opment, Msheireb Downtown tionally acclaimed hotels, Al Wadi nated in various categories erage offerings and for years Doha (MDD), the pioneering Hotel Doha by MGallery and the at this year’s awards, the has strived to achieve nothing regeneration project in the Doha’s Mandarin Oriental. Novo cinemas offerings will be revealed, as well Qatar’s most upcoming desirable Radisson Blu Hotel Doha was short of excellence at all of its historical commercial centre. will also be present in MP’s booth, as additional hospitality prospects. neighbourhood. Ali Al Kuwari, delighted to have won two of restaurants. Its moments such The pavilion will include where a mini-cinema envi- In addition, MDD’s first residential Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, them. as these that motivate us and access to MP’s masterplan of the ronment has been replicated, tower will be presented to pro- said: “2018 is the year of activation Ruby Wu’s, the hotels’ reassure us that all the hard project, detailed through three where visitors can view MDD’s spective tenants and customers. It for Msheireb Downtown Doha. Chinese restaurant won the work and efforts put in by the large-scale models highlighting latest fly-through video in luxury, will offer its residents unparalleled We’re delighted to participate at ‘Favourite Chinese Res- team truly deliver outstanding MDD in all its splendour. For the style and comfortable VIP seating. views across the water to the West Cityscape Qatar 2018 as it provides taurant’ award for the second services that customers like first time viewing for the public, MP’s participation at this year’s Bay with a mix of 1-4-bedroom us with a platform to showcase the time whilst the Italian Job and appreciate.” one of the three models include event is highly anticipated as new apartments, featuring state-of-the- latest achievements of Msheireb won the ‘Favourite Italian He added, “We would like a large-scale replica of Barahat residential, retail and commercial art smart home technology, in Downtown Doha.” Restaurant’ award for the to thank Fact Magazine for second consecutive year. creating this fantastic The FACT Dining platform and to the generous Awards recognises excel- people of Qatar who have so Impact of social media in healthcare discussed lence in the food and bev- graciously shown us their erage industry, with appreciation.” THE PENINSULA accessible. But we have to be understand the technology so that respectful of the power of social no patient information is ever DOHA: The possible impact of media and use it in a deliberate, shared, either purposefully or by social media on the professional thoughtful manner.” accident.” identity of medical professionals Dr Stadler explained that a Dr Stadler explained the was examined at the latest Weill carelessly managed social media importance of recognizing the Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) presence can compromise the pro- inability to completely separate Grand Rounds. fessional identity of healthcare one’s personal and professional Dr Dora Stadler, clinical workers, adversely affect patient identities online. She then offered assistant professor of medicine at trust, damage the professional’s detailed advice on how to for- WCM-Q, gave a presentation that career and possibly bring their mulate an effective, deliberate explained how physicians, nurses institution into disrepute. Perhaps approach to social media to and other healthcare professionals most seriously, improper social present a positive professional can use social media to benefit media use can jeopardise patient identity online and protect and their patients, enhance their own Dr Dora Stadler of Weill Cornell confidentiality. enhance patient welfare. professional development, foster Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) “Patients have an absolute The lecture, titled Medical Pro- collegiality and improve public right and an expectation that any fessionalism in the Age of Social health. She also examined some of utilize social media platforms to information they share with a Media, was accredited locally by the possible pitfalls of careless use build collaborative networks to healthcare professional will be in the Qatar Council for Healthcare of social media. share knowledge across conti- the strictest possible confidence. Practitioners-Accreditation Dr Stadler said, “Social media nents, educate the public about Healthcare professionals must be Department (QCHP-AD) and inter- can be a very powerful and very important health issues, build aware of the risk that social nationally by the Accreditation positive tool for medical profes- public confidence and make media presents to patient confi- Council for Continuing Medical The Radisson Blu Hotel Doha staff with the award. sionals if used correctly. We can healthcare resources more dentiality and make sure they Education (ACCME). WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 HOME 09 Qatar-India direct shipping line reduces travel time

A Global Expo and Summit on food commodities and other items from India to Tamil Nadu, in association with The summit will have insights interaction between the two is being organised by Vibrant Tamil Nadu, in Qatar have witnessed a sub- the Embassy of India, Doha and on the latest technological devel- countries has been further rein- association with the Embassy of India and in stantial rise in the last few in partnership with Indian opments, and innovation in agri- forced with the establishment of months. India has a very strong Business & Professional Council culture, food & beverage sector, strong and robust commercial partnership with Indian Business & Professional agriculture sector, which repre- (IBPC) and Tamil Associations food processing, packaging, and business ties benefitting the Council (IBPC) and Tamil Associations, at Retaj sents 17 percent of the GDP and at Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel, today. logistics, cold storage and ware- people of the two friendly Al Rayyan Hotel, today. 10 percent of its exports. There The Ambassador of India, P housing, branding and related countries. exist considerable opportunities Kumaran, will be the chief guest subject, coupled with advanced Indian-Qatari relations are in the food processing sector in for the event. production practices, preser- steadily growing in the last few THE PENINSULA both countries, said Indian Vibrant Tami Nadu Global vation techniques and marketing years. The regular exchanges at month of June, 2017, the time for Embassy in a statement. Expo and Summit 2018 is first of tactics. the highest political level has laid exports of commodities To further strengthen com- its kind of road shows focusing India and Qatar share cen- down the road-map for the two DOHA: With a direct shipping between India and Qatar mercial bonds between two on food and beverages sector of tury-old ties characterised by countries. The two countries have line service named “India-Qatar directly have reduced travel countries, a Global Expo and Tamil Nadu, which is one of the commercial, traditional and been witnessing a steady rise in Express Service” launched time to 3-4 days. Summit on food commodities is leading producers of agro and people to people exchanges. our economic and trade between India and Qatar in the The export of food products being organised by Vibrant food products. In the 21st century, the engagement.

Meeting of Technical, Vocational Education and Training begins QNA research that will be needed to commitment to contributing to help it in transitioning from a global cooperation in order to DOHA: The International resource-based economy to a achieve the universal sustainable experts’ meeting of Technical, knowledge-based economy. goals. Vocational Education and Training Secretary-General of Qatar Dr Hamda also highlighted (TVET), kicked off yesterday, National Commission for Edu- that the State of Qatar is fully organised by the College of the cation, Culture and Science Dr. convinced that scientific North Atlantic Qatar (CNA-Q), in Hamda Al Sulaiti highlighted the research and its practical appli- cooperation with Qatar National role of TVET in launching youth cations are the clear and Commission for Education, skills and capacities to achieve effective path to build a scien- Culture and Science, United sustainable development and tific foundation, leading the Nations Educational, Scientific and build successful and unique country into a knowledge Cultural Organisation (Unesco) career paths for them and society. She added that a and a number of other related employers, in addition to devel- number of applied research entities in Qatar. oping the skills of their centers of different specialties The meeting aims to workforce. have been established and work establish a research agenda on Speaking at the opening on implementing research the role of TVET in the transfor- session, Al Sulaiti praised the projects in cooperation with The children participating in the Expressions drawing competition. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA mation of skills development State of Qatars interest in edu- global partners including Unesco. programs to better support and cation, led by HH the Emir These projects include Al Bairaq serve sustainable and inclusive Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- project which focuses on the development in Qatar and Thani, for the sake of sustainable applications of science to suit and Babyshop holds third season of around the world. It also aims development as it is the only serve the Qatari environment, to explore the nature of, and way to build capacities, compe- where the State has initiated the imperatives for, sustainable and tencies, and values of indi- link between the productive insti- ‘Expressions’ drawing competition inclusive development com- viduals and communities to meet tutions and companies and the pared to “business as usual” in the challenges and needs of technical and vocational edu- THE PENINSULA addressing the negative social, building the future with inno- cation institutions in the country in the region. excellent platform for kids to economic and environmental vative solutions to move from the to support this sector of edu- QNB is proud to be the main explore and pursue their crea- impacts of globalization, resource-based economy to the cation, she added. DOHA: Babyshop, the region’s sponsor of this competition and tivity and I would specially like growing inequalities, resource knowledge-based economy. She On her part, Vice President leading one stop destination in is keen on supporting creative to thank all the parents who depletion and climate change. added that the State of Qatar has Academic at CNA-Q Samah children’s products, organised talents in Qatar as it comes in have made the efforts and The meeting also aims to sought to merge sustainable Gamar praised the education the third season of “Expressions” line with its diverse range of encouraged their kids to partic- understand Unesco’s Education development, its values and prac- system in Qatar and the great — a drawing competition which corporate social responsibility ipate in this. This year, the 2030 Agenda and assess the tices in general and technical edu- leaps it has taken in terms of was presented by QNB, for (CSR) initiatives and programs. response has been over- current state of TVET In relation cation curricula to achieve its providing quality education and children aged between 5 and 14 The event too was well whelming and I wish the to educational imperatives con- 2030 national vision, which gen- modern curricula that meet the years. managed by the Landmark children all the best for the cerning sustainable and erally complies well with the current challenges meeting the The event saw participants Group team. Kids & parents results. Everyone is a winner inclusive development. The global sustainable goals 2020, teachers and students. divided into three age categories came in together and had a great and each of them have a bright meeting also aims to map a new and specifically complies with the She highlighted that there are 5-7 years, 8-10 years & 11-14 day out. There was an enter- future ahead.” vision and approach, in com- fourth goal. The goal focuses on unlimited aspirations and capa- years covering a range of tainment area created with lots The event will now be con- pliance with the UNs agreed meaningful education, health, bilities extended from Qatars themes from talking about of surprises & gifts. cluded with the announcement Sustainable Development Goals. social protection, developing vision, strategies and its people’s Cartoon Character and I Love Looking at the response Mr. of results. In each category The meeting will also aim to required skills and competencies willingness to achieve the impos- Qatar to Creating Wealth by Santosh Pai, COO of Landmark first three place winners would illustrate and ground the general of individuals, including women sible and build the best practices Saving Money. It was conducted group, Qatar said: “We are truly be awarded and all other par- trends in international society in the comprehensive devel- in the field of TVET and to provide in three sessions and received delighted with the response ticipants would receive a par- and TVET, through a case study opment of the country, equality educational opportunities that an overwhelming response with from Expressions — one of the ticipation certificate. The of developments and research between men and women in edu- comply with the aims to Qatars over 4500 entries. This was one biggest events we have results will be announced on opportunities in Qatar, to cation and the workplace, in goals, capabilities, Islamic values, of the Biggest drawing compe- organized in Qatar so far. This 20th April at Al Asmakh Mall, identify the key areas of TVET addition to the country’s legacy, and customs. tition organised by any retailer competition provided an Al Sadd.

10Kg gold for 100 winners at Malabar Gold & Diamonds HMC highlights community

THE PENINSULA awareness of hemophilia

DOHA: Malabar Gold & QNA Diamonds, one of the big 5 jewellery retailers globally with DOHA: Learning about hemophilia will help healthcare providers a strong network of over 210 and those affected by the genetic blood disorder better manage retail outlets spread across nine the condition and prevent potential complications, according to countries, is running its much an expert at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). awaited promotion, ‘The Great Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents blood Gold Rush’ to celebrate this from clotting properly. Common symptoms of the disease can festive season. This promotion include frequent nosebleeds, unexplained and uncontrolled will run at all Malabar Gold & bleeding and bruising, and painful or swollen joints. While more Diamonds outlets in the Middle common in males, the disorder affects both males and females East & Far East. from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.The disease is categorized In Qatar, the offer will run as hemophilia A and B and can be classified as mild, moderate, or until May 5, 2018. The customers severe. Hemophilia A, known as classical hemophilia, is the most get unparalleled opportunities common form and accounts for around 80% of cases. It is the to win a total of 100 gold bars result of a deficiency in clotting factor 8. Hemophilia B is a defi- which weighs 10 kg gold totally ciency in clotting factor 9 and is a gender-linked recessive dis- across their showrooms in GCC One of the winners, MunuSwamy. order that is more common in males than females. & Far East. A true shopper’s According to D. Ahmed Abdulaziz Abdelbari, Clinical Phar- delight, Malabar Gold & Dia- that will entitle them to enter in 10% of the entire amount on the season, they have also revealed macist at Hamad General Hospital, and a hemophilia expert, monds will captivate the cus- a raffle draw to get a chance to selected gold jewellery to get their latest collection of jew- preventive measures and early treatment have significantly tomers by exhibiting eye win 100 gramme gold bars. In protected from the increasing ellery in gold, diamonds and improved the long-term outlook for patients with hemophilia. catching designs in gold, dia- Qatar a total of 10 lucky winners gold rate, this offer is until April precious gems to suit the tastes He says understanding the diseases symptoms will lead to better monds, platinum and precious will walk away with 100 18th only. of their multicultural and mul- management of the condition, which can be life-threatening. gems from different parts of the gramme gold bars each. Adding The customers also get a fab- tinational customers. Malabar “When a person without hemophilia bleeds, normal levels of world to flaunt any occasion or to the above, customers also get ulous chance to buy 8gm (22K) Gold & Diamonds has incorpo- clotting factor, a protein in the blood, causes the blood to clot event and are well priced too. two gram gold coin on diamond gold coins without paying the rated these designs as a part of and stops the bleeding. However, people with hemophilia have Nine lucky winners so far has jewellery purchase of QR5,000 making charges from any of various brands presented at lower levels of clotting factor in the blood and bleeding con- walked away with 100 grams of and a one gram gold coin on Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ tinues for much longer periods. Hemophilia is a lifelong dis- gold. purchase of diamond jewellery in Oman during this period. Fur- namely Ethnix - Handcrafted order and it is important for those affected by the condition to In Qatar, with every pur- worth QR3,000. These free gold thermore, customers can avail the Designer Jewellery, Era - Uncut have knowledge of its symptoms in order to properly manage chase of diamond jewellery coins offers are valid till April 21 zero deduction offer on 22K (GCC) Diamond Jewellery, Mine - Dia- these effectively,” stressed Dr Abdelbari. worth QR500, customers will get only. gold jewellery exchange as well. monds Unlimited, Divine- Indian Individuals with hemophilia can bleed excessively externally, 2 raffle coupons & with every Also, customers will have a All the above offers are valid at Heritage Jewellery, Precia - Gem through cuts for example, and internally. Internal bleeding in the gold jewellery purchase worth great opportunity to get the gold their outlets in Qatar until May 5. Jewellery and Starlet – Kids tissues and joints can lead to serious injury. It can also cause joint QR500 will get 1 raffle coupon rate protection by just paying To add more sparkle to this jewellery. problems later in life if appropriate medical care is not taken. 10 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 UN lauds Qatar’s efforts in crime ESTABLISHED IN 1996 prevention and criminal justice CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI QNA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI he United Nations (UN) has [email protected] praised the efforts made by the State of Qatar to implement the Doha Decla- ACTING MANAGING EDITOR T ration on Crime Prevention and MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Criminal Justice, considering that the [email protected] global program for the implemen- tation of this Declaration is a unique initiative in the history of international conferences on crime prevention. John Brandolino, Director, Division for Treaty Affairs, UN Office on Drugs and Crime said at the meeting EDITORIAL organized by the International Organi- zation to brief its members on the progress made in implementing the Declaration of the Thirteenth Congress Strengthening ties on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Qatar in April 2015, and of law and the principles of freedom said . he month-long Qatar economic roadshow across that the Global Program for the Imple- and justice , as well as progress He added that the landmark event US cities being led by Qatar’s Ministry of Economy mentation of this Declaration is a towards the achievement of the sus- that took place in the United Nations Tand Commerce highlights the strong and deep-rooted unique initiative in the history of the tainable development goals of 2030. in Vienna during the past week, which relationship between the two countries. The roadshow in 60 years of the Organization’s crime The State of Qatar, in cooperation with is directly related to the Doha Decla- key American cities, comes within the framework of Qatar’s prevention conferences, which was the United Nations Office on Drugs ration of organizing the largest gath- keenness to widen the horizons of economic cooperation generously funded by the host country and Crime, has decided to put the ering of senior judges from around the with the US and enhance communication between the of Qatar. The program has entered the Doha Declaration / Recommendations world, where the Global Network for business sectors in both countries. project completion stage and has into action by funding a wide-ranging Judicial Integrity was launched. Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed reached more than 13,000 stake- global program to help countries Concluding, HE the Ambassador of bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, during the opening holders in more than180 countries. achieve a positive and sustainable the State of Qatar to Austria and its of the Qatari-US Economic Forum held in Charleston, South For his part, H E Sheikh Ali bin impact, based on four main pillars Permanent Representative to the Carolina, underlined that international trade and Jassim Al-Thani, (pictured) Ambas- including juvenile crime prevention United Nations organizations in investment are a key part of Qatar’s future growth and sador of the State of Qatar to Austria through sports, rehabilitation of pris- Vienna, called on the States Members economic diversification policy, and noted that the United and its Permanent Representative to oners, integrity of the judiciary and the of the United Nations that were not States is one of the largest and most important trading the United Nations Organizations in Education for Justice initiative. able to participate in the activities of partners of Qatar. Vienna, called for the integration of H E Ambassador Sheikh Ali bin the Global Program to coordinate with Qatar has increased its investment in the United States crime prevention and criminal justice Jassim Al-Thani, pointed out that more the Office of the United Nations on over the years, which has contributed to creating thou- into the Organization’s expanded than 180 countries, most of them from Drugs and Crime in order to partic- sands of jobs throughout the US. The investments included agenda to address social and eco- developing countries, were benefiting ipate in these activities and to work to partnerships with several American companies including nomic challenges and promote the from the global program emanating implement the recommendations of ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Raytheon. Qatar Airways rule of law at the national and interna- from the Doha Declaration, expressing the Doha Declaration and turn them has allocated about $92bn to tional levels and public participation, Qatar’s gratitude and appreciation for into action programs covering the support the US economy through stressing that the Conference and its the efforts of officials at the United coming years. He expressed the hope the purchase of 332 US-made air- Declaration had become a landmark Nations Office at Vienna to organize that the Doha recommendations craft, which contributed to creating in the history of crime prevention con- the briefing to Its implementation of would be completed at the Tokyo Con- over 527,000 jobs. The Qatar ferences at the global level. the recommendations contained in the ference in 2020. Investment Authority allocated HE the Ambassador noted that present Declaration, and thanked the In the same vein, delegates from The month-long $45bn of investments in the US for Qatar’s hosting of the 13th Conference representatives of the States Members several countries attending the Qatar economic the period 2015-2020, of which on Crime Prevention and Criminal of the United Nations for their contri- meeting commended the activities of roadshow across $10bn will be directed to invest in Justice three years ago, comes from butions in that regard. the World Program for the Implemen- US cities comes the infrastructure sector. Qatar the assumption of its international The Doha Declaration established tation of the Doha Declaration, led by Petroleum has allocated $10bn for responsibility, its keenness to achieve fair and humane criminal justice the Russian delegate, who congratu- within the investments in a liquefied natural criminal justice and the establishment systems and reinforced the interrela- lated both the State of Qatar and the framework of gas plant in Texas. Qatar donated of safe societies governed by the rule tionship between the rule of law and United Nations Office for this fruitful Qatar’s keenness $100m to help those affected by sustainable development, HE the program, while the representative of to widen the Hurricane Katrina and donated Ambassador underlined, expressing Argentina described as great work, the another $30m in aid after Hur- confidence that all Member States Conference of the Judiciary in Vienna, horizons of ricane Harvey. have the political will and determi- the launch of the Global Network of economic The roadshow features eco- nation to implement the recommen- Judicial Integrity, Prison Rehabilitation cooperation with nomic forums, bilateral discussions, Ambassador H E Sheikh Ali bin dations of this Declaration and turn and Sports Activities in the Prevention them into a program of action that of Youth from the Crime of the Doha the US. meetings between Qatari busi- Jassim Al-Thani pointed out nessmen and their American coun- that more than 180 countries, serves and protects societies against Declaration. terparts, and round table sector dis- organized crime, corruption, terrorism For his part, the delegate of Bolivia cussions in the fields of real estate, most of them from developing and drugs, and promotes the sus- expressed his country’s gratitude for investment, hospitality, tourism, hotel, technology, health, countries, were benefiting from tainable development of the peoples of the activities of the World Program, medicine, banking, law, public-private partnerships and the global program emanating the world. noting that his country’s President infrastructure projects. Exhibitions, being held on the side- The Qatari initiative had been personally cared for sports activities lines, shed light on Qatar’s culture heritage, major invest- from the Doha Declaration, unprecedented in the history of the and their role in protecting young ments and the state’s economic capabilities. Qatari-US expressing Qatar’s gratitude and United Nations Office on Drugs and people from crime. bilateral economic relations have grown significantly since appreciation for the efforts of Crime (UNODC), for the first time in The representative of El Salvador the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework officials at the United Nations the history of the United Nations con- also commended the activities of the Agreement — or TIFA — in 2004. Today, the US is con- gresses on crime, the Doha Decla- World Program in her country since sidered as a strong trading partner. There are about 15,000 Office at Vienna to organise the ration had been used as the basis for 2016, indicating that the program was American citizens in Qatar. briefing to Its implementation of the development of an operational doing a great job of raising awareness Qatar has achieved positive growth rates during the the recommendations contained program, the largest of its kind sup- in schools, immunizing young people past year, a proof that the Qatar’s economy has not been in the present Declaration. ported by a Member State, HE Ambas- against crime, as well as rehabilitating affected by the unjust siege. Qatar established trade rela- sador Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani prisons. tions with countries the world over, especially the United States. The latest World Bank report showed that Qatar’s real GDP is expected to rise to 2.8 percent in 2018, the highest rate among the GCC countries. Qatar also has become a world leader in the Global Competitiveness Index according to a report issued by the World Economic Forum. Snuffing out dissent in Vietnam Qatar also ranked first in the world in providing a safe business environment. Qatar has cemented its partnership with the US in the THE WASHINGTON POST human rights recognized by the Viet- and online commentators. In 2016, the form of direct investments, joint ventures and trade deals. namese Constitution and international authorities arrested a popular blogger, The partnership has contributed to the creation of countless ive years ago, lawyer Nguyen conventions” and to “promote the Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, who wrote new opportunities for investors and businessmen from Van Dai became co-founder of a building of a democratic, progressive, under the pen name Mother Mushroom both countries. pro-democracy group in civilized and just society for Vietnam.” and was co-founder of a network of FVietnam called Brotherhood for Their lawyer, Le Luan, said, “At the independent bloggers. At the time, she Democracy, which was intended to trial today, no evidence showing the had been writing extensively about a underscore a fresh approach to activism. defendants’ attempt at overthrowing chemical spill that devastated marine QUOTE OF THE DAY Instead of being lone campaigners for the state was given. The charge was life and left fishermen and tourism democratic principles, its members very much groundless.” industry workers jobless in four prov- would attempt to unite the forces of Days later, another court in Thai Binh inces. When taken into custody, Quynh dissent into a larger force, a “collective in northern Vietnam sentenced a was accused of publishing “propa- The international strength” based on “solidarity.” member of the group, Nguyen Van Tuc, ganda” against the state. She is still in community needs to On April 5, Dai’s hopes were dealt to 13 years in prison on the same charges. jail, and her health is deteriorating. put more pressure on a severe setback. A court in Hanoi sen- The official Vietnam News Agency said Recently, Amnesty International said it Myanmar so that they tenced him and five other activists to Tuc joined the group in 2014 and served has counted 97 prisoners of conscience between seven and 15 years in prison as its vice president. It called the broth- in Vietnam, including lawyers, take back their own for alleged subversion. Vietnam is erhood a “reactionary organization that bloggers, human rights defenders, people and ensure ruled by a Communist Party that is operated illegally aimed at attempting to environmental activists and pro- their security. intolerant of dissent and in recent abolish the leading role of the Com- democracy campaigners. Vietnam’s months has been intensifying a munist Party of Vietnam and overthrow party bosses might have been crackdown on those advocating the people’s administration.” Tuc was somewhat less enthusiastic about Sheikh Hasina human rights and pushing for previously sentenced in 2009 to four snuffing out dissent if the United States Bangladesh Prime democracy. Dai, who served an earlier years in prison. were still party to the Trans-Pacific Minister four-year prison term, was sentenced Vietnam remains locked in the Sta- Partnership, the Asian trade agreement to 15 years. The brotherhood has said linist past when it comes to denying including Vietnam that President it is dedicated to “fight to protect rights to its people, including bloggers Donald Trump abandoned last year. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 OPINION 11 Douma Attack: Zero-Sum Game for Russia and US

he chemical attack in Eastern Middle East. There are many ways in For a long time Moscow was wary of Ghouta on April 8 has a which competition between powers seeing the SDF as a project of the potential to become a turning may have resurfaced in Syria: The two United States in Syria, was advocating point in the Syrian conflict and have already clashed over recon- for their autonomy within Syria and T for their inclusion in the negotiating possibly lead to the reassessment of struction of the country. The United the American role in the war. The use States has made it clear that its contri- process, something that both Ankara The Douma attack has undoubtedly resulted YURY BARMIN of chemical weapons in Syria is not bution to post-war rebuilding efforts is and Damascus rejected. But the situ- something new, with the first reports conditioned on a fair political process ation has changed radically for ANATOLIA in an escalation in of such attacks in Eastern Ghouta in Syria, which Russia sees as a manip- Moscow with the US now using the Syria that is long appearing in 2013. The infamous ulative approach by a side that has SDF-controlled area as a springboard attack back then resulted in a deal failed to perform a regime change in for its “alternative state” within Syria. overdue. With the fight between Russia and the US to remove the country. Russia’s recognition of this de facto sit- against Daesh in full chemical weapons from Syria, which However, what is more troubling is uation as a threat to territorial integrity swing up until a year arguably helped Moscow to keep not electrified political squabbles over came at the second trilateral summit ago, the underlying Assad in power despite the deal on the Syria but a growing competition on the that was held between Turkey, Russia, use of chemical weapons in Syria. ground between Moscow and Wash- and Iran in Ankara. In other words, the rivalry between the The Douma attack has ington. Ever since the fall of Daesh in tension that has long been brewing United State and undoubtedly resulted in an escalation Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, we have seen between Russia and the US in Syria Russia over who would in Syria that is long overdue. With the the transformation of the Syrian bat- was bound to have physical manifes- fight against Daesh in full swing up tlefield with three distinct sides tations ultimately, and the chemical claim the defeat of until a year ago, the underlying rivalry emerging: the Turkey-backed rebels in attack seems to have accelerated the Daesh was already between the United State and Russia the north, the US-backed SDF east of process. visible. over who would claim the defeat of the Euphrates River, and the Russia- Both Russia and the United States Daesh was already visible. This com- supported Syrian government. As a find themselves disadvantaged as a petition between the two powers sig- result of this process, there are now result of the chemical attack in Douma Trump Administration is essentially nificantly intensified when Donald fewer fighting parties in the Syrian and neither is likely to come out as the left to choose between an inef- Trump took charge in the White House conflict but they have become larger, winner. It is another zero-sum game fective measure and a disastrous and turned the war of words into a which makes it easier to negotiate and that has become a characteristic measure, none of which in reality The Douma attack proxy standoff. strike deals. feature of the Syrian war. The Trump would be able to deliver a nec- has undoubtedly Now that Daesh is in a process of One thing Russia has grossly mis- Administration could not let this attack essary message to Damascus. demise and the Assad government in calculated, however, is that northern go unpunished because it was a clear Vladimir Putin’s options in resulted in an Syria is no longer threatened by a Syria has become an area of US violation of the US “red line” in Syria Syria look no less encouraging at escalation in Syria regime change, Russia and the United expansion in Syria, which it intends to and was no different from the Khan the moment. The US strikes on that is long overdue. States are inevitably sliding back into use to pressure the Assad government Shaykhun attack a year ago. The Syria are disastrous for Russia since the classic great power rivalry in the and ultimately push back against Iran. dilemma for Donald Trump, however, they invite some kind of retaliation, is that targeted strikes at suspected be it in the military or political Syrian chemical facilities are not domain. This is the paramount dif- effective as a deterrent, yet that is ference between the events linked exactly what the entire military estab- to the Khan Shaykhun chemical lishment in the US and even Trump’s attack and the use of chemical rivals deem an appropriate measure. weapons in Douma. Back in April The escalation in Syria is coming 2017, Moscow did not feel com- against the backdrop of discussions in pelled to respond to the measures Washington about to what extent the taken by the US against the Assad US military should remain involved in government, to a large extent due the Syrian conflict. While Donald to fears of escalation and due to the Trump himself advocates pulling out fact that Russia could use that of the country in due course, the Pen- strike to its own favor vis-a-vis tagon is opposed to this option and Assad. asks to ramp up America’s presence in Syria. Greater military involvement on Syrian soil means taking more respon- sibility for the course of the war that is not yet over and bracing for more con- frontation with Iran and Russia. The chemical attack in Douma becomes that window of opportunity that the D-RING ROAD advocates of military expansion might POST BOX: 3488 use to push the US president to launch DOHA - QATAR a wider campaign against the Assad [email protected] government, possibly backed by other international allies. Against the backdrop of such considerations, the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

Dengvaxia to some 837,000 students potential cases emerged, the gov- MANAGING EDITOR as part of a public immunisation ernment assigned its legal service that TEL: 4462 7505 campaign. represents the poor, the Public Attor- Sanofi hailed the vaccine as a ney’s Office, to take up the matter. Its DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Confusion, blame breakthrough in combating dengue, chief lawyer, Persida Acosta, told law- TEL: 4455 7769 which kills hundreds in the Philip- makers in February: “They (death cer- LOCAL NEWS SECTION pines every year, mostly children. tificates) said they were (killed by) game fuel Philippine TEL: 4455 7743 But the company set off a panic acute respiratory arrest, encephalitis, when in November it said a new appendicitis, septic shock. All of those BUSINESS NEWS SECTION analysis showed the vaccine could are mimics of severe dengue.” vaccine scandal TEL: 4462 7535 lead to more severe symptoms for Certainty about the children’s people who had not previously been cause of death may remain clouded SPORT NEWS SECTION infected with dengue. because post-mortem diagnosis of TEL: 4455 7745 It prompted Manila to halt the dengue can be a tricky process. CECIL MORELLA elinda Colite shakes with campaign and left hundreds of thou- The most accurate and widely ONLINE SECTION REUTERS rage as she clutches a sands of terrified parents wondering if used way of testing, called RT-PCR, TEL: 4462 7501 photo of her grandson, their children were at risk. relies on genetic material that [email protected] who she says died after Sanofi has repeatedly said the degrades quickly after a person dies, M especially in warm climates like the vaccine is safe, noting in a March getting the anti-dengue fever vaccine PUBLIC RELATIONS statement: “No causal-related deaths Philippines, virus expert Benjamin at the heart of a bitter scandal in the TEL: 4455 7613 were reported in 15 countries after Neuman said. Philippines. [email protected] While Dengvaxia’s maker Sanofi clinical trials conducted for more than “The challenge of determining a cause of death by RT-PCR can swiftly has said unequivocally that its world- a decade with 40,000 subjects ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT first vaccination is safe, Philippine involved.” move from difficult to impossible,” he TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 authorities disagree publicly over “There continues to be no evi- added. FAX: 4455 7870 whether it could have contributed to dence that any deaths have been It is also unclear if this type of [email protected] children’s deaths. causally linked to our vaccine,” it testing has been used in the cases The resulting confusion has added. under investigation. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT prompted a dangerous plunge in vac- But that has not stopped allega- Supporters of the president have TEL: 4455 7857 cination rates in the Philippines for tions emerging of vaccinated children been eager to assign blame for the [email protected] other diseases. dying of super-charged cases of Dengvaxia scandal to his predecessor, It has also added to a swirling dengue after getting Dengvaxia. Benigno Aquino, who has criticised SUBSCRIPTION & political battle, fanned by bloggers “It could not have been anything Duterte’s deadly anti-drug DISTRIBUTION who back President Rodrigo Duterte else. He started complaining of fre- crackdown. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 and have an audience of millions of quent body aches after his third Though the vaccination campaign FAX: 44557819 Facebook followers. injection,” Melinda Colite, 55, said of was approved and launched under [email protected] “The blame game has taken over her 12-year-old grandson Zandro. Aquino’s administration, it continued the main issue,” Ronald Mendoza, As of last week 65 deaths have for a time under Duterte. dean of the Ateneo de Manila Univer- been reported to authorities and are Well-known blogs have posted sity’s School of Government, said. “It under investigation, the health entries calling for Aquino to be jailed All thoughts and views may be doing damage to public health department says. and questioned whether the vaccine is rather than protecting it.” Different branches of the Phil- a “time bomb”. expressed in these columns Health authorities have said child ippine government have disagreed Ruth Jaime, whose 12-year-old are those of the writers, The resulting vaccination rates against illnesses like openly about potential risks of the grandson Alexzander died due to a not of the newspaper. measles have dropped by as much as vaccine, leading to confusion for the blood infection months after his last confusion has 25 percentage points over the pre- public. dose of Dengvaxia, says the situation prompted a vious year as public anger and mis- “We cannot conclude at this point is clear for her. All correspondence dangerous plunge in trust has grown in the Dengvaxia case. that Dengvaxia directly caused the “Of course no one will admit what regarding Views and vaccination rates in Several measles outbreaks have deaths,” Health Secretary Francisco caused his death,” said the fishmonger Opinion pages should be struck the nation, claiming at least 13 Duque told lawmakers in February, in her home west of Manila. send to editor-in-chief the Philippines for lives, since the controversy began. referring to the cases of 14 children “If you had a healthy child and he other diseases. The trouble started last year, who received the vaccine. dies after getting an injection would office or mailed to the shortly after the Philippines gave However, after additional you not attribute his death to that?” [email protected] 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018

UN to launch new Yemen Chemical weapons peace roadmap in two months investigators enter

UNITED NATIONS: The Syria’s Douma United Nations’ new peace envoy for Yemen said BLOOMBERG yesterday he will present a plan The inspectors had within two months to re-launch arrived in Damascus negotiations to end the war but DOUMA: International investi- on Saturday, but warned that missile strikes on gators entered the Syrian town the Organisation for Saudi Arabia risked derailing where an alleged chemical the effort. Addressing the weapons attack triggered US-led the Prohibition of Security Council, Martin Grif- airstrikes and widened an already Chemical Weapons fiths said a possible sharp esca- gaping rift between Russia and said Syrian and lation from the missile attacks the West. on Saudi Arabia and intensified The fact-finding mission from Russian officials fighting could “in a stroke, take the Organisation for the Prohi- had denied them peace off the table.” bition of Chemical Weapons access, giving rise “My plan is to put to the made its way yesterday to to suspicions of council within the next two Douma, a suburb of the capital, months a framework for Damascus, according to state-run evidence-tampering. Civilians walk in theSyrian town of Douma on the outskirts of Damascus yesterday, after the army negotiations,” Griffiths said in Syria TV. The inspectors had declared that all anti-regime forces have left Eastern Ghouta, following a blistering two-month his first council report since arrived in Damascus on Saturday, over issues such as Russia’s taking over as special envoy but the OPCW said Syrian and seizure of Crimea, its intervention offensive on the rebel enclave. in February. Russian officials had denied them in eastern Ukraine and its sus- Riyadh said last week it access, giving rise to suspicions pected poisoning of a former had shot down two Iran-sup- of evidence-tampering. Russian spy in the UK. It also Turkey, Iran to continue alliance with Russia plied drones in the south of Both Syria and its patron, comes as the White House is the kingdom as well as inter- Russia, have denied the Syrian being rocked by Special Counsel ANKARA: The presidents of — in seeking to find a solution Turkey, Iran and Russia... to ceptws ballistic missiles fired government poisoned civilians in Robert Mueller’s investigation Turkey and Iran yesterday vowed to the conflict. In an interview protect Syrian territorial from rebel-held parts of Douma, the latest rebel into the Trump campaign’s pos- to press on with their alliance with French television, French integrity and find a lasting, Yemen, the latest in a series stronghold outside Damascus to sible ties with Russia, which in alongside Russia over Syria, the President Emmanuel Macron peaceful solution to the crisis,” of similar incidents. fall. The US, UK and France accuse recent days has led to a raid on Turkish presidency said, after suggested that the weekend air said the source. Griffiths cited the increased Syrian President Bashar Al Assad the office of President Donald Ankara backed strikes by the US strikes against Syrian gov- Erdogan on Saturday had number of ballistic missile of carrying out the April 7 attack, Trump’s longtime lawyer. and its allies against the regime ernment targets had succeeded welcomed the air strikes — launches, intensified military which killed dozens of people. The Trump backed down on a of President Bashar Al Assad. in engineering a split in the carried out by the US, Britain and operations in northwest Saada allies struck Syrian military targets new round of penalties against Russia and Iran are the key Russia-Turkey alliance. France — which he described as governorate, ongoing air over the weekend in retaliation. Moscow over the Douma attack allies of Assad and their military But a Turkish presidential “appropriate” following an strikes and movements of France’s Foreign Ministry said evi- almost as soon as his government intervention in Syria is widely source said, following telephone alleged chemical attack that the forces in the Hodeidah region dence and key elements linked to threatened them, the Washington seen as helping him stay in talks between Turkish President West blames on Assad but as worrisome developments. the chemical attack were likely to Post reported. Trump is at odds power and tipping the balance Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian Moscow contends was staged. In “Our concern is that any of disappear from the site while it with top officials in the state and in the civil war. But Moscow and counterpart Hassan Rowhani, that his talks with Rowhani, Erdogan these developments may, in a remained off-limits on unspecified defense departments over how Tehran have over the last the two sides had vowed the said that Turkey’s opposition to stroke, take peace off the table. security grounds. deeply the US should be involved months worked increasingly alliance must continue. the use of chemical weapons was I am convinced that there is a The showdown over Douma in Syria’s seven-year-old civil closely with Ankara — which “The two leaders empha- “more than clear” and warned real danger of this,” said the has added to the bad blood war, with the president pushing has throughout the seven-year sised the importance of con- against opening the way to an envoy. between Moscow and the West for a pullout. war called for Assad’s ouster tinuing the joint efforts of “escalation of tensions”.

Nigerian police, protesters UN experts condemn clash for second day

Israel for violence ABUJA: Nigerian police fired tear gas for a second day yesterday at protesters demanding the release of Shia leader Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in jail without ANATOLIA Rapporteur on the rights to freedom charge since December, 2015. Scores of protesters were of assembly and association. also arrested by armed police wearing bulletproof vests GENEVA: UN human rights experts The UN and its independent and gas masks during clashes in Abuja, the national yesterday slammed Israeli security human rights experts, along with the capital. “We’ve come under serious attack today,” said forces for killing Palestinians near International Criminal Court, have Deji Adeyanju of Concerned Nigerians, a civil society the Gaza fence by using firearms, expressed grave concern about the group involved in the demonstration. “The more they including live ammunition. Israeli security forces’ use of force, attack the more (we) come out,” Deji said. “We want In a statement, the experts said: and called for an end to the to defy tyranny and a dictatorship.” The police did not “UN human rights experts have con- violence. immediately comment. Zakzaky, head of the Islamic demned the continued use of “Despite Israel’s commitment to Movement of Nigeria (IMN), has been in government firearms, including live ammunition, investigate the events of the past few custody since troops clashed with his followers in the by Israeli security forces against weeks, security forces continue to northern city of Zaria in December 2015 despite court mostly unarmed Palestinian pro- use live ammunition and rubber orders that he should be freed. More than 350 IMN Women take part in a demonstration in support of Palestinian prisoners testers and observers for a third bullets against the protesters, killing followers were killed in the 2015 clashes. Zakzaky was held in Israeli jails, in Gaza City, yesterday. straight week near the fence and wounding dozens of mostly shot and injured leaving him partly paralysed and blind between occupied Gaza and Israel.” unarmed protesters, women, men in one eye. Among the UN experts were and children alike. Among those killed were three are to be given broad protection, and Agnes Callamard, Special Rap- “We express our outrage over children and a journalist, who was can only be restricted in narrow and 26 ex-Turkish soldiers get porteur on extrajudicial, summary these shootings that may have resulted wearing a clearly visible insignia exceptional circumstances. or arbitrary executions; Leilani in unlawful killings and the incom- identifying him as a member of the “Israel must fully observe these life sentences for coup bid Farha, Special Rapporteur on the prehensibly high number of injuries press. Six other journalists have so rights, and ensure that their right to adequate housing; Miche sustained,” the statement said. far been wounded, the experts said. approaches to crowd control and Forst, Special Rapporteur on the sit- According to the UN, at least 28 Pal- “No evidence has emerged demonstrations are in strict ISTANBUL: A total of 26 former soldiers, including uation of human rights defenders; estinians have been killed and more showing that such a situation accordance with international law.” generals were sentenced to aggravated life sentences Idriss Jazairy Special Rapporteur on than 1,600 wounded by Israeli security occurred during the demonstrations The deadly use of force against yesterday for their involvement in the 2016 defeated the negative impact of the unilateral forces during a series of demonstra- that would make the lethal force demonstrators could constitute coup in Turkey, according to judicial sources. Istan- coercive measures on the enjoyment tions that began on March 30 and are used legal,” they said. crimes under the Rome Statute, the bul’s 14th High Criminal Court convicted 12 former of human rights; Michael Lynk, set to continue until May 15. The par- Noting that the freedoms of asso- experts said, adding: “The deaths and military personnel on charges of violating the consti- Special Rapporteur on the situation ticipants are protesting their forced ciation, assembly, and expression injuries since 30 March by the Israeli tution, the source, who asked not be named due to of human rights in the Palestinian evictions and displacement since have been all fundamental rights security forces appeared to be in restrictions on speaking to the media, said. Separately, Territory occupied since 1967; 1948 and calling for an end to the under international human rights breach of the International Covenant southeastern Gaziantep’s 10th Heavy Penal Court Nyaletsossi Clement Voule, Special 11-year blockade on Gaza. law, the experts said: “These rights on Civil and Political Rights (1966), sentenced 14 former soldiers to aggravated life terms after convicting them for violating the constitutional order during incidents at a special forces operation base in the province’s Silopi district. The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its US-based leader Fetullah Burundi cracking down on opponents ahead of key vote: HRW Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup on July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured. AP used repression to ensure the vote “Those who have been arrested judges last year authorized an inves- Iraq sentences Frenchwoman goes in the president’s favor, and unjustly, let justice do its job .... There tigation into allegations of state- KAMPALA: Burundi’s government their victims include a man who was has never been a plan to harass this sponsored crimes during the recent to life in jail for joining IS forces and ruling party members beaten to death and another whose or that one because of his opinion, political upheaval in the East African have beaten and killed perceived beating may have resulted in his because even our constitution nation that the U.N. human rights opponents of an upcoming refer- death, the group said in its report. forbids it,” said Therence Ntahiraja, chief has called one of “the most pro- BAGHDAD: Iraq yesterday sentenced a French- endum that could allow the pres- “There is little doubt that the the assistant minister of home lific slaughterhouses of humans in woman to life in prison for belonging to the Islamic ident to extend his rule, Human upcoming referendum will be affairs. “Yes, there may be some ten- recent times.” State group, raising to more than 180 the number of Rights Watch said yesterday, citing accompanied by more abuses,” said sions here and there, but let’s avoid Nkurunziza rose to power in such convictions of foreign women since the coun- what it called “widespread impunity” Ida Sawyer, Central Africa director associating that with this plan of 2005 following the signing of the try’s defeat of IS. Djamila Boutoutaou, a 29-year-old for local authorities and their allies. at Human Rights Watch. “Burundian modifying the constitution.” Arusha accords, which ended of Algerian origin, told a Baghdad court that she left The New York-based rights officials and the Imbonerakure are Burundi has been plagued by Burundi’s civil war that killed about France with her husband, a rapper. She said she group reported that it had confirmed carrying out violence with near-total violence since April 2015, when 300,000 people. He was re-elected thought they were going on holiday but “when I 19 cases of abuse since December impunity to allow (the president) to deadly protests broke out after Pres- unopposed in 2010 after the oppo- arrived in Turkey I discovered that my husband was 12, “all apparently to press Burun- entrench his hold on power.” ident Pierre Nkurunziza sought a sition boycotted the vote. He said he a jihadist”. She said she was forced by her husband dians to vote yes on the referendum” Burundi’s government denied third term, leaving an estimated was eligible for the third term in to join IS and live in the “caliphate” that the jihadists that is scheduled for May 17. the charges it targets perceived 1,200 people dead. More than 2015 because lawmakers, not the proclaimed in 2014 straddling Syria and Iraq. Bout- State agents and members of a opponents, saying Human Rights 400,000 people have fled the general population, had chosen outaou, who appeared in court wearing a brown violent youth group allied with the Watch’s report is “full of lies and country. him for his first term. Critics called headscarf, said she and her two children had been ruling party, the Imbonerakure, have fabrications.” The International Criminal Court the move unconstitutional. forced to live in a “cave”. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 ASIA 13

Parliamentary ATMs dry up in India; ‘unusual demand’ blamed panel sets RBI chief’s hearing IANS supply now, which is close to the In a bid to tackle government, along with the Madhya Pradesh, Telengana, on May 17 circulation during the demone- the “unusual” Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has Andhar Pradesh, north Bihar and NEW DELHI: Amid reports of a tisation period. We keep Rs 2.5-3 taken all steps to meet this Punjab. One possible reason is the cash crunch and empty ATMs, lakh crore more currency in currency demand, unusual demand. procurement season has started IANS Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stock for excess demand.” the government has Asked whether there was and the demand for payment to yesterday sought to allay fears, He said there was unusually decided to increase any hoarding of the Rs2,000 farmers has gone up. In Mahar- NEW DELHI: A parlia- saying “there is more than high demand for currency in the printing of Rs500 notes, Garg said at the press ashtra there is no shortage of cash, mentary panel has called RBI adequate currency in circu- last couple of months. As meet: “In this system, there are as far as SBI is concerned,” Kumar Governor Urjit Patel on May lation”, even as the government opposed to an average demand notes by five times. about 6.70 lakh crore worth of said. 17 to answer queries on blamed “unusual demand” for of about Rs20,000 crore a Rs2,000 notes. They are more “We had adequate reserves banking frauds and the shortages in some areas. month, “in the first 13 days of than adequate to meet the trans- of currency notes which have powers that the central bank In a bid to tackle the April itself there was a demand In a month, supply would be action demand of customers... been used to meet fully the needs for better regulation of “unusual” currency demand, the of Rs45,000 crore”, he said. about 70,000-75,000 crore. But, off late, we have noted extraordinary demand generated public sector banks (PSBs). government has also decided to In the last few days the gov- These notes alone can more than somewhat lesser inflow coming so far. We continue to have in Sources said the decision increase printing of Rs500 notes ernment has pumped cash into meet the demand of any month,” back from circulation. stock adequate currency notes was taken at a meeting of the by five times. the system to meet the demand, he said. Garg attributed the “We have not got this investi- of all denominations, including Standing Committee on “Have reviewed the currency he said. “We still have a reserve sudden cash demand to localised gated, but you can assume that this of Rs500, 200 and Rs100, to Finance, headed by Congress situation in the country. Overall of Rs1.75 lakh crore.” phenomena. one note is most suitable for meet any demand,” the Finance leader M Veerappa Moily. there is more than adequate cur- “We have taken steps to “This unusual spurt in people to keep with themselves. Ministry statement said. “The Reserve Bank of India rency in circulation and also increase the supply of currency in demand is seen more in some There has been some tendency of “The government would like (RBI) Governor has been available with the banks. The case the demand were to go up parts of the country like Andhra some people using Rs2,000 notes, to assure all the people that there invited to attend the meeting temporary shortage caused by further. To give you an example, Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, but that does not affect the overall has been adequate supply of cur- on May 17,” a source said. ‘sudden and unusual increase’ Rs 500 notes — we print about Madhya Pradesh and Bihar,” the supply of the Rs2,000 notes.” rency notes which has met entire Last month, Patel said the in some areas is being tackled 500 crore of notes per day. We Finance Ministry said in a SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar demand so far. The government RBI’s regulatory powers over quickly,” Jaitley tweeted. have taken steps to raise this pro- statement yesterday. also stepped in to allay fears, would also like to assure that it PSBs were weaker than those At a hurriedly-called press duction five times,” Garg said. There were, however, telling a TV channel that “there would be supplying adequate over the private sector banks. meet, Economic Affairs Secretary “Very soon, in the next reports of shortages in Mahar- has been adequate supply of cur- currency notes to meet even His remarks came in the S C Garg, said: “There is no cash couple of days, we will have a ashtra, Gujarat and Punjab as rency from the RBI”. higher levels of demand if such wake of bank frauds. crunch in the country. There is supply of about Rs2,500 crore well. “In certain states, the demand demand were to continue in the According to the sources, around Rs18 lakh crore currency worth of Rs500 notes per day. The statement said the has gone up. These states are coming days/months,” it added. the parliamentary panel would ask the RBI Governor questions about the frauds and better regulation. The panel members also India, Sweden sign made several queries about the banking sector to Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar. joint action plan Finance Ministry officials answered some queries and sought three weeks to file replies IANS we agreed to a Joint Action Plan to the others. and an Innovation Partnership.” Sources said Insolvency and STOCKHOLM: Aiming to build Stating that innovation, Bankruptcy Board of India a win-win partnership through investment, start-ups, manufac- Chairman M S Sahoo was also Sweden making use of the turing were among the main present. opportunities offered by India’s areas of cooperation between The committee discussed development programmes, the the two countries, he said that banking frauds in both public two countries yesterday signed attention was also paid on and private sector banks. The a Joint Action Plan and an Inno- renewable energy, urban PNB fraud was discussed with vation Partnership following a transport and waste man- special reference to fugitive bilateral summit between Indian agement to improve the quality jeweller Nirav Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of life of the Indian people. Sources said members and his Swedish counterpart “Defence and security is an asked if middle-level officials Stefan Lofven here. important pillar of our bilateral were the only ones responsible Jointly addressing the media relationship,” Modi said. for the PNB fraud and if it was here along with Lofven after the “Sweden has been partner of Prime Minister Narendra Modi shaking hands with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven (right) after a systemic failure. They said in talks, Modi said that Sweden has India in defence sector for a long the signing of the Joint Innovation Partnership and announcement of adoption of the Joint Action the frauds surfacing in the been a strong contributor to the time. I am confident that new Plan between India and Sweden, in Stockholm, yesterday. banking sector, there were Make in India programme from opportunities for cooperation in this mistakes which were being the beginning and recalled that sector will arise in the future, espe- “One more thing that we have On his part, Lofven said that our Innovation Partnership by repeated. the Swedish Prime Minister cially in defence production.” agreed upon is that the impor- he believed that Sweden and providing up to 50m Swedish A member asked about himself led a big business dele- Stating that Sweden is an tance of our relationship should India make a perfect match. kronor (over $59m) for inno- the pace of corrective gation to the Make in India important partner of India for be reflected at the regional and Stating that India is under- vation cooperation with India in measures implemented in the summit in Mumbai in 2016. defence and security, the Indian global levels,” he said. “We have going an unprecedented eco- the field of smart cities and sus- wake of the frauds and what “The main theme of our dis- Prime Minister said that there been closely cooperating on the nomic transformation, he said tainability,” Lofven said. more needs to be done. cussions today was how to will be new opportunities for international platform and this that Sweden has a lot of inno- Earlier in the day, Modi The panel members also develop a win-win partnership defence production in the future. will continue.” vative solutions to offer in this called on Sweden’s King Carl XVI raised queries about the con- between Sweden and India According to Modi both sides Modi also said developments connection. Gustaf at the Royal Palace here troversy over conflict of through the opportunities offered also agreed to further strengthen in Europe and Asia also came up “I am very pleased to and the two leaders exchanged interest in the Rs 3,250 crore by India’s development pro- security, especially cyber for detailed discussion during the announce that the Swedish gov- views on strengthening bilateral loan given by the ICICI Bank to grammes,” Modi said. “As a result, security cooperation. bilateral summit ernment will kick start cooperation. the Videocon Group in 2012.

Bomb blast near Myanmar pardons over 8,500 Indian diplomatic outpost in Nepal prisoners in holiday amnesty

AFP AFP spokesman Zaw Htay. Among those released were KATHMANDU: A bomb that YANGON: Myanmar’s president two Baptist church leaders jailed exploded outside an Indian yesterday announced pardons last year on charges of supporting diplomatic post in southern for more than 8,500 prisoners, ethnic minority rebels in the war- Nepal caused damage and including three dozen jailed in torn northeast in a case criticised drew attention for being a political cases, as part of an by rights groups. rare attack on a foreign annual amnesty marking the “Now we are free and we mission, officials said. country’s traditional new year. feel happy... I hope our land will The homemade device President Win Myint, who be peaceful in the future so this went off late on Monday at took office last month after his kind of thing would not happen Biratnagar, 200km southeast predecessor suddenly resigned, again,” Langjaw Gam Seng, the of Kathmandu and close to said the pardons were granted church youth leader who was the Indian border. on humanitarian grounds sentenced to two years and “There were no injuries in during the Buddhist new year three months, said after his the pressure-cooker bomb festival known as Thingyan. release from prison in Lashio. blast, but the wall suffered The amnesty was extended An NGO that helps political some minor damage. We are mostly to drug offenders, as well prisoners welcomed the overall investigating,” senior district as more than 50 foreigners and 36 amnesty but called for the Newly released prisoners, part of over 8,500 inmates granted amnesty by Myanmar’s President Win police official Arun Kumar said. political prisoners, according to a release of at least eight more Police suspect Myint to mark Myanmar’s New Year, walk out from Insein prison in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday. breakdown by government prisoners of conscience. involvement of a Maoist splinter group which had called a strike in the area, but no one has claimed respon- sibility for the explosion. Flawed return deal offers no way back for Rohingya “No one has been injured in the incident. Our embassy AFP a long period, maybe genera- lence stretching back to 1978. Khan said. “But they have not pressure on the teeming camps in Kathmandu is in touch with tions,” Ali, a Rohingya refugee Yet so far, Myanmar has been able to create grounds for in its Cox’s Bazar district — and the government of Nepal. The KUTUPALONG, BANGLADESH: and father-of-six, said from the signed off just 675 names from trust that they will take back salve domestic disquiet that one security authorities in Nepal Bungling, distortion and diplo- Kutupalong mega-camp on a Bangladeshi list of 8,000 ref- these people.” Myanmar does not of Asia’s poorest countries is are investigating the matter,” matic doublespeak have Bangladesh’s side of the border. ugees, citing discrepancies in the want its Rohingya, denying them saddled with a huge refugee said a statement from an hollowed out the deal to repat- In November, Myanmar verification forms proving their citizenship and classifying the crisis. Indian foreign ministry riate Rohingya from Bangladesh agreed to take back around residency in Rakhine state. minority as “Bengalis” who have Yet the refugees listed by spokesman. to Myanmar, with refugees 750,000 Rohingya from Bang- Months have elapsed, but no one seeped over the border Dhaka do not even know they Nepal is heavily refusing to return to a homeland ladesh — which hosts around one has crossed back under the deal. illegally. have been volunteered to return dependent on India for fuel that remains perilously insecure. million of the Muslim minority “Whatever we say, they Bangladesh wants swift, to a country where they allege and other supplies. “We will have to stay here for driven out by waves of state vio- (Myanmar) agree,” Asaduzzaman large-scale returns to ease widespread atrocities. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 Abbasi’s adviser heads to US amid strained ties INTERNEWS The visit comes a few July this year. days before the last During his three-day stay in ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Paki- Washington, Miftah will also stani Prime Minister, Shahid federal budget of the meet senior US officials in an Khaqan Abbasi, on Finance and PML-N government effort to improve economic ties Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail to be unveiled on with the world’s largest will arrive in Washington today April 27 and is economy, but those meetings to attend spring meetings of the present starker challenges today International Monetary Fund causing speculation they would have a few years and World Bank Group but is in Pakistan that he ago. Miftah will also seek Wash- also likely to hold bilateral may seek some last- ington’s backing for his efforts meeting with American officials. minute reprieve to prevent Pakistan from being The visit comes a few days placed on the grey list of the before the last federal budget of from international Financial Action Task Force Pakistani policemen fire tear gas shells towards protesters during a demonstration against the the PML-N government to be donors and the US (FATF), which has already put abuse and murder of a six-year-old girl, in Karachi, yesterday. unveiled on April 27 and is government. Islamabad on a watch list of the causing speculation in Pakistan countries whose financial that he may seek some last- systems have strategic defi- minute reprieve from interna- ciencies in combating money tional donors and the US gov- this period. laundering and terror financing. Girl’s murder sparks riot in Karachi ernment. But Ismail has already Analysts predict that dete- Days before his scheduled AFP said that the government is not riorating external finances and visit to US, Miftah told jour- man has died because of a protesters suffering from seeking another package from dwindling foreign reserves may nalists in Islamabad that gunshot,” said Aamir Farooqi, gunshot wounds were brought the International Monetary Fund force the country to seek Pakistan will have an action KARACHI: At least one man was the police chief in the district. to nearby Abbasi Shaheed Hos- (IMF), which begins its spring another bailout package from plan ready by June this year to killed and several injured in “We are investigating whose pital, where one died later. meetings in Washington from the IMF. But they also point out allay FATF’s concerns. Pakistan’s biggest city Karachi bullet caused that death.” Another senior police officer April 18. that the situation has changed He said the plan would be yesterday when a riot broke out Relatives of the girl and said 10 to 15 police officials were In 2013, the IMF provided a drastically since 2013. formulated and executed within in protest at the abuse and hundreds of residents were injured during the violence. The $6.6bn loan package to Pakistan Pakistan is no longer con- three months and hoped that by murder of a six-year-old girl. angry over what they say has rioting comes months after six- to help deal with “slow growth, sidered a close ally by the US “implementing it, Pakistan will Crowds took to the streets been police laxity in the case. A year-old Zainab Fatima Ameen declining reserves and and the Trump administration be off the grey list within a year.” after the body of the victim was medical report said the child had was abused and killed in eastern increasing fiscal deficit.” has already suspended its Getting off that list without US discovered late Monday, been physically assaulted and Pakistan’s city of Kasur, Pakistan successfully completed security assistance to the support, however, could take a blocking a main road in the strangled. As the demonstration sparking nationwide outrage the 36-month package and country. There are indications little more than an action plan. western suburb of Orangi Town boiled over, police fired in the and soul-searching over how earned IMF’s praise for dis- that Washington may further Pakistan is due to be added to in western Karachi where they air over the crowd and attacked the country fails to protect its playing fiscal discipline during reduce its economic support by the FATF grey list in June. hurled stones at riot police. “One demonstrators with batons. Two most vulnerable.

Tajikistan, Uzbekistan to demine border Caretaker PM pick: Ishrat, Gunmen shoot AFP dead 6 civilians anti-personnel mines” and to been killed by mines since they create a schedule for demining. were laid. Jilani to be PTI nominees in Afghanistan TAJIKISTAN: Tajikistan and Uzbekistan initially mined its Tajik leader Emomali INTERNEWS AP Uzbekistan are set to demine side of the 1,332km border in Rakhmon hosted Uzbek coun- Hussain was one among their shared border, Tajikistan’s 2000 to prevent incursions from terpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in a three nominees of the Pakistan border service said yesterday, Islamist forces held over from meeting signalling a thaw ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) gov- KABUL: An Afghan official as the Central Asian neighbours the five-year civil war that between the two countries in Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will ernment for interim prime min- says at least six civilians were look to roll back more than two began in Tajikistan shortly after March. submit two nominees for the ister in 2013. shot and killed by gunmen in decades of hostile relations. its independence from the In addition to work on dem- post of Caretaker Prime “Given the fact the PPP will western Ghor province. A representative of Soviet Union. ining, the pair agreed to Minister and four for Caretaker have no objection to the nom- Iqbal Nezami, spokesman Tajikistan’s border service said But according to the UN- overhaul a shared visa regime Chief Minister in Punjab, ination of Hussain as opposi- for the provincial police chief, that a joint commission had backed Tajikistan Mine Action in place since 2000 and pledged according to party sources. tion’s unanimous candidate for said that four other civilians been created to “thoroughly Centre, 374 Tajik citizens, mostly to cooperate on Tajikistan’s Former State Bank of prime minister,” said the PTI were wounded after their study in what sections of the shepherds and other residents plans to build a giant dam Pakistan (SBP) governor, Dr leader. vehicle was attacked near Uzbek-Tajik border there are of cross-border regions, have upstream from arid Uzbekistan. Ishrat Hussain, and former Jilani served as 21st chief Faroz Koh, the provincial chief justice of Supreme Court, justice of Pakistan from capital, yesterday morning. Tassaduq Hussain Jilani, are the December 2013 to July 2014. The victims were all PTI picks for the post of care- After the imposition of emer- ethnic Hazaras, a Shiah taker prime minister, said gency by former military dic- minority in Afghanistan that sources. tator Pervez Mushrraf in is frequently targeted by While the nominees for November 2007, Jilani was Sunni extremists in different caretaker chief minister in among the senior apex court parts of the country. Punjab include former care- judges who had refused to take Nezami says the Hazaras taker finance minister Dr fresh oath. were on traveling from Herat, Salman Shah, former SBP gov- According to rules, interim another western province, to ernor Shahid Hafeez Kardar, PM is to be selected through Ghor when they came under former commerce minister mutual consultations between attack.No one immediately Abdul Razak Dawood and prime minister and leader of claimed responsibility for the former director-general the opposition in National attack. Federal Investigation Agency Assembly. Both the Taliban and mil- (FIA) Tariq Masood Khosa, The PTI has, meanwhile, itants from the rival Islamic according to the party sources. tasked Vice-Chairman, Shah State group are active in Ghor However, according to a Mehmood Qureshi, to submit and have previously claimed senior PTI leader, who spoke the names of its nominees and attacks in the province. on condition of anonymity, discuss them with Khursheed Dawood’s name was never dis- Shah, the leader of the Oppo- cussed as party’s nominee for sition in National Assembly, China to become the post of caretaker CM during who will then forward opposi- internal party meetings. tion’s consensus nominees to Turkey’s crucial “It came at a later stage and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan we were just informed that he Abbasi. The PTI has named tourism partner will be one of the three nom- former bureaucrat, Tariq ANATOLIA inees for the slot,” he said, Masood Khosa, who has held Towards one point adding that the names of Jilani important positions including and Hussain had been finalised those of secretary Narcotics and BEIJING: China will soon Ducks at a farm in Nantong in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, yesterday. after detailed discussion within DG FIA, for the position of care- become one of Ankara’s the party. taker chief minister in Punjab. “most important” tourism partners, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister, Numan Kurtulmus, said yesterday. “China will become one China cuts smog but health damage already done: Study of the most important tourism partners of Turkey in the very REUTERS last year. Smog-prone northern projections in China up to 2030, next round of measures could on the countryside, where indoor near future,” Kurtulmus said regions also met 2013-2017 air and even with improvements in prove harder to implement, pollution caused by direct fuel at the 14th China Interna- SHANGHAI: While China has quality targets after a winter air quality, you see the number Greenbaum said. combustion is responsible for tional Tourism and Travel made progress cutting smog, the campaign to cut industrial of deaths going up as the popu- “The pollution itself gets more than a third of total annual Fair in the capital Beijing. damage to the health of millions output, coal consumption and lation gets older,” he added. harder to treat and even though deaths, the HEI study said. Kurtulmus said it was of people may already have been traffic. Nevertheless, deaths The number of Chinese China has been making progress, Inhaling fumes from the Turkey’s tourism strategy to done, especially as the popu- could still rise as China ages and people over 60 reached 240 it has pretty much levelled off,” indoor burning of coal or engage in promotional activ- lation ages, the head of a overall air quality remains below million at the end 2017, he said. biomass for cooking and heating ities with such countries as US-based research agency said. the country’s own standards, the accounting for 17.3 percent of the He pointed to the challenge is associated with higher rates China, India, Japan, Malaysia China faces about 1.6 million study showed. population and up 55 million of cleaning up smaller factories of chronic obstructive pul- and Indonesia. premature deaths a year as a “People are living longer and since 2011, according to the that emit PM2.5 particles, as well monary disease in rural areas. “We hope that close rela- result of air pollution, the US- older people are more suscep- National Bureau of Statistics. as the need to tackle other pol- China has provided incen- tions between Turkey and based Health Effects Institute tible to the diseases most closely The China Association of lutants. Concentrations of lung- tives allowing households to China will reflect also in the (HEI) said in a report, based on linked to air pollution — the Social Security, a government- damaging, ground-level ozone, switch to cleaner natural gas and area of tourism,” he said. data going back to 1990, pub- major causes of death in China registered research group, caused in part by urban traffic biogas from pigs and cattle. Kurtulmus said Ankara lished yesterday. like stroke, heart attack, and lung expects the number to reach 400 congestion, are rising and The number of annual deaths would continue to aim to China cut concentrations of cancer,” HEI President, Dan million by 2035. As the gov- experts say China should target related to indoor burning in rural increase the number of hazardous particles known as Greenbaum, said. ernment prepares a new smog it in its new action plan. areas has halved since 1990 to Chinese tourists coming to PM2.5 by 6.5 percent in 338 cities “We have done some action plan for 2018-2020, the Authorities should also focus 600,000, the study said. Turkey in 2018. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 ASIA 15 Rights groups cry foul after Manila detains Australian nun AFP “The allegation that violating laws barring foreigners she engaged in from engaging in political activ- MANILA: Philippine authorities ities. Duterte, 73, has launched detained an elderly Australian partisan activities is an unprecedented campaign nun overnight in what civil rights not true. She has been against illegal drugs that has left groups alleged yesterday was a in the Philippines for thousands dead. crackdown on foreign critics of almost 27 years doing He has lashed out at foreign President Rodrigo Duterte’s critics of his drug war, threat- human rights record. advocacy work for ening last week to arrest the Patricia Fox, 71, was held farmers,” Fox’s lawyer International Criminal Court’s overnight at the nation’s immi- Jobert Pahilga said. chief prosecutor, who has begun gration bureau on Monday but a preliminary examination of was later released without whether the campaign amounted charge, the government agency Pahilga said. Fox joined an inter- to state-sanctioned mass murder. said, the day after it deported a national fact-finding mission in Rights groups said the inci- European Union politician who the southern Philippines this dents involving Fox and Filibeck has criticised Duterte’s drug war. month to look into reported vio- were part of a crackdown on Fox, a Manila resident, was lations of the rights of farmers foreign activists. taken into custody for allegedly and indigenous people, Pahilga “This shows the international violating the conditions of her added. Rights groups criticised community that the democratic stay by engaging in “political Fox’s detention as a warrantless space in the Philippines is activities and anti-government arrest. The Philippines on Sunday shrinking. We are not just con- demonstrations”, the bureau said deported Italian Giacomo cerned and alarmed but we view in a statement. Filibeck, Deputy Secretary- these actions as despicable,” Australian nun Patricia Fox speaks to the press during her release from detention at the Immigration “The allegation that she General of the Party of European Amnesty International Philip- headquarters in Manila, yesterday. engaged in partisan activities is Socialists, who had condemned pines human rights officer not true. She has been in the “extra-judicial killings” in Wilnor Papa said. Philippines for almost 27 years Duterte’s anti-drug crackdown. “If the government is with the government,” a person detention. “They don’t even mind People should realise the gov- doing advocacy work for Like Fox, the immigration threatened by a 71-year-old nun, who is associated with the matter if they are nuns or if they are old. ernment has a tendency of being farmers,” Fox’s lawyer Jobert bureau had accused Filibeck of there is something really wrong said. He also condemned the There is no humanity here. dictatorial,” he added.

Thai police Vietnam, Indonesia vow to resolve fishing violations hunt ‘elephant

AP electrocutioner’ to try together to complete the Pham Binh Minh said the two demarcation of the exclusive sides agreed to establish a mech- AFP VIETNAM: Vietnam and Indo- economic zone, because the anism to handle fishing viola- nesia have pledged to work demarcation of the EEZ between tions in line with both countries’ together to resolve fishing viola- our two countries can enhance laws. BANGKOK: Thai police are tions in the South China Sea as the interests of our two peoples “On our part, Vietnam will looking for a pineapple farm the two countries seek to boost as well as ensure security continue to strengthen education worker suspected of setting their bilateral trade. between our two countries.” and information so as to raise up an electric fence that has Indonesian Foreign Minister Since 2014, Indonesia has awareness of our fishermen not killed two wild elephants in Retno Marsudi, speaking to destroyed several hundred to violate other countries’ the past month, authorities reporters yesterday at a joint fishing vessels, most of them waters,” he said. said yesterday. briefing with his Vietnamese from Vietnam, the Philippines, Marsudi said trade and Cops are searching for the counterpart, said the two coun- Malaysia and Thailand, for vio- investment between the two man after the second ele- tries would strengthen their lating its waters. The government countries have seen positive phant was found dead over partnership, cooperating partic- of President Joko “Jokowi” developments, especially after the weekend, lying on its side ularly on fishing and other mar- Widodo has taken a hard-line the establishment of the strategic outside a pineapple farm in itime issues. stance against illegal fishing, partnership in 2013. Chonburi province that edges “In maritime and fishing partly driven by the need to Bilateral trade stood at $6.8 up against a national park. cooperation, we agreed on how show its neighbuors that it is in billion last year and the two The four-tonne animal Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi (left), and Vietnam’s to conclude the ongoing issues control of its vast territory of countries are targeting to bring lay around 100 metres away Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Pham Binh Minh, attend in this regard,” she said via a 17,000 islands. it up to $10bn in the next few from where a female elephant a signing ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, yesterday. translator. “We have also agreed Vietnamese Foreign Minister years, she said. fell dead last month. A plantation worker, Samin Jansamut, was charged after the first elephant death Shaman to contest Malaysia polls with poaching but had since South Koreans may visit North been released on bail, police said. “The suspect used live AFP wire to make a fence and then ahead of first summit in decade connected it to electricity...at MALAYSIA: A Malaysian night,” said Phadet Laithong, shaman who drew widespread a regional park official. REUTERS ridicule by trying to locate flight “There were signs of MH370 using coconuts and a burning on (the second ele- SEOUL: South Korean security “magic” carpet announced phant’s) trunk and his side, so officials may visit North Korea yesterday he will run in elec- it’s likely that he was electro- to finalise details ahead for the tions next month. cuted,” he added. Police are first summit since 2007, where Ibrahim Mat Zin (pic- now looking for him again the South hopes the North will tured)— known by his following the second elephant confirm a commitment to give nickname “Raja Bomoh”, which death.Conservationists up its nuclear programme, a translates as “King of Shamans” estimate Thailand is home to South Korean official said — will contest a parliamentary more than 3,000 wild ele- yesterday. seat in northern Perak state as which he claimed could weaken phants. But deforestation and After meeting North Korean an independent candidate. the “spirits” that were holding habitat loss in recent decades leader Kim Jong-Un in After Malaysia Airlines the missing plane. have brought herds in closer Pyongyang in March, South flight MH370 disappeared in Despite his best efforts -- contact with villages, igniting Korea’s national security adviser 2014 with 239 people aboard, and a major multinational conflicts — and sometimes and spy chief said Kim was com- Ibrahim launched a bizarre search in the Indian Ocean, that human deaths — when the mitted to denuclearising the attempt to find the jet at Kuala was the most expensive in avi- animals trample on planta- Korean peninsula and had North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju applaud Lumpur International Airport, ation history -- the Boeing jet tions or steal farmers’ expressed a willingness to meet with Song Tao, Head of the International Department of Communist from where it had set out. remains missing. produce. Soraida Salwala, the US President Donald Trump. Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, in Pyongyang, yesterday He conducted a series of Announcing his candidacy founder of the NGO ‘Friends The two sides are due to rituals, one involving bamboo in the city of Ipoh, the 68-year- of the Asian Elephant’, said hold “working-level” talks today will (of North Korea), and hope which could be called the April binoculars and another using old recounted how he “just held she was “devastated” by the and then South Korea’s intelli- to have a comprehensive 27 declaration or the Pan- two coconuts and what he up two coconuts and became Chonburi elephant’s apparent gence chief, Suh Hoon, or its agreement with the North on the munjom declaration, he said. described as a magic carpet, an instant global star. electrocution. national security adviser, Chung matter,” he said. The statement would likely Eui-yong, could visit the North Reclusive North Korea has focus on issues of denucleari- to finish off preparations, if been pursuing nuclear and sation and peace on the Korean deemed necessary, South missile programmes in defiance peninsula, and an improvement Manila to deploy riot police for Boracay tourist closure Korean presidential chief of of UN Security Council sanc- in relations not only between the staff, Im Jong-seok, said. tions. It conducted its most pow- two Koreas but also with other AFP The April 27 summit erful nuclear test last year and countries including the United tourists using more than 600 identification cards and will be between South Korean Pres- has sought to develop a missile States. police, including a 138-member banned from boating and night ident Moon Jae-in and Kim is capable of hitting the US “This summit is significant MANILA: The Philippines is set “crowd dispersal unit”. swimming, he said. scheduled to take place in the mainland. because it will set the stage for to deploy hundreds of riot police “In any transition, especially Island residents’ new border village of Panmunjom. But Kim has changed course the North Korea-US summit, to top holiday island Boracay to for a drastic action such as this, identity cards are expected to That is expected to be fol- since the beginning of the year, and even a possible three-way keep travellers out and head off there is always confusion, be distributed three days before lowed by a meeting between sending a delegation to the summit between the countries,” potential protests ahead of its uncertainties, and low morale,” the shutdown, and security Kim and Trump in late May or Winter Olympics held in South Im said. “Without US support six-month closure to tourists, the Regional Police Director, forces will conduct a “capability early June, which would mark Korea in February and agreeing and agreement, it will be dif- the government said yesterday. Chief Superintendent Cesar demonstration” next week, the first meeting between sitting to discuss with South Korea and ficult to follow through on inter- President Rodrigo Duterte Binag said at a public forum on Binag said. leaders of the two countries. the United States a nuclear pro- Korean agreements.” Any joint has branded the tiny central the island, aired on national Businesses in the area, “Even though our special grammes the North has statement is unlikely to include island and its world-famous television. which previously lobbied for a envoys confirmed his denu- defended as a necessary economic cooperation with the white-sand beach a “cesspool”. “What we did was to identify phased rehabilitation, have clearisation will, it is entirely deterrent against US invasion. North, Im said. He has ordered visitors be kept the sources of confusion, warned that an abrupt shutdown different if the two leaders The two Koreas are dis- UN Security Council sanc- away from April 26 so facilities sources of uncertainty and could lead to bankruptcies and confirm it directly among them- cussing the wording of a joint tions imposed since North to treat raw sewage can be set sources of low morale that might job losses for many of the selves and put that into text,” Im statement that could be released Korea’s first nuclear test in 2006 up and illegal structures torn result to agitation and even- island’s 17,000 hotel, restaurant said. at the summit, Im said. and strengthened over the past down. Yesterday, authorities tually into a security issue,” he and other tourism workers, plus “We expect the summit will Moon has been reviewing a decade aim to cut North Korea laid out a lockdown plan to keep added. Boracay residents will be some 11,000 construction confirm the denuclearisation framework of the statement off from international trade. out all foreign and Filipino obliged to carry new workers. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018

Headless doll Macron urges triggers police operation in Germany EU to fight AP

BERLIN: An apparent headless body that prompted a major police operation in nationalism southern Germany has turned out to be a doll. AP Police in Baden-Wuert- temberg state said a passer- STRASBOURG: French Pres- by spotted what appeared to ident Emmanuel Macron be a clothed but headless yesterday urged the European French leader corpse covered in blood lying Union to reform itself to offer Emmanuel Macron by a stream in Remstal, near better protection for its citizens said citizens “want a Stuttgart, late Monday. in a world troubled by wars and new project” for the Officers cordoned off the authoritarian regimes. suspected crime scene and The 40-year-old leader, who EU that addresses firefighters were called to wants to play a key role in the their concerns and retrieve the body, which was EU, outlined his vision for fears in a world in lying in an inaccessible French President Emmanuel Macron addressing the European Parliament, in the eastern French city Europe’s future in a speech at the which allies such as place. Strasbourg-based European of Strasbourg, yesterday. In a statement yesterday, Parliament. the US are turning police said that only once Macron said democracy is their backs on on Europe in the eastern French “Europe is an ensemble,” even criticised the absence of a UN firefighters reached the site the “best chance” for the EU to multilateral trade and town of Epinal. with Britain set to leave the EU mandate for the airstrikes, were they able to determine fight rising nationalism on the climate change pacts. The pro-European leader next year. Macron showed signs of anger. that it was, in fact, a doll. continent. ruled out any enlargement of the Macron will meet with “(We) are outraged each time “Faced with authoritari- EU until the 28-nation bloc is German Chancellor Angela by images we’ve seen of children, anism, the answer is not demo- a new project” for the EU that more deeply integrated and has Merkel in Berlin tomorrow, as women who died of a chlorine Finland knife cratic authoritarianism but the addresses their concerns and undergone thorough reform. He France and Germany aim to attack,” he said, almost shouting. authority of democracy,” he said. fears in a world in which allies said now isn’t the time to allow agree on proposals for EU “Do we sit back? Do we defend attacker ‘in war Macron called for an ener- such as the US are turning their Western Balkans countries to join. reforms by June. rights by saying: rights are for us, getic campaign for the European backs on multilateral trade and Speaking after Macron, During Macron’s speech, principles are for us, and real- against women’ Parliament election in May 2019 climate change pacts. European Commission President some European lawmakers ities are for other? No! No!” REUTERS as the EU also deals with the All EU countries, except Jean-Claude Juncker warned raised placards reading “Stop the He said the US, France and challenges of Britain’s departure. Britain and Hungary, have that the EU isn’t just a club led war in Syria” and “Hands off Britain intervened in a “legit- He told EU lawmakers that agreed to seek the opinions of by France and Germany. Syria” to protest joint airstrikes imate, multilateral framework” HELSINKI: A Moroccan man it’s important “to have a demo- their citizens on the EU’s future Juncker said Macron’s arrival Saturday by US, Britain and and stressed that the airstrikes told a court in Finland he was cratic, critical debate on what through debates and online con- in power in France has “given France on chemical weapons specifically targeted three Syrian “in war against women” when Europe is about.” sultations by summer. new hope” to the world’s biggest facilities in Syria. chemical weapon facilities he went on a rampage in the Macron said citizens “want Macron will attend a debate trading bloc. But he recalled that Hitting back those who “without any human life loss.” Finnish city of Turku last year, stabbing two women to death and wounding eight more people, local media reported. Abderrahman Bouanane, EU presents new measures to curb terrorists & criminals spoke in district court yes- terday, where he is on trial on REUTERS the bloc from non-EU it easier for authorities to access The Commission estimates obtain weapons and financial charges of murder and countries. electronic and bank account 80 million Europeans currently means without presenting an attempted murder “with ter- STRASBOURG: Identity cards The Commission said in its information in other EU have ID cards that cannot be identity card,” he said. rorist intent”. held by EU citizens will be proposal yesterday that it would countries. read by machines and do not The European Union has Two women were killed required to include digital not oblige countries to introduce The list of chemicals banned contain biometric identifiers. required since 2009 that pass- and six more women were images of the holder’s finger- ID cards, but those countries that for sale because they can be used All EU countries except ports contain biometric data, injured. Two men were hurt prints as part of a crackdown on use them would be required to to make explosives would be Britain, Ireland and Denmark although many countries have when they tried to help the fraudulent documents used by include two pieces of biometric expanded and new controls issue ID cards, although in some, taken time to implement this women. Police stopped the criminals and extremists, the data: an image of two finger- added to limit trafficking of such as Austria and Sweden, they rule. attacks by shooting Bouanane. European Commission proposed prints and a facial image. firearms. The proposals will need are optional. ID documents themselves “My target was to hit yesterday. Non-compliant cards should backing from EU countries and Jan Philipp Albrecht, a vary across the bloc. Some coun- women, not men ... I was in In a proposal likely to make be phased out within five years, the European Parliament. German Green in the European tries such as Belgium have bio- war against women,” waves in countries such as and within two years for cards “Today, we are stepping up Parliament and data protection metric ID cards but do not store Bouanane said, according to Germany, whose history has that cannot be read by a our actions to deprive criminals specialist, said the proposed fingerprint data. Helsingin Sanomat. made data privacy a guarded machine. New cards should be and terrorists of the tools and measure would not prevent In Germany, nationals can The hearing was broke off asset, the Commission wants to valid for no more than 10 years. resources they need to perpe- attacks and violated civil rights. choose whether or not to have yesterday when Bouanane do away with paper-based The Commission also pro- trate their crimes,” Commission “Even fingerprints can be fingerprint data included. In suddenly declined to sit in his identity documents that are easy posed other security measures First Vice-President Frans Tim- forged and terrorist assassins Spain, new ID cards issued do chair or stand, without giving to falsify and can be used to enter yesterday, which include making mermans said in a statement. and their henchmen regularly include fingerprints. a clear reason.

Slovakia police Former Armenian president chief to leave post stays in power amid protest amid anger over AFP Earlier in the day, several journalist’s death thousand demonstrators YEREVAN: Armenia’s former marched through the centre of REUTERS president Serzh Sarkisyan was the capital Yerevan and staged yesterday elected as prime sit-in protests outside gov- BRATISLAVA: Slovakia’s minister in a move the oppo- ernment buildings. national police chief will sition says is designed to extend Protesters blockaded the leave his post next month due his chokehold on power despite entrances to about a dozen to huge public pressure after protests in the impoverished government buildings, the murder of a journalist, country. including those housing the Prime Minister Peter Lawmakers backed the can- foreign ministry and the central Pellegrini said yesterday. didacy of the Kremlin-supported bank. A bigger protest was Tens of thousands of veteran politician with 77 to 17 planned. Slovaks have protested in past votes, after his second and final Ahead of the vote, Sarkisyan months to demand guar- term as president ended last blamed the opposition for antees of an independent week. rocking the boat. Armenian special police forces block a street during an opposition rally as parliament elects the investigation into the Feb- The opposition denounced “Extinct volcanoes should country’s former president as prime minister, in central Yerevan, yesterday. ruary murder of Jan Kuciak, the vote — which makes Sark- not wake up if we want to live in who investigated corruption isian Armenia’s top leader under a prosperous Armenia, in a Pashinyan urged Armenians to Yerevan earlier in the day, country’s second- and third- and links between politicians a new parliamentary system of country of the rule of law. And take to the streets en mass. calling on supporters to “par- largest cities of Gyumri and and businessmen. government — saying the volcanoes will not wake up if no “I proclaim today the start alyse the work of all government Vanadzor. The biggest public pro- 63-year-old lacked popular one provokes them.” of a peaceful velvet revolution agencies”. Police said 14 demonstrators tests in decades in the EU support. Opposition leader Nikol in Armenia,” he told a rally in Rallies were also held in the were briefly detained. member country already forced long-term prime min- ister Robert Fico to resign along with his cabinet last month, and police President Former Romania leader indicted for 1989 revolution Tibor Gaspar was another top AP official on the protesters’ list. Iliescu came to power during Iliescu, a former premier and Investigation into the revo- “I see the police president the 1989 revolt in which Com- another former high-ranking lution has been halted and reo- as a competent professional (...) BUCHAREST: Romanian pros- munist leader Nicolae Ceausescu official. pened several times. but I see he was the target of ecutors yesterday formally was toppled and executed. More than 1,100 people died Only two generals have been an enormous political pressure, indicted former president Ion Prosecutors said yesterday during the uprising, the vast convicted for the revolution even attacks on all the police Iliescu (pictured) for crimes that Iliescu, who gained control majority after Ceausescu’s ouster deaths and doubts remain force,” said new Prime Minister against humanity over his role of the military during the when Iliescu had taken power. whether the uprising was a true Peter Pellegrini. in deaths that occurred during uprising, had failed to prevent Iliescu recently defended his revolution or a military coup. “We agreed that in order the anti-communist revolution. “numerous situations” where role during the revolt, and called Prosecutors said that state to calm the tensions and free Iliescu, 88, appeared at the people were needlessly killed. moves to prosecute him “a farce, media broadcast fake news cre- the police from media general prosecutor’s office to President Klaus Iohannis insulting the sacrifice and ating a state of panic and some pressure, he will resign by the hear the charges against him. He last week approved a request memory of those who fought for of the evidence relating to the end of May.” didn’t comment. to allow the prosecution of freedom and democracy.” uprising has been destroyed. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 EUROPE / AMERICAS 17 US, Britain accuse Russia of global cyber attacks

REUTERS Russia of releasing the “Not- campaign supporting Donald and Britain were already on edge “We don’t have full insight Petya” virus, which in 2017 Trump’s campaign for president. after Prime Minister Theresa May into the scope of the com- LONDON: The United States and crippled parts of Ukraine’s infra- Last month the Trump adminis- blamed Moscow for the March 4 promise,” said US Department Britain accused Russia of Washington and structure and damaged com- tration blamed Russia for a cam- nerve agent poisoning of former of Homeland Security cyber launching cyber attacks on puters across the globe, costing paign of cyber attacks that tar- Russian spy Sergei Skripal and security official Jeanette Manfra. computer routers, firewalls and London issued a companies billions of dollars. geted the US power grid. his daughter Yulia in the city of The alert is not related to the other networking equipment used joint alert saying The Kremlin did not imme- American and British officials Salisbury. suspected chemical weapons by government agencies, busi- the campaign by diately respond to a request for said that the attacks disclosed on “This is yet another example attack in a town in Syria that nesses and critical infrastructure comment. But Russia’s embassy Monday affected a wide range of of Russia’s disregard for inter- prompted a US-led military strike operators around the globe. Russian government- in London issued a statement organisations including internet national norms and global order over the weekend targeting facil- Washington and London backed hackers was citing British accusations of service providers, private busi- — this time through a campaign ities of the Russian-backed Syrian issued a joint alert saying the intended to advance cyber threats from Moscow as nesses and critical infrastructure of cyber espionage and government, Joyce said. campaign by Russian gov- spying, intellectual “striking examples of a reckless, providers. They did not identify aggression, which attempts to US and British officials ernment-backed hackers was provocative and unfounded victims or provide details on the disrupt governments and desta- warned that infected routers intended to advance spying, property theft and policy against Russia.” impact of the attacks. bilise business,” a British gov- could be used to launch future intellectual property theft and other “malicious” Moscow has denied previous “When we see malicious ernment spokesman said. offensive cyber operations. other “malicious” activities and activities and could accusations that it carried out cyber activity, whether it be from Britain and the United States “They could be pre-posi- could be escalated to launch be escalated to launch cyber attacks on the United the Kremlin or other malicious said they issued the new alert to tioning for use in times of offensive attacks. States and other countries. nation-state actors, we are going help targets protect themselves tension,” said Ciaran Martin, It followed a series of offensive attacks. US intelligence agencies last to push back,” said Rob Joyce, the and persuade victims to share chief executive of the British gov- warnings by Western govern- year accused Russia of inter- White House cyber security information with government ernment’s National Cyber ments that Moscow is behind a United States, Britain and other fering in the 2016 election with coordinator. investigators so they can better Security Centre cyber defence string of cyber attacks. The nations in February accused a hacking and propaganda Relations between Russia understand the threat. agency.

Baboons escape Madrid regional leader Texas biomedical to return master’s degree research facility AFP of the ruling Popular Party (PP), AFP said in a letter to the rector MADRID: Madrid’s conservative Javier Ramos that was pub- CHICAGO: Three baboons regional president said yesterday lished in Spanish media. escaped a Texas biomedical she was giving up a master’s The opposition wants Cifu- research facility over the degree she is suspected of entes, 53, to resign over the weekend, getting a brief taste obtaining fraudulently and may scandal, but for now, Prime of freedom from a life as never even have passed, sparking Minister Mariano Rajoy has not subjects of medical experi- derision on social networks. withdrawn his support for her. ments. Cristina Cifuentes has been Her decision instead to give The animals were among caught in a media storm over up the degree sparked huge 1,100 baboons at the Texas accusations she got the 2011- derision on social networks, Biomedical Research Institute 2012 law diploma from with the hashtag #YoRenuncio in San Antonio, Texas, which Madrid’s King Juan Carlos Uni- (#IGiveUp in Spanish) a uses primates to study chronic versity (URJC) without taking worldwide trend on Twitter. and infectious diseases like all the required exams and In her letter, Cifuentes — Ebola, malaria and HIV. rarely attending lectures. who maintains she passed the The escapees were The university rector degree — said she had “always housed in an open-air himself admitted the document acted in accordance with the law enclosure surrounded by attesting she had passed it was and within the academic leeway perimeter walls that fold a “re-construction” of the established” by the university. inward to prevent the animals original, with two professors’ But she apologised for those from jumping out. The walls Green protest signatures faked, sparking a who may have felt “offended” were no match, though, for Environmental activists holding banner that reads “If there is a crime there is a punishment” as they probe. by the special treatment she the clever baboons. “I hereby inform you of my was given, including not having demonstrate after the European Union’s highest court ruled that Poland broke environmental laws in They took a 55-gallon decision to GIVE UP using the to go to class for a masters the ancient Bialowieza forest, in front of the State Forests’ headquarters, in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. barrel — placed in the corral as degree issued by the King Juan degree that requires students an “enrichment tool” — and Carlos University,” Cifuentes, to be present. propped it up near perimeter wall, the institute said. One after another, baboons climbed on top and jumped over the fence. Theresa May apologises over deportation scandal “It’s a typical ‘monkey see, monkey do,’ and the AP others follow,” the facility’s leaders and envoys yesterday, medical treatment or threatened Commonwealth Heads of Gov- many voters who supported Brit- attending veterinarian John and told them “we are genuinely with deportation because they ernment Meeting in London this ain’s exit from the EU in a 2016 Bernal said. LONDON: British Prime sorry for any anxiety that has can’t produce papers to prove week. referendum. A fourth baboon also Minister Theresa May made a been caused.” their status. Britain wants to use the May said yesterday that scaled the wall, but had personal apology yesterday for People who came to Britain “The Windrush generation meeting to bolster frayed ties some Windrush immigrants, second thoughts and returned the treatment of long-term UK after World War II are known as helped to build the country that with its ex-colonies, and to pave “through no fault of their own,” to the enclosure. residents from the Caribbean the “Windrush generation,” after we are today,” May said. “And I the way for new trade deals after had fallen foul of that policy. The other three made a who have been asked to prove the ship Empire Windrush, want to dispel any impression the UK leaves the European After the meeting, Jamaican run for freedom. Two were their right to stay in the country which carried hundreds of Car- that my government is in any Union next year. Prime Minister Andrew Holness cornered in nearby trees. The or face deportation. ibbean immigrants to Britain in sense clamping down on Com- The British government has said he accepted May’s apology. third managed to make it to The plight of legal residents 1948. monwealth citizens, particularly taken an increasingly tough line “I believe that the right thing a major road, where one wrongly identified as living in Those who arrived before a those from the Caribbean who on immigration, which has is being done at this time.” driver captured smartphone Britain illegally has erupted as change in the law in 1971 had an have built a life here.” increased dramatically over the “The truth is that (May) has video of wranglers chasing the country hosts leaders from automatic right to settle in the UK. Reports of long-time resi- last 10 or 15 years largely as said there has been a policy after the sprinting baboon. the 53-nation Commonwealth But some from that generation, dents being detained or denied result of people moving to the change, that this was an unin- “The animals were cap- of the UK and its former especially those who arrived as health care are a deep embar- UK from other EU countries. tended consequence. As Car- tured within 30 minutes of colonies. children on their parents’ pass- rassment to the British gov- A desire to control immi- ibbean leaders we have to accept their escape.” May met with Caribbean ports, said they have been denied ernment as it hosts the biennial gration was a major factor for that in good faith.”

Stormy Daniels Trump and Michael Cohen lose bid releases sketch to review records seized by FBI from alleged threat BLOOMBERG and what’s privileged. AFP Lawyers for Trump, Cohen WASHINGTON: President Donald and the government spent three WASHINGTON: Actress Trump suffered a setback as a hours arguing in a Manhattan Stormy Daniels released an federal judge rejected his initial courtroom over whether prose- artist’s sketch yesterday of a request to keep prosecutors from cutors investigating Cohen could man she claims threatened her immediately reviewing evidence go through evidence and elec- in a Las Vegas parking lot seized by the FBI last week from tronics seized in an April 9 raid. seven years ago, telling her not his longtime personal lawyer, The hearing, which generated to talk about her encounter Film actress Stormy Daniels (Stephanie Clifford) leaves the United Michael Cohen. sensational media attention, failed with Donald Trump. States District Court in Southern District of New York, yesterday. US District Judge Kimba Wood to deliver the sizzle expected with Daniels, 39, and her wrestled in court with the correct the presence of adult film star lawyer, Michael Avenatti, also “I’m done being bullied,” also seized two cellphones. way to determine whether mate- Stormy Daniels, who sat slumped offered a $100,000 reward for she said of legal threats from Some of the documents rials seized from Cohen’s home, in the back of the courtroom. any information about the uni- Trump’s personal lawyer seized by the FBI reportedly office and hotel room involved separate from the lawyers investi- The biggest revelation was that dentified man. Michael Cohen, who is now relate to a payment of $130,000 privileged communications gating case to review the evidence. Cohen had also represented Sean Daniels, in an interview on embroiled in his own legal that Cohen admits making to between Cohen and his clients. But she also said she would consider Hannity (pictured), the “Fox News” ABC’s “The View,” said she is troubles. Daniels, who claims she had a Still, the judge ordered prosecutors appointing an impartial “special commentator who for the last pursuing legal action against Cohen, Trump’s long-time one-night stand with Trump in to make available to Cohen’s master” to help in the process. week has decried the Cohen raids. the president because she is personal lawyer and fixer, is July 2006 in Lake Tahoe. attorneys all of the evidence seized. She asked the prosecution Cohen had declined to name tired of being “bullied.” under criminal investigation Trump has denied any “Prosecutors must put the team to get a precise estimate on the client for privacy reasons, but “I’m tired of being by the FBI. knowledge of the hush material in digital form and can’t how long their proposed vetting the judge ordered him to provide threatened, intimidating me, Last week, agents confis- agreement payment to Daniels, review it yet,” the judge said. group, a so-called taint team, a name. Fox News Hannity shares and trying to say that you’ll cated documents in a raid on which was made just days Wood said she was open to a would need to go through every- lawyer with president he defends ruin my life and take all my his home, hotel room, office before the November 2016 plan by prosecutors to set up a team thing and sort out what’s relevant on TV. money and my house.” and a safety deposit box. They presidential election. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 US Senators introduce new war powers resolution

AP “It was time to act,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCo- WASHINGTON: A new reso- nnell, R-Ky, said in support of lution from leaders on the the Syria mission. Senate Foreign Relations The new resolution Others said even the limited Committee to authorise the use would not provide response is beyond the presi- of military force overseas is dent’s commander-in-chief accelerating a debate that congressional authority because the US was Congress has been reluctant to authorisation for the not facing a direct security risk. have, but that’s taking on new airstrikes President Mostly, lawmakers have urgency after President Donald Trump ordered, with insisted that the Trump admin- Trump’s strikes on Syria. istration cannot engage in pro- Health crisis in Venezuela The bipartisan measure coalition forces, longed or repeated incursions from Senators Bob Corker, in response to an without consulting Congress on Health workers and patients protest for the lack of medicines, medical supplies and poor conditions R-Tenn, and Tim Kaine, D-Va, alleged chemical its broader strategy. in hospitals, in Caracas, yesterday. Doctors and nurses complaint the health crisis in Venezuela, currently in the midst of a deep economic and political crisis and where health authorities have would repeal the broad author- weapons attack “President Trump’s action still isations Congress approved in raises the constitutional question reported a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases. 2001 and 2002 for the wars in against civilians in the of his authority to unilaterally Afghanistan and Iraq, replacing Damascus suburb of attack another nation without them with new authority to go Douma. congressional authorization,” said after specific “non-state terrorist Sen Dick Durbin, D-Ill. “It is time groups.” for Congress and the American A growing number of critics people to engage in a national Diptheria outbreak in Venezuela and Haiti said Congress should no longer strikes in Syria and the GOP debate about that authorization AFP be using the more than decade- leader panned the bipartisan to use military force in Afghan- remains active,” the Pan in Venezuela. old resolutions as legal under- Senate effort, declining to istan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.” American Health Organization Separately in Haiti, an out- pinnings for the fight against commit to a House vote. Sen Mike Lee, R-Utah, said, WASHINGTON: International (PAHO) said in its April 16 report. break first reported in 2014 con- extremist groups such as the IS Ryan said his criteria for “No President of the US, no health authorities are reporting Since the start of the out- tinues, with 410 probable cases, militant group. supporting a new authorisation matter party or political ide- outbreaks of diptheria in Vene- break 1,602 suspected cases including 75 fatalities. More than The new resolution would for military force resolution is, ology, has the authority to uni- zuela and Haiti, and that cases have been reported, of which half of the probable cases are of not provide congressional “Can an AUMF make it into law laterally start a war.” of the potentially deadly illness 976 were confirmed while 142 children under the age of 10, the authorisation for the airstrikes and does it tie the hands of our But it is not at all clear if the have turned up in Colombia and victims died before the disease report said. Trump ordered, with coalition military behind their backs?” new authorisation resolution, Brazil as well. could be confirmed. Vaccination “is key to forces, in response to an alleged Congress has so far given which is expected to focus on Diphtheria is a bacteria that PAHO said that those most prevent cases and outbreaks,” chemical weapons attack lopsided backing for the Syria military action against non-state causes throat swelling and dif- vulnerable to the disease are the report read, adding that against civilians in the mission. Many lawmakers are actors like the IS group, Al ficulty breathing in its victims. between the ages of five and 19. PAHO and the World Health Damascus suburb of Douma. supportive of strikes that send Qaeda and the Taliban rather It can be deadly if untreated, but Several of the diphtheria Organization urges member House Speaker Paul Ryan a message to the Syrian regime than specific countries, would preventable with vaccines. cases reported in Brazil and states “to continue their efforts said that Trump already has that such attacks will not go find enough support to pass the “In Venezuela, the diphtheria Colombia are either suspected to maintain high vaccination existing authority for limited unanswered. House or Senate. outbreak that began in July 2016 or confirmed to have originated coverage.”

US Supreme Court restricts deportations of migrant felons Starbucks to close 8,000 stores for AP administration, which has The case turned on a removed from the country interfere with the government’s emphasised stricter enforcement decision from 2015 that struck because his convictions qualified ability to deport people who are anti-bias training WASHINGTON: The Supreme of immigration law. In this case, down a similarly worded part of as crimes of violence that convicted of clearly violent REUTERS Court said yesterday that part of President Barack Obama’s another federal law that imposes allowed his removal under crimes, including murder and a federal law that makes it easier administration took the same longer prison sentences on immigration law. rape, as well as drug trafficking to deport immigrants who have position in the Supreme Court in repeat criminals. The majority Immigration officials relied and other serious offenses. WASHINGTON: Starbucks been convicted of crimes is too defense of the challenged opinion in that case was one of on a section of immigration law The ruling is limited to a cat- Corp will close 8,000 vague to be enforced. provision. the last written by Justice that lists crimes that make egory of crimes that carry a company-owned US cafes for The court’s 5-4 decision — With the four other conserv- Antonin Scalia, who died in 2016 people eligible for deportation. prison term of more than a year, the afternoon on May 29 to an unusual alignment in which ative justices in dissent, it was and whose seat Gorsuch filled. The category in which Dimaya’s but do not otherwise com- train nearly 175,000 on how new Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the vote of the Trump appointee The 2015 decision “tells us convictions fell is a crime “that, fortably fit in a long list of to prevent racial discrimi- the four liberal justices — con- that was decisive in striking how to resolve this case,” Kagan by its very nature, involves a “aggravated felonies” that can nation in its stores. cerns a catchall provision of down the provision at issue. wrote. substantial risk that physical lead to deportation. The announcement from immigration law that defines Gorsuch did not join all of Yesterday’s decision involves force...may be used in the course The case was initially argued world’s biggest coffee what makes a crime violent. Kagan’s opinion, but he agreed James Dimaya, a native of the of committing the offense.” in January 2017 by a court that company comes as it tries to Conviction for a crime of vio- with her that the law could not Philippines who came to the Immigration judges would was short a member because of cool tensions after the arrest lence makes deportation “a be left in place. United States legally as a have allowed Dimaya to be Scalia’s death and the refusal of of two black men at one of its virtual certainty” for an immi- Gorsuch wrote that “no one 13-year-old in 1992. After he deported, but the federal appeals Senate Republicans to act on Philadelphia cafes last week grant, no matter how long he has should be surprised that the Con- pleaded no contest to two court in San Francisco struck Obama’s nomination of Judge sparked accusations of racial lived in the US, Justice Elena stitution looks unkindly on any charges of burglary in California, down the provision as unconsti- Merrick Garland. profiling at the chain. Kagan wrote in her opinion for law so vague that reasonable the government began depor- tutionally vague. The Supreme Deadlocked 4-4, the justices Protesters have called for the court. people cannot understand its tation proceedings against him. Court affirmed that ruling scheduled a new round of argu- a boycott of the company, in The decision is a loss for terms and judges do not know The government argued among yesterday. ments once Gorsuch joined the what has become the biggest President Donald Trump’s where to begin in applying it.” other things that he could be The decision does not court. test yet for Chief Executive Kevin Johnson. “While this is not limited to Starbucks, we’re com- mitted to being a part of the Orange County approves solution,” said Johnson, who has apologised for the “rep- sanctuary law exemption rehensible” arrests of the two men and taken responsibility AP County cities and the Board of for the incident. Supervisors have passed anti- LOS ALAMITOS: The conserv- sanctuary resolutions or voted ative backlash against Califor- to join the lawsuit. Los Alamitos Homeless group nia’s so-called sanctuary law is the only city that has passed has taken the form of lawsuits an ordinance. occupies unit in and public tongue-lashings. In Los Alamitos, tensions But one tiny city in Orange were high as hundreds pro- Lula graft case County took the step of tested outside City Hall. About AFP declaring itself legally exempt. two dozen police officers from After a peaceful but noisy the city and other nearby confrontation by demonstrators departments kept minor skir- GUARUJA: A group of home- on both sides of the issue, the mishes from escalating as lessness activists briefly Los Alamitos City Council began people from both sides shouted occupied the seaside hearing hours of public and sometimes went nose-to- apartment at the heart of the comment on whether it should nose with each other, The corruption case that saw enact an ordinance exempting Orange County Register former president Luiz Inacio Emma Coronel Aispuro (centre), wife of the founder of the former Guadalajara Cartel Joaquin “El the city on grounds that the reported. Lula da Silva imprisoned Chapo” Guzman, meets the media outside federal court, in New York, yesterday. state’s policy is unconstitu- The screaming could be earlier this month. tional. The council approved heard inside the chamber About 30 members of the the ordinance night in a 4-1 during the meeting. Homeless Workers’ ‘El Chapo’s mental health deteriorating’ vote. Mayor Troy Edgar, a council Movement and other leftist The city of 12,000 argues member who voted for the activists got into the triplex AFP complained after his latest pre- the girls and the lawyers can see that the federal government — ordinance, said he has spoken apartment in Guaruja, near trial hearing in a Brooklyn him,” she said in Spanish. not the state — has authority with a local Immigration and Sao Paulo, hanging placards NEW York: The young wife of federal court about being barred “My concern is your health over immigration. Customs Enforcement repre- from the balcony in support accused Mexican drug kingpin from visiting her husband in jail because I know that you are It’s the same argument made sentative and told him he would of Lula. Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman or talking to him by telephone. very bad psychologically... by the Trump administration, welcome the agency. “Release Lula or there’ll yesterday spoke publicly for the Guzman, 61, accused of because of what the lawyers which sued California last “We would love to host be no peace,” they shouted. first time since her husband was running the Sinaloa crime syn- have told me, and that’s what month. On Tuesday, the Board you,” he said. Lula was imprisoned on extradited to the United States dicate is scheduled to go on trial worries me. How are you going of Supervisors in San Diego Councilman Mark Chirco, April 7 to start a 12-year sen- last year, voicing concern for his on September 5. to reach a good judgment if you County — a region of more than an attorney, was the only vote tence for accepting the health in solitary confinement. “I have not seen him in 15 are in poor health.” 3 million people that borders against the ordinance. He called apartment as a favour from a Emma Coronel, a 28-year- months. I see him in court. I do Guzman’s lawyers have com- Mexico — will meet to consider it divisive, ineffective and big construction company old former beauty queen and not have any communication plained repeatedly about the joining that suit. unnecessary, The Orange seeking contracts with state- mother of the couple’s twin girls, with him, no visits or calls. Only harsh conditions of his detention. At least nine other Orange County Register reported. controlled oil major Petrobras. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018 MORNING BREAK 19

PRAYER TIMINGS Live concert promotes Qatar-Pakistan cultural ties FAJR 03. 50 AM SHOROOK 05. 09 AM THE PENINSULA the region. And all thanks to the efforts of Katara’s very ZUHR 11. 33 AM MAGHRIB 06. 00 PM DOHA: The diplomatic dynamic team led by Dr. ASR 03. 03 PM ISHA 07. 30 PM community, dignitaries and a Khalid Al Sulaiti. The crowd large number of people from gave an ecstatic applause to different walks of life Dr. Khalid Al Sulaiti for his WEATHER TODAY witnessed a live concert and efforts in promoting cultural enjoyed the fusion of melo- understanding and for spon- dious and famous eastern soring this event. classical music and western The Ambassador further Jazz at Katara Cultural Village. added that we should consider The event was organised ourselves extremely fortunate, to promote the cultural ties that we have an interna- between Qatar and Pakistan. tionally acclaimed jazz Dr. Khalid Al Sulaiti, CEO ensemble with us. of Katara Cultural Village, Few of you would think it Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al would come from Pakistan. Thani, member of Royal Pakistan is a country of great Family, and Sheikh Dr. culture and history. And if you Mohamed bin Hamad Al follow jazz, you’ll know that Thani, Director of Public their first album stormed to Health and member of Royal the top of the itunes jazz Shahzad Ahmad, Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar, and Katara officials at Sachal Jazz Band Family, graced the occasion charts. performance at Katara Cultural Village on Monday. by attending the concert. He added that they have Shahzad Ahmad, Ambas- done outstanding and impro- sador of Pakistan to Qatar, vised performances with great Festival in France, the Tokyo a very extensive tour of the US Airways and McNair during his speech thanked all legends such as Wynton Jazz festival and they were at the end of last year. I would Chambers for their support & for honouring this event. He Marsallis at the Lincoln Centre recently honoured to perform like to thank the Sachal Jazz sponsorship and in particular said that Doha is establishing in New York. They have at the United Nations. Band for adding us to its list of to Professor Khawar Qureshi, itself as a centre for cultural played at the Barbican in They are coming fresh to tour destinations. And a QC without whom this event activity like no other city in London, the Marciac Jazz Doha after having completed special thanks to Katara, Qatar wouldn’t have happened. 24oC 33oC TKM alumnus line up 60 events for Minimum Maximum Slight dust to blowing dust at times at

‘Sports & Family Fun Day’ on Friday places and relatively hot daytime.

HIGH TIDE 06:00 – 19:00 LOW TIDE 00:30 – 12:15 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department THE PENINSULA Nishad Abdul Rahim, President of TKM Alumni, said: “This event welcomes and DOHA: The Qatar alumnus of TKM Engi- encourages families to come together for neering College in the southern Indian state an all-inclusive family fun day that aims at of Kerala, will hold ‘Sports and Family Fun creating a healthy and sportive lifestyle for Day’ on April 20, Friday, from 7.30am to alumni families to thrive”. 6pm at Al Jazeera Academy in Abu Hamour. Tecton Construction is the Main Sponsor The Alumni members will participate for the event which will be co-sponsored in over 60 different sports and fun-filled by Confident Trading & Contracting Enter- events. About 250 families are expected to prises, Zaitoon Restaurant and ADASTRA. attend the event. The Tennis and volleyball Al Abeer Medical Centre team will provide teams representing the alumni association free medical checkup at the venue, said will be felicitated for their excellent per- Event Convenor, Shiyad Abdul Rahim, and formances in the local tournaments. Sports Secretary, Salim Abubacker.

Qatari artist Iman Al Saad (second left); Katara General Manager, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (second right) and other officials South African week at the opening of the solo exhibition “Words of Gold” at Katara Building 22 on Monday. at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa

Qatari artist gives unique The Award-winning restaurant Hunters Room & Grill at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa display to Holy Quran will launch the South African week from April 20 to 27. The 7-day event will offer foodies verses at Katara expo an exciting gastronomic experience throughout a wide THE PENINSULA The exhibition, array of dishes that combines inaugurated by Dr. the diversity and simplicity of DOHA: “Words of Gold”, a South African cuisine. calligraphy exhibition by Qatari Khalid bin Ibrahim artist Iman Al Saad, opened at Al Sulaiti, General Katara Cultural Village Building Manager of Katara, 22 on Monday. The exhibition, inaugurated continues until the Event spreads awareness on illness associated with urinary system by Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al end of this month. THE PENINSULA Sulaiti, General Manager of number of members and Katara, continues until the end family members were of this month. The exhibition DOHA: Thrissur Jilla Sauhre- present. includes a distinctive collection exhibition for two principal davedi (Vedi) and Naseem Dr. Pravin Das, a urol- of paintings in which the artist reasons. First, she wanted to Al-Rabeeh jointly celebrated ogist, presented an awareness celebrates verses from the Holy refer to what she had written World Health Day on April 7. class on urinary system Quran, written in various cal- from the Holy Quranic verses, The celebration was inaugu- related diseases and the pre- ligraphies using gold. as they were well worth to be rated by social worker, cautions to be taken to “I dedicated my work in the written with gold, and the Sheeba Ameer in a function prevent the diseases and first exhibition on the verses of second reason was that she presided over by Vedi‘s Vice- answered the questions the Holy Quran to my late used gold in all of her paintings. President, Abdul Jabbar. raised from the audience. mother Amna Mahmoud Al The artist started using the Vedi’s Family Security Vedi honoured Sheeba Jaidah, as she was the first to Diwani font in her early works Chariman, V K Saiim; Ameer, Indian World Cup teach the Holy Quran in Qatar, for its beauty, later learning Karunyam Scheme Chairman, under 17 Football player and the profits of the whole other fonts including Kufi, A K Naseer; General Coordi- Rahul and Dr. Pravin Das. exhibition will be donated on Moroccan kufi and the Sonbeli nator, P Mohsin; Advisory Mohammed Mustafa, General behalf of my mother to Qatar which can be seen in the exhi- Board Chairman, K M Anil; Secretary, welcomed the Charity,” said the artist. bition. She also plans to use City Exchange CEO, Sharaf gathering and Hamid Al Saad said that she chose other fonts in her future works, Hamid; ICC Vice-President, Akkikkavu, Secretary pro- An expert speaks during the World Health Day celebrations organised the title “Words of Gold” for this she said. A P Manikandan; and a large posed the vote of thanks. by Thrissur Jilla Sauhredavedi (Vedi) and Naseem Al-Rabeeh on April 7. QU students calls for inclusion of multimedia in education at global meet

RADWA ELATTAR The aim of their participation projects of a number female stu- number of topics related to edu- introduce them. Commenting on through their culture,”. THE PENINSULA in the symposium was to dents from the Department of cation and how to develop it and the important of the campaign, For his part, Al Muftah said introduce the participants to the Mass Communication. to advance the Qatari society. Dana Abu Al Saud, the Sym- “The campaign is an initiative DOHA: A team of students of “To idea of the campaign, which is to A number of high profile The speakers stressed that posium Coordinator, said, “It is very important because it is a true Make It Visible’ campaign from include multimedia (such as doc- experts attended the symposium everyone should be keen to an idea that, if implemented in translation of Qatar National the Department of Mass Commu- umentary films, educational from Qatar and outside Qatar, transfer his scientific experience the future in Qatari society, will Vision 2030.” nication at Qatar University, materials, educational electronic including Yemeni activist in various fields to others to help contribute greatly to educating The Symposium aims to high- yesterday, participated in the 3rd games) permanently in the edu- Tawakkol Karman and Dr. Khalid them benefit from it. children and their young light the impact of learning and Annual International Learning cational process especially Mohammed Al Muftah, Director The meeting was attended children to use the technology civic engagement practices in and Civic Engagement primary and preparatory schools of Projects and Programs by a number of students who properly, which will then enable higher education institutions and Symposium at The Community to prepare a creative generation. Implementation. participated by their graduation them to communicate with the how these practices promote College. The campaign is a graduation The participants discussed a projects in the forum to outside community easily student success. 20 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018