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TUESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10735 February 20, 2018 Jumada II 4, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir gets Sudanese president’s message Road deaths In brief and injuries QATAR | Reaction Church shooting in Russia condemned Qatar strongly condemned the fall in Qatar shooting that targeted a church in Russia’s southern province of oad deaths and injuries in Qatar arrival time at accident spots from 15 Dagestan, which caused a number declined in 2017 compared to minutes to around 5-7 minutes. The of deaths and injuries. In a statement R2016, the General Directorate of new driving test strategy and curricu- yesterday, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Traffi c announced yesterday. lum focuses on producing high quality Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm position “Only 5.4 road traffi c accident (RTA) drivers, equipped with proper traffi c rejecting violence and terrorism deaths per 100,000 persons were re- awareness. regardless of motives and reasons. It corded in the country last year, com- The use of more speed radars and expressed Qatar’s condolences to the His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has received a written message from Sudanese President Omar Hassan pared to the world average of 17.4,” surveillance cameras across greater families of the victims, the government al-Bashir, pertaining to the bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. The message was handed over by Dr Mustafa Othman explained Brigadier Ibrahim Saad al- Doha and the highways and the eff orts and people of Russia, wishing the Ismail, Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Off ice in Geneva and assistant to the president and presidential envoy, when Sulaiti, head of Statistical Analysis at of the Public Works Authority (Ash- wounded speedy recovery. the Emir met him at his off ice in Al Bahr Palace yesterday. Offi ce of the Minister of Interior. ghal) in improving the roads helped “While the World Health Organisa- greatly in improving the traffi c scene in QATAR | Weather tion estimated 10-12 deaths per 10,000 the country. vehicles, in Qatar it was only 1.17 Brigadier al-Kharji stressed that the Chances of scattered deaths. If globally three deaths were major causes of traffi c mortality were rain over the weekend registered per 100 injured, it was two in high speed and not using seat belts, as Preliminary indications suggest there Qatar,” the offi cial told a press confer- in many cases the vehicle overturns are chances of scattered rain in the ence. even without colliding with other ve- country during the coming weekend, Irrespective of a 5% increase in hicles. the Qatar Met department tweeted number of vehicles in 2017 compared to But, he stressed that pedestrian fa- yesterday. Today, strong winds and No dialogue at cost 2016, accidents with injuries declined talities are still a challenge, as more high seas are expected in off shore by 1.3%, as 6,140 cases were recorded awareness eff orts should be exerted, in areas along with slight dust and some in 2016 and only 6,061 last year. Seri- particular among expatriate commu- clouds. The wind speed may go up to ous injuries declined by 14.8%, from nities and the labourers’ category, as 25 knots in these areas, with the sea 872 in 2016 to 743 in 2017, and fatalities most cases are among them. level rising to 9ft. Inshore, it will be hazy by 0.6%, thanks to the combined ef- Traffi c patrols have been intensifi ed in the early hours of the day, followed of sovereignty: FM forts of various state agencies. in key areas and companies instructed by mild daytime conditions with slight In 2017, the number of accidents de- to drop and pick their workers from dust at times, scattered clouds and a clined by 2.4%, while 97.5% of 240,333 safe points without letting them cross cold night. The temperature in Doha is zFabricated crisis is unprecedented treachery traffi c accidents reported in 2017 were the road. The same applies for the par- expected to range from 17-25C today; without injuries. Around 89.6 of the ents who drop their children at school. yesterday, it was 20-26C. zHails, supports role of the Emir of Kuwait injuries in last year’s accidents were The National Traffi c Safety Com- minor, with only 2% of the injured on mittee secretary-general Brigadier ARAB WORLD | Unrest zQatar speaks in the language of interests the road dying last year. Mohamed Abdullah al-Malki, recalled Brigadier Mohamed Saad al-Kharji, that the National Traffi c Safety Strat- Dozens of settlers zSiege countries keen to normalise the crisis director general of the General Direc- egy was launched in 2013 with a target storm Aqsa Mosque torate of Traffi c, attributed the posi- of six deaths per each 100,000 inhab- Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed zUS to provide all kinds of support to Qatar in tive achievements to improvement in a itants by 2022 but the number could yesterday Al Aqsa Mosque from the number of factors. be brought down to 5.4 in 2017 due to side of Al Magharba Gate protected by the event of any external attack Ambulances are well-distributed the collective eff orts of all the involved heavy guard from Israeli occupation throughout the country, reducing the parties. Page 24 troops. The settlers carried out QNA crisis as unprecedented in the modern suspicious and provocative tours Doha history of Qatar, labelling it as treach- across the mosque, with a number ery. He said Qatar, under the leader- Smart device for vehicle impounding of them performing silent Talmud ship of His Highness the Emir Sheikh movements and rituals in the now E the Deputy Prime Minister Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, took a A new smart device will be used to closed Bab Al Rahma inside the and Foreign Minister Sheikh strategic decision to deal with the siege impound vehicles, involved in certain mosque, the Palestinian (WAFA) news HMohamed bin Abdulrahman in a civilised and legal way, and to rise traff ic off ences, at the homes of their agency reported. al-Thani reaffi rmed yesterday that any above the level of the siege countries in owners, revealed Brigadier Mohamed dialogue with the siege countries will the way they treat the Qatari people. Saad al-Kharji, director general of the ARAB WORLD | Confl ict not be at the expense of Qatar’s sover- He also reviewed the stages of the General Directorate of Traff ic. eignty, stressing the need to have basic crisis since its beginning and the meas- The device, with a battery that can 77 dead as Syria principles, which are shielded by a clear ures the state took to counter the siege last up to six months, is connected to enclave pounded mechanism, to settle confl icts. under directives of the Emir, pointing the Traff ic Department with a tracking Heavy Syrian bombardment killed at Speaking before the Advisory Coun- out that there are no actual reasons for system which records any movement least 77 civilians in rebel-held Eastern cil, the minister said the siege countries the crisis but to place Qatar under the of the vehicle during the impounding. Ghouta yesterday, a war monitor said, have violated all articles of the Gulf guardianship of these countries, and Captain Riyadh Ahmed, head of Traff ic as regime forces appeared to prepare Co-operation Council (GCC) Charter, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and direct Doha’s internal and external pol- Awareness Section, pointed out that for an imminent ground assault. The reiterating the importance of having a Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin icy and exploit its resources to serve the the new “smart impounding” will work Brigadier Mohamed Saad al-Kharji escalation came as pro-government clear and binding mechanism to settle Abdulrahman al-Thani interests of these countries. through sending an SMS to the violators displays the new smart device for forces were also expected to enter the confl icts among member states. The minister hailed the great role of to report with the vehicle in question to impounding vehicles. northern Kurdish-controlled enclave Sheikh Mohamed spoke about the to international laws, activating co- the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al- the department concerned. of Afrin, to take a stand against a constants of Qatar’s foreign policy operation in multilateral frameworks Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah and his good Once the device is installed on a vehicle, the impounding is over and the device month-old Turkish assault there. Held which, he said, is based on building at the United Nations and specialised endeavours to resolve the crisis, noting it has to be parked at the destination deactivated. “The new system would by rebels since 2012, Eastern Ghouta friendly relations with other countries, bodies, adherence to international that Qatar has welcomed and support- within two hours and if the vehicle is further guarantee the safety of the vehi- is the last opposition pocket around protecting the interests of the state, conventions, in addition to the delivery ed this role. He also pointed to the role moved before the impounding is over, cle and avoid any potential mishandling Damascus and President Bashar al- defending Arab and Islamic issues of humanitarian assistance to those af- of the diff erent ministries and govern- the activity will be tracked automatically during towing and parking for long Assad has dispatched reinforcements and matters concerning the vulner- fected anywhere in the world. ment entities at the political, economic and legal measures initiated against the periods, as the vehicle will be with its there in an apparent concerted eff ort able, working to establish international The Deputy Prime Minister and For- and legal levels to address the reper- violator. The owner will be notified once owner,” added Captain Ahmed. to retake it. Page 9 peace and security through adherence eign Minister described the fabricated cussions of the siege. To Page 7 Meridiana relaunched as ‘Air Italy’; to become Italy’s top airline zQatar Airways has a 49% Airbus A330-200 to Air Italy “at mar- stake in AQA Holding, the ket prices”, Reuters quoted Qatar Air- ways Group Chief Executive Akbar al- carrier’s new parent Baker as having said. “No details of planned investments talian airline Meridiana will rename were disclosed,” Reuters said. the carrier ‘Air Italy’ and aims to Air Italy will fl y out of Malpensa’s Igrow its fl eet and passenger num- main terminal, said Pietro Modiano, bers fourfold by 2022 in a bid to become chairman of SEA, the company that the country’s national carrier, execu- manages the airport. tives said yesterday. Air Italy will benefi t from Meridiana’s Meridiana was put under new own- The “beautiful new livery and identity” for Air Italy as announced by Qatar Airways extensive network, which connects the ership last year after Qatar Airways yesterday through Twitter. main Italian airports with Sardinia and bought a 49% stake in AQA Holding, provides connectivity with hubs in Eu- the Sardinia-based carrier’s new par- workers rejected a plan to cut jobs and transport 10mn passengers a year and rope, as well as in the US and Africa. ent, with previous sole owner Alisarda salaries. have a fl eet of 50 aircraft,” Chairman It will be powered by AQA Holding. retaining 51%. However, with a new restructuring Francesco Violante said at the launch of Qatar Airways, the national carrier, is The airline will make Milan’s plan — that includes the launch of new the new brand in Milan. the world’s fastest-growing airline, fl y- Malpensa airport its new hub. domestic and intercontinental routes — Over the next three years, 20 Boeing 737 ing passengers to an extensive network Air Italy is Italy’s second-largest Air Italy aims to become Italy’s “airline MAX aircraft will be added to Air Italy’s of more than 150 global destinations on airline behind Alitalia, which was put Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar al-Baker holding the model of an Air Italy aircraft in of reference”, Reuters reported. fl eet, the fi rst of which arrives in April. board its modern fl eet in excess of 200 under administration last year after its new livery and identity. By 2022, the carrier expects “to Qatar Airways will lease fi ve of its aircraft. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 QATAR

Emir issues instruments of ratification

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the following instruments of ratification yesterday: 1. Instrument of ratification approving a draft agreement on air transport between the governments of Qatar and the US, signed in Washington on 3/10/2001. 2. Instrument of ratification approving a draft memorandum of understanding for co-operation in the field of youth and sports between the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Qatar and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Iraq, signed in Doha on 16/1/2018. 3. Instrument of ratification HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani holding talks HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and the approving an agreement on the with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdic at the Emiri Diwan Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdic witness the signing of an cancellation of visa requirements yesterday. agreement between the governments of Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. for holders of diplomatic and private or service passports between the governments of Qatar and Ethiopia, signed in Doha on 14/11/2017. Emir issues Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina decrees His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the following decrees yesterday: 1. Decree No 11 of 2018, ratifying a memorandum of understanding sign pacts to boost bilateral ties (MoU) co-operating in the education, higher education and QNA 3. An MoU on education, scientific research fields between Doha higher education and scientifi c the governments of Qatar and research. Somalia, which was signed in Separately, a twinning agree- Doha, on March 8, 2015. atar and the Republic ment between the municipality 2. Decree No 13 of 2018, ratifying of Bosnia and Herze- of Doha city and the city of Sara- a twinning agreement between Qgovina signed several jevo was also signed. Doha Municipality and Bishkek memorandums of understand- Several ministers attended the Municipality, which was signed in ing and a twinning agreement session of offi cial talks and the Doha on December 8, 2014. yesterday following a session signing ceremony of the agree- of official talks between HE ment and the memorandums of Message from the Prime Minister and Inte- understanding, along with the rior Minister Sheikh Abdullah members of the accompanying Bangladesh FM bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani offi cial delegation from the Bos- and the Chairman of the Coun- nian side. HE the Deputy Prime Minister cil of Ministers of Bosnia and HE the Prime Minister and In- and Foreign Minister Sheikh Herzegovina Denis Zvizdic at terior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Mohamed bin Abdulrahman the Emiri Diwan yesterday. bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani al-Thani has received a written During the talks, the two sides and Chairman of the Council of message from the Foreign discussed bilateral relations and Ministers of Bosnia and Herze- Minister of Bangladesh Abul ways of developing and enhanc- govina Denis Zvizdic held a bi- Hassan Mahmud Ali, related ing them in various fi elds, and lateral meeting during which to the convening of the 45th reviewed regional and interna- they reviewed a number of issues session of the Council of Foreign tional developments of common of common concern. Ministers of the OIC in May. The concern, especially the situation Later, HE the Prime Minister message was received by the in the region. and Minister of Interior hosted Secretary-General of the Ministry Following the talks, HE the HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of a luncheon banquet in honour of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed bin Prime Minister and Interior Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdic chairing off icial session of talks at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. of Chairman of the Council of Hassan al-Hammadi, during his Minister and the Chairman Ministers of Bosnia and Herze- meeting with the ambassador of the Council of Ministers of nessed the signing of the fol- derstanding: drug production and employ- 2. An MoU on co-operation in govina Denis Zvizdic and his ac- of Bangladesh to Qatar Ashud Bosnia and Herzegovina wit- lowing memorandums of un- 1. An MoU in the health sector, ment of health workers. youth fi eld. companying delegation. Ahmed yesterday.

Qatar and Kuwait discuss Executive Council of Global co-operation in air transport Dryland Alliance meets in Doha QNA During the meeting, al-Sub- Following the meeting, the Kuwait aie stressed the strength of the Director General of Kuwait QNA social and economic relations Civil Aviation Engineer Yousef Doha between the two countries and al-Fouzan said they discussed hairman of Qatar’s Civil their keenness to upgrade them. means of co-operation in the Aviation Authority Ab- He expressed the hope that fi elds of air transport, safety oha hosted yesterday the Cdullah bin Nasser Turki the visit to Kuwait will achieve systems and exchange of experi- fi rst ordinary session of al-Subaie met the President of the desired objectives. ences between the two sides to Dthe executive council of Directorate General of Civil Avi- Al-Subaie also expressed his hold joint technical sessions. the Global Dryland Alliance. ation in Kuwait, Sheikh Salman happiness about the recent par- Al-Fouzan explained that the HE the Minister of Municipal- Sabah al-Salem al-Hamoud al- ticipation of Qatar in the fi rst meeting also touched on the pos- ity and Environment Mohamed Sabah yesterday. edition of Kuwait Aviation Show, sibility of using the Fifth Freedom, bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi af- During the meeting, they dis- which was successful, adding which provides for transport ex- fi rmed that the signing of the cussed ways to enhance co-op- that this success gave a message change rights and the provision of agreement founding the Glo- eration between the two coun- that Kuwait is ready to enter as a facilities in a manner that achieves bal Dryland Alliance was meant tries in the fi elds of civil aviation major competitor in the aviation fl exibility for air carriers between to be an eff ective framework and air transport. market in the region. the two countries. in which united eff orts will be made to meet the challenges. The fi rst of which is to en- sure food security and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on development in coun- tries in general, he said. In his address to the confer- ence, the Minister highlighted HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi addressing the first the signifi cance attached by ordinary session of the executive council of the Global Dryland Alliance in Doha yesterday. His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Qatar’s commitments to this ning from the founding confer- food crises; and by providing this international organisation, organisation at the stipulated ence to the current session. mutual assistance in times of ex- which was set up upon his initia- time. Global Dryland Alliance traordinary need such as natural tive, adding that “the Emir di- Meanwhile, ambassador Bad- (GDA), is an international or- or manmade disasters and ca- rected us to follow-up and sup- er bin Omar al-Dafa, Executive ganisation of dryland countries lamities. port it at all stages”. Director of the Global Dryland established with the purpose On October 15, 2017, Doha He pointed out that the Min- Alliance, spoke about the activi- of achieving food security by: hosted the GDA’s founding con- istry of Municipality and Envi- ties of the executive secretariat sharing knowledge and best ference where the convention of ronment works with other gov- of the Alliance during the past practices; assisting in the devel- the new international organisa- ernment sectors to implement three months, the period span- opment of capabilities to prevent tion based in Doha was signed.

Chairman of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority Abdullah bin Nasser Turki al-Subaie holding talks with the President of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Kuwait, Sheikh Salman Sabah al-Salem al-Hamoud al-Sabah in Kuwait yesterday. Doha Interfaith Conference begins today Education Ministry takes part in Kuwait robotics conference

The Ministry of Education and The conference aims to provide On the first day of the event, QNA The conference will discuss community values and the right and terrorism. Higher Education participated in an incubator environment for Ahmed bin Hanbal Secondary Doha three main themes, the fi rst of to justice and equality, freedom The third theme will discuss the student robotics conference students innovations in the School Team from Qatar which is the vision and concept of thought, expression and in- human rights issues between held yesterday in Kuwait, on the field of robotics and to present presented the project (Rapid of human rights in religions. formation, the right to litigation, heavenly laws and international occasion of the 15th anniversary distinctive models in this field, as Intervention for Firefighting and he 13th Doha Interfaith That theme will focus on top- defence, freedom of movement covenants, which will include of the establishment of Kuwait well as urging students to take Human Rescue) as a scientific and Conference will begin to- ics related to freedom of religion, and the inviolability of the home the religious perspective of hu- Robotic Centre, which provides advantage of robot technology. technical project highlighting the Tday. preservation of human dignity, and the role of religious teach- man rights in times of peace and and implements activities The Qatari student delegation role of robot and its importance in The two-day event organ- prohibition of corruption, the ings in the development of social confl ict, the position of heavenly for students of all levels, in and its supervisors stressed that serving the community. ised by the Doha International rights of minorities, and the responsibility of individuals. laws and international laws from addition to the dissemination of the conference will allow them to The head of the Qatari student Centre for Interfaith Dialogue right to a peaceful coexistence The second theme will focus the siege of states and the protec- culture and awareness of robot exchange and discuss experiences delegation Mariam al-Awadhi under the theme “Religions and between people of diff erent on the position of religions vis- tion of civilians from the dangers science knowledge and its role in this field, as well as to learn and will present a working paper on Human Rights,” will be attended faiths, and public interest in- a-vis violations of human rights. of military operations, the reli- in scientific and technological share experiences in the field of robotics and its uses in education. by 50 participants from 70 coun- cluding personal freedom. Talks will focus on issues such gious and legal position towards progress. robot and its uses in scientific field. – QNA tries. This theme will also discuss as religious views on extremism victims of war and confl ict. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 3 QATAR

Gaza reconstruction panel chief unveils details of Qatari grant

QNA Gaza

hairman of the Qatari National Committee Cfor the Reconstruc- tion of Gaza, ambassador Mohamed al-Emadi, has revealed the details of the disbursement of the recent Qatari grant of QR31mn ($9mn). Speaking yesterday dur- ing a press conference at Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, al-Emadi said that of the total $9mn grant, $2.6mn would be allocated for food parcels, blankets and upholstery, $500,000 for hospital fuel, sewage pumps and the Ministry of Chairman of the Qatari National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, ambassador Health, $2mn for medicines, Mohamed al-Emadi, at the press conference to announce the details of the disbursement of $1mn for renovating homes the recent Qatari grant of QR31mn at Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza yesterday. of the poor, another $1mn for paying the fees of uni- versity students and $2mn will be allocated for human- itarian and morbidity cases. Al-Emadi said that un- der the current diffi cult and complicated circumstanc- es, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has been at the forefront of those taking the initiative to extend a helping hand to the people of Gaza at a time when they are suf- fering from oppression. The ambassador added that the Emir’s gesture proves that he has stood by the people of Gaza always and will continue to do so in Residents of Gaza wave Qatar’s flag expressing their gratitude. the future. Ambassador al-Emadi are experiencing. employees will end. of Gaza reaffirmed that expressed hope that Qatar’s He stressed the need to He added that there must Qatar is in constant con- move to provide humanitar- find a permanent solution be comprehensive solutions tact with the Palestinian ian relief will act as a strong to the issue of Gaza’s em- to the issues of employees, government, the United incentive, after which an ployees within the frame- not just salaries of a month Nations and international international move would work of the Palestin- or two. institutions for co-ordi- take place in order to save ian reconciliation, saying The chairman of the nation and co-operation the people of Gaza from the that if the reconciliation Qatari National Commit- so as to help the people of humanitarian tragedy they happens, the crisis of the tee for the Reconstruction Gaza. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 QATAR

5 Qatari experts in US to attend programme on cybersecurity

The US Department of State is hosting a delegation of five Qatari experts from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) for a three-week- long programme on cybersecurity, it was announced. Lankans celebrate I-Day Jassim al-Kuwari and Sheikh Mansoor al-Thani from MoI, as well as Rouda al-Kuwari, Fatima al-Majed and Fahad Saeed Abdulla from MoTC are participating in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) on Cybersecurity which started yesterday. The programme runs until March 10, the US embassy in Doha said in a statement. The group will meet with both government and private with cultural programme sector stakeholders in several diff erent US cities to exchange information and ideas in the area of cybersecurity. he Sri Lankan community the lighting of the traditional Through this IVLP exchange programme, the US government in Qatar celebrated the oil lamp, a welcome speech by will provide the Qatari participants with additional training, T70th Independence Day of SLCC president Sanath Kohowi- best practices and a wider network of contacts to meet Qatar’s their nation with a cultural pro- lage, speeches by ambassador cybersecurity needs. gramme at Qatar National Con- Liyanage and Dr R Seetharaman US and Qatar have been proactive in addressing cyber-attacks vention Centre (QNCC). followed by the presentation of that pose a threat to a nation’s infrastructure and economy. The event was organised by awards of excellence and unveil- The two countries recently formalised their collaboration in the Sri Lankan embassy in col- ing of the 70th Independence the area of cybersecurity capacity-building in a Letter of Intent laboration with Sri Lanka Co- Day souvenir. signed at the bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC on ordinating Committee (SLCC) The Pathum Danansooriya January 30. Qatar. Ambassador A S P Liyan- Cultural Ensemble who were IVLP is a professional exchange programme run by the age was the chief guest. fl own in from Sri Lanka for Education and Cultural Aff airs Bureau at the US Department of Also present were Doha the celebrations performed State, with nominees selected by US embassies worldwide. Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman, many items such as the pooja Since 1952, more than 200,000 international visitors Sri Lankan embassy’s minister dance, raban dance, folk dance, participated in the programme, including more than 500 counsellor R Kohularangan, Sri kolam dance, a dance depict- current or former heads of state or heads of government. Lankan Airlines country man- ing an elephant, mask dance, ager (Doha) Balakrishnan Pi- kandyan dance, wadigapatuna, rathapan, Readymix Qatar chief nagaskanya, pandampaliya, fi nancial offi cer Sujeewa Ranas- gajaga natuma, drum orchestra inghe, Dar Al Sharq foreign pub- performance, magul bera and lications manager Neegal No- ending with the theme hastha ronha, Accra Group managing padha nadha featuring the cul- director Nuwan Samarakoon, tural troupe performing on stage Rev Fr Bennet and offi cials from to live music and the beating of Qatar Ministry of Interior’s Pub- drums. lic Relations Department. The audiences were enthralled Ooredoo was the platinum with their scintillating perform- sponsor of the programme with ance on stage. This was their St Regis Doha as the hospitality fi rst visit to Doha. Famous singer partner. Tissa Jayawardana also per- The programme began with formed at the celebrations. A scene from the cultural programme.

Dignitaries at the event. A dance and music performance at the event. PICTURES: Nasar T K Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 5 QATAR

PHCC to conduct bowel cancer awareness drive

Qatar’s National Breast and Bowel QU summit looks Cancer Screening programme, ‘Screen For Life’, is launching a month-long awareness drive to mark the international Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in March, reminding people of the impor- tance of the early detection of at legal challenges, cancer in saving lives. Under the ta- gline ‘Don’t wait for symptoms’, the Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an initiative formed to inform people that bowel cancer can be a non-symptomatic illness. Therefore, A panel session in progress. it is paramount not to wait for the rights in digital age symptoms but undergo screening as a precautionary measure. atar University (QU) Bowel cancer is the third most yesterday launched an commonly diagnosed cancer Qinternational confer- in Qatar and a leading cause of ence on ‘Law and Digital Age’, death among men and women in organised under the patronage the country. In line with the global and in the presence of HE the Bowel Cancer Awareness month, Minister of Transport and Com- the ‘Screen For Life’ campaign munications Jassim Seif Ahmed will involve a series of reminder al-Sulaiti. messages urging both men and Organised by QU colleges of women, specifically in the target Law (LAWC) and Engineering age bracket of 50-74, to take a (CENG) and sponsored by Oore- proactive approach to their health doo Qatar, the two-day event and book an appointment at one aims to highlight the fast de- of the three dedicated screening velopment and legal challenges facilities at Al Wakrah, Leabaib and in the fi eld of digital technol- Rawdat Al Khail Health Centres. ogy and fi nd ways to develop the The public will be reminded that country’s legal system, QU said they can carry out the Faecal Im- in a statement. HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, HE Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi, Dr Hassan al-Derham and other dignitaries at the opening session of the conference yesterday. munochemical Test with ease in The conference also aims to the privacy of their own home and underline the eff ectiveness of The programme agenda fea- Qatar, Purdue University, Sultan erty Ownership: Towards a overcome the negative impact of ference’s sessions.” they can collect their kit from one legal regulations to solve these tured fi ve panel sessions titled Qaboos University, Supreme Legal Personhood of Artifi cial the crisis. Dr al-Khulaifi noted, of the Primary Health Care Corpo- issues and challenges and the ‘Novelties related to electronic Court of India, The Australian Intelligence’, ‘Cyber Security His Highness the Emir Sheikh “Through organising this con- ration (PHCC) screening centres necessity to propose legislative transactions’, ‘Rights related to National University, The Chi- Trends and Solutions’, ‘Criminal Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani ference, the colleges of Law and at Al Wakrah, Leabaib and Rawdat and technical approaches that the digital world’, ‘Contempo- nese University of Hong Kong protection of the personal data stated in his speech last July: Engineering reveal the correla- Al Khail Health Centres. The over- keep up with the fast technolog- rary trends on counter-cyber — Faculty of Law, TUBITAK privacy processed electronically ‘this crisis has driven Qatari so- tion between engineering and arching message of the ‘Screen ical and technical developments terrorism and cyber security’, BILGEM,, University of New – Analytical comparative study’, ciety not only to explore its hu- law as the design of digital ap- For Life’ campaign will reinforce in the area of information and ‘Data protection and privacy in South Wales Faculty of Law, and and more. man values as I have indicated, plications and the usage of elec- the vital role screening plays in the communications technology. the digital age’, and ‘Electronic University Yahia Fares Medea. In his remarks, Dr al-Derham but also to draw on its sources of tronic devices are at the heart of early detection of bowel cancer. Attending the opening cer- means of dispute settlement’. Discussions focused on a wide said: “The university continues strength that lie in its unity, will engineering sciences, and their “Our month-long campaign is a emony were HE al-Sulaiti, HE It also included numerous range of issues, such as ‘Smart in its eff orts to provide solutions and determination’. usage and activities are subject great opportunity to further remind the Minister of Justice Dr Has- presentations by speakers from Economy: Blockchain and to the society’s issues and chal- “This timely conference to the rules of regular assets that people that screening is available san Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi, QU, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Cryptocurrencies’, ‘Specifi ci- lenges. highlights numerous issues are addressed by legal sciences.” now and all-year round, and that QU president Dr Hassan al- International Islamic University ties of contracting via electronic “The latest situation has that are of the interest of soci- Sheikh Nasser added, “With there is somewhere people can Derham, LAWC dean Dr Mo- Malaysia, International & Gov- means of communications – shown QU’s commitment to ety such as the contemporary the electronic threats faced by turn for help and advice,” said hamed Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi , ernment Engagement Division Analytical study in the light of solve the challenges facing the trends to combat cyberterror- various institutions across the Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, cancer CENG dean Dr Khalifa al-Kha- Cybersecurity Malaysia, Indian the Qatari decree-law No 16 for society through scientifi c and ism and promote cybersecurity, world, cyber security has be- programme manager, PHCC. lifa, Ooredoo Qatar chief new Society of International Law, the year 2010 on transactions methodical criteria and to pro- the rights of digital age, privacy come an important priority for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month business offi cer Sheikh Nasser Ital-IoT Centre for Multidisci- and electronic commerce’, ‘The vide its students and the various protection and electronic means the institutions working in the will be marked by a dark blue bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, plinary Research on the Internet Legal Framework for Interna- sectors of society with the nec- in confl icts resolution. We look fi eld of law and other areas. awareness ribbon, be distributed in QU offi cials, as well as LAWC of Things, Nexa Centre for In- tional Electronic Contracts’, essary support. forward to the vibrant discus- Hence, institutions need more the screening clinics, and through- and CENG faculty, students and ternet and Society, Northum- ‘Cyber Security Capabilities Additionally, the university sions and recommendations than ever to strengthen their in- out the month-long awareness staff . bria University, Police College Malaysian Perspective’, ‘Prop- off ered sustainable solutions to that will emanate from the con- formation security systems.” community reach activities. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 QATAR Smart farming, fi shery in focus at Qatar-South Korea summit

By Peter Alagos isterial meeting, which is expected to be initiatives in the fi elds of agriculture and long history in the fi eld of agriculture, Business Reporter co-chaired by HE the Minister of Energy fi shery. particularly national programme on de- and Industry, Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al- “At the moment, we are focusing on the velopment and skills dissemination ini- Sada, and his South Korean counterpart. MoU itself and we are fi nalising the details. tiatives for South Korean farmers. mart farming and fi shery will be “We are expecting that the meeting My initial idea is to start with G2G (gov- He noted that South Korea’s experi- among the main topics to be dis- will take place within the year…and we ernment to government) co-operation in ence in G2G co-operation projects will Ambassador Park Scussed during the ‘5th Korea-Qatar would like to focus on co-operation in those areas,” Park pointed out. serve as “an advantage.” High Level Strategic Cooperation Com- the agriculture and fi sheries sector. That Earlier, Park said the ‘5th Korea-Qatar “I believe South Korea can provide they would also like to develop their emphasised that the South Korean mittee’ meeting slated to be held in Doha would be the priority,” Park told Gulf High Level Strategic Cooperation Com- these skills and experience to Qatar in the aquaculture industry. Fortunately, embassy in Qatar has supported this year, a high-ranking South Korean Times yesterday. mittee’ will also discuss co-operation in fi eld of agriculture,” he said. we have plenty of skills and experi- the country’s self-sufficiency diplomat has said. The ambassador also said that prepa- the fi elds of trade and investment, en- “On the Qatari side, they wish to ex- ence in that area.” programmes even before the eco- Ambassador Heung Kyeong Park said rations are being made to fi nalise a mem- ergy, infrastructure, and healthcare. pand their capacity in greenhouse farm- On South Korea’s role in Qatar’s nomic blockade was imposed in preparations are underway for the min- orandum of understanding (MoU) on He also underscored South Korea’s ing and other agricultural projects, and self-sufficiency initiatives, Park June 2017.

Suzuki model recalled over Meeza to provide IT services to govt entities safety fears Traffi c to be diverted he Ministry of Econ- he Ministry of Transport omy and Commerce on Al Luqta Street and Communications T(MEC) in collabora- T(MoTC) and Meeza, an tion with Teyseer Motors, established Qatari-managed IT has announced the recall of shghal will divert the constructed steel bridge paral- services and solutions provider, Suzuki GSX-R1000 model of traffi c on sections of lel to the closed section of the have signed an agreement un- 2017 because of a fault in the AAl Luqta Street in two road (as shown on the map). The der which Meeza will provide ECM and drive chain inspec- phases, of which the fi rst diver- traffi c diversion is for approxi- cloud and infrastructure serv- tion. sion would start on February 25. mately 1km of Al Luqta Street in ices for government entities in The MEC said the recall The diversion is required to the direction from Al Gharrafa the country. campaign comes within the enable the construction works Interchange to the Tilted Inter- This comes within Ministry’s framework of its ongoing ef- to increase the number of lanes change. plans for achieving the strate- forts to protect consumers and in both directions in Thani Bin The traffi c will be diverted gic objectives of the Qatar Dig- ensure that car dealers follow Jassim Underpass. The traf- to the newly constructed steel ital Government 2020 Strategy, up on vehicles’ defects and re- fi c will be diverted to a newly bridge. which aims to create effi ciency pair them. in government administration. Ahmad Mohamed al-Kuwari The MEC said that it will It is also meant to maximise co-ordinate with the dealer opportunities to make better Hassan al-Sayed Meeza CEO engineer Ah- to follow up on the mainte- use of public funds in accord- mad Mohamed al-Kuwari said: nance and repair works and ance with the Qatar National tion Technology Sector. world standards such as ISO “With cloud computing serv- will communicate with cus- Vision 2030 that aims to ensure “The ministry will continue certifi cations for quality man- ices, government entities will be tomers to ensure that the fast and reliable accessibility to working with its partners in agement and information de- able to reduce the capital costs necessary repairs are carried information technology with public and private sectors to fence, as well as the ISO20000, of IT infrastructure and relevant out. reduced operational and capital provide more technological which is the international IT software, as well as networking The MEC has urged all cus- expenditures. capabilities aiming for better service management (ITSM) equipment, and to reduce time tomers to report any violations “Cloud computing services, services and knowledge-based standard that enables IT organi- and eff orts needed for IT sys- to its Consumer Protection provided in association with economy.” sations; whether in-house, out- tems management and mainte- and Anti-Commercial Fraud Meeza, aim to increase opera- Cloud computing services sourced or external, to ensure nance.” Department through the fol- tional effi ciency of the IT infra- are compatible with the second that their ITSM processes are Meeza, a Qatar Foundation lowing channels: Call centre: structure and reduce operation- version of the MoTC’s National aligned with business needs and joint venture, has the mission 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. al costs at government entities,” Information Assurance Policy world best practice. of becoming the leading Man- qa, Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, said Hassan Jassim al-Sayed, (NIAP). It also provides guidance on aged IT Services & Solutions Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC MoTC’s assistant undersecre- They also follow governance cloud computing services de- provider in the Middle East and mobile app for Android and tary of Government Informa- mechanisms based on highest ployment and application. North Africa. IOS: MEC_Qatar Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 7 QATAR Advisory Council backs No dialogue at cost of sovereignty: FM Emir’s policies on siege From Page 1 that the siege countries went far He said Qatar continues to con- the Geneva 1 resolutions in par- Qatar and Iran have many points Asked about Qatar’s member- and hoped that Qatar would col- vey the correct picture regard- ticular. of disagreement on foreign poli- QNA unjust siege and Qatar’s policies ship in the GCC, Sheikh Moham- lapse and have a new political re- ing the siege crisis and its conse- On the Yemen crisis, the Dep- cy, and Qatar still disagrees with Doha in dealing with the matter and ed said Qatar does not intend to gime, expressing regret for this quences, adding that thanks to uty Prime Minister and Foreign Iran on them despite the latter’s the measures it has taken. leave GCC and will continue to unjustifi able hostility. the wise policy of the Emir, Qatar Minister expressed his belief stand with Doha after the siege. His Excellency also touched work through it as long as the In response to a question on has overcome many of the nega- that it has begun to take a con- In response to a question on he Advisory Council on the mediation eff orts by Ku- body remains. “If the siege coun- when the crisis would see a break- tive aspects of the crisis and all troversial framework because of the US-Qatari Strategic Dia- held yesterday its weekly wait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ah- tries want to go and found anoth- through, the Deputy Prime Minis- countries that work with Qatar are the continuation of the war. He logue, Sheikh Mohamed ex- Tmeeting under the chair- mad al-Jaber al-Sabah. er entity, let them do.” ter and Foreign Minister stressed convinced that what is happening added that Qatar’s participa- plained that this dialogue came manship of its Speaker HE The speech also focused on He said Qatar is now strength- that Qatar has moved on from the is a slander against the state and tion in the Coalition to Support in accordance with the directives Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- Qatar’s regional and interna- ening its co-operation with issue of the siege but at the same unjust measures. Legitimacy was based on the of the Emir to establish a strate- Mahmoud. tional relations and its stances Asian countries and is consider- time the door remains open to dia- The minister also touched on conviction that what happened gic platform to frame the Qatari- The meeting was attended towards the region’s issues, es- ing co-operation in the frame- logue in accordance with clear and the positions of Qatar on regional was a coup against legitimacy American relations according to by HE the Deputy Prime Minis- pecially the Palestinian cause work of multilateral regional transparent principles that respect and international issues, partic- and should not be accepted. He a clear and co-ordinated mecha- ter and Foreign Minister Sheikh and Syrian crises and their de- organisations to join and benefi t international law and the sover- ularly the Palestinian issue, the stressed that Qatar’s participa- nism that brings together all the Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- velopments, as well as the war from them. “Qatar speaks with eignty of the state. Syrian crisis, the war in Yemen, tion in the coalition was based on political, economic, defence and Thani in response to the Speak- in Yemen and the situation in the diff erent world countries in Sheikh Mohamed said Qa- the situation in Libya and the re- its duty and commitment to the energy sectors. He added that er’s invitation to present Qatar’s Libya. the language of interests rather tar, over eight months, sought lationship with Iran. collective security of the GCC there have been fruitful meet- foreign policy in light of the un- In addition, the address dealt than threats as the siege coun- dialogue but the siege countries He reiterated Qatar’s fi rm po- countries. ings with US counterparts, which just siege imposed on it. with the relations with Iran and tries do,” the Deputy Prime Min- closed the door, noting that there sition on the Palestinian issue Sheikh Mohamed added that produced positive results. On behalf of the Council Qatar’s eff orts to combat terror- ister and Foreign Minister said, are no endeavours on Qatar’s side and its support for a just solution Qatar sent its troops to the Saudi In response to another ques- members and himself, HE al- ism which has gained interna- adding Doha has achieved many now in this regard but it wel- according to the Arab Peace Ini- border to protect the kingdom tion, the Deputy Prime Minister Mahmoud praised the policies tional recognition. objectives in this regard as major comes any constructive eff orts. tiative, which guarantees the le- and did not participate in the war and Foreign Minister added that and directives of His Highness The Qatari-US Strategic Dia- countries condemned the siege “There are no new eff orts now gitimate rights of the Palestinian in Yemen. the US will abide by the declara- the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin logue and its outcomes of stra- and demanded its lifting. except from the United States, people to establish their inde- The Deputy Prime Minister tion of joint defence between the Hamad al-Thani regarding the tegic partnership commitments On the latest developments especially those related to the pendent state with Jerusalem as and Foreign Minister pointed out two countries to provide all kinds siege, and expressed the Coun- between the two countries were in the crisis, he warned that the Camp David summit,” the Dep- its capital, as well as supporting that the war continues until to- of support to Qatar in the event cil’s full support to the Emir and also discussed. siege countries were keen to nor- uty Prime Minister and Foreign all the segments of the Palestin- day and the Yemeni people suf- of any external attack and this the wise, rational and sublime After the discussion, on behalf of malise the crisis and continue Minister said, noting that no one ian people and the Palestinian fer from diffi cult humanitarian agreement has been in place for measures he took. the Council member and himself, it in an attempt to weaken the was invited to the summit yet, reconciliation eff orts. conditions, noting that there are years but was highlighted after He confi rmed that the Council HE the Advisory Council Speaker Qatari economy in the hope that and if the invitation was sent, With regard to the Syrian cri- 20mn Yemenis below the poverty the strategic dialogue. is co-operating with the govern- thanked His Excellency for his ex- Doha would make concessions, Qatar will attend, adding that the sis, he reiterated the position of threshold as well as the spread of He noted that this is a message ment in order to implement the planation and information. stressing that Qatar has thwarted US is in touch with Doha regard- Qatar calling for a political so- diseases and epidemics that kill from the US to the siege coun- Emir’s directives on the matter. The Council then reviewed all these attempts to harm the ing proposals to resolve the crisis. lution to the crisis and its stand thousands, while no political so- tries that Washington does not On behalf of the Council the meeting agenda, where they economy. “The last of these at- In a related context, he reiter- with the Syrian people. He said in lution is in sight. stand by their side and that it will members and himself, HE al- discussed the report of the Fi- tempts was pressuring the Qatari ated that there are no positive in- this regard Qatar had no motives For Libya, he said Qatar sup- seek to resolve the crisis and will Mahmoud welcomed HE the nancial and Economic Aff airs currency and bonds.” dicators from the siege countries, to change the Syrian regime and ported the Skhirat Agreement not allow the escalation of the Deputy Prime Minister and For- Committee on the draft law to Sheikh Mohamed said the di- “but rather they move from an tried and sought to have a solu- although there are other coun- dispute out of concern about its eign Minister and thanked him establish a national council for rectives of the Emir are to move escalation to another and prepare tion to the crisis at the beginning, tries that support parties outside interests in the Gulf region. attending the meeting. tourism. forward without closing the door new waves of future escalations”. but there was no response. international legitimacy. On the performance of Haj this HE al-Mahmoud invited His At the end of the meeting, the to dialogue, stressing that Qatar As for participation in the up- When the regime started us- On Qatari-Iranian relations, year, the minister said this matter Excellency to address the Coun- Council decided to send back the will pursue its rights if the siege coming Arab summit, Sheikh ing violence against the people, Sheikh Mohamed said the rela- is in the hands of the Saudi gov- cil members, listen to their point draft law to the committee for countries want to normalise the Mohamed said Qatar will at- Qatar stood by the Syrian peo- tionship should be based on clear ernment, noting that the parties of view and respond to their further review in order to take siege. tend the summit regardless of its ple, he said, adding that Qatar bases due to geographical prox- concerned in Qatar will com- questions and inquiries on the into account the observations He stressed that the social and place, and if the host state is one continues to support the Syrian imity and participation in the municate with the channels set State’s foreign policies. made by the Council members humanitarian element is what of the siege countries and does people by providing humanitar- largest gas fi eld, which requires by the Saudi authorities in this HE the Deputy Prime Minister and providing them with the drives Qatar to consider solutions not provide the necessary meas- ian and political support to reach constant communication be- regard but attributed the last say and Foreign Minister’s speech committees’ recommendations to this crisis. “The rest of the situ- ures, that country will be the vio- a political solution in accordance tween the two sides. on this issue to the Saudi govern- and discussions focused on the thereon. ation is stable,” he said, warning lating state and not Qatar. with international decisions and He added in this regard that ment. QIC Group offi cial tournament insurer MEC conducts inspection campaigns at food shops he Ministry of Economy of Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and Commerce (MEC) has Tcarried out surprise in- spection campaigns targeting atar Insurance Group nant insurer in the region and branch offi ces in Singapore, transfer solutions ranging from food shops in the Muaither area to (QIC) has partnered is regarded as the largest in- Zurich, Dubai, London, and Property, Casualty, and Marine monitor the compliance of retail Qwith Commercial Bank surer in Mena region in terms of a services company in Doha. to Aviation underwriting serv- outlets with intellectual property Qatar Masters to be the offi cial profi tability, assets, and market Backed by a parental guaran- ices. In keeping with its mis- rights laws and regulations. tournament insurer for the re- capitalisation. QIC’s consistent tee from QIC, Qatar Re ben- sion, the teams of underwriters The inspection campaign re- gion’s premier golf tournament. rating of A/Stable from Stand- efi ts from QIC’s substantial and at Antares offi ces in London, sulted in the imposition of a fi ne QIC, along with its subsidiaries ard & Poor’s and A (Excellent) growing capital base. Singapore, and Shanghai ensure on a shop for importing and dis- Qatar Re and Antares, is proud from A M best affi rms QIC’s In 2017, Qatar Re won the a dynamic and responsive serv- tributing counterfeit canned fruit The counterfeit canned fruit to support the tournament for core strength and sustainable much coveted Bond/Sukuk ice to its clients, always seeking drinks of various kinds bearing drinks being sold by a shop. the 11th consecutive year. performance. deal of the Year by Debut Issuer to provide added value where the mark of an original ‘national Abdulla al-Mulla, offi cial Implementing its diversi- award at the Bonds, Loans & possible. product’ brand contrary to the lectual property rights and curb spokesperson of QIC Group, fi cation strategy of expand- Sukuk Middle East Awards cer- Endorsing itself as the lead- provisions of Law No. 9 of 2002 the proliferation of counterfeit said: “As the offi cial insurer of ing beyond the borders of Qa- emony. In addition, a number ing insurance powerhouse in regarding trademarks, commercial goods in the local market. this year’s Commercial Bank tar, QIC Group today has been of titles, including ‘the most the Mena region, QIC off ers records, geographic indicators, The MEC has stressed that it Qatar Masters golf tournament, successful in establishing its oversubscribed issuance from customised insurance products designs and industrial models, the will not tolerate any violations of QIC Group has once again underwriting footprint across the Mena region, the highest for personal (car, home, travel, MEC said in a statement. intellectual property rights laws demonstrated its continued the globe. Besides owning sub- rated hybrid capital issuance in boat, personal accident ben- These ongoing inspection and will refer those who violate commitment to local sporting sidiaries in the Mena region – the region and the fi rst US dol- efi t) and commercial risks (en- campaigns come within the laws and ministerial decrees to the events. The group with its sub- Oman, Kuwait, and a branch in lar denominated capital market ergy, marine & aviation, prop- framework of the MEC’s eff orts competent authorities, who will in sidiaries Qatar Re and Antares’ the UAE, the group also owns a Abdulla al-Mulla, off icial issuance from an insurer based erty & commercial, medical and to monitor markets and com- turn take appropriate legal action. are delighted to renew this reinsurance subsidiary, Qatar spokesperson, QIC Group. out of the Mena were conferred motor). mercial activities as part of an The ministry has urged all con- long-term partnership and raise Re and a specialty reinsurance upon Qatar Re. Written by a highly qualifi ed integrated plan covering all retail sumers to report violations of in- Qatar’s global profi le in support and insurance entity, Antares. Property & Casualty, Marine Headquartered in Lime team of underwriters, QIC’s outlets across the country, the tellectual property rights through of Qatar National Vision 2030.” Qatar Re is a global multi- & Aviation, Agriculture, and Street, QIC Group’s other insurance solutions refl ect statement notes. The campaigns e-mail: [email protected], and Founded in 1964, QIC was line reinsurer writing a diversi- speciality lines of business. growth engine – Antares deliv- customer centricity and a con- are aimed at cracking down on MEC accounts on social net- the fi rst domestic insurer of fi ed portfolio of treaty and fac- Headquartered in Bermu- ers eff ective and effi cient serv- sistent approach towards risk counterfeit products and com- works: Twitter - MEC_QATAR and Qatar. Today, QIC is a domi- ultative reinsurance, including da, Qatar Re operates from its ices with a wide range of risk transfer. modities in order to protect intel- Instagram - MEC_QATAR. Barwa Bank names Ezdan Holding, subsidiaries hold Thara’a prize winners National Sport Day activities

arwa Bank has an- cash prize of QR10,000. Addi- zdan Holding Group and Ezdan Real Estate sports nounced the names of tionally, twice a year, there are its subsidiaries organised events included football training Bthe most recent round two winners per draw for the Ea myriad of sports events and children’s games organised of draw winners for Thara’a, cash prize of QR25,000, two for their employees and the by Oryx Sports Academy where its Shariah-compliant sav- winners per draw for the cash public at Ezdan Towers in Doha kids enjoyed the activities, as ings account, in a ceremony prize of QR50,000, and one and Ezdan Village 3 in Al Wukair. well as a yoga training session in held recently at the bank’s winner per draw for the grand The activities witnessed the which some residents partici- headquarters. prize of QR1mn, rewarding interaction of a number of par- pated. The events also featured Khalifa Saeed al-Maari 194 winners in total with cash ticipants of all ages, who fl ocked children’s competitions, a gym- and Abdelrahman Fikry Ah- prizes up to QR3.3mn. to the celebration site to enjoy nastics contest and the distribu- mad each won a cash prize of Coupled with cash prizes the various competitions and tion of fruits and juices among QR10,000, the bank said in a and a reward scheme, Thara’a sports show, the Group said in a kids and participating families, statement. is a product full of value-added statement. in addition to diff erent gifts to A cash prize worth QR5,000 representative of the qualita- benefi ts and services. Thara’a The events were held as part participants of the sports event. was awarded to the follow- tive license and market control off ers account holders get ac- of the Group’s role in the area of Participants at an event. Meanwhile, the Ezdan Foot- ing bank clients: Mohamed Ali department at the Ministry of cess to Barwa Bank’s innovative social responsibility and to raise ball Championship’s fi nal and Saheb, Jamal Abdu al-Amma- Economy and Commerce. banking channels, with ben- awareness of importance of hav- ration also participated in the of children from Al Wukair vil- third-place match took place in ri, Ahmad Mohsin Qahtani, Thara’a off ers account hold- efi ts including unlimited with- ing a sports culture as one of the events through checking the lages who came to participate celebration of National Sport Abdulaziz Yousef Ali, Maha ers the chance to benefi t from drawals and deposits, as well foundations of a healthy com- physical fi tness of the contest- and enjoy the activities. Events Day. The ‘Nojoum Misr’ team Alselwi, Zaher Tannir, Khaled cash rewards up to QR1mn, a as free fund transfers across munity, the statement noted. ants, in addition to measuring included taekwondo and box- beat ‘The Arsenal’ team and Mehsin al-Adba, Rashid Ha- fi rst for Islamic banks in Qa- their accounts and through all The Group organised three biometrics such as blood pres- ing shows where participating won the championship, while mad al-Yafei, Mohamed Talib tar. Based on several criteria, Barwa Bank channels. competitions: a 3km fun run sure, sugar level, body fat and children received various gifts. ‘Al-Ekhwah’ came third. al-Marri, Ahmad Abdulla al- Thara’a account holders are el- Barwa Bank off ers an exten- – ‘Ezdan marathon’ – and a others. Acting general manager of The championship was held Kuwari, Jabor Ali al-Attiya, igible for a number of periodic sive variety of personal bank- ‘weight loss’ competition for On its part, Ezdan Real Estate Ezdan Real Estate, Omar al- over fi ve weeks with the par- Aisha Ali Abualshwarib, Sultan draws for cash prizes. Total- ing products and investments, the best employee who is able Company organised, in co-oper- Yafey, said: “ The company or- ticipation of 16 teams compris- Essa al-Humaidi, Aljawhara ling QR3.3mn, Thara’a cash re- as well as seven strategically to lose 5kg weight in a month, ation with its partners, an array ganised several sports events ing residents of Ezdan villages Yousuf al-Ali, Noora Mo- wards are distributed on both a located branches and a broad in addition to the ‘best video’ of interactive activities at Ezdan at its villages in order to raise divided into four groups drawn hamed al-Baker, Ali Mahmoud monthly and biannual basis to network of ATMs located contest for one of the employees Village 3. The events were held awareness of the importance of by lot. Abualainin, Mohd Ali al-Braid, customers holding a minimum across Qatar. Customers can practising sport. from 9am to 1pm and included sports as well as to encourage At the end, Ezdan Real Estate Omar Hanadi, Basma Moham- balance of QR10,000. access their accounts from the Ezdan Group said it was various shows and competitions. the public to exercise by provid- Company granted the champion- ed, Fatma Abdulla al-Heidous, On a monthly basis, there convenience of their offi ce or keen to distribute healthy Taking part in the same event, ing them with sports centres and ship cups, medals and gifts to the and Amel Mohd Alyafei. are 21 winners per draw for the home through the state-of– meals to participants during the World Taekwondo & Self- clubs within the package of serv- top three winners as well as rec- The draw was conducted cash prize of QR5,000, as well the-art online banking, or via the ‘marathon’. On site, The Defence Centre held some per- ices provided by the company to ognised the sponsors and referees under the supervision of a as two winners per draw for the the 24/7 contact centre. Primary Health Care Corpo- formances amid a large turnout its dwellers.” participating in the event. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 QATAR Call to seek medical care for illness after overseas travel

amad Medical Corpo- Communicable Diseases and outside the country and is expe- ally feeling unwell should seek eases and medical conditions to.Many gastrointestinal ill- ration’s (HMC) Dr Mo- Travel Medicine, explained that riencing persistent symptoms, medical advice, particularly if such as Typhoid Fever, Hepati- nesses, for example, are more Hhamed Abu Khattab, although most travellers who specifi cally fever or diarrhoea, they have not taken precautions tis A, Hepatitis B, and intesti- common in certain South-East has advised Qatar residents who become sick will experience only should immediately consult before travelling to countries nal parasites. Asian countries and the Indian are experiencing signs of illness mild illness, it is important for their doctor or visit the Travel that have reported cases of Ma- These conditions can be se- subcontinent, while Malaria after travelling outside, to seek residents to be vigilant and to Clinic at HMC’s Communica- laria, Dengue, West Nile Virus, rious and require medical in- is prevalent in Africa, India, medical care. monitor their health. ble Diseases Center, or another and Zika,” said Dr Abu Khattab. tervention,” he added. South-East Asia, some South “Especially, if they have not “While most infections will health centre that provides trav- “Other symptoms that An initial diagnosis for most American and Caribbean coun- taken precautions before trav- result in symptoms within two el medicine services. should not be ignored include travel-related illnesses can be tries. elling to countries that have to six weeks of travel, incuba- “Persistent fever can be a abdominal pain, cough or quickly made if the patient is Meningitis is more common reported cases of Malaria, Den- tion periods vary and some con- symptom of a serious disease. shortness of breath, and loss able to provide specific details in sub-Saharan Africa and Yel- gue, West Nile Virus and Zika,” ditions can present months to Any resident who has travelled of appetite. It is important for regarding the destination trav- low Fever is most prevalent he urged. Dr Abu Khattab, who years after initial infection.” abroad and is experiencing travellers to be educated about elled and the potential risk fac- in subtropical areas of South Dr Mohamed Abu Khattab is a consultant specialising in Anyone who has travelled symptoms of illness or is gener- their risk of contracting dis- tors he or she has been exposed America and Africa. Ecuador’s envoy Nearly 75,000 visited Cuban Hospital’s hopes for enhanced outpatient clinics in 2017

By Joseph Varghese relations with Qatar Staff Reporter

By Ramesh Mathew while highlighting the necessity of introducing direct air connec- he Cuban Hospital, part of Staff Reporter tivity between Doha and Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. Hamad Medical Corpo- “Quito is somewhat at the centre of the world and it would be easy Tration (HMC) had a total for travellers from our neighbouring countries like Peru, Bolivia, of 74,331 visits at its outpatient cuador, which has its only embassy for the Gulf region in Columbia, and Chile to travel to Qatar if there is a direct fl ight from clinics and conducted 2,608 Doha, is optimistic of strengthening bilateral relations with Quito,” said A-Baki, who is of Arab descent. surgical procedures in 2017, dis- EQatar, ambassador Ivonne A-Baki said. The ambassador pointed out that now people of these countries closed an offi cial. “I have identifi ed several areas of trade and businesses where need to travel either to Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires, which are eight to “The Cuban Hospital has 75 there could be more intense co-operation between Doha and Quito,” nine hours away from their places for their onward journey to Qatar. beds and seven operating theatres. she explained in a media interaction prior to the visit of Ecuador’s While exuding confi dence, the Ecuadorian envoy said she feels The hospital off ers patients a range The exterior of the Cuban Hospital. trade and investment minister Pablo Campana to Qatar. there is greater necessity of developing relations between people of services including dentistry, The Latin American nation’s envoy described Qatar as an amaz- of both the Latin American and Arab regions as both are curious to dermatology, diabetes, gynaecol- ing destination with remarkably good scope for attracting a large better understand the traditions, culture and interests of each other. ogy, ENT and audiology, emergency number of tourists if it is marketed in a big way in South America, “Introduction of a direct fl ight will certainly contribute to bring- services for children and adults as ing more people in coming days to both the regions,” she said. well as general medicine. We also Currently, Qatar Airways is operating cargo fl ights from Quito to have outpatients clinics for all spe- Doha. About one million roses are airlifted a week from Quito to Qa- cialties,” said Mohamed Amer al- tar, said the ambassador, who also hoped the introduction of regu- Marri, assistant executive director, lar passenger fl ights could help export Ecuadorian bananas among Business and Staff Services, Top other things to this region. Administration Department, Cu- Mohamed Amer al-Marri Dr Angel Mario Felpe Garmendia “Ecuador is one of the largest producers of bananas in the world ban Hospital. and people in Qatar could also get a chance to regularly savour fruits The hospital is the outcome of 176 bariatric surgeries in 2017. Now, ating theatres for all specialties, and vegetables from Ecuador along with those from other markets.” the vision of His Highness the we conduct bariatric surgeries three we conduct around four surgeries A-Baki said she visited the new Hamad Port and was impressed Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin days week.We are launching laser per day at each theatre,” described with its state-of-the-art facilities. “Now that Qatar is having a Khalifa al-Thani when he visited surgery for eyes from this year.We the offi cial. “We are planning world class port, capable of receiving large mother vessels, I’m sure Cuba in 2002. It was built by Qa- will also start dental implant this for advancement of orthopaedic there would be more liner connectivity between Doha and countries tar Petroleum and the construc- year which will help in reducing the services by adding bone and joint of our region as well in coming days.” tion was completed by 2009. With waiting list of the dental patients in service. Most OPD clinics work The ambassador said since her arrival in Qatar about three months its soft opening in May 2011 , the the country,” said Dr Garmendia. two shifts and we are planning ago she has had negotiations with several ministers, offi cials of Qa- hospital was run by the Ministry According to the offi cial, all the to add more clinics in the opera- tar Investment Authority, Qatar Airways, Manateq, representatives of Public Health and in December medical staff at the hospital are tion department. With all the ad- of businesses and many others, seeking investment opportunities 2011, it was brought under HMC. from Cuba. “We have 465 Cu- vancements, we will be able to both in Qatar and Ecuador. Subsequently the name was ban staff at the hospital including provide more services and facili- She singled out for praise the interest shown by HE the Minister changed from Dukhan Hospital to 100 doctors, 278 nurses and over ties as well as to reduce the work- of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti for Cuban Hospital. 83 paramedical staff . We provide load on other HMC hospitals.” identifying more areas for closer co-operation between Qatar and “Inpatients has increased from services in more than 25 special- The offi cial highlighted that the Ecuador. 259 in 2012 to 4,576 in 2017. Simi- ties which include all medical and purpose of setting up the hospital “Both Qatar and Ecuador stand to gain considerably from such larly, we had 259 surgical activities surgical services. We also have all in the western part of the country business opportunities as there are many areas where the two coun- in 2012 and in 2017 it has gone up rehabilitation and physiotherapy is to provide medical service to tries need each other. to 2,608. The hospital delivered services,” noted Dr Garmendia. people of Dukhan which has about “While Qatar has rich technologies in oil and gas, Ecuador has ex- 637 babies in 2017 as against 561 in “Mainly, we receive patients 5,000 staff of Qatar Petroleum. It pertise in such areas as mining, dairy farming, shrimp farming and 2016 while in 2012 there were only from the western part of the also caters to Zekreet which has industrial manufacturing among others,” said the envoy. nine births,” explained Dr Angel country. We also receive many about 7,000 labour camps as well A-Baki, who is the resident ambassador of Ecuador in Qatar is Mario Felpe Garmendia, senior patients from Doha for all spe- as other areas such as Shahaniya, Ecuador’s ambassador Ivonne A-Baki is looking forward to also looking after Oman, Kuwait, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. consultant at Cuban Hospital. cialties. 35% of patients are com- the biggest town close to Dukhan strengthening her country’s bilateral relations with Qatar. The envoy, who had also served in Washington earlier, is also a “We started bariatric surgery in ing from Doha and are referred by and Um Baab and other small PICTURE: Ram Chand former minister of trade and investment in Ecuador. October, 2016. We conducted about HMC hospitals. With seven oper- towns.

Customs’ new ‘importing for re-export’ service The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has launched a new service named “Importing for re-export”, it was announced in a statement yesterday. Under the service, goods can be imported into the country with the purpose of re-exporting them in whole or part without paying the customs duties within six months from the day they are released by the GAC, subject to certain conditions and bank guarantees. The conditions include: The total value of the merchant’s imports should not be less than QR50mn throughout the year, the importing company should not have records of any cus- toms violations for the last two years, the value of each cargo should not be less than QR20,000, and a bank guarantee letter with the value of annual imports should be submitted, with a minimum value of QR1mn. The system is applicable on vehicles, automotive, equipment, machinery, and all that are included in chapter 87 of the customs tariff , in addition to the infrastructure and construc- tion materials, and the electric appliances in chapters 84 and 85 of the customs tariff . This also covers jewellery and luxury watches. The merchants willing to benefit from this service can submit an online application through the single window clear- ance system, Al Nadeeb. GAC pointed out that in case of using this service of import- ing to re-export, the value of the customs duties on the goods would be deducted from the bank guarantee amount, and all the imports would go through the normal customs clearance procedures. However, the importer can sell the imported goods or part of them in this way at the local market within six months of being released by GAC and accordingly pay the customs duties. In case of re-exporting the goods imported through this service, the ownership of the goods can be also transferred to another merchant, but the goods have to be re-exported within six months of the customs clearance day. When the goods are re-exported in whole or part, the customs duties deducted will be refunded to the bank guarantee ac- count of the importer. The goods can be re-exported in batches but not to the GCC countries unless there is a statement and the due fees are paid. The system will notify the merchant through an SMS 15 days before the expiry of the six month grace period, which can be extended to 15 days more. After that the customs duties would be deducted from the bank guarantee. The new services would have several advantages and benefits for the importers and ease the entry and exit of goods in and out of the country. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 9 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Abbas to seek wider peace process in UN speech: offi cials

AFP ternational powers to facilitate visit, Abbas’ spokesman Nabil members of the UN Security Israel’s ambassador to the would veto any such attempt and the recognition of east Jerusalem Ramallah peace negotiations and again Abu Rudeina told state media Council plus Germany — is seen United Nations, Danny Danon, Qudwa said he did not expect as the Palestinian capital. criticise the United States’ con- a “new phase of struggle has by many Palestinians as a good is expected to respond to Abbas’ a major policy announcement, Grant Rumley, who focuses troversial recognition of Jerusa- started” as they seek to protect example. comments. such as a fresh push for full on Palestinian politics at the US alestinian President Mah- lem as Israel’s capital. their claim to Jerusalem. “We can live with diff erent Israel, which often accuses membership, during the speech. think tank Foundation for De- moud Abbas will call for an President Donald Trump’s Senior Palestinian offi cial formats, the P5, P5+1, expanded both the European Union and the “At this stage I don’t think the fence of Democracies, said the Palternative to US-mediat- December announcement an- Nasser al-Qudwa said yesterday Quartet, we can live with an in- United Nations of bias against it, statement will be followed im- Palestinians had reduced their ed negotiations with Israel dur- gered the Palestinians, who also that Abbas would be looking to ternational peace conference,” would be reluctant to accept any mediately by any specifi c action rejection of any American role. ing a rare address to the United consider the city the capital of gain support for a multilateral Qudwa told a news conference in other mediator than the US. within the UN system, whether “Initially (after Trump’s rec- Nations Security Council, Pal- their future state, and led them initiative, but added that the Ramallah. Palestine currently has non- at the Security Council or other- ognition of Jerusalem) they said estinian offi cials said yesterday. to say the US had disqualifi ed Palestinians would not dictate “Anything that can do the job, member observer status at the wise,” Qudwa added. the US could play no role what- Addressing the council today itself from its traditional role as what shape it would take. provide a reasonable basis for UN, but would need a UN Secu- Another senior Palestinian of- soever, but they’ve recently clar- for the fi rst time since 2009, the lead mediator in talks with Is- The 2015 Iranian nuclear negotiation and follow up the rity Council vote to be upgraded fi cial, Mustafa Barghouti, said he ifi ed that the US can play a role, longtime Palestinian leader is rael. agreement negotiated by the so- process — sponsor it until it suc- to full membership. expected Abbas to again attack it will just have to be in a multi- expected to call for multiple in- In a statement ahead of the called P5+1 — the fi ve permanent cessfully concludes.” The United States has said it the US declaration and call for lateral format.” Turkey warns Bombing kills 71 Syrian army against helping in eastern Ghouta Kurdish militia Reuters Beirut Reuters soldiers,” Turkish Foreign Min- Beirut/Ankara ister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in surge in attacks by the Jordan. Syrian government and Turkey would have no issue Aits allies has killed 71 urkey warned yesterday with Syrian troops entering Af- people in the rebel pocket of it would confront Syrian rin if they did so to “cleanse” it eastern Ghouta in the past 24 Tgovernment forces if they of the Kurdish fi ghters, he added. hours, a war monitoring group entered Syria’s northwestern Turkish President Tayyip Er- said yesterday. Afrin region to help the Kurdish dogan later said in a phone call Air strikes, rocket fi re and YPG militia repel a Turkish of- with Russian President Vladimir shelling on the besieged sub- fensive. Putin that Damascus would face urbs of Damascus also wounded Turkey began its Afrin opera- consequences if it struck a deal 325 people, the Syrian Observa- tion with allied Syrian rebels last with the YPG and said the Afrin tory for Human Rights said. month against the YPG, which operation would continue, CNN There was no comment from Ankara sees as a threat along its Turk reported. the Syrian military. border with links to the Kurdish There was no immediate com- The Damascus government PKK insurgency at home. ment from the Syrian military or says it only targets militants. Yesterday’s comments by from Moscow. Factions in Ghouta fi red Turkey’s president and foreign Erdogan also spoke to Iranian mortars at districts of Damas- minister came after a senior President Hassan Rouhani about cus, killing a child and wound- Kurdish offi cial said on Sunday developments in Syria’s Idlib ing eight others, Syrian state that a deal had been struck for and Afrin, a Turkish source said. media said. Syrian army to go into Afrin soon Badran Jia Kurd, an adviser Troops and allied forces to help fi ght the assault. to the Kurdish-led autonomous struck militant targets there in But YPG spokesman Nouri administration in north Syria, response, state news agency Mahmoud denied yesterday said on Sunday there was a mili- SANA said. reaching such an agreement tary understanding between Da- The United Nations says Smoke rises from buildings following bombardment on the village of Mesraba in the rebel-held besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the with the Damascus government. mascus and Kurdish forces for nearly 400,000 people live in outskirts of the capital Damascus, yesterday. Syrian state media said in the the Syrian army to enter Afrin. eastern Ghouta, a pocket of morning that pro-government But he added that it faced op- satellite towns and farms under militia would enter Afrin “with- position which could derail it. government siege since 2013. in hours” but by sunset there Another Syrian Kurdish po- The British-based Observa- were no signs of a deployment litical offi cial said yesterday that tory said the latest escalation there. pressure from Russia, the key started on Sunday in Ghouta, “If (the Syrian army) comes in ally of Syrian President Bashar the only major insurgent en- to defend the YPG, then noth- al-Assad, had prevented the deal clave around the capital, and ing and nobody can stop Turkish from going ahead so far. the dead included 14 children. The civil defence there said warplanes and artillery pound- ed Saqba, Jisreen, and other IS ambush kills 27 pro-government fi ghters in Iraq towns. The rescue service, which The Islamic State group killed IS. The extremist group, which operates in rebel territory, said 27 members of a paramilitary has suff ered a string of bat- strikes killed 20 people and group in an ambush in Iraq, the tlefield defeats in Syria and Iraq, wounded dozens in the town of pro-government force said yes- claimed responsibility for the Hammouriyeh alone yesterday. A wounded Syrian man stands with his arm strapped to a piece terday, underlining the threat still attack in an online statement. Syrian President Bashar al- of wood at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air strikes on Syrian children cry at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air posed by the militants despite The Hashed said the unit was Assad’s military gained mo- the village of Mesraba. strikes on the village of Mesraba. Baghdad’s declaration of victory. conducting operations to “arrest mentum in the war after Rus- IS members disguised as terrorists and dismantle sleeping sian war planes entered on his but there is very big shelling and ticularly among children, with the help of Turkey and Iran. port from Russia and Iran, Da- soldiers attacked a Hashed al- cells” around the city, in the side in 2015, pushing rebels preparatory fi re,” he said. barely any food aid available, Residents and aid workers say mascus regained full control of Shaabi unit in the Hawija region province of Kirkuk, from major cities, and retak- The United Nations said last the UN offi ce for humanitarian the “de-escalation” deals have Aleppo city in late 2016, after about 300 kilometres north of A Hashed off icial who asked to ing much of central and eastern week Syria was seeing some of aff airs (OCHA) says. brought no relief. years of fighting and months Baghdad on Sunday evening, remain anonymous said the Syria from Islamic State. the worst fi ghting of the war, Rising violence reportedly Food, fuel, and medicine of siege ended with a bloody the auxiliary force said in a militants, disguised as soldiers, Wael Olwan, spokesman for which is entering its eighth year. pushed some 15,000 civilians have dwindled. insurgent retreat. statement. “The attackers were had set up a checkpoint close to the Failaq al-Rahman rebel The multi-sided confl ict has to fl ee their homes last month, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov blamed “armed dressed in military uniforms and Hawija. They asked the Hashed group in eastern Ghouta, said killed hundreds of thousands of taking refuge in makeshift shel- Sergei Lavrov said yesterday provocations” by Nusra mili- during the fighting 27 of our paramilitaries to stop, get out of there was heavy bombing people and driven millions from ters or basements, OCHA said. Moscow and its allies could tants, formerly linked to Al heroes were martyred,” said the their vehicles and stand beside throughout the day. their homes. Eastern Ghouta falls under “deploy our experience of Qaeda, for current conditions Hashed, a key partner of the the road, on the pretext of con- “There are no ground inva- Malnutrition has increased ceasefi re plans for rebel territo- freeing Aleppo...in the eastern in eastern Ghouta, and for tar- government in the battle against ducting a search. sions in the fi eld and clashes, sharply in eastern Ghouta, par- ry that Russia has brokered with Ghouta situation”. With sup- geting Damascus.

Search for missing Iran plane halted again

AFP Tehran

ranian rescue teams were forced to suspend their hunt for a missing passenger plane for a second night yesterday Ias severe weather and hazardous mountain conditions thwarted search eff orts. Aseman Airlines fl ight EP3704 disappeared on Sunday morning in the Zagros mountains with 66 people on board. Offi cials said 60 helicopter sorties had fl own yesterday to no avail. “The exact spot of the plane crash was not found, and given the darkness, heavy snowfall and fog in some re- gions, the aerial search operation was stopped and will be A handout picture released yesterday by the Tasnim news resumed tomorrow,” Esmaeil Najjar, head of Iran’s Crisis agency shows members of a rescue team, helicopter Management Organisation, told the ISNA news agency. searching for the wreckage of the Aseman Airlines flight More than 120 mountaineers are deployed, he said, and EP3704 in Iran’s Zagros mountain range. “will stay in safe places in the mountainous area before re- suming search operations tomorrow”. tigators from French air safety agency BEA was set to arrive The search has been focused on the 14,465-foot Dena in Iran later. Both Russia and France have provided satellite mountain, which is popular with Iranians training for climbs images but nothing has yet been found in them, the Civil in the Himalayas. Aviation Organisation told IRIB. The ATR-72 twin-engine plane, in service since 1993, fl ew An ATR-72 crashed in similar icy conditions in Indiana in early Sunday from Mehrabad airport towards the city of Yas- the United States in 1994, leading some operators to avoid uj, some 500 kilometres to the south. cold weather conditions. The plane’s emergency locator transmitter was reportedly “It is a very safe aircraft but...operators decided not to use not functioning, helping to explain the diffi culty in fi nding it in cold mountain areas in the US,” said Iranian aviation ex- the wreckage. pert Babak Taghvaee. Families of the passengers had travelled to the area and “Even newer versions of this aircraft are not good for such were giving DNA sample kits for later identifi cation of vic- cold places and it would be better not to use it for this route tims, the IRNA news agency reported. A team of crash inves- and especially with such bad weather and visibility,” he said. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 AFRICA

14 people die in Thousands in Zimbabwe bid farewell Mozambique to ‘People’s General’ Tsvangirai dump collapse

Reuters mibia, described Tsvangirai as a bidding to succeed Tsvangirai. t least 14 people were killed Harare “doyen of democratisation of Af- Presidential, parliamentary and when a rubbish mound col- rica” who had “started a journey of local elections are due within six Alapsed in a poor district of a thousand miles into immortality.” months and without Tsvangirai, Mozambique’s capital Maputo, n a sea of red T-shirts, thou- In life, Tsvangirai and his sup- the MDC is in disarray, to the ad- crushing several nearby homes, sands of Zimbabweans yester- porters were beaten, humiliated vantage of ZANU-PF and its new emergency services said. Iday bid farewell to opposition and accused of treason. leader Emmerson Mnangagwa, Torrential rain is thought to have leader Morgan Tsvangirai, whose In death, the ruling ZANU-PF Mugabe’s former deputy. caused the loose waste to shift and death has opened divisions in his party has accorded Tsvangirai rare Some party offi cials have started crash down on the shacks, trapping Movement for Democratic Change respect, including a military heli- talking about a special congress the occupants who were sleeping at (MDC) party only months before copter to transport his body to his after Tsvangirai’s burial to resolve the time of the incident on Sunday elections. rural home. the leadership issue, which could night. Tsvangirai died on February 14 Supporters chanted MDC slo- weaken the party further. Mozambique’s emergency service aged 65 after a long battle with gans, including a popular song Offi cials have been attack- warned there could be more victims, cancer and is due to be buried to- calling Tsvangirai to lead because ing each other in the press and trapped under the vast waste pile day in his rural home of Buhera, ZANU-PF, the only party Zimba- on Monday, Chamisa supporters which is located in the Hulene district 200km southeast of Harare. bwe has known since independence booed Mudzuri and Khupe. of the capital. The rubbish mound Party faithful converged on a from Britain in 1980, had failed. In his main speech, Chamisa destroyed fi ve homes and rescue square in downtown Harare to bid “Tsvangirai did not discriminate. cautioned against internal fi ghts teams were still searching through the farewell to a man whose career was He loved everyone,” said 59-year- and defended his selection as act- wreckage to fi nd survivors, he added. defi ned by his rivalry with long- old grandmother Chioniso Maz- ing president as “perfectly consti- “I live in this neighbourhood be- time president Robert Mugabe, ivanhanga, who said she had tutional”. cause I have nowhere to go. Had the who was ousted in November. known Tsvangirai as a mining un- “This party is not for individu- government told me to go to another “This is the People’s General, ion leader since 1976. als in leadership. It belongs to the place to live, I would have left here,” who led the poor, the workers and Behind the public outpouring of people,” said Chamisa, like Mnan- said local resident Maria Huo. Her the youth since 1988. We grieve grief, however, senior MDC offi - gagwa an ethnic Karanga and gifted family home was partially destroyed with hope that the army that the cials are at war over control of the orator who has been with the party and her son injured in the landslide, general built will fi nish the work party. since its formation in 1999. she said. “It’s been more than 10 that he started,” former MDC leg- The election of Nelson Chamisa, “There can never be a genuine na- years that the dump should have been islator Munyaradzi Gwisai told the 40, as acting president has an- tional hero without Morgan Tsvan- closed because it’s full — but they still crowd. gered a rival faction led by party girai. We are going to bury our leader continue to pile trash on the trash. McHenry Venaani, the opposi- vice presidents Elias Mudzuri and in Buhera but it does not mean we Mourners join a funeral parade for the late Movement For Democratic Change leader The consequence is this,” said Ter- tion leader in neighbouring Na- Thokozani Khupe, who are also are going to bury his ideals.” Morgan Tsvangirai in Harare. esa Mangue, a neighbourhood leader. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 11 AMERICA

Russia looms large Trump backs improved as US vote offi cials prepare for 2018

By Dustin Volz, Reuters checks on gun buyers Washington

By Brian Knowlton, AFP ful of other states toughened their en months before the United States votes in its fi rst Washington gun laws. major election since the 2016 presidential contest, But there are some indications TUS state election offi cials huddled in Washington that the limited steps Trump backs this weekend to swap strategies on dealing with an unin- S President Donald Trump might succeed. vited guest: Russia. yesterday signalled sup- The NRA said last fall that it A pair of conferences usually devoted to staid topics Uport for a bipartisan eff ort “has long supported the inclu- about election administration were instead packed with to improve a national system of sion of all legitimate records in the sessions dedicated to fending off election cyber attacks background checks for gun pur- National Instant Criminal Back- from Russia or others, as federal authorities tried to por- chases, as urgent calls for reform ground Check System.” tray confi dence while pleading with some states to take the swell in the wake of the Florida Gun-control advocates also threat more seriously. school shooting. back the Cornyn-Murphy bill. “Everyone in this room understands that what we are “While discussions are ongoing “This is a real, genuine eff ort facing from foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, is real,” and revisions are being consid- from people who couldn’t be fur- Chris Krebs, a senior cybersecurity offi cial at the Depart- ered, the president is supportive ther from each other on the other ment of Homeland Security (DHS), told an audience of sec- of eff orts to improve the Federal side of the aisle,” an offi cial with retaries of state, who in many states oversee elections. background check system,” White the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Russia, he added, is “using a range of tools against us.” House press secretary Sarah Sand- told the Atlantic magazine. The department said last year that 21 states had experi- ers said in a statement. And the impassioned calls for enced initial probing of their systems from Russian hackers Trump has come under intensi- change from Parkland shooting sur- and that a small number of networks were compromised. fying pressure to act after a teen- vivors — photogenic young people Voting machines were not directly aff ected and there re- age gunman, identifi ed by police as who say they can no longer put up mains no evidence any vote was altered, offi cials say. Nikolas Cruz, went on a rampage at with the inaction of older genera- While virtually all 50 states have taken steps since the a high school in Parkland, Florida tions — have kept the issue alive. 2016 election to purchase more secure equipment, expand on Wednesday, killing 17 people. “We need to do something,” the use of paper ballots, improve cyber training or seek fed- Angry students who survived 17-year-old David Hogg, a shoot- eral assistance, according to groups that track election se- the attack have called for a march ing survivor, told CNN. curity, some offi cials at the conferences expressed an added on Washington to demand chang- “Congress needs to get over sense of urgency. es in US gun laws, calling out People visit a makeshift memorial in front of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. their political bias with each other That is because the meetings came immediately after US Trump and the powerful National and work toward saving children’s Special Counsel Robert Mueller unsealed an indictment Rifl e Association (NRA) at rallies. Normally on opposite sides of background check system. He initially made no mention of lives.” accusing 13 Russians and three Russian companies of con- Sanders said Trump had spoken the gun debate, the lawmakers After earlier mass shootings, guns, drawing an angry reaction from CNN is holding a town hall ducting a criminal conspiracy to interfere in the 2016 elec- to Senators Chris Murphy, a Demo- teamed up in November after a Trump has said little about guns, Democrats and angry Floridians. meeting tomorrow with the vic- tion. crat, and John Cornyn, a Republi- gunman stormed a church in Tex- focusing instead on the mental Chuck Schumer, the Senate tims’ classmates, parents, com- The charges alleged a sophisticated multi-year operation can, the joint sponsors of a bill to as, killing 26 people in one of the health of shooters. Democratic leader, noted that munity members, and some Flor- carried out by a Russian propaganda factory to use false fi x a national database by requiring nation’s deadliest mass shootings. Following the October 1 attack Trump’s proposed 2019 budget ida politicians. personas on social media to boost Donald Trump’s cam- states and federal agencies to report That gunman, Devin Kelly, was in Las Vegas that left 58 people would actually cut spending on The students’ cries for action paign. more often on off ences that would able to buy guns despite a domes- dead, he said only that “we’ll be the background-check program. would appear to enjoy broad sup- Russia has repeatedly denied it attempted to meddle. bar an individual from buying a gun. tic violence conviction while serv- talking about gun laws as time Even one of the most shocking port. “Loud and clear I hear that the biggest threat is this cam- The legislation amounts to a ing in the air force that should, goes by.” mass shootings of recent years A Quinnipiac University opin- paign of disinformation as opposed to the election process narrow, technical fi x, leaving un- by law, have prohibited him from After the Parkland shooting he — the 2012 attack on a Connecti- ion survey in November found that itself,” said Denise Merrill, Connecticut’s secretary of state, addressed the broader, divisive is- purchasing or possessing fi rearms. emphasised the need to deal with cut elementary school that left backing for universal background a Democrat. sue of permissive gun laws under The conviction was never re- mental-health issues, while casti- 20 young children and six adults checks had reached an all-time DHS has taken the lead on working with states to improve a constitutional amendment that ported by the air force, however, gating the FBI for missing warning dead — brought little legal change, high, with 95% of voters favouring voting machine security, but no federal agency is specifi cal- protects the right to bear arms. exposing a major weakness in the signs about the shooter. though Connecticut and a hand- such checks. ly responsible for combating online propaganda. Several secretaries of state said they needed more rapid notifi cation from federal partners about not just attempts to breach voting systems but disinformation campaigns as ‘No idea we had a monster under our roof’, say couple who took in Florida gunman well. “I don’t want to fi nd out about propaganda two years lat- By Anita Beattie, AFP with adult education classes along the army and become an infantry- a low risk and later passed a inherit at least $800,000 from his er, after I elect my congressman,” said Mississippi Secretary Washington with his job at a discount store, the man, something he had become background check, allowing him in parents, with most of the funds of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, in an interview couple said. excited about after a recent meeting February 2017 to buy the AR-15 rifle becoming available when he turned while clutching his own printed copy of the 37-page indict- “I told him there’d be rules and he with a military recruiter. used in the massacre. 22 — and the claim appeared to be ment. he couple who took in followed every rule to the T,” James A profile has emerged of a trou- The Sneads said it appeared he borne out by paperwork the couple Frustration boiled over at times among the secretaries Florida school shooter Snead, 48, an army veteran and bled young man who was expelled had grown up without ever having have subsequently seen, they said. of state, some of whom criticized a classifi ed briefi ngs US TNikolas Cruz after his military intelligence analyst, told from school last year for “discipli- to do common chores — he couldn’t On the day of the attack, Cruz intelligence agencies held with them over the weekend as mother’s death have described the paper. nary reasons.” cook, do laundry, pick up after him- sent several text messages to the largely unhelpful. him as quirky but pleasant and “We had this monster living under The FBI admitted receiving a self or even use a microwave. Sneads’ son, who was still studying Federal offi cials, they said, continued to provide inade- seemingly on the right track, our roof and we didn’t know,” added detailed warning last month about “He was very naive. He wasn’t at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas quate information to states about the nature of the Russian saying they had no idea they Kimberly Snead, 49, a neonatal Cruz’s gun ownership, erratic be- dumb, just naive,” James Snead told High School. cyber threat and how to protect against it. had a “monster living under our nurse. haviour, and disturbing social media the Sun Sentinel. In one, he asked what classroom “I would have thought that behind closed doors, I would roof.” “We didn’t see this side of him.” posts, as well as the potential for Cruz had quirky habits, like the boy was in, adding in another have heard, ‘This is why this has to be classifi ed.’ And I Cruz, 19, moved in with James Cruz killed 17 people at his former him carrying out a school shooting. putting a chocolate chip cookie on that he had “something important” heard none of it,” said West Virginia Secretary of State Mac and Kimberly Snead of Parkland, high school last Wednesday using The agency took no action, despite a steak and cheese sandwich, and to tell him. Warner, a Republican. Florida in late November after his an AR-15 rifle that he had legally the tip-off . going to bed at 8pm. But he then wrote: “Nothing man.” Still, other secretaries of state and election directors said adoptive mother died earlier that purchased. Cruz was also known to police He seemed lonely and badly The couple last saw Cruz at the relationships with DHS had improved dramatically com- month from complications of pneu- It was the country’s worst school after his mother repeatedly wanted a girlfriend, and was also Broward County Sheriff ’s off ice. pared with a year ago. monia, they told the South Florida massacre since the horror at Sandy reported him for violent outbursts, depressed about the death of his Dressed in a hospital gown, he Speaking on a panel and attempting to quell frustra- Sun Sentinel in an interview. Hook six years ago that left 26 dead. while records obtained by the same mother, the couple said. was handcuff ed and surrounded by tion, Robert Kolasky, another DHS cybersecurity offi cial, He was a friend of their son. He also owned several other guns newspaper showed authorities Kimberly Snead had taken Cruz to deputies. stressed that US intelligence offi cials were genuinely wor- Prone to odd eating and sleeping including two other assault rifles investigated Cruz in 2016 after he the off ice of a therapist just five days “He said he was sorry. He apolo- ried about how Russia or others may attempt to interfere in habits and unused to any form of as well as knives, according to the cut his arms on messaging app before the shooting, and he had said gised. He looked lost, absolutely 2018. housework, he was nevertheless Sneads who own firearms them- Snapchat and threatened to buy he was open to therapy if his medi- lost,” said James Snead. “There are reasons we are worried that things could be- making progress in dealing with selves and did not find this unusual. a gun. cal insurance would cover it. “And that was the last time we come more serious,” Kolasky said. “The Russians got close his grief and kept himself busy And his ultimate aim was to join But he was eventually deemed Cruz told the Sneads he would saw him.” enough, and we anticipate it could be diff erent, or worse, the next time around,” he said.

Driver’s gun causes scare Biden criticises Congress sets sights on federal cryptocurrency rules at Mar-a-Lago he driver of a van Trump on lack of By David Morgan, Reuters the agenda for the upcoming G20 meeting of the carrying members Washington largest advanced and developing economies. Tof the White House Conservative Republicans also recognize the press pool was briefl y de- science advisers potential for broader risks. tained yesterday outside olted by the global investment craze over bit- “I’m a total free-marketer, so I don’t want to Mar-a-Lago after a secu- coin and other cryptocurrencies, US lawmak- regulate,” said Republican Representative Dave rity screening turned up a DPA Jers are moving to consider new rules that could Brat, a member of the conservative House Free- gun in his personal baggage. Washington impose stricter federal oversight on the emerging dom Caucus. The US Secret Service asset class, several top lawmakers told Reuters. “But if it’s a currency that could destabilise the confi rmed the incident but Bipartisan momentum is growing in the Senate whole economy, you’re going to have that conver- said it was resolved once it ormer US vice president Joe Biden used a speech and House of Representatives for action to ad- sation,” he said. was determined that the Sunday night in Texas to criticise President Don- dress the risks posed by virtual currencies to in- The SEC and CFTC chairmen recently called driver was in “lawful pos- Fald Trump for a lack of commitment to science vestors and the fi nancial system, they said. for greater scrutiny of digital assets before the session” of the weapon. and research, local media reported. Even free-market Republican conservatives, Senate Banking Committee. “At no time was any Biden was speaking in Austin at the annual meeting normally wary of government red tape, said regu- Members of the panel said the regulators will Secret Service protectee of the American Association for the Advancement of lation could be needed if cryptocurrencies threat- return to discuss how to move forward. in danger or impacted,” it Science, The Daily Texan reported. en the US economy. While many lawmakers agree tighter oversight said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that our current president of a year “There’s no question about the fact that there is needed, there is no consensus yet in Congress US President Donald has no science advisers,” Biden said. is a need for a regulatory framework,” said Re- on how to proceed. Trump is spending the “We need to advance science and keep America at the publican Senator Mike Rounds, a Senate Banking While some lawmakers say speculative invest- weekend at his Mar-a- forefront of that movement.” Committee member. another lawmaker advocating for direct oversight ments should be classed as securities, others want Lago estate, although re- The Pennsylvanian spoke at the Austin Convention Digital assets currently fall into a jurisdictional of digital assets by the SEC. digital currency transactions regulated as com- porters have not seen him Center in support of greater cancer research. gray area between the Securities and Exchange “A lot of people don’t realise there’s nothing modities. The SEC is already cracking down on since Friday when he vis- His son Beau died at the age of 46 from brain cancer. Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures backing these virtual currencies,” she said. transactions known as initial coin off erings (ICOs), ited injured victims of the Biden told the audience he was hopeful of a better fu- Trading Commission (CFTC), the Treasury De- Virtual currencies have existed for years but while the CFTC has identifi ed digital assets as a mass shooting at a Park- ture for cancer suff erers. partment, the Federal Reserve and individual speculation in them has recently ballooned, along commodity subject to its anti-fraud rules. land, Florida high school. “I see the day when it doesn’t come down to having states. with scams promising investors returns of over Peter Van Valkenburgh, director of research at A security check in a to make the choice of keeping (cancer patients’) home Much of the concern on Capitol Hill is focused 1,000% in weeks. the Coin Center, a member of the growing crypto- parking lot across the street or aff ording lifesaving treatment,” he said. on speculative trading and investing in crypto- In a time of volatile markets, hackers are also ac- currency lobby, said lawmakers need to distin- from Mar-a-Lago turned “I see the day that you will take your children to currencies, leading some lawmakers to push for tive in the sector, stealing $530mn of digital curren- guish between ICOs that operate like securities up a gun in the driver’s bag- school physicals where we vaccinate them against cer- digital assets to be regulated as securities and cy from Japanese exchange Coincheck last month. and other virtual currencies including bitcoin, gage, according to a White tain cancer strains,” he added. subject to the SEC’s investor protection rules. Bitcoin, the best known virtual currency, lost which he described as a commodity like gold. House pool report. Trump’s administration was not as committed as “The SEC is properly the lead on the issue,” said over half its value earlier this year after surging Senator Rounds told Reuters there was an op- The driver said he had Barack Obama’s had been to scientifi c research, Biden Republican Representative Bill Huizenga, chair- more than 1,300%. portunity to regulate cryptocurrencies as both a forgotten to leave the said man of the House Financial Services Subcommit- “We have to look carefully at all of the crypto- security and a commodity. weapon in his car, the re- “If we don’t push hard now, it can all slide back into tee on Capital Markets which will hold hearings currencies and make sure individuals don’t get But while lawmakers are keen to mitigate the port said. ‘business as usual,’” he said. on the issue in coming weeks. taken advantage of,” said Representative Tom risks digital assets may pose, they are also mind- He was then replaced “We are going to need your help to challenge the sys- Huizenga said the recent growth of the virtual MacArthur, a House Financial Services Commit- ful of the need to protect innovation, including by a White House staff er, tem.” currency market had made him more comfortable tee Republican. the underlying distributed ledger technology, said who drove the press van Last week, Trump released his proposed budget for with more oversight. Regulators globally have raised the alarm over Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member when it joined Trump’s the 2019 fi scal year which included a 21% cut from 2017 “Six months ago, we didn’t see this explosion. cryptocurrencies, saying they may aid money of the Senate Banking Committee. motorcade about an hour levels to the Department of Health and Human Services. The marketplace has changed,” he said. laundering and terrorist fi nancing, hurt consumers “The goal here is to have rules of the road that later on the ride to the But Congress passed a law which undid the budget Carolyn Maloney, a Democratic senior member and undermine trust in the global fi nancial system. protect consumers without trying to squash in- Trump International Golf before it was even submitted. of the House Financial Services Committee, is France and Germany want cryptocurrencies on novation.” Club, the report said. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Thai ex-PM Thaksin calls for party unity ahead of promised election

Reuters Puea Thai Party performs in a vote politics and remains popular guilty of negligence in mismanag- Prayuth Siripanich, a Puea Piyapong Klinpan, a spokes- Bangkok which the military government in the northeast ‘Isaan’ region ing a rice subsidy scheme and sen- Thai Party member and its man for the junta, or National has promised to hold in November which, along with the north, tenced her to fi ve years in prison. former representative for the Council for Peace and Order as it but which could be delayed. forms the stronghold of parties Sources in the Puea Thai Party say northeastern province of Maha is formally known, told reporters ugitive former Thai prime Thaksin, who founded Ad- aligned with Thaksin which have she is currently based in England. Sarakham, said 10 lawmakers in Bangkok that “relevant agen- minister Thaksin Shina- vance Info Service Pcl, Thailand’s won every election since 2001 by Thaksin was convicted in ab- fl ew to Hong Kong on Saturday cies”, including police, were fol- Fwatra met lawmakers from largest mobile phone operator, appealing to poorer voters. sentia in 2006 on confl ict of in- and returned on Monday. “Thak- lowing Yingluck and Thaksin. He his Puea Thai Party in Hong Kong was prime minister from 2001 to His sister, Yingluck Shina- terest charges. The siblings have sin asked lawmakers to be united did not give further details. where he called for party unity 2006 when he was overthrown in watra, was elected prime minister been in Asia since the start of the and not to break that unity,” Supporters of the Shinawatras ahead of an approaching gen- a military coup supported by the in 2011. She was overthrown in a month, said party members, and Prayuth told Reuters. “He asked say the family are victims of po- eral election, party members said Bangkok-based establishment. 2014 military coup. Yingluck fl ed have visited China, Japan and that lawmakers meet their con- litical persecution. Their critics yesterday. Thaksin, who is based in Dubai, Thailand last August, weeks be- Hong Kong before travelling to stituents because the election is accuse them of widespread cor- Many are watching to see how continues to loom large over Thai fore the Supreme Court found her Singapore on Monday. fast approaching.” ruption, which they deny. Thaksin Shinawatra

Air New Zealand warns of flight disruptions as ‘Two-thirds of Australians Cyclone Gita bears down

Air New Zealand warned yesterday flights in and out of New Zealand faced want deputy PM to resign’ major disruptions this week Malcolm Turnbull due to Cyclone Gita, set to Reuters ing a child with his former staff er. main opposition Labor Party by a this week travel to Washing- held urgent talks on Saturday. hit the country today, and Sydney Some 65% of voters want margin of 53-47% on a two-party ton, which would have typically “We’ve put whatever tensions encouraged passengers Joyce to step down as leader of basis. seen Joyce installed as acting there were behind us,” Turnbull to defer travelling. “We are the rural-based National Party, The government must call an prime minister. Finance Minister told a radio station in Melbourne anticipating significant wo-thirds of Australian the junior partner in the govern- election by May 2019. Mathias Cormann will now be on Monday. disruption to our domestic voters want Deputy Prime ment led by the Liberal Party, The With mounting public pres- acting leader. However, Turnbull said there network as well as some TMinister Barnaby Joyce to Australian newspaper’s Newspoll sure, Joyce sought to turn the As well as alienating voters, the was no guarantee that Joyce international services over resign following his extramarital showed. tide of public opinion, giving a scandal has fractured the ruling would continue as deputy prime the coming week,” the airline aff air with his former press sec- The Liberal-National coalition rare interview yesterday with the conservative government, with minister with the leadership de- said in a travel alert on its retary, a poll showed yesterday, has existed since 1923, with the Sydney Morning Herald newspa- Joyce last week publicly criticis- cision in the hands of National website. adding pressure on a government National leader usually taking on per, where he blamed public life ing Turnbull for “causing further Party lawmakers. Air New Zealand said it would already fractured by the scandal. the deputy prime ministership. for the breakdown of his mar- harm” through comments about On Sunday, Australian media not reimburse passengers Joyce, a Catholic who cam- The scandal has damaged the riage. his aff air. reported that senior National for any costs or penalties paigned on “family values” and government’s re-election chanc- Joyce has began a highly unu- The scandal has prompted Party fi gures were openly can- like hotels and meals if flight who has been married for 24 es, according to Newspoll. The sual week-long leave of absence Turnbull to ban sexual relation- vassing constituents with a view schedules were disrupted. years, refused to resign when it government, which has only a at the urging of Prime Minis- ships between ministers and to removing Joyce from the party “Any customer who chooses Barnaby Joyce was made public he was expect- one-seat majority, now trails the ter Malcolm Turnbull, who will their staff . Turnbull and Joyce leadership. to commence their journey as planned must be advised that they do so at their own risk,” the airline said. In the dock Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government was keeping a close eye on Singapore to impose the cyclone and urged people to take local civil defence warnings seriously. New Zealand’s MetService issued severe weather carbon tax from 2019 warnings for most of the country’s South Island, AFP dollar of GDP than most coun- Singapore ranks 26th out of 142 expected to be hit by heavy Singapore tries,” he said, as he unveiled countries in terms of emissions rain and gale-force winds, the measure as part of the city- per capita based on the latest In- while it said western areas state’s 2018 budget. “We intend ternational Energy Agency data of the North Island will face ingapore said yesterday it to further reduce our emissions largely due to its small size and strong northerly winds. would impose a carbon tax intensity to make a bigger eff ort dense population, according to Cyclone Gita hit the Pacific Sfrom next year to cut its to combat climate change.” the government. island nations of Fiji and greenhouse gas emissions and Major economies have been Heng said the new carbon tax Tonga last week, packing make companies more competi- scrambling to cut greenhouse would encourage businesses to winds up to 275km per hour tive as global agreements on cli- gas emissions amid warnings take measures to reduce emis- and causing widespread mate change take eff ect. from scientists about the po- sions, making them more com- destruction and flooding. Finance Minister Heng Swee tentially devastating impacts of petitive as tighter limits are im- It earlier caused extensive Keat said the tax would be lev- climate change. posed by more countries when damage in Samoa and ied on all facilities producing The most notable step has international deals come into American Samoa. 25,000 tonnes or more of green- been the 197-nation Paris force. Authorities along the house gas emissions a year. Agreement, inked in 2015, which The government would pro- country’s remote West Coast The tax, to be applied to all calls for limiting global warming vide support to companies to were meeting yesterday sectors, will be S$5.0 (US $3.8) to “well under” 2C and “pursu- help them become energy-effi - evening to decide whether to per tonne of greenhouse gas ing eff orts” to cap warming at cient, he added. declare a state of emergency emissions from 2019 to 2023, 1.5C. Singapore expects to collect for the region, parts of which after which the levy will be re- The levy will aff ect about carbon tax revenues of nearly were still reeling from a huge viewed and possibly raised to 30-40 companies, mainly from S$1.0bn in the fi rst fi ve years, storm that hit at the start of between S$10 and S$15 per the petroleum refi ning, chemi- but the government is willing February. tonne by 2030. “Singapore pro- cals and semiconductor sec- to spend more than that to help duces less carbon emissions per tors, the Straits Times reported. companies, he said. Indonesia raises Higher home buyer tax seen cooling sales frenzy aviation alert after Sumatra Singapore’s move yesterday to of suggestions to tax the means the (asking) prices will raise stamp duty on expensive rich more. Analysts said the have to probably come down, volcano emits home purchases is likely to stamp duty hike was marginal so that will help to dampen the ash cloud dampen the recent wave of for individual home buyers, en bloc market.” Singapore’s redevelopment sales in the but may end up prompting central bank warned about city-state’s recovering property developers to become more “excessive exuberance” in the Indonesia yesterday raised market, analysts said. From cautious on “en bloc” or city-state’s property market, flight warnings around the today, the wealthy city-state collective deals, where they urging developers to take into Mount Sinabung volcano will apply a new top marginal buy entire apartment blocks account upcoming supply when on Sumatra island to their rate of 4% stamp duty on the and re-build them with more bidding for land. Data from highest level after it sent a portion of residential property units. “For example, some property services firm Colliers towering plume of ash more value in excess of S$1mn (US of the big sites that have a showed that a total of 27 than 7km into the air, its $761,615), Finance Minister S$1bn price tag, the increase residential collective sales with biggest eruption this year. Heng Swee Keat said. The will be very significant,” said a combined value of S$8.13bn Isaac Emmanuel Roberts of Australia is escorted to a court room to attend his ongoing trial on Areas around the crater of current rate ranges between Christine Li, director of research ($6.2bn) were transacted in drugs charges in Denpasar on Indonesia’s Bali island yesterday. Roberts was reportedly arrested the volcano, located about 1 and 3%. Heng said the move at Cushman & Wakefield in 2017 — the best showing since on December 4 allegedly carrying five packets of amphetamine weighing 19.97g, and 14 ecstasy 1,900km northwest of the was a progressive tax and Singapore. “The developers 2007 when S$11.6bn ($8.83bn) tablets at Bali’s international airport. capital, Jakarta, have been came against the backdrop will have to fork out 1%, which were transacted. off -limits for several years because of frequent volcanic activity. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VACC), in Australia’s northern Carnival launches probe into cruise brawl city of Darwin, issued maps yesterday showing an ash cloud heading in three Reuters video on social media shows pas- directions from Sinabung, Sydney sengers brawling with each other to the north, northwest and and with security offi cers. south-southeast. Indonesia A Carnival spokesman said the also upgraded its Volcano arnival Corp, the world’s company could not confi rm the ve- Observatory Notice for largest cruise operator, said racity of the video. Aviation (VONA) to red, its Cyesterday it was investigating Several passengers who got off highest warning, and said the the response of its security person- the cruise in Melbourne, including ash-cloud top had reached nel to a brawl that broke out on one of Michael Haddara and Jacob Sum- 23,872ft, according to a its South Pacifi c cruises that resulted mers, told local media on Saturday ground observer. in 23 passengers being removed. that the security staff made matters Sinabung is about 75km The American-British company worse. Companies and their brands southwest of Kualanamu said in a statement that it was in- can suff er reputational damage International Airport in vestigating “all aspects including from the actions of their employ- Medan. Sutopo Purwo the security response” of the inci- President of Carnival Cruise Line Australia Sture Myrmell and Vice ees. Last April, United Airlines Nugroho, a spokesman dent, which was captured on video President and General Manager of Carnival Cruise Line Jennifer reached a settlement for an undis- for Indonesia’s Disaster and posted on social media. Vandekreeke speak to the media in Sydney, Australia. closed sum with a passenger who Agency, said the eruption The 10-day cruise to the South was dragged from a Chicago fl ight. began yesterday morning, Pacifi c returned to the Austral- “The level of excessive behav- The statement did not say when the Videos of the passenger, Dr David accompanied by multiple ian southern city of Melbourne on iour experienced on the cruise was investigation will be concluded. Dao, being dragged down the aisle earthquakes and showering Saturday, a day after 23 people were unprecedented,” the Carnival state- Carnival has off ered passengers a of a United jet and the company’s surrounding villages with removed in the New South Wales ment said, referring to the passengers 25% “cruise credit” on future trips. handling of the incident touched off small rocks. “In five districts it (NSW) town of Eden for what the who were removed from the cruise. A NSW police spokeswoman told a public outcry and even prompted became dark with a visibility company described as “disruptive “We have apologised to guests who Reuters that inquiries were contin- calls from congressmen for new in- of about 5 metres,” he said in and violent acts”. were directly aff ected by it,” it said. uing with no charges laid yet. The dustry regulation. a statement. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 13 BRITAIN Oxfam staff bullied witness in abuse scandal, says inquiry

AFP and the NGOs that we’re working for sex and was off ered a “phased A senior executive has resigned a letter defending himself after Times, however, a young Haitian staff , and has urged victims to London with.” and dignifi ed exit” of resignation over the scandal. the scandal broke. mother claimed she had a rela- come forward with any new alle- “We will not work with any- if he co-operated with the inquiry. Oxfam has denied trying to In it, he claimed he had not vis- tionship with Van Hauwermeiren gations. body who does not meet the high The report also said three cover up the allegations but ad- ited any brothels, nightclubs or when she was 16 — legally under- But the entire aid sector is fac- rime Minister Theresa May standards that we set and we be- Oxfam employees were involved mitted it could have been more bars in Haiti, despite off ers from age in Haiti. ing renewed scrutiny, including yesterday described the lieve are important,” she added, in “physically threatening and in- open at the time, saying it was men and women “who tried to get Now 23, Mikelange Gabou said how they communicate with each Pbehaviour of some Oxfam after the charity was suspended timidating” a witness who spoke publishing the report “in recogni- into my house with all sorts of ex- he initially helped her with nap- other. staff in Haiti as “horrifi c” after the from bidding for new government to the investigators. tion of the breach of trust that has cuses to demand money, work, or pies and other things for her baby, A woman who worked along- charity released an internal report funding. Four staff were fi red for gross been caused”. It said it would give to off er services”. and that they later had a “loving side Van Hauwermeiren in Liberia revealing that a former top offi cial The 2011 report into aid work- misconduct and three others, in- a copy to the Haitian government, He said he told Oxfam he had relationship” and he would some- said she made a complaint about admitted to paying for sex and ers deployed to Haiti following a cluding Van Hauwermeiren, were which has expressed outrage and “intimate relations” at his house times give her money. him in 2004 — many years before three staff threatened a witness. devastating earthquake the previ- allowed to quit. launched its own inquiry yester- with “an honourable, mature There were other women he in- the Haiti scandal. One recom- “The behaviour that we’ve now ous year, revealed that seven staff Details of the Haiti scandal sur- day. woman, who was not an earth- vited to his hilltop house, she said. mendation in the 2011 report was discovered was horrifi c,” May said were accused of using prostitutes faced earlier this month and have All names in the report have quake victim nor a prostitute. Oxfam last week unveiled an for better mechanisms to share during a visit to a London school. at an Oxfam-funded residence. engulfed Oxfam, drawing wide- been redacted apart from that of And I did not give her any mon- action plan to tackle sexual har- information with other regions “It was far below the standards Country director Roland Van spread condemnation and putting Van Hauwermeiren, a 68-year- ey”. assment and abuse, including and agencies about behavioural that we expect for the charities Hauwermeiren admitted paying its funding at risk. old Belgian who last week released In an interview with The creating a new vetting system for issues. PM slams university leaders’ role Premier in deciding salaries

Guardian News and Media launches London

heresa May has spoken out against the number Tof university vice-chan- cellors who take part in the de- cision-making process around university their own salaries, amid wide- spread concern about excessive pay levels. The prime minister was asked about the issue after fi gures re- vealed that 95% of university leaders were either members of their remuneration committee fees’ review or entitled to attend meetings. The information, obtained un- Reuters Labour’s education policy ad- tuition rates depending on the der freedom of information laws London viser, Angela Rayner, described economic value of degrees in the by the University and College the speech as an admission by subjects they study. Union, showed that just seven May “that her government got it Hinds said he wants “more va- of 158 institutions surveyed said niversities must off er stu- wrong”. riety” in the level of fees, rather their vice-chancellors were in ef- dents value for money, “This long-winded review is than almost all courses and uni- fect barred from attending. UPrime Minister Theresa an unnecessary waste of time. versities charging the maximum Asked if she feared that this May said yesterday, launching a Labour will abolish tuition fees, amount. was fuelling spiralling pay lev- review that could reduce fees and bring back maintenance grants He also calls for more fl exibility els, May said: “One of the points restore grants in a bid to entice and provide free, lifelong educa- in how courses are delivered, such I would make – that I know the younger voters who helped pun- tion in Further Education col- as two-year degrees, encouraging Universities Minister, Sam Gyi- ish her party at an election last leges,” Rayner said in a statement. “commuter degrees” where stu- mah, also made – is we should year. May’s predecessor David Cam- dents live at home and making it be concerned when we see vice- In a speech designed to show eron, a fellow Conservative, tri- easier for part-time students and chancellors sitting on remuner- her programme for Britain is more pled the cost of tuition for stu- those who want to carry on work- ation committees which deter- than just its departure from the dents from England and Wales ing while studying. mine their pay.” European Union, May said she to £9,000 a year, higher than the Former Labour education min- The comments came after wanted not only to look at the fees other EU countries charge ister, Lord Adonis, called for a universities were told they would funding of education but also at their citizens. more signifi cant change - arguing have to justify any decisions to ways of raising the importance of In 2016, the government also that fees should be much lower pay vice-chancellors more than technical studies to prepare the phased out all grants to help or abolished, in the way that had 8.5 times the average salary. country for life after Brexit in the poorer students with living costs, happened in Germany. May’s intervention followed high-tech age. replacing them with loans. He accused universities of be- a speech at Derby College to Her pitch was also aimed at May’s Conservatives have long ing “bloated” on high fees and launch a government review the opposition Labour Party, defended their approach, argu- said they needed to “get real” over into higher education funding, which, some pollsters say, won ing that requiring students to pay how much they should charge. which could result in the cost over young voters by promising to helps fund more places so more Lord Adonis rejected the idea of of some cheaper courses, such get rid of student fees and which people can study, and puts more diff erent subjects having diff er- as in humanities subjects, being threatens to force the Conserva- of the burden of the cost of higher ent costs as a “big backward step”, reduced. It could also bring back tives out of several London coun- education on those who benefi t which would reduce numbers ap- maintenance grants. cils in local elections in May. most from it. plying for science subjects, if they However, the terms of refer- “We now have one of the most Students do not have to make became more expensive than arts ence for the review, which will expensive systems of university payments on their loans un- and humanities. be carried out by the former City tuition in the world,” she said at a less they earn above a minimum The tuition fee review also will fi nancier Philip Augur, suggest- college in Derby, adding that she threshold, although they contin- consider ways of reducing costs ed the government would not be shared the concerns of students ue to accrue interest. Unpaid bal- such as cutting interest rates on increasing the amount of money and their carers. ances are wiped out after 30 years. loans and reintroducing mainte- paid by the Treasury. “The review will now look at But the system is unpopular nance grants for disadvantaged It said the study would not the whole question of how stu- with younger voters, angry about students, as well as examining the make recommendations linked dents and graduates contribute being the fi rst British generation to level of fees. to taxation and “must be con- to the cost of their studies,” she start their careers often with tens May said that sure poorer sistent with the government’s said, dodging a question whether of thousands of pounds of debt. students should have an “equal fi scal policies to reduce the defi - taxpayers would have to pay more Education Secretary Damian chance” in higher education – but cit and have debt falling as a per- Prime Minister Theresa May walks to deliver a speech to students and staff during her visit to Derby towards the university education Hinds said on Sunday that stu- that at present they had the great- centage of GDP”. College in Derby yesterday. of students. dents could be charged variable est burden of debt. Chicken shortage leads to Academic jailed most KFCs staying shut for online abuse AFP Judge Philip Parker described Guardian News and Media but we’ll be back at the fryers as – we’re really sorry about that,” London the 29-year-old as an “Internet London soon as we can.” the statement said. highwayman” who had a lust for KFC tried to make light of the The problems came after KFC controlling and tormenting vic- problem insisting the Colonel switched its deliveries from Bid- Cambridge University tims. “It is a tale of ever-increas- he fast food chain KFC has was working on it - a reference to vest Logistics to DHL in a deal graduate who admitted ing depravity,” he said. been forced to temporarily the chain’s US founder, Colonel struck last year. A137 criminal off ences in- “The eff ects on the girls, wom- Tclose most of its UK out- Sanders, whose image adorns the DHL said “operational issues” volving online abuse, including en and men were devastating. lets after problems with a new brand. meant several KFC deliveries over encouraging the rape of a four- The damage is ongoing for these delivery contract led to a chicken In a statement it blamed the recent days had been incomplete year-old boy, was yesterday sen- individuals. It will never end,” he shortage. chicken shortage on a contract or delayed. tenced to 32 years in prison. said. More than 600 KFC outlets with delivery company DHL. It added: “We are working with Matthew Falder, who dubbed Falder, a geophysicist who was remain shut after a weekend of “We’ve brought a new delivery KFC and our partners to rectify himself “evilmind” online, a postdoctoral researcher at Bir- closures. partner on board, but they’ve had the situation as a priority and blackmailed many of his 45 vic- mingham University in central KFC published a list of only a couple of teething problems – apologise for any inconvenience tims into sending “severe abuse England, admitted the charges at 254 of its 900 stores that were getting fresh chicken out to 900 this may have caused.” images” of themselves, accord- a court hearing in October, mak- still open on Sunday night. Many restaurants across the country is DHL announced in November ing to the National Crime Agency ing him one of Britain’s most pro- were off ering a limited menu and pretty complex,” it said, adding: that it had been appointed along- (NCA).The images were defi ned lifi c sex off enders. restricted opening hours. “We won’t compromise on qual- side QSL to manage the supply as “hurtcore” by prosecutors. “In more than 30 years of law The chicken delivery problem is ity, so no deliveries has meant and distribution of food products “Hurtcore does what it says on enforcement I have never come so severe that the company cannot some of our restaurants are closed and packaging for more than 850 the tin really — its aim is to hurt across an off ender whose sole say when operations will be back and others are operating a limited KFC outlets in the UK. the individual to their very core,” motivation was to infl ict such to normal. But it said it was work- menu, or shortened hours.” DHL said it would manage the NCA investigator Matthew Long profound anguish and pain,” ing “fl at out” to resolve the crisis. The US-owned company also physical warehouse and distri- said. NCA senior investigating offi cer Signs on many of the closed apologised to customers who bution service. KFC added it had Falder, whose victims ranged Matt Sutton said at the time. stores said: “Sorry, we’re closed. found UK stores closed since the specifi cally chosen the pair for from young children to people in “I have also never known such We deliver our chickens fresh end of last week. “We know that their reputation of “innovation in their 30s, would pose as a woman an extremely complex investiga- into our restaurants, but we’ve this might have inconvenienced logistics” across other industries. and get his victims to send naked tion with an off ender who was had a few hiccups with the deliv- some of you over the last few The KFC closures have led to images. He would then manipu- technologically savvy and able ery. We wouldn’t want to be open days, and disappointed you when complaints and ridicule from A man walks past a closed KFC fast food store in south London late them into sending increas- to stay hidden in the darkest re- without off ering our full menu, you wanted your fried chicken fi x customers. yesterday. ingly depraved abuse images. cesses of the dark web,” he added. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 BRITAIN/IRELAND

JUSTICE DECISION INITIATIVE OFFBEAT ECONOMY Paedophile football Glastonbury festival set to NHS to hand out gadgets in War veteran, 88, fells Ireland ramps up coach jailed for 30 years ban plastic bottles in 2019 bid to cut stroke figures thug with karate chop capital spending

Former football trainer Barry Bennell was Glastonbury festival is to implement a site-wide Smartphone and iPad gadgets that can detect An 88-year-old military veteran who rescued a Ireland has unveiled a 10-year capital investment sentenced to 30 years in prison yesterday for ban on plastic bottles when it returns in 2019. “It’s irregular heart rhythms are being issued by woman from five knife-wielding robbers yesterday programme that will continue to ramp up spending abusing 12 boys he coached between 1979 and an enormous project; it’s taking a lot of time to the NHS across London in a bid to reduce the said: “Fear is not in my dictionary.”John Nixon to ease bottlenecks in housing, health and transport. 1991, with the judge branding him “sheer evil”. tackle with all the diff erent people we work with,” number of people suff ering strokes. More than brought down one of the thugs with a karate Ireland had to sharply cut its capital budget and Bennell, 64, who coached at Manchester City and organiser Emily Eavis told BBC 6 Music. In 2014, 1,200 devices are being sent to GP surgeries, chop to the neck but an accomplice then slashed postpone major projects under an austerity drive other teams, was found guilty last week of dozens Glastonbury introduced environmentally friendly pharmacies and NHS clinics for patients to take his hands and head. The attackers fled as the that followed the 2008 financial crisis. With the of child sexual off ences. Police have said scores stainless steel bottles and water kiosks for the home. An estimated 422,000 people in England woman ran away. Nixon was taken to hospital state’s finances back under control, plans to double more complainants have come forward since the cost-free refill of any kind of receptacle, followed have undiagnosed atrial fibrillation — an irregular after a neighbour raised the alarm. He said he the budget over the next decade come as spending case started, bringing the number of possible vic- in 2016 by stainless steel pint cups designed heart rhythm responsible for one in five strokes. A stepped in after seeing the youths grab at the pressures threaten to choke the economic recovery. tims to more than 100. Bennell, who has already to be “non-aerodynamic, to minimise injuries further million people are known to live with the woman’s handbag in Raglan Street, Kentish Town. The government will commit 91bn euros in excheq- served three jail terms totalling 15 years for similar from throwing”. Use of these containers was condition. The NHS said the devices could help Nixon says he trained as a commando at the uer funding over the 10 years to 2027, increasing the off ences involving 16 other victims, stared at the optional. Glastonbury organisers have previously detect 45,000 cases of AF in two years, potential- Achnacarry depot in the Highlands in the Forties, average capital spend per year to 9bn euros from floor and nodded as Goldstone handed down the estimated that 1mn plastic bottles are used during ly preventing more than 900 strokes and saving joined an elite special services unit and fought in an average of 4.6bn euros since spending began to sentence. the event. £20mn a year. the Korean War. be cut in 2009. Hospital may keep £530,000 Presidents Club donation

Guardian News and Media were understood to have threat- London ened to halt their donations if Gosh did not reconsider keeping the Presidents Club funds. reat Ormond Street The Gosh charity’s board of hospital (Gosh) is re- trustees, chaired by City busi- Gconsidering whether to nessman John Connolly, will return £530,000 it collected in discuss overruling the decision donations from the controver- to return the funds at a meeting sial Presidents Club, after al- on March 27. legations of groping and sexual A spokesperson for the Char- harassment at a men-only fun- ity Commission said: “We can draising gala. confirm that Gosh’s charity The London children’s hos- have asked the commission for pital, which had vowed to re- advice and guidance on return- turn the money it received from ing previous donations and that Presidents Club events, said we are in discussion with the Sandra Khadhouri, together with fellow Renew party members James Clarke and James Torrance, speaks at the launch of the new political party in London yesterday. yesterday it was now recon- trustees about their decision. sidering the decision to ensure It is up to a charity’s trustees to it had the maximum funds to make the difficult decision as support the hospital and its pa- to whether they want to return tients. a donation. Gosh’s charity said it was in “If they wish to do so they discussions with the Charity should seek advice from the Commission about keeping the commission about whether donations and said its trustees our authorisation is required in New party launched, would make a formal decision their specific case.” next month. The Clatterbridge Cancer “Guiding all our thinking is Centre, which is fundraising our aim to maximise the sup- to improve cancer services in port to the hospital and the Liverpool, is also considering families it cares for,” a spokes- keeping £15,000 of Presidents person said. “We can confirm Club funds that it had pledged aims to overturn Brexit that we are in discussions with to hand back. the Charity Commission and “This will be discussed by the AFP while the smaller pro-Euro- Clarke and co-founder Chris sure on MPs to oppose a Brexit change” — and there was no are scheduled to meet them board of trustees in due course London pean Liberal Democrats have Coghlan, a former fi nancier, de- agreement. signifi cant evidence to suggest a later this week. and it would therefore be in- failed to capitalise on anti- cided to work together. One of them, Best for Brit- signifi cant shift in support for a “Following this meeting and appropriate for us to comment Brexit sentiment. Renew now claims to have ain, captured the headlines this second referendum. taking into account the latest further at this time,” a spokes- new anti-Brexit party Renew said it had received more than 450 applications to month because of a large dona- Some 52 % of Britons voted developments with the Presi- person said. was launched in London informal advice about how to stand as candidates for the 650- tion from billionaire investor for Brexit, and 48%, after a dents Club charitable trust and Only one of the four chari- Ayesterday, lacking any proceed from En Marche (On seat House of Commons. and philanthropist George So- campaign dominated by warn- feedback from our supporters, ties which had vowed to return big names but vowing to revi- the Move), French President Despite the fragility of Prime ros. ings about mass migration from we will consider our position at Presidents Club donations has talise the centre ground of Brit- Emmanuel Macron’s upstart Minister Theresa May’s Con- Former Labour party politi- the continent, and demands for our March trustee meeting.” so far formally applied to the ish politics, inspired by French centrist party which came from servative government, an elec- cian Andrew Adonis, a mem- sovereignty. Gosh did not receive dona- Charity Commission to do so. President Emmanuel Macron’s nowhere to sweep to victory last tion is years away, however — ber of the House of Lords, has Renew says there were many tions directly from the contro- As well as Gosh and the Clat- En Marche movement. year. and the party admits it is still launched his own campaign causes for the vote: co-leader versial dinner at the Dorchester terbridge, the Evelina London Renew is one of several new “Macron showed that it was seeking fi nancing. alongside the youth group “Our Sandra Khadhouri said Britain hotel in London on January 18. children’s hospital and the initiatives by pro-European possible to do something ex- Its current income was said Future, Our Choice”. Several was “a nation divided, with But it had received more than Royal Academy of Music (RAM) Union campaigners, hoping to traordinary in a short amount of by Clarke to be in the “low fi ve campaigns earlier this year unit- deep discontent at inequal- £500,000 from previous Presi- had said they would return all capitalise on uncertainty over time,” Clarke said. fi gures”. Renew’s main infl uence ed in a Grassroots Co-ordinat- ity”. The party said it would dents Club events between donations. RAM has requested Brexit to pressure politicians Asked about the absence would likely come in lobby- ing Group chaired by Labour MP increase the minimum wage, 2009-2016. permission to return £10,000 into stopping the process. of any high-profi le names, he ing existing MPs, who will have Chuka Umunna, a leading pro- boost infrastructure outside In the days after the scandal, of funds. A spokesperson for The party’s goal is to be “the said: “Renew is not a personal- the fi nal vote on the Brexit deal EU political voice. London and create more af- the hospital had said it would the Evelina did not respond to vehicle for people who feel po- ity cult, it’s not a vehicle for the agreed by the government with They have taken heart from fordable housing, and look at return all of the funds “due to requests for comment. litically homeless”, said James ambitions of one or other politi- the EU. opinion polls since last year’s “better ways to manage immi- the wholly unacceptable nature The commission has called Clarke, one of three co-leaders. cians.” In this, they are not alone. election showing growing sup- gration”. Detailed policies will of the event”. on anyone present at the The ruling Conservatives It was formed after last year’s Several campaigns have emerged port for staying in the bloc. be drawn up after a “listening However, some of the hospi- Dorchester black-tie dinner and opposition Labour party general election after a number in recent weeks calling for a re- However, polling expert John tour” of Britain involving uni- tal’s other donors were said to last month to give evidence to both back Britain’s withdrawal of independent anti-Brexit can- run of the 2016 EU membership Curtice said last month that versity visits and public meet- be angry about that decision and the regulator’s investigation. from the EU in March 2019, didates in London, including referendum and putting pres- it was “not exactly a dramatic ings. Woman held for abusive Bafta appearance Skier saved in 12-hour note left on ambulance mountain rescue Guardian News and Media Stevenson said the rescuers London used ropes to haul him back up Guardian News and Media whole street collapsed. Now lands ambulance service high- the mountain on a specialised London move your van.” lighted a note complaining stretcher, after darkness and A Stoke-based paramedic, about an ambulance blocking escuers battled for 12 hours in extremely poor visibility. He Katie Tudor, tweeted an image a driveway as paramedics tried during a blizzard to save a was then taken off the hill using woman has been arrested of the note, and said the work- to save a man’s life in the Small Rskier who had fallen 200 a specialist snow vehicle called a in Stoke-on-Trent after ers involved also received verbal Heath area of Birmingham. metres down a mountain in the “piste basher” from the nearby A an abusive note was re- abuse. “You may be saving lives, Scottish Highlands. Nevis Range ski resort. The re- portedly left on an ambulance. The service’s operational but don’t park your van in a Lochaber mountain rescue sort’s ski patrol were also in- Staffordshire police said a manager, Mike Duggan, told the stupid place and block my team was called out at 11.42am on volved in the operation. 26-year-old woman was ar- Birmingham Mail that the note drive,” the note left under the Sunday after the man fell down a The casualty was then air- rested for public order offences, illustrated the abuse faced by ambulance’s windscreen wip- nearly sheer slope from the top of lifted by a coastguard helicopter in the latest case of ambulance paramedics. er read. The patient later died Aonach Beag near Ben Nevis, suf- and arrived at Belford hospital in workers facing intimidation “People seem to have no re- in hospital. fering numerous serious injuries. Fort William at 11.19pm, nearly 12 from members of the public. spect for the work we’re doing A West Midlands Ambu- The skier, a Scot in his 30s, hours after the alarm was raised, Chief inspector John Owen, or the fact we’re helping some- lance Service spokeswoman ended up in a deep gully but con- before being transferred by air for the commander of policing in one,” he said. “We don’t block welcomed the police’s swift ditions on the mountain were so specialist treatment in Edinburgh. Stoke-on-Trent North, con- roads for the sake of it. What response to Sunday’s incident, poor rescuers were unable to call Stevenson said the skier had firmed the arrest in a tweet, is it going to take? Is one of us and said the trust had a zero- a helicopter to help them reach the been trying to navigate his way saying the “emergency serv- going to have to die before they tolerance policy towards people casualty. across Aonach Beag when he fell. ices must be able to carry out take it seriously?” who abuse its staff. With 22 volunteer team mem- He could have fallen another 350 their roles without fear of Staffordshire police said the “After previous notes were bers eventually called out, they metres or so. abuse and intimidation of any incident happened at around left on our ambulances last had to instead descend by ropes He said it was a technically kind”. midday on Sunday. The woman year, we’ve received unimagi- from the 1,234-metre peak in what complex and challenging rescue: The arrest came after West remains in custody. nable support from the public John Stevenson, the team leader, “When you get someone halfway Midlands ambulance service In a statement, Owen said: for which we are immensely described as a “total whiteout”. down a very steep slope in bad said a woman left an abusive “We will not tolerate abuse or grateful. Sadly, as this am- Four rescuers attempted to weather, and they have multiple note on a vehicle responding to intimidation of our emergency bulance crew discovered on climb up more than 1,000 metres injuries, it’s very diffi cult. You a 999 call in the Tunstall area of services. This kind of behav- Sunday, there are unfortu- from the foot of the mountain to have to get the team members and the city. iour is totally unacceptable and nately still a handful of nar- Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, reach the skier but had to aban- medics down there to deal with The handwritten note said: we will take appropriate action row-minded individuals who Duchess of Cambridge, attend the British Academy Film don their attempt 200m below the man’s injuries, get him pack- “You have no right to be parked against offenders.” consider leaving vile abusive Awards event at the Royal Albert Hall in London. him, after hitting deeply unsta- aged safely, and either get him here. I couldn’t care less if the Last November, West Mid- notes acceptable.” ble snow. pulled up or down to the bottom.” Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 15 EUROPE

PROBE POLITICS ILLEGAL ORDER SECURITY DIPLOMACY Church shooter may have Catalan separatist Teacher in Germany orders Serbia arrests 8 foreigners Macedonia hopes to settle had ‘extremist’ links walks free on bail pupil to give Nazi salute for filming military sites name row with Greece

Russia is investigating whether the gunman A Spanish judge yesterday allowed Catalan A teacher in Germany has been reprimanded Serbian military police have arrested eight Macedonia expects to reach a settlement of its behind a deadly attack on an Orthodox church separatist Marta Rovira, who faces charges over after allegedly ordering a student to give the Nazi foreigners suspected of illegally trying to film decades-old name row with Greece by a Nato in the North Caucasus had extremist ties, the her region’s independence bid, to walk free salute when seeking attention. A spokesman or enter the country’s military premises, the summit in the summer, its prime minister said Kremlin said yesterday after Islamic State claimed but ordered her to post bail of 60,000 euros for the state school authorities in Lower Saxony defence ministry said yesterday. The police yesterday. The two countries have agreed to step the shooting. “There is an investigation into ($75,000). Judge Pablo Llarena placed Rovira said the man has been administering classes had “arrested eight foreign citizens for either up negotiations this year to resolve the dispute, whether the attacker was linked to extremist under judicial control, but stopped short of only with another teacher present, ever since the trying to shoot images of military sites without which has frustrated the ambitions of Greece’s organisations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry putting her behind bars for the duration of an incident occurred several months ago. Young authorisation or to enter” them, Defence small northern neighbour to join Nato and the Peskov told journalists a day after five women ongoing probe into charges of rebellion, sedition construction apprentices at the vocational college Minister Aleksandar Vulin said in a statement. European Union. Greece is a member of both. were shot dead near an Orthodox church in and misuse of public funds. Rovira is the deputy in Hanover had complained about the teacher’s Vulin gave no details on the nationality or Greece objects to the use of the name Macedonia, Kizlyar, a town in the Dagestan region. The attack leader of the leftwing separatist ERC party, unorthodox style, which reportedly also included identity of those arrested. Serbia’s state-run arguing that it could imply territorial claims over was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group who whose chief Oriol Junqueras has been in custody insulting migrant students. According to local RTS television reported that two US and two its own northern region of the same name. The referred to the gunman shot dead by police as “a since November. Junqueras was jailed after newspaper Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, Ukrainian nationals were arrested for allegedly foreign ministers of the two countries met the soldier” in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Madrid ousted his government following a failed state prosecutors are conducting an ongoing trying to film using a drone the building that United Nation’s special envoy Matthew Nimetz in Peskov did not mention IS explicitly. declaration of independence on October 27. investigation into the man’s behaviour. houses military intelligence. Vienna earlier this month to discuss the issue.

Macron’s migrant law faces rough Merkel taps ally for ride in parliament

AFP crucial party job Paris rench President Emmanuel Macron faces a diffi - Reuters cult week as lawmakers weigh up a controversial Berlin Fbill that toughens France’s stance on migrants, with even some of his own party reluctant to back it. After France processed a record 100,000 asylum ap- erman Chancellor Angela plications last year, Macron vowed to grant asylum fast- Merkel yesterday put for- er but also to deport economic migrants more swiftly, Gward close ally Annegret while better integrating those who stay. Kramp-Karrenbauer to take over as The new law will be presented to his cabinet tomor- secretary general of her Christian row ahead of parliamentary debates that promise to be Democrats (CDU), heeding calls stormy, with migrant charities and left-wingers blast- from within the party to inject new ing the bill as repressive. blood and groom a successor. Staff at France’s asylum court and the Ofpra refugee The decision to entrust Kramp- protection offi ce are even set to strike tomorrow over Karrenbauer, also known by her a law that unions have blasted as “an unquestionable acronym AKK, with bolstering the break with France’s tradition of asylum”. CDU after it lost ground in an elec- Centrist upstart Macron came to power in May in an tion last year, is signifi cant as some election that saw his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen ride party members are starting to look concerns over immigration to a record 34 % of the vote. ahead to a post-Merkel era. While the infamous migrant “Jungle” camp in Cal- In another sign of the increased ais was demolished in 2016, young Africans and South pressure the established parties are Asians continue to head to the coast hoping to stow facing, the far-right Alternative away to Britain, while others are camped out on the for Germany (AfD) surpassed the streets of Paris. centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) Macron is under pressure to toughen his policy in a for the fi rst time in a national poll country where 63% told a BVA survey this month that to become the second-strongest there are too many immigrants, and has promised a pol- party, an Insa survey for the daily icy that that mixes “effi ciency” with “humanity”. Bild showed. But his proposals are under fi re from both sides, with Merkel’s conservative bloc gained the rightwing opposition Republicans party brand- 2.5 percentage points to reach 32% ing them “too timid” and NGOs saying they erode the and the AfD was up one percent- rights of the vulnerable. age point to 16% while the SPD fell “We’re asking for it to be withdrawn,” said the Ci- one percentage point to 15.5%, the made charity which works with migrants. “We’re not weekly poll showed yesterday. Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Peter Tauber, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Saarland State Prime Minister even in favour of fi ghting for changes to the bill, because Insa researcher Hermann Bink- Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer attend a CDU leadership meeting in Berlin yesterday. the philosophy behind it is just too repressive.” ert said Merkel’s Union of Chris- The ranks of Macron’s own broad centrist coalition, tian-conservative parties was bauer she achieves both, and moves the SPD that envisages a review of her region last year that buoyed the without a federal government as drawn from both the left and right, are also deeply split Germany’s last remaining “Volk- an ally into a key role. the next government’s progress af- CDU’s national standing ahead of the SPD consults its members be- on one of the most divisive issues of his presidency so spartei” or big popular party. “We have known each other a ter two years to assess whether any the September 24 federal vote. fore embarking on a re-run of their far. The government has already had to abandon a con- “The promise to renew the party long time and can rely on each oth- changes to its mission are needed. By taking on the secretary gen- ‘grand coalition’ with Merkel’s troversial proposal to deport people to a third country seems to work,” he added. er, even if we have our own views,” Kramp-Karrenbauer is expected eral role, she will build up her net- conservative bloc. deemed “safe”. And a separate law on taking in “Dublin” Merkel, who was CDU secretary Merkel, 63, told a news conference to be voted into her new role at a work in the CDU, something she The election saw the AfD win migrants — those whose asylum claims are registered in general before becoming chancel- with Kramp-Karrenbauer, 55. February 26 party congress. has had only limited ability to do as seats in parliament for the fi rst other EU countries — sparked a tense debate in parlia- lor, said Kramp-Karrenbauer, pre- Asked if she saw Kramp-Kar- Her promotion is a setback to premier of Saarland, a state of just time — a political earthquake that ment last week, with some among Macron’s own ranks mier of the western state of Saar- renbauer as a possible successor, Jens Spahn, a 37-year-old arch- 1mn people that borders France. followed Merkel’s 2015 decision to criticising it. land, would bring “a lot of weight” Merkel replied: “It is your privilege conservative long seen as a rising Merkel will remain CDU chair- leave open German borders to more “We are in danger of normalising locking people up,” to the role in what she called “dif- that you are always three laps ahead star in the CDU with an eye on the woman. She said she had decided than 1mn migrants. said Florence Granjus, a member of Macron’s Republic fi cult times, uncertain times”. of others...We have our hands full succession. Outgoing secretary to step down as Saarland premier Kramp-Karrenbauer commands On The Move (LREM) party. The chancellor has been under managing the business of the day.” general Peter Tauber is giving up and take up her new job in “one of respect in the party for her serious, The law aims to cut the waiting time on asylum ap- pressure from within the CDU to Though Merkel has said she is the role after a period of illness. the most diffi cult political phases factual approach to policymaking. plications from 11 months to six, while help will be given bring fresh faces into senior posi- available as chancellor for four Sometimes dubbed “mini Mer- in the history of the German federal She impressed Merkel last month to those wanting to go home. tions and to begin planning for her years, the succession debate has kel” by German media, Kramp- republic so far.” when, after a car crash, she contin- Migrants will in future be put in detention centres for own succession. been supercharged by the inclusion Karrenbauer is highly regarded in Nearly fi ve months after the na- ued work on coalition negotiations a maximum of 90 days — double the current limit — in a By promoting Kramp-Karren- of a clause in a coalition deal with her party for winning an election in tional election, Germany is still from her hospital bed. measure that has been particularly criticised by charities.

Flower power! France to grow wolf packs despite farmers’ anger

By Amelie Bottollier-Depois, AFP will enable livestock owners to apply Paris for state funds to shield their ani- mals, but it will make compensation contingent on them installing fencing he French government yes- and taking other protective measures. terday announced that it will From next year, 10% of the total Tallow the wolf population to population can be culled but the pro- grow 40% over the next fi ve years, portion could increase if the number resisting pressure from farmers con- of attacks is found to be higher than cerned about their fl ocks. expected. A new strategy unveiled by the Wolves eat between 2kg and 4kg of centrist government of President meat a day on average and the preda- Emmanuel Macron will enable the tors have been blamed for an explo- number of wolves to grow to 500 by sion in the number of livestock at- 2023 compared with an estimated tacks in mountainous areas. 360 now. A total of 10,000 sheep were killed Hunting wiped out the grey wolf in in the Alps region in 2016, according France during the 1930s and they only to offi cial fi gures from the regional Revellers row a boat decorated with flowers as they take part in the traditional ‘battle of flowers’ carnival in Beaulieu-sur-mer, southeastern France. returned in 1992 via Italy — currently government, but the wolf is also home to around 2,000 wolves — be- known to feast on deer, wild boar or fore spreading into Switzerland and even domestic animals. Germany. Damages paid out to farmers from The regeneration of the population the state for livestock killed by wolves in France has led to tensions between rose to 3.2mn euros ($4mn) in 2016, the government and farmers in the up 60% compared with 2013. EU hits out at Albanian PM’s Kosovo comments Alps and Pyrenees mountains who Jean-Marc Landry, a wolf special- complain that attacks on their fl ocks ist, said one of the problems for the cause major fi nancial losses. French government is that wolves are AFP be seen as meddling in other countries dent, as a symbol of national unity?” build constructive and cooperative re- Hundreds of sheep were let loose highly mobile and quick to move into Brussels were “not helpful”. European Commission spokeswoman lations and to focus and intensify the on the streets of the city of Lyon new areas beyond the Alps. Kosovo declared independence from Catherine Ray said the bloc supported work on their own respective reform in November last year in one of a He said they had already been Serbia 10 years ago but Belgrade does not “reconciliation and regional coopera- programs to move forward on the EU number of protests against the wolf, sighted in the Massif Central area he European Union yesterday recognise it and has repeatedly accused tion” in the Western Balkans, torn apart integration path.” which has protected status. in the middle of the country where warned Albania against “inter- Tirana of wanting to build a “Greater Al- by confl ict when Yugoslavia broke up in All but fi ve EU members — Spain, Under the new plan a total of 40 France’s biggest sheep breeders are Tference” in neighbouring coun- bania”, an aspiration it denies. the 1990s and where six states are now Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus — wolves can be hunted in 2018 be- based. tries, after Prime Minister Edi Rama In a comment likely to anger Bel- working towards EU membership. have recognised Kosovo, which this week- tween September and December to “The question is not whether we said his country and Kosovo could one grade, Rama noted during a speech to “Statements which might be in- end marked the 10th anniversary of its keep numbers under control, while want the wolf or not — it’s here,” he day have a single president as a “sym- the Kosovo parliament on Sunday that terpreted as political interference in declaration of independence from Serbia. farmers will be authorised to shoot at told AFP. bol of national unity”. the two neighbours, both predomi- neighbouring countries are not help- Earlier this month the EU unveiled a new any time if their fl ocks are under at- “We need to think about a third A spokeswoman told Tirana to focus nantly ethnic Albanian, already share ful in building good neighbourly rela- plan to give membership to some Balkan tack. way, to fi nd ways of co-existing to- on its own reforms as it seeks to join diplomatic missions around the world tions,” Ray told reporters in Brussels. countries by 2025 but warned border dis- The 100-page strategy document gether.” the EU, saying comments that could and added: “Why not a single presi- “The EU expects in all the regions to putes must be settled before they could join. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 INDIA

TRAGEDY OFFBEAT ELECTIONS POLLUTION MEDICAL FACILITIES Five students killed Octogenarian weds Hardik says he may Clean air campaign ‘Samsung Healthcare’ in road accident woman 50 years younger campaign for MP polls working: ministry centres launched in TN

At least five college students were crushed A fervent desire for a son to look after his Gujarat’s Patidar leader Hardik Patel yesterday The joint clean air campaign of the Environment To provide aff ordable yet quality healthcare to to death and another 26 injured when a ancestral property has led to an 83-year-old hinted that he may campaign for the Madhya Ministry and the Delhi government has seen 4,347 patients from the lower strata of society, Samsung truck they were travelling in overturned man in Rajasthan’s Karauli to enter into a Pradesh assembly elections to be held later violations, and 1,892 instances of slapping of India and the Tamil Nadu government yesterday early yesterday, police said. The students second marriage with a woman who is just 30 this year. The Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti penalties, leading to collection of Rs540mn over launched 15 “Samsung Smart Healthcare” centres were among a group of 40 people who were years old. Off icials said they were not aware leader made the remarks during a one-day visit the past week, off icials said yesterday. The ‘Clean in the state. Chief Minister K Palaniswami formally travelling from Panhala Fort on the outskirts of of the incident, which is technically a crime to Bhopal. Asked about his campaign plans, Air for Delhi’ campaign was launched jointly by launched the centres by inaugurating one such Kolhapur to Sangli when the accident occurred as the man is already married. The marriage Patel said: “There is no problem in doing good Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan and Delhi centre at the government hospital at Edappadi near Nagaon village on the Pune-Bengaluru took place in Samrada village and according work and will continue doing so.” He said he Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on February 10 in Salem district. “Our government is working Highway. The students from Walchand College to witnesses, residents of 12 adjoining villages didn’t want a certificate on patriotism from to find a permanent solution to pollution in the towards creating better medical facilities for the in Sangli were on their way to mark the 388th were invited to attend the ceremony where all those indulging in divisive politics. “All types of National Capital Region, including Delhi, through public and this collaboration with Samsung for the birthday anniversary of the legendary Maratha rituals were followed. According to information, things have been said about my visit – that it experiments and an awareness drive over a Smart Healthcare programme will go a long way in warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bairava lost his only son 20 years ago to a will promote casteism. If talking of the interests fortnight. The ministry has claimed improvement fulfilling that vision,” Palaniswami said in a statement. Around 4.30am, as the speeding truck was critical disease, and since he owns considerable of farmers, youths and jobs is casteism, then I in Delhi’s air quality during the course of the Samsung will provide advanced and innovative crossing a bridge, a motorcyclist reportedly property, wanted a son to take care of it. His will do it. But those who want to do politics of campaign. As many as 70 teams with off icials from healthcare equipment such as digital ultrasound came suddenly from the opposite direction. To wife Batto agreed to him marrying again in the Hindus and Muslims do not call it casteism, but the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution and digital X-ray machines manufactured by the avert hitting him, the truck driver swerved and hope he could get a son. The couple also have patriotism. I don’t want a certificate from such Control Committee, civic bodies, Delhi police and company along with LED TVs, air conditioners and braked sharply causing the vehicle to overturn. two daughters who are both married. people,” Patel said. NGOs have been formed for the campaign. refrigerators to selected government hospitals.

Karnataka MLA’s son surrenders in Real killers assault case

IANS Bengaluru are still out,

arnataka Congress legis- lator N A Haris’ son and Kexpelled state Youth Con- gress leader Mohamed Nalapad surrendered yesterday after he says father of was booked a day earlier in an assault case, police said. “Nalapad surrendered to us at the Cubbon Park police station where a case was booked against him for allegedly assaulting and severely injuring a youth in a cab Kerala victim on Saturday night,” police sub- inspector K Suresh said. By Ashraf Padanna and the criminals properly pros- ened criminals involved in many Nalapad, whose whereabouts Thiruvananthapuram ecuted.” cases,” he told reporters in Kan- were unknown for the last 36 Police say a gang of fi ve men nur. hours, came to the police sta- killed Shuhaib. “I am governed by the Indian tion in the city centre along with erala police chief Loknath However the two arrested penal code. Why should I plant a lawyer to record his statement Behera yesterday set up a men, who the local people say an accused? What’s our interest and seek bail when produced in a Knew team to investigate are CPM’s cyber warriors M V in planting an accused and get- court later in the day. last week’s murder of a young Akash, 24, and Rejinlal, 26, did ting into trouble? We are only “We have recorded his state- opposition Congress leader. not know the victim personally, answerable to the rule of law and ment and took his biometrics Behera appointed Inspec- sources said. the court.” for producing him in a court and tor General Mahipal Yadav as The local CPM leaders con- The two men admitted that seek his custody to investigate the head of the team after Kan- spired to maim him and sought they attacked the Congress lead- the case, as an attempt to murder nur district police chief G Siva the help of the party’s killer er as they had grudge against him charge has been added to the FIR Vikram went on leave in protest. squad that had been involved in for supporting his party’s stu- (fi rst information report) in view Vikram had alleged that junior many such targeted attacks, the dents’ wing in clashes at a local of the severe injuries and loss of offi cers were sabotaging the in- sources added. school. blood the victim suff ered,” said vestigation by leaking informa- The two men came to the po- The media widely published Suresh. tion on their moves and helping lice station to surrender along images of the two taking selfi es The ruling Congress on Sun- the suspects to escape. with the local leaders, while CPM with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vi- day expelled Nalapad, 24, from Police have not captured any- secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan jayan and Kannur strongman P the party’s primary membership one since the brutal murder of maintained they had no role in Jayarajan, who himself is out on for six years. He was also sacked Youth Congress leader T H Shu- the crime and they were forced to bail after being linked to similar as the state Youth Congress gen- haib on the night of February 12. surrender because of police har- killings. eral secretary after the assault Shuhaib was waiting at an assment. The Congress Party mean- complaint was fi led. eatery near Mattanoor around However, Director General of while stepped up the pressure by Nalapad and his friends alleg- 10.45pm on Monday last week Police (North) Rajesh Diwan said launching a sit-in protest in the edly attacked Vidvat, 24, at Fergy when four men riding a car the men in custody were the real state capital and in the northern Cafe in the upscale UB City Mall hurled bombs to create panic and culprits, and he arrested them district of Kannur where the kill- following an argument. then fatally slashed him with a after being convinced of their ing happened. “Vidvat was having dinner sword. crime. Congress leader Ramesh with his friend Praveen, when Two ruling Communist Party Diwan said he decided to speak Chennithala said those in custo- Nalapad objected to him plac- of India (Marxist) workers sur- to the press to clarify some false dy were “dummies” and the real ing his fractured leg on a chair. rendered to the police on Sunday, news. killers were under the protection When Vidvat told Nalapad to but Shuhaib’s father Mohamed “...for some reason, politics of the ruling party. mind his business, the latter, said he believed the real killers is getting mixed with this case. He said his party would partic- who was at the adjacent table, were still out. When we began the case, the only ipate in an all-party peace meet- got angry and beat him up with “I have full confi dence in the thing we knew was that a white ing in Kannur tomorrow. his friends,” Circe Inspector Vi- IG, and he’ll take strong action. car had been used. Today, we “The hands of the police are jaya Hadagalli said. It’s highly unprofessional (to have two people in custody and tied, and the chief minister con- Police Commissioner T Suneel sabotage the investigation from they are CPM workers and they demned the killing only after six Kumar suspended Hadagalli for within),” Behera told reporters are the real culprits. The probe days,” the former home minister not registering the case against here. is going forward and I personally said. “Nobody knows where the Nalapad earlier and failing to ar- “If the allegations are true, assure that we will not fail in our investigation is heading.” rest him. we’ll take strong action against duties,” said Diwan. In Kannur, Congress leader K Haris represents the Shanti- them. Absolutely, there’s no “This was an actual arrest. Sudhakaran began a 48-hour fast nagar assembly segment in city Police escort Karnataka Congress legislator N A Haris’ son and expelled state Youth Congress leader doubt that a murder case should They were found running, and demanding the arrest of the real central. Mohamed Nalapad as he is produced before a court in Bengaluru yesterday. be investigated professionally we arrested them. They are hard- killers.

Kerala court cancels V-C’s appointment

BJP wins Gujarat municipal The Kerala High Court yesterday cancelled the appointment Dr Babu Sebastian as Mahatma polls, but share comes down Gandhi University’s vice chancellor the on grounds of inadequate qualifications. IANS through with margins of less than hometown of Prime Minister The court order came on a plea of T R Ahmedabad 500 votes. Narendra Modi, with the Con- Premkumar, who pointed to violation Among the other local bodies, gress being able to win only one of norms and rules in the appointment there was a tie between the Con- seat. of Sebastian as head of the Kottayam- ujarat’s ruling Bharatiya gress and the BJP in three of the Interestingly, the BJP had lost based university. Janata Party yesterday re- municipalities, while six urban the assembly elections of 2017 Premkumar said two other candidates Gtained power in most of bodies went in favour of Inde- from Vadnagar in the wake of the had all prescribed University Grants the 75 municipalities in 22 dis- pendents and others. Patel quota protests. Commission (UGC) qualifications tricts where polling was held last The voting for the semi-urban Similarly, the Congress has while Sebastian did not. But he was week. municipalities took place on Sat- lost all the three municipalities in still was selected to the top post. However, in line with the De- urday. Elections were also held Mehsana district this time, also The petitioner also said that a search cember 2017 assembly elec- for two district panchayats, 17 losing Kheralu and Vijapur to BJP, committee constituted to select the tion trend, the party’s overall taluka (tehsil) panchayats and in the Patidar hub of north Gu- vice chancellor in 2014 was in violation strength declined and the oppo- 1,423 gram panchayats, simul- jarat. of the UGC norms. sition Congress chalked up sev- taneously. Villagers in 295 gram In the auto hub Sanand, the BJP “The UGC guidelines are very clear eral gains. panchayats chose their ‘sarpanch’ bagged 20 of 24 seats, while the that no one from either the University From 59 municipalities it con- unanimously. Congress saw its seats reduced Senate or Syndicate should be trolled in 2013, the BJP won only This was the fi rst time in a dec- from eight to four. included in the search committee. But 44 civic bodies while the Con- ade that parties contested the lo- The Congress was in for a jolt the then Congress legislator, who was gress’ performance shot up dra- cal body polls on their own sym- in the Amreli district, the strong- a member of these bodies, was made matically capturing 22 from six bols. Though it lost several urban hold of Leader of Opposition in a member of the search committee. I earlier. bodies, the consolation for the the assembly Paresh Dhanani, am very happy that what I pointed out This was largely in keeping with BJP is that it has retained a ma- where the BJP snatched three of has been vindicated,” Premkumar said the electoral mood in BJP’s bas- jority hold on the municipalities the four municipalities from the after the verdict. tion of Gujarat ever since the as- since the early 1990s. Congress which had made a clean Sebastian’s links with a top politician sembly elections. The share of the The takeaway for the Congress sweep in 2017 assembly elections. in the then Congress-led United ruling party, which had bagged 117 is that it has got double fi gures in The woes of another senior Democratic Front government was seats in the 182-member assem- the municipalities after a much Congress leader Arjun Modhva- known to all and his selection was bly in 2012, dipped to 99. improved performance in the re- dia, who lost from Porbandar as- looked upon as a foregone conclusion. This was only seven more than cent assembly elections. sembly constituency, increased Sebastian told reporters after the high a simple majority of 92, while at The BJP won 27 of the 28 seats as the party lost all the three mu- court verdict that he had not seen a least 15 of its legislators scraped in Vadnagar municipality, the nicipality polls in the area. BJP workers celebrate the party’s performance in the Gujarat civic elections in Ahmedabad yesterday. copy of the judgment. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 17 INDIA Trump junior to dine with luxury fl at buyers in Delhi

AFP buys into the development of the luxury residential market coming project,” said the Tribeca “Trump is here. Are you in- in four major cities – Mumbai, their father stood down when he New Delhi high-rise apartments boasting in Delhi NCR (National Capital employee. vited? read the full-page advert Pune, Gurgaon and Kolkata. became president amid concerns fl oor-to-ceiling windows, state Region) and in India, the project The 47-storey towers will in yesterday’s Times of India. All are being built with local over a confl ict of interest. of the art amenities and a “life- has smashed all sales records,” comprise 250 homes and are ex- The development is in the partners, with the Trump Or- Although the US embassy ozens of property in- style concierge”. said the statement. pected to be completed by 2023, modern satellite city of Gur- ganisation giving permission to says he is in Delhi on an unof- vestors and their fami- At Rs2.5mn (around $39,000) Around 75 people have al- with price ranging from Rs55- gaon, where many major com- use its brand and taking a share fi cial visit, Trump junior is due D lies will be treated to just for the downpayment on ready stumped up and Indian 110mn ($850,000-$1.7mn). panies now have their head- of the profi ts. to speak on Indo-Pacifi c rela- dinner with Donald Trump the smallest and cheapest flat, developer Tribeca expects that Adverts in newspapers yester- quarters. According to media reports, tions at a business conference on junior in Delhi this week after that is well beyond most Indi- number to increase to 100 be- day promised prospective buyers Prospective buyers are prom- the estimated cost of developing Friday at which Prime Minister snapping up flats in a Trump ans. fore the promotion deadline their neighbours would include ised an adjoining nine-hole golf these projects is $1.5bn. Narendra Modi will be the key- Towers luxury development Nonetheless, the develop- expires on Thursday, a staff a “renowned industrialist”, “art course and access to a club that The Trump family earned note speaker. on the outskirts of the Indian ment has already clocked up member told AFP on condition maestro” and “famous Indian will include an indoor pool, spa $3mn in royalties in 2016 from The luxury property in Gur- capital. sales worth nearly $80mn, ac- of anonymity. cricketer” – although it was not and fi tness centre. ventures in India, according to a gaon is being developed by Indi- Trump’s local partners have cording to a statement released “The meeting is a token of clear whether this was based on India is already the Trump Or- New York Times report. an fi rms Tribeca and M3M, with promised dinner with the US yesterday. gratitude to the clients for show- the identity of the existing buy- ganisation’s biggest internation- Trump junior and his brother construction expected to start president’s son to anyone who “Despite the sluggishness of ing tremendous faith in the up- ers. al market, with developments now head the company after towards the end of the year. Karnataka can’t Trudeau visits Sabarmati Ashram progress under a Congress govt, says PM

IANS Earlier, Modi said with one Mysuru of the most tech-friendly populations, India was best placed to leverage the power of rime Minister Narendra technology and leapfrog into Modi yesterday dubbed the future. Pthe Congress govern- He said the country was the ment in Karnataka as a “com- hotspot of digital innovation mission” government, and across all sectors. It not only said the state needs a “mis- has a growing number of in- sion” government under the novative entrepreneurs but Bharatiya Janata Party to en- also a growing market for tech sure all-round development. innovations. “As long as there is a Con- Modi was inaugurating the gress government in Karnata- World Congress on Informa- ka, the state cannot progress. tion Technology (WCIT) 2018 Karnataka does not require in Hyderabad by addressing a ‘commission’ government the delegates through video Kartikeya Sarabhai (second right), trustee of the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust, presents Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a memento as but a ‘mission’ government conference from New Delhi. his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and their children Hadrien, Xavier and Ella-Grace look on during their visit to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad yesterday. Also seen are led by the BJP which will en- “With over one lakh villages Elabehn Bhatt, chairperson of Trust (third left) and Jayeshbhai Patel (fourth left), one of the co-founders of the NGO Manav Sadhna. It was from this Ashram that Mahatma sure all-round progress of the linked with optical fi bre, 121 Gandhi led the Dandi march in 1930 to protest against the British Salt Law. Trudeau and his family are visiting India on a week-long off icial trip. state. The Congress has ruined crore mobile phones, 120 crore the state and the people will Aadhaar and 50 crore Internet teach them a lesson in these users, India is best placed to elections,” he said address- leverage the power of technol- ing a public meeting here af- ogy and leapfrog into the fu- ter dedicating various railway ture while ensuring empower- projects. ment of every citizen. Assembly elections are due “Leveraging technology in in Karnataka in a few months. such a holistic manner was The prime minister unthinkable some years ago. PNB fraud a supervisory claimed that despite the We have successfully com- Congress ruling the country pleted this lifecycle in the last for over 50 years 40mn fami- three-and-a-half years. This lies in the country are with- has been possible through a out power. change in public behaviour “For over 50 years, it was and processes,” the prime only one party that ruled the minister said. failure at RBI, says govt country. What is the reason Modi claimed that Dig- that about 4 crore families still ital India has not remained Reuters quoted the letter as saying. A source at the Central Bureau Gems Ltd and other companies. jali Gems fell 9.9% after its chief lack power supply? Why have merely a government initia- Mumbai/ New Delhi The RBI did not immediately of Investigation (CBI) said the Jeweller Modi, whose clients fi nancial offi cer and company they not ensured their well- tive but has become a way of respond to a request for com- branch was likely to resume op- include Hollywood stars such as secretary resigned yesterday. being for all these years,” he life. ment yesterday, which was a erations today. Kate Winslet and Dakota John- In a letter shared with stock asked, adding that the country He also claimed that the ndia’s government has said holiday in Mumbai. Besides searching the premis- son, has not commented on the exchanges, Company Secretary can never repose faith in the JAM trinity of combining the $1.8bn fraud at state-run A fi nance ministry spokesman es, the police also questioned allegations. Pankhuri Warange said she was Congress. 320mn Jan Dhan bank ac- IPunjab National Bank was a declined comment. more PNB offi cials yesterday, the Police have said Modi and his resigning because of the com- He said wherever the Con- counts of the poor with Aad- “manifestation of supervisory Rajeev Kumar, the top gov- CBI source said, taking the to- family left India before PNB fi led pany’s lack of disclosure despite gress rule, it tried to hamper haar and Mobile, with direct failure” at the country’s central ernment bureaucrat overseeing tal number bank staff who have a complaint on the alleged fraud. her advice to be forthcoming. the development of that state. benefi ts of welfare measures, bank, local media reported yes- banks, told Reuters in New Delhi been questioned so far to 13. Choksi has also not comment- “I have advised the manage- “Over the years, several has saved Rs570bn. terday. the fi nance ministry had written Three people, including two ed, and police have said he also ment on the required disclosures schemes were discussed and Modi noted the unique In a letter to the Reserve Bank to the country’s banks to take ef- employees of PNB, India’s sec- left India last month. to be made. There is however no debated in parliament but Umang app launched only of India (RBI), the government fective steps to avoid a repeat of a ond largest state-run lender, were PNB has said the two bank of- consensus in my opinion on the never implemented on the three months back is already said the failure to detect the PNB-like fraud. arrested and presented before a fi cials issued fraudulent letters of disclosures to be made and that ground. When we came to off ering 185 government serv- fraud, the biggest-ever in India’s Kumar declined to comment Mumbai court over the weekend undertaking to overseas branches of the management, and in these power, we identifi ed them ices. banking sector, raised ques- if the government had written to in the case that involves billionaire of other Indian banks which lent circumstances, my conscience and initiated work on such He said the nation has come tions about the central bank’s the RBI. jeweller Nirav Modi. money to the jewellers based on doesn’t permit me to continue projects,” he said. a long way with the conver- “effi cacy of supervision to de- The government action comes Police also questioned some the guarantee from PNB. with my position,” she wrote. Modi said that creat- gence of Make In India and tect and check systemic failure”, as federal police briefl y locked executives from Nirav Modi’s All the letters of undertak- Warange did not disclose ad- ing a railway system which Digital India. NewsRise and other local media down the PNB branch in south group, the source said. ing were issued by the two em- ditional details. is modern and technologi- “From only two mobile fac- reported. Mumbai that was at the heart of The bank has said that the ployees who were working at The other executive, Chief cally advanced is vital. “We tories in India in 2014, today “Either the framework de- the scam and continued searches two employees arrested by po- the Brady Road branch in south Financial Offi cer Chandrakant are strengthening the railway there are 118 mobile manufac- signed by RBI to prevent and yesterday to gather evidence. lice colluded with companies Mumbai. Karkare, cited his wife’s health networks across the country. turing factories operational in detect such frauds is inadequate The bank would have been belonging to Modi and another Meanwhile in a sign of the as the reason for his resignation, Karnataka too is benefi ting India, including some of the or RBI is unable to ensure its ef- closed yesterday anyway be- jeweller Mehul Choksi, who widening fallout from the PNB according to a Gitanjali fi ling to from it.” best global brands.” fective implementation,” they cause of the holiday. heads jewellery retailer Gitanjali case, shares of Choksi’s Gitan- stock exchanges. Rotomac siphoned off Opium crops destroyed Branson unveils plans Rs37bn bank loans: CBI for India hyperloop AFP “I believe Virgin Hyperloop Mumbai One could have the same impact IANS complaint said the consortium Interestingly, Dayal said upon India in the 21st century as New Delhi of seven banks had extended Rotomac was working for inter- trains did in the 20th century,” credits to the Kanpur-based est rate diff erential in local and irgin Hyperloop One, Branson said in a statement. fi rm and its related companies foreign currency. “A number of the futuristic transport “Virgin Hyperloop One can otomac Global Private from 2008 onwards. front and fi ctitious companies Vstartup backed by Brit- help India become a global trans- Limited cheated a con- Kothari is the chairman and were formed to carry out illegal ish tycoon Richard Branson, has portation pioneer and forge a new Rsortium of banks of managing director of Rotomac activities by Rotomac which announced plans for a superfast world-changing industry. The Rs36.95bn by siphoning off while his wife and son are di- submitted forged documents rail network linking India’s fi - Pune-Mumbai route is an ideal loans sanctioned to the com- rectors of the company. to obtain the money from the nancial capital Mumbai to the fi rst corridor as part of a national pany for procurement of wheat Kothari had obtained banks,” he said. city of Pune. hyperloop network that will dra- and other goods for export. Rs29.19bn from the consor- He said the credit disbursed The proposed hyperloop – matically reduce travel times be- No export was undertaken, tium of seven banks – Bank of and sanctioned to the compa- which aims to deliver transport tween most of India’s major cities though, according to offi cials India, Bank of Baroda, Indian ny was utilised for purposes at near-supersonic speeds in to under two hours. ” of the Central Bureau of In- Overseas Bank, Union Bank of other than executing export sealed tubes – would reduce The proposed route would vestigation (CBI) who referred India, Allahabad Bank, Bank orders. travel time between the Indian connect Mumbai’s secondary to details given in the Bank of of Maharashtra and Oriental “For example, credit sanc- cities from 3 hours to around 25 airport in Navi Mumbai with Baroda complaint. Bank of Commerce, the FIR tioned for export order re- minutes, the company said. Pune city, located 150km away. The central agency fi led an said. ceived from Singapore for Branson said on Sunday the Branson, whose Virgin Group FIR (fi rst information report) CBI spokesman Abhishek supply of wheat was diverted company had signed a prelimi- entered a partnership with Cali- on Sunday night in the case af- Dayal, quoting Bank of Baro- to a Singapore-based firm nary agreement with the Ma- fornia startup Hyperloop One in ter getting a complaint against da complaint said: “Rotomac Bargadia Brothers Pvt Ltd harashtra government to build October, said a demonstration the Rotomac Pen company’s cheated the consortium of but the money was later re- Police destroy an illegal opium cultivation at Khunti district in the fi rst phase of a hyperloop track would be built within two chief Vikram Kothari, his wife banks by siphoning off bank mitted back to Rotomac,” he Jharkhand yesterday. network that could eventually to three years of the fi nal agree- Sadhana and son Rahul. The loans.” said. criss-cross India. ment. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 LATIN AMERICA

DISASTER APPEAL CRIME INDUSTRIAL ACTION PEOPLE New earthquake shakes Bogota seeks help to Violence in Colombia ‘has Strike paralyses banking Powerful Brazil gang Mexicans out of bed deal with Venezuelans displaced more than 800’ sector in Argentina leader killed: media

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Violence by criminal gangs battling over drug A strike by bank employees demanding pay A leader in one of Brazil’s most powerful criminal Mexico early yesterday sending frightened yesterday said his government would welcome traff icking areas has displaced more than 800 hikes yesterday paralysed the banking sector gangs implicated in cocaine traff icking has been residents into the streets as seismic alarms international help in dealing with a massive people in northwestern Colombia, the United in Argentina. “Unfortunately ... there was murdered along with another gang member, local echoed across the capital, although there were influx of Venezuelans fleeing the economic crisis Nations said. Areas previously controlled by the no other way,” Sergio Palazzo, leader of the media reported. Rogerio Jeremias de Simone, a no immediate reports of damage. The quake hit in their country. “The migrants who are coming Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) trade union La Bancaria, told the radio station chief in the First Capital Command crime group, 32km east of Santa Catarina Mechoacan in the to our country are maybe the most serious guerrillas, who demobilised last year following a Mitre. The striking employees are demanding was found dead in the state of Ceara, the reports state of Oaxaca at a depth of 40km at 12.57am problem that we have right now,” Santos told Blu peace deal, have become flashpoints for fighting a salary hike of 19%, but the banks are only said. State authorities confirmed the discovery on (0657 GMT), the US Geological Survey said, Radio. He said Colombia was discussing with the among crime gangs. “We express our worry offering them 9%, which would be completed Friday of two unidentified corpses at an indigenous revising its strength down slightly from an initial United Nations how it could receive international about the persistence of forced displacement by another increase linked to inflation. The reserve. Citing a Sao Paulo prosecutor, news 6.1 magnitude. The tremor was strong enough support because “the number of people who of indigenous people and farming communities government expects inflation to drop to 15% website UOL said they are the bodies of de Simone, to trigger earthquake alarms in Mexico City, need to be attended is growing exponentially in the rural areas of Caceres, which between this year from nearly 25% in 2017. The strike, and one of his henchmen, Fabiano Alves de Souza. more than 320km away, but was shorter and less and no state has the capacity to absorb them.” January 19 and today has aff ected at least 822 which was called for 48 hours, was due to The G1 news site said they were shot in the head intense than one of Friday in the same area that About 550,000 Venezuelans are estimated to be people,” the UN Commission on Human Rights continue today unless an agreement was and stabbed in the eye during what police think damaged about 1,000 houses. living in Colombia. and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said. reached by then. could have been an ambush by a rival faction. Relief turns Protest at Temer reforms to horror in Mexico copter crash

AFP Clothing, chairs and toys still Santiago Jamiltepec, Mexico lie in the dirt around the wreck- age. “Every time I go home I have to walk by here and see this,” said hey thought the worst was a shaken Concepcion Ramirez, over. The 7.2-magnitude 54. “It was horrifi c. We’ll never Tearthquake that shook be able to forget it.” Leopoldo Mexico on Friday evening hit Garcia, who lives nearby, said right near their hometown, the the helicopter circled overhead southern city of Santiago Jam- several times. “It was fl ying very iltepec, but the damage was mi- low. Suddenly it started sway- nor. No one died. ing violently and fell like a rock, People’s houses were still with the blades right over those standing. In fact, the entire coun- poor people. And that’s when try was breathing a sigh of relief. the screaming started,” he said. A man cleans a client’s shoe next to a banner and stickers that read, “We Are on Strike”, at Itau Unibanco bank in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. Brazil President Michel Unlike previous earthquakes “That’s when people saw it: Temer’s proposal to reform the social security system has led to protests. that killed hundreds or thou- one person cut in two, another sands of people in Mexico, this with his insides hanging out, one claimed no lives and left others beheaded by the blades,” minimal destruction. said another resident, who asked Still, there is always the fear of that his name not be used for fear aftershocks. of reprisals from the military. So a group of residents of “People were hacked to piec- Santiago Jamiltepec, a town of es,” their horrifi ed relatives left 20,000 people in the mountains to try and pick up the severed of Oaxaca state, set up camp in body parts, he said in a trembling an open fi eld for the night, fear- voice. ing another quake could bring The accident has been gut- Hostages freed as down their houses. wrenching for the military, too. That is where they were when “We came here to help people. the Mexican Interior Minister That’s our job. But instead it just and Oaxaca governor arrived in a made things worse,” said an of- military helicopter to survey the fi cer deployed to the zone. disaster zone. Defence Minister Salvador The authorities are still inves- Cienfuegos fl ew in to meet with tigating exactly what went wrong. families of the victims. “I want prison riot ends But somehow, the pilot lost to convey our condolences, on control of the UH-60 Black behalf of all Mexican soldiers,” Agencies not thought to have life-threat- security, although details were President Michel Temer has recession and a slump in oil Hawk, keeled over and crashed he said. Rio de Janeiro ening injuries. Police seized not disclosed. The changes are compared gang-related vio- prices, as well as high levels of about 130 feet to the ground. “The defence ministry com- three guns and a grenade. part of the federal government’s lence to “a cancer” and said last corruption. Interior Minister Alfonso Na- pletely assumes its responsibil- The rebels gave themselves intervention in Rio state’s secu- week that organised criminals The fi nancial problems have varrete and Governor Alejandro ity for what happened.” But rela- risoners who rioted in an up after several hours of nego- rity system. had all but seized control of the only emboldened criminal Murat were unharmed. But the tives were livid as they buried overcrowded Rio de Ja- tiations. Offi cials at the Milton Dias state. gangs. helicopter plunged straight into their dead this weekend. Pneiro prison and took 18 The incident was the latest in Moreira prison said the riot He appointed an army general Figures from the Rio state the crowd on the ground, its ro- “No apology can fi x this,” said hostages have released all the a string of deadly uprisings in could have been in response to oversee security in the state government show an 8% in- tor blades hacking people to bits. Eduardo Morales after burying captives and the facility is under Brazil’s prisons, which experi- to the new security measures, after the governor made a plea crease in killings last year over Fourteen people were killed, his cousin, 28-year-old Lauro the control of guards, authori- ence endemic violence and are which are aimed at tackling for help after the annual carni- 2016 and a 26% jump since including a six-month-old baby Sanchez. “This accident left or- ties said yesterday. under the de facto control of worsening gang violence. val celebrations were marred by 2015. and a 10-year-old girl. Another phans and widows. Who’s going Eight guards and 10 inmates powerful drug gangs. On Friday, President Michel violence. There were chaotic scenes 15 were injured, some losing to take care of those kids whose had been taken hostage dur- Rights groups call prison Temer ordered the military to Rio’s police budget has been during the famous Rio carnival limbs. feet were totally mangled?” he ing the riot that began Sunday conditions medieval, with food take control of Rio state’s police slashed in recent years because this month, with gun fi ghts and Two days later, the town is asked in outrage. afternoon, the Rio state peni- scarce and cells often so packed force and its prisons, a decree that of a fi nancial crisis. There have looting. Three police offi cers still in shock at the tragedy. Hundreds of residents took tentiary administration said in that inmates have no space to lie Congress must approve, which it been criticisms that police do died in violent clashes. Blood stains are still visible on part in a large funeral procession a statement. They were freed down. is expected to do this week. not even have the money to pay National TV news bulletins the ground where the mangled on Saturday, carrying the col- early yesterday. Earlier yesterday, Rio state Rio residents have expressed for the petrol in their patrol cars. also broadcast footage of gangs wreckage lies, cordoned off by ourful coffi ns to the local church Three inmates who took part authorities said they would fears of a surge in violence in the Finances in Rio state have surrounding and robbing tour- the military. amid sobs and screams. in the mutiny were shot, but are make changes to increase prison next few months. been badly hit by a national ists. US diplomats’ Cuba health Charity run Lonesome frog ‘may problems baffl e experts soon fi nd his Juliet’ AFP this week,” said Arturo Munoz, La Paz founder of the Amphibian Ini- Tribune News Service 80 diplomats and family mem- Dr Douglas H Smith and Dr Randy tiative, a project of Cochabam- Washington bers at the University of Miami Swanson, said that “it is currently ba Natural History Museum, showed that some of the diplo- unclear if or how the noise is re- n the end, Romeo the lone- where Romeo resides. mats had symptoms resembling lated to the reported symptoms.” some Bolivian frog found “Thanks to the help of every- wo University of Penn- concussions, but none of them “Aff ected individuals described Imore love than he could one that donated, we hope that sylvania researchers who reported having suff ered head the sounds as directional, intense- have imagined. our next big announcement will Texamined diplomatic per- trauma. Because of this, 21 of 24 ly loud, and of pure and sustained A campaign to raise $15,000 be that we found Romeo his Ju- sonnel from the US embassy in confi rmed cases were referred to tonality. Sixteen of the patients by Valentine’s Day to fund a liet and established a conserva- Havana confi rm they suff ered the University of Pennsylvania said they heard a high-pitched search for Romeo’s Juliet before tion breeding programme to save brain injuries, but said the cases department of neurosurgery and sound, while two indicated they he croaks generated $25,000, an his species from extinction,” weren’t accompanied by head centre for brain injury and repair. heard a low-pitched sound. Some environmental group said. Munoz said in the statement. trauma as would have been ex- In contrast to classic con- didn’t hear any sounds and a pres- Romeo is the last known frog The #Match4Romeo cam- pected. cussions, most of the Havana sure-like sensation was reported of his kind. Given the normal paign, in which the frog got his There are still no indications of patients “exhibited signifi cant by two of the three patients who life span of Sehuencas water own Match profi le, generated what may have caused the diplo- impairment that persisted for didn’t hear a sound.” frogs, he has only about fi ve donations from 32 countries. mats’ mysterious symptoms. The months with no signifi cant im- The sounds appeared to be di- years left to live, giving urgen- The profi le included a video report, published in The Journal provement in multiple cases un- rectional, the JAMA paper said. cy to his love quest. of the beady-eyed bachelor of American Medical Association, til rehabilitation was initiated,” Fifty-seven percent of the pa- Texas-based Global Wild- scampering around in his tank, said the unique circumstances of according to the JAMA paper. tients reported that after they life Conservation teamed with and lunging at a worm. the patients “raise concern about In late 2016, diplomats at the changed locations, the strange dating website Match and the Munoz said earlier that when a new mechanism for possible ac- US embassy fi rst began noticing sensations disappeared. Bolivian Amphibian Initiative researchers collected Romeo a quired brain injury from an expo- health symptoms that they as- While the US government has to raise money for Romeo’s last decade ago they knew that Se- sure of unknown origin.” sociated with mysterious sounds never blamed Cuba for being shot at romance. “People from huencas water frogs were “in In an editorial, JAMA said an heard in their homes. Later, dip- behind what it calls “attacks,” it around the globe showed their trouble” but they had no idea explanation “remains elusive” lomats reported similar inci- has held the Cuban government love this Valentine’s Day for that they would not be able to and “many potential causes for dents at two Cuban hotels. Some responsible for not protecting the world’s loneliest amphib- fi nd another one, let alone a the symptoms ... remain possibili- diplomats described a direction- American diplomats while they ian,” the environmental group partner with which he could ties. Before reaching any defi nitive al beam of sound. Among the were on Cuban soil. In Septem- said in a statement. mate and preserve the species. conclusions, additional evidence words used to describe it were ber, it withdrew about two-thirds A man dressed as Captain America takes part in the “Heroes “We are overwhelmed by Climate change, habitat loss must be obtained and rigorously “buzzing, grinding metal, pierc- of the embassy staff and it has ex- 5K Run/Walk” to raise funds for the treatment of children the support from Match and and other threats have taken and objectively evaluated.” ing squeals and humming.” pelled 17 diplomats from the Cu- with cancer in Managua, Nicaragua. all of the donors who gener- their toll on the frogs, like Initial clinical evaluations of The main authors of the paper, ban Embassy in Washington. ously let Romeo into their heart many other creatures. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 19 PAKISTAN

Around 800,000 Punjab cabinet okays Afghan refugees witness protection bill registered Internews bill which was likely to be tabled department, the public pros- evidence, is disabled, under 16 The draft law allows a court concerned will be diminished Internews Lahore in the current session of the ecutor or the court trying an of- years of age, and the victim of a to conduct in-camera proceed- with the reporting. Islamabad Punjab Assembly for approval. fence of terrorism or of a serious sexual off ence. ings of specifi c cases to ensure The court, by its own or According to a copy of the fi nal- nature may direct the unit con- The court, while ordering protection of witnesses. But through an application, will or- he Punjab cabinet has ised draft of the Punjab Witness cerned to assess the risk of any protection, will also consider this will not be done if the court der the preservation of the ano- round 800,000 unreg- fi nally approved the wit- Protection Act, 2018, there will be such person concerned with the personal circumstances of the decides that the cross-exami- nymity of the witness or of any istered Afghan refugees Tness protection bill, pro- two witness protection units – one criminal proceedings. witness, including his or her nation by the accused in person person relating to the evidence Ahave been documented viding measures that would for off ences of terrorism and an- The non-court protection opinion and belief, behaviour of is likely to aff ect the voluntari- of the witness. But this will be under Afghan Citizen Card prevent elimination, intimida- other for serious off ences. the unit will off er by its own or the accused, his family or asso- ness or quality of the evidence. done only if the court is satis- (ACC) project introduced after tion or winning over of witness- The units will be supervised on the directive of the govern- ciates or any other persons to- It empowers courts to disal- fi ed that under no circumstanc- the approval of Pakistan’s Feder- es and help ensure conviction of by a provincial-level board to ment includes close protection wards him, the nature and cir- low a question to the victim of es the order will prevent the ac- al Cabinet to give them identity. criminals and terrorists. be established under the home service, lodging in a safe house, cumstances of the off ence and a sexual off ence relating to any cused from receiving a fair trial. These Afghans will be linked “The draft has been fi nalised secretary. temporary or permanent relo- the report of the unit with re- sexual behaviour of the victim The related measures will with the government of Afghan- and we are going to table it in the The board’s members will in- cation at a safe place, change of gard to the gravity of the threat on any previous occasion with include withholding names, istan and repatriated with as- assembly,” said a senior Punjab clude fi nance and public pros- identity, concealment of iden- to the witness. the accused or any other per- addresses, and identifi cation sistance of the International Or- government offi cial yesterday. ecution secretaries, prosecutor tity of the persons involved in The unit or the court will also son, unless such a question is a details, allowing pseudonyms, ganisation for Migration (IOM). Witnesses are considered im- general, additional IGs of coun- the criminal proceedings and take special measures for the relevant fact in the case. disallowing during the trial Highlighting the steps taken portant for convictions in crim- terterrorism department, spe- fi nancial assistance. protection of a witness, includ- The draft law also empow- questions that may reveal the by the government for repatria- inal and even terrorism cases in cial branch and investigations. Such protection will be free of ing ensuring he or she is not ers courts to prohibit, report- identity of the witness. tion of Afghan refugees from the Pakistan as scientifi c evidence It will also frame policy guide- cost and all departments, agen- seen while coming to the court, ing of the identity of a person Reporting in media the iden- country during last four years, is merely taken as an expert lines for witness protection. cies or offi ces will cooperate recording evidence in the court connected with an off ence of tity of such persons or violating sources at the States and Fron- opinion. But witnesses are often The draft law allows a victim with the unit for the purpose. or leaving it, and recording of terrorism or a sexual off ence or their anonymity despite court tier Regions Division yesterday killed, browbeaten or bought or a witness or any other person The court will give protection the evidence through video link. the identity of the members of orders would be an off ence car- said a comprehensive policy for because of lack of any protec- connected with criminal pro- to a witness if he or she is fear- The government will also be his family in print, electronic or rying up to three-year but not the Management and Repatria- tion for them from the state. ceedings and those related to ful, under stress, is intimidated able to order jail trial of a case other media if he or she is under less than 30-day imprison- tion of Afghan Refugees in Paki- Offi cial sources said the cabi- them to apply for protection. In or dreads any harm to him, his if a normal court house is not 18 years of age, and if the qual- ment, with up to Rs100,000 stan is also under consideration. net had fi nally approved the draft response, the counterterrorism family or property if he gives found safe for it. ity of the evidence of the person fi ne. Sources said repatriation of registered Afghan refugees is guided by principle of voluntar- ism and gradualism as embedded in tripartite agreement signed between governments of Paki- stan, Afghanistan and United Hat-trick as Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The sources said Federal Cabi- net in its meeting held on Janu- ary 03, extended legal stay of Imran Khan registered Afghan refugees hold- ing proof of registration (PoR) cards and tripartite agreement up to January 31. The Safron ministry also sub- marries for mitted summary for further extension in PoR cards and tri- partite agreement till June 30, which is under consideration of the cabinet. third time The sources said under this programme, more than 4.3mn registered Afghan refugees have AFP ally for his high-profi le tabloid been repatriated to Afghanistan Islamabad romances, cuts a more con- since 2002 which is marked as servative persona in Pakistan, the largest voluntary repatria- often carrying prayer beads and tion programme in UNHCR’s akistani politician and nurturing beliefs in living history. former playboy cricketer saints. The government of Pakistan PImran Khan has married a PTI spokesman Fawad encourages repatriation of Af- woman described as his spirit- Chaudhry said the couple had ghan nationals to their country ual adviser, party offi cials said, known one another “for a long of origin. Repatriation of Af- the third wedding for the World time” but declined to provide ghans is also considered as the Cup champion once touted further details. She has been most preferred option. as Pakistan’s most eligible widely reported to be the politi- During last four years, maxi- bachelor. cian’s spiritual adviser. mum repatriation has been Khan, 65, married Bushra Khan is loved by millions This handout picture released by PTI yesterday shows Imran Khan, centre, posing for a photograph with his new wife Bushra Wattoo, second carried out in 2016 when repa- Wattoo in a private ceremo- across the cricket-obsessed right, along with relatives during a nikah wedding ceremony in Lahore. triation grant for returnees was ny attended by relatives and nation for winning Pakistan its increased from $200 to $400 per friends in the eastern city only World Cup in 1992. His faced in Pakistan, where she was 10 months after they wed. in the Pashtun northwest, was hour came at the 1992 World Cup, returnee by UNHCR which was of Lahore on Sunday, his sporting prowess and rugged hounded for her family’s Jewish She had been widely criti- educated at Pakistan’s pres- where at the age of 39 he led an again decreased to $200 in 2017. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf good looks also brought him in- ancestry, and to his obsession cised after appearing at public tigious Aitchison College, at inexperienced team to the title. The government of Pakistan (PTI) party announced on ternational celebrity. with politics. meetings of PTI, with oppo- boarding school in England and Khan’s party plans to contest has approached the traditional/ Twitter. He married British socialite He and second wife Re- nents accusing her of seeking then at Oxford University. a general election due in Paki- non-traditional donors to pro- Pictures of the ceremony, Jemima Khan in 1995 and had ham Khan, host of a local TV to boost her own profi le He became one of the world’s stan this year, telling AFP in a vide funding to increase repa- showing the bride in a full veil, two sons with her before their talk show and a BBC weather through her husband’s fame. greatest ever all-rounders – a recent interview that he believes triation grant to $400 so that were posted on the account. divorce in 2004. The split was segment, divorced sud- Khan, born in Lahore into a fearsome fast bowler and dan- this is PTI’s “biggest chance” at maximum reparation may be Khan, once known internation- attributed to the diffi culties she denly in October 2015, just comfortable family with origins gerous batsman – whose fi nest seizing power. carried out. No transparency unless secret Tribal region worst hit by terror attacks ballot abolished in Senate polls Internews hit area of the tribal belt with a Islamabad total of 1,845 deaths in four years, Internews political parties are in contact both the PML-N and the PPP al amendment. This would “All you can determine is the followed by Khyber Agency with Islamabad with candidates of rival par- of trying to buy the loyalties help ensure transparency and vote count; the number of ac- 1,055 casualties. Bajaur Agency ties and are trying to win sup- of its lawmakers in Khyber openness which are the basic tual votes cast in favour of each he federally-administered saw 337 persons killed, while port for their respective candi- Pakhtunkhwa (KP). election essentials,” said the contesting candidate. There are tribal areas (Fata) of Paki- Orakzai Agency 130 persons. he absence of laws dates in exchange of lucrative Reports also suggest that the former secretary. no details about who voted for Tstan have emerged as the The tribal belt also suff ered against horse-trading is favours. PPP is out to cash in on the split Unlike the election of prime whom. This has opened fl ood- region worst hit by terrorist at- severe damages in terms of Tone of the major chal- Unless the existing laws are in the Muttahida Qaumi Move- minister and chief ministers, gates of horse-trading. Unfor- tacks in the country during the properties owing to operations lenges to bringing transparency changed to introduce ‘show of ment-Pakistan (MQM) camp to the election to the upper house tunately, Senate elections have last four years. conducted by law enforcement in the Senate elections. The hand’ method in place of secret ensure maximum seats in the and of Senate chairman and earned the reputation of being Of the total 6,966 precious hu- agencies against terrorists in importance of these laws also ballot, there would be no end to Senate from Sindh. president of Pakistan is held the ‘stock exchange of vot- man lives lost all over the country Fata during the past four years. comes to light at a time when horse-trading, political circles “Nothing can be done – abso- through secret ballot. ers’ where rates are off ered and since 2013-14, Fata’s loss stood at A total of Rs12.350bn was re- political parties are accusing believe. lutely nothing – to stop horse- Article 226 of the constitu- votes are bought,” he said. 3,062, according to a reply sub- leased for residents of South one another of buying loyalties Recently, the Pakistan Mus- trading in Senate polls as long tion reads, “Election by secret The former ECP secretary mitted by the ministry of states Waziristan Agency (SWA), North to grab the lion’s share in the lim League-Nawaz (PLM-N) as elections are held through a ballot: All elections under the said the rationale behind Senate and frontier regions (Safron) in the Waziristan (NWA), Orakzai, Kurram upper house. accused the Pakistan Peoples’ secret ballot,” former secretary constitution, other than those elections through secret ballot Senate during its ongoing session. and Khyber agencies as compensa- In the light of the exist- Party (PPP) leadership of con- Election Commission of Pakistan of the prime minister and the for the senators was to “listen Total funds to the tune of tion for the destroyed or damaged ing constitutional provisions, spiring to topple the PML-N Kunwar Dilshad said. chief minister, shall be by secret to their conscience” and vote. Rs1.504bn were distributed as com- properties in the past four years. the Senate elections are held government in Baluchistan to “Instead of cribbing and ballot.” “But this is thoroughly misused pensation among the heirs of the Of the total amount, Rs10.708bn through secret ballot which has bring a favourable set-up ahead crying, parliamentary par- According to Dilshad, an and we haven’t seen anything victims, the written reply stated. was distributed as compensation, questioned the transparency of of the Senate elections. ties need to come together election through secret ballot like conscience as far as Sen- Senator Ahmad Hassan had while Rs1.641mn has yet to the the vote. The Pakistan Tehreek-e- to put an end to secret ballot leaves no trail to determine who ate elections are concerned,” he inquired from the Safron min- distributed, stated another reply There are allegations that Insaf (PTI) has also accused by bringing a constitution- has voted for whom. said. istry about the number of per- of the ministry to a question posed sons who lost their lives in ter- by the same senator. rorist attacks in Fata during the The damaged properties and Police wing for Quetta security duty under consideration, says inspector general last four years with agency-wise compensation paid to the own- breakdown and details of com- ers are covered under the Citizen Baluchistan Inspector General Talking to reporters yesterday, The IGP said that these days, preparing a strategy on modern chief minister for approval. pensation paid to their kin. Losses and Compensation Pro- of Police (IGP) Moazzam Ansari the IGP said another motorcycle- personnel on security duty from lines to eliminate terrorism from The IGP said everything did not According to the ministry’s gramme (CLCP). has said that a proposal of borne force was being raised for the police, Frontier Constabulary the province. need financial resources and statement, in 2013-14, 709 persons As far as CLCP is concerned, establishing a police force, patrolling roads of Quetta to keep and other security forces were the The IGP said recently 220 many issues could be resolved lost their lives while 1,144 were in- Rs13.341bn was released by the comprising around 1,500 an eye on suspects and provide target of terrorists. personnel of the Anti-Terrorist through adopting better strategy jured. In year 2014-15, 1,094 per- fi nance division out of which personnel, exclusively for security security to people. However, he added, nefarious Force (ATF) had completed their and improving performance. sons were killed and 531 injured. Rs12.35bn was released to the po- duty in Quetta city of Baluchistan The Eagle Force comprising 400 designs of terrorists would training while another badge of “We need to improve Approximately, 1,104 per- litical administration, the written is under consideration. personnel would be deployed in be foiled as the morale of the ATF personnel would be sent for administration in the police sons died while 735 were injured reply stated, adding that of the Once established, the new force the provincial capital soon, he forces was high and they were the specialised training soon. department with the help of during 2015-16. In 2016-17, 997 released funds to the political ad- would help send police personnel said. Two policemen equipped fighting against terrorism with He said the proposal for competent senior off icers to people lost their lives while 652 ministration, Rs10.708bn was dis- deputed on security duty back to with weapons would patrol on determination. establishing the new force for streamline police aff airs,” Ansari were injured in terrorist attacks. tributed among the benefi ciaries police stations, he said. one motorcycle. He said work was under way for security duty had been sent to the said. Kurram Agency was the worst after conducting proper survey. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 PHILIPPINES President plays down China military facilities in disputed sea

Reuters destroy them and that is Ameri- doing enough to protect the Manila ca.” China claims almost the en- country’s interests in the South tire South China Sea, a strategic China Sea. waterway where $3tn worth of He said he “will not commit hilippine President Rod- goods passes every year. the lives of the Filipinos only to rigo Duterte sought yes- Brunei, Malaysia, the Philip- die unnecessarily, I will not go Pterday to allay fears about pines, Taiwan and Vietnam also into a battle which I can never China’s construction of military have overlapping claims. win.” He also played down con- bases on manmade islands in the The United States has criti- cerns about the recent moves Special Assistant to the President Bong Go answers queries during the Senate proceedings on the frigate procurement controversy at South China Sea, saying these cised China’s build-up of mili- by China to assign Chinese the Senate in Pasay city, Metro Manila, yesterday. were built to defend against tary facilities on the islands and names to several undersea fea- America rather than confront is concerned they could be used tures in Benham Rise, an area neighbouring states. to restrict free movement along the size of Greece in the Pacific Duterte also blamed past the trade route. Ocean which the United Na- governments for not build- China and the Philippines tions awarded to the Philip- ing up the country’s defences have long sparred over the South pines as part of its continental Senate investigates frigate deal; in the Spratly archipelago at China Sea, but relations have shelf. a time when Beijing was only improved considerably under “That is ours, period,” he starting to build its artificial Duterte, who has been court- said.”I am not allowing any ex- islands and turning them into ing Beijing in hopes of winning pedition anymore. China went Duterte aide denies meddling military bases. business and investment. there and put up markers. Those “We did nothing,” the fire- In 2014, Beijing started ex- are just directions and of course, brand leader said in a speech panding the seven features it oc- they can do it in Chinese, it’s Reuters news”. He said he was simply but was not asked about wheth- predecessor, Benigno Aquino, to Chinese-Filipino business- cupies in the Spratlys, reclaim- their dialect.” Manila passing on to the defence de- er Go was involved or not. underwent scrutiny by the de- men. ing and building artifi cial islands Before ending his speech, partment a “complaint” the A Hyundai Heavy Industries fence department under the On China’s construction, he which are now becoming mili- he cracked a joke offering the Offi ce of the President had re- communications offi cial could Duterte administration. added: “It’s not intended for tary bases with airstrips, ports Philippines to become a prov- hilippine senators began ceived. not immediately be reached for “The conscience of the Du- us.The contending ideologi- and anti-air and surface-to- ince of China. “If you want, a public inquiry yesterday The Philippine Daily Inquirer comment. terte administration is very cal powers of the world or the surface missiles sites based on you can make us a province, Pinto the $300mn pur- newspaper and news site Rap- Go said his offi ce had merely clean,” Roque said on radio geopolitics has greatly changed. satellite and aerial photos. like Fujian. chase of two navy frigates, to pler last month carried leaked endorsed what he said was a ahead of the hearing. It’s really intended against those Duterte defended himself Province of the Philippines, determine whether President copies of a white paper origi- complaint from Hanwha. He “We implemented, we fol- who the Chinese think would from critics who say he is not Republic of China,” he added. Rodrigo Duterte’s closest aide nating from the president’s of- did not specify what the com- lowed the law, but it was not had interfered in the procure- fi ce and asking the navy to look plaint was about. this administration which ment process. at a proposal by a South Korean “We are being castigated for chose the supplier.” The inquiry was prompted subcontractor, Hanwha Land endorsing a complaint in (to) Senator Antonio Trillanes, by media reports that carried a Systems, to supply the weapons the proper agency. A mere no- one of Duterte’s staunchest leaked document with an anno- system. tary endorsement, which is one critics, believed Go would not Kuwait invites president to visit tation that links the president’s Defence Secretary Delfi n of the thousands of complaints do anything without Duterte’s longtime special assistant, Lorenzana has confi rmed he we endorse,” he said, adding order. Christopher “Bong” Go, to the added an annotation to that that it was Duterte’s agenda to “If it is established that he Reuters Jarallah said yesterday that the two countries had process of procuring a combat document telling the navy chief be open to receive complaints was involved, then it is not be- Kuwait agreed to sign a deal to regulate working condi- management system for the to look at the proposal, and that about state offi cials. cause Bong Go had an interest tions. frigates from a South Korea’s the document had been given to He said the frigate contro- in it, but rather Duterte had an “We proposed to the Philippine authorities to Hyundai Heavy Industries. him by Go. versy was “seriously derail- interest in it,” Philippine Star uwait has invited Philippine President Ro- resolve and contain these issues and not to esca- The hearing called by the However, Lorenzana told the ing” the implementation of an newspaper quoted Trillanes as drigo Duterte to visit, state news agency late them in the media. There was agreement on Senate committee on national inquiry yesterday that he could important security programme saying. KKUNA said yesterday, as the countries this...and we received a response,” he was quoted defence and security is look- not be certain who gave it to and was cooked-up by the ad- Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph seek to settle their differences over allegations of as saying. ing to establish whether or not him. ministration’s opponents. Mercado was sacked as navy abuse of migrant workers. Two planes full of workers arrived in Manila Go had gone beyond his remit Hanwha Land Systems in “We will not allow them to chief in December for insist- After the body of a Filipino was discovered in from the country last week on flights provided by getting involved in a defence South Korea did not immedi- win because the truth is on our ing those ships be installed a freezer in an apartment, Duterte arranged free for free by commercial airlines at the president’s contract. ately respond to a request for side,” he said, attracting ap- with combat systems made by a flights for workers wishing to leave — an evacu- request. He has not been accused of comment and was not repre- plause from the hearing. Dutch company. ation that the government said was an unneces- The Philippine labour minister has said more corruption. sented at the hearing. Duterte’s spokesman, Har- Mercado told the hearing sary escalation of a diplomatic rift. than 2,200 Filipinos were ready to take up the of- Go denies any wrongdoing Sandra Han, a representative ry Roque, said the contract, that said he had at no point The Philippines suspended sending workers to fer to be repatriated. It was not immediately clear and read a statement critical for Hyundai Heavy Industries, which was negotiated during spoken to Go about the weap- the Gulf state in January. if Duterte had accepted Kuwait’s invitation for of the media, calling it “fake attended yesterday’s hearing the administration of Duterte’s ons system. Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid al- him to visit in early March.

Suspected drug lord’s Power failure delays Security forces arrest lawyer killed in vehicle ambush alleged IS recruiter The vice mayor of a central MRT3 operations Philippine town who works as the attorney of a suspected drug DPA lord was killed yesterday in an Manila Times Manila ambush by unidentified suspects. Manila John Ungab, vice mayor of Ronda town in Cebu province, hilippine security forces have arrested was shot dead by gunmen who t was a manic Monday yesterday for commuters an Egyptian man suspected of being a blocked his car along a busy as the fi rst trip of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT- Precruiter and former commander of the road in Cebu City, 577 kilometres I3) was delayed by more than an hour because of Islamic State (IS) group, the country’s police south of Manila. a power supply failure in its northern stations. chief said yesterday. Ungab had just attended a court MRT-3 operations normally start at 5:30 am, but But the suspect, identifi ed as Fehmi Las- hearing with his client, suspected trains were only deployed at 6:50 am, because a soued, told state prosecutors that he was forced drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, a power failure hit the North Avenue and GMA-Ka- by police during interrogation to admit that he police report said. He was shot in muning stations, northbound. was from the international terrorist group. the back of the neck and died in The delay caused long queues, with some com- “They forced me to say I am from ISIS,” he hospital, according to the report. muters taking Point-to-Point or P2P buses, while said, during his inquest at the Department of Egyptian national Fehmi Lassoued is presented Espinosa, charged with illegal others took the free rides of the Metro Manila De- Justice, referring to the terrorist group by its to members of the media after being arrested, drug trade and distribution, was velopment Authority that deployed 6×6 trucks. other acronym. during a press conference at the Philippine arrested in October 2016 in Abu “The power supply failure was due to intertwined Lassoued was caught at the weekend with his National Police general headquarters in Dhabi after President Rodrigo wires; the stringed new feeder wire made contact Filipino girlfriend Anabel Salipada in a fl at in Quezon City, yesterday. Duterte accused him and his with the outrun messenger wire aff ecting the sup- Manila, said police director general Ronald Dela father of trading illegal drugs and ply of 750Vdc (volt direct currency) of electricity Rosa. A joint team of police and soldiers seized gathering all information about Lassoued , who coddling traff ickers or syndicates needed to run the trains,” the DOTr explained. assorted fi rearms, ammunition and compo- has been travelling in and out of Manila from in their localities. The MRT-3, the capital’s busiest railway with an Rail commuters queue at the MRT North station in nents for making improvised explosive devices Malaysia and Turkey since July 2016 using a Espinosa’s father, former mayor average of 500,000 riders daily, had been operating Quezon City, yesterday. from Lassoued and Salipada’s apartment, Dela fake Tunisian passport. Rolando Espinosa, was killed in a below target capacity in recent weeks. Rosa said. “Lassoued is a former commander of “We will fi nd out how many he has recruited police raid on his detention cell in Offi cials had said that spare parts would arrive in Joy Asuncion, a disgruntled commuter, told ABS- the ISIS in the Syria-Turkey border,” he added after the investigation,” he added. Albuera town in Leyte province February so more trains can be deployed. CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda. during a press conference, where he presented Lassoued admitted that his passport was in November 2016. “They should change their operating rules, The Department of Transportation is in talks the suspect to media. “Here in the Philippines, fake, but denied owning the weapons seized or Ungab is the second lawyer of fi x the trains which are now very old. This is re- with Japan’s Sumitomo for its possible return as his status is recruiter.” having any intention to do anything bad in the the Espinosa family to have been ally burdensome for us who need to go to work,” maintenance provider of the MRT. Dela Rosa said intelligence offi cers were still Philippines. killed. In August 2016, Rolando Espino- sa’s previous lawyer was shot dead in an ambush in Tacloban City in Leyte. Duterte has said the Philippines could become a narco-state Employers told to observe holiday pay rule on Feb 25 through the alleged involvement of dozens of politicians, police off icers, judges and other off icials By William Depasupil niversary of the EDSA People terte on July 17, 2017, February (CBA) granting payment on a working) day are as follows: the workers will be paid an ad- in the illegal drug trade. Manila Times Power Revolution on February 25, the 32nd anniversary of the special day. Bello stressed that For work done during the ditional 30% of their hourly rate The president has vowed to 25. EDSA Revolution, is a special proper observance of pay rules special day, the workers shall be on said day. For work done dur- continue his war on the illegal Labour Secretary Silvestre (non-working) day. on regular holidays and special paid an additional 30% of their ing a special day that also falls drug trade despite criticism he Department of Labour Bello said yesterday the “no Bello pointed out though that non-working days is good for daily rate on the fi rst eight hours on the workers’ rest day, they over the high death toll and an and Employment (DOLE) work, no pay” rule applies on all the “no work, no pay” princi- business as it will lead to more of work. The “daily rate x 130% shall be paid an additional 50 International Criminal Court Thas called on employers special non-working holidays ple is not applicable if there is productive and competent em- plus COLA” scheme will be ob- percent of their daily rate on the probe, announced on February 8, to observe the proper pay rules specifi ed by Proclamation No an existing favourable com- ployees. served. fi rst eight hours of work, thus, into alleged extrajudicial killings during special non-working 269. Under Proclamation No pany policy, practice, or col- The proper pay rules to be For work done in excess of the “daily rate x 150% + COLA” related to the campaign. holidays, which include the an- 269, signed by President Du- lective bargaining agreement observed for the special (non- eight hours (overtime work), computation will apply. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Maldives top court suspends rebel MPs ahead of key vote

AFP, Reuters clared by Yameen that plunged ordered the arrest of the chief charge of bribing Supreme have to go to the parliament Though Yameen has ig- Male the Maldives into crisis. justice and another Supreme Court justices to topple and ask for a vote,” ruling par- nored the court rulings, he has The court had ruled on Feb- Court judge just two weeks ago the government through a ty group leader in parliament stopped short of saying he will ruary 1 that the 12 defectors be as he declared a state of emer- constitutional coup. Ahmed Nihan said. “The... not obey them. He has fi red President Bidya Devi Bhandari he Maldives’ top court reinstalled as legislators, reduc- gency. Yameen has faced interna- emergency does not become two police chiefs who said they speaking at parliament in has suspended 12 pro- ing the president’s party to mi- Earlier this month the re- tional censure over his refusal void because parliament does would uphold the court verdict, Kathmandu. Topposition legislators nority rule in the Indian Ocean maining judges of the court to abide by the top court’s rul- not approve it.” however, and continues to jail before a crucial parliamentary archipelago. reversed their earlier order to ings and his declaration of a Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, op- opposition members. vote yesterday, emboldening This latest backfl ip by the Su- release political prisoners, in- state of emergency, described position parliamentary group China, India, the United President Abdulla Yameen as he preme Court restores Yameen’s cluding Yameen’s main rival by the UN human rights chief leader, said the constitution States and Britain issued travel clings to power in the troubled majority in the 85-member Mohamed Nasheed. as “an all-out assault on “clearly states” parliament’s in- warnings after Yameen im- Nepal to islands. legislature. That ruling threw the democracy”. dispensable role in extending an posed the emergency and ar- The Supreme Court decision The three-judge bench said popular holiday islands into Ruling and opposition emergency. rested judges. The United Na- late Sunday reverses its original it was suspending the February turmoil as Yameen cracked party leaders clashed over “If this is not approved (by tions has urged Male to lift the hold fi rst order to reinstate the members 1 order to reinstate the politi- down on his opponents. whether parliament’s ap- parliament), it is going to be emergency. of parliaments, who had de- cians following an appeal by the His estranged half-broth- proval was required under the invalid. Once the emergency The tiny Indian Ocean island fected from the ruling party. It attorney general. er, former president Mau- constitution. becomes void everything done chain is best known for its lux- parliament comes as parliament prepares to It is the second backfl ip by the moon Abdul Gayoom, was “If the opposition wants to under that state of emergency ury hotels, scuba-diving resorts ratify a state of emergency de- Supreme Court since Yameen among those arrested on a annul this declaration, they also will be void and invalid.” and limpid tropical seas. session on March 5

IANS Next polls to Kathmandu

epal’s new bicameral parliament will begin be held as per Nwork in March for the fi rst time since its approval in the 2015 constitution, end- ing a transition that began 10 years ago, President Bidya Devi constitution: Bhandari offi ce said yesterday. The fi rst session of the fed- eral parliament, made up of the house of representatives (lower house) and National Assembly PM Hasina (upper house), will take place on March 5 at the Internation- al Convention Centre in New By Mizan Rahman About Khaleda Zia’s im- Baneshwor, the president offi ce Dhaka prisonment in Zia Orphanage Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina addresses a press conference as other party leaders look on in Dhaka yesterday. said in a statement. Trust graft case, the prime She summoned the meet- minister said close aides of seven from the party constitu- Francis, Hasina also visited the 7 from the party’s constitu- from being nominated by the ing of the federal parliament on angladesh Prime Minis- Khaleda Zia fi led the case tion before the judgment of the Holy See (Vatican City) and held tion before the verdict is very party to contest the national the recommendation of Prime ter Sheikh Hasina yes- against her and the court has Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, meetings with the Pope and sec- ‘mysterious’. “The nation is election. Minister K P Sharma Oli, who Bterday said the next na- given judgment. Hasina noted. retary of State Cardinal Pietro yet to have an answer why BNP It is not possible to amend was sworn in on February 15, the tional elections will be held as She also criticised Bangla- Tarique Rahman left the Parolin. has dropped section 7 from its the party’s constitution with- Kathmandu Post reported. per the constitution, no matter desh National Party (BNP) for country during the last care- Court to decide fate of constitution,” he added. out holding any council. “But, Oli heads a coalition between who are joining it and who are dropping section seven from taker government regime giving Zia: Ruling Awami League According to section 7 (e) BNP has brought amendment his Communist Party of Ne- boycotting it. its charter and making Tarique an undertaken that he would (AL) general secretary Obaidul of the party constitution, if a to give licence to the convicted pal (United Marxist-Leninist), The prime minister was Rahman, acting chairman of the not involve in politics, Hasina Quader said Zia’s participation person is convicted as per 1972 and corrupt leader (Tarique Re- and the Communist Party of speaking to reporters about the party. mentioned. in the upcoming national elec- presidential order, declared hman),” the minister said. Nepal (Maoist Centre) – which outcome of her recent offi cial “Has the BNP plunged into a The prime minister went to tion is under the jurisdiction of bankrupt, proved unbalanced, “We didn’t get any answer swept the general elections in visit to Italy and Vatican City. severe setback? Don’t they have Italy on Sunday last on a four- court. known as corrupt or notori- from BNP why they’ve made a December. Hasina said the government any leader (except Tarique), who day offi cial visit to attend the “The court will decide ous in society, he or she is dis- corrupt and convicted leader The CPN-UML and the CPN- has nothing to do if BNP does could be the acting chairman of meeting of Rome-based Inter- whether Zia could contest the qualifi ed from being member their party’s acting chairman,” M, which are in the middle of a not participate in the upcoming the party,” the prime minister national Fund for Agricultural parliamentary polls...this is not of the national council, the said the AL leader. process of party unifi cation, will general elections. said. Development (IFAD) as one of a matter of politics of the ruling national executive commit- “Dropping section 7 will control 174 of the 275 seats in the “It is a political decision. Tarique Rahman himself is a its keynote speakers at the invi- party,” said Quader. tee, the standing committee be appeared as having pain- new House of Representatives. We have nothing to do if BNP convicted fugitive and he has tation of IFAD president Gilbert The AL leader, also the road or member of executive com- ful thorn for BNP,” Quader said The country’s main opposition participate in the next general been made acting chairman of F Houngbo. transport and bridges minis- mittee at any level. The per- adding, “BNP itself is creating a party, the Nepali Congress, will elections,” Hasina said. BNP by dropping the section At the invitation of Pope ter, said the removal of section son will also be disqualifi ed crisis. They’ll fall into a trap.” have 63 seats. The presidents of the house of representatives and the National Assembly will be elected within 15 days of the fi rst parliamen- tary session and in the meantime Lankan president’s party to stay in unity govt the senior-most representative of each chamber will chair the session. IANS government and end the un- sanayake told reporters after form a SLFP-led government. Lanka Podujana Peramuna par- “The top leaders from the ma- Colombo certainty over the future of meeting the president. UNP ministers had also called ty, also known as the Sri Lanka jor parties will address the fi rst the SLFP and Prime Minister “We will not leave the unity on the Prime Minister to quit People’s Front achieved a land- meeting,” parliament’s spokes- Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Unit- government,” he added. the unity government and form slide victory by winning 239 person Bharat Raj Gautam told he Sri Lanka Freedom ed National Party (UNP) unity The future of Sri Lanka’s a UNP-led government instead. councils out of 340. Efe news. Party (SLFP) led by Presi- government. unity government became un- Prime Minister Wickremes- The UNP won 41 councils In 15 days, Nepal is due to have Tdent Maithripala Sirisena He said the SLFP held exten- certain when the UNP and the inghe, however, at a media while the SLFP won 10. a new operational parliament yesterday ended days of politi- sive talks with Sirisena at the SLFP were defeated in a local briefi ng held last week said the According to sources, the and all the institutions approved cal uncertainty in the country, Presidential Secretariat and the government election on Feb- UNP would not quit the unity parliament will debate the on- President Maithripala Sirisena in the 2015 constitution, will saying it would continue to be a party had vowed to stay with ruary 10, Xinhua news agency government and he would con- going political crisis in the ... pushing for major changes be set up. part of the unity government to the president and support his reported. tinue as the Prime Minister country. within the government With that, the country will push for “major changes” with- decisions. Since the two parties’ de- according to the Sri Lankan Dinesh Gunawardena, the bring to an end a highly unstable in the government. “We decided to make a mas- feat, several SLFP ministers constitution. leader of the joint opposition in Speaker Karu Jayasuriya period of transition that began SLFP parliamentarian and sive change within the govern- had asked for the resigna- At the February 10 local parliament, moved in the house agreed to grant the three-hour with the end of the monarchy in Minister of Social Empower- ment. We will remain with our tion of the prime minister and government polls, former Sri this morning that parliament debate which would mean an 2008, two years after the end of ment S B Dissanayake said the decision to make those changes urged the president to break Lankan President Mahinda must as an urgent matter dis- extension of the normal sitting the war against the Maoist rebels SLFP decided to remain in the and do what is necessary,” Dis- the unity government and Rajapakse’s newly-formed Sri cuss the ongoing crisis. hours. in 2006. Dhaka seeks talks on return of Rohingya trapped at border

Reuters for Refugees (UNHCR), which have been instructed not to let environment for their return. Dhaka will not be involved in the talks, these Rohingya cross the bor- “We cannot send them said the agency was concerned der, and many of them have said forcibly,” he said. the Rohingya may be forcibly re- they would rather stay there Most Burmese consider the epresentatives from turned to Myanmar without due to avoid becoming refugees in Rohingya as unwanted im- Bangladesh and Myanmar consideration for their safety. Bangladesh. migrants from Bangladesh, Rwill meet today to discuss Nearly 700,000 Rohingya The no-man’s land, which and the army refers to them as the repatriation to Myanmar have fl ed Myanmar’s Rakhine is about the size of 40 soccer “Bengalis”. of more than 6,500 Rohingya state and crossed into Bangla- pitches, used to be an area of Myanmar has said it will ac- Muslims trapped on a strip of desh since last August, when paddy fi elds, but is now dotted cept back people holding “na- unclaimed land between the two attacks on security posts by with the tarpaulin and bamboo tional verifi cation” registration countries, Bangladeshi offi cials insurgents triggered a military shacks of displaced Rohingya. cards. This card, which falls said. crackdown that the United Na- “We are concerned about the short of off ering citizenship, has “It is about taking them back tions has said amounts to ethnic reports of pressures directed at been rejected by Rohingya com- to Myanmar,” Relief and Refu- cleansing, with reports of arson this group of people at the bor- munity leaders who say it treats gee Repatriation Commissioner attacks, murder and rape. der,” said Caroline Gluck, UN- life-long residents like new Mohammad Abul Kalam, said Buddhist-majority Myanmar HCR senior public information immigrants. yesterday. “They are on the denied the charge and says its offi cer at Cox’s Bazar. A leader of the Rohingya zero line and actually on the security forces are fi ghting a le- “People who fl ed violence group in the buff er zone, Dil Myanmar side.” gitimate campaign against “ter- and discrimination in Myan- Mohammed, said in a text mes- However, several offi cials rorists” it blames for the attacks mar should not be forced to re- sage: “Our no-man’s land camp contacted in neighbouring My- on the security forces. turn against their will,” she told demands are that there must be Myanmar Home Minister Gen Swe, right, and his Bangladesh counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan look on anmar said they were not aware The vast majority of Rohingya Reuters in a message sent on a safe return, we need security in Dhaka recently. Minister Gen Swe was in Dhaka to receive a list of more than 8,000 Rohingya to be of plans for a meeting, which who fl ed are in camps at Cox’s Saturday. and all basic rights, including returned to Myanmar. Kalam said would take place Bazar on the southern tip of Bangladesh’s Kalam said there citizenship.” on the “zero line” near a place Bangladesh, but several thou- was no timeline for repatria- He said the group would never homes, paid compensation for Gluck said the UNHCR was urge both governments to ensure called Gundum. sand who arrived in a buff er zone tions, that anyone going back accept the national verifi cation losses and damage, and pro- concerned that conditions in Ra- that any return is based on in- A spokeswoman for the Unit- along the border are now stuck. must do so voluntarily and that card, that its members must be vided with protection from a UN khine state were not yet safe for formed consent and takes place ed Nations High Commissioner Bangladesh security forces Myanmar must provide a safe allowed to return to their own mission. voluntary returns, adding, “We in safety and dignity.” Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES New case raises questions about dope testing

A medal-winning Russian curler who passed rigorous vetting to attend the Pyeongchang Olympics was hit by a drugs case yesterday, raising questions over the testing programme and the move to let Russians compete despite systemic doping. Alexander Krushelnitsky, who won bronze in the mixed doubles curling with his wife Anastasia Bryzgalova, was the subject of a new procedure at the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) anti-doping division. The Indian bank fraud The case could have wider repercussions: Olympic offi cials will decide this week whether to lift a ban on Russia and let them march behind their national fl ag at the closing ceremony on Sunday. Krushelnitsky was one of 168 athletes passed as “clean” and allowed to compete as neutrals after a targeted testing that went unnoticed programme stretching back over several months. Reuters system to log in with passwords that A Feb 12 note seen by Reuters, sent But after both his A and B urine samples tested positive, New Delhi/Mumbai allowed him, and in at least some from PNB to other banks and marked CAS will now decide if there has been a violation and any instances a more junior offi cial, to serve “confi dential”, said: “None of the possible sanctions. No date was set for the hearing. as both the person who sent messages transactions were routed through the he Punjab National Bank and as the person who reviewed CBS system” — the bank’s internal The case involves meldonium, which increases endurance branch in south Mumbai sits them for approval, according to court network — “thus avoiding early and helps recovery. Tennis just down the road from both documents and interviews with bank detection of fraudulent activity.” Krushelnitsky star Maria Sharapova Tthe Mumbai Stock Exchange executives. The Reserve Bank of India did not served a 15-month ban and the Reserve Bank of India, at a “The involvement and connivance respond to a request for comment about was one of 168 after testing positive for physical centre of one of the world’s of more staff members and outsiders at whether it had earlier detected any this stage cannot be ruled out,” said a meldonium in 2016. fastest growing major economies. anomalies in Punjab National Bank’s athletes passed The branch, clad in a stately colonial CBI document submitted to the court in operations or whether it would take Russia were banned as edifi ce, is now also at the heart of a Mumbai. additional action in auditing banks. as “clean” and a team from the Olympics fraud case linked to billionaire jeweller Shetty is now in custody and he In a statement late on Friday the in December after Nirav Modi that has shaken confi dence has not publicly responded to the central bank called the fraud at PNB allowed to investigations revealed in a state banking sector that accounts allegations. “a case of operational risk arising on an extensive doping plot for some 70% of India’s banking assets. Calls to a cell phone listed for his wife account of delinquent behaviour by compete as It was here, according to accounts on court documents were not answered. one or more employees of the bank culminating at the Sochi from Punjab National Bank executives Asked about the password sharing, and failure of internal controls”. It neutrals 2014 Winter Games, and government investigators, that a the senior Punjab National Bank also said the central bank “has already where the hosts topped lone middle-aged manager, later aided executive said it was not best practice undertaken a supervisory assessment the medals table. by his young subordinate, engineered but in the everyday bustle of Indian of control systems in PNB and will take fraudulent transactions totalling about banks it happens. appropriate supervisory action”. Russian curling federation president Dmitry Svishchev $1.8bn from 2011 to 2017. “When you are fl ooded with The CBI paperwork says the dismissed the case against Krushelnitsky as a “provocation, The bank says it is still investigating customers in the morning, with 101 fraudulent Letters of Undertaking are a subversive act”. how they were able to do so and go demands, you look for shortcuts,” he likely to add up to “the vicinity of” “During his career, since 2015, he gave 11 samples for undetected for so long. A man reads a notice by the Indian said. “You do somebody else’s work, 60bn rupees, or more than $930mn. The accounts given by current and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) somebody else does your work. You are Bank executives say the amount testing and all of them have been negative,” Svishchev told stating that the Brady House branch Russia’s 360TV channel. former executives who spoke to Reuters not working in an ideal situation.” tallied by working back through internal suggest an answer as simple as it is of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has A second senior executive at the bank’s records is $1.77bn. “Just imagine what could have happened inside the man’s alarming: no one was paying attention. been sealed next to the entrance of the headquarters, who also asked that his With assets of about $120bn as of head to take a (banned) pill ahead of the Olympics?” The still unravelling story of how the branch in Mumbai yesterday. name not be used, echoed that sentiment. December, according to bank fi lings, Russia’s women’s curling coach Sergei Belanov also fraud happened — which includes the After entering the transactions on PNB will be able to cover any associated insisted performance-enhancing drugs would make little alleged misuse of the SWIFT interbank documents related to the case — and SWIFT, the CBI documents said, Shetty losses, though it is still a huge hit for sense in the sedate ice sport. messaging system and incomplete interviews with current and former PNB — who worked at the same branch a bank whose stock market value was ledger entries — points to a breakdown executives, bank auditors and experts from 2010 to 2017 despite normal bank only $6.1bn before it revealed details of “And I don’t believe a young man chooses risk or will use in checks and balances, and standard — points to a lack of accountability practices of regular rotations — did the alleged fraud last week. the same drug that has been around for two years,” he said. banking practices, they said. and standards in the country’s public not record them on the bank’s internal It has since seen $1.4bn wiped off The International Olympic Committee said there could be The apparent failure of anyone banking system. system. that market capitalisation. “consequences” for Russia. A special panel will meet this to notice the largest fraud in Indian As of last September, those banks Because PNB’s internal software The mechanics of how the fraud week to discuss lifting Russia’s suspension before the closing banking history until this January held about 87 % of the Indian banking system was not linked with SWIFT, happened, and what it says about reveals a “rot” in the state fi nancial system’s 9.46tn rupees (about employees were expected to manually the underlying industry culture, are ceremony. sector that goes beyond one lender, said $147bn) of soured loans that are non- log SWIFT activity. worrying, said Abizer Diwanji, national IOC spokesman Mark Adams, when asked if the Russian Santosh Trivedi, who spent nearly four performing, restructured or rolled over. If that was not done, the transactions leader for fi nancial services in India at fl ag could still be allowed at the closing ceremony, said the decades at Punjab National Bank before A preliminary investigation by the did not show up on the bank’s books. accounting fi rm Ernst & Young. panel will examine whether they have followed the “letter retiring in 2016 as a senior manager of nation’s tax authority said of the PNB A SWIFT spokeswoman said in a “Checks and balances are there in and the spirit of the (December) ruling. audit and inspection in the New Delhi fraud that “the hit Indian banks would statement last week that the company public banks as well but they are not head offi ce. take in the end may well exceed” $3bn, does not comment on individual followed earnestly,” said Diwanji, who Adams said the IOC stands by the decision to allow “Unless this rot is controlled at according to an internal note seen by customers. has tracked India’s fi nancial services supposedly clean Russian athletes to compete in this stage, to the satisfaction of Reuters. All together, there were at least 150 industry for more than two decades. Pyeongchang, saying they were “tested at signifi cant levels the international community, it is “Yes, there is a problem. We have such fraudulent Letters of Undertaking “This is where the discipline, the more than others”. dangerous for the Indian system,” recognised it,” bank Chief Executive during a seven-year period, according culture is not there. I always believe that Russian athletes have won 11 medals so far in Trivedi said. Offi cer Sunil Mehta said during an to a CBI offi cial who spoke on the we don’t have the culture to manage Last month, Punjab National Bank, investor call on Friday. “We are in condition of anonymity. risks, even operational risks. PNB is not Pyeongchang, including the curling bronze, as well as silvers known as PNB, fi led an initial criminal the process of fi xing it up. We’ll see In addition to detaining Shetty an outlier in this.” in fi gure skating, cross-country skiing and skeleton. complaint with the country’s Central wherever the loopholes are there. The and the junior employee, the CBI has To control such risks, most private Russian competitors were subjected to targeted testing Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accusing people-related risk, we are going to arrested a man who it described in sector banks require branches to route under a special taskforce including senior experts and celebrity jeweller Nirav Modi and others mitigate.” court documents as both being “aware SWIFT messages through their central several national anti-doping agencies. of defrauding the bank and causing it a But despite that promise of action, about the modus operandi of the entire offi ces, Diwanji said. loss of 2.8bn Indian rupees (more than one current senior executive at the scams” and serving as a director in “15 They also usually integrate their Krushelnitsky will be no doubt shattered and hoping it is $43mn). bank’s headquarters in New Delhi said to 16 companies of Nirav Modi Group”. own software systems and SWIFT, all a big mistake. It will be interesting to see how this will The allegations against a man further problems could not be ruled An older brother of the man, Hemant meaning that activity such as a Letter pan out. whose diamond creations have draped out. Bhatt, said outside a courtroom on of Undertaking being sent would get Hollywood stars such as Kate Winslet “In Indian banks, we don’t work Saturday that he was innocent and the automatically recorded. and Dakota Johnson generated a fl urry under ideal situation,” the executive, allegations were the result of a “media Neither is the case at PNB or most of coverage across India’s TV screens who declined to be identifi ed, said trial”. The brother did not give his name. state-run banks in India, Diwanji said. To Advertise and newspapers. during an interview at his offi ce. “We An uncle of the junior bank employee, Representatives of two of the external Modi has not publicly commented on are in the business of risk, you can’t say Manoj Kharat, told a Reuters reporter audit fi rms listed on PNB’s annual [email protected] the case. there won’t be road accidents.” outside the court that his nephew was report for the 2016-17 fi scal year said Display He and his family left the country According to court documents “just following orders of superiors” and they could not have known what in early January, according to Indian fi led on Saturday by the CBI, branch added “he wasn’t aware of what he is happened. 44466621 44418811 offi cials, and a call on Sunday to a deputy manager Gokulnath Shetty doing”. “It was off -books, so auditors will not corporate spokesperson who has issued a series of fraudulent Letters of All three are to be held in custody be in a position to detect it,” said Sudesh Classified handled media for Modi in the past Undertaking — essentially guarantees until March 3. Punhani, a partner at Chhajed & Doshi. 44466609 44418811 went unanswered. sent to other banks so that they would No charges have so far been laid Asked whether the bank’s failure No charges have been fi led against provide loans to a customer, in this case against them. to integrate its software system and Subscription him. a group of Indian jewellery companies. Police searched the bank’s south SWIFT was a cause of concern, Neeraj But as more details surfaced about These letters were sent to overseas Mumbai branch on Sunday and have Golas, a partner at R Devendra Kumar & [email protected] what is alleged to have happened at the branches of banks, thought to be almost also questioned fi ve more Punjab Associates, also an external auditor of state-run bank, which was founded in all Indian, that would then lend money National offi cials, the CBI cialoffi said, the bank, said: “True, true — we have to 1894, the stakes have gotten higher. to the jewellery fi rms. taking the total number bank staff who really get into it and understand what all © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved A review of bank and government Shetty did so using the bank’s SWIFT have been questioned so far to 11. these things are.” Gulf Times Tuesday, February 20, 2018 23 COMMENT Is it possible to reverse Brexit?

By Anand Menon Nor is there much evidence of “reject and remain”. What then? At London the kind of public pressure for EU level, this would doubtless spark a reconsideration of the 2016 a debate as to whether article 50 is referendum that might give potentially revocable unilaterally, rather than t’s all kicking off . A poll carried rebellious MPs heart. As John Curtice with the approval of the European out by ICM for the Guardian has recently shown, insofar as there council. This is a question which has showed that, excluding those has been a shift in opinion over Brexit bitterly divided lawyers, with those Iwith no opinion, voters support itself, this has been more “abgret” – believing in unilateral revocation the idea of a second referendum by a people who did not vote in June 2016 disproportionately based in the UK. 16-point margin. declaring they would now vote remain Finally – one last eff ort here – Simultaneously, there are signs that – than “Bregret”, leavers changing assume even this is sorted out. MPs the parliamentary battle over Brexit their minds. have voted for a referendum with is about to become more joined up. Moreover, while recent polling remain as an option. The people have The main groups opposed to Brexit does indeed show increased support opted to remain in the EU. The EU has have agreed to pull together under the for a second referendum, there is allowed us to change our minds. Does banner of the grassroots co-ordinating no consensus over the form this anyone really believe this will settle the group (GCG) in an attempt to ensure should take. Michael Ashcroft has question once and for all? a popular vote on the outcome of the illustrated that support for another Leave aside the questions as to Brexit process. popular vote varies depending on what a reversal will do to trust in Conservative remain supporters what questions are asked. Excluding government and politics in general Anna Soubry and Ken Clarke have “don’t knows”, the only kind of among leave voters. Leavers would tabled amendments to the customs referendum a majority favour is one not simply accept the result and bill and the trade bill which would providing a choice between the deal give up. Rather, we would confront eff ectively keep the UK in the EU’s Theresa May secures and Brexit with something akin to a political customs union. Meanwhile, senior no deal at all. On what could be called groundhog day. We would wake up fi gures in the Labour party are due to the remainers’ preferred option – a to Ukip polling well above 20%. To meet for talks that many think will choice between the deal on offer and the Conservatives hopelessly divided herald a major policy shift towards ‘While recent polling shows increased support for a second referendum, there is no consensus over the form this should take.’ staying in the EU – those opposed to and held to ransom by Brexiters. To backing for membership of a customs a referendum (42%) outnumber those Labour triangulating, attempting to union with the EU. genuinely interested in having a Failing this, we are back to October Yet that leaves plenty of scope for in favour (40%). hold on to both pro-Brexit and pro- Consequently, some commentators “meaningful” vote, they need to have it and a vote which is anything but ambitious, woolly language. However, assume that – all these remain seats. Amid the bitterness now argue that a second referendum is long before the government is off ering meaningful. The concrete parts MPs will not have much to go on, potential roadblocks notwithstanding and the rancour, we would poison more likely than ever, possibly via an it. A vote on vague aspirations in of the “deal” that parliament will so the vote will, in practice, not be – we arrive at a vote that presents the the EU from within, while the debate amendment to the bill implementing October is hardly satisfactory, if only have to sign off will concern the about the actual text of the withdrawal British people with a choice between at home rages about the need for a the withdrawal agreement that makes because there will be no time left to past and the immediate future – the agreement but a decision to reject the the deal on the table and remaining in definitive vote to settle the score. a fresh referendum compulsory. And negotiate a better deal with the EU. withdrawal agreement and transitional government’s entire approach to Brexit the EU. It is far from given that this will Remainers are, of course, entitled remainers are beginning to hope that Rather, parliament should be arrangements. There is absolutely and start again. Voting the bill down generate a majority for the latter. The to try whatever they can to secure the all is not lost. insisting now on a binding vote on no prospect of a trade deal being would be what Portes has labelled glaring inaccuracy of the short-term outcome they want. But we should How realistic are they being? Let’s the guidelines the government must negotiated by the autumn. The best the “Samson option” – triggering forecasts published by the Treasury be frank about the numerous, often assume, fi rst, that the GCG manages draw up in the next month or so on its that the government can hope to unpredictable consequences ranging immediately before the referendum formidable, hurdles standing in the to avoid the kind of People’s Front approach to trade talks. have achieved will be an article 50 from an election to another referendum has provided ammunition to those way of a reversal of the referendum of Judea tribalism that has haunted Practice in other states is agreement, a deal on transition and a or even a new coalition government. As who would cast doubt on forecasts result. And we should be honest about the remain camp to date, that egos instructive. In Germany, the Bundesrat statement of intent (“heads of terms” Matthew Goodwin has argued, there of Brexit-related economic damage. the signifi cant problems such an and ambition do not trump unity. Is provides “quasi-binding” advice to in the jargon) on trade. are good electoral reasons as to why the And increased pessimism about the outcome would generate. – Guardian it conceivable that parliamentarians the government in such aff airs. In Of course, the EU may well refuse Tories should support what he chooses economic impact of Brexit does not News & Media would vote down or amend the deal the the US, Congress establishes specifi c to sign off on the kind of obviously to refer to as a “real Brexit”. And even necessarily translate into strengthened prime minister presents them with in objectives for trade negotiations which contradictory statements the prime some diehard Conservative remainers opposition to Brexit itself. zAnand Menon is director of the UK October? it permits the president to enter into. minister is fond of making (leaving will baulk at the idea of voting in such But suspend disbelief yet again. in a Changing Europe and professor of As my colleague Jonathan Portes Parliament could seek to emulate such the customs union and single market, a way as to make a Corbyn government Assume the outcome was, for the sake European politics and foreign aff airs, argued some weeks ago, if MPs are processes. combined with frictionless trade). more likely. of argument, a 52-48% victory for King’s College London

A tipping point for leadership – understanding distribution Three-day forecast new approach to lead generation or TODAY By S Zuhair Naqvi Maximum Temperature : 250c Doha the admin assistant that establishes a more effi cient fi ling system – it’s Minimum Temperature : 170c leadership at every level. WEDNESDAY hat is leadership? Traditional leadership is typically Maximum Temperature : 250c There’s a common understood as: ...The action or ability Minimum Temperature : 180c association that of leading a group of people or an THURSDAY we make when organisation. Maximum Temperature : 260c W Minimum Temperature : 190c we talk about leadership in the But that’s not enough. In today’s competitive business environment, workplace. It’s based on a traditional Fisherman's forecast management theory that dates back leadership needs to be less about to the late 1800s and represents what we do and more reliant on why we do it. Leaders must focus WARNING what I like to call hero leadership. Inshore : NIL It’s the idea that leadership starts and take responsibility for greater Offshore : Strong wind and high at the top. The CEO, the director, good, irrespective of their position, sea the manager – the boss. They need salary or experience. So I off er this WEATHER Inshore : Hazy at places at first to exhibit leadership and it’s their alternative: Leadership is the ability to becomes mild day time responsibility to do so. act as a catalyst for positive progress, with slight dust at times It’s a fundamental truth of the empowering others to thrive and & sctd clouds, cold by night workplace and, to some degree, the achieve a desired goal or state. WIND foundation that any hierarchical To excel, businesses need to leverage Inshore : Northwesterly 05-15/18 structure is established on. If our the passion, creativity and strengths of KT bosses aren’t our leaders...well, that introducing the kind of leadership collective form of leadership that their employees. The most successful Offshrore : Northwesterly 12-22 KT leads to chaos, right? that manifests itself from the bottom creates an environment for change and businesses will do this by developing a Visibility : 4 - 8 KM And I agree. But there’s a missing up instead of the top down and improvement. leadership culture where the initiative, SEA STATE Offshore : 5-8 FT, rises to 9 FT at piece to the puzzle. encourages us all to embrace the idea Where hero leadership relies on motivation and commitment to places at times falling to Hero leadership serves a place in any that we can, and should, be leaders. longevity or seniority, the alternative excellence is distributed. 3-7 FT by night. organisation. But today’s workplace It’s called distributed leadership. looks to collaboration and the requires a more refi ned approach Distributed leadership is more ability to create an environment that zS Zuhair Naqvi is the Managing that reaches beyond our traditional interested in the practice of optimises performance. Whether it’s Director of DicoTech Qatar WLL, and Around the region concept of leadership. leadership than in specifi c roles the CEO launching a new strategy, the an EMBA alumnus of HEC Paris, Class Weather The key to that rests with and responsibilities. It’s the shared, marketing executive championing a of 2016. Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Baghdad M Sunny 19/11 M Cloudy 20/11 Kuwait City M Sunny 22/12 P Cloudy 22/13 Manama M Sunny 23/17 P Cloudy 23/17 Muscat Sunny 27/21 Sunny 26/20 Live issues Tehran Sunny 13/04 P Cloudy 13/06 Maybe it’s time to give kids fl ak jackets

By Scott Maxwell So if we won’t try to stop the bullets We must fund this because it’s a politicians they own. That’s quite a Tribune News Service from fl ying, at least we can try to stop societal crisis. team. them from piercing our children’s Florida politicians say they agree But Republicans in the Legislature chests. with me. They say so every time and Congress refuse. eventeen people were gunned I’ve found some lightweight active- another batch of their constituents If you are one of the 92% of down in a high school on shooter body armor available for $200, gets slaughtered. Republicans who believe in universal Wednesday. including plates. But they lie. Or at least they don’t background checks _ and yet support S That’s twice as many Again, I think there are better follow through. Last year _ after politicians in your party who oppose Around the world students and teachers killed in a solutions _ improving mental-health Pulse and with Florida ranking 48th them, you’re an enabler. Weather Weather single day as law-enforcement services, our court system and the or 49th in mental-health funding Nearly 80% of Americans today Max/min tomorrow Max/min officers killed in all of last year in prevalence of weapons designed to _ we saw headlines like: “Florida believe in banning the sales of Athens S Showers 14/08 P Cloudy 16/09 Florida. slay as many humans as quickly as Legislature, agency let $20mn in high-capacity magazines _ for the Beirut P Cloudy 18/13 S Showers 17/13 Obviously, we must do something. possible. aid for drug, mental health care same reason automatic firearms Bangkok P Cloudy 32/26 P Cloudy 33/27 I propose bulletproof windows and And not just government solutions. end” and “Parents, advocates beg are already banned. These aren’t Berlin P Cloudy 04/-4 M Cloudy 03/-4 doors in every school. Research shows mass murderers rarely lawmakers not to cut mental health weapons for hunting or protection. Cairo Sunny 24/13 Cloudy 23/13 And maybe Kevlar vests and ballistic act without showing warning signs. funding.” They are made for human Cape Town Cloudy 23/17 Cloudy 25/18 helmets for every child. We have to be better about speaking I didn’t know it was mathematically slaughter. Colombo M Sunny 33/24 P Cloudy 30/24 The costs will be exorbitant, the up. Authorities must be more vigilant possible to make cuts when you’re But legislative Republicans haven’t Dhaka M Sunny 31/18 Sunny 32/18 measures tragically extreme. in following up. We should also already 49th. even allowed hearings on the issue. Hong Kong M Cloudy 23/19 Cloudy 22/17 I actually think there are much admit that pop culture that drowns I didn’t think it was morally possible Why? Because they know they’re on Istanbul Cloudy 09/07 Cloudy 11/07 better things we could do. children in violence aff ects their still- either ... especially for people who talk the wrong side of safety and public Jakarta T Storm 31/25 S T Storms 31/24 But we don’t do any of it. developing brains. so much about prayer. sentiment and don’t want to go on the Karachi M Sunny 32/17 P Cloudy 31/17 Instead, after every slaughter _ in It’s not either/or. The solutions Leaders in Congress and Legislature record as such. London Showers 09/03 P Cloudy 08/00 a school, nightclub or workplace _ aren’t liberal or conservative. If you have also done little to stop convicted Instead, some now want to shift Manila M Sunny 33/24 M Sunny 33/24 politicians off er tweets, thoughts, are only screaming about half the criminals, terrorists or the mentally all attention of the FBI. The agency Moscow S Showers -3/-7 S Showers -2/-8 prayers ... and inaction. solutions, you’re not really trying ill from getting their hands on high- appears to have fallen revoltingly short New Delhi M Sunny 26/11 P Cloudy 27/11 I’ve been a church-going man to solve the equation. You’re just capacity weapons. in the Parkland case. We need answers. New York Sunny 09/03 M Cloudy 10/08 my entire life. If one of my fellow engaging in tribalism. Polls show virtually everyone But watch for politicians who try to Paris P Cloudy 10/02 Showers 08/04 parishioners made a big show of But government is a key part. We _ Republicans, Democrats, gun divert all the attention there, ignoring Sao Paulo T Storms 27/19 S T Storms 27/21 praying to end hunger every week _ must spend more money on mental owners _ believes all gun buyers all the other shootings that happen Seoul P Cloudy 04/-4 M Cloudy 06/-5 without ever actually lifting a fi nger health. Not just for shootings. In should first pass a background over and over and over. Singapore P Cloudy 33/24 Showers 32/24 to feed anyone _ I wouldn’t put much fact, those suffering from mental check. So maybe we need bulletproof Sydney Cloudy 28/22 S T Storms 26/19 stock in his prayers. illness are far more likely to be The 10% or so who disagree include glass in every math class and science Tokyo Clear 12/02 Cloudy 09/04 Or his faith. victims of crime than perpetrators. terrorists, killers, the NRA and the lab. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 QATAR Forum sheds new light on juvenile traffi c violations By Ayman Adly right to get proper treatment, it Staff Reporter was observed, Captain al-Aswad, however, warned that the vehicle involved teenager who is found could be impounded for an ex- driving without a licence tended period depending on the Aor is involved in an ac- circumstances. cident should not try to fl ee the Meanwhile, Captain al-Atiq spot or ask another motorist to said all stakeholders, including ‘replace him’ at the wheel as do- parents, schools, the media and ing so will add to the off ences teenagers, have a joint respon- already committed, a senior sibility when it comes to the is- Traffi c Department offi cial has sue of driving by teens. In par- advised. ticular, he stressed the vital role Captain Ali al-Aswad, direc- of parents in exercising greater tor of the Madinat Khalifa Traffi c Off icials at the forum yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed control on their children in this Investigation Department, made respect. the observation while speaking He said the main target is to to escape or ask some other mo- Similarly, BuMozah pointed at a forum held yesterday on the enhance awareness of the risks torist to ‘replace him’, as this will out that parents should discuss topic ‘Driving without licence: A number of school students were present at the event along with officials. posed by the practice of teenag- add to the violations that have the issue openly with their chil- reality, risks and solutions.’ ers driving without a licence to already been committed by the dren based on the principle of The event was organised by Besides Captain al-Aswad, and Khalid BuMuzah, a religious Department exerts great eff orts individuals and the community, youngster. Besides, the Traffi c respecting the laws and regu- the Juvenile Police Department speakers at the forum were Cap- scholar. to reach out to both parents and and it also constitutes a serious Department has several inves- lations of the country as these in co-operation with the Traffi c tain Shaheen Rashid al-Atiq, The forum focused on the teenagers at diff erent locations, ethical and legal breach. tigative tools at its disposal to are aimed at ensuring the good Department Awareness Offi ce. head of the awareness and media risks involved in, and legal con- including lounging areas in their Captain al-Aswad stressed identify who was actually driv- of all. It took place at the headquar- section at the Juvenile Police De- sequences, of teenagers driving residences, camping sites and that if a teenager is found (by a ing the vehicle. The participating students ters of the Traffi c Department partment; First Lieutenant Fahd their parents’ vehicles without a schools, where the issue is ad- traffi c patrol) to be driving with- In such cases, all legal pro- were given an opportunity to in the presence of a considerable Mubarak al-Abdallah, head of licence. First Lieutenant al-Ab- dressed in a relaxed and friendly out a licence or gets involved in a cedures would be taken against voice their questions and discuss number of local school students. traffi c education and awareness; dallah stressed that the Traffi c manner. road accident, he should not try the violator while preserving his their views on the issue.

Qatar Foundation launches fi rst In a global fi rst, Angry ‘Innovation in Teaching Week’

atar Foundation’s (QF) Birds World theme park ‘Innovation in Teach- Qing Week’, which aims to bring together lecturers and col- lege deans within Education City to discuss the future of learning, slated to open at DHFC was offi cially launched recently. The cross-university event, n a global fi rst for Qatar, which runs until February 22, Doha Festival City (DHFC) provides a collaborative platform Iwill soon open the Angry for the Education City faculty Birds World theme park, it was and community to discuss and announced yesterday. share innovative teaching and Angry Birds World is a con- learning practices. Throughout Education City faculty during a panel discussion at the Qatar cept introduced and developed the week, lecturers from QF’s Foundation’s ‘Innovation in Teaching Week’. by Trimoo, in collaboration partner universities, as well as with Talal bin Mohamed Trad- guest speakers, are providing in- ogy, and outlining current devel- vative pedagogical approaches in ing and Rovio Entertainment sights into how to build innova- opments in the area at CMU-Q. the classroom. Corporation. tive teaching and learning eco- On the second day of the event, Janhvi Kanoria, Education Designed and developed over systems that address the needs visiting speaker Barbara Oakley, Portfolio Expert, QF CEO Offi ce, a 17,000sq m area at DHFC, the of learners in a complex and professor of engineering at Oak- said: “As part of QF’s ongoing fi rst-of-its-kind entertain- fast-changing world. land University, California, spoke commitment to enhancing teach- ment park will draw visitors Omran al-Kuwari, acting about her personal learning jour- ing and learning across our diverse into a range of more than 20 CEO, QF, said, “At Qatar Foun- ney. Oakley recounted how she education ecosystem within Edu- high-thrill rides for all ages. dation we strive to build suc- only began learning remedial cation City, we work to encourage The park will also feature an cessful models of education high school algebra at the age of best practices among our educa- array of food and beverage out- that equip our students with the 26 and discussed how people can tors who are passionate about in- lets, retail shops, ‘edu-tain- skills, knowledge, and behav- change and grow, no matter their novative teaching and knowledge ment’ activities and attractions iours they need to manage the age or stage of life. sharing. These teachers deserve that will engage and entertain challenges of tomorrow. Inno- Today, Virginia Common- the greatest respect, and this in- families. vation is a continuous process, wealth University School of the novation grant highlights the val- “Our objective has always and the ‘Innovation in Teach- Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) uable role they play in preparing been to deliver more than just Angry Birds getting ready to welcome DHFC visitors. ing Week’ event forms part of a will present and discuss samples the next generation.” entertainment. We believe that wider calendar of events we hold of student work across various Nominated ECITG projects with creativity, innovation, to empower innovators and en- disciplines and levels, to illus- will be showcased at national game and design thinking we courage the pursuit and sharing trate the approach to developing and international education fo- can revolutionise the way peo- of new knowledge.” creative agency within individu- rums through multiple formats, ple experience the world,” Tri- On the opening day of the al students. including the World Innovation moo CEO Riad Makdessi said. programme, John O’Brien, asso- The week will culminate in the Summit for Education and in- “While our range of attractions ciate dean and associate profes- announcement of an ‘Educa- ternational academic journals. is inherently thrilling, we are sor at Carnegie Mellon Univer- tion City Innovation in Teach- The ‘Innovation in Teaching also focusing on educational sity in Qatar (CMU-Q) spoke on ing Grant’ (ECITG); a yearly Week’ talks are taking place at activities that will help nourish the topic of ‘Technology in the grant designed to encourage, Georgetown University in Qatar, the curious minds of children,” Classroom: An Active Learning recognise, and reward educators Texas A&M University at Qatar, he added. Approach’, exploring personal- across Education City who wish Northwestern University in Qa- “We are determined to set ised learning through technol- to implement creative and inno- tar, CMU-Q, and VCUarts Qatar. new standards of entertain- ment in Qatar, off ering visitors a new destination of untamed fun and adventure, and most importantly – create lasting memories,” Makdessi noted. 50 artworks on display at ‘Fath Simo Hamalainen, senior vice president, Brand Licensing at Angry Birds World to occupy more than 17,000sq m area at DHFC. Rovio said: “We are thrilled to off er the Angry Birds uni- opening of Angry Birds World, shaping up for a launch within Qatar given that it is a fi rst-ever Al Khair 3 voyage’ exhibition verse experience in its physical we have set two important the upcoming months, followed Angry Birds World, according form to millions of Angry Birds milestones for the Angry Birds by the opening of its outdoor to DHFC. The mega-million The story of Fath Al Khair fans.” brand on a global level,” Hama- area. project is being developed in 3 voyage’ exhibition by Qa- “With the Angry Birds Movie lainen added. DHFC said the The park’s inauguration will line with the Qatar National ‘tari artist Fahad al-Maadid 2 now in production and the park’s indoor section is quickly mark a historic milestone for Tourism Sector Strategy 2030. showcased around 50 artworks on Sunday, refl ecting the major events of the journey. The exhi- Georgetown University’s Gemba students and faculty visit QP bition, organised by Katara – the Cultural Village under the aus- A delegation of students, were later briefed by a number pices of its general manager Dr faculty and staff from of QP senior executives on Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Georgetown University’s Global the various aspects of the aims to document the voyage of Executive Master of Business corporation’s business and ‘Fath Al Khair 3’, which Katara Administration (Gemba) facilities, its management launched recently as part of the programme visited the Qatar of its human capital and its 7th Katara Dhow Festival. Petroleum (QP) headquarters recently launched strategy “This is my fi rst exhibition. It yesterday as part of their visit and values. is the fi rst sketching exhibition to Qatar. The Gemba programme of its kind in Qatar as nobody has The delegation’s visit to Qatar is conducted as part of an done it before,” al-Maadid said. Fahad al-Maadid (left) and Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti at the Petroleum was designed to international partnership with “The voyage conveys a message exhibition. introduce them to Qatar’s Georgetown University in the of love and peace to our brothers energy sector through a Saad Sherida al-Kaabi with the visiting delegation. US, ESADE Business School in in Kuwait and Oman.” only. I want this work to continue The artist pointed out that the discussion of QP’s history, its Spain and the INCAE Business The artist noted that most of the as I am representing Qatar and not idea was also to revive the old management of its human educational journey as well as national oil companies in the School in Costa Rica, Guatemala, events he sketched from the past only myself” al-Maadid added. method of documenting events capital and the challenges facing in discovering the elements of world. Further, he highlighted Nicaragua, Paraguay and voyage to Kuwait and Oman were “I did many of my sketches on before cameras were invented – the oil and gas business in the success that have made Qatar the major milestones as it Panama. mainly of the people he met and the spot where the scene is and where painters or poets do it. Dr region. what it is today, QP said in a develops a global business All candidates, who come from places he visited in the two GCC I want to change the stereotype al-Sulaiti also inaugurated the Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, president press statement. Al-Kaabi also and enhances its competitive various parts of the world, countries. “I used the English ink picture on maritime voyages and ‘Emergence of Art from Desert’ and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, provided an overview of how position as a global energy receive dual degrees from and the English handmade paper point out that it is not limited exhibition, which focuses on welcomed the delegation and QP was transforming itself player. Georgetown University and for their high quality and I don’t only for a sailor or a marine ex- supporting young and amateur wished them success in their into becoming one of the best The Georgetown delegation ESADE. limit my work to this exhibition pert,” he said. artists.