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Thursday 23 August 2018 | 12 Dhul-Hijja I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7627 | 2 Riyals Celebrate Eid with extra data offers

Terms and conditions apply for Shahry Packs on the Ooredoo App Eid entertainment shows Foreign Minister, US Secretary of State review ties draw thousands to malls

RAYNALD C RIVERA Mall of Qatar’s In addition, children also THE PENINSULA Ooredoo Stage engaged in fun activities saw hundreds of including a barn-like fully DOHA: Shopping malls have young spectators equipped sound-proof studio emerged as the major desti- where they could record their nation this Eid holidays as they watching SpongeBob own version of the song. continue to bring joy to thou- SquarePants and Many children also took part sands of visitors including Friends as they in the live interactive game show children and families with performed for the first by Al Rayyan TV. The show being unique kid-friendly shows and staged in partnership with the activities. time in Qatar their Ministry of Education as part of The malls particularly those world class ‘I Heart their back to school campaign taking part in the Qatar Summer Dancing’ show, while gave away prizes and comprised Festival (QSF) organised by Qatar other interactive activities Tourism Authority (QTA) have a local children’s including face painting and cre- proved a magnet to multitude of choir entertained ative workshops. visitors with their lineup of the audience with a “With a combination of entertainment offerings coupled live performance of shows and interactive activities, with promotions. Mall of Qatar has become a one- Their live stage shows “Riding Free”. stop shop to entertain as well as catered mainly to young hone children’s skills in prepa- children and presented several ration for the school opening,” times daily witness huge have all enjoyed. They were very said Anthony, a parent who was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al number of families. happy to see SpongeBob and with his young daughter Thani met yesterday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during an official visit to the United Yesterday, Mall of Qatar’s other characters in person,” said watching the show. States of America. The meeting focused on discussing bilateral relations and the means to enhance (MoQ) Ooredoo Stage saw hun- Juliana, a mother of two. “We as parents are very them, in addition to discussing the latest regional developments. dreds of young spectators She expressed happiness of much pleased that the shows and watching SpongeBob SquarePants the longer Eid holidays which activities are both entertaining and Friends as they performed for means they have plenty of time and educational,” he added. the first time in Qatar their world to spare watching mall shows Doha Festival City’s (DHFC) class ‘I Heart Dancing’ show taking for free. “We are planning to Eid offerings which centre on the the audience through SpongeBob visit other malls as well to see adorable character Ben 10 is also Demand for budget hotel rooms SquarePants’ story as he tirelessly the other shows in the coming a big hit drawing hundreds of trains for his big dance audition. days,” she added. families to the range of shows In addition, children also had the Another crowd-puller at and interactive activities. DHFC and serviced apartments rises chance to meet SpongeBob MoQ was a local children’s choir has partnered with Cartoon SquarePants at the exclusive entertaining the audience with Network, one of the most MOHAMMAD SHOEB Three-Star hotels regis- The average room rate (of activity area. a live performance of “Riding popular kids channel to bring the THE PENINSULA tered the highest rate of occu- all categories of hotels) declined “Coming to Mall of Qatar Free” , the theme song of “Spirit- popular show and other Ben 10 pancy among all segments of to QR398 in June 2018, down by today is definitely worth our time Riding Free” which is a new activities to the mall-goers. DOHA: The demand for budget hotel rooms. The occupancy 13.66 percent compared to because of the variety of shows Netflix series launched by hotel rooms and serviced apart- rate in this category of hotels QR461 in the same month pre- and activities which my children Dreamworks and beIN. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ments in Qatar has witnessed a surged to 69 percent in June vious year. significant growth in June 2018 2018, up by 9 percent com- The average tariff for 5-Star compared to the corresponding pared to the same month last rooms in June 2018 reduced to month last year. year, while the occupancy rate QR582 from QR638 in June 2017 This surge in demand was for 2 &1-Star hotels touched 54 (down by QR56), and room rates recorded despite the ongoing percent against 50 percent in for 4-Star and 3-Star hotels blockade against Qatar. June 2017. declined to QR250 and QR185 The average occupancy rate The average occupancy rate in June this year from QR302 for hotel apartments saw a of hotel rooms in all categories and QR255 (same month last double-digit growth. The (including 4 and 5-Star hotels) year), respectively. While the demand for hotel apartment in stood at 59 percent in June 2018, rates for 2&1-Star hotels were June 2018 increased by a which is about three points reduced to QR147 from QR199 remarkable 11 points to 73 lower than the 62 percent a year ago. percent in June 2018 compared recorded in June last year, latest The average revenue per to 62 percent in the same month data released by the Ministry of available room (in all categories last year. Development, Planning and Sta- of hotels) fell to QR234 against The occupancy for the tistics show. QR284 in June last year, down deluxe apartments surged to 73 The occupancy rate of 5-Star by QR50 per room. percent in June this year against hotels in June 2018 declined to The average revenue per 59 percent a year ago. While the 55 percent from 61 percent a available room in 5-Star hotels demand for standard category year ago, and 4-Star hotels’ declined to QR323 in June 2018 apartments remained occupancy fell to 60 percent from Q388 in the corresponding Families and children watching SpongeBob SquarePants live show as part of Eid celebrations at unchanged at 69 percent in June from 63 percent (in June last month last year, down by QR65 Mall of Qatar, yesterday. PIC:ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA this year. year). per available room. Sidra treats 600 children’s emergency cases since July FAZEENA SALEEM At the same time, it operates Medicine told The Peninsula. “For example, we are The CED offers 24-hour care care for children. THE PENINSULA a Children’s Urgent Care Clinic When parents with children working together with Qatar’s and is staffed by an international “Our surgical program covers (UCC) in the same location. The require non-emergency care Ambulance Services to provide team with the highest qualifica- a wide spectrum of needs DOHA: Sidra Medicine has clinic treats non-emergency choose to come to the Sidra Med- an immediate response for chil- tions in paediatric emergency including orthopedics, ophthal- treated more than 600 cases at cases including upper respiratory icine CED for treatment, they are dren’s emergency cases. Just care, including physicians, mology, general surgery, urology, its Children’s Emergency issues such as sore throats and directed to the UCC. “Our team recently, Sidra Medicine’s CED nurses, emergency medical tech- neurosurgery and plastic Department (CED) and Urgent coughs, rashes, or low-grade of highly qualified and experi- team took part in a practice run nicians and imaging and lab surgery. Care Clinic since the opening in fever. enced staff determines the to airlift children to Sidra Med- professionals. “Recently, we announced the July this year. “As an emergency urgency of treatment and the icine as part of an ongoing series The Department of Pediatrics success of a series of complex Sidra Medicine’s CED treats department, we want to keep appropriate level of care of simulation exercises designed at Sidra Medicine is guided by a surgeries including a complex serious emergency cases of focus of our time and resources required on site.” to ensure a culture of safety,” holistic approach that is family- neurosurgery and in July, the first children up to the age of 18, on true emergency cases like Following the successful said Morris. centred, focusing on empow- open-heart surgery performed including loss of consciousness, the ones mentioned above. We opening, Sidra Medicine is The CED and Urgent Care ering patients in their care and at Sidra Medicine. severe trouble in breathing, are of course equipped and able engaged in continuous testing Clinic together have 60 rooms is guided by evidence and “Our Cardiac Program pro- major bone fractures, seizures to treat cases like mild fevers and training of its facilities and and are expected to treat approx- research. vides all aspects of medical, and convulsions and other emer- and colds, however, such care operations to ensure the imately 20,000 patients in the The pediatric services interventional and surgical care gencies. Children and young can be administered out of hos- department is always at the first 12 months. That number is offered at Sidra Medicine for patients with congenital or people admitted to the CED are pital,” Peter Morris Chief Exec- leading edge of world-class expected to increase to 50,000 include a comprehensive acquired heart disease,” said treated free of charge. utive Officer (CEO) of Sidra patient care. patients per year over time. range of advanced medical Morris. 02 HOME THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 Families throng Eid festivities at Souq Al Wakra

AMNA PERVAIZ RAO The management was THE PENINSULA organising four hour- long shows daily filled DOHA: Eid Al Adha Festival 2018 at Souq Al Wakra attracted big number of families with entertainment. The along with children on second day of Eid. family beach located at Al The festival will continue till Sunday. The Wakra Souq is also now festival is organised by the Private Engi- open as the development neering Office to engage children with several colourful activities during the Eid works have come to an holidays. end. Now Families can Talking to The Peninsula, Khalid Saif enjoy swimming at Souq Al Al Suwaidi, Head of Souq Al Wakra said: Wakra beach as well. “On behalf of Souq Al Wakra, we wish Eid Mubarak to people living in Qatar. We Khalid Saif Al Suwaidi, Head of Souq inaugurated the festival yesterday at Al Wakra during an interview with The 3:30pm and will continue till Sunday.” organising four one-hour long shows daily Peninsula “This year we have organised the fes- filled with entertainment. “The per- yesterday. RIGHT: Kids enjoying tival in a new manner and none of the formers have come from four different the painting and drawing section at Eid activity was repeated from the last year. countries which include, England, Spain, Al Adha Festival 2018 in Souq Al Wakra. We have organised this festival just for Lebanon and France. The cost of games PIC: AMNA PERVAIZ RAO / THE PENINSULA families and children. Various playful and shows are only QR10 which is very activities at the festival are free of cost for reasonable just to maintain the decorum activities including skill games, video festival. Aside from the games and toys, enjoyable than malls, where kids can children with disabilities. We are pro- of the festival.” games and many more fun-filled activ- the festival is also offering a number of enjoy outdoor activities as well. Malls viding care-takers as well male and The family beach located at Al Wakra ities. These activities are held inside an eateries, cafes, and other services. are fully air-conditioned which make female both depending on the family’s Souq is also now open for families as the air-conditioned tent at the western part Fatima, a mother of two kids said: them lazy easily and they are unable requirement.” development works have come to an end. of Souq Waqif. “Such festivals make these holidays to enjoy the fresh air. “We enjoy such Speaking about the activities, Al Now Families can enjoy swimming at “Every year we enjoy festivals enjoyable for kids. Every year we witness festivals especially which are Suwaidi said: “We have 25 different games Souq Al Wakra beach as well. “We have organised by the souq. Because Souq Al such spectacular shows performed by the organised at Souq Al Wakra because at the festivals especially designed for kids. finished making changing rooms, shower Wakra is only for families we prefer skilful performers. The exciting ride of we live nearby and there is a beach We have face painting, drawing, painting, area and bathrooms. We are providing coming here to enjoy the fun-filled envi- ponies make our kids more excited, which where we can enjoy swimming and skill games, video games and many more life jackets for the safety purpose and we ronment. The venue is perfect for summer will lead us coming here for another day play games at the festival as well. We games for kids. We have pony rides have life guards at the beach too,” said Al seasons, we can enjoy food and walk on to enjoy the ride. Souq Al Wakra has a very have our care-takers who help us located outside the festival tent, which is Suwaidi. the beach-side whereas the kids can enjoy clean and safe environment which is manage going to beach, eating and again very exciting for kids.” Families with children enjoyed live the activities being provided by the fes- another treat to Souq.” playing at the same time,” said a local He said that the management was shows followed with a number of tival,” said Omer, a Qatari national at the Families claim that souq is more kid, Nasir Al Khalil.

Four-hour closure on northbound lanes of Al Shamal Road QRC provides emergency THE PENINSULA 4am to 8am through Al Mazrouah round- aid to quake-hit Lombok (four hours). about then keep right and take DOHA: The Public Works Road users the slip road signposted “Al DOHA: The Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has announced that it will Authority ‘Ashghal’ will tempo- travelling Ruwais”. Follow the road for provide emergency assistance to those affected by the recent earth- rarily close 3.5km of the north- northbound 500m then take the right exit quake in the Indonesian island of Lombok at a cost of $ 200,000. bound lanes on Al Shamal Road along Al Shamal loop at Umm Esmaira Inter- The QRC said in a statement that the assistance is to provide between Al Khor Interchange Road heading change back onto Al Shamal non-food relief items, which include a shelter package, such as and Umm Esmira Interchange to Al Ruwais Road and continue their journey plastic sheets, blankets, mosquito nets, and water-saving containers. in order to complete the instal- will be required to Al Ruwais. The assistance also includes the provision of health services lation of the last remaining to exit at Al The Public Works Authority of first aid, personal hygiene and awareness packages for the signage gantry of the Orbital Khor Inter- will install the new guiding benefit of 700 affected families. On August 5, the Qatar Red Crescent Road. change and signage, and has urged all road launched the Emergency Information Management Center to follow The diversion, designed in take the second users to abide by the reduced up on the latest developments of the earthquake and is in con- coordination with the General implemented on Friday, (August exit towards Al speed limit at 80 kph and follow stant contact with the partners of the International Movement and Directorate of Traffic, will be 24) and will be in place from Mazrouah Road, go straight the new signs for their safety. the National Assembly in Indonesia to follow up the situation there. THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 HOME 03

LEFT: The Superheroes of Avengers doubles taking pictures with fans as part of Eid celebrations held at Lagoona Mall yesterday. RIGHT: The Sleeping Beauty Show as part of Eid celebrations held at Lagoona Mall yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Entertainment shows draw thousands to malls

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The three Ben 10 live shows as well as the activity zone wit- nessed hundreds of children yesterday. The young children relished an unforgettable expe- rience with all the aliens from Heathblast to Four Arms at the designated arts and crafts ses- sions area of the mall. Also a big draw was the Ben 10 Hero Experience AR Pod, an augmented reality platform which allows children to transform into an alien. Another crowd-drawer at DHFC was Al Rayyan TV’s “Ya’Alaydo” show which fea- tured audience interaction and live performance by TV personalities. The timeless tale of “Sleeping Beauty” was the main attraction at Lagoona Mall. The ABOVE: Peter Pan’s Adventure show at Mall of Qatar. RIGHT: The SpongeBob SquarePants live show show featured 11 cast members at Mall of Qatar. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA who flew all the way from the United Kingdom to bring to life around the participating malls mated comedy film. Frozen, Syrian Arda, Magic one of the oldest and most which also include Peter Pan’s Other QSF participating Show and balloon twisting and beloved fairy tales. Adventure, Levitation Man, malls including Al Khor Mall, B face painting while Gulf Mall Many of “The Avengers” Characters from Frozen, The Square Mall, Dar Al Salam Mall, had the Roaming Robots fans, both young and old, were Roaming Robots, and Qatar Tra- Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza and entertain mall-goers. Visitors at seen seizing the opportunity to ditional Dance. Landmark Mall also witnessed Landmark, on the other hand, Beast and Qatar traditional discounts and promotions, take photos with famous char- At Mirqab Mall, the visitors in huge numbers flock enjoyed the Avengers characters dance while B Square Mall pre- among which is a chance to win acters in complete costumes delightful Minions brought to see their colourful shows and while those who chose to visit sented Peter Pan’s Adventure in any of big the cash prizes as well including Iron Man, Spider-Man, smiles to hundreds of young take part in different activities. Hyatt Plaza enjoyed watching addition to activities such as as a Lamborghini Huracan (2018 Captain America, and Black children in the audience who Yesterday’s shows and Robinhood and Levitation Man. face painting and henna. model) luxury super car at the Panther. They are part of the danced along with the yellow activities at Al Khor Mall On show at the Dar Al Salam Meanwhile, various outlets final draw at the end of this roaming shows which rotate creatures from the popular ani- included Characters from Mall was The Princess and the at the malls continue offering month to be held at DHFC.

LEFT: Al Rayyan TV show “Ya’ Alaydo”, performed as part of Eid celebrations at Doha Festival City. RIGHT: The Rust Bucket Camping Adventure Live Show, organised at part of Eid celebrations at Doha Festival City. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA

Hundreds of migrant workers celebrate Eid with fervour

QNA Festive events were held in heritage spanning hundreds of and other related matters. the Asian village of the Industrial years. In turn, the Ministry of DOHA: Hundreds of migrant City, Barwa Al Baraha near the During the celebrations, the Administrative Development, workers in the country partici- industrial zone, and at the Barwa Ministry of the Interior provided Labor and Social Affairs pre- pated in the celebrations on the leisure complex for workers in awareness-raising activities on sented awareness clauses on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Al Khor city. security and safety and the role Labor Law, the workers’ rights Adha, at various areas in the The celebrations included of community policing in and the duties stipulated therein, country, while the Ministries of many artistic and heritage pieces enhancing relations with the as well as the services provided Interior and Administrative that reflect the cultures of a public and enhancing security by the Ministry to all citizens and Development, Labor and Social number of Asian peoples such as and order, as well as shedding residents. Affairs provided important India, Bangladesh, Nepal, light on some laws relating to The awareness items for the Pakistan and other countries residence and work within the migrant workers attend the members of the communities. with a long-standing artistic State, worker’s rights and duties Eid celebration programmes. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 Palestinians reject Iran regime change not US policy: Bolton US overtures REUTERS JERUSALEM: US sanctions are having a strong effect on Iran’s economy and popular opinion, on east Jerusalem though regime change there is not part of Washington’s policy, US President Donald Trump’s AFP Senior Palestinian national security adviser said official Ahmad Al yesterday. The Trump adminis- RAMALLAH: Palestinian Tamimi said the US tration re-imposed sanctions this leaders rejected overtures by month after withdrawing from the US President Donald Trump President’s assertion 2015 international nuclear deal yesterday after he said they that he had removed with Iran, which Washington saw would get something “very Jerusalem from as inadequate for curbing Tehran’s good” in exchange for his activities in neighbouring Middle country recognising Jerusalem future negotiations East countries and denying it the as Israel’s capital. was “a continuation means to make an atomic bomb. Senior Palestinian official of the US policies in The US turnaround outraged Ahmad Al Tamimi said the US favour of Israel”. Iran, which has taken a defiant President’s assertion that he stance, and has rattled other world had removed Jerusalem from powers where some businesses future negotiations was “a con- will have to pay a higher price have been debating whether to US National Security Adviser John Bolton attends a press conference in Jerusalem, yesterday. tinuation of the US policies in because they won a very big divest from the Islamic Republic. favour of Israel”. thing.” “Now (Jerusalem’s) off “Let me be clear, the reimpo- Speaking to official Pales- the table, there is nothing to sition of the sanctions, we think, Tehran government. “Just to be Hezbollah in Lebanon, what they sanctions.” He did not elaborate. tinian news agency WAFA, he negotiate. But they (the Pales- is already having a significant clear, regime change in Iran is not are doing in Yemen, what they Meanwhile, Germany called added that Trump’s push for a tinians) will get something very effect on Iran’s economy and on, American policy. But what we have threatened to do in the Strait on Tuesday for Europe to set up Israeli-Palestinian peace deal good because it’s their turn really, popular opinion inside want is massive change in the of Hormuz.” The Strait is a stra- payment systems independent of was impossible without “rec- next.” The move has greatly Iran,” National Security Adviser regime’s behaviour,” Bolton said. tegic waterway for oil shipments the United States if it wants to save ognising east Jerusalem as the complicated efforts by Trump’s John Bolton said. “I think the effects, the eco- which Iran’s Revolutionary the Iran nuclear agreement. capital of the Palestinian state”. administration to broker what At a news conference in Jeru- nomic effects certainly, are even Guards have threatened to block “We expect that Europeans The December decision to he has called the “ultimate salem, Bolton was asked whether stronger than we anticipated,” in response to Trump adminis- will see, as businesses all over recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s deal,” as the Palestinians will the United States had discussed Bolton said. “But Iranian activity tration calls to ban all Iranian oil Europe are seeing, that the choice capital and move the US no longer accept US any plans with Israel on how to in the region has continued to be exports. At the news conference, between doing business with Iran embassy to the city sparked mediation. capitalise on economic protests belligerent: what they are doing Bolton said: “We are going to do or doing business with the United fury among Palestinians, with Speaking in Jerusalem yes- in Iran and if the demonstrations in Iraq, what they are doing in other things to put pressure on States is very clear to them,” the political leadership cutting terday, Trump’s national posed any tangible threat to the Syria, what they are doing with Iran as well, beyond economic Bolton said. off ties to the US security adviser John Bolton administration. said he hoped the Palestinian Palestinians see the eastern leadership would move on from part of the disputed city as the the embassy issue. Suicide attack capital of their future state. “As a dealmaker, as a bar- Syria’s Al Qaida leader vows The opening of the US gainer, he would expect, you in Iraq province embassy on May 14 saw mass would expect, I would expect protests and clashes on the that the Palestinians would say leaves 6 tribal Gaza border in which at least ‘ok, great, so we didn’t get that to fight on in Idlib province 63 Palestinians were killed by one, now we want something fighters dead AP Israeli fire. else, and we’ll see how it goes’,” The United States, Britain that happens. “We are obviously Speaking to supporters in Bolton told journalists. and France have expressed concerned about the possibility BAGHDAD: Six Sunni tribal the United States on Tuesday, Saeb Erekat, secretary- BEIRUT: The leader of Syria’s concern at reports of the Syrian that Assad may use chemical fighters were killed yesterday, Trump again defended the general of the Palestine Liber- Al Qaida affiliate has vowed to military targeting civilians, weapons again. We had hoped and another 30 people move, saying he had eased ation Organisation, rejected fight on in Idlib province, the schools, hospitals and other that our (air) strikes had created injured, in a suicide attack in future negotiations. Bolton’s comments and said country’s last major rebel civilian infrastructure in Idlib structures of deterrents to con- Iraq’s Saladin province north “If there’s ever going to be east Jerusalem must be the stronghold, in the face of a and underlined “concern at the vince the Assad regime not to of Baghdad, according to a peace — remember I said it — capital of a Palestinian state. possible government offensive potential for further — and do that,” Bolton said. “But, just local police source. with the Palestinians, it was a “The words of Bolton are there. illegal — use of chemical so there’s no confusion here, if “A suicide bomber deto- good thing to have done nonsense and don’t correspond The rare public statement by weapons” to bring the province the Syrian regime uses chemical nated his explosive device at because we took it off the table, to reality,” Erekat said in a Abu Mohammed Al Golani came under government control. weapons we will respond very a checkpoint manned by pro- because every time there were statement. as Syrian President Bashar In Jerusalem, US National strongly.” government Hashd Al Ashaeri peace talks they never got past “You cannot talk about Assad’s forces have been Security Adviser John Bolton In return, Syria’s Foreign fighters… in the town of Jerusalem,” Trump said at a peace without Jerusalem being sending reinforcements into warned Syria against using Ministry lashed out at the West, Shirqat north of provincial rally in the US state of West Vir- the capital of an independent areas around Idlib in the coun- chemical weapons as it prepares especially the US, France and capital Tikrit,” Police Lieu- ginia. “And you know what, in Palestinian state on the basis of try’s northwest, along the border to launch an offensive on Idlib, Britain, for what it called a tenant Salahuddin Al Jabouri the (future) negotiations Israel the 1967 borders.” with Turkey. vowing a tough US response if “campaign of threats.” said. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, Al Jabouri pointed the finger at the IS terrorist group. Court to rule on Mnangagwa poll win tomorrow Last year, officials in Baghdad declared that IS mil- itary presence in Iraq had REUTERS Zimbabwe’s top court to watch the court. Riot police blocked Mnangagwa say there was no whose verdict is final. been all but destroyed fol- a legal showdown, as lawyers for roads leading to the court in the foul play. Chief Justice Luke Mnangagwa and Chamisa lowing three years of conflict HARARE: Zimbabwe’s top court Mnangagwa and opposition capital Harare and vehicles car- Malaba said the Constitutional were not at the hearing in person with the Iraqi army and a will on Friday issue its verdict on leader Nelson Chamisa squared rying water cannon were parked Court would announce its ruling but their lawyers and the ZEC’s US-led international coa- whether to overturn or uphold off before nine Constitutional nearby. at 2pm (1200 GMT) on Friday. It faced off in the packed lition. The notorious terrorist President Emmerson Mnan- Court judges. Chamisa, 40, says the first could throw the case out, declare courtroom. Chamisa’s lead group, however, still appears gagwa’s July 30 election victory, Many more around the vote since the overthrow of a new winner or order a fresh lawyer Thabani Mpofu argued to maintain a limited which his main challenger insists country were glued to live tele- Robert Mugabe in a November election within 60 days. that presidential election results presence in certain parts of was rigged. vision and online footage of the coup was rigged by the Zim- Wednesday’s hearing was announced by the ZEC were dif- the country. Crowds gathered yesterday hearing, the first time the public babwe Electoral Commission cast as a major test of the inde- ferent to those it had submitted around screens outside has seen the inner workings of (ZEC). The commission and pendence of the highest court, in its court papers. Morocco king pardons 188 people linked to Iraqi grandmother Hirak protests

RABAT: Morocco’s King fends for 22 children Mohammed VI has pardoned a total of 188 people linked to the “Hirak” protest movement after sons slain by IS on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, the National Council on REUTERS police. “I hope that the author- Human Rights said. ities will give pensions and The council initially MOSUL: Iraqi grandmother Sana housing for those orphans, reported that royal pardons Ibrahim Al Taee has a full-time because I am not going to live had been granted to 11 job feeding and clothing her 22 for 100 years,” the 60-year-old activists serving sentences of grandchildren after Islamic State said. Al Taee, who is in poor two to three years in prison killed their fathers — her sons — health with vocal cord paralysis, for their part in the Al Hirak a struggle in a cramped flat with has provided death certificates Al Shaabi, or “Popular little help from the state. for three sons but said the other Movement” whose protests Al Taee and her husband, two were buried in mass, rocked the northern Rif who has Alzheimer’s, share their unmarked graves and she has region in 2016-2017. four-room apartment in eastern not been able to find their bodies. The other pardons concern Mosul with the children, aged That means they are classed people sentenced in con- between two and 16, their as missing rather than dead so nection with the demonstra- daughter and two of their sons’ she has no death certificates for Sana Ibrahim Al Taee, 64, whose five sons were killed by Islamic State militants, play with her tions in the disadvantaged widows. Rent, food, clothes and them and cannot apply for their grandchildren at her home in Mosul. region. The social unrest linked schooling depend on donations pensions — a common problem to Hirak began in October 2016 and charity handouts. for families in the north and west in December, but the gov- “When Daesh (Islamic state) The two widows living in the after the death of a fisherman Al Taee is waiting to hear if of the country where Islamic ernment has said it will need up militants seized our areas, they cramped home had been and spiralled into a wave of the government will provide State controlled vast swaths of to $100bn to rebuild the cities destroyed us. By God, the mili- working for local civil organisa- protests demanding more pensions of 500,000 dinars territory in 2014. with Mosul’s mosques, churches, tants humiliated us. They killed tions but left after not being paid. development in the Rif region ($420) a month for her sons, who The militants were driven markets and other landmarks our sons and nothing has They are now looking for work and railing against corruption worked in the military and out by US-backed Iraqi troops left in ruin. remained,” Al Taee said. as servants. and unemployment. THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 ASIA 05 Kerala presses Centre to allow foreign aid

IANS The issue snowballed victims when it had extended following reports that only Rs6bn so far. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: the Centre was averse “We asked for Rs20bn, they India’s refusal to accept foreign (Centre) could give us only Rs aid for relief work in flood- to taking help from 6bn. I don’t know why they battered Kerala has touched a foreign governments should deny some other govern- raw nerve, with leaders of following a stand ment’s help”, he told NDTV news political parties in the state taken by UPA channel. pressing the Centre to review the Former Chief Minister decision. government on Oommen Chandy also expressed The state’s ruling CPI-M and not accepting such unhappiness that the Centre had the opposition Congress donations because reportedly refused to accept expressed unhappiness over the the country had the monetary help offered by foreign Centre’s stand, with former countries. Defence Minister A K Antony capacity to cope “I am sorry that the financial saying that the rules should be up with natural assistance announced by the changed to accept foreign disasters. CPI-M government of India is quite dis- donations. and the opposition appointing as far as the mag- The issue snowballed fol- nitude of the crisis is concerned,” lowing reports that the Centre Congress expressed Chandy said in a letter to Modi. was averse to taking help from unhappiness over the He said Kerala was expecting foreign governments following Centre’s stand. reasonable monetary help to a stand taken by UPA gov- overcome the crisis. ernment on not accepting such “It is a great relief to the people donations because the country where the death toll stands at of Kerala that so many kind had the capacity to cope up with around 370 and where over one hearted persons and social organ- A volunteer cleans a house following floods on the outskirts of Kochi in the southern Indian state of natural disasters. million people have taken refuge isations across the country and Kerala, yesterday. Several countries including in more than 3,000 camps. abroad consider this disaster as Qatar and UAE, where most of Wading into the issue, Kerala their own matter (and) offered expatriates are from Kerala, had Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan unbelievable help to us for man- financial assistance from foreign working in the Middle East, the Likewise we will be getting offered millions as aid to the told the media that if needed, he aging this tragedy,” added Chandy. countries should not be accepted governments in those countries assistance from the UN and other state to overcome the devas- would talk to Prime Minister He urged Modi to remove after natural disasters. have an emotional bonding with agencies too. So any law that has tation caused by the worst floods Narendra Modi who, he said, had obstacles against acceptance of “It must not be forgotten that Kerala. That’s why the UAE gov- to be amended must be done,” in nearly a century. tweeted his welcome to the foreign financial aid. with a huge Kerala diaspora ernment responded so quickly. said Antony. Thailand’s Ambassador to gestures. Antony, who is also a former New Delhi tweeted about India He said according to the Chief Minister, asked the Modi not accepting overseas donations National Disaster Policy of 2016, government to rewrite the rules Cochin airport opening postponed to August 29 for flood relief in Kerala. foreign funds can be accepted so that financial support can “Informally informed with and so it should not be a problem. come from abroad for Kerala. IANS opened their sluice gates in the wake of torrential regret that the government of “Indians, especially Keralites, “If the rule was changed by rains. Officials said the opening had been put off India is not accepting overseas have contributed immensely in the previous government, I have KOCHI: The Cochin International Airport, shut on by three days as 90 per cent of the staff had been donations for Kerala flood relief. their nation building,” Vijayan no qualms to say that the Modi August 15 due to floods, will reopen on August 29, affected by Kerala’s worst flooding in a century Our hearts are with you, the said. government should rewrite it,” it was announced yesterday. and they needed to report to work. people of Bharat,” Chutintorn State Finance Minister he told the media. The airport had said on Tuesday that it would The airport was first closed on August 9, for a Sam Gongsakdi said. Thomas Issac said he was sur- It was during the first Con- resume operations on August 26. few hours, and then on August 15. The Cochin The Maldives also reportedly prised the Centre was blocking gress-led UPA government that The airport was closed on August 15 after it was airport is one of three airports in Kerala and also offered donations for the state the financial aid to the flood the rules was altered that flooded when various dams in Idukki district the busiest.

Sri Lanka to end execution Four dead in Mumbai moratorium soon: President high-rise blaze

AFP IANS two firemen — Rajeev Narwade and Sandeep Manjre, said an COLOMBO: Sri Lanka will MUMBAI: At least four persons, official. soon resume executions after including an elderly woman, Residents said the building a 42-year moratorium but were suffocated to death and was not granted the occupation will send home five Pakistanis 14 others injured yesterday certificate, lacked functional sentenced to death for drug when a massive fire swept fire-fighting equipment and smuggling for execution in through a highrise building in proper fire escapes. their home country, President the city, officials said, adding Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Maithripala Sirisena said the fire has been doused after Mahadeshwar said a probe yesterday. about eight-hour struggle. would find out if there were The five are among 18 The fire broke out on the any safety violations in the people, including a woman, 12th floor of the 17-storied building. on death row for drug Crystal Tower building located The role of fire-woman offences whose execution will in Parel. Sunita B Patil came in for go ahead, according to The flames quickly spread appreciation after she rescued Sirisena. He did not give a Modi meets Chinese Defence Minister to the 13th floor and adjacent at least 17 trapped residents. date for the first hanging. flats, trapping many of the 100- A 10-year old girl Zane “I am determined to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) meeting with China’s Defence Minister Wei Fenghe in plus residents in the building. Sadavarte guided the panic- carry out the death penalty New Delhi. The Mumbai Fire Brigade stricken residents who were for serious drug offenders rushed 12 fire tenders, a snorkel running helter-skelter and and I will start with a list (of and other advanced equipment screaming for help from the 18) given to me by the to combat the blaze. upper floors. prisons,” he told a public The firemen wearing gas- “I have learnt in school how meeting in the north of the masks managed to rescue 20 to remain composed during country. Twin bypolls in Meghalaya today persons. Though the exact emergencies like fire. I told all Sirisena said he would cause of the fire is being inves- the people to use wet towels, hold talks with talks with IANS Party (NPP), is contesting the by- and Kris Kabul A Sangma who tigated, officials suspect it could avoid inhaling the dangerous Pakistan’s new Prime Min- election and is hopeful to win the are contesting as have been sparked by a fumes, move in an orderly ister Imran Khan on repatri- SHILLONG: The stage is set for South Tura assembly seat in order Independents. short-circuit. fashion to the stairs and avoid ating the condemned Paki- today’s twin assembly by-elec- to retain his chief ministership. The Ranikor assembly seat The cause of the four deaths touching electrical gadgets,” stanis and having them exe- tions to South Tura and Ranikor Agatha Sangma resigned as fell vacant after former Public was attributed to the dense Zane told mediapersons. cuted there. in Meghalaya with four member from South Tura Works Department Minister, smoke which had accumulated Meanwhile, an official of He gave no further details companies of Central armed Assembly seat to pave the way Martin Dango, resigned as inside. Two of the victims were BrihanMumbai Municipal Cor- on the feasibility of such a forces being deployed in both for her brother Conrad to member of the State Assembly identified as Shubhada Shelke, poration (BMC) said this move. the constituencies. contest the by-election. and joined the ruling NPP after 62, and Bablu Shaikh, 36. The evening that the redeveloped International rights Chief Minister Conrad Conrad is pitted against the government announced the identities of the two other Crystal Tower building was groups and the European Sangma, who is also the national Congress candidate Charlotte W creation of Ranikor Civil persons was being ascertained. occupied without a certificate Union have asked Sri Lanka chief of the National People’s Momin, John Leslee K Sangma Sub-Division. Among the injured were in 2016. to reconsider since Sirisena announced last month that he wanted to end the mora- torium on hanging. Police believe the Indian Ocean island is being used as Congress leader Gurudas Kamat dead, funeral today a transit point by drug traf- fickers. More than a tonne of IANS where he died within minutes. doled the death. Kamat represented former He served as Union Minister of cocaine seized in recent years Kamat, 63, is survived by UPA Chairperson Sonia Prime Minister Manmohan Singh State for Communications and was destroyed by police in MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Former wife Maharookh and son Sunil. Gandhi visited the hospital at the UN International Con- IT. January. Union Minister and senior His body was to be flown to where Kamat passed away and ference on Federalism in Addis Kamat resigned from the Official figures show Congress leader Gurudas Kamat Mumbai last night and the funeral placed a wreath on his body. Ababa in 2010. Congress in 2016 over his there were 373 convicts on died in New Delhi yesterday shall be held in Chembur this Respected across party lines, A five-time Lok Sabha reported unhappiness with the death row in Sri Lanka, following a massive heart attack. afternoon, said a party official. the late Prime Minister Atal member from Mumbai, Kamat functioning of the local party unit including the 18 drug He was 63. Congress President Rahul Bihari Vajpayee had picked served as Union Minister of in Mumbai but was persuaded offenders, as of last month. According to a family friend, Gandhi, former Prime Minister Kamat as part of a four-member State for Home in 2009 but by the top leadership to Death sentences are still Kamat complained of severe Manmohan Singh and Nation- official delegation to the UN in abruptly resigned in 2011 citing withdraw it. In April 2017, he passed for crimes including chest pain while having his alist Congress Party President 2003 along with former Prime “personal reasons” after his sprang another surprise by murder, rape and drug- morning tea at his home. He Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Minister I K Gujral and former appointment as Minister of State quitting all party posts though related offences but the last called out his driver who rushed Chief Minister Devendra Fad- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Min- (Independent Charge) for he remained a staunch Con- execution was in 1976. him to a hospital in Chanakyapuri navis, among other leaders, con- ister Farooq Abdullah. Drinking Water and Sanitation. gressman till the end. 06 VIEWS THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] Torpedoing Africa, and then EDITORIAL complaining about ‘migration’ How are the European Union (EU) CFA Francs, contrary to the dollar Eid, a time to promote peace and many European citizens or euro, cannot be converted into any responding to this reality? They tend other currency. This means that all elievers across the world are celebrating the blessed to focus on the “final rings of the these countries are excluded from the Eid Al Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice with per- chain” (including NGOs, “hotspots”, or international foreign exchange market Bforming prayers and offering sacrifices. The Festi- how to “divert irregular migration”), (FOREX), the largest and most liquid val’s true spirit is sacrifice and sharing our resources, LORENZO KAMEL meaning that they focus on “the market for options of any kind in the which Allah the Almighty has showered upon us, with the migration crisis plaguing Europe” world. It could be claimed that the less-privileged. AL JAZEERA without addressing some of the main countries that operate with these cur- This is an occasion to unite our efforts and intentions ut of the 67 coups in 26 structural conditions behind these rencies might freely leave the to promote peace, tranquility and happiness and to African countries in the last phenomena. arrangement at any time. In truth, achieve security and stability in the world. 50 years, 61 percent took A number of agreements signed in dozens of African leaders, from Sil- Apart from celebrations, it is also a time to pause for place in former French col- recent years by the EU in different vanus Olympio in Togo to Muammar a moment for self-examination and reflection on the con- Oonies. Fifty percent of the monetary parts of Africa have been largely detri- Gaddafi in Libya, have tried in recent ditions of people in other countries and conflict zones reserves of 14 African countries are mental for local populations, not least decades to replace these tools of mon- who are burdened with untold suffering resulted from still today under full French control: because they have exposed weak etary and financial control with a new none of their mistakes. none of them has any control over its economies to unfair competition, common African currency. We are duty-bound to stand united to declare soli- macroeconomic and monetary policy. adopted “divide and conquer” tactics Almost all of them - with the pos- darity with our brothers and gather all our strength to France makes billions of euros from when negotiating with African coun- sible exception of Malian President extend a helping hand in every way possible to those who Africa annually under the form of tries, and reduced trade between Modibo Keïta (1915-77) - have been are torn apart by wars and differences. It is a moment “reserves”, and lend part of the same African nations. killed or overthrown the very moment for all the believers to tell the world that Islam stands for money to its owners on market rates. On top of this, these agreements in which their attempts were close to promotion of peace and tolerance and it promotes dia- These few numbers hide one are often signed by countries that are succeeding. For many centuries, logue, intimacy and reunion. major truth: many European coun- still heavily dependent on external Europe contributed to intercontinental We should not turn a blind tries, France powers. A case in point is represented migration more than any other con- eye towards the persecution first and by the accord - the covers goods and tinent. On the other hand, migrants of the Palestinian brothers at foremost, are development cooperation - reached from other continents rarely chose the hands of the Zionists, who still today by the EU and the Economic Com- Europe as a destination. bid to Judaize Al Quds and shaping the munity of West African States Much is changed during the 20th make it the eternal capital of lives of mil- (ECOWAS) on February 24, 2014. century, and yet, still in 1990, migrants Israel. These few lions of Almost all countries that are part from West Africa, where many of the This is an People in countries such numbers hide Africans - of both ECOWAS and UEMOA (West current migratory waves directed to occasion to unite as Iraq, Syria and Yemen also one major truth: three African Economic and Monetary Europe stem from, represented only deserve to enjoy peace and many European quarters of Union) - including Benin, Burkina the 0.005 percent of the annual popu- our efforts and stability so that they can whom live on Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Guinea- lation growth in Europe, which at the intentions to perform their religious duties countries, less than two Bissau, Mali, Niger, and Senegal - are time was 0.184 percent. promote peace, and celebrate festivals with France first and dollars a day still today de facto “post-colonial The upsurge of net migration from tranquility and their family, friends, relatives foremost, are still - determining possessions”. Africa from the late 1990s, and more and all the fellow beings. today shaping the both their The Central Bank of each of these specifically the upswing of migratory happiness and to The Rohingya refugees in present and African countries is in fact compelled traffic across Sahara from West to achieve security their camps in Bangladesh, lives of millions of future. They to maintain at least 50 percent (it was North Africa, is the result of an and stability in who were driven out of their Africans - three take the best 65 percent until 2005) of its foreign unprecedented “perfect storm”, own homes and land by the quarters of whom out of Africa, exchange reserves in an “operations meaning the (never so) well organised the world. repressive forces, are finding while largely account” controlled by the French exploitation of Africa - mainly at the it difficult to make both ends live on less than ignoring, or Treasury. Moreover, each Central hands of single European countries meet. The cessation of war two dollars a complaining Bank is required to maintain a foreign and companies, with the connivance and conflicts is the duty of day - determining about, much exchange cover of at least of 20 of corrupted local leaderships - the every Muslim and the respon- both their present of the rest percent of its liabilities. increasing destabilisation of the entire sibility of the international community and its organisa- (noteworthy: It should also be mentioned that region (to which European weapons tions, because wars and conflicts have created humani- and future. Muslims rep- still today - despite the efforts made by are also contributing much), and the tarian disasters that demand concerted efforts to find resent about ECOWAS to create a new common epochal challenges posed by the com- peaceful solutions that preserve human life and their eight percent currency (ECO) for West African states bination of climate change and demo- right to live with dignity. of the total French population and yet, - the CFA Francs, which are in reality graphic growth (according to the This is the second Eid Al Adha that people in Qatar between 40 percent and 70 percent of two different currencies both guar- United Nations, more than half of are denied their right to perform their religious duty of the population of France’s prisons are anteed by the French Treasury, are the global population growth between Haj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Ministry estimated to be Muslims, mainly orig- official currencies in 14 West and 2015 and 2050 is expected to occur in of Haj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has closed the elec- inate from African countries). Central African countries. Africa). tronic register system and the Saudi authorities are still keeping the land, air and see routes to and from Qatar shut, thus depriving the people in Qatar from entering that country. Politicising Haj and blocking people from entering the House of Allah will remain not only an eternal pain Measles is racing ahead in Europe in the hearts of those who were denied the right to perform Haj but is also a black mark on the forehead of those who THE WASHINGTON POST affected, 23,000, more than half link between vaccination and autism, have committed it. Europe’s total. Measles is spread by but ignorance and unfounded suspi- easles, A highly contagious coughing, sneezing and “close per- cions persist. In recent years, out- disease caused by a virus, sonal contact or direct contact with breaks have been caused by unvacci- once killed 2.6 million infected nasal or throat secretions,” nated Americans and by foreigners people a year. Thanks to a the WHO says.In a report, the WHO bringing the virus to the United States Msafe and effective vaccine, which has said although there has been a after becoming infected abroad. This QUOTE OF THE DAY been in use for a half-century, global noticeable uptick in vaccination cov- year, according to the Centers for deaths declined to 89,780 in 2016. But erage in Ukraine, of the laboratory- Disease Control and Prevention, there even with this vaccine, measles cases confirmed cases last year, more than have been 107 cases in 21 states and are now hitting a record high in three-fourths had no history of immu- the District, fewer than the big out- We hope that we’ll Europe. This is a warning of the costs nization. These people were sitting break of 2014 with 667 cases, but still have a solution on of ignorance, war and complacency. ducks for the disease, and the story is worrisome. (North American Free The World Health Organization much the same elsewhere - the unvac- Meanwhile, vaccination fears are Trade Agreement) reported Monday that more than cinated are vulnerable. The cases have driving Italy toward folly. An 41,000 people in the organization’s occurred in all regions of Ukraine, but amendment approved by the Italian issues in the next European region have been infected part of the blame must rest on the war Senate this month, supported by the couple of hours, or the with measles in the first half of this Russia instigated in early 2014 that has populist government, suspends a next couple of days. year, far in excess of the total for every engulfed the southeastern part of the requirement that parents provide other year in this decade and way country. The WHO says that, to proof of 10 routine vaccinations when above the 23,927 cases in 2017. At least prevent outbreaks, at least 95 percent enrolling their children in nurseries or Ildefonso Guajardo 37 people have died. Seven nations immunization coverage is necessary. preschools. The lower house is Mexican Economy Minister have seen more than 1,000 infections: Measles was eliminated in the expected to vote next month. If France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Russia, United States by 2000 with wide- approved, more people will go without Serbia and Ukraine. spread use of the vaccine. Extensive immunisation. Some will die. It should Ukraine has the most people research has disproved the fears of a not be allowed to happen. THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 OPINION 07 Rifts at the top rattle Zimbabwe after Mugabe

s Zimbabwe braced for oppo- there were no divisions between Chi- itary source. election.” The acrimony between sition protests after this wenga and Mnangagwa, echoing the “Chiwenga said no one should the Mnangagwa and Chiwenga fac- month’s disputed election, a united front the two have maintained forget who got rid of Mugabe.” tions has intensified due to the heated argument broke out publicly. Charamba, who speaks for the pres- failure to achieve the smooth inA the offices of President Emmerson “The overbearing reality of ident and vice-president, declined to election Mnangagwa promised, Mnangagwa over who was in charge harmony within the Presidency will comment further. Chiwenga did not security sources say. of national security, two people with not change because of wishful sce- answer a call to his phone. An army “They are operating parallel JOE BROCK direct knowledge of the meeting said. nario-building,” Charamba said in an spokesman did not immediately governments,” Magaisa said. REUTERS At one point, Vice President Con- emailed response to questions. “One respond to a request for comment. The split between Chiwenga stantino Chiwenga reminded Mnan- gets a sense some interests feel A day after the meeting, as riot and Mnangagwa is making it dif- gagwa that it was he who had installed threatened by the combination in the police tried to disperse protesters in ficult for investors, who say they the president in power after last year’s Presidency.” Harare, military armoured vehicles don’t know who to talk to. Many coup against Robert Mugabe. Details After a more peaceful build-up to unexpectedly rolled onto the streets. deals have fallen apart. obtained about the post-election rift the election compared with the vio- Soldiers fired live rounds and beat If Zimbabwe is to secure the between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga lence of the Mugabe years, nerv- opposition supporters. Six were killed. International Monetary Fund help paint the clearest picture yet of a ousness grew when the ZEC delayed Since then human rights groups it needs to revive the economy, power struggle that could define Zim- releasing the presidential result. have reported more than 150 inci- Mnangagwa and Chiwenga must babwe’s future. When it eventually became clear dents of alleged abuses by security find a way to push through painful As a result, Western governments that the ZEC was about to announce forces against opposition supporters, reforms. They have a history of and big business fear Zimbabwe may Mnangagwa had won, Chamisa including illegal detention, assault, overcoming adversity together. not fulfil its economic potential, claimed victory on July 31 and looting and rape. Many in the MDC In 2003 Chiwenga, Mnangagwa putting at risk billions of dollars in aid accused ZEC chairwoman Priscilla have fled. Mnangagwa has denied and Mugabe were among 77 Zim- and foreign investment. Zimba- Chigumba of collaborating with reports of an opposition crackdown babweans sanctioned by the United bweans had hoped that the election ZANU-PF, the ruling party, to steal the and said last week that human rights States for allegedly undermining on July 30 would turn a page fol- election. Chigumba has defended her groups “have an agenda”. Interna- “democratic processes” and lowing decades of turmoil under independence. tional election observers have called causing “politically motivated vio- Mugabe. That optimism evaporated As tension mounted that day, for greater transparency over the lence” in elections the previous Western governments in the days that followed a military Mnangagwa, Chiwenga, and defence army crackdown on Aug. 1, which year. Mugabe’s administration and big business fear crackdown on demonstrators, when forces chief Philip Sibanda held crisis they say is threatening to undermine denied committing human rights Zimbabwe may not the Zimbabwe Election Commission talks in the presidency offices in Mnangagwa’s credibility. violations. Despite a spending (ZEC) was alleged by the opposition to Harare, according to the two sources, Mnangagwa, who has opened an decades alongside Mugabe, both fulfil its economic have rigged the vote, and police and one from the military and another investigation into the violence , says men are trying to show they are a potential, putting soldiers were accused of abusing from ZANU-PF. Several other senior the MDC is to blame for any deaths break from the past. at risk billions of opposition supporters. officials were present, they said. because it encouraged demonstra- Mnangagwa has made progress dollars in aid and Mnangagwa, the 75-year-old Chiwenga, 61, said that since he tions. There has been no explanation improving relations with Western Mugabe ally who replaced his old held the defence portfolio he should why soldiers used live rounds against states since taking power as he foreign investment. friend, was declared the winner by manage security at opposition dem- unarmed protesters. seeks to shed his image as Zimbabweans had the ZEC on August 2, but the leader of onstrations expected the following The police have said they called Mugabe’s right-hand man and alle- hoped that the election the opposition Movement for Demo- day, the sources said. for military assistance. gations of involvement in a on July 30 would cratic Change (MDC), Nelson Chamisa, Mnangagwa and Sibanda wanted But two senior Western diplomats crackdown in the 1980s that killed 40, is challenging the result in the any protests to be handled by the said Mnangagwa’s team told them 20,000 people. He denies turn a page following constitutional court this week. police. “Chiwenga was unhappy. He that Chiwenga was responsible for wrongdoing. decades of turmoil Analysts say the court is unlikely said the election had been badly ordering the army onto the streets, However that charm offensive under Mugabe. to overturn the result. Presidential managed and stability needed to be without providing any evidence. may already be unravelling after spokesman George Charamba said restored. It got heated,” said the mil- Chiwenga, who spent four spokesman Charamba - a close decades as a soldier before going into Chiwenga ally - blamed “hostility” government in December, has not from Western states, primarily the commented about the military inter- United States, for putting off vention publicly. investors. “If Mnangagwa ordered the deployment it is a worry. If he didn’t know about it, in a way, it is more worrying. You have to ask: who is in control?” one of the diplomats said. “This internal struggle may par- alyse any reform process and Zim- D-RING ROAD babwe will continue to lurch from POST BOX: 3488 crisis to crisis.” Many analysts and DOHA - QATAR diplomats in Harare believe Chi- [email protected] wenga’s ultimate ambition in removing Mugabe was to take his seat but he handed power to Mnangagwa EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE to give the military intervention the TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 veil of legitimacy. FAX: +974 4455 7758 “Chiwenga should not be underes- timated. He will dig in,” said Alex MANAGING EDITOR Magaisa, a London-based political TEL: 4462 7505 analyst. “If Mnangagwa survives the court challenge, I still do not expect DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR him to finish his term. I expect Chi- TEL: 4455 7769 wenga to take over before the next LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743

BUSINESS NEWS SECTION ban on foreigners buying may trickle through to affordability at infrastructure, including an extra TEL: 4462 7535 homes in New Zealand is not the lower end. However, it won’t have NZ$634m for housing to help thou- enough to solve the problems much effect,” said Timothy Hazledine, sands of residents sleeping in cars and SPORT NEWS SECTION of affordable housing and professor of economics at the Uni- shop entrances. TEL: 4455 7745 homelessness,A analysts and cam- versity of Auckland. This is on top of the NZ$2.1bn pre- paigners said, as the country became “There definitely is an afforda- viously announced to fund Kiwibuild, ONLINE SECTION the latest to impose curbs on non-res- bility problem, generated simply by a government building program to RINA CHANDRAN & TEL: 4462 7501 idents buying property. the pressure of demand on a finite increase affordable housing supply. UMBERTO BACCHI [email protected] REUTERS New Zealand’s parliament last supply of desirable real estate. Bans The new law is unlikely to help the homeless, said James Crow at the on foreign ownership are a tiny step PUBLIC RELATIONS advocacy group Gimme Shelter in this direction,” he told the Thomson TEL: 4455 7613 Aotearoa. Reuters Foundation on Wednesday. [email protected] The United Nations estimates that “Although this law allows a more globally, at least 150 million people, or level playing field for first home Will banning foreign ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT about 2 percent of the population, are buyers, these are unlikely to be the TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 homeless. More than a fifth of the individuals and families sleeping in FAX: 4455 7870 buyers solve homelessness population lacks adequate housing. cars every night,” he said. [email protected] Governments worldwide are “The major issue remains around affordable rental accommodation, as in New Zealand? under pressure to boost housing CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT affordability and fix a growing most homeless are renters. Better TEL: 4455 7857 problem of urban homelessness. access to first, emergency shelter and [email protected] Canada last year recognised then long-term rental accommo- week passed a law to bar many non- housing as a fundamental right, and dation is a critical next step to SUBSCRIPTION & resident foreigners from buying committed to creating up to 100,000 resolving (homelessness),” he said. DISTRIBUTION existing homes in a bid to curb house affordable housing units and pro- With at least 55 percent of the TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 price growth and reduce rates of viding financial assistance to some world’s population living in urban FAX: 44557819 homelessness. 300,000 low-income households. centres, homelessness is ever more [email protected] Foreign ownership The ban exempts Australians and India has pledged to provide apparent, from Los Angeles to has attracted may also exclude Singapore. housing for all citizens by 2022, with Auckland. This has fuelled resentment Foreign ownership has attracted an aim to build 20 million urban against foreign buyers who are criticism in recent criticism in recent years as New housing units and 30 million rural accused of pushing up house prices, All thoughts and views years as New Zealand Zealand grapples with a housing homes, although activists say the pro- and often leave their properties expressed in these columns grapples with a crunch that has seen average prices in gramme does not address the vacant for several months of the year. are those of the writers, housing crunch that the largest city, Auckland, almost problem of homelessness. In London last year, squatters double in the past decade, and rise New Zealand has the highest rate briefly occupied a mansion left empty not of the newspaper. has seen average more than 60 percent nationwide. of homelessness amongst wealthy by its foreign owner in one of the prices in the largest city’s most expensive But reaction to the ban was mixed, nations that are part of the Organi- All correspondence city, Auckland, almost with some analysts saying it may help sation for Economic Cooperation and neighbourhoods. regarding Views and double in the past boost affordability, while cam- Development, with almost 1 percent Foreign home buyers in New paigners said it would not solve the of its population living without a per- Zealand made up about 3 percent of Opinion pages should be decade, and rise more pressing problem of manent shelter in 2015. property transfers overall, according send to editor-in-chief more than 60 percent homelessness. New Zealand Prime Minister to official data, which does not office or mailed to the nationwide. “It will take some price pressure Jacinda Ardern has unveiled an ambi- capture property bought through off the top end of the market, which tious plan to build social trusts. [email protected] 08 ASIA THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 Ban on suspect candidates spells trouble in Afghan polls

REUTERS “There will be riots, were linked to proscribed group. protests and road- Another of the banned can- KABUL: A ban on dozens of didates, Mullah Tarakhel, a Afghan strongmen and blockages if they powerful lawmaker from Kabul, lawmakers from running for don’t accept me,” said suggested that his supporters parliament because of suspected Assadullah Sharifi, could cause trouble. links to illegal armed groups has a lawmaker who is “The ECC has committed a spurred threats to disrupt a blunder by not allowing me to general election already at risk among 35 people the stand for elections. My sup- from worsening security. Electoral Complaints porters can stop the vote,” The October polls, seen as Commission has Tarakhel told a news channel. an important test of Afghani- barred from standing. Tarakhel was not available stan’s democratic legitimacy and for comment and his aide a dry run for a presidential declined to discuss the issue. election next year, have been One policeman was killed repeatedly delayed because of candidates with links to illegal and one wounded in a suicide organisational problems. groups point to the limited bomb attack this month during “There will be riots, protests influence that parties have in a protest by Tarakhel’s sup- United in prayer and road-blockages if they don’t politics, and in elections in par- porters in Kabul. There was no Pakistanis perform Eid Al Adha prayers outside a mosque in Quetta, yesterday. accept me,” said Assadullah ticular, meaning candidates claim of responsibility. Sharifi, a lawmaker who is have traditionally run as inde- President Ashraf Ghani’s among 35 people the Electoral pendents, with few checks on office, election officials and dip- Complaints Commission (ECC) their records. lomats have tried to intervene has barred from standing. This year’s bans have for the to defuse tension but electoral “I will do whatever it takes first time highlighted ties officials say they still face to contest elections,” said between politicians and armed danger. Internet must be ‘righteous and Sharifi, who is close to the pow- groups, to the fury of excluded “Our officials collected evi- erful former governor of the candidates. dence to prove their links with northern province of Balkh, Atta Some of them have shut criminals and underground clean’, says Chinese President Mohammad Noor. down election commission armed groups,” said Alireza Afghanistan has for gener- offices and launched anti-gov- Rohani, spokesman and sec- REUTERS tighten their grip over a huge and intensified crackdown on any ations been plagued by the ernment protests. retary at the ECC. diverse cultural scene online content that is deemed to be in problem of powerful provincial Sharifi rejected the accusa- “We have nothing personal BEIJING: The Internet must be popular with China’s youth. violation of socialist core values figures defying central authority, tions levelled by voters in his against them, but they are “clean and righteous” and vulgar Speaking at a two-day under Xi. taxing whatever business they constituency of ties to an illegal attacking us.” Ghani, who is content must be resisted in the meeting, attended by officials Despite strict censorship, can and maintaining private militia and of violent crime. widely expected to run for a field of culture, Chinese Pres- from major state media outlets China has a fairly lively online forces. “I am ready to surrender second five-year term in 2019, ident Xi Jinping told a meeting and the Internet regulator, Xi said community of bloggers, who fre- The United Nations, which before the top court if they can is under pressure from his inter- of senior propaganda officials, propaganda efforts needed to be quently respond to breaking is overseeing the election, has prove me guilty,” he said. national allies to hold the par- state media said yesterday. put front and centre, the official events with humorous - and welcomed the decision to vet Electoral officials this month liamentary elections and bolster The government has been Xinhua news agency said. sometimes risqué - sketches and candidates in preparation for summoned and questioned democracy. tightening controls over Internet “Uphold a clean and short videos, although they often the October 20 election. more than 100 hopeful candi- But some of the banned law- content as part of what it says righteous Internet space,” the face their posts being taken down. Even without dozens of dates against whom complaints makers accuse Ghani of using are efforts to maintain social report cited Xi as saying. Xi told the meeting that angry candidates to contend had been lodged, mostly by the the ECC to sideline lawmakers stability, taking on “vulgar” and China shut as many as those who work in culture and with, election authorities face public, eventually banning the who oppose him. pornographic content as well as 128,000 websites that contained the arts had to express quality daunting insecurity. The Taliban 35. “President Ghani wants to the unauthorised dissemination obscene and other “harmful” and responsibility and respect have warned people not to vote Many of those questioned kick us out of parliament,” said of news. information in 2017, Xinhua the law, Xinhua said. and dozens of people have been said that while they may have Fawzia Koofi, who along with The moves come amid a reported in January, citing gov- “Reject the vulgar, the base killed in militant attacks on hired armed bodyguards, in a her sister, Mariam, has been broader clamp-down targeting ernment data. and the kitsch,” Xi added. “Put voter registration centres. country plagued by militant vio- banned because of suspected online content from livestreams China’s media regulator has forward more healthy, high Election Commission offi- lence and kidnapping for links with an illegal militia. The and blogs to mobile gaming, as also been cracking down on quality Internet works of culture cials trying to weed out ransom, that did not mean they sisters deny any links. the country’s leaders look to video spoofs, as part of the and art.”

Two dead and five missing after boat Party rebels press Turnbull for second leadership vote sinks Pakistan REUTERS petitioning for another vote as believe the majority of col- Cosgrove is British Queen “The big risk is that he might early as yesterday, though it leagues support me then I will Elizabeth’s representative in be shafted even before he got to AP CANBERRA: Australian Prime appeared unlikely that the move consider my position,” he said. Australia and would need to be the end of the driveway,” it said. Minister Malcolm Turnbull clung would get enough support before Jane Prentice, a Liberal law- on hand to swear in a new prime The opposition Labor Party QUETTA: A Pakistani official to power yesterday as rebel today. The move needs a maker, said she saw a copy of minister if Turnbull was ousted, has gleefully watched the Lib- said at least two anglers Liberal party lawmakers pressed majority of 43 signatories to the letter calling for a second or to accept Turnbull’s request erals internal conflict deepen, drowned and five others were for a second leadership contest force a fresh contest. vote late yesterday and it so far to dissolve parliament if he with the growing prospect of an missing after their boat sank just a day after he narrowly If Dutton’s supporters had nine signatories. Should decides to call an early election. early election. in rough waters in the survived a challenge from succeed, Turnbull is likely to be Dutton’s supporters manage to The next election is due by May. Labor used Question Time in Arabian Sea off the coast of former home minister Peter ousted without completing three muster enough signatures by Australian newspapers parliament on Wednesday to ask southwestern Baluchistan Dutton. years in power, and whoever Thursday, the vote could be held echoed the frustration many seven of the nine Cabinet min- province. Turnbull, whose Liberal replaces him will become Aus- before parliament breaks for a voters feel over the constant isters who voted for Dutton Abdul Shakoor Ronjho, a Party is the senior partner in the tralia’s seventh prime minister two week holiday. leadership changes. whether they still supported Fisheries Department official, coalition government, had won in a decade. Amid mounting uncertainty “It would be kinder to voters Turnbull. said 15 fishermen who a party-room vote by 48 to 35 Dutton said he was can- over Turnbull’s premiership, and more in the national interest All seven had tendered their managed to reach land near on Tuesday, but the uncon- vassing for support to take Governor-General Peter Cos- if Mr Turnbull drove to Yarra- resignations to Turnbull, who Sonmiani were rescued vincing victory had left him vul- another tilt at Turnbull, possibly grove cancelled travel plans and lumla (Cosgrove’s official resi- refused them in an attempt to yesterday. nerable to another challenge. as early as this week. will remain in Canberra this dence) and called an election a show unity and later said he had Ronjho said during the Australian lawmakers told “I’m speaking to colleagues,” week, a source familiar with his year early,” The Sydney Morning been given “unequivocal assur- search-and-rescue operation reporters that party rebels were Dutton told 3AW Radio. “If I schedule said. Herald wrote in an editorial. ances of continuing loyalty”. the bodies of two fishermen were recovered and rescuers were searching for the remaining five. Two Vietnamese-Americans Indonesia sinks 125 foreign illegal jailed for bomb plots fishing vessels REUTERS between five and 11 years,” an official at the Ho Chi Minh City AP HANOI: A Vietnamese court People’s Court sais by phone. found two Vietnamese-Amer- According to state media, JAKARTA: Indonesia has icans guilty of terrorism yesterday Phan and Nguyen were acting sunk 125 mostly foreign and sentenced them to 14 years on behalf of the “Provisional vessels involved in illegal in prison for masterminding a Government of Vietnam”, a Cal- fishing as it ramps up efforts series of bomb plots earlier this ifornia-based organisation run to exert greater control over year, a court official said. by Vietnamese-Americans still its vast maritime territory, an James Nguyen and Angel loyal to the now defunct state official said yesterday. The Phan were convicted, along with of South Vietnam. sinkings at 11 locations across 10 accomplices who received The US organisation dis- Indonesia were carried out short jail terms, after a two day patched Phan and Nguyen to simultaneously on Monday. trial. All defendants had been Vietnam in February 2017 to Maritime Affairs and Fish- charged with “attempting to carry out attacks on Vietnamese eries Ministry spokeswoman overthrow the state”. national holidays, the Ministry Lily Pregiwati said Wednesday Phan and Nguyen had been of Public Security said in a the operation wasn’t accused of organising at least statement on its website. announced in advance to three attacks, including the Phan and Nguyen ran a avoid straining relations with attempted bombing of Vietnam’s network of underground oper- neighbouring countries. largest international airport in atives in Vietnam, some of Indonesia says it has sunk Huge drugs haul in Thailand Ho Chi Minh City last April, and whom were given titles in a 488 illegal fishing vessels since the successful bombing of a shadow government such as October 2014, usually with Thai police officers unload seized drugs from a vehicle in a police station in Bangkok, yesterday. Thai police station in June this year. “governor of Saigon”, or “com- explosives. The government police have seized more than 14 million methamphetamine pills worth $45m that were bound for “The remaining 10 mander of national defence says the boats are a threat to neighbouring Malaysia and beyond, authorities said. defendants in the same trial guards,” the Ministry of Public the local fishing industry. received prison terms of Security said yesterday. THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 EUROPE 09 US sanctions against Russia senseless: Putin AP prospective Germany-bound Nord Stream 2 natural gas MOSCOW: US economic sanc- pipeline that US has threatened tions against Russia are to target with sanctions, Putin senseless, President Vladimir Putin described last said Europe needs the project to Putin said yesterday, voicing month’s with US satisfy its energy needs. hope that Washington will even- president as positive, Putin and other Russian offi- tually agree to a constructive but blamed Trump’s cials have noted that the US dialogue. opposition to the new pipeline Speaking after talks with administration for stems from its desire to remove Finnish counterpart Sauli continuing to hit a powerful competitor and Niinisto in Sochi, Putin described Russia with sanctions. promote supplies of its own last month’s Helsinki summit more expensive liquefied with US President Donald Trump natural gas to Europe. as positive, but blamed Trump’s establishment, the ruling class “Russia is the optimum sup- administration for continuing to in the broad sense of the word plier for European economy,” hit Russia with sanctions. which matters.” Putin said. “We are ready to The interior of an illegal gun factory in Hailsham, Britain. “As for our meeting with He said the US restrictions compete with anyone, but we Trump, I view it as positive and are “counterproductive and expect a fair competition in line useful,” Putin said. “No one senseless, especially against with international norms.” expected that all disputed issues such country as Russia,” adding Putin also noted that Russia UK uncovers ‘sophisticated’ illegal gun factory could be settled during a two- that Moscow expects Wash- has to respond to Nato’s deploy- REUTERS hour meeting, but a direct con- ington to realise their use- ments near its borders. He ammunition, the National Crime A taser was used in one of versation and exchange of lessness and engage in con- emphasised that Moscow is Agency (NCA) said. the arrests. opinions are always useful.” structive cooperation. ready to discuss ways to LONDON: Investigators said “NCA investigators have dis- Two handguns and ammu- Even as Trump has sought The Trump administration increase mutual trust, such as yesterday they had found a covered what they believe to be nition, and guns in various closer ties with Putin, his admin- added to its growing list of sanc- the security of military flights “sophisticated” illegal gun a sophisticated gun factory on stages of production were also istration has intensified eco- tions against Russia on Tuesday, over the Baltic, but claimed that factory in Sussex, southern an industrial estate in East recovered. nomic pressure on Moscow over blacklisting two companies and Nato has stonewalled Russian England, and had made three Sussex,” the agency — which The head of the NCA’s its actions in Ukraine and Syria, two individuals suspected of proposals on the subject. arrests as part of an inquiry into specialises in fighting serious National Firearms Threat Centre as well as Russia’s alleged efforts trying to circumvent earlier US “I don’t think that the idea the criminal production of and organised crime — said on Rob Hickinbottom said the at meddling in the 2016 US pres- sanctions imposed in June in of reducing the degree of con- firearms. its website. investigation was continuing. idential election and disrupting response to cyberattacks, and frontation and increasing the A site with a sign outside The arrests were made on “We suspect that this oper- other western democracies. sanctioning two Russian level of security in the Baltic is saying it was a gearbox repair Saturday after officers heard ation has disrupted a group that Putin noted that “it’s not just shipping companies for sus- dead,” Putin said. “Just the other business contained machinery bangs which sounded like gun- would appear to be involved in the position of the US president, pected trade with North Korea. way round, it has become even and components suspected to shots from inside the unit in the the criminal production of but that of the so-called Commenting on the more acute.” be used to make firearms and town of Hailsham. firearms,” he said.

Russian national Suspect named in Dutch schoolboy’s 1998 murder arrested over AFP boy’s killer was never found. Dutch and French police information of his whereabouts. DNA samples after a call by alleged bomb plot As time ran out to catch the believe that Brech — who was Yesterday’s announcement detectives. AP THE HAGUE: Dutch detectives suspect, police earlier this year interviewed at the time of the brings Verstappen’s family one However, Brech who was 35 said yesterday they have iden- appealed to more than 20,000 crime as a witness — is hiding step closer to what happened to at the time, was not among the tified a suspect in the brutal men to donate DNA samples in somewhere in France’s moun- Nicky the night he disappeared, volunteers but as he was previ- BERLIN: German authorities murder of a young boy two a bid to close in on the tainous eastern Vosges region, in what became one of the most ously interviewed as a witness, yesterday arrested a Russian decades ago, in a case that has perpetrator. where he owns a chalet. extensive murder investigations police became suspicious. national suspected of plotting gripped the Netherlands. “New investigative tech- His family reported him to date in the Netherlands. When his family reported an extremist attack in Nicky Verstappen’s body was niques gave us new opportu- missing in April after the former Police said new digital tech- him as missing, Dutch and Germany along with an found on August 11, 1998, a day nities. We now have a one-on- scout worker, who is believed to niques helped them to develop French police searched his cabin alleged accomplice detained after he disappeared from a one DNA match with the (DNA) be a survival expert, told them a DNA profile in 2008, from in the Vosges region. last year in France. youth camp in southern Limburg traces found on Verstappen’s he was going for a walk in the traces found on Verstappen’s “We found traces of DNA on Federal prosecutors said province. He had been abused body,” police detective Fer- mountains, Schellinkhout said. clothing, but there had been no his personal belongings. It was the 31-year-old, identified before he was killed. dinand Schellinkhout told a press “We are convinced that the match. a match,” said chief prosecutor only as Magomed-Ali C Police at the time mounted conference in the southern city suspect has gone into hiding,” Earlier this year, some Jan Eland. because of German privacy a massive search closely fol- of Maastricht yesterday. “We are Limburg police chief Ingrid 16,000 men living in the area A European-wide warrant rules, was arrested in Berlin. lowed by local media and the looking for Jos Brech, 55. He was Schaefer-Poels said, asking the where Verstappen was mur- for Brech’s arrest was issued on They said they believe that, Dutch public, but the 11-year-old last seen in France.” public to contact police with any dered volunteered to hand over June 12. in 2016, he stored a “significant quantity” of the explosive TATP at his apartment for an attack in Germany . However, prosecutors Migrants force way into Spanish enclave Poland moves to name new said the plans by C and alleged accomplice Clement REUTERS “I love Spain!” shouted one. spokesman said yesterday. judges amid EU concerns B were disrupted by a “pre- Some were draped in European During a recent visit to ventive police measure,” and AFP MADRID: More than 100 and Spanish flags. Spain, German Chancellor Leszek Mazur said. the men decided to split up. African migrants managed to More than 3,800 migrants Angela Merkel and Spanish Mazur is the new head of Clement B left for France. force their way into the Spanish have crossed the Moroccan Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez WARSAW: Polish officials the National Council of the Judi- He was arrested in Marseille enclave of Ceuta from Morocco border into the Spanish enclaves agreed to increase dialogue with yesterday moved to speed up ciary, a body overseeing judicial in April 2017 over plans to yesterday when hundreds tried of Ceuta and Melilla so far this Morocco to handle migrant the appointment of new judges impartiality whose composition carry out an attack in France, to storm the highly fortified year, according to the UN refugee inflows to Spain, which is now to the Supreme Court despite was changed as part of the with several weapons and 3 border, a Spanish police agency, UNHCR. The route the main destination for people objections at home and from reforms. kilograms of TATP. spokesman said. accounted for 14% of the total seeking a better life in Europe. the European Union. The PiS insists the judicial The French investigation Television images showed 27,600 who arrived, mainly by EU leaders have failed to The governing conservative changes tackle corruption and produced evidence against some of the migrants with sea, between January and July, a agree a long-term plan on Law and Justice (PiS) party had overhaul a judicial system still Magomed-Ali C, and German bloodied arms and legs, appar- 130% increase on previous year. where to house migrants since introduced the forced early haunted by communist era. prosecutors said they were ently caused by the razor wire Five migrants were injured brokering a convoluted deal in retirement of judges over the age But the opposition, keen to find out what hap- that tops the border fences, in the jump, and seven Spanish June that appeared designed to of 65 as part of a raft of contro- democracy watchdogs and the pened to the explosives he is cheering as they walked towards policemen suffered burns appease divergent views rather versial judicial reforms that have EU have warned they believed to have stored. a temporary reception centre. caused by a corrosive substance than provide concrete solutions drawn concern from Brussels. undermine judicial inde- Spokeswoman Frauke Most of them were young men. thrown by the migrants, the to the crisis. “We’re speeding things up pendence, the rule of law and Koehler said that no explosives as much as we can,” judge democracy. were seized in yesterday’s raid.

Visa rules stop artists from visiting UK AP In a letter to the Guardian also end the automatic right of newspaper, directors of events people from 27 EU nations to LONDON: Complex and including WOMAD, the Hay come to Britain — and it’s not inflexible UK visa rules are group of literary festivals, Celtic certain what, if any, visas deterring international artists Connections and the Manchester European artists will need to from coming to Britain and International Festival said the perform in the UK. robbing UK audiences of the “lengthy, opaque and costly” In a speech yesterday at the chance to see global talent, visa application process was Edinburgh Television Festival, leaders of several major arts deterring artists from visiting Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright festivals said yesterday. Britain. said the government “under- This summer the WOMAD They urged the government stands how important mobility world music festival and the to make the process cheaper is” for the creative sector and Edinburgh International Book and more flexible, saying “these intends to seek a post-Brexit Festival have both complained refusals directly reduce UK culture accord with the EU. that several invited performers audiences’ opportunities to see In advance extracts released have been denied visas. Last and engage with international by his office, Wright said the month, WOMAD founder Peter artists.” proposals include “reciprocal Gabriel said Britain risked Many of those who have had arrangements to allow UK becoming “a white-breaded problems are from Africa and nationals to visit the EU without Brexited flatland ... losing the the Middle East. Britain’s exit a visa for short-term business Two men speaking to fellow migrants after forcing their way into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, yesterday. will to welcome the world.” from the European Union will reasons” and vice-versa. 10 AMERICAS THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018 Call to probe Trump after Cohen’s guilty plea BLOOMBERG Manafort convicted of 8 charges WASHINGTON: Michael AP Cohen’s attorney said Congress President Donald signs the jury was struggling in should open an investigation into its deliberations, focused whether President Donald Trump derided Michael ALEXANDRIA: Paul Manafort, intently on the jury as the clerk Trump directed his longtime Cohen in a tweet and the longtime political operative read off the charges. He stared fixer to commit a crime. said he didn’t think who for months led Donald blankly at the defense table, “There is most certainly the two campaign Trump’s successful presidential then looked up, expressionless, enough evidence now” for Con- campaign, was found guilty of as the judge finished thanking gress to open a probe, Cohen’s finance violations eight financial crimes in the first the jury. lawyer, Lanny Davis, said in were crimes at all. trial victory of the special The jury found Manafort response to a question about counsel investigation into the guilty of five counts of filing whether Congress should pursue FROM LEFT: A combination pictures of Michael Cohen, US President president’s associates. false tax returns on tens of mil- impeachment proceedings. -- Trump’s longtime personal Donald Trump and Paul Manafort. A judge declared a mistrial lions of dollars in Ukrainian Cohen pleaded guilty to lawyer and fixer — is “willing to on 10 other counts the jury political consulting income. He illegal campaign finance charges cooperate with anyone who asks that Cohen has knowledge that a quip, saying, “If anyone is could not agree on. was also convicted of failing to over hush money paid to actress him questions,” adding that he would be of interest to Special looking for a good lawyer, I The jury returned the report foreign bank accounts in and a former model — all but is “100 percent going to tell the Counsel Robert Mueller in his would strongly suggest that you decision after deliberating four 2012 and of two bank fraud naming Trump as having ordered truth.” investigation into Russian med- don’t’ retain the services of days on tax and bank fraud charges that accused him of him to do it. After first denying dling in the 2016 election and Michael Cohen!” charges against Manafort, who lying to obtain millions of Trump derided Cohen in a knowledge of a payment to whether there was collusion with Later, though, Trump wrote, led Trump’s election effort dollars in loans after his con- tweet early yesterday and said actress Stormy Daniels, Trump Trump or members of his “Michael Cohen plead guilty to during a crucial stretch of 2016, sulting income dried up. he didn’t think the two campaign admitted in May to reimbursing campaign. two counts of campaign finance including as he clinched the The jury couldn’t reach a finance violations were crimes Cohen for the $130,000 payment “It’s my observation that Mr violations that are not a crime. Republican nomination and verdict on three other foreign at all. made on the eve of the election Cohen has knowledge that would President Obama had a big cam- during the party’s convention. bank account charges, and the “That would be the first time although he maintained the be of interest to the special paign finance violation and it Manafort, who appeared remaining bank fraud and con- in American history that we have transaction had nothing to do counsel about the issue of was easily settled!” jovial earlier in the day amid spiracy counts. evidence of a crime of a pres- with the campaign or involved whether Donald Trump, ahead In 2010, the Federal Election ident in office, with somebody campaign funds. Trump was also of time, knew about the hacking Commission fined Barack pleading guilty to a crime and heard on a 2016 recording made of emails, which is a computer Obama’s 2008 campaign found no indication that the can- presidency yesterday as Cohen saying that he was directed to by Cohen that appears to show crime,” David said. $375,000 for various violations, didate was aware of the implicated him in a crime at commit that crime by a pres- Trump was informed of the In a barrage of tweets yes- including accepting $1.4m in infractions. almost the same time his former ident,” Davis said. payments. terday, Trump at first seemed to contributions over the legal limit Trump suffered through campaign chairman, Paul Man- Davis said that his client Earlier yesterday, Davis said shrug off Cohen’s guilty plea with for individual donors. But it perhaps the worst day of his afort, became a convicted felon.

Reduction of US staff Strong quake hits Venezuela coast in Havana hampers REUTERS

CARACAS: A major earth- embassy operations quake of magnitude 7.3 struck the northern coast of Vene- REUTERS also been reduced at a time zuela yesterday and shook when Cuba is transitioning to a buildings as far away as the HAVANA: The United States’ new generation of political capital, Caracas, the US ability to monitor Cuba, defend leaders, internet access is Geological Survey said. human rights, conduct consular spreading and a revamped con- The quake was centered activities and comply with stitution is headed for a refer- near the town of Carupano, bilateral agreements is being endum vote. an area of poor fishing com- undermined by a drastic The US State Department munities and was felt as far reduction in staff at the this month announced this away as neighbouring embassy in Havana, according month that the few remaining Colombia to the east and to a congressional report. staff would be assigned for just nearby island nations like The administration of Pres- a year instead of two, “making Trinidad and Tobago. ident Donald Trump, which has it difficult for the continuity of There were no immediate partly rolled back Washington’s operations and familiarity with reports of injuries or damage, detente with Cuba, has sharply working in Cuba,” the report Rough sleepers Venezuelan Interior Minister reduced US staff in Havana and stated. Nestor Reverol said. Venezuelan migrants on their way to Peru sleep along the Pan-American Highway between Tulcan expelled 15 Cuban diplomats. The US Embassy in Havana The US Pacific Tsunami and Ibarra in Ecuador, after entering the country from Colombia, yesterday. Ecuador announced on The document from the was not immediately available Center said the quake could August 16 that Venezuelans entering the country would need to show passports from August 18 non-partisan Congressional for comment on the report. cause small tsunami waves onwards, a document many are not carrying. Research Service (CRS) states Not a single refugee visa has along the coast near the that the decision to reduce been issued so far this year as epicentre. staffing from more than 50 dip- the processing office is closed, lomats to a maximum of 18 - the report noted. Often granted due to a mysterious illness that to government opponents has affected 26 officials and claiming persecution, a total of family members — over- 177 such visas were issued in Facebook, Twitter remove accounts linked to Russia, Iran whelmed those remaining at 2017. AFP their posts. A 1994 agreement to accept executive Mark Zuckerberg. late July of 32 fake pages and and another apparently linked “Because of the reduction 20,000 Cuban migrants annually Separately, Twitter said it accounts involved in an apparent to Russian military intelligence in US staff, US officials maintain will also not be met in 2018, SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook suspended 284 accounts “for “coordinated” effort to stoke hot- services. that those officers at post often according to the report, in part announced it identified stealth engaging in coordinated manip- button issues ahead of November The accounts, some of them wear two or three hats in terms because applicants must travel misinformation campaigns from ulation,” adding that “it appears midterm US elections. on Facebook-owned Instagram, of responsibilities,” read the to Guyana for interviews. Russia and Iran and shut down many of these accounts origi- The social network giant said were presented as being inde- report, issued at the request of The Trump administration hundreds of accounts as part of nated from Iran.” content from some of the pages pendent news or civil society New York Representative Eliot insists the current policy will its battle against manipulation “As with prior investigations, shut down in the latest move was groups but were actually Engel. remain in place until the of its platform, prompting a fresh we are committed to engaging traced back to Iran, while others working in coordinated efforts, While diplomatic and mystery of the health problems denial from Moscow. with other companies and rel- were tied to groups previously executives said. humanitarian visas are being among diplomatic staff, which The social network said that evant law enforcement entities,” linked to Russian intelligence Content posted by accounts granted, Americans in Cuba can it often refers to as “attacks,” is it removed more than 650 pages, Twitter said. operations. targeted Facebook users in only expect emergency solved. groups and accounts identified For Facebook, it was the Zuckerberg said the latest Britain, Latin America, the services, the report said. Staff have suffered as “networks of accounts mis- second time in less than a month effort involved two separate sets Middle East and the US, Outreach to civil society symptoms, according to the leading people about what they that it acted against manipu- of campaigns, including one with according to head of cyberse- and human rights activists has State Department. were doing,” according to chief lation, following the shutdown in ties to Iran’s state-owned media curity policy Nathaniel Gleicher.

Hawaii braces as hurricane Lane approaches Former beauty queen faces AFP The National Weather trial over husband’s death Service said a hurricane warning AFP LOS ANGELES: Residents of has been issued for Maui County was to “obtain financial gain” Hawaii braced for a powerful and Hawaii County while a hur- with the death of Anhang, pros- hurricane bearing down on the ricane watch was in effect in MIAMI: The trial of a Puerto ecutors said. “She had signed US state, with warnings issued Kauai and Oahu. Rican former beauty queen a prenuptial agreement six in several counties in the island “The center of Lane will accused of hiring a hitman to months before ordering the chain. move very close to or over the kill her millionaire Canadian murder of Anhang, a Canadian President Donald Trump, in main Hawaiian Islands from husband got underway in the real estate developer with a tweet, urged residents to Thursday through Saturday,” it US territory’s capital San Juan properties in Puerto Rico.” prepare for Hurricane Lane, said. after she spent several years in According to court docu- which is expected to bring tor- It added that though Lane is Europe as a fugitive. Jury ments, at the time of his death rential rains, high winds and forecast to weaken in the next selection began yesterday and he had a net worth of $24m. dangerous surf. 48 hours it will remain a dan- could take several days. “Shortly after getting “Everyone in the path of gerous hurricane as it nears the Aurea Vazquez Rijos stands married, Anhang Uster began #HurricaneLane please prepare Hawaiian Islands. accused of hiring hitman Alex to explore the possibility of yourselves, heed the advice of “Lane is expected to Pabon Colon to kill Adam divorcing the accused,” the State and local officials, and Members of the Alapa Hoe Canoe Club move their canoes off the produce total rain accumula- Anhang Uster in September prosecution said. follow @NWSHonolulu for beach to higher ground as Hurricane Lane approaches Honolulu. tions of 10 to 15 inches with iso- 2005, according to the Under the terms of their updates. Be safe!,” he said. lated amounts greater than 20 indictment from the prosecutor’s agreement, she would receive Lane weakened slightly packing maximum sustained Central Pacific Hurricane Center inches over the Hawaiian office which dates back to 2008. much more as a widow than if overnight to a Category 4 storm, winds of 155 miles per hour, the said. Islands,” the NWS said. The defendant’s objective she divorced. 16 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 03. 51 AM Australians putting brake on fast fashion SHOROOK 05. 11 AM AFP ZUHR 11. 37 AM MAGHRIB 06. 04 PM cotton — Australian Fashion Council ASR 03. 06 PM ISHA 07. 34 PM chief executive David Giles-Kaye said. SYDNEY: In a small shop along one of Retailers including major player Sydney’s busiest streets, Sarah Freeman Cotton On are pledging to make their WEATHER TODAY is encouraging Australians to slow manufacturing chains transparent and down and break their addiction to fast ethical. fashion. At Melbourne’s Deakin University, Shocked by the speed at which researchers won support from Swedish Australians buy and throw away cheap mega-retailer H&M to develop “circular garments, she is trying to harness an denim”, where old jeans are used to ancient concept — libraries — to per- colour new ones, reducing the impact suade shoppers to rent instead of pur- on landfills and of dye run-off. chase clothes. St Vincent’s has joined the efforts “Today’s society wear clothes once at the recycling level, examining better and they throw them away,” the pas- ways to sort donated clothes into dif- sionate vintage garment aficionado ferent fibre types and repurpose gar- said at her Clothes Library in the inner ments to extend their life-cycle. suburb of Potts Point. “We have to become a lot... smarter “That’s not how clothes are sup- and really use technology to try and posed to be designed. The clothes now- break things down into their base form adays are manufactured for six wears, Workers collecting clothing from a bin belonging to the St Vincent de Paul so that things can actually be reused I think, which is terrible.” Society, a major charity recycling clothes, in Sydney. and we can become a true circular Globally, clothing production economy,” the charity’s retail devel- doubled from 2000 to 2014, with the in your wardrobe,” Alison Gwilt, a sus- countries, using up copious amounts opment manager Jacqui Dropulic said. number of garments bought each year tainable fashion expert and researcher of energy and resources and polluting Although the efforts could lead to by consumers soaring by 60 percent, at the University of South Australia, waterways near factories with toxic significant change within the fashion according to consulting firm McKinsey said. chemicals. industry, Giles-Kaye believes the key & Company. “So already the mindset from the The materials used are often syn- to solving the issue ultimately lies with A booming part of the industry, very beginning when you buy that type thetic and non-biodegradable, meaning consumers and their desire for even including in Australia, is fast fashion, of product is that you think of it as even washing can be hazardous, with quicker and cheaper clothing. o o which quickly turns catwalk designs something that’s short-lived.” some textiles shedding plastic micro- “It’s still very much a fringe 32 C 41 C into apparel sold at low or ultra-low At the Sydney distribution centre fibres that make their way to water movement... When consumers continue prices and easily accessible via online of St Vincent de Paul Society, a major catchments and oceans in consumer to want more product at a lower price Minimum Maximum sites. charity recycling clothes, manager countries like Australia. it really drives the producers into less Misty to foggy at places by early morning, In Australia, where the demand for George Blakely has seen the longevity In recent months, the devastating sustainable areas of manufacturing.” becomes hot daytime with slight dust at textiles is one of the highest per capita of some donated items decline in recent impact of waste has made headlines Freeman is convinced that if con- times and humid by night. in the world, the fast fashion sector years. after China, Australia’s biggest market cepts like hers allowing shoppers to

HIGH TIDE 01:45 – 16:00 LOW TIDE 08:00 – 23:15 grew by 19.5 percent over five years to “Some products only last two or for recycling waste, cracked down on borrow and return quality secondhand Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department $1.4bn in 2017 to 2018, research firm three washes, which is not favourable... foreign imports. clothes for a small monthly sub- IBISWorld reported. The volume they get through here is Beijing’s restrictions on “contam- scription fee take off, people power can A recent YouGov survey also found usually increasing, because people are inated” recycled materials including make a difference. that almost a quarter of Australians turning over products in their own fabric has forced Australians to think “Hopefully it will catch on and have thrown away an item of clothing home more quickly,” Blakely said. about how much waste they produce people will start being more conscious after wearing it just once, and four in The rock bottom prices for con- and galvanised efforts to explore more and just make an effort to not go out 10 admitted they had binned unwanted sumers contrast with the high cost paid sustainable approaches. and purchase the fast fashion items,” garments, adding to landfill. by the environment. Producers have been proactive she said. “I mean if we stop demanding “They don’t always see it as some- Tonnes of cheap clothes are with natural fibres — Australia is a key it, then they (retailers) have to stop sup- thing that is a valuable product to keep churned out every year in developing supplier of wool and high-quality plying it.” Many teens and parents feel tethered to phones: Study

AP times “hyperconnected” and notes that nearly three-fourths check messages NEW YORK: Parents lament their or notifications as soon as they wake teenagers’ noses constantly in their up. Parents do the same, but at a lower phones, but they might want to take if still substantial rate — 57 percent. stock of their own screen time habits. Big tech companies face a growing A study out yesterday from the Pew backlash against the addictive nature Research Center found that two-thirds of their gadgets and apps, the endless of parents are concerned about the notifications and other features created amount of time their teenage children to keep people tethered to their spend in front of screens, while more screens. A woman stands to the side of a busy sidewalk to look at her mobile phone, than a third expressed concern about Many teens are trying to do some- in New York, yesterday. their own screen time. thing about it: 52 percent said they have Meanwhile, more than half of teens cut back on the time they spend on “Kids don’t always do what we say kids will walk through on their way to said they often or sometimes find their their phones and 57 percent did the but they do as we do,” said Donald the world.” parents or caregivers to be distracted same with social media. Shifrin, a professor of pediatrics at the The study surveyed 743 US teens when the teens are trying to have a con- Experts said parents have a big role University of Washington School of and 1,058 US parents of teens from versation with them. The study calls in their kids’ screen habits and setting Medicine, who was not involved in the March 7 to April 10. The margin of error teens’ relationship with their phones at a good example is a big part of it. Pew study. “Parents are the door that is 4.5 percentage points.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ author wanted for Student designs game controller dodging military to boost sister’s dexterity REUTERS service in Singapore concepts designed to help disabled muscle strength,” he said. people strengthen certain muscles. For After handling and playing with Mylo REUTERS LONDON: Jess Searle has a type of example, Mylo features a twistable for about half an hour, Jess said the con- cerebral palsy that means she has always section that mimics the action of troller opened up more possibilities for her. SINGAPORE: The author of the book struggled with handheld devices or game unscrewing a jar lid or turning a door “It’s easy to hold and easy to use and “Crazy Rich Asians”, which inspired consoles. handle. [you are] playing a game along with that the Hollywood hit film of the same title, “It made me not really bother about “There’s also a mechanism inside as well,” she said. is wanted in his home country of technology, because I struggled so that means the more the user plays with Billy Searle is now looking for Singapore for defaulting on his military and enforces it with few exceptions. It much,” the 25-year-old said. the controller it becomes harder for them potential investors to help him develop service, the defence ministry said makes it illegal for men to give up cit- “I found other ways of communi- to twist. So it’s also enhancing their his prototype into a finished product. yesterday. izenship without having completed cating because that was just easier for Kevin Kwan (pictured), author of their military service, of about two me,” she said at her home in Bromley, the 2013 book and an executive pro- years. South London. ducer of the film, was notably absent Kwan left Singapore at age 11, first With his sister Jess in mind, Billy from the Singapore premier of the moving to Texas with his family, and Searle, in his final year of Loughborough romantic comedy on Tuesday. has lived in the United States since Design School, created a controller, The Ministry of Defence said Kwan then, Singapore media said. shaped like an orb, to help people with had failed to register for National His 1994 application to renounce disabilities improve their dexterity. Service (NS) in 1990, despite notices his Singapore citizenship and a subse- He named the device ‘Mylo’ —a ref- and letters sent to his overseas address, quent appeal had been rejected, the erence to the mile-long distance that Jess and he had also stayed overseas ministry said. walked for charity in 2016. without a valid exit permit. Kwan’s book and the film directed Billy hopes the controller could one “Mr Kwan is therefore wanted for by Jon M. Chu depict Singapore as a day make gadgets and gaming more defaulting on his NS obligations,” the playground for the super-rich in a story accessible as well as help develop ministry said in a statement. about an Asian-American woman who muscles and movements. He was liable to a fine of up to goes to the city state to meet her boy- “The idea is that Mylo can be an S$10,000 “and/or imprisonment of up friend’s wealthy family. occupational therapy system whilst to 3 years upon conviction”, the min- Kwan himself comes from a prom- being a fun, engaging exercise, some- istry said. inent Singapore family. thing ... someone wants to engage with.” Kwan could not be reached for His great grandfather was a The 3D-printed prototype connects comment. founding director of the Overseas- to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, Designer Billy Searle showing his sister Jess how to use ‘Mylo’, a spherical games Singapore has a strict law on Chinese Banking Corporation — Sin- and has multiple sensors. controller he has built to help people with disabilities to improve their mental fitness national service for all male citizens gapore’s oldest bank. Billy has created several game and dexterity.