FRIDAY DECEMBER 14, 2018 RABI AL-AKHIR 7, 1440 VOL.12 NO. 4483 QR 2

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Sports 12 Fajr: 4:48 am Dhuhr: 11:29 am Asr: 2:27 pm Maghrib: 4:46 pm Sanchez picks 27 players Isha: 6:16 pm for four friendlies

AMIR APPROVES 2019 GENERAL BUDGET AMIR MEETS ARGENTINE FM Qatar projects QR4.3 bn surplus budget in 2019

Health, edu and infra New projects worth Expected revenues are sectors get huge boost QR48 billion based on an oil price will be awarded in 2019 assumption of QNA Major projects are $55/barrel allocated DOHA QR10 billion allocated for the 43.3% THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin of total expenditure Hamad al Thani on Thursday is- expansion of HIA sued Law No 23 of (2018) approv- QR12 billion ing the state’s general budget for the QR211 billion is allocated over 5 years to year 2019. is the expected revenue, develop new housing for The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani met Minister of Foreign Affairs The law is effective as of Janu- nationals and Worship of the Argentine Republic Jorge Faurie at the Amiri Diwan on ary 1, 2019 and shall be published in 20.5% up from 2018 Thursday. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between Qatar and Argen- the Official Gazette. tina in different fields and ways to develop them.(QNA) In a statement, the Ministry of Finance said the general budget for HEALTH SECTOR QR22.7 billion TRANSPORTATION AND 2019 projects a surplus of QR4.3 is allocated for the health sector COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR billion, the first budget surplus in (11% of the total expenditure) three years. z Expansions in Hamad Medical Corporation facilities, QR16.4 billion The 2019 budget is based on as- is allocated for the transport and communica- sumption of an average oil price of National Laboratories premises Qatar, Somalia sign tion sector (7.9% of total expenditure) $55 a barrel as compared to $45 a z Completion of 4 new health centres barrel in the 2018 budget. (Al Wajbah, Meither, Qatar University and Alwaab) z Most of the allocations will go to the The statement said the surplus z Commencing construction of 5 new Rail project, Doha Metro pacts to boost ties health centres (South of Wakrah, is a result of higher energy prices Expected expenditure z QR12bn allocated for Doha Metro in international markets along with Al Mashaf, Al Saad, Al Khor and Ein Khaled) is set at increasing non-oil revenues. QR206.7bn, The revenue is anticipated to up by 1.7% from in 2018 reach QR211 billion, up 20.5 per- figures cent as compared to the budgeted revenue of QR175.1 billion in 2018. EDUCATION SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE The expenditure is set at QR206.7 PROJECTS billion, up 1.7 percent as compared QR19.2 billion to QR203.2 billion in 2018. is earmarked for the education sector QR33 billion Based on the directives from the allocated for infrastructure projects (9.3% of total expenditure) Amir, the 2019 budget is designed (16% of total expenditure) to achieve efficiency in current ex- penditure while maintaining the necessary allocations for the com- pletion of major approved projects that contribute to the sustainable ment of infrastructure and facili- boost economic growth in the coun- penditure. Expenditure allocated development targets of Qatar 2030 ties in free zones, special economic try, especially in non-oil sectors. to Chapter IV (Major Projects) de- Vision. These span economic, so- zones, and industrial and logistics The allocation for the health clined by 3.6 percent to QR89.6bn, cial, human and environmental de- zones. sector is estimated at QR22.7 bil- compared with QR92.9bn in 2018. velopment. The budget also focuses In 2019, new projects with a to- lion, representing 11 percent of the This decline is the result of the QNA da of understanding (MoUs) between on providing necessary funds for tal cost of QR48 billion are expected total expenditure. completion of some major infra- DOHA the governments of the two countries. the development of new housing to be awarded out of a portfolio of The education sector is allo- structure projects. They witnessed the signing of an areas for nationals, enhancing food committed projects worth QR421 cated QR19.2 billion in the budget, PRIME Minister and Minister of In- agreement of avoidance of double security projects, and the establish- billion. These new projects will representing 9.3 percent of total ex- See also page 9 Ô terior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser taxation and prevention of fiscal eva- bin Khalifa al Thani and Prime Minis- sion, an agreement on encouraging ter of Somalia Hassan Ali Khairi dis- and protecting mutual investments, cussed ways to develop and enhance agreement on maritime transport and Amir condoles bilateral relations in various fields, at an agreement on economic, trade and Tax on health-damaging goods next year the Amiri Diwan on Thursday. technical cooperation. with Erdogan They also reviewed the latest re- They also witnessed the signing of an gional and international developments MoU on cooperation in the field of ports, DOHA The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim QNA ventures remain at the same level, of 2019. of common concern. MoU on cooperation between the Dip- bin Hamad al Thani on Thursday DOHA which is at 10 percent flat rate on The law includes a 100 percent The PM and his Somali counter- lomatic Institute in the Qatar’s Foreign sent a cable to Turkish President profits. tax on tobacco and its products and part then witnessed the signing of a Ministry and the Diplomatic Institute in Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the QATAR would introduce a levy on The law stipulates that the sala- energy drinks, and a 50 percent tax number of agreements and memoran- the Somalia’s Foreign Ministry. PAGE 2 cable, the Amir expressed his “health-damaging goods” such as ries and wages of citizens and resi- on sugary drinks. condolences on the victims of sugary drinks and tobacco from the dents shall not be subject to any tax. A decision was also issued to Ankara-Konya train collision, wish- beginning of next year. However, a It also grants exemptions for equity establish the General Tax Author- ing the injured a speedy recovery. value-added tax (VAT) will not be shares listed on recognised stock ity (GTA). It has been established MBS responsible for Khashoggi killing: US Senate At least nine people were killed imposed in 2019 and its effects are exchange, profits of bank deposits as a separate entity, under the and nearly 50 injured when a being assessed. and companies working in the agri- supervision of the Ministry of Fi- WASHINGTON: Senators have voted to recommend that the US stop supporting the high speed train collided with a In a statement, the Ministry of cultural sector and fisheries. Marine nance, and will be responsible for Saudi-UAE-led war in Yemen, directly challenging both Saudi Arabia and President locomotive and crashed into a Finance announced issuance of a and aerial transportation are also the implementation of all tax laws. Donald Trump in the wake of writer Jamal Khashoggi’s slaying. Senators also ap- station platform and overpass in set of taxation laws, including in- exempted under the principal of The GTA’s mandate includes proved a non-binding resolution saying the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sal- an Ankara suburb on Thursday. come tax and selective tax law. reciprocity. the implementation of all tax laws man is responsible for Khashoggi’s murder. The bipartisan vote on Thursday comes Rescuers worked to free people According to Income Tax law, The Selective Tax law is de- and setting up all related bylaws, two months after the Khashoggi’s killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and after trapped under the mangled wreck- the income tax on foreign com- signed to impose taxes on certain procedures and instructions. Trump has equivocated over who is to blame. US intelligence officials have conclud- age at Marsandiz train station. panies working in Qatar or on the health-damaging goods and it will ed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman must have at least known of the stakes of foreign partners in joint be implemented by the beginning See also page 9 Ô plot, but Trump has repeatedly praised the kingdom. (AFP) PAGE 8

CRUISE SHIP MSC SPLENDIDA ‘Majority’ back 48-team 2022 World Cup: FIFA chief CALLS ON DOHA PORT IKOLI VICTOR Qatar since June 2017, Infantino DOHA said: “Is it feasible or not? Feasible Doha Port welcomed cruise ship MSC Splendida on its first trip during the in Qatar maybe not, in neighbour- ongoing 2018-19 cruise season. The ship was carrying a total of 3,442 FIFA President Gianni Infantino ing counties maybe it is an option. passengers and 1,307 crew members. has said a “majority” of football I am not naive not know or read the federations support increasing political situation.” the number of teams playing at “Sometimes in football, dreams the 2022 World Cup in Qatar can come true, and Qatar has been from 32 to 48. clear on this topic and that’s the Speaking at a press conference in more reason we should look into Doha on Thursday, Infantino said, it. If possible, then why not. If it is “We have spoken with the Qatari not, we would still have a fantastic authorities. We will see, we gathered World Cup of 32 teams.” the opinions of members of differ- Infantino reiterated that FIFA ent federations, so far the majority will decide in March whether the of them are in favour for 48 teams in FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a press conference in Doha on Thursday. (AFP) 2022 World Cup could be extend- 2022 because it gives teams chance ed to include 48 teams but conced- to qualify from each continent.” qualifying already that will be in- On the feasibility and prospect ed it was not a simple decision as “It gives teams a realistic creased to eight teams and in Af- of the tournament being shared the final authority to play games in chance of qualifying for the World rica, five to 10 teams qualifying it with neighbouring Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia will be made between Cup. In Asia, we have four teams to make a big difference.” some of whom have blockaded FIFA and Qatar. PAGE 12 02 Friday, December 14, 2018

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PM MEETS ARGENTINA’S FM, UN OFFICIAL Quick read

Deputy Amir sends condolences to Turkish president

THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani on Thursday sent a cable to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to express his condolences on the victims of Ankara-Konya train collision on Thursday, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. (QNA) PM sends condolences to Turkish president PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani on Thursday sent a cable of condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey on Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani on Thursday met with Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Jorge Faurie the victims of Ankara-Konya train collision on Thursday, wishing and his accompanying delegation. The prime minister also met Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Dr Vladimir Voronkov and his accompanying del- the injured a speedy recovery. (QNA) egation who are in Qatar to participate in the 18th Doha Forum. (QNA) AU chairman receives credentials of Qatari envoy CHAIRMAN of the African Union Commission (AU) Moussa Faki on Thursday received the credentials of HE Hamad bin Moham- PM, Somali counterpart discuss med al Dosari as Ambassador of Qatar and delegate to the African Union (AU). The AU chairman wished the ambassador success in his duties in promoting bilateral relations between Qatar and the African Union. (QNA) relations, witness pact signing Pope Francis receives QNA mutual investments, agreement credentials of Qatari envoy DOHA on maritime transport and an agreement on economic, trade POPE Francis of Vatican has received the credentials of HE PRIME Minister and Minister and technical cooperation. Nasser bin Hamad al Khalifa as Non-resident Ambassador Ex- of Interior HE Sheikh Abdul- They also witnessed the traordinary and Plenipotentiary of Qatar to Vatican City State. Dur- lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al signing of an MoU on coopera- ing the meeting, the ambassador conveyed the greetings of the Thani and Prime Minister of tion in ports, MoU on coopera- Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to the Pope, wishing Somalia Hassan Ali Khairi tion between the Diplomatic him good health and happiness. Pope Francis entrusted the envoy held official talks at the Amiri Institute in the Qatar’s Foreign to convey his greetings to HH the Amir. (TNN) Diwan on Thursday. Ministry and the Diplomatic In- The prime minister wel- stitute in the Somalia’s Foreign comed his Somali counterpart Ministry, MoU on the establish- and his accompanying delega- ment of a joint supreme com- tion to Qatar, pointing out that mittee and an MoU on political UN General Assembly’s the visit would contribute to cooperation and consultation supporting and developing ous fields. The session was attended of understanding (MoUs) be- between the Qatar’s Ministry of cooperation between the two The two sides discussed by a number of ministers and tween the governments of the Foreign Affairs and Somalia’s president visits QFSA countries. ways to develop and enhance members of the official delega- two countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Somali prime minis- bilateral relations between the tion accompanying the Somali They witnessed the signing International Cooperation. PRESIDENT of the 73rd Or- to their strengthen the capaci- ter praised the bilateral ties two countries in various fields prime minister. of an agreement of avoidance of HE Sheikh Abdullah later dinary Session of the United ties and their role in society. between the two countries and reviewed the latest regional The two leaders witnessed double taxation and prevention hosted a luncheon banquet in Nations General Assembly Garces toured the facilities and stressed his aspiration and international developments the signing of a number of of fiscal evasion, an agreement honour of the visiting prime Maria Fernanda Espinosa of the Shafallah Center for Per- to strengthen them in vari- of common concern. agreements and memoranda on encouraging and protecting minister and his team. Garces and her accompany- sons with Disabilities, one of ing delegation on Thursday the Foundation’s centres . She visited Qatar Foundation for was introduced to the services Social Action (QFSA) to en- provided to persons with intel- hance cooperation between lectual disabilities and autism, the two sides in the field of which include education, reha- human development and em- bilitation, community aware- powerment of civil society or- ness and human rights support ganisations and mechanisms for their inte- Munira bint Nasser al gration into society. Misnad, QFSA chairperson, She also visited the Qatar briefed the delegation on the Foundation for Social Action Foundation’s strategy for the Tent at Darb Al Saai and met development of civil society or- with the executive directors ganisations working under its of the centres of the Founda- umbrella and the mechanism tion. (QNA) 1st diplomatic course Doha Debates relaunched to prepare military to propel fruitful dialogue attaches concludes QNA Ahmed bin Mohammed Mili- DOHA tary College. AILYN AGONIA The course aims to prepare DOHA THE International Mili- and nominate qualified offic- tary Cooperation Authority ers to serve in military attaches QATAR Foundation (QF) is of Qatar Armed Forces on and liaison officers within the bringing back Doha Debates, Thursday concluded the dip- communication strategy of the Qatar’s forum for free speech, lomatic training course No 1 armed forces. with innovative new concept. for the preparation of mili- The course will also con- QF Vice-Chairperson and tary attaches. tribute to understanding, CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint The closing ceremony of raising international aware- Hamad al Thani launched the course, which was held ness, developing commu- the new Doha Debates in the under the auspices of Deputy nication and analysis skills, presence of members of QF’s Prime Minister and Minister and providing an overview of leadership, students and edu- of State for Defence Affairs HE military science, training and cators from across the country Dr Khalid bin Mohammed al joint operations. at the Qatar National Library Attiyah, was attended by Chief Lieutenant-General Gha- on Thursday. QF Vice-Chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani with QF officials at the launch of the new Doha Debates in Dohaon Thursday. of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces nem along with Head of Inter- Speaking at the launch HE Lieutenant-General (Pilot) national Military Cooperation event, HE Sheikha Hind said also represents the evolution of the new Doha Debates, with and dignity,” he said. of discourse and the widening Ghanem bin Shaheen al Gha- Authority of Qatar Armed Forc- such platform for dialogue, ex- this platform and what we stand the motto ‘Don’t settle for a di- With the majlis format of polarisation all around us,” the nem and a number of high- es Brigadier-General (Pilot) ploration of view points and for as a culture, as a nation, and vided world’, will debate more the new Doha Debates, speak- journalist said. ranking Qatari Armed Forces Fahad Hamad al Sulaiti handed rigorous exchange of thoughts as Qatar Foundation.” on the solutions rather than the ers will literally sit side-by-side Doha Debates also an- officers at the auditorium of certificates to graduates. is needed more today. Sheikha Hind added, “The problems and would explore and the audience is more inte- nounced partnership with glob- She said, “In a time when majlis format of Doha Debates individual responsibilities and grated to the entire set-up. al non-profit community of in- sound bites and fake news risk promotes conversation rather not just theoretical discussions Doha Debates will reach novators TED, Shared_Studios drowning out analysis and dis- than competition. It is an eq- on what governments should out to a wider audience and Fortify Rights, a non-profit course, and crucial issues are uitable setting, not an adver- do relative to world’s most through live debates which will human rights organisation often viewed through a narrow sarial one, where every voice is challenging problems. also be streamed live, videos, based in Southeast Asia. lens, the importance of enabling heard and where issues are ad- “Our vision is to unite and blogs and podcasts. Doha Debates’ Season 1 will and promoting 360-degree dressed and problems solved inspire a generation to solve The live shows will be mod- tackle global refugee crisis, ar- thinking is clear. together. It is a platform rooted the worlds challenges and erated by Ghida Fakhry, an tificial intelligence, loss of faith “Doha Debates allows such in our traditions and wholly build a better future genera- award-winning multilingual and capitalism. Northwestern thinking to thrive. Its new con- relevant to today. It is a reflec- tion to come. Our mission is journalist and TV host. University in Qatar will host the cept continues the proud Doha tion of values that are at the to seek new and collaborative “Doha Debates will galva- Doha shows of Doha Debates. Debates tradition, stretching core of QF and are woven into solutions to global challenges nise people with diverse per- At the TED Summit in Edin- back to its inception 14 years the fabric of Education City: a to debate and inspire indi- spectives to take action for real burgh, Doha Debates will tackle ago, when it was the only plat- place where respectful dialogue, vidual action. Our values are solutions. We must change the the issue of global citizenship. form of its kind for Arab youth open-mindedness and freedom inspired as well by our mission way we address the world’s Discussions on water shortage to speak out about the world’s of expression are encouraged.” and our vision: respect for oth- most pressing challenges. The and gender inequality will be most pressing matters and Doha Debates Managing ers, optimism, curiosity, diver- timing couldn’t be more im- set in South Africa and in India, share their perspectives. But it Director Amjad Atallah said sity, realism, moral courage portant with the current state respectively. Nation Friday, December 14, 2018 03

HMC welcomes 55TH KENYAN NATIONAL DAY Ministry makes international great strides in consultants Qatar-Kenya relations continue to educational HAMAD Medical Corporation (HMC) will receive a number statistics of visiting consultants from various medical specialties grow stronger: Charge d’affaires QNA this month. DOHA The visiting consultants in- clude Dr Haitham Mukhtar al Qatar’s charity organisations are doing tremendous work in Kenya to improve the living standards of the people THE Ministry of Education Okk, a Hematology/Oncology and Higher Education has Specialist from Vincennes, In- CATHERINE W GICHUKI in Nairobi has helped us work made great strides in educa- diana, US, to visit from Decem- DOHA together in areas of humani- tional statistics as it publishes ber 15 to 30; Dr Bülent Yazıcı, tarian assistance, not only in each year the annual statistical an Ophthalmology Specialist BILATERAL relations between Kenya but also in East, Central report and educational statis- from Bursa, Turkey, to visit Qatar and Kenya have con- and Horn of Africa region,” the tical bulletins that contain suf- from December 16 to 20; and tinued to grow stronger, Ken- diplomat said. ficient information about edu- Dr Jihad Kaouk, director of the yan embassy Charge d’affaires The official thanked the cation and its development in Center for Robotic Surgery and Washington Oloo has said. government of Qatar for allow- all its aspects, said Secretary- Vice-Chair, Surgical Operations Oloo was speaking during ing Kenyans to work and con- General of Qatar National at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Kenya’s 55th Independence Day tribute to Qatar’s labour force Commission for Education, Ohio, US, who will visit from celebration, popularly known as thus contributing to the devel- Culture and Science Dr Ham- December 20 to 23. ‘Jamhuri Day’, on Wednesday. opment of the country. There da Hassan al Sulaiti. The others include Dr Alan The event was attended are about 27,000 Kenyan na- In her speech at the opening Saber, a Bariatric and Meta- by Minister of Municipality tionals working in diverse fields of ‘The national workshop on bolic Specialist from Newark, and Environment HE Abdul- Minister of Municipality and Environment HE Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al Subaie with Kenyan and forming critical mass of la- education statistics and indica- New Jersey, US, to visit from lah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki embassy Charge d’affaires Washington Oloo and other dignitaries during Kenya’s 55th Independence Day bour in this country. tors’ in Qatar, Dr Sulaiti said af- December 21 to 24 and Dr al Subaie, Director of Proto- celebration in Doha on Wednesday. (PHOTOGRAPH BY JALAL PATHIYOOR) “Qatar, through the Cen- ter the adoption of the Interna- Gemah Moammer, an Ortho- col at the Ministry of Foreign tral Bank of Qatar and Qatar tional Sustainable Development paedic Surgeon from Ontario, Affairs HE Ibrahim Fakhroo, “The fraternal relations fourth one to Mombasa was in- He said Qatar’s char- Financial Centre Regulatory Plan 2030, a committee was Canada, who will visit from Dean of Diplomatic Corps and between the two countries augurated on December 9 ity organisations such as RAF Authority, has also played a ma- formed on the achievement of December 21 to 27 to conduct Eritrean Ambassador to Qa- are excellent and remarkable “You can now fly direct Foundation, Qatar Charity, Eid jor role in extending technical the objectives of sustainable de- clinics and surgeries. tar HE Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, progress has been made in en- to your favourite tourist and Charity and Educate A Child assistance to Kenya to establish velopment, especially the fourth Patients wishing to make among other dignitaries. hancing our bilateral relations holiday destination – Mom- Foundation are doing a tremen- Nairobi International Financial target on education to provide an appointment should call the On behalf of the Kenyan for the benefit of our peoples,” basa - and enjoy the wonderful dous work in Kenya in partner- Centre,” he added. accurate data, statistics and in- Bone and Joint Center on 4041 government, the diplomat he said. beaches that our coastal region ship with the government to im- He said Kenya’s also partici- dicators on the development of 1140 or 4041 1141. also conveyed warm congrat- He added that there have is known for, the unique cul- prove the living standards of the pate in various social and sport- education in Qatar. Other experts are sched- ulations to the leaders of Qa- been high-level visits between ture in abundance among the people of Kenya and contribute ing activities in Qatar. She described statistics uled to visit next year as part tar as the country celebrates Qatar and Kenya during which local community and of course to Kenya’s economic progress. Oloo also thanked Qatari as one of the most important of HMC’s focus on hosting its National Day. a number of agreements and not forgetting the wonderful “Educate A Child Founda- business people who have be- pillars of the preparation of highly-respected physicians Oloo said since Qatar and memoranda of understanding historical sights. These flights tion has partnered with United lieved and trusted not only educational plans and poli- and surgeons from around Kenya formally established (MoU) have been signed be- carry not only passengers but Nations High Commissioner Kenya but also Africa and taken cies necessary for the process the world. diplomatic relations in 2003, tween the two countries. also cargo from Nairobi, mainly for Refugees in building prima- a courageous step to enter the of sustainable development as This is in line with HMC’s and the opening of the Kenyan Oloo said in the area of fruits and vegetables, cashew ry schools in Kakuma Refugee market and invest. statistics provide indicators to commitment to providing spe- embassy in Doha in 2010, the transport, Qatar Airways oper- nuts, flowers, meat and meat Camp and among the surround- The gathering was enter- measure the development of ed- cialised medical services to the relationship has continued to ates three direct daily flights products, to Qatar and other ing Turkana communities. The tained by the popular Kenyan ucational systems and outputs people of Qatar. (TNN) be stronger. to and from Nairobi, while the parts of the world.” opening of Qatar Charity office group, the Green Maasai. during certain periods of time. Ooredoo is Doha Qatari artist’s new diamond artwork Forum’s official ‘The Dome’ up for auction in Turkey telecom sponsor HISHAM ALJUNDI the diamond artwork of Je- DOHA rusalem’s ‘Dome of the Rock’ TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Doha Forum enables the auction in Istanbul would DOHA interchange of ideas, discourse, QATARI artist Abdelsalam go to the families of martyrs policy making and action-ori- al Qadi unveiled his new dia- in Palestine. OOREDOO will be the official ented recommendations. mond artwork ‘The Dome of He used 62 different col- telecommunications sponsor The Forum is aimed at the Rock’, which will be auc- ours of crystals to make this of the upcoming Doha Fo- high-level participants with the tioned in Istanbul soon. masterpiece in addition to oth- rum, the telecom company power to create change, gov- The artist, who had made er diamond portraits. has announced. ernment leaders, policy mak- several diamond and crys- He added that several The forum, which pro- ers, private sector representa- tal portraits of the Amir HH Turkish businessmen have motes diplomacy, dialogue and tives and non-governmental Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad been invited to the upcom- diversity, is set to be held at the organisations. al Thani and members of ing auction in Istanbul the Sheraton Hotel Doha on De- Manar Khalifa al Muraikhi, the Royal Family, received proceeds of which would go cember 15 and 16, 2018. This director of PR and Corporate an invitation from the Turk- to charity. year’s focus points will be secu- Communications at Ooredoo, ish Ambassador to Qatar “I am proud of the strong rity, peace and mediation, eco- said: “We place great emphasis HE Fikret Ozer to Turkey to bonding of brotherhood and nomic development and trends on supporting events that ben- participate with his artworks friendship between the Turk- and transitions. efit our society and its devel- which include a portrait for ish and Qatari nations and Established in 2000, the opment and we’re proud to be the Turkish President Recep this is a contribution towards Doha Forum aims to act as a partnering with such a valuable Tayyip Erdogan. Qatari artist Abdelsalam al Qadi used 62 different colours of crystals to make Jerusalem’s ‘Dome of the strengthening the cultural re- platform for global dialogue platform as the Doha Forum. Qadi said the proceeds of Rock’ diamond artwork. lations with Turkey,” he said. on critical challenges facing to- We recognise the importance of day’s world. With modern-day meaningful, high-level dialogue borders infinitely more porous in driving change, and look for- than before and challenges and ward to another successful fo- solutions similarly interlinked, rum with a positive outcome.” Qatar British Festival 2018 comes to a Get new Porsche Design close with British Landscapes Concert

Huawei Mate 20 RS TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK about the UK music scene. has returned to Wigmore Hall DOHA Besides the performance, both as a soloist and with the with pre-order today Savitri delivered a masterclass IMS Prussia Cove Ensemble. THE fifth annual Qatar Brit- at Qatar Music Academy where She toured throughout TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK technology incorporated gives ish Festival has come to a close 50 audiences gained benefited China and collaborated with DOHA a performance-driven smart with celebrated UK Prize win- from Savitri’s experience. the renowned sarod players phone experience. ner violinist Savitri Grier who The festival was organ- Amaan Ali and Ayaan Ali Ban- OOREDOO customers will be Manar Khalifa al Muirakhi, performed with Qatar Philhar- ised by the British Council gash at The Times Swarsangam able to get the brand new Por- director of PR and Corporate monic Orchestra musicians. in partnership with the Brit- Music Festival in Bangalore. sche Design Huawei Mate 20 Communications at Ooredoo, The festival, which lasted ish Embassy, Katara as the In 2019, Savitri will under- RS in red as soon as it arrives in said: “We know having access for three weeks, featured a Strategic Cultural Partner, take a complete Beethoven So- Qatar with pre-orders opening to the latest devices is impor- variety of events for all the Qatar National Library as nata series in Scotland as part on December 14 and delivery tant to our customers, so they family, including public art, Strategic Community Partner of a Tunnell Trust award with scheduled for December20, the can enjoy the latest technology films, musical performances, and Souq Waqif as Strategic pianist Richard Uttley. telecom has announced. in line with consumers else- panel discussions, sports festi- Tourism Partner. Recent solo highlights in- The device will be priced at where around the world. val and showcased the best of The concert was in partner- clude the Royal Philharmonic, QR7,099. “We’re delighted to offer British culture. ship with the Chamber Music Bournemouth Symphony, Eng- The design – sleek and them the ultimate in Huawei’s More than 450 audience The festival, which lasted for three weeks, featured a variety of events Society of Qatar and Interna- lish Chamber, London Mozart sophisticated in line with incredible product range and attended the closing concert for the family. tional Chamber Music Concert Players, Welsh National Opera, Porsche’s signature style – we know they will be pleased named British Landscapes series for peace and unity. Re- Barbican Young and Oxford features polished glass and to have it in their hands and and enjoyed music pieces becca Clarke among other The concert was well re- nowned Pianist Sonja Park who Philharmonic Orchestras. In fine handmade leather for a be using it before the end of performed from Edward El- contemporary and classical ceived as people enjoyed the performed in the concert too. 2016, she made her debut at luxury experience, while the the year.” gar, Vaughan Williams, Re- British composers. performance and learnt more Over the last year, Savitri Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall. The Torch Doha introduces festive season promotions

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the national pin and a special ies and snacks will be available globe, grills and chef’s spe- Garden from December 20 DOHA scarf. The festivities will begin 4 at Kufic Lounge, all day long. cials and Arabic selections. daily (except Monday) from days in advance, with the show- On December 24, a Festive Flying Carpet Restaurant 3:30pm to 6pm. THE Torch Doha hotel is in- casing of the Qatari flag at the Dinner will be organised at the has also planned New Year’s The Torch Doha extends troducing a set of activities and exterior of the hotel, using its Flying Carpet restaurant with Eve dinner priced at QR240 amazing room promotions as promotions to celebrate Qatar 2,624 LED lights. international dishes, live cook- per person and QR100 for kids. well, valid until the end of the National Day and the festive Festive greetings will ing stations and delicious des- Dine in style with Three Sixty’s month. A stay-one-get-one-free Season, promising entertain- be placed on all the hotel’s serts. From 7pm to 10:30pm, special set menu for New Year’s offer is introduced, where the ment that will bring loved ones screens and fresh flowers in guests can enjoy the feast at Eve at QR320 per person and guest can have his second night together, celebrate precious national colours will decorate QR220 per person and QR50 watch the fireworks with the for free, when he books one family time and create mo- all public areas. for kids. Three Sixty, the only whole city at your feet. night at the hotel. An exciting ments to remember. On the same day, the Fly- revolving restaurant in town For only QR550 have a de- family package is added with a As December 18 marks Qa- ing Carpet Restaurant will fea- has prepared an four-course licious turkey prepared, along free, connecting room for the tar National Day, The Torch ture an authentic and family menu, between 7pm and 11pm with an array of trimmings kids when the guests book one Doha invites guests for a range friendly National Day colours As December 18 marks Qatar National Day, The Torch Doha for QR250 per person. like gravy, cranberry sauce, Junior Suite. For the ones who of activities to immerse into the buffet featuring various Arabic invites guests for a range of activities to immerse into the Qatari December 25 will mark roast potatoes, sautéed Brus- want to get pampered and relax Qatari spirit and tradition. and Qatari dishes and desserts spirit and tradition. the day for a lush lunch buf- sels sprouts, roasted carrots on their own, an ideal package All of hotel’s staff will be at QR100 per person and QR50 fet at QR180 per person and and more, enough for up to 10 is half an hour complimentary dressed in the national colours, for kids. offering a special edition High National Day in Qatar’s colours. QR50 for kids, with culi- people. Festive High Tea will massage available for any book- white and maroon, showcasing Torch Tea Garden will be Tea to honour and celebrate Special decorated cakes, cook- nary delights from across the also be served at Torch Tea ing of a single room. 04 Friday, December 14, 2018 (http://www.islamweb.net) Under the guidance and supervision of Islam Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) and Islamic Affairs Maintaining Discipline in Worship

BDULLAH would I have a good friend who rise before Fajr was going through a very (dawn) each morn- rough time. Her faith was at ing and rush to the an all time low. During sev- ‘A Mosque to offer eral of our conversations, the prayer. He would return she lamented that Allah Al- to the Mosque for Maghrib mighty was punishing her for (sunset) and ‘Ishaa’ (even- not being a ‘good Muslim’. I ing) prayers as well. He read asked her: “Why must Allah the Quran daily. He studied be punishing you? Allah puts other Islamic books in his us through many tests and spare time. He spent much of trials in this life to give us the his free time with his family chance to know Him better.” and took his role as the spir- We debated back and forth itual leader in his home quite about this for some time. She seriously. was really stuck in the debts Five years later, he found of despair and found my that he would go days, some- comments annoyingly opti- times a whole week without mistic. I reminded her that performing a single prayer. Allah Almighty is also Merci- He no longer attends con- ful and that this trial for her gregational prayer at the could be the wake up call she Mosque — he didn’t have needed to have an oppor- time with his new job. This tunity to renew and redeem new job involved his work- her faith and become closer ing closely in nightclub es- to Him Almighty. Perhaps tablishments with people of Allah had to put her through questionable backgrounds. such difficulty to get her at- This resulted in his becom- tention and give her a chance ing very secretive about to make changes. many of his work activities; There are many things he didn’t even talk to his wife you can do to establish disci- about them because he knew pline in your daily life. Such she would disapprove. Work consistency not only balanc- kept him busy all night and es our faith, but all other as- throughout the entire week- pects of our lives as well: end. Many of his new friends z Evaluate yourself reg- also worked with him and he ularly to make certain you began to spend a great deal are doing all that you can of his free time with them. spiritually. Because of this, he spent less z Perform your daily time with his family. He had prayers punctually each day. to sleep during the day in or- z Read the Quran regu- der to be able to work each larly, with an effort to truly night. understand what you are His wife noticed a great reading. change in his demeanour. z Seek knowledge regu- They had several discus- larly, religious and other, sions about his work and much more peaceful and bal- becomes miserable on this you have been commanded, ties to Allah Almighty is what the Day of Judgment, with through books, CDs/tapes, how it was affecting him anced when he engaged in his earth and he will be among [you] and those who have keeps you from languish- no one to intercede on your classes and lectures. and his relationship with regular religious duties and the losers in the Hereafter.” turned back with you [to Al- ing during your darker mo- behalf. You must make the z Keep company with Allah Almighty. He agreed began to suffer significantly lah], and do not transgress. ments. Remember that your choice to live your life ac- righteous people. and would begin the process when he abandoned them. A religion of discipline Indeed, He is Seeing of what ultimate return is to Him Al- cording to Allah’s Will on z Have confidence in of searching for new work, Could this simply be a It is only from the in- you do.” [Quran 11: 112] mighty, so you must develop your own. You will not ben- your faith and, more impor- but inevitably, chose to stay coincidence? Imam Muham- finite wisdom and mercy The intensity of our faith discipline and a consistency efit from being told about tantly, in Allah Almighty. in his current job. He soon mad Baianouni the scholar of Allah that we have been changes throughout our lives. in your daily routine to keep what you need to do and how z Regularly spend some found himself feeling very from North Carolina in USA given a system of belief that There are times when we are your faith from sinking. you need to change in or- time alone in contemplation distanced from his wife and accurately sums up situa- instructs and assists in guid- of strong faith and times when Developing discipline der to have a more fulfilling and worship. children. Even though the tions like this stating: “The ing our actions and behav- we struggle. Many brothers Recognising your short- life. You must take an inter- Islam is a complete way money was abundant when regulation of a man’s con- iour. By participating in the and sisters who proudly claim comings is the first step to- est in making those changes of life. As believers, we he first began, it was now duct within one system of life daily obligations of our faith Islam as their religion unin- wards becoming more disci- for yourself. Only then can should desire the discipline barely paying the bills. is one of the most important outlined in the Quran and tentionally find themselves plined. Allah Almighty Says you reap the rewards. Think that allows us to regulate our He felt his marriage reasons of success and stabil- the Sunnah of the Prophet ‘slipping’ in their religious (what means): “…Indeed, about the wives of the Proph- lives and keep chaos away. crumbling beneath the years ity. The absence of this regu- Muhammad we are more duties. Seemingly overnight Allah will not change the ets Noah and Lut, may Allah In choosing this way of life, of neglect. He found him- lation is one of the greatest likely to enjoy Allah’s boun- their lives go from pleasur- condition of a people un- exalt their mention. Each peace and contentment are self succumbing to depres- crises a man suffers from in ty in this life and reap the able and carefree to darkness til they change what is in Prophet tried unsuccessful- your right. Discipline comes sion over his circumstances, his life. This happens when rewards in the Hereafter. and confusion. You may begin themselves...” [Quran 13: 11] ly to offer the best guidance as a result of performing cer- unmotivated to initiate the man is left without guid- Allah Almighty ordered all to acknowledge that you have When you decide to change to his wife, but because there tain duties consistently. Ask things he knew he would ance from Allah, The Most believers to be disciplined landed in such a state because for the sake of Allah Al- was no real interest on their Allah to help you to establish have to do in order for his life High, or without proper up- in their worship and not to of the choices you made, but mighty, Allah will help you part, it was said to each of discipline in your religious to change. bringing based on the Di- disobey Him. In the Quran, you are lost as to how to go change. Each one is respon- women (what means): “…En- commitment and to be able It is interesting to note vine Guidance. Under these Allah Says (what means) “So about changing things. sible for oneself and will be ter the Fire with those who to submit to all that pleases that ‘Abdullah’s life seemed circumstances, man’s life remain on a right course as Being steadfast in our du- questioned accordingly on enter!” [Quran 66: 10] Him Almighty.

Morals and Zakah How to overcome one’s nervousness

ARDLY ever is prayer within the Muslim commu- This renders them eager to Question: I get nervous with very small little things. In this case how could I overcome my mentioned in the Zakah is like prayer in nity. give in charity and help oth- nervousness? Noble Quran with- terms of its relation to The payer of Zakah rel- ers in all possible ways and it out being associated ishes the pleasure and sat- indicates the purity of their Answer: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our with Zakah. Zakah morals. The payer of Zakah isfaction of the heart as he hearts and the spiritual el- Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. H offers it out of obedience As for the reasons of being too nervous and the ways of overcoming this, they are as fol- is the inseparable twin of obeys the commands of Al- evation of their souls. prayer in the Book of Allah to his Lord, abiding by His lah The Exalted. Thus, he is The Messenger of Al- lows: The Almighty and the Sun- commands, warding off keen not to delay paying the lah said: “Smiling in the face A: One should think about the consequences of nervousness. If he does so, he will become nah of His messenger, sal- devils, relieving oneself due Zakah and is diligent in of your brother is charity, patient and forbearing. lAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, as from being questioned giving it to its eligible re- enjoining good and forbid- B: One should learn about the good turns of patience and forbearance. The Prophet Mu- well. about the obligation of cipients. Allah The Exalted ding evil is charity, guiding hammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to Ashaj Abd Al-Qays: “You have two Zakah is like prayer in Says (what means): {Take, a lost man in a foreign land qualities that Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) terms of its relation to mor- Zakah on the Day of [O, Muhammad], from their is charity, guiding the blind like: Forbearance and patience.” [Muslim]. als. The payer of Zakah of- Judgment wealth a charity by which is charity, removing harm- Allah Says while describing some people that he likes: (Those who spend [in Allâh’s Cause fers it out of obedience to his you purify them …} [Quran ful things, thorns and bones - deeds of charity, alms, etc.] in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger and who pardon Lord, abiding by His com- 9:103] from a road is regarded as men; verily, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good-doers). [3:134]. mands, warding off devils, protects him from meanness When Muslims fully charity and pouring what C : Know also that the brave is the one who could control himself when becoming angry. The relieving oneself from being and curbs his sinful desires. grasp this, they find them- is left from your vessel into Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The strong one is not questioned about the obliga- It helps spread an atmos- selves willing not only to pay that of your brother is char- he who knocks out his adversary, the strong one is he who keeps control over his temper”. tion of Zakah on the Day of phere of love, intimacy and the due Zakah, but also to ity.” [Bukhari & Muslim]. Judgment. Zakah increases affection among Muslims spend in charity according to Hence, the close bond be- Allah knows best. one’s wealth, allows him to and creates a close bond their abilities even if this was tween Zakah and morals in help the poor and needy, between the rich and poor not obligatory upon them. Islam becomes clear. Persisting on committing sins Mankind will be exposed to three exposures on the So whoever would Question: Does Allah become angry with someone every time he commits a sin? Day of Resurrection. The [first] two exposures shall be Answer: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and may His blessings and peace be upon hope for the our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. disputation and excuses, but at the third [exposure], Committing sins is a cause of the wrath of Allaah. Any person who continues to sin de- meeting with his serves the punishment of Allaah. In fact, persisting in sin could turn the minor sin into a major the scrolls [of deeds] will be distributed, and then sin. It is reported that Ibn Abbas said: “No major sin is major if repented from and no minor sin some will take them in their right hands, others in Lord - let him do is minor if persisted on”. (Al-Baihaqi) So anyone who happens to fall in sins should hasten to repent from them to avoid dying their left. righteous work abruptly while committing a sin. Allaah Says (interpretation of meaning): “And turn in repentance and in obedience with – [At-Tirmithi] and not associate true Faith (Islâmic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islâm), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. (Az-Zumar 39:54) in the worship of You should know that repentance has some conditions that should be met so that the repentance becomes valid: his Lord anyone · Giving up the sin completely. · Regretting to have committed it in the first place. · Having firm resolution never to commit it again. – Quran 18:110 And any one who is sincere in his repentance Allaah forgives him/her. Allaah knows best. Europe / Americas Friday, December 14, 2018 05

French govt appeals to Yellow Vests Nations ‘face extinction’ without instant climate action to halt after Strasbourg attack AFP PARIS: The French government on Thursday appealed to the “Yel- KATOWICE, POLAND France ‘burning down’ due to Paris low Vest” protesters not to demonstrate this weekend in the wake climate agreement, says Trump of a deadly attack on a Strasbourg Christmas market. DOZENS of nations threat- “We’ve decided not to ban the demonstrations on Saturday,” ened with catastrophe from un- WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump says the Paris climate government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told broadcaster checked climate change warned agreement is the cause of the unrest in France, a movement that C News. Instead, Griveaux appealed to the Yellow Vests, saying on Thursday they “face extinc- has its roots in opposition to a fuel tax. that it was up to them not to protest and that it would be prefer- tion” without immediate action “Because of the Paris accord, that whole country is burning able if people instead took care of their businesses before the end to rein in mankind’s emissions, down,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News. of the year. as UN climate talks limped to- “The Paris Accord is not working out so well for Paris,” he said, A ban wouldn’t be sensible, he said, because it wouldn’t pre- wards their conclusion. taking another jab at a climate agreement he has never liked and vent people from looting and rioting. Representatives from nearly pulled the US out of last year. (DPA) After more than three weeks of protests and two Saturdays 200 nations are locked in nego- Greenpeace activists block the street leading to the EU Council head- running that saw riots in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron tiations in Poland over how to quarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday. (EPA) group of 48 nations represent- secure, compelled by science admitted on Monday night that he had not acted quickly enough to make good on the promises they ing more than one billion people and duty,” said Emmanuel De boost workers’ purchasing power since his election last year. made in the landmark 2015 Par- will be financed in future. But for those vulnerable to climate urged developed countries -- re- Guzman, from the Philippines In a televised speech from the Elysee Palace, the centrist is agreement aimed at limiting with Earth already experiencing change,” Hilda Heine, president sponsible for the lion’s share of Climate Change Commission. president promised a tax break on end-of-year bonuses and the global temperature rises. widespread droughts, flooding of the Marshall Islands, told planet-warming greenhouse gas “We find the ambivalence complete exemption from tax and social charges of overtime pay- Talks have however hit a and mega-storms made worse delegates at the COP24 sum- emissions -- to pay up to help the of countries in these negotia- ments. Macron said on Thursday on the sidelines of an EU summit wall over a host of disputes rang- as our planet heats up, many mit. “We represent a number of worst affected. tions unacceptable. We are dis- in Brussels that his promise “does not hinder” France’s will to ing from adopting the newest nations simply cannot wait for nations, like my own, that face “We are in Poland in the cussing here not trivial text or control spending and that the new measures were a “legitimate environmental data to how the action. extinction. Species of all kinds name of the children of tomor- punctuation marks but our very and important” response. (DPA) fight against climate change “We are bearing the torch also face existential risk.” A row whose interests we must survival.”

Turkey train Never directed Cohen to crash kills 9, UK PM desperate to break law, says Trump injures 47 REUTERS WASHINGTON REUTERS ANKARA salvage Brexit deal, US President Donald Trump offered up a handful of legal ar- NINE people were killed guments in a series of tweets on and nearly 50 injured in Thursday distancing himself Turkey when a high speed from former personal attorney train collided with a locomo- seeks EU’s help Michael Cohen, who was sen- tive and crashed into a sta- tenced to prison on Wednesday tion platform and overpass for arranging 2016 hush-mon- in an Ankara suburb early May meets EU’s Tusk in Brussels, seeks assurances to get the deal over ey payments to women who say on Thursday, officials said. they had affairs with the mar- Trump wrote on Twitter: “I Rescuers worked to ried president. never directed Michael Cohen free people trapped under Cohen admitted his ac- the mangled wreckage at tions were aimed at influenc- to break the law. He was a Marsandiz train station, 8 ing the election in violation lawyer and he is supposed to km (5 miles) from central of campaign finance laws and know the law. It is called Ankara. It was not clear said they were directed by ‘advice of counsel.’ ... This at which speed the train Trump. But the president said was not campaign finance” and locomotive were trav- in his tweets he never told Co- elling when the collision hen to break the law and that occurred. There was light the payments were unrelated campaign finances, as he said snow on the tracks. to the campaign. again in the latest tweets. The train had been The early-morning tweets Cohen, who once said he heading from Ankara to the came as the legal pressure on would “take a bullet for Trump,” central Turkish province Trump intensified. Also on was sentenced in New York to of Konya and was not due Wednesday, federal prosecu- three years in prison for orches- to stop at Marsandiz. An- tors in New York announced trating the payments in viola- kara Governor Vasip Sahin they had reached a coopera- tion of campaign finance laws said the locomotive, which tion deal with National En- before the 2016 US presiden- lay battered 20 metres (22 quirer publisher American tial election. He called the pay- yards) further ahead, car- Media Inc, which admitted ments part of the “dirty deeds” ried out track inspections. making a hush payment to a he did at Trump’s behest. Three train drivers were former Playboy model to pre- Federal prosecutors said among the nine killed in the vent her from going public Trump ordered the payouts to crash, Transport Minister with Trump affair allegations protect his campaign from the Cahit Turhan told reporters before the 2016 election. allegations of sexual affairs. on the scene. Trump has offered a shift- Trump wrote on Twitter: German Foreign Min- ing defence on the payments, “I never directed Michael Co- ister Heiko Maas said cur- first saying in April he did hen to break the law. He was rent information indicated not know about them. Later, a lawyer and he is supposed to a German man was among he seemed to acknowledge know the law. It is called ‘ad- those killed in the crash, but the payments were made, but vice of counsel.’ ... This was gave no further details. said they were unrelated to not campaign finance.” There were 206 pas- sengers on the high speed train, according to state- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (left) and Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May greet each other at the start of the European owned Anadolu news agen- Council in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday. (EPA) cy, which also reported that US lashes out at ‘predatory’ the Ankara state prosecu- AFP to May’s effort to get the deal tor’s office had launched an BRUSSELS ‘Brexit vote will happen before Jan 21’ through parliament. China, Russia in Africa investigation. LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May will put her brexit Last month the withdrawal WOUNDED by a battle with deal to a vote in parliament as soon as possible in January, and accord was hailed as the end to AFP the continent to seek past im- her own MPs, British Prime definitely before January 21, her spokeswoman told reporters a 17-month negotiation, and WASHINGTON perial glory. Minister Theresa May pleaded on Thursday. leaders dared hope they had “The predatory practices on Thursday with EU lead- “I can confirm that the meaningful vote will not take place saved Britain from crashing THE United States lashed pursued by China and Russia Trade deal pays for ers for concessions that might before Christmas but it will happen as soon as possible when out of the union on March 29 out Thursday at “predatory” stunt economic growth in Af- border wall: Trump save her Brexit deal, while the House (parliament) returns, and obviously before January without a deal. Chinese and Russian involve- rica, threaten the financial in- playing down hopes of a swift 21,” the spokeswoman said. Parliament returns from its Christ- But when May took it ment in Africa as it announced dependence of African nations, WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY: breakthrough. mas break on January 7. (REUTERS) home, she ran into renewed a leaner footprint that insists inhibit opportunities for US US Democratic leaders rebuked May survived a confidence opposition from hardline on accountability in trade and investment, interfere with US President Donald Trump on vote of her own party’s law- Brexiteers in her Conserva- peacekeeping. military operations and pose a Thursday for saying Mexico will makers late on Wednesday, drawal deal they endorsed less would see a brief political tive party and this week she In a speech billed as un- significant threat to US nation- pay for a border wall through a but she admitted as she ar- than three weeks ago. statement issued at the sum- baulked at putting it to a vote veiling a new US strategy on al security interests,” Bolton new trade deal, while Mexico’s rived at the EU summit that “My focus now is to get mit, followed in January by a in parliament. Africa, national security advi- said at the Heritage Founda- new president said the topic she will not fight the next gen- those assurances that we need legal interpretation of the deal. Now, with the vote delayed sor John Bolton sounded the tion, a conservative think tank. has not come up in his talks eral election planned for 2022. to get this deal over the line “It’s all about clarification until January, she wants Eu- same notes as Trump’s “Amer- China in particular has with Trump. Instead, her focus is on sal- because I genuinely believe tonight,” said Dutch Prime rope to sweeten the offer with ica First” philosophy with a made dramatic inroads in Af- In a Twitter post early on vaging her plan for an orderly it’s in the best interests of both Minister Mark Rutte. “reassurances” that measures distrust of international insti- rica with direct investment, Thursday, Trump said that Brexit and on persuading her sides, of the UK and the EU,” May met EU President to prevent the return of a hard tutions and a sense of stark aid and infrastructure projects unspecified savings for the European counterparts to of- May said. Donald Tusk in Brussels for border with Ireland will not competition with rival powers. that leave partners burdened United States as a result of the fer guarantees that Britain will “I don’t expect an immedi- what he called “last-minute last indefinitely. Bolton denounced China by heavy debt -- and under renegotiated trade deal between not remain trapped indefinite- ate breakthrough but what I talks” before joining the other According to European for its aggressive quest for long-term Chinese influence. the United States, Mexico and ly in their customs union. do hope is that we can start to European leaders. diplomats, the proposed sum- natural resources and its ris- But at a time when the Penta- Canada would pay for the wall. The other 27 EU leaders work as quickly as possible on EU members have a six- mit statement would declare ing military and maritime gon wants to reduce its Africa “JUST by the money we save, have agreed to draft a reas- the assurances that are neces- paragraph statement they that any backstop “would only presence -- warning that the footprint, the United States MEXICO IS PAYING FOR THE suring political statement, but sary, she added.” hope will appease British be in place for a short period balance of power in the Horn says its best weapon in the WALL!,” he wrote. (REUTERS) remain firmly opposed to re- European leaders have concerns about the so-called and only as long as strictly of Africa could shift to Beijing power struggle will be to build negotiating a hard-won with- prepared a two-step plan that “Irish backstop” and give life necessary”. -- and accused Russia of using partnerships through trade. Virgin Galactic completes manned space test, more flights soon dream and our toughest chal- the original SpaceShipTwo Thursday’s test flight had two pilots onboard, four NASA research lenge to date fulfilled,” Branson crashed during a test flight told the crowd, adding more that killed the co-pilot and se- payloads, and a mannequin named Annie as a stand-in passenger flights were months away. riously injured the pilot, deal- Thursday’s test flight had ing a major setback to Virgin REUTERS ventures such as Amazon.com in the California desert. two pilots onboard, four NASA Galactic, a US offshoot of the MOJAVE, CALIFORNIA Inc founder Jeff Bezos’ Blue After the rocket plane research payloads, and a man- London-based Virgin Group. Origin, to be the first to offer reached an apogee of 51.4 miles nequin named Annie as a “It’s been 14 long years to VIRGIN Galactic rocket plane suborbital flights to fare-pay- (83 km) above Earth, a crying stand-in passenger. get here,” Branson told report- reached space on Thursday ing tourists. Branson high-fived and hugged The carrier airplane hauled ers after the landmark flight. and returned safely to the Cal- Virgin’s twin-fuselage car- spectators. The plane reentered the SpaceShipTwo passenger “We’ve had tears, real tears, ifornia desert, capping years rier airplane holding the Space- the atmosphere at 2.5 times the rocket plane to an altitude of and we’ve had moments of joy. of testing to become the first ShipTwo passenger spacecraft speed of sound and landed a about 45,000 feet (13.7 kms) So the tears today were tears US commercial human flight took off at 7:11 am local time few minutes later to cheers and and released it. Seconds later, of joy.” to breach Earth’s atmosphere (1511 GMT) from the Mojave Air applause, concluding roughly SpaceShipTwo fired, catapult- While critics point to since America’s shuttle pro- and Space Port, about 90 miles an hour’s journey. ing it to more than 51 miles Branson’s unfulfilled space gram ended in 2011. (145 km) north of Los Angeles. One of the pilots handed above Earth, high enough for promises over the past decade, The successful test flight British billionaire Bran- Branson a small Earth stress the pilots, Mark Stucky and the maverick businessman presages a new era of civilian son, wearing jeans and a ball when the two hugged. Frederick Sturckow, to expe- told a TV interviewer in Oc- space travel that could kick off leather bomber jacket with a “Today as I stood amongst rience weightlessness and see tober that Virgin’s first com- British billionaire Richard Branson poses with Mark Stucky and Freder- as soon as 2019, with Richard fur collar, attended the take- this truly remarkable group of the curvature of the planet. mercial space trip with him ick Sturckow, pilots of Virgin Galactic’s manned space tourism rocket Branson’s Virgin Galactic bat- off along with hundreds of people, all of us with our eyes Virgin’s latest flight onboard would happen “in plane SpaceShipTwo after their space test flight, in Mojave, California, tling other billionaire-backed spectators on a crisp morning on the stars, we saw our biggest test comes four years after months and not years.” on Thursday. (REUTERS) 06 Friday, December 14, 2018

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 PRINTED AT ALI BIN ALI PRINTING PRESS Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Right To Nazi-Looted Art A Rushed Peace Will Those who lost their art and artifacts, stolen or captured by Nazis during war, must get it back or they must be compensated. Even museums that bought stolen art Be A Short Peace in good faith should return works to owners

HE looting of art by the Nazis during should be obvious: People whose art was sto- World War II was, arguably, the great- len from them by the Nazis in wartime Europe National and international stakeholders must reach consensus for est cultural theft of all time. Seven should get it back or be justly compensated for achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan. And all efforts to find peace decades later, Holocaust survivors and it. As Stuart Eizenstat, a State Department ad- Ttheir descendants are still looking for visor on Holocaust-era issues, said at a confer- will fail without genuine people’s involvement paintings and other works that were taken ence last month: No museum, art gallery, col- as they fled Europe. lector, auction house or private owner “should MOHAMMAD SHOAIB HAIDARY Some experts estimate that 600,000 want to hold or deal in Nazi-looted artworks.” TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Data from the 2018 Survey of the Afghan People pieces of art were stolen; others say it’s much Museums, particularly here in the US, higher. About 100,000 works remain miss- have made a good start of going through their HE year 2018 has witnessed rapid ing. Most were stolen from Jewish owners collections to identify suspect work that cir- changes in peace efforts in Afghani- — ripped off the walls of their homes and gal- culated in the Nazi era, but experts say they stan. In early February, President leries, sold by their owners under duress for a should be doing more research on the prov- Ashraf Ghani put forward an uncon- fraction of their true value or bartered for safe enance of their collections. It’s the responsi- Tditional peace offer to the Taliban. passage out of the country. bility of all museums, art galleries, auction Over the summer, the Afghan government Today, the search continues for the miss- houses and collectors to establish provenance and Taliban honored their first truce in 17 ing works. But even when a looted work of art before they purchase a work, and to take steps years of war, albeit only for three days. is located all these years later, a new battle to determine whether the work they hold The US government introduced a special may begin over who deserves to own it. could have been stolen. Let the buyer beware. envoy for peace in Afghanistan, tasked Last week, the two-decades-long quest Even museums that bought stolen art in with ending the longest war the United by the descendants of Lilly Cassirer to re- good faith should return works to owners. States has been involved in its history. claim the Camille Pissarro painting she was That is no doubt a difficult decision for them Russia organised a conference on Afghan forced to surrender in return for an exit visa to make — and possibly a costly one — but it peace in Moscow, where the Afghan High from Berlin in 1939 landed in a federal court is part of doing business today as a museum, Peace Council members and Taliban rep- Percent of respondents by province who in Los Angeles. as it should be. resentatives met. Finally, in late Novem- say peace with the Taliban is ‘possible’ No one disputes that the Pissarro mas- Leading auction houses, to their credit, ber in Geneva, Switzerland in a two-day terpiece depicting a rainy Paris streetscape have strict rules for investigating the prov- conference on Afghanistan development, — ‘Rue Saint-Honore, Apres Midi, Effet de enance of works of art that could conceiv- Ghani announced a 12 member team that questioned whether the Taliban would ing, financing and weapons to the Taliban.” Pluie’ — once hung in Cassirer’s parlor. But ably have been looted in the Nazi era and, of will hold peace talks with the Taliban. agree to talk with them, a number of Af- It even appears that the Afghan gov- her relatives and their lawyer, David Boies, course, a total ban on selling any that were. Given the dizzying pace of develop- ghan MPs raised questions over the influ- ernment and US special envoy for peace contend that the Thyssen-Bornemisza Mu- According to the international director of res- ment, there must be an assumption that ence of members of the negotiation team. in Afghanistan don’t agree on a roadmap seum in Madrid, where the Impressionist titution at Christie’s, which makes its guide- there is public demand for peace. Accord- In addition to this disagreement, Afghan for peace. Although reports indicates that painting now hangs, knew that it was Na- lines public, the auction house has success- ing to Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special political parties criticised Ghani’s general Khalilzad has been given six months for zi-looted art when it was bought from the fully resolved close to 200 claims involving envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Afghans peace roadmap and said they were not in- Afghan peace efforts, Ghani’s speech at museum’s namesake, Baron Hans Heinrich disputed artworks over the last 20 years. Nor deserve peace after having been at war cluded within the new peace plan. a recent conference in Geneva says the Thyssen-Bornemisza, who has since died. will any reputable dealer sell looted art. for 40 years. However, a survey of Afghan The disagreement and lack of consen- peace plan needs at least five years. Boies, who represents Cassirer’s surviving Private collectors, like museums, are re- public opinion in 2018 reveals a complex sus goes beyond the national level as well. Against this backdrop, the survey find- great-grandson, David Cassirer, argues that sponsible for researching and understanding picture of public views regarding peace ef- ings for 2018 reveal a rise in the number the baron, a major collector, was shame- the provenance of the art they buy. But what if forts. The results would suggest it’s better Afghans deserve peace after having of Afghans who opine that the Taliban are lessly, willfully aware that the painting was a private owner does, for one reason or anoth- not to rush peace efforts. fighting because of foreign troop’s pres- Nazi-looted art. er, possess stolen art that he or she honestly The findings from latest Survey of the been at war for 40 years. However, ence (15.2 percent). That’s up from just The museum, for its part, disputes that, didn’t know was stolen? In some cases, they Afghan People by the Asia Foundation in- a survey of Afghan public opinion in 6.4 percent last year. Meanwhile, some 11.1 saying everyone acted in good faith. US Dis- have voluntarily returned the art to the victim. dicates that some 41.9 percent of Afghans 2018 reveals a complex picture of percent of respondents said the Taliban are trict Court Judge John F Walter will rule, In others, compromises have been reached; think peace with the Taliban is impossi- public views regarding peace fighting because they are supported by Pa- probably next spring, on who is the rightful sometimes the current owner will sell the ble. Looking at the survey data, it shows efforts. The results would suggest kistan (roughly the same as last year), and owner of the painting, valued at $30 million work and split the proceeds with the rightful that the nation’s view is divided on peace 4.7 percent believe they are supported by or perhaps more. owner — as has happened at Christie’s. That efforts. By ethnicity, the differences are it’s better not to rush peace efforts unnamed foreign countries (a slight drop In that particular case, the evidence is can be okay, if both sides agree; it can avoid significant: some 63.7 percent of Pashtuns from 2017). The top reason cited for the on- pretty persuasive that the purchasers of the a costly and time-consuming lawsuit. Every reported that peace is possible compared All parties involved in Afghan conflict seem going conflict, however, remains the same: painting did not do their due diligence. It case is different. Some private collectors have to just 50.8 percent of Tajiks, 42.5 percent to be convinced that military means aren’t that the Taliban simply want to gain power. seems likely (based on evidence, including the resources to withstand the financial loss of of Hazaras, and only 38.8 percent of Uz- the solution – and that for peace efforts Meanwhile, the Taliban’s statement markings on the back of the painting) that a valuable artwork; others don’t. beks. The views of men and women also to be successful there is need to have con- in an interview at a recent conference on they knew it was looted — or suspected that it There’s nothing simple about restitution differs, as males (60.5 percent) are sig- sensus at the international level. And yet Afghanistan peace efforts shows that the was and chose not to investigate. That should for victims of the Holocaust. But not deal- nificantly more likely to believe that peace that consensus is missing, as shown by the group’s view is unchanged from years ago. simplify matters for the judge. But in some ing with restitution by offering convenient with the Taliban is possible compared to recent conference in Moscow. At the very The group’s ideology does not acknowl- other cases, it is not clear at all whether the excuses — it’s decades since it was acquired, women (46.5 percent). Significant differ- beginning Afghanistan’s government re- edge the gains Afghans have made since purchasers were aware of the dubious prov- the owners didn’t think it was stolen, it’s too ences emerge by regions as well, ranging jected Russia’s invitation to participate in 2001 in terms of women rights, freedom enance of the art they bought. valuable to part with — only compounds the from 73.6 percent of respondents in the the conference and then sent members of of speech, elections, and the new consti- Nevertheless, the moral bottom line immorality of the original theft. east who opine that peace is possible to the High Peace Council — but announced tution. This maybe the one of the reasons only 32.9 percent of respondents in the they were not official representatives of the while the vast majority of Afghans (93.6 central/Hazarajat region. Afghan government. The US also rejected percent) in a survey expressed fear when In addition, the survey findings show Moscow’s invitation to participate and cast encountering the group. that many Afghans remain fearful of the doubt on Russia’s intention to bring peace Soon after the fall of the Taliban in Taliban. Some 93.6 percent of Afghans in Afghanistan (later, Washington did send 2001, the Bonn conference was held to said they feel fear when encountering the a US diplomat to attend the conference). make the new Afghan government. Many group, making the Taliban the most-feared Experts discuss the fear of a “new Afghanistan experts believe that those talks group after the Islamic State (94.9 percent). Great Game” in Afghanistan and the coun- were overly hasty; one of the mistake was Meanwhile, only 38.6 percent of Afghans re- try becoming a battlefield for regional and excluding the Taliban from the conference. ported fear when encountering the Afghan international powers. In April 2018 US of- Rushed peace talks that exclude or limit National Army. This hints that integrating ficials accused Russia of destabilising Af- public participation have a high chance of the Taliban will be a difficult process. ghanistan by arming the Taliban and sup- failure – just like the Bonn conference on The lack of consensus on peace ef- plying weapons to the group. It is believed Afghanistan. To craft a peace settlement forts and disagreement extends beyond that one of the reasons for Russia’s move that will endure and sustain for the long the general public. Recently Ghani, based is frustration with US long presence in Af- term, it will take participation by all stake- on Khalilzad’s suggestion, prepared a ghanistan. Another regional power, Iran, holders, both national and international. list of 12 people tapped to handle nego- also stands accused of throwing fuel on the There is no sense in rushing forward. tiations with the Taliban. Soon after the fire. Late in April 2018, while the fight in- announcement, Afghan members of Par- tensified in the western province of Farah, (Mohammad Shoaib Haidary is liament and political parties expressed the Afghan government complained that a researcher with the Asia Founda- suspicion over both the ability of the nego- Iran was supplying weapons to the Taliban tion Afghanistan and a contributing tiation team and its inclusiveness. While fighters there. The US government too, has survey author for the Foundation’s political parties criticised the team and accused Iran of providing “military train- annual survey of the Afghan people.) (Tribune News Service) The Hidden Cost Of Jewellery Gifts Diamond and gold mining in some places is still tainted by human rights and labour abuses, besides wreaking havoc on environment

JULIANE KIPPENBERG security force personnel. In the Philip- diamonds originate, and they often rely — Where do the gold, diamonds or oth- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE pines, children dig deep underground or on the assurances of their suppliers with- er minerals in your jewellery come from? dive underwater to mine gold, under life- out verifying those claims. In many cases, — What has your company done to find T is the holiday season, and people are threatening conditions. companies also fail to publish information out whether there are human rights abuses out buying gifts for loved ones. Jewel- And even in the United States, large- on their sourcing practices. Several jew- in and around the mines where the metals lery is always a favourite gift – last De- scale gold mines have caused dangerous ellery companies presented certification or gems are from? cember, US consumers spent $6.57 bil- pollution through leakage and accidents. by the Responsible Jewellery Council, a — Does your company make the names Ilion on jewellery. This year in the US, Many jewellery companies purport to London-based industry group, as evidence of its suppliers public? overall holiday retail sales are expected to operate with high ethical standards, but that they were doing well. But, as Human Half the world’s gold and the major- increase. still often fail to assess risks for human Rights Watch has documented, the coun- ity of the world’s diamonds are used for Few of us think of human rights prob- rights violations in their supply chains. cil’s standards are weak and its certifica- jewellery. Mining these precious minerals lems when buying jewellery for people we Earlier this year, my international tion process is not transparent. provides essential income for millions of love. Or, if we do, we hold onto the thought nonprofit group, Human Rights Watch, We also found some good news. For ex- miners, but it needs to be done in a way that there are international mechanisms scrutinised the sourcing policies of 13 well- Many jewellery companies purport to ample, Tiffany and Co. traces its gold back that respects human rights and the envi- to ensure, for example, that revenue from known jewellery brands. Ten of the com- operate with high ethical standards, but to the mine and conducts thorough human ronment. This holiday season, remind jew- mining precious stones and metal is not panies responded. still often fail to assess risks for human rights assessments. And a growing number ellers of that responsibility. used to fund violence. We assessed what they sent us, along rights violations in their supply chains of small jewellers as well as larger compa- But there is little reason for reassur- with other information that was publicly nies, including Signet, Chopard and Carti- (Juliane Kippenberg is the ance. Diamond and gold mining in some available. We used criteria for responsible er, are making efforts to source their gold associate children’s rights director parts of the world is still tainted by hu- sourcing, including the companies’ efforts porting. We also ranked the 13 companies from small-scale mines, where steps are at Human Rights Watch. This man rights and labour abuses, as well as to assess and respond to human rights according to these specific responsible taken to ensure that rights are respected. column was written for the Progres- environmental harm. In Zimbabwe’s Ma- risks. We checked whether they were able sourcing criteria. So, when consumers buy jewellery this sive Media Project, affiliated with range diamond fields, residents have faced to trace the gold and diamonds they used Here is what we found: Jewellers of- holiday, they should consider asking their The Progressive magazine, and dis- forced labour, torture and violence from to the source, and their level of public re- ten cannot identify where their gold and jeweller these questions: tributed by Tribune News Service.)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. India / Pakistan / South Asia Friday, December 14, 2018 07

News Pakistan’s SC orders 20% cut in private school fees in brief DAWN.COM and formed a committee to The chief justice, com- unable to pay these fees, they even eating Rs8.3m, it will be ISLAMABAD find an amicable solution to In a nutshell menting on the large amounts, cannot get admission to these never ending,” the chief justice India set to open the issue of exorbitant fees be- wondered, “Have these schools schools.” commented. bridge near China The Supreme Court on Thurs- ing collected from parents. OThe order is applicable bought uranium mines or gold “Private school owners BSS counsel Shahid Ha- border on Dec 25 day ordered a 20 per cent The audit reports for Bea- to private schools across mines?” have opened schools in rent- mid argued that Beaconhouse decrease in fees charged by conhouse School System, The the country whose fees are “Each director gets a sal- ed bungalows and earn huge had paid Rs764m in taxes. He BOGIBEEL: Bogibeel Bridge, upscale private schools, and City School, Lahore Grammar in excess of Rs5,000 ary of Rs8.3m,” Justice Nisar amounts off each room,” the also told the court that Pun- the longest rail-cum-road ordered them to return fees School, Roots School System, said. He observed that the chief justice observed. jab had about 54,000 private bridge on Brahmaputra river, they had charged for summer Bayview Academy and 15 O The court, while hearing LGS audit report appeared to “No school had its fees schools. is all set to be inaugurated on vacations. The order is appli- other schools, which were sub- a case pertaining to be incorrect, and expressed his approved by any regulator,” “You may have paid a lot December 25 by Prime Minis- cable to private schools across mitted before the court today, exorbitant fees charged by displeasure with the auditor, Faisal Siddiqui, the counsel of taxes, but the students are ter Narendra Modi which will the country whose fees are in mentioned that the directors private schools, had in saying they should be caught for students’ parents, told the not getting any benefit from facilitate faster movement of excess of Rs5,000. and top officials of the schools October ordered the and handed over to the Fed- court. Justice Ijazul Ahsan them,” Justice Ahsan respond- troops to Arunachal Pradesh, The court, while hearing had received Rs62 million eral Board of Revenue (FBR). noted that the schools had ed. “They will only be benefit- the country’s eastern-most a case pertaining to exorbi- in salaries in 2017. A total of institutes to furnish their “Children are not getting provided incorrect figures in ed when the fees are lowered.” state that shares border with tant fees charged by private Rs512m was spent on employ- respective audit reports relief of even Rs2 ... You have their audit reports. “Look at “If children’s education is China. The foundation stone schools, had in October or- ees’ salaries in one year, while taken advantage of citizens to how directors are receiving being affected, then the court of the bridge was laid in 1997 dered the institutes to furnish Rs5.2 billion was spent in five that various facilities were also mint money,” the chief jus- Rs8.3m in salaries,” he said. will play the role of a parent,” by the then PM HD Deve their respective audit reports, years, the report said, adding provided. tice asserted. “If children are “If you try ripping up or Justice Nisar asserted. Gowda. The construction, however, started only in 2002 when then (late) PM Atal Be- hari Vajpayee inaugurated the construction works. (IANS) Myanmar likely committed Interpol issues Sri Lanka top court genocide, says US House red corner notice against Choksi DPA er political prisoners. WASHINGTON Lawmakers pointed to the NEW DELHI: The Interpol displacement of more than has issued a red corner THE Myanmar military likely 700,000 Rohingya from their notice (RCN) against fugitive rules parliament’s committed genocide against the homes in Rakhine state follow- Indian diamentaire Mehul Rohingya Muslim minority, the ing a military crackdown and Choksi after a request from US House of Representatives the documentation of mass the Central Bureau of In- declared on Thursday, while murder, rape and destruction of vestigation (CBI), an official also urging the authorities there villages. said on Thursday. dissolution ‘illegal’ to release two journalists ar- In August, a UN fact-finding Choksi, the Chairman of rested while investigating the mission accused Myanmar’s the Gitanjali Group who has violence. military of perpetrating mass taken refuge in Antigua, was The move by the lower killing, rape, torture and arson one of the prime accused in President Sirisena dissolved the House last month and then called a general election chamber of the US Congress against Rohingya with “geno- the Rs 13,500-crore Punjab adds to the pressure on the US cidal intent” The Myanmar National Bank fraud along administration about Myanmar. government maintains that the with his nephew Nirav Modi. The House called for the De- violence had been a legitimate “The Interpol issued partment of State to issue a final response to attacks on security the RCN on Wednesday,” an ruling and impose sanctions on installations by Rohingya insur- official said.(IANS) those responsible. gents. The bill specifically called The US Holocaust Memorial Govt to levy fee for the release of Wa Lone and Museum this month said there on ground water Kyaw Soe Oo, journalists work- is compelling evidence that the use from June ing for the Reuters news agency Myanmar military commit- who were arrested last year. It ted genocide against Rohingya NEW DELHI: The govern- also called for the release of oth- Muslims last year. ment will levy a fee on ground water extraction from June next year to discourage misuse of water Differences either get settled or by industries and ensure a “more robust ground water RBI governors make way: Jaitley regulatory mechanism” in the country, an official IANS on two or three major issues release said on Thursday. MUMBAI relating to credit and liquidity The step is likely to in the market but was failing to make packaged drinking ADMITTING to differences communicate with the RBI and water dearer. The Central with Urjit Patel, who quit as getting them addressed. Ground Water Authority has RBI Governor, Finance Minister “Every person involved in notified revised guidelines Arun Jaitley on Thursday said some kind of a business activity, for ground water extraction the government is the sovereign whether its financial, manufac- which will be effective from body for managing the economy turing or services sector or the June 1, 2019. (IANS) and RBI Governors have exited MSME sector or even in agricul- if differences were not settled. ture, will tell you that they were Voice of America “If you look at the history of facing difficulties as far as credit protests move to the RBI, you had several inci- and liquidity is concerned,” the block its content dents in the past where govern- Minister said. ments have had a different view Jaitley said the RBI has the ISLAMABAD: US public radio from what the RBI has had and responsibility as far as credit Voice of America (VOA) on then those differences either get and liquidity is concerned and it Thursday called for Pakistan settled or the Governors have is not an issue of confrontation to lift a block on two of its made way,” he said at a conclave if the “sovereign accountable websites, in Urdu and Pashto, here. government” forces the issue as concerns grow over free- Addressing the India Eco- for a discussion and redressal dom of speech in the country. nomic Conclave 2018 via satel- by the RBI. Else, the govern- “In the interest of press free- lite link, Jaitley said the govern- ment would fail in its responsi- dom, VOA calls upon those ment had a particular opinion bility. responsible for blocking our content to immediately re- move these constraints,” said Amanda Bennett, the director of VOA, in a statement to AFP. Nepal, China to boost “ANY attempt to block our websites deprives Urdu and Supporters of Sri Lanka’s ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe celebrate outside the Supreme Court premises in Colombo. (REUTERS) Pashto speakers in the region bilateral cooperation access to a trusted news IANS During the meet, the two source,” she said. (AFP) REUTERS of its five-year term. day, parliament passed a vote BEIJING countries agreed to boost bilat- COLOMBO “The president can’t dis- of confidence in Wickremesin- eral relations through coopera- solve parliament before four- ghe. “We trust that the presi- NEPAL’S Foreign Secretary met tion in various sectors, includ- SRI Lankan President and-half years,” judge Sisira dent will promptly respect the China’s Foreign Minister here on ing connectivity, infrastructure KCR an enigma Maithripala Sirisena’s deci- de Abrew said in summing up judgment of the courts,” Wick- Thursday to boost bilateral coop- development, trade, investment sion to dissolve parliament the verdict of a seven-judge SC verdict remesinghe tweeted after the eration and discuss issues of mu- and energy. to supporters ahead of its term is unconsti- bench. The ruling raises the The court said Sirisena could ruling. tual interest, officials said. They also agreed to expedite tutional, the Supreme Court possibility of Wickremesinghe not dissolve parliament before “The legislature, judiciary, Shanker Das Bairagi met implementation of past agree- and critics ruled on Thursday, a setback being reinstated as prime min- and the executive are equally Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai Guest ments and projects under bilat- IANS for the embattled leader in his ister since his coalition enjoys it had completed most of its important pillars of a democ- House in Beijing ahead of the eral cooperation agreements. HYDERABAD dispute with an ousted prime a majority in parliament. five-year term. “The president racy and the checks and bal- 12th meeting of Nepal-China Bi- China expressed its willing- minister. Sirisena has repeatedly can’t dissolve parliament ances that they provide are lateral Consultation Mechanism ness to lend support to Nepal’s K Chandrashekhar Rao, who Sirisena dissolved parlia- said he will not appoint Wick- before four-and-half years,” crucial to ensuring the sover- that was held later in the day, development efforts, according on Thursday took oath as Chief ment last month and called remesinghe even if he has the judge Sisira de Abrew said in eignty of its citizens,” he said. the Nepalese Embassy in Beijing to the statement. Minister of Telangana for a sec- a general election for Jan. 5, backing of all 225 members of summing up the verdict of a Rajapaksa was not imme- said in a statement. Beijing has been trying to ond consecutive term, remains days after sacking Prime Min- parliament. seven-judge bench diately available for comment. “The two sides held substan- increase its influence in the an enigma for his supporters ister Ranil Wickremesinghe There was no immediate His son Namal, a lawmak- tive and fruitful discussions on landlocked Himalayan nation and critics alike. and naming opposition leader comment from Sirisena’s of- er, tweeted: “We respect the the entire gamut of Nepal-China -- which has traditionally been From a rabble-rouser lead- Mahinda Rajapaksa to the fice. Many foreign countries Standard & Poor’s have down- decision of .... Supreme Court, relations and reviewed the sta- dependent on India for trade and ing a masse movement for a post. The court said Sirisena have yet to recognise Raja- graded Sri Lanka, citing refi- despite the fact that we have tus of bilateral cooperation,” the economic support -- through in- separate state to embarking on could not dissolve parliament paksa’s government. Credit nancing risks and an uncertain reservations regarding its in- Embassy was cited as saying by vestments in infrastructure and building a new state and now before it had completed most rating agencies Fitch and policy outlook. On Wednes- terpretation”. Efe news. financial aid. turning his vision of ‘golden’ Telangana into a reality, he has donned different roles effort- lessly over the last 17 years. The 64-year-old, who led Afghanistan opens new trade route with aim of building link to Europe the Telangana Rashtra Samithi REUTERS (TRS) to a landslide win in As- ni said at the ceremony, which Afghan forces target Taliban commanders kistan of providing safe haven sembly elections, is undoubtedly HERAT, AFGHANISTAN saw the first trucks set off with and support to Taliban insur- one of the most popular regional dried fruit, herbs and textiles KABUL: Afghan forces, backed by US advisers and air power, are gents, a charge rejected by Pa- leaders India has seen in recent AFGHANISTAN on Thursday bound for Turkmenistan, Azer- targeting Taliban field commanders seen as a major obstacle to kistan. Major crossings on their times. In tune with the son of the opened a new international baijan, Georgia, and Turkey. possible peace talks, as they step up military pressure on the border are regularly closed for soil image he cultivated over the trade route aimed at establish- The corridor is the latest insurgents, security officials said. political and security reasons. years, KCR, as the TRS founder ing direct access to Central in a series of energy and trans- Abdul Manan, the shadow Taliban governor of the strategic “Afghanistan has to reduce is popularly known, is well con- Asian and Europe as it seeks to port projects aimed at opening province of Helmand and the insurgents’ top military com- its dependency on Pakistan for nected with the masses. build up an economy wrecked Afghanistan up as a hub at the mander in the south, was killed in a joint operation by U.S. and international trade, the coun- “Look how many people by decades of war and reduce heart of Central Asia. Afghan special forces on Dec. 2. try has to establish new trade are cornering this lean man,” reliance on Pakistan. Ghani, a former World Two days later, the Taliban shadow governor of Ghor province routes to improve the domestic KCR poked fun at himself at a President Ashraf Ghani in- Bank official, has pushed such in central Afghanistan was killed while on a visit to Helmand and economy,” said Abdul Nasheed, recent election meeting refer- augurated the route, known as projects, including the $10 bil- on Saturday, the shadow governor of Paktika, on the border with a senior member of the inde- ring to the campaigning by his the Lapis Lazuli corridor, at a lion TAPI - Turkmenistan, Af- Pakistan, was killed in a raid by Afghan special forces. (REUTERS) pendent Afghanistan Chamber rivals including Prime Minister ceremony in the western prov- ghanistan, Pakistan, and India President Ashraf Ghani. of Commerce. Narendra Modi, BJP President ince of Herat. - natural gas network launched Last month, Afghanistan Amit Shah, Congress chief Ra- “For over 17 years Afghani- this year, as essential to build- includes stretches or road, rail before crossing the Black Sea to pendence on its eastern neigh- inaugurated an air cargo ser- hul Gandhi and Telugu Desam stan was in isolation, today Af- ing a functioning Afghan econ- and maritime routes - runs Turkey and eventually Europe. bour, Pakistan, with which it vice to China by sending 20 Party (TDP) President N. Chan- ghanistan is connected with its omy. from Afghanistan to Turkmeni- Ghani is trying to reduce has long had complicated rela- tons of pine nuts. It has a simi- drababu Naidu. neighbours and beyond,” Gha- The new corridor - which stan, Azerbaijan and Georgia land-locked Afghanistan’s de- tions. Afghanistan accuses Pa- lar cargo link with India. 08 Friday, December 14, 2018 Gulf / Middle East

Erdogan vows Yemen’s warring parties agree Syria offensive as US warns against action Hodeida ceasefire at UN talks DPA ISTANBUL/BEIRUT

Under the deal, an ‘immediate ceasefire’ between govt forces and Houthi rebels expected; Analysts say the Rimbo talks’ outcome much better than anticipated TURKEY plans to launch a new military offensive AFP against Kurdish militants RIMBO, SWEDEN east of the Euphrates river in northern Syria “in a few UN chief Antonio Guterres on days,” a move that raises the Thursday announced a series risk of confrontation with of breakthroughs in peace the United States, Turkish talks with the warring parties President Recep Tayyip Er- in Yemen, including a cease- dogan said on Wednesday. fire for a vital port. Erdogan made the an- If implemented, the deal nouncement hours after on the Hodeida port, a key the US confirmed setting gateway for aid and food im- up “observation posts” in ports to a country where 14 northern Syria along the million people stand on the border with Turkey. brink of famine, would mark a major turning point after Unilateral four years of devastating war. military action The conflict between the Iran-linked Houthis and the into north-east Syria government of Abedrabbo by any party, Mansour Hadi, backed by particularly as US Saudi Arabia and its military allies, has triggered what the personnel may be UN calls the world’s worst present or in the humanitarian crisis, with one child dying every 10 minutes vicinity, is of grave of preventable causes. concern. We would The human cost of the war, find any such actions as well as outrage over the October killing of US-based unacceptable journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istan- Pentagon Spokesman bul, has prompted the inter- Armed Yemeni men brandish their weapons as they gather to show their support to the Shiite Houthi, in the capital Sanaa, on Thursday. (AFP) Sean Robertson national community to take a harder line over the Yemen ment, released on Thurs- to spare the population from Ankara has long object- war, and particularly the role day evening, an ‘immediate Breakthroughs further hunger. ed to the posts. of the Saudi-led coalition. ceasefire’ should come into Sanaa airport has been “Our target is never the In a highly symbolic ges- effect in Hodeida and its three ● Yemeni Foreign Minister closed to commercial flights American soldiers, but the ture on the seventh and fi- ports upon signing. Khaled al Yamani said the for nearly three years. The air- members of the terrorist nal day of the UN-brokered “A mutual redeployment deal was the the biggest port will discussed at the next organization active in the peace talks in Sweden, Yem- of forces shall be carried out step forward since the round of talks, Griffiths said. region,” Erdogan said at a eni Foreign Minister Khaled from the city of Hodeida and outbreak of the war but Lead rebel negotiator Ab- defence industry summit al-Yamani and rebel negotia- the ports of Hodeida, Salif and delsalam said the Houthis in Ankara. But the Penta- tor Mohammed Abdelsalam Ras Issa to agreed upon loca- remained hypothetical. “We had made “major conces- gon on Wednesday issued shook hands to loud applause tions outside the city and the will wait and see,” he said sions” on Hodeida. a stern warning against any -- although both later voiced ports,” reads the agreement. UN chief Antonio Foreign Minister Khaled unilateral military moves in scepticism at separate news The UN will play a “lead- ● al-Yamani said the deal was north-east Syria. conferences. ing role” in management and Guterres said the rivals the the biggest step forward “Unilateral military ac- The weeklong talks, which inspections at the ports, for (From left) Yemen’s Foreign Minister Khaled al Yamani, United Na- had also reached a ‘mutual since the outbreak of the war tion into north-east Syria by closed on Thursday, left a four years under rebel control. tions Secretary- General Antonio Guterres and rebel negotiator Mo- understanding’ on Yemen’s but remained “hypothetical”. any party, particularly as US number of key issues unre- The rebels hold both Ho- hammed Abdelsalam during peace consultations at Johannesberg third city of Taiz to facilitate “We will wait and see,” he said. personnel may be present solved. A new round of talks is deida and the capital Sanaa. Castle in Rimbo, north of Stockholm, Sweden, on Thursday. (AFP) the delivery of aid Analysts said the Rimbo or in the vicinity, is of grave scheduled for the end of Jan- The Saudi led-military coali- talks progressed better than concern,” Pentagon spokes- uary, with analysts predicting tion controls Yemen’s mari- Sanaa and Hodeida. Iran de- Yemen’s third city of Taiz, the anticipated, two years after man Sean Robertson said in the US will continue to up the time borders and airspace. nies the charge. scene of some of the most in- No deal has been reached the last negotiations hosted a statement. pressure on ally Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia and its al- UN chief Guterres said tense battles in the conflict, to on the future of the airport by Kuwait in 2016 collapsed “We would find any such to end the conflict. lies accuse the rebels of arms the rivals had also reached a facilitate the delivery of aid. in the capital Sanaa or on with no breakthrough after actions unacceptable,” Rob- Under the Hodeida agree- smuggling from Iran through ‘mutual understanding’ on No further details were given. economic measures needed three months. ertson added.

Jordan braces for more anti-austerity Israel locks down Ramallah after two soldiers shot dead and at least two other people mas, which has fought three protests; hundreds West Bank’s most -- including another soldier -- wars with Israel in Gaza since riot police deployed were wounded, the army said, 2008, claimed the two Pales- violent 24 hours in with the attacker fleeing. tinians as its “fighters.” One of REUTERS months see six killed “We are searching for the them was Salah Barghouti, a AMMAN terrorist. We will find him,” 29-year-old accused of shoot- AFP the military said on Twitter. ing seven Israelis on Sunday, JORDANIAN authorities de- RAMALLAH Following the attack, the also at a bus stop near the Ofra ployed hundreds of riot police army raided the nearby city of settlement. in the capital and warned ac- A PALESTINIAN shot dead Ramallah, home to Palestin- The Shin Bet Israeli inter- tivists to stay within the law two Israeli soldiers at a bus ian president Mahmud Abbas. nal security service said that on Thursday ahead of another stop in the occupied West Entrances and exits to the city other members of Barghouti’s protest against the govern- Bank on Thursday, the mili- were sealed and the army en- group, all of them affiliated ment’s tough austerity meas- tary said, sparking army raids tered multiple neighbourhoods, with Hamas, had been arrest- ures backed by the Interna- in the city of Ramallah during AFP correspondents said. ed overnight. tional Monetary Fund. which a Palestinian was killed. Clashes broke out in mul- A Palestinian uses a piece of wood to move a burning tire during clashes with Israeli troops in Ramallah, A woman who was seven Large demonstrations in The attack came hours af- tiple spots. near the Jewish settlement of Beit El, in the occupied West Bank, on Thursday. (AFP) months pregnant was among the summer managed to bring ter security forces killed two One man was shot dead those wounded in that attack. down the previous govern- Palestinian murder suspects, by Israeli soldiers, in what the Netanyahu to ‘legalise’ more settler homes after attack Doctors tried to save her ment over an unpopular IMF- with fears of wider unrest. army said was an attempted baby boy with an emergen- backed tax bill. In total six people were car ramming. JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will legalise thousands of settlement cy caesarean but he died on Protesters have held spo- killed in the most violent 24 The bus stop shooting homes built without even israeli permits in the occupied West Bank following a deadly attack, he an- Wednesday and was laid to radic protests over the past two hours to hit the West Bank and came only hours after Israeli nounced on Thursday. Netanyahu’s office said in a statement he would seek to legalise thousands rest in Jerusalem. weeks and a judicial source Jerusalem in months. forces killed two militants al- of homes built without israeli permits in the West Bank. The mother remains in said authorities had detained The Israeli army said a Pal- legedly responsible for West He would also look into building 82 new homes in Ofra, a settlement near to where Thursday’s hospital in a serious condition. several people for chanting slo- estinian exited his car at a bus Bank attacks that claimed the attack took place. “They think they can uproot us from our land, they will not succeed.” The other Palestin- gans critical of King Abdullah stop near the Ofra settlement in lives of three Israelis, includ- Netanyahu also said they would be seeking to speed up the process of destroying homes of ian killed by Israeli forces on as well as the government. the West Bank before opening ing a baby. Palestinian attackers, so it takes place within 48 hours, as well as withdrawing israeli work permits Wednesday night had been “(For) anyone who breach- fire on soldiers and civilians. The armed wing of Pales- for family members of assailants. (AFP) suspected of shooting dead es the law there will be pun- Two soldiers were killed tinian Islamist movement Ha- two Israelis in October. ishment,” government spokes- woman Jumana Ghunaimat told reporters on Thursday. “There are those who want The measure is 21 militants to sow destruction... We must US Republicans set resolution blaming safeguard Jordan’s stability expected to come up escape Iraqi jail, and security,” she said, adding for a vote in the most recaptured that the government wanted Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi’s death Senate, but must dialogue. also pass the House BAGHDAD: Twenty one prison- REUTERS of Representatives ers, most of them members of WASHINGTON Islamic State jailed on terror- 2 babies die at camp and be signed by ism charges, broke out of a for displaced on THE chairman of the US Trump, or win enough prison in northern Iraq but 15 Syria-Jordan border Senate Foreign Relations votes to overcome a of them have been recaptured, Committee said he would in- veto, to take effect Kurdish security officials said AMMAN Two babies have died troduce on Thursday legisla- on Thursday. of illness in the past week at a tion holding Saudi Arabian The fortified jail of Sosa is camp for displaced people on Crown Prince Mohammed to increase efforts to enact eco- located near the Iraqi Kurdish the Syrian border with Jordan, bin Salman responsible for nomic and social reforms. city of Sulaimaniya and include the United Nations children’s the murder of journalist Ja- And it declares that there mainly militants of the hardline agency UNICEF said on Thursday. mal Khashoggi and insisting is no statutory authorization Islamist group who were cap- “Another sad week for on accountability for those re- Jamal Khashoggi for US involvement in hostili- tured during the fight against children and families in Ruk- sponsible for his death. ties in Yemen’s civil war and Islamic State which started in ban. Two sick babies under six Despite President Donald and cooperation with, the gov- supports the end of air-to-air 2014. months old died in Rukban,” Trump’s desire to maintain ernments of Russia and China refueling of Saudi-led coalition Kurdish security officials said Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF close relations with Saudi challenge the integrity of the US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis arrives to brief House members aircraft operating in Yemen. launched manhunt operations regional director for the Middle Arabia, the joint resolution is US-Saudi military relationship. on Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal The Senate is due to vote after the break-out late on East and North Africa. backed by at least nine of his The measure is expected Khashoggi, at the US Capitol in Washington, on Thursday. (AFP) later on Thursday on a sepa- Wednesday and 15 of the 21 “Freezing temperatures and fellow Republicans in the Sen- to come up for a vote in the rate Saudi Arabia measure, were recaptured, two security of- lack of supplies including of ate: committee Chairman Bob Senate, but must also pass the planned to vote on any Saudi- murder in Turkey, calls for the a war powers resolution that ficials said. The whereabouts of basic commodities, threaten the Corker and co-sponsors in- House of Representatives and related legislation before Con- Saudi government to ensure would end all US involvement the other six remains unknown. lives of nearly 45,000 people cluding Majority Leader Mitch be signed by Trump, or win gress wraps up for the year “appropriate accountability” with the coalition involved in Although Sosa jail is located -- among them many children, McConnell. enough votes to overcome a later this month. for all those responsible for his the Yemen war. That measure in the semi-autonomous Kurdish leaving them at the risk of The measure also warns veto, to take effect. Among other provisions, death, calls on Riyadh to release would need to pass the House region of northern Iraq, the fed- disease and death,” he said in that the kingdom’s purchases House Republican leaders the joint resolution blames the Saudi women’s rights activists and survive a threatened eral government has full control a statement. (AFP) of military equipment from, declined to say whether they crown prince for Khashoggi’s and encourages the kingdom Trump veto to become law. over the prison. (REUTERS) QCB strives to protect, www.facebook.com/QatarTribune promote financial www.youtube.com/QatarTribuneChannel sector www.twitter.com/Qatar_Tribune PAGE 10

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2018

DOW24,548.67 QE 10,456.14 SENSEX 35,929.64 GOLD 1,246.60 Hamad Port ranked among 8 top +21.40 PTS +22.58 PTS +150.57 PTS -0.27% global ports for innovation PAGE 10 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 14.83 BRENT 61.42 +2.11% WTI 52.49 +2.62% SILVER -0.02% Qatar raises expenditure by 1.7% to QR206.7 bn in 2019 budget

QNA DOHA QATAR 2019 BUDGET AT A GLANCE QATAR’S general budget for 2019 will achieve a surplus of QR4.3 billion, its first budget surplus in three years, the Ministry of Fi- Expected revenues are based nance announced on Thursday. $55 per on an oil price assumption of No tax on No taxes on Health-damaging Value Added Tax The surplus is a result of higher barrel $55 per barrel energy prices in international mar- income investments in products to cost (VAT) not be kets along with increasing non-oil of citizens shares and more from the implemented in revenues, the ministry said. The 2019 budget assumes an and residents profits start of 2019 2019 average oil price of $55 per barrel compared with $45 per barrel in the 2018 budget. Major projects are allocated Revenue is anticipated to reach 43.3% 43.3% of total expenditure QR211 billion, up 20.5 percent compared with the budgeted reve- 2019 FISCAL YEAR: POSITIVE TRENDS nue of QR175.1 billion in 2018, the Budget reflects Qatar’s ministry said. economic strength: QC chief Expenditure is set at QR206.7 Qatar Chamber Chairman Budget (QR bn) 2018 2019 % change billion, up by 1.7 percent compared Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassem Total revenue 175.1 211.0 20.5% to the QR203.2 billion budgeted QR48 New projects worth QR48bn bin Mohammed al Thani said in 2018. Accordingly, the budget will be awarded in 2019 the state budget for 2019 Total expenditure 203.2 206.7 1.7% is expected to achieve a surplus of bn QR4.3 billion. reflects the strength of the Surplus/Deficit -28.1 4.3 Based on the directives from the Qatari economy despite the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim unjust siege. A surplus of Expenditure Details bin Hamad al Thani, the 2019 QR4.3 billion despite a rise budget is designed to achieve effi- in expenditure compared to Expenditure (QR bn) 2018 2019 % change ciency in current expenditure while QR12 QR12bn is allocated over five last year’s budget is praise- Chapter I - Salaries and Wages 52.2 57.1 9.4% maintaining the necessary alloca- years to develop new housing worthy, he said, while prais- tions for the completion of major bn for nationals ing the focus of the budget Chapter II - Current Expenditure 53.6 56.1 4.7% approved projects that contribute on supporting food security Chapter III - Minor Capex 4.5 3.9 -13.3% to the sustainable development tar- projects and infrastructure gets of Qatar 2030 Vision. Chapter IV - Major Projects 92.9 89.6 -3.6% These span economic, social, developmentdevelopmen human and environmental devel- in the free,free, Total Expenditure 203.2 206.7 1.7% opment. The budget also focuses on Funds are allocated for the economic,economic in- providing the necessary funds for QR10 expansion of Hamad dustrialdustrial and the development of new housing bn International Airport, with a logisticlogistic areas for nationals, enhancing food total cost of QR10bn zones.zone security projects, and the establish- ment of infrastructure and facili- ties in free zones, special economic The allocation for the zones, and industrial and logistics Healthcare health sector is zones. New projects to strengthen PPP model in Qatar: Sharqi QR22.7bn, representing Allocations to salaries and wag- Infrastructure projects Qatar Chamber Director General Saleh bin Hamad al Sharqi said es have increased by 9.4 percent are allocated QR33 bn, QR22.7bn 11% of the total state budget for the fiscal year 2019 with a surplus of QR4.3 bil- to QR57.1 billion compared with 16% of total expenditure lion will boost economic performance and achieveve rrapidapidd QR52.2 billion in 2018. This rise expenditure growth. He pointed out that the awarding of neww is the result of increasing hiring to projects in 2019 worth QR48 billion would providede secure required staff to operate sev- opportunity for the private sector to contribute too eral newly completed projects, es- these projects, which would strengthen partner- Infrastructure pecially in the education and health ship between public and private sectors and con-n- Education sectors. Hiring also increased in the tribute to the acceleration of economic growth. QR33 bn defence, security and public safety QR19.2bn sectors, the statement said. Expenditure allocated to ma- jor projects declined by 3.6 per- cent to QR89.6 billion, compared The education sector with QR92.9 billion in 2018. This The Transportation and Transportation is allocated decline is the result of the comple- Communications sector QR19.2bn in the tion of some major infrastructure is allocated QR16.4bn, & Communications projects. These allocations are pro- budget, representing 7.9% of total 9.3% of total jected to continue declining gradu- expenditure in 2019 QR16.4bn ally during the coming few years, as expenditure more projects are completed. Despite the drop in allocations, major projects continued to repre- sent the largest share of expendi- ture at 43.3 percent. The focus continues to be on completing pro- jects in leading sectors including healthcare, education and trans- GRAPHICS: MUFEESH MOHAMEDALI portation, along with those related to the hosting of FIFA World Cup ing the provision of roads, water, in 2022. No tax on income of citizens and residents electricity and sewerage networks. In 2019, the ministry said, new The plan to provide new housing projects with a total cost of QR48 QNA policies in most countries around The law stipulates that the entity, under the supervision of the areas for nationals will cost QR12 billion are expected to be awarded DOHA the world. salaries and wages of citizens and Ministry of Finance, and will be in billion over 5 years. New land ar- out of a portfolio of committed pro- The Income Tax law of 2018 residents shall not be subject to any charge of the implementation of all eas will be distributed to nationals jects worth QR 421 billion. These QATAR would delay plans to intro- amends previous income tax laws. tax. It also grants exemptions for tax laws. gradually after the completion of re- new projects will boost economic duce a value-added tax (VAT), initially The income tax on foreign com- equity shares listed on a recognised The GTA’s mandate includes quired infrastructure, according to growth in the country, especially in anticipated for this year. “VAT will panies working in Qatar or on the stock exchange, profits of banking implementation of all tax laws and the approved timetable. non-oil sectors. not be imposed in 2019 and its ef- stake of foreign partners in joint deposits and companies working in setting up all related bylaws, proce- fects are being assessed,” Ministry ventures remained at the same the agricultural sector and fisheries. dures and instructions. Reviewing Transportation and Healthcare Sector of Finance said in a statement on level, which is a 10 percent flat rate Marine and aerial transportation are and assessing tax return forms Communications Sector The allocation for the health sec- Thursday. on profits. also exempted under the principal of submitted by all establishments and The transportation and commu- tor is QR22.7 billion, representing Qatar also issued a set of The amendments focused on reciprocity. the collection of taxes from subject nications sector is allocated QR16.4 11 percent of the total expenditure. taxation laws including income tax, reforming administrative and pro- The Selective Tax law is de- entities. billion, 7.9 percent of total expendi- Major projects to improve health selective tax and decision to estab- cedural systems, supporting tax signed to impose taxes on certain The authority will represent ture in 2019. Most of the allocations care services include expansion in lish the General Tax Authority. compliance by taxpayers and grant- health-damaging goods and it will Qatar in relevant international and will go to the Rail project, Doha Hamad Medical Corporation facili- The new tax laws are part of ing greater flexibility in granting tax be implemented by the beginning of regional organisations as well as Metro, while QR1 billion has been ties, National Laboratories prem- the process of developing Qatar›s exemptions to institutional activities 2019. The law includes a 100 per- at international conferences and allocated for the expansion of Ham- ises, completion of four new health financial system to keep up with in key economic sectors and eco- cent tax on tobacco and its products events. It will alsosign agreements ad International Airport as part of centres in Al Wajbah, Meither, Qa- international best practices and nomic zones to support growth and and energy drinks, and a 50 percent with other countries regarding the a wider plan worth QR10 billion to tar University and Alwaab, com- enhance economic growth and finan- economic diversification, thereby tax on sugary drinks. prevention of double taxation to en- enhance the capabilities of the air- mencing construction of five new cial stability, due to the importance encouraging and attracting foreign The General Tax Authority has courage economic cooperation and port to offer the best aviation and health centres in South of Wakrah, of the taxation system in financial investment. been established as a separate joint investments. cargo services. There are also funds Al Mashaf, Al Saad, Al Khor and Ein assigned to Qatar Public Transpor- Khaled. tation Program, which is expected to gineering and law schools at Qatar tablishment of other new schools ered include road, water, electricity expressway, Wakrah bypass, Lusail cost QR3 billion in 2019-2021. Education Sector University, completion of other Qa- with a total cost of QR6.8 billion and sewerage networks, along with expressway, expansion of the water The main transportation pro- The education sector is allo- tar University facilities like student over five years. other public facilities. and electricity networks and devel- jects under construction include cated QR19.2 billion in the budget, housing, new lecture halls and Al The main infrastructure pro- opment of new housing areas for Doha Metro with allocations of representing 9.3 percent of total Rawdah premises, expansion of Infrastructure Projects jects under construction include Al nationals. QR12 billion, Lusail light train, Qa- expenditure. Major projects in the community college, Ministry of Infrastructure projects are al- Bustan highway, Al Rayyan-Dukhan The 2019 budget includes allo- tar Public Transportation Program education sector include facilities Education headquarters, two new located QR33 billion, 16 percent of road, Al Khor coastal road, Al Furo- cations for the development of new and Hamad International Airport for the medicine, pharmacology, en- schools for Qatar Academy and es- total expenditure. The sectors cov- usiya road, North road, Wakrah housing areas for nationals, includ- expansion. 10 Friday, December 14, 2018 Economy & Business QCB strives to protect, promote Hamad Port ranked among 8 financial sector QNA top global ports for innovation 2030. Besides, QCB issued a DOHA number of instructions and resolutions to the financial sec- QATAR Central Bank (QCB) is tor and to banks and insurance Mwani Qatar named among top five port operators at Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2018 in London striving to protect and promote companies to regulate the work the financial sector in Qatar as and define responsibilities and well as strengthening it and obligations. making it not only capable of The bank issued instruc- facing all challenges but also tions to all financial institutions benefiting from them and turn- to comply with all standards of ing them into potential growth money laundering and terror- opportunities. ism financing, particularly the The QCB, on the occasion of implementation of internation- National Day 2018, presented a al resolutions and United Na- summary of its achievements tions sanctions on individuals during the year, including the or entities related to financing establishment of Supreme terrorism. Emergency Committee headed The Central Bank also up- by the Governor, Deputy Gov- dated the manual for the work ernor and Executives of the dif- of Anti-Money Laundering/ ferent sectors of the bank. Combating the Financing of The committee monitors Terrorism (AML/CFT) depart- the day-to-day work of finan- ment and developed the AML/ CFT system in preparation for the evaluation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2019. QCB also worked, in coor- dination with the National Anti Money Laundering & Terror- ism Financing Committee and Public Prosecutor’s Office on the mechanism for sorting indi- viduals and entities involved in terrorism. Besides, the bank cooperat- ed with the Public Prosecution in its investigations of reports The Qatar Central Bank. regarding public money and sent experts from the bank to provide technical support. cial institutions in the country, The QCB has been coor- addressing emergency matters dinating with the Ministry of and removing all obstacles to Finance, Qatar Petroleum and the flow of work. Qatar Investment Authority The committee also receives on the policy of financing state daily reports on the perfor- projects in 2017. mance of financial institutions, It also coordinated with the the problems they face, and the Planning and Statistics Author- efforts in resolving them im- ity regarding the implementa- The Lloyd’s List Global Awards organises annually to showcase and reward the best talent and achievements in shipping. mediately, especially with re- tion of the annual and quarterly gard to providing cash and for- foreign investment survey and TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK national companies in the The classification under- facilitating operations and in- eign exchange, bank transfers, the institutional modernisation DOHA field of innovation for Hamad Hamad Port lines Hamad Port’s efforts to creasing port productivity. connection to correspondent strategy. Port Project, the region’s larg- achieve Qatar National Vision This has contributed to banks, electronic connectiv- QCB has prepared a num- MWANI Qatar took part as the est smart and environment- O The Lloyd’s List Global (QNV) 2030 in accordance the acceleration of operations, ity, financial service delivery ber of studies and reports on title sponsor in the Lloyd’s List friendly project. Awards classification is with the Ministry of Transport raising the port’s competi- through external branches of the lessons learned from the Global Awards 2018 ceremony The Lloyd’s List Global based on Hamad Port’s and Communications’ strate- tiveness in terms of the time financial institutions and other blockade, its impact on macro- which was held in London re- Awards organises annually to high levels of efficiency and gic plan, which is implement- consumed in stevedoring ser- everyday matters. economic indicators, the bank- cently. showcase and reward the best the overall performance ed by Mwani Qatar. It aims vices. The Central Bank also ing sector, remittances of work- The event was attended by talent and achievements in to transform Qatar into a re- In terms of shipping lines, launched the second strategic ers abroad and other subjects. more than 400 experts and shipping. O Hamad Port now gional trade and logistics hub. Hamad Port was able to build plan for the financial sector in These reports and studies were representatives of the global The awards are a vibrant connects more than 40 Hamad Port recently cel- global network shipping in Qatar (2017-2022), which was submitted to the Amiri Diwan shipping industry. celebration of the key players ports in three continents ebrated the handling of over a short period, thanks to prepared in cooperation and and the Cabinet. The company recorded a in global shipping and are rec- with over 24 shipping two million containers and the strong confidence it has coordination with the three reg- The bank also carried out strong presence at the event, ognised worldwide as a signifi- five million tonnes of cargo in gained in the world’s shipping ulatory bodies (Qatar Central the necessary review of policies and was ranked among the cant mark of success. services record time with operations at and logistics community. Bank, Qatar Financial Markets issued by international bodies top five international port The Lloyd’s List Global the port since its launch in less The port is now connect- Authority and Qatar Financial such as the Bank for Interna- operators along with China’s Awards classification is based innovative and environment- than two years. ing more than 40 ports in Centre Regulatory Authority). tional Settlements (BIS), Fi- Mercantile Holdings, Yilport on Hamad Port’s high levels friendly technology in ports The port’s high capabili- three continents with over 24 This plan is currently being nancial Stability Board (FBS), Holding and PortSynergy - of efficiency and the overall sector by adopting initiatives ties and innovative technol- shipping services and there implemented in line with the International Monetary Fund EuroFos. performance achieved in a re- that contribute to enabling ogy, especially in the fields are plans to expand the ship- National Development Strat- (IMF) the World Bank and Mwani Qatar has also been cord period, in addition to its and delivering sustainable of clearance and inspection, ping network to include all egy and Qatar National Vision others. listed among the top 8 inter- important role in promoting smart infrastructure solutions. have played a major role in continents of the world.

‘Qualcomm to file Ministry concludes workshop on trade negotiation skills suits to ban sales of iPhone XS and XR’ TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in addition to the support pro- BEIJING: Qualcomm Inc is ask- DOHA The workshop was part of vided for the development of ing courts in China to ban sales the training and develop- fisheries. of Apple Inc’s latest iPhone THE Ministry of Commerce ment plan within the frame- The speakers discussed models XS and XR after winning and Industry on Thursday work of WTO-related agree- ways to improve the partici- a preliminary injunction against wrapped up a workshop on ments and is offered in col- pants’ understanding of trade older models, the Financial trade negotiation skills with negotiations, covering all stag- Times reported on Thursday. On the participation of the Min- laboration with the Geneva- es of the negotiations process, Monday, A Chinese court had or- istry of Foreign Affairs, the based WTO from the consultation stage to dered a sales ban of some older Ministry of Municipality and actual negotiations. Discus- Apple iPhone models for violat- Environment, Qatar Central sions also touched on technical ing two patents of Qualcomm, Bank and Qatar Development ners and other countries on the concepts and special safeguard though intellectual property Bank. bilateral or regional level, and mechanism in agriculture. lawyers said enforcement of The workshop was held in multilateral negotiations at Both speakers elaborated the ban was likely still a distant within the framework of the the World Trade Organisation on preparations for nego- threat. “We plan to use the ministry’s efforts to build and (WTO) level. The workshop aimed to prepare negotiators and experts to engage in free trade negotiations with trade tiations on trade modalities same patents to file suit against develop the negotiation skills The workshop was part of partners and other countries on the bilateral or regional level, and in multilateral negotiations at the through the preparation of the three new iPhone models,” of trade negotiators and ex- the training and development World Trade Organisation level. opening positions, the iden- Jiang Hongyi, a lawyer at Lexfield perts across Qatar by simulat- plan within the framework of tification of challenges and Law Offices who is representing ing bilateral, regional and mul- WTO-related agreements and Qatar National Vision 2030 ed by Dickson Yeboah, WTO’s negotiations strategies and benefits, ministerial and politi- Qualcomm in its patent suits, tilateral trade negotiations. is offered in collaboration with and is considered as one of the Head of Intensive Trade Nego- approaches and shed light on cal consultations, formulation told the FT. the case, brought by The workshop aimed to the Geneva-based WTO. leading negotiation training tiations Skills Unit, and Simon the development stages of the of negotiating positions and Qualcomm, is part of a global prepare negotiators and ex- The workshop offered high courses offered by the WTO to Hess, a negotiating expert at trading system. The two speak- strategies as well as prepara- patent dispute between the two perts to engage in free trade quality training for employees member states. the WTO. ers provided an overview of the tions for multilateral negotia- US companies that includes negotiations with trade part- in line with the objectives of The workshop was attend- Speakers discussed trade trade in services negotiations tions on trade modalities. dozens of lawsuits. (REUTERS)

Ooredoo implements QFB’s disaster recovery on the cloud QBA urges Argentinian businessmen to

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK doo, said, “Our digital trans- DOHA formation partnership ensures invest and benefit from Qatari projects that Qatar First Bank is Qatar’s OOREDOO, the region’s lead- banking leader in protecting TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the QBA board member further most economic sectors. Besides, ing enabler of digital business customer data on the cloud via DOHA said, “Qatar gives great impor- some logistical services and innovation, has announced a our Qatar Data Centre. We are tance to economic and trade Qatar free zones facilitate and digital transformation part- serving as the trusted partner QATAR and Argentina have a relations with Argentina as its support foreign investors to es- nership with Qatar First Bank of choice for Qatar’s banking growing friendship and cooper- believes in its potential. The tablish their business in Doha. (QFB) that is enabling busi- and finance sector to safeguard ation and the bilateral relations country provides economic and Also, Hamad International Air- ness continuity and high ser- mission-critical applications, got a boost after the Amir HH commercial opportunities for port and Hamad Port have tre- vice availability. ensure happy customers, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Qatar for foreign investment mendous potential to receive all Qatar First Bank becomes support diversified economic Thani paid attention to expand- and diversify its food and in- types of ships and vessels, which the first Ooredoo customer growth.” ing Qatar’s economic, political dustrial resources. The bilateral highlights Qatar’s position as a from the banking sector to Mohammed al Sahli, and strategic partnerships with trade between the two countries leading investment destination have its virtual disaster recov- Chief Operating Officer, Qatar the nations of the world, espe- in 2017 amounted to $470 mil- in the region. ery site hosted, managed, and First Bank, said: “Qatar First cially Latin American countries, lion, a 64.9 percent increase “I would like to point out monitored in Ooredoo’s indus- Bank’s digital transformation Qatari Businessmen Association compared to 2016. that the QBA is ready to sup- try-leading and highly secure Qatar First Bank becomes the first Ooredoo customer from the bank- with Ooredoo is ensuring our (QBA) board member Nawaf “We welcome Argentin- port any potential opportunity Qatar Data Centre. ing sector to have its virtual disaster recovery site hosted, managed, backup and disaster recovery bin Nasser al Thani has said. ian businessmen to invest and for collaboration between the As a result, the bank can and monitored in Ooredoo’s highly secure Qatar Data Centre. is faster and more secure, our This came as QBA took benefit from the incentives pro- private sectors of the two coun- ensure data security, sover- digital budgets are optimised part in a meeting with Argen- vided by the Qatari government tries and it invites Argentina for eignty and business continuity. can protect critical data and power outages or disruptions. and our IT staff are freed up to tina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to foreign investors. We have a joint investment in any potential Cloud-based disaster recovery applications, while also mini- Yousuf Abdulla al Kubaisi, focus on our client banking in- Jorge Faurie recently. new investment law which al- project that would benefit both ensures that Qatar First Bank mising downtime in case of Chief Operating Officer, Oore- novations.” Speaking on the occasion, lows 100 percent ownership in countries.” www.guide.com.qa  Friday December 14, 2018

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English FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn resigns PAGE 13 CRICKET TEST MATCH INDIA VS AUSTRALIA Big support to 48-team World Cup in 2022, says Infantino The final decision on the number of participating teams will be taken in March 2019 IKOLI VICTOR DOHA We have spoken with the Qatari authorities. We will FIFA President Gianni Infantino see and we gathered the has said that the 2022 World Cup opinions of members of dif- in Qatar could be a 48-team for- ferent federations. So far the mat with the majority of federa- tion heads at the Executive Football majority of them are in Summit supporting an expansion favour of 48 teams in the from the usual 32-team tourna- 2022 because it gives more ment. teams a chance to qualify The FIFA boss has been in Doha from each continent since Tuesday with more than 70 FIFA member associations from Whether it is feasible or not five confederations for three sum- is a different question. Is it mit meetings. It was the second feasible to do it only in time that Qatar has hosted such summits after the two held in Feb- Qatar? Difficult probably. Is ruary 2017. it feasible to have a few Infantino said that there was games played in neighbour- already a precedent of team expan- ing countries? Maybe this is sion for the quadrennial mega event, an option adding that the decision to increase the number of France 1998 World Cup participating teams from 24 to 80 games.” 32 teams was taken four years in ad- Since the launch by FIFA Presi- vance. dent Gianni Infantino in Paris in Speaking at a press conference in November 2016, the summits have Doha on Thursday, Infantino said: become a vital exchange platform to “We have spoken with the Qatari discuss strategic football matters and authorities. We will see and we gath- share best practices between mem- ered the opinions of members of dif- ber associations’ executives in an ferent federations. So far the major- open and constructive atmosphere. ity of them are in favour of 48 teams Key topics on the agenda for the third in the 2022 because it gives more edition of the FIFA Executive Foot- teams a chance to qualify from each ball Summits are the future of FIFA’s continent.” competitions, the FIFA Forward 2.0 “In Asia we have four teams programme, women’s football and qualifying already and that will be video assistant referees (VARs). increased to eight teams. In Africa, FIFA President Gianni Infantino holds a press conference after the Executive Football Summit in Doha on Thursday. (HANSON K JOSEPH) “It is of the utmost importance five to ten teams qualifying for it can for FIFA to foster a continuous make a big difference.” bouring countries”. Maybe this is an he added. games in Saudi Arabia will be made World Cup are expected to start in dialogue with all our member asso- On the feasibility and prospects option. “Again if it is possible, why not. between the FIFA and Qatar. the summer of 2019. ciations to better understand their of the tournament being shared with “I am not naive enough not to If it is not, we would still have a fan- “We will take the decision togeth- On the prospect of increasing needs and learn from their very di- neighbouring Gulf countries, some know and read the news and what’s tastic World Cup of 32 teams,” Infan- er as partners. We take ourselves and the number of 28 days for the Qatar verse experiences. Through the FIFA of whom have blockaded Qatar since going on. But we are in football not tino said. our decisions much too seriously. We World Cup, if it is eventually moved Executive Football Summits, we can June 2017, Infantino said: “Whether in politics. The FIFA chief reiterated that are not talking about anything dan- to 48 teams, Infantino said: “When tackle global football matters while it is feasible or not is a different ques- “Sometimes in football dreams the decision on the number of teams gerous. We are talking about some- I said we are looking at the feasibil- considering the local issues facing tion. Is it feasible to do it only in Qa- can come true, and Qatar has been would be taken in March. But he thing nice.” ity, it also means we could increase those running football in the mem- tar? Difficult probably. It is feasible clear on this topic and that’s the main conceded it would not be a simple The FIFA chief added that the the number of days for the World ber associations around the world,” to have a few games played in neigh- reason why we should look into it,” decision as the final decision to play preliminary rounds for the 2022 Cup, meaning from 64 matches to said Infantino.

Quick read Qatar & Sudan soccer WORLD CUP 2022 T-SHIRT FOR INFANTINO presidents meet TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ing. DOHA Bilateral relations, ways to strengthen and develop them QATAR Football Association further, were on the agenda (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad of the meeting. The two presi- bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani dents also discussed matters of and Sudan Football Association mutual interest and agreed to President Kamal Shaddad met promote cooperation in the fu- at QFA’s headquarters and held ture to further develop football talks about developing the sport in the two countries. in both the countries and in- The Sudan Football Asso- creasing the cooperation further. ciation president highlighted The Sudanese football chief the importance of reinforcing is among 66 heads of federa- the relationship by sharing ex- tions across the continents who perience and expertise. The two have come to attend the three- also stressed on promoting co- day FIFA Executive Football operation in the future so that Novak Djokovic (left) and Simona Halep have been named the 2018 Summit in Doha. football can improve in both ITF world champions by the international sport governing body. Sudan Football Association the nations. Secretary-General Hassan Abu Shaddad expressed appre- Djokovic, Halep named 2018 ITF world Gabal, Executive Director of ciation to the QFA president for champions the Strategic and Institutional the important role the QFA has Development Office of QFA, been playing in development of LONDON Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep were on Thursday Mushtaq al Waeli, and Execu- football. He also added that his named as the 2018 ITF world champions by the governing body of tive Director of the QFA Presi- visit would further reinforce the global tennis. dent’s Office, Ali Daoud, were long-standing and strong rela- QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani presents a Qatar 2022 World Cup souvenir World number one Djokovic receives the honour from the Inter- also present during the meet- tions between the two countries. T-shirt to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Doha on Thursday. national Tennis Federation for the sixth time, while it is the first year that Romania’s top-ranked Halep has been recognised. “I am very honoured to be named ITF world champion again,” said Serbia’s Djokovic, who stormed back to the top of the rankings after injury, winning Wimbledon and the US Open. “I am particularly proud of this achievement after all that I’ve Sanchez picks 27 players for four friendlies been through physically this year, but part of me always believed I could make it back to the top. It is very satisfying to join Pete Sam- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Kyrgezstan and Algeria on 25 mid Ismael, Hassan al Haydos pras by winning my sixth award.” DOHA and 27. and Akram Afif (Al Sadd), Bas- Halep also enjoyed Grand Slam success in 2018, claiming her The Spaniard will announce sam Hisham al Rawi, Sultan al maiden major title at Roland Garros and reaching the final at the QATAR coach Felix Sanchez has his final roster for Asia’s big- Barik, Asim Madbo, Mohammed Australian Open. announced the squad for the fi- gest tournament following the Mousa, Kareem Boudiaf, Ali Afif “It’s a great honour to be named as ITF world champion for nal preparatory stage ahead of friendly against Iran on Decem- and Al Moaz Ali (Al Duhail), the first time,” she said. “I had an incredible year, winning my the 2019 Asian Cup, set to take ber 31. Yousuf Hassan (goalkeeper), Ab- first Grand Slam at Roland Garros and finishing the year as world place next January in the United Last month, Qatar defeated dul Aziz Hatem and Ahmad Alaa number one.” Arab Emirates. Switzerland 1-0 before sharing a (Al Gharafa) Abdul Karim Salim US pair Mike Bryan and Jack Sock won the men’s doubles Sanchez will test his squad 1-1 draw with Iceland. al Ali (Al Sailiya), Mohammed award while the women’s doubles world champions are Barbora in four tune-up friendlies before Alaa (Al Rayyan), Ahmed Fathi Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. facing Lebanon in Qatar’s open- The squad: (Al Arabi), Ali Awad and Jas- The ITF uses an objective system that considers all results ing game in Group E on January Saad al Sheeb (goalkeeper), sim al Hail (Qatar), Mohammed during the year but gives special weight to the Grand Slam tourna- 9. Pedro Miguel, Salem al Hajri, Bakri (goalkeeper, Al Khor) and ments and two ITF international team competitions, the Davis Cup Al Anabi will take on Jordan Tarek Salman, Abdul Karim Yazan Naiem and Abdulrahman and Fed Cup. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez on December 23, before playing Hassan, Boualem Khoukhi, Ha- Fathi (Al Ahli). Sports Friday, December 14, 2018 13

News in brief India win in Australia would

English Football Association Chief Executive Glenn resigns seal supremacy: Butcher LONDON The Chief Executive of the English Football Associa- tion, Martin Glenn, has resigned and will leave his role in May of next year, the FA announced on Thursday. Ashwin, Rohit ruled out of the second Test due to injury; Vihari, Jadeja likely to replace them Glenn, a former director at Leicester City, was appointed in March 2015 and oversaw the men’s senior team’s rise from a poor Euro 2016 campaign to a run to the World Cup semi- finals this year in Russia. “On behalf of the Board of the FA, I would like to thank Martin for building and leading a senior management team that has transformed our organisation,” FA chairman Greg Clarke said in a statement. “His integrity, commitment, energy and passion for football has underpinned the improvements on and off the pitch. The resulting commercial success has funded hugely significant change in the women’s game, St George’s Park (development centre), the FA Cup and the national teams.” Glenn’s tenure also included World Cup title wins for the men’s under-17 and under-20 teams, and a 40 percent increase in FA revenues. However, he was unable to push through the sale of Wemb- ley Stadium to Fulham chairman and U.S. businessman Shahid Khan, who pulled out of a 600 million pound ($760 million) bid in October. “I will leave feeling proud of the success of the perfor- mance of all the England teams,” Glenn said. “I am confident that we have established, in St. George’s Park, a world class centre which will ensure that the teams will continue to build on their current successes. “I hope that the FA will be able to build on this by accelerat- Ravichandran Ashwin has ing the breakthrough of English qualified players into the first been ruled out of the teams.” second Test match India’s Rohit Sharma (centre) is congratulated by captain Virat Kohli after catching Australia’s Usman Khawaja during the first Test cricket match at the Adelaide Oval recently. (AFP)

REUTERS body is that they can win away for broadcaster Sony Pictures toss would be crucial with the have been ruled out of the sec- MUMBAI from home,” Butcher, 46, told Networks, thinks there is no Perth Stadium head grounds- ond match, the India cricket Reuters in an interview. doubt of the impact that loss man Brett Sipthorpe keen to board (BCCI) said on Thurs- A Test series victory over Aus- “They had a chance to do it has had on Australia’s batting. produce a fast, bouncy wicket. day. tralia would remove any doubt in South Africa, couldn’t man- “It’s not going to be a cake- Rohit jarred his lower back about India’s status as the best age it. The scoreline in Eng- Batting woes walk. India might win the while fielding during India’s side in the world but it is un- land perhaps was a little bit “They got four very, very series but it’s not going to be victory in the series-opener at likely to be a cakewalk, accord- flattering to England but still good bowlers in their side. It’s easy,” Butcher added. Adelaide Oval and is undergo- ing to former England opener they lost 4-1. a fabulous bowling attack but “The toss on Friday is go- ing treatment, while Ashwin, Mark Butcher. “They still have to get that at the moment they are strug- ing to be hugely important. who took 6-149 in the first test, Virat Kohli’s side have not monkey off their back of not gling with batting,” Butcher On this pitch they have never is unavailable due to a left-sid- lost a home series since late being able to win away from said. played a Test match before. ed abdominal strain. 2012 but have struggled out- home, outside of the subconti- “You put in Steve Smith “I have seen in the one-day Young opener Prithvi side the sub-continent, beaten nent. This would be absolutely and David Warner in that internationals there’s lot of Shaw, who missed the first 2-1 in South Africa and 4-1 in huge and they will be undis- team and they are a bloody pace and lot of bounce. Test after injuring his ankle England this year alone. putedly the best side in the good side again. “Both quick bowling at- while fielding during a tour The four-Test series in world if they do it.” “But certainly this team tacks will enjoy bowling on it. match in Sydney is also con- FA chief executive Martin Glenn Australia will be the last Winning a Test series in at the moment isn’t a patch One thing is for sure, it’s going tinuing his recovery. chance in 2018 for India to Australia is still among the on the teams I have played to be a fabulous series. India named a 13-man match their formidable home toughest tasks in cricket and against in the 90s and the “India are a very, very good squad for the match, with Ha- Top swimmers challenging FINA to form with success abroad and India have returned empty- early 2000s. That’s the way it side. They do, indeed, stand numa Vihari coming back in gather at London summit show why they are the world’s handed from their previous is sometimes. their best chance of winning in for Rohit to beef up the middle top-ranked side in the longest 11 attempts over the last 70 “You take Kohli and Pujara Australia ever. order and left-arm spin bowler LONDON Some of the world’s top swimmers will gather at format of the game. years, winning just five out of out of the Indian side, they “But there will be a back- Ravindra Jadeja replacing a brainstorming summit in London next week hosted by the The touring side have al- 44 Tests Down Under. They are not going to find things lash in Perth and if the pitch Ashwin. International Swimming League (ISL), which is looking to chal- ready taken a firm step to- will, however, fancy their quite so easy.” The second test turns up to be a fruity one, The fast-bowling trio of lenge world governing body FINA’s control over international wards what would be their chances of breaking the duck begins on Friday at the new whoever scores the most runs Ishant Sharma, Mohammed competitions. first series triumph in Austral- against an Australian team yet Perth Stadium, which has a in the first innings will prob- Shami and Jasprit Bumrah ISL, who will host the two-day event from December 18- ia by winning the opening Test to recover from a ball-tamper- drop-in pitch and succeeded ably win the game again.” remains available, which 19, are proposing to organise events outside the control of in Adelaide by 31 runs. ing scandal that led to bans for the WACA as the city’s pre- could be significant if, as ex- FINA and pay higher prize money than the governing body. “India are already the former captain Steve Smith, mier venue for internationals. Rohit, Ashwin injured pected, the drop-in wicket ISL said the aim of the event is to provide athletes with number one side in the world opener David Warner and Butcher, who was twice Meanwhile, Indian bats- at the new venue lives up to “the tools to build a brighter future for their sport”, starting and the one thing that they batsman Cameron Bancroft. a losing Ashes tourist during man Rohit Sharma and spin- Perth’s heritage as a paradise with the creation of a global Swimmers’ Association. still have to prove to every- Butcher, who is a panellist his 71-Test career, said the ner Ravichandran Ashwin for pacemen. Led by Ukrainian energy tycoon Konstantin Grigorishin, ISL is in a dispute with FINA after an ISL event that was set to be held in Turin this month was cancelled. The Italian federation FIN said FINA declared the event as “non-approved” and threatened sanctions against the partici- Ahmed urges team to play Rose in hot pursuit pating athletes. The governing body had said in November that the Turin meeting did not meet its rules requirements. ‘without fear’ in South Africa at storm-hit AFP Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq in Lanka gets Lewis in coaching revamp KARACHI the line-up. Indonesian Masters for World Cup Now without the two stal- PAKISTAN skipper Sarfraz warts, Pakistan will look to AFP Lightning halted play just COLOMBO Jonathan Lewis was on Thursday named Sri Lanka’s Ahmed on Thursday urged Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq to JAKARTA before 4.00pm local time new batting coach, with the former England player to be tasked his fellow teammates to play help guide the squad. (0900 GMT), meaning 62 with preparing the national team for next year’s World Cup. “without fear” during their “We need big innings from JUSTIN Rose was hot on the players including England’s His appointment by Sri Lanka Cricket comes just days after tour of South Africa -- a coun- both Azhar and Shafiq and heels of the leaders at the In- Rose -- the defending cham- Australia’s Steve Rixon was brought on as fielding coach. try where they have won only they are capable of doing that, donesian Masters on Thurs- pion -- will have to finish their Lewis, 43, was head coach of the Durham County Cricket two Tests during their past five so if we put good totals on day despite having his open- first rounds on Friday. Club before accepting the post. tours. board we have a good bowling ing round curtailed by a severe Co-leader Catlin notched He played 13 ODIs for England and one Test, the latter The Pakistani side is en attack to win the match,” said thunderstorm that forced play up seven birdies and one bo- against Sri Lanka in 2006 in which he scored 27 runs. route to South Africa to play Pakistan skipper Sarfrajz Ahmed Sarfraz, who also singled out to be abandoned. gey in his completed round. Lewis will join Rixon, 64, later this month for Sri Lanka’s three Tests, five one-day inter- recalled paceman Mohammad Former US Open cham- “The only bogey I made tour of New Zealand, where the visitors will play two Tests, nationals and three Twenty20 seaming pitches so anyone Amir as key to any success. pion Rose, who needs a top-15 was on the fourth hole where three ODIs and one Twenty20 match. internationals, with the first who plays without fear and “Amir is back after a good finish in Jakarta to reclaim the the putt lipped out from about They are also scheduled for two Tests in Australia from Test starting in Centurion on with a big heart will succeed,” performance at the domestic number one spot in the world three feet,” Catlin said. January 24. December 26. Sarfraz told AFP. level so we hope he gets us key golf rankings, fired four bird- “But I’m obviously happy Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ashley de Silva said both Pakistan head into the se- Pakistan’s two wins out of wickets in Tests,” said Sarfraz ies and an eagle before his with a 66 on a difficult golf Lewis and Rixon will coach the national team until the end of ries after losing 2-1 to New 12 Tests in South Africa came of Amir, who was dropped round was cut short after 14 course.” the World Cup, which wraps up in July 2019. Zealand in the United Arab in 1998 and 2007, having lost from the series against Aus- holes. Sungho Lee, whose best Sri Lanka have struggled for form recently, losing the home Emirates last week. In the nine with just one draw. tralia and New Zealand due to At five-under-par he was result this season was a tied- ODI and Test series to England, and have been plagued by wake of the tough loss, Sarfraz On their last tour in 2013, poor form. just one shot behind US golfer 14th finish in Taipei, bagged crisis off-field. said he still had high hopes of Pakistan were routed 3-0 and Pakistan open the tour John Catlin and South Korea’s eight birdies for his share of Bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa was suspended by the Inter- earning a good result against bowled out for their lowest with a three-day game against Sungho Lee, who both set the the lead. national Cricket Council in October after he was accused of the Proteas. Test score of 49 in the first Cricket South Africa Invita- early pace at the Asian Tour’s “I putted well and hit all match-fixing and other “corrupt conduct”. “Conditions in South Afri- Test in Johannesburg, with tion XI at Benoni from De- season-ending event with my tee shots very well,” Lee ca are tough with bouncy and both senior batsmen Younis cember 19. opening rounds of 66. said. Zayid, Virgili qualify for doubles final at Qatar F5 tennis Qatar F4 singles champion Oliveira, sixth RESULTS seed Tak Khunn Wang enter semi-finals SINGLES (QUARTER-FINALS) Alexandar LAZAROV (BUL) beat Aslan KARATSEV (RUS) [5] 7-5 5-7 6-3 Tak Khunn WANG (FRA) [6] beat Michail TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK PERVOLARAKIS (GRE) 6-4 6-1 After firing two aces and Jaume PLA MALFEITO (ESP) beat Adelchi VIRGILI DOHA getting a 3-1 crucial lead, they (ITA) 6-4 6-3 were locked 3-3. But after five- Goncalo OLIVEIRA (POR) [2] beat Antoine BELLIER QATAR’S Mubarak Shannan each, they collected five points (SUI) 6-4 6-2 Zayid came up with a fantas- in a row to book their final Doubles (semi-finals) tic performance along side against top seeds Goncalo Ol- Goncalo OLIVEIRA (POR) / Bernardo SARAIVA (POR) his Italian partner Michail iveira and Bernardo Saraiva of [1] beat Michail PERVOLARAKIS (GRE) / Matic SPEC Adelchi as the two entered Portugal. (SLO) 6-3 6-2 Adelchi VIRGILI (ITA) / Mubarak Shannan ZAYID the Qatar F5 Futures Tennis Oliveira and Saraiva were (QAT) beat Jesper DE JONG (NED) / Bart VAN DEN Tournament doubles final on in strong form as they knocked BERG (NED) 5-7 6-4 [10-5] Thursday. out Michail Pervolarakis and Both Zayid and Adelchi Matic Spec by 6-3, 6-2. This is came back from a set down their second final in a row in feito with a win over Adelchi. and needed the tie-break set Doha. However, fifth seed Aslan Kar- before they pulled off a superb Earlier, Qatar F4 singles atsev, who was runner-up to 5-7, 6-4 (10-5) victory against champion Oliveira and sixth Oliveira last week, was elimi- Dutch Jesper de Jong and Bart seed Tak Khunn Wang of nated by Bulgarian Alexandar van den Berg at the Khalifa In- France advanced to the semi- Second seed Goncalo Oliveira serves during his quarter-final match at Lazarov in three intense sets. ternational Tennis and Squash finals with easy victories. So the Qatar F5 Futures Tennis Tournament in Doha on Thursday. Lazarov won the two-hour, Complex. did Spaniard Jaume Pla Mal- Qatar’s Mubarak Shannan Zayid in action. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) 57-minute match 7-5, 5-7, 6-3. 14 Friday, December 14, 2018 ENTERTAINMENT ADVENTURE IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS SAIL, SWIM AND EXPLORE FOR A GREAT VACATION BY HILLARY RICHARD Centuries ago, the British Virgin Islands were a pirate haven. Since The Moorings’ sailing itin- infamous Willy T, a schooner-turned- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE eraries are customizable, prices vary. bar in the middle of the bay. This local Now it sparks memories of childhood games, rhymes and Trips can be tailored based on budget. dive bar at sea is notorious for egging on ORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (You can play with dates and options on its patrons’ drunken antics, a favorite — It was like something out of an folklore. All of the legendary antiheroes came through these www.moorings.com, or call a vacation being diving off the top deck — with or action movie. Silently and with a islands. Blackbeard, Captain Norman and Captain Kidd regu- planner at 800-416-0820.) The average without clothes. sense of urgency I didn’t yet un- cost for a six-person crewed yacht in the Every day was a surprise of sorts, T derstand, I jumped off a dinghy larly attacked cargo ships traveling through Sir Francis Drake British Virgin Islands last summer was since the captain could go along with and swam through cold waves up to the $2,300 a person, including all meals, our whims and allow us to live in beach, squeezed through narrow open- Channel in the 18th century. drinks and activities, but excluding tips. the moment. If I asked what kind of ings between granite boulders, waded In December, a similar trip for four peo- sea creatures were in the water, the across shallow pools, ducked into caves ple (plus two crew) starts at $2,900 a answer was inevitably: “Jump in and and gingerly descended a series of person. find out!” When I wanted to explore makeshift ladders, many of the drift- Besides the obvious draw of luxury an island, I was dropped off on one wood steps lost to the surrounding sea and relaxation, the real advantage to end and picked up on the other. Each a long time ago. chartering a high-end catamaran was day could be packed full of activities or There, as the early morning sun the access it allowed to the BVIs’ hid- be a study in relaxation — or a mix of streamed through openings in the cave, den gems. All of the elements necessary both. I listened to the rarest sound on the is- for unforgettable vacation memories One morning, after breakfast in Sol- land of Virgin Gorda: silence. My two seemed to be built right in — adventure, dier Bay, we sailed out to moor near a friends and I, along with our captain- pleasant surprises, lack of crowds, good small archipelago of towering pinnacles turned-tour-guide, had achieved the food and drinks, fun, flexibility — with called the Indians, where I dove into a impossible. We had “the Baths” all to minimal effort, thanks to our knowl- world full of colorful, inquisitive fish ourselves. edgeable crew. (We visited before the that swarmed around me. I spent the The Baths are the geological wonder islands took a beating last fall from afternoon at Deadman’s Bay, a stretch of the British Virgin Islands. Towering hurricanes Irma and Maria, but tour- of perfect white sand on Peter Island, granite boulders join together to form ism officials estimate 70 percent of the relaxing with a book on shore. a cavelike network, allowing sunbeams territory’s accommodations are back in My last adventure was getting to the to illuminate the crystal clear swimming business, and well-known properties airport, typically my least favorite part pools below in an ethereal, time-sus- such as Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Bitter of any trip. At Marina Cay (basically the pending way. End and Biras Creek are on track to re- nautical equivalent of an airport park- The serenity didn’t last long, as open in 2019.) ing lot), sculptures, bonfire pits and art- strangers’ voices off in the distance While the screensaver-worthy scen- work popped up through the sand and started to echo through the chambers. ery and beautiful weather are enough of into the surf. After arriving at a dock on “We have to go — now,” urged Mar- a draw, the islands offered a chance to a luggage-packed dinghy, I walked along tin Street, our captain. “They’re com- get in touch with our adventurous sides, the beach past the remnants of the re- ing.” which felt like an appropriate nod to the cent Full Moon Party, a raucous beach Centuries ago, the British Virgin Is- islands’ pirate past. bash celebrating this periodic lunar lands were a pirate haven. British and While moored at the restaurant and event. Spanish ships full of supplies and treas- bar Pirates Bight, I took a dinghy to Nor- Luggage in tow, I strolled the short ures followed the trade winds that blew man Island, said to be the inspiration distance toward the terminal, making over from Europe. The islands’ sheltered It wasn’t pirates Captain Street was the smell of caramelized French toast for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure sure to take it all in one last time — the bays served as hiding spots, making afraid to confront along the Baths, but wafted from the kitchen. It was one of Island.” A short hike in sandals brought barefooted beach bums at the bar, the them ideal for ambushing unsuspecting rather another wave of invad- many moments over a long me to the top of a hill, with 360-degree island dogs, the yachts and sailboats — ships and squirreling away treasure. ing outsiders: tour groups. weekend when I felt espe- views of azure waters and isolated reefs. before arriving at the departures area These days, simply looking at a map As these tourists advanced, cially lucky to be exploring Back near the catamaran, my friend with salt on my skin, sand on my of the area sparks memories of child- we made our way back to the Caribbean from my se- and I jumped off the boat with snorkel feet and memories of a great hood games, rhymes and folklore. All of the deck of the catamaran Travel cluded perch. masks in hand, on a mission to find out few days spent at sea. the legendary antiheroes came through my friends and I had rented We sailed around the what treasures those reefs held. We these islands — many named after pi- from the yacht charter com- BVIs, setting our own sched- were the only two people in a sea full rates who died here. Blackbeard, Cap- pany The Moorings. uule,l eating and drinking well, and of creatures. We spent the afternoon tain Norman and Captain Kidd regularly From our vessel anchored getting away from the crowds. We’d floating aimlessly, surrounded by angel- attacked cargo ships traveling through off the beach, I watched giant tour discovered one of the Caribbean’s best-kept fish, rainbow parrotfish, damselfish and Sir Francis Drake Channel in the 18th groups spill onto the sand, killing time secrets: You can charter an all-inclusive, tangs. century. Blackbeard famously aban- while they waited patiently to squeeze five-star, privately crewed boat for roughly Later that night, after an impres- doned 15 of his men on a small island in one by one as other tours simultane- the same cost per person as a midrange sive dinner by our chef, Katie Gar- near Deadman’s Bay, stranding each ously tried to exit. I sat at the boat’s out- cruise (where additional tours, special rison, we opted for a different with only a bottle of rum for sustenance. door dining table, drinking coffee and dining fees and drink packages can easily type of adventure and drying off as add up). boarded the

Why mixed nuts must be on your diet plan! LORI ZANTESON the quality of HDL (“good”) choles- ing peanuts is associated with lower Tufts University and a researcher TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE terol when following a traditional rates of mortality. Americans who involved in this study. cholesterol-lowering diet. In a consumed peanuts regularly over a 4. Pistachios. Calorie-counters E dietitians hear this ques- small study, researchers at Penn- five-year period were less likely to rejoice because each pistachio tion a lot: “What’s the sylvania State University found that die of any cause compared to peo- weighs in at only 3 calories. Plus, healthiest type of nut?” replacing a banana muffin daily ple who rarely ate peanuts. when you eat shell-in pistachios, Well, just like with other with 1 1/2 ounces of almonds led 3. Pecans. The only major tree cracking the shell slows down the Wfood groups, there is no to a greater amount of the largest nut that is indigenous to America snacking process, and the shells single nut that reigns supreme. HDL particles. HDL particles work is the pecan. This powerful nut is serve as a visual reminder of how Each type has a unique array of nu- by ferrying cholesterol packedp with flavonoids, much you have eaten which may as- trients and phytochemicals. Here, from the blood vessels a family of phytonu- sist with portion control. The green EN summarizes what you can gain out of the body. Larger trients also found in nut is bursting with lutein and when you reach for nuts. HDL-cholesterol parti- fruits, vegetables and zeaxanthin, two relatives of beta- In general, when part of an cles mean more of the freshly brewed tea. In carotene. These two phytonutrients overall healthy diet, eating nuts is bad stuff can be carried Health a small study of adults make their way to both the brain linked to lower rates of Type 2 dia- away. with excess abdomi- and the macula of the eye, where betes, healthier cholesterol and tri- 2. Peanuts. As part naln fat, eating about they appear to protect against cog- glyceride levels, a smaller waist cir- of the legume family, 1/4/ cup of pecans daily for nitive decline and age-related mac- cumference, better blood pressure the peanut is not a true nut. Yet we four weeks improved insulin sen- ular degeneration. levels, less insulin resistance, and often group it as a nut because its sitivity and other markers of Type 5. Walnuts. According to a study among women than men,” says plains Daniel W. Rosenberg, Ph.D., more. Read on to learn more about nutrient profile is more similar to a 2 diabetes and heart disease. The of about 34,000 American adults, Lenore Arab, professor emerita HealthNet Inc., chair in Cancer five of the most common types of tree nut than to other legumes, like mechanism of action isn’t clear, but walnuts might cut the risk of devel- of medicine at the David Geffen Biology and professor of medicine nuts. chickpeas and lentils. Affordability the benefit may come from pecans’ oping Type 2 diabetes by half com- School of Medicine at UCLA and the at the University of Connecticut 1. Almonds. Score one for the is one of the peanut’s major strong phytonutrients or from replacing pared to those who don’t eat nuts. primary investigator of this study. School of Medicine. They serve up heart. Not only does eating al- suits, however lower price doesn’t foods with less healthful saturated “For each handful -- increase Other research suggests that fiber, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty ac- monds in place of less nutritious mean fewer health benefits. Re- fats with pecans’ healthful unsatu- in walnut intake, the prevalence of walnuts are good for the gut. ids, and health-shielding phytonu- foods lower LDL (“bad”) choles- search in JAMA Internal Medicine rated fats, explains Diane L. Mc- diabetes dropped 47 percent. The “Walnuts contain a complex ar- trients such as ellagitannins, mela- terol, but it also appears to improve shows that, just like other nuts, eat- Kay, Ph.D., nutrition scientist at effect appears to be more potent ray of healthy constituents,” ex- tonin and polyphenols, he adds. Friday, December 14, 2018 15 KIDS CORNER

CLAIRE MCCARTHY, M.D. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Children are smaller, so their “dose” of

HAT do a can of corn, a take-out any given chemical ends up being higher. pizza, a reusable water bottle, a They put their hands in their mouths more bright green yogurt, and an inflata- ble pool toy have in common? They than adults do, so they are likely to ingest Wall contain food additives or chem- icals that can be dangerous for children. more. Their bodies are still developing, so Over the last few decades, the number of chemicals added to foods and other prod- they can be more at risk of harm — and ucts has skyrocketed. We have created all sorts of plastics that are used in innumer- they are young, so the chemicals have able ways. We add preservatives to foods to more time to do more damage. (PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK) keep them fresh. We add chemicals to foods to make them look more appealing. We have made food packaging to keep food fresh. We add chemicals to lotions and beauty prod- ucts to make them feel, look, and smell nice; the list goes on and on of the ways we have invented and used chemicals. We did all of it for what seemed like good reasons at the time, but we are learn- ing that many of those chemicals can cause real harm. In a policy statement entitled Food Ad- ditives and Child Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns about these harms — and points out that they often are worse for children. Children are smaller, so their “dose” of any given chemical ends up being higher. They put their hands in their mouths more than adults do, so they are likely to ingest more. Their bodies are still developing, so they can be more at risk of harm — and they are young, so the chemi- cals have more time to do more damage. In particular, the policy statement Common food additives and chemicals warns about: BISPHENOLS, SUCH AS BPA They can act like the hormone estro- gen and interfere with puberty and fertility. Bisphenols can also increase body fat, and cause problems with the immune system and nervous system. They are found in the lining of food and soda cans, plastics with the number 3 or 7, and cash register re- ceipts, among other places. They used to be PHTHALATES harmful PERCHLORATE toSo what children is a parent to do about food And here are a few more ideas: found in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups; These can also act like hormones, inter- This chemical also interferes with thy- additives and chemicals? zCut back on canned foods and beverages while this has been banned, older bottles fering with male genital development, and roid function, and can disrupt early brain These chemicals are truly everywhere, in general. and cups may still contain them. can increase the risk of obesity and car- development. It’s found in some dry food and impossible to avoid completely. Here is zCut back on fast food and processed diovascular disease. They are ubiquitous, packaging — it’s used to decrease static elec- what the AAP suggests: foods. found not just in plastic packaging, garden tricity — and sometimes in drinking water. Buy and serve more fresh or frozen zRead labels. Get to know what is in the hoses, and inflatable toys, but also in things —Artificial food colors. These have fruits and vegetables, and fewer processed products you use. like nail polish, hairsprays, lotions, and fra- been found to increase symptoms in chil- meats, especially during pregnancy. zLook for lotions, soaps, and other prod- grances. dren who have attention deficit hyperac- z Since heat can cause plastics to leak ucts that are made naturally — and are tivity disorder, or ADHD. They are found BPA and phthalates into food, avoid mi- fragrance-free. PERFLUOROALKYL CHEMICALS (PFCS) in all sorts of food products, but especially crowaving food or beverages in plastic zConsider making your own home clean- They can lead to low-birthweight ba- those marketed for children. containers. Also: wash plastics by hand ing products. You’d be amazed what a bies, as well as problems with the rather than putting them in the dish- little baking soda or vinegar can do. immune system, the thyroid, NITRATES AND NITRITES washer. The idea isn’t to get paranoid (although and fertility. They are com- These can interfere with the thyroid, as zUse more glass and stainless steel in- that’s an understandable feeling); the idea is monly found in grease-proof well as with the blood’s ability to deliver stead of plastic. to get informed — and to make some simple paper, cardboard packaging, oxygen to the body. They can also increase zAvoid plastics with the numbers 3, 6, changes that can go a long way toward keep- and commercial household the risk of certain cancers. They are used to and 7 on them. ing children and their families healthier. products such as water-repel- preserve food and enhance its color. They zWash hands thoroughly before and after lent fabric and nonstick pans, are commonly found in processed foods, es- touching food, and clean all fruits and (Claire McCarthy, M.D., is faculty among other places. pecially meats. vegetables well. editor at Harvard Health Publishing.)

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words. ACROSS 1 Fights (for) Level: 1 2 3 4 5 “Whip It” rock AZDDE @PlayJumble band 9 __-slapper: funny joke 13 On the road 14 Biblical paradise WHONS 15 Dr. Hahn on “Grey’s Anatomy”

16 Hesitation from DSS‡)ROORZXVRQ7ZLWWHU Sylvester? 18 Center of activity DAANSL 19 Fireplace receptacle JUST JUMBLE 20 Accomplishment by Porky? 22 Former Fox TV SUDJTA Get the free series set in Newport Beach Now arrange the circled letters 23 Curly cabbage 12/4/18 ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. 24 Minor flap Complete the grid so each row, column and 25 Ringing organ, at 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, times 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, 26 Detergent brand visit www.sudoku.org.uk 28 ’60s hallucinogen 30 Pierre’s negative © 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by 31 Near-failing mark Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved. *** (Check tomorrow’s issue for the answers) 33 Reach its By Kurt Krauss destination, as ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC a trip 35 Slim candle musical 9 Emmy winner 39 Red and Yellow 37 Affirmative from 63 Water source for Steve of “60 40 Israeli port on the Tony? Simba? Minutes” Mediterranean 40 Royal crown 65 Fainthearted 10 “Good shot!” 41 “The hour has 42 Slim fish 66 Fairy tale heavy 11 Quito’s country arrived” 43 Tech sch. near 67 Out of the wind 12 Crayola Factory’s 44 Brewpub draft Albany, N.Y. 68 “Frozen” reindeer Pennsylvania 45 Unexpected 46 Win, place or 69 “That was close!” home turns of events show 70 Scottish 15 Trains over the 46 Special Forces 47 Seasonal shelf monster’s loch street headgear sitter 17 Running rate 48 Abide by 49 __ moment’s DOWN 21 Unified whole, in 50 Plays a part notice 1 Obey an eviction psychology 52 Construction site 51 Curved shape notice 23 Film title “Citizen” sights 53 “Frozen” sister 2 “He scammed 27 Trappings of 54 “The Lord of the 55 Charged me!” royalty Rings” actor particles 3 Neon diner sign 29 One of a Sean 57 One of Crayola’s 4 Food service giant calendar septet 56 Horse’s hundreds 5 College faculty 32 Incoming flight mouthful? 59 Story from Remy? head info 58 “Not again!” 61 Greek goddess 6 End of a 34 “The Chronic” 60 Smidgen of wisdom professor’s URL rapper, familiarly 61 From the top 62 “Don’t Cry for 7 Italian scooter 36 Each 64 Portland’s st. Me Argentina” 8 Playwright Eugene 38 Rage

Do you have a poem, short story, painting or a kid’s birthday that you want to share? If YES, we would like to hear from you. And don’t forget to mention your name, your school and class and include a passport size photograph of yours, along with your contact number. Email to us at [email protected] 16 Friday, December 14, 2018 The Last Word

QATAR FLAG RELAY 2018 Sheikha Moza takes part in ‘Flag Relay’ at QF

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK nation by athletes, students and bution to nurturing a strong, students who jogged through QF DOHA members of the public, with Ed- healthy, active and engaged so- partner university Weill Cornell ucation City forming part of the ciety in Qatar through its com- Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q). HER Highness Sheikha Moza relay route. munity development initiatives Outside WCM-Q, the emblem bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar The stage of the Flag Relay and programmes. of Qatar was received by HE Foundation (QF), on Thursday that unfolded at QF concluded After arriving at Education Sheikha Hind, who carried the participated in the ‘Flag Relay’ at with HH Sheikha Moza receiv- City, the flag was received by a flag to Qatar National Library. Education City. ing the Qatari flag at Education student from Qatar Academy It was then passed to national The event was also attended City’s Oxygen Park. Doha, part of QF’s Pre-Universi- cycling team member Abdallah by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad QF’s involvement in the Flag ty Education, and then travelled al Juaidi, who, together with a al Thani, vice-chairperson and Relay, which covered a distance by hand and on horseback to QF group of cyclists, rode the flag to CEO of Qatar Foundation, and of about 380 kilometres across HQ, where it was received by the entrance of Oxygen Park. HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Doha and, in addition to mark- Machaille al Naimi, president of Participants in the Educa- Thani, president of Qatar Olym- ing Qatar National Day, also Community Development at QF. tion City stage of the Flag Relay pic Committee (QOC). served as a celebration of Qa- Having been carried through contributed to national efforts to The sport-themed event saw tar’s sporting achievements, QF HQ by Naimi, the flag was strengthen the pride, unity, and the Qatari flag carried across the reflected its continued contri- taken forward by Education City solidarity of Qatar’s community.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, joined a country-wide display of national pride and unity at Oxygen Park yesterday, by participat- ing in the ‘Flag Relay’ hosted by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to celebrate Qatar National Day. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, were also present. (TNN)

QOC holds cycle relay event to break world record Sheikh Joaan takes part in QOC Flag Relay TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Sheikha Asma said, “These an injury forced him to take a DOHA types of events get the com- break, said: “Anyone can par- munity to try things that they ticipate in the event; anyone QATAR Olympic Commit- have never tried before. It also who can ride. You can see the tee (QOC), in association with gets them to work together as workers too are registering for Msheireb Properties – a sub- a team because as we changed it.” sidiary of Qatar Foundation, our brand to Team Qatar, we Earlier, Guinness Book of hosted a cycle relay event at the believe that teamwork is very Records official representative Msheireb Downtown Doha. important in building a com- and adjudicator Seyda Subasi The cycle relay, part of the munity.” Gemici from United Kingdom Qatar Flag Relay, witnessed The cycle relay, part of the Qatar Flag Relay, witnessed many cycling Maryam al Jassim, PR provided information about many cycling enthusiasts con- enthusiasts converge at the Al Kahraba Street in a bid to etch their Manager at Msheireb Proper- the rules and regulations for verge at the Al Kahraba Street names in the Guinness Book of Records. ties, said: “This is the first time the cycle relay race. in a bid to etch their names in Msheireb is participating in “I am here to witness the the Guinness Book of Records. rector of Marketing and Com- portunity to have people from this and we are so excited to be official Guinness World Record The task was to surpass munications at QOC, said: “The the community and Qatar’s part of it. All the employees are attempt for the most people in China’s record of ‘maximum idea of having the world record athletes to work together as a waiting for the Qatari flag to a bicycle relay. In order to qual- number of participants in a bi- event in Doha is very important team to break to world record come.” ify for this record attempt, the cycle relay race’, 307 cyclists set to us. It is an opportunity to get for us.” Seby Staley DaSilva, an ex- international guidelines of the in 2016. people from the community to Speaking about building patriate from India, who was Guinness World Records have Sheikha Asma al Thani, di- try this sport. It is also an op- a brand around Team Qatar, a professional cyclist before to be followed,” said Seyda. Qatar Museums raises flag high Over 500 schoolchildren raise the flag for Qatar

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK flag from Margarita Zuniga, DOHA Historian Officer Qatar Chap- ter, handing it over to Dutch QATAR Museums (QM) took professional footballer Wes- part in the nationwide Flag ley Sneijder, who currently Relay 2018, which aims to plays for Al-Gharafa, as part inspire pride and unity, and of the ceremony. to inspire the people of Qatar Commenting on QM’s to celebrate this year’s Qatar participation, Namla said, National Day (QND). “It’s a tremendous honour to Athletes, ambassadors be part of the Flag Relay 2018 and diplomats, schoolchil- and share this experience dren and other participating with everyone in Qatar. Qatar organisations across Qatar Museums embraces the spirit joined to mark the occasion. of unity and diversity, some- Beside the iconic Museum thing that is seen across our of Islamic Art, CEO Ahmad institutions and supports our Musa al Namla received the programming.” Sheikh Joaan attends National Day celebrations at Katara

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK plimentary services such as free DOHA water and refreshments, club car shuttle services and assis- AS Qatar National Day’s cele- tance for the people with special brations continue at Katara with needs. different patriotic festivities Vintage cars caught the eyes every day, Katara on Thursday of visitors who enjoyed taking received HE Sheikh Joaan bin photographs with them as some Hamad al Thani, Qatar Olympic were of very rare preserved Committee (QOC) President, to models. A shuttle train took take part in the Flag Relay at the the visitors in frequent tours Katara esplanade. around the festival arena where The third day of Katara visitors, especially the children, National Day celebrations wit- enjoyed an extraordinary expe- nessed more visits as the Qatari rience full of joy and fun. flag arrived at Katara where Katara also conducted sev- Katara General Manager Dr eral lectures and activities to Khalid bin Ibrahim al Sulaiti raise awareness among people received the flag and paraded on many issues and fields with along with other officials. the contribution of govern- The Amiri Air Force dis- war planes to expose visitors chance to people to have a clos- Visitors also watched sional air paramedics and some activities. mental and non-governmental played models of some of their to their abilities and to give a er look at the planes. breathtaking shows of profes- other military entertainment Katara offered visitors com- organisations.