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BUSINESS | 21 SPORT | 28 Call to combat Qatar ready crimes linked to for first test virtual currency in 2017

Tuesday 17 January 2017 | 19 Rabia II 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7044 | 2 Riyals

Rents for old buildings Cargo jet crashes fall on low demand

Mohammed Osman areas with the growing demand, The Peninsula Oversupply and said Al Arouqi. “Of course there is slight ents of old residential relatively low decline in rents of villas and flats buildings and parti- demand for in some areas, ranging from QR tioned villas have fallen 500 to QR1000 (per month per by 10 to 20 percent over old buildings in unit). This trend started from the the past six months with areas like Najma, middle of last year. In areas like Al Rmore people now opting for build- Mansoura and Old Wakra there is an oversupply espe- ings with better facilities and cially of offices and commercial services, say industry sources. Airport has led to spaces,” said the manger of a real Real estate experts are expect- a fall in rents by 10 estate brokerage agency. ing a gradual population shift from and 20 percent. “Affordable housing units, fall- Doha to outside areas, as a result ing in the QR3,500-QR4,000 of massive government investment range, have seen a slight decline Rescuers work at the site of a Turkish cargo plane crash near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in developing areas. not willing to sell them looking for in rents, in particular the old build- yesterday. At least 37 people, including six children, were killed when the aircraft “Oversupply and relatively low better offers. This has forced real ings,” he added. on a flight from Hong-Kong to Bishkek crashed near Kyrgyzstan’s capital. demand for old buildings in areas estate developers to invest in out- An official from a leading real → Report on page 15 like Najma, Mansoura and Old Air- side areas where land is available estate company providing leasing port has led to a fall in rents by 10 at relatively low prices, said Al services in different areas of Doha and 20 percent. Majority of ten- Arouqi . said oversupply and low demand ants are now preferring new “Government is heavily invest- apply to only some areas and buildings with good maintenance ing in infrastructure projects and companies. services and facilities,” Ahmed Al services in areas outside Doha “Our company which offers International rights forum next month Arouqi, General Manager, Roots encouraging investors , individual fully furnished villas and flats in Real Estate and a real estate expert tenants and companies to move to vital areas of Doha has not seen The Peninsula place in Doha from Febru- together human rights and told this daily. such places,” he said. any decline in rents and still there ary 20 to 22. humanitarian organisations and He said many people avoid old Prices of land plots and ready- is high demand for our properties. ith participation of The conference under the dispute resolution centres, residential buildings for the fear to-occupy buildings in Doha have However, there is over supply in over 220 repre- theme “Approaches to Human along with representatives of that they can be demolished any increased within the past three outside areas but very few people Wsentatives of Rights Under Conflicts in the peace keeping missions, UN time. years by more than 100 percent are ready to move there because governments, UN missions, Arab Region” will be organised and international agencies, Land prices remain very high while prices of properties in out- of work, children in schools and international organisations, by the National Human Rights said NHRC Secretary-General in Doha and very few plots are side areas have increased only by traffic problems,” he said. human right institutions Committee (NHRC) and UN Mariam bint Abdullah Al available for developers and even 20 percent. Now there is a chance and experts, an interna- Commission on Human Rights. Attiyah. owners of those plots are for increase in the prices in these → Continued on page 7 tional conference will take The conference will bring → Continued on page 7

Oman accepts 10 Guantanamo 50 new cinemas to open in six months Bay detainees Irfan Bukhari Manager of the Qatar Cinema Centre would have a capacity of that discussions between various Dubai The Peninsula and Film Distribution Company 400 people. Najdi said that the government bodies were under- AP (QCFDC). company had nine cinemas way on how and when to revive espite the popularity of QCDFC, a leading player in three each at Royal Plaza, Land- those non-operational cinemas. DUBAI: Oman said yesterday home theatres, the the industry, is working on a mark and The Mall. “The two cinemas together it accepted 10 detainees from Dnumber of cinema-goers plan to establish two new cine- “We are working on a project have 2087 seats and once the US prison at Guantanamo in Qatar has increased by 35 per- mas at Qatar National to install cinema screens at QNCC revived can provide excellent Bay ahead of President cent over the past three years, Convention Centre (QNCC) and and Student Centre. The audito- entertainment to the residents,” Barack Obama leaving office, says an official. one at Student Centre at Educa- riums with sufficient seating said Najdi. He said that the By the end of next part of his efforts to shrink the The number of cinema halls tion City. “Most likely three new arrangements are already there completion of under-construc- year, the country is facility he promised to close. in Qatar has crossed 100 and cinemas will become functional and our company will just install tion malls like Tawar Mall with expected to have Oman's Foreign Ministry around 50 new cinemas are set this year; two at QNCC and one silver screens, projector, sound 12 screens, Msheireb Mall (20 said in a statement that it had to be opened over the next six at Education City,” Najdi told The systems etc to convert them into screens), Boulevard Mall (12 accepted the prisoners at months. By the end of next Peninsula. state-of-the-art cinemas,” he said. screens) etc. would soon add 200 Obama's request. It did not year, the country is expected He said two cinemas at To a question on prolonged around 50 more facilities to the name the prisoners. "In con- to have 200-plus cinemas, said QNCC would have 300 seats closure of Gulf and Doha Cin- country’s cinema industry. plus cinema halls. sideration of their Abdulrahman Najdi, General each and the one at Students emas at C-Ring Road, Najdi said → Continued on page 7 humanitarian situation, 10 per- sons have been released fand arrived in the sultanate today for a temporary residence," the statement said. A US defence Car bomb explosion Palestine decries UK & Aussie official, speaking on condi- tion of anonymity as the transfer had yet to be publicly reservations on Paris meet announced by the US, con- firmed the prisoners had been Ramallah Erekat added. The UK and Australia sent to Oman. The official Anatolia had both voiced reservations over declined to elaborate. the outcome of the Paris confer- The Omani Embassy in he head of the Palestine Lib- ence, which was attended by Washington said it had no eration Organization's (PLO) neither Israeli nor Palestinian other information about the Texecutive committee, Saeb representatives. transfer. The US Embassy in Erekat, has criticised the decision by On Sunday, representatives of Muscat declined to immedi- the UK and Australia not to sign a more than 70 countries and ately comment. The sultanate final declaration issued at Sunday’s organisations attended the event of Omanpreviously accepted Paris-hosted Mideast peace in the French capital, where they 10 Guantanamo prisoners conference. called for a resumption of the from Yemen in January 2016. In a statement, Erekat described moribund Palestine-Israel peace Oman also took another six the move as "unfortunate", saying process. in June 2015. Neighbouring it would only encourage Israel to In a related development Mon- Saudi Arabia took four pris- "maintain its rejection of a two- day, Adnan Al Husseini, Palestinian oners earlier this month and state solution". minister of Jerusalem affairs, the United Arab Emirates Iraqi Special Operations Forces react after a car bomb exploded during an operation "The two-state solution is jeop- accused Israel of pursuing a policy took 15 in the largest-single to clear Al Andalus district of Islamic State militants, in Mosul, Iraq, yesterday. ardised by decisions that encourage of "ethnic cleansing" against Jeru- transfer during Obama's → See also page 9 Israel to reject it and allow Israel to salem’s Palestinian inhabitants. administration in August. continue its policy of occupation," → See also page 9 02 HOME TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 RAF provides QR470m in aid to Syrian war victims

The Peninsula of caravans to neighbouring 458 projects countries accommodating Syr- heikh Thani bin Abdul- The money was ian refugees. lah Foundation for spent on 458 Weaker sections of the com- Humanitarian Services development munities like orphans, widows (RAF) has provided and other poor people were projects and on about QR470m to sup- given priorities in the projects humanitarian aid. Sport internally-displaced implemented by RAF. Syrians and refugees sheltering Such projects include “RAF in neighbouring countries since orphan city”, “Al Mahmoud the beginning of the war. RAF implemented orphanage”, “orphans buildings The money was spent on the highest number in Jordan, among other devel- 458 development projects and of projects (248) opment projects for medical also on humanitarian aid to help worth over QR219m services and general services to Syrian citizens battling for in Syria. improve the life of the survival. beneficiaries. The projects were related to RAF provided educational relief, development, health, edu- implement 57 and 89 projects facilities to thousands of Syrian cation, sponsorship of orphans, respectively for Syrian refugees students who discontinued their and poor families. They were living there. education due to the war. Sev- implemented inside Syria and RAF implemented 187 relief eral educational projects were neighbouring countries like Jor- projects at a cost of QR234m. implemented for students of all don, Lebanon and Turkey. Millions of Syrian refugees and grades. RAF implemented the high- those displaced inside benefit- The beneficiary students est number of projects (248) ted from the projects, said a received school bags, text books worth over QR219m in Syria for statement. and other necessary stationery. internally displaced people. Syr- To alleviate the suffering of They were provided teachers. ian refugees in Turkey received people in Syria, RAF provided RAF’s support to millions of 64 projects worth over QR154m. shelters in safe zones inside the needy Syrian people will con- Jordan and Lebanon got more country. RAF also built several tinue with the help of generous than QR50m and QR44m to villages and provided thousands philanthropists from Qatar.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid from RAF in Syria. TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 HOME 03

Emir condoles Winners of Scientific Excellence Awards named with Yemeni Vice-President Monument EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin Monument inscribed Hamad Al Thani held a tel- with the names of ephone conversation with winners of last ten Vice-President of Yemen Gen- years will be eral Ali Mohsen Al Ahmar, inaugurated at Katara during which he offered Cultural Village. condolences on the death of General Al Ahmar's brother The total number of Sheikh Mohammed Mohsen participants reached Al Ahmar. 262 for this year's awards. Shura Council discusses Mohammed Osman draft law on The Peninsula Officials of Education Excellence Awards, Dr Hamda Al Sulaiti, Chairperson, Development Committee, Ministry of Education and food control nnouncing 46 winners Higher Education; and Hassan Al Mohammadi, Chairman, Executive Committee, and Director, Public Relations at the Ministry, QNA of the 10th edition of pose with the students after a press conference in Doha yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula Scientific Excellence Awards, Dr Hamda Al in the presence of winners, ‘Scientific Research Award’, the awards, will also witness the pub- universities, in addition to the he Advisory Council Sulaiti, Chairperson of including students from differ- CEO of the awards added. lication of a memorial book which terms and conditions of the held yesterday its reg- theA Organising Committee and ent schools. Al Sulaiti said that The 46 winners included 22 will include the awards' achiev- awards. "We have discussed with Tular weekly session CEO of the Awards, said yester- the total number of participants students from primary and pre- ers of the past ten years, along Qatar Research Fund how win- during its 45th ordinary ses- day that a monument inscribed for this year's awards reached paratory schools, nine students with an exhibition and a monu- ning researchers and their papers sion under the chairmanship with the names of winners of last 262 and the highest number of from high schools, two teachers, ment with names of winners can be adopted and how their of its Speaker H E Mohammed ten years will be inaugurated at nominees came from elemen- two students for scientific inscribed in the Cultural Village – skills can be developed in areas of bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi. Cultural Village – Katara in March tary schools, with 133 entries, research, two PhD holders and Katara, Al Sulaiti announced. their interests," said Al Sulaiti. At the outset of the meeting, this year. preparatory schools (22), and 21 one school. Hassan Abdullah Al Moham- Scientific Excellence Awards Secretary-General Fahad bin Forty-six winners of the 10th entries each from the high school The awards are attracting madi, Director of Public Relations 2016 is one of the important Mubarak Al Khayareen read out edition of the Scientific Excel- and university. more participants every year and at the Ministry and Chairman of events the country holds every the agenda, which was approved lence Awards 2016 of the The organizing committee the winners of the Gold and Plat- the Executive Committee of the year under the Ministry to hon- before the council ratified the Ministry of Education and Higher also received 17 entries for the inum awards will be honoured Awards, said the organising com- our outstanding students in minutes of its previous meeting. Education were announced yes- 'Outstanding Teacher Award’, 11 from each of the eight categories mittee held several meetings and Qatar with the highest scientific The Council reviewed terday by Dr Hamda Al Sulaiti. nominations from PhD holders at a special ceremony to be held workshops to introduce the awards with aim of encouraging a draft law amending some The results of the competi- and eight for the ‘Outstanding in March, said Hamda Al Sulati. awards, procedures for participat- educational institutions and stu- provisions of Law 8 of 1990 tion were announced at a press School Award, and 29 students The ceremony, on the occasion of tion, its categories, award’s dents to exert more efforts and on food control and decided conference held at the Ministry competed in the category of the 10th anniversary of the coordinators in schools, enhance competitiveness. to refer it to the Services and Public Utilities Committee to study it and submit a report thereon to the Council. Qatar Scientific Club announces Spring activities The Advisory Council's Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee held a meeting QNA focus on more practical work January 22 to February 2 and will participants into different age programming. The next age under the chairmanship of this time to enable participants target the age group of 7 years groups, and every two or three group, from 10 to 12 years, will its Rapporteur Nasser Sera- atar Scientific Club in workshops to have a better to 16 years. He added that the years are classified as one focus on wind energy and robots. yea Al Kaabi. The committee announced yesterday its experience. The head of the goal of holding Spring pro- group. Participants aged 7 years It will be followed by the age resumed their study of a draft Qnew Spring programme club's committee for organizing grammes is to foster to 9 years will conduct scien- group of 13 to 16 years which will law regulating the work of real and said it would differ signifi- exhibitions and events, Hashim entrepreneurship and tific experiments that Al Sada focus on robots and solar energy, estate brokerages. They agreed cantly from previous years. Al Sada, said that the Spring creativity. labelled as fun, in addition to as well as programming and to resume their examination The club said they would activities will take place from The programs divides ones related to space and agriculture. at a later meeting. 04 HOME TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 Heart Hospital team lauded for service Emir condoles with Kyrgyz President QNA Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek The Peninsula an arrhythmia (abnormal “We also purchased and Atambayev, on the victims of Recognition heartbeat) is coming from. In installed high-tech equipment. mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the crash of a cargo plane above team from Hamad 2016, the Electrophysiology As a result, there was a signifi- Hamad Al Thani sent yes- a village near Manas Airport in Recognition for Medical Corpora- division performed more than cant increase in the number of terday a cable of Bishkek, wishing speedy recov- creating better E tion’s (HMC) Heart 290 electrophysiology proce- procedures carried out in Qatar,” condolences to President of the ery for the injured. Hospital has been experience for dures and more than 140 he said. recognised for its patients treated by device implementations for Dr Anees Thajudeen, Con- effortsA to create a better experi- the Cardiac Electro- heart rhythm disorders and sultant from the Cardiac ence for patients being treated physiology Dept. heart failure compared to only Electrophysiology Department, by the Cardiac Electrophysiol- 13 procedures which were car- also emphasised that great Weather bureau forecasts ogy Department. Stars of Excellence ried out in 2010.” results have been achieved over The team was recently Awards celebrate “The project was also a period of five years of hard poor visibility at some places lauded at HMC’s prestigious success in efficiency extremely cost effective as it work. annual Stars of Excellence and patient demonstrated a substantial “We engaged experts and he Meteorology Depart- expected to be 10 to 20 knots Awards which celebrated its suc- experience. decrease in the number of professionals in this field from ment has forecast a foggy reaching 25 knots to the north. cess in improving both patients with heart issues seek- across the globe - physicians Tmorning today with poor Visibility would drop to 2 km operational efficiency and the ing treatment abroad. Similar and cardiologists from the visibility in some places. The or less in some places. patient experience. Dr Asaad noted that sup- projects could be initiated in Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Met office has also forecast The presence of northwest- Dr Nidal Ahmad Asaad, ported by new technology, other departments at HMC,” he the United Kingdom, Canada strong winds and high seas in erly winds could cause a slight Chairman of Cardiology at Heart enhanced procedures and visit- added. and the United States to make the north. Hazy to misty/foggy fall in temperatures. The tem- Hospital, said, “The Stars of ing international experts, there Commenting on the role of this project happen,” Dr Thaju- weather is expected today "at perature in Doha today is Excellence awards encourage us has been a marked increase in technology in supporting the deen said, adding, “These first becoming mild daytime expected to be between 16 to to work even harder to make procedures carried out by the department’s improved results, well-known experts shared with slight dust at places at 23 degrees Celsius. In Al Khor more improvements and inno- Cardiac Electrophysiology Chief Technologist, Dr Alsayed their knowledge and expertise times, cold by night," said a temperature could fall as low vations that will expand the Department over the last six Abdulrahman Mahmoud said to with us by performing proce- weather report yesterday. as 12 degrees while Wakra quality of healthcare services at years, leading to spectacular facilitate the development of the dures and helping to train our The northwesterly winds is could see temperatures vary- HMC, and consequently enhance results. service, the electrophysiology staff. These invited clinicians expected to blow at speeds ing from 13 degrees to 22 the patient experience and the He said, “Electrophysiology laboratory was upgraded to give performed 77 and 56 electro- ranging from 5 knots to 15 knots degrees. Mesaieed would also treatment journey at the Heart studies test the electrical activ- patients the best possible physiology procedures reaching 18 knots at places. have similar temperature Hospital.” ity of the heart to find where experience. respectively in 2015 and 2016.” The wind speed offshore is levels. Indonesian envoy hosts IMQ members

The Peninsula Ambassador Basri hoped IMQ Chairman. "We are very that IMQ becomes an example grateful because this event is the ndonesian Ambassador, Air of the personality of the Indo- first time we are invited by our Marshal (Ret) Muhammad nesian people in Qatar. "IMQ Ambassador to his residence," IBasri Sidehabi, has appreci- members should abide by the said Yahya who came to Qatar ated the role of Indonesian rules and regulations of the in 2001. The envoy promised to Muttawa in Qatar (IMQ) in pro- country and keep unity and hold the gathering regularly to moting good relations between integrity among Indonesians in strengthen unity in the Indone- Indonesia and Qatar, particu- Qatar," said the former member sian Diaspora in Qatar. larly in socio-cultural activities of Indonesian Parliament. According to Minister Coun- through Islamic teachings, at a IMQ has members from all selor of the Indonesian Embassy, gathering held at the Ambassa- parts of Qatar including Doha, Boy Dharmawan, the event was dor's Residence recently. Dukhan, Al Khor, Mesaieed and used by the Ambassador to IMQ supports the role of the Al Wakra. "We have been present an update on Indone- embassy to enhance relation- actively promoting relations sia's socio-political situation ship between Indonesia and between Indonesia and Qatar including the role of the Qatar, particularly in Islamic through Islamic cultural activi- embassy in serving and protect- Indonesian Muttawa in Qatar (IMQ) members with the ambassador. cultural activities. ties," said Yahya Nawawi, the ing Indonesian citizens abroad. TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 HOME 05

he streets of Aspire Park turned into a bobbing mass of colour on Saturday afternoon as more than 6,000 people came together to show their support for the environment by taking part in the 12th Al Dana Green Thousands turn out for Run, setting a new attendance record in the process. Organised by Doha Bank and supported by Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar Red Crescent, Public Secu- Trity, Traffic police and Aspire Academy, the annual run is one of the most keenly anticipated community events in Qatar, and excitement record-breaking Doha levels soared to new heights this season as families and fitness enthu- siasts from across the city turned out in their droves to support the event and be part of the pulsing community atmosphere the Green Run so uniquely offers. Chief guests in attendance included Talal Mansour Al Abdulla, General Secretary Athletic Federations, Olympic Committee, Abdulla Bank's Al Dana Green Run Al Khater, Head of Events at Aspire Logistics and Ali Al Mansouri, Khalifa Stadium Manager. Different Categories Participants were divided into eight race categories – including Below 18 Male and Female, 18-35 Male and Female, Above 35 Male and Female, Professional Athletes and Special Needs participants – and included a broad mix ranging from eager first-time runners to regulars who keep returning faithfully to the event each year, among them professional runners as well as active green campaigners. The 18-35 Male category attracted the highest number of partic- ipants at 2,106, while 58 runners participated in the Special Needs category. Cash prizes were awarded to the top 5 finishers in each category, with first-place winners in each of the all categories. More than 100 winners of Al Dana Green Run won prizes. “We are proud to see the popularity of the Al Dana Green Run go from strength to strength over the last 12 years. As an organisa- tion dedicated to supporting the cause of environmental protection and sustainability, while contributing to Qatar’s National Vision 2030, we are pleased to have brought another successful edition of this much-awaited social event to the people of Qatar. I would like to thank personally all the Doha residents who came out in support of this great initiative organised with an overarching objective to encour- age communities to embrace an active lifestyle and also care for the environment,” said Dr R Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank. As every year, many families joined the event like Villar, who ran along his wife Donna and their 9 years old son Kirk Vince. “This is my second Doha Green Run and I’m very excited to have my fam- ily joining me today for the first time. Thanks to Doha Bank we spent a great family day while exercising outdoor, a perfect combination.” Doha Bank employees also showed their support to their organ- isation’s initiative promoting wellness and green living. Dharnedra Carnival-like atmosphere

The 12th edition of the community run kicked off at 3pm at Aspire Park and covered a 3-km circuit around Khalifa Stadium. The event saw more than 6,000 participants gathered to run as well as cheer on the runners and soak in the carnival-like atmosphere, which included a lively photo booth area, where the crowd posed for fun polaroid pictures, which were shared on Instagram and Snapchat with the #danagreenrun. There were cutouts boards for male, female and kid runners, which were used by participants for taking creative photos. Also fun activities for children were on offer, like face painting and balloon twisting in addition to cartoon characters. Not to mention the outstanding live performances of the kids of Birla Public School and Philippine School, who presented respec- tively a mime show about green living and saving the planet and live musical shows featuring recycled instruments. With the weather remaining perfect, the venue at Aspire Park offered a lively outdoor setting for the crowds to enjoy a fun-filled day out, with live DJ set and musical performances ensuring the mood remained festive throughout. Refreshments for all Complimentary refreshments were provided for the runners and the crowd, courtesy of Doha Bank, along with Krispy Kreme dough- nuts, muffins from The Torch Doha Hotel, water bottles supplied by Lulu Hyper market & Aquafina water from Ali Bin Ali. This season’s event was also the venue for the 9th and 10th monthly draws of the 2016 campaign for Al Dana Savings Scheme, Qatar’s most popular savings account. Al Dana millionaires Held amid a whirl of bustling excitement, the draws witnessed two more Doha Bank customers –Hisham Sarhan and Santush Kumar Debnath – joining the growing ranks of Al Dana millionaires. Kothari and his son Taksh Kothari, aged 8, joined this edition’s run, Both millionaires learned about their astonishing prize through “I’m very proud to be part of this great event and to be able to actively Two new millionaires crowned a live phone call from Al Dana Green Run’s stage courtesy of Dr involve my son. It is vital to educate kids from a young age to adopt Seetharaman while other lucky winners walked away with prizes an active lifestyle as on top of being fun is rewarding for their at the final monthly draws for ranging from QR 2,000 to QR 100,000. These included three Young well-being.” Saver scholarships worth QR 25,000 each and one prize worth KWD The Al Dana Green Run is organised annually by Doha Bank to Al Dana Savings Scheme 2016 2,500 offered to a lucky Al Dana customer in Kuwait. spread awareness among the people about the importance of envi- – held alongside the Green Run In total, 110 prizes worth around QR 2,649,000 were announced ronmental protection and to encourage them to adopt sustainable as part of the draws held during another successful edition of Al Dana practices to maintain a better ecological balance. Green Run. 06 HOME TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 QU to start course for athletes and footballers

professionals in Qatar. This will the benefit of their sporting club On right track contribute to building the future and national team. The new pro- Establishment of generation of football profes- gramme aligns with the one Bachelor of Sports sionals and to model the coming provided by Aspire Academy for Education at Qatar stars in the run-up to the FIFA high school students. It offers University aimed at World Cup 2022 in Qatar and football players the opportunity developing talented beyond. to continue their education while Dr Al Derham said, “We are in Qatar. It also provides talented athletes and football pleased to sign this MoU with athletes the chance to join Qatar professionals in Qatar. Qatar Football Association, University, which is one of the Aspire Zone, and Supreme Com- leading universities in the The Peninsula mittee for Delivery & Legacy, region.” which will contribute to build- Al Suwaidi said, “We are atar University (QU) ing national capacities for the pleased to partner with Qatar will soon introduce an sports sector and to fulfilling the University, Qatar Football Asso- academic programme needs of the labour market in the ciation (QFA), and Supreme for talented athletes field of sports.” Committee for Delivery and Leg- Qand football profes- Dr Al Derham added that the acy. This MoU will contribute to sionals in Qatar. MoU will contribute to establish- upholding the academic learn- A Memorandum of Under- ing a Bachelor of Sports ing of talented athletes, standing (MoU) was signed Education at QU following especially football players, in yesterday in this regard, between approval by the Board of Regents Qatar by investing all capacities QU, Qatar Football Association and a Steering Committee com- and competencies to shape a (QFA), Aspire Zone, and Supreme prising members from the sporting generation able to pro- Officials of Qatar University, Qatar Football Association, Aspire Zone, and Supreme Committee Committee for Delivery and partnering institutions will estab- mote Qatar’s reputation in world Legacy. for Delivery and Legacy during the MoU signing ceremony. lish the admission requirements sports championships.” The MoU has been signed for the new programme. Al Thawadi said, “This new to establish a Bachelor of tion in sports in Qatar. Supreme Committee for Deliv- The terms of the MoU Al Thani said, “This MoU will MoU will provide athletes with Sports Education at QU and It was signed by QU Presi- ery and Legacy Secretary include collaboration to estab- contribute to uplifting the talents an unparalleled educational aims to support and develop dent Dr Hassan Al Derham, QFA General Hassan bin Abdullah Al lish, implement and support an of athletes while ensuring their opportunity to develop and grow talented athletes, and to drive President Sheikh Hamad bin Thawadi, and Aspire Zone CEO academic programme for tal- stability on the academic and their managerial skills in the forward the spirit of innova- Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi. ented athletes and football artistic levels, which will be for sports industry. New director at Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum Iraqi artiste's concert

The Peninsula experience and knowledge will responsible for the release of postponed to Feb 7 bring important insights to build high-profile exhibitions. he Board of Trustees of onto the Museum’s success, As FBQM’s new director, Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani ensuring it will continue to pre- Wieringa is responsible for the The Peninsula TMuseum (FBQM) yester- serve and share Qatar’s cultural growth of the curatorial and day announced the appointment heritage.” conservation departments, the ajid Al Muhandes’ concert scheduled for January 20 at the of Kees Wieringa (pictured) as Wieringa was born and creation of a collections man- Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) has been post- the new Director of the raised in The Netherlands, where agement system, the design and Mponed until February 7, Shop Qatar organisers have Museum. he studied music and art at installation of the new galleries announced. “I am delighted to have Mr Amsterdam University. He was of the Museum, the launch of an Fans will be able to enjoy the Iraqi artiste’s talent at the Shop Kees Wieringa joining our lead- previously director of the extensive programme of exhibi- Qatar closing ceremony, which will be held at the OASIS at Mall ership team at the Museum,” said Kranenburgh Museum in Ber- tions and the creation of the of Qatar on February 7 following the final raffle draw. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al gen where he oversaw the Museum's innovative educa- Those who have purchased concert tickets through Virgin Thani. collections, supervised research tional programmes as well as the Megastores (both online and in person) and Platinumlist.net will “He is a highly respected and scholarly symposia, under- day-to-day management of the be given full refunds and complimentary tickets to the Hussein Al professional whose extensive took renovations and was Museum. Jassmi concert in the same ticket category. Saudi team visits Umm Salal Health Centre

The Peninsula Dr Maryam Abdul Malek, international health CONDOLENCES Managing Director of Primary standards. delegation of officials Healthcare Corporation, wel- Dr Mariam provided an from Saudi Arabia’s Min- comed the delegation, overview of the service at Um A istry of Health recently accompanying them on a tour Salal Health Center, highlight- visited the Umm Salal Health of the centre. ing the centre’s medical facilities Centre as part of efforts to The visit follows collabora- with a guided tour of the health enhance cooperation with tions between Qatar and Saudi and wellness centre, radiology, Qatar’s health sector. to discuss and share ways to pharmacy, laboratory, dental Engineer Abdul Aziz bin enhance cooperation in the and specialist clinics. Saleh Al Saloum, Director of field and facilitate exchange of The delegation was also Business Environment Devel- know-how, manpower and briefed on the work place mech- opment at the Ministry of Health expertise, specifically with anisms and electronic systems in Saudi Arabia and several high regards to health and wellness in place used to improve patient offers its heartfelt ranking health care officials services in Qatar — the first experience. Al Saloum praised from Saudi visited the Umm country in the region to offer the country's excellent medical condolences to Salal Health Centre. these services in keeping with facilities.

Sidi Mohamed Mohamed Mahmoud (Reporter, The Peninsula)

on the sad demise of his Father

Managing Director of Primary Healthcare Corporation, Dr Maryam Abdul Malek, (second right) May God bless the departed with the Saudi delegation at Umm Salal Health Centre. soul and give fortitude to the bereaved family members to Chevrolet Aveo 2016 recalled over defect

bear this irreparable loss. The Peninsula year 2016 over a potential defect in front tie-rod connected to steering gear. he Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in The Ministry said the recall campaign comes collaboration with Jaidah Automotive, dealer within the framework of its ongoing efforts to pro- Tof Chevrolet vehicles in Qatar, has tect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow announced the recall of Chevrolet Aveo model up on vehicle defects and repairs. TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 HOME 07

35% rise in cinemagoers Postal ties in Qatar over three years

Continued from page 1 industry but it was also facing Najdi said that the number tough times. “Now Emirati (UAE) of filmgoers was on constant and Bahrani film industry is also increase in Qatar. “In the last picking pace and they are pro- three years, Qatar witnessed a ducing good movies,” he said, 35 percent increase in number adding Doha Film Institute and of filmgoers while in Japan and events like Ajyal Youth Film Fes- the US the growth was just 7 tival are promoting indigenous percent in the same span of film production in Qatar. time,” he said. “But many of the local tal- He said many people still ents want to become directors. prefer to visit cinemas despite Abdulrahman Najdi, General In filmmaking all skills are having 80 inch 3D screens and Manager, Qatar Cinema needed from script-writing to 4k receivers at home. He said and Film Distribution Co. editing and all departments the number of cinemas in Qatar Pic: Abdul Basit should grow simultaneously,” will cross 200 by the end of next he said, adding that cinemas Faleh Al Naemi, Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar Post, yesterday met Indian year. after mandatory approval by have become a major source of “There is one cinema seat censorship department of the entertainment in Qatar. Ambassador P Kumaran to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and develop for every one million people in Ministry of Culture. About current trends investment opportunities with Indian Post. Morocco or Egypt, while in in “Along with Bollywood regarding popularity of films, he Qatar by the end of 2018 there movies, action and science-fic- said that all types of Indian films will be one seat for every 100- tion movies from Hollywood are including Hindi, Tamil and 150 people,” he claimed. very popular among cinema- Malayalam were performing He said that around a dozen goers in Qatar” he noted. well in Qatari box office. “Dan- major film distributors in UAE Talking on Arabic film gal (Aamir Khan's hit film) has Marketing campaign for vegetables used to release movies for Qatar industry, he said that conven- entered the fifth week in Qatar, which are screened tionally Egypt used to lead the which is a record,” he said. grown in Qatar starts today

QNA

he Ministry of Municipality and Environ- ment will launch today a marketing Tcampaign for Qatari vegetables in cooper- ation with Al Meera Hypermarket and Supermarket. The campaign is part of the efforts of the Agri- cultural Affairs Department at Ministry of Municipality to improve the quality of local prod- ucts and increasing demand for it in order to encourage farmers to use technology and increase their production. The other reason behind the campaign is the high quality that Qatari vegetables now have. There are a number of farms in Qatar now that rely on new technological methods to pro- duce these vegetables. The Consumer Protection Department helped of those conditions is that those products carry a the ministry in placing a number of conditions for logo specifically made for distinguished Qatari marketing Qatari vegetables in hypermarkets. One products. Doha Cinema and Gulf Cinema, which is closed since January 2013. Meet to discuss post-conflict strategies Continued from page 1 rights, said Al Attiyah. organizations. The technical The conference aims to The conference will be groups will also discuss protec- enhance approaches based on divided into two parts- interac- tion of the rights of children, human rights to confront con- tive dialogue on strategies of women and minority groups flicts, and crises, set up dialogue integrating human rights and under conflicts and the impact and communication channels policies in UN international of armed conflicts on the right to prevent conflicts from chang- strategies to confront violence, to education. ing into armed conflicts, he extremism and terrorism. The ongoing armed conflicts added. The second part of the con- in the Middle East and North The conference will dis- ference will feature four Africa has triggered the idea of cuss developing of post technical groups to find out the conference, said Al Attiyah, conflict strategies, exchange means of integrating human stressing the importance of of good practices, means of rights with conflict prevention cooperation between govern- cooperation between relevant and coordination of UN efforts ment and non government entities, ways to enhance rule with national human rights institutions in the protection of of law and protect human institutions and civil society human rights and rule of law. Long wait lists for housing

Continued from page 1 Despite claims about oversupply, real estate giants like Ezdan and Barwa are still having a long wait- ing list of applicants. “Such big companies give offers to customers making them more attrac- tive to tenants than buildings and flats owned by individuals. These com- panies do not hike the rents frequently like small com- panies and individuals," he said. An official from Waseef, the leasing subsidiary of Barwa, said they had over 400 applicants waiting for their turn in each of the housing complexes. Some applicants fail to sign the contract because when their turn comes they find them- selves tied up in other rental contracts or can't be con- tacted as they have not updated their contact details. So they need to apply again or update their application and wait for their turn. 08 HOME / MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 Bahrain scribe's Snow traps 1,000 motorists in Tunisia Tunis trial adjourned AFP eavy snow trapped around 1,000 motorists until February 28 Hin northwest Tunisia, with heavy blizzards from Europe sweeping the Mediter- a correspondent "despite the ranean country, the prime Permit issue expiry of her permit", the minister's office said The prosecution has source said. yesterday. charged the woman Paris-based Reporters Drifts blocked roads includ- journalist with Without Borders (RSF) and ing a major highway in the working as a French public radio broad- province of Jendouba on Sun- correspondent caster France Médias Monde day evening, Prime Minister (FMM) last week urged author- Youssef Chahed's office said. "despite the expiry of ities in the Gulf kingdom to Many motorists stayed her permit." "abandon their prosecution" of trapped in their cars overnight, Saeed. authorities and local media said. Dubai RSF said Saeed was facing Rescue services managed to AFP a possible fine of up to 1,000 evacuate 80 percent of those dinars ($2,653) after a com- trapped and efforts were con- Bahrain court yes- plaint from an information tinuing to return the others to terday adjourned ministry official last their homes, Abdelkerim Omri, the trial of a female summer. a regional infrastructure official, journalist charged The press freedom group said yesterday, quoted in local A Tunisian man walks in the snow in the town of Maktar in Tunisia's central Siliana region with working for said her situation had been del- media. yesterday. foreignA media without the icate since June, "when she The government opened 10 proper permit, a judicial source learned that the authorities emergency shelters in schools been stockpiled "as a unusual in the North African Authorities say children and said. refused to renew her accredi- and sports centres, warning the precaution". country's highlands, but Tunisia frail people were evacuated to Nazeeha Saeed, a Bahrain tation as the Bahraini public not to travel unless abso- A delegation of ministers has been hit by particularly areas closer to hospitals. correspondent for France 24 correspondent of France 24 and lutely necessary. tried yesterday to reach the heavy blizzards from Europe in A nine-year-old girl died in and the Arabic-language Monte Radio Monte Carlo Doualiya", Authorities distributed food affected area but were unable to the past week. early January in Jendouba Carlo Doualiya radio station, both part of FMM. and blankets to people trapped do so as all the roads were cut, Temperatures have plum- because of the cold, Tunisian did not appear at the hearing, Saeed has been in trouble in the "monster traffic jam" on said Infrastructure Minister meted to minus 5 degrees Celsius media reported. the source said. with authorities in the coun- the highway, private radio sta- Mohamed Salah Arfaoui. (23 Fahrenheit). Forecasters say low temper- Her trial was adjourned to try in the past over her tion Mosaique FM said. The interior ministry warned The blizzards have hit some atures, high winds and heavy February 28, they said. coverage of a crackdown on Jendouba's governor, Akram Tunisians to postpone all but of Tunisia's poorest regions, snowfall are set to continue at The prosecution has 2011 protests led by the Shia Sebri, said "considerable quanti- essential travel. including the provinces of Kas- least until the middle of the charged Saeed with working as majority. ties of food and liquid gas" had Winter snowfall is not serine, Kef and Siliana. week. Travel advice under scanner in Tunisia deaths 10,000 civilians dead

London Reuters in Yemen conflict: UN

he gunman who murdered Sana'a 30 Britons on a Tunisian AP Tbeach in 2015 had been able to walk nearly two miles on he United Nations' humanitarian aid official in Yemen said his killing spree before being yesterday that the civilian death toll in the nearly two-year shot dead by security forces, Tconflict has reached 10,000, with 40,000 others wounded. inquests into the deaths heard The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Jamie yesterday. McGoldrick (pictured) told reporters the figure is based on lists of Evidence critical of local victims gathered by health facilities and the actual number might authorities’ response and of tour be higher. This announcement marks the first time a UN official operator TUI is expected to form has confirmed such a high death toll in Yemen, the Arab world's part of the inquiry, a lawyer said. poorest nation. Earlier, the UN reported 4,200 civilians were killed The inquests, being held col- in the war. lectively at the Royal Courts of The Yemen conflict pits Shia Houthi rebels and allied forces Justice, are expected to last against a Saudi-led coalition. The coalition began an air campaign around six weeks. in March 2015 to restore the internationally recognised govern- They will examine whether ment that fled the country after Houthis seized the capital. changes to security arrange- McGoldrick's remarks come as UN Special Envoy to Yemen ments and travel advice from Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrives in the southern city of Aden, both the British government and which the government of Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi has turned into TUI were sufficient in the light Family members arrive for the start of the inquest into the death of 30 British citizens at a a temporary capital, officials said. of another attack in the capital holiday resort near Sousse in Tunisia, at the High Court in central London, Britain, yesterday. According to Yemeni officials, Ahmed will present an amended Tunis three months earlier. peace deal to Hadi, who rejected the last initiative. That proposal The beach shooting in June Counsel to the Inquests, said “the Metropolitan Police calculating attacks are possible”. was supported by the US because it largely recognised the rebels 2015, in which eight foreign evidence is generally critical of that he had travelled 1.8 miles However, she said it had and sidelined Hadi. The officials spoke on condition of anonym- nationals also died, took place TUI Group.” (2.9 km) between being dropped been determined by government ity because they were in the resort in Sousse, 140km TUI said in a statement it is off by accomplices and being officials in the subsequent days not authorised to speak (87 miles) south of Tunis. Islamic “taking a full and active role in shot dead. that the criteria for advising to the media. State claimed responsibility. the inquests into the deaths.” The British government is against travel to Tunisia had not Peace efforts have The British victims had “The safety of our custom- also facing questions over its been fulfilled. stalled because of disa- booked their trips through ers is of paramount importance travel advice in the lead-up to The gunman, Seifeddine greements over a Thomson Holidays, which is to us,” it added. “Like others, we the attack. Rezgui, was shot dead by police timeline. Hadi is press- owned by TUI Group. In a pre- want to understand the specific Senior Foreign Office offi- and Tunisian authorities have ing for an inquest hearing, the lawyer circumstances that led to this cial Jane Marriott said Tunisia conducted their own implementation to a UN representing families of 20 of the terrible incident.” was rated as having a “high” investigation. Security Council resolu- victims said TUI had been in The court saw a virtual map risk even before the earlier Leek said a summary of the tion that stipulates the effect “hiding” warnings against which led viewers along the Tunis attack and travel advice Tunisian report, which criticised Houthis' withdrawal travel to Tunisia. reconstructed route of the gun- had been adjusted the follow- local security forces’ response, from all cities and the Lawyer Samantha Leek, man, with London’s ing day to say that “further would feature in the inquests. handover of weapons.

Drone rattles people in Tehran Azerbaijan marks 27th anniversary of tragedy The Peninsula Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain- developed into a national liber- leader Heydar Aliyev — who dynamically developing coun- Tehran ous region inside Azerbaijan, and ation movement. lived in retirement in Moscow at try with huge economic growth. AP his month, the people of forced Azerbaijanis to flee from As a result of this aggression the time — strongly condemned Rational and consistent politi- Azerbaijan commemorate Yerevan and other regions of by the Soviet army on January the Soviet leadership for this cal, economic and democratic ustained gunfire rang out Tthe 27th anniversary of the Armenia. Azerbaijanis were sav- 20, 1990, 137 civilians were killed invasion at a press conference reforms, and good governance over central Tehran yes- tragedy of January 20. On this day agely killed and driven from in Baku, more than 700 people held in Moscow on January 21, made Azerbaijan a regional Sterday afternoon as in 1990, under orders from their homes. Therefore, the peo- were wounded, and 800 were 1990 and soon after that pro- leader and trustworthy partner anti-aircraft guns targeted former Soviet leader Mikhail Gor- ple protested this injustice and illegally arrested. claimed his resignation from the in the international arena. what officials said was a bachev, Soviet tanks and a large assumed the struggle to protect The soldiers destroyed and Communist Party. Azerbaijani people remem- drone flying over the Iranian contingent of the Soviet Army their rights and to preserve the burnt a large number of houses The Tragedy of January 20 ber and will never forget the capital. units entered Baku city and some territorial integrity of the nation. and apartments, automobiles, is one of the most sad events in memory of all fallen heroes of The drone escaped — other regions of Azerbaijan and The failure of the USSR gov- including ambulance cars. the country’s recent history and January 20, 1990 and every year apparently intact — as Gen opened fire on civilians. ernment to prevent increasing Women, children and elders, as became a turning point for on this day, thousands of Azerba- Alireza Elhami, deputy chief With this invasion and vio- Armenian claims on Azerbaijan’s well as ambulance and militia Azerbaijan, strengthening the ijani citizens visit the graves of of Iran air defense headquar- lence the Soviet leadership was territory and separatist activities employees were among the vic- will of the people to build their those victims buried in Alley of ters, was quoted by the trying to maintain the Commu- in Nagorno-Karabakh, caused tims of this massacre. own independent country and martyrs, a cemetery in the high- semi-official Fars news nist regime in Azerbaijan and concern among Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijani people rejected led to its independence and free- est part of Baku, to pay their agency as saying the drone strangle the national liberation reinforced the people’s national this invasion and united in their dom a year-and-half later. In tribute to the martyrs who sac- flew out of the restricted air- movement. liberation spirit. In 1988, mass effort to continue their struggle 1991, Azerbaijan became an rificed themselves for the space once it came under At the end of 1980s, Arme- demonstrations by Azerbaijani to achieve justice. From those independent state. freedom and independence of fire. nians increased their claims on people began and eventually people, Azerbaijan's national Today Azerbaijan is a Azerbaijan. TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09

Iraq forces retake IS-bombed 'Jonah's Top Egypt court tomb' in Mosul MOSUL: Iraqi forces battling rejects islands the Islamic State (IS) group in Mosul yesterday retook an area where the jihadists lev- elled one of the city's most well-known shrines in 2014, transfer to Saudi officials said. "We retook control of Nabi Yunus area... raised the Cairo Unanimous verdict Iraqi flag above the tomb," AFP Sabah Al Noman, spokesman In its ruling, the High for the Counter-Terrorism gypt's top administra- Administrative Court Service spearheading the tive court upheld said it was its Mosul offensive, said. He said yesterday a ruling unanimous decision two other neighbourhoods in voiding a government that the two islands eastern Mosul were also agreement to hand — Tiran and Sanafir — retaken from IS yesterday. Eover two Red Sea islands to were sovereign The Nabi Yunus shrine — Saudi Arabia in a deal that Egyptian territories. which was built on the sparked rare protests. reputed burial site of a The government of Presi- Syrian Kurdish women attend a rally denoucing that Kurdish representatives were not prophet known in the Koran dent Abdel Fattah Al Sisi had Russia than Saudi Arabia which invited to take part in the upcoming Astana peace talks, in the northeastern city of Qamishli, as Yunus and in the Bible as appealed against a lower court supports rebels fighting him. yesterday. Jonah — was a popular pil- ruling in June that found the Lawyers present in court said grimage site. In July 2014, controversial border demarca- the ruling was final, but a former weeks after overrunning tion agreement was illegal. senior judge said the government Mosul and much of Iraq's In its ruling, the High Admin- could still find a way to appeal it. Syrian rebel groups to attend Sunni Arab heartland, IS mil- istrative Court said it was its Mohamed Hamed Al Gamal, the itants rigged the shrine and "unanimous" decision that the former head of the administra- blew it up, sparking global two islands — Tiran and Sanafir tive court, said the decision was outrage. — were sovereign Egyptian ter- final according to this court's peace talks in Kazakhstan ritories. The courtroom erupted procedure, but it could be EU to stand by Iran in cheers as the judge delivered unconstitutional. the verdict, with lawyers and "The law and the constitu- Beirut/Amman tricts of eastern Aleppo. “neutralise the criminal role” of nuclear accord activists chanting: "These islands tion affirm the absence of Reuters The United States, which led Iran. Analysts believe the rebels are Egyptian." The decision came administrative court jurisdic- failed efforts to launch peace have been under pressure from BRUSSELS: EU foreign affairs after the government referred tion in sovereign matters such yrian rebel groups have talks last year, has not been Turkey, one of their main spon- head Federica Mogherini yes- the agreement to parliament for as international treaties," Gamal decided to attend peace involved in the latest diplomacy. sors, to attend. terday insisted the bloc will a vote. said. The government may Stalks backed by Russia and Assad has already said his gov- Earlier this month, they stand by the Iran nuclear It may further complicate challenge the ruling before the Turkey in Kazakhstan in a bid ernment is ready to attend the called off any talks on their par- accord, bluntly condemned ties between Egypt and Saudi constitutional court, he added. to check Iranian influence over talks. After winning ground with ticipation in the Astana meeting by US President-elect Don- Arabia, a main financial backer The deal to hand over the the war, rebel officials said Russian and Iranian military over what they said were gov- ald Trump, because it serves of Sisi since the former army islands, signed during an April yesterday. support, he looks stronger than ernment violations of a ceasefire Europe's security needs. "It is chief toppled his Islamist pred- visit by the Custodian of the Their decision is a boost for at any point in the war. brokered by Russia and proof that diplomacy works ecessor in 2013. Saudi Arabia Two Holy Mosques King Sal- a Russian-led initiative aimed The rebels took the decision Turkey. and delivers... The European has already signalled unease by man bin Abdulaziz of Saudi at ending the nearly six-year- at meetings underway in Turkey’s priorities in Syria Union will continue to work stopping a promised flow of oil Arabia in which Riyadh show- old conflict. Ankara, and are now working appear to have shifted away for the respect and imple- to Egypt, leaving Cairo scram- ered Egypt with aid, provoked Russia, President Bashar Al to form a delegation that will be from toppling Assad towards mentation of this extremely bling to find a new supplier. accusations that Cairo had Assad’s most powerful ally, set headed by Mohammad Alloush, combating Kurdish groups and important deal, most of all for But relations have cooled "sold" the strategic islands. the new diplomatic effort in the head of the political office Islamic State in areas of north- our security," Mogherini told over Egypt's stance on war-torn Cairo said the islands were motion after Syrian rebels suf- of Jaish Al Islam rebel group, ern Syria near its border. Its ties reporters as she went into an Syria, whose President Bashar Saudi to start with, but had been fered a major defeat last month Alloush said. He said the rebels with Russia have also improved EU foreign ministers Al Assad is seen as closer to leased to Egypt in the 1950s. by losing the rebel-held dis- were going to Astana to in recent months. meeting. Palestinian MP among 13 arrested Palestinians can't stop US embassy move: Israeli minister

JERUSALEM: A Palestinian Jerusalem cooperation minister Tzachi That is bitterly opposed by issues of the decades-long Israeli- government could reverse its lawmaker was among at least AFP Hanegbi, of Prime Minister Ben- Palestinians, who see it as a Palestinian conflict. recognition of Israel, but 13 activists arrested by Israeli jamin Netanyahu's Likud party, destructive and unilateral action, On Sunday French Foreign Hanegbi said that would be forces yesterday in an oper- n Israeli minister said yes- said the Palestinians were pow- as the status of the city is Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault suicidal. ation targeting resistance terday the Palestinians erless to stop it. "What can they contested. warned the move would have Others have suggested it movement Hamas in the Ahad no way to block do? What can they do?," he said They demand Israeli- "extremely serious conse- could lead a new Palestinian Israeli-occupied West Bank. incoming US President Donald in a briefing to reporters in annexed east Jerusalem as the quences." Among the threats intifada — or violent In a statement, the Israeli Trump from moving his coun- Jerusalem. capital of their future state, while Abbas has made is that his uprising. army said the operation was try's embassy to Jerusalem. "There are not going to be Israel proclaims the entire city aimed at breaking up a Palestinian president Mah- any consequences." as its capital. The United Hamas "cell" that had been moud Abbas has said such a Trump — who takes office States and most UN mem- planning attacks and work- move would have consequences Friday — has pledged to ber states do not recognise ing to undermine the as it was a "red line" whose acknowledge Jerusalem as the Jerusalem as capital of the Ramallah-based Palestinian crossing would ruin hopes for a capital of Israel and relocate the Jewish state, and the city's Authority. two-state solution. But regional US embassy there from Tel Aviv. status is one of the thorniest Kenya registers voters ahead of August polls

Nairobi AFP

enya's election commission began a national drive to register millions of new voters ahead of the August Kpresidential poll, with rival parties encouraging their supporters to sign up on time. Kenyans will go to the polls on August 8 in what is set to be a hard-fought general election decided in large part by the core support of candidates' ethnic constituencies. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said its 'Mass Voter Registration' exercise would last from Monday until February 14 when registration will end. Already 15.9 million Kenyans have registered, more than the 14.4 million who did so for the last election in 2013. IEBC offi- cials predict an additional four to six million will register at nearly 25,000 centres nationwide in the coming weeks. Any Kenyan citizen over the age of 18 and with a national ID card or passport can register by having their finger prints and digital photograph recorded. IEBC chief executive Ezra Chiloba said recent months of "very polarising debates" and "extreme views on cer- tain policy decisions concerning elections" should end. "Let all Kenyans, leaders across the board, state and non-state actors get out there and mobilise eligible citi- zens to register as voters," Chiloba said. Both President Uhuru Kenyatta's ruling party and the newly-formed oppo- sition alliance are eager to get their supporters on the electoral roll. "Citizens have been turned into voting machines," warned a weekend editorial in Kenya's main Daily Nation newspaper, arguing that people should not be coerced into registration by heavy-handed party activists. 10 VIEWS TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Paris meet he Middle East peace conference held in Paris on Sunday didn’t bring Palestinians and Israelis any closer, but the French- sponsored event was a success due to its timing and the changing global equations. TComing a few days before Donald Trump’s inauguration as the US president, the conference, attended by representatives of more than 70 Eight men as rich as countries, sent a powerful message to the incoming US president and Israel: their unilateral decisions on Middle East peace carry the risk of being spurned by the international community, who want a two-state half the world – Oxfam solution that will not trample on the rights of Palestinians. Especially for Palestinians, the conference came as an oasis of opportunities and It’s because of this kind of inequality people’s trust in global institutions. The approval after a prolonged drought which saw the Pan Pylas that trust in institutions has fallen sharply consequence is virulent populism and Palestinian issue getting pushed out of the priorities of AP since the global financial crisis of 2008, nationalism as the mass population has world powers as the world became preoccupied with according to Edelman, one of the world’s taken control away from the elites.” other crises of varying magnitude. biggest marketing firms. Edelman highlighted how “the emer- The conference agreed a joint statement In its own pre-Davos survey of more gence of a media echo chamber” that supporting an independent Palestinian state as part of than 33,000 people across 28 markets, reinforces personal beliefs while shutting a negotiated settlement with Israel, and warned Israel he gap between the super-rich and Edelman found the largest-ever drop in out opposing views has magnified this and the Palestinians against ‘unilateral steps’ that the poorest half of the global popula- trust across government, business, media “cycle of distrust.” According to the sur- could threaten a two-state solution. tion is starker than previously thought, and even non-governmental organizations. vey, search engines are trusted more as an The Paris conference recommendations have set with just eight men, from Bill Gates to CEO credibility is at an all-time low and information tool than traditional news edi- the direction for future conferences. Its concluding Michael Bloomberg, owning as much government leaders are the least trusted tors, 59 percent to 41 percent. Twealth as 3.6 billion people, according to an group, according to the survey. “People now view media as part of the document welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution on December 23 which condemned Israeli analysis by Oxfam released Monday. The firm’s 2017 Trust Barometer found elite,” said Edelman. “The result is a pro- Presenting its findings on the dawn of the that 53 percent of respondents believe the clivity for self-referential media and settlements in the occupied annual gathering of the global political and busi- current system has failed them in that it is reliance on peers. The lack of trust in media Palestinian territories, ness elites in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, unfair and offers few hopes for the future, has also given rise to the fake news phe- considered illegal under The Paris anti-poverty organization Oxfam says the gap with only 15 percent believing it is work- nomenon and politicians speaking directly international law. between the very rich and poor is far greater ing. That belief was evident for both the to the masses.” conference Trump too is planning has created than just a year ago. It’s urging leaders to do general population and those with college Edelman said business may be best- a plunge into the Middle more than pay lip-service to the problem. education. placed to help improve trust. Companies a momentum East peace, and he knows If not, it warns, public anger against this kind “The implications of the global trust need to be transparent and honest with towards that it will be a plunge into of inequality will continue to grow and lead to crisis are deep and wide-ranging,” said their employees about the changes taking ending Israel’s the uncharted waters. But more seismic political changes akin to last year’s Richard Edelman, the firm’s president and place in the work-place, improve skills and his efforts are doomed to occupation of election of Donald Trump as US president and CEO. “It began with the Great Recession pay fairly, he said. fail because he lacks the Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. of 2008, but like the second and third The online survey was conducted the Palestinian basic requirement of a “It is obscene for so much wealth to be held waves of a tsunami, globalization and tech- between October 13 and November 16, territories. dealmaker: impartiality. in the hands of so few when 1 in 10 people sur- nological change have further weakened 2016. Washington has never vive on less than $2 a day,” said Winnie been impartial on the Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam Inter- Palestinian issue, but it has national, who will be attending the meeting in pretended to be so, and had kept some semblance of Davos. “Inequality is trapping hundreds of mil- impartiality on some sensitive issues. But Trump has lions in poverty; it is fracturing our societies and dumped all pretensions. He will be batting for Israel undermining democracy.” and will be speaking like a Benjamin Netanyahu when The same report a year earlier said that the there is already a Netanyahu. richest 62 people on the planet owned as much Any solution to the Palestinian issue will need wealth as the bottom half of the population. broad international support, and for that to happen, However, Oxfam has revised that figure down the opinions of the international community will have to eight following new information gathered by to be accommodated in a deal. Swiss bank Credit Suisse. Netanyahu has said that he was waiting for Oxfam used Forbes’ billionaires list that was Trump, who has said there is no politician as pro- last published in March 2016 to make its head- Israeli as him, to enter the Oval Office. The Israeli line claim. According to the Forbes list, Microsoft leaders must realise that unflinching support from founder Gates is the richest individual with a Trump will not help them achieve their illegal goals. net worth of $75 billion. The others, in order of Gains from an alliance with Trump will be neutralised ranking, are Amancio Ortega, the Spanish by the losses on other fronts, like the support from founder of fashion house Inditex, financier War- many European countries. ren Buffett, Mexican business magnate Carlos Trump is already a tarnished brand. He has no Slim Helu, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle’s Larry Elli- respect for existing US foreign policy and we will see son and Bloomberg, the former mayor of New whether the world will have any respect his foreign York. policy. Oxfam outlined measures that it hopes will be enacted to help reduce the inequality. They include higher taxes on wealth and income to ensure a more level playing field and to fund investments in public services and jobs, QUOTE OF THE DAY greater cooperation among governments on ensuring workers are paid decently and the rich don’t dodge their taxes. And business leaders should commit to paying their fair share of taxes Together with our EU and a living wage to employees. Max Lawson, Oxfam’s policy adviser, urged and G7 partners we billionaires to “do the right thing,” and to do made it clear that “what Bill Gates has called on them to do, which sanctions should remain is pay their taxes.” in place until Russia The ability of the rich to avoid paying their fair share of taxes was vividly exposed last year fully... implements its in the so-called “Panama Papers,” a leaked trove commitments under the of data that revealed details on offshore accounts Minsk agreement. that helped individuals shelter their wealth. “We have a situation where billionaires are paying less tax often than their cleaner or their Joe Biden secretary,” Lawson said the reporters. “That’s US Vice-President crazy.” TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 OPINION 11 Mideast conference has an urgent message for Trump

openly hostile to the two-state solu- Carol Morello & William Booth tion, including some leaders who The Washington Post want to annex 60 percent of the West Bank. Neither Israel nor the Palestini- ans attended the conference. In a diplomatic gambit that at times sounded as Palestinians welcomed the meeting, though the clock was about to run out, envoys while Netanyahu called the gathering from some 70 countries Sunday called on Israel “rigged” against Israel and “futile.” and the Palestinians to recommit to the goal of Netanyahu instead said that the two states for two peoples, before the possibility delegates to the Paris meeting should Islips away. press Abbas to return to the negotiat- But there was someone else they hoped to per- ing table. suade, too: President-elect Donald Trump. No representative of Trump’s A two-page statement they issued was intended to transition team was present, though send a message from the world powers, including his impending inauguration was in Europe and the Arab states, to the incoming Trump the background. administration that the international community wants France’s foreign minister kicked to keep hope alive for a two-state solution to the long- off the conference Sunday by warn- running conflict in the Holy Land. ing that moving the U.S. Embassy The diplomats gathered in Paris, including Secre- from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would tary of State John Kerry, warned that continued acts of have “extremely serious conse- violence and the building of Jewish settlements in the quences” for the conflict between West Bank must stop. Their joint statement aspires to Israelis and Palestinians. establish a foundation for peace talks in the hope that Characterizing it as a provoca- they might resume sometime in the future. Group photo of representatives of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, United Nations, European Union, tion, Jean-Marc Ayrault said he Though Trump was not mentioned by name, there before the 2nd session of Middle East peace talks about Israel-Palestinian territories’ peace in Paris. doubted that Trump would in the end was widespread concern in Paris that the new adminis- actually fulfill his pledge to relocate tration, which will occupy the White House in five days, the embassy in a city that Israelis will be so pro-Israel that its policies could threaten the resolve the seven-decade-old conflict. In his remarks to reporters, Kerry rejected that have named as their capital and that idea of two states living side by side in peace and secu- U.S. officials believe the diplomatically worded characterization, saying the United States has always Palestinians desire a part of to rity, with Jerusalem as their shared capital. “welcome” for these previous initiatives amounted to vetoed resolutions that it considers unfair and delegiti- become the capital of a future Pales- The joint communique incorporated references to an implicit acknowledgment by the Arab nations that mizing of Israel. But he acknowledged that the United tinian state. previous blueprints for peace talks, including last Israel will be a Jewish state and that a million or more States had worked Sunday to ensure a “balanced” “When you are president of the month’s U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Palestinians who have demanded the right of return to resolution. United States . . . you can’t have such Jewish settlement activity in the West Bank and incite- Israeel will never come back. None of that was men- “We didn’t soften something,” he said. “We did what an entrenched, unilateral position,” ment and terrorism that Palestinians have been accused tioned explicitly, so it is unclear whether the Arab was necessary to have a balanced resolution.” he told France 3 television. “You have of fomenting. It also commended Kerry’s speech two governments will be able to speak to their publics about A Western diplomat, speaking on the condition of to seek to contribute to creating the weeks ago laying out principles for negotiations to such emotional and deep-seated issues. anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations more conditions for peace.” Kerry told reporters traveling with him that the freely, said that both Netanyahu and Palestinian Presi- Britain, in what may have been communique issued by 70 countries showed that Arab dent Mahmoud Abbas were briefed on the language of an attempt to appear in a favorable states are ready to engage with Israel if the Palestinian the communique before it was issued and that neither light with Trump, issued a statement The diplomats gathered in Paris, issue is settled. raised any objections. pointedly saying it had not endorsed including Secretary of State John “It’s a first when you have international organiza- Saeb Erekat, a top Palestinian official and former the communique, even though it Kerry, warned that continued tions - the Islamic Council and the Arab League and peace negotiator, applauded the diplomatic effort. attended only as an observer. others - willing to try to shift the paradigm here, to “They have again created a momentum in rejection to acts of violence and the building point out that they are prepared to make peace with the Israeli occupation and its settlement enterprise on of Jewish settlements in the Israel,” Kerry said after leaving the conference. the land of Palestine,” he said. “It’s a message to Israel, West Bank must stop. Their joint Kerry spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister the occupying power, to abide by international law and statement aspires to establish Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day. Israeli media international humanitarian law.” a foundation for peace talks in reported that Kerry assured Netanyahu that the United The joint declaration urged both sides to “disassoci- the hope that they might resume States had worked to “soften” several provisions in the ate from voices” that reject the ultimate goal of creating D-RING ROAD communique deemed unfair to Israel and promised two separate states for two peoples. Israel’s current POST BOX: 3488 sometime in the future. there would be no further action in the Security Council. coalition government is filled with ministers who are DOHA - QATAR [email protected]

What really describes the case of Rohingyas in Myanmar? EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 worst example of nationalism’s curse in recent his- in the international press, what is particularly noteworthy in this tory. Referring to the plight of the Rohingyas, the Rohingya episode is that most international agencies and institu- Abdullah Al Ahsan MANAGING EDITOR Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a 2013 report, tions, including the UN, NGOs and think-tanks, find fault with the Anatolia TEL: 4462 7505 “All You Can Do is Pray”. government in Myanmar, but nobody takes into account the fact And the New York based Council on Foreign that the Rohingyas historically did not belong to Burma or Myan- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Relations recommended that, “The United States mar; they were made part of the nation-state as a result of foreign TEL: 4455 7769 should be leading an international effort to find a invasions. Why hasn’t the international community addressed this y all standards, humane solution to their plight, not only in Myanmar question? This reminds students of history the role of Socrates who except perhaps that of the Nobel but in other countries as well.” lived during the declining days of the ancient Greek civilization. In LOCAL NEWS SECTION laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the Recently news channel Aljazeera has reported his lectures Socrates was highlighting double standards of national- TEL: 4455 7743 Rohingya crisis has been a source that, in an open letter to the United Nations Security ist demagogues such as Suu Kyi and religious bigots like Ashin of deep compassionate concern in Council, 23 global leaders, among them 13 Nobel lau- Wirathu. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Brecent years. A news channel on December reates, expressed their disappointment at Myanmar’s Muslims, on the other hand, must also admit that they are not TEL: 4462 7535 23 reported that, “The headless body of a Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for failing to stop the immune from bigotry either. The cases of Daesh and similar other Muslim villager has been found days after he persecution of Royingyas in her country. groups always make headlines all over the world. One would find SPORT NEWS SECTION spoke to reporters on a rare government- Why has Suu Kyi failed to respond to the interna- reports of similar acts by the Rohingyas too. Last October, for exam- TEL: 4455 7745 guided media tour of restive northern tional appeal on the issue? Is she afraid of losing ple, Myanmar authorities alleged that “Rohingya insurgents” killed Rakhine State, Myanmar police said on Fri- support among the majority of Myanmar’s population 9 Myanmar soldiers which resulted in another new wave of vio- ONLINE SECTION day.” How can such despicable acts continue who happen to be Buddhist while the Rohingyas hap- lence against the Rohingyas. No independent agency has TEL: 4462 7501 to happen in the 21st century’s civilised pen to be Muslim? The problem seems to lie in fanatic investigated this allegation, but given the wider world scenario, one [email protected] world? nationalism. The ethnic Rohingyas who live in Myan- would definitely find some sort of Muslim involvement in many This is not the only report of brutality mar’s Rakhine state, historically known as Arakan, fanatic activities. PUBLIC RELATIONS that has surfaced. Hundreds of such accounts were brought under the Burmese control at the end of One author has already pointed out how “The Rohingya issue is have appeared since 1982 when Rohingyas the 18th century, and the 19th century British colonial fast developing into a security threat that would have an adverse TEL: 4455 7613 were declared non-citizens in Myanmar. administration legitimised it. By the middle of the impact on peace in the region.” Fanatics carrying Muslim names [email protected] About a year ago, a New York Times arti- 20th century, the Rohingyas became part of the legiti- hardly comprehend the consequences of their angry outbursts. The cle predicted, “Soon the world will witness a mised Burmese/Myanmar state. Now the “champion state of Israel is glaring evidence of such violence in modern his- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT remarkable sight: a beloved Nobel Peace of human rights” Suu Kyi seems to be convinced that tory. But Muslims hardly understand that their adversaries exploit TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Prize winner presiding over 21st-century she has to defend the state at any cost, even at the cost their emotional attachment to their suffering fellow Muslims FAX: 4455 7870 concentration camps.” of ethnic cleansing. around the world only to harm them. [email protected] Are these results of fanatic nationalism, Although Buddhism is generally known for a for- The idea of recruitment of Muslims for despicable fanatic activi- religious bigotry or some form of global con- bearing approach to life and hold self-suffering as ties brings us to a question about conspiracy theories. One would CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT spiracy? Perhaps all these factors have some part and parcel of life, Ashin Wirathu, a professional find ample evidence of conspiracies leading to the achievement of TEL: 4455 7857 role to play in the conflict. monk, doesn’t hide his anti-Rohingya and anti-Mus- desired goals in recent history. [email protected] In Europe the idea of nationalism origi- lim mission, branding it as nationalistic and patriotic. That is why some scholars hold to the view that conspiracy the- nally emerged at the end of the 18th century And of course, as a professional monk, he brings reli- ories must not be dismissed and ridiculed. Today every nation SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION with a human face, but it demonstrated an gion to support his views. “Most Muslims destroy our maintains at least one spy agency to serve the nation. But unfortu- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 ugly fanatic façade during the first half of the country, our people and the Buddhist religion,” he nately most of these agencies, instead of gathering information FAX: 44557819 20th century. In Africa and Asia this idea had claims. He has also conducted operations to cleanse about security threats to their nations, are more interested in creat- motivated millions to fight against colonial- his nation of Muslims, which has led to numerous ing incidents to serve their “national interests.” And for the sake of [email protected] ism but within half a century or so it turned humanitarian crises during the past decades. their “national interests” they are not transparent in handling infor- out to be a curse for humanity. Although these events have been extensively reported mation. This lack of transparency is perhaps the main impediment Basil Davidson has rightly pointed out in to conflict resolution in the world today. All thoughts and views his profound work The Black Man’s Burden: Is a separate state for the Rohingyas, as has been suggested, the expressed in these columns Africa and the Curse of the Nation-state that solution to the Rohingya crisis? I am not sure; for today many the modern African nation-state has meant In Europe the idea of nation-states are on the verge of total collapse and many others are those of the writers, not harsh dictatorships, massive poverty and nationalism originally emerged have already been identified as failed states. The solution, in our of the newspaper. extreme abuse of human rights. In this proc- at the end of the 18th century view, lies in the revival of Socratic values. George Sarton in his ess, the minorities have suffered most, and monumental Introduction to the History of Science notes that, All correspondence this suffering was not confined to Africa with a human face, but it “Greek civilisation ended in failure, not because of the lack of intel- demonstrated an ugly fanatic regarding Views and alone; many other parts of the world were ligence, but because of the lack of character, of morality.” Opinion pages should be adversely affected as well. The Rohingya façade during the first half of Will the Rohingya crisis motivate today’s civilized world to learn community in the South / Southeast Asian the 20th century. from history? Only the future will determine the answer to this mailed to the nation Myanmar seems to have become the question. [email protected] 12 ASIA TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 Cambodia cancels defence exercise with US

Military drill Phnom Penh that the exercises for 2017 and Philippines, have recently drawn "We have never had any Cambodia's military in govern- AP 2018 have been canceled. closer to China as Beijing flexes problem with the US," said ment crackdowns on the political The Angkor Sentinel He said military exchanges its diplomatic and military mus- Chhum Socheath, explaining that opposition and civil society exercise had to be ambodia has informed and training programmes are not cle in the region. in principle Cambodian forces activists." postponed because the United States that affected. Cambodia depends on China try to make friends with all However, US policy toward Cambodian forces it is canceling an After the local elections in as its most important ally and has countries including the US, Hun Sen's government has gen- would be unable to annual joint military June, Cambodia will hold a gen- demonstrated its willingness to China, Russia and Vietnam, to erally been conciliatory. fully participate as a exercise this year, eral election in 2018 in which do Beijing's bidding in diplomatic which they have also sent their Last year's exercise was the result of two Ceven though planning for the long-serving Prime Minister Hun initiatives in the region, espe- officers for training. seventh in the series, which tries important events: event had already begun, offi- Sen is expected to face a strong cially regarding Chinese Cambodia in December to emphasize humanitarian and local elections in June cials from both countries said challenge. territorial claims in the South hosted an unprecedented peacekeeping operations. yesterday. Some analysts tied the can- China Sea. "Golden Dragon" joint exercise "Joint military exercises ben- and a six-month Defence Ministry spokesman cellation more closely to China's "China is going to test the with Chinese troops similar in efit both of our nations by campaign to General Chhum Socheath said influence in the region, which United States," said Thitinan size and purpose to Angkor enhancing our ability to work eradicate drug- the Angkor Sentinel exercise had they believe will be exercised Pongsudhirak, a professor of Sentinel. together to combat maritime related crime. to be postponed because Cam- more vigorously after Donald political science at Bangkok's Washington has a compli- piracy, protect trade and ship- bodian forces would be unable Trump becomes US president. Chulalongkorn University. cated relationship with ping routes, deter terrorists, and Officials used the to fully participate as a result of Trump's rhetoric on China has "This is one of the early test Cambodia, whose human rights provide humanitarian assistance term "postpone" to two important events: local elec- been unfriendly, and he has sug- signals. Cambodia is a bit part in record is strongly criticized by during natural disasters," US tions in June and a six-month gested that the US may reduce the overall picture." groups such as Amnesty Inter- Embassy spokesman Raman said describe the campaign to eradicate drug- its involvement in the region. Both Chhum Socheath and national. US-based Human in his e-mail. cancellation of this related crime. Southeast Asian nations, the US spokesman used the term Rights Watch criticized the 2014 "The United States will look year's exercise. US Embassy spokesman Jay even traditional allies of the "postpone" to describe the can- Angkor Sentinel exercise for pro- for additional ways that we can Raman confirmed in an e-mail United States such as the cellation of this year's exercise. viding "training that would assist cooperate in these areas." THAAD missile Japan pledges maritime location could be delayed security aid to Vietnam Seoul Hanoi importance of ensuring the mar- Reuters AFP itime security on the issue of the South China Sea and promoting THE signing of a contract apan pledged $1.1bn to Viet- to resolve conflict by peaceful which would secure the loca- nam yesterday as part of a means (and) respecting interna- tion of a US missile defence Jsprawling aid package that tional law," Vietnamese Prime system inSouth Korea could targets maritime and security Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said. be delayed, Seoul's defence affairs to bolster ties in the face Tokyo has also sparred with ministry said yesterday. of regional powerhouse China. Beijing over its territorial claims The Terminal High Alti- Hanoi and Tokyo are locked in the East China Sea, and both tude Area Defence (THAAD) in separate standoffs with Bei- Japan and Vietnam have repeat- system is due to be deployed jing over territorial claims in edly stressed that maritime on land which is now part of disputed regional waters, push- disputes should be addressed a golf course owned by the ing the two countries closer in according to law. Lotte Group conglomerate in recent years. Climate projects and waste the Seongju region, southeast Japanese Prime Minister management were also included of South Korea's capital Seoul. Shinzo Abe announced the 130 in the loan aid package "The plan to go ahead billion yen loan package during announced yesterday on Abe's with the exchange will be a two-day visit to Vietnam, trip, his third visit to Vietnam as signed by mid-January, but which is also aimed at boosting prime minister. there is a possibility it will be business ties with the fast-grow- Vietnam has come under fire Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shakes hands with Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang at slightly delayed," South ing communist nation. for failing to enforce environ- the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, yesterday. Korean defence ministry "The two sides will further mental regulations, especially in spokesman Moon Sang-gyun cooperation in security and the industrial sector. said. defence," Abe vowed adding that Also high on the agenda were by a greying and shrinking of a promise by US President- "We agreed on the impor- "Lotte needs to hold a "newly-built patrol vessels" fresh investments from Japan, population. elect Donald Trump to scrap the tance of promoting the free trade meeting of the board of direc- would be supplied to Hanoi. the world's third largest econ- Both sides also pledged to massive Trans-Pacific Partner- mechanism like TPP," Abe said tors to approve the final "Both sides agreed on the omy that has been dragged down keep trade ties alive in the wake ship on his first day in office. yesterday. assessment fee," Moon said yesterday. "We understand that the meeting has not happened HK court rejects yet, but will be held soon". South Korea and the US Ban narrows gap for South Korean presidency say the deployment of THAAD legislators' bid system is designed to protect Seoul with 22.2 percent for Ban. was cited as saying. "I hope you an election would be held two against North Korea's grow- Reuters Ban, who has made several will manage the situation well." months later. The election to a to be reinstated ing nuclear and ballistic campaign-style appearances Park was also cited in the single five-year term is cur- capabilities. n opinion poll released since returning to South Korea release as congratulating Ban rently scheduled to take place Hong Kong But Beijing objects yesterday in South Korea earlier this month, has nar- for his past decade working for on December 20. AFP strongly to its use in South Ashowed former UN Sec- rowed the gap, having polled the UN, but did not mention her Ban, 72, planned to tour the Korea, where it says THAAD's retary General Ban Ki-moon in 21.5 percent against Moon's 26.8 impeachment process nor the south of the country yesterday, AN appeal bid by two anti- powerful radar could pene- second place and narrowing the percent a week earlier. scandal at hand. visiting shipbuilding docks in China lawmakers against trate Chinese territory, gap on the frontrunner among Ban said on Thursday that South Korea has been Geoje and a traditional market their disqualification from leading to calls from some likely candidates to succeed he will make a decision "soon" gripped by political crisis for in Busan. His representatives Hong Kong's parliament was South Korea opposition lead- President Park Geun-hye, who on his political future. months, with parliament vot- have said Ban aims to have as rejected yesterday, as the ers to delay or cancel its has been impeached by Yesterday, Ban called Pres- ing overwhelmingly in much contact with the public activists declared "war" on deployment. parliament. ident Park around 10am to December to impeach Presi- as possible as he gears up to the authorities. Moon Jae-in, a former The Realmeter poll com- inform her officially of his dent Park over an make a decision on his future. Baggio Leung and Yau opposition leader who cur- missioned by the Maeil Business return, Ban's spokesman Lee influence-peddling scandal, a Today, Ban is scheduled to Wai-ching are part of a new rently leads polls of Newspaper showed former lib- Do-woon said. decision that must be upheld or visit the grave of former Pres- movement calling for semi- presidential hopefuls, has said eral opposition party leader "I should have visited you overturned by the country's ident Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha autonomous Hong Kong to its deployment should wait Moon Jae-in maintaining his in person. It is unfortunate that Constitutional Court. village before heading to split from China as concerns until the next South Korean lead at 26.1 percent, compared the situation is like this," Ban If the impeachment stands, Pangmok Port. grow that Beijing is cracking administration is in place. down on freedoms in the city. The pair were then dis- qualified from retaking their oaths by Hong Kong's high court, after an intervention by Prosecutors seek arrest of Samsung empire heir Beijing. Hong Kong's court of appeal rejected an attempt to Seoul GDP and Lee's arrest could have Electronics -- South Korea's overthrow the disqualifica- AFP an "important" impact on the largest listed firm by value -- tion in November. economy, a spokesman for the falling 2.14 percent, shaving Yesterday, it also rejected outh Korean prosecutors prosecutors acknowledged. "But more than $5bn off its market their bid seeking leave to take yesterday sought the arrest we believe that achieving jus- capitalisation. their case to the city's court Sof the heir to the Samsung tice is more important," he said. Samsung is already trying to of final appeal. empire over a scandal that has The scion is vice chairman repair an image tarnished by the Speaking outside the seen the country's president of Samsung Electronics, the Note 7 recall crisis and faces stiff court, Leung, 30, said: "This impeached, in the latest setback firm's flagship subsidiary, and competition from Apple and is the beginning of a war." for the giant conglomerate. the de facto head of the group smaller Chinese rivals. Justice Maggie Poon Prosecutors investigating after his father suffered a heart "This is a big crisis for us," based her yesterday ruling on the corruption scandal said they attack in 2014. Yonhap news agency quoted an a special "interpretation" of asked a court to issue an arrest If prosecuted and convicted unnamed senior Samsung exec- the city's constitution by Bei- warrant for Lee Jae-Yong, the he could face a maximum five utive as saying. "We have to jing in November that only son of Samsung group years in prison, but leading make aggressive investment and effectively prevented Yau and chairman Lee Kun-Hee. South Korean businessmen have merger and acquisition decisions Baggio from taking up their The Seoul Central District previously been given sus- to race ahead of competitors. seats because of the way they Court said it would rule on the pended terms for such offences "But we are afraid that the took the oath. Choi Soon-sil arrives for a hearing arguments for South request tomorrow. -- including the elder Lee. latest development would cause The court also ordered Korean President Park Geun-hye's impeachment trial at the Samsung's revenue is equiv- The announcement sent the great delays in our decision- the pair to pay costs of Constitutional Court in Seoul, yesterday. alent to a fifth of South Korea's share price of Samsung making process." $21,600 each. TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 ASIA 13 Philippines protests Anti-polio drive China's arms buildup Manila Islands row AP I just want to assure he Philippines has the Filipino people filed a low-key diplo- that when we take matic protest with action at engaging China after a US think China in this dispute, tank reported that we do not want to TBeijing appears to have installed take such aggressive, anti-aircraft and anti-missile provocative action weapons on its man-made that will not solve the islands in the strategically vital problem: Yasay. South China Sea, the country's top diplomat said yesterday. Foreign Secretary Perfecto engage China in a war." The Center for Yasay (pictured) said the diplo- Nevertheless, he said, "when Strategic and A health worker administers the polio vaccine to a child during a vaccination campaign, matic communication was there are reports about the International Studies issued after the report came out build-up of weapon systems in report said anti- in Karachi, yesterday. last month. the area, during our watch we aircraft guns and The Center for Strategic and made sure that the interests and weapons systems International Studies report said rights of the Philippines are designed to guard anti-aircraft guns and weapons properly protected." against missile systems designed to guard Beijing says the artificial attacks appear to Australia govt against missile attacks appear islands are intended to boost have been placed on to have been placed on all seven maritime safety in the region Mother pleads guilty to all seven of China's of China's newly created islands. while downplaying their mili- slams Japan's newly created islands. Yasay said that Manila had tary utility. They also buttress murdering three children responded, but did so quietly. China's claim to ownership of whale hunt in "We have taken action on practically the entire South Sydney a five-year-old daughter that, we have issued a note ver- China Sea. the outcome, which was heav- AFP from the sinking vehicle. Southern Ocean bale," he said, referring to a Taiwan, Vietnam, the Phil- ily in favour of the Philippines. The mother of seven diplomatic communication that ippines, Malaysia and Brunei President Rodrigo Duterte, mother pleaded guilty entered a guilty plea for the Sydney is issued in the third person and also claim territory in the water- who succeeded Aquino in June, yesterday to murder- attempted murder of her sur- Reuters is not signed. way, through which an has taken steps to mend the Aing three of her viving daughter, court It is considered less formal estimated $5 trillion in global strained relations with China. He children and attempting to officials said. AUSTRALIA said yesterdayit than a letter of protest. trade passes each year. also has taken an antagonistic kill another by plunging her Witnesses said before the was "deeply disappointed" He did not say when it was After China took control of stance toward outgoing Presi- car into an Australian lake. tragedy Guode had com- Japan had continued whal- issued, adding it was a matter disputed Scarborough Shoal in dent Barack Obama's In 2015, Akon Guode, 37, plained of receiving threats ing in the Southern Ocean after that he did not want to discuss. 2012 and blocked Filipinos from administration after the US who came to Australia after from the wife of the children's anti-whaling activists pub- "I just want to assure the Fil- the rich fishing area, then Pres- leader criticized his deadly fleeing war in South Sudan, father and had isolated herself lished a photograph of a dead ipino people that when we take ident Benigno Aquino III brought crackdown on drugs. drove into the water on the from the Sudanese community, whale, and two days after Aus- action at engaging China in this his country's territorial disputes Yesterday, Yasay said outskirts of Melbourne. the Australian Broadcasting tralian and Japanese leaders dispute, we do not want to take with Beijing to international Duterte is expected to visit Rus- Her one-year-old son and Corporation reported. discussed the issue. such aggressive, provocative arbitration. sia sometime in May. four-year-old twins died, Sentencing is expected in Australia has long action that will not solve the China ignored the Philippine Several agreements may be while rescuers pulled her and March. opposed Japanese whaling problem," he said. "We cannot case and refused to recognise signed during the visit, he added. and the contentious issue was raised in talks between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Sydney on Sat- Pakistanis who fled offensive in tribal belt return home urday, sources familiar with the discussions said. "The Australian govern- Escapees Peshawar families from North Waziristan sent back to their villages and offensive, many fleeing over the ment is deeply disappointed AFP district, or some 2,000 people, towns. border into Afghanistan. that Japan has decided to The first batch of 200 were being greeted by officials Pakistan's army launched an Pakistani authorities say return to the Southern Ocean tribal families from housands of Pakistanis at the Ghulam Khan border operation in June 2014 to wipe 67,000 homes in the tribal belt this summer to undertake so- North Waziristan who fled to Afghanistan to crossing, local administrator out militant bases in northwest- were completely destroyed, but called 'scientific' whaling," district, or some Tescape fighting between Kamran Khan Afridi said ern tribal areas and bring an end there has been no independent Australian Environment Min- 2,000 people, were the army and militants in the yesterday. to a bloody insurgency that has assessment of the scale of the ister Josh Frydenberg said. being greeted by northwestern tribal areas began He also said that the simi- cost thousands of civilian lives damage. "It is not necessary to kill officials at the returning home yesterday, two lar numbers would be arriving since 2004. The country has asked the whales in order to study Ghulam Khan border years after they were displaced, daily until this January 26, with Hundreds of thousands of international community for them," Frydenberg added, crossing: Official. officials said. the families first accommo- civilians were forced to leave the $80m to "rebuild and rehabili- without confirming the exact The first batch of 200 tribal dated in camps before being North Waziristan by the tate" the tribal areas. location of the current hunt.

Caucus formed Necessary burden PPP tamps down protest in KP to resolve health issues plan against government Islamabad Bhutto Zardari from Lahore to Islambad Internews Faisalabad after his return from Internews Dubai. n a visible shift from its ear- He will be addressing pub- THE representatives of politi- lier announced plan to turn lic gatherings in the cities along cal parties including members IPunjab into a battleground, the way to Faisalabad. of chairperson of newly formed the Pakistan Peoples Party After this rally, there will be platform Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PPP) has begun tamping down a lull - at least till the end of this Assembly, and representatives its proposed protest campaign month. Bilawal and his father, of district governments have against the ruling Pakistan the PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali formed a Cross-Party Parlia- Muslim League-Nawaz (PML- Zardari, plan to visit the US later mentary Caucus on Health to N)-led government. The this month, the PPP sources resolve health issues. campaign now resembles a said This was announced in mass-contact drive. “It is the party’s high com- the provincial consultative Under the revised plan, the mand that takes final decisions. meeting on “Better health PPP is planning to hold public On our part, we had put for- facilities: constitutional right gatherings in Punjab, Khyber- ward proposals,” a leader of the of the People” organised by Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and PPP Punjab chapter said. Defin- Sustainable Development Balochistan. And these rallies ing ‘high command’, he hinted Policy Institute and EVA-BHN are also conditional to security that Zardari was still calling the A girl carries a water container on her head in Kabul, yesterday. with Maliha Ali Asghar Khan, assurance to its leadership. shots in the party. MPA as its President. Interestingly, the venues for “It is either CEC (Central public gatherings in the KP are Executive Committee) or Zard- in D I Khan and Malakand and ari (who makes a decision in the not in Peshawar, the KP’s pro- party)”. vincial capital. There is a visible shift in the Woman sentenced to death for honour killing Though there are still a few PPP’s policy especially after ‘benign’ programmes for Pun- Zardari’s return from self-exile Lahore Parveen Bibi confessed The court sentenced Rafiq's relatives sought to claim her jab, the PPP has gradually last month. Reuters before a special court in the city brother Anees to life in prison body, police said, leaving her scaled down its earlier plan of The newly-installed Pun- of Lahore to killing her daughter after the evidence showed her husband's family to bury her aggressive political shows - ral- jab chapter had pinned high court in Pakistan sen- in June for what she said was mother and brother had first charred remains after dark in a lies and protests - in different hopes from their young chair- tenced a mother to death "bringing shame to the family". beaten her, before her mother graveyard near the city. cities of the province. man, Bilawal, and had been Ayesterday for burning her Police said 18-year-old Zeenat threw kerosene on her and set Violence against women is The first such activity under planning aggressive politics daughter alive as punishment for Rafiq married Hassan Khan and her on fire. rampant in Pakistan, according what the PPP is tagging a ‘polit- against the PML-N, for revival marrying without the family's eloped to live with his family a After Rafiq's murder in a poor to the independent Human Rights ical long-march’ will be a rally of the party and for their own consent. week before she was killed. district of Lahore, none of her Commission of Pakistan. led by PPP Chairman Bilawal survival. 14 ASIA TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 Bangladesh to hang 26 for abductions & murders

Narayanganj case Dhaka Rights activists say they fre- are still at large. The bodies of bellies cut before their bodies heavily guarded courtroom on AFP quently carry out unlawful the victims were found floating were dumped in the Shitalakshya yesterday morning. He said the A judge found all 35 killings and are effectively able in a river, three days after wit- river outside the city. prosecution faced difficulties in defendants in the Bangladesh court yes- to operate in a climate of nesses reported seeing a group Prosecutors described dur- bringing the RAB officers to trial case guilty of terday sentenced 26 impunity. of people being bundled into the ing the trial how Nur Hossain, a and pointed out that they had involvement in the people to death after Judge Syed Enayet Hossain back of an unmarked van out- local councillor in Narayanganj only been detained after the high abduction and hearing how a poli- ordered 26 of the defendants to side the city's international and at the time a member of court intervened and ordered murder of seven tician from the ruling hang after the year-long trial in cricket stadium. Hasina's Awami League, hired their arrest. AwamiA League hired members Narayanganj, while the other Among those sentenced to RAB officers to kill his arch-rival Law and justice minister Ani- people in the central city of Narayanganj of the country's elite security unit nine were handed prison sen- death was Tarek Sayeed, an RAB Nazrul Islam and four of his sul Huq said the state had to assassinate political rivals. tences ranging from seven to 17 commander who is the son-in- aides. Hossain, who was among "fulfilled its duty" by bringing the in April 2014. At the end of a trial that years. law of a minister in Prime those sentenced to death on offenders to book. "I believe the gripped the nation, a judge found "Of the 26 who have been Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabi- Monday, fled to neighbouring verdict will satisfy the people and Of the 26, who have all 35 defendants in the case sentenced to hang, 16 were the net. A lawyer who filmed the India after the killings but was will dispel the fear this horren- been sentenced to guilty of involvement in the members of the Rapid Action abductions outside the stadium later arrested in Kolkata and dous crime has created," he told hang, 16 were the abduction and murder of seven Battalion (RAB)," prosecutor S.M. on his mobile phone was then extradited. reporters. Opposition parties say members of the people in the central city of Wazed Ali said. Twenty-three of himself kidnapped, along with "We're satisfied. We finally hundreds of their activists have Rapid Action Narayanganj in April 2014. those convicted were in the his driver. All seven of the vic- got justice," Shakhawat Hossain been abducted during Hasina's Battalion. Convictions of security force crowded court when the verdict tims were suffocated with Khan, a lawyer for the victims, eight years in power and never members are rare in Bangladesh. was announced but the other 12 polythene bags and had their told reporters outside the seen again.

Akhilesh wins 'cycle' Myanmar White trail launches war; blow to Mulayam bus network New Delhi told the media. "The Election IANS Commission will get the bless- Yangon ings of crores of people of Uttar Reuters he Election Commission Pradesh." The decision trig- yesterday recognised the gered wild celebrations among yanmar launched a Tfaction led by Uttar Akhilesh supporters in Luc- new public transport Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh know, where the Chief Minister Msystem in its largest Yadav as the Samajwadi Party immediately headed to the city yesterday, for the first and allotted it the 'cycle' sym- house of his father and party time introducing regular bus bol, dealing a huge blow to founder Mulayam Singh. lines, timetables and salaries Mulayam Singh Yadav. The Samajwadi Party for- for drivers in a move that The decision, less than a mally split on January 1 when could transform the lives of month before the staggered the Akhilesh faction ousted some five million Yangon city Uttar Pradesh assembly elec- Mulayam Singh as its dwellers. tion starts on February 11, was President. The reform is the largest first announced by Akhilesh Both factions then peti- public-facing project with confidant Ram Gopal Yadav. tioned the Election Commission immediate impact on the city A beaming Ram Gopal to allot it the 'cycle' symbol. where country leader Aung Yadav, who is also a Rajya After some two weeks of San Suu Kyi won big in his- Sabha member, urged the peo- bitter fighting, the poll panel -- toric 2015 election, and a ple of Uttar Pradesh to vote which heard both versions for major test for her ability to Kashmiri children play with snow on a wooden footbridge in the interiors of Dal Lake in Akhilesh Yadav back to power hours on Friday -- on Monday meet the sky-high expecta- Srinagar, yesterday. in the coming election. voted in favour of Akhilesh tions of the public. "This is a just decision," he Yadav. With parliamentary by- elections looming in April, Suu Kyi’s National League for NEWS BYTES Democracy (NLD) has over- hauled the chaotic network China will 'take off the gloves' of some 4,000 rickety public RBI hikes ATM withdrawal limit to `10,000 transport vehicles, half of them in use for more than 20 NEW DELHI: The RBI yesterday hiked the daily ATM with- years, according to govern- ` ` if Trump continues to provoke drawal limit from 4,500 to 10,000 and doubled the weekly ment data. Current Account withdrawal limit to ` 1 lakh. The changes are aimed at The withdrawals from ATMs will be operative within the reducing traffic and commute Beijing of precedent last month by tak- “The Chinese mainland will existing overall weekly limit of `24,000, a Reserve Bank of time of some two million Reuters ing a congratulatory telephone be prompted to speed up Tai- India communique said. "On a review of limits placed on with- commuters who have com- call from Taiwan President Tsai wan reunification and drawals from ATMs and current accounts, it has been decided plained the buses are hina will “take off the Ing-wen, angering Beijing which mercilessly combat those who to enhance the same with immediate effect," the RBI said. overcrowded, schedules gloves” and take strong sees Taiwan as part of China. advocate Taiwan’s independ- On December 31, the RBI relaxed the daily ATM with- unpredictable and driving Caction if US President- “If Trump is determined to ence,” the paper said in an drawal limit to ` 4,500 from the earlier cap of ` 2,500. The unsafe. elect Donald Trump continues use this gambit in taking office, editorial. Chinese Foreign Min- enhanced Current Account withdrawal has been extended to One of them is Toe Toe, a to provoke Beijing over Taiwan a period of fierce, damaging istry spokeswoman Hua overdraft and cash credit accounts, the RBI said. 20-year-old female univer- once he assumes office, two interactions will be unavoida- Chunying said the United States sity student who on a recent leading state-run newspapers ble, as Beijing will have no was clearly aware of China’s Free healthcare to Nepal quake victims afternoon boarded a packed said yesterday. choice but to take off the gloves,” position on “One China”. bus in the city centre, clutch- In an interview with the Wall the English-language China “Any person should under- KATHMANDU: Nepal's Health Ministry and the National ing an old 200 Myanmar kyat Street Journal published on Fri- Daily said. stand that in this world there are Reconstruction Authority (NRA) will conduct free healthcare ($0.15) note for the bus fare day, Trump said the “One China” The Global Times, an influ- certain things that cannot be programmes for the 2015 earthquake survivors. A meeting in one hand and a lunch box policy was up for negotiation. ential state-run tabloid, echoed traded or bought and sold,” she between NRA Chief Executive Officer Govindaraj Pokharel and in the other. China’s foreign ministry, in the China Daily, saying Beijing told a daily news briefing. Health Secretary Senendraraj Upreti decided to run the free "I'm always trapped with response, said “One China” was would take “strong counter- “The One China principle is programmes in the quake-hit districts. Coordination would be a crowd of other passengers the foundation of China- ties measures” against Trump’s the precondition and political made with the Institute of Medicine (IoM), Kathmandu Univer- for at least one hour," said and was non-negotiable. attempt to “impair” the “One basis for any country having sity, National Academy of Medical Sciences and Patan Academy Toe Toe. Trump broke with decades China” principle. relations with China.” of Health Sciences to deploy specialists in the health camps, Pokharel said. The quake that jolted Nepal on April 25, 2015 killed about 9,000 people. 3 militants dead in Kashmir gun battle Welcoming New Year India's entry into NSG can't SRINAGAR: Three militants were killed in an overnight gun battle with soldiers in a village in Indian Kashmir, an army be a farewell gift: China spokesman said yesterday. Rajesh Kalia said troops cordoned off the village near the tourist resort of Pahalgam after receiv- Beijing Chinese Foreign Ministry ing a tip that fighters were hiding out in a private home there. IANS spokesperson Hua Chunying "On specific intelligence army soldiers cordoned off the vil- said here. "I just want to point lage on Sunday evening and the gun battle started," Kalia said. hina yesterday said out that NSG membership shall "Three terrorists have been killed. Their bodies and weap- India's entry into the not be some kind of farewell gift ons have been retrieved." CNuclear Suppliers Group for countries to give to each A police officer said soldiers using mortar fire had destroyed (NSG) cannot be a "farewell gift" other," Hua said, obliquely the house. Troops are deployed in Kashmir, where rebel groups to the outgoing US President referring to Obama who will be have for decades been fighting for independence. Barack Obama. succeeded by Donald J. Trump. Beijing's reaction came The US administration, China courts warned on independence after US Assistant Secretary of under Obama, has strongly State for South and Central Asia backed India's membership in BEIJING: China’s courts must firmly resist the Western idea Nisha Desai Biswal described the NSG, which regulates the of judicial independence and other ideologies that threaten China as an "outlier" in the global nuclear trade. the leadership of the ruling Communist Party, the country’s process of letting India joining China's has opposed India's top judge was reported as saying by the official China News the nuclear trade bloc. entry into the 48-member Service. Courts in China are not independent and ultimately "Regarding India's applica- grouping, which is one of the answer to the party leadership, although legal reforms unveiled tion to the Nuclear Suppliers irritants in Sino-India ties. in recent years have aimed to give judges more independence Group, regarding non-NPT Beijing objects to New Del- and rein in local officials’ influence over courts. A man hangs lanterns along a street ahead of the Chinese countries admission to the NSG, hi's inclusion in the bloc, citing Authorities in Beijing say China requires a different kind Lunar New Year in Xuchang, Henan province, China, we have made our position India's non-signatory status to of legal system from Western models. yesterday. clear before so I will not repeat the nuclear non-proliferation it," treaty. TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 EUROPE 15

The wreckage of a Turkish cargo plane is seen after it crashed in the village of Dacha-Suu outside Bishkek, yesterday. RIGHT: Rescue personnel work at the crash site. Turkish cargo jet crashes in Kyrgyzstan; 37 dead

Kyrgyzstan Cause unclear Another 15 people, including six plane came down but weather handed the base over to the Kyr- AP "I woke up because children, were hospitalised in the conditions were not critical. gyz military in 2014. The Boeing 747 of a bright red light disaster, according to the health One of the plane's two flight ACT Airlines said that the Turkish cargo plane ministry. recorders was recovered at the crash wasn't the result of "tech- crashed at 7:40am outside. I couldn't crashed yesterday in a while approaching Kyrgyz Emergency Situations scene, according to the Kyrgyz nical reasons or factors linked to Aresidential area just out- Manas airport, understand what was Minister Kubatbek Boronov said prime minister's office. the freight" on the plane. It did side the main airport in destroying half of a happening. It turns 23 out of the 43 houses in the vil- "I woke up because of a not specify the plane's cargo. Kyrgyzstan, destroying half of a village. out the ceiling and the lage had been destroyed. Several bright red light outside," resident It said the plane's records village and killing at least 37 peo- dozen homes were near the Baktygul Kurbatova, who was book had no record of any tech- walls were crashing on ple in the plane and on the ACT Airlines said that fence surrounding the runway. slightly injured, told local televi- nical faults and said that the ground, the Emergency Situa- the crash wasn't the us. I was so scared but The plane, which had sion. "I couldn't understand what plane had not encountered any tions Ministry said. departed from Hong Kong, was happening. It turns out the mishaps during its journey or as result of "technical I managed to cover The Boeing 747 crashed at belonged to the Istanbul-based ceiling and the walls were crash- it proceeded to land at Bishkek. reasons or factors my son's face with my 7:40am local time while cargo company ACT Airlines, ing on us. I was so scared but I Turkish President Recep approaching Manas airport, linked to the freight" hands so debris would which said the dead included the managed to cover my son's face Tayyip Erdogan called Kyrgyz south of the capital, Bishkek, in on the plane. not fall on him," said a plane's four Turkish crew mem- with my hands so debris would President Almazbek Atambayev this Central Asian nation. resident. bers: two pilots, a freight expert not fall on him." to express his condolences and Footage from the scene and a flight technician. The Manas airport has been convey his sadness at the loss of showed the plane's nose stuck A car parked nearby was man- The cause of the crash was considerably expanded since the lives in the disaster. Turkey's inside a brick house and large gled in the crash, and a not immediately clear. Emer- United States began to operate a transportation ministry also sent chunks of debris scattered refrigerator lay open. The bod- citizens, had been identified by gency Situations Minister military installation there, using two experts from its accident around. A dozen body bags were ies of 15 victims, including five yesterday evening, the Kyrgyz Boronov told reporters that it it primarily for its military oper- investigation board to Bishkek laid out in the yard of one home. children, all of them Kyrgyz government said on its website. was foggy at Manas when the ations in Afghanistan. The US to assist Kyrgyz authorities.

Immersed in snow EU needs new budget to Prominent Dutch lawyer Wakkie face security woes: Monti arrested in Spain

Brussels Last week German Chan- Madrid Reuters cellor Angela Merkel called on Reuters European countries to increase he migration and security security cooperation and panish police arrested challenges faced by the spending because there was no prominent Dutch corpo- TEuropean Union need to “guarantee of perpetuity” in Srate lawyer Peter be addressed with a different relations with the United States. Wakkie at Madrid airport yes- funding system which would Monti’s report suggests the terday in an investigation into give the EU a direct share of EU should be funded mostly the insolvency of Russian- national tax revenues, former with direct revenues, which Spanish telecom firm ZED+, Italian prime minister Mario now account for about 10 per- a judicial source said. Monti said. cent of its budget, rather than A spokesman for Wakkie, Monti, who was a European with indirect transfers from who is ZED+’s interim man- Commissioner between 1994 national governments that ager, said he could not and 2004, chairs an EU advi- cause regular wrangling among immediately comment on the A car covered in snow is seen near Breitenau, eastern Germany, yesterday. sory group on reforming the capitals. Money could come arrest at Barajas Airport after common budget that will from a share of national taxes a flight from the Netherlands, deliver its final report to the and duties on electricity, motor where the company is Commission this week. fuel, financial transactions or domiciled. In an interview, Monti said “other revenue stemming from The source from the UK's Piccadilly Circus lights go off a different budget is needed EU policies”, the report says. Spanish investigation said because the EU is acquiring new Monti stressed the reform Spain’s anti-corruption pros- London buildings around the central rary banner will be installed. tasks to deal with the migration would “not increase the size of ecutor’s office was seeking to Reuters London junction are making The new space at the junc- and security emergencies. the budget nor the tax pressure charge Wakkie with belong- way for a huge, single, curved tion will be shared by six He warned that change on EU citizens and companies”, ing to a criminal organisation or the first time since screen. advertisers, including Coca-Cola would not be easy to achieve because more revenues from and making false claims of World War Two, the giant Due for an autumn unveil- which has had its name up in but may be hastened by the taxes would be offset by lower insolvency. Filluminated billboards that ing, the new screen will display lights there for 62 years. prospect of reduced security national transfers. The source, speaking have lit up London’s Piccadilly high definition video streams, The first illuminated advert, support from EU’s main ally, the The current EU budget, anonymously to confirm a Circus for over 100 years have show weather, traffic and sports for French mineral water Per- United States. President-elect totalling around one trillion report in news outlet El Con- been switched off for an updates and broadcast social rier, appeared in Piccadilly Donald Trump has hinted at the euros, runs from 2014 till 2020. fidencial, declined to extended period, as work starts media feeds from advertising Circus in 1908. During World possibility that Washington It is likely to be reduced after elaborate on either charge to replace them. The current six brands. War Two from 1939 to 1945, the may reduce its involvement in Britain, one of its main funders, and said the proceedings screens on the walls of In the meantime, a tempo- lights were off. EU defence. leaves the European Union. were secret. Further calls to Wakkie’s spokesman on the charges went unanswered. A spokeswoman for the Span- ish High Court declined to comment on the arrest. Serbia wants to annex part of Kosovo: President Wakkie was named interim top manager of ZED+ Pristina the border. Serbia does not rec- to some 50,000 ethnic Serbs the Soviet Union in 1991 contin- civilians. Nato still has around by the Amsterdam Commer- Reuters ognise the independence of who refuse to accept the prov- ued to feel loyalty to Moscow 5,000 troops stationed in Kos- cial Court in November 2014 Kosovo, its former province, and ince’s independence and want rather than to the newly inde- ovo to keep the fragile peace. pending an inquiry into the erbia plans to seize a slice did not seek Pristina’s permission to be governed again by Bel- pendent government in Kiev. As well as Serbia, its ally Rus- company’s previous manage- of northern Kosovo just as for the passage of the train, which grade. “Serbia’s intention is to Crimea’s ethnic Russians sia and some other countries also ment, whose infighting had SRussia annexed Ukraine’s it paid for and organised. use this train, which was donated welcomed Moscow’s annexation refuse to recognise Kosovo’s brought it close to bank- Crimea region in 2014, Kosovo’s On Sunday Serbia’s presi- by Russia, first to help carve - carried out initially by soldiers 2008 independence. After talks ruptcy, according to Dutch president said yesterday, as the dent, Tomislav Nikolic, said away the northern part of Kos- wearing unmarked uniforms to with Serbia’s military top brass court documents. two Balkan neighbours trade Kosovo’s action had shown it ovo and then ... attach it to disguise their identity - though and state security chiefs in Bel- In February 2016, the accusations of wanting to ignite wanted war with Belgrade. Kos- Serbia. It is the Crimea model,” the move also triggered West- grade on Sunday, Serbia’s Nikolic court suspended ZED+ Co- a new regional war. ovo’s President Hashim Thaci Thaci said in an interview. ern economic sanctions against threatened to send troops back President and Chief Executive Kosovo special police units said the train was aimed at “pro- He was referring to Ukraine’s Russia. Serbia lost control of into Kosovo. Javier Perez Dolset from its on Saturday prevented a train voking” Kosovars in order to Crimea peninsula, home to Rus- Kosovo when Nato air strikes “If they are killing Serbs, we board of managers after the painted in Serbia’s national col- create a pretext for Serbia to sia’s Black Sea fleet and forced Belgrade to withdraw its will send the army, all of us will London Court of International ours and bearing the words intervene militarily and annex populated mainly by ethnic Rus- troops in 1999 after they had go, I will go as well, it would not Arbitration found in 2015 that “Kosovo is Serbia” from crossing northern areas of Kosovo, home sians who after the collapse of killed 10,000 ethnic Albanian be my first time,” said Nikolic. he had forged documents. 16 EUROPE TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 Europe's fate Biden: Unite in face of Russian 'aggression' Kiev 'in our own AFP utgoing US Vice Presi- dent Joe Biden yesterday Ourged the international hands': Merkel community to remain united in the face of Russian "aggression", insisting sanctions on Moscow Backlash should stay over its actions in Ukraine. Merkel shrugged off Biden's comments during a the latest comments, visit to Kiev to voice support for noting that Trump's Ukraine's pro-Western leaders position "is known". came as US President-elect Donald Trump signals closer Merkel said that she ties with the Kremlin. would work towards "Russia's continued getting the European attempts to undermine your Union's 27 remaining success, your security, your sov- member states to ereignty and your territorial strengthen their integrity are manifold," Biden war in mostly Muslim nations, said at a joint press briefing with economies and meet including Syria and Iraq, insin- Ukrainian President Petro future challenges, uating that this posed a security Poroshenko. including the battle risk. "Together with our EU and against terrorism. Merkel said Trump had G7 partners we made it clear US Vice President Joe Biden (left) and Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman shake mistakenly conflated two sep- that sanctions should remain in hands during their meeting in Kiev, yesterday. Berlin arate issues. "I would clearly place until Russia fully... imple- AFP separate (terrorism) from the ments its commitments under one against Russian aggression under Trump. Biden has spear- separatist fighters in the east. existence of refugees in rela- the Minsk agreement," he said and coercion." Biden's half-day headed efforts by Barack Ukraine and its Western allies erman Chancellor tion to the Syrian civil war. The referring to a February 2015 visit was aimed at underscor- Obama's outgoing adminstra- including the United States Angela Merkel Syrian civil war has been far peace deal aimed at ending the ing his personal involvement in tion to push Ukraine towards accuse Russia of fuelling the war insisted yesterday longer, the majority of Syrians conflict in eastern Ukraine. providing support for the reforms as the country strug- by deploying troops and smug- that "we Europeans left their country because of the "The international commu- former Soviet country amid gles with Russia's annexation of gling arms to separatists, claims have our fate in our civil war, because of the fight nity must continue to stay as concerns that ties could chill Crimea and its support for Moscow has repeatedly denied. Gown hands", after Donald against Assad or the oppression Trump criticised the EU and by Assad," she said, referring to praised Britain's decision to Syrian President Bashar Al leave the bloc. Assad. Trump to end some Russian sanctions Spain holds Merkel also told reporters "In addition to this is Islam- that she would work towards ist terrorism and that concerns London “reduced very substantially”. Trump said that he would getting the European Union's all of us, but the civil war as Reuters “They have sanctions on appoint Jared Kushner, his son- boxing coach 27 remaining member states to such was in Syria first," said Russia - let’s see if we can make in-law, to broker a Middle East strengthen their economies and Merkel, who has also come S President-elect Donald some good deals with Russia. peace deal, urged Britain to veto suspected of meet future challenges, includ- under fire at home after Trump said he will offer For one thing, I think nuclear any new UN Security Council recruiting for IS ing the battle against terrorism. 890,000 asylum-seekers Uto end sanctions against weapons should be way down resolution critical of Israel and The German leader's comments arrived in 2015 alone. Russia in return for a nuclear and reduced very substantially, repeated his criticism of Presi- came after the US president- Merkel shrugged off the lat- arms reduction deal with Krem- that’s part of it,” Trump was dent Obama’s handling of the Madrid elect branded the Nato alliance est comments, noting that lin chief Vladimir Putin, The quoted by the newspaper as Iran nuclear deal. AFP as "obsolete" and lashed out at Trump's position "is known". Times newspaper reported. saying. He praised Queen Elizabeth a key EU-US nuclear deal with "When he is in office, and In an interview with The Trump also criticised Rus- and said he was eager to get a panish police yesterday Iran. at the moment that's not the Times of London, Trump said he sia for its intervention in the trade deal done with the United arrested a Moroccan In an interview with two case, we will work with the new wanted nuclear weapons arse- Syrian civil war, describing it as Kingdom. “We’re gonna work Sboxing coach suspected European newspapers, Trump American government and see nals of the world’s two biggest “a very bad thing” that had led very hard to get it done quickly of recruiting for the Islamic also took aim at Merkel's deci- what kind of agreements we nuclear powers—the United to a “terrible humanitarian sit- and done properly. Good for State group, the interior min- sion to let in refugees fleeing can reach," she said. States and Russia—to be uation,” The Times said. both sides,” Trump said. istry said. The arrested man spe- cialised in "sending foreign fighters to Turkey where they Foraging for food received instructions from Poland to urge soft Daesh to commit attacks in Europe", the ministry said in a statement, using the Ara- bic acronym for IS. Brexit: Kaczynski He was detained in San Sebastian in Spain's north- ern Basque Country, the Warsaw early February. With close to a statement added, without AFP million Polish migrants living giving the suspect's name or and working in Britain, War- age. he powerful head of saw is keen to secure the best According to the minis- Poland's governing right- possible terms for its citizens try, the suspect had had links Twing Law and Justice (PiS) who want to remain there after with a man previously party yesterday said he would the UK departs the European detained in Morocco and urge close ties with post-Brexit Union. Britain warned Sunday another arrested in France Britain in talks with German it might undercut the EU eco- in November, both of whom Chancellor Angela Merkel nomically if it cannot obtain followed "concrete and pre- expected next month. both single market access and cise instructions from "Germany wants the terms immigration controls, as reports Daesh." on which Britain will leave the said Prime Minister Theresa French police detained EU to distance London from the May could opt for a "hard" four men in Strasbourg, on bloc," Jaroslaw Kaczynski said. Brexit strategy in a key Tues- November 20, suspected of "We want Britain to stay as day policy speech. plotting to attack the French close as possible to the Euro- "It seems that the European capital, having allegedly pean Union and even for it to Union will not be able to sur- researched sites including a return to the bloc in a relatively vive without some kind of deep Christmas market and Dis- short time," he added. crisis, without far-reaching neyland Paris as potential Kaczynski is expected to reforms," Kaczynski added. targets.According to Spanish focus on both broader EU issues "We're proposing deep reforms. authorities, 181 alleged jihad- and the state of bilateral ties This is where we have a differ- ists have been detained since Swans and other birds gather for feeding near the banks of the ice covered Danube River with Merkel during her visit to ent opinion from Germany, 2015, when Spain increased in Belgrade, yesterday, as temperatures dropped to -10 degrees Celsius overnight. Poland that officials in Warsaw although there is some common its terror alert to category say is planned for ground." four on a five-point scale. Northern Ireland elections set for March 2 as govt falls

Dublin peace accord intended. Broken- McGuinness resigned last Arlene Foster, leader of the DUP, effectively ended three decades The other option would be AFP & Ap shire expressed hope that the week in protest over a botched when she was economy minis- of political violence in Northern direct rule of Northern Ireland Irish Catholics of Sinn Fein and green heating scheme following ter has been simmering for Ireland. from the British parliament in ritain's Cabinet minister for the British Protestants of the weeks of tensions with the Dem- months. The sectarian voting patterns London. The last period of direct Northern Ireland says the Democratic Unionist Party would ocratic Unionist Party (DUP), She has repeatedly refused that have always characterised rule ended in 2007. Bterritory's unraveling unity repair their broken relationship which supports British rule of the to step aside temporarily to allow elections in the province's deeply In the Brexit referendum, 56 government must be dissolved following the vote, which comes province. an investigation into a scheme divided society could remain percent in Northern Ireland and an early election will be held just 10 months after a previous T"Sinn Fein have indicated which could cost Northern Ire- intact in the next vote, bringing voted to stay in the EU compared on March 2. election. that they're not intending to put land taxpayers up to £490m little prospect of an end to the to a national result of 52 percent Secretary of State James Bro- He spoke hours after Sinn a replacement forward. The clear ($592m, ¤558m) and McGuin- political stalemate. in favour of leaving. The DUP kenshire said yesterday he had Fein refused to fill its top post in indications are that we are mov- ness last week quit his position, If the two biggest parties are was the only one of the main no power to compel the oppo- the two-party government, ing towards an election," accusing Foster of "deep-seated returned as expected but the political parties that voted to site sides in Northern Ireland's denounced its Democratic Brokenshire told the BBC on arrogance". Northern Ireland's deadlock remains, then a second leave the bloc. British Prime nearly decade-old government Unionist partners as corrupt and Sunday. power-sharing executive and election could be called if there Minister Theresa May has said coalition to keep working bigoted and called for a new The crisis over a green assembly were formed under the is failure to form an executive she plans to launch the EU exit together as the territory's 1998 vote. energy scheme instigated by 1998 Belfast Agreement that within three weeks of the vote. procedure by the end of March. TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 AMERICAS 17 Obama prepares for a busy retirement & more freedom Washington Obama to play the role of is Obama’s former chief of staff, coming months as they engage AP shadow-president, offering Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. more heavily in designing the direction to those Americans It’s unclear whether Obama centre. While it will be several or Barack Obama (pic- who feel they lost their political will sign with Ari Emanuel. But years before the library is up and tured), there’s a compass the day Trump was the discussions suggest Obama running, the foundation has left presidential library to elected. has been looking to Hollywood open the possibility it might start build, hundreds of mil- Obama has said he has plenty for inspiration about ways to some programming sooner. lions of dollars to raise, of ideas for how his party can engage creatively and on multi- Former White House aide Fcauses to champion and a book revive itself, but after eight years ple fronts, such as digital media Amy Brundage, a spokeswoman to write. And don’t forget that as president, his role will be to and television. Emanuel didn’t for the foundation, said it would long-promised vacation with his offer guidance, not to respond to a request for use 2017 to “build upon the work wife. Looming retirement is micromanage. comment. that has begun” to create a cen- looking like anything but for the “I think it’s appropriate for Whatever direction he tre that inspires people to take 44th president. me to give advice, because I need chooses, Obama will not be on big challenges. Obama’s next chapter starts some sleep,” Obama told NPR pressed financially. He can Obama also plans to stay on Friday when he becomes an last month. “And I’ve promised expect to fetch an advance of involved in his My Brother’s ex-president. He’ll be freer to Michelle a nice vacation. My girls more than $20m for his book, Keeper initiative, recently speak his mind, set his own are getting old enough now said Keith Urbahn, a literary renamed the “Task Force on schedule and make some money. where I’m clinging to those very agent at Javelin DC who’s han- Improving the Lives of Boys and Already, Obama is looking last moments before they are out Still, Obama has reserved the more public way around the time dled best-sellers for top political Young Men of Color and Under- ahead to the book he wants to of the house.” right to speak out against Trump he releases his book — probably figures. served Youth.” He is also teaming write, and has had talks with Obama is expected to keep a if he pursues policies the presi- sometime next year — and goes “Half of the country still up with former Attorney General Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel low profile for the first few dent finds particularly odious, on a promotional tour. Obama’s looks at him as their leader,” Eric Holder on the National about arrangements that could months after Trump’s swearing- such as a ban on Muslim immi- chief White House speechwriter, Urbahn said. “From a publishing Democratic Redistricting Com- include speaking gigs. in. Following some relaxation gration or mass deportation of Cody Keenan, is expected to stay perspective, he will probably end mittee, a new initiative to At 55, Obama will be a rela- time with his wife and daughters children brought to the US ille- with his boss to help him craft up with the highest advance of improve Democrats’ hand when tively young ex-president, with in an unnamed location, the fam- gally. “The party is in bad state the sequel to Obama’s two pre- any ex-president in history.” political districts are redrawn in plenty of time for a second act. ily will return to Washington, and there are no clear, obvious vious best-sellers. It won’t be long until Obama 2020. He’s ruled out running another where they’ve rented a mansion voices for Democrats yet,” said Though Obama has yet to and his wife start raising money The hub of Obama’s activity campaign for political office — in the upscale Kalorama Julian Zelizer, a presidential his- fully settle his plans, four indi- for the Barack Obama Founda- will be his personal office, to be so has his wife — but he has neighbourhood. torian at Princeton University. viduals familiar with Obama’s tion, which is developing his housed in the World Wildlife pledged to stay active in the Obama has repeatedly “If there’s anyone who could thinking said over the last year presidential library and centre Fund headquarters not far from national conversation. praised George W Bush for giv- stand up to a President Trump, that he’s discussed post-presi- in Chicago. The price tag is his rented home. For the first six With President-elect Donald ing him room to operate without it’s going to be former President dency arrangements with expected to approach half a bil- months, he’ll also have a govern- Trump headed to the White having the ex-president publicly Obama.” Emanuel, a leading talent exec- lion dollars. The Obamas will ment-funded office overseeing House, Democrats are eager for second-guess him at every turn. Obama may re-emerge in a utive. One of Emanuel’s brothers have to hire personnel in the his transition to ex-president.

Six dead as ice Five dead in shooting storm wrecks havoc across US US authorities announced at Mexican resort death of six people in a wave of freezing rain and heavy snow that covered wide areas Cancún London-based music magazine of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas AFP Tragedy Mixmag who was in the back- and Missouri in the US. Fifteen people were stage area of the Blue Parrot said Three people died in shooting erupted at an injured, some in the at least four or five shots were three crashes in Missouri electronic music festival fired at around 2:45 (0745 GMT) thought to be weather- stampede, after at in the Mexican resort of or 3 am, indicating that it hap- related, while in Kansas two A least one shooter Playa del Carmen yesterday, pened in front of the club. people were killed in sepa- leaving at least five people dead opened fire before “People started running rate car crashes and a truck and sparking a stampede, the dawn at the because there’s an exit in the driver was killed in a crash mayor said. Blue Parrot club back. We stopped and hid behind on an ice-covered highway A Forensic Medical Service van is parked outside a club near Fifteen people were injured, during the BPM a cement wall, then crawled in Oklahoma. Over 20 vehi- the beach in Playa del Carmen, where five people were killed, some in the stampede, after at festival. under a metal table,” Valerie Lee, cles were involved in a pileup least one shooter opened fire Mixmag’s US digital editor, was during a music festival yesterday. near downtown Wichita, before dawn at the Blue Parrot information about their citizens’ quoted as saying by the Kansas. Two people suffered club during the BPM festival, conditions. She said the shoot- magazine. loud, likely those inside didn’t media showed people cowering injuries, authorities said. Mayor Cristina Torres told Tur- ing appeared to have taken place “Security guards at first even hear.” or running down the street. In Oklahoma, more than quesa radio. Three of the dead inside the club, causing people didn’t think it was shots and kept She said friends outside the The BPM Festival issued a 10,000 people were without are foreigners, said Torres, to flee in panic. Other witnesses claiming it was fireworks, say- entrance were just six metres statement on Facebook saying power. The US National mayor of the municipality of Sol- said it happened outside the club. ing everything was OK. Then from the shooter. the attack was perpetrated by a Weather Service said that idaridad, which includes the Playa del Carmen is 68km people kept running and said “Bodies on the ground. Didn’t lone shooter in front of the club. widespread freezing rain was popular beach resort. south of Cancun. The region, they saw a gun. We kept hiding seem like shooters tried to enter “The violence began on 12th expected to continue over “For the moment we have popular among American and until they opened the back gate the party,” Lee wrote. Street in front of the club and much of Oklahoma, Kansas, indications that one person European tourists, has been and we ran outside,” Lee said. “Police took over 10 minutes three members of the BPM secu- and Missouri through, warn- opened fire,” Torres said, add- largely spared from the drug vio- Lee wrote on Twitter that the to arrive. Victims likely include rity team were among those ing of expected ice storm and ing that authorities were lence plaguing other parts of music was still playing five min- tourists/party goers, poss (pos- whose lives were lost while try- freezing rain in northeast contacting the US, Canadian and Mexico. utes after the shots were heard. sibly) a security guard.” ing to protect patrons inside the New Mexico to central Colombian consulates to provide An editor for the The music, she said, was “super Images shared on social venue,” the statement said. Illinois. Maduro renews crisis controls Prisoners occupy roof of

Caracas AFP Brazil jail after massacre enezuela’s leader Nico- las Maduro angered his Natal Vopponents by refusing to AFP face them for his annual presi- dential address, fanning tensions ozens of inmates on Mon- as he renewed his emergency day occupied the roof of a powers in a volatile crisis. His DBrazilian jail where the decision to give the speech in the country's latest prison massacre pro-Maduro Supreme Court took place. Police stormed the instead of the legislature aggra- prison on Sunday morning and vated a political standoff in the ended a night-long riot. They oil-exporting country. found 26 prisoners dead, most of Delivering it inside the court them beheaded. building, he confirmed the depth President Michel Temer said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (centre), his wife Cilia of Venezuela’s economic trou- on Twitter that the federal gov- Flores (left) and President of Supreme Court of Justice, Gladys bles. Maduro said income from ernment stood ready to provide the country’s crucial oil exports Maria Gutierrez after the ceremony in Caracas. "all assistance necessary." plunged from more than $48bn Security forces surrounded in 2008 to just $5.3bn last year. The new opposition speaker opposition majority took over a the prison after violence broke That has meant less money to of the assembly, Julio Borges, year ago. The opposition MUD out but had to wait until first light fund the social welfare model told reporters Maduro was vio- coalition blames Maduro for an on Sunday to storm the site with championed by Maduro and his lating the constitution, which economic crisis that has armoured vehicles. Prisoners had late predecessor Hugo Chavez. says the address must be deliv- prompted deadly riots and loot- cut off the electricity and were “This revenue model has ered in the assembly. ing due to shortages of food and said to have firearms. The prison become unviable,” Maduro Maduro considers the medicine. It wants a popular was built for a maximum of 620 admitted. assembly illegitimate because vote on removing him from inmates but currently houses Maduro’s appearance in the the Supreme Court has disqual- office. 1,083. The riot was thought to Supreme Court was a snub to his ified some of its opposition Maduro denies he is to have been a clash between Bra- rivals in the National Assembly members. The court has consist- blame, saying the crisis is the zil's biggest drug gang, the First legislature where the speech is ently ruled in Maduro’s favor result of a US-backed capitalist Capital Command, and a group supposed to take place. against the assembly since the conspiracy. allied to rival Red Command. 18 AMERICAS TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 Parties & protests for Trump’s inauguration

Washington “level of enthusiasm” and 2009, which drew 1.8 million mark,” Geldart said. company’s president and co- AP DC gears up demand for hotel rooms did not people. But while officials have In contrast, approximately founder, Siheun Song, said the Officials estimate immediately reach that of past experience and historical data to 400 buses have registered to northeastern portion of the undreds of thou- recent inaugurations, he said. draw on to estimate crowds for park in the city on Inauguration United States has “largely sands of people are that 800,000 to “No one’s phones were Friday, guessing how many peo- Day, said Terry Owens, a spokes- become sold out of motor expected to clog the 900,000 people will ringing” on the day after the ple will show up for Saturday’s man for the District Department coaches” for the day. nation’s capital for be present on Friday election, he said. Things started demonstration is harder. Wom- of Transportation, though he said Demand is so great the com- Donald Trump’s for the inauguration. to pick up after New Year’s, but en’s March on Washington that number is growing daily. pany is using school buses to Hinauguration and a major dem- some hotels have cut back min- organisers said in applying for a For their part, march organ- bring people to the march from onstration the day after. How Hundreds of imum-night stays from four demonstration permit that they izers are trying to get a Maryland, she said. many will actually arrive to party thousands of others nights to two. Some hotels are expected 200,000 people. headcount by asking people who “In six years of doing busi- or protest is an open question. are expected on only 50 percent full, though Christopher Geldart, the Dis- plan to participate to fill out a ness we’ve never seen buses get Officials estimate that Saturday for the higher-end hotels apparently trict of Columbia’s homeland questionnaire on their website. sold out so quickly,” she said. 800,000 to 900,000 people will Women’s March on have more bookings, he said. security director, thinks the That will help ensure they have For its part, the Washington be present on Friday for the Washington. “It’s been much, much slower march will draw more than that. the right number of things like Metropolitan Area Transit inauguration, a celebration that than anyone would have antic- Some 1,800 buses have regis- portable toilets, medical tents Authority, which runs the city’s takes over the city, closing roads, ipated for a first-term president,” tered to park in the city on and food trucks, said Janaye rail and bus system, is planning taxing the city’s Metro transit weren’t so quick to make plans he said. Saturday’s march has Saturday, which would mean Ingram, who is handling march an all-day effort to move people system and making getting to be in Washington for his helped drive more reservations, nearly 100,000 people coming logistics. More than 100,000 on Inauguration Day. The sys- around difficult. Trump himself inauguration. he said. “The moment it was con- in just by bus, Geldart said. people have already registered tem is opening at 4 am — an hour has promised “massive crowds,” Elliott Ferguson, the presi- firmed it was happening in the Amtrak trains into and out of the using the form, Ingram said. earlier than normal — and run- but just what that will mean is dent of Destination DC, the city’s city our hotels were seeing res- city are also fully booked on that Rally, a New York City-based ning rush hour service for 17 unclear. convention and tourism bureau, ervations take place,” he said. day, Geldart said. transportation company that hours until 9 pm. But the system Hundreds of thousands of said that before Election Day City planners are betting that “Usually when I look at connects people with bus rides hasn’t seen a need to change its others are expected on Saturday hotels had more events tenta- Trump’s inauguration is more things like that, that tells me to events, has organized many usual Saturday operations. for the Women’s March on tively planned for a Hillary like President Barack Obama’s we’ve got a pretty substantial of the buses coming to Washing- The rail system will open at Washington. Trump showed he Clinton victory than a Donald second inauguration in 2013, crowd coming in. That leads me ton for Saturday’s march. The 7am, its normal time for the day, could draw crowds during the Trump one. which drew more than 800,000, to believe we’re definitely tally includes buses from more and run on a regular Saturday campaign, but his supporters And when Trump won, the rather than Obama’s first in above the 200,000-person than 200 cities in 26 states. The schedule. Obama tells Americans President-elect promises not to 'underestimate' health care ‘for Trump transition everybody’

Washington Obama said "thick skin Washington IANS helps" in getting the complex AFP presidential job done. He also utgoing US President recommended that a US Presi- resident-elect Donald Barack Obama in an inter- dent has to be physically strong Trump wants health Oview to CBS on "60 enough and must not get dis- P“insurance for everybody,” Minutes" programme said that he tracted by critics in the he told The Washington Post, no doesn't think Donald Trump's government and the media. small feat in a country where "improvisational" campaign style "I think your ability to -- not millions are uninsured. will work well at the White House just mentally and emotionally The Republican has long level, and warned Americans to but physically be able to say, 'We lashed out at President Barack not "underestimate the guy". got this. We're going to be okay'," Obama’s signature health care Obama, in his final interview is important, said Obama. law, the Affordable Care Act, as the US President, said on Sun- Obama also said that he is campaigning on a pledge to day that he told Trump, and proud that his basic character repeal and replace it. But the bil- would advise Republicans in and outlook did not change dur- lionaire developer had never said Congress and voters, "just to ing his tenure. "...People who are precisely with what. make sure that as we go forward, closest to me will tell you that -- Now, however, he told the certain norms, certain institu- the guy who came here is the Post by phone that he wants tional traditions don't get eroded, same guy who's leaving," he said “insurance for everybody” while because there's a reason they're of himself. requiring drug companies to in place." Obama also said he had been negotiate directly with the gov- "It had been an 'unusual' "disturbed" about intelligence ernment on prices in Medicare transition," said Obama, adding, reports over Russia hacking the and Medicaid, the government "I suspect the President-elect US election. "I have been con- plans mostly for the elderly and would agree with that". Obama cerned about the degree to low-income Americans, respec- said that Trump is in the process which, in some circles, you've tively. “They’re politically of building up an organisation seen people suggest that Vladimir protected. But not anymore,” that will support his presidency. Putin has more credibility than Trump was quoted as saying of "We'll have to see how that the US government," Obama said. big pharmaceutical companies. works," Obama told "60 Minutes" "I think that's something The White House touts the Steve Kroft. "It will be a test, I new, and I think it's a measure ACA — nicknamed Obamacare think, for him and the people he's of how the partisan divide has — as a success, saying more than designated to be able to execute gotten so severe that people for- 20 million Americans have on his vision." get that we're on the same team," gained health insurance through "We are moving into an era he said. the law. where a lot of people get their Reflecting on his own presi- Trump’s team considers moving The Affordable Care Act for- information through tweets and dency, Obama said while he was bids insurance companies from soundbites... There's a power in effective "in shaping public opin- denying health care due to pre- that. There's also a danger -- ion" around his two successful White House press briefing room existing conditions, abolishes what generates a headline or stirs presidential bids, he "lost the PR lifetime caps on care, and allows up a controversy and gets atten- battle" in building support Washington that people see on TV is very, his advisers from the scrutiny of children to stay on their parents’ tion isn't the same as the process around some of his administra- Reuters very tiny.” “So no one is moving an on-site White House press plans until age 26, three provi- required to actually solve the tion's policy initiatives. out of the White House. That is corps,” and said that it would fight sions that have proved popular problem," Obama said. "There were big stretches, resident-elect Donald the White House, where you can to keep the briefing room and nationwide. Democrats warn The outgoing President said while governing, where even Trump’s team could move fit four times the number of peo- access to senior administration that scrapping the law could "thick skin" and "stamina" are though we were doing the right Pthe White House press ple in the press conference, officials open. Jeff Mason, a Reu- force millions of Americans to important qualities to have when thing, we weren't able to mobi- briefing room from the West allowing more press, more cov- ters White House correspondent, lose their coverage. serving as the Commander-in- lize public opinion firmly enough Wing to another location that erage from all over the country ... is president of the WHCA. Undoing Obamacare will be Chief, adding that he believes he behind us to weaken the resolve accommodates more media That’s what we’re talking about.” On CBS’ “Face the Nation,” a monumental task. Although the is the same person today as he of the Republicans to stop oppos- from around the country, Such a move would mark a Vice President-elect Mike Pence new Republican leadership in was at the beginning of his ing us or to cooperate with us," incoming White House Chief of potential change in access for said there was a “tremendous” Congress has begun moving tenure. Obama said. Staff Reince Priebus said. reporters as the current briefing amount of interest in the incom- quickly to deprive the ACA of Esquire magazine reported room is only steps from the Oval ing administration. “The interest funding, it has also stressed it that the Trump administration Office. The White House Confer- of the team is to make sure that does not want to “pull the rug out planned to relocate White House ence Center had been used as a we accommodate the broadest from anyone” who might lose reporters from the press room temporary press room during the number of people who are inter- coverage if there is no replace- to the White House Conference George W Bush administration. ested and media from around ment plan on offer. Center or the Old Executive The current press room has the country and around the And there is debate among Office Building next door. about 49 seats. Trump has long world,” Pence said. Republicans about how to proceed Speaking on ABC’s “This had contentious relations with The briefing room was built without a credible replacement Week”, Priebus said the team what he refers to derisively as in 1970 by Richard Nixon over an ready to roll out. Without reveal- discussed moving news confer- the “mainstream media,” ban- old swimming pool installed by ing much more than a pledge of ences out of the small West ning some news outlets during Franklin Roosevelt that was used “lower numbers, much lower Wing briefing room to the Old the presidential campaign and regularly by John F. Kennedy but deductibles,” Trump said a pro- Executive Office, which is part publicly criticizing individual underutilided by later adminis- posed deal was now agreed. of the White House complex. He reporters. Those tensions esca- trations. In addition to “It’s very much formulated said no decision had been made. lated last week after some news theater-style seats where the down to the final strokes. We “I know that some of the organizations reported unsub- White House press secretary haven’t put it in quite yet, but folks in the press are uptight stantiated allegations that conducts daily briefings, the we’re going to be doing it soon,” about this, and I understand,” suggested the president-elect press area of the White House he said. “We’re going to have Priebus said. “The only thing could be blackmailed by Russia. includes workspace for televi- insurance for everybody,” Trump Martin Luther King III (centre) arrives at Trump Tower in New York that’s been discussed is whether The White House Corre- sion, radio, print and online added. “There was a philosophy City yesterday. The eldest son of American civil rights icon Martin or not the initial press confer- spondents’ Association objected news organizations that cover in some circles that if you can’t Luther King Jr. met with US President-elect Donald Trump on ences are going to be in that in a statement to “any move that the administration on a daily pay for it, you don’t get it. That’s the national holiday observed in remembrance of his late father. small press ... the press room would shield the president and basis. not going to happen with us.” TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 MORNING BREAK 19

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 05.01 am 'Hidden Figures' keeps orbit at top SHOROOK 06.21 am

ZUHR 11.44 am MAGHRIB 05.09 pm New York Both were high-profile projects ASR 02.46 pm ISHA 06.39 pm AP that each filmmaker used their con- siderable sway to get made. abours of love, one from Mar- "Live by Night" was Affleck's direc- WEATHER TODAY tin Scorsese, the other from torial follow-up to the best-picture Ben Affleck, proved costly at winning "Argo." Written, directed and o o a casualty strewn weekend starring Affleck, it cost $90m to make, 16 C 23 C box office where the uplift- though rebates and tax incentives low- Ling Nasa drama "Hidden Figures" ered its budget to $65m. But critics said Minimum Maximum stayed on top for the second straight "Live by Night" was a step backward week. for Affleck, who spent much of his pub- "Hidden Figures," about African- licity campaign fending off questions American mathematicians in the 1960s about his plans to direct a stand-alone space race, sold a leading $20.5m in Batman film for Warner Bros. The stu- tickets in North American theaters over dio, which declined to comment the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday Sunday, estimates "Live by Night" will weekend, according to estimates Sun- make $6.7m over the four-day week- day. Fox anticipates the film, starring end.The epitome of a passion project, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and "Silence," which Scorsese contem- Janelle Monae, will make $25.3m when plated for nearly three decades, Monday is included, bringing its cumu- represents a culmination of the direc- (From Left) Actors Janelle Monae, Taraji P Henson, Kevin Costner and lative total to about $60m. tor's investigations into the nature of Octavia Spencer attending the "Hidden Figures" New York Special The weekend was more remark- faith. While the film, starring Andrew Screening in New York City. able for what didn't work than what Garfield and Liam Neeson, earned con- did. Both Affleck's period gangster siderable respect from some critics, it particularly commercial release, cost was a rare admission, well before its thriller "Live by Night" and Scorsese's failed to catch on in Hollywood's about $50m to make. The studio release, that "Monster Trucks" would Christian epic "Silence" bombed in awards season. expects it to earn $2.3m over the four- bomb.It was an especially crowded their wide-release debuts. Warner "It's gotten great reviews and it's day weekend. weekend. "La La Land," the Oscar Bros.' "Live by Night," adapted from Marty's passion project, so we're proud The most costly flop may have favorite, danced into second place with Dennis Lehane's novel, earned a mere to be a part of it, and we're going to been Paramount's family film "Mon- $14.5m. Damien Chazelle's musical, $5.4m in 2,471 theaters. Paramount's keep putting it out there in front of ster Trucks." It earned $10.5m over the starring Ryan Gosling and Emma "Silence," from Susaku Endo's novel audiences," said Kyle Davies, Para- three-day weekend. Viacom took a Stone, saw a considerable boost from Expected poor horizontal visibility of 17th century Jesuit priests in Japan, mount's domestic distribution chief. $115m write-down late last year on the last Sunday's Golden Globes, where it at places at first. Hazy to misty/fog- took in $1.9m in 747 theaters. "Silence," never conceived as a movie, which cost $125m to make. It landed a record seven awards. gy at places at first becomes mild daytime with slight dust at places at times, cold by night. HIGH TIDE 08:15 - 21:45 LOW TIDE 01:00 - 15:30 Ice and Snow Fest Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Jennifer Holliday pulls out of Trump inauguration event

Los Angeles appear are country music so many world-class per- Reuters star Toby Keith, rock band formers taking part in this 3 Doors Down and Oscar- historic celebration of free- roadway star Jennifer winning actor Jon Voight. dom and democracy,” Boris Holliday said on Sat- The Trump transition team Epshteyn, director of com- Burday that she was referred questions to the munications for the pulling out of a concert cel- Presidential Inaugural Presidential Inaugural ebrating the inauguration Committee, which did not Committee, said in a writ- of President-elect Donald comment directly on Holl- ten statement. In her letter, Trump. iday’s letter. Holliday wrote that she had The Tony Award-win- “As Americans from originally agreed to perform ning singer, best known for across the country unite to for Trump as a “bi-partisan A tourist walks by an ice castle during the 33rd Harbin her roles in the Broadway celebrate the 58th Presi- songbird” who had sung for International Ice and Snow Festival at Harbin Ice And musicals “Dreamgirls” and dential Inaugural, we are four presidents, both Snow World in Harbin, China, yesterday. The Festival, “Your Arms Too Short to humbled by the outpouring Republican and Demo- established in 1985, is held annually on January 5 and Box with God,” announced of support we are receiving cratic, dating back to lasts over a month. the cancellation in a letter and are honoured to have Ronald Reagan. first published by The Wrap, an entertainment industry news website. “I sincerely apologize for my lapse of Don't miss Jupiter's Great Red Spot judgment, for being unedu- cated on the issues that Washington Roman Tkachenko, a citizen affect every American at IANS scientist using data from Juno's this crucial time in history JunoCam instrument, Nasa said and for causing such dismay cientists have released in a statement yesterday. and heartbreak to my fans,” incredible new images of Jupiter which is the biggest Holliday said in the letter, SJupiter megastorm from in the solar system, appears as which was released to Reu- the data sent by its Juno probe a deep red orb surrounded by ters by her that reveal a crescent Jupiter layers of pale yellow, orange representatives. and the iconic Great Red Spot. and white. Holliday was not sched- Below the Great Red Spot is vis- The Great Red Spot is a uled to perform at Friday’s ible a reddish long-lived storm giant, spinning storm in Jupi- inauguration itself but at an known as Oval BA. It also has a ter's atmosphere and is more event at the Lincoln Memo- series of storms shaped like than twice the size of Earth. rial the night before called white ovals, known informally Winds inside this storm reach the “Make America Great Singer Jennifer Holliday performs during the 11th as the 'string of pearls.' speeds of about 270 miles per Again! Welcome Celebra- The images were created by hour. tion.” Also scheduled to season finale of "American Idol" in Los Angeles. National park visits in US hit record high for third year

Salt Lake City human waste. Encountering a has remained basically the flat, leav- launched a major marketing campaign AP crowded, Disneyland-like situation ing parks to grapple with the problems to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2016, when people were expecting peace- without higher staffing levels. including free passes for every fourth- isits to US national parks set a ful serenity can lead to aggression and "We love having people come to grader and their families. That record in 2016 for the third con- bad decisions, park officials said. the park," said John Marciano, Zion renewed attention coupled with rea- Vsecutive year as landmarks \"The level of frustration, we've National Park spokesman. "But our sonable gas prices and an improved such Zion, Yellowstone and Rocky certainly seen an increase in that," said No. 1 goal, our mandate, is to preserve economy likely fueled the increase, Mountain experienced historic levels Kyle Patterson, Rocky Mountain the park into perpetuity and to ensure said National Parks Service spokes- of popularity that brought collateral National park spokeswoman. "Some- our visitors have a best of kind and man Jeffrey Olson. headaches stemming from over- times they take it out on each other safe experience." The agency's "Find Your park " crowded roads and trails and and sometimes they take it out on Overall visitation to national parks campaign will continue this year and increasing visitor misbehaviour. park. is on track to surpass 325 million in officials expect to surpass 300 million At many parks, visitors waited an It created a good news-bad news 2016, breaking last year's all-time high visitors again even if there's no record, hour or more in cars to get through story for park managers. They praise of 307 million, federal figures show. Olson said. entrance gates and then spent the day the increased interest but are strug- The record-breaking three-year Absent December totals, the Grand trying to outmanoeuvre fellow visi- gling to preserve iconic mountains, slot stretch came after parks visitation Canyon in northern Arizona hit 5.9 tors for parking spots and room on canyons and wildlife habitat for future ebbed and flowed between 255-287 million visits. Yellowstone, which popular trails. They left behind enor- generations. million for nearly three decades. stretches into Wyoming, Montana and mous amounts of trash and sometimes, The National Park Service budget The National Park Service Idaho, had 4.3 million visits. 20 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017