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Tuesday 6 March 2018 | 18 Jumada II I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 22 | Number 7457 | 2 Riyals

Freedom to roam with Bill Protection! Terms & conditions apply Emir accorded warm welcome in Brussels Qatar & Kuwait vow to boost ties further

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reading a written message from the Emir of Kuwait Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday in Brussels on an official visit to Belgium. H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. The envoy of H H the Emir of Kuwait, H E Sheikh Upon his arrival at Brussels Airport, H H the Emir and his accompanying delegation were received Mohammad Al Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Deputy Minister of Kuwaiti Emiri Diwan Affairs, handed by Belgian Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Pieter De Crem; Qatar’s Ambassador to Belgium, the message during a meeting yesterday with H H the Emir at the Al Bahr Palace. H E Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, and members of the Qatari Embassy in Belgium. QNA H H the Emir received a written message from H H the Emir of Kuwait. The message DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received extended Kuwait’s thanks to Qatar for yesterday a written message its effective participation in the national Advisory Council okays draft from the Emir of Kuwait H H celebrations held in Kuwait. Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, pertaining to the law on National Service strong sisterly relations between yesterday with H H the Emir at to the Kuwaiti people further both countries and means of Al Bahr Palace. progress and prosperity. THE PENINSULA Minister and Minister of State for educational and security impor- enhancing and boosting them. At the outset of the meeting Earlier, the Deputy Minister Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid tance of the draft law. He added The message also extended the Deputy Minister of Kuwaiti arrived in Doha. He was wel- DOHA: The Advisory Council, bin Mohammed Al Attiyah also this is why it is the focus of dis- Kuwait’s thanks to Qatar for Emiri Diwan Affairs, conveyed comed upon arrival at Doha in its regular weekly session, attended the session, reported cussions by the Council and its its effective participation, on to H H the Emir the greetings of International Airport by Sec- approved the draft law on QNA. relevant committees. The draft official and people’s level, in the Emir of Kuwait, wishing him retary to the H H the Emir for national service and decided to The Council discussed the law was also the subject of the national celebrations held good health and happiness and Investments, H E Sheikh refer it along with amendments report of the joint committee extensive study and deliberation in Kuwait. to the people of Qatar con- Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani and recommendations to the formed by the legal and legis- by the joint committee formed The envoy of H H the Emir tinuous progress and and Ambassador of Kuwait to cabinet. lative affairs committee and by the legal and legislative of Kuwait, H E Sheikh prosperity. Qatar Hafiz Mohammed Al The weekly session was held internal and external affairs affairs committee and internal Mohammad Al Abdullah Al For his part, H H the Emir Ajmi. under the chairmanship of the committee to study a draft law and external affairs Mubarak Al Sabah, Deputy entrusted the Deputy Minister Later, Deputy Minister of Speaker of the Advisory Council on national service. The committee. Minister of Kuwaiti Emiri with his greetings to H H the Kuwaiti Emiri Diwan Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Speaker initiated the discus- Diwan Affairs, handed the Emir of Kuwait, wishing him left Doha after a brief visit to Mahmoud. Deputy Prime sions, stressing the national, →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 message during a meeting good health and well-being and Qatar.

Siege nations’ citizens ‘What happened to Qatar should not Qatar’s financial system remains still benefiting from be repeated to another country’ solid: IMF SATISH KANADY Qatar Social Work QNA imposed by four countries against Qatari citizens, but against expa- THE PENINSULA Doha since last June, reflects triate residents and Gulf citizens. AMNA PERVAIZ RAO QSW provide a variety of LONDON: H E Sheikh Saif bin Qatar’s belief and respect for the In an interview with the DOHA: Qatar’s economy THE PENINSULA services. Wifaq (Centre for Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Director international law, adding that Spanish newspaper El Pais in continues to adjust success- Awareness and Consulting) of the Government Communica- Qatar had resorted to the UN London, H E Sheikh Saif said fully to lower hydrocarbon DOHA: Despite the unjust siege provided its services to 497 cit- tions Office, has underlined the since the beginning of the that the illegal siege had affected prices and the country’s imposed by the neighbouring izens of the blockading coun- State of Qatar resort to the UN blockade to keep it informed and all sectors of Qatar’s citizens. financial system remains countries, 1,036 citizens from tries, Aman Centre (Protection Human Rights Council to take aware of the illegal actions taken sound, IMF noted yesterday the blockade nations have and Rehabilitation) provided its measures against the siege and exercised not only against →CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 as the preliminary findings of benefitted by the services of services to 177 citizens, Sha- its staff at the end of an various centres that operate fallah (Centre for persons with official staff visit to Qatar. under Qatar Social Work disability) provided to 64, Nama (QSW). (Empowerment and Entrepre- →CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Maximum beneficiaries are neurship) to 137 citizens, Ehsan 900 projects to be discussed at from Egypt followed by Saudi (Elderly Empowerment and Laboratory results Arabia. Of the total benefici- care centre) to 30 citizens, aries, 205 are citizens of Saudi Dreama (Empowerment of the National Scientific Research Week show Australian Arabia, 60 are citizens of the Orphans) to five beneficiaries Rockmelon safe United Arab Emirates, 95 are and Best-Buddies Initiative- MOHAMMED OSMAN Convention Center (QNCC), will this year’s education conference Bahrainis and 676 are Egyp- Qatar (Friendship, Support and THE PENINSULA discuss 900 research projects that is aimed at providing a DOHA: The Ministry of Public tians. According to the report Inclusion) provided services to presented by 1,892 students platform for experts, teachers Health (MOPH) yesterday said by QSW, 65 percent of the ben- 126 beneficiaries. DOHA: The Ministry of from 218 government and and students to exchange that the laboratory results of eficiaries were Egyptians, 20 Sharing her sentiments on Education and Higher Education private schools. knowledge, experiences and Rockmelon fruit from Australia percent were Saudis, 9 percent this occasion, Amal Abdullatif yesterday announced that it will Around 411 teachers from 97 research, said Fawzia Al Khater, origin, which were withdrawn Bahrainis and 6 percent were Al Mannai, CEO of QSW, told organise the National Scientific schools presented 363 Assistant Undersecretary for from the market, showed it is Emiratis have benefited from The Peninsula: “The centres are Research Week and the 10th researches during the proce- Educational Affairs at the Min- free of Listeriae and other types the entities working under operating under the umbrella National Student Research Exhi- dural research competition. istry of Education and Higher of bacteria such as Salmonella QSW. of QSW.” bition from March 11 to 15, 2018. The Ministry has set up Education. and Escherichia coli. The seven centres that The event, which will take special committees and made operate under the umbrella of →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 place at the Qatar National all necessary preparations for →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 →CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 02 HOME TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 Emir accorded grand welcome in Brussels Emir ratifies several Cabinet decisions

THE PENINSULA The Emir ratified Cabinet decision DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani No. 8 of 2018 to ratified yesterday the Cabinet extend the leasing decision No. 8 of 2018 to extend contracts relating the leasing contracts relating to to all or any part all or any part of premises leased for non-residential of premises leased purposes. for non-residential The decision is effective purposes. The starting from February 15, 2018 decision is effective and is to be published in the official gazette. starting from H H the Emir also ratified February 15, 2018. the Cabinet decision No. 9 of 2018 expropriating some real estate for the public good. The agreement between the Gov- decision is effective starting ernment of the State of Qatar from its publication in the and the Government of the official gazette. Republic of El Salvador signed H H the Emir ratified the in Doha on January 15, 2018. Cabinet decision No. 10 of 2018 H H the Emir issued an forming lawyers admission instrument of ratification committee. The decision is approving a memorandum of effective starting from its date understanding in the field of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday in Brussels on an official visit to Belgium. Upon his arrival at Brussels of issue and is to be published humanitarian aid between the Airport, the Emir and the accompanying delegation were received by Belgian Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Pieter De Crem; the in the official gazette. Government of the State of State of Qatar›s Ambassador to Belgium, Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi; and members of the Qatari Embassy in Belgium. H H the Emir issued an Qatar and the Government of instrument of ratification the Republic of Turkey signed approving a draft air services in Doha on November 15, 2017.

Siege nations’ citizens still benefiting from QSW QU hosts 12th Career Fair THE PENINSULA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 from individuals and families Amal Abdullatif Al Mannai, CEO harmed by the blockade, particu- DOHA: Minister of Administrative Devel- of QSW added: “These centres indis- larly families and individuals who opment, Labour and Social Affairs H E Dr criminately provided their services need the services of two QSW cen- Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi yesterday to all beneficiaries in accordance tres Aman and Wifaq. inaugurated the 12th Career Fair of QU. with professional and occupa- In addition, QSW has established The four-day event is organized by QU tional criteria as a confirmation of a ‘Crisis Management Team’ that con- Career Services Center (CSC), with aims of our humanitarian duty on the one sist of specialists and consultants in providing high school and university stu- hand, and the right of expatriates who areas of family care, psychology, dents with the opportunity to meet and reside in Qatar to access all availa- social work and legal affairs. interact with employers and representa- ble services on the other. QSW has QSW built a data base on national tives of companies to seek employment, announced that it has received and organisations and institutions that training and sponsorship opportunities. served 1,036 beneficiaries from the could be contacted in times of crisis. The event was inaugurated by Dr Al Nuaimi siege countries since the beginning The blockading countries have taken and QU Vice-President for Academic of the blockade until the end of last a stance that violates and contra- Affairs Dr Omar Al Ansari in the presence August”. dicts all human rights principles and of French Ambassador to Qatar Eric Chev- “Now we will highlight this report conventions and constitutes a grave allier, and QU officials, deans, department all around the world which we have violation of international humanitar- heads and students. The event features prepared in three languages — Ara- ian laws related to rights of civilians over 75 information booths from gov- bic, English and French. This report in situations of political or military ernment and private organisations. Stu- conveys the work done by the crisis conflict between states. In contrast, dents will have the opportunity to interact management team, through high- Qatari civil society organisations with employers, and get an insight into the Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Minister H E Dr Issa Saad Al lighting the social services provided continued to provide their services to labor market’s needs and employers’ Jafali Al Nuaimi; QU Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr Omar Al Ansari; and the by the Foundation and its affiliate all those who need them with no dis- expectations as well as the various training French Ambassador to Qatar, Eric Chevallier; cutting the inaugural ribbon. centres to citizens of the blockad- crimination as an expression of their services and internships they can follow ing countries.” firm belief in ethical and humani- to develop their skills, abilities, and pro- career fair. This event contributes to raising provides them with sponsorship and then Qatar Foundation for Social Work tarian values and in the principles fessional experience. They will also get the student awareness on the labor market’s with employment opportunities. Addi- announced in June 2017 (last days of Human Rights Charters, includ- chance to explore 1700 employment needs, whether in the private or the public tionally, the ministry’s Department of of Ramadan) the launch of hotline ing those of the Arab Human Rights opportunities, 400 internships and 60 aca- sector. At the Ministry of Administrative National Human Resources Development number 919 for receiving contacts Charter adopted in 2004 . demic sponsorships. Development, Labour and Social Affairs, serves to provide Qatari nationals with Dr Al Nuaimi said: “I would like to we offer the government scholarship employment opportunities at the private thank Qatar University for organising the program for high school students, which and public sectors.”

900 projects at National Scientific Research Week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Al Mohammadi, Al Khater said this year Director of Public research week is distinguished Relations and not only because of its Media at the min- achievement but also it is istry, Al Khater marking the 10th anniversary explained the of the scientific research achievements of progress of the State of Qatar. the programme The considerable attention throughout the given to the research by the years in the field wise leadership, and the part- of researches and Dr Asma Al Mohannadi (left), Head of Scientific Research Skills team at the nership created by the ministry participation in Ministry of Education; Fawzia Al Khater (2nd left), Assistant Undersecretary for of education with the private related events Educational Affairs at the Ministry; Dr Abdulla Al Kamali, Special Programmes of government sectors has abroad. Manager, QNRF and Hassan Al Mohammadi, Director of Public Relations, at the started to bear fruits, Al Khater Al Khater said press conference yesterday. stressed. the event aims at Students Research Week developing inno- represents scientific platform for vative and research skills of stu- researches using research pla- development to become a prod- students, teachers and aca- dents. In 2017, our students won giarism checker to detect the level ucts or change into devices Dr. demics to discuss the latest edu- prizes in Jordan, Olympaid of of plagiarism, formation of sci- Abdullah said. cational developments and Physics in Thailand and bronze entific committees to select the For her part Dr Asma Al research outcomes and high- medal in the Middle East Exhi- best researches. Mohannadi said the preparations lights research trends and bition for innovation in Kuwait Al Kamali pointed out that for the event are being made in encourage cooperation. 2018 and this year Qatari stu- they have managed to attract 60 cooperation with the QNRF and Speaking at a press con- dents participated for the first volunteers academics and they all stakeholders and the event will ference yesterday at the Ministry time in ITEX in Malaysia. The are going to choose six research witness a number of activities headquarters attended by Dr Special Programmes Manager projects to take part in the ITEX including the exhibition the 3rd Abdulla Al Kamali, Special Pro- at QNRF, Dr Abdulla Al Kamali, International Exhibition of Inven- Qatar National Olympic for Phys- grammes Manager, Qatar lauded the partnership with the tions and Technology in Malaysia ics and astronomy, laboratory National Research Fund (QNRF), Ministry of Education. to be held in May this year. Stu- competition national compe- Dr Asma al Mohannadi, Head of Dr Abdulla Al Kamali dents whose research projects are tition for SCRATCH, the media the Scientific Research Skills highlighted that the both are adopted by other entities will be innovative award, and the pro- team at the Ministry, and Hassan cooperating in diagnosing the able to participate in its further cedural research competition. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 HOME 03 Emir meets US Secretary of State’s envoys Over 600 treated for sensorineural hearing loss at HMC unit yearly

FAZEENA SALEEM caused by a number of factors, including THE PENINSULA ageing, noise (noise-induced hearing loss), disease or infection, and trauma. In con- DOHA: More than 600 children and trast, congenital sensorineural hearing adults are treated for sensorineural loss, a condition that is present at birth, hearing loss every year at the Hamad can be either inherited or caused by Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Audiology abnormal development during pregnancy. and Balance Unit. The Unit provides a “Audiology and Balance Unit has fitted comprehensive diagnosis and treatment over 5,000 patients with hearing aids and program, caring for adults and children helped 245 patients hear again, or in some who are experiencing hearing loss. cases for the first time, by providing them “The early diagnosis of hearing loss with cochlear implants,” said Dr Hadi. in children is especially important, as Also in an initiative to find the rea- hearing impairments can lead to delayed sons behind hearing problems, Audiology development of listening and spoken lan- and Balance Unit and the National Pro- guage skills,” said Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi, gram for Early Detection of Hearing Loss Senior Consultant, Hearing and Balance of the HMC together Department of Med- Disorders and Director of the Audiology ical Sciences, University of Trieste, Tri- and Balance Unit speaking at a media este, Italy has conducted a research. The briefing yesterday. “Qatar is recognised study was based on DNA sequencing as a leader in the early detection of among children. It has found the influ- hearing weakness and loss due to the ence of a gene which plays a role in establishment of the National Center for hereditary hearing loss. “Now a similar Early Detection of Hearing Loss.” study is being held among the adults. We Established in 2003, National Center are also conducting a separate study with for Early Detection of Hearing Loss pro- a German Hospital to find more about gram provides hearing screenings to all the Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) babies born in Qatar prior to their dis- infection which is a major cause of bilat- charge from the hospital. Under the pro- eral and unilateral sensorineural hearing gramme, all babies are tested again when loss in children,” he added. Further, in Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with the envoys of the US Secretary of State General Anthony Zinni, and they have their first vaccination, normally recognition of World Hearing Day, held Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking, and the accompanying delegation, during their between two to three months and chil- each year on March 3, this week HMC official visit to the State of Qatar, at Al Bahr Palace yesterday. During the meeting, they reviewed the strategic relations dren are also screened prior to starting will hold a number of events for staff and between the State of Qatar and the United States of America, as well as the regional and international developments. school. HMC also has a separate pro- members of the public to raise aware- gramme to screen adults above 55 years ness of the rising global prevalence of of age. “National Center for Early Detec- hearing loss and the importance of pre- tion of Hearing Loss programme has ventative actions to protect individuals’ screened 31,767 cases in 2017. One to three hearing. persons among every 10,000 people have a Advisory Council okays draft law on National Service hearing problem and it’s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 country depends in its present and future. reviewed a report on the Council’s partic- similar to the preva- The Deputy Prime Minister and In the presence of a number of mem- ipation in the North African and Middle lence in other countries Minister of State for Defence Affairs bers of the Advisory Council and after East regional conference on human rights in the world,” said Dr answered questions raised by members extensive discussions characterised by and business held recently in Rabat, Hadi. and explained all aspects of this important objectivity, keenness on the national Morocco. One of the most draft law. The Speaker said the draft law interest, full awareness of the neces- The Council’s delegation briefed the diagnosed conditions on national service has gained additional sity and importance of the draft law and Conference on the distinguished experi- treated at Unit is sen- importance under the current circum- its positive results, the Council decided ence of the State of Qatar with regard to sorineural hearing loss. stances in the country, which requires to refer it along with amendments and the rights of expatriate workers working Acquired sensorineural Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi (centre) with Dr Walid Ezzeldin mobilising the energies of all citizens, recommendations to the cabinet. in the state, enjoying their rights and a hearing loss, which Omer (left) and Dr Maha Al Sulaiteen at a media briefing. especially young people on whom the At its meeting yesterday, the Council secure, stable and decent life. occurs after birth, can be PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA 04 HOME TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 150 experts to attend conference PM meets envoys of Asean member countries on pharmaceutical sector

QNA accessibility to medication in in Qatar and the effect the siege Qatar, building pharmaceutical has on health and ensuring access DOHA: The pharmaceutical industry and innovation in Qatar to medicine. Dr Toft said all data sector conference will take place and building human capacity in indicate that Qatar has paved the in Doha on March 9 and 10, titled Qatar. Vice-President for Medical way to independency and self- “Medication Sector in Qatar: Hand and Health Sciences Dr Egon Toft sufficiency with regards to in Hand Facing the Blockade”. said through this conference, matters related to health and The conference will be attended Qatar University demonstrates its medicines. Dean of College of by 150 pharmacists, specialists prominent contribution to the Pharmacy Dr. Mohammad Diab from the pharmaceutical field, future of the healthcare system said a team was formed to study expertise from pharmaceutical in Qatar. He expected that the and plan the appropriate steps to industries and representatives conference will contribute to sup- define the college’s role in dealing from the Qatari health sector. porting the healthcare sector in with the siege. He added that the It will cover three main the country from a human rights team coordinated a number of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met with themes represented by medi- perspective. The conference high- field trips and met with many of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Asean member countries accredited to Qatar. During the cation management and lights the pharmaceutical sector the college’s partners and those meeting, they reviewed means of developing cooperation between Qatar and the Asean countries involved in the medical sector in Qatar, through which the to serve common interests in all fields, especially political, economic and security, and promote idea of organising this con- prosperity, security and stability in Asia and the world. ference emerged. Media firms need the cutting-edge solutions to digitally transform: Ooredoo Qatar CEO

THE PENINSULA “All eyes will be on Qatar for the football DOHA: Ooredoo, one of the region’s championships in 2022, leading ICT providers, announced with a need for media yesterday that it will serve as the Official companies to deliver Telecommunication Partner for the Future more immersive content of Media Leaders Summit, supporting the than ever before. Our digital transformation of Qatar’s media state-of-the-art network companies to enhance audience infrastructure and digital engagement. business solutions will The Future of Media Leaders Summit, help to optimise content, that began yesterday and is hosted by Al and to enhance Qatar’s Jazeera Media Network, is being held under standing as one of the the theme of “Media and Cloud – Limitless world’s leading coun- Possibilities”. tries for media inno- International speakers, industry vation,” added Waleed experts, and media practitioners will par- Al Sayed. ticipate in keynotes, panel discussions, “We are thrilled to roundtables, and workshops to share, Ooredoo Qatar CEO Waleed Al Sayed speaking at the Future once again host this inspire, and shape the future of the media of Media Leaders Summit. industry leading and industry. Participants will explore how prestigious event in innovative technologies — cloud, cyber- Doha, Qatar. In these security, and artificial intelligence — will Summit, we will exchange best practices times of constant change, continuous tech- transform the media industry. in how media companies can use emerging nological developments and scientific Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive technologies to deliver content in new and advancements, it’s paramount for Al Officer, Ooredoo, said: “Media companies innovative ways, at any time and on any Jazeera to not only stay current but to lead need the mobile device”. and define the next wave of media tech- cutting-edge In focus will be how digital solutions nologies alongside industry partners,” said solutions to dig- can enable media organisations and Mohamed Abuagla, Executive Director itally transform, employees to operate in real-time, support (CIO/ CTO), Technology & Operations, Al and optimise innovative multimedia-rich websites and Jazeera Media Network. “Al Jazeera has customer mobile apps, and drive digital engagement always been a platform for voicing thoughts engagement with their audiences across social media and sharing ideas; we do that naturally in and moneti- platforms. In particular, media companies our award-winning journalism and sation. At the need to examine their digital transfor- content; and we are doing that now in the Future Media mation roadmaps for upcoming media technology space via this event and Leaders mega-events. other involvement in industry forums”.

Training on maritime mishaps, vessel safety

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Ministry of Transport and Communica- tions (MOTC) has organised a training course on the best practices for handling, reporting and investigating different types of maritime incidents and accidents, as well as vessel safety management. The workshop brought together professionals and employees from MOTC’s Maritime Transport Affairs, as well as Qatar Coast Guard, Qatar Petroleum and Nakilat. The training course is a part of MOTC’s ongoing efforts and endeavors for developing and sharpening the profes- sional skills of maritime sector workforce. Participants were introduced to a wide range of maritime incidents and acci- dents and mechanism of han- dling them through legal channels laid down in IMO res- olutions. They also learned about the appropriate proce- dures that must be taken during maritime mishaps, prin- ciples and rules to be observed for safe navigation, as well as incidents and accidents reporting and investigation and maritime safety best practices. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 HOME 05 Blockade failed to harm Al Sulaiti meets Sudanese Minister Qatari economy: Expert

SIDI MOHAMED Qatar has also adopted the siege in all aspects. He mentioned THE PENINSULA policies to stimulate local that “the reasons that led to this suc- cess is Qatar’s strong diplomacy, which DOHA: The blockade that was aimed production and private played a major role in addressing this at harming the Qatari economy has sector to increase the crisis. Several visits by many Qatari failed to achieve its goals, and the production in agricultural officials to foreign countries and Qatari economy has succeeded in and livestock production sending strong messages to the inter- overcoming all the challenges posed national community confused the by illegal blockade, said Dr Khalid and other industries. diplomacy of the siege countries and Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti Rashid Alkhater, specialist in mone- who could not respond to this strong met here yesterday with Sudanese Minister of Communications and Information tary policy and political economy. diplomacy”. Technology, Dr. Tahani Abdullah Attia. The two officials discussed aspects of “The blockade did not affect the To face the siege, the Qatari gov- Another important reasons for the cooperation between the two sisterly countries in the field of communications and fulfillment of the State of Qatar’s com- ernment has played an important role success of Qatar against the diplomatic information technology and means of further enhancing them. The meeting also mitments to supply gas to its customers as importer and distributor and to of the siege countries is the refusal to discussed a number of matters of common interest between the two countries. in the world, as it is the largest exporter maintain the price of several products give up to unjust demands, Al Ansari of LNG. The attempts to harm the through diversifying the sources and added. national currency was not successful means of imports. He noted that Qatar’s soft power due to prudent monetary policy Qatar has also adopted policies to played a major role in confronting the adopted by the Qatar Central bank,” stimulate local production and private blockade, including the media, appre- Alkhater added during a seminar sector to increase the production in ciating also the wise Qatari leadership organised on Sunday at Ritz-Carlton agricultural and livestock production in the alliance with Turkey, adding that Australian Rockmelon safe: MoPH Hotel under the theme ‘Qatar Dignity and other industries. It has announced Qatar has contacts with many coun- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and Victory after nine months of siege’. to increase the production of gas by 30 tries. Regarding the lessons learned the notification. The Ministry clarified Alkhater pointed out that the Qatari percent and is working on expansion from the blockade, he said “The The Ministry withdrew the sus- that all detained items will be destroyed, economy enjoys great resources, and of storage capacities for food security regional system ( GCC framework) is pected Rockmelon from the outlets after to avoid any possibility of consumption new policy of the country is moving and logistics. not enough to achieve regional secu- receiving a global notification that it risk. The Ministry has also taken other towards economic diversification and Dr Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, rity in the current situation,” stressing might be contaminated with Listeria. As precautionary measures to prevent the is continuing infrastructure Professor of Political Sociology at Qatar on the need to strengthen relations a precautionary measure, the Ministry import of any new shipments of Rock- development. University said that Qatar has defeated beyond this region. detained a new shipment arrived after melons suspected of being unsafe. Wealth of imagination of Qatari artist delights hearts at expo RAYNALD C RIVERA combinations that I had yet to how to link them together,” he Arts in Paris is a prestigious THE PENINSULA explore,” he said. explained. opportunity for talented local Open to the public until April Asked on what’s next for him, individuals to stretch their limits DOHA: Sixteen imaginative 3, “Imaginary Motifs” reveals Al he said he wanted to explore the and collaborate with like- works by Qatari artist Abdulla Al Kuwari’s wealth of imagination passage of time as a crucial ele- minded individuals from around Kuwari adorn the walls of Fire and artistic approaches inviting ment in his art citing sequential the world and Abulla has fully Station: Artist in Residence the viewers to engage in multifac- art as one possible direction he taken on that challenge and Workshop No. 3 at “Imaginary eted interpretations of the work. would want to explore. opportunity by producing the Motifs” exhibition which opened “The exhibition showcases Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director exemplary creations we see at last night, marking the culmina- my experimentations through of the Fire Station, said: “Abdul- the Fire Station now.” tion of his successful residency the use of certain motifs that la’s work continues to evolve and The Qatari Art Residency at the prestigious Citéinterna- have been frequent in my work delight audiences with its unique Programme is a recurring three- tionale des Arts in Paris. Qatari artist Abdulla Al Kuwari (right) at the opening of “Imaginary in the past few years. Visually, aesthetic and I’m very excited the month residency open to all Al Kuwari was the third Motifs” exhibition yesterday at Fire Station. these motifs tend to be dynamic, people of Doha have a chance to Qatari artists, and provides one Qatari artist to complete the PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA curvilinear and colourful. I have see for themselves the latest talented individual with studio three-month Paris Residency been trying to merge them with product of Abdulla’s time in accommodation space and the programme which is an exten- with Highest Honors, he started museums in Paris and interacting abstract, semi-abstract and rep- Paris. The residency programme chance to be fully immersed in sion of Qatar Museums’(QM) Fire participating in exhibitions in with artists from various fields resentational approaches and with the Citéinternationale des Paris’ art and culture scene. Station: Artist in Residence pro- Qatar and abroad, but his Paris at the Citéinternationale des Arts gramme in Doha and which he stint had enabled him to take his where Qatar owns a studio. said helped him in a big way to art to the next level. “Qatar’s studio is much progress artistically. Speaking to the art commu- bigger than my studio here, so After finishing BFA in nity before opening his exhibi- I was able to utilize the space Free Vehicle Painting and Printmaking in 2014 tion, he stressed that the resi- that suits my need. Visiting from Virginia Commonwealth dency had widened his horizon many museums, I realized University School of Arts in Qatar artistically exploring the various there were many motifs and Recall Role of customs in protecting IPRs stressed THE PENINSULA of Customs. The event was intellectual property rights at attended by heads of the depart- check posts. DOHA: The General Authority of ment and employees from all Samples of various counter- Customs marked Arab Customs departments of customs check feit products that were seized in Day that falls on March 3 by posts. A number of representa- Qatar were showcased at the organising a workshop at its tives from the departments of the event to educate the participants headquarters to create aware- protection of the intellectual about the fraudulent in commer- ness about intellectual property property rights and consumer cial products. rights, anti commercial fraudu- protection department at the Hayat Al Widani from Legal lent and other different types of Ministry of Economy and Com- Affairs Department at the Gen- counterfeiting. merce and he Qatar General eral Authority of Customs gave a The workshop was held in Organization for Standards and presentation on the role of cooperation with Saba Intellec- Metrology. custom in the protection of intel- tual Property, an intellectual Malik Ibrahim Al Qamaz, lectual property rights and legis- property firm in Qatar said a Director of Saba Intellectual lations that are being imple- release. The awareness lectures Property delivered a lecture on mented at various customs were held under the patronage combating commercial fraudu- department to protect the intel- of Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Jamal, lent in which he explained the lectual property and rights and Director of the General Authority measures for protecting trademarks. Qatar’s financial system remains solid: IMF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Ford F-150 economic activity was affected, improving”, the Fund report said. The IMF noted that the availa- this has been mostly transitory Qatari authorities continue bility of fiscal buffers has allowed and new trade routes were quickly to enhance the existing frame- Model year 2014 a gradual fiscal consolidation established. The banking system work for liquidity management. anchored mainly on reducing has also adjusted. Emphasis has been placed on current expenditures, with the “Following the rift, foreign greater coordination and informa- Bolts for the seats, & seat belt may have been improperly hardened merger of ministries and cuts in financing (non-resident depos- tion sharing between the central Defect subsidies. Tariffs of some utilities its and inter-bank placements) and government, QCB, and the QIA. (water and electricity) have been resident private sector deposits fell Further progress in upgrad- Contact the dealer for the free required repair increased and domestic fuel prices by about $40bn. This decline has ing liquidity management can be Process are now adjusted regularly in line been offset by liquidity injections made by improving liquidity mon- with movements in international by the central bank and public- itoring and forecasting. Efforts to Almana Motors Company prices. An infrastructure program sector deposits, particularly from further deepen domestic financial in the amount of $200bn, equiva- Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). markets to promote saving and Contact Phone: 44489922 lent to 121 percent of Qatar’s 2017 The decline in non-resident liabili- offer borrowing and investment GDP, is under way to diversify the ties of banks has abated, obviating opportunities remain important. economy and prepare for the FIFA the need for further support of While QCB liquidity injec- 2022 World Cup. the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) tions and increased public-sector For any consumer protection issues please contact us on the hotline 16001 The IMF Mission noted that and QIA to the banking system, deposits have helped mitigate the the direct economic and finan- as banks mobilize funding from funding pressures on Qatari banks cial impact of the diplomatic rift other (non-GCC) sources. High in the wake of the diplomatic rift, between Qatar and some coun- frequency financial indicators, fol- the banking system has to adjust tries in the region is fading. While lowing the initial deterioration, are to a new funding model. 06 HOME TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 People urged ‘What happened to Qatar should not be repeated to another country’ not to wait for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Nations future of Qatar. These are all people.” Asked about the siege bowel cancer H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin or things we have worked over the countries’ pressure to strip Qatar Saif Al Thani (pictured) added that through last two decades to achieve, all of of its right to host the 2022 World symptoms siege targeted public, society, fam- other these achievements did not Cup, HE the Government Com- ilies and as well as companies and mecha- happen overnight, and maybe all munications Office director said THE PENINSULA business. nisms to of these achievements and deci- that such reports are “great for us” We respect international law. ensure sions made us a target we have because people see the reality of DOHA: ‘Screen For Life’, Qatar’s We believe in international law. account- been moving too fast for some. some countries in the region. National Breast and Bowel We have approached the UN from ability H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed “We are a developed country, Cancer Screening programme, the start to keep them aware of and pun- bin Saif Al-Thani reiterated that we are a modern country. I think has launched a month-long the illegal actions that have been ishment the blockade aimed at depriving we have enough of an adult bowel cancer awareness drive taken, that have been taken not of the Qatar of its sovereignty and inde- mindset to pass over childish com- across Qatar’s major shopping just on Qataris but on expats, on countries pendence and its control over its ments. Now, about the 2022 malls under the tagline ‘Don’t Gulf citizens, everyone that has of the own decisions. He stressed that World Cup, I think the interna- wait for the symptoms’ to mark been affected by the illegal blockade this will never happen and that the tional soccer community and the the international Bowel Cancer blockade. More than 26,000 on their actions, noting that the that its sovereignty is not for sale, State of Qatar will maintain its public in general will not look over Awareness Month. people have been affected. Fam- State of Qatar would not like to whether for the siege countries independence and sovereignty comments from the blockading ‘Screen For Life’ team will ilies have been affected. see what happened to it to be or any other country. He noted against any country that wants to countries,” H E the Government engage shoppers, specifically The blockade has targeted the repeated to another country. that all that Doha wants is simply deprive them whether the siege Communications Office director in the target age bracket of public. It has targeted the society, Asked about the statement adherence to international law countries or others. added. 50-74, to take a proactive families, brothers and sisters, busi- made by H E Deputy Prime Min- and its responsibilities and the On relations with Iran, H E H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin approach to their health and nesses. We are pursuing legal ister and Minister of Foreign principle of accountability. Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al- Saif Al-Thani expressed denunci- book an appointment at one of actions whether through the UN Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Asked whether he believed Thani stated : As I said earlier on, ation over the growing pace of the three dedicated facilities at or whether through other mech- Abdulrahman Al Thani , when he the siege countries were ready to the blockade is in place to out- fake news. “The blockading coun- Al Wakrah, Lebaib and Rawdat anisms to make sure that block- said that the reason for this siege negotiate, HE Sheikh Saif bin source our decisions, to take our tries are a perfect example of how Al Khail Health Centers. The ading countries are held is “racism,” H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said: So independence away from us. This fake news has been used as a tool. awareness booths will be posi- accountable for their actions. Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani said: . far there are no signs that they are will never happen. We will hold And not just fake news, but having tioned at Villagio Mall until He pointed out that the State What H E Deputy Prime Minister willing. We have said from day on to our independence and sov- social media armies organizing March 10, Landmark Mall from of Qatar follows legal procedures, of Foreign Affairs was referring to one that dialogue and negotiation ereignty as a nation from anyone social media campaigns.” March 11 to 20. whether through the United was a component of a number of is the only way out. The region is who tries to do so either the On the prospective visit of H different reasons. Summarizing safer when the GCC Gulf Cooper- blockading countries or any other H the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin all, whether its racism, whether ation Council works together for country. Over the last few months Hamad Al-Thani to the United its other words you want to use, conflict resolution and policy the relationship with Iran has States and the invitation by U.S. their main aim is to curtail our coordination. We appreciate the developed specifically in eco- officials to representatives of Gulf independence and take control role of the State of Kuwait and the nomic relations, especially in trade countries to participate in a pro- of our decisions. And they wisdom of His Highness the Emir and transport routes. The blockade posed summit before the summer, thought they could do this by of Kuwait HH Sheikh Sabah Al- has meant that our routes in and HE the Government Communi- putting pressure on our society, Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for his out have been illegally limited by cations Office director confirmed by putting pressure on the fam- role in leading the mediation the blockading countries. That that H H the Emir is indeed ilies, on people trying to practice efforts and continuing to call for doesnt mean we dont have differ- planning to visit the United States their religion. dialogue. ences of opinion with Iran, differ- in April. H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed On the importance of what is ences in the region among other “It’s a bilateral visit. We have bin Saif Al -Thani, stressed the happening in Qatar for Saudi issues. a very strategic partnership with need for the siege countries to Arabia and other siege countries, Asked about the Emir H H the U.S. that is in the field of mil- bear responsibility for their H E Sheikh Saif said Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al itary collaboration, foreign policy actions and to pay compen- Qatar is a major energy Thani’s recent statement that what cooperation and other sectors. sation for damages suffered by player. We are a major supplier of is happening in Al-Ghouta in Syria One of the key sectors is counter- the State of Qatar, provided that gas. We are a major supplier of is a crime against humanity, H E terrorism cooperation and the value of such compensation other by-products of gas. We are Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al- partnership. is determined through a fair a key player in the region when it Thani said: We have always had “The aim of the visit is to judicial process. He pointed out comes to mediation, when it a public voice, a loud public voice further strengthen our bilateral that the State of Qatar does not comes to humanitarian aid. We in Syria. We will continue to do so. relationship. It’s also to discuss demand things that are not its are a major player in sports. We We respect the Syrian peoples regional stability, and, of course, right. will be hosting the 2022 World requests for their rights and their the crisis is a part of that. We have The siege countries closed Cup. We are a major global player dignity. We have provided and will not heard any news about the the airspace, sea and land to the in investments. We are a very continue to provide humanitarian summit but as we have said from State of Qatar, which caused the active UN member that believes aid in regards to refugees. We day one we welcome any step country heavy losses, H E in the UN mechanisms. Internally support the decision of the UN for forward in this matter to resolve Sheikh Saif added. we have developed many sectors a ceasefire to stop the violence the issue,” he added. HE Sheikh He said that despite the from strengthening our private toward the Syrian people Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani failure of the blockade to sector to reaching the number- H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin stressed that Qatar does not want achieve its goal, did not lead to one ranking of highest income per Saif Al-Thani said that Qatar what happened to it to “happen the way they wanted , Qatar person. The leadership throughout respects the demands of the Syrian again to another country.” would not subject its decisions the past two decades has worked people for “their rights and their “We have financial stability. to any external party did not hard in creating an overall general dignity,” adding that Doha has We are a stable country, culturally, comply with the demands of the high standard of living for the cit- provided and will continue to politically and economically,” HE siege countries. izens of Qatar. We have further provide humanitarian aid to ref- the Government Communications H E Sheikh Saif stressed focused on education and ugees. “We support the decision Office director said, adding that that Qatar is a sovereign country healthcare as key components for of the U.N. for a ceasefire to stop these are all reasons why the siege and will remain sovereign and the people of Qatar and for the the violence toward the Syrian has failed. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 HOME 07 443 tonnes of waste removed from beaches in northwest

THE PENINSULA northwest part of the country The Director of under a massive beach cleaning General Cleanliness DOHA: The Ministry of Munici- campaign. Department, Safar pality and Environment repre- The carcass of 13 animals sented by the General Cleanli- that were removed from beach Al Shafi, has urged ness Department has removed areas included dugongs, dol- visitors to cooperate 443 tonnes of waste and 13 phins and turtles, said the with the Ministry in animal carcasses from a 65km Director of General Cleanliness maintaining hygiene stretch of beaches located at the Department, Safar Al Shafi in a at beaches and islands by disposing garbage on designated places and dustbins.

statement. He said that the cleaning campaign was imple- mented in four phases in 38 days in a row. Garbages collected by workers are seen piled up at a spot for disposal. “The beaches from Abu Zaluf to Al Arish were cleaned first fol- lowed by the beaches stretching He stressed that such a pro- importance on maintaining especially during the weekend from Al Arish Al Zabara,” he gramme for cleaning beaches hygiene at beaches and islands and official holidays. added. Beaches stretching from cover all areas of the country, because they are picnic spots. The Director of the General Al Zabara to Umm Al Maa were adding that the programme is The Ministry also provided Cleanliness Department has cleaned in third phase of the being implemented smoothly all necessary supports including urged visitors to cooperate with campaign and the beaches from without any impact on daily rou- workers and equipment to main- the Ministry in maintaining Workers clean a beach at the northwest part of the country as Umm Al Maa to Doha Al Hasin tine work of the Department. tain hygiene at these places hygiene at beaches and islands part of the cleaning campaign launched by the General Cleanliness were cleaned in fourth and last The Ministry of Municipality throughout the year as they by throwing garbage on desig- Department. round of the campaign. and Environment gives high received a big number of visitors nated places and dustbins.

The agricultural Sixth edition of ‘AgriteQ’ at DECC from March 20 sector in Qatar aims to meet 60 percent THE PENINSULA international exhibition, which broadening its targets towards regional markets needs.” experts and specialists to is being organised in Doha for the achieving a sustainable and com- “The Ministry adopts a stra- exchange experiences, learn of domestic demand DOHA: Qatar International Agri- sixth year, will play a vital role in prehensive development in line tegic agricultural plan aimed to about the latest practices, from local suppliers cultural Exhibition ‘AgriteQ’ 2018 meeting food security goals, a top with the Qatar National Vision achieving self-sufficiency in agri- research on major challenges by 2024, supported will be held from March 20 to 22, priority for the country, espe- 2030. cultural and vegetables produc- within the sector, and explore 2018 at the Doha Exhibition and cially in the region’s current He added that the country tion by 2030, by upgrading the new opportunities in agricultural by the governmental Convention Center to help Qatar circumstances. aims to increase the agricultural local food industries and production in Qatar and the efforts to invest in and the region implement He also explained that Qatar sector’s GDP input by more than reducing the dependence on region. initiatives to increase sustainable food production used to import more than 90 per- 4 percent annually and that imported products, and this is Agriteq provides visitors with Qatar’s agricultural programme. cent of its food needs and is cur- Agriteq 2018 will be instrumental what the exhibition seeks to an integrated platform for the Under the patronage of rently seeking to launch several in promoting efforts to achieve achieve,” he added. latest developments in agricul- production. Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad initiatives and projects aimed at these goals. The Agriteq 2018 agenda will tural technologies, including bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Ministry increasing local production and Yusuf Khalid Al Khulaifi, feature several events such as the agricultural equipment, food processing, counselling and of Municipality and Environment achieving self-efficiency in the Director of the Department of latest global innovations in agri- manufacturing tools, animal pro- many more. is preparing to hold 6th Qatar basic produces. Agricultural Affairs commented: culture to help Qatar and the duction and veterinary tools, The agricultural sector in International Agricultural Exhi- Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser “The exhibition offers a perfect region implement sustainable crop production machines, arti- Qatar aims to meet 60 percent bition ‘Agriteq’ 2018. Al Thani, Assistant Undersecre- platform for experts and special- food production. The exhibition ficial light-type plant factory sys- of domestic demand from local On this occasion, H E tary of Agricultural Affairs, Live- ists to directly communicate with will also hold a series of interac- tems, shop design and equip- suppliers by 2024, supported by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al stock and Fisheries at the Min- decision makers, government tive events, including the ‘busi- ment, green houses, irrigation the governmental efforts to Rumaihi, Minister of Municipality istry stated that Qatar is keen to officials, producers and suppliers, ness convergence platform’, an and ventilation systems, logis- invest in initiatives to increase and Environment said that the diversify its economy, and broadly explore local and ideal venue for agricultural tics, storage services, water Qatar’s agricultural production. 08 HOME TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018

QIB takes Qatar Charity opens Sri Lanka office part in Qatar With the opening in 1993, when it used to work in University of the Qatar Charity coordination with local charities, Office in Sri Lanka, and implemented its projects and Career Fair programs at a cost of more than the number has risen QR 14 million. THE PENINSULA to 28 offices across He also said that Qatar Europe, Asia and Charity sponsors more than DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank Africa, including 4 1,000 persons, most of whom are (QIB), Qatar’s leading Islamic orphans and a number of dif- Bank, is currently participating regional offices in ferent development projects are at the 12th edition of Qatar Turkey, Ghana, Kenya being implemented in the University (QU) Career Fair, and Kyrgyzstan. country at an estimated cost of which commenced on Sunday about QR13m, adding that it has and continues until March 8. completed the final arrange- The annual career fair is organ- ments for the opening of the five ized by QU Career Center as THE PENINSULA multi-service centers at a cost of part of the university’s efforts more than QR 5 million. to enrich and diversify the DOHA: Qatar Charity opened its On this occasion, Sajith Pre- experience of its students and office in Sri Lanka within the madasa, Minister of Housing and graduates and connect them framework of its policy to Construction expressed his with the world of business. directly oversee the implemen- pleasure and praised the Qatar QIB’s participation in the tation of its construction, devel- Charity’s humanitarian interven- QU career fair reflects its opment and relief projects as tions around the world, pointing strategy of cooperating with well as to intensify its efforts to out that it is a global organization the educational institutions in benefit the people of Asia. well-known for quality planning the country and attracting local With the opening of the and implementing humanitarian talents to work in the Bank. The Qatar Charity Office in Sri Lanka, and charitable projects. career fair provides an oppor- the number has risen to 28 Sri Lanka’s Minister of City Planning and Water Supply, Kader Masthan, Qatar’s Ambassador to He also that his ministry is tunity for the Bank’s Human offices across Europe, Asia and Colombo, Rashid bin Shafi Al Marri, and other officials during the inauguration. ready to cooperate with the Resources to meet with stu- Africa, including 4 regional Qatar Charity Office in dents and alumni for four days offices in Turkey, Ghana, Kenya a release. Minister of City Plan- The event started with the Qatar Charity and its humani- Colombo in planning, mar- and introduce them to Islamic and Kyrgyzstan. ning and Water Supply, Kader national anthems of Sri Lanka tarian mission, which is sup- keting and implementing banking activities and the The new office was inaugu- Masthan, Rashid bin Shafi Al and Qatar, and then a video clip porting the vulnerable communi- housing and construction promising jobs the Bank offers. rated in a ceremony held in Marri, Qatar’s Ambassador to Sri about Qatar Charity’s humani- ties and empowering them to projects for the needy and poor Commenting on the par- Colombo, which was attended Lanka, in addition to Qatari, Pal- tarian activities in the world and achieve sustainable development people in Sri Lanka. He also ticipation, Khalefa Al by several prominent Sri Lankan estinian, Iraqi and Omani diplo- in Sri Lanka since 1993, was goals throughout the world. announced the establishment Mesalam, QIB’s Head of figures, Arab diplomats and rep- mats, parliamentarians and played. He also pointed out that of a special division within his Human Capital Group, said: resentatives of national and heads of local and international Speaking at the event, Faisal Qatar Charity’s humanitarian ministry to coordinate with “QIB’s long-term strategy international organizations, said charities. Rashid Al Fehaida introduced intervention in Sri Lanka started Qatar Charity in this regard. focuses on investment in local human resources. For many years, the Bank has been attracting graduates and young Qatari talents for jobs Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College in its various business units, in line with Qatar National and Microsoft sign partnership deal Vision 2030. The Board of Directors and the Executive Management aligned the THE PENINSULA in teaching while also providing the nec- Bank’s business strategies essary software for these curricula to ben- with human resources to help DOHA: Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military efit the students of the college. prepare future financial College and Microsoft have signed a stra- According to the agreement, the aca- experts who can contribute tegic partnership agreement to meet the demic personnel will be trained to use the to the development of the demand of the labour market and enhance software and curricula in the educational banking industry in Qatar”. knowledge in the practical and academic process besides supporting the college as He added: “QIB’s strategy sides across the different educational insti- a training institution under the armed of investment in local talents tutions of the armed forces. forces to train the Qatari troops. proved to be a success over Maj Gen Fahad Mubarak Al Khayareen The agreement is the first of its kind at the past few years, as we signed the agreement on behalf of the col- the level of military colleges in the Middle managed to recruit a large lege, while Harb Bou-Harb, Microsoft’s East. number of Qataris, particu- Middle East and Africa senior director for larly university graduates. We education, represented the company. will continue to pursue this The Ministry of Defence’s Moral Guid- → Maj Gen Fahad Mubarak Al Khayareen strategy and to develop the ance Department said the agreement aims and Microsoft’s Middle East and Africa skills of our Qatari employees to benefit from a number of Microsoft cur- Senior Director for Education, Harb Bou- through constant training and ricula and adopt them as reference sources Harb, signing the agreement. professional development”. Al Mesalam noted that QIB has a special relationship with QU, with the Bank wel- coming a group of students ConocoPhillips, QGBC launch Sustainability Film Project contest for students from the university’s College of Business and Economics THE PENINSULA Center (GWSC) and QGBC, the – 60 second video, either in students taking part in the Sus- “Through this competition, every summer for training. competition will showcase English or Arabic, focused on tainability Film Project are the we aim to deepen awareness “The career fair provides a DOHA: ConocoPhillips and diverse viewpoints on a sustain- the topic of ‘water and future of Qatar – we want to of sustainability in Qatar’s good opportunity to meet stu- Qatar Green Building Council able future, with students energy conservation’ or ‘a encourage them to leverage their youth. By encouraging them to dents, familiarize them with (QGBC) announced yesterday working individually or in teams sustainable lifestyle’. Win- creative skills to show the wider think critically, we can impart our banking activities, and pro- that the online registration portal to produce a short video about ners will be announced at a community how sustainability in them a sense of personal vide them with professional is now open for high school and sustainability. ceremony on May 9th, and can be achieved in our daily responsibility to shape a more advice to serve the objectives university students to sign up for High school students will are eligible to win prizes lives.” sustainable world,” noted of the banking sector and our the Sustainability Film Project compete in one category, such as an iPhone X, MacBook, For this inaugural competi- Meshal Al-Shamari, Director of strategy of building a national competition. while university students will or an iPad mini. tion, the entries will be judged QGBC. workforce capable of leading Launched by ConocoPhillips’ compete in another. Students Dr. Samer Adham, managing by an array of notable academics The deadline for entries is the Bank’s business today and Global Water Sustainability are challenged to create a 30 director of the GWSC, said: “The and professionals. April 22nd. in the future,” he concluded. HBKU invites prospective students to attend information sessions

THE PENINSULA 19. CHSS will share information biomedical sciences, and Four Seasons Hotel on March 29. at the Liberal Arts and Sciences genomics and precision medi- In the session, college represent- DOHA: Ahead of its April 1 appli- (LAS) Building about its MA pro- cine – amongst a full list of 13 atives will shed light on the cation deadline, Hamad Bin grammes in translation studies; PhD and master’s programs in region’s first Juris Doctor degree Khalifa University (HBKU) is audiovisual translation; women, science and engineering-related created in partnership with the inviting prospective students to society and development; and fields. CSE is home to three Northwestern Pritzker School of attend its final round of digital humanities and societies. divisions that include Life Sci- Law. The college’s JD program is upcoming college information The college’s two translation ences, Sustainable Develop- the first and only of its kind in sessions. Scheduled later this programs are delivered by the ment, and Information and the MENA region, and it seeks to month, the sessions will provide Translation and Interpreting Computing Technology. The graduate students who are highly interested applicants with a Institute and internationally val- college’s faculty members are equipped with legal knowledge unique opportunity to learn more idated by the University of internationally recognized and that enables them to make the about the array of innovative Geneva. Through its multidisci- pursue research in high-impact most of career options in the graduate programs HBKU offers. plinary programs, CHSS aspires areas for Qatar, the region, and public sector, private industry, Information sessions will to nurture a diverse body of aca- the world. and academia. offer detailed insight into HBKU’s demically grounded and socially On March 25, the College of HBKU attracts and cultivates graduate programs with a focus responsible citizens who are Islamic Studies’ representatives students who are capable and on curriculum, unique research ready to tackle today’s pressing will introduce prospective stu- adept to the needs of Qatar and opportunities, and admission challenges. dents to CIS’ MA in Islamic the region. The upcoming infor- requirements. Attendees will also On March 21, HBKU’s College studies and MS in Islamic mation sessions are an ideal have the chance to meet the of Science and Engineering’s finance, the latter being one of chance for prospective students deans, faculty, admissions staff, (CSE) information session will be an extremely limited number of to learn about the University’s Upcoming information sessions will offer detailed insight into and current students to learn held at the Education City Stu- top-tier specialized programs programs and achieve an under- HBKU’s graduate programmes with a focus on curriculum, unique more about the benefits of dent Center. The session will dis- available worldwide. standing of HBKU’s unique research opportunities, and admission requirements. enrollment. cuss CSE’s MS degree programs Finally, the College of Law opportunities and exceptional The first round of informa- in cybersecurity; sustainable and Public Policy’s (CLPP) infor- faculty. Potential applicants are more about HBKU’s degrees, know to make informed deci- tion sessions will occur on March energy; biological and mation session will be held at the welcome to visit and find out research, and all they need to sions about their education. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Syria lets aid reach Ghouta but blocks medical supplies The United Nations says 400,000 people are trapped inside the besieged enclave, and were already running out of food and medical supplies before the assault began with intense air strikes two weeks ago.

REUTERS

BEIRUT/GENEVA: Aid trucks reached Syria’s eastern Ghouta region yesterday for the first time since the start of one of the war’s deadliest assaults, but the government stripped some medical supplies from the Government forces direct Syrian Arab Red Crescent trucks carrying aid at the Al Wafideen checkpoint on the outskirts of Damascus neighbouring the rebel-held Eastern convoy and pressed on with its Ghouta region as they head towards the rebel-held enclave, yesterday. The convoy — a joint operation between the ICRC, the Syrian Red Crescent and the United Nations air and ground assault. — consisted of 46 trucks. RIGHT: Smoke rises from buildings in the village of Utaya as regime forces seized more ground in a fierce offensive to retake the battered rebel The Russian-backed Syrian enclave of Eastern Ghouta. army has captured more than a third of the eastern Ghouta in had ordered 70 percent of med- Aleppo in late 2016 and end their offensive had exceeded 700 recent days, threatening to slice ical supplies to be stripped out 45 dead in regime bombardment ability to target the capital. Rebel people in two weeks of intense the last major rebel-held area of the convoy, preventing trauma shelling on Damascus has killed bombardment. near the capital in two, despite kits, surgical kits, insulin and BEIRUT: Syrian regime bombardment on the rebel-held enclave dozens of people during the last Yesterday’s convoy of Western accusations of violating other vital material from of Eastern Ghouta killed at least 45 civilians yesterday, the Syrian two weeks, state-run media has more than 40 trucks carrying a ceasefire. reaching the area. The Interna- Observatory for Human Rights said. said. aid was the first to reach the The United Nations says tional Committee of the Red The Britain-based war monitor said at least 19 of the victims The Observatory said gov- besieged area since February 400,000 people are trapped Cross confirmed some medical were killed in the town of Hammuriyeh, where regime aircraft ernment forces had captured a 14 and only the second since inside the besieged enclave, and equipment had been blocked but used crude improvised munitions known as “barrels bombs”. third of the area in their the start of 2018. were already running out of food gave no details. The Observatory warned that toll could rise further as bodies advance from the east. Syrian Za’tari said the shipment had and medical supplies before the The Britain-based Syrian were still being retrieved from the rubble. state television on Monday said been scaled back from providing assault began with intense air Observatory for Human Rights the army had made major food for 70,000 people to pro- strikes two weeks ago. said strikes targeted front lines advances, seizing 40 percent of viding for 27,500. The United A senior UN official accom- near the town of Harasta and the on Sunday. Assad and his allies Ghouta follows a pattern used in the area previously held by the Nations says Syria has agreed to panying the convoy said he was villages of Beit Sawa and Hosh regard the rebel groups that hold other areas recaptured by the rebels. allow in the rest of the food for “not happy” to hear loud shelling Al Ashari. eastern Ghouta as terrorists, and government since Russia entered It broadcast live from sev- the full 70,000 in a second near the crossing point into President Bashar al-Assad say a UN Security Council reso- the war on Assad’s side in 2015, eral captured villages, showing convoy in three days. eastern Ghouta despite an agree- vowed on Sunday to continue the lution demanding a country- with sieges, bombardment and collapsed concrete buildings, “The convoy is not sufficient,” ment that the aid would be deliv- military push into eastern wide ceasefire does not apply to ground offensives combined rubble-strewn streets, bullet- Za’tari said. It would take many ered in safety. Ghouta, a densely populated area operations against them. with an offer to let civilians and pocked walls and smoke rising hours to offload the aid and it “We need to be assured that of farmland and towns just out- A week ago Russia unilater- fighters who surrender escape above fields in the distance. might be well after nightfall before we will be able to deliver the side Damascus which govern- ally announced five-hour daily through “humanitarian Late on Sunday, a rebel it could return, he added. humanitarian assistance under ment forces have encircled since pauses in the fighting, but clashes corridors”. official said factions in eastern The two-week assault has good conditions,” Ali Al Za’tari 2013. have continued during those For the rebels fighting to Ghouta were working together brought footage of children being told Reuters at the crossing point. Many civilian residents have hours and Western countries dis- oust Assad, the loss of eastern to prepare to retake lost carried out of rubble and hospi- A World Health Organiza- fled from the frontlines into the missed it as inadequate. Ghouta would mark their heav- ground. The Observatory said tals being bombed to viewers tion official said the government town of Douma, a resident said The fighting in eastern iest defeat since the battle of the death toll from the around the world once again.

Turkey fines Mugabe acolyte forms Italian ¤100,000 new political party to for truffle challenge Mnangagwa smuggling ISTANBUL: Turkey fined an Italian citizen nearly REUTERS crucial to unlocking urgently ¤100,000 for trying to ille- needed financial assistance and gally smuggle white truffles HARARE: A retired zimba- repairing relations with out of the country, authori- bwean general and acolyte of Western powers and interna- ties said. ex-president Robert Mugabe tional financial institutions. The unnamed suspect has formed a political party to Still, the NPF said it would was fined 466,509 Turkish challenge President Emmerson soon challenge the legality of lira ($122,000) after being Mnangagwa at the polls later Mnangagwa’s government at caught trying to take the aro- this year, the new grouping said the Constitutional Court. matic fungus across the yesterday. The High Court ruled in border to Bulgaria, the Mugabe, 94, was forced to November that the military Istanbul forest region man- step down last November fol- intervention was lawful, as it agement authority said in a French Foreign Minister in Tehran lowing a de facto military coup. halted a bid by people in his statement. Sources close to the former entourage to take over his The authority said the Iranian President Hassan Rowhani shakes hands with French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le leader say he is bitter over his duties, and African and Western truffle was worth ¤250 a Drian during their meeting in Tehran, yesterday. departure after 37 years in countries have since accepted kilo in some European coun- office and has given his support Mnangagwa’s presidency. tries and the individual had to the New Patriotic Front (NFP) Mutinhiri, an ethnic Zezuru illegally collected nearly 29 party. like Mugabe, has no known kilos of it. Ambrose Mutinhiri, a vet- political base. He joins the ranks “After the incident, the eran of zimbabwe’s 1970s inde- of other opposition political Istanbul forest region man- Buhari to tour violence-hit states pendence war, quit the ruling parties like the Movement for agement authority tightened ZANU-PF party and gave up his Democratic Change, whose protection and monitoring AFP Goodluck Jonathan, was heavily attacks, criminal activities and parliamentary seat last Friday, founding president Morgan activities against those ille- criticised for his slow response communal clashes” on his visits. then met Mugabe on Sunday to Tsvangirai died from cancer last gally searching for truffles,” ABUJA: Nigeria’s President to the kidnapping. He would also “meet and brief him about the latest devel- month, and Joice Mujuru, a the statement said. Recep Muhammadu Buhari, under fire Last weekend, Buhari, who console the communities opments, an NPF statement said. former Mugabe deputy. Ates, an Istanbul forest region because of mounting security has called the abduction from affected”. The NPF said it was formed The state-owned Herald official, urged locals to inform threats, including Boko Haram, Dapchi a “national disaster”, The central state of Benue by ZANU-PF members and zim- newspaper, which reflects gov- the authorities if they see for- is to tour states worst-hit by the was criticised for attending a and Zamfara in the northwest babweans “outraged by the ernment thinking, asserted that eigners walking around the violence, his office said society wedding in the northern have both been hit by renewed unconstitutional and humili- Mutinhiri was a stalking horse for area with dogs. yesterday. city of Kano. clashes between farmers and ating manner in which Presi- Mugabe, his wife Grace and the “From today, March 5, he His political opponents have nomadic herdsmen over access dent Mugabe was criminally vanquished ZANU-PF G40 group will visit Taraba, and subse- said he should have visited to resources. ousted from leadership ... by that had opposed Mnangagwa’s Botswana recalls quently Benue, Yobe, Zamfara Dapchi instead. It was not Last month, extra troops real criminals who have shame- political rise. It was Grace’s tilt imports of S African and Rivers states,” the presi- immediately clear whether were sent to try to quell violence fully damaged zimbabwe’s at power that triggered the mil- dency said in an emailed Buhari’s Yobe itinerary included in Benue, as well as neigh- fledgling democracy”. itary intervention in November. processed meat statement. a trip to the town. bouring Taraba and Nasarawa. Mugabe’s policies are Quoting an unnamed govern- Yobe, in northeast Nigeria, The 75-year-old Buhari was Buhari, who also doubles up blamed by many for the decline ment source, the Herald said GABORONE: Botswana on is where Boko Haram abducted elected in 2015 on a pledge to as oil minister, has yet to visit of zimbabwe from breadbasket Mugabe and his wife were also Monday recalled imports of 110 schoolgirls in the town of defeat Boko Haram. the strategic southern state of to basket case, with unemploy- anxious about their invest- processed meat products Dapchi on February 19, nearly But the Dapchi attack and Rivers, which is the hub of ment above 80 percent, dilapi- ments, including a dairy firm from South Africa after a four years after a similar abduc- others have raised questions Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. dated public infrastructure and and several farms. deadly listeria outbreak was tion caused global outrage. about the extent of repeated The state has long been hit severe shortages of hard cur- “Essentially, what it means linked to a factory there, the Then, more than 200 girls government claims to have vir- by political violence. rency that spawned is it’s the former president who ministry of health said in a were seized from their boarding tually defeated the Islamist Adesina sought to play hyper-inflation. is trying to stage a ‘second statement. school in the remote town of militants. down allegations that Buhari is Mnangagwa said in January coming’ behind the person of Botswana’s move follows Chibok in Borno state, bringing Buhari’s spokesman, Femi out of touch with the security zimbabwe would hold trans- the dutiful and beholden a similar ban by Mozambique world-wide attention on the Adesina, said he would be situation, saying he had received parent elections by July and he Ambrose Mutinhiri,” the source and Zambia in the wake of the insurgency. making an “on-the-spot assess- daily briefings and been “in con- would respect the result if the was quoted by the Herald as outbreak that has claimed 180 The then-president, ment” of “recent terrorist stant touch” with governors. opposition won - a pledge saying. lives in South Africa. 10 VIEWS TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Applause for good governance

he happiness level of the people of a country is often considered as one of the yardsticks to measure the extent of welfare and progress Tof the nation. If the majority of the population is satisfied with their government’s policies and programmes, it is a proof of good governance. A recent study, conducted by the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar Qatar and Belgium enjoy outstanding University, found that as many as 98 percent of Qatari nationals are satisfied with the performance of the government during the ongoing siege and 88 percent believe that Qatar can survive the crisis for many relations, long-term partnership years. The survey showed that the citizens’ expectation QNA Belgium currently imports gas with regard to the future of business and trade in from Qatar under two 20-year long Qatar have improved to reach a whopping 96 percent HE Qatari-Belgian relations contracts. Zeebrugge still has the post-siege, which was 72 percent prior to the have been witnessing potential to import more liquefied blockade. remarkable growth in political natural gas (LNG), which is Belgium currently The findings of the survey is a testament to the Tand economic aspects since increasingly used in the transport imports gas from Qatar ability and preparedness of the government in 2004. They were further reinforced sector. under two 20-year long handling the crisis and turning it to the benefit of the after the visit of Father Emir H H The Belgian Ambassador noted people of the country. Under the visionary leadership Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to that LNG will be an important contracts. Zeebrugge of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Kingdom of Belgium in 2006 and element in energy in the future, given still has the potential to the Qatari authorities left no stone unturned in the visit of H M King Philippe of the efforts of EU member states, import more liquefied tackling and coming out unscathed from the nefarious Belgium in 2007 at the head of a including Belgium, to reduce carbon natural gas (LNG), which intentions of the blockading countries. The survey business delegation, and the arrival of emissions. The demand for Qatari gas results show that the people of the country stand the first Qatari will continue to grow, as Belgium is is increasingly used in together with the LNG ship to the not only supplying it locally but also the transport sector. The government in deciding the Belgian port of supplying neighboring countries Belgian Ambassador future course of their Zeebrugge in thanks to the very wide gas pipeline noted that LNG will be journey to a developed and 2007. network. welfare state. The State of He pointed out that Belgium is the an important element The Qatari citizens Qatar and the third largest partner of Qatar in in energy in the future, The findings of Cooperation expressed their views on Kingdom of Europe and there were trade given the efforts of EU the survey is a between the the ramifications of the Belgium have missions that visited Qatar, noting member states, including testament to siege from a legal, political, State of Qatar signed several that its largest trade mission to Qatar Belgium, to reduce the ability and economic and social and the Kingdom agreements was the business and trade perspective and they are and delegation in 2015, headed by the carbon emissions. The preparedness of of Belgium was happy that the measures memorandums brother of the King of Belgium. This demand for Qatari gas the government taken by the government not limited to of gave a huge boost to bilateral will continue to grow, in handling the are effective in alleviating economic and understanding, relations, he added. as Belgium is not only crisis and turning the impact of the blockade. political aspects. including the The Ambassador also The study noted that 70 political highlighted his country’s major supplying it locally it to the benefit of In education, percent of the citizens were consultations exports such as machinery, but also supplying the people of the not able to see their Qatar University, agreement in transport materials and chemical neighbouring countries country. relatives in the represented 2013, the products, stressing that Belgium is neighbouring states since by the Qatar double taxation fully aware of the new opportunities thanks to the very wide the beginning of the Transportation avoidance being opened in Qatar thanks to the gas pipeline network. blockade. It further states agreement in Qatari Government’s policy of that 10 percent people could not in any way connect and Traffic Safety 2007, and the encouraging foreign direct to their loved ones in the siege countries, which Center, and the encouragement investment as well as towards reflects the negative impact of the blockade on social Transportation and mutual achieving self-sufficiency. and familial relations. This played a major role in Research Institute investment The Ambassador of the Kingdom University Transportation Research destroying social harmony and destabilising relations. protection of Belgium to Qatar Bart De Groof Institute is part of the active Qatar has been raising this gross human rights at the Hasselt agreement in said Belgium is an ideal country for international activities that the violation in several international forums in bid to University in 2007. investments because of its open center is developing to establish save the citizens from this predicament so that they Belgium signed In a economy and ease of doing business novel and sound research programs can meet and be connected with their divided family a cooperation statement to as well as its geographical location, that yield to economically feasible, members. the Qatari Al along with excellent transport by air, socially viable and environmental If the policies and actions of a government is agreement in the Sharq sea, railways, roads and pipelines, friendly solutions to transportation transparent, follows the rule of law, responsive, field of transport newspaper, thus making it an ideal center for and traffic safety issues in the State inclusive, effective, efficient and participatory, it is and traffic safety. Ambassador of distributing products and services of Qatar and the international considered a good governance. The Qatari authorities the Kingdom of throughout Europe. community. deserve applause in all theses aspects of governance. Belgium to Cooperation between the State The agreement aims at enhancing The entire population of the country is happy that Qatar Bart De of Qatar and the Kingdom of cooperation between Qatar University their government is rising to the occasion and Groof commended the level of bilateral Belgium was not limited to and Hasselt University. ensuring that the daily life of the people are not relations in all fields. economic and political aspects. In The Kingdom of Belgium is affected by the crisis. He also praised the visit of Emir education, Qatar University, situated in the west of Europe. H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al represented by the Qatar Although its surface area of 30,528 Thani to Belgium, which begins Transportation and Traffic Safety km2 makes it a small country, its today, stressing that the visit of H H Center, and the Transportation location has made it the economic and the Emir is a unique and excellent Research Institute at the Hasselt urban nerve centre of Europe. opportunity to evaluate and push University in Belgium signed a Brussels is the capital city of Belgium. QUOTE OF THE DAY forward these outstanding relations cooperation agreement in the It also have the headquarters of the between Qatar and Belgium, and to field of transport and traffic European Union (EU) and of the North use it as a foundation to make them safety. Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). What we are seeing, stronger. The institute, one of the largest Belgium is a federal constitutional in Eastern Ghouta and He pointed out that the visit will research institutes in Belgium, carries monarchy with a parliamentary elsewhere in Syria, witness the signing of memorandums research in the field of system of governance. are likely war crimes, of understanding and agreements in transportation, traffic safety and Belgium is a key international many fields, pointing out that his sustainable tourism, in cooperation economic player, ranked 13th in the and potentially country was the first European country with several governmental, regional world for both exports and imports crimes against to sign the LNG import agreement with and international bodies. It also by the World Trade Organisation humanity. Qatar in 2006, stressing that the State supervises many undergraduate and (WTO) in 2012. Moreover, it is one of of Qatar is the main supplier to the postgraduate students in the field of the most popular countries for latest liquefied natural gas station in transportation at the Hasselt investors, attracting billions of euro Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein Zeebrugge, a gateway to supply LNG to University. of foreign direct investment each UN High Commissioner Northwestern Europe. The collaboration with Hasselt year. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 OPINION 11 Italy’s election is another blow to European establishment

UROPEAN Italian electorate voted for Mediterranean and fed up with passing. Italian voters EU fewer problems than Commission President populist parties once a lack of opportunities, the delivered an emphatic France or the Netherlands, let Jean-Claude Juncker considered fringe, and a stable perceived corruption of elites rejection to the preferred alone the United Kingdom.” offered an anodyne government is nowhere in and the inefficacy of the ruling option of figures such as Moïsi: Other European officials argue E centrist government. The a loveless grand coalition that Italy’s vast economic statement about Italy’s sight. elections: “Whatever the There were two big front-runners in the polls between Berlusconi’s center- problems - including the ISHAAN THAROOR outcome, I am confident that winners: the anti- included neo-fascists, a party right faction and the largest public debt in the THE WASHINGTON POST we will have a government establishment Five Star of unpredictable Euroskeptics Democratic Party of former European Union and high that makes sure that Italy Movement, founded less than a and an aging former prime prime minister Matteo Renzi. youth unemployment - mean remains a central player in decade ago by a comedian, minister known for his “Compromise and coalition, the country can’t afford Europe and in shaping its which won about 32 percent of infamous sex parties. once the heart and soul of prolonged political future,” he said. the vote, and the League, a far- “Italian politics are Continental politics, are losing uncertainty. “I just don’t know But in private remarks he right, anti-immigrant, famously chaotic, and prime their attraction,” Washington how long the patience of delivered at a think-tank in Euroskeptic party. The League ministers have rarely stayed in Post columnist Anne financial markets will last,” a Brussels earlier the same day, likely surpassed its center- office for their full five-year Applebaum wrote, pointing to diplomat from Northern The Five Star Juncker took a much gloomier right ally, the Forza Italia party mandates,” my colleagues the malaise surrounding Europe told Politico EU. “In the Movement - an line. He fretted about how of former Italian prime noted. “But this year is notable Germany’s own, newly Netherlands or in Germany anarchic faction populist, anti-EU parties were minister Silvio Berlusconi. for the palpable feeling that the finalized grand coalition. [coalition] talks have lasted a encompassing likely to make gains, and he Meanwhile, the Five Star old system is breaking down “Besides, the public’s trust of long time, but they don’t have warned of the potential Movement - an anarchic and that what is happening everybody in government is at that debt.” But problems of Euroskeptics, political chaos of a fragmented faction encompassing here could be echoed in other an all-time low - so much so policy will have to wait. The libertarians, result. Europeans, he Euroskeptics, libertarians, countries in Europe, as well.” that it seems better not to be in key theme underlying the progressives and reportedly said, needed “to progressives and a strong core Some analysts framed the the government at all.” A election was an anti-EU, anti- brace ourselves for the worst of disenchanted youth voters - contest as a last-ditch battle populist alliance between the immigrant backlash that a strong core of scenario, and the worst became the single biggest between an advancing tide of Five Star Movement and the echoed the angry tribalism of disenchanted youth scenario could be no party in Italy. illiberal populists and League, unthinkable just elections elsewhere in the voters - became the operational government.” As “In an extraordinary result, beleaguered, maligned months ago, is now at least West. Salvini, whose once- single biggest party votes were tallied in the early it appeared to have won nearly defenders of the liberal plausible. Another scenario regional party has shifted its hours of Monday, it seemed as many votes as the European status quo. What could see League leader Matteo ire from southern Italians to in Italy. Juncker’s worst-case scenario mainstream center-left and would be the Italy to emerge Salvini become the next prime foreigners, wants to carry out had arrived. About half the center-right parties after March 4, eminent French minister. Even in politically mass deportations while combined,” my colleague political scientist Dominique febrile Italy, it would mark a radically refashioning the Michael Birnbaum explained. Moïsi asked. “Will it be one that remarkable turn of events. Italian economy. “Italy’s complicated electoral joins with French President In the weeks ahead, Italy’s In an interview with the system means that initial Emmanuel Macron in populists and ultranationalists New York Times, Steve results could still shift slightly, reinforcing the European will have to reckon with the Bannon, the former adviser to but politicians of all stripes project, or will it embrace the actual prospect of taking President Trump who is now were treating the first authoritarian populism now power. That may moderate exiled from the White House, projections as an earthquake.” running rampant in Central their positions. “Italian gleefully hailed Italy’s politics In the run-up to Italy’s Europe?” he wrote. “Whether politicians talk a better game as a validation of his own elections, much of the or not they realize it, Italy’s than they actually play,” Dutch ultranationalist agenda. “The international media fixated on voters are about to choose not political scientist Cas Mudde Italian people have gone the storm clouds on the just among political parties, wrote, pointing to the farther, in a shorter period of horizon. Italian voters were but also - and more advances of Euroskeptics time, than the British did for disaffected and angry, fearful importantly - between political elsewhere. “For all the public Brexit and the Americans did of hundreds of thousands of regimes.” The contours of the flirting with Euroscepticism for Trump,” he said while in recently arrived migrants from new regime are still unclear, and populism, Italian Italy last week, in clear support the other side of the but an old one is certainly governments have caused the of Salvini. “Italy is the leader.”

HE New Democratic Party (NDP) Gaza, while enshrining explicit support legal system that sees almost 700 is Canada’s pretend socialist for “economic pressure to end the Palestinian children languish behind bars party. The pretend socialists got occupation” into the party’s constitution. in Israeli prisons each year. It does together at their biennial The pretend socialists who run nothing to substantially address Israel’s T human rights violations or its ongoing convention in Ottawa recently to chart Canada’s pretend socialist party D-RING ROAD policy for the upcoming federal election employed every procedural gimmick in siege on Gaza. It offers mere platitudes POST BOX: 3488 when, once again, the party vows not to their censorious playbook to make sure rather than much-needed action.” ANDREW MITROVICA DOHA - QATAR utter the word socialist. that resolution didn’t make it onto the Meanwhile, a smattering of other AL JAZEERA The pretend socialists are so afraid of convention floor during consideration of NDP members shouted: “Shame.” [email protected] being called socialists that they voted - the NDP’s foreign policy agenda, let alone It was a shameful, but not into the constitution which, remember, unexpected, exhibition by Canada’s party EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE bans the word “socialist”. of pretend socialists who feign respect for TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Former and current Members of international law and human rights, as FAX: +974 4455 7758 Parliament from the pretend socialist long as they don’t apply to Palestinians. party, including the NDP’s foreign affairs Hyperbole? I don’t think so. The MANAGING EDITOR critic, and their staffers, reportedly former leader of the party, Thomas TEL: 4462 7505 Canada’s pretend “jammed” the convention floor to make Mulcair, did not say a word publicly while sure the pro-Palestinian resolution, and the Israeli military invaded Gaza and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR any attempts to bolster it, died before killed and maimed thousands of TEL: 4455 7769 they were born and a watered-down, Palestinians, including more than 500 socialists so-called “balanced” resolution on children during what amounted to LOCAL NEWS SECTION Palestine and Israel prevailed. Israel’s turkey shoot — by land, sea and TEL: 4455 7743 The same powerful, exclusive band of air — of a besieged people for week after 960 to 188 — to erase “socialist” from the pretend socialists pulled the same week in 2014. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION party’s constitution in 2013. technical stunt at the NDP’s convention in At the inhumane time, Mulcair hid TEL: 4462 7535 The pretend socialists say they Vancouver in 2011 to bury a resolution behind a press release, where he affixed abandoned the word to try to supporting the Canadian Boat to Gaza. blame for the relentless “horror” on SPORT NEWS SECTION “modernise” the party so it could better The leaders of Canada’s pretend “Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants,” TEL: 4455 7745 “resonate” with Canadians. Translation: socialist party with its pretend affinity for without so much as a syllable of Socialism is for old farts and losers. openness, transparency and democracy, condemnation for Israel’s indiscriminate ONLINE SECTION So, it’s not surprising that Canada’s set aside less than an hour for “debate” and deadly volley after indiscriminate, TEL: 4462 7501 pretend socialist party’s policy towards on the competing resolutions and assured deadly volley. He also suggested [email protected] Israel and Palestine remains, in effect, a the outcome by, in part, stacking the “de-escalation” might be useful. How facsimile of Prime Minister Justin microphones on the convention floor. nice. PUBLIC RELATIONS Trudeau’s rather than, let’s say, British As a result, the first 15 minutes of the That is Canada’s pretend socialists’ TEL: 4455 7613 Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s. “debate” featured several frustrated “balanced approach” towards Palestine [email protected] Of course, Corbyn is a real socialist, NDP members angrily complaining the and Israel on pathetic, humiliating not a pretend one. The real socialist got a proceedings had been rigged, while display. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT loud and long standing ovation after he other NDP members angrily denounced Mulcair wasn’t the leader of Canada’s TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 urged delegates at the Labour Party their brothers and sisters for standing pretend socialists much longer after that FAX: 4455 7870 Conference last September to “give real and carrying signs demanding Israel because his “balanced approach” was [email protected] support to end the oppression of the release Palestinian teenager, Ahed largely identical to Trudeau’s “balanced Palestinian people” and Israel’s “50-year Tamimi, from custody, rather than approach” which is a euphemism for: CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT occupation and illegal settlement Israel’s jailing and shooting of scores of Israel can do anything, at any time, by TEL: 4455 7857 expansion”. Palestinian children. any means, to imprison and kill [email protected] Corbyn prefaced his remarks by One oh so fortunate delegate, Palestinians and occupy their land. insisting that they reflect the Labour however, was given carte blanche for Canada’s pretend socialists can SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Party’s socialist “values”. “We must put several minutes to back the more rationalise and obfuscate until their TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 our values at the heart of our foreign “balanced” resolution that, she claimed, party’s signature orange colours turn FAX: 44557819 policy. Democracy and human rights are “talks about both sides’ responsibilities blue, but “balanced approach” is also a [email protected] not an optional extra to be deployed and rights” and that would allow NDP polite euphemism for complicity. selectively,” the real socialist said. leader Jagmeet Singh “to find common In an odd, rambling 40-minute Alas, for Canada’s pretend socialist cause with our friends and allies in Israel speech, Mr Love and Courage, Jagmeet All thoughts and views party, its supposed “values” are all too and Palestine”. Singh, tried, haltingly and rhetorically, Canada’s pretend malleable and, as such, human rights for After another futile round of to re-affirm his socialist credentials. expressed in these socialists can Palestinians appear to be an optional wrangling over rules, a vote was Not once did he call for the end of the columns are those of the rationalise and extra and are indeed deployed promptly taken and, you guessed it, the oppression of Palestinians. Not once did writers, not of the selectively. “balanced” resolution won the carefully he call for the end to the brutal, illegal newspaper. obfuscate until their How else to explain the cynical, engineered day. occupation of Palestinian land. Not party’s signature contrived, and ultimately successful Then, and only then, did Canada’s once did he call for the end to the orange colours turn gambit by Canada’s pretend socialist pretend socialist party allow a solitary remorseless siege of Gaza. Not once did All correspondence he call for the use of economic or blue, but “balanced party to scuttle a valiant attempt by NDP member — who is Jewish — to regarding Views and mostly young, but apparently not oppose the just approved “balanced” diplomatic sanctions to censor Israel Opinion pages should be approach” is also a “modern” enough NDP members, to put resolution. for its ingrained violations of polite euphemism forward a resolution calling for the end of In his speech, the delegate excoriated international law and human rights. send to editor-in-chief for complicity. Israel’s illegal occupation and the NDP for adopting a resolution that And not once did he mention the words office or mailed to the settlements, as well as the blockade of “does nothing to address the two-tiered Palestine or Palestinians. [email protected] 12 ASIA TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 Kashmir on boil after six deaths in firing IANS While the security vehicles to stop near the check forces claim that all post but they moved on and SRINAGAR: Hundreds of opened heavy fire. people, including several gun- those killed were “Our troops, in self defence, toting militants, attended the militants or their responded with fire. In the funeral of a slain Lashkar-e- over-ground workers, ensuing gunfight, one terrorist Taiba commander in south separatist leaders and was hit and he fell off the vehicle. Kashmir despite people’s The vehicle veered off the road movement being restricted and locals alleged that towards a stream and the second Internet curfew clamped across four of them were vehicle sped off.” the Kashmir Valley yesterday, a civilians. Later, the army personnel day after four civilians and two recovered the body of a terrorist, insurgents were killed in a who was identified as Amir shootout with the Army. yesterday morning, police said. Malik, a Lashkar militant and a Dozens of clashes involving Police said they recovered resident of village Harmen in stone-pelting erupted in Shopian the bullet-ridden body of Shopian. as people came out on the streets Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Ashiq “Three more bodies were to protest alleged civilian deaths Hussain Bhat at Saidpora area in found in the vehicle during the in the south Kashmir district on Shopian, about six km from the search. These individuals were Sunday evening. firing spot. He was missing since accompanying the terrorist.” Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik (right) looks out from a police vehicle While the security forces November 13, 2017. The statement said Bhat, after being detained while leading a protest march against the Shopian killings, in Srinagar, yesterday. claim that all those killed were “Preliminary investigation whose body was recovered on militants or their over-ground suggests that Bhat’s death was Monday, was also linked with the workers, separatist leaders and part of Sunday’s gunfight in same chain of events that took valley-wide protest shutdown services exams in the state. All then fired in the air to honour locals alleged that four of them Pahnoo village. Further investi- place on Sunday evening. against the killings. university and school board their dead colleague. were civilians. gation is on,” a police officer said. Chief Minister Mehbooba Fearing street protests, the exams scheduled yesterday were Protests also broke out in The deaths on Sunday The body of a civilian, Mufti said she was “deeply dis- authorities imposed restrictions postponed. Shopian’s neighbouring occurred after a militant travel- Gowhar Ahmad Lone, 24, was tressed by more deaths of civil- in parts of Srinagar city and People thronged Kapran Anantnag and Pulwama districts ling in a car attacked an Indian also found yesterday morning, ians caught in the crossfire in south Kashmir region. Internet village of Shopian to participate and Badgam in central Kashmir Army’s mobile vehicle checkpost some 250 metres away from the Shopian” and expressed her connectivity in south Kashmir in the funeral of Lashkar com- where youths clashed with the near Pahnoo village in Shopian gunfight site. “heartfelt condolences to the was suspended while its speed mander Ashiq Hussain Bhat. security forces. district, some 60 km south of Sri- The Army said in a statement deceased’s families”. was curbed at other places in the Half a dozen militants were also Jammu and Kashmir Liber- nagar. Four persons were con- that militants fired at the mobile Separatist leaders Syed Ali Valley. The State Public Service seen offering the congrega- ation Front chief Yasin Malik was firmed dead on Sunday night and check post from two vehicles. It Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Commission ordered the cancel- tional Nimaz-e-Janaza of the arrested yesterday during a pro- two more bodies were recovered said troops signalled the and Yasin Malik called for a lation of yesterday’s civil slain commander. The militants test march against the killings. Hiccups ahead of Conrad taking oath as Meghalaya CM Supreme Court IANS handed over to Governor Ganga besides one Independent MLA largest party. around.... to hear Karti Prasad on Sunday projecting Samuel Sangma. Outgoing Chief Minister “Congress has that kind of SHILLONG: National People’s Sangma as their leader to lead Apart from Union Home Mukul Sangma told journalists: wherewithal to create a turna- plea against Party (NPP) supremo Conrad the non-Congress government. Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP “We have offered formulas to the round in any given situation, Kongkal Sangma will be sworn The designated Chief Min- President Amit Shah, Assam UDP for working together -- whenever needed.” ED today in as the Chief Minister of ister, who is the non-elected Finance Minister Himanta Biswa either the UDP should lead the Meanwhile, the HSPDP — Meghalaya today even as the Hill member of the 60-member Sarma, who is the chairman of government or share power for which convened an emergent IANS State People’s Democratic Party Assembly, will be administered the North East Democratic Alli- two-and-half years. But UDP central executive committee (HSPDP) expressed reservation the oath of office and secrecy ance, a non-Congress entity, will President Donkupar Roy told me meeting — has expressed reser- NEW DELHI: The Supreme in forming the government with along with his Council of Minis- also attend the swearing-in cer- that this (formula) could have vation to cobble up with the BJP Court will today hear a plea the BJP. ters. He will be the 12th Chief emony at Raj Bhavan. been discussed much earlier.” since its (HSPDP’s) stand has by Karti Chidambaram, son The HSPDP, which has Minister of Meghalaya. The NPP, which won 19 Asked if the Congress can still always been for a non-Congress of Congress leader P stitched a post-poll alliance with Sources said HSPDP’s Lyn- assembly seats in the just concluded turn the tables to lead the govern- or non-BJP government. Chidambaram, challenging the NPP, also objected to the lone gdoh will be inducted as a cab- polls, is the second largest party ment, he said: “You must go by “A pre-poll alliance was the summons by the Enforce- NPP Lok Sabha member Sangma inet minister. after the Congress winning 21 seats. history of the state and the expe- forged between the UDP and ment Directorate in the INX being projected as the Chief On Sunday, Sangma staked Meghalaya is the second riences we have gone through and HSPDP but they (UDP) did not Media case. Minister. claim to forming the government state, after Manipur and Goa, look at people who are there in consult us when they proposed A bench, headed by Chief But the HSPDP legislators — with the support of six MLAs where the Congress has not been the Congress, the NPP and others the name of Conrad Sangma to Justice Dipak Misra, yesterday Renikton Lyngdoh and Samlin from UDP, four from People’s able to forge a post-poll alliance and how in a given situation espe- be the Chief Minister,” HSPDP said it would hear the plea after Malngiang — have signed the Democratic Front (PDF), and two with any of the regional parties cially in a football match certain President Ardent Basaiawmoit it was mentioned for an early letter of support, which was each from HSPDP and the BJP, despite emerging as the single- players can always create a turn told journalists. hearing by lawyer Shally Bhasin. Karti Chidambaram is cur- rently in the custody of the CBI that is investigating allegation of his taking money for FIPB Curfew imposed in clearance to INX Media — now renamed 9X Media — when his father was Finances Minister. Kandy after clashes He has dubbed the allegations as “politically motivated”. AFP was imposed to control the sit- Karti Chidambaram was uation in the area,” said police arrested by the CBI at COLOMBO: Sri Lanka imposed spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera. Chennai airport soon after his a curfew yesterday in a central Local officials said over two arrival from an overseas visit hill station town popular with dozen suspects had been on February 28. tourists after days of communal detained by police in connection The CBI has charged Karti unrest that saw a man killed with the spate of arson attacks, Chidambaram with using his and Muslim businesses set while senior officers had also father’s clout to get a Foreign alight. launched an investigation into Investment Promotion Board Police had been placed on the conduct of police. (FIPB) clearance for INX alert in Kandy, home to famous tea The violence has worsened Media, then owned by Indrani plantations and Buddhist relics, to since a man from the island’s and Peter Mukerjea in 2012. ensure that the “situation does not mainly Buddhist Sinhalese spiral into inter-communal con- majority died at the weekend flagration,” the government said. from injuries sustained during After BSP, RLD “The government appeals a riot last week. to all parties and especially the Mobs set fire to Muslim- supports SP general public to act with owned businesses and attacked Protest against Rafale jets deal responsibility and remain a mosque in the east of the candidates in UP calm,” it said in a statement. country last week after a IANS Supporters of the opposition Indian National Congress party hold a model of Rafale fighter jet as Police said there had been Muslim chef was accused of they shout slogans during a protest against the Rafale jets deal, in New Delhi yesterday. riots and arson attacks since the adding contraceptives to food LUCKNOW: A day after the weekend in Kandy. “The curfew sold to Sinhalese. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) extended its support to the Samajwadi Party (SP) candi- dates for the Lok Sabha bypolls to Phoolpur and PNB fraud: CBI questions GM, gets remand of four accused Gorakhpur seats, the Rash- triya Lok Dal (RLD) also on IANS (Monday) questioned S K Chand, and Miten Anil Pandya, then Director of Gili India Ltd. fraud kitty last Monday. Monday announced its who is a GM of the bank, in con- Finance Manager — both of Fire- Acoording to CBI officials, it was The CBI had filed the first FIR support to the SP nominees. NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: The nection with the case,” a CBI offi- starter International Ltd of Nirav alleged that Nair, besides being one in the scam on February 14 The Ajit Singh-led RLD, Central Bureau of Investigation cial said here. Modi, for their alleged role in of the directors of the Gitanjali against Nirav Modi, his wife Ami, while announcing this here, (CBI) yesterday said it questioned The official also informed that preparation of applications for the Group was also the authorised sig- brother Nishal, uncle Choksi and said it will also support the SP a General Manager of the a court in Mumbai sent four fraudulent Letters of Undertaking natory for the applications made to his firms Diamond R US, Solar and BSP candidates in the Treasury Division of Punjab accused arrested on Sunday to the (LoUs) submitted to the PNB. the PNB for issuance of purported Exports and Stellar Diamond. soon-to-be-held Legislative National Bank (PNB) in connec- agency’s custody till March 17. Two The third arrested person — LoUs and letters of credit. Modi, his family and Choksi Council and Rajya Sabha tion with its ongoing probe into of the four arrested accused are Sanjay Rambhia, a partner in CA The CBI has to date arrested left the country in early elections. Rs 12,600-crore bank fraud case from Nirav Modi’s firm, one is an firm Sampat and Mehta of 18 persons in the case so far. January. The Lok Sabha bypolls in involving diamond jeweller auditor and one an employee of Mumbai — was an internal Modi along with Choksi has The CBI filed a second FIR Phoolpur in Allahabad and Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul the Gitanjali Group. auditor of Nirav Modi’s compa- been accused of defrauding the on February 15 for a Rs 4,886.72- Gorakhpur are being seen as Choksi of Gitanjali Group. The CBI arrested Manish K nies, while the fourth — Aniyath PNB of Rs 12,600 crore, with Rs crore fraud against Choksi’s high stakes electoral outing “The agency officials today Bosamiya, then AGM (Operation), Shiv Raman Nair — was then 1,300 crore being added to the Gitanjali Group. for the ruling BJP. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 ASIA 13

Senators-elect Pakistan can do more to combat terrorism: US told to submit INTERNEWS Taliban has to abandon terror, it short stay in Washington. the assurance that the United has to abandon violence, and it At the White House, Secre- States does not want to sever its details of election ISLAMABAD: As the United has to support the Afghan con- tary Janjua is likely to have ties to Pakistan. States and Pakistan reengage stitution.” She also noted that the another meeting with Curtis, the But Washington is not expenditure today in efforts to improve their Washington wants to United States continues to con- US National Security Council’s seeking the revival of the old ties, the Pentagon reminded base its relationship sult New Delhi, not only about senior director for South and relationship, which made Paki- INTERNEWS Islamabad that war against with Pakistan in new “India’s very important role” in Central Asia. The two met in stan a key ally, first during the terrorism in the South Asian realities explained Afghanistan but also on other Islamabad last week during the Cold War, and then again in the PESHAWAR: The Returning region has reached an inflection issues that go beyond the South US official’s surprise visit to the war against terror. Officer for Pakistan’s Senate point and it should use this in recent US policy Asian region. Pakistani capital. After this and Instead, as the Pentagon election yesterday set five- opportunity to defeat terrorists. papers, which The briefing precedes Paki- other meetings with senior civil official clarified, Washington day deadline for the 11 newly- “With respect to Pakistan we downplay the threat stan’s Foreign Secretary Teh- and military officials in Islam- wants to base this relationship elected senators from Khyber believe that Pakistan can do of terrorism. Instead, mina Janjua’s two-day visit to abad, Curtis expressed the desire in new realities explained in Pakhtunkhwa to submit more to combat terrorism,” Pen- Washington, which begins to ‘move toward a new relation- recent US policy papers, which details of election expendi- tagon Chief Spokesperson Dana they see the growing today for talks that follow a ship’ with Pakistan. downplay the threat of ture or else their official result White said at a weekend news influence of China and similar, unscheduled visit to And recent comments by terrorism. will not be released. briefing in Washington. Russia, particularly Islamabad by a senior Trump senior US officials, including the Instead, they see the growing The Returning Officer, Pir “This is an inflection point in Asia, as a greater aide, Lisa Curtis. Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, influence of China and Russia, Maqbool Ahmad, issued and this is an opportunity and Yesterday, official sources give an outline of how Wash- particularly in Asia, as a greater notices to the newly elected- Pakistan has an opportunity to threat to US interests. confirmed that Janjua will have ington perceives this new threat to US interests. senators to submit the details do more,” she added. “They’ve a series of meetings both at the relationship. The papers also made it with his office. been victims of terrorism. So, When reminded that Paki- White House and the State As Acting Assistant Secretary clear that Washington views As per the official com- we’ll look forward to continuing stan has welcomed the Afghan Department and will also of State Alice Wells explained in India as a strategic ally for muniqué, the elected sena- to work with them to see where government’s latest peace offer address think-tank experts at the a recent interview to VOA, a big countering these threats from tors could obtain the forms there are opportunities.” to the Taliban, White said: “The US Institute of Peace during her positive in this new approach is China and Russia. from the office of the Provin- cial Election Commission. Interestingly, the ceiling of campaign expenditure for the Senate election has been Duterte to skip regional increased from Rs1m to Rs1.5m as per the Election Act 2017. summit in Australia In reality though, the can- didates end up spending AFP said. Australia was among sev- much more than the amount eral countries to raise concern they are allowed under the MANILA: Philippine President about the Philippine anti-drug election laws. Rodrigo Duterte is skipping a war’s death toll at a UN Human Besides, there are horse- regional summit in Australia this Rights Council meeting in trading allegations in every month, his spokesman said Geneva last year. Senate election and this time yesterday, as he faces interna- Duterte was elected in it was no different as MPAs tional censure for Manila’s 2016 on a promise to eradicate from a number of parties deadly drug war. drugs and launched an unprec- didn’t vote for their party Duterte’s decision to snub edented campaign in which candidates. This obviously the meeting comes after he said police say they have killed meant they voted for he would not cooperate with UN more than 4,100 drug suspects someone else in return for investigators looking into who resisted arrest. monetary considerations. alleged extrajudicial killings However rights groups esti- An official said on condi- during the narcotics crackdown, mate there have been more than tion of anonymity that it was which has left thousands dead. 12,000 deaths in all, including just a formality that Rs1.5m His spokesman Harry Roque people murdered by shadowy can be spent by a candidate confirmed that the leader would vigilante groups. in the Senate election as eve- not join fellow Association of Duterte, who last week told ryone knows how much is Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) police and soldiers not to coop- being spent to win a seat. Pakistan PM in Nepal leaders for the March 17-18 erate with any probe, is also “Nowadays only billion- summit in Sydney. “Develop- facing a preliminary examina- aires fielded by political par- Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is welcomed by his Nepalese counterpart Khadga ments at home continue to tion by the International Crim- ties are contesting the elec- Prasad Sharma Oli on arrival in Kathmandu yesterday. require the president’s pres- inal Court over alleged extraju- tion to the Upper House of the ence in the Philippines,” Roque dicial killings. Parliament,” he remarked.

NEWS BYTES Aftershocks rattle PNG’s remote Maute group fighters regrouping, Duterte govt asks highlands; quake toll rises to 55 Supreme Court to planning new Philippine attacks REUTERS shocks. “What we experienced expel chief justice this morning could have caused REUTERS terrorist group. “They are to police, admitted being Maute MANILA: The Philippine gov- SYDNEY: Strong aftershocks more damage, but we don’t regrouping, retraining and members, but said they were in ernment’s legal counsel has asked rocked Papua New Guinea’s know it almost threw me out of MANILA: At least 300 militants recruiting for another attack,” Manila to hide, not to launch the Supreme Court to expel the remote and rugged highlands bed.” The region had already from a pro-IS alliance that last Suscano said. attacks. chief justice for not declaring yesterday, as the death toll been badly damaged on Feb- year held a southern Philippine He said the rebels broke into Philippine army chief, Lieu- her assets in a new attempt climbed to 55 from a 7.5-magni- ruary 26, when the largest city for five months have smaller groups with some slip- tenant-General Rolando to remove the nation’s judicial tude earthquake a week ago. quake to hit the seismically- regrouped and are planning ping into the capital Manila to Bautista, said rebels had escaped leader. Chief Justice Maria Lour- Three aftershocks of mag- active highlands in nearly a similar attacks elsewhere, the carry out bombings. the battle in Marawi with huge des Sereno went on leave from nitude greater than 5 shook the century flattened buildings, army said yesterday. The Philippines is predom- sums of cash looted from homes. the court last week because she mountainous Southern High- triggered landslides, and closed Major Ronald Suscano, inately Christian but Muslim That was helping to support expects to be impeached this lands, about 600km northwest oil and gas operations. spokesman for the army’s 1st rebels in the south of the country their recruitment and re-arming month by the House of Repre- of the capital Port Moresby The toll stood at 55 dead, infantry division, said fighters have battled the government for for what could be another urban sentatives, which is dominated by early yesterday, the US Geolog- said James Justin, a research from the Maute group, the big- years. Some of them have with attack. President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies. ical Survey said, including a officer at the Ministry of Petro- gest faction in the alliance, had links to international Islamist “There is still a possibility shallow magnitude 6 quake. leum and Energy in Port managed to escape before the groups such as Al Qaeda and IS. that they will occupy another Bus collides with “We haven’t slept. It’s been Moresby, as news of more military retook Marawi City and Police said yesterday that city, that is a big possibility,” shaking all through the night,” deaths arrived in the capital. killed the core leaders, in what two Maute rebels had been Bautista said. Delays in the tanker, 9 dead William Bando, provincial Most of the confirmed fatalities was the country’s biggest secu- arrested near a train station in reconstruction of Marawi were ISLAMABAD: Pakistani police administrator of Hela Province, were in and around the provin- rity crisis since World War Two. the crowded Tondo area of helping the Islamists to recruit say a passenger bus has collided said by telephone from Tari, cial capital of Mendi and the The United States last week Manila. They were paraded disgruntled residents, mostly head on with an oil tanker on about 40km from the site of the township of Tari, he said. designated the Maute as a before the media and, according poorly educated young men. an inter-city highway, killing 9 people and injuring 30. A police officer says the accident took place near the garrison city of Rawalpindi. He says 7 of the pas- Suspected pro-IS militant arrested in Manila over Marawi siege sengers died on the spot while 2 others died at a hospital. AFP Major Ronald Suscano said. As government forces battled to MANILA: Philippine police wrest back control of Marawi, Burning of fossil announced yesterday the arrest Lomondot directed a diver- fuel endangers bats of a suspected pro-IS jihadist sionary attack by pro-IS accused of killing civilians in gunmen in the neighbouring ISLAMABAD: The bats, consid- last year’s deadly siege of the town of Marantao, Suscano ered as ‘silent servers’ to maintain southern city of Marawi. added. ecological settings in the Margal- Hundreds of gunmen flying “He was one of the key plan- lah Hills National Park in Pakistani black IS flags seized Marawi in ners of the attack in Marantao capital of Islamabad, may lose May last year, triggering a five- town while the firefight was still their habitat in the future due month battle that claimed more ongoing” in Marawi, Suscano to burning of fossil fuel. than 1,100 lives, in a bid to said. The Margallah hills are home establish a caliphate in the Lomondot was arrested with to different types of bats that largely Catholic country. a second pro-IS suspect, Manila pollinate the plants by eating Nasser Lomondot was police chief Oscar Albayalde harmful insects. The survival of arrested on Saturday in Manila, said in a statement. tree cover somewhat depends months after he fled the fighting The Philippine military upon the survival of bats so all in Marawi. warned last month that the such activities must be stopped “He participated in the remaining militants from that can deprive them of their killing of innocent civilians and Marawi have mustered a force habitats,” said Ghayoor Akhtar, committed violence against of about 200 gunmen to launch Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa (right) speaking next to Nasser Lomondot a wildlife expert. female and child hostages,” a second attempt to put up a (in yellow), a suspected pro-IS jihadist, during a press conference at the PNP headquarters in Manila. regional military spokesman caliphate in the country’s south. 14 ASIA TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 South Korean delegation hold talks with Kim REUTERS visited South Korea last month during the Winter Olympics. SEOUL: A South Korean delega- The South Korean delegation tion met North Korean leader was later invited to join Kim Jong Kim Jong Un yesterday, a South Both North Korea and Un for dinner, the South Korean Korean official said, after the US have expressed spokesman added. arriving in the North on a visit The South Korean officials aimed at encouraging North a willingness to talk, are the most senior officials from Korea and the United States to but the long-held US the South to meet Kim Jong Un talk. position is that the since he took power in late 2011 Both North Korea and the North first give up following the death of his father, United States have expressed a Kim Jong Il. willingness to talk, but the long- its nuclear weapons “We will deliver President held US position is that the North programme. Moon Jae-in’s wish to bring first give up its nuclear weapons about denuclearisation of the programme. postponed for the Winter Olym- Korean peninsula and perma- The North, which has vowed pics held last month in South nent peace by extending the never to give up its nuclear Korea. goodwill and better inter-Korean deterrent against what it sees as The 10-member South relations created by the US hostility, says it will not sit Korean delegation, led by Pyeongchang Winter Olympics,” down to talks under National Security Office head Chung said in South Korea before preconditions. Chung Eui-yong, was greeted by the delegation’s departure. Reclusive North Korea, North Korean officials after Chung’s team includes which has made no secret of its landing in Pyongyang, said Kim National Intelligence Service pursuit of a nuclear-tipped mis- Eui-kyeom, a spokesman for chief Suh Hoon and Vice Unifi- sile capable of reaching the South Korea’s presidential office. cation Minister Chun Chung Eui-yong, head of the presidential National Security Office; Suh Hoon, chief of the South’s mainland United States in defi- The North Koreans at the air- Hae-sung. National Intelligence Service, and other members of South Korean delegation pose before boarding ance of UN Security Council res- port included Ri Son Gwon, The government hopes the an aircraft as they leave for Pyongyang at a military airport in Seongnam, south of Seoul, yesterday. olutions, is also concerned about chairman of the Committee for visit will create ‘a positive atmos- joint US-South Korea military the Peaceful Reunification of the phere’, Unification Ministry cussions in the North. tension and exchanges of belli- November, when it tested its exercises, which it sees as prep- Country, and Kim Yong Chol, spokesman Baik Tae-hyun told Thawing relations between cose insults between US Presi- largest intercontinental ballistic aration for war. who heads the United Front a regular briefing. the Korean neighbours have dent Donald Trump and Kim missile. Inter-Korean talks began South Korean officials have Department, the North Korean Chung and Suh are due to fly prompted speculation about Jong Un fuelled fears of war. after Kim Jong Un said in his New said the drills will start next office responsible for handling to Washington later in the week direct talks between Washington North Korea has not carried Year’s address that he wanted to month as planned, after being inter-Korean affairs. Both to brief US officials on their dis- and Pyongyang after months of out any weapons tests since late engage the South.

Cambodians jailed US carrier arrives in Vietnam amid rising Chinese influence for brutal attack REUTERS neighbour over the visit and the Vietnam and other regional gov- prospect of broader security ernments as it seeks to enforce on French tourists DANANG: A US aircraft carrier cooperation between Hanoi and its claims to much of the dis- arrived in Vietnam yesterday for Washington, according to dip- puted waterway, through which in Thailand the first time since the end of the lomats and others familiar with some $3trillion in trade passes Vietnam War, dramatically the talks. each year. AFP underscoring the growing stra- US carriers frequently cross While some Chinese com- tegic ties between the former the South China Sea in a rising mentators have used the Vin- BANGKOK: A Thai court has foes at a time when China’s pattern of naval deployments, son’s presence to demand an sentenced five Cambodian regional influence is rising. and are now routinely shadowed even greater Chinese military fishermen to 50 years each for The imposing grey silhouette by Chinese naval vessels, naval build-up in the South China Sea, a violent 2016 attack on of the USS Carl Vinson could be officers in the region say. official reaction from Beijing has French tourists in which two seen from the cliff tops just out- “We’ve met with numerous been relatively muted since the women were raped, an offi- side the central Vietnamese city international entities. We’ve seen stop was announced in cial said yesterday. of Danang, where the 103,000- several, so yes, we’ve seen Chi- January. The men were given the tonne carrier and two other US nese ships,” Rear Admiral John That announcement came maximum allowable sentence ships begin a five-day visit. US Navy aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, docks at a port in Danang, Fuller, Commander, Carrier during a two-day visit to Hanoi on a raft of charges, including “The visit marks an enor- yesterday. Strike Group 1, told reporters in by US Defense Secretary James rape, following their arrest mously significant milestone in Danang. “We’ve seen other ships Mattis and followed months of more than two years ago for our bilateral relations and dem- address the past while we work relationship with Beijing over the out there, so nothing extraordi- backroom military diplomacy the attack on the Thai island onstrates US support for a strong, toward a better future, we have disputed South China Sea as nary. It’s been a routine deploy- between Hanoi and the Koh Kut, also known as Koh prosperous and independent gone from former enemies to China announced its largest rise ment and everything we’ve seen Pentagon. Kood. Vietnam,” Daniel Kritenbrink, close partners.” The arrival of the in defence spending in three has been exceptionally profes- Although no US aircraft car- “All five defendants were the US ambassador to Vietnam, Vinson marks the biggest US mil- years. sional.” China’s rapid construc- rier has been to Vietnam since found guilty of rape, light said in a statement. itary presence in Vietnam since Vietnamese envoys had been tion and build-up of the land it the end of the war, other, smaller assault and serious assault,” a “Through hard work, mutual 1975 - but it also illustrates working for months to ease the holds in the disputed Spratly US warships have made high- court official in Thailand’s Trat respect, and by continuing to Hanoi’s complex and evolving concerns of their giant Chinese islands group has alarmed level visits. province said, adding that they were also fined. One was also convicted of attempted murder, said the official, who did not identify Cambodian PM turns the defendants by name. The secluded and under- developed island of Koh Kut down talks offer is close to Thailand’s eastern REUTERS opposition ban. border with Cambodia, and The dissolution of the oppo- police say the men swam to PHNOM PENH: Cambodian sition party followed the arrest the beach to attack the group Prime Minister Hun Sen of party leader Kem Sokha, also of four French holidaygoers yesterday turned down an offer accused of plotting to take at knifepoint in February 2016. of talks from former opposition power with US help. That charge Two injured men escaped leader Sam Rainsy to end a crisis was made because of the threat to alert authorities and the caused by the dissolution of the the CNRP posed at the July elec- fishermen were arrested main opposition party ahead of tions, Kem Sokha has said. Sam shortly afterwards. general elections set for July 29. Rainsy resigned as president of While Thailand remains a The Supreme Court last the CNRP in 2017 but remains safe destination with 35 mil- November dissolved the Cam- one of the government’s most lion visitors last year, a bodia National Rescue Party visible critics. number of gruesome, head- (CNRP), at the request of the He had previously served line-grabbing crimes against government of Hun Sen, which as finance minister in an ill- foreigners have hurt the coun- said it had been plotting to take fated coalition set up when Hun try’s reputation as a tourist power with the help of US. Sen refused to give up power haven. The CNRP, and the United after losing a UN-organised Kind gesture In 2015 two Myanmar States embassy, have denied the election in 1993. He has lived in migrant workers were sen- Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha (right) receives roses from Thai Union workers during allegation. In a speech Hun Sen, France since 2015 to avoid a tenced to death for the 2014 his visit at Thai Union company in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, yesterday. who has held power since 1985, series of convictions he says are murder of two British said he was not willing to talk to politically motivated. Western backpackers. Sam Rainsy, citing the latter’s countries have criticised Hun criminal convictions. Sen over the CNRP’s dissolu- “I open my heart to hold tion and the arrest of Kem talks on politics but it must be Sokha ahead of the general clearly stated that people who election. Malaysian PM pushes to outlaw ‘fake news’ before polls are involved in legal cases have Hun Sen’s government and no right to hold talks with Hun its allies have targeted non-gov- REUTERS that have gone missing from “Currently social media is saying. However, Azalina said Sen,” he said, referring to him- ernment bodies, opposition law- 1Malaysia Development Berhad very influential in forming the cabinet will consider if there self in the third person. makers and some independent KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian (1MDB), the state fund founded values and culture of a society,” would be enough time to table In a message on Twitter on media in a crackdown. Prime Minister Najib Razak’s by the Prime Minister, and whose the King said in a traditional royal the bill in the month-long parlia- Sunday, Sam Rainsy said, “I am On Friday, Hun Sen had said scandal-haunted government advisory board he had chaired address at the opening of mentary meeting, which would always open to meeting with he was open to holding talks to pushed plans for legislation until mid-2016. parliament. predominantly debate the King’s Hun Sen’s government in order end the crisis but would not outlawing ‘fake news’ yesterday Malaysia’s King, Sultan The final draft of the bill is address. to find a peaceful solution to negotiate a change to criminal as parliament convened for the Muhammad V, told parliament expected to be presented for cab- First exposed in 2015 by for- this unprecedented crisis, a convictions brought against last time before an election due at the opening sitting yesterday inet approval ‘in a couple of eign media and news blogs, the solution that would be accept- opposition figures. On Sunday, by August. that he ‘greatly supported’ the weeks time’ before being tabled 1MDB scandal has refused to die able to both sides with interna- a spokesman for Hun Sen’s During the coming election government’s efforts to introduce in parliament, state rub Bernama down despite Najib’s consistent tional guarantees.” Sam Rain- Cambodian People’s Party said campaign, Najib’s foes are a law to deal with ‘the spread of news agency quoted Azalina denials of any wrongdoing and sy’s comments were his first Sam Rainsy was not serious expected to fan suspicions of cor- fake news and lies on social Othman Said, the minister in his government’s firm grip on the remarks on the matter since the about holding talks. ruption over billions of dollars media’. charge of law and parliament, as mainstream media in the country. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 EUROPE 15 Merkel vows swift return to govt work AFP “We see that... Europe Both Merkel’s conservatives faces challenges and and the centre-left SPD had BERLIN: German Chancellor taken a hammering at the ballot Angela Merkel promised that a strong voice box as many Germans frustrated yesterday that her new govern- from Germany, along about the arrival of more than a ment would start work swiftly with that of France million asylum seekers in Ger- and lend a strong voice to and other member many since 2015 voted for the Europe, a day after she secured far-right Alternative for Ger- a coalition for her fourth term. states, is necessary,” many (AfD). Germany’s second biggest the Chancellor said. The AfD, taking aim at the party, the Social Democrats two mainstream parties’ deci- (SPD), on Sunday finally gave the sion to renew their partnership, all-clear to renew their partner- All that “requires us to begin predicted that “the bill will come ship with Merkel’s conservatives, work quickly in the govern- at the latest in 2021”, when Ger- ending a political impasse that ment”, said the veteran leader. mans are again due to go to the Secretary-General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer speaks to had plagued the country since European partners had been polls. media as CDU spokesman Jochen Blind (right) looks on following a leadership meeting at the party’s September’s inconclusive anxiously watching as the leader The far-right party, which headquarters in Berlin yesterday. election. of the EU’s biggest economy garnered nearly 13 percent in the “Almost six months after the struggled to find partners to September election, also vowed Merkel’s conservatives and the Zeitung daily questioned how for 12 years, is heading into her election, the people expect govern with since September. to go after Merkel’s CDU over its SPD have recognised that “more long the pact would last. “This fourth term weakened, with her something to happen now,” But just as Germany finally “continuation of the immigration of the same” will not suffice. They government has a lengthy to-do party baying for renewal. Merkel said in a brief emerged from paralysis, another policy without imposing a limit”. have also agreed to review their list but lacks imagination -- that’s Her conservatives are also statement. European heavyweight, Italy, The presence of the AfD has cooperation in two years. the public’s perception,” it noted. smarting after losing control of “We see that... Europe faces sank into potential political shaken up the Bundestag, as the The joyless partnership was For now, Merkel is hanging the finance ministry to the Social challenges and that a strong limbo. anti-immigration group’s law- evident in the sombre faces of on and is due to be re-elected Democrats as part of conces- voice from Germany, along with And just as in Germany, Ita- makers challenge post-war Ger- leading SPD members Sunday as chancellor by parliament on sions to woo the centre-left that of France and other member ly’s election campaign was dom- many’s culture of remembrance when they announced that their March 14 as President Frank- back. states, is necessary,” she said, inated by anger against immi- of the Nazi era and fuel heated card-carrying members had Walter Steinmeier, according to To tamp down the criticism, pointing to a litany of issues gration, with early results debates on national identity. signed off on their plan to again procedure, on Monday nomi- she has had to name one of her ranging from world trade to the suggesting a surge for populist Wary of ceding further ground join Merkel in government. nated her for the post. most outspoken critics, Jens war in Syria. and far-right parties. to the Islamophobic protest party, The Frankfurter Allgemeine Merkel, who has governed Spahn, to her cabinet.

Russia ready if West locks it Slovak PM fights president’s pressure on govt out of the Net: REUTERS of Jan Kuciak and his fiancee any link to the killing. want to say that we are able to solve an attempt toward total desta- Martina Kusnirova. But pressure is building on the political issues in a short time and I bilisation (of) this state”. Putin aide BRATISLAVA: Slovak Prime Kuciak, 27, focused on tax long-time prime minister in the want to convey this message also He asked Kiska to explain why Minister Robert Fico is ready to fraud cases and links between wake of the journalist’s murder as to our coalition partners, that we are he met billionaire financier George REUTERS discuss issues with his two coali- businessman and politicians and public anger swells over allega- ready for such talks,” Fico said Soros during his trip to New York tion partners following the had been probing suspected tions of corruption in the Euro- yesterday. last September and did not take a MOSCOW: Russia is fully murder of an investigative jour- mafia links among Italian busi- pean Union member state. “Should we have any prob- foreign ministry representative. prepared if the West decides nalist, he said yeserday, but nessmen in eastern Slovakia Fico is facing calls for lems, we will solve them on our But he did not elaborate and to try to punish it by discon- fought back against pressure to before he was found shot dead changes from the opposition and own. By no means do we need the declined to take questions. necting it from the global shake up his cabinet. with Kusnirova late last month. some within his coalition, with president that all of a sudden talks In neighbouring Hungary, Internet, a top adviser to President Andrej Kiska, in a One of the subjects of his a junior party demanding the about a substantial reconstruction Prime Minister Viktor Orban has President Vladimir Putin said televised address on Sunday, final report, published posthu- removal of Interior Minister of the government, including a accused Soros, a Hungarian-born in an interview broadcast called either for substantial mously last week, had past links Robert Kalinak, a Fico ally. confidence vote, or him speaking Jew whose liberal views on immi- yesterday. changes to the government or to two people who subsequently Fico has rejected Sunday’s pro- about early election.” gration clash with his own, of inter- Accused by U S intelli- for early elections to rebuild went on to work in Fico’s office. posals by Kiska, who has no formal Fico also said that events fering in Hungarian politics by sup- gence agencies of meddling public trust following the killing Both have resigned and denied powers to end the government. “I since the murder “suggest it is porting opposition groups in the 2016 U S presidential election, which it denies, Russia has already been hit by a slew of U S sanctions and London Mayor is braced for more. Russia thwarted hundreds German Klimenko, blasts suppliers Putin’s Internet adviser, has of foreign spies: Putin warned in the past that as thaw bursts Western countries could try to lock Russia out of the REUTERS defender-in-chief. Internet altogether, and that “In recent years, as you water pipes Moscow must be prepared. MOSCOW: President Vladimir know very well, there has been He told the state-con- Putin boasted Russia had an increase in foreign intelli- REUTERS trolled NTV channel yesterday thwarted more than 400 gence agency activity,” he said. that Russia was ready. Russian foreign spies last year and “They are working dili- LONDON: London’s mayor officials had already worked yesterday called on the FSB, the gently on Russia, using the most Sadiq Khan said yesterday it on a special Russian segment domestic intelligence agency, modern methods, spy craft and was “unacceptable” that thou- of the Internet that was behind to act to block further foreign technical espionage means. sands of people across the a firewall, and Russia has its attempts to obtain political, During the course of last year British capital were left without own search engines, social net- economic and military infor- alone, the activities of 72 career water after pipes burst as works and advertising. mation. intelligence officers and 397 normal weather conditions “Yes you can just push a Putin, who polls show agents of foreign spy services returned following a cold snap. button and turn a country into should be comfortably re- was thwarted,” he said. The worst snowstorms in an outcast,” Klimenko told elected on March 18, made the Earlier on Monday, Deputy Britain for nearly 30 years NTV. “(But) technically we are comments in a speech to FSB Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov froze water in pipes last ready for any action.” Such a employees in Moscow where said Moscow had evidence that week, water suppliers said, cut-off might cause some ini- he also spoke of the need to step the United States was trying to during a blast of Siberian cold tial difficulties because some up Russia’s cyber defences and interfere in Russia’s presidential dubbed “the Beast from the Russian firms probably stored strengthen the security of con- election, but did not say what that East” which ground planes, information abroad despite a fidential communications sys- evidence was. stopped trains, blocked roads law obliging them to keep tems used by Russian U S intelligence agencies and shut schools. data in Russia, but otherwise officials. have accused Russia of hacking At least 23,800 house- Russia should be fine. Putin once ran the FSB him- and meddling in the 2016 pres- holds, including 12,000 “Even if they declare such self and his comments played idential election, while Euro- households in London, were a war on us, there is no evi- into one of his core narratives pean politicians have accused left without water when pipes dence we wouldn’t be able to which depicts Russia as a for- it of trying to interfere in sev- burst when temperatures rose live well and normally,” said People walk past a billboard advertising presidential candidate and tress besieged by hostile foreign eral elections. Russia denies and snow thawed, prompting Klimenko. TV journalist Ksenia Sobchak in Saint Petersburg yesterday. powers and him as its those allegations. suppliers to advise customers not to waste water. “It is unacceptable that thousands of Londoners remain without water this UK aid agencies report more abuses after Oxfam scandal morning,” Khan said on Twitter. “I have sought REUTERS Most of the 80 cases were his- aid world reeling. Britain’s Department for “serious incident” reports. assurances from Thames toric, but seven were from the The sector has been fur- International Development These included “reports of Water that they are doing LONDON: Aid agencies in past year. ther rocked by allegations that (DFID) has asked 179 aid agen- allegations or actual incidents of everything possible to fix the Britain have reported 80 cases Aid minister Penny Mor- women in Syria have been cies to provide assurances abuse, including sexual abuse of problems and get the supply where they have caused harm, daunt challenged aid agencies exploited by men delivering regarding their operations, and staff, volunteers and benefici- switched back on for eve- or a risk of harm, since a to up their game at the London aid for charities and U N confirmation that they have aries, including children,” it said ryone.” At a supermarket in sexual abuse scandal broke meeting and said there would be agencies. referred any concerns to the rel- in a statement. Balham, south London, last month, a watchdog body “no hiding place” for predators. Mordaunt, who co-hosted evant authorities. All have Some of the 80 reports Thames Water employees said yesterday at a summit to “We will find you. We will bring yesterday’s summit with the replied, but DFID is seeking fur- related to procedural lapses that distributed crates of bottled tackle sexual exploitation in you to justice. Your time is up,” Charity Commission, told aid ther clarification from 37 of led to protection risks rather water to a waiting queue of the sector. she said. agencies the government would them, Mordaunt said. than to actual incidents. people, while in Hampstead Some reports related to alle- Reports that staff at British not fund those that failed to The Charity Commission, DFID’s beefed-up standards to the north of the capital, gations of sexual abuse of people charity Oxfam paid for sex with meet its tough new “safe- which regulates charities in Eng- aim to ensure better protection they ferried crates to resi- receiving aid, including children, prostitutes in Haiti after the guarding standards” introduced land and Wales, said 26 of the of some of the world’s most dential streets in their own the Charity Commission said. 2010 earthquake have left the yesterday. 179 organisations had made 80 vulnerable people. cars. 16 EUROPE TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 Italy’s League and 5-Star vie for power REUTERS With the Europe’s (Go Italy!) was on course for third-largest economy around 37 percent of the vote — ROME: Two anti-establishment but for the first time the League leaders made early plays to seemingly facing emerged as the senior partner. govern Italy yesterday, sending prolonged political The role reversal marks a ripples across the euro zone after instability, Italy’s anti- bitter personal defeat for the bil- voters relegated mainstream immigrant League lionaire media magnate and his parties to the sidelines in deliv- party, which took more mod- ering a hung parliament. claimed the right to erate positions on the euro and With the bloc’s third-largest rule after its centre- immigration while the far-right economy seemingly facing pro- right alliance won the League campaigned on a fiercely longed political instability, the largest bloc of votes. anti-migrant ticket. anti-immigrant League claimed Salvini said that, while not the right to rule after its centre- interested in a broad “mine- right alliance won the largest strone” coalition, the League bloc of votes. looked almost certain that none would be willing to talk to all “We have the right and duty of the three main factions would parties. to govern,” its leader Matteo Sal- be able to govern alone, and Earlier yesterday, its eco- vini told a news conference, President Sergio Mattarella is not nomics chief Claudio Borghi saying investors should have no expected to open formal coali- raised the prospect of an alliance fear of it taking office as shares, tion talks until early April. with 5-Star — heading for some bonds and the euro weakened In Brussels, a European 32 percent of the vote — which Italy’s populist Five Star Movement (M5S) party leader Luigi Di Maio (centre), arrives to give a press on prospects of a eurosceptic- Commission spokesman said it would likely be little interested conference in Rome, yesterday. led administration promising to was confident a stable adminis- in further European ramp up spending. tration could be formed, “and in integration. widespread anger over an influx German instability receding after Having once rejected talk of Minutes later, the head of the the meantime Italy has a govern- Anti-establishment parties of more than 600,000 migrants the revival on Sunday of a grand any power sharing, 5-Star now biggest single party, the anti- ment with whom we are working have been on the rise across over the past four years. coalition under Chancellor says it is willing to discuss establishment 5-Star Movement, closely.” Europe since the 2008 financial Its leader, former prime min- Angela Merkel. common policies but not nego- said it was ready to take on a Salvini criticised both the crisis. ister Matteo Renzi, will speak In early afternoon trading, tiate over cabinet posts. responsible leadership role. euro and European Union In Italy, where the economy publicly at 5pm (1600 GMT), a Italian stocks fell one percent, Formed in 2009, it has fed “We’re open to talk to all the restrictions on national budgets. is six percent smaller than a spokesman said, with specula- Italian government bonds sold off public fury over institutional political forces,” 31-year-old “The euro was, is and remains a decade ago and unemployment tion swirling that he will resign. off and the euro was under corruption and economic hard- Luigi Di Maio said in a statement. mistake,” he said, but added that is stuck near 11 percent, Sunday’s New elections to try to break pressure. ship. Some have questioned “We feel the responsibility to give a referendum over Italy’s con- biggest loser was the party that the deadlock are another plau- During two months of elec- whether other parties would be Italy a government (as)... a polit- tinued participation in the single has ruled since 2013. sible scenario. tion campaigning, party leaders able to work with it. ical force that represents the currency was “unthinkable”. Despite overseeing a modest A prolonged stalemate could repeatedly ruled out post-elec- “Di Maio wins, Italy ungov- entire nation.” With the vote The rightist alliance that also recovery, the Democratic Par- make heavily indebted Italy the tion tie-ups. However, Italy has ernable,” was the front page count well advanced and full includes former prime minister ty’s centre-left coalition trailed focus of market concern in a long history of finding a way headline in La Stampa results due later on Monday, it Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia on 22 percent, also a victim of Europe, with the threat of out of political logjams. newspaper.

Catalan parliament Marine Le Pen set to rename National Front begins search REUTERS But a disastrous TV debate announcing our death as soon argued strongly for such a move. victed several times for incite- before last year’s presidential as we’re somewhat weakened. “The name change is essen- ment to racial hatred. for new leader PARIS: French far-right leader run-off against Macron, a lower- But each time they buried us, we tial to enable us to strike alli- The second key aspect of the Marine Le Pen will this weekend than-expected score in that came back stronger,” said Le ances and talk with voters FN rebranding is, as other Euro- AFP unveil a new name for the second round and a disap- Pen, 49, who got 33.9 percent of without what is often an almost pean far-right parties have done, 45-year-old National Front and pointing number - eight - of FN the vote in the presidential automatic negative reaction,” a watering down of its stance BARCELONA: The political a refocus on immigration as it lawmakers elected afterwards, run-off. said Davy Rodriguez, the against the European Union’s parties that make up Catalo- searches for more voters and shook Le Pen and the party. “The name change will mark 24-year-old deputy head of the common currency. nia’s regional parliament relevance in a political landscape She quickly pledged to over- the end of a chapter and the start National Front’s youth Though popular with the began their consultations transformed by President haul the FN. And an FN congress of a new one, that of a party movement. FN’s core electorate, anti-euro yesterday to find a replace- Emmanuel Macron. on March 10-11 will be a chance suited to being in power and “We meet people who agree campaigning has proved a ment for deposed president At the helm of the National for her to reassert her leadership striking alliances,” she told the with us on everything..., but turnoff for most French voters. Carles Puigdemont. Front (FN) since 2011, Le Pen has and win approval for a shift APE foreign press association last when we say ‘Hi, we are the “We’re keeping our funda- Puigdemont, living in taken it further than her mav- away from the unpopular anti- month. National Front’, they say, ‘No, no, mentals, our basis: security, self-exile in Belgium and erick father, FN founder Jean- euro focus of her presidential run While Jean Marie Le Pen has not the National Front!’” The immigration,” said FN lawmaker wanted in Spain, announced Marie Le Pen, ever did, winning to better take on conservative warned that altering such a well- National Front brand remains and party spokesman Sebastien last week that he was aban- municipalities and EU elections Les Republicains leader Laurent known brand could be political very much associated in many Chenu. “But new faces will doning his bid to return as by making the party more pal- Wauquiez. suicide, local FN officials said voters’ minds with Le Pen’s fire- appear, and we have changed regional president in an atable to mainstream voters. “In France, there is a habit of their experience on the ground brand father, who has been con- our line on Europe, on the euro.” attempt to unblock Catalo- nia’s political crisis. The move could pave the way for the Spanish region to get a fully-functioning gov- Bulgarian protesters ernment and regain its autonomy after Madrid took full control of Catalonia fol- want release of doctor lowing a banned independ- ence referendum in October. The regional assembly’s charged with murder head, Roger Torrent, was scheduled to meet with rep- resentatives of the seven par- REUTERS deputy chairman. liamentary groups yesterday Dimitrov’s wife Julieta to pick a new candidate to SOFIA: Thousands of people Zhelyazkova told local media replace Puigdemont. marched yesterday in Bulgar- she was grateful to her husband The only name put for- ia’s second city to call for the for protecting the family and ward so far — by Puigdemont release of a doctor charged with said their two daughters were himself — is Jordi Sanchez, murdering an alleged burglar home during the incident. head of the hugely influential and said the accused only acted Thousands signed a petition pro-independence ANC citi- in self defence to protect his for his release and there were zens’ group. home. also protests in the capital Sofia But this is likely to be dif- The protests in the southern and elsewhere. ficult as Sanchez has been in city of Plovdiv reflect frustra- Bulgaria’s impoverished prison for more than four tion with the authorities whom Roma community faces high months as he is investigated many people say fail to tackle levels of unemployment and for sedition, one of four sep- violent home robbery, a crime many live on the edge of cities. aratists jailed over their role most common in villages. Many people accuse them of in the independence drive. The prosecutor’s office in crime and say they live off state Sanchez isn’t a favourite Plovdiv said on Saturday it had benefits. Analysts said the case among some of Puigdemont’s Fun on iceboat detained anaesthesiologist Ivan could reignite prejudice against separatist allies either, with the Dimitrov for 72 hours and the Roma. smallest of the three pro-inde- A man mans a traditional iceboat on the frozen lagoon Saaler Bodden, in front of Althagen near charged him with killing a Bulgaria holds the rotating pendence parties, the Popular Ahrenshoop and the Baltic Sea, northern Germany, yesterday. 38-year-old Roma man during presidency of the European Unity Candidacy (CUP) threat- the incident. He faces up to 20 Union. The former communist ening to block his nomination. years in prison if convicted. country joined the bloc in 2007 With both Puigdemont National TV and radio, but remains one of the poorest and another Catalan deputy, citing police sources, said Dim- and most corrupt EU members Toni Comin, in Belgium and itrov shot the alleged burglar and has made scant progress in unable to participate in the Eight terror suspects held in Belgium with a pistol dropped by his tackling corruption and organ- vote, Sanchez would not have accomplice and said the doctor ized crime. the necessary support. REUTERS Flemish towns of Geraards- reported that those being held was stabbed in the leg during Dzhambazki said his party For the time being, Cata- bergen and Mechelen, the office were suspected of planning a the incident. The accomplice would initiate a parliamentary lonia, which has a population BRUSSELS: Belgium has of the federal prosecutor said, militant attack. escaped. debate and introduce legisla- of 7.5 million, remains without detained eight people during adding that no weapons or Prosecutors did not give any “I insist on the immediate tion on necessary an effective government and raids linked to an anti-terrorism explosives had been found. details, but said the case was not release of Ivan Dimitrov and the self-defence. under direct control from investigation, prosecutors said “A judge specialised in ter- connected to the attacks in Paris immediate dropping of all The Populist Will party, led Madrid, which means it cannot yesterday. rorism matters had asked for the of November 2015 — which charges,” said Angel Dzham- by parliament’s deputy speaker manage its own healthcare or Police raided seven homes home searches to be carried involved Belgian as well as bazki, a member of the Euro- Veselin Mareshki, also education as it did previously on Sunday in the Brussels dis- out,” the office said. French gunmen — or the Brus- pean Parliament and the expressed support for as a semi-autonomous region trict of Molenbeek as well as the Newspaper DH had earlier sels bombings of March 22. nationalist VMRO party’s Dimitrov. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 AMERICAS 17 Right-wing party leads in El Salvador elections We are going to put the mayor’s office of San Salvador at the service of the people and we are going to undertake public projects that will transform San Salvador: Ernesto Muyshondt

AFP

SAN SALVADOR: El Salvador’s right-wing opposition party appeared headed for victory A Salvadoran electoral official prepares to count ballots after Ernesto Muyshondt (centre), Mayoral candidate for San Salvador, celebrates victory with supporters yesterday in legislative and closing of a polling station during the municipal and parliamentary at the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance headquarters. municipal elections, dealing a elections in San Salvador, El Salvador, yesterday. blow to leftist President Salvador Sanchez Ceren in his final year the single-chamber Congress as popular social programs like free other forces in society,” he said. of office. Salvador,” Muyshondt said turnout has never topped 50 well as mayoralties and council lunches and school supplies for Sanchez Ceren needs the The Republican Nationalist during a victory celebration at percent. seats in the tiny country’s 262 public school students. support of the legislature to put Alliance (ARENA) party began his party’s headquarters. With 65.1 percent of the total municipalities. But ARENA has blocked bor- through laws aimed at cutting celebrating as a vote count Analyst Roberto Canas said votes counted, ARENA had If the preliminary results rowing for public works pro- crime that has engulfed the showed it well ahead of the the FMLN should “reflect deeply 557,671 votes to the FMLN’s hold, Sanchez Ceren will be grams and forced cuts in country in recent years. ruling Farabundo Marti National on the causes of the defeat.” 328,818, according to the coun- markedly weakened as he fin- spending in the 2018 budget. El Salvador’s murder rate in Liberation Front party with 65.1 Police and soldiers were try’s Supreme Electoral ishes his term. Analyst Dagoberto Gutierrez 2017 was one of the highest in percent of the ballots counted. deployed across the Central Tribunal. The new elected officials will said the government functions the world at 60 homicides per The preliminary returns American country to provide The two parties were deadly take up their positions on May 1. because it has “the maturity to 100,000 people. showed its candidate for mayor security for Sunday’s vote, the opponents during the civil war, In the current Congress, negotiate, to dialogue and not And although that is an of San Salvador, Ernesto Muys- ninth since a 1992 peace accord when guerrilla groups under the ARENA has a slight majority, to try to impose its will on a improvement over 2015, when hondt, defeating the FMLN’s ended a bloody 12-year civil war. banner of the FMLN fought a with 35 seats to the FMLN’s 31. sometimes capricious the murder rate spiked to 103 Jackeline Rivera. About 5.1 million voters were succession of US-backed gov- Three other parties hold 18 seats. opposition.” per 100,000 people, El Salvador “We are going to put the eligible to take part, but turnout ernments. ARENA was co- That has forced Sanchez “The government is in the is still one of the world’s most mayor’s office of San Salvador appeared low -- something an founded in 1981 by Roberto Ceren to negotiate to pass final stretch. So if it wants to violent countries, in large part at the service of the people and electoral official described as D’Aubuisson, a soldier linked to legislation. finish well, it must be agile and due to the presence of the feared we are going to undertake public “normal” for legislative and right-wing death squads. He has succeeded in getting dialogue not only with the leg- MS-13 and Barrio 18 transna- projects that will transform San municipal polls, for which At stake are all 84 seats in the Congress to fund certain islative assembly but with the tional gangs. Winter takes another swipe in New York, Northeast Suspected drug BLOOMBERG was a 50 percent chance of at coast, Boston recorded its third baron shot dead least 6 inches of snow -- that is State of emergency declared in NY highest tide on Friday, and the KINGSTON: Winter isn’t done why we issued the winter storm BLOOMBERG region was raked by wind gusts in Mexico City with the Northeast just yet. watch,” said Brian Ciemnecki, a as high as 97 miles per hour. AP For the second time in a weather service meteorologist. NEW YORK: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a On Sunday, residents were week, a storm promises to barrel “It doesn’t mean we’re going to state of emergency covering four counties following this week- still pumping sea water from MEXICO CITY: Four gunmen along the East Coast, bringing get 6 inches.” end’s nor’easter that snarled US East Coast transportation and homes, and many coastal roads burst into a hospital in the snow to New York and pounding There is still a chance the knocked out power. remained closed with higher- Mexican resort of Cancun and coastal areas still cleaning up storm will track closer to the The New York declaration covers Hudson Valley counties than-normal water lurking just shot to death a drug gang from last week’s nor’easter. coast, which could mean more including Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam and Sullivan, Cuomo beyond seawalls. suspect and his wife, officials As much as 6 to 9 inches of rain for New York and coastal said in an emailed statement. More than three-quarters of the The storm set to form in the Caribbean coast state snow could fall starting late areas, cutting down on snow 182,000 New Yorkers without power live in those four counties, tomorrow and strengthen into of Quintana Roo said. Tuesday in New York’s five bor- amounts, Ciemnecki said. according to the statement. Wednesday won’t bring that kind The suspected drug traf- oughs, northern New Jersey, and The storm will form out of a New York joins Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts among of fury to the coastline. But ficker was Alfonso Contreras southern Connecticut, the winter system that is coming states that have declared emergencies since March 2. because the area has already Espinoza, alias “El Poncho,” National Weather Service said. across the Great Plains now, been hurt, it will be more vul- according to a state official Some areas could get as much prompting blizzard warnings Oklahoma, the weather service power at its peak, grounded nerable. Steady winds of 15 to 20 who was not authorised to be as a foot. There are a few wrin- from North Dakota to Nebraska. said. thousands of flights, halted mph are likely, with gusts of at quoted by name. kles in the forecast, though, that The strong winds and dry air in On Friday and Saturday, the Amtrak trains on the Northeast least 30 mph, said Frank Pereira, Contreras Espinoza was could mean more rain in some their wake have also raised the East Coast got walloped by a Corridor and caused massive a forecaster at the US Weather arrested in July on weapons areas. chances of wildfires throughout nor’easter that left 2 million flooding Prediction Center in College charges, but had been “Overall, we just felt there Colorado, Kansas and homes and businesses without Along the Massachusetts Park, Maryland. allowed out of a local prison under guard for treatment at a hospital for leg problems. He was believed to head the Cancun operations of the Gulf Officials shutter illegal drug cartel. The hyper-violent Jalisco hotel in Queens home cartel has been moving into the resort city over the last AP crammed into two floors, four year, pushing out other gangs. guests and one permanent res- The state prosecutor’s NEW YORK: New York City ident during an inspection on office said the four assailants officials said they’ve shut down February 21. overpowered one of the a Queens house that was oper- Officials said the two- guards and went to the area ating as an illegal hotel and family building had been ille- where Contreras Espinoza offering tents in a backyard at gally converted to host seven was being treated, killing him a rate of $21 per night. bedrooms. and his wife before escaping. The Queens home was hit The illegal hotel was listed State police said in a state- with a partial vacate order on the short-term rental web- ment that the attack “was a after being deemed “immi- site Airbnb with rates as low as possible settling of accounts nently perilous to life.” The $16. Airbnb says it supports between drug gangs.” Daily News reports the May- crackdowns on violators of The private hospital is or’s Office of Special Enforce- their “one-host, one-home located not far from Cancun’s ment found 27 mattresses policy.” tourist zone.

Actor and comedian Bill Cosby arrives for a pre-trial hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Lawmaker pushes bill on speed cameras in Norristown, Pennsylvania, yesterday. AP last week would eliminate all yesterday to contest their red-light and speed tickets. A city councilwoman PROVIDENCE: A Rhode cameras. has called for better commu- Bill Cosby attends pre-trial hearing Island lawmaker says he has He calls the cameras a nity education before more are introduced legislation to end “government cash grab” and installed. AP Jackson lawyer Tom Mesereau, including model Janice Dick- the use of traffic cameras, as says the tickets are unfair WPRI-TV reports more is due to clash with prosecutors inson, in an attempt to show that thousands of people in Provi- because they go to the car’s than 2,600 tickets were on the NORRISTOWN: A day after over the potential witnesses at an alleged 2004 assault that led dence were contesting tickets registered owner, rather than docket yesterday at Provi- Hollywood’s first Oscars of the a pretrial hearing. to Cosby’s only criminal charges they received from a new the person driving the car. dence Municipal Court, which #MeToo era, Bill Cosby appeared Cosby walked into the was actually part of a five- school zone speed camera The city of Providence usually has about 300 people in court yesterday to stop some courthouse in suburban Phila- decade pattern of him drugging program that issued 12,000 issued 12,193 tickets in 33 days on the daily docket. The court- of his dozens of accusers from delphia yesterday morning on and harming women. citations in its first month. from five new speed cameras. room holds 90 people. testifying at his April 2 sexual the arm of his spokesman. Cosby’s lawyers are urging Republican Rep Anthony Each cost $95. A court spokesperson said assault retrial. Prosecutors raised the pros- the judge, Steven O’Neill, to limit Giarrusso, of East Greenwich, Hundreds of people not everyone is expected to Cosby’s retooled defence pect of calling as many as 19 the number of accusers allowed says legislation he introduced flooded municipal court show up. team, led by former Michael women to the witness stand, to testify. 18 AMERICAS TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 Fate of thousands of ‘Dreamers’ in limbo

AFP The American Civil Among the Senate bills that Liberties Union did not advance was a Trump- WASHINGTON: The hopes of backed plan that would provide hundreds of thousands of has partnered with a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 “Dreamers” were on hold immigration rights million Dreamers -- the 700,000 yesterday as lawmakers missed groups to launch a DACA registrants, plus 1.1 million an initial deadline for resolving campaign on social who did not register -- in the fate of immigrants brought exchange for extra border secu- to the United States illegally as and online media rity funding and dramatic cur- children. that demands Trump tailment of legal immigration. The Deferred Action for support viable Several congressional Demo- Childhood Arrivals (DACA) pro- legislation that crats and immigration advocates gramme that shields nearly have warned that despite the court 700,000 of the immigrants from protects Dreamers. injunction, DACA recipients deportation was supposed to remain in legal uncertainty thanks expire on March 5, six months Day in November. to a crisis of Trump’s making. after President Donald Trump Lawmakers had every “Without a permanent solu- announced he was ending it. opportunity to legislate a fix, but tion, Trump’s cruel and reckless But a US District Court judge the fate of Dreamers has proved decision will tear more families issued a nationwide injunction too divisive for Congress to apart, shatter communities, drive that requires the government to resolve. immigrants into the shadows, allow recipients to renew their Last month, Democrats and make us all less safe as a permits to live and work in the essentially forced a brief govern- result,” Democratic National country, and the US Supreme ment shutdown over the issue, Committee chairman Tom Perez Court declined to accept the demanding that the Senate’s said in a statement. administration’s request to inter- Republican leaders set aside time Congressional Hispanic vene. Both those developments to debate immigration. Caucus chairwoman Michelle have taken the pressure off They agreed, but despite one Lujan Grisham urged “all our col- Venezuelan ‘Dreamer’ Francis Madi (centre), from the New York Immigration Coalition, with other lawmakers. week of floor debate last month, leagues to support the fair, per- immigrants and pro-immigration advocates protest in front of Trump Tower, in New York, yesterday. With courts unlikely to rule the Senate failed to pass any of manent, and narrow bipartisan definitively on the issue before a series of proposals addressing bills that protect Dreamers and summer, and the case expected Dreamers, and House Speaker which have the votes to pass the as an inflection point to pressure immigration rights groups to that protects Dreamers. to head to the Supreme Court Paul Ryan has not brought a leg- House and Senate.” Congress and the White House. launch a campaign on social and “Fix what you broke before after that, Congress is not islative solution to the floor for Immigration advocates also The American Civil Liberties online media that demands it’s too late,” the group said in a expected to act before Election a vote. have used the March 5 deadline Union has partnered with Trump support viable legislation new ad.

Former official regrets bowing NewsGuard startup to National Rifle seeks to end fake news Association AFP Founders said the AP NewsGuard will be WASHINGTON: Two promi- launched ahead of COLUMBUS: A Democrat nent American journalists who helped overturn local announced plans yesterday to the November mid- assault weapons bans as a launch a venture called News- term elections in the state lawmaker and before Guard which will provide United States. being ousted as Ohio’s online users with “reliability attorney general said in a ratings” for media outlets. column published that he NewsGuard’s founders said media and search engines and “was in the pocket of the they will hire dozens of expe- other news aggregators so they National Rifle Association” to rienced journalists to analyse can add them to their feeds. protect his political career the 7,500 news and informa- “Our goal is to help solve and now regrets it. tion websites which are the this problem now by using Marc Dann used his blunt “most accessed and shared” in human beings -- trained, expe- admission on Cleveland.com the United States. rienced journalists -- who will to urge elected officials to live NewsGuard will launch operate under a transparent, by their principles as the Carnival celebrations ahead of the November mid- accountable process to apply country debates gun control term elections in the United basic common sense to a following the Florida school Revellers parade during Carnival celebrations, along the Malecon avenue, in Santo Domingo, States, founders Steven Brill, growing scourge that clearly shooting February 14 that Dominican Republic, yesterday. who started Court TV among cannot be solved by algo- killed 17 people. other ventures, and Gordon rithms,” Brill said. “The NRA’s finely tuned Crovitz, former publisher of The “We are not going to make propaganda operation, Wall Street Journal, said in a granular judgments about polit- funded by the manufacturers statement. ical leanings, or which of two of assault weapons used in NewsGuard will provide legitimate news sites -- Buzz- mass shooting after mass Guatemala to relocate embassy in Israel to Jerusalem green, yellow and red “relia- feed News or the Boston Globe, shooting, convinced me and bility ratings” for news sources, for example -- produces more hundreds of officeholders and AFP move its embassy to Jerusalem. government condemned the they said, with green being for reliable journalism,” Crovitz candidates that even talking “I would like to thank Presi- Guatemalan move. trusted sources, yellow for said. about gun safety would end WASHINGTON: Guatemala dent Trump for leading the In a statement on the offi- those requiring caution, and red “But we will tell readers the their political careers as will relocate its embassy in way.” cial Palestinian news agency for “deliberate purveyors” of Denver Post is a real newspaper quickly as a legally acquired Israel to Jerusalem this May, Trump’s decision in WAFA, it called on Arab and “fake news.” and that the Denver Guardian AR-15 snuffed out lives last two days after the United States December to transfer the US Islamic nations “to take a firm Brill and Crovitz said News- exists only as a purveyor of fake Valentine’s Day,” Dann wrote. shifts its mission, the Latin embassy from Tel Aviv to the stand against this move, which Guard will provide “nutrition news.” Brill and Crovitz said “The threat worked.” American country’s president disputed city of Jerusalem has violates international law.” labels” for each of the 7,500 they had raised $6m for News- Dann said he made “a bar- announced. drawn widespread condemna- Only seven small countries news sources it will review. Guard from 18 investors. gain” to adopt pro-gun posi- Guatemalan President tion, with critics saying it dam- -- including Guatemala and These will be a more The lead investor is the tions that made him uncom- Jimmy Morales told a cheering ages hopes for a negotiated Honduras -- sided with the detailed analysis of each outlet Publicis Groupe ad agency fortable in order to stay in crowd that “as a sovereign deci- Middle East peace. United States and Israel on a and will explain why a pub- holding company. “Advertisers office and do the other work sion, we recognise Jerusalem as Morales nevertheless soon non-binding December 21 UN lisher receives a green, yellow care about the quality and cred- he viewed as important. the capital of Israel.” followed Trump, making Gua- General Assembly resolution or red rating. ibility of the brands they sup- “The bargain paid off. I was Speaking at the annual temala the first country to do so. rejecting Trump’s decision to “In addition to alerting port, and we are delighted to be re-elected to the state senate conference of the American “This decision strongly evi- recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s people to fake news,” Crovitz the lead investor in NewsGuard and won an upset victory to Israel Public Affairs Committee dences Guatemala’s continued capital. said, “one of our key goals is to as a key part of the solution to become attorney-general in (AIPAC), an influential pro- support and solidarity with the Israeli Foreign Ministry help consumers, including the crisis of fake news,” Pub- large part because the NRA and Israeli lobbying group, he said: people of Israel,” Morales told spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon young people, know when to licis Groupe chairman Maurice Buckeye Firearms had ‘edu- “Under my instructions, two AIPAC. praised Morales’ announcement, take news from certain sites Levy said recently. cated’ pro-gun voters about my days after the United States “We are sure that many tweeting: “Thank you Guate- with a grain of salt.” NewsGuard’s founders said unwavering commitment to moves its embassy, Guatemala other countries will follow in mala! Thank you President@ NewsGuard said it will they hope to eventually expand the Second Amendment.” will return and permanently our steps.” The Palestinian jimmymoralesgt! licence its ratings to social beyond the United States. Serial deaths: More human remains found in Toronto yard AFP disappearances of two men from “Steps are ongoing in an went missing in 2010; and “We have used a multidisci- reconstruct remains and then a neighbourhood in downtown attempt to identify these vic- Soroush Mahmudi, 50, whose plinary approach to try to find collect all of the relevant data.” OTTAWA: A forensic search Toronto last year, which led tims,” he said. disappearance was reported the truth behind what hap- McArthur came under sus- uncovered more human remains police to the planters at a prop- The man in the victim pho- almost three years ago. pened,” he said. picion in September 2017 in con- hidden in large planters used by erty that he used for storage. tograph appeared to be in his 40s McArthur is also charged Pathologists compared the nection with the disappearance a Toronto landscaper and alleged The latest discovery brings or early 50s, with dark hair and with the murders of Majeed body parts found in the planters of Kinsman, but police at first serial killer charged with the total number of victims in the a beard, and bruises on his face. Kayhan, 58, Dean Lisowick, 47, to the fingerprints, dental records, rejected suggestions that a serial murdering gay men, Canadian grisly murder case to seven, Idsinga said the image is and Selim Esen, 44. and the medical histories of killer was prowling Toronto’s police announced. although so far only three have believed to have been taken after And now a seventh murder missing persons going back dec- neighbourhood. Authorities appealed to the been identified. his death, but would not com- charge is expected to be laid ades, for possible matches. According to local media, public for help in identifying one “We have recovered the ment on its origin. when McArthur returns to court “At this time, the cause of police made a quick decision to victim from a photograph seem- remains of at least seven individ- The victims currently known later this month. deaths are pending further enter McArthur’s apartment and ingly taken post-mortem. uals from the planters seized at to police are Andrew Kinsman, Ontario’s chief forensic studies,” he said. “You can arrest him on January 18 when Bruce McArthur, 66, was the (east side Toronto) home,” 49, who had a long-term sexual pathologist Michael Pollanen told imagine that the state of decom- they saw a young man enter his arrested in January following an lead investigator Sergeant Hank relationship with McArthur; a press conference this case has position and the dismemberment home. Police found the man tied investigation into the Idsinga told a press conference. Skandaraj Navaratnam, 40, who “challenged” his team. process requires us to up on a bed, but unharmed. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 HOME 19 A mix of cultures and diversity at ISL Qatar’s annual food fair

DOHA: The International school came together for a truly Damasca, Orient Pearl Restau- School of London (ISL) Qatar international event. Diversity rant, Cafe Ceramique, Kidz- celebrated its fifth annual Inter- is one of the pillars of ISL Qatar mondo, Baladna Park, Shatta national Family Food Fair that is exemplified in the school and El Haty restaurants. (IFFF) on Saturday. events such as the IFFF. Prizes included trips to The event was an exciting The event also held a prize Muscat, jewellery, 5-star hotel melting pot of different cultures, draw with over 40 exciting stay and restaurant vouchers, international delicacies, games prizes donated from generous beauty treatments, a makeover and music from all over the sponsors: Santa Fe Relocation, worth QR850, and much more. world that each country took Al Nokhba Travel, Grand Hyatt All the profits from the pride in showcasing. A spirit of Hotel, K108 Hotel, Inbound event were donated to Sponsor friendship, diversity and unity Tours Qatar, Elisabietta, Guid- A Child Charity. The school was took over ISL Qatar. ance Events, Andrea Espinosa, able to raise over QR 10,000. The IFFF was attended by Shangri-La Hotel, The Interna- ISL Qatar has an outstanding more than 1,000 visitors tional Medical Center & Physi- reputation for high academic including students, parents, otherapy Center, Pinkies Salon, standards, prestigious Interna- staff and the Doha community St Regis Hotel, Glow American tional Baccalaureate (IB) pro- who came to enjoy this mag- Salon, BE Basketball, Melissa grammes and an impressive ical afternoon. The 70 different Jewelry, First Fit Training, Min- record of admission to the best nationalities represented in the ipolis, Mokarabia, Gahwetna, universities worldwide. Contests mark Sri Lanka I-Day celebrations Mr. Light launches Buy in Qatar with

DOHA: In order to mark the were awarded to the Sri Lanka’s 70th Independ- respective winners Delivery in Kerala, India scheme ence Day, the Sri Lankan and the judges. Al Majlis Qatar (SLMQ) Raya Water com- DOHA: Mr. Light, one of the leading conducted many competitions pany, the main brands in electronics and appliances in among Sri Lankan schoolchil- sponsor of the event, the Middle East with a range of value dren living in Qatar for the provided gift for money and efficient products, have fifteenth consecutive year. vouchers whilst, Al always kept customers at the centre of The competitions like Jaber Holding and Q their product development and are Public Speaking, Essay Writing, Bake also supported constantly on the look out to satisfy the Drawing and Coloring and the event. needs of its customers. were held in four age catego- SLMQ was estab- Keeping customer needs in focus, ries: Sub Junior, Junior, Inter- lished in 2001 with Mr. Light launched an innovative mediate and Seniors. certain aim to facilitate scheme wherein consumers purchasing competitions for Senior Essay, greater interaction products in Qatar can now opt for delivery The said promotion is running across all Intermediate Essay, Junior Pre- and fellowship to their home in the state of Kerala in India. Jumbo Electronics showrooms, Spark Life- pared Speech and Drawing among the Sri Though the product is purchased in style Electronics and select hypermarkets. competitions were held on and talents in various disciplines of Lankan residents in Qatar, it will be delivered to the consumer’s “We noticed that a lot of our customers February 9 at Stafford Sri Lankan this much awaited event. Qatar. It is also involved in chari- home in Kerala within 7 working days. were buying products to be taken to their home School while the rest of the compe- R. Kohula Rangan, Counsellor table, educational, religious, and The products will come with the standard in Kerala, hence we launched this scheme titions for Senior prepared Speech, for Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar was social welfare activities in Qatar and one year warranty in Kerala with after sales wherein they do not have to worry about pack- Intermediate Prepared Speech and the chief guest and graced the occa- Sri Lanka. SLMQ also serves all the support available in all districts of Kerala. aging or cargo charges or custom duties or war- Sub Junior Coloring competitions sion on behalf H E ASP Liyanaga- Sri Sri Lankans residing in Qatar, in Currently, the Phantom series 32” LED ranties as these have being taken care of by us were held on February 23 at the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar. order to promote community- TV, MR 2103 washing machine and a family by ensuring that they have the same quality Lankan Embassy premises. Many other distinguished guests building efforts in Sri Lanka, under pack consisting of MR 0515 blender, MR product delivered at their doorstep.” said There were more than 150 par- graced also the event. prizes, certif- the patronage of the Sri Lankan 515V6 emergency light, MR 6100 torch & MR C V Rappai, Director & CEO, Digital Innova- ticipants who presented their skills icates and tokens of appreciations Embassy in Qatar. 6022 trimmer are part of the campaign. tions, distributors of Mr. Light in Qatar.

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Death Wish 10:00, 10:30am, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, 2:30, 3:00, 3:15, 4:45, Captain (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 11:30pm 5:15, 6:00, 7:00, 7:30, 8:45, 9:15, 9:45, 11:30, 11:40pm & 12:00midnight Pari (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 3:30 & 5:00pm Black Panther (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:45, 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & Black Panther (2D/Action) 6:45pm Special Show 7:00pm 11:45pm Gnome Alone (2D) 10:00, 11:45am, 1:30, 3:15, 5:00, 6:45, The Leisure Seeker (2D/Romantic) 9:30pm 8:30, 10:15pm & 12:00midnight Maya Nadhi (2D/Malayalam) 5:00pm The Shadow Effect (2D) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm The Midnight Man (2D) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight The Midnight Man (Horror) 7:30 & 11:30pm The Leisure Seeker (2D) 10:00am, 2:45, 7:15 & 11:50pm The Shadow Effect (2D/Action) 7:30pm I, Tonya (2D) 12:15, 4:45 & 9:30pm Death Wish (2D/Action) 2:30, 9:00 & 11:00pm Talq Sena3y (2D/Arabic) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Okdat Al I, Tonya (2D/Drama) 9:15pm Kawja (2D/Arabic) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight Talq Sena3Y (2D/Arabic) 5:00pm Game Night (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Black Panther (3D IMAX/Action) 11:00am, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm ASIAN TOWN MALL Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 6:00, 7:00, 8:45, 9:45, 11:30pm Captain (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:15pm Captain (Malayalam) 6:00, 7:00, 8:30, 10:00 & 11:15pm Pari (2D/Horror) 2:30 & 11:30pm Talq Sena3Y (2D/Arabic) 7:00pm Pari (Hindi) 6:00pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 3:00, 4:30 & 6:00pm Death Wish (2D/Action) 5:00, 7:30 & 11:15pm The Leisure Seeker (2D/Romantic) 5:00pm Black Panther(2D/Action) 2:30, 7:00 & 9:00pm AL KHOR The Shadow Effect (2D/Drama) 9:30pm Captain (Malayalam) 11:30am, 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 & 11:30pm The Midnight Man (2D/Horror) 9:30pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 10:30am, 12:15, 2:15 & 4:15pm Veerey Ki Wedding (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm Death Wish 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:45pm LANDMARK Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm

Captain (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 9:00pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:00 & 5:30pm Talq Sena3Y (2D/Arabic) 2:30pm ROXY Black Panther(2D/Action) 4:30pm Maya Nadhi (2D/Malayalam) 5:00 & 11:00pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 & 6:30pm The Shadow Effect (2D/Drama) 7:30 & 11:30pm Pari (Horror) 10:30am, 1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:10 & 11:50pm Death Wish (2D/Action) 7:00, 9:30 & 11:30pm Death Wish (Drama) 10:30am, 12:50, 3:10, 8:20 & 10:40pm The Midnight Man (2D/Horror) 9:15pm Captain (Malayalam) 10:30am, 4:15 & 10:10pm Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 1:30 & 7:15pm FLIK Mirqab Black Panther (Action) 5:30, 8:30 & 11:20pm Black Panther (Action) 2D 11:20am, 12:20, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20, 9:20, 10:00pm

& 12:05am 3D 3:00, 5:40, 8:20 & 11:00pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. Captain (Malayalam) 3:20, 6:20 & 8:20pm Death Wish (Action) 11:35am, 1:50, 4:05, 6:20, 7:05, 8:35, 8:50&9:25pm Early Man 10:30am, 2:20, 5:25pm THE LEISURE SEEKER Ferdinand 11:40am, 1:35 & 4:15pm Game Night 11:25am, 1:30, 4:55, 7:20, 9:05 & 11:40pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 3:35, 12:25 & 6:30pm Mom & Dad (2D/Horror) 8:45 & 11:45pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle 2:35pm Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 12:35, 5:00, 9:20 & 12:10am Maze Runner: The Death Cure 10:45pm Talq Sena3y (Arabic) 7:00pm Talq The Last Flag Flying 4:30 & 11:20pm The Midnight Man 11:10pm

A runaway couple go on an unforgettable journey in the faithful old RV they call The Leisure Seeker. 20 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04.37am Shape of Water SHOROOK 05.53 am wins big at

ZUHR 11.45 am MAGHRIB 05.40 pm ASR 03.07 pm ISHA 07.10 pm Oscars on activism-fuelled night WEATHER TODAY REUTERS movie about 20 times because I thought it was impossible. I LOS ANGELES: Romantic thought it wasn’t going to fantasy “The Shape of Water” work,” “Get Out” director and won the best picture Oscar screenwriter Jordan Peele yesterday, the film industry’s said. most prestigious honour, on a As expected, Britain’s Gary night where themes of female Oldman won his first Oscar for empowerment and activism playing World War Two leader almost overshadowed the Winston Churchill in Warner awards. Bros.’ “Darkest Hour,” while The Fox Searchlight mov- Frances McDormand’s woman ie’s Mexican filmmaker, Guill- in a vengeful fury was a pop- ermo del Toro, won best ular best actress winner for director, dashing the hopes of Fox Searchlight’s dark comedy a rare win by a woman or a “Three Billboards Outside black filmmaker. Ebbing, Missouri.” The movie about a mute McDormand, 60, whose cleaning woman who falls in character seemed to channel love with a strange river crea- the anger of the #MeToo ture — a fable about the mis- movement that has dominated treatment of the powerless - Hollywood and beyond, asked had gone into the ceremony all the female nominees - with a leading 13 nominations, across directing, cinematog- and won a total of four raphy, costumes and some 20 FROM LEFT: Actors Sam Rockwell, Frances McDormand, Allison Janney, and Gary Oldman, o o Academy Awards. other categories - to stand up pose with their Oscars for best supporting actor, best actress, best supporting actress, and It won despite a plagia- in the audience and be best actor, during the 90th Annual Academy Awards, in Hollywood, California, yesterday. 20 C 31 C rism lawsuit filed in Los recognized. Minimum Maximum Angeles last month claiming “Look around ladies and momentum of the past year. Warren Beatty and Faye Dun- foreign language film; and its unusual plot was lifted gentlemen,” she urged the glit- Kimmel quipped that the away returning for a second Mexican-inspired “Coco” was Hazy at places at first becomes relative- from a 1969 American play. tering crowd in the Dolby The- tall golden Oscar statue itself year to announce the top named best animated ly hot daytime. Del Toro has denied ever atre. “Because we all have sto- was “the most beloved and prize. feature. seeing or hearing about the ries to tell and projects we respected man in The two veterans got a Sam Rockwell and play. need financed.”. Hollywood.” standing ovation, as Beatty Allison Janney took home

HIGH TIDE 07:30 – 20:30 LOW TIDE 01:30 – 14:00 Greta Gerwig’s inde- Oscars host Jimmy “He keeps his hands deadpanned, “It’s so nice their first Oscars for their COURTESY: Qatar Meteorology Department pendent mother-daughter tale Kimmel tackled Hollywood’s where you can see them, he seeing you again.” supporting roles in “Three “Lady Bird” came away sexual misconduct scandal never says a rude word and Elsewhere, awards were Billboards” and independent empty-handed while Uni- with pointed jokes on a night most importantly he has no spread around, recognizing ice-skating movie “I, Tonya,” versal Pictures’ racial satire that became a platform for penis at all. He is literally a first-timers, LGBT issues and respectively. “Get Out” got just one award activists on issues ranging statue of limitations. That’s the films inspired by other Rap artist Common and - for original screenplay - from gun violence and the kind of man we need more of,” cultures. singer Andra Day brought the despite speculation that its Black Lives Matter movement he said. “Call Me by Your Name” leaders of several activist bold take on modern race to sexism and immigration. Last year’s embarrassing won best adapted screenplay, movements, including relations might take the top Activists also called for envelope mix-up over the best “A Fantastic Woman,” Chile’s #MeToo and Black Lives prize. underrepresented film- picture winner was turned groundbreaking story about a Matter, onstage for a perform- “I stopped writing this makers to seize on the into a running joke, with transgender woman won best ance of their Oscar-nominated song “Stand Up for Something.” And director Ava DuV- ernay, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani and others spoke in a video segment about progress in smashing barriers in the industry around racism and sexism. Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o and Pakistani- American Nanjiani also spoke out on behalf of America’s so- called Dreamers - hundreds of thousands of young people whose parents brought them to the United States illegally, and whose fate is now uncertain. “Dreams are the founda- tion of Hollywood and dreams Best Director and Best Film laureate Mexican director Guillermo Lucy Sibbick and David Malinowski pose with their Oscar for are the foundations of del Toro. Best Make-up and Hairstyling. America,” Nyong’o said. Four planets to appear over Qatar sky this month THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Residents of Qatar and all Arab countries will be seeing and observing four planets of our solar system (Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus) over the sky this month. The four planets will be close to the Moon at different times during March, Qatar Calendar House (QCH) announced. The giant planet Jupiter will be approaching Moon tomorrow at at 10am; where the angular distance between Jupiter and Moon will be four degrees. Qatar residents will be seeing Jupiter and Moon seeing Mars and Moon together dawn sky from time rise of together with naked eye over with naked eye over eastern Saturn at 1:37am until before Aspire International Kite Festival from today south eastern horizon of Doha horizon of Doha sky from the sunrise time. Dr Beshir Mar- sky from the rise time of rise time of Mars until before zouk added. Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is putting the finishing touches to the 2nd Aspire International Jupiter at night of Tuesday until Sunrise time, where the time The brightest planet Venus Kite Festival which will start from today and runs until March 9. Following the enormous suc- morning of Wednesday, where rise of Mars on will be at 00:50 will be at one degree northern cess last year, the annual event will see 23 international teams take part. In addition to Qatar, the time rise of Jupiter today Am, while Sunrise time will be new crescent’s center on visiting countries participating this year include: Austria, Australia, Canada, China, France, will be at 10:33am, while Sun- at 5:49 Am Doha local time. Sunday, March 18. Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Netherlands, Pakistan, Phil- rise time tomorrow will be at The planet with beautiful Qatar residents will have ippines, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, and the United 5:52am Doha local time. rings Saturn will be coming a chance to observing Venus States of America. From the inception and design to delivery and build, the event has been Astronomer expert at QCH Dr close to Moon on Sunday, and Moon together after managed to very highest international standards by Aspire Zone Foundation’s vastly experi- Beshir Marzouk said. March 11; where Saturn will be sunset time for 52 minutes enced and multidisciplinary events management experts. This year’s 2nd Aspire International The red planet Mars will be at two degrees southern over western horizon with Kite Festival provides yet further evidence of AZF’s ability to execute the best sports and close to Moon on Saturday, Moon’s center. Qatar residents astronomical telescopes, and entertainment events for members of the local community in Qatar. March 10; where it will be at will be able to see Saturn and they must be at places three degrees southern Moon’s Moon together with naked eyes without light and environ- center. Qatar residents will be over eastern horizon of Doha ment pollutions.