www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

BUSINESS | 25 SPORT | 35 Qatar and Samsonov keen German company to carry on sign LNG deal playing

Thursday 8 December 2016 | 9 Rabia I 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7004 | 2 Riyals

Leaders tell Iran to stop meddling in region GCC Summit issues final communique

Manama/Doha The Peninsula

he 37th GCC Supreme Council meeting which concluded in Manama yes- terday expressed satisfaction over the Tachievements made for implemen- tation of defence integration among the GCC countries to build a strong partnership and establish an effec- tive defence system to confront the different challenges and threats. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the clos- ing session of the summit, along with other GCC leaders. A statement issued at the end of the summit, the council also lauded steps as well as the steps taken to estab- lish a unified military leadership and instructed that all remaining procedure to have it completed be taken. The council was briefed on a report sub- mitted by the joint defence council as Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with British Prime Minister Theresa May and GCC leaders during the GCC-United Kingdom First Summit in an outcome of its meeting held in Riy- adh in November 2016 on the joint Manama, Bahrain, yesterday. defense field and endorsed them. The council confirmed the GCC's international conventions and countries in the region, including firm positions towards terrorism and treaties and not to embrace and Bahrain, and by supporting ter- extremism and their rejection of all harboring terrorist groups on its rorism, training of terrorists and their forms and kinds as well as their territory, including Hezbollah the smuggling of weapons, explo- motives and justifications whatever militia and support of terrorist sives and inciting sectarian strife their source and urged for working militias in the region, and not to and continuing statements at var- to dry up their source of finance. ignite sectarian strife in region. ious levels to disturb security and The Supreme Council expressed The Supreme Council denounced order and stability. its total rejection of the continuation the attempts of Iran aimed at polit- The Supreme Council wel- of Iranian interference in the inter- icizing the Haj aimed to offend the comed the condemnation by the nal affairs of the GCC countries and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, calling Human Rights Council in Septem- the region, and called for full com- on Iranian officials to refrain from ber of the blatant and systematic mitment to fundamentals and the such actions and attitudes, and violations in Syria by the Syrian basic principles and foundations cooperate with the official author- political regime and its militias. based on the principle of good neigh- ities in Saudi Arabia to organise the With regard to Yemen, the GCC borliness and respect for sovereignty, Haj season, to allow Iranian pil- highlighted its full commitment to non-interference in internal affairs, grims to perform rituals. the unity of Yemen, the respect of non-use or threat of force. The Supreme Council its sovereignty and independence The Supreme Council stressed the expressed its condemnation for and the rejection of any interfer- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani participating in the GCC Summit, along with need for Iran to change its policy in the continuation of Iranian inter- ence in its internal affairs. the region, so as to abide by ference in the internal affairs of → Continued on page 3 members of the official Qatari delegation. GCC & UK agree on Strategic Partnership

Manama/Doha in the Gulf region over the next decade, well as protection of all minorities and of The Peninsula "spending more on defense in the Gulf than human rights,” said a joint communique in any other region of the world." On the issued at the end of the summit. joint summit between GCC leaders and issue of Gulf security, May said: "We must statement. British Prime Minister Theresa May, in also continue to confront state actors whose The leaders committed to continue ABahrain's capital Manama yesterday influence fuels instability in the region. So working towards a sustainable political res- agreed to launch the GCC-UK Strategic Part- I want to assure you that I am clear-eyed olution in Syria that ends the war and nership to foster closer relations in all fields, about the threat that Iran poses to the Gulf establishes an inclusive government that including political, defence, security, and and the wider Middle East." protects all ethnic and religious communi- trade. On regional conflicts, the leaders ties, and preserves state institutions. They The two sides also agreed to enhance peo- decided on a set of common principles, agreed to increase regional pressure on the ple-to-people contact, and develop collective including a shared recognition that there Assad regime and its backers by heighten- approaches to regional issues. is no military solution to the region's armed ing financial disruption and economic The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad civil conflicts. constraints. Al Thani participated in the summit, along “These can only be resolved through The GCC states and the UK further with his Personal Representative H H Sheikh political and peaceful means, respect for affirmed their commitment to assisting the Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and members of all states' sovereignty and non-interference Iraqi Government and the International Glo- the official Qatari delegation. in their internal affairs contrary to inter- bal Coalition in their fight against Daesh, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with British Addressing the meeting, May said her national law, the need for inclusive including post-liberation stabilisation efforts. Prime Minister Theresa May, in Manama, Bahrain, yesterday. country will spend over £3bn on defence governance in conflict-ridden societies, as → Continued on page 4 DEC to become modern entertainment city

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Corporate Social Responsibility THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016

The weekly supplement issued by The Peninsula to enhance the role of companies and institutions in The Peninsula society development. Commerce yesterday announced plans investors to take part in the project in with parking space with total area of MAIN SPONSOR SPONSOR to change the Doha Exhibition Center collaboration with Qatar Tourism 26,075 sqm. it also includes the outside CSR i l f Q i i he Technical Committee for the Pro- (DEC) into a modern entertainment city Authority. open places with total areas of 1,200sqm Included with today’s motion of Private Sector and has invited tenders from prospective A total area of 84,875 sqm has been and exhibition area of 14,992 sqm, and edition is a 4-page TEngagement in Development private investors. allocated for private investment which shops with a total area of 479 sqm. supplement on CSR Projects at the Ministry of Economy and The committee has invited interested includes 57,600 sqm built-up area, along → Continued on page 4 02 HOME THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 'Sekak': Nama Center honours 30 teachers

The Peninsula knowledge and skills necessary Teachers honoured to better handle and train high ama Center, a mem- Nama Center school students as well as develop ber of Qatar Social organises honouring their basic cognitive and life skills. Work Foundation, Mariam Al Mannai added: ceremony for yesterday honoured “We are incredibly proud of all teachers who 30 teachers who the teachers who participated, Nhave successfully completed the participated in the committed themselves and suc- “Sekak” project, which is cen- 'Sekak' project. cessfully concluded their 'Sekak' tred on Life Skills & Style multi-dimensional training pro- Enhancement. Teachers empowered gramme. They are entrusted to At the end of the five-day with the knowledge carry out the mission of empow- intensive training programme, and skills necessary ering our country’s youth with Nama Center organised an to better handle and the life skills and knowledge honoring ceremony for the train school students. they need to create a better teachers who participated in tomorrow for themselves and the “Sekak” project, at the their communities.” Qatar National Convention mission requires training the The multi-faceted training Center (QNCC). The training trainers who in turn will men- sessions of Sekak project worked started on the November 20, tor and teach young people to on boosting the training skills of 2016, at Nama Center. innovate, take action and lead trainers (Training the Trainers), “Youth capacity-building is the way, she added. and their capacity to effectively at the core of Nama’s vision, The event was held in the convey life skills, concepts and which aims to create a platform presence of Fawzia Abdulaziz ideas through short and effective that is conductive to investing Al Khater, Assistant Undersec- presentations. in their creative abilities and retary for Educational Affairs at The project focused on help- harnessing their potential as the Ministry of Education and ing teachers instill into high active partners in civil work, Higher Education, and Amaal school students the right set of community development, and bint Abdullatif Al Mannai, CEO personal, psychological and com- the renaissance of our nation of Qatar Foundation for Social munication skills that will assist said Mariam bint Abdullatif Al Work, along with a number of them in making informed deci- Mannai – Director of the Com- school principals. sions, communicating effectively, munity Services Department, The newly-graduated teach- as well as developing their cop- and the Director in charge of ers, who come from various ing and self-management skills, running Nama’s affairs. schools across the country, have thereby leading them to live a Achievement of such been empowered with the healthy and productive life. DICID participates in Doha Book Fair

The Peninsula seminars and workshops. Conference. This is not the first The center’s publications time DICID is participating in he Doha International showcased at the book fair Doha book fair because the Center for Interfaith Dia- include a book entitled “Spirit- event is a cultural festival Tlogue (DICID) is ual and Intercultural Safety in embodying the real meaning of participating in Doha Book Fair the Light of Religious Doctrines” dialogue, said Ibrahim Saleh Al 2016 with a variety of publica- which includes the proceedings Naimi, Director of the Board of tions and activities including of the 12th Doha Interfaith Directors of DICID.

Promotion valid from 08.12.2016 to 10.12.2016, Purchase limit may apply, Offer valid until stock last.

2kg

Apple Red Snakegourd / Sea Bass / Pakistan Beef France 1kg QAR

QAR Vellary India 2kg Sea Bream 1kg Bone in kg 3.50 10.00 QAR 26.75 QAR 15.75

Al Baker Chakki Fresh

QAR 10.00 Atta 5kg + 1kg

3pcs Set

QAR 499

QAR 24.75 Nestle KitKat 2 Finger Noor Sunflower Sadia Whole Chicken Punjab Garden 20.5gm X 42Pcs (36+6) 1.3kg X 10pcs QAR 24.75 Oil 5ltr QAR 89.00 QAR 19.75 Basmati Rice 5kg 78cm

QAR 199

• Intel i5 Processor • 8GB RAM • 1TB HDD • 2GB Graphics 68cm • 14.0” Screen • Windows 10

QAR 169

QAR 139

Skechers Men’s QAR 1,999 55cm Nivea Soft Cream Sports Shoes Asstd Lenovo Ideapad Carlton QAR 139 Polaris 300ml+ 100ml 310-141SK QAR 15.00 4Wheel Soft Trolley THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 03 GCC supports French initiative on Palestine

Continued from page 1 equality of reciprocal treatment enhancing it in all fields. The Supreme Council among the citizens of the GCC The Council followed with stressed the importance of a countries in the field of Gulf profound concern and strong political solution in accordance common market. denunciation the targeting by with the Gulf initiative, the out- The Council approved the Houthi militias and Saleh of come of the National Dialogue exchange of credit information Makkah using a ballistic missile Conference, and the uncondi- among the member states in flagrant negligence of the city's tional implementation of United according to a short-term sanctity for the whole Islamic Nations Resolution 2216 (2015). working plan and the compre- nation, a move considered by the The Supreme Council said hensive framework for the Supreme Council as leading to that the formation of a so-called mechanism of facilitating the tampering the security of the national salvation government exchange of credit data of the Islamic Ummah, spreading sec- and political council by the council. tarian sedition and supporting Houthis and supporters of The Council approved the terrorism in the region. Abdulla Saleh were a violation law on combating commercial The Council congratulated of the internationally recognised cheating in the GCC countries as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on constitutional legitimacy and an imperative system of all being re-elected member of the represented obstacles to a polit- The council underscored the Human Rights Council by the UN ical solution. importance of commitment to general assembly for three years, The council expressed pro- implement the GCC railway starting 2017. found concern and denunciation project and decided transferring The Council congratulated of the US Congress law called the matter to the economic and Donald Trump on winning the Justice Against Sponsoring Ter- developmental affairs to forge US presidential elections, look- rorism Act, contrary to all the necessary mechanism to ing forward to enhancing the international norms and laws complete the project as pre- historic and strategic relations and bases of relations among scribed and as per the vision of between the U.S. and the region world member countries and the the Custodian of the Two Holy and wishing the U.S. friendly principle of sovereign immunity, Mosques. people steady progress and hoping that the US authorities The Council blessed the sec- prosperity under the new pres- would reconsider this legislation retariat-general's initiative to ident's leadership. as it would have negative reflec- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain recruit female and male youths The Council followed up tions on relations among Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Sakhir Palace in Bahrain yesterday. as consultants at the secretariat with great concern the abduc- countries, including the United general on the youths issues and tion of a number of Qatari States, in addition to the inter- reaffirmed its support for the including the following: progress environment for money trans- interests and underscored the citizens in southern Iraq who national economic harms that French initiative and all Arab and of GCC monetary council, GCC fers across the GCC. importance of the secretariat entered the country with offi- might be sustained from it. international efforts to broaden railway project, GCC common Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin general continuing to organize cial entry visas and upon The Council assigned the participation to solve the Pales- market, water network and Hamad Al Thani attended the youths events as part of the coordination with the Qatari consultative commission to study tinian Cause and speed up water comprehensive strategy, closing session of the summit, annual GCC days. embassy in Doha. the following issues: Importance holding of the International Con- implementation of education- along with other GCC leaders. The Council instructed the The Council considered this and hazards of social media net- ference on Peace and work on related resolutions of the embassies and consulates of the terrorist act as a flagrant breach works, Role of women in ending Israeli occupation and Supreme Council, the GCC pre- ECONOMIC INTEGRATION GCC countries as well as compe- of the international law and vio- comprehensive development in establishment of an independ- ventive plan to combat The Supreme Council tent authorities to get reassured lation of human rights in addition the GCC framework and fields of ent State of Palestine with full contagious diseases reviewed the economic and of the health of expatriates using to being contrary to the rules of strategic cooperation among the sovereignty. The Council approved a pro- developmental integration the electronic test system link- Islamic religion and harms the GCC and Africa. The Council called on the posal to link the payment march among the GCC countries ing the GCC countries. relations between Arab international community to pres- systems of the GCC countries and and underscored the importance The Supreme Council con- brothers. FREE TRADE TALKS sure Israel to end its occupation authorised the monetary agen- of continuing consolidating veyed condolences on the The Council expressed soli- The Supreme Council blessed of all occupied Arab territories cies, and central banks of the cooperation and integration death of Grandfather Emir H darity with the Qatari the resumption of free trade including the Syrian Golan member states to possess, run among the member states prior H Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad government and supports what- negotiations with China. The Heights. and finance the project through to reaching the implementation Al Thani, recalling his efforts ever measure it might take to council was briefed on the The council reviewed a establishing an independent of the Supreme Council resolu- in the establishment of the secure their return and requests progress of negotiation rounds. number of reports on the routine company. This is intended to tions as regards the GCC and supportive positions the Iraqi government to spare no The Supreme Council common integration march provide a safe and swift implementation of perfect for its joint march and effort to secure their release. 04 HOME THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016

Emir to honour GCC and Britain to intensify cooperation winners of Anti-Corruption Continued from page 1 Awards in Vienna They encouraged the Iraqi Government to achieve genu- QNA ine national reconciliation by urgently addressing the legiti- mir H H Sheikh Tamim mate grievances of all elements bin Hamad Al Thani will of Iraqi society through the Ehonour the winners of implementation of reforms, the Anti-Corruption Awards including those previously at its first round in the Aus- agreed, and by ensuring that all trian capital Vienna on Friday armed groups operate under at a ceremony which will be the strict control of the Iraqi held under United Nations state. auspices, and in the presence With regard to Yemen, the of its Secretary-General Ban GCC states and the UK empha- Ki-moon and heads of UN sised the need to resolve the organisations in Vienna. conflict peacefully through polit- The Award comes in rec- ical dialogue and negotiations ognition of Emir's efforts of facilitated by the UN based on those in charge of the fight the GCC initiative, the outcomes against corruption at the of the National Dialogue Confer- international level, as well as ence, the UN Security Council the support of the State of Resolution 2216 and other rele- Qatar and the United Nations vant UNSC Resolutions. The GCC leaders and British Prime Minister Theresa May at the 37th session of GCC Supreme Council in Manama yesterday. mission in the fight against The GCC states and the UK corruption and the fight look forward to working ative and UN resolutions. Iran to engage the region accord- Regional British Defence Staff supporting victims and pursu- against organised crime. The together on Yemen’s reconstruc- The GCC and the United ing to the principles of good to be based in Dubai. ing perpetrators. award was announced for the tion - including rebuilding the Kingdom will hold a Working neighbourliness, strict non- The GCC member states and The GCC and UK will build first time on October 31, 2015, economy, sea ports, and public Group on Counter-Terrorism interference in domestic affairs, the UK will also establish a on their long-standing co-oper- and is offered in collaboration services - once the peace proc- and Border Security to follow up and respect for territorial integ- National Security Dialogue to ation to unlock the full potential with the United Nations, and ess is concluded. on previous efforts to cooperate rity consistent with international build GCC member states' capac- of their trade and investment includes four categories: sci- The leaders decided to on border security, countering laws and the United Nations ity to coordinate security issues relationship. entific research, innovation, move jointly to convince all the financing of terrorism, cyber- Charter, and for Iran to take con- more effectively, and develop a Bilateral trade between the and creativity of young people, Libyan parties to accept an security, and critical crete, practical steps to build framework for a regional UK and GCC was worth over and Lifetime Achievement. inclusive power-sharing agree- infrastructure protection. trust and resolve its differences response to crises. This Dialogue £30bn last year and at this sum- ment under the framework of The leaders also decided to with its neighbours through will broaden and integrate secu- mit there were announcements the UN-brokered Libyan Polit- strengthen counter-terrorist peaceful means. rity cooperation to include, for covering a number of key sec- Emir condoles ical Agreement according to work on financing, through the The GCC and the UK decided example, cyber, serious organ- tors, including healthcare, UNSC resolutions 2259, 2278 GCC member states and UK to enhance joint efforts to ized crime, and innovation and the knowledge with Pakistan and the Skheirat Accord, and increasing efforts to cut off ter- improve defence cooperation, counter-extremism. economy, education, finance, to continue to focus on coun- rorist financing, including as well as on maritime security The UK expressed its readi- defense and security. President tering the terrorist presence in through enhanced intelligence and cyber-security. ness to support GCC efforts to The leaders also decided to the country. exchange and enforcement They will build on existing diversify their economies, pro- hold a GCC-UK PPP Conference EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin They strongly affirmed the efforts to freeze assets of indi- bilateral relations and expand vide more effective governance, in London in the first quarter of Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday necessity of resolving the viduals and entities designated towards increased military and adapt to the new economic 2017, focusing on GCC national a cable of condolences to Pres- Israeli-Palestinian conflict on under relevant UN Security cooperation to tackle current challenges, by emphasizing transformation and economic ident of the Islamic Republic of the basis of a just, lasting, com- Council Resolutions, especially threats and fortify defences in innovation, non-oil industries, diversification plans. Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain prehensive peace agreement in the region. the region through joint exer- technical education and train- They agreed to meet annu- on the victims of the plane that that results in an independent The GCC states and the UK cises and including maritime ing, and services. ally in a similar high-level crashed in northern Pakistan and contiguous Palestinian will work together to counter and border security. This They pledged to work format, in order to advance and yesterday. Deputy Emir H H state living side-by-side in Iran's destabilising activities in includes a UK presence together to enhance their efforts build upon the UK-GCC Strate- Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad peace and security with Israel, the region. throughout the Gulf, including to support refugees and fight gic Partnership announced Al Thani has also sent con- based on the Arab Peace Initi- They stressed the need for coordination through the human trafficking through yesterday. dolences on the plane crash.

Tender forms available at the Ministry

Continued from page 1 project proposal should include documents from the Purchasing According to the committee, development of the current build- Section at the Ministry of Econ- the interested investors are ing and the open areas with omy and Commerce at the 4th required to develop the current shops, restaurants, nursery, park- floor in the ministry’s headquar- hall and the available facilities ing spaces and other tourism ters in Lusail Tower B. The project and change them to a modern activities. Prospective investors is part of government commit- entertainment city. are required to submit their ten- teement to evolve private sector The contract duration is 25 der offers before April 4, 2017. in development projects espe- years. The committee said the They can collect the tender cially in torisuim sector. Qatar attends Asia & Pacific meeting QNA

atar participated in the 16th Asia and the QPacific Regional Meeting held in the Indone- sian city of Bali. The Qatari delegation was headed by Minister of Administrative Development and Labour and Social Affairs H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi. The Minister said that the State of Qatar was mak- ing every effort towards supporting its citizens and expatriates to improve the well-being of its residents and their families in labour- sending countries. This comes from the firm con- viction of the State of Qatar under the wise leadership of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the importance of sustainable development as a key fac- tor for the stability and prosperity of people, he said. The Minister also said that the decent work and the provision of protection and welfare of workers are one of the pillars of sus- tainable development in the State of Qatar which is proceeding confidently towards achieving its Vision 2030. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 05 HGH's pharmacy robot cuts waiting time for patients

The Peninsula

amad General Hos- pital’s (HGH) automated dis- pensing unit – known as the Hpharmacy robot - has helped reduce the time patients spend in the Outpatient Department’s Pharmacy by half. At present dispensing 1,600 packets of tablets a day, the MACH4 Omnicell system, which was inaugurated in April, is two robots - 'Medimat’ and ‘Speed- box’ - combined. The system manages the dispensary of both complex pre- scriptions as well as fast moving items that are in high demand. The total stock capacity of the The automated dispensing unit, known as the pharmacy system is 14,000 packets. robot. “This means not only a shorter waiting time for patients, but it also enables them to spend but means our highly trained Two robots more time with each patient. pharmacists can spend more Dispensing 1,600 “The time our patients spend time with each patient, ensur- inside the pharmacy can be packets of tablets a ing they have all the information spent on education and coun- day, the MACH4 they need,” said Dr Mona Al selling,” she said. “Our Bakri, Assistant Director of the Omnicell system is pharmacy team can fully explain Pharmacy Department at HGH. two robots the medications to patients and She also said that the Phar- combined. answer any questions they may macy Department is working to have.” integrate the pharmacy robot Pharmacists find the HGH has the second auto- with the Clinical Information system convenient as mated pharmacy system System (CIS), which was imple- it enables them to installed at a HMC hospital, with mented across HMC’s network spend more time a similar one operating at Al of hospitals and services this with patients. Wakra Hospital. year. The CIS implementation The system at Hamad Gen- at HMC saw all patient records eral has the capacity to not transferred to a state-of-the art integrated, patients will only only dispense medications in electronic system, helping cli- have to show their health card a more timely manner, but it nicians improve continuity of to the pharmacy team to collect can carry three days’ supply of care and provide more proac- their medications,” said Dr Al medications, reducing the need tive care. Bakri. for ‘downtime’ to restock. It “This has had an even Dr Noora Malallah, Super- also has a special section for greater impact on our patients visor of the Outpatient ‘fast moving medications’ for as all systems are integrated, Department Pharmacy added conditions like diabetes and ensuring a smoother and faster that pharmacists find the sys- blood pressure which can be experience. When fully tem not only more convenient, dispensed quickly. 06 HOME THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 Kayakers from Kuwait dock at Katara beach

their rich maritime tradition. Green Voyage “Our seas need us now more Kuwaiti duo to leave for than ever. We have a responsibil- Saudi Arabia on journey ity to help our governments to meant to raise protect and manage our natural environmental world and resources,” said Al Huneidi, Founder of Kayak4Kuwait awareness. A Qatar Charity vehicle distributing winter provisions to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. RIGHT: Medicine for use by the — a local four-man team formed refugees. with the aim of creating awareness The Peninsula on the importance of preserving the Arabian Gulf. uwaiti kayakers Bashar Kayak4Kuwait is supported by QC aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon Al Huneidi and Man- the Kuwait Environment Public soor Al Safran, who Authority and other local have embarked on an organisations. The Peninsula teams conducted a survey to many huge relief projects that displayed the life of Syrian ref- expedition around GCC Al Huneidi, and Al Safran are identify the priorities of the would alleviate the pain of the ugees and those internally Kin a bid to raise environmental on a journey from Kuwait to Oman s part of its continuous Syrians refugees and changed Syrians. displaced in shelters. The exhi- awareness, docked at Katara beach to raise environmental awareness campaign, “Syria...cold the courses of the storm water QC has launched the bition, "below zero,” aims at yesterday. around marine conservation and Aand hunger”, Qatar run-off to protect Syrian ref- campaign — "Syria…..Cold educating visitors on the suf- Welcoming the duo, General protection in the region. Charity, supported by Qatari ugee camps in Arsal, and Hunger" — to help Syri- ferings of Syrian refugees. Manager of the Cultural Village Dr Al Sulaiti presented a gold- philanthropists, provided Lebanon," said Faisal Al Fah- ans face the harsh winter QC will provide help to Foundation- Katara, Dr Khalid bin plated memento shaped as a urgent winter aid for Syrian ida, QC's executive director of conditions either in Syria or affected Syrians in the follow- Ibrahim Al Sulaiti stressed on the nose-clip depicting a maritime refugees in Lebanon, to help operations. in neighbouring countries. ing areas: shelter including importance of preserving the object to the kayakers. them overcome tough condi- Al Fahida extended his The campaign aims at col- tents, equipped caravans, win- maritime tradition and Katara’s The duo set off on their journey tions during winter. thanks and appreciation to lecting more than QR100m, ter clothing, blankets, toiletries efforts in this regard as it contin- from Kuwait on November 10. 2000 Syrian families in Qatari philanthropists and and provide help to about 3.5 and food including safe drink- ues to host numerous festivals like From Qatar they will continue their Lebanon benefited from the humanitarian organisations million people in many fields ing water, flour, bread, ready the traditional Dhow Festival and voyage to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, relief aid including heating, for their efforts in helping and including shelter, food and meals to eat. QC is running Senyar Championships which and the United Arab Emirates shelter, food, health services supporting the affected Syr- health. bakeries and kitchens, provid- remind the new generation of before arriving in Oman. and medicines. ian people. He said QC has The campaign was ing health services including "QC is in a race against launched many campaigns launched after the opening of medical equipment, first aid time to help protect thousands since the Syrian crisis that "below zero" exhibition, which kits, medicines, ambulances of Syrian refugees in Lebanon began in 2011 including "Syria, was organised by QC. The ref- and building and operating from the severe cold. QC's endless winter" to implement ugee simulation exhibition hospitals. Ministry recalls Kia Optima 2016 model

The Peninsula The ministry said the recall campaign The Ministry has urged customers to comes within the framework of its ongo- report violations to its Consumer Protec- he Ministry of Economy and Com- ing efforts to protect consumers and tion and Anti-Commercial Fraud merce, in collaboration with Al ensure that car dealers follow up on vehi- Department on call center: 16001; email: TAttiya Motors and Trading Co, dealer cle defects and repairs. The Ministry said [email protected]; social media accounts: of KIA vehicles in Qatar, has announced that it will coordinate with the dealer to Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_ Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti presents the recall of KIA Optima model year 2016 follow up on maintenance and repair and Qatar; Ministry of Economy and a memento to Kuwaiti kayakers Bashar Al Huneidi and Mansoor due to the noise from the right front axle will communicate with customers to Commerce mobile app for Android and Al Safran. drive shaft. ensure that repairs are carried out. IOS: MEC_Qatar. Experts from 15 countries join cancer research meet Diversions on two streets The Peninsula The three-day conference is organ- It brought together clinicians and can- other. I view meetings like this one, as ised by MEACR in collaboration with cer researchers from more than 15 opportunities to reduce any such isolation. atar University (QU) hosted the sixth QU-Health (Colleges of Medicine, Phar- countries. QU Vice-President for Medical Within the College of Medicine, we are in Al Khor annual meeting of The Middle East- macy and Health Sciences), Biomedical Education and CMED Dean Dr Egon Toft equally committed to this collaborative Qern Association For Cancer Research Center (BRC) and National said, “Many of the countries in the region approach, from the focus on inter-profes- The Peninsula Research (MEACR) recently emphasising Center for Cancer Care and Research have very ambitious and promising sional education, to the recent formation the need for collaboration between aca- (NCCCR), and supported by Qatar research and health care systems, but they of a cluster that bring all medicine and THE Public Works Authority, demic institutions in fighting cancer. National Research Fund (QNRF). are mostly working in isolation from each health colleges under one umbrella. Ashghal, has announced that it will implement a closure on both directions of Bilal bin Rabah Street near the street Registration opens for Winter known as Nasser bin Abdulla Al Misned Street in Al Khor. Traffic will be diverted to the Career Camp for Qatari students street known as Ibn Taimi- yah Street and to the alternative local roads. The The Peninsula closure will start on Thurs- day, December 15, 2016 and atar Career Development last for three months, in coor- Center (QCDC) has dination with the Traffic Qopened registration for Police Department. its Winter Career Camp 2017, Ashghal will also close which will welcome Qatari part of the service road (in preparatory school students both directions) on the road for the third consecutive year. known as Umm Birkah Road. The camp aims to instil the The part to be closed is basics of a strong career cul- located after Umm Birkah ture in students and help them Interchange for those com- discover their skills and tal- ing from Al Thakhira, and ents, which will allow them traffic will be diverted to an in-turn to carefully choose alternative road adjacent to their careers. Students on a visit to Sidra Medical and Research Center the closed part. Abdulla Al Mansoori, (Sidra) as part of last year’s Winter Career Camp. The closure will last for Director of QCDC, said: "The three months starting from Winter Camp has continuously academic futures. It also aims academics in line with their Saturday, December 10, 2016. attracted eager participants to demonstrate the dynamics career aspirations. The two closures aim to over the last three years. We of Qatar’s labour market, the Shaheen Al Sulaiti, Senior enable the works of laying call on Qatari students to step country’s various economic Operations Officer, QCDC, sewage and treated sewage up and take part in the various sectors and the future needs said: “The camp will give effluent rising mains as part activities that will feature in of Qatar." Qatari students the opportu- of the Design, Build, Operate the camp’s third edition. The The one-week camp will nity to visit leading and Maintain of Al Thakhira programme is specifically feature educational and cul- organisations in Qatar, allow- Sewage Treatment Works and designed to enhance students’ tural activities as well as ing them to gain first-hand Transfer Pumping Station and self-confidence and guide interactive workshops that insight into jobs at these com- Associated Pipelines project. them to make intelligent deci- have been designed to develop panies and find out which Ashghal has requested sions that will reflect positively students’ personal skills and professions match their skills road users to abide by the on their professional and empower them to pursue and potentials." speed limit. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 07 Mega cruise ship arrives CSR main goal of firms Tourism Boost in Qatar: Official Cruise season that continues until April 2017 is expected to Sidi Mohamed effective in spreading the CSR practice year bring an estimated The Peninsula after year,” he said while addressing the 50,000 visitors Fourth Conference on Corporate Social to Qatar. atar is considered among the top coun- Responsibility. tries which have developed Corporate “We began with 70 companies and insti- QSocial Responsibility (CSR) for com- tutions in the first conference in which 36 The Peninsula panies through which they are allocating a companies qualified to compete and the fig- part of their budgets to achieve social ure has now risen to 120 participants in the oha Port yesterday wel- projects and developments, said a top conference today in which 60 companies comed MSC Fantasia official. and institutions have qualified to compete. — the first ever mega “Social responsibility has become one This indicates the extent of the great inter- cruise ship to arrive in of the main goals for companies in Qatar. est that these companies and national Qatar. The companies are having competition in institutions are taking in the society and its DThe giant ship carried over 3,000 Mega cruise ship MSC Fantasia docked at Doha Port cruise ship this regard,” Sultan Rashid Al Khater, Under- members,” he added. passengers and 1,300 crew mem- terminal yesterday. secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Ewa Polano, Ambassador of Sweden to bers on its maiden voyage to Qatar Commerce and a member of the board of Qatar, said that the presence of a large and is scheduled to make a total of means to ensure the successful dock- Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara and directors of the Social & Sport Contribution number of businessmen at the conference six calls to Doha throughout the ing of the giant ship and offered the Msheireb Museums were among the Fund said yesterday while addressing the had reconfirmed the growing interest in CSR 2016/2017 cruise season. best services to passengers. famous tourist spots the cruise pas- Fourth Conference for Corporate Social in Qatar. At 333 metres in length and 66 In a statement Mwani Qatar said sengers visited yesterday. Responsibility organised by Dar Al Sharq Polano observed that charity was very metres high, MSC Fantasia is one of that the success achieved by Doha Mwani noted that the current and attended by top officials, businessmen good and important but it is not the right MSC Cruises’ most modern ships and Port in receiving one of the largest cruise season is set to witness the and ambassadors. definition of CSR. “CSR is about respect for measures the equivalent of three cruise ships in the world reflects the arrival of cruise ships visiting Qatar The two day conference also organised human rights in the relation between football fields The on-board experi- great efforts exerted by all concerned for the first time. Other ships mak- an awards ceremony for companies and employer and employee, it is to do business ence is designed to meet the needs parties. “Along with our partners, we ing their maiden calls to Qatar this institutions and launched the fourth edition in a sustainable and non-corrupt way,” she of a wide range of guests and boasts are making great strides towards season include Azamara Journey, of the White Book 2016 on “social respon- added. a diverse choice of sports and enter- ensuring that Qatar becomes a key Crystal Esprit, Thomson Celebration sibility practices for companies and Ten companies have been chosen among tainment facilities, from tennis and port of call on all cruise itineraries and Silver Whisper. institutions”. 45 companies which applied for Social basketball courts, a mini-golf course, that cover this region,” Mwani said. This cruise season, which began Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, CEO, Dar Al Responsibility Awards (SRA), said Sheikh a jogging track and gym to an aqua New measures have been taken in October 2016 and continues until Sharq Group, said that the principles of Thani bin Ali bin Saud Al Thani, Chief of CSR park complex, Formula 1 simulator to facilitate the docking of mega April 2017, is expected to bring an corporate social responsibility have Committee. and 4D cinema. ships and smooth disembarkation estimated 50,000 visitors to Qatar. become a global trend, aimed at integrat- Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, CEO, Dar Al Qatar Ports Management Com- of large groups of passengers in Compared to last season, this marks ing the sum of the private sector in local Sharq Group, and Sultan Rashid Al Khater, pany- Mwani Qatar, the exclusive order to provide a seamless tourist an increase of over 1,000 percent in development efforts. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy operator of the state’s commercial experience for everyone on board, the number of cruise passengers vis- “We through our engagement with the and Commerce, handed over the awards to and touristic ports, has provided all Mwani added. The Museum of iting the country. country institutions have become more the winner companies. Qatar Airways starts accepting UnionPay cards on website

The Peninsula customers around the world. Qatar Airways travellers with a Euro, US Dollar, Australian Dol- “Our partnership with UnionPay better serve our customers; from With more than 5.8 billion high quality and secure payment lar, Hong Kong Dollar, Japanese International, one of the world’s our recently launched Apple Pay atar Airways has cards issued globally, UnionPay service worldwide, and is Yen, South Korean Won, Malay- most popular bank card issuers, feature to our new digital mem- announced it will now is an international bankcard net- accepted in 160 countries and sian Ringgit, New Zealand Dollar, provides our global customers bership card for our valued Qaccept UnionPay credit work and is the preferred regions. Qatar Airways custom- Singapore Dollar and Thai Baht with more flexible payment Privilege Club members. We are and debit cards through its web- method of payment for the Chi- ers can now book via the airline’s using their UnionPay cards. options when they choose to tireless in our pursuit to provide site for ticket and other sales, nese market. The option to pay website in currencies including Qatar Airways Group Chief book with Qatar Airways. We are the most secure and convenient expanding payment options for with UnionPay cards provides Chinese Yuan, British Pound, Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: committed to finding ways to options to travellers.” 08 HOME THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 166,145 kids 25% of adults vaccinated during MMR may have campaign pre-diabetes The Peninsula THE Ministry of Public Health inoculated 166,145 children during the national Measles, Fazeena Saleem Health Scare Mumps and Rubella (MMR) The Peninsula vaccination campaign which Some four percent of ran in Qatar from October 17 ome four percent of the adults in Qatar have to November 30. The vaccines adult population in undiagnosed provided as part of the cam- Qatar has undiagnosed diabetes, says HMC paign were free and targeted diabetes and many are expert. children between 1 and 13 diagnosed only after years of age. A young student speaking at the 'International conference of the Future Generation' at QNCC Sbeing admitted to hospital as a Some 70,142 children result of medical emergency screening, particularly for those yesterday. Pic: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula were vaccinated in 125 pri- such as a stroke or heart attack. at high risk. The main risk fac- vate schools and 40,176 in 214 Also, some figures estimate tors for type 2 diabetes include government schools. Also, that between 20 and 25 percent family history of diabetes, being 55,827 were vaccinated in the of the adult population may be overweight, older age, a low Children from 17 nations detail various participating health pre-diabetic, but it is difficult level of physical activity and a facilities including 42,449 to know the exact percentage history of gestational diabetes. vaccinated in Primary as many of these individuals are If you have more than one of Healthcare Centers (PHCC) unaware of their condition, said these risk factors, it is impor- plans at international meeting and 13,378 received their vac- Prof Abou Badi Abou Samra, tant to get tested,” he added. cines in private health care Senior Consultant, Internal Screening for diabetes and facilities. Medicine, at the Hamad Medi- pre-diabetes not only helps cre- Amna Pervaiz Rao who will have a role in the proc- Amal Al Mannai, CEO at The Ministry stated that cal Corporation (HMC). ate greater awareness of The Peninsula ess of decision-making and a Qatar Foundation for Social the campaign was successful Pre-diabetes describes a diabetes risk factors and signs greater one in leading their Work, said: “Today we meet and saw widespread demand condition in which blood glu- and symptoms, but it also helps hildhood Cultural Center respective countries in the here to refrain our commitment from citizens and expats. cose levels are higher than health care professionals share opened the second annual future based on leadership skills to enhance children's prosper- MoPH also clarified that no normal, but not high enough to important information about Cedition of ‘International they gain through global forums. ity and ensure their promising serious side effects of the vac- be diagnosed with type 2 dia- the importance of healthy life- Conference of the Future Gen- The 17 countries participat- future. " cine were recorded among betes. Individuals who are style choices. eration’ at Qatar National ing in the conference are Qatar, “We in Qatar have proved the vaccinated children till pre-diabetic have a high risk of “During Ramadan, we Conventional Center yesterday Jordan, United States, Iran, our achievements in areas of the end of the campaign. The developing type 2 diabetes and launched a screening pro- under the title ‘We realize the Bangladesh, Turkey, Tunisia, supporting children and youth Ministry attributed this are also at increased risk of gramme while people were issues of the world’. Sudan, Syria, Philippines, Pal- by adopting initiatives that achievement to the high qual- developing heart disease. fasting and we discovered that The aim of the conference estine, Finland, Lebanon, Libya, strengthen the right of children ity and standards followed “One of the greatest chal- about 23 percent were pre-dia- is to be the first in terms of qual- Egypt, India and Yemen. from local and international lev- during administering the lenges with addressing betic and four percent of them ity and impact to transfer from Mansoor Al Saadi, Manager els and supporting children who vaccine. pre-diabetes is that there are had diabetes and were not the world of simulation into the at Childhood Cultural Center, suffer from lack of shelter, secu- The campaign was sup- often no signs or symptoms and aware of it,” said Prof Abou world of reality. The conference said: “We came to this confer- rity and schools,” she added. ported by the World Health it isn’t always apparent which Samra. is inspired by Qatar’s National ence to listen not to talk, it is a A young Qatari representa- Organisation (WHO) and the individuals are impacted. The He also said that the pre- Vision 2030 and its four pillars real international conference far tive said in his speech: Center for Disease Control in problem is that while the diabetes condition is completely that seek to build up he chil- away from the political sensi- “Programs like ‘Teach a child’, USA (CDC-Atlanta). patient does not have symp- reversible when the person dren's future and the community tivities and interests. All who are ‘Education for all’ and ‘Granting The campaign was con- toms, his heart, eyes, kidneys, adopts a healthy lifestyle that at large. present at the conference are scholarships to Arab intellects’ ducted to promote the brain, limbs are affected by the reverses risk factors, which The conference also seeks unofficial representatives of are evidence of Qatar’s support Ministry’s goal to eliminate diseases in a cumulative way,” could include healthy food hab- to be a formal international their country.” of childhood issues. Qatar measles in Qatar. This focus Prof Abou Samra told The its, daily physical activity, such forum for children “The World “We promise all the partic- believes that investment in is in line with WHO recom- Peninsula. as 30 minutes of walking daily, Conference on the Future ipants to carry their human beings is the noblest mendations which require all “The longer the disease is stopping smoking and treat- Youth” that stimulates and recommendations to ambassa- investment especially childhood member states to implement not treated, the worse the com- ment of associated conditions ensues from the United Nations dors of their countries because programmes. This comes in similar campaigns at a plications. We cannot stress such as high blood pressure and (UN) in terms of its structure. they represent 70 percent of the alignment with Qatar’s National national level for elimination enough the importance of early high cholesterol. The members will be from youth world population,” he added. Vision 2030.” of measles from the world. WHO aims to achieve total elimination in the Eastern Mediterranean region by 2020. Ooredoo urges use of Inland Sea app In the last three months, MoPH had recorded six con- firmed measles cases. Added The Peninsula attractions. With the new updates, and we want to remind and urge friends visiting the area. to this, earlier this year, some users now have the ability to get Qatar’s adventurers to download For desert visitors wishing to 22 cases of measles were also ith the camping season directions to landmarks on the the Inland Sea App. Staying safe document their trip online, the reported. However, the inci- in full swing, Ooredoo map using Google Maps. should be everyone’s number one app also highlights Ooredoo’s dence rate and number of Wyesterday urged every- To ensure families stay safe, priority and the app offers help- Supernet signal towers, so that measles cases in Qatar have one who travels or camps at the the Ooredoo Inland Sea App also ful tips, as well as navigation to they can stay connected. dropped rapidly during the Inland Sea to download its has a direct contact button to sev- safe spots and emergency num- Anyone with a smartphone last few years, from 160 con- recently updated desert naviga- eral emergency service numbers, bers if anything goes wrong.” can download the application firmed cases in 2012 to 18 tion app. aimed to provide aid for drivers Importantly, the application now at https://itunes.apple.com/ cases in 2015. The ‘Ooredoo Inland Sea’ lost and stuck in the desert. provides users with information qa/app/ooredoo-inland-sea/ Vaccination was also application, which was the first Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, such as geography and terrain, id1061454154?mt=8 for iOS users, administered at Qatar petro- ever Qatar desert navigation app, Director, Community and Public camping sites and efficient satel- and https://play.google.com/ leum clinics, Ras Gas Al Khor was designed to help easily nav- Relations, Ooredoo, said: “Thanks lite navigation through the desert store/apps/details?id=qa.oore- Medical Center and Sidra igate people through the desert to the cooler weather, lots of peo- using Ooredoo’s Supernet, offer- doo.android.inlandsea for Research and Medical Map of Inland Sea. dunes to safe spots and tourist ple are heading into the desert ing peace of mind for families and android. Center. Masraf Al Rayan Home for mental staff donate blood patients expanded

The Peninsula blood. Nasser Raeissi, The Peninsula Assistant General Man- asraf Al Rayan, a ager, Human Resources & amad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Mental Health Service leading bank in Administration at Masraf has expanded the capacity of its female residential care MQatar and the Al Rayan, praised the cam- Haccommodations based on positive feedback from patients region, yesterday held its paign and the level of and their families. annual blood donation participation by the bank's The Enaya Continuing Care Center 2 in Muaither (West Doha) campaign in collaboration employees. He also com- offers a residential service for women who have complex mental with the Blood Donation mended the effective healthcare needs that require professional support but not nec- Unit at Hamad Medical collaboration with HMC in essarily acute care. Its community-based group home was launched Corporation (HMC). their mutual action to in 2015, in line with the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy. The annual humani- reach higher humanitar- “Our centre, considered the first of its kind in Qatar, provides tarian event, which was ian goals. patients with care in a more home-like setting which has been held at the bank's head The participants, from shown to be a more effective alternative to hospital-based treat- office, came as part of all departments of the ments for many of our residents. The facility offers safe and high Masraf Al Rayan's social bank, expressed great sat- quality rehabilitation and recovery care based on international responsibility strategy and isfaction with the cause, as best practice,” said Dr Mohamed Ali Siddig Ahmed, Senior Con- programmes set to provide they are being part of this sultant Psychiatrist and Director of the Enaya Continuing Care HMC's blood bank with the year's campaign and the Center 2 in Muaither. necessary supplies that contribution they are mak- “Some of our female patients were transferred from the acute could be used in saving ing to alleviate the psychiatric unit, often after spending many years of their lives lives and at the same time suffering of many people institutionalised in an acute inpatient setting. Once they had set- A Masraf Al Rayan employee being honoured for participating in the in raising awareness of the who may be in need of tled into their new environment, our residents demonstrated a significance of donating medical help. blood donation campaign. marked improvement in their mental state," said Dr Ahmed. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 09 Community Dukhan Highway project 95% complete Sanaullah Ataullah The Peninsula

he Dukhan Highway Cen- College to be tral project will partly Topen to traffic from tomorrow, providing one-way exit to the Mall of Qatar, which is expected to open soon. The reorganised Public Works Authority (Ash- ghal) yesterday announced completion of 95 percent of the project. Cabinet Decision The college aims also to offer The central project includes continuous education programmes a 1.5km tunnel, a 2.2km exten- CCQ aims to prepare and application programme sion of Al Rufaa Street and specialist technical according to the needs of ministries, other flyovers and local link personnel who are public institutions, and public and roads. The tunnel, flyovers and academically and private sectors. local link roads will open to practically trained. A board of trustees is in charge traffic tomorrow . of college management, and com- The QR1.28bn tunnel will prises board president, a deputy provide an underground route The Peninsula that replaces the president in case that extends from the Mall of of absence or position vacancy, and Qatar to the Dukhan Highway, he State Cabinet yester- five to seven members with expe- facilitating a free-flowing one The tunnel built by Ashghal to provide one-way exit to the Mall of Qatar. day approved a draft rience and high academic status. way route underneath the Al Pic: Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula Emiri decision to organ- Job affairs of the college's Jahhaniya Interchange. This ise the Community teaching staff are decided via a cab- will enable motorists to seam- mechanical and electrical moving over 450,000 cubic Dukhan Highway. College of Qatar (CCQ). inet decision based on a proposal lessly reconnect with traffic equipment, including a cen- metres of material to enable The extension of Al Rufaa TThe draft decision will replace from the cabinet and the Minister heading towards Doha. tral control room which will the construction of the tunnel Street will create direct access Emiri Decision No. 52 of 2011 reg- of Education and Higher The project, which forms monitor the operation of the itself. Approximately 125,000 points for road users to and ulating CCQ, to reorganise it by Education. part of Ashghal’s Expressway roadway on a 24 hour basis, cubic metres of concrete and from North Road to Doha, pro- opening new specialisations to The cabinet also approved the Programme, is expected to be ensuring the safety and pro- close to 10,000 tonnes of viding two lanes in each meet the demands of the job mar- application of provisions of Law No. complete in first quarter of tection of road users. asphalt were used to build the direction and enhancing mobil- ket and grant a bachelor's degree. 24 of 2002 on retirement and pen- 2017 and will establish a 15km Ashghal has also con- efficient new transport route. ity to key public venues, The draft defines CCQ as an sions on Qatari employers of Elan strategic link from the west of structed parallel internal The completion of the tun- including the Al Rufaa Celebra- independent entity of an academic Decaux companies. Doha to Al Sheehaniya and corridors to provide an emer- nel is one of several milestones tion Hall Complex. nature for academic, technical and The cabinet ratified four draft other key future public ven- gency passage for pedestrians, achieved on the Dukhan High- The project is being con- practical university education, and agreements between Qatar and ues and residential areas, and powerful ventilation sys- way Central project in the past structed by a joint venture has a legal personality, an inde- Turkey- a draft agreement on coop- Ashghal officials announced tems to maintain sufficient air month, with the project team contractor Consolidated Con- pendent budget annexed to the eration and mutual assistance in during a media tour to the site, volume in the tunnel at all completing a 2.2km extension tractors Group and Teyseer, general budget of the state, and customs , a draft memorandum of yesterday. The tunnel is com- times. of Al Rufaa Street and multiple with WS Atkins & Partners based in the city of Doha, with the understanding for cooperation in prised of 34 structural units, Ashghal began excavating link roads and flyovers con- Overseas serving as the super- possibility of establishing other the field of higher education, a draft with sophisticated land for the tunnel in 2014, necting to and from the vision consultant. branches and setting their locations memorandum of understanding in based on a decision from the col- the fields of youth and sports and lege's board of trustees and with a a draft memorandum of under- suggestion from the president of the standing on cooperation in the college. energy sector. 1,903 commercial licences issued CCQ aims to prepare specialist The cabinet reviewed a memo technical personnel who are aca- from the Foreign Minister about a demically and practically trained proposal to amend Article 12 of The Peninsula construction materials accounted for 172 to contracting followed by businesses for in fields that meet the needs of the Law No. 14 of 1993 concerning licences and businesses for general goods, general goods, clothes and garments at 19 community and the job market. passports. The meeting reviewed he Ministry of Economy and Com- clothes and garments shared 142 licences. percent. The ministry received 26,931 It also aims to qualify diploma a letter by the Minister of Culture merce has issued 1,903 commercial The Ministry shut down 292 compa- applications through its headquarters and graduates certified to complete and Sports on a proposal to trans- Tlicences for opening new companies nies in November. branches across the country last month. bachelor's degrees at the college or fer the overseeing of the Qatar and branches over the last month. The closed companies account for 15.3 The Ministry received 42 fresh requests at different universities as well as Amateur Radio Society from the The contracting companies took the percent of the total number of new for patent rights and 115 for renewal. qualifying graduates with a bach- Ministry to the Ministry of Admin- lion's shares — 407 licences — followed companies. The requests for trademarks num- elor degree to directly join the labor istrative Development, Labor and by eateries and fast food restaurants that The highest number, 26 percent of bered 3,166. Sixteen certificates were also market. Social Affairs. received 193 licences. Trades for total companies shut down, were related issued for copyrights. Qatar Museums restores two old mosques Much to do in QF

The Peninsula 1920s and was later rebuilt in the tent at Darb Al-Saai late 1960s over the traditional atar Museums (QM) yes- design and the ruins of the first terday announced that it structure. The Peninsula opportunities for children, such Qhas completed the conser- The latest conservation and as a book swap, story maze, and vation and restoration of two rehabilitation of the Fuwairit atar Foundation (QF) is set scrabble, as well as the innova- mosques in Qatar, located in Old mosque included removing to celebrate this year’s tive Reading Truck. Salata and Fuwairit. damaged plaster layers and QNational Day by hosting QF’s National Day schedule The project, run under the waterproof layers off the ceil- a tent at Darb Al-Saai, packed will have activities catering to patronage of its Chairperson, ing, resetting the wall stone with fun and exciting activities all ages. Qatar National Library H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint structure, treating wooden areas from today until December 20. will have story-telling activity, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is against termites and applying The theme of the Darb Al- while Musheireb Properties will part of a larger initiative by QM’s plaster using traditional and Saai tent will be ‘Siraj’; QF’s new host workshops on a number of Architectural Conservation waterproof materials. 3D animation edutainment TV subjects, Qatar Green Building Department in the Division of Ali Al Kubaisi, Chief Archae- series, which aims to instill a Council will have an educational Cultural Heritage to restore his- ology Officer at QM, said:“At QM, love of the Arabic language video game, Qatar Botanic Gar- torical and archaeological sites we are very proud to success- from an early age. Visitors to den’s Green Doll activity will throughout Qatar, helping to fully restore these significant and the tent will be accompanied demonstrate community on preserve Qatar’s architectural historical mosques. Qatar is a by Rashid and Noura, the main recycling, Qatar Pearls legacy identity and heritage whilst also country with a proud and rich characters of the programme, will demonstrate entire pearl- balancing progress and embrac- heritage, stretching back over as they move through different ing process and Qatar Diabetes ing the future. thousands of years, and preserv- sections of the tent. Association will organise vari- Located in Old Salata, the Bin ing this history for our future “A key component of Qatar ous educational and fun actives. Obaid mosque was built in 1935. generations is vital. This is not National Day is the preserva- The Yalla Natural Trailer The original structure of the the first time that we have tion of our local heritage and truck, an initiative of the 'Your mosque was built from palm tree restored an important element culture, and it is for this reason Health First' campaign run by trunks, with the ceiling made of our heritage and it will most that the theme of this year’s tent Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar from palm tree branches. The certainly not be the last. We will is ‘Siraj’. We want to encourage (WCM – Q), will allow visitors conservation consisted of continue our commitment to put children to embrace our lan- to plant seeds in mini plant pots replacing damaged materials local communities, young and guage, as well foster a spirit of as well as create amazing with traditional, internationally old, in touch with their past, The old mosque in Fuwairit, an important coastal village in innovation and reinforce pos- abstract paintings. Children can recognised materials, whilst also reminding them of their ances- itive values, to help protect our create their own healthy fruit Qatar. BELOW: The mosque after restoration. carefully preserving the authen- tors skills, wisdom, and culture. As at QF we believe this smoothies using pedal power ticity and style of the original heritage." is crucial to the development of from bicyles. building. Following the success Over the last ten years, the our society,” said Fahad Saad The universities and insti- of the restoration, which took QM Architectural Conservation Al Qahtani, President of Com- tutions under QF will organise ten months to complete, the Department has rehabilitated munity Development, Qatar various activities based on their mosque is now ready to wel- traditional buildings in the North Foundation. specialisations. Also, an exhi- come Muslims for prayers. of Qatar, in Al Shamal, Al Ruwais Some of the exciting activ- bition from the Stars Of Science The second mosque is and Abu Dhelouf. The team has ities on offer this year include (SoS) TV show will showcase located in Fuwairit, an impor- also restored mosques in Al the QF Tram experience, which prototypes created by SoS tant coastal village in Qatar, Wakra, Sumaisma and Dukhan; will take visitors on a journey alumni. The QF’s Darb Al-Saai approximately 80km north of palaces in Al Wajba and Al detailing Education City’s facil- tent will open at 4pm today. Doha. It is an important site for Shamal and the village of Al ities, while highlighting QF’s Qatar National Day celebrations Qatar's oil industry and rose to Mufair. In addition to the two ongoing sustainability efforts. will take place in the morning regional prominence as the most recent mosques, Fuwairit Additionally, QF’s popular from 8am to 12noon and in the home of the Al Thani family dur- and Bin Obaid, QM is now final- National Reading Campaign evening from 4pm to 10pm, ing the early 19th century. The ising the restoration of the will host a series of interactive with the evening of December mosque was first built in the Al Ruwais mosque. games and learning 17 exclusively for ladies. 10 MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 Syria accuses Israel of new missile attack

Damascus No casualties comment. In a meeting with Bloomberg & AFP European diplomats yesterday, Several Israeli missiles Defense Minister Avigdor Liber- struck near the man reassured Syria that his yria accused Israel of Mazzeh airbase country has no intention of inter- attacking near Damas- outside Damascus vening in its civil war, but cus for the second time overnight without confirmed, without specifically in a week, raising fric- causing any addressing the Syrian allegations, tions between enemies casualties. that Israel was working to pre- Swho have labored to keep spill- vent arms transfers from its over from the war in Syria from northern neighbour. entangling them in their own, “We are trying to prevent separate conflict. Human Rights, a Britain-based the smuggling of sophisticated Israel fired surface-to-sur- monitor, earlier reported the weapons, military hardware face missiles at Al Mezzeh airport sounds of explosions in the area and weapons of mass destruc- west of the Syrian capital, caus- of the airbase and said fires had tion from Syria to Hezbollah,” ing no injuries, the official Sana erupted inside the facility after- he said. The Iran-backed Hez- news agency reported, citing an wards. It did not confirm the bollah, a Lebanese militant unidentified military source. It source of the explosions. group, warred with Israel in said the missiles were fired from The Mazzeh airbase, less 2006 and is now fighting along- Abu Al Nada, a mountain located than eight kilometres southwest side President Bashar Al Assad in the section of the Golan of Damascus, hosts the head- in Syria. Heights that Israel captured from quarters of the feared air force With the US reducing its role Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. intelligence service and its noto- in the region, Israel increasingly Pro-government soldiers patrol the newly captured Al Safa neighbourhood of Aleppo, yesterday. Several Israeli missiles struck rious prison. It was the second sees the need to intervene in near the Mazzeh airbase outside time in eight days that Israel, Syria as Russia’s military back- Rebels in Aleppo called for a five-day truce and the evacuation of civilians after losing more Damascus overnight without which is technically still at war ing of the Syrian government than three quarters of their territory including the Old City to a Syrian army offensive. causing any casualties, Syrian with Syria, had targeted positions emboldens Iran and Hezbollah, state media reported. outside Damascus. according to Jonathan Rynhold, Iran and ISIS,” said Rynhold, Iran to be strengthened.” from Lebanese airspace hit the "At 3am (0100 GMT), the The Jewish state has sought a political scientist at Bar Ilan using an acronym for Islamic Israel has been accused or outskirts of Damascus. Israeli Israeli enemy fired several sur- to limit its involvement in the University near Tel Aviv. State. “That is forcing Israel to suspected of striking multiple aircraft killed four Islamic State face-to-surface missiles from five-year conflict in Syria, but “The US has taken a step become more active because the targets inside Syria since vio- jihadists in Syria on November inside occupied territory," Sana has carried out sporadic sorties backwards and that vacuum has Russians tipped the balance in lence erupted there in 2011. Syria 28 after they opened fire at said, citing a military source. against Hezbollah inside Syria. been filled by forces that are Syria. While Israel doesn’t like alleged on November 30 that Israeli forces on the Golan The Syrian Observatory for The Israeli military had no unfriendly to Israel, including either side, it mostly doesn’t want Israeli missiles fired Heights, according to the army.

Lawyers' protest 2 million Israelis Special forces exposed to rocket seize land from IS fire: Report JERUSALEM: More than two million Israelis lack adequate in eastern Mosul shelter in case of rockets fired from Gaza to the south or from Lebanon or Syria to the Mosul moving into the southeastern north, an official report said. AP neighbourhood last morning. State comptroller Yossef "What we see here is the Shapira, who is in charge of raq special forces captured enemy reacting to a new axis assessing state policies and a new neighbourhood yes- of advance," said coalition the use of public funds, said Iterday from the Islamic State spokesman U.S. Army, Col. John in the report that Israel had group in eastern Mosul, accord- Dorrian, explaining that the not learned its lesson from the ing to a senior commander new push is putting increased July-August 2014 Gaza war, — the latest gain in a massive pressure on IS. when Palestinian groups fired military operation now its sev- After the advance on Tuesday, thousands of rockets at the enth week. Iraqi forces said that they pushed Jewish state. The commander of a joint the front line back more than The Israeli military operations center that oversees 2km and retook Mosul's Al Salam believes the Palestinian Islam- the Mosul campaign, Lt Gen. hospital, but only a few hundred ist movement Hamas which Abdul-Amir Yarellah, said in a meters (yards) appeared to be controls the Gaza Strip, and its Lawyers in Tunisia stage a march from courthouse towards government building during statement that troops had "fully secured and clashes continued allies, still have some of their a demonstration, demanding the cancellation of the finance law which will take effect liberated" the Al Elam neigh- into the evening. When Iraqi arsenal and are also working in 2017, in Tunis, yesterday. bourhood and raised the Iraqi forces initially launched a push to rearm. In Lebanon, Israel flag over its buildings. Yarellah into eastern Mosul in early estimates the powerful Shia added that IS militants "suffered November, troops advanced rap- militant group Hezbollah has losses" without elaborating. idly at first but soon came under more than 100,000 rockets The announcement came heavy counterattacks. Islamic and missiles capable of reach- Turkey calls for extradition of hours after an overnight attack State militants have depended ing most of Israeli territory. carried out by IS militants on suicide car bombs, sniper fire "Although the military has against Iraqi security forces in and a network of underground envisaged a scenario in which 8 soldiers who fled to Greece the southeastern part of Mosul, tunnels to slow the security Israel would be the target of a day after troops advanced forces. thousands, or even tens of deeper into that part of the city, The Iraqi government has thousands of rockets and mis- Istanbul three other Turkish soldiers response to the failed coup an army officer said. not publicized the casualty fig- siles, it is doubtful whether it Agencies should not be returned home. attempt in Turkey in July. The attack "inflicted heavy ures for government troops has adequate capacity to Speaking to state-run US Army General Curtis losses," Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. and paramilitary forces fight- defend the country properly," urkish Foreign Minister broadcaster TRT in Brussels, Scaparrotti said that he was con- Hakim Saranbii said, without ing in Mosul and elsewhere in media quoted Shapira's report Mevlut Cavusoglu yester- Cavusoglu said all the soldiers cerned about the welfare of the giving specific casualty figures northern Iraq. Last week, the as saying. Tday called for the were coup plotters. “Our wish officers and their families, but or further details. UN said in a report that nearly immediate extradition of eight is the immediate extradition of had received assurances from On Tuesday, Army troops 2,000 members of the Iraqi Turkish soldiers who fled to these people to Turkey,” he Turkey's army chief that they rolled into the southeastern forces were killed last month, 35 people rescued Greece and sought asylum fol- said. would be treated well. Scapar- neighborhood of al-Salam, tak- but after coming under fire lowing a coup attempt in July. Meanwhile, Nato's top mil- rotti said the move had placed ing a hospital before meeting from the media arm of the from ferry that A Greek court earlier this itary officer says that around 150 "an extra load on our remain- stiff resistance from IS militants. Iraqi military, it announced it week had ruled that three of the Turkish officers have been ing people" and that "it Convoys of dozens of armored would discontinue publishing sank off Yemen eight could be extradited while recalled or retired from the alli- obviously has an impact on their Iraqi special forces and army casualty figures for Iraq's the Appeals Court had ruled that ance's high command in military." Humvees could be seen security forces. ADEN: At least 35 of the 64 people who were on a ferry that sank off Yemen have been rescued, a Yemeni min- ister said yesterday. Egypt protest law amendment offers little change Rescue teams continued to look for survivors from the boat that was en route from Cairo protests passed in 2013 says the Interior disperse or change its location, Justice istry were not reachable for comment. Hadramout province in main- Reuters Ministry must be notified of any public Minister Mohamed Hossam Abdelrehim In May, a court sentenced 152 protest- land Yemen to the island of gathering of more than 10 people at least told a news conference. ers to between two and five years in Socotra, Fisheries Minister gypt’s cabinet yesterday approved three days in advance. Protesters are still banned from gath- prison after they demonstrated against Fahad Kaffen said on his an amendment to a law that bans It also imposes jail sentences of up to ering in public without prior approval. a decision to transfer two Red Sea Facebook page. Socotra and Eprotests, making it more difficult for five years for those who violate a broad list “This development looks better on islands to Saudi Arabia. In similar pro- Hadramout are under the the Interior Ministry to disperse them, but of restrictions and allows security forces to paper but in the end it is same, same,” said tests, on April 15, thousands of people control of the government of lawyers said it would not expand people’s disperse illegal demonstrations with water Abdel Hakim Al Kordy, a lawyer who demanded “the fall of the regime”, a slo- President Abdrabuh Mansur freedom to demonstrate. cannon, tear gas and birdshot. The cabinet defends activists and non-governmental gan from the uprisings which ended Hadi, which is in a war with Protests have become a sensitive issue amended a controversial article of the pro- organisations. Mubarak’s 30 years in power. More than the Houthis who control most since Egyptians took to the streets in huge test law which allowed the Interior Ministry “It will not make it more difficult for 100 people were detained at those pro- of northern Yemen. The Aden numbers to oust Hosni Mubarak in 2011, to cancel or change the location of any pro- the Interior Ministry to disperse protests tests, security officials said at the time. Al Ghad news website said the and the army toppled freely elected Pres- test deemed a threat to security. because we can see a marriage between Most were later freed without charge, ship was believed to have suf- ident Mohamed Mursi after mass The amendment requires the minis- the judiciary and the Interior Ministry,” judicial sources said. fered an accident and demonstrations against him in 2013. Pro- try to ask permission from a court, based he said referring to cases in which pro- “We want the right to protest to be authorities at Hadramout’s tests have resulted in hundreds of people on evidence or information that the pro- testers were given hefty sentences for given to us without any restrictions or Mukalla port lost contact with being jailed or shot dead. The law on test poses a security threat, before it can protesting. Officials from the Interior Min- conditions,” Kordy said. it on Tuesday evening. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 ASIA / AFRICA 11 Ghana votes in tight presidential election

Kibi Test of stability "We are facing a lot of prob- AFP lems economically, everything John Mahama is is messy," Julie Amofah, a hanaians began vot- running for re-election 26-year-old who cast the first ing yesterday in an against veteran ballot at a polling station in Kibi, unpredictable presi- politician Nana Akufo- a town 80km from the capital, dential election that Addo, who chipped Accra. is being seen as a lit- away at the popularity "I voted for change so we can Gmus test of stability in Africa's of the ruling National move forward." most secure democracy. Democratic Congress Shadrack Opoku, an 18-year- Once praised by US President party by criticising the old high school student, said Barack Obama for its peaceful Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic country's sluggish transfers of power, Ghana has Party (NPP) is the "right person come under fire amid reports of growth and high- for our country" who can secure voter intimidation and questions profile corruption future growth. over the independence of the scandals. "When we complete univer- country's election agency. sity, we want better jobs," Opoku Charismatic incumbent John Some 15 million said. "Right now it's not good." Electoral officers explain how to vote for the presidential election at a polling station in Kibi. Mahama is running for re-elec- people are registered In the final days of the cam- tion against veteran politician to vote, and polling paign, Mahama flexed his Nana Akufo-Addo, who has stations opened significant resources to reach as 40-year-old driver in the north- International Monetary Fund for But ahead of the vote, ten- chipped away at the popularity across the country at many battleground regions as ern town of Bole, a government a bailout. sions were building with police of the ruling National Democratic 0700 GMT. possible where he inaugurated stronghold. There are seven candidates saying an NPP supporter was Congress (NDC) party by criticis- blockbuster infrastructure An exporter of gold, cocoa battling for the top job and if the beaten to death and six others ing the country's sluggish growth projects, including railways and and oil, Ghana was once hailed smaller parties perform well and were critically wounded during and high-profile corruption registered to vote, and polling airports. as a regional growth model but deny either man a majority, a clashes on Monday between sup- scandals. stations opened across the coun- "Mahama has done well for has now taken on too much debt presidential run-off will be held porters of the two parties Some 15 million people are try at 0700 GMT. us," said Abudula Alhassan, a and in 2015 had to go to later in December. following a rally in north. Indonesian quake death toll nears 100 Parliament orders Park's aide to attend hearing Meureudu for the search and rescue AFP operation. Seoul members and close associates, "So far 97 people have been AFP as well as some former officials he death toll from a pow- killed and the number keeps from the presidential Blue erful earthquake that growing," Aceh military chief South Korean parliamen- House. Tstruck western Indonesia Tatang Sulaiman said. tary probe into a Half of the witness seats at yesterday has nearly doubled "When we retrieve bodies Acorruption scandal the hearing were empty. to 97, the military said, as more sometimes there's five, some- engulfing President Park Geun- On Kim's direction, a group bodies were pulled from the times 10 corpses." hye sought yesterday to compel of around 20 men in dark suits rubble of shattered buildings. More than 1,000 soldiers the woman in the eye of the and matching ties came for- The shallow 6.5-magnitude and about 900 police have been storm to answer questions after ward and were handed quake struck Pidie Jaya district deployed to the worst-hit areas she rejected a summons. envelopes with the names of in Aceh province at dawn as to set up shelters and evacua- Choi Soon-Sil, a close friend the absent witnesses. many in the mainly Muslim tion points, he added. of Park, has been charged with He instructed them to bring region on Sumatra island were Hundreds of houses and meddling in state affairs and the witnesses to the National preparing for morning prayers. shops had been levelled by the using her presidential connec- Assembly by the beginning of The death toll has steadily quake, leaving countless peo- tions to force dozens of the afternoon session, and climbed as rescue crews search, ple homeless and in need of conglomerates to donate tens added that any who refused often by hand, through the basic supplies like food and of millions of dollars to two would be held in contempt and homes, mosques and shops water, officials said. foundations she controlled. punished. reduced to ruins. "The electricity is still off. "This hearing is being crit- Non-compliance can carry The earlier figure of 52 dead Some places have generators, icised as a Choi Soon-Sil trial a maximum five-year prison Residents gather outside a damaged mosque after a was revised up significantly by but there are not many," local without Choi Soon-Sil," Kim term. 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck the town of Pidie Jaya, in the Indonesian military, which disaster agency head Puteh said. But by the time the after- northern Sumatra, yesterday. has taken over responsibility Manaf said. "We will undertake all noon session began, Choi's seat measures to make them remained empty with only her appear," Kim said, referring to niece turning up to face Kenyan govt Choi, some of her family questioning. dismisses 127 Ugandan rebel leader pleads not guilty at ICC traffic officers Kampala all these charges in respect to He is one of five com- Anatolia the war in northern Uganda,” manders of the Lords for corruption he said on his first day of trial Resistance Army rebels who former Ugandan rebel on Tuesday when asked what were indicted by the ICC for Nairobi commander has pleaded he pled. war crimes and crimes against Anatolia A not guilty to charges Ongwen, who surrendered humanity. before judges of the Interna- in January 2015, argued that he Speaking to journalists in A total of 127 traffic police tional Criminal Court (ICC) in was a victim of the LRA atroc- the Ugandan capital Kampala, officers in Kenya have been the Hague. ities and that it was not him ICC registrar Herman Von fired after failing a vetting The former Lords Resist- who committed the heinous Hebel described Ongwen’s trial process, authorities said. ance Army (LRA) commander crimes. as “a difficult situation". National Police Service Dominic Ongwen faces 70 Ongwen was captured by He added: “It’s about Commission Chairman John- counts of war crimes and the LRA when he was 10 years accountability. Was Ongwen ston Kavuludi said the officers crimes against humanity com- old and later rose through the responsible for the atrocities? Lawmakers and members of South Korea's opposition were among 904 police offic- mitted in the northern part of ranks turning into a fierce What the lawyers will present ers who had undergone a the East African country. commander who allegedly is what the judges will use to parties hold banners urging President Park Geun-hye's suitability test. “In the name of God, I deny killed mercilessly. base to get the verdict.” ruling party to back their push for impeachment for Park The officers were dis- at a protest at the National Assembly, in Seoul, yesterday. missed for corruption that has long plagued the country’s police traffic department. Most of the officers who were dismissed had large sums of money in their bank Myanmar stops workers from going to Malaysia accounts and could not account for funds. Yangon Tuesday summoned Malaysia's "We instructed all licensed Myanmar authorities have treatment of Rohingya Kavuludi said some sen- Reuters ambassador over what it overseas employment agencies rejected accusations from resi- Muslims. ior officials received large described as Najib Razak's to pause sending migrant work- dents and rights groups that "I have conveyed Indonesia's sums of money from junior yanmar has stopped "unverified and unsubstantiated ers to Malaysia effective soldiers have abused Rohingya concern to State Counselor Daw officers in the traffic workers going to Malay- allegations". December 6 as there are reasons women, burnt homes and killed Aung San Suu Kyi about the sit- department. Msia after Malaysia's The deputy permanent sec- to worry about their security," civilians during the latest uation in Rakhine State," Marsudi “[With] 127 officers out of leader criticised its treatment of retary of Myanmar's Labour Maung Maung Kyaw said. crackdown. said in a statement. the 904 traffic officers so far Muslims, while Indonesia joined Ministry, Maung Maung Kyaw, It was not clear how long the Ethnic Rakhine Buddhists "The Myanmar government having been vetted and dis- a growing chorus of concern said Myanmar workers had been freeze would last, he said. and the Rohingya Muslims have has opened its doors for human- missed from work, it is a clear about the fate of Myanmar's temporarily stopped from going Labour-short Malaysia hosts lived separately in Rakhine State itarian aid from Indonesia to demonstration of the endemic stateless Rohingya Muslims. to Malaysia because of security about 147,000 Myanmar migrant since clashes in 2012 in which reach Rakhine State." vice of corruption in the traf- The prime minister of mostly worries. workers, according to latest data more than 100 people were Indonesia has the world's fic department,” Kavuludi said. Muslim Malaysia, Najib Razak, He declined to comment available from Myanmar. killed. biggest Muslim population. There He added that unlike in on the weekend described the when asked if the ban was in A "sizeable number" of Indonesia's foreign minister are more than 135,000 Myan- 2015 where only 4 percent of violence as "genocide" and called response to Najib's criticism, say- undocumented workers from Retno Marsudi said yesterday mar refugees living in Malaysia, vetted police officers were for foreign intervention. ing only it was "because of the Myanmar are also in Malaysia, she had expressed her concern including about 55,000 Rohing- dismissed. Myanmar government on ongoing situation". Myanmar officials say. to Aung San Suu Kyi over the yas, according to the UNHCR. 12 VIEWS THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Marching forward he 37th summit of the Supreme Council of the Majority of Arab youth Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concluded in Manama yesterday with a call for concerted Taction to address the crises facing the world and our region. The summit came at a time when the reject radicalism: Report world and our region are facing unprecedented challenges. The complexity and gravity of these challenges call for an unprecedented response, and the has caused a delay in family formation migrate mostly to other neighbouring biggest achievement of the summit was that the Jad Chaaban and autonomy, a higher exposure to Arab countries, with a much smaller leaders of all the six Gulf countries spoke of the need Al Jazeera health risk factors, such as smoking and share going to countries outside the for determination and unity to face these challenges. drug use, and ultimately pushed some region such as Europe. Qatar’s high-level official delegation to the session youths to engage in extremist activities The third misconception is that fol- was headed by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al and armed conflict. lowing the failure of the 2011 uprisings Thani. This high-level participation underlines the Yet the AHDR 2016 seeks to dispel many young Arabs have become apa- importance which Qatar attaches to the summit. Qatar rab youths are suffering from per- several misconceptions about young thetic and less interested in civic has always worked for the unity of Gulf nations and for vasive social exclusion, the highest Arabs that have been prevalent in previ- engagement and political change. greater integration and cooperation in all areas, which unemployment levels in the world, ous analysis and reporting on the region. While it is true that the data reveals has been one of the core elements of the vision of the and low female labour force par- The first misconception is that the vast life dissatisfaction among youth in the Qatari leadership under His Highness the Emir. The ticipation, the Arab Human majority of young Arabs are prone to region is the highest in the world, they Emir expressed his hope that the summit’s outcome DevelopmentA Report for 2016 has found. The radicalisation and extremism. are more civically engaged and socially “will help in enhancing the march of our council, annual report, entitled Youth and the Pros- A massive amount of recent opinion mobilised, especially young women, achieving its desired goals and consolidating our pects of Human Development in a Changing polling data analysed for the Report than similar youth in other countries region’s security and Reality, was launched at the American Uni- revealed that an overwhelming majority around the world. stability”. versity of Beirut in late November by the of youths rejects terrorism and radicali- With an extremely high electronic The 37th session The Custodian of the United Nations Development Programme. sation, albeit remaining largely connectivity - more than 70 percent of of the GCC Two Holy Mosques King The report brings to light a number of conservative in their social and religious young people in the region have access Supreme Council Salman bin Abdulaziz Al matters worth considering. attitudes. to social media - Arab youths are more Saud of Saudi Arabia set On one hand, the Arab region as a whole The second misconception is that exposed to globalisation and connected was historic in its the agenda of the session has achieved remarkable progress in educa- young migrants originating from Arab than any other previous generation. This resolve to face when he said that the tional enrolment and the fight against countries constitute a major threat to raises their expectations and aspirations, the challenges current circumstances in illiteracy, especially among women. Overall developed economies. The AHDR 2016 yet at the same time increases their frus- facing our region the region are highly extreme poverty and hunger have declined, found that most Arab countries are tration when nothing is improving in complicated “requiring all and there has been an increase in life marked by outward migration; yet, the their daily life. with unity and of us to work together to expectancy. vast stock of immigrants in Gulf Cooper- The AHDR 2016 is a wake-up call for determination. confront and deal with Yet on the other hand, the region has wit- ation Council countries means that Arab policymakers and citizens in the region them in a spirit of nessed a dramatic increase in armed conflict, countries as a whole receive more to address the systemic issues that are responsibility and militarisation and violence. Fifteen years ago, migrants - Arab and non-Arab - than plaguing their societies. Achieving peace determination and intensify efforts in order to when the first Arab Human Development they send out. and security is a core priority, with the consolidate the foundations of security and stability of Report, or AHDR, was published, five out of An estimated 27 million immigrants necessity of increasing youth involve- our region as well as development and prosperity for 22 Arab states were witnessing conflict or live within the borders of the Gulf coun- ment in peace building and conflict our countries and peoples.’’ Leaders spoke candidly at political violence. Today, this number has tries of the region; these countries took resolution. the summit about the threats and challenges facing the gone up to 11. in about 80 percent of all immigrants - Tackling rising economic inequality Gulf and the Middle East, and set a framework for joint Half of the Arab region is living in conflict, Arab and non-Arab - in the region in and inequality of opportunity, especially action. The summit also highlighted the great strides and the situation does not seem to be 2010–2014. in access to good education and health- made by the bloc since its formation in a number of improving. With the rise in con- care, is another crucial cross-regional fields, especially in achieving economic and social Young people in the region are the main flicts in the region, priority. Arab countries are witnessing a integration and unity, which give confidence to leaders victims of this grim [economic] situation. forced migration has widening divide between the “haves” to take the cooperation and unity to greater heights. They constitute the largest segment in society pushed many Arabs to and the “have-nots”, and young Arabs The leaders also expressed their resolve to work for a and suffer from pervasive social exclusion. living in slums and peripheral areas have better future for GCC citizens and to fulfill their In the past couple of decades, the region less chances of obtaining quality educa- aspirations for more prosperity and a dignified living. has seen low economic growth with very little Young people in the region tion and access to affordable health The Gulf unity and cooperation has been a bulwark job creation, which has translated into a gen- services. The Report calls for increased against multiple threats facing our region. As the eral decline in the standards of living for the are the main victims of this government investments in the expan- nature and intensity of these threats change with the majority of Arab citizens. grim [economic] situation. sion of public education and providing changing geopolitical dynamics of our region and the Low oil prices have put government They constitute the largest free universal health coverage. world, this unity too has deepened accordingly, budgets, cross-border investments and work- segment in society and It also calls for opening up the politi- embracing new areas and dimensions. The visit of King ers’ remittances under stress, and Arab cal space for Arab youth, and treating Salman to Qatar and the rousing welcome accorded to societies have witnessed a degradation of suffer from pervasive them as real partners in planning the the King by the Qatari leadership and people are their social, physical and environmental social exclusion. future of the Arab countries, not just as a manifestations of the Gulf unity and cooperation capital. burden or a threat. reaching new heights. With more than 75 percent of the Arab population living in major cities in the region, one just needs to visit these urban areas to witness the extent of air pollution, degraded QUOTE OF THE DAY living conditions, shrinking public spaces and the general malaise of a majority of the population. Young people in the region are the main We have to recreate victims of this grim situation. They constitute the largest segment in society - 105 million the conditions for a are aged 15-29, 30 percent of the Arab two-state solution and region’s population - and suffer from perva- we are determined sive social exclusion. more than ever to do Unemployment among youths is the high- est in the world at more than 30 percent; everything to implement young women’s labour force participation is our initiative. The sooner at an all-time low; and with an increasing the better. education most university graduates migrate when they can to find better opportunities abroad. Young Arabs are more civically engaged and socially mobilised, especially young Jean-Marc Ayrault The less fortunate ones live idle lives, French Foreign Minister waiting for things to change. This “waithood” women, than similar youth in other countries around the world. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 OPINION 13 Libya could become even more chaotic after IS defeat

Tripoli could become the mili- Sudarsan Raghavan tants’ next target. Violence in the The Washington Post capital would further undermine the government’s authority and dissuade foreigners from returning. Tensions are also growing between Islamist militias in city, and any eruption of ibyan militias backed by American airstrikes fighting could aid Islamic State cells. said they have cleared the stronghold of the “Any outright conflict between Islamic State in Libya, a defeat that would set these groups would certainly throw Lback the group’s ambitions in North Africa. The in disarray what little security there country, however, remains very unstable amid bat- is in Tripoli, and this could open tles between rival militias and the remaining militants space for radical groups like IS,” said could still undermine a fragile US-backed unity gov- Gazzini, referring to the Islamic ernment, analysts said. State. Libyan fighters erupted in celebration in the coastal Even as the unity government city of Sirte on Tuesday after a nearly seven month seeks to capitalize on the liberation struggle to oust the Islamic State, as the mostly pro- of Sirte and bolster its international government forces were searching for any remaining legitimacy, many of its supporters militants. are increasingly dissatisfied. The The Islamic State’s hopes of extending their self- militias that ousted the Islamic State proclaimed “caliphate” beyond Syria and Iraq into are mostly from the city of Misuruta. Libya have been dashed, at least for now. But while Many Misuratans believe the recent their propaganda war and recruiting efforts have also clashes in Tripoli are an attempt by been weakened, analysts said, the group remains their rivals to claim the capital. active in other parts of the country. “The Misuratans are not happy Libya now faces the specter of clandestine cells with this and might try to mobilize staging terrorist attacks, much like they’ve done forces to Tripoli in the upcoming recently in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, after battlefield weeks,” Gazzini said. reverses there. Or they could end up fighting Libyans celebrating as forces are close to securing last Islamic State holdouts in Sirte, Libya. “The retaking of Sirte is certainly a negative blow to Hifter’s forces, Toaldo said. Islamic State affiliates in Libya because they will no The more the instability, the longer have a territorial stronghold in the country,” said capital if their headquarters in the Syrian city of Raqqa “For it to find a place to govern and rule it would greater the possibility that the Claudia Gazzini, senior Libya analyst for the Interna- fell. Recruits from other parts of Africa and the Middle need to find a locale suffering from marginalisation and Islamic State will regroup and that tional Crisis Group. “This is significant because it no East as well within Libya streamed to Sirte, which was some sort of tribal or social constituency that would other extremist groups will form in longer gives them the possibility to operate in the open where Gaddafi was born. welcome it - as well as a pre-existing jihadist infra- Libya. or to recruit and levy taxes directly.” “Operationally, it was an important base and logis- structure,” Wehrey said. “The important thing to under- Yet despite its demise, Gazzini said, “we cannot rule tics hub for other ISIS fronts in Libya,” said Frederic Today, some ISIS militants are fighting in Benghazi. score is that jihadism and the radical out” that the group will carry out attacks in other parts Wehrey, a Middle East analyst with the Carnegie Analysts say that others who fled Sirte may have relo- threat in Libya is still very much of the country. Endowment for International Peace. cated to southern Libya, including the city of Sebha. present, especially given the institu- Libya descended into turmoil following the death of The fall of Sirte arrives at a tense moment for Libya. The south offers a safe haven to regroup, but its tional breakdown of the state, the dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 in the aftermath of Rival militias have been battling for territory and eco- remoteness makes it more difficult for it to attract alienation of vast swathes of youths, the country’s Arab Spring uprising. The oil-producing nomic gain in recent days in the worst eruption of recruits and stage attacks. marginalised towns and tribes,” nation fractured into fiefdoms controlled by competing fighting in the capital in more than a year. Clashes are There have also been reports of Islamic State activ- Wehrey said. groups of former rebels. Rival governments were also underway in Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city, ity in western Libya, including in the town of Bani established in the capital, Tripoli, and in the east, with pitting Islamists against forces loyal to Gen. Khalifa Walid, where sympathetic tribes have provided the each claiming authority. Hifter, a powerful commander who recently seized militants with safe houses, and in the coastal town of In the vacuum, the Islamic State and other extrem- control of key oil terminals, while his rivals were con- Sabratha, where ISIS has strong links to smuggling and ist groups emerged in Libya. In early 2015, in alliance centrated on besieging Sirte. other criminal networks. with other radical factions, the Islamic State’s affiliate The violence has further challenged the authority of “It’s hard to predict whether they still have a lead- seized parts of Sirte, situated in the heart of Libya’s oil the unity government, which has struggled to exert ership capable of thinking up next steps,” said Mattia crescent. Within months, the militants had tightened control since it arrived in Tripoli in March. Those chal- Toaldo, a Libya analyst and senior policy fellow at the D-RING ROAD their grip on the city and sought to create their own lenges are poised to become even more complicated as European Council on Foreign Relations. “The real ques- POST BOX: 3488 government. the Islamic State plots its next moves - and a possible tion is whether the single jihadists will find a new The militants viewed Sirte as a possible fallback revival. ‘home’ in other jihadist groups.” DOHA - QATAR [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE The Turkey-EU fallout TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

2004 and 2007, a period often consid- perspective, the EU membership proc- would achieve three goals: economic MANAGING EDITOR Galip Dalay ered to be the “golden era” in these ess has lost its instrumental value. The progress; internal political security; TEL: 4462 7505 Bloomberg relations, Turkey’s membership was legislative harmonisation with the EU and geopolitical security in the case of effectively put on hold. immensely contributed to the govern- Turkey’s Nato membership. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR This was due to the election of ment’s successful drive to rein in But there is growing recognition TEL: 4455 7743 Angela Merkel in Germany and Nicolas Turkey’s previously meddlesome and that the first can be attained through Sarkozy in France and the accession of unruly military and other high engagements with other parts of the Cyprus to the EU. bureaucracy. world and the need for the second - LOCAL NEWS SECTION n November 24, 2016, Although the standstill was framed Though the failed coup attempt internal political security vis-a-vis a TEL: 4455 7769 The European Parliament as Turkey’s inability to fulfil criteria in has demonstrated that civil-military hostile Kemalist establishment - no passed a non-binding reso- the 35 accession chapters, the real rea- relations are not ideal, there is no longer exists. Though Turkey institu- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Olution in favour of freezing son for it was Turkey’s Muslim power centre able to challenge the tionally remains anchored to Nato, TEL: 4462 7535 Turkey’s EU membership accession identity, which caused anxiety in Ger- government. Therefore, an external there is increasing questioning of Tur- process. This issue will be on the table many and France, coupled with the anchor is no longer needed to deal key’s role and membership. SPORT NEWS SECTION for the final verdict when the Euro- unresolved nature of the Cyprus issue. with a threatening undemocratic To put it differently, the growing TEL: 4455 7745 pean Council convenes on December This culturalist rejection, coupled power group such as the military or appreciation that there are alternative 15-16. Even though Turkey-EU rela- with rising xenophobia, Islamophobia, the Gulenist religious cult. Third, the modernisation paradigms, accompa- ONLINE SECTION tions are going through a difficult and anti-immigration sentiments power struggles of recent years and nied by a search for different models TEL: 4462 7501 period, it is unlikely that European across Europe, has fed anti-EU senti- failed coup attempts have taken their of democracy, not just the liberal one, [email protected] leaders will shut their doors to Tur- ments in Turkey and has gradually toll on Turkey’s state structure, result- lessen the appeal of the EU path. This key when they meet. Mutual interest, marginalised the pro-western section ing in the weakening of institutions. partially explains President Recep PUBLIC RELATIONS rather than altruism, stands in the way of Turkish society. On top of this, Turkey is poised to Erdogan’s exploration of whether the of complete termination of accession This group no longer has the moral change its political system from a par- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation TEL: 4455 7613 talks, which have achieved little and high-ground to urge the government liamentary system to an executive can be a viable alternative to the EU [email protected] are going nowhere at present. to adopt “European values” to further presidency. Both of these initiatives for Turkey. Europe and Turkey are pointing Europeanise or democratize the coun- indicate that Turkey will be busy tran- In the long term, these questions ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT fingers at each other, but neither side try. Thus, the EU has ceased to be a sitioning to a new political system will be more effectively dealt with TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 is willing to pull the plug and take all reference point for Turkey’s reforms while embarking on restructuring the once the EU and Turkey come to clear FAX: 4455 7870 the blame. and democratization, which has effec- state in coming years. The government decisions about their identity, historic [email protected] The EU is saying that Turkey’s tively come to a halt in recent years appears to believe that abiding by EU mission and orientation. But there are lack of reform, democratic backslid- due to much more pressing domestic rules will decrease the government’s short-term actions that can be taken to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT ing and post-coup crackdown stand political struggles. Having said that, no room for manoeuvre in this process. save relations from further TEL: 4455 7857 in the way of continuing negotiations, other reference point can replace the In addition, historically, Turkey’s deterioration. [email protected] whereas the Turkish government EU’s previous anchoring role, and its centre-right and conservative circles The accession framework isn’t accuses the EU of lack of commitment disappearance bodes ill for Turkish hoped the westernisation project working at present. Sticking to it will SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION to the accession process, going back democracy. only generate more bickering, animos- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 on its pledge to liberalise visas for In recent years, another set of fac- ity and tension between Ankara and FAX: 44557819 Turkish citizens, and issuing a tepid tors have pushed Turkey further away Brussels. A more realistic framework response to the failed coup attempt. from the EU. First, the EU appears to that can breathe new life into the rela- [email protected] Though all these factors have cer- spend more time selling putative tions with attainable goals and feasible tainly played their part in the current European values, but not necessarily conditionality would be mutually ben- stagnation in bilateral relations, they always upholding them. The trouble is Turkey-EU relations hit a eficial. Upholding the terms of the All thoughts and views do not explain it fully. that the EU’s value-trade has fewer refugee deal, upgrading Turkey’s cus- expressed in these columns Power struggles, political battles and fewer customers, both internally wall long before the tom union agreement with the EU and are those of the writers, not and a failed coup attempt have and externally. former started wavering investing more energy into a settle- defined the Turkish political scene in The EU’s credibility relies more on ment in Cyprus will add positive of the newspaper. recent years. In this climate, democ- how EU countries uphold these values off the democratic path. dynamism into the relations. ratization and reform are fast domestically than how far they project Once this is achieved, Turkey and All correspondence disappearing from political parlance them externally. In short, the view of EU officials need to come together to regarding Views and in Turkey. the Turkish government has been that put a more realistic framework for Opinion pages should be Yet Turkey-EU relations hit a wall Europe needs to put its house in order bilateral relations on the table instead long before the former started waver- before lecturing others. of remaining prisoners to the current mailed to the ing off the democratic path. Between Second, from the government’s dysfunctional framework. [email protected] 14 ASIA / PHILIPPINES THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 Rebels threaten to end ceasefire in Philippines

Manila Blame game While no fighting has erupted AP since both sides declared sepa- The Communist Party rate cease-fires in August, the hilippine communist said that if Duterte Maoist guerrillas have com- rebels warned Presi- fulfils the demands by plained that troops continued to dent Rodrigo Duterte January and releases be deployed in rebel areas to yesterday that they remaining political carry out surveillance and other may be forced to end detainees through an counterinsurgency operation in Ptheir months long ceasefire and amnesty, it can what they say are violations of resume fighting if he does not guarantee the the government's own truce. suspend the government's coun- ceasefire extension, The military is unlikely to terinsurgency programme and relent to the rebel demands. helping to foster withdraw troops from rebel- It has denied rebel allega- influenced areas. peace talks brokered tions that it has violated the The Communist Party of the by Norway. government cease-fire by Philippines said that if Duterte deploying counterinsurgency fulfills the demands by January The guerrillas have troops in rural areas where the and releases remaining political complained that rebels claim to have influence. detainees through an amnesty, troops continued to Troops deployed in rural areas it can guarantee the cease-fire's be deployed in rebel were either accompanying gov- extension, helping to foster peace areas to carry out ernment workers or helping to Soldiers parade for the change of command for the new Armed Forces chief at a military camp talks brokered by Norway. carry out rural projects, military surveillance and other in Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. New People's Army guerril- counterinsurgency officials say. las, however, will be forced to operation in what Lieutenant General Eduardo engage troops if the president they say are violations Ano, a longtime combat intelli- respect the primacy of peace, Battle setbacks, surrenders obtained by The Associated presses the military's deploy- of the government's gence officer who was make no mistake about it, we and infighting have weakened Press says the guerrillas had ment of troops in what the rebels inaugurated as the new military shall remain to be a lethal force the leftist rebel group, which is declined to 3,800 fighters with own truce. claim as "guerrilla zones" in the chief of staff yesterday, said the capable of destroying any threat blacklisted as a terrorist organ- more than 4,500 firearms in the countryside, the outlawed party military would support govern- to our nation," Ano said. isation by the United States first half of the year, with about said in a statement. the Communist Party of the Phil- ment efforts for the peaceful "We will not let our people government. 700 of the country's 42,000 vil- "He will only have himself to ippines to terminate its unilateral resolution of armed conflicts. cower in the face of lawlessness A confidential Philippine lages affected by the blame if this forces the hand of ceasefire declaration," it said. "But even as we uphold and and terrorism." government assessment insurgency.

Duterte defends cops linked to death of mayor NEWS BYTES Teenager jailed for Manila Province, Rolando Espinosa, involvement in narcotics, was investigated by senators, who Reuters was killed in a shootout in a jail arrested on October 5 this year doubted the police version of Australia terror plot when police came to search for on dangerous drugs and fire- events because they said there hilippine President Rod- guns and drugs last month. arms charges. were many inconsistencies in rigo Duterte (pictured) The bureau described Police said Espinosa and a the official report. AN 18-year-old was sentenced Pyesterday defended Espinosa's killing as a "rub out". fellow prisoner, Raul Yap, fired Duterte said he did not yesterday to seven years in prison police officers who killed a "I will have to defend at a police team that had come believe the investigation done for planning a Mother's Day detained mayor on a list of top them," Duterte said during a to search their cells. by the NBI because they had no attack in Melbourne. drug suspects even after ceremony at the main army in Police returned fire and credible witnesses. The young man, who was 17 another law enforcement Manila, referring to the police killed them. "As a matter of fact, I'm when he was arrested by police agency concluded the death officers. Police say 2,004 people ready to go to jail for them, no last year, pleaded guilty to one was an extrajudicial killing. "I will listen to the story and have been shot and killed by problem," he added. charge of committing an act, or The National Bureau of I will take it as the true version officers in self-defence during Investigators have filed planning the preparation of an Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday ... because they are under me, Espinosa's name on a list of top anti-drug operations since the murder cases against 21 police act, of terrorism. disputed a police account that I should believe them." drug suspects. president took office on July 1. officers in connection with He will be eligible for parole the mayor from central Leyte Earlier, Duterte had put The mayor, who denied Espinosa's killing was also Espinosa's death. in five years and three months. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said the teenager was making pipe and pressure cooker bombs for a May 10 Moth- Pardoned Cambodia oppn Thailand probes BBC over King's profile er's Day attack last year when he was arrested.

leader back in parliament Bangkok The royal succession was bound to investigate. AFP Thailand's first in seven dec- A team of police officers Militant to hang for Phnom Penh to five months in prison in Sep- ades and is considered a visited the BBC's Bangkok Reuters tember after failing to appear hai authorities are delicate moment for the office but found it closed. attack on UK envoy in court over a case against two investigating the BBC institution. "This case is in the proc- he leader of Cambodia's lawmakers from his party. Tover a Thai-language Vajiralongkorn does not ess of investigation but I opposition party returned Since May he had been profile of the new king, offi- command the respect cannot disclose the details," BANGLADESH'S highest court Tto parliament yesterday holed up at the CNRP head- cials said yesterday, after the enjoyed by his late revered Pornchai Chalordej, the yesterday upheld the death sen- after receiving a royal pardon, quarters in the capital, Phnom article outraged ultra-royal- father. commander of the Bangkok tence handed down to a top a move that could ease a year Penh, to avoid arrest, and he ists in a country where The BBC profile included police station, said. militant and two of his followers of political tension in the South- received a royal pardon at Hun criticism of the monarchy is information about Vaji- Top leaders from Thai- for a 2004 attack on the Brit- east Asian country. Sen's request last week. outlawed. ralongkorn's personal life land's royalist junta ish ambassador that left three The opposition complains Hun Sen, who has ruled A harsh royal defamation that is well-known inside the defended the probe. people dead. that Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodia with an iron fist for law has been used to jail kingdom but rarely printed "As they have an office The Supreme Court rejected ruling party has launched a 30 years, congratulated Kem scores of critics and spawned by Thai media. in Thailand and Thai report- the appeals by Mufti Abdul Han- crackdown in a bid to intimi- Sokha on his appointment as a culture of self-censorship The article, which has ers work there they must be nan, head of Harkatul Jihad Al date critics before a general parliament's minority leader on across the kingdom's media, since been blocked online in prosecuted when they vio- Islami (HuJI) and two members election due in 2018. yesterday and said he looked academia and the arts. Thailand, quickly went viral late Thai law," Junta Chief of the banned militant group. Kem Sokha, the acting forward to working with the The BBC is now under on social media but attracted Prayut Chan-O-Cha said. The appeals are "dismissed", leader of the Cambodia opposition leader. scrutiny for the profile pub- a torrent of criticism from The junta's number two, Chief Justice S K Sinha told the National Rescue Party (CNRP), "He's my dialogue partner lished out of its London royalists. defence minister Prawit court in a brief ruling. said he would work with Hun to discuss national issues," Hun offices of King Maha Vaji- Any member of the pub- Wongsuwon, stressed the They could now be hanged Sen and his Cambodian Peo- Sen told parliament ralongkorn, who ascended lic can allege royal defamation police's duty to investigate within months unless they seek a ple's Party (CPP) to end yesterday. to the throne last week. and authorities are duty any wrongdoing. review of the apex court's verdict. disputes. Kem Sokha urged politi- Kem Sokha was sentenced cians to end their rhetoric. UN urges China to probe case of missing lawyer

Beijing Guangcheng before being dis- adding that they could not "rule President Xi Jinping has AFP barred for his activism in 2009, out the possibility" that state overseen a tightening of controls according to Amnesty agents were to blame for his on civil society since assuming N human rights experts International. disappearance. power in 2012, closing avenues have urged China imme- He disappeared on Novem- UN Special Rapporteur on for legal activism that had Udiately to investigate the ber 21 en route to Beijing from extreme poverty and human opened up in recent years. fate of a prominent Chinese Changsha, the capital of the cen- rights Philip Alston met Jiang on While the government ini- rights lawyer missing for over tral province of Hunan, where a visit to China in August and tially targeted political activists two weeks. he had gone to inquire about the said he feared the disappearance and human rights campaigners, Jiang Tianyong took on situation of a detained human was in part a retaliation against it has increasingly turned its numerous high-profile rights rights lawyer. the lawyer's assistance to UN attention to the lawyers who cases, including those of Falun "We fear that Mr Jiang's dis- experts. represent them. Gong practitioners, Tibetan pro- appearance may be directly "The international standards In the most striking exam- testers, victims of the 2008 linked to his advocacy and he are clear: states must refrain ple, authorities detained more Cambodia's opposition leader Kem Sokha (centre) walks contaminated milk powder may be at risk of torture," a from and protect all persons than 200 people last year dur- after a parliamentary meeting at the National Assembly, in scandal and those of fellow law- group of three UN experts said from acts of reprisal" for such ing the so-called "709 Phnom Penh, yesterday. yers Gao Zhisheng and Chen in a statement on Tuesday, cooperation, Alston said. crackdown" . THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN 15 All 48 feared dead in Pakistan plane crash Saddha Batolni Deadly crash Saeed Wazir, a senior local police Agencies official, said earlier. It was not Among those on board was immediately clear Junaid Jamshed, a former Paki- Pakistani plane car- what caused the stani pop star turned evangelical rying 48 people crash. The military, Muslim who was embroiled in a crashed yesterday in which was part of blasphemy controversy in 2014, the country's moun- rescue operations, according to the Chitral airport tainous north and said 38 bodies had manager and a local police offi- burstA into flames, authorities cial. The singer's Twitter account so far been retrieved said, as rescue workers pulled had said he was in Chitral. from the wreckage. dozens of bodies from the Tributes were pouring in on wreckage and officials expressed Pakistan social media for the former lead little hope for survivors. International Airlines singer of the country's first major Pakistan International Air- (PIA) Flight PK661 pop band, whose popular "Dil Dil lines (PIA) Flight PK661 came came down on a Pakistan" became an unofficial down on a flight from the city of national anthem. flight from the city of Chitral to Islamabad, the civil "The voice of my youth, the aviation authority said. Chitral to Islamabad. voice of my generation.... #Jun- It was not immediately clear aidJamshed you will be sorely what caused the crash, which ing the site with torches. missed," tweeted user Huma A occurred near the village of Sad- "The fuel tank is still on fire. Shah. dha Batolni in Abbottabad the plane debris is scattered in The terrain around Havelian district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the mountains and residents told is hilly, roughly the same altitude province. The military, which me that it is completely as the Margalla Hills which over- A Pakistani woman hugs a relative of Junaid Jamshed, a former Pakistani pop star turned was part of rescue operations, destroyed," Nalota said. Ilyas look Islamabad. said 38 bodies had so far been Abbasi, a police official in the Pakistan's most recent air evangelical Muslim, at his house in Karachi yesterday, after his death in plane crash. retrieved from the wreckage. nearest town Havelian, said the disasters involved helicopters, "The way the plane crashed site was more than four kilome- both in 2015. In May that year a helicopter crashed killing 12 peo- An official report blamed the capital Kathmandu in 1992 after and broke into pieces, there is no tres away over hilly terrain and Pakistani military helicopter ple, all military. The deadliest air accident on a confused captain the plane descended too early, chance of any survival," Sardar had to be reached on foot. The crashed in a remote northern disaster on Pakistani soil was in and a hostile cockpit killing 167 people. Aurangzeb Nalota, a local legis- airline said the plane was an valley, killing eight people 2010, when an Airbus 321 oper- atmosphere. Despite this, PIA has been lator, said. ATR-42 turboprop aircraft, including the Norwegian, Phil- ated by private airline Airblue But the deadliest accident crash free for 10 years, and Villagers were collecting which lost contact en route from ippine and Indonesian envoys and flying from Karachi crashed involving PIA came when an Air- received a 7 out of 7 rating on the body parts in shawls and on Chitral. and the wives of the Malaysian into the hills outside Islamabad bus A300 crashed into a highly-cited AirlineRatings.com, woven beds, he said, while police "A plane has crashed and and Indonesian envoys. while about to land, killing all 152 cloud-covered hillside on which launched its annual list- and rescue teams were search- locals told us that it is on fire," In August 2015 another army on board. approach to the Nepalese ing in 2013.

Notices to 60 over Panama Leaks 182 people named NEWS BYTES Nuclear security Islamabad Internews in leaks untraceable at par with he Federal Board of Rev- global standards enue (FBR) of Pakistan has Islamabad directorate has sought help of the Tsent out tax notices to 60 Internews country’s top database authority, IT IS PART OF Pakistan’s individuals whose names the National Database Registra- policy to provide aware- appeared in the Panama Leaks he whereabouts of nearly tion Authority (NADRA), for the ness and transparency for imposition of penalty out of 200 Pakistanis named in purpose of their identification. about measures taken by the total 336 individuals own- TPanama Papers and Baha- Last month, the FBR wrote a let- it to strengthen nuclear ing offshore companies in mas Papers remain a secret for ter to NADRA requesting it to find security nationally, an known tax havens abroad. the country’s taxman. The Pan- out and furnish the computerised official report said. “Yes, the FBR has issued ama and Bahamas Papers are national identity cards (CNICs), On the occasion penalty show cause letters to 60 huge collections of classified doc- passport details and ‘verisys’ of of the second Ministe- individuals whose names uments leaked by the these individuals. rial Nuclear Security appeared in the Panama Leaks International Consortium of Interestingly, the list of 182 Conference of the Inter- under Section 182 of the Income Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in individuals sent to NADRA for a national Atomic Energy Tax Ordinance (ITO) 2001,” offi- April and September, search also contains names of Agency (IAEA), the Min- Pakistani cricketer-turned-opposition leader and head cial sources confirmed on respectively. some well-known persons istry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday. of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, leaves the These Papers revealed names including a sitting judge of the published a brochure out- According to official docu- Supreme Court after attending a hearing on the Panama of around 600 Pakistanis, includ- Lahore High Court Justice Far- lining Pakistan’s nuclear ments on update with regards Papers in Islamabad, yesterday. ing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s rukh Irfan Khan and his daughter security regime. to the ongoing probe in the case children, who owned offshore Maria Farrukh Irfan Khan. The brochure stated of Panama and Bahamas leaks, individuals into Panama who and the notices remained companies in international tax It also includes name of Zain that Pakistan has estab- the FBR’s Directorate General have sought adjournment undelivered. havens. The Supreme Court is Iftikhar Sukhera - a family friend lished a comprehensive Intelligence Revenues (IR) sent against proceedings undertaken In case of BahamasLeaks already hearing a number of peti- of former PM Yousuf Raza Gilani and effective national out letters to 46 directors of by the FBR. Only 14 admitted where 109 names appeared so tions primarily seeking Sharif’s - who was also named in Hajj nuclear security regime these offshore companies for that they owned offshore com- the FBR sent out tax notices to disqualification in the wake of corruption case; and Rukhsana which is at par with the providing their services to them. panies and information them. these revelations. Qayyum, a family member of latest international stand- So far, the FBR got information provided into Panama Leaks Of total tax notices, 6 The Federal Board of Reve- former attorney general Malik ards and guidelines, the from 57 individuals appeared was correct. There are 10 indi- remained undelivered and 5 nue (FBR) has already sent notices Muhammad Qayyum. And yet the ministry said in a state- into Panama Leaks. There are viduals who have further sought adjournment. There are to those individuals whose exact FBR is clueless about these ment yesterday. 23 non-resident Pakistanis contested the FBR’s 11 individuals where the FBR got identities and addresses are avail- ‘famous’ Pakistanis. Names of while 39 have denied that they information. information and five denied that able. However, the FBR’s prominent politicians from Paki- owned any offshore company About eight individuals have they owned any offshore com- Intelligence and Investigation (In- stan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Gender gap in abroad. raised jurisdiction issues after panies into Bahamas. Two Land) Directorate is still members of Sharif family are not Of total 336 individuals of receiving notices from the FBR. individuals raised jurisdiction struggling to ascertain exact iden- included in the list as they are voters reaches Panama, the FBR found that 11 There are 37 individuals where issued and 11 were those who tities of some 182 of these already in correspondence with were dead. There are 31 FBR’s letter could not be served owned duplicate companies. Pakistanis. In this regard, the FBR the FBR over the issue. 12.7 million

THE GENDER gap in Pakistan’s registered voters has reached an Female cyclists push boundaries one wheelie at a time alarming level as statis- tics show there are 12.7 million fewer women Kabul in our lives,” she said. Under the The club’s founder, Asghar compared to men in the Reuters Taliban in the 1990s, women in Mehrzada, said the group is newly updated electoral Afghanistan were banned from attracting a lot of interest from rolls. rushing aside suicide going to school or stepping out- young Afghans, who pay a mem- The Election Commis- bombings and public side their home without a male bership fee of 400 afghanis ($6) sion of Pakistan yesterday Bscorn, the young women family member. per month. He hopes the Afghan released updated electoral of Afghanistan’s first freestyle Women’s rights have made government and international rolls that show that the cycling club hope their pop-a- gains since the hardline Islam- aid groups will help fund its total number of registered wheelies, bunnyhops and ist group’s ouster in 2001, but expansion with better bicycles voters in the country as of backflips will trailblaze a new observers worry that progress is and facilities. December 2016 is 97.01 path for future generations in at risk as violence against “The big challenge that we million. These would eas- this conservative Muslim nation. women persists and they remain face is insecurity. We are not ily cross the 100 million Fifteen women, mainly teen- under-represented in politics. confident of the security to go mark by the next elections agers, are among 50 members “We ask people to set their out and do this sport,” said Mehr- due in 2018. Among regis- of the small Kabul club, estab- girls free so they can achieve zada, a civil society activist when tered voters, 54.59 million lished two months ago to help their goals and liberty. Women he is not on his bike. For Fatima are male, while 42.17 mil- keep young Afghans away from are not only supposed to work Mahdawi, another female cyclist, lion are female, showing drugs, petty crime and at home,” Ronna said. the club offers a much-needed a gap of 12.7 million an violence. Ronna and other cyclists escape from violence, which has increase of more than a “Most of the time people are gather three times a week at a worsened over the past year due million during the last harassing us because they see concrete playground in the cap- to a resurgent Taliban. three years. girls cycling as a bad thing,” said ital, using metal tables, wooden “There are lots of problems In the last general Zahra Ronna, 18, wearing a black crates and boxes to perfect stunts in this country we live in,” she elections held in May 2013, Nike hat on her red and white they have seen performed on said. “But whenever I come to the gender gap was 10.97 A young Afghan cyclist performs with a bicycle during an bicycle. “We are tired of war and YouTube, Facebook and other the club, it gives me huge energy million. we want to practise new things social media. and joy. I feel like I’m flying.” exercise on the outskirts of Kabul. 16 INDIA THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 77 died after Jayalalithaa's illness & demise: AIADMK Chennai Who will inherit? And the next time I met her she IANS/AFP remembered me and asked how Media reports said I was,” said Vanita, pulling her amil Nadu's ruling her nephew was sari to one side to reveal the scar AIADMK yesterday among the few from her surgery. “She once said, said that 77 people relatives who ‘I am everything to my children died due to shock after and they are everything to me’,” hearing about the ill- attended, and there she said of the woman who was Tness and later the demise of chief has been intense known simply as “Amma” or minister J Jayalalithaa and speculation about mother to her adoring fans. announced a solatium of who stands to inherit The former movie star and Rs300,000 to their families. the vast wealth she a populist champion of the poor, Jayalalithaa died on Monday accrued during her she was one of India’s most pow- evening after suffering cardiac time in power. erful female leaders. arrest. According to the state- She was buried on Tuesday ment a sum of Rs50,000 will be alongside M G Ramachandran, paid to a party cadre who her on-screen lover and prede- Supporters of J Jayalalithaa light candles in front of her picture as they pay homage outside attempted self-immolation on Many of the mourners were cessor as chief minister, at a hearing about Jayalalithaa's ill poor women who had travelled ceremony attended by the stars the burial site in Chennai yesterday. BELOW: People pay tribute at the memorial where health and to another person long distances in intense heat to of the film world and top politi- Jayalalithaa was laid to rest. who sacrificed a finger after pay final respects to the revered cal leaders including Prime heard about her death. The party former chief minister of the Minister Narendra Modi. began returning to normal, also conveyed its condolences to southern state of Tamil Nadu, Media reports said her although schools and colleges the family members of the dead. who died on Monday aged 68. nephew was among the few rel- will remain closed for another Thousands of people flocked Among them was Vanita, 50, atives who attended, and there two days. The atmosphere at to the seaside grave of Jayala- who ekes out a living rolling the has been intense speculation her graveside was largely calm, lithaa, a day after a burial cheap Indian cigarettes known about who stands to inherit the the peace occasionally broken ceremony restricted to politi- as bidis. Vanita, who like many vast wealth she accrued during by anguished cries of “Amma” cians, film stars and relatives of people in southern India uses her time in power. from the mourners. the reclusive but hugely popular only one name, said she had An estimated one million One woman screamed and leader. travelled to the state capital people lined the streets to watch beat her head repeatedly with Men wearing white dhotis Chennai to see Jayalalithaa many her glass coffin transported to her hands, banging herself lined up on plastic chairs beside times, and once asked for her the burial site amid tight secu- against the police barricades hastily-erected police barricades help getting treatment for a heart rity in a city that has seen around the grave. “She took around the grave to have their complaint. outbreaks of violence after the care of everything and we heads shaved, a Hindu mourn- “She made sure I got the deaths of past leaders. wanted for nothing,” said ing tradition usually reserved for operation I needed. She even Most shops and restaurants 47-year-old Paramashiva after the death of a close relative. gave me money for medicine. reopened yesterday as the city having his head shaved. Huge spike in honour deaths last year: Minister

New Delhi caste. Often, the perpetrators are newspaper headlines in a coun- 900 people are murdered in to join the work force. That AP relatives seeking to punish young try where most marriages are honour killings ever year in makes them more likely to want couples for bringing “shame” to arranged by families. Most cases India. The study by the All India to delay marriage, while also ndia has registered nearly an the family. are reported in northern states Democratic Women’s Associa- increasing the chance of finding 800 percent spike in the Women’s rights activists say such as Uttar Pradesh and Har- tion was based on surveys partners outside of their Inumber of so-called honour the government must pass leg- yana, where caste councils wield conducted nationwide. community. killings reported last year, leading islation to recognize the crime enormous power in village life. “There is severe under- “There has been a backlash state officials and women’s rights as unique in order to target per- The highest number of hon- reporting of such honor crimes. of conservatism,” Raja said. groups to urge investigations into petrators for prosecution. “These our killings recorded last year Families are often ashamed to “Young people are facing vio- how such crimes persist. figures show that the govern- was in Uttar Pradesh, where report such crimes,” said Annie lence and attacks from their Indian police registered 251 ment has to take this as a police counted 131 killings com- Raja of the National Federation families if they fall in love.” Tamil cinema cases of honor killing in 2015, priority,” said Sudha Sundarar- pared with just two cases in of Indian Women. Analysts say that even as pol- compared with just 28 a year aman, head of the All India 2014, Ahir said, citing data from Raja said the situation had iticians push for better health legend Cho earlier when India began count- Democratic Women’s Associa- the National Crime Records worsened in the last few years, care and education for girls, they ing them separately from tion. Though police are now Bureau. State police officers noting an increasing trend in vil- have been unwilling to act Ramaswamy murder, according to a statement asked to count honor killing sep- were sceptical. Such a jump “is lage councils run by unelected against village councils that this week by Junior Home Minis- arately, the lack of a separate law astronomical” and needs to be elders promoting conservative, influence large numbers of vot- is dead ter Hansraj G Ahir to Parliament. defining such crimes means that looked into, Deputy Inspector anti-women values in the name ers. “Indian society is unwilling The surge could partly reflect some officers still record them General D K Chaudhary said. of preserving Indian culture and to accept the choices made by Chennai more willingness by people to in the larger murder category Women’s activists say that’s tradition. young women when it comes to IANS report such crimes, which many and do not investigate the cases missing the point, and that hav- Some observers also noted their marriage,” said Ranjana still consider just punishment for further, she said. ing 279 honour killings recorded that social changes were creat- Kumari of the Centre for Social omedian actor, politi- women and men who defy com- Honour killings are still com- over two years still vastly under- ing friction in communities, as Research, a New Delhi-based cal satirist and editor munal customs by marrying mon enough among Hindus and estimates the actual numbers. more women step away from think tank. “People also have to CCho Ramaswamy, a outside of their religion, clan or Muslims to regularly make One 2011 study suggested about traditional home-making roles learn to respect women.” legend in his own right, died here early yesterday, just a day after viewing on TV the burial of his old friend J Jay- alalithaa. A former member Resourcesat-2A Kerala's 'Green initiative' of the Rajya Sabha, Cho, as he was widely addressed, suf- fered a cardiac arrest and put into orbit to be launched today died just before 4am at Chen- nai's Apollo Hospitals, where Thiruvananthapuram Vijayanand, who is playing a the Tamil Nadu Chief Minis- Sriharikota IANS stellar role in the project, has ter too passed away. IANS drawn up a road map for the The 82-year-old Cho had he 'Haritha' Kerala Mis- successful implantation of this been in and out of hospital ndia yesterday successfully put into orbit its sion, a comprehensive on the lines of past successful since January 2015, family own earth observation satellite Resourcesat- Tprogramme for creating programmes including the lit- members and friends said. I2A in a text book style. new development perspectives eracy mission, democratic Messages of condolences "Today we had a successful launch of Resourc- by maximum utilisation of decentralisation and peoples' poured in from across the esat-2A to provide three tier imaging data. The opportunities through waste planning programmes. country, with Prime Minister satellites solar panels were deployed. The launch management, water resources Among the immediate pro- Narendra Modi describing him was perfect," A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Indian and agricultural development grammes that will be launched as a friend and "a multi-dimen- Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said soon using organic farming will be include the cleaning of vacant sional personality, towering after the launch. Kumar said that for the first time launched by Chief Minister lands which will be used for intellectual, great nationalist ISRO's Resourcesat-2A carrying the Polar a camera was put on the rocket, and as a result Pinarayi Vijayan today. vegetable cultivation, and a and fearless voice who was the launch of the satellite and the deployment of Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C36 after the A state level task force will comprehensive waste manage- respected and admired". solar panels were seen. launch from Sriharikota yesterday. oversee the project and Vijayan ment plan to collect, separate Cho founded and edited Around 10.25am the PSLV-XL variant rocket has already spoken to district and recycle waste in panchay- the political magazine Thug- standing 44.4 metres tall and weighing 321 tonne three payloads which are similar to those of the collectors to see that this pro- ats and municipalities. Power lak, where he earned tore into the morning skies with fierce orange earlier two Resourcesat's. They are a high reso- gramme is taken to the generation from solar energy universal respect as one who flames at its tail. Gathering speed every second, lution Linear Imaging Self Scanner (LISS-4) camera grassroots and people are and wind energy will also be a did not allow his personal the rocket raced towards the heavens amidst the operating in three spectral bands in the Visible involved for its success. part of this project, for which friendship to pass impartial cheers of the ISRO officials and the media team and Near Infrared Region (VNIR) with 5.8 m spa- He also asked them to seek the Kerala State Electricity judgement on political events assembled at the port here. Around 18 minutes into tial resolution and steerable up to 26 degree across the support of educational insti- Board has already set the ball and personalities. the flight, the rocket slung the 1,235kg Resourcesat- track to achieve a five day revisit capability. tutions, NGOs, industries among rolling. Between 1963 and 2005, 2A into an 817 km polar sun synchronous orbit. The The second payload is the medium resolution others. The massive project A state government official the versatile Cho acted in 180 PSLV rocket is a four stage/engine rocket powered LISS-3 camera operating in three-spectral bands aims to clear and remove waste said that one unique initiative Tamil films, directed five by solid and liquid fuel alternatively. in VNIR and one in Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) from all the water bodies in the under this programme would movies, wrote and directed Resourcesat-2A is a follow on mission to band with 23.5 m spatial resolution. The third pay- state, ensure disposal of solid be setting up a 'swap shop' at 20 plays, scripted and acted Resourcesat-1 and Resourcesat-2, launched in load is a coarse resolution Advanced Wide Field waste and removal of waste 93 places across the state, in 27 TV serials and also 2003 and 2011 respectively. The new satellite Sensor (AWiFS) camera operating in three spec- water and measures to increase where reusable products that wrote 10 books. According to Resourcesat-2A is intended to continue the remote tral bands in VNIR and one band in SWIR with 56 the area of land under are not of use by any family can Cho's family, he learnt about sensing data services to global users provided by m spatial resolution. The mission life of Resourc- cultivation. be conserved and given to the death of Jayalalithaa from it two predecessors. The Resourcesat-2A carries esat-2A is five years. State Chief Secretary S M another, free of cost. his hospital bed. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 INDIA 17 Digital payment providers at great hacking risk: Experts

New Delhi and popularity -- with people payment solutions provider security becomes embedded by novices by psychological manip- Hacking threat IANS using them for everything from PayU observed a hike in average design rather than a bolt add-on ulation; and breach servers and The demonetisation buying groceries and vegetables daily transactions from Rs 1.2 from mobile-wallet payment steal data. ith more and more to local travel. million to Rs 2.5 million post- firms," Anand Ramamoorthy, According to Vidit Baxi, drive and the cash people logging into The country's largest m-wal- demonetisation. Cyber experts Managing Director, South Asia, Director (Technology) at the IT crunch have led to e-wallets or m-wallets let, Paytm, registered over seven emphasise that as the numbers Intel Security, said. risk assessment and digital secu- digital wallet firms W for daily payments, the target for million transactions worth Rs 1.2 swell, newer forms of vulnera- This essentially means that rity services provider Lucideus, witnessing an hackers has increased exponen- billion in a day after the demon- bilities will be exposed in the data security infrastructure along e-wallets are at greater risk than unprecedented rise in tially, experts warn, suggesting etisation drive began as millions payment gateways. with customer-redressal mecha- ever as users grow and hackers their usage and that upgraded security is the only of consumers and merchants "Unarguably, with the digi- nisms will have to be well thought identify digital payment gate- popularity way to safeguard millions of across the country started opt- tisation drive comes the of and the purview of IT laws for ways as a lucrative opportunity. first-time users and small and ing for mobile payments on its responsibility to safeguard cyber crimes will have to be "That being said, let's understand The country's largest medium businesses from losing platform for the first time. against cyber pickpockets (cyber expanded to include mobile-wal- that even the largest banks on m-wallet, Paytm, their hard-earned money. Another mobile wallet major, criminals) who will be on the let payment systems. the planet have been digitally registered over 7 The government's demone- MobiKwik, which launched prowl against unsuspecting con- This is how hackers can hacked, so there is nothing like million transactions tisation drive and the resultant MobiKwik 'Lite' late last month, sumers. Considering that attack your money in e-wallets: 100 per cent security. It's all worth Rs 1.2bn in a cash crunch have led to digital registered over two million cashless payments will become Create multiple fake accounts to about managing the risk and day. wallet firms witnessing an downloads within the first two both a necessity and a huge con- collect money in small amounts; minimising it to whatever extent unprecedented rise in their usage days of the 'Lite' offer. Global venience, it is imperative that cheat people who are digital possible," Baxi said.

Rs1.5 crore in new Rs 2,000 notes seized in Goa; 2 held Cashlessness sting continues wo persons were detained yesterday with Rs70 lakh in the new currency notes of Rs New Delhi T2,000 denomination even as Rs1.5 crore in IANS Logjam in the new notes has been seized across the state in the last 24 hours, police said. Superintendent of day to the month after high Police Karthik Kashyap told reporters that that denomination notes were Parliament two persons identified as Ramesh Narvekar and Abanned, there was no respite Siddhu have been detained on a tip-off, after they in sight for cash-strapped people yes- were caught by the police ferrying the cash on a terday as queues outside banks and PANDEMONIUM continued to pre- scooter in the jurisdiction of the Porvorim police ATMs for money withdrawal contin- vail in Parliament yesterday with a station in North Goa. Kashyap also said that ued across the country with rising vociferous opposition disallowing another raid conducted by the Crime Branch had anger and pain. normal business -- prompting vet- netted Rs35 lakh in the new Rs 2,000 denomina- There was a crowd of about eran BJP leader L K Advani to tion notes in South Goa's Ponda area. "In all, in 24 30-40 customers at the Axis Bank in describe the prevailing situation as hours Goa police has seized Rs. 1.5 crore new cur- Sector 16 of Noida, adjoining Delhi. disgraceful and question the man- rency notes," he said. Many among the crowd were argu- ner in which the proceedings were ing with the guard for not informing sought to be conducted. Policeman held for breaking them that the bank had run out of The Lok Sabha witnessed pro- cash. Out of desperation, they asked tests over demonetisation with the ATM in Manipur the guard to let them in and see for opposition insisting on a debate themselves that there was no cash. under a rule entailing voting but wo persons, including a policeman, have "The bank ran out of cash at the house, nevertheless, managed been arrested in Manipur on charges of 10.30am. I have been telling people to take up Question Hour and Zero Tdestroying an ATM here after failing to get to return, but they won't listen," the Hour. However, the Rajya Sabha cash, police said yesterday. Hemchandra Oinam, bank guard said. could not conduct any business who is from Manipur Rifles, and Bobby Namei- Customers complained that they due to the prevailing chaos and People wait for a bank to open to withdraw and deposit their money rakpam entered an ATM booth belonging to the were never informed whether there logjam. in Ahmedabad. State Bank of India located at the PWD complex was any cash left or not. "Are we fools In the Lok Sabha, the opposi- on Tuesday evening to draw money. When they to stand here for hours, only to hear tion kept raising slogans against realised the ATM was dry, they smashed its screen that there's no money left," an angry ATM hasn't seen any money since "Modi is not going to come back Prime Minister Narendra Modi and and the machine itself. An official said CRPF per- young woman shouted. Marmik, an November 8. We can't say when it to power for the next 15 years," said created a ruckus. Amid the din, sonnel at the PWD office overpowered the two HCL Technologies employee, said he will have money," he added. a man standing in queue at an SBI however, the Question Hour went men and handed them over to police. A police joined the queue at 6.30am after Many people who live in rented ATM on Parliament Street. on for around half hour and all Zero officer said: "An FIR has been lodged against them. returning from his night shift. He was accommodations found their pain Lucky from Paschim Vihar, in Hour submissions were made. The It is a serious crime since a security personnel yet to get money even at 2pm. doubled, when their landlords west Delhi, asked where were the house was adjourned for the day, was involved in the destruction of public prop- "There were 40 people outside refused to accept cheques or pay- 'achche din', recalling the govern- minutes after it met at 2 p.m. erty." Most ATMs in Manipur are shut down due the bank in the morning, three hours ments through e-wallets. Many said ment's promise of better days after In the Rajya Sabha, a heated to lack of cash following the demonetisation of befor the bank opened. By the time they were threatened with being the BJP came to power in 2014. argument took place between the high value currency. my turn came around 1 p.m., the bank thrown out if they didn't pay in cash. The efficacy of e-wallet apps like opposition and the treasury officials announced there was no "We are seven tenants here and Paytm was also in question as issues benches before two quick 19.1bn new notes pumped cash. My shift starts at 5:30 p.m. and my landlord has always dealt in cash. kept emerging related to network adjournments prior to the lunch I'm now not only cashless, but sleep- He wouldn't accept cheques from us, connectivity resulting in transaction break. The upper house was ith growing concerns over the circula- less too," said Marmik. and threatened to kick us out," Anub- failures. "Modi's idea of infrastruc- finally adjourned for the day soon tion of new notes with the public The situation at the adjoining hav Dey, a student in New friends ture building is Paytm! The success after it re-assembled Wpost-demonetisation, the Reserve Bank Kotak Mahindra bank was worse Colony, in south Delhi, said. of its working depends upon many post-lunch. of India (RBI) Deputy Governor R Gandhi yester- since it received no cash at all dur- Many among the hundreds of things. What if my phone dies on me? Leader of Opposition Gulam day clarified that 19.1 billion pieces of new ing the day. "We didn't receive any people standing in queues were What if I am at a place where I have Nabi Azad said over 80 people have currency have been put back into the public cash today (Wednesday). We had cash heard blaming Prime Minister Naren- no internet connectivity? I am dan- died since demonetisation was domain. Gandhi also said almost Rs12 lakh crore on Monday. We are not certain if we dra Modi for the pain of cashlessness gerously dependent on my phone introduced on November 8 and old notes (Rs11.85 lakh crore) have been depos- will have it on Thursday," Customer after the government's November 8 now and I am not liking it," Victor, a demanded that accountability ited by public so far. Service Manager Ishwar said. "Our demonetisation decision. trained biologist, said. should be fixed for these deaths. Two dead as train derails in Bengal Most parts of UP shiver as mercury Siliguri IANS plummets and icy winds blow wo persons were killed and six others injured Lucknow School timings in the state cap- cold for this part of the season. Twhen the engine and two IANS ital have been rescheduled and At many places visibility coaches of the Guwahati-bound primary schools are now open- remained at around 50 metres Capital Express derailed in West ost parts of Uttar Pradesh ing at 9.30am rather than at the while the humidity is at 100 per Bengal on Tuesday night, an continued to shiver usual timing of 8am. District cent. Places in North India such official said. Munder a cold wave yes- Magistrate of Lucknow, Satyen- as Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, The engine, an SLR coach terday as the mercury dra Singh has asked school Ludhiana, Hisar and Karnal and a second class coach plummeted to season's lowest authorities to ensure adherence remained colder than hilly tour- derailed near Samuktala Road at 10 degrees Celsius at midnight, to new timings or face action.Icy ist destinations like Shimla, station in Alipurduar district, a Met official said. The maximum winds are blowing in many parts Dharamsala and Palampur, the near the West Bengal-Assam temperature hovered at around of the state, making it unusually Met office said. border, at around 9.15pm on 17 degrees Celsius in the past Tuesday, the NorthEast Frontier 24-hours till yesterday morning. Railway official said in a release. With no sunshine and added Villagers gather where the Rajendra Nagar-Guwahati Capital The train had originated moisture in the air, cold condi- from Rajendra Nagar terminal Express train derailed at Samuktala Road station in the tions have intensified in western, station in Patna. The two Alipurduar district of West Bengal, yesterday. eastern and central UP. deceased, both male and resi- "Difference between the dents of Faridabad in Haryana, were given ex-gratia of Rs5,000. remaining passengers. maximum and minimum tem- have been identified as Munshi About 150 of the stranded pas- The prima facie cause of the perature has narrowed down to Nath (65) and Mahesh Nath (40). sengers were taken back to accident was overshooting of six degrees Celsius, making it Two of the injured - Indrajit Alipurduar by the Kamakhya- signal by the driver, the release colder," an official at the regional Mandal (25) and Saha Jamal (35) Alipurduar Intercity Express. said. Met office said. The lowering of - had to be hospitalised. The unaffected portion of "Preliminary investigation temperature at night has trig- The four other injured - the 19 coach train was detached shows the red signal was over- gered early fog, he added. Parikshit Mandal (40), Pritam and resumed its journey at 5.10 looked by the driver," a railway Regional Met Director J P Gupta Mandal (16), Rupa Mandal (34) a.m. on Wednesday after com- official said. said the existing weather condi- and Surender Prasad (38) - left pletion of rescue and relief Railway Minister Suresh tions would prevail for the next for home after they were admin- operation and reached Guwa- Prabhu has ordered a "thorough three days and sun will only A Kashmiri fisherman casts his net during dense fog on Dal istered first aid. All six injured hati station at 11am with the inquiry" to fix responsibility. shine bright after December 10. Lake in Srinagar, yesterday. 18 EUROPE THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 Italy's Prime Minister Frost cover Matteo Renzi resigns

Rome Formal resignation at 1900. Agencies Caretaker PM Thanks to everyone and viva l’Italia!” (“long live Italy!”) he rime Minister Matteo President Sergio tweeted. Renzi tendered his Mattarella asked After the talks at his party resignation to the Renzi to carry on in a headquarters, Renzi said he head of state yester- caretaker capacity assumed full responsibility for day following a while he holds the referendum but gave no Pweekend referendum in which consultations with indication he was considering Italians resoundingly rejected the political parties stepping down from the his proposed constitutional to decide the next leadership. reforms. steps, a statement He said today he would President Sergio Mattarella from the president’s spend, a public holiday, cele- asked Renzi to carry on in a office said. brating his grandmother’s 86th caretaker capacity while he birthday. “We have to thank holds consultations with the the elderly,” he said in a refer- political parties to decide the ence to pensioners supporting next steps, a statement from the is not afraid of democracy or him in the referendum debate. Hoarfrost covers the trees on the Trepliner See near Treplin, eastern Germany. president’s office said. elections,” Renzi said in a refer- “And hopefully tomorrow The consultations will begin ence to an opposition clamour I will have more luck in the today at 1700 GMT and are due for a nationwide vote due in Playstation battle with my sons to end on Saturday afternoon. early 2018 to be brought for- than I have had here ... ,” he After consultations Mattarella ward by up to a year. added. is expected to ask a member of Ironically, Renzi’s rule came Renzi’s speech sounded at Greek former data chief wins legal battle Renzi’s cabinet, or a politician to an end with his government times like the launch of an elec- from his Democratic Party to try winning a vote of confidence in tion campaign, with the former Athens duty by briefly keeping his job EU has publicly defended to form a new government. Elec- Senate, the parliamentary cham- Florence mayor boasting of how AFP at IMF for a few months after Georgiou, with European social tions are due in 2018 but many ber he tried to emasculate via a he had left Italy with “fewer starting at Elstat in 2010. affairs commissioner Marianne politicians are calling for them to referendum in which he suffered taxes and more rights” and Greek court has acquit- The court also threw out Thyssen insisting “data on Greek be held earlier. a crushing defeat on Sunday. pointedly playing up his leader- ted country’s former charges that Georgiou did not government debt during 2010- Prior to handing back the The confidence vote cur- ship in the aftermath of a series A statistics chief of breach- convene Elstat’s board of direc- 2015 have been fully reliable keys to his Palazzo Chigi resi- tailed prolonged discussion on of devastating earthquakes ing his duty, the first step in a tors as he was legally required to and accurately reported.” dence, the 41-year-old chaired approval of Italy’s 2017 budget— between August and October. long legal battle to clear his do. However, the main charge has Georgiou stepped down last a meeting of the executive of his an unfinished task which had The fallout from the refer- name over charges he exagger- yet to be addressed: that he alleg- year amid claims that data dur- Democratic Party (PD). prompted President Sergio Mat- endum remains unclear ated deficit figures. edly inflated Greek deficit figures ing his 2010-2015 mandate “We are not afraid of any- tarella to ask Renzi to delay his however with the PD beset by Judges found former Elstat to help international creditors exaggerated Greek overspend- thing or anybody, if other parties departure for a few days. internal divisions that were chief Andreas Georgiou not impose harsher terms for a multi- ing and contributed to punishing want to go to the polls .... the PD “Budget law approved. painfully exposed by the vote. guilty of a criminal breach of billion-euro bailout in 2010. austerity measures . Nato chief wants pressure on Russia over Ukraine Macedonia to hold Brussels the Minsk peace accords. France and Germany intended to sanctions on Russia over the AP “The international commu- shore up the shaky peace process Ukraine conflict. Some of the nity must keep pressuring Russia ended without result, raising fresh measures are due to be extended early vote on Sunday ato Secretary General Jens to respect its obligations, espe- questions about whether the proc- in January but cracks have Stoltenberg has urged cially while the security situation ess will work. appeared in EU unity, and some Skopje in Macedonia, which gained NWestern allies to maintain in eastern Ukraine remains so “Diplomacy offers the only countries with strong energy and AP independence from the former diplomatic pressure and sanctions serious,” Stoltenberg said. “It’s viable solution to the conflict in business links to Russia want to Yugoslavia in 1991, since the on Russia until it respects peace important that economic sanc- Ukraine, so it is unfortunate that see the sanctions eased. acedonia is holding an country survived an ethnic con- agreement in Ukraine. tions be maintained.” last week’s meeting of the Nor- Nato’s ties with Russia have early general election flict between government After talks with Nato and More than 9,600 people mandy format was been under heavy strain since Mafter a nearly two-year forces and members of the eth- Ukraine foreign ministers, have been killed since April 2014 inconclusive,” Stoltenberg said. Russian forces annexed the political crisis that has roiled nic Albanian minority in 2001. Stoltenberg told reporters yes- in eastern Ukraine, where Rus- The Minsk peace deal envis- Crimean peninsula from Ukraine the government and threatens Gruevski, who had headed terday of a “massive increase in sia-backed separatists are fighting aged that Ukraine regains in 2014, and Stoltenberg said the country's ambitions of joining the government since 2006, cease-fire violations” in the con- Ukrainian government troops. control of rebellious region’s seizure will not be recognised. Nato and the European Union. stepped down earlier this year flict-torn east of former Soviet Russia and Ukraine have blamed border with Russia after grant- After a freeze in talks, their Sunday’s vote was called as as part of a Western-brokered republic. He said hundreds of each other for lack of progress in ing the area a special status, main forum for dialogue — the part of a deal to address the cri- deal to defuse the crisis. explosions are reported daily, settling the conflict. holding local elections and offer- Nato Russia Council — has met sis, which was sparked by The agreement included including many caused by A meeting last week of foreign ing amnesty to the rebels. twice this year, without mak- opposition reports that govern- holding early elections, which heavy weapons banned under ministers from Russia, Ukraine, The EU has imposed ing progress. ment was behind a large-scale have been postponed twice so illegal wiretapping operation that far. Signed by heads of coun- targeted 20,000 people, includ- try’s four main political parties, ing politicians, judges, journalists, the deal created an interim gov- police and religious leaders. ernment that lead Macedonia Prosecutors Mathematics gallery Over several months, oppo- to early vote and established a sition leader Zoran Zaev released special prosecution office to seek life term audio of dozens of wiretapped examine the wiretap scandal. phone conversations that he said Nearly 1.8 million registered for ‘Butcher indicated former conservative voters are eligible to choose 123 Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski lawmakers for the parliament. and his aides were involved in In all, six political parties and of Bosnia’ multimillion-dollar corruption five coalitions are running, deals, tampered with election while three parliamentary seats The Hague results and brought spurious are reserved for the diaspora. AFP criminal prosecutions against Gruevski, 46, heads a opponents. 25-party coalition titled “For a PROSECUTORS yesterday The conservatives vehe- Better Macedonia” and is seek- urged UN war crimes judges mently rejected the charges, ing a secure majority of 63 seats to impose a life sentence on saying wiretaps were con- by promising 70,000 new jobs former Serb military com- ducted by unnamed foreign and decreasing the unemploy- mander Ratko Mladic, once spies and accusing Zaev of plot- ment rate from 24 percent to 17 dubbed “Butcher of Bosnia.” ting a coup. percent. He blames the oppo- “It would be irresponsi- Gruevski is under investiga- sition and others for creating ble and an affront to justice tion by country’s Special the political crisis. to impose anything other than Prosecution branch and has “Millions of euros have a life sentence,” prosecutor already been charged with been invested in this scenario Alan Tieger told the Interna- enticement and carrying out a and the campaign of the oppo- tional Criminal Tribunal as People walk through a new gallery, Mathematics: The Winton Gallery, inside the Science criminal act against public order. sition,” Gruevski told supporters the prosecution wrapped up Museum during a press view in London, yesterday. The Gallery was designed by Zaha The scandal led to months in the capital of Skopje. “They its case after a four-year trial. Hadid architects. of street protests and has been do not think of your well-being “Time has come for Gen- the worst political crisis or that of the country.” eral Mladic to be held accountable for those crimes against each of his victims and community he destroyed.” Mladic, 74, has denied 11 Croatia unions reject govt offer on wage hike charges including two of gen- ocide, as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity Zagreb The government agreed in by the HDZ party which was December, union leaders said. they say could be done in phases for his role in the bloody Reuters early 2009, at beginning of glo- also in power in 2009, now “We do not accept the gov- and a solution for the raise they 1992-95 Bosnian conflict. bal financial crisis, that it would says the salary increases are ernment’s proposal. We invite say they were due this year. Over 100,000 people died ublic sector trade unions increase wages of public sector unsustainable given the coun- Prime Minister Andrej Plenko- The annual cost of the salary and 2.2 million others were left yesterday rejected a wage workers 6 percent a year once try’s fragile budget. vic to join the talks which are set increase promised in 2009 homeless in what prosecutors Pbill increase proposed by the economy grew on average 2 The government proposes a to continue tomorrow,” Branimir would be an estimated 1.5 to say was a relentless campaign the Croatian government and percent in two consecutive small compensation payment for Mihalinec, one of the union lead- 2.0bn kuna ($284.64m), or some of ethnic cleansing, aimed at invited the country’s conserva- quarters. 2016 before a two percent wage ers, told a news conference. 0.5 percent of gross domestic chasing all non-Serbs from tive prime minister to join the That condition was met last rise in January and an additional The Unions want the full six product, according to the gov- Bosnian territory. negotiations in person. year but the government, led two percent increase next percent increase in 2017 which ernment and unions. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 EUROPE 19 Brexit not legally binding: Lawyer to court London Technical issues Pannick argued that the 2015 Reuters act did not say what should hap- David Pannick, pen after the referendum, and he referendum in lawyer for Gina that since triggering Article 50 which Britons voted to Miller, the lead would effectively nullify the 1972 leave the European claimant in the case act through which Britain joined Union is not legally against the the EU, only parliament could binding, the Supreme government, told the authorise such a step. TCourt was told yesterday during Pannick’s assertion that the 11 Supreme Court a hearing on who has the power outcome of the referendum was justices that to trigger Brexit. merely advisory goes to the heart The court is considering an Parliament has of the controversy generated by appeal by the government deliberately chosen a the case. against a ruling last month that model which does Many politicians in May’s Con- ministers cannot invoke Article not involve any servative Party and some 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, the binding legal effect. pro-Brexit newspapers say the first formal step in the process courts would be overstepping their of leaving the bloc, without par- constitutional role if they ignored liament’s explicit approval. against Gina Miller, the lead the express will of the people. If Supreme Court upholds that claimant in the case against the Miller and Pannick counter ruling, the risk for government is government. that their case is not aimed at that proceedings in parliament David Pannick, the lawyer act- blocking Brexit but rather at could delay Prime Minister ing for Miller, told the court the ensuring parliament is properly Theresa May’s plan to trigger Arti- June referendum, in which Brit- involved in the process. They cle 50 by end of March, watering ons voted for Brexit by 52 percent won convincingly in the High Gina Miller is escorted by bodyguards as she arrives at the Supreme Court for the third day of down her Brexit strategy. to 48, had important political con- Court in November. the challenge against a court ruling on EU referendum, in Parliament Square, central London, The case has inflamed pas- sequences but not legal ones. Supreme Court President yesterday. sions in Britain, with pro-Brexit “Parliament has deliberately David Neuberger questioned critics saying those challenging chosen a model which does not Pannick yesterday over whether that, and then it’s over to the gov- A stone’s throw away from difference to his case that par- the government through the involve any binding legal effect,” the parliament needed further ernment,” Neuberger said. the Supreme Court, parliament liament, not ministers, had the courts were seeking to thwart the he told the 11 Supreme Court jus- involvement. “It could be said to be a bit will vote on whether to back power to authorise triggering the will of the people. tices during an exchange on the “One could say it (the refer- surprising that ... an act such as May’s timetable on Article 50. article. “Our submission is that a Yesterday, police announced 2015 act of parliament that set endum process) is parliament the Referendum Act and an event Pannick said even parlia- motion in parliament does not they had arrested a man on sus- the rules for the referendum to ceding the ground ... to the peo- such as the referendum has no ment voted in favour of March affect, cannot affect, the legal picion of making racist threats take place. ple, to a referendum. It’s done effect as a matter of law.” deadline, that would make no issues in this case,” he said. Merkel’s party wants dual nationality rule scrapped Hungary defends Essen that of their country of origin. AFP Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere warned during a heated verdict over erman Chancellor Angela debate on the dual nationality Merkel’s party yesterday motion that it would be wrong border riot Gtoughened its stance on to tear up a compromise with its immigration and integration, governing partner. Budapest demanding that dual national- “We don’t want to reverse AFP ity be scrapped for German-born that,” he said, adding that it was children of foreigners and call- also a blow for children of for- HUNGARY fiercely defended ing for a partial ban on the eign origin at a time when the yesterday a jail term given to Muslim full-face veil. country is struggling with inte- a Syrian-Cypriot man for his The hardline measures set gration issues. role in a border riot last year, the party on a collision course No other party would back a verdict criticised by both with its junior coalition partner such a motion, warned de Mai- Washington and Amnesty Social Democrats (SPD) ahead ziere, whose separate proposal International. of elections next year, and for jihadists to be stripped of Ahmed Hamed, 40, was underlined the challenges faced their German nationalities was jailed for 10 years last week by by Merkel to rein in the more also approved by the congress. a court for committing “illegal conservative wing of her party. But party delegates voted border crossing and an act of Merkel herself had on Tues- narrowly, with 319 votes in terror while participating in a day voiced her backing for a favour and 300 against, to scrap mass disturbance”. prohibition against niqab or the compromise. Prosecutors accused him burqa “wherever it is legally pos- The decision quickly drew a of using a megaphone to stir sible”, before leadership of her rebuke from the SPD, with Justice up violence and of throwing Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Minister Heiko Maas saying that “three solid objects” at police voted on issue yesterday. German Chancellor and leader of conservative Christian Democratic Union party, Angela Merkel reversing the rule “would be a step when several dozen migrants The party has also proposed receives flowers from an association of multiple child families before the start of the final day backwards for integration”. tried to cross into Hungary to ease deportation process for of the party convention in Essen, yesterday. SPD vice-chair Aydan from Serbia on September 16, rejected asylum-seekers. Ozoguz accused the CDU of 2015, a day after the border But some in her party sought was a key demand of the SPD The move mainly affects had to give up either their par- attacking “an important integra- was sealed with razor wire. to go further, with youth wing during negotiations with Mer- Turkish migrants, many of whom ents’ citizenship or their German tion success”. Hamed’s verdict was crit- defying leadership and winning kel’s conservatives after the last had come to Germany in 1960s one by the age of 23. Given lack of backing for it icised by US State Department a vote for a dual nationality rule elections in 2013 that resulted in and 1970s to work but have stayed European Union citizens from other parties, the measure which it said was “based on a to be reversed. a hard-fought deal on teaming on and started families here. are already permitted to hold is unlikely to be ever broad interpretation of what Allowing dual nationality up in a left-right government. Before 2014, their children both German citizenship and implemented. constitutes ‘terrorism’”. But Hungarian authorities rejected the criticism with for- eign ministry spokesman 3 German teens Tamas Menczer calling Ton- Swiss unveils plane for On last voyage er’s remarks “outrageous and unacceptable”. on trial for “To attack Hungarian stratosphere flight border, for hours to direct jihadist attack attacks against Hungarian Payerne, Switzerland SolarStratos is scheduled to police protecting the border AFP begin test flights next February, Berlin is a serious crime which car- while medium altitude flights AFP ries a serious punishment,” Swiss adventurer yester- are planned for next summer, Menczer said. day unveiled a solar and the first stratospheric THREE teenage boys went on “It is strange the State Aplane aimed at reaching flights should take place in trial in Germany yesterday, Department which regularly the stratosphere. 2018, the statement said. accused of a jihadist bomb lectures the world about sep- The SolarStratos, a sleek, To keep down the weight, attack on an Indian wedding aration of powers is now white two-seater aircraft with the plane will not be pressu- that left a Sikh priest seriously calling on a government to long wings covered with 237 rised, and Domjan will wear a wounded. intervene in a court’s business,” square feet of solar panels, is spacesuit, also powered by The three extremists, all Menczer said. set to become first manned solar energy, which will also 16 at the time, allegedly set During the clashes Hun- solar plane to make a strat- mark a world first, it added. off a home-made bomb in garian riot police used tear ospheric flight, according to The statement also claimed April outside a prayer hall gas and water cannon to force Raphael Domjan, who is behind the craft could “reach space.” where a Sikh wedding was the group of migrants back the project. “Travelling to the strato- taking place, also leaving two onto Serbian territory. “Our goal is to demonstrate sphere will take approximately others with lesser injuries. Around 15 police and 100-150 that current technology offers five hours: 2.5 hours to reach The youths had met on migrants were injured, includ- us possibility to achieve above space, 15 minutes of broad day- social media after being rad- ing women and children. and beyond what fossil fuels light and stars, then three hours icalised and got together to A resident of Cyprus for offer,” he said, after unveiling to return to Earth,” it said. commit the attack in the around a decade, Hamed told the plane at the Payerne airbase The stratosphere lies above western city of Essen. the court he was escorting his in western Switzerland. Earth’s lowest atmospheric Prosecutors charge they elderly parents from Syria to HMS Illustrious, a light aircraft carrier of British Royal “Electric and solar vehicles layer, called the troposphere. had sought to kill “non- Germany. are amongst major challenges At middle latitudes, the believers” with a device they Navy, and affectionately known as ‘Lusty’, is towed He said he had used his of 21st century,” said the stratosphere runs from a lower had built from a fire extin- out of Portsmouth Harbour in Portsmouth, southern knowledge of English to 44-year-old, adding the boundary of about 10,000 guisher shell and chemicals England, yesterday, on her last journey to Turkey where mediate by megaphone SolarStratos “can fly at an alti- metres to an upper boundary ordered from online shopping she has been sold for scrap. between the migrants and the tude of 82,000 feet.” of about 50,000 metres. site Amazon. riot police. 20 AMERICAS THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016

Hacker gets Plane crash: Airline’s president held five years jail

Cochabamba, Bolivia After the crash, LaMia had its had on previous flights north. Brazilian federal police said for stealing AP Probe advances licence revoked and several avi- “I don’t know if it was a fuel Castedo applied for refugee Gustavo Vargas, a ation officials, including Vargas’ problem — the investigation will status upon crossing the bor- scripts & videos he head of the charter retired Bolivian air son, were suspended. determine that,” Erwin Tumiri der by land. New York airline whose plane force general, was The plane was carrying a told a section of press during a In Bolivia, a top government AP crashed in the Andes picked up in Santa Brazilian soccer team to the brief interactioin in official said Castedo, who was last week was opening match in the Copa Suda- Cochabamba, where he is recov- among officials suspended fol- Cruz along with a detained by Bolivian mericana tournament’s finals ering from the crash. lowing the crash, was potentially A BAHAMIAN man who mechanic and Tprosecutors for questioning as when it crashed outside Medel- “But every time we flew we evading justice and should be boasted after his arrest for authorities look into whether the secretary who lin on November 28. went first to Cobija and returned immediately deported. hacking into celebrities’ email tragedy that killed 71 people worked for him at Prosecutors from Brazil, the same way to refuel. On this “What she has done is very accounts that he will some- stemmed from negligence. LaMia airline. Bolivia and Colombia are occasion they said we’d do the serious,” Government minister day write a book to “shake up Gustavo Vargas, a retired expected to meet in Santa Cruz same.” Carlos Romero told reporters, Hollywood” had the book Bolivian air force general, was to combine efforts in determin- Meanwhile, an employee in denying that Castedo faced any thrown at him by a federal picked up in Santa Cruz along would decide whether any of the ing the causes of the crash. Bolivia’s aviation agency turned persecution in Bolivia. “It’s a way judge who said five years in with a mechanic and secretary three would be formally They also are studying how up yesterday in Brazil seeking of escaping the judicial prison was only way to keep who worked for him at LaMia arrested. Earlier, authorities the airline, which despite a asylum. system.” him from harming victims. airline. All are being questioned raided the airline’s offices as well dodgy history amassed an In a document widely circu- Messages sent to various US District Judge Paul A about their roles in letting a Brit- as those of the agency that over- impressive list of clients from lating in Bolivian media, the social media accounts appar- Engelmayer cited 24-year- ish-built short-range jet attempt sees air traffic in Bolivia. among South America’s top soc- worker, Celia Castedo, appears ently belonging to Castedo were old Alonzo Knowles’ jailhouse a more than four-hour flight Authorities are also looking cer clubs, was ever allowed to to have pointed out a number of not immediately returned. conversations in doubling the from Santa Cruz to Medellin, into whether LaMia, which operate. irregularities in the aircraft’s Reached by a section of press via sentence he might have Colombia, for which it barely had received permission to fly only One of the six survivors of flight plan, including not having Facebook, Castedo’s son, Sebas- received if judge believed he enough fuel in violation of avi- earlier this year, was favoured the crash said yesterday that he enough fuel, to LaMia’s dis- tian Castedo, said that the truth showed genuine remorse and ation norms. by Vargas’ son, who headed the had been reassured by the air- patcher, who was killed in the would “come later by authori- was no threat to society. Prosecutors said the inter- office responsible for licencing line before takeoff that the plane crash. The authenticity of the ties other than those in Bolivia.” “So far, the criminal justice rogation was expected to last aircraft in Bolivia’s civil avia- would make a refueling stop in document couldn’t be immedi- He said he did not know his system has totally failed to get eight hours and afterward they tion agency. the Bolivian town of Cobija, as it ately verified. mother’s whereabouts. your attention,” Engelmayer told Knowles as he announced sentence for stealing scripts and personal information from celebrities. Three kids dead in Outrage over inhuman act The celebrities were not identified, though Engelmayer noted 20th Century Fox sub- shooting: Police mitted a letter describing danger Knowles posed. The judge cited the book Albuquerque, New Mexico Investigators believe Knowles claimed he would AP Wechsler forced his way into someday write, reading a jail- the home and waited for the house communication in ritically wounded, an family to arrive before shoot- which Knowles said: “When Albuquerque mother ing them. Police said Wechsler I get out, I’m going to shake Cstruggled in vain to pull had asked to visit to give the up Hollywood.” Engelmayer her three children to safety after children Christmas gifts but the also read from a letter sub- a gunman shot them during a mother told him no after he mitted by a celebrity who said confrontation inside family’s repeatedly sought to visit. significant punishment for home in what police described a Wechsler was found uncon- Knowles was the only way for violent and senseless act. scious with a self-inflicted victims to feel relief. Police Chief Gorden Eden gunshot. He died at the Knowles pleaded guilty in confirmed during a news con- hospital. to copyright infringement and ference yesterday that the Eden said the mother, identity theft charges, months children, who ranged in age despite being wounded, fought after his arrest after he flew from 5 to 9, were killed and that to protect her children. from Bahamas to New York the mother remained in criti- As the only surviving wit- City to sell 15 scripts and per- cal but stable condition ness, he said investigators have sonal information on several following the encounter. not been able to talk to her as celebrities for $80,000 to a Eden said preliminary evi- they try to piece together a pos- law enforcement agent pos- dence suggests the family was sible motive and the events that ing as an interested buyer. He attacked by George Daniel led up to the shooting. The vic- People shout slogans as riot police transfer alleged murderer of a seven-year-old girl from recently turned over compu- Wechsler, 45, who was believed tims’ names have not been the clinic where he was treated for a cocaine overdose to court, in Bogota, Colombia, ter containing information on to have had a brief relationship released pending the notifica- yesterday. The girl was abused, tortured and murdered by a 38-year-old man, police said. celebrities and it was with the 36-year-old mother. tion of other family members. destroyed. Teens arrested Brazil presidency seeks to end crisis between Senate & court for robbing Brasilia embezzlement last week. and will respect decisions they presidential line of succession. is the first in line. Reuters Removal of Calheiros would take,” Temer’s chief spokesman The Supreme Court has yet The overturning of the wife of Missouri put a leftist senator in charge of Marcio de Freitas said. to complete its ruling on the injunction to remove Calheiros razil’s presidency was Senate whose Workers Party Calheiros is second in line to ban. The vote was suspended would be a blow to the judici- governor-elect working to defuse a con- opposes a public spending cap that presidency after speaker of after 6 of its 11 justices had ary in a growing confrontation Bstitution crisis between is the centerpiece of President lower house, as Brazil currently already voted in favour of it with the legislature over St. Louis Supreme Court and the Senate Michel Temer’s efforts to restore has no vice president. However, because one judge asked for attempts by lawmakers to curb AP yesterday, amid reports the tri- fiscal discipline to Brazil. his term will expire when Con- further discussion of the case. the powers of prosecutors and bunal could allow the head of Calheiros, whose mandate in gress goes into the Christmas Folha de S Paulo and Estado shield corrupt politicians. THREE teenagers are in cus- Senate to keep his post if he steps charge of chamber expires when recess and senators are due to de S Paulo newspapers Investors have been closely tody in the armed robbery of out of presidential succession. Congress goes into its Christmas elect a new president at start of reported an agreement was in watching the situation amid the wife of Missouri Gover- The Supreme Court was to recess, refused to step down, the next session. works to allow Calheiros to end fears that the crisis could derail nor-elect Eric Greitens, and decide whether to uphold or heightening a standoff between The government is keen for his term on the condition that the passage of a major reform the former Navy Seal officer overturn an injunction by one of the legislature and judiciary. Supreme Court justices to find he could not become president to tackle Brazil’s massive budget who takes office next month its justices ordering removal of “The President’s office is a way around a recent majority of Brazil in the absence of deficit. The Senate has sus- said it’s a good thing police Renan Calheiros as Senate pres- working to reduce tensions ruling by court that no person Temer or the speaker of the pended business until it is got to them before he did. ident, after he was indicted for between judiciary and legislature, indicted for a crime could be in lower house of Congress, who resolved. Eric and Sheena Greitens spoke at a news conference, after Sheena Greitens was robbed at gunpoint while in her National honour car outside a coffee shop in St. NYC touts UN benefits Louis. She was unharmed. “We are also aware that what happened to me and to in new report our family last night happens to far too many people and far too many families and that United Nations tangible benefits the UN com- cannot continue,” she said. AP munity makes in our global Police said the suspects, city,” Abeywardena said. ages 14, 15 and 19, were ew York mayor’s office Approximately 25,000 full- involved in several crimes. is touting benefits of and part-time jobs are created Sheena had arrived at a Nhosting United Nations by the UN, which directly coffee shop in Central West headquarters with a new report employs 16,000 people, she said. End, where she planned to do examining the world body’s The report estimates the UN some work. She was looking economic impact on the city. community generates $110m in at a cellphone in her car when Penny Abeywardena, NYC fiscal revenue and costs the city a young man opened the Commissioner for International some $54m including costs for door, pointed a gun, and Affairs, said the UN Commu- security and schooling, leaving demanded her belongings. nity generated $3.69bn in total some $56m in revenue. The suspect took her economic output resulting in Peter Yeo, President of the phone and laptop and ran, approximately $56m in net fis- Better World Campaign said the along with the others. As cal benefits to the city. UN’s impact is felt beyond New police were investigating the “While the UN is much York City with over a billion dol- Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mila Mulroney applaude Brian Mulroney crime they learned another more than sum of its economic lars in contracts being awarded Canadian former prime minister before he is presented with the Commander of the car in the same parking lot impact, this study is an impor- to US companies in more than National Order of Legion of Honour at the French Embassy in Ottawa, yesterday. had been broken into. tant reminder of very real and 30 states over past two years. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 AMERICAS 21 Time Magazine Trump taps names Donald Trump 'Person John Kelly of the Year' Washington Reuters for DHS TIME Magazine named US Pres- ident-elect Donald Trump its Person of the Year yesterday, cit- Washington ing the upheaval in American AP Homeland security politics brought about by the New Highly respected, York businessman’s election cam- S President-elect often outspoken, and paign and victory. Donald Trump has known as a fierce, “It’s hard to measure the scale chosen retired loyal commander, of his disruption,” Time said in its Marine General John Kelly will take announcement, noting Trump’s John Kelly, whose over the nation’s career as real estate magnate and Ulast command included over- reality television star before he newest federal sight of Guantanamo Bay won the presidency. agency. detention center, to run Depart- Trump, who will be sworn in ment of Homeland Security on January 20, ran an unconven- (DHS), people close to the tran- tional and controversial campaign sition team said yesterday. immigration and the Coast against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Kelly, who joined the Guard. The department was Time noted that views of him were Marine Corps in 1970, retired formed after the September 11 deeply divided. “For those who US President-elect Donald Trump addressing an audience at Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, earlier this year, wrapping up terror attacks in an effort to get believe this is all for better, a final, three-year post as head the US government better-posi- North Carolina, yesterday. Trump’s victory represents a long- of US Southern Command, tioned to prevent and respond overdue rebuke to an entrenched which spanned some of the more to future attacks. after people living in the coun- smuggling networks. And it has promised during his presidential and arrogant governing class,” the fractious debate over Obama If confirmed by the Senate, try illegally. partnered with Immigration and campaign, the department will magazine said. administration’s ultimately failed Kelly would be fifth person to Transition officials confirmed Customs Enforcement in an oper- be challenged with beefing up the “For those who see it as for pledge to close Guantanamo. lead the department and the Trump’s pick of Kelly on condi- ation targeting human smuggling screening of immigrants allowed worse, the destruction extends to He served three tours in first one who is not a lawyer. It tion of anonymity because they into the US and helped with the to come into the US, and finding cherished norms of civility and dis- Iraq, and holds the somber dis- is comprised of agencies that weren’t authorised to speak pub- rescue of children arriving alone additional resources to track course, a politics poisoned by vile tinction of being the most protect the president, respond licly before any official at US borders. down and deport people living in streams of racism and nativism.” senior military officer to lose a to disasters, enforce immigra- announcement. The department has struggled America illegally. It will also need The magazine said its short list child in combat in Iraq or tion laws, protect the nation’s In Kelly, Trump would have with its identity, trying to balance to find a place to house these for person of the year included Clin- Afghanistan. His son, Marine coastlines and secure air travel. another four-star military officer its ties with the military and immigrants while they’re wait- ton, Turkish President Recep Tayyip 2nd Lt. Robert Kelly was killed His selection, however, also for his administration. James Mat- maintain its role as a civilian law ing for deportation. Erdogan and singer Beyonce. in November, 2010, in Helmand bolsters concerns about an tis, a retired four-star Army enforcement agency. Customs Scraping for federal funds “It’s a great honour, it means Province, Afghanistan. increase in military influence general, is Trump’s pick for and Border Protection — which and equipment to battle such a lot,” Trump told NBC’s Today Highly respected, often out- in US policy in a Trump White defence secretary. includes the Border Patrol — and problems will not be a new chal- show in an interview shortly after spoken, and known as a fierce, House. And it raises scepter of Immigration enforcement is the Coast Guard routinely part- lenge for Kelly. As the head of the announcement. loyal commander, senior Kelly militarisation along the border, a familiar issue for Kelly. South- ner with Southern Command to Southern Command, he was often But he rejected Time's char- will take over nation’s newest as Trump moves forward on his ern Command, which is based in coordinate drug smuggling inves- blunt about his need for more acterisation of the country as federal agency, with its expanse signature issue of immigration South Florida, regularly works tigations in the Caribbean. resources to fight the drug trade fractured. The magazine’s cover of responsibilities — from air- and his promise to build a wall with DHS on missions to identify If immigration enforcement that sweeps into the US from called him the “president of the port security and terrorism to along southern border and go and dismantle immigrant is prioritised the way Trump South America. divided states of America.”

20 gunmen Violent protest No evidence of dead in police shootout bomb on LA metro Los Angeles a dozen officers, some in full in Mexico AFP tactical gear and accompanied by sniffer dogs, patrolled the Xalapa, Mexico n anonymous bomb Red Line’s Universal City metro AP threat against Los Ange- stop, where an anonymous Ales metro appears to phone caller warned that a TWENTY suspected criminals have been a hoax, officials said bomb would go off. were killed in a series of yesterday after a heightened The man, who spoke Eng- shootouts with police and alert lasting much of the day. lish, relayed threat in a troops in recent days in Mex- Police deployed in force telephone call to a public safety ico’s troubled Gulf coast state throughout the system follow- line run by an unidentified for- of Veracruz, authorities said ing a tip from overseas about eign government, which passed yesterday. an imminent attack on a busy on the information to the FBI’s The state’s joint security station. terrorism task force. agency had previously But early yesterday the FBI The threat prompted announced that 14 presumed said in a statement there was authorities to hastily organise gang gunmen died in a shoot- “no evidence” of a threat to the a news conference to relay the out in Veracruz, which is a city’s metro system. information to public and smuggling corridor and a Civil servants protest against austerity measures in front of the Rio de Janeiro state “Working with our law announce that security was hotspot for drug cartel Assembly in Brazil, yesterday, where lawmakers began voting the measures promoted by enforcement partners, the FBI being stepped up. violence. governor Luiz Fernando Pezao pushing budget cuts in response to nearly empty public has found no evidence that the In a bid to allay fears, Los Yesterday, the agency coffers. threat made to the Los Angeles Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti rode updated death toll, saying six Metro Red Line is credible,” the the metro from Universal City. other suspected criminals had bureau said. Orange barriers were put up been killed in shootouts with “Based on significant simi- around the station as police ran- military units in the same larities, law enforcement domly searched people’s bags. area over the weekend and partners also believe the anon- Some commuters appeared Monday, putting the three- Immigrants released from ymous caller may have, on a unnerved by the added patrols day death toll at 20. previous occasion, reported while others went about their In the most serious inci- threats that did not normal business. dent, authorities said a police materialise.” Even though authorities patrol came under fire on a Texas detention centres Last year an emailed threat said they no longer believe a road in the town of Jesus Car- forced the closure of Los Ange- threat exists, they urged Los ranza, near the border with Chicago Center for Education and Legal Residential Center and the les schools for a day before it Angeles residents to stay vigi- Oaxaca state. The patrol AFP Services (RAICES). At least four Karnes County Residential was determined to be a hoax lant and said stepped-up called for backup, and times more people were Center, both located south of Throughout the day about patrols would continue. marines arrived to join in a undreds of female and released than usual, said RAI- San Antonio. Their detentions firefight that killed 14 sus- underage immigrants CES policy director Amy Fischer. ranged in length from a few pects, officials said. Hwere released from “We’re in process of moving hours to a few weeks, Fischer A separate shootout in detention centres in Texas after them out, getting them on flights told reporters. Jesus Carranza resulted in the a state judge ruled that such sites and buses,” Fischer said. More than a quarter of the deaths of three attackers Sat- could not legally house children, The release came after a rul- released detainees had not been urday, officials said. The an immigrant advocacy group ing by Travis County District interviewed to assess whether agency also reported three said yesterday. Court Judge Karin Crump that the they fear persecution or torture more gunmen killed in simi- The 470 detainees were detention sites could not be con- in their home countries, a req- lar circumstances in the same being held at two privately-run sidered child care providers. uisite step for asylum seekers, area, but gave no details on detention centres, according to In a statement, ICE said the Fischer said. when or where. US Immigration and Customs releases were “scheduled as a One was also sent to a hos- Police and military rein- Enforcement (ICE), which con- part of normal operations and pital for a severe, untreated leg forcements dispatched to the firmed their release. not in response to court ruling,” infection, she said. area found a total of 28 weap- Asylum-seeking immigrants and it is reviewing the judge’s “The medical care in deten- ons, including 13 assault rifles are routinely released after their decision. The agency did not tion is extraordinarily poor,” and a weapon capable of cases are initially processed, but respond to request for comment Fischer said, adding that under- piercing armoured vehicles, this release was unusually high, on the size of the release. age detainees had in the past officials said. They also found according to San Antonio-based The immigrants had been been released with untreated LA County Sheriffs Deputies patrol inside Universal City about 67kg of cocaine. group Refugee and Immigrant held at the South Texas Family pneumonia. Metro subway station after a reported threat of bomb. 22 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.45 am SHOROOK 06.07 am The Ivory Game short-listed for Oscar

ZUHR 11.26 am MAGHRIB 04.46 pm Paris The silver-haired former diplomat ASR 02.24 pm ISHA 06.16 pm Reuters spent most of his working life deflect- ing media criticism as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman on Chech- WEATHER TODAY documentary film on the nya and special envoy to Brussels, and slaughter of elephants in earlier as the Kremlin’s voice under the o o Africa produced by Holly- late Boris Yeltsin. wood star Leonardo Now Yastrzhembsky is trying to 21 C 26 C DiCaprio has made an ini- cause a stir with his “Ivory - A Crime Minimum Maximum tialA Oscar short-list, beating an unlikely Story”, which names and shames top rival entry from a former top aide to ivory buyers such as China, the Vati- Russia’s president. can and Buddhist monks in Thailand. Critics have been touting DiCap- “I congratulate DiCaprio and I am rio’s “The Ivory Game”, about Africa’s happy that his film was selected illegal ivory trade, for a prestigious because it is important that someone Academy Award in the documentary talks about the real threats elephants film category.A new list of 15 came out are facing,” Yastrzhembsky told Reu- Leonardo DiCaprio, wearing a Giorgio Armani tuxedo, at the 88th in Los Angeles late on Tuesday night. ters on Wednesday. His documentary The five official nominees for the award took three years and cost $1m to make, Academy Awards in Hollywood, California. will be announced on January 24 and and won prizes earlier this year at the the winner on February 26. Montreal, Rome and New York film fes- an elephant being shot and then moan- showed a trailer to DiCaprio three years DiCaprio’s film - which debuted at tivals. Yastrzhembsky’s film highlights ing as it is hacked to pieces by poachers. ago on the yacht of a mutual friend, the the Toronto Film Festival in Septem- how the population of elephants in If nothing is done, conservationists say real-estate oligarch Vladimir Zemstov, ber - had earlier made it to a long list Africa has dropped to less than the African elephant could be extinct in the French resort of Saint Tropez. for Oscar consideration along with 500,000 from 1.5 million in the past 30 in the wild within a generation. Yas- Yastrzhembsky said he invited DiCap- another documentary on the same sub- years, and that every 15 minutes on trzhembsky said Pope Francis saw a rio to take part in his project financially ject by Sergey Yastrzhembsky, the average, an elephant is killed by poach- shortened version of his film before or do the voiceover, but talks never Kremlin’s best-known spokesman in ers for its ivory. publicly speaking out in Nairobi against bore fruit. “I think DiCaprio wanted to the West for more than a decade. Wrenching scenes include one of ivory poaching in Kenya. He said he do his own film,” he said.

Expected strong wind. Hazy at first becomes mild temperature daytime Breathing with slight dust to blowing dust at Polar bear numbers to plunge by a third places and some clouds, cold by night. rhythm HIGH TIDE 11:00 LOW TIDE 03:15 - 18:45 Paris most comprehensive to date, combin- 1981-2010 average. This week, the US AFP ing 35 years of satellite data on Arctic National Snow and Ice Data Center enhances Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department sea ice with all known shifts in 19 dis- reported that sea ice extent in October olar bear numbers could drop a tinct polar bears groupings scattered and November was the lowest ever reg- memory recall third by mid-century, according across four ecological zones in the Arc- istered for both months. The culprit is Pto the first systematic assessment, tic. "Polar bears depend on sea ice for global warming, which has raised the New York released yesterday, of how dwindling most aspects of their life history," the region's surface temperatures by more IANS Arctic sea ice affects the world's largest study notes. Most importantly, they use than two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees bear. There is a 70 percent chance that it as a floating platform to hunt seals, Fahrenheit) compared to the pre-indus- t is not without any reason the global polar bear population -- esti- which can outswim them in open water. trial era level, twice the global that we tend to breathe mated at 26,000 -- will decline by more Researchers led by Eric Regehr of average. Ifaster when we find our- than 30 percent over the next 35 years, the US Fish and Wildlife Service in On current trends, The Arctic could selves in a dangerous a period corresponding to three gener- Anchorage, Alaska projected three pop- see its first ice-free summers sometime situation. Scientists have now ations, the study found. ulation scenarios out to mid-century, in the 2030s, according to climate sci- discovered that the rhythm Other assessments have reached and all of them were bad news for the entists. In the second and third scenarios, of breathing creates electri- similar conclusions, notably a recent snow-white carnivores. the same sea ice projections were cal activity in the human review by the International Union for The first assumed a proportional matched with available data about brain that enhances emo- the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), decline in sea ice and polar bears. changes in specific polar bear popula- tional judgments and memory which tracks endangered species on its Despite year-to-year fluctuations, tions spanning at least a decade, in small recall. These effects on Red List. The IUCN classified the sea- long-term trends are unmistakable: the areas in one case, and across the four behaviour depend critically faring polar bear -- aka. Ursus maritimus ten lowest Arctic ice extents over the larger "eco-zones" in the second. Aver- on whether you inhale or -- as "vulnerable", or at high risk of satellite record have all occurred since aging all three scenarios, the probability exhale and whether you extinction in the wild. 2007. The record low of 3.41 million that polar bear numbers would drop by breathe through the nose or But the new study, published in the square kilometres (1.32 million square a third in 35 to 41 years is more than 70 mouth. Royal Society's Biology Letters, is the miles) in 2012 was 44 percent below the percent, the study concluded. In the study, individuals were able to identify a fear- ful face more quickly if they encountered the face when breathing in compared to Costly skeleton when breathing out. Individuals also were more likely to remember an object if they encountered it on the inhaled breath than the exhaled one. The effect dis- appeared if breathing was through the mouth, said the study published in the Jour- nal of Neuroscience. "One of the major findings in this study is that there is a dramatic difference in brain activity in the amygdala and hippocampus during inhala- tion compared with exhalation," said lead author Christina Zelano, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Hoy en la Historia Illinois. The scientists first discov- December 08, 1886 ered these differences in Influential Mexican muralist brain activity while studying Diego Rivera was born. His work The skeleton of an Allosaurus is exhibited at Lyon Brotteaux Aguttes auction house in Lyon. Named "Kan", the a small number patients with usually addressed social themes, epilepsy who were scheduled skeleton, whose value is estimated €800.000, will go under the hammer in December. featuring the plight of peasants for brain surgery. and labourers of his native land A week prior to surgery, 1660: A woman appeared on a public a surgeon implanted elec- stage in England for the first time in a trodes into the patients' production of Shakespeare’s Othello. Sea ice in Arctic & Antarctic coast hits record lows brains in order to identify the Previously men played female roles origin of their seizures. 1966: A ban on nuclear weapons in New York record low Arctic sea ice extent, in the Director, National Snow and Ice Data The recorded electrical space was agreed by 28 countries IANS Southern Hemisphere, Antarctic sea ice Center (NSIDC) at University of Colo- signals showed brain activity 2003: Robert Mugabe pulled Zimbabwe extent also hit a record low for the rado Boulder in the US. Arctic sea ice fluctuated with breathing. out of the Commonwealth after leaders arm temperatures have led to month, caused by moderately warm extent averaged 9.08 million square km The activity occurs in brain extended its suspension indefinitely record decline in the extent of temperatures and a rapid shift in cir- for November, 1.95 million square km areas where emotions, mem- 2010: SpaceX launched the first Wsea ice in the Arctic and off cumpolar winds, the researchers said. below the 1981 to 2010 long-term aver- ory and smells are processed. commercially-developed spacecraft the coast of Antarctica in November this "It looks like a triple whammy -- a age for the month. Although the rate of The findings imply that rapid to return to Earth from orbit year, say scientists. warm ocean, a warm atmosphere, and Arctic ice growth was slightly faster than breathing may confer an Picture: Newscom © GRAPHIC NEWS While unusually high air tempera- a wind pattern all working against the average, total extent actually decreased advantage when someone is tures and a warm ocean have led to a ice in the Arctic," said Mark Serreze, for a brief period. in a dangerous situation. THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 23 24 HOME THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016