TUESDAY MAY 17, 2016 SHA’BAN 10, 1437 VOL.10 NO. 3543 QR 2

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QIA to create FM ATTENDS MEETING ON LIBYA IN VIENNA Commuters lost $100 bn unit in overhaul over 100 working

AGENCIES DOHA hours to traffic QATAR Investment Authority (QIA) is un- dergoing its biggest jams last year overhaul since 2014, grouping $100 billion of investments in local companies into a new Time wasted in traffic cost the economy over unit and abandoning the QR5 billion in 2015, says QMIC report Qatar Holding name, sources said. About $100 billion of MANEESH BAKSHI the QIA’s stakes in com- DOHA panies such as Qatar Air- ways and Qatar National COMMUTERS in Qatar lost an aver- Bank will be placed into age of 102 working hours due to traffic a new internal division congestion last year, leading to an es- named Qatar Invest- timated loss of over QR5 billion to the ments, the sources said. economy, according to a new report re- The fund is seeking leased on Monday. to bring greater over- Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani takes part in the ministerial meeting on Libya chaired by Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre’s sight by having a single Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and US Secretary of State John Kerry in Vienna on Monday. Countries participating (QMIC) Qatar Traffic Report (QTR) for CONGESTION FALLOUT in the meeting reiterated that the Presidential Council is the only legitimate body in Libya and expressed their willingness to person in charge. 2015 said the loss of productivity due to ● The Qatar Holding provide support to the Presidential Council in dealing with ISIS group. (AFP) SEE ALSO PAGES 2 & 16 traffic jam translated into about 0.8 per- The loss of productivity due to traf- name, under which Qa- cent of Qatar’s GDP in 2015. fic jams accounts for 0.8 percent of tar invested in companies Adnan Abu-Dayya, Executive Di- Qatar’s GDP in 2015. ranging from Glencore to rector of QMIC, said the impact on the ● Commuters experienced highest Barclays will now be re- economy could be much higher if its level of traffic congestion during placed by the QIA name implication in terms of medical and en- morning peak hours between on international invest- vironmental consequences such as ac- 7 am and 8 am ments, the sources said. Airfares set to soar during cidents and pollution were taken into The country isn’t plan- consideration. ● Traffic congestion during morning ning to allocate any new The report was prepared after ana- hours was highest in November last money to the QIA this peak summer season lysing over 50 million speed records col- year, while the evening-time conges- year or withdraw funds lected from major roads of the city that tion was highest in December. and has asked it to rely witnessed traffic congestions in 2015. ● Traffic congestion level in Qatar on asset sales or dividend SATYENDRA PATHAK ing more expensive during summer increase. QMIC has one of the most sophisticated was high in comparison with other income for new invest- DOHA will be the discontinuation of dis- Irfan of the Doha-based Happy data collection platforms, Masarak, in ments, the sources added. counts of up to 40 percent offered Journey Travel said, “Currently, a the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It countries due to a large number of The fund is also hir- AIRFARES to a number of destina- by many airlines by the end of June. return economy class ticket from updates data through 300 sensors in- road projects being implemented ing other senior execu- tions from Doha are set to shoot up, With most Indian schools Doha to Kochi is around QR1,500. stalled at critical traffic points which see in 2015. tives amid the changes. some increasing by more than dou- The fare will go beyond QR3,500 frequent congestions. Qatar Investment ble the price, during the peak sum- for outbound travel in the last week QMIC Chairman Abdulla Zaid al Tal- To quantify the severity of traffic Authority, the ninth- mer travel season this year, accord- The peak summer travel sea- of June and inbound in the last ib said, “We are eager to cooperate with congestion, the report used globally- largest sovereign wealth ing to industry sources. son — from the last week of week of August.” ministries, Public Works Authority, traf- accepted metrics such as Masarak Con- fund in the world with The peak summer travel season June till the end of September Similarly, he said, passen- fic department, urban planning agencies gestion Index (MCI), Travel Time Index more than $250 billion — between the last week of June and — is expected to see a 20 gers will have to cough up about in sharing data for analysis thus helping (TTI), Excess Travel Time (ETT). While of assets according to the end of September — is expected percent increase in the QR3,200 for a return ticket from them to come out with viable solutions MCI takes into consideration the aver- the Sovereign Wealth to see a 20 percent increase in the Doha to Thiruvananthapuram dur- leading to a congestion-free environment.” age speed reduction of commuters due Fund Institute, said last number of Qatar residents flying out number of Qatar residents ing the peak season as against a fare He said QMIC plans to issue reports to traffic congestion, TTI studies the year it’s planning to in- of the country. flying out of the country. of QR1,400 during the off-season. on yearly and quarterly basis. The traffic travel time during peak-hours on week- vest $35 billion in the US The sources said the increase in Fares to other Indian destinations data was collected by Masarak in real- days. Similarly, ETT calculates average over the next five years the number of passengers will make closing for summer vacation from like New Delhi and Mumbai will time through bluetooth-based traffic delay in minutes per kilometer during a as it opened an office in air tickers more expensive compared July 1, the airfare to Kochi and also rise, he said. sensing network, GPS-based telemetric traffic jam. New York. to previous years. Thiruvananthapuram from Doha TURN TO PAGE 2 devices and through iTraffic mobile ap- TURN TO PAGE 2 Adding to the air travel becom- is expected to see the maximum plication.

QUICK READ QDF allocates Qatar armed forces take part in EFES exercise in Turkey HIA sees record 8.8 mn passengers in Q1 QR10 million ANKARA Qatari armed forces took part in the EFES multinational TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK passengers pass through its ter of 2016 with a total of aid for Aleppo exercise in Turkey, which includes command post exercise (CPX) DOHA gates during the first quar- 58,288 movements, which and field training exercise (FTX). The exercise aims to train leader- ter of 2016, with a record represents a 8.6 percent in- QNA ships on planning, leading, controlling and staff work, in addition HAMAD International Air- 3,089,826 passengers de- crease in aircraft take-offs DOHA to coordination between officers and soldiers of the Qatari armed port (HIA) has served a parting, arriving and tran- and landings at the airport, forces and their counterparts in the Turkish military as well as other record 8.8 million passen- siting in January which is compared to 56,282 move- QATAR Development Fund participating forces. The objectives of the exercise include training gers during the first quarter an unsurpassed figure for a ments during the same pe- (QDF) has allocated QR10 the staff on planning, execution, control, storming constructed ar- of 2016, making it the busiest single month for the airport. riod last year. January and million to provide relief to the eas, reconnaissance, dropping supplies by air, execution of special quarter for the airport since February and March had February saw 19,455 and war-hit people in the Syrian city operations, in addition to the use of snipers and execution of direct its opening in May 2014. 2,722,867 and 3,055,278 18,511 aircraft movements of Aleppo. and indirect shootings by ground troops and the naval fleet. (QNA) This represents a 20 passenger movements re- A view of the Hamad International respectively, followed by The fund will be used to percent increase from the spectively. The same pe- Airport. March with unprecedented provide food, shelter and medi- number of passengers that riod in 2015 saw a total of 20,322 aircraft movements, cal aid such as children’s milk, Iraq launches operation to retake Anbar town travelled through the air- 7,360,145 passengers trav- ary; and 2,485,524 in March. which is the highest the air- ambulances, medicines, water, port during the first quarter elling through HIA, includ- HIA also had a signifi- port has had. personal hygiene kits, tents and BAGHDAD Iraqi security forces and allied fighters launched an oper- of 2015. ing 2,589,400 passengers in cant increase in aircraft TURN TO PAGE 2 civil defence equipment to the ation on Monday to retake the town of Rutba from the Islamic State In all, HIA had 8,867,971 January; 2,285,221 in Febru- movements in the first quar- people of Aleppo. jihadist group, the military said. Special forces, soldiers, police, border guards and pro-government paramilitaries are involved in the The fund will be used to operation to retake the Anbar province town, Iraq's Joint Operations provide food, shelter and Command said in a statement. Tanks and artillery are taking part in the operation, which is also backed by air support from Iraqi forces medical aid to the people and the US-led coalition against IS, it said. PAGE 16 Katara Hospitality opens new public park of Aleppo. The aid provided by the Top Kuwait court Trump warns of bad QNA The vibrant park located adja- QDF is implemented in accord- jails stateless relationship with DOHA cent to Sheraton Hotel Grand ance with international stand- activist over protest UK’s Cameron Doha, is characterised by wa- ards of humanitarian aid as the KATARA Hospitality, the ter features including mini- projects are approved by the KUWAIT CITY Kuwait’s supreme LONDON Donald Trump warned leading global hotel owner, de- fountains, waterfalls, small United Nations Organization court on Monday upheld a one- on Monday he may end up veloper and operator based in streams and sprawling well- for the Coordination of Hu- year jail sentence against lead- having a bad relationship with Qatar, on Monday announced manicured lawns. manitarian Affairs. ing stateless rights activist British Prime Minister David the official opening of Hotel Hotel Park will carry four The emergency relief comes Abdulhakeem al-Fadhli and five Cameron, who branded the Park, a new family-friendly levels of underground park- in the wakes of Qatar’s pledge others for demonstrating. The presumptive Republican presi- public park located in the ing with access to Doha In- of $100 million announced at six men were convicted of il- dential nominee’s proposal to heart of Doha’s bustling busi- ternational Exhibition Center the donor conference in the legal assembly, defying orders stop Muslim immigration to the ness district. through an underground tun- United Kingdom to meet the and assaulting police. They US “stupid”. “It looks like we Planned as an illustration nel link. Hotel Park’s compre- urgent humanitarian needs of will be deported from the state are not going to have a very of Katara Hospitality’s com- hensive parking lot provides the stricken city. after serving the jail term. good relationship,” Trump told mitment to social respon- over 2,500 slots. QDF is funding the They were arrested in 2014 Britain’s ITV television. “Who sibility and the importance Katara Hospitality has projects by virtue of its hu- after taking part in a protest knows, I hope to have a good of promoting sustainability, 35 properties in operation or manitarian obligations that to demand Kuwaiti citizenship relationship with him but he’s Hotel Park is poised to serve under development within its fall under Qatar’s contribu- and other basic rights by state- not willing to address the prob- Doha’s residents while show- portfolio and is now focused tions and its development and less people. lem either.” PAGE 18 casing an impeccable natural on adding another 25 proper- Hotel Park is poised to serve Doha’s residents while showcasing an humanitarian aid provided landscape for visitors to enjoy. ties by 2026. impeccable natural landscape for visitors to enjoy. through the world. 02 Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Ties with Qatar historic, close Education minister meets Tunisian & renewed: Tunisian president counterpart

Essebsi to arrive in Doha today on a three-day official visit to hold talks with Emir QNA cussed cooperation in the TUNIS field of scientific research. QNA Director-General of the United Hammadi thanked his TUNIS Nations Educational, Scien- MINISTER of Education and Tunisian counterpart and tific and Cultural Organization Higher Education He Dr Mo- Tunisian government for the TUNISIAN President Beji Caid (UNESCO), Essebsi affirmed hammed bin Abdul Wahed al warm reception and hospi- Essebsi on Monday stressed Tunisia's support to Qatar’s Hammadi met with Tunisian tality accorded him and in- the depth of bilateral relations candidacy. Minister of Higher Educa- vited his Tunisian counter- between his country and Qatar, The Tunisian President also tion and Scientific Research part to visit Qatar. describing them as 'historic, stressed that his country is cur- Chiheb Bouden in Tunis on Hammadi also met with close and renewed'. rently more concerned with the Monday. Tunisian Minister of Educa- Ahead of his official visit to promotion of its relations with The meeting took place tion Neji Jelloul and attend- Doha on Tuesday, Essebsi said the Arab and Islamic world. during a working visit by HE ed a session at the headquar- that both Qatar and Tunisia at- “Since I assumed the presi- Al Hammadi to Tunisia at ters of the Ministry of Higher tach great importance and are dency in 2014, I was keen to the official invitation of his Education and Scientific Re- committed to strengthening bi- develop Tunisia's relations with Tunisian counterpart. search. lateral cooperation further. the Arab world and in this con- During the meeting, the The minister also visited The Tunisian President text I visited several Arab coun- two sides discussed educa- the Arab League Education- expressed the hope that his tries. The visit to Qatar is part of tional issues along with the al, Cultural And Scientific three-day visit to Qatar would it,” he said. exchange of experiences and Organisation (ALECSO) and expand collaboration between On Libya, Essebsi said that best practices. They also dis- Zaytuna College. the two countries in mutually the crises is directly affecting beneficial areas. Tunisia considering the hun- Tunisia and Qatar are work- dreds of kilometres boarders ing continuously to achieve Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi speaks on Qatar-Tunisia relations in Tunis on Monday. between the two countries. He Foreign minister takes part in greater understanding as well reiterated his government's as exchanging opinions and December. tries to Tunisia. the event in an extraordinary support to the Libyan National ministerial meeting on Libya views on many issues of com- The visit will also witness He added that Tunisia manner setting a model for the Accord Government. mon concern, he added. the signing of new agreements looked forwards to a visit Arab countries,” he said. He further described the sit- QNA also expressed their willing- He added that during his in the economic, security and by the Emir His Highness He also expressed his readi- uation in Syria as ‘catastrophic’, VIENNA ness to provide support to the first official visit to Qatar as the other fields, he said. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al ness to employ all Tunisia's ex- pointing out that the destruc- Presidential Council to per- President of Tunisia a number The Tunisian President Thani to Tunisia to take Tu- periences and competencies to tion there has reached an ex- MINISTER of Foreign Affairs form its functions and duties of issues of common concern praised Qatar's strong and con- nisia-Qatar ties to a new level contribute to the success of the treme point. HE Sheikh Mohammed bin in Libya, particularly in deal- will be discussed, mainly the tinued support to Tunisia, not- of cooperation. 2022 World Cup. On Yemen, Essebsi said that Abdulrahman al Thani partici- ing with ISIS group. activation of agreements and ing that Qatar was among the President Essebsi also ex- Besides, Essebsi pointed to Yemen’s neighbouring coun- pated in the ministerial meet- The participating coun- memorandums of understand- first Arab countries to recognise pressed pride over the fact that the shared positions of Tunisia tries, particularly Saudi Arabia, ing on Libya held in Vienna on tries called on the government ing signed at the meetings of the Tunisian revolution. Qatar was the first Arab nation and Qatar on several regional have the right to take pre-emp- Monday and chaired by Italian to provide humanitarian aid in the Qatar-Tunisia Joint Higher He described the Qatari to have been selected for host- and international issues of com- tive action, to avoid the expan- Foreign Minister and US Sec- the eastern region, especially Committee, which convened in support for Tunisia as 'dis- ing FIFA World Cup 2022. mon concern, most importantly sion of the crisis to their ter- retary of State. in Benghazi. They stressed Doha under the chairmanship tinguished', noting Tunisia's “In Tunisia, we support Qa- the Libyan crisis which directly ritories. “Therefore all the Gulf Countries participating in their support for the efforts of the Tunisian Prime Minister keenness to boost cooperation tar wholeheartedly for hosting affects the situations in Tunisia. Cooperation Council (GCC) the meeting reiterated that the of the Special Representative and HE the Prime Minister and with Qatar which was at the the 2022 World Cup and we are With regard to Qatar's states have united towards this Presidential Council is the only of the UN Secretary-General Minister of Interior of Qatar in forefront of supporting coun- confident that Doha will host candidature to the post of the end,” he added. legitimate body in Libya. They Martin Kobler.

Traffic congestion level high in Qatar: Report ‘Cargo movement QDF forms scholarship totals 389,950 scheme for Syrian CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tonnes in 1st ACCORDING to the report, commuters quarter of 2016’ refugees in Canada experienced highest level of traffic conges- tion during morning time peak hours be- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tween 7 am and 8 am. QNA new languages, practical skills Traffic congestion during morning CARGO movement totalled DOHA and field training. hours was highest in November, while the 389,950 tonnes in the first quar- QDF Director-General Kha- evening-time traffic congestion was high- ter of 2016 with 125,907 tonnes QATAR Development Fund lifa bin Jassim al Kuwari said est during December. of cargo handled in January, (QDF) on Sunday announced the Qatar Development Fund The report said the traffic congestion 122,227 tonnes in February and a $1 million QatarLink Schol- has established the QatarLink level in Qatar seems high in compari- 141,815 tonnes in March. arship programme aimed at Scholarship programme to help son to other countries and this could be The airport ended the previ- supporting Syrian refugees in Syrian refugees residing in Can- due large number of road projects being Chairman of Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre Abdulla Zaid al Talib with other officials at a ous year on a strong note having Canada. ada to earn necessary skills that implemented in 2015. It said the steady press conference in Doha on Monday. (RAFEEK PALAYOOR) handled 30.9 million passen- In a statement issued on will pave the way for a secure growth in population and number of vehi- gers from January to December Monday, QDF said the initiative and stable future for them and cles in Qatar has adversely contributed to However, as the road network gets sta- infrastructure projects the congestion levels 2015. It handled a total of 1.4 comes as part of Qatar’s pledge their families. traffic problem. ble with the completion of major road and are expected to improve with time, it said. million tonnes of cargo as well made during the Syria Donors He said the academic and 212,252 aircraft movements. Conference held in London in training activities to be provid- “With the activation of February to provide $100 mil- ed by the programme will play a concourses D and E at HIA lion for Syrian refugees. key role in human development as well as the technological Qatar has worked in the process for the Syrian refugees. Airfares to many destinations to skyrocket at peak season advancements being imple- past years to support Syrian ref- Qatar’s Ambassador to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Istanbul, another sought- Qataris during summer, the Paris, once a favourite hol- mented in the terminal, we are ugees during their ordeal, said Canada HE Fahad Mohammed after destination for Qatari sources said, airfares to these iday destination for Qataris, is in a position to handle more the statement, explaining that Kafood said, through QatarLink AIRFARES to London, the nationals, will see fares climb- places will also increase in the not much in demand this year. passengers, aircraft and cargo the QatarLink programme was programme, QDF gives hope top destination for Qataris ing to QR2,300 from QR1030 range of 50 to 100 percent. “There are a very few book- movements than ever before. developed to provide a safe and for Syrian refugees, hoping that during summer holidays, from the start of the summer Ticket fare to Thailand, ings and enquires for Paris We expect a steady growth in stable life for Syrian refugees the initiative will receive sup- will also more than double season. which attracts a lot of young- this year. As the demand is numbers for the remaining and their families through an port from all parties in order to from the current QR2,900 to With Germany, Vienna and sters from Qatar, is also ex- not rising, we do not see a rise year as well,” said Engr. Badr intensive academic programme, support Syrian refugees to start around QR6,000 during the New York emerging as other pected to reach QR5,000 from in ticket prices,” an official of Mohammed al Meer, Chief Op- which would help them to earn a new life. peak season. favourite destinations for QR2,450. Cozmo Travel said. erating Officer at HIA. Conference focuses on move to preserve whale shark NHRC, BNIHR hold QNA DOHA training course to THE 4th International Whale Shark Conference (IWSC), promote rights hosted by the Ministry of Mu- nicipality and Environment QNA committed to protecting hu- and its partners Maersk Oil MANAMA man rights. Qatar and Qatar Whale Shark She noted that with grow- Research Project, kicked off in QATAR’S National Human ing awareness, the issues of Doha on Monday. Rights Committee (NHRC) human rights and fundamen- Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser in collaboration with Bah- tal freedoms have become the al Thani, assistant undersecre- rain National Institution for main subjects at all interna- tary of Agricultural Affairs and Human Rights (BNIHR) or- tional, regional and national Fish Resources, inaugurated ganised a three-day training conferences. the three-day event held un- course on promotion and pro- Attiyah thanked officials of der the patronage of Minister tection of human rights. the BNIHR for their keenness of Municipality and Environ- Qatar's Ambassador to and strenuous efforts to con- ment HE Mohammed bin Ab- Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser al Thani, assistant undersecretary of Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources at the Ministry of Municipality and Bahrain HE Sheikh Jassim bin tinue constructive partnership dullah al Rumaihi. Environment addresses participants at the 4th International Whale Shark Conference in Doha on Monday. Mohammed bin Saud al Thani with the NHRC. Faleh lauded the attention attended the inauguration of For his part, Farid Ghazi, given to the Qatari environ- change of information and IWSC, aimed at promoting ing which participants will providing a forum for sharing the training course. BNIHR member and head of ment under the leadership of panel discussions. international cooperation in submit summaries and pres- international experience and During the inauguration Committee on Economic Af- the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim He thanked Maersk Oil Qa- the field of preservation of the entations designed to share expertise, setting research and of the training session, NHRC fairs, said that the session bin Hamad al Thani. tar for its efforts in supporting whale shark, brings together knowledge and explore meas- conservation priorities, promot- Secretary-General Maryam comes in order to facilitate He hoped the confer- environment projects in order to 100 participants, including 75 ures that contribute to the pro- ing international collaboration bint Abdullah al Attiyah partnership amongst local, ence will achieve the desired safeguard the environment and scientists from 28 countries. tection of whale sharks. and summarising the status of stressed the need for estab- regional and international hu- objectives through the ex- conserve biological diversity. It includes workshops dur- The emphasis will be on knowledge on whale sharks. lishing national institutions man rights institutions. Nation Tuesday, May 17, 2016 03

Customers who book holiday packages with Qatar Airways Holidays until May 25 can benefit from the discount on their summer holiday of choice to any one of 15 worldwide destinations. QA offers 25% summer discount on some routes for GCC residents

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Travellers looking for a short hop to will discover discounted flight and hotel deals to the best destinations; there’s an agent at one of the Qatar Airways Holi- DOHA Dubai or Abu Dhabi, a beach break in the stays across Qatar Airways Holidays’ col- something for everyone in this super sum- day shops. Maldives or Phuket, or a global city escape lection of four and five star hotels. mer sale from exotic beach breaks to ex- Qatar Airways Holidays is the leisure QATAR Airways Holidays is offering resi- to London, Paris, Bangkok or Singapore, Hotels participating in the sum- ploring the world’s top cities. travel division of Qatar Airways. It offers dents from across the GCC up to 25 per- will find something on offer in this spec- mer promotion include luxury boutique “Qatar Airways Holidays design holi- a range of holiday packages for travellers. cent discount on select worldwide flight- tacular summer sale. resorts and well-known international days around the individual, from organis- Travellers planning holidays can inclusive holiday packages in its super Qatar Airways Holidays provides brands such as the Sheraton, Shangri-La ing airport transfers to booking itinerar- choose flights and accommodation, book summer sale. exceptional tailor-made travel experi- and Anantara to name a few. ies, tours and even car hire, they can take transfers, insurance and destination ac- Customers who book holiday packages ences by working in partnership with the Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Of- care of all the details, leaving travellers tivities all with Qatar Airways Holidays with Qatar Airways Holidays until May 25 world’s best transfer operators and tour ficer Dr Hugh Dunleavy said: “The holiday free to look forward to the experience.” from Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, could benefit from 25 percent discount on organisers. season is something we look forward to, Customers can visit https://www.qa- Saudi Arabia and Oman to more than 150 their summer holiday of choice to any one GCC residents booking their holidays and what better way to start your holiday tarairwaysholidays.com/qa-en/offers/ Qatar Airways destinations worldwide of 15 worldwide destinations and choose online, or at one of Qatar Airways Holi- than with a discounted booking. Qatar super-summer-sale/ to book or mention and beyond to over 1,000 tourism global from more than 80 participating hotels. days shops, for travel until June 30, 2016, Airways Holidays is offering some great 'Super Summer Sale' when booking with destinations. Flight service to Armenia capital launched QA gets new system TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to manage fleet DOHA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK today is second to none in its QATAR Airways (QA) on Monday add- DOHA ability to serve the needs of ed Armenia to its global route map and our flight dispatchers, opera- commenced four times weekly service QATAR Airways (QA) on tions control staff and others.” between Doha and Yerevan. Monday announced the suc- TOPS’ Flight Watch, The inaugural flight touched down cessful completion and im- launched in 2015, offers op- in the early hours and was greeted by a plementation of a new fleet erations personnel multiple traditional water salute. management system called filters such as weather pat- Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial TOPS that allows the airline terns, flight path routing Officer Dr Hugh Dunleavy, who trav- to optimally schedule aircraft and restricted or prohibited elled onboard the inaugural flight with and better manage flights, ul- air space so that the team of Armenia’s Ambassador to Qatar HE Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Dr Hugh Dunleavy at the press conference along with Qatar Airways Senior Manager timately driving a more effi- professionals in the airline’s Gegham Gharibjanian were greeted at Commercial - Eastern Europe, Giovanni Simonini and Zvartnots International Airport General Manager Marcelo Wende. cient and effective airline for Integrated Operations Cen- the arrival gate by Yerevan’s Zvartnots its passengers. tre have near-perfect aware- International Airport Deputy General TOPS, which stands for ness of each airborne flight Manager Andranik Shkhyan. Total Operations System, and the ability to quickly Yerevan is the cultural, political integrates data from multi- communicate with the flight and industrial capital of Armenia and ple sources and produces a deck. offers business and leisure passengers holistic view of the airline’s “TOPS was developed a rich and diverse experience. With a operation, from the global in-house by Qatar Airways city backdrop of the snow-capped Cau- scale to the individual flight staff partnering with Wipro, casus mountain range and situated on level, in order to anticipate a global IT services pro- the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is one of and notify operations staff of vider in a co-funded and the world’s oldest cities. any potential issue and pro- co-development model that Qatar Airways Group Chief Ex- vide solution options. has proven successful in the ecutive Akbar al Baker said: “We are Qatar Airways Group past,” said Srinivasan A T, delighted to commence service to Chief Executive Akbar al Bak- Qatar Airways’ Chief Infor- Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. As er said: “Qatar Airways started mation Officer. we expand our global network, it is developing an all-encompass- “Our next iteration will crucial that we connect economically ing tool for fleet management incorporate crew manage- important and powerful regions such in 2014, knowing that our ment optimisation tools, as Armenia to our worldwide route of- growth trajectory would re- which, when complete, fering, in particular those travelling on quire us to utilise technology will contribute to the to- our latest US route additions of Boston, The inaugural flight to Yerevan was greeted by a traditional water salute. in order to scale our ability to tal operations system we Los Angeles and soon to be launched command and control the op- originally envisioned. We Atlanta. Business and leisure passen- weekly schedule, featuring a two-class ing freight between Yerevan and Doha a quick and convenient transfer at the eration. We elected to develop will not stop here and will gers from around the world can now cabin configuration comprising of 12 and onwards to Qatar Airways Cargo’s Hamad International Airport. It offers the technology internally, tak- continue to invest in the connect seamlessly to Armenia through seats in business slass and 132 econo- global network. more than 100 retail and dining op- ing advantage of our world- system to ensure that our our hub, Hamad International Airport.” my class seats. The new service will add Passengers flying from Yerevan and tions and services such as a swimming class IT team. Our system, airline operations, enabled The airline will fly the Airbus A320 a total of 48 tonnes of belly-hold capac- onwards to any of more than 150 des- pool, hotel and spa, designed for those called TOPS, has undergone by TOPS, always continue direct to and from Yerevan on the four- ity weekly on the A320 aircraft, deliver- tinations on Qatar Airways will enjoy in transit. a number of iterations, and to be the best-in-class.”

Qatar Red Crescent Society’s assessment team, which returned to Doha on Monday, examined the humanitarian and medical conditions in Myanmar, including health care, water and sanitation. QRCS team examines humanitarian conditions in Myanmar

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK It evaluated the QRCS’s districts with the local commu- tarian Affairs (OCHA), the of the beneficiaries. lation to lead a normal life. people benefited from QRCS’s DOHA mobile clinics programme, nity and camp management Office of the United Nations Based on the assess- QRCS is developing a strategy relief programme, which in- launched in 2013, following committees. They were helped High Commissioner for Refu- ment, the current humanitar- to improve its humanitarian cluded building 480 tempo- QATAR Red Crescent Soci- clashes in the Rakhine state. by interpreters from Myanmar gees (UNHCR), Danish Refu- ian needs include shelter solu- services there. rary houses with 60 water ety’s (QRCS) assessment team Over a week, the team ob- Red Cross Society (MRCS). gee Council (DRC) and the De- tions, extension of health care QRCS’s mission in My- pumps and 180 toilets, with has examined the humanitar- served the shelter, sewage and To ensure non-duplication partment of Health in Sittwe, services and capacity-building anmar was opened in 2012 more 60 pumps installed in ian and medical conditions in water supply conditions in and coordination with local the capital of Rakhine. for the local community, espe- to help the victims of conflict nearby towns. Myanmar. The team, which camps and towns. They met and international partners, it The team delivered a cially as the monsoon season in Rakhine, which displaced QRCS also established 670 returned to Doha on Monday, the affected families in four held coordination meetings power generator to MRCS as is approaching. 140,000 people, 118,000 of income-generation projects in examined different sectors in towns and four camps. with the World Health Organi- a contribution from QRCS to Another aspect of interven- whom still live in 39 substand- Sittwe. Three mobile clinics that country, including health They held seven focus sation (WHO), the Office for build capacity of its host coun- tion is the livelihood support ard camps. continue to serve the camps care, water and sanitation. group discussions in six target the Coordination of Humani- terpart in catering to the needs to enable the affected popu- Over three years, 84,000 and adjacent towns. 04 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Nation

NEWS IN BRIEF

Advisory Council holds meet THE Advisory Council on Monday discussed the report of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee on a draft law on the control on tobacco and its derivatives. The council, which met under the chairmanship of Speaker of Advisory Council HE Mo- hammed bin Mubarak al Khulaifi, decided to submit its recom- mendations to the cabinet. (QNA) Awqaf receives 2 new mosques THE Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) received two new mosques in Hazm Al Markhiya and South Khalifa this month. The new mosque at Hazm Al Markhiya can accommodate 735 worshippers. Besides a residence for imam, it has a Quran memorisation centre. The mosque in South Khalifa can accommodate 448 worshippers in addition to the residence of imam and muezzin. (QNA) Lebanese PM meets Qatari envoy Qatar Charity project also included establishing a school for preparatory and secondary students and a health centre. LEBANESE Prime Minister Tammam Salam met Qatar’s Ambas- sador to Lebanon HE Ali bin Hamad al Marri in Beirut. They discussed bilateral ties and matters of common interest. (QNA) QC project aids 5,000 Bangladeshis GCC Legislative Councils’ meet starts in Kuwait TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK change in the lives of the inhabitants. school for preparatory and secondary “We thank the philanthropists DOHA Khaled Abdullah al Yaf'i, director of students, a health centre, a mosque, from Qatar for the initiative. Helping THE 19th meeting of the general secretaries of GCC parlia- Operations at QC’s executive manage- a centre for Quran memorisation, a our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh ments, national assemblies and advisory councils began in QATAR Charity (QC) has completed a ment, said, “As a result of the difficult home for social care and artesian wells. is part of the Qatari people’s religious Kuwait on Monday. Qatar is taking part in the meeting. Its comprehensive development project circumstances the people of the town It also included distribution of farm and moral duty towards all the needy delegation is headed by Advisory Council’s Secretary-General in Datyabara in Bangladesh, benefit- and neighbouring villages suffered lands among 30 needy families that around the world,” he added. HE Fahad bin Mubarak al Khayareen. In his opening speech, ing 5,000 people in the town and also from, QC prioritised working on this had no source of income. Datayabara is part of Medonghar Kuwait National Assembly Speaker Marzouq al Ghanim af- those living in neighbouring villages. project to ensure they overcame their Yaf'i said that while planning and in Bangladesh. The town is around firmed the importance of ‘parliamentary diplomacy’ as an ef- The project, which sought to im- conditions. QC sought to provide the setting its strategies for Bangladesh, 260km from Dhaka and has very poor fective tool in resolving conflicts. The meeting will discuss the prove skills and potential of individu- people with the basic needs of educa- QC ensures to cover all fields, includ- connectivity. The conditions get worse concept of ‘parliamentary diplomacy’ and its role in serving the als and families by providing them tion, health, drinking water and sanita- ing development projects, in accord- during the rainy season when the only interests of the GCC states. (QNA) with resources, production tools and tion facilities.” ance with the country’s development way to reach the village is onmotor- income, has brought about significant The project included establishing a plans. bikes and boats. Niger honour for Qatar Charity efforts TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE chief of Corie munici- pality in Niger honoured Qatar Charity (QC) for its efforts in developing the re- gion. QC has been involved in rehabilitation work since 2008- 2015. The honouring event took place in Corie, 70km The QR4,500,000 project has benefited 812 people. from capital Niamey. Ami- ro Hamed, county chief; Hamadu Salivo, mayor; QC builds 116 houses for Hima Amadu, deputy mayor; and Hassan Eissa, secretary-general, attended flood-hit Niger families the event. QC has spent QATAR Charity (QC) has built clothes from QC and other QR3,463,413 for devel- 116 houses for poor families charity organisations. oping Corie region. It hit by floods in Niger. Meanwhile, QC has has helped improve liv- A total of 812 people ben- continued to implement its ing standards of residents efited from the project worth agricultural projects to achieve through income-generat- QR4,500,000. food security. It signed a ing projects. The project was launched partnership agreement with As part of its Benevolent by QC after the heavy rains Food and Agriculture Organisa- Loans Program, QC imple- of 2011 and the subsequent tion in Niger to implement the mented multiple projects, floods that hit the city, washing planting of vegetables project including supplying grain away clay houses and leaving for the years 2015 and 2016, banks with 606 tonnes of thousands homeless. which has so far benefited grains, distributing 3,749 The beneficiaries thanked 3000 people in Niger. sheep and 580 cows, offer- the philanthropists from Qatar Through this project, it ing sewing machines and for their generous support distributed 313.18 kgs of veg- backing 72 small business A sum of QR3,463,413 has been spent for developing the Corie region. through which QC was able to etables seeds, one tonne of po- projects. It also distributed build these houses. tato seeds and 10.85 tonnes seeds and manure. fers with manual pumps and food security programme in people benefited from the pro- drinking water to 35,750 fam- The project helped allevi- of corn seeds among farmers. QC implemented two artisan aquifers with a Niger in the beginning of 2007. gramme, which focused mainly ilies and their cattle at a cost ate their suffering and met The total amount of seeds was projects such as a health tank, built five mosques and It was launched because of on income-generating projects. of QR2,500,000. A sum of their needs. In addition, the 11 tonnes and 266 kgs and its centre in Babussai village, a Quran memorisation centre. the food crises it faced due to In 2015, QC drilled 70 QR248,160,000 was donated beneficiaries were happy to distribution cost $43,500 and provided six artisan aqui- QC first implemented a drought. A total of 800,000 wells in Niger, providing for supporting orphans. receive urgent food aid and $9,301. (TNN)

MEC recalls Sony Vaio laptop batteries QNA DOHA

THE Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has announced the recall of Sony Vaio laptop batter- Public AnnouncementAnnounce ies VGP-BPS26 due to overheating in battery mod- els SVE1413 and SVE1513 Series, which were sold with a battery problem. The models - VPCCB14/3/2/ Notice to Remotely Pilotedil d Air Ai Systems S Series, SVE14113/2/ Series, SVE14A13/2/ Series, SVE15123/ Series, VPCEH12/ Series, SVE17123/ Se- (RPAS)()p Operators ries and VPCEJ12/ Series – which had battery prob- lems during maintenance, have also been recalled. Commonly referred to as “Drones” The recall is part of the ministry’s efforts to ensure the dealers follow up on defects and repair them. The Pursuant to the provisions of Law No.15 of 2002 on Civil Aviation, ministry has urged consumers to report any abuses or irregularities to the Department of Consumer Pro- Unmanned Air Systems are prohibited to operate in the territorial tection and Commercial Fraud Combat. airspace of the State of Qatar without a prior authorization issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Whereas the Civil Aviation Authority noted with concern the recent rise in the popularity of the unauthorized use of automated or Seminar on ‘Diabetes and Remotely Piloted Air Vehicles, in violation of the provisions of the Civil Aviation Law. Ramadan’ on May 17 Whereas such unauthorized use poses serious threats and hazards to the State Air Safety and Air Navigation. L N MALLICK DOHA Accordingly, the Civil Aviation Authority hereby warns RPAS Operators against the operation of RPAS systems without a prior THE Pakistan Welfare Forum (PEF) will organise a authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority. seminar titled ‘Diabetes and Ramadan’ at Sapphire The Civil Aviation Authority calls upon RPAS Operators to comply Plaza Hotel on May 17. with the provisions of above-mentioned law, and reiterates Qatar Diabetes Association President Dr Abdul- its endeavors to eliminate such violations through taking the lah al Hamaq will attend the event as the chief guest. Charge D’Affaires at the Pakistan Embassy Wajid necessary legal action, in coordination with the competent Hassan Hashmi will be the guest of honour. authorities, against proven violators of the provisions of the Law Glucose levels and blood pressure will be checked on Civil Aviation. by the Al Emadi Hospital staff. Dr Ibrahim Mustafa Treki, Dr Mohamed al Ema- di, Dr Ghassan Hommos and Aysha Saqer will speak Any further inquiries should be addressed to: on diabetes, nutrition and obesity. The event, to be held from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Civil Aviation Authority, Tel. +974 44557333, E-mail: [email protected] will be supported by Al Khayarin Group, Al Emadi Hospital and Sapphire Plaza Hotel. Nation Tuesday, May 17, 2016 05 Shisha smoking is as harmful as cigarette: Expert TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK smoke from cigarettes. the US and Europe in recent that the water only cools the periodontal disease and lung DOHA Speaking at WCM-Q to years, particularly among young smoke, it doesn’t filter out tox- cancer. Expectant mothers an audience of physicians, people. Many people mistak- icants,” he said. who smoke shisha while preg- THE harmful effects of smok- researchers, students and enly believe that shisha is not as In fact, chemical analysis of nant can give birth to children ing shisha were discussed by healthcare professionals, Prof harmful or addictive as smoking waterpipe and cigarette smoke with low birth weight. an expert in tobacco research Eissenberg said, “Nicotine de- cigarettes. In fact, shisha can ac- conducted in the laboratory by Calling for more research and nicotine dependence at pendence is indicated by com- tually be more harmful because Prof Eissenberg found that the into the effects of waterpipe the latest instalment of Weill pulsion to use, impaired ability of the way it is smoked, Prof Eis- smoke from a 45-minute shi- smoking and more work to Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s to quit and preoccupation with senberg explained. sha session exposed a smoker raise awareness of its dangers, (WCM-Q) Grand Rounds. use, and research has shown “With a waterpipe, because to 1.7 times the amount of nico- Prof Eissenberg added: “Why Professor Thomas Eissen- that at least some waterpipe the water cools the smoke and tine, and contained 8.4 times should we care about water- berg, director of the Center for smokers meet these criteria. the draw resistance of the pipe the amount of harmful carbon pipe smoking? Because our the Study of Tobacco Products We should care about that de- is so low, it’s very easy to inhale monoxide and a massive 36 youth are getting addicted to it at Virginia Commonwealth pendence because this form of a lot of smoke – up to 50 litres times the amount of tar, as the and it’s killing them.” University in the United tobacco use is associated with of smoke over a 45-minute use smoke from one cigarette over Dr Thurayya Arayssi, asso- States, said research shows substantial user toxicant expo- period, compared to around a five-minute period. ciate dean for Continuing Pro- that tobacco smoke from shi- sure as well as disease burden.” one litre of smoke that is con- Just like cigarette smok- fessional Development, con- sha contains many of the same Smoking shisha or narghila Professor Thomas Eissenberg, an expert on the harmful effects of sumed by someone smoking a ers, shisha smokers put them- cluded: “We are very grateful to poisons and can cause addic- has experienced huge growth in tobacco products, visited Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar from the US cigarette over about five min- selves at greater risk of diseas- Professor Eissenberg for speak- tion in the same way as the popularity in the Middle East, to speak about the health dangers of smoking shisha. utes. It’s important to know es like bronchitis, emphysema, ing at the Grand Rounds.” Hepatitis C, HIV saliva-based STEM teacher detection technology to be training meet held TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in Education Conference provides DOHA Qatar’s teachers with high-quality STEM activities and opportunities to showcased at medical meet THE 7th Annual Exploring ICT in share best practices that will impact Education Conference was opened teachers’ ability to engage students CATHERINE W GICHUKI by Hissa al Aali, Director of Training in STEM subjects. STEM is at the DOHA and Educational Development Cen- heart of what we do at CNA-Q. We tre at the Ministry of Education and teach technological skills and STEM SALIVA-BASED detection of Hep- Higher Education, held at the College programmes ensure students are atitis C and Human Immunodefi- of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) ready to be successful in the increas- ciency Virus (HIV) will be one of on Saturday. ingly technology-rich workplace of the laboratory technologies to will The conference was attended by Qatar. We feel a sense of pride, and be discussed at the Qatar Interna- Dr Khalid al Horr, Director of the certainly a sense of duty, in hosting tional Medical Congress (QIMC), Higher Education Institute and mem- the 7th Annual Exploring ICT in Ed- which will take place at the Doha ber of CNA-Q’s Joint Oversight Board, ucation Conference.” Exhibition and Convention Center and sponsored by Maersk Oil Qatar. Over the past number of years, we between May 18 and 20. Attended by more than 500 teach- have worked very closely with Mae- Speaking at a media roundtable ers from schools across Qatar, the rsk Oil Qatar, who share our goals to announce the speakers for the event is one of the largest professional of improving educational practices second edition of QIMC, Venture development conferences in the coun- related to STEM and encouraging Partner at SPIRE Bioventures Hi- try. The theme this year is ‘Using ICT more young Qataris to choose STEM- cham Jorio said that the technol- to enhance STEM skills in schools’, related careers. We are confident ogy is offered by OraSure Technol- featuring more than 50 workshops in that the projects on which we have ogy, a US-based company. a range of areas, including ‘Using ro- collaborated, such as Exploring ICT He said, “Hepatitis C is a major botics in education’, ‘Teaching smart in Education conference and the Go problem in the Middle East and it is with interactive web tools’, ‘Making Robot project, will have a lasting and expensive to do the test because it learning fun with technology’ and significant effect on the human capital is currently blood-based. With this ‘Creative Assessment Techniques needed to contribute to the goals of technology, the test can be con- through Technology’. the Qatar National Vision 2030.” ducted in an open setting. This is Moza al Naimi, Head of Qatari- Among the participants is Maersk the only company in the world that sation at Maersk Oil Qatar, said: Oil Qatar’s Teach for Qatar Fellow has the saliva-based detection for “In the past five years, Maersk Oil Mohammed Abdulrahman al Janahi, Hepatitis C and HIV. Officials at a media roundtable to discuss the second edition of QIMC in Doha on Monday. Qatar has become one of the larg- who teaches at Al-Ahnaf Bin Qais In- “The company is coming to est private sector sponsors of STEM dependent Preparatory School. Mo- Qatar to partner with the Al Maha Dr Reda Rawi from Qatar facturing companies to Qatar. “We he said. education in Qatar. Our investments hammed was seconded to the school Group in order to manufacture and Computing Research Institute ex- are working on a medical device, a Al Maha Medical Busi- are designed to bring meaningful from Maersk Oil Qatar in 2014 and distribute the device in the region. pressed belief that drugs cannot be first of its kind cardio device that ness Development Manager long-term benefits to Qatar for gen- will be delivering a series of work- Qatar can be the number one ex- developed without basic research. can detect the amount of stress that Hamza Zerroug said that the erations to come by supporting stu- shops on ‘Creating engaging media for porter of this kind of technology in “Ninety to 95 percent of research a patient is going through. So, if it company works in distribut- dent and teacher development, and the classroom’. the Middle East and Africa.” comes from universities and re- is brought to Qatar, it will be very ing medical, pharmaceutical and investing in new technologies for The workshop is drawn from his On a different note, Jorio em- search institutes because the ideas useful,” Benosman said. paramedical items. schools and universities.” experience in applying his innovative phasised the importance of re- come from there. If Qatar invests in Aftab Arif from CloudClinik said Al Maha Medical Executive Dr Ken MacLeod, president of teaching techniques in mathemat- search as the country does not need research, though the outcome will the company will showcase digital Manager Mourad Mellah said, “We CNA-Q, said, “We know the value ics to inspire his students. During his to rely on the West whenever there not be seen in a few years, invest- solutions at the event. “We develop are more focused on the confer- of engaging students in STEM at an time at Al-Ahnaf Bin Qais, his pupils’ is a problem. He said, “It is good ing in research is very important,” an Internet-based platform which ence. There will be 14 speakers, early age. Research shows that teach- grades saw a noticeable improve- to have a basic research so that Rawi said. allows patients and their doctors including seven from Qatar and ers and engaging teaching method- ment, much of which he puts down to at least if something comes up in Dr Mourad Benosman from to go online and access their medi- the rest from outside. We have ologies can have a significant impact being able to engage through fun and the country, you have expertise to Qatar Science Technology Park cal history. The technology helps speakers from the US, the UK on students’ interest and success in inspiring interaction and application cure it.” stressed the need to bring manu- in providing paperless records,” and Germany.” STEM subjects. The Exploring ICT of technology. Woman’s Hospital’s Kangaroo Care improves pre-term babies health REQUIRED

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK gestation at Women’s Hospital DOHA when her parents, Andrea and Tim Sharpe, were visiting friends A Part Time WOMEN’S Hospital – a member working in Qatar. of Hamad Medical Corporation “Our plan to visit some (HMC) - recently recognised In- friends in Qatar took an unex- ternational Kangaroo Care Day pected turn when I went into Professional to highlight efforts of its clini- premature labour,” said And- cians to encourage pre-term rea. “Chloe’s sudden birth was babies’ mothers to make skin- unexpected and our world was to-skin contact with their tiny turned upside down. Thankfully, French Teacher babies in order to speed up their we were in the perfect place to recovery process. receive the very best in neonatal An important practice in the care. With the help of the doc- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit tors, nurses and other staff in We are looking for a motivated and (NICU), Kangaroo Care is encour- the Women’s Hospital’s NICU, aged for pre-term or low birth our tiny baby girl grew stronger committed part time teacher weight infants. each day,” added Andrea. The practice centres around “For the one hour I was prac- with the qualifications below: parents having skin to skin con- tising Kangaroo Care, the nurses tact with their baby by placing told me to ignore the monitors them on their chest using a blan- and concentrate on the feeling of ket over the baby’s back to keep Chloe’s skin, her breath, her smell, • Preferably a French native SPEAKER him/her warm. her noises and her weight on my “Kangaroo Care plays an chest. It was scary at first holding integral part in a baby’s recov- my fragile baby on me, but after • With relevant experience in teaching ery process. The warmth of a a few times, it gave me comfort mother’s skin, the comfort of knowing Chloe was responding primary students (experience certificate her smell and the sound of her and her health was improving by steady heartbeat and breathing, feeling my skin on hers.” and/or references will be an advantage) will provide comfort to her baby. Chloe suffered from prema- It will also help improve a baby’s Andrea holding Chloe in the Women’s Hospital’s NICU. ture labour. During her early oxygen levels and regulate their days in the NICU, she would • Female applicants only heart rate and breathing,” said stop breathing while sleeping, Dr Hilal al Rifai, Medical Direc- ‘Kangaroo Care plays an integral part in a baby’s had suspected infections, high tor of Women’s Hospital and recovery process. The warmth of a mother’s skin, the temperatures and required a • The salary is negotiable. (per hour rate) Director of Neonatal/Perinatal comfort of her smell and the sound of her steady blood transfusion. Services at HMC. heartbeat and breathing, will provide comfort to her “The NICU staff provided us Studies show that this moth- baby. It will also help improve a baby’s oxygen levels with constant support while we er-baby bonding technique helps and regulate their heart rate and breathing’ were in their care. The Occupa- babies to gain weight more rap- tional Therapists helped us get Interested Applicants idly, reduces infection, helps reg- Dr Hilal al Rifai Chloe to take a bottle and finally ulate their sleep cycles, promotes to breastfeed and the nurses may submit their CVs to: breastfeeding and ultimately aids showed us the importance of in enabling an earlier discharge cians run a morning class for The effectiveness of Kanga- practicing Kangaroo Care, a from hospital so that babies can parents where they are shown roo Care was highlighted when practice I am convinced really chairmansoffi[email protected] be together with their family. how to practise Kangaroo Care Chloe was delivered by emer- helped with Chloe’s recovery,” In Women’s Hospital, clini- with their baby. gency C-section at 26 weeks Andrea added. 06 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Nation QM lines up 7 international expos

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK East and West, the exhibition DOHA will offer visitors an opportu- nity to appreciate the profun- QATAR Museums (QM) will dity and richness of Chinese present a range of seven ex- culture and traditions from a hibitions throughout the year number of perspectives. in Qatar and China under the QM will again launch guidance of QM Chairperson ‘Pearls: Jewels from the Sea’, HE Sheikha al Mayassa bint which this time will travel to Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani. China, to be on show at the In the coming months, National Museum of China, QM will open a number of from September 27. The exhi- expos in Qatar, including a bition will present the history world-class retrospective ex- and legend, mythology and hibition by Iraqi artist Dia al meaning of pearls and pearl Azzawi, which will be unique jewellery from Qatar and in that it will be open to the around the world, and contain public in two venues at the more than 100 pieces from same time: Mathaf: Arab Mu- around the world including seum of Modern Art and QM the Gulf, Europe and Asia. Gallery Al Riwaq. The exhibition reflects There is also the unveiling In the coming months, Qatar Museums will open a number of expos in Qatar, including QM’s focus on art, creativity of Asli Çavusoglu’s Red/Red, a retrospective exhibition by Iraqi artist Dia al Azzawi. and heritage. an installation which will Finally, a unique joint be on display at the Mathaf: Taking place at both From May 22 until Sep- waste in less than a fraction of exhibition documenting a Arab Museum of Modern Art Mathaf and Al Riwaq in Octo- tember 11, Turkish artist Asli As one of the major highlights of the year-long that time. recently held exchange pro- Project Space. The other up- ber this year, QM will present Çavusoglu will display her in- cultural exchange initiative, Qatar Museums will This September, the gramme between photogra- coming exhibitions include a monograph of one of the stallation ‘Red/Red’ at Math- launch ‘Pearls: Jewels from the Sea’ at the National Qatar-China 2016 Year of phers from Doha and the Zhe- the annual end of residency most renowned modern art- af: Arab Museum of Modern Museum of China in Beijing Culture will present the ex- jiang Province Department of exhibition at the Fire Station ists of the Arab world: Dia al Art Project Space. The instal- hibition ‘Treasures of China’. Culture in China will present and Fragments, an exhibi- Azzawi. The exhibition, show- lation comprises 17 pieces, in- Terracotta soldiers from the different aspects of the cul- tion by Iraqi-Canadian artist casing 350 works across 50 cluding handmade notebooks close on June 2. The occasion Opening on October 18 at First Emperor’s Terracotta tures and societies of both Mahmoud Obaidi. years and a range of media, of drawings and paintings will be celebrated with the an- the QM Gallery in Katara Cul- Army will be on show at the countries. The photography As part of the Qatar- aims at mapping an itinerary made with red pigments from nual end of residency exhibi- tural Village, QM will present Museum of Islamic Art, where exhibition, which is designed China Year of Culture 2016, of modernism and profiles the Armenia and Turkey. tion at the Garage Gallery. ‘Fragments’, an exhibition visitors will get a chance to to showcase the best works QM will launch the exhibi- practice of the Iraqi artist. The Çavusoglu will deliver a Celebrating the accomplish- by Mahmoud Obaidi. In this meet the warriors who guard- from Qatari and Chinese pho- tion ‘Treasures of China’ at retrospective is organised into related public talk on May 22, ments of the current artists exhibition, the artist retraces ed a hidden empire. tographers, aims to capture the Museum of Islamic Art in two parts, with each one trac- during which she will discuss in residence, it will showcase the ‘organised chaos’ that led The exhibition will display real people in their natural Doha and host a joint exhibi- ing a trajectory of the artist’s the disappearance of Armeni- selected works from the art- to the destruction of Iraq, and 101 pieces dating from the environments. Photographers tion with the Zhejiang Prov- practice: one charting the re- an red as a material, and also ists from their nine months presents a response to wit- Neolithic period to the Qing from two different nations ince Department of Culture lation between image and text how she views her work as in residency, incorporating a nessing the city of Baghdad Dynasty, spanning over 5,000 documented their journeys as in both the QM Gallery in in Azzawi’s work and the other a proposal for a model of co- variety of processes, research, fall piece by piece. years of China’s history. Pot- moments captured in time; Katara and in the province of following the artist’s engage- existence for the inhabitants prototypes and finished out- In his work Obaidi recre- teries, bronzes, jades, porce- engaging in an inspiring ex- Zhejiang in China. ment with the key moments of the region to protect and comes. The exhibition will ates what has been stolen or lains, gold, silver, enamel and change of artistic discovery As one of the major high- in the political history of mod- develop the natural ecosystem celebrate the accomplish- destroyed to try to piece the many other Chinese treasures and cultural dialogue. The ex- lights of the year-long cultural ern Iraq and the Arab world. that produces the pigment. ments of the artists who have city back together again. The will be on show, selected from hibition will open in the QM exchange initiative, QM will Curated by Catherine David, After nine successful experimented with pushing exhibition shows how Obaidi 11 museums and heritage in- Gallery in Katara Cultural Vil- launch ‘Pearls: Jewels from the exhibition is scheduled to months, the current Artist in the boundaries of creativity to is grappling with the destruc- stitutions from across China. lage in October 2016, and then the Sea’ at the National Mu- open on October 16 at Mathaf Residency programme at the raise the bar in contemporary tion of an 8,000-year-old civi- Aimed at reflecting the in- in the province of Zhejiang, seum of China in Beijing. and October 17 at Al Riwaq. Fire Station will draw to a art in the region. lisation, which has been laid tegration between cultures of China in November 2016.

Ooredoo launches CNA-Q Business School Calligraphy ‘BizStore’ service workshop

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK deals available. receives re-accreditation at Katara DOHA To ensure that Ooredoo BizStore is accessible to all, QNA OOREDOO launched Ooredoo Ooredoo is providing customer DOHA BizStore, an exclusive service access via smartphone and for customers that provides SMS, so that 2G, 3G, 4G and THE Cultural Village Foun- the latest discounts for stores 4G+ users can all enjoy the in- dation (Katara) is organising and retailers across Qatar, all credible offers. the Roqaa Arabic calligraphy through one easily-accessed Smartphone users can workshop by Syrian calligra- portal, on Monday. download the Ooredoo BizStore pher Nasser al Hamwi from Designed for everyone in app for just QR9 per week and May 26 to 28. Qatar, Ooredoo BizStore pro- enjoy unlimited access to the Hamwi said the workshop vides dedicated discounts for application with an unlimited will provide opportunities for young people, business people, number of discounts. It is avail- beginners interested in Ara- families, visitors and more, giv- able for Android users and will bic calligraphy and help them ing customers instant access to be available soon for IOS users. discover this art through the latest and best offers, in- Customers using feature Roqaa Arabic calligraphy. cluding a range of exclusives. phones can use the SMS ver- The certification was granted by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The Syrian calligrapher The Ooredoo BizStore in- sion, which is available for QR3 said in a statement on Mon- cludes sections on top deals, top per week and provides three TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK re-accreditation certifies that Studies is CNA-Q’s largest fac- attended by key industry repre- day that the workshop is malls, restaurants, shopping, deals per day. When customers DOHA CNA-Q meets all key indicators ulty with over 650 currently sentatives. The accreditor not- based on practical exercises lifestyle and fashion, education want more deals, they can send to prepare students for suc- enrolled students. The school ed that positive feedback from aimed at demonstrating how and entertainment, with cus- an SMS and purchase addition- COLLEGE of the North Atlan- cessful careers in Qatar’s busi- offers certificate and diploma industry as well as the alumni to compose Roqaa clipped let- tomers only a click away from al options for QR 0.05 per deal. tic - Qatar (CNA-Q) recently ness sector by providing quality programmes in Accounting, of the school is a testament to ters made of short, straight the latest and best offers. By To subscribe to the SMS service, received a 10-year international technical education. Human Resource Manage- the quality and value of the lines and simple curves as choosing discounts, customers customers simply have to send re-accreditation for the eleven “The programmes of the ment, Marketing, Banking and CNA-Q business programmes. well as its straight and even can enjoy immediate bonuses SUB BIZ to 92806. In partner- programmes that make up its School of Business Studies are Office Administration. The accreditor also made lines of text in a grammatical- with a huge range of outlets. ship with TESS Tech, Ooredoo School of Business Studies. designed to meet the needs of The school was first ac- note of CNA-Q’s qualified fac- ly correct, beautiful, balanced Participating hotels, res- has launched this service to The certification was grant- industry by providing certi- credited by ACBSP in 2006, ulty who are deeply committed and coordinated manner. taurants, stores and retail provide the best discounts plat- ed by the Accreditation Council fied job ready employees to and since that time, more than to student success, the focus The workshop will give outlets include W Hotel, Ap- form for its customers. for Business Schools and Pro- the workforce. In addition, 1,400 graduates have received on small class sizes and the the participants a historical parel Group (Tim Hortons, Fatima Sultan al Kuwari, grams (ACBSP). The ACBSP is our students graduate with credentials with this interna- exceptional hands-on learning background on the Roqaa Cold Stone Creamery), Galaxy director, Community and Pub- the leading specialised accredi- an academic foundation that tional stamp of approval to help evidenced by numerous busi- style, the traditional Arabic Sports, QGym, QSports, Al lic Relations, Ooredoo, said: tation association for business allows them to achieve their them progress in their careers. ness competitions and industry calligraphy tools and their Nahdi and VLCC. “Ooredoo is always on the look- education worldwide, support- full potential through further The accreditor held round- guest lectures. uses. Roqaa is a calligraphic More than 100 shopping out for innovative products and ing, celebrating and rewarding education. This international table sessions with faculty, As Qatar’s premier techni- variety of Arabic script. and entertainment partners are services that will surprise our teaching excellence. accreditation opens doors for current students, alumni and cal college, there are over 30 Roqaa style of handwrit- accessible with the launch of the customers. Our partnership The accrediting body visit- our graduates to receive ad- industry representatives. The certificate and diploma pro- ing is the most common type app, and more will be added with TESS Tech will offer cus- ed the CNA-Q campus recently vanced standing at a multitude accreditor was particularly grammes offered at CNA-Q of handwriting. It is also every month. Ooredoo BizStore tomers the opportunity to have to review the quality of instruc- of universities worldwide,” said impressed with the school’s across the four schools of study known as Ottoman Font in has a strong focus on women’s access to exclusive discounts tion, curriculum, evaluation David King, dean of School of linkage to the business com- – Information Technology, En- Turkey. Most documents interests, with a vibrant range from a wide range of outlets – methods, student services and Business Studies. munity evident during a lunch- gineering Technology, Health from Ottoman era are written of fashion, beauty and lifestyle all through one platform.” learning resources. Successful The School of Business eon hosted by Doha Bank and Sciences and Business Studies. in Roqaa.

Indian classical dancer Kalamandalam Kshemavathy inaugurating the annual day celebra- tions of Indian fine arts institute ‘Bauhinaya’ at Al Wakra recently. The event was attended by Indian film actor Fahadh Fasil, classical dancer Anupama Mohan and Abhinaya director Sini Kalamandalam. (TNN) Tuesday, May 17, 2016 07 Reports by Catherine W Gichuki For events and press releases email African Panorama [email protected] or call (974) 44422077

The Warriors team during the Aspire Basketball Open League at the Aspire Dome.

arriors’ is a group of basketball lovers which was launched by a group of Kenyans and now it has spread to UNITING PEOPLE other African expatriates and be- yond. Currently, the group is tak- ing part in the ongoing Aspire Bas- ketball Open League, which runs until May 27, and offers basketball enthusiasts above 17, the oppor- THROUGH BASKETBALL tunity to practise their favourite sport in an exciting environment. team, Omondi said, “It’s to make Last Friday, the team played Mid- our team stronger and stronger.” wil, a group of Filipino expatriates Benard Mwangi said that and won. They will play a Tunisian for the Aspire Basketball Open group in the semi-finals. League they call themselves LKZ The group’s aim is to unite peo- Warriors because there are other ple through basketball, regardless teams which bear the same name of their nationality. Currently, the as them. So, they were asked to group has about 20 members and look for an alternative name for even though the majority of the this particular tournament. “We members are Kenyans, there are have Lebanese, Kenyans and Zim- also Moroccans, Sudanese, Zim- babwean players, that’s where the babweans and a Lebanese. name was derived from.” Acting captain of the team, Felix He said that so far, for this Omondi, told Qatar Tribune that tournament, they have played along with others, namely, Leisly Dubz City (consisting of high Bonnes, Titus Kagoiya, Benard school students) and Pink Panther Mwangi and David Abuka, he decid- (another Filipino team) and they ed to form the group in 2013, since won both games.” they wanted to have a platform to Mwangi added that this group play the game they knew best. helps a lot because it is a platform “We used to play the game in to bring people together. “We Kenya. David and I used to meet meet once a week at Aspire and we and play for the Kenyan Basketball interact with other Kenyans and Federation Division One League, nationalities since we work in dif- although we were in different ferent companies. We also meet in teams, as well as other tourna- restaurants when we are discuss- ments. Therefore, when we ing the welfare of the team. The met here, we wanted to team is not just about playing, it continue playing the The group’s aim helps build friendships.” game.” Mwangi added that it helps According to is to unite people through them to stay fit. “If you are not Omondi, they doing anything, you can become would meet and basketball, regardless of their The Warriors team pose for a photo at the Aspire Dome recently. obese but basketball keeps us play and they physically active.” would get that nationality. Currently, the group He said that the team has feeling of being has about 20 members and even helped him continue his hobby home. “The ini- that he is so passionate about. tial aim of form- though the majority of the members “I have been playing basketball ing the group since I was a young boy. Coming was to bring are Kenyans, there are also to Qatar didn’t stop me because together Ken- the Warriors group gave him yans who played Moroccans, Sudanese, an opportunity to continue with basketball back the game.” home but we real- Zimbabweans and David Abuka, the team manag- ised that basketball er said that he does the schedules is a game that unifies a Lebanese. of the group. “I have to make ar- people. Therefore, we de- rangements for trainings, have to cided that everybody is free make sure that the team members to join.” we learn keep time and make sure that eve- Omondi reiterated that the from each oth- rything else is in order. This has team meets every Friday at the As- er. That’s why we invite all to join.” never been a challenge because pire public court and not only do According to Omondi, they the members are very supportive they train but it is also an oppor- have played with various teams and everyone is cooperative.” tunity for them to learn from one from different expatriate com- Abuka said that he is grateful another. “It kills boredom because munities. “We are always open that he is part of the team because it is something that we all look for- to playing with any team that is he has learned about other peo- ward to every Friday. We discuss ready to challenge us.” The Warriors during one of their events recently. ple’s cultures and personalities and encourage one another and Regarding future plans of the through interaction. African expats laud Cultural Diversity Festival

FRICAN expatriates have praised the Cultural Diversity Festival, a series of cultural performances by Atroupes from different countries organised by Katara. Africans felt in- cluded because besides hosting troupes from other continents, performances by African troupes too were staged. So far, groups from Kenya (Nairobi National Dance Ensemble) and Burkina Faso (Burkinabe Djakali Kone Musical Group) have been showcased. Jonathan, a Ghanaian expatriate, praised the idea saying that it was a good way of uniting various expatriate commu- nities living in Qatar. “I appreciate how Katara has been showcasing different cul- tural troupes. It is good that people in Qa- tar have a chance to get a glimpse of other cultures even without having to travel (PHOTOGRAPHS: RAFEEK PALAYOOR) to those countries. The organisers try to bring all these cultures to the people in Qatar. I watched the Kenyan troupe and to do one better. “Our group does many from Burkina Faso, we are motivated to it was very entertaining.” things and one of them is cultural per- do better. We are assured that we will go Kenyan, Joyce Muthoni said that formances. We showcase traditional places through dancing and singing. We these kinds of troupes will inspire many dances on different platforms in Qatar. also learned new dance moves from the Nairobi National Dance Ensemble, a group from Kenya perform at Katara, recently. groups from the expatriate community When we see groups such as this one Burkina Faso troupe.” 08 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Philippines / Southeast Asia

NEWS Philippines’ Duterte vows IN BRIEF China says Taiwan fraud suspects hangings in war on crime deported from Malaysia ‘confess’ TAIPEI A GROUP of Taiwanese fraud suspects deported from Malaysia to China have confessed and will be tried on the mainland, according to Chinese authorities, despite an angry ‘Security forces would be given ‘shoot-to-kill’ orders and that citizens would learn to fear the law’ Taipei demanding they face justice at home. The expulsion of the 32 suspects from Malaysia in April came after another group of Taiwanese fraud suspects were sent to China from Kenya, a move described by Taiwan as “abduction”. The depor- tations are seen by observers as a means of exerting pressure on self-ruling Taiwan’s new president Tsai Ing-wen, who takes office on Friday and has a far more sceptical approach to rela- tions with Beijing than her China-friendly predecessor did. (AFP)

Ex-cop charged in grisly Thai killing linked to mass grave

BANGKOK A FORMER policeman in Thailand has been charged with murdering a woman whose fate led to the discovery of a suspected mass grave, police said on Monday. Reports about a large burial site in the northeast, where criminal gangs may have dumped bodies for years, have swirled in the local media in recent weeks. The investigation began when the daughter of a woman who was strangled in June 2014 took reporters to a remote jungle area where her mother’s burned corpse was first discovered. She said she wanted to highlight what she described as a lack of police interest in investigating the killing. At a press conference in the northeastern city of Khon Kaen, officers Monday announced two people including a former policeman had been charged with the June 2014 murder. (AFP)

15 students killed in Indonesia landslide; more deaths feared

SIBOLANGIT FIFTEEN students holidaying at a popular tourist spot in western Indonesia have been killed in a landslide, an official said Monday, with fears the death toll could rise. Heavy rain and flash flooding triggered a major landslide Sunday at a famous “two-coloured” waterfall at Sibolangit in the north of Sumatra island, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. Searchers had so far unearthed 15 bodies, Sutopo said late Monday. Two others, presumed dead, were still being recovered, while four remained missing. “It is be- lieved those victims were also buried in the landslide,” Sutopo said in a statement. Fifty-seven others had been found alive with just one injured, he added. About 300 people joined in the Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he speaks during a press conference after almost a week of isolation since claiming victory in the presidential election in search, including students and volunteers. (AFP) Davao City, in the southern island of Mindanao on Monday. (AFP)

AFP afternoon as he outlined on his ‘COMMUNIST LEADER WELCOME HOME’ cause I am mad,” he said. 10 die in Indonesia Vietnamese DAVAO CITY war on crime once he is sworn The centrepiece of Du- after drinking fishermen jailed for into office on June 30. DAVAO CITY THE LEADER of the Philippines’ communist insur- terte’s stunningly successful toxic liquor smuggling wildlife PHILIPPINE president-elect “Those who kill my coun- gency will be welcome to return home after nearly three decades election campaign was a pledge Rodrigo Duterte vowed on try will be killed. Simple as in exile and participate in peace talks, president-elect Rodrigo to end crime within three to six JAKARTA AT LEAST 10 people KUALA LUMPUR FIVE Vi- Monday to introduce execu- that. No middle ground. No Duterte has said. Communist Party of the Philippines founder months of being elected. have died after drinking etnamese fishermen on tions by hanging as part of a apologies. No excuses.” Jose Maria Sison wrote in a Facebook post last week he hoped Duterte vowed during the contaminated alcohol in Indo- Monday were sentenced ruthless law-and-order crack- Duterte also vowed to to come home following the landslide May 9 election win of Du- campaign to kill tens of thou- nesia’s Yogyakarta province, by a Malaysian court to six down that would also include roll out Davao law-and-order terte, with whom he has maintained ties while living in the Neth- sands criminals, outraging his police said on Monday. The months in jail for possession ordering military snipers to measures on a nationwide ba- erlands. “I do not begrudge the NPAs in looking for firearms. But critics but hypnotising tens victims fell ill last week after of monitor lizards and wild kill suspected criminals. sis, including a 2:00 am curfew when I reach my oath-taking... they must realise I am the govern- of millions of Filipinos fed up drinking arak, a distilled al- boar, the government said. In back-to-back press con- on drinking in public places ment and I am the enemy but I offer my hand in peace and we with rampant crime and graft. coholic beverage, believed to The convicts were arrested on ferences since his landslide and a ban on children walk- can talk,” he said at a press conference on Monday. (AFP) He said on one occasion have been mixed with other May 8 at a jetty in Chender- victory in May 9 elections, the ing on the streets alone late at that 100,000 people would substances in two parts of ing Recreational Park, around tough-talking mayor of south- night. Smoking in restaurants die, and so many bodies would the province, local police 290 kilometrse north-east of ern Davao city said security and hotels will also be banned. punishment for a wide range of a noose was more humane. be dumped in Manila Bay that chief Hadi Prabowo said. Kuala Lumpur, after wildlife forces would be given “shoot- Duterte said a central part crimes, including drug traffick- For people convicted of two the fish would grow fat from Police arrested two people for officers recovered the protect- to-kill” orders and that citizens of his war on crime would be ing, rape, murder, robbery and major crimes, Duterte said he feeding on them. selling the tainted drinks, he ed species from their boat, would learn to fear the law. to bring back the death pen- kidnapping-for-ransom. wanted them hanged twice. In an initial press confer- said. Dozens of Indonesians said the wildlife department “Those who destroy the alty, which was abolished in He said he preferred death “After you are hanged first, ence late Sunday, Duterte die every year after consum- of Terengganu state. They lives of our children will be 2006 under then-president by hanging to a firing squad be- there will be another ceremo- said his “shoot-to-kill” orders ing home-brewed drinks that pleaded guilty to possessing destroyed,” Duterte said in Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. cause he did not want to waste ny for the second time until would be given for those in- are often adulterated with a restricted specis before they wide-ranging comments to re- Duterte said he would ask bullets, and because he be- the head is completely severed volved in organised criminals variety of toxic substances to were sentenced by Judge porters in Davao on Monday Congress to reintroduce capital lieved snapping the spine with from the body. I like that be- or who resisted arrest. increase their potency. (DPA) Rodiah Mohamad. (DPA) No personal pope apology over ‘whore’ jibe: Duterte Philippine Islamist kidnappers

AFP announce his presidential on Thursday that Duterte still DAVAO CITY run, Duterte lashed out at planned to make the trip. set new ransom deadline Pope Francis for causing traf- But Duterte, in his first AFP PHILIPPINE president-elect fic jams in Manila when he press conference since elec- A video shows Canadian resort on Samal island, hun- Rodrigo Duterte said on Sun- visited the mainly Catholic tion day, said on Sunday night MANILA dreds of kilometres (miles) day he had cancelled plans to nation last year. he had changed his mind. Robert Hall and Norwegian from Abu Sayyaf’s traditional visit the Vatican to personally “It took us five hours to get “I might go there and they ISLAMIST extremists in the Kjartan Sekkingstad wear- strongholds. apologise for calling the pope from the hotel to the airport. I will say, ‘We are taking back Philippines who last month ing orange shirts in a jun- The group has been a “son of a whore”. asked who was coming. They the prayers’,” he said. beheaded a Canadian man gle setting, surrounded by blamed for the worst terror at- “No more. That’s enough,” said it was the pope. I wanted Duterte emphasised that say they will kill another hooded, armed men tacks in Philippine history. Duterte told reporters when to call him: ‘Pope, son of a a senior figure of the Catho- Western hostage if a multi- Although its leaders have asked about the planned trip, whore, go home. Don’t visit lic Bishops Conference of the million dollar ransom is not pledged fealty to the Islamic pointing out he had already anymore’,” said Duterte. Philippines said “it’s not clear paid within four weeks. received by June 13. State group, analysts say they sent a letter of apology. Catholic Church leaders Philippines’ President-elect, whether I was forgiven”. A video released by Abu A caption on the video, car- are more focused on lucrative He said the trip “could be condemned Duterte’s com- Rodrigo ‘Digong’ Duterte “But you know God is my Sayyaf -- whose leaders have ried by the terror-monitoring kidnappings-for-ransom than an exercise in duplicity”. ments but, like many other of friend (and) I ask him if I’ve sworn allegiance to the IS group SITE Intelligence Group, says on setting up a caliphate. Duterte, 71, the longtime his controversial remarks on Duterte had said the pope been forgiven for all the sins -- shows Canadian Robert Hall Abu Sayyaf is demanding 600 The group is believed to mayor of southern Davao city, the campaign, they had little was the victim of a “stray bul- I’ve committed on this plan- and Norwegian Kjartan Sek- million pesos ($12.8 million). have just a few hundred mili- won the May 9 election in a impact on his popularity. let” resulting from his gutter et,” he said, adding that God kingstad wearing orange shirts In April, the group killed tants but has withstood re- landslide following an incen- Duterte sent an apology language and frustration with replied: “Now and forever”. in a jungle setting, surrounded Canadian John Ridsdel after a peated US-backed military diary campaign in which he letter to the pope during the government incompetence. Duterte, who is due to be by hooded, armed men. ransom deadline passed. offensives, surviving by using gleefully used foul language to campaign and received a re- He also flagged a visit to the sworn into office on June 30 The men say their captors Ridsdel, Hall, Sekkingstad, the mountainous, jungle ter- disrespect authority figures. sponse from the Vatican offer- Vatican for the personal apology for a term of six years, was have threatened to kill at least and Hall’s Filipina girlfriend rain of the southern islands to In a rambling speech to ing “the assurance of prayers”. and his spokesman confirmed raised a Catholic. one of them if no payment is were abducted in 2015 from a its advantage.

Malaysia accused of rights abuse for barring activist’s trip Philippine navy welcomes its biggest vessel to date The sister ship of SSV AFP Chin said she was given The sealift vessel Tarlac can transport Tarlac will be delivered in KUALA LUMPUR no explanation and that the refusal violated her constitu- more than a battalion size of troops, May 2017 MALAYSIA’S government tional rights. two rigid-hill inflatable boats, landing faced fresh allegations of Prime Minister Najib Ra- that fought against the Span- trampling rights on Monday zak’s government is accused craft units and three helicopters iards to assert the independ- after the leader of a massive of cracking down on civil lib- ence of the Philippines. demonstration last year call- erties following a 2013 elec- “The arrival of the SSV ing for the premier’s ouster tion setback and amid allega- AGENCIES what has been a mere plan Tarlac gives the sailors and over a graft scandal said she tions that billions of dollars TARLAC and concept in paper has marines of our Navy the im- was prevented going abroad to were stolen from a state de- been pushed through to be- petus to serve our countrymen accept an award. velopment fund he founded THE PHILIPPINE Navy wel- come a reality,” said Rear more with the knowledge that Maria Chin Abdullah, who called 1Malaysia Develop- comed its first landing dock Admiral Ronald Joseph Mer- we know have additional ca- heads the Coalition for Clean ment Berhad (1MDB). vessel on Monday at Pier 13 cado, the commander of the pability to serve our maritime and Fair Elections -- Malay- Najib and 1MDB both deny in Manila. Philippine Navy Fleet. nation,” Mercado said. sia’s leading political pressure wrongdoing. The strategic sealift vessel SSV Tarlac is one of the SSV Tarlac has a tonnage group -- said she was stopped Chin’s organisation -- Tarlac (LD- 601) can transport two vessels acquired by the of 7,300 tons, overall length Sunday night from travelling known in Malaysia as “Bersih”, more than a battalion size of Philippines from PT PAL in A Philippine Navy’s first Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) Tarlac slowly of 120 meters, breadth of 21 to South Korea to accept the the Malay word for “clean” -- troops, two rigid-hill inflatable Indonesia at P3.8 billion. docks during the ceremonial arrival at Pier 13 of Manila South Har- meters, draft of five meters Gwangju Prize for Human is an alliance of NGOs that has boats, landing craft units and Once it is commissioned to bour, Philippines, on Monday. (REUTERS) and carry a payload of 2,800 Rights on behalf of her group. staged large demonstrations three helicopters. service, it will be called BRP tons. It has a cruising speed of “It’s outrageous and shows in recent years to demand re- “With the evolving and (Barkong Republika ng Pili- 2017. sels, as some of their families 13 knots and maximum speed a desperate government clutch- form of an electoral system it increasing requirements for pinas) Tarlac. A crew of 121 Philippine waited for them. of 16 knots, and a minimum ing on to power when it should says is rigged in favour of the both maritime security and The sister ship of SSV Tar- Navy officers and enlisted per- SSV Tarlac was named af- operating range of 7,500 nau- be accountable,” she told AFP. ruling coalition. environmental challenges, lac will be delivered in May sonnel arrived with the ves- ter one of the eight provinces tical miles. Pakistan / South Asia Tuesday, May 17, 2016 09 Abducted Pakistani officials freed after villagers detained Indian missile test disturbs balance of power: Pakistan

WANA Seven Pakistani government workers kidnapped near the Afghan border were freed on ISLAMABAD Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz, in an response to Monday, an official said, after government representatives detained local villagers under a India's supersonic interceptor missile test, on Monday said that Islamabad would address the NEWS colonial-era law of "collective responsibility". The officials, abducted in Pakistan's South Waziris- development at an international level. Expressing concern over India's missile test conducted IN BRIEF tan tribal region in March and later taken to Afghanistan, were handed over to Pakistani authori- on Sunday, Aziz said it will disturb the balance of power in the region, and added that Pakistan ties on Monday, Zafrul Islam, the political agent for South Waziristan, told Reuters. Islam did not will continue to upgrade its defensive capabilities by acquiring advanced technology, Radio say if a ransom was paid, or which militant faction was responsible. But he confirmed that most Pakistan reported. The adviser said Pakistan would raise its voice at the international level of the 22 tribesmen who had been arrested had already been freed. (REUTERS) against these developments. (IANS) Sri Lanka floods kill eight, Bangladesh oppn official arrested after leave thousands homeless meeting with Israel political adviser AFP local media reported that he which she says are politically AFP friends and relatives. DHAKA had met an Israeli government Bangladesh has no dip- motivated. COLOMBO Disaster management The official toll of eight adviser in India in March. lomatic ties with Israel Bangladesh has been hit centre spokesman could rise, with some areas still BANGLADESH police have "We've arrested Chow- and Bangladeshis are by a political crisis since the FLOODS and landslides in Sri Pradeep Kodippili said inaccessible after fallen trees arrested a senior official from dhury for allegedly plot- banned from travelling to BNP and other opposition Lanka have killed at least eight nearly 5,000 families liv- and power lines blocked roads. the main opposition party and ting conspiracies against the the country. parties boycotted the general people, including a 10-month- ing in flooded areas had At least three flights were accused him of plotting against government by personally election in 2014. old baby, and forced tens of diverted from the main airport the state following his meeting meeting an Israeli politician Scores of people were thousands more to flee their been moved to relief in Colombo on Monday and with an Israeli political advis- abroad," detective police com- sonal business trip" to India. killed in firebomb attacks on homes, officials said Monday. centres. many schools in the capital re- er, an official said Monday. missioner Abdul Baten told Bangladesh has no dip- vehicles last year when Zia The government has de- mained closed. Prime Minister Sheikh reporters. lomatic ties with Israel and called a transport blockade as ployed troops to evacuate as well as relief work," Defence The meteorological depart- Hasina's government is step- Dhaka police spokesman Bangladeshis are banned from part of her efforts to force the people living on slopes or in Secretary Karunasena Hetti- ment said 262 mm (10.3 inch- ping up a crackdown on po- Maruf Hossain Sorder said of- travelling to the country. government to hold fresh elec- flood-hit areas and the navy arachchi told reporters. es) of rain fell in the airport litical opponents in Muslim- ficers were preparing to file a The arrest is the latest tions. is helping clear canals in Co- Disaster management cen- area in the 24 hours ending majority Bangladesh, which criminal case against him. against the BNP. Party supre- Hasina's secular govern- lombo to stop low-lying areas tre spokesman Pradeep Kodip- 5.30 a.m. Monday. is also reeling from a wave of Chowdhury, a successful mo and former prime minis- ment launched a crackdown including the parliament com- pili said nearly 5,000 families It has warned of further se- killings blamed on Islamists. businessman from the south- ter Khaleda Zia was last week in response to the violence, plex from flooding. living in flooded areas had vere weather due to a depres- Bangladesh Nationalist ern city of Chittagong, has de- charged with masterminding with thousands of opposition "We have placed troops at been moved to relief centres. sion in the Bay of Bengal and Party (BNP) joint secretary nied plotting against the gov- arson attacks during anti- supporters arrested -- par- the disposal of the authorities Thousands more have left says rain could continue until general Aslam Chowdhury ernment, telling reporters he government protests last year, ticularly those from the main to carry out rescue operations flooded homes to move in with Wednesday. was arrested on Sunday after met the adviser during a "per- the latest in a string of charges Islamist party.

POWER SHOW Sharif offers Panama probe in parliament amid oppn walkout

REUTERS "I can say with surety that ISLAMABAD ... not a single penny went out of Pakistan," Sharif told the PAKISTAN Prime Minister parliament. Nawaz Sharif asked parlia- Sharif asked the opposi- ment on Monday to form a tion and other lawmakers to commission to investigate al- help form a parliamentary legations stemming from the commission. Panama Papers leak but oppo- Previous efforts to have sition lawmakers walked out, a retired or sitting Supreme saying he had evaded ques- Court judge chair a judicial tions about his family's affairs. commission have stalled as all Sharif has been under the judges rejected the offer. pressure since documents re- It is not clear if the opposi- leased as part of the Panama tion will take up Sharif's latest Papers data leak showed his offer. They walked out soon children owned several off- after Sharif stopped speak- shore companies and used ing, angered that seven ques- them to buy properties in tions they posed to him ahead London. He denies wrongdo- of the parliamentary session ing, as do his children. were not answered. The opposition has seized "Not a single question has on the Panama Papers scan- been answered by the PM," dal as a fresh opportunity to said Khursheed Shah, leader try to unseat Sharif, who told of the opposition in the Na- parliament that his wealth tional Assembly. was acquired legally in the Opposition politicians decades before he entered said they would announce politics and no money was si- on Tuesday their response to phoned off-shore. Sharif's speech. Afghan protesters chant anti-government slogans during a demonstration to demand the TUTAP electricity line pass through Hazara-dominated provinces, in Kabul on Monday. (AFP) Nepal agitators to Kabul paralysed as Hazaras picket Oli’s home

IANS prime minister's residence on KATHMANDU Tuesday. rally to seek power line The alliance picketed Sing- AN alliance of Madhesis and ha Durbar, the key adminis- Janajatis on Monday declared trative complex of Nepal, on The line, intended to pro- the biggest anti-government Afghanistan is connected to they will picket Prime Minister Sunday and Monday to protest Demonstrators want the line re-routed vide power to 10 provinces, is demonstration in Kabul for electricity. K P Sharna Oli's residence on against the constitution that part of a wider TUTAP project years. Under current plans, due Tuesday to press their demand they say seeks to further dis- through Hazara majority provinces backed by the Asian Develop- Authorities, fearing a re- to be implemented by 2018, for greater representation in criminate against marginalised ment Bank linking the energy- peat of last year's violence, the line would pass from a con- the new constitution as around and excluded communities. rich Central Asia republics of when demonstrators tried to verter station in the northern two dozen protesters were in- "It is the right of citizens to REUTERS kV transmission line linking Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and scale the walls of the presi- town of Pul-e-Khumri through jured in clashes with police hold a peaceful protest, but in KABUL Turkmenistan with Kabul be Tajikistan with Afghanistan dential palace, blocked streets the mountainous Salang pass here on the second day of their the name of protest the general changed to pass through two and Pakistan. into the main government area to Kabul. renewed stir. public should not suffer," said THOUSANDS of demonstra- provinces with large Hazara Despite fears of violence, with stacked-up shipping con- Demonstrators want an The announcement by the Oli at a function in Kathmandu tors from Afghanistan's Hazara populations, an option the gov- the demonstration passed tainers. earlier version of the plan that Sanghiya Gathabandhan came on Monday, adding that the minority marched in protest ernment says would cost mil- largely peacefully, with only The mainly Shi'ite Hazaras would see a longer route from as Prime Minister Oli warned government "will not tolerate" through Kabul on Monday, lions of dollars and delay the isolated reports of trouble and have long faced persecution Pul-e-Khumri through Bamy- protesters that the government if there is increasing trouble to accusing President Ashraf badly needed project by years. Ghani thanked the protesters. but they are politically well an and Wardak, to the west of "will not tolerate" a standoff in the people. Ghani's government of cutting It says the current plan en- A commission to review the organised and thousands gath- Kabul. the capital and reiterated his The PM’s residence at them out of a multi-million sures that the two provinces of plan will report within 10 days. ered in a square away from the The government says that call for talks. Baluwatar is some three km dollar power transmission line Bamyan and Wardak will get The protest followed a city centre chanting "TUTAP is switching the route would de- A meeting of the alliance -- from Singha Durbar, where his project. ample electricity even if the rally in November against our right!" but they dispersed lay the project by as much as which comprises of 29 Madhesi office is located. The alliance Protesters demanded that main transmission line does the murder by militants of a peacefully. three years, leaving millions and Janajati parties and groups held protests around Singha the planned route for the 500 not pass through them directly. group of Hazara that became Only about 30 percent of without secure electricity. -- here decided to picket the Durbar on Monday. Dung-powered pumps help Pakistan farmers grow richer

Turning a lever to start Raza Shah uses slurry left which ranges from 200,000 The programme is expected to save 288 mn his groundwater pump, Ab- over from the biogas produc- to 400,000 rupees ($1,912- litres of diesel, worth 30 bn rupees each year basi recalls how the 20-horse tion process to fertilise his 19 $3,824) per tube well. power engine used to consume hectares, cutting out chemical The subsidies are weighted around 13 litres of diesel each fertiliser which previously cost in favour of farmers with less REUTERS a subsidised rate. day. But he has not bought him around $850 per year. land, who usually have lower FATEH JHANG (PAKISTAN) Abbasi uses dung from his diesel since he installed the bi- "The organic fertiliser incomes and would struggle 30 buffalo to produce nearly ogas-run pump in March 2015. from the biogas plant is an to afford the pump conversion FOR farmer Mujahid Abbasi, 40 cubic metres of gas per day, "This is a brilliant saving," economic blessing for me," without additional financial switching the power source for which powers his irrigation he said. "This means addition- he told the Thomson Reuters support. his irrigation pump from die- pump for six hours and his al income of $1,150 for me an- Foundation. The programme is expect- sel to biogas has brought eco- family's cooking stove. nually. It has helped improve Abbasi and Raza are among ed to avoid the use of 288 mil- nomic and health gains. The father of five says cut- our family's economic well- nearly 17,000 beneficiaries of lion litres of diesel, worth 30 The 43-year-old from ting out diesel has saved him being." the $67 million programme billion rupees each year. Fateh Jhang village, some around $10-$12 daily over the Close to 20 other farmers that aims to convert 100,000 It will help cut the diesel 26 miles (42 km) from Paki- past 13 months. in his area have followed suit irrigation pumps from diesel import bill and boost farm- stan's capital city Islamabad, He has used the money to and are also running their ir- to biogas by the end of 2017 ers' profits, while reducing has benefited from a pilot plant seasonal vegetables on rigation pumps on biogas, across Punjab province. environmental pollution. It is project led by the Punjab five additional hectares that thanks to the government- The government is pay- expected to shrink the sector's provincial government to had lain fallow for several backed project. ing half of the conversion cost carbon footprint by more than provide biogas equipment at years due to a lack of funds. Vegetable farmer Naeem for diesel-powered pumps, 5 percent. (Photo for illustrative purpose only. SOURCE: WEB) 10 Tuesday, May 17, 2016

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 PRINTED AT ALI BIN ALI PRINTING PRESS Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lifting Arms Ban On Vietnam Proliferation Of Given Vietnam govt’s authoritarian ways, it would be too soon and risky for Obama to lift the ban completely

HE United States and Vietnam moved between their navies and cooperate in glo- more quickly than most adversaries to bal peacekeeping. America has provided Ballistic Missiles Trebuild a relationship after a devastating boats, training and equipment to Vietnam’s war. It took only two decades for the two coast guard to fight transnational crime countries to re-establish diplomatic ties af- and counter China’s efforts to control most ter the Americans withdrew from Vietnam of the South China Sea. in 1973. President Barack Obama plans to Vietnam is pushing for a total repeal of NATO must protect the European populations against the visit the country this month. the wartime arms embargo, which Obama increasing threats of ballistic missiles Obama should not feel obliged to give eased in 2014, on grounds that it is an un- Vietnam’s authoritarian government what necessary relic and that lifting it would im- it wants – a complete lifting of the embargo prove trust and allow the country to better on arms shipments imposed during the defend itself. Advocates for lifting the ban war, unless it takes credible steps toward say the move would send a strong signal to addressing serious human rights abuses. China. Given Hanoi’s authoritarian ways, Still, there are many points of agreement. though, this is not the time to lift the ban Vietnam is central to Obama’s strat- completely. The Communist Party controls egy of focusing more attention on Asia and all institutions in Vietnam, permits no free uniting the region economically, militarily elections, holds more than 100 political and politically to counter an increasingly prisoners and has yet to meet its obliga- assertive China. Economic ties are grow- tions under the new trade agreement to al- ing stronger – the United States is now low labour unions. the largest importer of Vietnamese goods. On a visit to Hanoi last month, Deputy Along with 11 other countries, Vietnam has Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which the government to release all political pris- seeks to further expand regional trade oners and made clear that Vietnam needs while also improving labour and environ- to expand rights and freedoms if it hopes mental standards. to build a culture of entrepreneurship and This year, Fulbright University Viet- enhance economic growth. Obama should nam will open in Ho Chi Minh City, offer- reinforce those themes. ing an American model of education that If he does lift the arms ban, Obama and stresses academic independence and in- Congress should move cautiously. novation. The two sides are cooperating Arms sales licences should be decided on biodiversity research, and Washington on a case-by-case basis, of course, as they is helping Vietnam cope with the envi- are with all countries. And, as Senator ronmental and health damage caused by Patrick Leahy of Vermont has advised, the Agent Orange over much of the southern government should weigh all factors, in- part of the country. cluding whether Vietnam is willing to act On the military front, the two countries “to protect freedom of expression and other agreed last year to conduct joint operations fundamental rights.” New York Times MERICA’S latest addition to its JONATHAN BEALE | site, nor the site going into Poland - will Ballistic Missile Defence System BBC-NYT SYNDICATE have the capacity to undermine Russia’s looks out of place surrounded by strategic (nuclear) deterrent.” mile after mile of flat Romanian Stoltenberg insisted: “The intercep- Afarmland. Where is the threat? The Middle tors are too few and located too far south The building at Devesulu, which to intercept Russian intercontinental bal- houses radar and 12 interceptor missile East region is often mentioned listic missiles.” tubes, appears remarkably similar to the but US officials have been more The language, though, appears to be Ending The Greek Debt Tragedy “sensors and shooters” that have already specific in naming Iran as a deliberately precise. There is no mention been placed on US Aegis warships. potential aggressor. of Russian short and medium range bal- T’S the season when Greece’s continuing International Monetary Fund demand that It has even been painted in the same listic missiles. debt saga approaches what has now be- Greece get debt relief when the bailout pro- battleship grey and is manned and oper- Nor is there any denial that the sen- Icome a familiar summer climax, with citi- gram ends in 2018. The IMF is threatening ated by US Navy personnel who will ro- under NATO control, in reality it is the sors will be able to look into Russian ter- zens protesting austerity cuts and interna- to pull its support from the program if that tate on six-month tours as if they were at US that is largely driving and funding this ritory. Few would argue the two nations tional creditors squabbling over the terms relief is not offered. sea. They might as well be, because there programme. housing the land-based interceptors, of loans. It’s time to exit this cycle and face The problem is Germany, Greece’s main are few signs of human life nearby. Where is the threat? Romania and Poland, are more worried reality: Without relief, Greece’s economy national creditor: German federal elections Devesulu is the first land-based bal- So where does the threat come from? about say Iran or North Korea’s actions will never recover, with repercussions the will take place next year, and many Ger- listic interceptor system to be set up in Nato’s Secretary General, Jens Stolten- than their biggest and nearest neighbour. European Union can ill afford. man citizens feel their hard work and thrift Europe. At a ceremony attended by Ro- berg, says “many countries are seeking There are, of course, plenty of good Last July, the government of Prime should not be squandered on rescuing the manian, US and Nato leaders on Thurs- to develop or acquire their own ballistic reasons to play down any potential im- Minister Alexis Tsipras was forced to accept Greeks from the pain of their fiscal sins. day it was declared “operational”. missiles”. pact on Russia as tensions are already a raft of austerity measures imposed by in- Last year, Germany threatened to oust It is now able to fire “a bullet at a bul- The Middle East region is often men- high. ternational creditors in order to receive a Greece from the European Union and the let”: the interceptor missile tries to hit tioned but US officials have been more Russia has been flexing its military bailout. This has taken a toll, and around euro if it didn’t deliver on austerity meas- a ballistic missile on re-entry into the specific in naming Iran as a potential ag- muscle near to NATO’s borders and the a quarter of the population is unemployed. ures. Given Greece’s front-line position in earth’s atmosphere. gressor. Alliance has responded by stepping up its Still, on Sunday, Greek legislators ap- Europe’s refugee crisis, Germany can no Work is now starting on building a Despite the recent agreement on Te- own military exercises. proved an additional 5.4 billion euros in longer afford to threaten Greece. The last second base in northern Poland. Togeth- hran’s nuclear programme, it is press- It is easy to see why the reassurances austerity measures, the day before Europe- thing Europe needs is a “failed state,” as er with four US Aegis warships, these ing ahead with its own ballistic missile have not worked. an finance ministers met in Brussels to dis- Greece’s finance minister, Euclid Tsakalo- Aegis Ashore sites will provide a network programme. Still, it seems odd to ramp Moscow says the system is a threat to cuss whether Greece was meeting the terms tos, warned on Saturday, on its border with that can identify, track and shoot down up the pressure on Iran so soon after it’s its own security, even if it is a defensive of last year’s bailout program and could Turkey. ballistic missiles fired towards Europe. made concessions to the West. As for oth- measure. And given recent history it is qualify for an infusion of 5.7 billion euros. When Europe’s finance ministers re- Turkey already has an early warning er “threats from the Middle East” it is all hard to see how this system, which will be Greek citizens were in the streets protesting convene, they would do well – for Greece, radar that activates the Aegis system and rather vague. Strangely, the clearest lan- upgraded through its lifetime, has “noth- the idea of more cuts. for the European Union and for Germany will eventually be joined by one in the guage from both NATO and US officials ing to do with Russia’’. But, Europe’s finance ministers failed to – to approve the July release of funds and United Kingdom. is about what the system is not. “It’s not Russia has a track record of being agree on whether Greece had made enough agree to debt relief. Greece has gone a long Dutch and Danish warships are also about Russia” is the prefix to any descrip- misleading and worse – not least over its progress, putting off a decision until they way to satisfy austerity demands, but with- being fitted with sensors that will plug tion of the system. intervention in both Ukraine and Syria. meet on May 24. They are also balking at an out debt relief its crisis will never end. into the system. At the Deveselu ceremony the US But on missile defence, NATO and It will all be controlled from the US Deputy Defence Secretary, Robert Work, the US may also risk being accused of not New York Times base in Ramstein, Germany. Ostensibly said: “I want to make clear – neither this telling the whole truth. Why We Should Love Eurovision

It’s live TV on steroids, pumped up even more by a desire to shape one’s national story

WILLIAM LEE ADAMS | broadcast live for the first time in the At 24, I moved to London, where I’ve contest sought to unite a continent still re- file terrorist attacks. Russia’s broadcaster NYT SYNDICATE United States on Saturday, much is lost been for nearly a decade. My British boy- covering from the ravages of World War II. also seemed to want to send a message. in translation. But everything – a shirt- friend – now husband – forced me to It started as a sober affair with women in Perhaps to distance itself from the coun- TOCKHOLM — On Tuesday, during less acrobat spinning around a pole (Slov- watch Eurovision, which I had assumed ball gowns singing classy chansons. try’s notorious anti-gay and lesbian laws, the first semifinal of the Eurovision enia), a hologram of a naked man with a was a lame version of ‘American Idol’. Over time it loosened up, a process the broadcaster chose Sergey Lazarev, who song contest, the Bosnian singers wolf (Belarus), a singer clutching a peach But as I soon found out, after a lesbian of that intensified with the breakup of the is known for a music video in which he ap- Deen and Dalal stood onstage inside (Italy) – is steeped in meaning. Roma descent beat out a Ukrainian drag Soviet Union. As competitors from fledg- pears well-oiled, shirtless and wearing SStockholm’s Globen Arena singing This is my seventh trip to the Eurovi- queen dressed as the Tin Man, Eurovision ling Eastern European states flooded the pink leather pants. During his stage show to each other through a barbed-wire fence. sion finals. It’s not just a two-week vaca- isn’t just about sweaty starlets and the des- contest, they raised hemlines, cranked up he flirts with the camera, even when riding As they crooned about love, a woman tion for me, though. The contest now sets perate need for Auto-Tune. It’s live TV on the wind machines and greatly expanded an LED iceberg and floating in space. in strategically sheer leggings squeezed a the rhythm of my entire year. National steroids, pumped up even more by a desire notions of good taste. He is the bookies’ heavy favourite. cello with her gym-honed legs. She didn’t selection contests kick off in the fall, and to shape one’s national story. In recent years, Eastern countries have One of his greatest challenges could seem to mind that her gold tinfoil jacket I travel to interview aspiring pop stars in Over the past few years, as the Conti- dominated, with Estonia winning in 2001, come from Ukraine, which sat out Euro- made her look like a rotisserie chicken. places as far afield as Moldova, Latvia and nent has buckled under the weight of the followed by Latvia, Turkey and Ukraine. vision 2015 because of the conflict in that Despite rapturous applause from Israel for my Eurovision blog. My thera- refugee crisis and Russia’s political pos- Western fans saw their country’s fortunes country. This year, Ukraine is back, and 14,000 spectators, the act failed to ad- pist recently told me that I’m in an abusive turing has set European Union nations on decline rapidly, perhaps best exempli- the public chose Jamala, who belts out an vance to the final, leaving a nation of Eu- relationship with the contest, which she edge, this wildly camp singing show has fied by the British act scoring exactly zero otherworldly song about the forced de- rovision fans mourning. says leaves me “adrenalised” and running served as a barometer of the anxieties of points in 2003 — the dreaded “nil points.” portation of Crimean Tartars under Sta- Two days later, Deen and Dalal’s stage off the fumes of televised spectacle. state broadcasters and artists. It’s a safe, The notion of Europe has continued to lin. At the climax she screams for the vic- director, Haris Pasovic, told me that the I was not raised on Eurovision. I’m an eccentric and vast platform to express in- expand, and so has Eurovision, which had tims, while a tree of yellow and blue LED foil jacket represented the blankets given American who grew up in Georgia, loving dividualism and political views – even if an audience of roughly 200 million people lights — the colours of the Ukrainian flag to Syrian refugees landing on the Greek is- power ballads of perseverance from Whit- the rules expressly forbid the latter. Some last year. Well aware of the exposure the — shoots up from the floor. As the Russian land of Lesbos. ney and Mariah. School often felt danger- people call Eurovision “the gay Olympics.” contest provides, artists, state broadcast- Lazarev says in his number: “Thunder and “We wanted to say there is human- ous – I’d come out at 13 – and home life But a huge gay and lesbian following is just ers, and nations use it as a way to influence lightning, it’s getting exciting.” ity under these blankets,” he said. “We could be even worse. Amid those tensions I one element of the contest’s fan base who public opinion. This year France’s state believed that this human element would developed an affinity for women who took joke that Eurovision has taught them what broadcaster sent a French-Israeli singer (William Lee Adams is come across. We don’t know why it hasn’t.” center stage and shouted back at everyone it means to be on the margins. named Amir, significant in light of grow- the founding editor of the At Eurovision, whose final will be who tried to dim their light. Established in 1956, the Eurovision ing anti-Semitism and a series of high-pro- Eurovision site wiwibloggs.)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 11 Have your say Is there an issue you feel strongly about, or an article you want to comment on? QT will carry your voice to the public and to Analysis places where it matters. Write to us at PO BOX 23493, DOHA, QATAR O FAX: +974 44416790 O[email protected] A Humane Revolution

More and more corporations are starting to change behaviour towards protection and preservation of animals What is Brexit?

BESIDES the never-ending violence in Syria and the heartbreaking refugee crisis, there are two other news sto- ries we watch and read every day on TV and in newspapers, respectively – the good and bad Donald Trump and the controversial issue about the ‘In-Out referendum of Britain on its EU membership, or popularly known as ‘Brexit’ (merging the words Britain and exit). Various pollsters are regu- larly tracking public opinion on this issue, and based on recent surveys, momentum is growing behind the EU exit campaign, as more and more Brit- ons want to give Britain the freedom to manage its own affairs. Proponents of the exit believe it would free the country from rules that are adverse to job creation and allow the British gov- ernment to choose its laws and trading partners. This political issue is quite heavy for me to dig, and I really won- der what good leaving the EU would do for Britain. Is it true that Britain leaving the EU would immediately save its government $12 billion a year in EU budget payments? I am really dumb when it comes to world finan- cial affairs, but this sounds like a re- N 1903, New Yorkers executed an el- with corporations to change behaviour South Sudan, Pacelle writes. ally huge amount for a ‘freed country’ ephant on Coney Island, effectively and supply lines – while whacking them Yet there is a business model for keep- to use for investments and trade deals. torturing her to death. when they resist. ing grand animals like elephants alive. I also wonder what impact it would Wide-Angle Lens Accounts vary a bit, but it seems The Environmental Defense Fund and One analysis suggests that a dead el- do to other countries. Well, I believe ITopsy was a circus elephant who had Conservation International do something ephant’s tusks are worth $21,000, while the countdown has begun and British NICHOLAS KRISTOF been abused for years and then killed a similar in the environmental space, CARE the tourism value of a single living el- voters will soon head to the polls, so, NYT NEWS SERVICE man who had burned her on the trunk works with corporations to fight global ephant over its lifetime is $1.6 million. whichever side they are rooting for, I with a cigar. After her owners had no poverty, and the Human Rights Cam- Countries follow their enlightened self-in- hope that they will vote wisely as it is more use for her, Topsy was fed cyanide, paign partners with companies on LGBT terest when they protect elephants, just as a major political decision about the fu- electrocuted and then strangled with a issues. Critics sometimes see this as moral McDonald’s pursues its self-interest when ture of their next generation. I believe that winch. The Edison motion picture com- compromise, negotiating with evil rather it shifts toward cage-free eggs. pany made a film of it, ‘Electrocuting an than defeating it; I see it as pragmatism. It’s also astonishing how sensitive Little Pola Elephant’. Likewise, Pacelle has been a vegan for 31 companies are becoming to public opin- mistreatment of So maybe there is an arc of moral years but cooperates with fast-food com- ion about animals. After Cecil the lion progress. After many allegations of mis- panies to improve conditions in which was shot dead in Zimbabwe, animal pro- animals remains treatment of animals, Ringling Bros. this animals are raised for meat. tection groups lobbied airlines to ban the month retired its circus elephants, send- “Animals jammed into cages and shipment of such trophies. Delta, Ameri- a moral blind spot ing them off to a life of leisure in Florida. crates cannot wait for the world to go ve- can, United, Air Canada and other com- SeaWorld said this spring that it would gan,” Pacelle told me. “I’m quite sure they panies promptly obliged. stop breeding orcas and would invest mil- want out of this unyielding life of priva- In the pet store business, two chains for us humans, yet lions of dollars in rescuing and rehabili- tion right now, and once that question is – PetSmart and Petco – have prospered tating marine animals. settled, then sensible people can debate without accepting the industry’s norm of it’s heartening to Meanwhile, Wal-Mart responded to whether they should be raised for the selling dogs and cats from puppy mills concerns for animal welfare by saying last plate at all.” and other mass breeders. Instead, since month that it would shift toward cage- At a time when the world is a mess, Pa- the 1990s they have made space avail- see the consumer- free eggs, following similar announce- celle outlines a hopeful vision. The public able to rescue groups offering animals for ments by Costco, Denny’s, Wendy’s, Safe- has always had some impact with chari- adoption. PetSmart and Petco don’t make driven revolution way, Starbucks and McDonald’s in the US table donations, and there have always money off these adoptions, but they win and Canada. been occasional boycotts, but sometimes customer loyalty forever, and they have that is underway. This is a humane revolution, and its greatest influence comes by leveraging helped transfer 11 million dogs and cats to Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane daily consumer purchasing power. new homes. Society of the United States, has been at “As the humane economy asserts its I believe that mistreatment of ani- the forefront of it. Alternately bullying own power, its own logic and its essential mals, particularly in agriculture, remains companies to do better and cooperating decency, an older order is passing away,” a moral blind spot for us humans, yet it’s “Mugabe intends to start with those that do so, he outlines his ap- Pacelle writes in his book. “By every heartening to see the consumer-driven proach in an excellent new book, The Hu- measure, life will be better when human revolution that is underway. printing Zimbabwe dollars mane Economy. These corporate changes satisfaction and need are no longer built “Just about every enterprise built on again. A return to the have vast impact: Wal-Mart or McDon- upon the foundation of animal cruelty. harming animals today is ripe for disrup- ald’s shapes the living conditions of more Indefensible practices will no longer need tion,” Pacelle writes. In a world of grim bad old days?” animals in a day than an animal shelter defending.” tidings, that’s a welcome reminder that does in a decade. It’s true that atrocities continue there is progress as well. We’ve gone in The Economist There is also a lesson, I think, for and that the slaughter of animals like a bit more than a century from making many other causes, from the environ- elephants persists. There were some a movie about torturing an elephant to ment to women’s empowerment to global 130,000 elephants in Sudan 25 years ago, sending circus elephants off to a Florida health: The best way for nonprofits to get while now there may be only 5,000 in Su- retirement home. But, boy, there’s so large-scale results is sometimes to work dan and the country that broke off from it, much more work to do.

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Play dumb Email : [email protected] like to use AccuWeather for a second opin- also distance and weight. If you have an planning a trip, I use TripAdvisor to check about these options. After all, you’re on ion, especially since I can view radar. iPhone and access to Wi-Fi, you can ask hotel reviews and read the forums for the adventure of a lifetime! 12 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 India Bengal boat tragedy toll hits 18, govt announces compensation AAP govt spent Rs100 crore on odd-even ads, alleges BJP

KOLKATA The deaths in a boat capsize in the Hooghly river in West Bengal’s Burdwan district rose NEW DELHI The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to 18 on Monday. The state government has announced monetary compensation for the victims’ government in Delhi spent Rs 100 crore in advertising for the “failed” odd-even traffic scheme in NEWS families, officials said. An overcrowded boat capsized late on Saturday night near Kalna Ghat in Delhi. “Various reports, including Delhi government’s own report, have stated that the odd-even IN BRIEF Burdwan. “So far 18 bodies have been recovered which include three children. Seventeen of them traffic scheme failed in Delhi. But the government wasted Rs 100 crore on its advertisements only have been identified and the process is on to hand over the bodies to the bereaved families. Nine of to hide the scheme’s failures,” BJP Rajya Sabha member Vijay Goel said. Goel called on Delhi Chief the victims are each from Nadia and Burdwan,” Nadia district magistrate Vijay Bharti said. The state Secretary Kewal Kumar Sharma on Monday to enquire about the advertising expenditure on the government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the victims. (IANS) odd-even scheme. (IANS) Jaitley calls for self-restraint by judiciary Govt seeks public opinion on IANS of democracy. It is a part of the powers then there is no public ‘passive euthanasia’ draft bill NEW DELHI ‘basic structure’. Just as an in- criticism available, there is no dependent judiciary is part of democratic right to vote out the UNION Finance Minister Arun the basic structure of the Con- decision-maker and there is no PTI domain and sought comments The comments may be sent via Jaitley on Monday said in- stitution, primacy of the legis- judicial review available, the NEW DELHI from various stakeholders by email preferably by June 19,” dependent judiciary was “ex- lature is also a part of the basic minister added. June 19. “Government has de- a Health Ministry notification tremely important” as it adds structure,” the minister said. “The courts have a legiti- THE Centre has sought public cided to solicit public opinion/ signed by Under Secretary Sunil to “quality of democracy” but When the executive takes mate authority within their opinion on a draft bill on ‘pas- comments before formulation Kumar said. According to the executive decisions should not a decision, there are three re- parameters to review the cor- sive euthanasia’ which involves of law on passive euthanasia. note, passive euthanasia, also be taken by it. courses open against that de- rectness of an executive deci- giving the right to patients to An explanatory note along with known as “negative euthanasia “Executive decisions are to cision -- people can represent sion. But the courts cannot “withhold medical treatment or a brief on euthanasia and draft involves withholding of medical be taken by the executive and and ask the executive to change substitute executive work and life support system for continu- bill (Medical Treatment of Ter- treatment or withholding life not by the judiciary,” he said it; courts can strike it down if it say I will exercise the execu- ance of life”. minally Ill Patients [Protection support system for continuance at a press conference here. “I is illegal; and people can vote Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tive power. That’s how democ- Health Ministry has put up of Patients and Medical Prac- of life, withholding of antibiotic think independent judiciary is out the executive if the deci- racy functions. To preserve the the draft of (Medical Treatment titioners]) as given by the Law where without doing it the pa- extremely important. It is right- sion is unpopular. So there are when it takes an executive de- basic structure of the judiciary of Terminally Ill Patients [Pro- Commission in its 241st report tient is likely to die or removing ly stressed that independence different layers of account- cision, Jaitley said. “But when we cannot compromise on the tection of Patients and Medical is being uploaded for soliciting a heart-lung machine from a of judiciary adds to the quality ability that an executive has the courts exercise executive other two,” he said. Practitioners]) Bill in public public comments/opinions. patient in coma”. PM reviews drought situation in Gujarat Centre hints at steps to address as state claims 95% states’ concerns over NEET crop production Union minister holds meeting with state health ministers, promises further course of action PTI NEW DELHI tion, recharge and creation of water bodies. DESPITE two successive years She said 1.68 lakh check of deficient rainfall, west Indi- dams, 2.74 lakh farm ponds, an state of Gujarat has record- 1.25 lakh Bori Bandhs have ed 95 percent crop production been made with storage ca- because of the measures taken pacity of 42.3 billion cubic feet by the state government, a water, benefitting 6.32 lakh meeting chaired by Prime Min- hectares. Piped water supply ister Narendra Modi to review is being provided to 77 percent the state’s drought situation of households in the state, the was told. Chief Minister said. The meeting attended by The meeting was told that Chief Minister Anandiben Pa- the measures undertaken tel here was also told that the have resulted in a reasonable amount of drought-proofing, despite deficient (about 80 per- The meeting was told that cent of long-term average) and the state has made signif- skewed temporal distribution icant progress in micro- of rainfall, it said. Despite two irrigation, with 100 per- successive years of drought, cent coverage of drip/ crop production in the state sprinkler irrigation being has been estimated at 95 per- cent of the normal, the meeting achieved in 3789 villages. was told. The meeting was told that work done by the state gov- the state has made significant ernment for the water grid has progress in micro-irrigation, resulted in only 568 tankers with 100 percent coverage of being required for water distri- drip/sprinkler irrigation being bution in some remote tail ar- achieved in 3789 villages. eas, a PMO statement said. The creation of an elaborate The Prime Minister, while canal network under the Sard- appreciating this effort, called ar Sarovar Irrigation Scheme, for further action to completely has led to a significant increase eliminate the need for tanker in crop yields, and a positive supply, the statement said. impact on farm incomes, the Patel gave details of the Prime Minister heard and em- work done by the state govern- phasised on value addition in ment towards water conserva- horticulture and cash crops.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda with Minister of State in Prime Minister Office Jitendar Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during the foundation laying New education policy to be ceremony of a Medical College, in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday. (PTI) announced before May 26 PTI issue amid reports that an Or- placed on the pedestal of qual- Jaitley, however, said the on NEET only after arriving at PTI say they know more about Ren- NEW DELHI dinance may be brought to ity and asked to give the same judiciary and executive are “on a conclusion. NEW DELHI aissance than about Maharana circumvent the Supreme Court exam? “I think this matter is the same page” over maintain- “Met Health Ministers of Pratap. On the No-Detention HINTING at some steps to ruling that made the national ing the fairness and integrity of States today. They shared their THE much-awaited new educa- Policy introduced by United meet the situation arising out test mandatory for admission exams at all costs. views on holding NEET this tion policy will be announced Progressive Alliance (UPA) gov- of Supreme Court’s ruling on a to medical courses across the “Today we had discussions Nadda held a consultation year. I have noted their many before May 26 when the Naren- ernment in schools, she said a common medical entrance test, country, junking medical ex- on language, syllabus and meeting with state health min- concerns about NEET this dra Modi government com- review is being carried out and the Centre on Monday said the ams of the states, private insti- state governments’ con- isters to discuss the problems year. Will soon formulate fur- pletes its two years in office, “a decision will be taken soon”. matter is essentially in the “ex- tutions and deemed universi- cerns over state medical they were facing over the com- ther course of action,” Nadda Human Resource Development “No-Detention Policy has ecutive domain”, as it held par- ties. entrance examinations. We mon medical entrance test. later tweeted. (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani led to students being unable to leys with state health ministers. Separately, Finance Minis- have to solve all the prob- “We will need more dis- Delhi’s AAP Government said. cope in class 9. The state gov- After the meeting with the ter Arun Jaitley while referring lems of the states before cussions with the state gov- while coming out in full sup- “The National Education ernments want it scrapped,” state ministers, Health Minis- to protests by many states over ernments on the NEET issue. port of the Supreme Court Policy will be before the na- she said. She said the govern- ter J P Nadda said the Centre the Supreme Court’s NEET NEET is conducted across Today we had discussions on order said there is now a “rea- tion by May 26,” she said in ment was taking a number of has noted their many concerns decision, asserted that what the country,” Nadda said. language, syllabus and state sonable apprehension” that response to a question at the initiatives towards providing about the mandatory National should be the manner of hold- governments’ concerns over the apex court verdict could be IndiaTV conclave on the com- education to all and an en- Eligibility cum Entrance Test ing the examination across the essentially in the executive do- state medical entrance exami- circumvented by way of an Or- pletion of two years of National deavour ‘Swayam’ was being (NEET) from this year itself country is essentially an execu- main. We now have a Supreme nations. We have to solve all dinance to do away with NEET Democratic Alliance (NDA) undertaken with the help of and that it will soon formulate tive matter as it is in policy do- Court judgement. We will have the problems of the states be- for this academic year to begin government. “ “Under the new IITs, IIMs, central universi- further course of action. main. to see how we deal with that fore NEET is conducted across with. Maharashtra Chief Min- education policy, NCERT will ties, NITs and some private A meeting with representa- “It is the case of some of the particular issue,” Jaitley told the country,” Nadda said. ister Devendra Fadnavis said address all those challenges fac- universities to provide free on- tives of political parties is also states that boards are unequal, reporters. The Health Minister fur- he will meet Prime Minister ing the education system,” she line education to children for being convened. Nadda also their languages are dissimilar. Several states want NEET ther said the Supreme Court Narendra Modi over the NEET said, adding, it needs to address classes 9 to 12, including Board said more consultations will be Can those who are dissimilar to be implemented only from will be apprised about the state issue, amid concerns raised by many issues as even students examinations. held with states on the NEET in language and unequal be the 2017-18 academic session. governments’ apprehensions parents and students.

Delhi govt opposes Chautala’s Centre ropes in pensioners for ‘Clean India’ drive parole plea in High Court PTI asked to devote 100 hours per various activities relating to NEW DELHI year--i.e. two hours per week. Swachhta such as cleaning of PTI in the name of treatment. “I “It is a key initiative to im- surroundings, organising work- NEW DELHI cannot say that he (Chautala) is ABOUT 58 lakh pensioners are prove health and cleanliness in shops, cleanliness drives etc be hale and hearty but he does not being roped in by the Centre for the nation. In order to succeed, organised. Award functions etc THE Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) require any immediate redressal Prime Minister Narendra Mo- it has to become a people’s in associations, social clubs, government on Monday op- (for his ailments). In an August di’s ambitious ‘Swachh Bharat movement by ensuring sustain- resident welfare associations posed in the Delhi High Court 2013 medical report, it was said Abhiyan’ to ensure that the tar- able change in the behaviour of may be organised,” the letter the parole plea of INLD leader that a pacemaker was needed get of total sanitation is met by citizens. It is, therefore, impor- said. Ajay Chautala, serving a 10-year to be implanted but till date no October, 2019. tant that all efforts are made to There are about 58 lakh jail term in teachers’ recruitment such procedure has been carried The Ministry of Personnel, mobilise people’s participation central government pensioners scam case, alleging that he was out,” Delhi government’s senior Public Grievances and Pen- and to ensure that the mission in the country. The pensioners “abusing” the process of law. standing counsel Rahul Mehra sions has written to all central truly becomes a citizens’ move- have been asked to organise Chautala has sought parole for told the bench. “This means that government pensioners’ associ- ment,” the Ministry said in a a mass pledge by members of medical treatment and for main- the patient is improving. Last ations across the country to be letter to the associations. Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga their associations. “I will devote taining social ties. Delhi govern- time, he had gone to a private part of ‘Clean India fortnight’ Central government pen- rejuvenation, Uma Bharti, watches cleaning the river surface of 100 hours per year that is two ment told a bench of Chief Jus- hospital and not a government to sensitise their members on sioners are a very significant Yamuna at Chhat Ghat near ITO in New Delhi recently. (PTI) hours per week to voluntary tice G Rohini and Justice Jayant hospital. He is abusing the sys- cleanliness in their neighbour- constituent of society in view work for cleanliness. I will nei- Nath that earlier also Chautala tem of law. He was out of jail for hood. Those interested in being of their numbers, geographi- sition in society, it said. “You and impact in society in vari- ther litter nor let others litter,” was admitted to a private hos- seven months in the name of part of the programme will be cal spread and important po- can make a great contribution ous ways. It is suggested that reads the pledge. pital for around seven months treatment,” he argued. India Tuesday, May 17, 2016 13 HEAVY TURNOUT OF VOTERS IN KERALA, TN AND PUDUCHERRY Leaders of rival fronts exude confidence PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

KERALA Chief Minister Oom- men Chandy on Monday ex- pressed confidence that the Cong-led UDF would ride back to power, while CPI(M) Polit Bu- reau Member and Left Front’s chief ministerial aspirant Pi- narayi Vijayan claimed there was an “LDF wave” in the state. The two leaders were CPI(M) polit bureau member among the early voters in the Pinarayi Vijayan casts his vote state. Leader of the opposi- at a polling station in Kannur tion in the assembly V S Achu- district on Monday. (PTI) tanandan, who is contesting from Malampuzha in Palakkad he said. “If there is a continu- district, visited various booths ation of UDF government, it in his constituency on Monday is due to the result of the unity morning. “We are expecting among its partners. If there is good results.” he said. a setback, I am responsible for Chandy offered prayers at a it as the Front Chairman,” the local church at his home town Chief Minister said. The BJP’s and constituency - Puthupally performance will be “dismal”, in Kottayam district - and lit he said. Vijayan, who cast his oil lamps early morning before vote at Pinarayi in Kannur dis- casting his franchise. trict, said for a prosperous ‘Nava Later talking to report- Kerala’ (New Kerala), LDF will ers, Chandy refused to predict come to power. With this elec- People line up to cast their votes at a polling station during Assembly Elections in Kochi, Kerala, on Monday. (PTI) the number of seats the Front tion, the UDF will be “thrown would win. “I am not predict- out due to its anti-people poli- IANS percent recorded in 2011 when which has a 30-member house, hometown Puthupally near to Chandy.” ing the number of seats we cies and corruption” and com- CHENNAI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM the polling ends at 6 pm. is between the Congress-DMK Kottayam: “We are certain the State BJP president Kum- will win, but UDF will get good munal forces will be “alienated”, In Tamil Nadu, the ruling combine and the ruling All In- people will give us one more manem Rajasekheran, contest- majority. There was lot of en- he said after voting along with MILLIONS voted on Monday AIADMK was pitted against dia NR Congress (AINRC). chance, added Congress leader. ing in Vatiyoorkavu in the state thusiasm everywhere for UDF,” his family members. in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pu- the DMK-Congress alliance, a In all three states, voting be- “For the first time in the capital, said: “There is a strong ducherry, bringing down the front led by the DMDK of actor- gan on a brisk note at 7 am and state a ruling party is going to opposition to both the Left as curtains on staggered five-state turned-politician Vijaykanth, continued on that pace through- retain power. While the Left well as the Congress. That’s why elections -- the biggest popular- the PMK and the Bharatiya Ja- out the day. Long queues will remain in the opposition, we are hugely confident.” ity test since the Lok Sabha bat- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister PM’s Somalia remark will tle. and AIADMK general secretary The Election Commission J Jayalalithaa did not predict impact BJP’s prospects said on Monday that Kerala re- the outcome: “In two days, the corded over 71 percent polling verdict will be known,” she said in Kerala: Antony while the percentage was over 18 million 40 million 7.2 lakh after voting in Chennai. 69 percent for Tamil Nadu and DMK chief and former PTI “The Prime minister had an op- above 81 percent for Puduch- VOTE IN VOTE IN VOTE IN chief minister M Karunanidhi, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM portunity to apologise for the erry in the assembly polls. KERALA TAMIL NADU PUDUCHERRY his son and party treasurer M remark, but he did not do that,” Some 40 million voted in K Stalin and state BJP leader CONGRESS leader A K Antony the former Defence Minister Tamil Nadu, which saw multi- Tamilisai Soundararajan voted on Monday said Prime Minister said, adding the remark would ple contests in all constituen- in Chennai too. Narendra Modi’s controversial affect the BJP’s prospects. cies for the first time, and about Karunanidhi said the DMK- Kerala-Somalia comparison Modi, while addressing an elec- 18 million in Kerala, where the nata Party (BJP). Polling in two formed at all polling centres but the BJP won’t win any seat,” Congress combine was poised will impact the prospects of tion rally here, had compared BJP made determined efforts to of the 234 constituencies has the polling was largely peaceful. said and former chief minister to win and form the next gov- BJP, which has been pulling out the infant deaths in some tribal make inroads in a state domi- been postponed. In Kerala, both Chief Minis- A K Antony. But Marxist leader ernment. all the stops in its bid to open its areas in the state with that to nated by the Congress-led UDF Over 7.2 lakh voters or 80 ter Oommen Chandy and CPI- Achuthanandan, whose Com- The AIADMK is aligned account in Kerala Assembly. Somalia. and the LDF headed by the CPI- percent of Puducherry’e elec- M veteran V S Achuthanandan munist Party of India-Marxist with some smaller parties. The “Modi had compared Ker- However, BJP defended the M. torate have cast their ballots asserted that their coalitions (CPI-M) heads the Left Demo- DMK’s allies include the Con- ala to Somalia, which is infa- Prime Minister, saying people The polling percentage in so far in polling on Monday were set to win the electoral cratic Front (LDF), was equally gress, two Muslim parties and mous for starvation deaths and were “twisting facts” and he Kerala -- which elects a 140-seat to elect the union territory’s battle. confident. “There is a huge wave some smaller outfits. sea pirates. The pride of Ker- had only highlighted the plight assembly -- was 70.35 at 5 pm. 30-member assembly, the Elec- Chandy, who heads the in our favour. We are heading The third front has the alites has been hurt,” Antony of the tribal community in the Election Commission officials tion Commission (EC) said. Congress-led United Demo- for a landslide victory. People DMDK, CPI-M, CPI, VCK, TMC told reporters after exercising state and his desire was to im- said it could well cross the 75.12 The main fight in Puducherry, cratic Front (UDF), said at his are going to show the exit door and MDMK. his franchise at a booth here. prove their living conditions. Bengal goes to TMC, Assam to BJP; LDF wrests Kerala, DMK wins TN: Poll

IANS last month that the party’s best gave 90 seats to the BJP com- and three to others. to the AIADMK and 78 to the NEW DELHI chances lay in Assam. bine, 27 to the Congress and The exit polls were divided DMK coalition. The BJP-led alliance nine to the AIUDF. over Tamil Nadu. Two surveys In Kerala, however, the EXIT polls at the end of five- could bag 79 to 93 seats in the According to TimesNow predicted a defeat for Chief Left could return to power. state elections on Monday 126-member Assam assembly, C-Voter exit poll, the BJP and Minister J Jayalalithaa’s AIAD- The India Today-Axis exit poll evening predicted a Trinamool three exit polls said. allies would get 57 seats, the MK. But a third said she would gave 88 to 101 seats to the Left sweep in West Bengal, a BJP A fourth survey gave the Congress 41, AIUDF 18 and retain power comfortably, win- Democratic Front (LDF) in the win in Assam, a Left victory in BJP and its two allies - Asom others 10. ning 139 of the 234 seats. 140-member house and 38- Kerala but the verdict was split Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bod- In West Bengal, Chief Min- The News Nation TV exit 48 to the Congress-led United over Tamil Nadu, with advan- oland People’s Front (BPF) - 57 ister Mamata Banerjee was set poll gave 95-99 seats to the Democratic Front (UDF). The tage to the DMK. The DMK was seats, close to the critical half- to retain power with a slightly AIADMK and 114-118 to the BJP could get zero to three also tipped to win in Puduch- way mark. reduced majority. DMK-Congress alliance. The seats while one to four seats erry. The India Today-Axis exit According to ABP-Nielsen, People Welfare Front (PWF), may go to others. In the biggest popularity poll gave 79-93 seats to the BJP the Trinamool would win 163 made up of six parties, could The India TV C-Voter exit test since the Lok Sabha polls combine, 26-33 to the Congress of the 294 assembly seats. The West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata get 14 seats and the BJP four poll predicted 74-82 seats to of 2014, the Bharatiya Janata and 6-10 to the All India United CPI-M-led Left Front and the Banerjee during an election rally in support of party candidates in seats. Nine seats could go to the LDF, which is led by the Party (BJP) appeared poised Democratic Front (AIUDF). Congress combine would get Coochbehar district of West Bengal recently. (PTI) others. The Axis-My India exit Communist Party of India- to win in Assam for the first ABP-Nielsen predicted 81 126 with a solitary seat going to poll predicted 124-140 seats to Marxist (CPI-M). Exit polls time, ending 15 long years of seats to the BJP coalition, 33 the BJP. Others would get four five percent, and the final out- C-Voter also predicted a the DMK-Congress alliance, predicted a win for the DMK- Congress rule. BJP leaders to the Congress and 10 to the seats. But it warned that in 25 come could drastically change whopping 167 seats for the Tri- 89-110 to the AIADMK, 0-3 to Congress alliance in Puduch- had admitted even before the AIUDF. constituencies the margin of depending on the results in namool, 75 for the Left, 45 for the BJP and 4-8 to others. C- erry too, ousting the ruling All start of the staggered elections The NewsX Chanakya poll victory was set to be less than these seats. the Congress, four to the BJP Voter, however, gave 139 seats India NR Congress.

TRANSGENDERS CAST VOTE IN Kerala film stars not behind others in casting ballots KERALA FOR FIRST TIME

IANS Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) sibility and right to do so,” said B Ganesh Kumar and Bhee- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM In a historic moment for the trans- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM hopes of an electoral victory Salman. men Reghu are engaged in a gender community in Kerala, two persons of the ‘third gender’ were sky high. Parliamentarian Innocent triangular contest in Pathanan- on Monday voted in the assembly elections. SUPERSTARS and stars of the “Elections today are similar cast his vote at Iranjalakuda in puram in Kollam district, a seat Surya, a mimicry artist and Suji, the only two to be listed Malayalam movie industry on to a circus ring, where various Thrissur district. “Allegations Kumar has represented since as ‘third gender’ in the state electoral roll, said this was an Monday rubbed shoulders with strategies are devised. We have against the present govern- 2001. exciting moment for them as the society has acknowledged commoners across Kerala to done our duty and placed our ment, pertaining to the ‘solar Kumar last year moved their community. exercise their franchise in the ideas before the people. Now, scam’ and a few land deals at from the ruling Congress- This is the first time that third gender figures in the state assembly elections. let the people of Kerala decide,” the fag end of its tenure, will re- led United Democratic Front electoral roll. Hailing from the state capital, Surya, a known Those who cast their votes said Gopi, who actively cam- flect in the poll result,” he said. (UDF) to the opposition Left mimicry artist in comedy shows in television channels, exer- to elect their representatives paigned for NDA candidates Popular actress Kavya Democratic Front. cised her franchise at a booth in Vattiyoorkkavu constituency in the 140-member Kerala as- across the state. Madhavan said she could cast While Jagadish is a Con- here while Suji voted in Nattika in Thrissur. sembly included superstar Superstar Mammootty her vote in Ernakulam after gress candidate, Reghu is a BJP Expressing happiness over it, Surya, once a man who Mammootty, his son Dulqar cast his vote in Ernakulam and the shooting of her film was nominee. underwent a sex-change surgery and became a woman a year Salman, Chalakudy Lok Sabha said: “Everyone exercises his or stopped to ensure all got the “The voters’ enthusiasm ago, said it was significant moment not only for her but also member Innocent, Sreenivas- her political right through vot- chance to vote. and the huge response are for every transgender in the state. an, Dileep, Kavya Madhavan, ing and that’s the best part of Actor and BJP MP Suresh Gopi Upcoming star Fahad Fazil good for democracy,” Jagadish “I am extremely happy. I consider my vote as a proof for Fahad Fazil and Salim Kumar, democracy.” shows his voter ID and finger and his director-father Fazil remarked after casting his vote the society’s recognition of the transgender society,” she told to name a few. Mammootty’s son and up- after casting vote in Thiruvanan- cast their votes in Alappuzha in the state capital. reporters. Superstar Suresh Gopi, re- coming actor Dulqar Salman, thapuram on Monday. (PTI) district. “Everyone should ex- Character actor Mukesh is She also expressed hope that more transgenders would cently nominated by the gov- awaiting his turn to vote, said ercise their right to vote,” said contesting the Kollam seat on a come out and obtain their voter’s identity cards to exercise ernment to the Rajya Sabha, he was voting in Ernakulam for voted in Chennai. The youth Fahad. CPI-M ticket. He cast his vote their voting rights in the coming elections. “I am excited to cast his vote here in the state the first time. should come out in large num- Incidentally, four actors in Eravipuram constituency in cast vote as a third gender,” Suji said. (PTI) capital and said the National “In the previous elections, I bers to vote as it’s their respon- are in the poll fray. Jagdish, K Ernakulam district. 14 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 World / Africa Quake hits Tokyo, eastern Japan cities; Uganda opposition chief flown to high UN says 9.2 million Lake Chad residents no tsunami security prison need food aid TOKYO AN EARTHQUAKE shook buildings in the Japanese KAMPALA UGANDAN opposition leader Kizza Besigye was NIAMEY MORE THAN nine million people in the Lake Chad NEWS capital Tokyo and other areas on Monday but no damage or transferred to a high security prison in the capital Kampala on region are in desperate need of food aid as the violent insur- IN BRIEF injuries were immediately reported. The quake struck at 9:23 Monday after being charged with treason, court officials said. gency being waged there by Boko Haram rages, the UN said on pm (1223 GMT) in Ibaraki 41 kilometres (25 miles) northeast Besigye disputed President Yoweri Museveni’s victory in Febru- Monday. Half of the region’s residents are facing “chronic food of Tokyo at a depth of 37 kilometres, the US Geological Survey ary’s election and has been under house arrest for much of insecurity” and malnutrition as the violence around Lake Chad said, putting the magnitude at 5.4. (AFP) the time since. (AFP) “continues to deteriorate”, UN said. (AFP) US, S Korea, Japan to hold China ignores 50th anniversary of Cultural Revolution joint drill against N Korea moral beliefs”, said one de- May 16 marked half a century since the 1966 declaration, leted comment, according to AFP terception,” said the official. which left mayhem and transformed the political landscape archival site freeweibo.com. SEOUL US will launch an airplane “What’s unbelievable is as a mock-up missile, which that there still remain doubts SOUTH KOREA, Japan and all three countries will moni- AFP munist Party, carried no arti- bility to Mao Zedong, avoiding in our understanding of such a the United States will hold tor from ships equipped with BEIJING cles about the anniversary in the question of the party’s own grave catastrophe, that its per- their first anti-missile drills an Aegis anti-missile system, either Chinese or English. culpability. Now it restricts nicious influence has failed to together next month to guard Yonhap news agency reported. OFFICIAL Chinese media The state-run Global discussion of the period to be eliminated, and that the cul- against threats from nuclear- The upcoming exercise was stayed largely silent about Times ran just five paragraphs prevent undermining the le- prits have yet to be investigat- armed North Korea, a Seoul proposed at a trilateral military Monday’s 50th anniversary of of an AFP story about the pop- gitimacy of its rule. ed,” the commentator added. official said Monday. meeting held after the North’s the start of the bloody Cultural ularity of Cultural Revolution Asked about the anniver- Another censored com- The drill will be held in long-range rocket launch in Revolution, with discussion memorabilia but without in- sary at a regular press brief- mentator had written: “With- the waters near Hawaii on February, the official added. of the tumultuous decade still cluding any political context. ing Monday, foreign ministry out thoroughly revisiting the June 28, said an official at The rocket launch -- held controlled on the mainland. In 1981 the Communist spokesman Hong Lei offered Mao Zedong Cultural Revolution, there the Seoul’s defense ministry, a month after Pyongyang’s May 16 marked half a cen- Party officially pronounced only a single sentence in re- will be people who want to ahead of the US-led Rim of the fourth nuclear test and seen tury since the 1966 declaration the Cultural Revolution a sponse: “The Chinese govern- sored. bring it back.” Pacific naval exercises. as a disguised ballistic missile of the movement, which left grave error that “led to do- ment already made the correct The sin of the Cultural Rev- In an editorial last week “The training will involve test -- drew widespread con- mayhem in its wake and trans- mestic turmoil and brought verdict on it long ago.” olution was that “it inspired as the Global Times admitted: detecting and tracing an imagi- demnation and prompted the formed the political landscape. catastrophe to the Party, the Users who sought to dis- far as possible the evil in hu- “Despite the government’s ac- nary missile from North Korea, UN to slap its toughest sanc- But the People’s Daily, state and the whole people”. cuss the campaign on China’s man nature, severed our na- knowledgement, the Cultural but will not include missile in- tions ever on North Korea. mouthpiece of the ruling Com- It ascribed chief responsi- Twitter-like Weibo were cen- tional culture, destroyed our Revolution remains divisive.”

FUEL CRISIS Senegal-Gambia border talks break up without agreement

AFP Gambia’s decision to slap a DAKAR hundred-fold hike on fees for trucks entering its territory. A FIRST round of Senegal- The Gambia’s tiny land- Gambia talks to end a three- mass is completely surround- month border blockade has ed by Senegal, and it is reliant ended without agreement on its larger neighbour to im- amid an impasse over a long- port essentials such as fuel. delayed bridge project, a sen- The hike on fees came ior advisor to Senegal’s foreign without warning in February, minister said on Monday. infuriating Senegalese drivers, “We will consult our ex- and was later reversed. perts about the issue of the Senegal’s militant trans- bridge, and the next meeting port trade unionists have will be in July,” the advisor said told AFP they will continue after several hours of talks be- their blockade until they win tween Senegal’s foreign min- 24-hour passage across the ister Mankeur Ndiaye and his border and clear progress on Gambian counterpart Neneh building a bridge. Mcdouall-Geye on Sunday. A bridge spanning Gam- The advisor said the bia’s river would allow much Dakar government would faster journey times between encourage militant truckers northern and southern Sen- blocking commercial traffic egal, but an initial plan to to halt the standoff. “Senegal complete a bridge by 2017 has will work with those involved been delayed for decades. to re-open the border to traf- Mcdouall-Geye has told fic,” the source said. journalists that the proposed The blockade, which has design of the much-delayed created shortages of essen- bridge was unacceptable in its tial daily items on both sides current form and would ham- of the frontier, followed the per navigation.

WHO issues first guidelines Motorists queue in the night to buy fuel at a filling station in Ibafo, Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, recently.(AFP) on treating victims of Nigeria reaches out to union female genital mutilation AFP medical professionals have also GENEVA been ill-prepared to respond. “Health workers are often leaders to avert national strike THE WORLD HEALTH OR- unaware of the many negative GANIZATION on Monday re- health consequences of FGM leased its first-ever guidelines and many remain inadequately pressures in Africa’s largest rol and deregulated the fuel which has also seen produc- on how medical professionals trained to recognise and treat Govt offices, airports, sea ports and economy caused by the global import market to try to end tion cut by militant attacks should treat victims of female them properly,” WHO said. slump in crude prices, which shortages caused by a foreign on facilities in recent weeks, genital mutilation (FGM), Victims therefore “may businesses, including banks, shops has drastically cut revenue exchange crisis. depends on fuel imports be- hoping to ease the terrible suf- suffer needlessly”, it added. and markets, would be shut if talks from oil sales. The global oil shock has cause of a lack of domestic fering caused by the widely Underscoring the global weakened the naira against the refining capacity. condemned practice. spread of the problem, WHO’s failed, the unions warned dollar but despite black market The government has kept Victims are left to cope at-risk population special- Fuel importers have not forex rates of about 350, the prices at the pump low and with a range of consequences ist Lale Say said more than been bringing in supplies government has refused to de- paid the difference to fuel from bleeding and pain while 500,000 women and girls in AFP The NLC and the Trade because of their inability value the currency, keeping the importers but with overall oil urinating, extreme discomfort the United States have suf- LAGOS Union Congress (TUC) have to source forex at the offi- official rate at 197-199. revenue squeezed it can no during sex, fatal complications fered from or face the threat called for an indefinite strike cial market rate, causing Fuel importers have not longer afford to subsidise at in childbirth and deep psycho- of FGM, while some 66,000 NIGERIA’S government was from Wednesday unless petrol lengthy queues at filling been bringing in supplies 86.50 naira per litre. logical trauma. women in Britain have been Monday meeting union lead- prices were slashed from 145 stations because of their inability to Because of the lack of fuel, FGM is most prevalent in subjected to the practice. ers to try to prevent a planned naira ($0.73, 0.64 euros) to source forex at the official motorists have been paying Africa -- where it is practiced Doris Chou, a maternal national strike over a 67 per- 86.50 naira per litre. market rate, causing lengthy upwards of 145 naira per litre in some 30 countries despite and pre-natal health special- cent hike in the price of petrol, Government offices, air- On Monday, Nigeria’s Na- queues at filling stations. for months. widespread criminalisation -- ist at the UN agency, told AFP the labour ministry said. ports, sea ports and businesses, tional Bureau of Statistics said Wranglings over subsidy A previous attempt to as well as the Middle East. that some doctors including in Ministry spokesman Sam- including banks, shops and inflation had risen for the sixth payments between importers end fuel subsidies in January While doctors in those re- the West do not know “what uel Olowookere told AFP the markets, would be shut if talks consecutive month to 13.7 per- and the government have previ- 2012 saw petrol prices more gions have a poor track record they are even looking at” when talks would take place in Abuja failed, the unions warned, call- cent in April, up from 12.8 per- ously led suppliers to withhold than double but the govern- of treating victims, WHO confronted with an FGM vic- and involve government offi- ing on people to stockpile food. cent in March. fuel deliveries in a system wide- ment was forced to partially stressed that global migration tim, a lack of expertise that cials, the Nigeria Labour Con- Any industrial action The government last week ly criticised as open to abuse. reinstate them after wide- had increasingly brought the makes optimal treatment gress (NLC) and its affiliates. would exacerbate economic increased the price of pet- OPEC-member Nigeria, spread protests. problem to the West, where nearly impossible.

S African university hall torched in latest campus attack Cannes film spotlights Chad’s ‘torture chambers’ AFP stop, but you went on and on,” The group has spent 15 FRANCE adds the man, who lost the leg. years trying to bring the AFP A statement from the uni- The scene is typical of former rebel leader -- who was JOHANNESBURG versity said arsonists had “fire THERE is a heart-stopping the muted but unflinching deposed in 1990 -- to trial. Ha- bombed” the 1,000-seater au- moment in a new documenta- encounters that fill “Hissein bre will finally be judged later SOUTH AFRICAN university ditorium as well as computer ry about the survivors of Chad- Habre, A Chadian Tragedy”, this month at a special tribu- authorities said on Monday laboratories full of equipment. ian dictator Hissene Habre’s Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s qui- nal in neighbouring Senegal, that the firebombing of an “This is just the latest in a torture chambers, when one etly dignified film about one of where he had fled into exile. auditorium in Johannesburg set of criminal acts directed at of the torturers kneels down in Africa’s least known mass kill- One of the victims featured was part of an “organised set our country’s basic and higher front of his victim and begs for ings, which premieres at the in the film, Adimatcho Djamai, of attacks” targeting educa- education institutions,” Vice- forgiveness. Cannes film festival Monday. who was tortured so badly he tional institutions. Chancellor Rensburg said. “I had to follow orders,” Some 40,000 people were spent more than two decades The overnight arson attack “We are calling on the po- mumbles “Mahamat the Cam- murdered during Habre’s eight- on the flat of his back in a cor- at the University of Johannes- lice, the intelligence services eroonian” -- now a broken year reign of terror, a Chadian rugated iron shack, died the burg caused about 100 million and the judiciary to re-double man himself living on the commission concluded, while day he was due to testify at rand ($640,000) damage, de- their efforts in getting to the streets as an outcast. the West looked the other way, Habre’s trial. stroying an auditorium, compu- bottom of this organised set “Then why did you have more worried about the Cold Haroun told AFP he want- ter laboratories and equipment. of attacks.” to beat me so badly?” his vic- War and Moamer Kadhafi in (FILE PHOTO) Chadian director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun posing during ed to cast a light on what he No arrests have yet been South African universities tim asks, handing the former neighbouring Libya. a photocall for the film “Grigris” presented in Competition at the 66th calls “this genocide” largely made over the attack, which were rocked last year by vio- gendarme the rubber pipe he Habre was their ally and edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes. (AFP) ignored by the outside world follows months of sporadic lent student protests over tui- used to flail his prisoner’s leg American and French money “because it was some business violence, protests and clashes tion fees, with many campuses to a pulp. even paid for the country’s po- to torture on an industrial who leads a survivors’ group in of the blacks” carried out be- at universities around S Africa. temporarily shut down. “Your superiors told you to litical police, the feared DDS, scale, said Clement Abaifouta, the capital N’Djamena. hind closed doors. UK / Europe Tuesday, May 17, 2016 15 Horses star in Queen’s 90th birthday celebration in Windsor Ukrainian soldier killed after failed peace talks: military

LONDON Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday opened the final show in Windsor marking her 90th KIEV A Ukrainian soldier was killed in a fresh upsurge of fighting with pro-Russian sepa- birthday. ratists after high-profile peace talks failed to bring any results, the Kiev military said on NEWS Before a crowd of about 5,500 in an arena near Windsor Castle, the Queen and Prince Monday. IN BRIEF Philip, 94, arrived for the celebration in a horse-drawn carriage. They were received by their son, The latest casualty came after talks to settle the 25-month conflict floundered in Berlin Prince Charles, with Prince William, his wife, Kate, and Prince Harry also attending. last week, with Moscow and Kiev saying they could not agree on polls in the rebel-held Thousands watched the spectacle on giant screens in a public viewing area in a park at area. The incident occurred “over the past 24 hours,” the military said, without giving Windsor Castle and on television. (DPA) details. (AFP) UN envoy blasts EU’s ‘lack of vision’ on migration

A total of about 50,000 The envoy urges Greece to stop Over 1,100 migrants rescued off the coast of Italy people are stranded in Greece since European countries, in- detaining migrant children ROME Some 1,153 migrants were rescued on Monday in the cluding Austria and Balkan stretch of water between Sicily and North Africa, the Italian states, closed their borders to AP “The legal nature of the Coast Guard said in a statement. migrants earlier this year. ATHENS document is uncertain,” Crep- The Italian, Irish and German navies as well as private Crepeau expressed con- eau told reporters in Athens rescue vessels run by the Doctors Without Borders (MSf) and cern that children were among A UN envoy for human rights after a five-day visit to Greece SOS Mediterranee charities carried out 11 separate rescues, those detained in Greece, as on Monday said the European that included trips to deten- the Coast Guard said. part of the EU-Turkey agree- Union’s response to the refu- tion sites and migrant camps. According to the International Organisation for Migration ment, and in police cells on gee crisis showed a “lack of vi- He added that Greek and (IOM), just under 31,500 migrants have arrived in Italy since the mainland Greece because of sion” and that the bloc’s deal European courts would need start of the year. (DPA) gaps in welfare coverage. with Turkey was legally ques- to determine whether the He urged an immediate tionable. agreement has any “legal val- Turkey to nearby Greek is- face detention and deporta- change in policy, with an ur- The envoy, Francois Crep- ue.” The EU didn’t immedi- lands, which had become by tion back to Turkey unless gent provision of additional eau, said the March agreement ately comment on Crepeau’s far the most popular route for they are granted asylum in resources to child protection between the EU and Turkey remarks. refugees and migrants into often reluctant EU countries. services. to send back migrants reach- The aim of the deal be- Europe. The process has strained fi- “Children should not be ing Europe required “much tween the EU and Turkey is Under the agreement, nancially stricken Greece detained. Period ... It can nev- UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants Francois stronger legal instruments to to stop the flow of hundreds those arriving on Greek is- where about a quarter of the er ever be in the best interest Crepeau during a news conference in Athens on Monday. (REUTERS) ensure legal accountability.” of thousands of people from lands on or after March 20 workforce is unemployed. of the child,” Crepeau said. ‘In’ leads in phone Over 300 UK business leaders poll, ‘Out’ in online warn against staying in EU poll ahead of Joint letter states that it is business, not govt, which generates wealth for the Treasury & jobs for communities EU referendum REUTERS ments were applied to both LONDON sets of data, Boon wrote. “I can see reasons why THE “remain” camp was phone polls overstate ‘re- ahead of “leave” by eight main’ shares, and reasons points in the latest ICM tele- why online polls overstate phone poll ahead of Britain’s EU referendum next month, The telephone poll but an online poll conducted found that ‘remain’ in SCAN TO LAUNCH by the same pollster at the the union stood at 47 A VIDEO same time found “leave” percent, while ‘leave’ ahead by four points. was on 39 percent Britons will vote on June 23 on whether their and 14 percent were country should remain in or undecided. leave the 28-member bloc, a decision with far-reaching The online poll ‘leave’ consequences for trade, de- was on 47 percent, fence, migration, diplomacy ‘remain’ on 43 percent and politics in Britain and and 10 percent were far beyond. undecided. Attempts to predict the outcome of the referendum The entire British poll- have been complicated by ing industry failed to a persistent divergence be- predict the tween telephone polls, which show “remain” ahead by a Conservative Party’s comfortable margin, and outright win in last online polls, which suggest year’s general election. a tighter race that “leave” could win. ‘leave’ shares. That inevita- “Bemused? You have bly leads to a conclusion that every right to be,” said Mar- reality lies somewhere in the tin Boon, director of ICM, in middle, but just hold that a commentary accompany- thought,” he wrote. ing the latest set of polls. “More aggressive weight- “If you want to ask me, ing schemes ... employed A banner encouraging people to support a local Brexit campaign hangs on the side of a building in Altrincham, Britain, recently. (REUTERS) which is unlikely, the an- on these very data sets – swer you’d get is ‘I just don’t schemes intended to correct AFP only a small minority actually Osborne on Monday accused the Leave camp will be accus- votes to leave the EU, as he un- know,’” Boon wrote. for observed (general elec- LONDON trade with the EU,” said the let- the Leave camp of indulging ing us of faking the moon land- veiled the creation of 450 jobs The polls were first tion) vote intention skews the ter, whose signatories include in conspiracy theories, insist- ings, kidnapping (former race- in Britain under a $1.4-billion published on the Guard- like of which have previously MORE than 300 business Steve Dowdle, a former Sony horse) Shergar and covering (1.24-billion euro) boost for ian newspaper website on consumed us – are not reduc- chiefs on Monday urged Brit- vice-president for Europe, and up the existence of the Loch the firm’s UK bases. Monday. The telephone poll ing the gap on the EU refer- ain to vote to leave the EU in David Sismey, a managing di- ´2XWVLGHWKH(8%ULW Ness monster,” said Osborne, “It is exactly this type of found that support for re- endum but increasing it.” June’s referendum, arguing in rector at US investment bank LVKEXVLQHVVZLOOEH who was at London Stansted investment that will be lost maining in the union stood In a similar set of polls a joint letter that its bureauc- Goldman Sachs. IUHHWRJURZIDVWHU Airport for an announcement to other competitor EU mem- at 47 percent, while “leave” released by ICM on April 19, racy stifled companies’ ability “It is business, not govern- H[SDQGLQWRQHZPDU by Irish no-frills airline Rya- bers if the UK votes to leave was on 39 percent and 14 the phone poll put “remain” to grow. ment, which generates wealth NHWVDQGFUHDWHPRUH nair on new investment. the European Union,” he said. percent were undecided. on 48 percent, “leave” on 41 The letter, published in for the Treasury and jobs for “The response to the so- But the letter in The Daily The online poll that percent with 11 percent un- The Daily Telegraph news- our communities,” it added. MREV,W·VWLPHWRYRWH ber economic warnings from Telegraph claimed that Brit- “leave” was on 47 percent, decided. paper, comes days after the British Prime Minister OHDYHDQGWDNHEDFN around the world by those ain’s competitiveness was un- “remain” on 43 percent and The parallel online poll British government seized on David Cameron is fighting for FRQWUROµWKHOHWWHU who want to leave the EU has dermined by its membership 10 percent were undecided. put “leave” on 44 percent, warnings from the Bank of his political future in the June FRQFOXGHG not been credible or serious,” of a “failing” 28-nation bloc. Both polls were conduct- “remain” on 43 percent with England and the International 23 referendum, which polls added Chancellor of the Ex- “Outside the EU, British ed on May 13-15. The tel- 13 percent undecided. Monetary Fund on the finan- suggest is neck-and-neck. ing there was an “overwhelm- chequer Osborne. business will be free to grow ephone poll surveyed 1,002 The entire British poll- cial consequences of leaving With less than six weeks ing consensus” among econo- Ryanair boss Michael faster, expand into new mar- people, while the online poll ing industry failed to predict the European Union. until polling day, campaign- mists and world leaders that O’Leary meanwhile warned kets and create more jobs.” had 2,048 respondents. The the Conservative Party’s out- “Brussels’ red tape stifles ing has become increasingly “Brexit”, or Britain leaving the that the budget airline would “It’s time to vote leave and questions were the same and right win in last year’s gen- every one of Britain’s 5.4 mil- fractious. EU, would be bad for Britain. be forced to scale back Brit- take back control,” the letter the same weighting adjust- eral election. lion businesses, even though Finance minister George “The next thing we know, ish investment if the country concluded. 10 more days needed to put New UN climate talks aim at fleshing out Paris deal out Spanish tyre fire: officials AFP mate impacts. Most of the de- Maldives and chair of the Al- BONN tails on how this will happen liance of Small Island States AFP fire is completely extinguished have yet to be worked out. (AOSIS) told the plenary. MADRID (between a week and ten days) FIVE months after ushering in Voluntary national pledges One of the UN body’s most there will still be 30,000 a landmark climate deal, dip- in the Paris pact to slash car- urgent tasks is orchestrating IT could take another 10 days tonnes of tyres able to be recy- lomats kicked off a new round bon pollution -- going into ef- the ramping up of national to put out a huge fire at a tyre cled and reused”. of talks on Monday tasked fect in 2020 -- would still allow plans to cut carbon pollution. dump near Madrid, regional The blaze broke out before with converting a political Earth’s surface by at least 3 C The next “political mo- authorities said on Monday, dawn last Friday in the dump blueprint into a workable plan. (5.4 F), a cataclysmic scenario, ment” when countries could though residents have already that stretches over 10 hectares “The whole world is united say scientists. deepen their commitments is a been allowed to return to the (25 acres) -- the equivalent of in its commitment to the glo- A single degree Celsius of so-called stocktaking in 2018. area. about 10 rugby fields -- and bal goals embodied in the Par- warming since the pre-indus- At the same time, the de- Some 10,000 people liv- straddles the Castilla-La Man- is Agreement,” the UN’s out- trial benchmark has already veloping world is concerned ing in the town of Sesena near cha and Madrid regions. going climate chief, Christiana seen a crescendo of devastat- that too much of the 100 bil- the Spanish capital evacuated A massive black cloud Figueres, told the 196-nation ing storms, droughts and ris- lion dollars (88 billion euros) their homes Friday after the of fumes billowed into the UN climate body at the start of ing seas. per year promised by wealthy dump went up in flames after air, prompting widespread a 10-day session in Bonn. Dutch Environment Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen (right) and US national scientists said nations starting in 2020 will a suspected arson attack. health concerns. The Castilla- “Now we must design the UN’s climate chief Christiana Figuere during the fourth climate confer- over the weekend that last be spent on curbing green- Spanish authorities al- La Mancha government had details of the path to the safe, ence Adaptation Futures in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, recently. (EPA) month was the warmest April house gases and not enough to lowed the residents to return warned that the smoke was prosperous and climate-neutral recorded -- the seventh con- boosting climate resilience. home Saturday, saying that “toxic.” future to which we all aspire.” ciled to seal the deal in Decem- nothing less than weaning the secutive month to exceed pre- “For our endeavours to be the toxic fumes billowing from The massive stack of tyres That remains a daunting ber -- remains just beneath the world economy off fossil fuels vious highs. achieved, enhanced and ade- the rubber heap posed less of started to form in the 1990s task, negotiators and experts surface. within a few short decades. “The only question is quate financial and technology a risk. when a company began using agreed. The targets set are The new goal of capping It will also require mobilis- whether we join together quick- support ... must be provided,” a The regional Castilla-La the site as a temporary depot hugely ambitious, and the rift global warming at “well be- ing trillions of dollars to help ly and boldly enough to avoid Thai diplomat, speaking for the Mancha authorities in a state- for old tyres due to be recy- between rich and developing low” two degree Celsius (3.6 poor countries green their catastrophe,” Thoriq Ibrahim, 134-nation ‘G77 and China’ bloc ment estimated that “when the cled, and it grew from then on. countries -- sufficiently recon- degrees Fahrenheit) means economies and brace for cli- environment minister for the said at the opening plenary. 16 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Gulf / Middle East Divers find ancient Roman cargo from shipwreck Iran arrests fashion models in social media crackdown

CAESAREA Archaeologists in Israel have recovered bronze statues and thousands of coins from a DUBAI Iran has launched a new crackdown on social media, arresting fashion models active on photo- merchant ship that sank off the Mediterranean coast some 1,600 years ago during the late Roman sharing websites and a blog website manager after Tehran's top leader declared war on un-Islamic NEWS period. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said two divers had made the discovery several weeks thoughts on the Internet. Eight members of a modelling network were arrested and accused of publish- IN BRIEF ago in the ancient harbour of Caesarea. Successive dives recovered a haul including a bronze ing photos of women without the obligatory hijab headscarf on the picture-sharing application Instagram, lamp depicting the image of sun god Sol, a figure of moon goddess Luna, fragments of life-size Tasnim news agency said on Sunday. The semi-official student news agency ISNA also reported on bronze cast statues as well as two lumps of thousands of coins. Last year divers found a haul of Monday the arrest of Mehdi Butorabi, 53, the manager of the popular Persian Blog launched in 2001 as 1,000-year-old gold coins inscribed in Arabic on the sea bed off Israel. (REUTERS) the Iranian equivalent of the Blogger weblog publishing tool. (REUTERS) IS militants exploit Yemen chaos amid elusive peace deal

REUTERS to outright combat, Yemen’s CAIRO/DUBAI United Nations-sponsored peace process arguably shows ISLAMIC State efforts to exploit the most promise. chaos may have have brought Unlike with Libya and Syr- Saudi-backed forces and Iran- ia, representatives of Yemen’s allied Houthis tentatively closer warring sides meet daily in at peace talks in Yemen's civil Kuwait and argue over how to war, but a deal seems unlikely implement UN Security Coun- in time to avert collapse into cil resolutions and share power. armed, feuding statelets. But while keeping Yemen’s Ferocious conflict along parties talking for this long was Yemen's northern border be- an accomplishment, getting tween Saudi Arabia and Iran- them to live together in Sanaa allied Ansurallah, a Shi'ite and share power remains a dis- Muslim revival movement tant dream. also called the Houthis, defied two previous attempts to seal Of the countries where a peace. But a truce this year pro-democracy uprisings and prisoner exchanges mean in 2011 ultimately led to hopes for a third round of talks are higher. outright combat, Yemen’s The threat from an emerg- UN-sponsored peace ing common enemy may be gal- process arguably shows vanising their efforts. Islamic the most promise. State appears to be behind a dizzying uptick in suicide at- Unlike with Libya and Iraqi government forces gather on the highway near the city of Ramadi as they prepare to take part in an operation to retake Rutba town from the IS group on Monday. (AFP) tacks and al Qaeda fighters con- Syria, representatives of tinue to hold sway over broad Yemen’s warring sides swathes of the country that meet daily in Kuwait abuts Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter. and argue over how to Iraq army starts offensive to Saudi Foreign Minister implement UN resolu- Adel al-Jubeir said on Thurs- tions and share power. day the kingdom sought to prioritize fighting militants in A diplomatic source in Ku- Yemen over its desultory arm- wait said that through the fog of retake Anbar town from IS wrestle with entrenched Houthi rhetoric, a general outline of a insurgents. resolution has been reached. “Whether we agree or disa- “There is an agreement on Baghdad last week. Rutba, located in western ground to the Iraqi security gree with them, the Houthis the withdrawal from the cit- The operation is backed by air support from "It's not heavily defended Anbar province along the forces in recent months. Ac- are part of the social fabric ies and the (Houthi) hando- Iraqi forces and US-led coalition against IS as is Fallujah or as was Ram- main road to Jordan, has cording to the government, of Yemen ... The Houthis are ver of weapons, forming a adi," he said, referring to the IS controls only 14 percent of our neighbours. Al Qaeda and government of all parties and capital of Anbar, which has been held by the jihadist Iraqi territory, down from the Daesh are terrorist entities that preparing for new elections. AFP which is also backed by air been retaken, and its second group since 2014. 40 percent it held in 2014. must be confronted in Yemen The dispute now only centres BAGHDAD support from Iraqi forces and city, which IS still holds. But the group has inten- and everywhere else,” Jubeir around where to begin,” the the US-led coalition against Warren said the number IS has been steadily sified its attacks behind the tweeted, using the Arabic acro- source said. IRAQI security forces and al- IS, it said. of IS fighters in Rutba varies losing ground to the front lines, detonating car nym for Islamic State. All parties will be aware the lied fighters launched an op- Rutba, located in west- from around 100 up to several Iraqi security forces in bombs in civilian areas and Despite the relative lull danger of a collapse into feud- eration on Monday to retake ern Anbar province along hundred, and that once the recent months. infiltrating sensitive sites with during talks, hostility contin- ing statelets is growing. The the town of Rutba from the the main road to Jordan, Iraqis "decide they want to lib- suicide commandos. ues. Saudi Arabia has pounded Houthis are deepening control Islamic State jihadist group, has been held by the jihadist erate Rutba, they'll be able to." But parts of Anbar -- in- “Daesh (IS) is turning to its enemies with dozens of air over what remains of the shat- the military said. group since 2014. IS overran large areas cluding Fallujah -- are still targeting civilian facilities in strikes. Houthis have respond- tered state it seized with the Special forces, soldiers, "Rutba's important to the north and west of Baghdad under IS control, as is most cities after losing the battle on ed with two ballistic missile capital in 2014. police, border guards and enemy because it's another in June of that year, and later of Nineveh province, to its the front,” said Colonel Mo- launches. Meanwhile the Houthis’ pro-government paramili- support zone for them," said made further advances in An- north. hamed al-Bidhani of the gov- If the parties seize the op- enemies in the restive, once in- taries are involved in the op- Colonel Steve Warren, the bar, seizing Ramadi in 2015. And the jihadists are still ernment’s “war media cell”. portunity, an unlikely new dependent South agitate ever eration to retake the Anbar spokesman for the US-led op- Iraqi forces have since able to carry out bombings On Saturday, a group of IS status quo may reign by which more confidently for self-rule. province town, Iraq's Joint eration against IS. regained significant ground in government-held areas fighters sneaked into Amriyat Houthis and Saudis depend on Militiamen in Aden last Operations Command said in IS uses it "to stage and from the jihadists, securing -- something they did more al-Fallujah, a government- each other for peace. week expelled on the back of a statement. prepare forces for operations the Ramadi area earlier this frequently prior to the June held town west of Baghdad, Of the countries where pro- trucks more than 800 north- Tanks and artillery are in... the main battle area," year and retaking the town of 2014 offensive. in a similar suicide raid that democracy “Arab Spring” up- erners they said lacked proper taking part in the operation, Warren told journalists in Heet last month. IS has been steadily losing killed five people. risings in 2011 ultimately led IDs and posed a security risk. World powers ready to arm Libya in fight against IS Comoros ready to take in Kuwait’s stateless people Europe fears the jihadists will use Libya the 2011 NATO-backed upris- Libya’s leader, who was on the continent. ing that toppled and killed long- also present at the "We look forward to part- AFP the generous welfare benefits as a launch pad to attack the continent time dictator Moamer Qadhafi, nering with the GNA and neigh- KUWAIT CITY that accompany it. with rival militias vying to con- Vienna talks, insisted his bouring countries to tackle the But the government says trol the oil-rich country. country needed assist- threat posed throughout the THE African island nation of only 34,000 qualify for con- AFP necessary lethal arms and A unity government was ance, not intervention. Mediterranean and on its land the Comoros has said it is ready sideration for citizenship and VIENNA materiel to counter UN-des- formed in late March after borders by criminal organisa- to consider taking thousands of the rest are economic migrants ignated terrorist groups and months of negotiation by UN Libya’s divisions have tions engaged in all forms of stateless people denied citizen- from neighbouring countries WORLD powers said on Mon- to combat (IS) throughout the mediators in a bid to end the once again deepened in smuggling and trafficking," the ship in Kuwait, newspapers re- or their descendants without day they supported the lifting country. We will fully support political chaos that has under- recent days, with the world powers including Rus- ported on Monday. any solid claim. of an arms embargo on Libya these efforts," read a statement mined the fight against IS. GNA and Haftar’s forces sia and Saudi Arabia said in "If the issue is raised offi- In November 2014, interior and were ready to supply weap- by US Secretary of State John In a bid to stabilise the each announcing their their statement. Libya's leader, cially, we are ready to discuss ministry assistant undersecre- ons to the country's new unity Kerry and 24 other top diplo- country, the fledgling regime of own plans to fight IS. who was also present at the Vi- it," visiting Comorian External tary Major General Mazen al- government to help it fight the mats after talks in Vienna. Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj enna talks, insisted his country Affairs Minister Abdulkarim Jarrah said those bidoons not growing threat posed by the Is- The conference was co- drew up a list of requests for needed assistance, not inter- Mohamed said, when asked granted citizenship could be lamic State group. chaired by Kerry and his Italian Western partners to assist its Martin Kobler and EU foreign vention. if his country was ready to re- given permanent residence if "The Government of Na- counterpart Paolo Gentiloni forces with arms, training and policy chief Federica Mogherini. Libya's divisions have once ceive Kuwait's stateless, known they agreed to take Comorian tional Accord has voiced its whose country has faced a ma- intelligence. Europe fears the jihad- again deepened in recent days, as ‘bidoons’. economic citizenship. intention to submit appropri- jor influx of migrants from Lib- The demands were pre- ists, who have in recent weeks with the GNA and Haftar's More than 110,000 bidoons Those who accepted the of- ate arms embargo exemption ya fleeing violence and poverty. sented at the Vienna confer- made new advances, will use forces each announcing their have been living in Kuwait for fer would be given a series of requests to the UN Libya Sanc- The North African nation ence, whose attendees included Sirte's port and airport as a own plans to fight IS and "lib- decades claiming the right to incentives, including free edu- tions Committee to procure was plunged into chaos after the UN's special envoy to Libya springboard to launch attacks erate" Sirte. citizenship in the emirate and cation and health care. Rights group urges Jordan to ease transit for Gaza Palestinians

abroad via the West Bank and Gaza," a government source all of their rights," he added. Amman denies any policy change Jordan, the New York-based told AFP, speaking on condi- HRW said that between rights group said. tion of anonymity. last August and January 2016, AFP wrote in a letter to the Jorda- HRW said that "until re- The source said that "11,116 58 people contacted Israel's AMMAN nian authorities. cently", Jordan helped to fa- Gazans entered or transited Gisha rights group which Israel has imposed a land, cilitate such travel. Jordan in 2015". helps Gazans seeking Israeli HUMAN Rights Watch urged air and sea blockade since "However, since August "Freedom of travel for permission to travel, "saying Jordan Monday to lift re- 2006 on the Islamist Hamas- 2015, individuals, lawyers, Gazans is primarily the re- their requests for Jordanian cent "restrictions" on transit controlled Gaza Strip, which is and human rights organisa- sponsibility of Israel and permission to transit had been through its territory of Pales- bordered to the north and east tions have found that such Egypt," the source added. rejected or that they had re- tinians from the Gaza Strip, by the Jewish state and to the requests have largely been re- Jordan's government ceived no answer". but the authorities in Amman west by the Mediterranean. fused by Jordan or received no spokesman Mohamed Moma- Previously, Gisha "was denied any policy change. To the south, the Palestin- response," the rights group's ni told AFP: "We continue to hearing of virtually no refus- Since August 2015, "Pales- ian enclave is also subject to letter said. help (the Palestinians) on all als", HRW said. tinians from Gaza have found an Egyptian blockade. Jordanian authorities de- levels, including freedom of It called on Jordan to facil- it increasingly difficult to get Since the closure of the nied that Amman's policy has movement." itate transit for Gaza residents, permission to transit through Rafah border crossing into changed. "The solution to all these urging Amman to "ensure that Jordan to travel abroad, with- Egypt, up to 100 Gazans, "There is no change in problems is an end to Israeli their decisions are transpar- out any explanation for the mostly students and business- Jordan's policy relating to settlements and the creation ent, are not arbitrary, and take A Palestinian woman and child at the Khan Yunis refugee camp in the change," HRW's Middle East men, are allowed to transit the transit of our Palestinian of a Palestinian state so the into consideration the human southern Gaza Strip on Sunday. (AFP) director Sarah Leah Whitson Israel every week to travel brothers, including those in Palestinian people... can enjoy rights of those affected". Gulf / Middle East Tuesday, May 17, 2016 17 US-Russian stalemate on Anger, fear sweep Turkey border town Syria frustrates EU powers under IS attack Kilis hit more than 70 times since Jan. Some diplomats doubt US has misread Russia’s desire to keep Assad in power REUTERS Turkey, a NATO mem- KILIS (TURKEY) ber, EU aspirant and part of the US-led coalition against TURKISH shopkeeper Me- Islamic State, has stepped hmet Baykal knew he had up retaliatory fire into less than 10 seconds to dive northern Syria in recent under his desk when he weeks. But security sources heard another rocket being say it is difficult to hit the fired from Islamic State- militants, sometimes firing held territory across the from the back of vehicles, border in Syria. with the heavy artillery sta- Once a safe haven for tioned on the border. tens of thousands of Syrian refugees, this tiny Turkish Turkey, a NATO member, border town has now be- come a frontline in its war. and part of the US-led So frequent is the rocket coalition against fire across what is in effect Islamic State, has also NATO's front line that stepped up retaliatory residents know instinctively fire into northern Syria how long they have to take in recent weeks. cover. "It feels like a power- Turkey has long pushed ful earthquake. The ground for creation of a safe shakes with pressure and zone in northern Syria then it is dust everywhere," Baykal, 45, who has lived but the idea has found all his life in Kilis, said as he little support from stood on its main shopping Western allies. street, several of its stores shuttered. Coalition air strikes "Kilis never knew what have increasingly targeted terror was. We opened our militant positions close to homes to those who fled the Turkish border and For- war. But now the war is at eign Minister Mevlut Cavu- our doorstep." soglu said last month that The town has been hit US mobile rocket launchers by rockets from a patch of would soon arrive. But so Syria controlled by Islamic far there has been no con- State more than 70 times crete sign of the assistance US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrive for their meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Monday. (REUTERS) since January, killing 21 arriving. people including children, Erdogan and Prime REUTERS diplomat, speaking on condi- a conflict that began in 2011 in what security officials say Minister Ahmet Davutoglu UNITED NATIONS/VIENNA tion of anonymity, said that IS blasts rock Syria gas field and now has claimed more has gone from accidental say Turkey is taking every Europeans "tend to be pretty than 250,000 lives by the spillover to deliberate tar- necessary measure to se- THE Obama administration's skeptical about the US -Rus- BEIRUT Powerful blasts rocked a key gas field in central Syria UN's count. geting. cure its border, a promise failure to convince Moscow that sia bilateralism." on Monday, with a monitor saying they were caused by the Is- One of the main problems, Some houses have been echoed by Kilis mayor Has- Syrian President Bashar al-As- He said there were crea- lamic State group blowing up pumping stations. The Shaer gas diplomats say, is the US ad- reduced to rubble. Others, an Kara. sad must go is fueling European tive ways to provide for a field -- one of the biggest in the central province of Homs -- has ministration's inability - or their rooms exposed to the "This is hardly Tur- frustration at being sidelined in transition away from Assad to been the site of fierce fighting between IS jihadists and Syrian unwillingness - to confront an open air where walls have key's problem alone," Kara efforts to end the country's five- give Syrian opposition groups government loyalists. "There were three huge explosions there increasingly aggressive Russia. collapsed, are still inhabited. told Reuters in his office year civil war, diplomats say. a reason to stop fighting and carried out by IS on Monday," said Rami Abdel Rahman of the Some Syrian opposition Streets are largely deserted in Kilis. "Unless this bog Some diplomats and ana- start negotiating. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Abdel Rahman said IS representatives and UN of- and schools are on an infor- of terrorism is dried up... lysts question whether the "But we haven't got any- was believed to have blown up several of Shaer's pumping ficials have complained that mal break as families refuse this problem will continue United States has misread where near having that discus- stations. He had no immediate word on casualties. The explo- the United States often has put to send their children. to hit Kilis but it will also Russia's desire to keep Assad sion with the Syrians them- sions reportedly even shook Palmyra, the ancient oasis city more pressure on the rebels to "I say goodbye to my strike other capitals in Eu- in power. selves because the US and about 50 kilometres (30 miles) southeast of Shaer, according compromise instead of push- wife every night before I go rope too," he said. "Many have consistently Russia have been trying to to reports posted on Twitter. IS seized the Shaer field last ing Russia to sway the Syrian to bed, in case I don't make Turkey has long pushed underestimated Russia's deter- bridge the gap, and they haven't week, but Syrian armed forces and pro-government militias government. it to the morning," said Re- for creation of a safe zone mination to prevent this regime been able to do so," said the have fought hard to get it back. (AFP) A US intelligence offi- sul Sezer, whose five-year in northern Syria but the from falling," said Philip Gor- diplomat. "So that's why we cial said Russian President old granddaughter was idea has found little sup- don, a former National Security have got to come back and mul- Vladimir Putin is prepared killed two weeks ago when a port from Western allies. Council aide to US President tilateralise this." -led efforts to negotiate a peace ments from the regime to en- to ditch Assad, but only if rocket struck the house she The United States and Barack Obama. "They've been While some acknowledge agreement. gage in a political process. This negotiations produce an al- was standing outside. Turkey have for months pretty clear that they're not pre- that US-Russian cooperation "If we recall how (US Secre- never happened," said a senior ternative that would stabilize "The talk in the tea been discussing a military pared to let this happen." has delivered a patchwork of tary of State John) Kerry com- Western diplomat, speaking on Syria and allow it to remain house every day is where plan to drive Islamic State Ahead of a meeting on partial ceasefires and UN Se- mitted himself on this... it was condition of anonymity to dis- Russia's lone remaining Arab the rocket might fall today," from the border but there Tuesday of the 17-nation curity Council resolutions, the with the hope and conviction cuss the political differences. ally and sole base for Russian he said. "We want the state has been little concrete group backing Syria peace divide over Assad has proven that the Russians would rela- As a result, prospects re- warships and planes in the to do something." sign of progress. talks in Vienna, a senior UN too big to bridge and stalled UN tively quickly get some commit- main bleak for an early end to Mediterranean. At least 12 missing after Turkey blast IS ‘executioner’ among seven held in Turkish police raids AFP Four people, all PKK The Dogan news agency hicle exploded when anti- DIYARBAKIR militants, were confirmed by reported Monday that PKK villagers opened fire on the authorities to have been the truck and hit its fuses. AFP several killings in Syria on be- border. Turkey always insisted TURKISH authorities were killed in the blast, which the some 15 tonnes of The group said the explo- ISTANBUL half of the group. it was making every effort to on Monday working to con- interior ministry said was explosives had detonat- sives were meant to be trans- Over the last two years, IS ensure security on the border. firm the fates of at least 12 ci- caused by explosives deto- ed in the incident and ferred to another location TURKISH authorities on Mon- has carried out execution-style But after several deadly at- vilians who are missing and nating prematurely. that 13 local residents and not detonated. It offered day detained seven suspected killings in Syria of locals and tacks on Turkish soil blamed on feared dead after a huge blast But the local governor's were still missing. condolences to the families members of the Islamic State foreign hostages as a warning jihadists, Ankara has noticeably last week blamed on Kurdish office later confirmed me- of the bystanders who died (IS) jihadist group, including and as part of its aggressive stepped up a clampdown on ji- rebels in the southeast of the dia reports that 12 citizens body parts from a half kilo- but said it was not to blame figures described as a senior propaganda efforts. hadists inside the country. country, reports and official were still missing after the metre area which were sent for the loss of life. leader and an "executioner", The Dogan news agency According to figures pub- sources said. immense blast, which left a to Istanbul for analysis and Turkey has been waging the state-run Anatolia news said that the suspected jihadists lished by Anatolia earlier this The mainly Kurdish re- gigantic crater in the ground. DNA identification. an offensive against the PKK agency said. had come from Syria to Elazig month, Turkey has placed gion of Diyarbakir was on The Dogan news agency An AFP correspondent after the collapse in 2015 of The seven suspects were with the aim of attracting new under arrest 454 IS suspects, Thursday night rocked by a reported Monday that some who visited the scene on a two-year ceasefire declared detained during raids on ad- recruits for the group. including 190 in the last four massive explosion that was 15 tonnes of explosives had Friday saw body parts still by the group. dresses in the eastern region No further details were giv- months alone. also felt in the city centre detonated in the incident strewn around the area and Hundreds of members of of Elazig. Large numbers of en on the suspects. Turkish armed forces have and was later said to have and that 13 local residents was told by villagers that up the Turkish security forces documents were also seized, it Turkey was long accused by also launched near daily artil- been caused by Kurdistan were still missing. to 16 people were missing. have been killed in attacks added. its Western partners of not do- lery strikes on IS targets inside Workers Party (PKK) mili- It said the authorities had In a statement, the PKK since then although civilian Anatolia said that the sus- ing enough against the threat Syria after the border town tants loading explosives onto conducted three investiga- also said the explosion was deaths in the conflict have pected "executioner" -- named of IS, even as it seized territory of Kilis was repeatedly hit by a truck. tions of the scene, collecting accidental, claiming the ve- rarely been confirmed. only as F.S. -- had carried out in Syria right up to the Turkish deadly rocket fire. Bloodshed blurs M-E borders set 100 years ago by UK-French pact

REUTERS France broadly demarcated lamic Winter' has created a re- intact, the Kurds have avoided a leading member of Jordan's JERUSALEM with pen strokes in the May ality that points out a number declaring independence. Muslim Brotherhood, in refer- 16, 1916 pact, and which are of precautions that Israel has But some Kurdish authori- ence to the 1948 creation of Is- A CENTURY after Britain and now riven by the advances of to have in the future," Gold ties are sounding more as- rael in what had been British- France secretly mapped out a Islamic State insurgents and told Reuters in an interview. sertive. Under the hashtag ruled Palestine. Middle East they would con- Sunni-Shi'ite infighting. "Irredentist movements are "SykesPicot," Masrour Barza- Palestinians worry the trol upon defeating the Ot- The Sykes-Picot centennial emerging which challenge ni, chancellor of Iraq's Kurdis- pan-Arab sectarian furies tomans in World War One, has occasioned conferences boundaries established a long tan Region Security Coun- may detract from their goal of its borders have been blurred and policy papers in Israel. time ago." cil, tweeted: "One hundred statehood in Israeli-occupied by sectarian bloodshed - and Its premier, Benjamin Netan- Gold said Israel's diplo- years of failure & bloodshed territory. some in the region see oppor- yahu, argues that Israel's an- matic campaign was prompt- is enough reason to try a new Hanan Ashrawi, a senior tunity in the chaos. nexation of the Syrian Golan ed by the UN Syria peace en- path. For #Kurdistan it's time member of the Palestine Lib- These include Israelis or Heights, which it captured in voy's inclusion in March of the to undo the injustice." eration Organisation, lament- Kurds who seek to carve out the 1967 war, should be rec- Golan in proposals to reunite These are unwelcome sen- ed the "perfidy and betrayal" their own turf, and Arab na- ognised internationally - in a country fragmented by five timents in Baghdad or other of colonial deals like Sykes- tionalists or Islamists nursing part, because Damascus may years of civil war. Arab capitals struggling to Picot, but said the resulting rancour at Western imperial- no longer wield enough cen- The Kurds, a stateless peo- contain regional ruptures. Arab nation-states should be ism. Though diffuse in terms tral authority to negotiate for a ple numbering in the tens of But there is popular sup- preserved lest partition bring of their clout and aims, they return of the strategic plateau. millions, have seized on dis- port among many Arabs for more suffering. pose a headache for today's Ceding the Golan would array to expand oil-rich areas (File photo) A giant Lebanese flag flutters next to the Martyrs Statue deeming Sykes-Picot dead Referring to the Golan, she global crisis managers. put Israel's interior within under the autonomous rule in at Martyrs square in central Beirut on the occasion of the centenary "Sykes-Picot partitioned said Israel was "exploiting the Nowhere is this more range of Islamic State weap- northern Iraq that they have of the hanging in public of several Lebanese nationalists who the Arab world and prepared situation in order to attempt felt than over Syria and Iraq, ons, said senior Israeli diplo- enjoyed since the fall of Sadd- opposed the Ottoman rule during World War I. (AFP) the ground to absorb the Zion- to consecrate, to make an il- whose territories diplomats mat Dore Gold. am Hussein in 2003. ist entity and execute the plot legal occupation of Arab land Mark Sykes of Britain and "The meltdown of borders In northern Syria, Kurds aim to finalise plans later this cal federation. Mindful of US to set it up and to keep Arabs permanent - including in the Francois Georges-Picot of with the 'Arab Spring' and 'Is- controlling three provinces year for an autonomous politi- calls to keep Iraq and Syria weak," said Jamil Abu Bakr, West Bank". 18 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 United States Obama to honour 13 police officers with Facebook CEO Zuckerberg to meet with US tourist convicted in Jamaica after Medal of Valor conservatives on bias claims found carrying undeclared gun WASHINGTON PRESIDENT Barack Obama is honoring 13 law WASHINGTON FACEBOOK chief Mark Zuckerberg has invited con- KINGSTON POLICE in Jamaica say a Georgia tourist has been NEWS enforcement officers who risked their lives to protect others. servative leaders to a meeting this week to discuss allegations convicted of illegal gun charges after an undeclared pistol was IN BRIEF Obama will present the Medal of Valor at a ceremony in the that the social network has been suppressing some political found in her luggage. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has East Room on Monday. Three Santa Monica, California, officers views. A Facebook spokeswoman told AFP Zuckerberg would identified the woman as Nikki Adams, a 33-year-old insurance are being honored for their response to a 2013 rampage on a meet with about a dozen conservatives including political com- underwriter from Georgia. They did not provide a hometown for community college campus that left five people dead.(AP) mentator Glenn Beck and talk show host Dana Perino. (AFP) her in a Monday statement. (AP) Trump warns of bad relationship with British PM Cameron In December, Trump Cameron’s spokesman told CAMERON STANDS BY TRUMP COMMENT terror,” he said. Cameron branded the tycoon’s stance called for a “total and complete reporters Monday: “The PM Trump said he had “many shutdown of Muslims enter- has made his views on Donald Muslim friends”, one of whom as ‘divisive, stupid and wrong’ and has ing the United States until our Trump’s comments very clear: LONDON BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron stands by his de- told him: “’Donald you have refused to retract his comments country’s representatives can he disagrees with them.” scription of Donald Trump’s proposal for a temporary ban on Mus- done us such a favour: you have figure out what is going on”, But he added: “He’s been lims entering the United States as “divisive, stupid and wrong”, a brought out a problem that no- citing “great hatred towards clear that he will work with spokesman said on Monday. Trump, when asked about Cameron’s body wants to talk about’.” AFP stop Muslim immigration to Americans by large segments whoever is president of the criticism, said such comments indicate he is unlikely to have a Trump also blasted the LONDON the US “stupid”. of the Muslim population”. United States.” good relationship with the British prime minister. “The prime min- new London Mayor Sadiq “It looks like we are not Cameron branded the Trump insisted he was “not ister has made his views on Donald Trump’s comments very clear. Khan, the first Muslim elected DONALD TRUMP warned going to have a very good re- tycoon’s stance as “divisive, stupid... just the opposite”, He disagrees with them,” the spokesman said. “He continues to to run a Western capital city. Monday he may end up hav- lationship,” Trump told Brit- stupid and wrong” and has re- and denied he was divisive, believe that preventing Muslims from entering the US is divisive, Khan, who took office on ing a bad relationship with ain’s ITV television. fused to retract his comments, calling himself “a unifier”. stupid and wrong. He stands by his comments.” (REUTERS) May 9, has branded Trump “ig- British Prime Minister David “Who knows, I hope to though he said on May 5 that He told ITV his campaign norant” on Islam and claimed Cameron, who branded the have a good relationship with anyone who comes through trail policies were just “sug- the tycoon was making the presumptive Republican pres- him but he’s not willing to ad- the US presidential primaries gestions”, but said there was Islamic extremism. he was anti-Muslim. world more dangerous by al- idential nominee’s proposal to dress the problem either.” deserves “respect”. a “tremendous” problem with The tycoon rejected claims “Absolutely not. I am anti- ienating mainstream Muslims.

‘Ignorance is not a virtue,’ Obama says as Top court tosses rulings he lambasts Trump’s populist campaign backing Obamacare AFP Obama noted that no wall WASHINGTON could stop outbreaks of in- fectious diseases like Ebola The court’s action US President Barack and Zika, or help the United represents at least Obama on Sunday criti- States remain competitive cized the populist campaign in a time of globalization. a short-term victory of Republican presidential “Suggesting that we can hopeful Donald Trump, build an endless wall along for Roman Catholic decrying “anti-intellectual- our borders and blame organisations ism” and noting that “igno- our challenges on immi- rance is not a virtue.” grants, that does not just Obama did not specifi- run counter to our history REUTERS cally name the brash New as the world melting pot,” WASHINGTON York real estate developer Obama said. during his remarks at a “It contradicts the evi- THE US Supreme Court on university graduation cer- dence that our growth and Monday threw out lower-court emony in New Jersey, but our innovation and our dy- rulings that had required it was clear he was referring namism has always been Christian employers to comply to the candidate who is run- spurred by our ability to with a mandate in President ning on a slogan of “Make attract strivers from every Barack Obama’s healthcare America Great Again!” corner of the globe.” law to provide female workers The Democrat told The US president also insurance covering birth con- students not to pine for denounced politicians who trol, but ducked a major ruling an American golden age hold themselves up as ex- on the merits of the case. of years past, saying, “The amples of straight-talkers The court’s unanimous good old days were not all but shun political correct- action represented at least that good,” as he pointed ness. a short-term victory for the out problems with racial “In politics and in life, nonprofit employers, prima- discrimination, poverty ignorance is not a virtue. It’s rily Roman Catholic organi- and lack of equality for not cool to not know what zations, because it tossed out women. you’re talking about,” he rulings in seven different cases “The world is more in- said. “That’s not challeng- that had endorsed the contra- terconnected than ever ing political correctness. ception mandate. The decision before and it is becoming That’s just not knowing forces the lower courts to re- more connected every day. what you’re talking about.” consider the dispute. Building walls won’t change Obama was speak- “The court expresses no things,” Obama said, an ap- ing to students at Rutgers view on the merits of the cases. parent jab at Trump’s calls University, about one hour In particular, the court does for a wall along the US- from New York. He wore a not decide whether petition- Mexico border to keep ille- red and black gown and re- ers’ religious exercise has been gal immigrants out. ceived an honorary degree substantially burdened,” the President Barack from the school. unsigned ruling stated. In a separate order, the court also sent six other cas- es on the same issue back to lower courts. (FILE PHOTO) Supporters of women’s health rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. (AFP) The compromise deci- sion indicated that the court, ‘The court expresses no justices involved seven con- John Roberts. The court said government and conservatives which is evenly divided with solidated cases focusing on it was opting against ruling supporting the challengers. four conservative justices and view on the merits of the whether nonprofit entities on the merits in part because In an unusual move six four liberals following the cases. In particular, the that oppose the contraception of “the gravity of the dispute days after the oral argument, death of conservative Justice court does not decide mandate on religious grounds and the substantial clarifica- the court asked both sides to Antonin Scalia in February, whether petitioners’ reli- can object under a 1993 US tion and refinement in the file additional briefs outlining wanted to avoid a 4-4 split gious exercise has been law called the Religious Free- positions of the parties” in possible compromises, indi- in the case. Such a decision substantially burdened’ dom Restoration Act to a com- recent weeks. cating the justices were moti- would have affirmed the low- promise measure offered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, vated to avoid a deadlock. er-court rulings that favored the government. joined by Justice Ruth Bader “We are disappointed that the administration but would is an important win for the The justices declined to Ginsburg, wrote a concurring the court did not resolve once not have provided a decision Little Sisters.” decide whether the accom- opinion stressing the narrow and for all whether the reli- to be applied nationwide. The justices in previous de- modation crafted by the nature of the decision. Lower gious beliefs of religiously af- Mark Rienzi, a lawyer for cisions since 2012 had fended Obama administration in courts should not view the rul- filiated non-profit employers the Little Sisters of the Poor, off other major conservative 2013 to ensure that the em- ing “as signals of where this can block women’s seamless an order of Roman Catholic challenges to the Obamacare ployees receive contraception court stands,” she wrote. access to birth control,” said President Barack Obama waves as he arrives to deliver a nuns that filed suit against law, considered President coverage violates their em- After the oral argument in Gretchen Borchelt, vice presi- commencement address at Rutgers graduation ceremony in the Obama administration, Barack Obama’s signature do- ployer’s religious rights. the case on March 23, it ap- dent for reproductive rights Piscataway, New Jersey, on Sunday. (AP) said he was “very encouraged mestic policy achievement. The decision was an- peared the court could split and health at the National by the court’s decision, which The dispute before the nounced by Chief Justice 4-4, with liberals backing the Women’s Law Center.

Philadelphia congressman, Determined Clinton woos wary blue-collar white voters aides go on graft trial With the Democratic nomination in northern Kentucky. “That they’re not yet on REUTERS He is also accused of ac- sight, Clinton is no doubt repositioning a path that they can see will PENNSYLVANIA cepting bribes in exchange for take them and their families official acts and using cam- herself for a bruising general election into a more prosperous fu- THE FEDERAL corruption paign funds to repay his son’s campaign battle against Trump ture, and I think we have to trial of US Representative student loan debt. understand that.” Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania The son, Chaka Fattah Jr., With the Democratic nom- is to begin on Monday with was himself convicted of feder- ination in sight, Clinton is no opening statements, three al charges in November stem- AFP ginia, as he battles to keep his doubt repositioning herself weeks after he lost the Demo- ming from an unrelated bank PADUCAH long-shot nomination bid alive. for a bruising general election cratic primary election. fraud and later sentenced to The two states are linked campaign battle against Re- Fattah, 59, is accused of mis- five years in prison. NO Democratic presidential to coal as is much of Appala- publican presumptive nomi- using hundreds of thousands of The elder Fattah, who has candidate has won Kentucky chia, the largely white, long- nee Donald Trump. dollars in campaign, charity and served in Congress since 1995, since 1980 except Hillary Clin- struggling eastern US region After the better part of a federal grant money while en- faced his first primary chal- ton’s husband Bill, but she is where many feel they have Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets supporters as year trying to win over the par- gaging in a series of fraudulent lenge in 20 years and lost his treating the state as an opportu- been given the cold shoulder she arrives to speak at the Union of Carpenters and Millwrights Training ty’s liberal wing, she has broad- schemes over several years. reelection bid in April. nity to appeal to a demographic in the lukewarm recovery from Center during a campaign stop in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday. (AP) ened her economic message In 2007, prosecutors say, The congressman has re- that has consistently snubbed the 2007-2008 financial crisis. and turned to blue-collar voters. Fattah accepted a secret $1 peatedly maintained his inno- her: working-class white men. The Clintons have made out of business.” country who are feeling frus- “They’re not giving up on million loan from a wealthy cence since his indictment was The Bluegrass State holds several trips to coal country That stung for many in trated, they’re feeling anxious -- Kentucky -- not now, not in benefactor for a mayoral cam- announced in July 2015. its Democratic primary on to try and contain the dam- Appalachia in particular, and some of them are feeling angry November, not ever,” congress- paign that would prove unsuc- Fattah faces a total of 23 Tuesday, and Clinton’s rival age from comments Hillary she has sought amends on the -- that they are not yet recov- man John Yarmouth, speaking cessful, then misappropriated charges, including racketeer- Bernie Sanders is gunning for made in March, when she said campaign trail. ered from the great recession,” of the Clintons, told a union- charitable and taxpayer funds ing, fraud, bribery, money a victory here like his one last she aimed to “put a lot of coal “It’s important to say that she told a get-out-the-vote rally heavy crowd in Louisville be- to pay it back. laundering and conspiracy. week in neighboring West Vir- companies and coal miners there are a lot of people in our Sunday in Fort Mitchell, in fore the former first lady spoke. US / Americas Tuesday, May 17, 2016 19 Venezuela enters critical stage of political turmoil

AFP protests last week. CARACAS “The opposition knows protests are the only mecha- VENEZUELA braced on nism to increase pressure (on Monday for more upheaval Maduro), and the government as President Nicolas Maduro needs to stop that trend,” po- prepared to unveil the scope of litical analyst Benigno Alarcon a new emergency decree and told AFP. the opposition readied pro- Maduro said the state of tests against what it calls a bid emergency would initially to cling to power. apply for three months, but The leftist leader has so that he would likely extend it far given few details on the through 2017. state of emergency he declared The company seizures on Friday, beyond vowing to could notably affect the Po- seize factories he claims have lar group, Venezuela’s biggest been paralysed by the “bour- food and beverage company, geoisie” in order to exacerbate which halted beer production the shortages destabilising the on April 30, saying it had run country. out of barley. Supermarket and pharma- Venezuelan businesses say cy shelves have gone increas- they are currently operating at ingly bare in recent months less than 45 percent capacity as the oil-dependent economy because the government will has imploded, reducing Ven- not allow them to buy increas- ingly scarce dollars to pay their foreign suppliers. One-fourth of all indus- SCAN TO LAUNCH trial firms are at risk of being A VIDEO seized, according to opposi- tion lawmaker Jose Guerra. Maduro has also ordered military exercises for Saturday Thousands of demonstrators participate in a rally against interim President Michel Temer in Sao Paulo, Brazil, recently. (EPA) to prepare for what he calls the threat of an armed inter- vention backed by the United States at the behest of the “fas- cist Venezuelan right.” Street protests cloud new Brazil Maduro, the hand-picked successor of the late Hugo Chavez, has presided over a Venezuelan President collapse of Venezuela’s econ- leader’s honeymoon with power Nicolas Maduro (AFP) omy since he took charge in 2013. ezuelans to standing in line for The global plunge in oil Temer’s naming of a cabinet comprised entirely of white men has put him on the defensive hours to buy groceries. prices, three years of reces- An electricity crisis and sion, inflation projected to rise drought have added to the to as much as 700 percent this AFP bloated 32 ministries to 23 -- in Brazilian society so that we broadcast appearances. protests should continue,” Rui chaos, forcing Maduro’s gov- year, shortages, crime, looting BRASÍLIA has already been named, there can get out of the crisis we find Street protests also took Falcao, president of Rousseff’s ernment to decree daily power and water and electricity ra- was a delay to the nomination ourselves in,” he said on Globo place on Sunday in several cit- Workers’ Party, said on Mon- cuts across most of the coun- tioning have all fuelled public STREET protests and con- in the key post of central bank television. ies, including the capital Bra- day. try, close schools on Fridays anger against the 53-year-old troversy over the absence of head. silia and the financial centre Polls show Temer is almost and cut government employ- president. female ministers clouded Bra- New Finance Minister Sao Paulo. as unpopular as Rousseff. ees’ workweek to two days in a Seven in 10 Venezuelans zilian acting President Michel Henrique Meirelles, whose Activists on Monday Another was held on Mon- His naming of a cabinet bid to save power. want a change in government, Temer’s political honeymoon early pronouncements are be- occupied offices of the day in Rio de Janeiro, which comprised entirely of white Maduro was due to pub- and 97 percent say their lives on Monday as he began his ing carefully watched by the education and culture hosts the Olympics in less men has put him on the defen- lish the decree explaining the have gotten worse, according first full week in power. markets, had been due to an- ministries, which are than three months. Activists sive. emergency order on Monday. to recent polls. Temer took over from nounce the nominee on Mon- being merged under occupied offices of the educa- In his Sunday interview Legal experts have said it could Opposition leader Hen- president Dilma Rousseff last day but put it off for a day, Bra- Temer’s plan. tion and culture ministries, he looked to sidestep the con- impose limits on protests, au- rique Capriles, who narrowly week after the Senate voted to zilian newspapers reported. which are being merged under troversy, insisting that wom- thorise preventive arrests and lost the 2013 presidential elec- open an impeachment trial on In a television interview Temer’s plan. en would be given powerful allow warrantless police raids. tion to Maduro, has warned charges that she illegally ma- late on Sunday, Temer vowed But just days into the job, Although the scale of op- posts, although not at ministe- The opposition is mean- the country is “a bomb that nipulated the budget. to unite Brazil after months Temer finds himself under position demonstrations is so rial level. But his reference to while organising mass protests could explode any minute.” The 75-year-old center- of increasingly divisive de- steady attack from the left. far modest, Rousseff’s fight women as “representatives of for Wednesday demanding the The opposition says it has right leader has vowed to re- bate over the impeachment of Jeering and pot banging against impeachment in the the feminine world” prompted authorities allow them to call a collected 1.8 million signa- verse Rousseff’s leftist course Rousseff, who accuses Temer could be heard in parts of Rio Senate trial, which could take derision on opposition social referendum on removing Ma- tures backing a referendum to in an attempt to haul Brazil of leading a coup. de Janeiro and Sao Paulo dur- as long as six months, means media. Another hurdle fac- duro from office, in line with remove Maduro from power. back from its deepest reces- “Unification of the coun- ing his television interview, that Temer is having trouble ing Temer is to make good on the constitution. But the vote must be held by sion in decades. try means unifying political a form of protest that used settling in. his promise to cut costs and Police and soldiers used the end of the year to trigger Although a cabinet -- parties, employers and work- to dog Rousseff to the point “The popular reaction to streamline the overburdened tear gas to break up similar new elections. which will be reduced from a ers, and making a joint effort where she began avoiding the coup continues and the state budget. Colombia’s FARC agrees to remove Colombia not enforcing labour child soldiers from rebel ranks standards under US deal: Unions REUTERS the complaint that since the lombian government ignored AFP into society. WASHINGTON US-Colombian trade deal took protections for workers who HAVANA Talks remain underway effect in 2011, some 99 Colom- want to unionize and allowed over the fate of FARC members US and Colombian labour un- bian workers and worker advo- the rampant use of labour sub- COLOMBIA’S Marxist FARC between the ages of 15 and 18, ions said the Colombian gov- cates were killed as they tried to contractors that obscure the di- rebels agreed on Sunday to re- as well as those under the age of ernment failed to enforce work- rect relationship between com- move child soldiers from their 15 involved in war crimes, the er protections in a free trade The complaint said the oil panies and those who perform ranks as part of the peace deal statement said. agreement with the United their work. they are close to signing with News of the agreement States, raising questions about and sugar sectors were The complaint said the oil the government. comes as the FARC and rep- similar provisions in a massive among the businesses and sugar sectors were among The Revolutionary Armed resentatives of the Colombian pan-Pacific deal. where workers remain the businesses where workers Forces of Colombia (FARC) government of President Juan The complaint, to be filed oppressed. remain oppressed. agreed to “implement depar- Manuel Santos negotiate terms with a division of the US Labour “The failure to enforce fun- ture of those under 15 years of of a definitive ceasefire, one of Head of FARC-EP leftist guerrillas delegation, Commander Ivan Marquez Department, said threats and exercise their rights. Six work- damental labour rights artifi- age as soon as terms are agreed the last major points before a reads a statement at Convention Palace in Havana during the peace acts of violence against trade ers were kidnapped, and 955 cially distorts the cost of labour upon,” the parties said in a peace deal can be struck to end talks with the Colombian government recently. (AFP) unionists in Colombia were death threats were received, the in the oil sector because Colom- statement from Cuba, which is Latin America’s longest-run- neither properly investigated complaint said. bian companies face different hosting peace negotiations. ning civil war. wrote on Twitter, adding that la Calle said the agreement was nor prosecuted, according to an The unions, which also in- conditions of competition than Terms must still be set on “We reached a historic the youths would be sent back “a crucial advance in the proc- advance copy that Reuters saw clude Colombia’s USO for oil they would face were the laws how the children will be tran- agreement in Havana to get to their families. Lead govern- ess of putting a full stop to the on Monday. The AFL-CIO and workers and Sintrainagro for effectively enforced,” the un- sitioned and reintegrated back children out of the war,” Santos ment negotiator Humberto de war.” four Colombian unions said in farm workers, also said the Co- ions said in the complaint.

US justices reject challenge to protest ban on SC plaza Peru presidential candidate to question US probe Judge Srinivasan wrote that the plaza People.’ REUTERS paigns. is not a traditional public forum Hodge was approached by LIMA Ramirez and Fujimori a police officer who told him have both denied the allega- he was violating the law, is- PERUVIAN presidential can- tions. “I categorically reject REUTERS protesters, particularly on sued him three warnings to didate Keiko Fujimori will ask having handled or handed WASHINGTON days when it hears cases on leave, then handcuffed and the US Drug Enforcement Ad- over money to ... Ramirez,” hot social issues such as abor- arrested him when he refused, ministration about a local re- Fujimori told local TV in Cus- THE US Supreme Court on tion or gay rights. Protesters according to court papers. port that the agency is inves- co, where she was campaign- Monday rejected a challenge are allowed to gather on the The law made it unlawful tigating a senior figure in her ing ahead of the June 5 vote. to a law that hits the justices sidewalk in front of the court- “to parade, stand or move in party over money laundering, “Of course we will for- close to home: a ban on pro- house but not on the plaza, processions or assemblages in she said on Monday. mally ask the DEA’s opinion, tests on the marble plaza in which is considered part of the Supreme Court building or A report broadcast on if there really is such an in- front of the courthouse where the courthouse grounds and is grounds” or to “display in the America Television on Sun- vestigation,” she said, add- they hear cases and issue reached by walking up several building and grounds a flag, day night featured comments ing that the request would be rulings. steps from the sidewalk. banner or device designed or from a man identified as a presented to the US embassy The court left in place a A Maryland man named adapted to bring into public DEA informant who said the within hours. 2015 ruling by the US Court of Harold Hodge challenged notice a party, organisation or Supporters of contraception rally before Zubik v. Burwell is heard by agency was investigating au- The allegations threaten Appeals for the District of Co- the law after being arrested movement.” the US Supreme Court in Washington, recently. (REUTERS) dio he recorded in 2013. to damage Fujimori’s cam- lumbia Circuit, which said the in 2011 for standing in the Hodge’s suit said he In the audio, he said, the paign. Most recent polls in- 1949 federal law prohibiting plaza with a 2-by-3-foot (60- wanted to “engage in peace- ing against Hodge was writ- Antonin Scalia before picking secretary-general of Fuji- dicate that the daughter of the protests does not violate by-90 cm) sign hanging from ful, non-disruptive political ten by Judge Sri Srinivasan, the same appeals court’s chief mori’s Fuerza Popular party, disgraced former President the guarantee of freedom of his neck stating, ‘The US Gov speech and expression” and who President Barack Obama judge, Merrick Garland. Joaquin Ramirez, stated he Alberto Fujimori and her ri- speech under the US Constitu- Allows Police To Illegally that the law violated his First considered nominating to Srinivasan wrote that had laundered $15 million val, centrist technocrat Pedro tion’s First Amendment. Murder And Brutalise Afri- Amendment rights. the Supreme Court following the plaza is not a traditional for the presidential candidate Pablo Kuczynski, are running The court often attracts can Americans And Hispanic The appeals court rul- the February death of Justice public forum. during previous political cam- neck and neck. 20 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 The Last Word AEB recognises excellence at VCUQatar TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

ARAB Engineering Bureau (AEB) presented the 2016 awards for Design Excellence, and Creative Achievement and Potential to two graduat- ing and two junior students from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQa- tar) during a ceremony at the university recently. AEB’s Group CEO and Chief Architect Ibrahim Jai- dah, a long time supporter and friend of VCUQatar, pre- sented the Arab Engineer- ing Bureau Award for Design Excellence in Graphic De- sign to graduating student Dana Chua, and for Design Excellence in Interior De- sign to graduating student Mario M Bermejo. The awards were insti- tuted by Jaidah to encour- age and assist graduating students as they start their careers as designers in Qatar Arab Engineering Bureau honoured two graduating and two junior students from VCUQatar during a ceremony at the university in Doha recently. and the region. Jaidah is rec- ognised as a pioneer of a new tional development and we is our absolute pleasure to be was presented to graphic tinue developing their skills continued support from AEB and Jaidah continue to part- architectural movement that are invested in supporting able to award such individu- design junior Alisha Saiyed through their senior year. The over the past decade and add- ner with VCUQatar through combines the far-reaching young and enthusiastic gener- als for their hard work and and interior design junior awards are a major highlight ed that the awards recognised their participation in Tas- influences of Islamic art with ation of designers from VCU- help them kick-start their ca- Majdulin Nasrallah. These of the academic year for VCU- the students’ commitment to meem Doha, VCUQatar’s bi- modern styles to create mem- Qatar. Over the years VCUQa- reers,” said Jaidah. awards aim to help the junior Qatar’s students. their future careers in what ennial international design orable landmark structures tar graduates have proved to The Arab Engineering students recognise their true VCUQatar’s Dean Akel is a very competitive and de- conference, as well as by of- that are shaping Qatar. be in the forefront of the de- Bureau Award for Creative potential, create leadership I Kahera said the university manding environment. fering internship opportuni- “We are committed to na- sign industry in Qatar; and it Achievement and Potential and encourage them to con- was hugely grateful for the Besides the awards, AEB ties to VCUQatar students. WISE Prize for Education Laureate Qatar takes part in Cannes honoured at Harvard University Film Festival TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA QNA DOHA WISE Prize for Education Laure- ate Dr Sakena Yacoobi recently QATAR is taking part in the 69th Annu- delivered a keynote address at a al Cannes Film Festival, currently under- Harvard Graduate School of Edu- way in the French city of Cannes, with two cation event which considered Qatari films produced by the Doha Film ‘Education in Vulnerable Regions’. Institute (DFI). In her speech, Dr Yacoobi The Salesman written and directed by cel- called for more social investment ebrated filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, and co-fi- in education as the only path to nanced by the Doha Film Institute, will mark its peace, prosperity and moderation world premiere in the official competition of the in troubled regions. 2016 Cannes Film Festival. The Askwith Forum, a series of Six other films supported by the Doha Film public lectures, formed part of the Institute Grants programme have been officially Harvard Graduate School of Edu- selected to screen in key sections at the prestig- cation’s Harvard Advanced Learn- ious global film event running until May 22. ing Initiative, ‘Deep Dive’. The Showcased in the Directors’ Fortnight is programme facilitates the interna- Divines (Morocco, France, Qatar), directed by tional discussion of education and Houda Benyamina. The remaining three DFI gender equality issues, and, serv- grantee films will compete for top honours in ing as a platform for cross cultural the Critics Week, including Mimosas (Spain, understanding, reflects the aspi- Morocco, France, Qatar) by Oliver Laxe; Tra- rations of the World Innovation montane (Lebanon, France, the UAE, Qatar) Summit for Education (WISE), an by Vatche Boulghourjian; and Diamond Is- initiative of Qatar Foundation for Dr Sakena Yacoobi joined high-level speakers on ‘Education in Vulnerable Regions’. land (Cambodia, France, Germany, Qatar) by Education, Science and Commu- Davy Chou. nity Development (QF). most vulnerable under extreme ing’, which is under her current phasised the need for societies to A panel discussion followed As part of Qatar’s presence in Cannes, the Dr Yacoobi, a US citizen and conditions of war, displacement leadership, and plans for the cre- hold governments responsible for the speakers’ address and includ- Doha Film Institute is also presenting a special Founder of the Afghan Insti- and oppression during Taliban ation of a university for women ensuring that children receive a ed members of the Harvard Ad- ‘Made in Qatar’ showcase of short films at the tute of Learning, was presented rule in her native country. In her in Afghanistan. secondary education. She pointed vanced Learning Initiative faculty. Cannes’ Short Film Corner, a section of the fes- with the WISE Prize for Educa- speech, Dr Yacoobi spoke about Dr Irina Bokova, Director- out that middle income countries The participants discussed the tival dedicated to showcasing films from more tion at the summit in November her work in Afghanistan, includ- General of UNESCO, also spoke at have the greatest gender inequali- need to close gender inequalities, than 90 countries to thousands of accredited 2015. For over 20 years she has ing establishing a hospital and a the event and discussed the issue ties regarding access to education, and ways to scale innovative solu- industry guests, festival selectors and short film worked to bring education as high school. She also discussed within the context of international and that these countries can well tions in various contexts around industry specialists. well as healthcare services to the ‘The Afghan Institute of Learn- development efforts. She em- afford greater investments. the world. Katara hosts solo exhibition of Iraqi artist TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

KATARA, the Cultural Village Foundation, on Sunday inaugurat- ed a solo exhibition of Iraqi artist Talib al Baghdadi. The exhibition featured a wide range of precious art collection that combined the finest art pieces and distinctive paintings complet- ed by some Iraqi artists and other oriental ones. Katara Deputy General Manag- er of Operations Affairs Ahmad al Sayed along with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani and the represent- ative of the Iraqi Embassy in Qatar Nawar Sadeq were present during the inauguration of the event that has attracted a large number of art- ists since its opening. Following a tour of the exhibi- tion, Sayed said: “Katara is keen to host such valuable exhibitions. This is due to the importance of such exhibitions in raising awareness about Iraqi fine artists and the distinguished work they have introduced.” Speaking on the occasion, Baghdadi said: “I am not a profes- Katara Deputy General Manager of Operations Affairs Ahmad al Sayed along with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani and sional artist but I am passionate representative of the Iraqi Embassy in Qatar Nawar Sadeq were present during the inauguration of the event. about this type of ancient art spe- cifically Iraqi and Islamic ones, The exhibition displayed a vin- tions there. He later decided to paintings is related to 1880, which which are sought to represent the tage collection of paintings made reconsider his hobby again and to was painted by Mahmoud Hassan modern movement through an- by a number of ancient Iraqi art- start collecting other works. The Sami. There was another painting cient centuries in unique, innova- ists reflecting the history and the artist showed distinguished work that is, more or less, about 98 years tive and amusing paintings.” Iraqi culture. of art collected from Jordan, Leb- old completed by Haj Salem. He thanked Katara General The ancient ones were col- anon and London. The second part of the exhibi- Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al lected by Baghdadi long time ago The exhibition encompassed tion included paintings that are Sulaiti for his continuous efforts, when he was 18 years old, but two parts. One of them was devot- 200 years old and were done by encouragement and trust invested when he was been obliged to mi- ed to the ancient Iraqi masterpiec- some oriental artists and have been in such exhibitions. grate to Doha, he left his collec- es of artists, in which one of the classified as ‘Islamic Art’.