QATAR | Page 16 SPORT | Page 1 Thomas bounces out Pakistan as Drive to ensure cleanliness, WI fi re out food safety during Eid warning published in QATAR since 1978

SATURDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11201 June 1, 2019 Ramadan 27, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

PM in Makkah meetings

HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani with other leaders participating in the Emergency GCC Summit in Makkah. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met at his residence at the Guest Palace in Makkah yesterday evening with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. HE the Prime Minister conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his good wishes to the Palestinian president and the Palestinian people progress and development. The Palestinian president reciprocated his greetings to the Amir and Kuwaiti Amir appeals to GCC wished the Qatari people further development and progress. The two sides also reviewed fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries. leaders to put diff erences aside

QNA Iraq opposes fi nal statement from Arab leaders’ meeting the allies that escalation and tension Makkah in the region “will only lead to con- Iraq opposed yesterday a final launched by Yemen’s Houthi group frontation and destruction of our re- statement released by Arab against two oil pumping stations in sources, wisdom should prevail and he Amir of Kuwait Sheikh countries that were gathered for the kingdom earlier last month. dialogue should be the only way to Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al- an emergency meeting in Saudi Iraq’s president told the summit prevent our region wars we have long TSabah appealed to leaders of Arabia, which condemned Iran’s on Thursday that regional and suff ered from.” Arab Gulf countries to achieve the “interference” in other countries’ international tensions with Iran Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minis- aspirations of their peoples and put aff airs, Arab League Secretary- could spark a war if not managed ter of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin aside their diff erences in order to General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said in a well and voiced hope that Iran’s Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani partici- overcome critical regional challenges. speech broadcast live on television. security would not be targeted. pated in the Emergency GCC Summit. In his speech before the Emergen- The statement also said Saudi President Barham Salih also called He is the highest Qatari offi cial to visit cy GCC Summit, which was carried Arabia has all the rights to defend on neighbours and allies to support Saudi Arabia since a diplomatic row HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin by Kuwait news agency (KUNA), the its territory following drone strikes his country’s stability. Page 3 erupted between the neighbours two Khalifa al-Thani met Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq al-Said, the adviser to Sultan Qaboos Amir of Kuwait said that the region years ago. bin Said of the Sultanate of Oman at the Al Diyafa Palace in Makkah. HE the Prime has for many years suff ered wars and Several reasons can be attributed to Minister conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad confl icts that have compounded pain our security, and our Arab region is ranks which enabled us over the past Qatar’s participation in the Makkah al-Thani and his good wishes to Sultan Qaboos and to the people of Oman for their and deepened wounds. still suff ering from unprecedented four decades to develop common Gulf summits, a political analyst said, continued progress and prosperity. Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq al-Said conveyed the “Today, we are witnessing danger- tension,” he added. action and confront many dangers adding that the most important was greetings of Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the Amir and to the Qatari people for their ous and accelerating developments in The Kuwaiti Amir called on the and challenges.” Doha’s keen desire to see a peaceful further prosperity and development. The meeting reviewed the close fraternal all its repercussions which threaten GCC leaders to restore unity “of our He called for making it clear for region. relations between the two countries. Page 16

Amir condoles with king of Thailand His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Trump doubles bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness Tourism sector to get a further fi llip the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah down on tariff bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of condolences to the King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn on the threat to Mexico death of General Prem Tinsulanonda, once Doha Metro fully operates the former Thai prime minister. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of AFP Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser By Joey Aguilar stations above ground and under- Washington bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent a similar Staff Reporter ground. cable to Prime Minister Prayut Chan- Meanwhile, the colourful fl oral o-cha. and umbrella arch at the Corniche resident Donald Trump esca- atar’s tourism sector is ex- station, which connects Doha Cor- lated his abrupt tariff threats Attack on US convoy pected to get a further boost niche and Qatar Post Offi ce, has been Pagainst Mexico yesterday, trig- in Kabul condemned Qonce all the Doha Metro lines attracting a large number of com- gering alarm about the likely economic are fully operational, giving visitors muters since the soft launch of the fallout, spooking global markets and Qatar condemned the explosion easy, safe, and cheaper access to a Red Line. raising the prospect of US trade wars targeting a US convoy in Kabul, number of tourist destinations in the The newly-opened National Mu- on multiple fronts. wounding four soldiers and a country. seum of Qatar and tourist-favourite Trump unexpectedly announced his number of others. In a statement “This is good for us, many of the Souq Waqif, as well as Aspire Zone (at readiness to levy tariff s on all Mexican yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign tourist locations (in Qatar) are linked Sport City station), are also expected imports, beginning at 5% starting June Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm stance with the Doha Metro,” Qatar National to receive an infl ux of visitors once 10 and rising monthly to as high as 25% on rejecting violence and terrorism, Tourism Council’s (QNTC) chief mar- Doha Metro’s Gold Line opens. until Mexico substantially reduces the regardless of motives and reasons. keting offi cer Rashed al-Qurese had Many residents are anticipating the fl ow of illegal immigration. observed on the sidelines of a recent- launch of the Green Line, which runs Mexico’s President Andres Manuel RAMADAN THOUGHT ly-held media roundtable. from Msheireb to Al Riff a station, Lopez Obrador said yesterday that his “Qatar Rail has done an amazing which is connected to the Mall of Qa- country was “doing our job” to stop Verily, Allah forgives not that job with the launch (of the metro) tar. In between, passengers can visit the fl ow of undocumented migrants to partners should be set up with and obviously, it is a key project in the the Qatar National Library, Educa- the United States, and warned Trump Him (in worship), but He forgives country and we will defi nitely look tion City, as well as the Qatar National that hitting his neighbour with tariff s except that (anything else) to into more integration,” he said. Convention Centre. would be a lose-lose game. whom He wills; and whoever The initial launch of Doha Metro’s “We have been talking with Qatar But the US leader then doubled down sets up partners with Allah in Red Line South on May 8 received an Rail for two years now, and we will on his threats, saying in a fl urry of worship, he has indeed invented excellent response from the public, A colourful floral and umbrella arch at the Corniche metro station has look into keeping them informed of tweets that “Mexico has taken advan- a tremendous sin. (Qur’an 4: 48) taking commuters to 13 out of its 18 become a major attraction along the Doha Metro Red Line South. the mega events that are coming to tage of the United States for decades.” stations. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar Qatar so they can reschedule or put The impact of new tariff s would be Prayer times It is learnt that more Metrolink more services wherever is needed,” devastating for Mexico, which sends feeder buses by Mowasalat will also national events and exhibitions take sustainable development to be un- al-Qurese said, adding that they also 80% of its exports to the US. Fajr....3.16 Zuhr....11.32 Asr....2.56 be deployed soon, including a route place. dertaken in Qatar, also has the Lusail discussed other topics such as infor- Lopez Obrador reminded his Amer- Maghrib.....6.23 Isha.....7.53 going to Souq Al Wakrah, one of the The line also has Qatar University; Stadium, where the opening and clos- mation dissemination. ican counterpart the tariff s would also popular tourist and family destina- and Lusail City, which hosts a number ing games of the 2022 FIFA World Cup “Our role is to plan, put strategies take a heavy toll on the United States, Fasting times tions in the country. of tourist attractions such as theme will be held. and get stakeholders on board into whose largest trading partner so far Iftar today ...... 6.23pm Part of the Red Line is a station at parks, water taxis and a wide range of Metro passengers can use their understanding what our vision is, and this year is Mexico — thanks mainly Imsak tomorrow...... 3.05am Katara – the Cultural Village, where food options. travel cards at Lusail’s tram network, then everybody can implement that to Trump’s trade war with China. an array of local, regional and inter- Lusail, dubbed as the largest single which consists of four lines and 25 vision through the projects.” Business Page 1 Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 1, 2019 QATAR JCI recognition to assure patients of world-class services: HMC offi cials he accreditation of Ha- mad Medical Corpora- Ttion’s (HMC) mental health and dental services will help assure patients that care provided at its facilities is of high quality, compassionate, and safe, senior offi cials have said. Iain Tulley said the accredi- tation of HMC’s Mental Health Service by the Joint Commission International (JCI) “is a ringing endorsement of the service’s development in recent years.” Dr Majid al-Abdullah, acting As part of fulfi lling the re- Dr Ghanim al-Mannai, chairman, chairman, psychiatry Iain Tulley, CEO, Mental Health quirements for accreditation, Dental Service at HMC. department, HMC. Service at HMC. the service was subject to a thor- ough evaluation process and has seek care or treatment for a men- facilitate easier access to special- nearly 8,000 home visits were HMC is the main provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in Qatar. demonstrated that it is achiev- tal health problem is a diffi cult ist mental health services in the arranged for patients last year,” ing high standards in practice, step for anyone to take. country. al-Abdullah said. “The Hamad Dental Serv- with the best healthcare organi- tar University and the College patient care, and patient safety. “Off ering a service that has “Collaboration with the Pri- As part of the recent assess- ice provides highly-specialised sations in the world,” he noted. of the North Atlantic – Qatar. “Accreditation from an in- been assessed and accredited mary Health Care Corporation ment which saw 13 HMC facili- dental care to adult and pediat- Al-Mannai noted that like The Hamad Dental Centre is dustry-respected third-party provides assurance to patients, (PHCC) has helped lead to the ties and services endorsed by the ric patients from all over Qatar. mental health services, demand also playing a key role in es- body like JCI is a seal of recog- families, and others that the establishment of specialist men- US-based JCI, HMC’s Hamad In addition to services off ered at for specialised oral healthcare in tablishing the new College of nition and demonstrates our services being sought are of a tal health clinics in local health Dental Centre was also accred- our Hamad Dental Centre, much the country is continuing to rise Dental Medicine within Qatar commitment to providing the high standard and that the treat- centres, and this is an area of ited for the fi rst time. Estab- of this care is delivered through with the Hamad Dental Centre University, which is scheduled highest standard of care. ment off ered is both safe and work commended by the JCI, as lished as an independent facility dental clinics located across recording a 14% increase in out- to open in September. This “It is a privilege to work with a eff ective.” was our progress in developing in 2016, the dental centre off ers HMC’s network of commu- patients from 2016 to 2018. teaching facility is expected to team of staff who have been de- In recent years, HMC’s mental specialist services to support pa- patients access to specialist den- nity hospitals: Al Khor, Al Wak- He said HMC is continu- be instrumental in providing scribed as ‘highly compassion- healthcare service has undergone tients with learning disabilities tal care and is responsible for all rah, and The Cuban Hospitals,” ing to work to increase access to practical experience for dental ate’ and to be associated with a signifi cant expansion and now and eating disorders,” he said. aspects of oral healthcare across said al-Mannai. specialised dental healthcare in students in the country. a service that was described, operates from seven sites, in- “We have over 600 staff and HMC’s network of hospitals and “JCI accreditation is a stand- the country, noting that dental “We also have a strong part- in part, as ‘an example for the cluding inpatient and outpatient pride ourselves on ensuring our facilities. ards-based process that ensures services will soon be introduced nership with the Faculty of Den- world’,” said Tulley, who is facilities, consultation/liaison workforce is diverse and able to Dr Ghanim al-Mannai, den- organisations meet specifi c cri- at Hazm Mebaireek General tistry at the Royal College of chief executive offi cer of Men- services within the general hos- understand the cultural needs of tal service chairman and senior teria pertaining to patient safety Hospital. He added that HMC is Surgeons in Ireland. Many of our tal Health Service at HMC and pitals, residential compounds, a our patients. The Mental Health consultant endodontics at HMC, and quality of care and is some- working with education provid- dentists have completed spe- Qatar National Health Strat- specialised child and adolescent Service runs nearly 70 clinics echoed the sentiments of Tulley, thing we are very proud of. ers in the country to grow a local cialist training to enhance their egy 2018-2022 lead for Mental service, services for older adults, and in 2018, we cared for over saying that the JCI accreditation “It signals to our patients that workforce. skills and prepare them to pass Health and Wellbeing. and community-based facilities. 6,500 new patients in our out- of the dental service is signifi cant we have complied with some of “To help meet our increas- the admittance test for the high- Dr Majid al-Abdullah, acting Al-Abdullah says ongoing col- patient clinics. As part of our because it is an important part of the highest standards in the in- ing demand, we are working ly-respected membership with chairman, psychiatry depart- laborations with primary health- commitment to delivering more creating a culture of quality im- dustry and that they are there- to grow our local workforce the Royal College of Surgeons in ment, HMC, said: “Choosing to care providers are also helping to community-based services, provement. fore getting care that is on par through partnerships with Qa- Ireland,” al-Mannai added. PHCC announces Eid working hours for health centres

rimary Health Care Cor- centres will remain operational. Doha will have a diff erent sched- cording to a revised schedule. 7am to 2pm, except Friday and poration (PHCC) has an- Al Rayyan, Abu Baker Sid- ule during the holidays. Al Khor The Dermatology Clinics at Saturday. Pnounced the working hours diq, Mesaimeer, Muaither, West and Al Shamal health centres Rawdat Al Khail and at Leabaib All the Premarital Clinics will for all its health centres during Bay, Umm Ghuwailina, Madinat will be working in two shifts from health centres will work during remain closed except Airport the Eid al-Fitr holidays starting Khalifa, Leabaib, Airport, Omar 7am to 2pm and 4pm to 11pm. the morning shift from 7am to Health Centre that will work from tomorrow until June 10. Bin Khattab, Rawdat Al Khail Al Wakra Health Centre will be 2pm, except Friday. on June 3 in the morning and Al Out of the 27 health centres and Umm Slal health centres working continuously from 7am Ophthalmology Clinics at Rayyan Health Centre on June 6 under PHCC, Qatar University, will work in two shifts from 7am to 11pm while Al Sheehaniya Muaither, Leabaib and Rawdat also in morning shift. Leghwairiya, Al Daayen, Abu to 2pm, and 4pm to 11pm. Health Centre will be working Al Khail Health Centres will be The Emergency Department Nakhla, Gharrafat Al Rayyan, Dental Services in these from 7am to 9pm and Al Jumaili- operational in the morning shift at Gharrafat Al Rayyan , Al Al Thumama, Al Kaaban, Al health centres will be provided ya Health Centre will provide ‘On from 7am to 2pm, except Friday. Shamal, Al Kabaan, Al Shee- Karaana, Al Wajbah and Al in two shifts from 7am to 2pm Call’ service 24 hours. ENT Clinics at Rawdat Al haniya and Rawdat Al Khail Waab health centres will remain and 4pm to 10pm. The specialised clinics will Khail Health Centre will work health centres will remain open closed while all other health The health centres outside also provide the services ac- during the morning shift from 24 hours on all days.

QU Sport Science Programme holds Research Day 2019 he Sport Science Pro- his research on ‘Dynamic gramme (SSP) at Qatar stretching alone can impair TUniversity College of slower velocity isokinetic Arts and Sciences organised performance of young male QU students and faculty who attended the 2nd World Congress on Undergraduate Research in Germany. Research Day 2019, which handball players of at least brought faculty and under- 24 hours’ and Ghada Jebali graduate students together to for her research on ‘Eff ects share recent research advanc- of physical activity practised es in the fi eld of sport science. after school on cognitive per- QU attends global undergraduate It was also an occasion formance in scientifi c disci- for students to present their plines in female students.’ senior projects in poster Winning second place are research conference in Germany format and highlight the re- Adel Ahrari who conducted search activities of the SSP research on ‘The eff ect of to a wider audience. physical educators on encour- atar University (QU) par- our to be selected by the jury for Qatar to present, discuss and In this year’s edition, 39 aging students to do physical ticipated in the Second outstanding research presenta- exchange their fi ndings with the SSP senior students present- activity outside of school: The QWorld Conference on tion, the best contribution in the global community of research ed their research projects on mediating role of perceived Undergraduate Research in Ger- fi eld of environmental research. advocates to achieve solutions in various topics ranging from importance of students’ be- many (World CUR 2019) with It was a benefi cial and interest- the fi elds of health, environment exercise and health, physical lief’ and Somaia Gabor for eight students from diff erent ing experience that impacted us and economics,” he recalled. activity and physical educa- her research on ‘Participation colleges. QU’s involvement in in personal and academic levels.” In addition, a selection of tion, sport, psychology, cog- in low, moderate and vigor- this conference comes in align- QU associate professor of So- distinguished students from nition and well-being, sport ous physical activity in young ment with the dedication to ciology in the College of Arts QU displayed oral and poster performance and fi tness adults in Qatar: Eff ect of implement the latest university and Sciences, Dr Maher Khe- presentations, including Alhu- and training, to sport man- gender and weight status.’ strategy, focusing on supporting lifa handled and supervised the sain Abdalla (College of Engi- agement, social inclusion, Director of SSP, Dr Mah- research conducted by students. graduate fair table for QU pro- neering), Ibrahim Abdelhafez gender and culture. foud Amara said, “We are This conference included dis- grammes. During the three days, (College of Medicine), Munia MME launches turtle Attendees from Qatar’s pleased to see the growing cussions and oral presentations College of Medicine student Sara Hamdan (College of Health Sci- national sport organisa- number of students graduat- in addition to poster sessions. In Alareed presented research on ences) and Iqrah Qurishi and tions were Lolwa Hussein ing from the programme who 2016, the fi rst round of this con- the molecular analysis of Cal- Bassant Elkattan (College of nesting season initiative al-Marri, president of Qatar will be contributing to the ference was held at QU. During modulin mutations and sudden Pharmacy). Dr Aiman Erbad, Women’s Sports Committee growing sport sector in the the conference, QU Biomedical cardiac death. “This conference director of Research Planning (QWSC); Saif Mohammed country. One of the pillars of Science student Kamilia Omar helped me to connect to fellow and Development, commented he Ministry of Munici- fi eld visits and a turtle nesting al-Noaimi, executive direc- the SSP is research. To capi- from the College of Health Sci- student researchers around the saying QU undergraduate re- pality and Environment watch at Fuwairit beach from tor, Qatar Olympic Academy talise on the expertise and ences won a prize for the best world who share my passion for search is of high calibre and T(MME), represented 4pm on June 6, the MME has said and Education Committee national and international environmental project. Her re- research,” she noted. standard due to the high quality by the Environmental Pro- in a notice on social media. Member in The Olympic networks of faculty in the SSP search study revolves around College of Medicine student of academic programmes, the tection, Natural Reserves & Those interested in attending Council of Asia and Mashaal and partners at QU and with- the discovery of two new spe- Samer Ali presented research supportive research culture and Wildlife Department, has an- the event need to call 184 for co- Ibrahim al-Nasr, director, in the sport science commu- cies of sponge on the coast of fi ndings on the relationship be- environment and the support nounced an awareness and ordination and confi rmation of Protocol and International nity in Qatar, Sport Science Qatar entitled “Antibacterial tween Vitamin D and Iron indi- provided by faculty mentors in celebratory initiative coincid- attendance. Relations at Qatar National Programme initiated in 2017 Activity of New Sponge Species ces characterising anaemia of addition to the continuous fi - ing with the Hawksbill turtle The initiative comes in cel- Olympic Committee. a research unit to increase Isolated from the Qatari Marine chronic infl ammation among nancial support and eff ective nesting season. ebration of World Environment First-place winners of contribution to knowledge on Zone,” which proved to contain healthy Qatari young cohort. planning provided by the Offi ce This will include presenta- Day, which is observed around the best posters of 2019 are sport and exercise matters re- antibiotics. “The conference was a perfect of Vice-President (Research tions, distribution of leafl ets, the world on June 5. Mohamed Shoaib Prince for lated to Qatar and the region.” Kamilia said: “It is a great hon- opportunity for researchers from and Graduate Studies). Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 3 REGION/ARAB WORLD Iranians, Iraqis march 200,000 pray at to support Palestinians, Al-Aqsa mosque AFP Jerusalem

ore than 200,000 reject US Mideast plan Muslims took part Min the fi nal Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Reuters mosque compound in the Old Dubai/Baghdad City of east Jerusalem, as Israel heightened security following a Palestinian stabbing attack. ens of thousands of Ira- The religious authority in nians marking the annual charge of the compound, the T“Quds (Jerusalem) Day” third holiest site in Islam, said in the Islamic Republic yesterday in total 260,000 worshippers condemned a planned Middle took part in the midday prayers. East peace plan that US Presi- TROOPS SHOOT DEAD dent Donald Trump has touted TWO PALESTINIANS as the “deal of the century”. The prayers came only hours State television said state- after a Palestinian teenager sponsored marches were being stabbed two Israelis inside the held in 950 communities across Old City before being shot dead Iran and showed demonstrators by Israeli security. carrying banners with slogans In a separate incident, an- such as “Jerusalem is the eternal other Palestinian teenager, capital of Palestine” and “Death Abdullah Ghaith, 16, was shot to America” and “Death to Is- dead by Israeli forces in the oc- rael”. Marchers also set fi re to a cupied West Bank as he sought Trump mask and Israeli and US to sneak into Jerusalem, re- Palestinians pray during Al-Quds prayer at Al-Aqsa mosque fl ags, according to pictures on portedly to pray at Al-Aqsa. compound in Jerusalem, yesterday. Iranian news websites. In Jerusalem itself, a 19-year- Trump’s plan is to encourage old Palestinian stabbed one Is- a 47-year-old man, was in seri- uncovered mosque compound, investment in the West Bank Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual Al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the raeli near the Damascus Gate ous condition, according to the water was sprayed on worship- and Gaza Strip by Arab donor holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, yesterday. and another near Jaff a Gate on hospital. pers to keep them cool in the countries before grappling with the other side of the walled Old Later yesterday, Israeli police baking Jerusalem sun, with thorny political issues at the other Iraqi provinces, and across there was a noted absence of province, where rebel groups City, police spokesman Mickey said a Palestinian “armed with temperatures approaching heart of the confl ict. the world, expresses rejection of infl uential militia leaders who have been active for decades, Rosenfeld said. a knife” had been arrested in 40 degrees Celsius. Despite a Palestinian offi cials, angered the ‘deal of the century’, which is usually mark the day by deliver- police said they arrested three “Police units that responded the fl ashpoint city of Hebron in heavy police presence, there by Trump’s decision in 2017 being planned by Trump in order ing fi ery speeches critical of Is- armed militants and foiled a at the scene saw the fi ghter the West Bank. were no reports of further in- to recognise Jerusalem as the to dissolve the Palestinian cause rael and expressing gratitude to planned attack on marchers in with a knife. The fi ghter was The arrest took place near a cidents. capital of Israel, have already in (his) own way,” said Mo’een Iran for its backing. the provincial capital Sanandaj, shot and killed,” Rosenfeld key holy site known as the Ib- The Al-Aqsa mosque com- spurned it, believing it will be al-Kathem, a member of Bagh- Quds Day was launched by state broadcaster IRIB reported. said. rahimi Mosque . pound is a key religious and po- heavily biased in favour of Israel. dad’s provincial council. Ayatollah R Khomeini, the leader Iraq’s most powerful militias The Palestinian health min- Jerusalem’s Old City has litical symbol for Palestinians. Iran said it would fail. The Iraqi militiamen marched of Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, helped retake swathes of land istry later named him as Yusef been the scene of numerous The attack came just two “No to the deal of the century” in combat fatigues but were un- and is held on the last Friday of captured by Islamic State along- Wajih from Abwein village in stabbings of Israelis by Pales- days before Israelis hold a ma- read a banner splashed across armed and did not showcase the fasting month of Ramadan. side Iraqi government forces the central West Bank. tinian fi ghters in recent years, jor march to mark Jerusalem the news screen on state TV, military vehicles and heavy Opposition to Israel is a cor- supported by a US-led interna- One of the Israelis wounded though a relative calm has ex- Day, the annual commemora- which also showed a Quds Day weaponry, a contrast to previous nerstone of Iran. tional coalition. was a 16-year-old boy who isted for several months. tion of the capture of east Je- march in neighbouring Iraq’s years when they used the parade It backs Palestinian and Leba- Baghdad has sought to calm was stabbed at the exit of a After the latest attack, gates rusalem in the Six-Day War of capital Baghdad, where thou- as an opportunity to showcase nese groups opposed to peace rising tensions between its two synagogue. A photograph of to the Old City were briefl y 1967. sands of fi ghters from powerful combat prowess. with Israel, which Tehran refuses main allies, fearing an outbreak the teenager in a hospital bed sealed before being reopened It was later annexed in a militias took to the streets. Numbers in Iraq were con- to recognise. of war would damage Iraq’s frag- was released by a government as thousands thronged towards move not recognised by the in- “Al-Quds day in Baghdad, in sistent with annual turnout but In northwestern Kurdistan ile internal security. spokesman. The other victim, the mosque. Inside the mostly ternational community.

UNREST UN chief urges Sudan to resume talks on Saudi: fi rm stand needed power transfer UN Secretary-General Antonio Gu- to deter Iran, Iraq demurs terres yesterday called on Sudan’s military rulers and protest groups to go back to the negotiating Reuters the escalation we see today,” King Salman table and quickly reach a deal on Makkah told the two consecutive meetings late on handing over power to a civilian- Thursday. led government. Guterres said in He said Iran’s development of nuclear a statement that the sides must audi Arabia’s King Salman told an and missile capabilities and its threats on “conclude the negotiations over the emergency Arab summit yesterday world oil supplies posed a risk to regional transfer of power to a civilian-led Sthat decisive action was needed to and global security. transitional authority as soon as stop Iranian “escalations” following attacks US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said possible.” Meanwhile, hundreds of on Gulf oil assets, as US offi cials said a mili- on Thursday that attacks on four vessels people rallied in support of Sudan’s tary deployment had deterred Tehran. near a major bunkering hub, just outside military rulers in the capital Khar- The right of Saudi Arabia and the Unit- the Strait of Hormuz, were “eff orts by Ira- toum yesterday, carrying posters of ed Arab Emirates to defend their interests nians to raise the price of crude oil around the generals while some chanted after the attacks on oil pumping stations the world.” religious slogans. “One hundred in the kingdom and tankers off the UAE “The kingdom is keen to preserve the percent military (rule),” shouted the were supported in a Gulf Arab statement stability and security of the region, to crowds, the majority young men, as and a separate communique issued after spare it the scourge of war and to realise they gathered in central Khartoum. the wider summit. peace and stability,” King Salman said. Some of the demonstrators carried Tehran denies any involvement in the Iran, which is locked in several proxy placards with pictures of the military attacks and in a sign of regional tensions, wars with Saudi Arabia in the region, re- council’s chief, General Abdel Fattah Iraq, which has good ties with neighbour- jected what it called “baseless” accusa- al-Burhan, and his deputy Mohamed ing Iran and Washington, said it objected tions made at the summit, Iranian state Hamdan Dagalo. The council has to the Arab communique, which stated news agency IRNA reported. ruled the country since the ouster that any co-operation with Tehran should Iraqi President Barham Salih, asking the of president Omar al-Bashir on April be based on “non-interference in other gathering to support Iraq’s stability, said 11, after months of protests. Nego- countries”. that rising tensions with Iran could spark tiations between protesters who “The absence of a fi rm deterrent stance a war if not managed well and voiced hope demonstrated against Bashir’s rule against Iranian behaviour is what led to that Iran’s security would not be targeted. and the military have broken down over whether a planned transitional body would be headed by a civilian or a military figure. Algerians rally for change CONFLICT Russia seeks end despite dozens detained to fighting in Idlib

The Kremlin said yesterday it was AFP ing elite with weekly rallies despite the Turkey’s responsibility to stop Algiers end of Boutefl ika’s two-decade rule. rebels in Syria’s Idlib province Police had earlier rounded up some 50 from firing on civilian and Russian people, mainly young men, in the heart of targets, signalling it would continue arge crowds of Algerians yesterday Algiers ahead of the planned protest. to back a Syrian government off en- took to the streets of the capital, Those detained had their IDs and mobile sive there despite Ankara’s protests. Lwhere dozens were detained ahead phones confi scated and were loaded into The month-long off ensive, the of the latest protest two months after vans, an AFP journalist reported. Demon- biggest escalation of the war be- leader Abdelaziz Boutefl ika resigned. strators taking to the streets are demanding tween President Bashar al-Assad Demonstrators fi lled avenues in central the resignation of all those tainted by ties and his insurgent enemies since Algiers chanting slogans against a push to to the former regime. Local journalists re- last summer, has raised fears of a hold presidential elections in July and re- ported that people were out in force in the humanitarian crisis as thousands jecting calls by the armed forces chief for country’s other biggest cities of Oran, Con- of people shelter from air strikes at dialogue. stantine and Annaba. Armed forces chief the Turkish border. “No elections with this gang in power,” Ahmed Gaid Salah has become the main Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan the crowd shouted. powerbroker after he turned on his boss told his Russian counterpart Protesters are looking to keep up the Boutefl ika and helped ease him from offi ce Vladimir Putin late on Thursday pressure on the North African state’s rul- in the face of the mass protests. that he wanted a ceasefire in Idlib to prevent more civilian deaths and a refugee influx to Turkey. Erdogan also told Putin by phone Coalition says 1,300 civilians killed in air war on IS that Syria needed a political solution, Erdogan’s off ice said in a The US-led coalition said yesterday it tolls given by groups which have moni- statement. The Turkish leader has had unintentionally killed more than tored the conflicts in the two countries. repeatedly complained to Moscow 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its “The coalition conducted 34,502 about a Russian-backed Syrian fight against the Islamic State group in strikes between August 2014 and the government off ensive in the rebel- Iraq and Syria since 2014. end of April 2019,” it said in a state- held northwest, the last significant The figure is far lower than the death ment. rebel stronghold. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 1, 2019 RAMADAN/AFRICA Remaining steadfast Abuse of offi ce charge on obedience dropped against judge

here are lessons for us all in the and salvation - even if he does deceive Reuters passage of the days and nights - himself with seasonal acts of worship. Nairobi Tand the days are moving away He is also likely to be punished by be- from us as quickly as the clouds. The ing deprived of the joy and sweetness people shall continue advancing until of worship. As for the believing men Kenyan court said yesterday they fi nally end up in Paradise or Hell. and women, who are inwardly as pure that the deputy chief justice Also, the rapid rate at which the days as they are outwardly and who worship Aat the country’s highest court and nights are running away from us Allah at all times, they will taste the cannot be prosecuted for abuse of of- during these present times confi rm the sweetness of worship and Allah will fi ce in a case brought against her last foretelling of ‘time compression’. This provide for them for all of their needs. year, saying police failed to follow cor- is one of the signs of the Last Hour They are the ones who sincerely follow rect procedure in gathering evidence. that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa the path of the Prophet, sallallaahu The Director of Public Prosecutions, sallam, informed us of. This is there- ‘alaihi wa sallam, constantly in their Noordin Haji, has said his offi ce will fore, a great opportunity for the wise worship of Allah. appeal the decision, saying all their amongst us to awaken, perform good Ramadan is distinguished among evidence was collected using properly deeds and repent sincerely. Allah Says other months as far as acts of worship issued court warrants. what means: “And it is He who has are concerned, but this does not mean Deputy Chief Justice Philomena made the night and the day in succes- that acts of worship should only be Mwilu was arrested last August on sion for whoever desires to remember performed during Ramadan. The Mes- suspicion of corruption, failure to pay or desires gratitude.”[Qur’an 25: 62] senger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa tax and improper dealings with a local Muslims have spent almost a whole sallam, was always generous and his bank that was later placed in receiver- month enjoying the blessings of their generosity increased during Ramadan. ship. Mwilu was arrested, charged in Lord between supplication, prayer, re- He used to seek refuge with Allah from August in a Nairobi magistrate’s court membrance of Allah, almsgiving and abandoning committing good deeds and released on bail. recitation of the Qur’an. But, alas, the after performing them constantly. He She denied any wrongdoing. days and their memories of them pass sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam would say: The same month, the high court away quickly. “I seek refuge with You from reces- temporarily halted criminal proceed- When one compares the people’s sion after advancement.” Allah also ings against her and accepted an ap- Lead counsel in the defence team of embattled Deputy Chief Justice Philomena spiritual condition during Ramadan warns against this when He Says what plication she fi led that argued the case Mwilu, James Orengo (left), and his assisting counsel, Julie Soweto, address the to that after it, they will certainly see means: “And do not be like she who raised constitutional issues. media in Nairobi, yesterday. signs of laziness and negligence in untwisted her spun thread after it was The fi ve-judge bench said yesterday terms of performing righteous deeds. strong....” [Qur’an 16: 92] the police’s Directorate of Criminal In- chief magistrate’s court.” Chief Pub- tigations of the suspect’s accounts,” It is as if acts of worship and repent- A supplication of the Prophet, salla- vestigations (DCI) violated her privacy lic Prosecutor Noordin Haji had said Haji told reporters. ance were only meant for Ramadan! llaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, also confi rms and did not follow procedure in gath- Mwilu had abused her offi ce for per- “At no time would the DCI or any Such people are ignorant of the fact this. He would say: “O Allah! Make ering evidence against Mwilu, includ- sonal gain, undermining public integ- other state agency act contrary to the that Allah is the Lord of all months this life for me an increase in good ing by misusing a search warrant. rity in the judiciary. dictates of the law, and more so, with and that Ramadan is only meant to be Where are the hearts that are sub- deeds.” Therefore, we can see that he “Having found that the DCI thereby Haji said in addition to appealing the regard to intrusive investigations that an occasion when one renews their re- missive to Allah? Many hearts have did not restrict the performance of misrepresented facts and misused the ruling, his offi ce would also fi le a com- require sanction of the court.” solve to worship Allah and persevere become fertile ground for heedless- good deeds to Ramadan alone, but fol- court order, we have come to the con- plaint with Mwilu’s employer — the In early 2018, the government in that. That is why Allah Says, af- ness. The youth are stuck in their lowed the commandment of his Lord clusion that the prosecution against Judiciary Service Commission for fur- launched a new anti-graft push led by ter prescribing fasting for His slaves, exuberance for this life and the elders which means: “And worship your Lord the petitioner cannot proceed,” Judge ther action. “If the court had called on Haji, a former deputy head of national what means: “…That you may become are doing no righteous deeds. We until there comes to you the certainty Hellen Omondi said in a ruling. all the parties, we could have evidence intelligence, who has brought criminal righteous.”[Qur’an 2: 183] have neglected the Book of our Lord (i.e. death).” [Qur’an 15: 99] “An order is hereby issued to quash before them that we had all the war- charges against dozens of civil servants In view of this, it becomes incum- publicly and privately and therefore Human beings are no doubt imper- the criminal proceedings in Nairobi rants issued in relation with the inves- and business people. bent upon us to consider the reality we are as far from sincere deeds as fect. Islamic law, therefore, does not of worship and its internal impact on Mount Safaa is from Mount Marwah. burden us with that which would ex- us - and not its outward forms. For Allah Says what means: “Then do ceed our capabilities. We are however there are some of us who have nothing they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or required to hold fast, at all times, to Money-munching to show for their fasting except hun- are there locks (upon) their hearts? the trustworthy handhold (the reli- mamba tale ends ger and thirst and will have no reward Indeed those who reverted back (to gion of Islam). This will make us attain Tanzania latest nation in in fraud charges for their worship except tiredness and disbelief) after guidance had be- the pleasure or our Lord in this world sleeplessness. This is further con- come clear to them – Satan enticed and the next and will save us from de- A woman in Nigeria who claimed fi rmed when one hears people asking them and prolonged hope for them.” struction as well as protecting us from continent to ban plastic bags a mystery snake swallowed nearly one another merely about the number [Qur’an 47: 24-25] all evils. This is despite however little $100,000 of state funds under of times they have recited the Qur’an Do not be deluded by your deter- our acts of worship may amount to. her care was charged with fraud and listened to sermons and admoni- mination to shun the dictates of your The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu AFP lar tourist draw — has also issued a no- yesterday, the anti-graft agency tions during Ramadan. Are these peo- whims in Ramadan only to yield to ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “O people! Do Nairobi tice to travellers that they will have to said. Philomina Chieshe, an ac- ple ignorant of how Allah dealt with temptation after it, for lustful desires whatever you can of righteous deeds, “surrender” plastic bags in their pos- counts off icer in the education the people of ‘Aad, who were very tall are wickedly intriguing. Remember for Allah will not cease to accept your session before entering the country. department of Nigeria’s central like lofty pillars, the like of whom were that many a brave man has been dealt deeds and bless you as long as you do plastic bag ban comes into force “The government expects that, in ap- Benue state, appeared alongside not created in the land before? Do they a deadly blow by those whom he over- not become apathetic. The most be- in Tanzania today, as Africa leads preciation of the imperative to protect five others co-accused in high not read about what happened to ‘Aad, looked. The one who becomes neg- loved of all good deeds to Allah is the Aeff orts to stem the tide of plas- the environment and keep our country court in Abuja, the Economic and Thamood and the people of Prophet ligent of his duties to Allah after he one done continuously even if it is tic blighting the farthest reaches of the clean and beautiful, our visitors will Financial Crimes Commission Lut? Do they not consider the Qur’an has been doing them perfectly, or who little.”[Al-Bukhari & Muslim] globe, and depths of the ocean. accept minor inconveniences result- (EFCC) said. The group were carefully? Had it been from other than falls back into committing sins after Tanzania is banning the importation, ing from the plastic bags ban,” said the arrested after a probe last year Allah, they would surely have found he has abstained from them is actu- Article source: http://www.is- production, sale and use of plastic bags, statement. into missing millions at their work therein many contradictions. ally the farthest one from prosperity lamweb.net/emainpage/ becoming the 34th African country to According to local media, anyone place at the Joint Admission implement such restrictions, according caught manufacturing or importing and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to the United Nations Environmental plastic bags and plastic wrappings could which oversees university Programme (UNEP). get a fi ne of 1bn Tanzanian shillings admissions. The suspects were “Let me be clear on this, once it ($430,000) or face imprisonment for up slapped with eight-count charges reaches June 1, the government is not to two years. of stealing 35mn naira ($97,500), planning to add any more days and we Possession and usage can lead to a fi ne remittances from sales of forms will not tolerate anyone who will be of $87 or imprisonment for seven days, by the state-run JAMB. “Chieshe caught using them. No plastic bag will or both. became notorious when she be allowed in the country,” Tanzania’s Globally, 127 countries have some sort made an outlandish claim that vice-president Samia Suluhu Has- of plastic bag legislation, 91 of which in- a mysterious snake swallowed san said when announcing the move in clude a ban or restriction on manufac- about 35mn naira cash,” the April. turing, importation and retail distribu- EFCC said. Tanzania — whose wildlife is a popu- tion, according to UNEP. Ravages of time on an African cocoa plantation

AFP Guadalupe

n the old days, you would open the door, and it would be a hive of activity. Now it’s all closed down,” sighs 89-year- Iold Agida Lucia. She gazes down a paved road winding through the vegeta- tion, and a smile returns to her lips as the memories fl ood back. “Over there was the canteen. Up there, the foreman’s offi ce. There was a terrace and a big house. There were the seamstresses, the hospital, the cinema — it was grand.” Time has not been kind to Agostinho Neto, where once cocoa was shipped out to the world. An aerial view of the Roca Agostinho Neto, an abandoned From the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th cocoa plantation of Sao Tome and Principe. century, the 30 cocoa and coff ee “rocas” (pronounced ro- ssas), or plantations, on Sao Tome and Principe were at their Independence came to Sao Tome and Principe in July 1975, zenith. 14 months after a movement among offi cers in the Portu- Before World War I, the rocky Portuguese-ruled archipel- guese armed forces led to a military coup in Lisbon toppling ago in the Gulf of Guinea, off Africa’s western coast, was the an authoritarian regime in favour of democracy. world’s leading cocoa exporter. It is hard to match the state of the plantation today in “There were 20,000 inhabitants in the villages and 33,000 what is now one of the poorest countries in the world with living in the rocas, which had immense economic and politi- the glorious recollections conjured up by an elderly former cal power,” said Fernando d’Alva, a historian and professor at employee. Whatever is left of the prosperous past has been the University of Sao Tome and Principe (USTP). looted or is rotting away as the forest takes over. “The rocas were perfectly organised. People lived better “In the old days, we would work a lot, but we could eat inside them than outside, they had electricity, medical care, every day,” recalled Lucia, who is of Angolan origin. the railway and luxuries — as well as a well-oiled feudal sys- “Today, everyone lives their own life, nobody helps each tem.” other. We live here like animals — if you have nobody to give No Sao Tomeans worked on the plantations themselves you food, you die of starvation.” but some did hold management positions. While her 19-year-old granddaughter Sheila prepares The rocas’ agricultural workers came from other African snails for eating, the old lady fancies that “things could go nations, as Sao Tome had a steady supply of slaves passing back to how they were, that the Portuguese return.” through as the last staging post on the trade route before Sheila expresses nostalgia for this past she never knew, ships left for the Americas. saying that she would like to study law and fi ght for “herit- After the slave trade was abolished in 1876, the workers age”. That heritage would include the hospital, described by became “contract” employees, brought — often by force — another resident with a motorbike-taxi as “one of the best from mainland colonies Angola and Mozambique, as well as on Sao Tome... The state’s to blame for doing nothing to Gabon and the Congo. keep it in shape.” Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 5 AMERICA

Warren seeks law allowing Mueller should testify to presidents to be a ‘TV audience’: Nadler indicted Mueller should have decided “I think that he could have ac- whether Trump committed a cused him anyway, period,” he crime, Barr says said. Reuters Yesterday Attorney-Gen- Washington DPA/Guardian eral William Barr said Mueller Washington “could have reached a decision” on whether Donald Trump is emocratic presidential guilty of obstruction of justice – candidate Elizabeth War- ouse Judiciary Com- an implicit criticism of Mueller’s Dren has called for Con- mittee chairman Jerrold refusal to clear Trump of crimi- gress to pass a law that makes it HNadler plans to have nal activity. clear the Justice Department can Special Counsel Robert Mueller In an interview with CBS criminally indict a sitting presi- testify publicly before Congress News, Barr also contradicted the dent and charge the US leader even if he doesn’t say anything president over whether Obama- with obstructing justice. beyond what is in his 448-page era offi cials committed treason. “No president is above the report on the Russia investiga- Trump has made repeated, law,” Warren said in a statement tion. vague, assertions that the Fed- released by her campaign. “Con- “We will have Mr Mueller’s eral Bureau of Investigation gress should make it clear that testimony,” the New York Dem- Nadler: I think it’s important for the American people to see and to (FBI) committed treason under Barr: Sometimes people can convince themselves that what they’re presidents can be indicted for ocrat said in response to a ques- hear what the report found and hear questions about it. Obama. doing is in the higher interest and better good. criminal activity, including ob- tion yesterday on WNYC radio. On Wednesday, in a move in- struction of justice.” Nadler’s push to bring Mu- American people, state it, that would talk to his colleagues terpreted by some as an invita- attorney-general added. had committed treason. Warren’s call came in response eller before the panel for a tel- he answer questions about it, when the House returns to ses- tion for Congress to impeach Mueller’s report identifi ed Trump has claimed, without to Special Counsel Robert Muel- evised hearing is the latest twist even if there’s no new informa- sion next week about the possi- Trump, Mueller said his team 10 incidents where Trump at- evidence, that his campaign was ler’s 448-report on his investi- in what had been weeks of nego- tion”, Nadler said. bility of launching an impeach- had deliberately not made a de- tempted to obstruct justice. spied on during the 2016 elec- gation into Russian interference tiations with the special counsel “I think it’s important for ment inquiry, a move that would termination “as to whether the The special counsel said jus- tion and claimed the Obama in the 2016 presidential election, about his testimony. the American people to see and give the panel additional legal president did commit a crime”. tice department policy meant administration committed trea- and his statement this week that Mueller made a surprise to hear what the report found powers “to some extent”. Mueller said his decision not that a “president cannot be sonous conduct as they investi- Justice Department policy pre- on-camera announcement on and hear questions about it,” he Nadler said that the commit- to formally state his opinion charged with a federal crime gated Russian election interfer- vented him from bringing charg- Wednesday at the Justice De- added. “Part of the function of tee would be telling the story over whether Trump broke the while he is in offi ce”. ence. es against a sitting president. partment with a clear message Congress, just the same as Wa- through hearings and investi- law was down to justice depart- But, Mueller added: “If we The president has suggested “When the federal govern- that he did not want to testify. tergate hearings 40 years ago, to gations to see if the American ment policy. had confi dence that the presi- unnamed people should serve ment tried to investigate, Donald “The report is my testimony,” have a dialogue with the Ameri- people support impeachment Speaking to CBS News, Barr dent clearly did not commit a “long jail sentences”. Trump did everything he could Mueller said. “I would not pro- can people so people can make proceedings against Trump. said he disagreed with Mueller. crime, we would have said that.” Asked directly if he thought to delay, distract and otherwise vide information beyond that informed decisions and know “Impeachment is a political “I personally felt he could’ve Barr told CBS that the Justice offi cials had committed treason, obstruct that investigation,” which is already public in any what’s going on.” act and it has to have the support reached a decision,” Barr told Department had “analysed the Barr said: “Not as a legal matter, Warren’s statement said. “That’s appearance before Congress.” On Wednesday, Nadler had of the American people,” Nadler CBS. “The opinion says you can- law and the facts” after receiving no.” a crime. If Donald Trump were However, Nadler said that declined to answer directly said. not indict a president while he is Mueller’s report. “Sometimes people can con- anyone other than the president most people are not going to a question about whether he Nadler also said that Mueller in offi ce, but he could’ve reached He determined that “as a mat- vince themselves that what of the United States, he would be read the report, and President would subpoena Mueller to tes- is “leaning over too far back- a decision as to whether it was ter of law many of the instances they’re doing is in the higher in- in handcuff s and indicted.” Donald Trump, Attorney Gen- tify, saying instead that the spe- wards” when he didn’t want to criminal activity.” would not amount to obstruc- terest and better good,” he said. Warren urged Congress to eral William Barr and others are cial counsel “told us a lot of what conclude Trump committed a “But he had his reasons for tion”, he said. “They don’t realise that what pass a law making it clear that “lying” about what’s in it. we need to hear today”. crime if he couldn’t be charged not doing it, which he explained. In the interview Barr disa- they’re doing is really antitheti- presidents can be indicted for It’s “very important that he, On the rest of the panel’s and therefore couldn’t defend And I am not going to, you know, greed with the US president over cal to the democratic system criminal activity, including ob- to a television audience and the investigation, Nadler said he himself in court. argue about those reasons,” the whether Obama-era offi cials that we have.” struction of justice. She also said statutes relat- ing to such obstruction should be amended to allow for indict- ment when a president abuses the powers of offi ce. US risks Warren criticised Trump’s Eight winners in US spelling bee attorney general, William Barr, saying that he had “acted like losing Trump’s personal defence at- Reuters on Thursday night was tel- torney”. Oxon Hill, Maryland evised live across the United She promised that if she is States. measles elected, she would ensure her As the tension mounted, the appointees reverse a Justice De- ight young super spellers young scholars worked out the partment opinion that argues a beat the dictionary to be correct order of vowels and status sitting president cannot be in- Ecrowned co-winners of consonants in words such as dicted. the Scripps National Spelling bougainvillea, a type of climb- “Donald Trump is not a king. Bee, in what offi cials said was a ing plant; aiguillette, braided AFP No president is. And our democ- fi rst since the US word contest loops hanging on a military Washington racy only works if everyone can started in 1925. uniform shoulder; and pendel- be held accountable,” Warren After a marathon session oque, a diamond or gemstone said. stretching into early yesterday, cut in a pear shape. he United States risks the contestants simply could Late on Thursday, as a hand- losing its measles “elimi- not be separated. ful of remaining children Tnation status” if current Each winner received a notched up answer after an- outbreaks continue, US health $50,000 prize and a trophy – swer, offi cials announced a rule authorities said. and they coined their own word change: All remaining spellers The Centres for Disease Con- for their joint success, “octo- at the end of Round 20 will win. trol and Prevention (CDC) said champs”. “It was a decision made ear- on Thursday that there have “We’re throwing the diction- lier today,” said bee director been 971 cases of measles re- ary at you, and, so far, you are Paige Kimball, who won the bee ported in the US so far this year, showing the dictionary who’s in 1981. which means more people have boss,” the bee’s pronouncer, An offi cial had told her late caught the disease in the last fi ve Jacques Bailly, told the fi nalists. on Thursday, looking at the list, The eight winners celebrate following the final round of the 92nd annual Scripps National Spelling months than in any entire calen- The competition started on “we were running out of words Bee at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. dar year since 1992, which saw Tuesday with 562 word whizzes to challenge this group”, she re- 963 reported cases. from across the nation, US ter- called. microphone and successfully San Francisco; Erin Howard, “I’m just really in shock that Authorities declared measles ritories and six other countries: Eight remained a little after spelled their word in the fi nal 14, Birmingham, Alabama; this happened,” Sundar re- eliminated in the US in 2000, a the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, midnight. round, cementing their status Saketh Sundar, 13, Columbia, marked. goal set in 1966 with the intro- Jamaica, Japan, and South Ko- “They have a lot of grit,” said as a co-champion. Maryland; Shruthika Padhy, Another winner, Serrao, said: duction of the vaccine. rea. Kimball. “Most of them will tell The eight winners have de- 13, Cherry Hill, New Jersey; “I think all of us were rooting Measles is considered elimi- Warren: Donald Trump is not a Offi cials say that while there you they have been working on cided to call themselves “octo- Sohum Sukhatankar, 13, Dal- for each other.” nated when there is an absence king. No president is. And our have been co-champions in this for years ... they are just the champs”. las; Abhijay Kodali, 12, Dallas; Kodali, the youngest of the of continuous disease transmis- democracy only works if the past, there have never been top of the top, clearly.” The trophy holders are six Christopher Serrao, 13, Allen- group said: “It feels amaz- sion for 12 months or more in a everyone can be held eight. The crowd went wild as each boys and two girls hail from six town, Pennsylvania; and, Ro- ing that I’m here with all these specifi c geographic area, accord- accountable. The fi nal round that started competitor stepped up to the states: Rishik Gandhasri, 13, han Raja, 13, Dallas. amazing spellers.” ing to the CDC. An ongoing outbreak in and around New York City that start- Missouri abortion clinic stays open ed last fall is threatening the US’s “elimination status” – if it con- until Tuesday following court order tinues for four more months, the $5mn payout in parental leave case country will no longer be able to Missouri’s only abortion clinic will stay open at least a few more say it has eliminated measles. days after a judge granted a request by Planned Parenthood for a Even though the New York temporary restraining order, allowing the facility to keep operating AFP same parental leave rights pro- prove their partner was “inca- In 2016, the company became mayor began requiring residents until a hearing on Tuesday. New York vided to female employees. pacitated” or already back to one of the fi rst major businesses in heavily aff ected areas, many Planned Parenthood sued Missouri this week after state health “I love my children, and all I work, according to the ACLU. in the country to off er 12 to 16 with Orthodox Jewish commu- off icials said the licence for Reproductive Health Services of wanted was to spend time with In 2017, Rotondo fi led a com- weeks of paid parental leave, nities, to be vaccinated starting Planned Parenthood in St Louis was in jeopardy, meaning the clinic all Street fathers won them when they were born,” Ro- plaint with the Equal Employ- and last year non-primary car- in April, the city still had 173 could have closed at midnight unless the judge granted the request a major victory on tondo said in a statement from ment Opportunity Commission egivers’ leave increased from cases that month and 60 in May. for a temporary restraining order. WThursday, with JP- the ACLU. “I’m proud that since for gender discrimination, and two weeks to six. The US has never counted zero “Today is a victory for women across Missouri, but this fight is far Morgan Chase agreeing to pay I fi led my charge, Chase has Chase ultimately granted him Parental leave practices vary measles cases. from over,” Planned Parenthood president Leana Wen said in a $5mn to male employees who clarifi ed its policy to ensure that the 16 weeks of parental leave. widely on Wall Street, where Since 2000, the number has statement after Circuit Court Judge Michael Stelzer agreed to the felt discriminated against over both male and female employ- “We are pleased to have hours are long and workloads fl uctuated between a few dozen organisation’s request. parental leave. ees who wish to be the primary reached an agreement in this are high. and a few hundred cases per year, Representatives for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior The leading US bank in terms parental caregiver have equal matter and look forward to more Bank of America off ers up to with 667 cases recorded during a Services could not be immediately reached for comment. of assets reached an agreement access to those benefi ts.” eff ectively communicating the 26 weeks of parental leave to all 2014 outbreak in Ohio, especial- Health off icials had refused to renew the clinic’s licence because, with plaintiff s in a class-action Rotondo says that he tried to policy so that all men and wom- new US biological and adoptive ly in Amish communities. they said, they were unable to interview seven of its physicians over lawsuit accusing it of not grant- take 14 weeks of parental leave en employees are aware of their parents, with 16 of them paid. The disease’s resurgence can “potential deficient practices”, according to documents filed in a St ing them the same rights as as a “primary caregiver” after benefi ts,” Chase representative And Goldman Sachs and mostly be traced back to un- or Louis court. mothers. his son was born, but the human Reid Broda said. “We thank Mr Wells Fargo both allow for 16 under-vaccinated travellers. The legal battle in St Louis comes a week after Missouri Governor The complaint covered the resources department told him Rotondo for bringing the matter weeks of paid parental leave to “Measles is preventable and Mike Parson, a Republican, signed a bill banning abortion beginning period from 2011-207 and was that policy was only available to our attention.” US employees considered pri- the way to end this outbreak is in the eighth week of pregnancy, making Missouri one of nine US fi led jointly by the Ohio branch to mothers – the only parents And in addition to the $5mn mary caregivers, regardless of to ensure that all children and states to pass anti-abortion legislation this year. of the American Civil Liberties their policy considered to be it will pay out, Chase will now gender, with the other parent adults who can get vaccinated, Yesterday, Stelzer said the clinic’s licence would remain in eff ect Union (ACLU) and the Outten & the primary parent and eligible train its staff on how to handle eligible for four weeks’ paid do get vaccinated,” said CDC di- until a ruling is made on Planned Parenthood’s request for a Golden LLP law fi rm on behalf to take up to 16 weeks of 100% the new gender-neutral leave leave. rector Robert Redfi eld. “Again, preliminary injunction against the state. of JPMorgan Chase fathers. paid leave. policies. Citigroup allows US employ- I want to reassure parents that A hearing on that matter is scheduled for 9am on Tuesday. Derek Rotondo, an employee Fathers, on the other hand, The case points an awkward ees who become mothers to take vaccines are safe, they do not Outside the clinic yesterday, a handful of anti-abortion protesters who became a father, was the were considered co-parents spotlight on Chase, the largest 16 weeks paid while a second cause autism. The greater dan- stood holding “Choose Life” signs. fi rst to raise the issue, accusing and only eligible for more than bank in the US with $2.39tn in parent or adoptive parents can ger is the disease that vaccina- Abortion is one of the most socially divisive issues in US politics. the bank of not granting him the two weeks of leave if they could assets, according to Forbes. take eight weeks. tion prevents.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, June 1, 2019 ASIA Thailand parliament to vote for PM on June 5

Reuters spite the objections of political votes of at least 376 members of leader of the upstart Future “It is not too late for any par- Bangkok parties opposed to military rule. the two houses of parliament, a Forward Party, Thanathorn ty to change their mind,” said Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena arrives at a ceremony at “A parliamentary meeting has majority of the combined 500 Juangroongruangkit. Pheu Thai’s secretary-general the President House in New Delhi. been scheduled on that day with lower house members and the The Pheu Thai party has urged Phumtham Wechayachai. oth houses of Thailand’s the choosing of the prime minis- 250 members of the upper house other parties that contested a No one party won a majority parliament will meet on ter as the main agenda,” Chuan Senate. March election to reject a coali- in the House of Representatives BJune 5 to vote for a prime said after he was offi cially en- Prayut is seen as favourite tion off er by a pro-army party in the election, but Palang Pra- minister, the newly elected dorsed as speaker by King Maha because he is likely to win the seeking to keep the ruling junta charat has an advantage under Undecided whether speaker of the House of Repre- Vajiralongkorn. backing of many members of the chief as prime minister. junta-written electoral rules sentatives, Chuan Leekpai, said A March 24 general election junta-appointed upper house. The appeal came as pro-junta that require the 250-seat up- yesterday. pitted supporters of the junta Ladawan Wongsriwong, a Palang Pracharat’s bid to cement per house Senate, appointed by to run in upcoming The vote by the House of against a Democratic Front of spokeswoman for the main op- a coalition government faltered the junta, to vote along with the Representatives and the Sen- seven parties that want to keep position Pheu Thai party, which when at least two of its presumed 500-seat lower house for prime ate in a joint session will offi - the military out of politics. won the most seats up for grabs allies - the pro-establishment minister. election: Sirisena cially restore civilian rule after A clear winner has yet to in the March election and is the Democrat Party and Chart Thai That eff ectively gives Palang more than fi ve years of military emerge with the pro-junta main member of the Democratic Pattana - expressed new reser- Pracharat a 250-seat advan- government under junta leader Palang Pracharat Party build- Front, said the alliance had yet to vations and conditions. tage in the race to the 376 votes Reuters/IANS Indian Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came ing support in the House of decide on its candidate for prime Negotiations are going on two - a majority of members of both New Delhi Modi yesterday held a bilat- to power in a 2014 coup. Representatives to form a coa- minister. months after the election, held houses of parliament - it needs eral meeting with President But the military will retain lition while the pro-democracy Its possible candidates in- nearly fi ve years after the then- for its bid to ensure Prayut stays Sirisena. a signifi cant infl uence over alliance has 246 seats, just shy clude the Pheu Thai’s Sudarat army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha on as prime minister. ri Lankan President In the fi rst of a series of politics under a constitution it of a majority in the 500-seat Keyuraphan, who is one of seized power from a Pheu Thai But in order to govern, a majori- Maithripala Sirisena bilateral meetings with drafted and Prayut looks likely house. Thailand’s most prominent government in 2014, the second ty in the House of Representatives Ssaid yesterday that he foreign leaders, Modi and to stay on as prime minister, de- A prime minister will need the women politicians, and the military coup in a decade. would be necessary. had not decided on seeking Sirisena discussed issues of another term in an election interest of the two countries that is due by year-end. at Hyderabad House in New “I am not in a hurry to de- Delhi. cide whether to stand,” Sirise- “Hitting the ground run- na told a news conference in ning! In the fi rst of a series of Myanmar New Delhi, a day after at- bilateral meetings with foreign Cambodia PM dismisses tending Indian Prime Minister leaders lined up today, PM @ Narendra Modi’s swearing-in narendramodi had a warm military ceremony. meeting with the President of Sirisena has faced criti- #SriLanka @MaithripalaS at cism over his leadership af- Hyderabad House. Discussed fears of Chinese debt trap accused of ter a string of deadly suicide bilateral issues of interest,” bombings killed more than Ministry of External Aff airs 250 people in the island nation spokesperson Raveesh Kumar Reuters in billions of dollars in develop- fresh ‘war on April 21. tweeted. Phnom Penh ment funds and loans through its Belt and Road initiative, which aims to bolster land and crimes’ rime Minister Hun Sen sea links with Asia, the Middle has dismissed fears that East, Europe and Africa. AFP PCambodia was falling Hun Sen said Chinese loans Yangon Lanka cuts rates into a Chinese “debt trap”, say- were low interest and long- ing its loans are low interest, term, and that overall debt re- low risk and were not a threat to mained low, at 21.5% of gross yanmar’s military is national independence. domestic product (GDP). guilty of committing to spur growth Speaking at a Future of Asia “Some countries owe up to Mnew “war crimes”, ex- conference in Japan, Hun Sen 200%, 300% or 500% of their trajudicial killings and torture in said China respected Cambo- GDP,” Hun Sen said. its fi ght against ethnic Rakhine Reuters sapped business confi dence dia’s sovereignty when it came Cambodia’s public debt was rebels, Amnesty International Colombo and cooled investment. to using Chinese loans. $7bn as of last year, according has said. In April, private sector “I’ve heard so many people say- to the Ministry of Economy and The armed forces have de- credit growth slowed to a near ing that Cambodia may fall into Finance, and the country had ployed thousands of troops and ri Lanka’s central bank 5-1/2-year low of 8.8%, cen- China’s debt trap,” Hun Sen said. repaid 19% of it. heavy artillery across northern cut its key interest rates tral bank data showed. “For Cambodia, we maintain Cambodia has for years Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen delivers a speech during the Rakhine state in recent months Syesterday, as widely ex- The Easter attack has badly our sovereignty in borrowing, come under criticism for hu- 25th International Conference on The Future of Asia in Tokyo where Arakan Army (AA) rebels pected, to support its falter- hurt Sri Lanka’s tourism sector we borrowed according to the man rights violations and other yesterday. are fi ghting for more autonomy ing economy as overall busi- - the country’s third-largest projects we need, and China re- problems but Western coun- for the state’s ethnic Rakhine ness and consumer confi dence source of foreign currency and spects our decision.” tries hoping to see improve- third of Cambodia’s exports, developed countries because of Buddhists. slumped in the wake of last its fastest-growing - while His comments were broad- ments have little leverage when including garments, footwear human rights violations. The state was also the scene of month’s deadly bomb attacks. many corporates have put cast on state television in Cam- China can be counted on to help and bicycles, in February be- China has pledged to help the military’s bloody crackdown The Central Bank of Sri Lan- their investment and expan- bodia. in the event of Western aid cuts. gan an 18-month process that Cambodia if the EU withdraws against the Rohingya Muslim ka cut both the Standing De- sion plans on hold, analysts China is Cambodia’s biggest The European Union, which could lead to the suspension of the market access, Hun Sen said community in 2017. posit Facility Rate (SDFR) and say. Islamic State has claimed aid donor and investor, pouring accounts for more than one- special market access for least in April during a visit to Beijing. That campaign pushed some the Standing Lending Facility responsibility for the attack. 740,000 Rohingya into Bangla- Rate (SLFR) by 50 basis points The central bank said the desh in violence UN investiga- each to 7.50% and 8.50%, re- Easter Sunday attacks, which Three sentenced tors say warrants prosecution of spectively. A Reuters poll of 14 killed more than 250 people, top generals for “genocide”. economists had expected both have aff ected confi dence and World No Tobacco Day rally to death for killing Amnesty said it had “new evi- rates to be cut. disrupted tourism although it Scot, his Thai wife dence” that Myanmar’s military In its policy statement, the is yet to assess its full impact is now “committing war crimes central bank said market lend- on the economy. A Thai court yesterday sentenced and other human rights viola- ing rates had failed to show any “Although normalcy is three Thai men to death for killing tions” against the ethnic Ra- sign of “commensurate down- gradually returning to eco- a Scottish man and his Thai wife, a khine, listing extrajudicial kill- ward adjustment” despite re- nomic activity, a lower than court off icial confirmed yesterday. ings, arbitrary arrests, torture cent liquidity injections and initially projected growth The three men aged between and enforced disappearances. declines in the call money rate, could be anticipated during 60 and 63 were found guilty of Access to the confl ict area is government bond yields and 2019,” it said. pre-meditated murder of Alan heavily restricted but details of the maximum interest rates on Analysts said the rate cuts Hogg, a 64-year-old Scottish civilian deaths have emerged deposit products. would help growth, but at businessman, and his 61-year-old over recent weeks and months. Sri Lanka’s junior fi nance the expense of stability in the wife Nhot Suddaen last year. But the army has confi rmed minister, Eran Wickremer- country’s fi nancial markets, as One of the men is Nhot’s brother, it shot dead six detainees late atne, told Reuters last week the lower rates put pressure on the who hired the two other men to last month in the village of economy was unlikely to hit its local rupee and drive foreign help kill the couple. Kyauk Tan. full-year economic growth funds out of domestic bonds. Another Thai man was sentenced to Amnesty’s report is based on target of 3-4% following the “This will signifi cantly af- 25 years in prison for his involvement. scores of interviews with peo- bomb attacks. fect the lending rates, already He reportedly declined to take the ple from various ethnic groups, A Reuters poll has predict- last week we saw average job but introduced the brother to photographs, videos and satellite ed growth would slump to its weighted prime lending rates the two other men. imagery. slowest in nearly two decades coming down by about 38 basis Hogg was shot dead while It documents seven unlawful this year. points, so we expect that trend his wife was hit in the head in attacks that killed 14 civilians Central bank governor In- to continue and lending rates September. and injured dozens more, say- drajit Coomaraswamy expects to slowly come down,” said Their bodies were found buried in ing notorious infantry units have the economy will grow by 3% Dimantha Mathew, research their garden in the northern Thai been deployed against the ethnic or less than 3% this year. head, First Capital Holdings. town of Phrae. Rakhine. “We will revise the origi- “Beyond August and Sep- According to police, the motive of Some Rohingya Muslims who nal projection of 4% after the tember, we will start seeing the murders was a family feud. have remained in the area have attacks,” he told reporters in real credit growth.” The Thai judicial system usually also been killed. Colombo in a post-policy rate The rupee, which fell to halves the sentences upon the “The new operations in Ra- news conference. a record low in early Janu- defendants’ confessions. khine State show an unrepent- The economy had already ary due to foreign outfl ows But despite the trio’s confessions, ant, unreformed and unac- been struggling with growth from government securities Students holding placards take part in a rally during World No Tobacco Day in Kathmandu the court deemed the case to be countable military terrorising at a 17-year low of 3.2% in 2018 and political uncertainties, yesterday. too serious to give out a more civilians,” said regional director as a protracted political crisis has bounced more than 3.6% lenient sentence. (DPA) Nicholas Bequelin. and past policy tightenings since then. What’s behind the spike in deaths on Mt Everest?

Reuters lese government issued a record perienced guides and sherpas has led to accidental deaths that but there is no mandatory re- at less than $35,000, half the days in May, traditionally the Kathmandu 381 permits to climb Everest, would have known about the jam are usually avoided by experi- quirement to do so. price of more established rivals, best month to climb Everest. costing $11,000 each. and waited for their chance to go enced climbers, guides said. “Some agencies are more creates incentives for cost-cut- That led to a small window of Climbers spoke of traffi c jams be- up safely,” said Adrian Ballinger “They got into a situation driven by their business and ting, climbers said. only a few days where climbers ine people have died on the low the summit, in the “death zone” of the US-based company Al- that was beyond their ability,” don’t give emphasis on climb- “They off er inadequate food could safely ascend, adding to Nepalese side of Mount Ev- above 8,000m where many deaths penglow Expeditions. said Garrett Madison, from US- ers’ fi tness and don’t ensure that and stay options which can be the overcrowding. Nerest so far this year, the occur due to the lack of oxygen. Inexperience: The number based Madison Mountaineering, only experienced climbers and harmful,” said Malay Mukherjee, “This time there was no strict most during a climbing season on Some operators have urged the of inexperienced climbers have on the experience level of some sherpas are sent to the moun- an Indian climber, of some budget monitoring or coordination among the peak since a deadly earthquake government to cut the number risen. There is no requirement of those that died. tain,” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, fi rms. “And the most dangerous, expeditions in preparing schedules in 2015. This time however, climb- of permits, and raise the price to from the Nepalese government Lack of fi tness: Some trek- founder of Asian Trekking. in a bid to save costs, they pass off for the summit,” Sherpa said. “This ers and guides are blaming a host of around $20,000 to combat in- to take an aptitude test or to king companies perform health Lack of support: The rise of cooks as experienced sherpas.” led everybody to rush as soon as other factors for the spike in deaths: creased crowds. climb smaller peaks before ac- checks on prospective clients “low-cost” domestic fi rms, that Weather: Heavy winds made there was good weather, crowding Crowds: This year, the Nepa- “Confi dent climbers with ex- quiring an Everest permit. This before beginning expeditions, in some cases off er expeditions climbing impossible on many the route on the same day.” Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

New PNG leader “taking back” economy, puts resources fi rms on notice

Reuters to begin work on a $13bn plan ment on politics. Total’s Chair- mony Gold, said it looked forward fi ght was not over. Thursday’s ing them.” Santos Ltd, an Aus- certainty has knocked almost Sydney to double gas exports. He rode a man and CEO Patrick Pouyanne to working with Marape’s gov- parliamentary proceedings start- tralian gas producer, said it did 6% from shares in Oil Search, an wave of discontent over how taxes told journalists on the sidelines ernment. Marape became prime ed late as last minute deals were not expect project delays due to Australian partner in large LNG and royalties from a $19bn Exx- of the company’s shareholders minister after receiving 101 votes brokered. O’Neill was unexpect- the leadership change in PNG. “I projects in PNG, since the chal- apua New Guinea’s new on-led LNG project were delayed meeting in Paris on Wednesday to eight in parliament, a day af- edly re-nominated as a leadership don’t hear anybody talking about lenge to O’Neill gained traction prime minister pledged and distributed, among other evening that he would not com- ter Peter O’Neill resigned hav- candidate, only to withdraw again stopping or slowing down new last week. Pyesterday to “tweak and projects, into the top offi ce. ment on the political situation in ing lost the support of the house after a few minutes to throw his developments,” said Santos CEO Oil Search shares climbed in turn” laws governing how natural “At the moment our resource Papua New Guinea. after almost eight years in power. support behind Marape. After he Kevin Gallagher, referring to the early trade, but turned negative resources are extracted to help lift laws are outdated ... we will look “Our accord has been negoti- Political instability is not unusual was sworn in, Marape told a news P’nyang gas agreement, a farm-in after Marape’s election to close the vast South Pacifi c archipelago into maximising gain from what ated ... the (former) prime min- in PNG, but Marape’s resignation conference he would focus on deal being negotiated to expand down 0.3 percent in a broader out of poverty. God has given this country from ister very well defended the in- from cabinet in April tapped into “taking back our economy” and the Exxon-led project. market that also closed lower. James Marape, a former fi nance our natural resources,” he said in terest of his country during the growing concern over governance proposed an overhaul of mining, “It’s about getting the terms Many PNG residents listened minister who became leader after his fi rst address to parliament as discussions. It is a major project and resource benefi ts not reach- forestry and fi shing laws. He said right. I think that’s fair enough. and watched the political drama winning a vote in parliament, put prime minister. that would need some more work ing the poor. any changes to laws would not be We just have to work through that unfold on television, according some of the world’s biggest re- “I have every right to tweak and before it is launched,” Pouyanne After losing the support of retrospective. process,” he told reporters in Bris- to media reports, but were more sources companies on notice over turn resource laws for my coun- said. several high-profi le colleagues, “We are not here to break le- bane. PNG business leaders gave sanguine about the outcome than a perceived lack of wealth fl owing try, then it will empower my citi- PNG also hosts signifi cant gold O’Neill quit last weekend but later gally binding project agreements,” cautious support to Marape. politicians in the capital. “I don’t from their projects back to com- zens as well,” he told the chamber mines operated by Newcrest Min- said it was not a formal resigna- he told reporters when asked if “I believe he is rational and know at the moment,” said Julie munities. to cheers and applause. “I truly ing and, separately, Barrick Gold tion as he waited for a court chal- he would consider reviewing the seems to lean towards respect- Sakol, a nurse at Mendi hospital in Marape, who hails from PNG’s want this country to be the rich- and Zijin Mining Group. lenge designed to thwart a loom- Exxon LNG deal. ing and grandfathering current the highlands who watched Mar- poor but gas-rich highlands, est black Christian nation on the Newcrest, which runs the Lihir ing no-confi dence vote he seemed But he added: “If we fi nd any agreements,” said Isikeli Tau- ape’s speech. had even quit the government in planet,” he added. operation and is also develop- sure to lose. project agreement ... that has not reka, chairman of Kinabank and “They were a few good words, April after questioning a deal with Exxon said it looked forward to ing one of the world’s largest After losing control of parlia- fully complied with proscribed a former oil and gas executive at but after that, how he will actually France’s Total, which allows it, Oil working with the new leadership. untapped gold reserves in a joint ment O’Neill formally resigned provisions of law, then we are Chevron and InterOil, said in a proceed, we will wait and see,” she Search Ltd and ExxonMobil Corp Oil Search said it did not com- venture with South Africa’s Har- on Wednesday, but the political open to reviewing and scrutinis- text message. The political un- said.

Beijing warns US not to On duty underestimate Chinese military Beijing warned yesterday that N Korea executes the US should not underesti- mate China’s military as the top defence off icials from both countries met on the side- lines of a security forum. As Beijing and Washington vie for influence in a region hosting top envoy for failed potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan met Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe for 20 minutes US summit: media yesterday. Chinese defence ministry Reuters to comment on an unverifi ed re- including vice foreign minister relief in return for dismantling spokesman Wu Qian said they Seoul port. White House spokeswom- Choe Son Hui, were seen re- the Yongbyon main nuclear “reached some consensus” on an Sarah Sanders declined to turning to the spotlight. A South complex. The idea was reject- issues of common concern, comment on the reports, saying, Korean lawmaker told Reuters in ed by the United States which adding that Wei “particularly orth Korea executed its “I am not going to comment on April that Kim Yong-chol had demanded a comprehensive emphasised the Taiwan issue”. nuclear envoy to the intelligence one way or another.” been removed from a key party roadmap for denuclearisation. China sees Taiwan as part of its NUnited States as part of “I can tell you we are moni- post. Kim Song-hye had also worked territory to be reunified, despite a purge of offi cials who steered toring the situation and con- Kim Hyok-chol was seen as closely with Kim Yo-jong, the the two sides having being negotiations for a failed sum- tinuing to stay focused on our a rising star when he was ap- North Korean leader’s younger ruled separately since the end mit between leader Kim Jong- ultimate goal, which is denu- pointed to spearhead working- sister and a senior party offi cial of a civil war on the mainland un and US President Donald clearisation,” she told report- level talks with US nuclear envoy whom Kim Song-hye accompa- in 1949. Beijing is regularly Trump, a South Korean newspa- ers in Washington. The United Stephen Biegun weeks before nied to South Korea for the Win- angered by US warships transit- per said yesterday. States is attempting to check on the Hanoi summit. ter Olympics last year. ing through the Taiwan Strait, Kim Hyok Chol was executed the reports of the envoy’s ex- However, little was known Kim Yo-jong was also lying which it considers its territorial in March at Mirim Airport in ecution, Secretary of State Mike about his expertise or his role low, the paper reported, citing waters. “He (Defence minister Pyongyang, along with four for- Pompeo said during his visit to in the talks. The four executed an unidentifi ed South Korean Wei) pointed out that the US eign ministry offi cials after they Berlin yesterday. alongside him included diplo- government offi cial. Madden, has recently had a series of were charged with spying for the When asked about reports of a mats working on relations with however, said Kim Yo-jong’s negative words and actions on United States, the Chosun Ilbo “shakeup” of Kim Jong-un’s ne- Vietnam, the Chosun report status was unchanged as Kim this issue”, Wu said, adding that reported, citing an unidentifi ed gotiating team in a May 5 inter- said. “This is a man who might Jong-un’s top aide, citing her Beijing was “firmly opposed” to source with knowledge of the view with ABC News, Pompeo provide some tactical advice attendance at key party meet- this. “On the issue of safeguard- situation. said it did appear that his future to the leader but is otherwise a ings in April and appearance in ing national sovereignty and “He was accused of spying counterpart would be somebody message bearer with little ne- state media reports. territorial integrity, the US for the United States for poorly else “but we don’t know that for gotiating or policymaking lati- Sin Hye-yong was charged should not underestimate the reporting on the negotiations sure.” tude,” said Michael Madden, a with making critical interpre- determination, will and ability of without properly grasping US A diplomatic source told Reu- North Korea leadership expert tation mistakes that included the Chinese military.” Shanahan intentions,” the source was ters there were signs Kim Hyok at the Washington-based Stim- missing an unspecifi ed “last- spokesman Joe Buccino told quoted as saying. Chol and other offi cials were son Centre. “Instead, they put minute off er” the North Ko- reporters the meeting was The February summit in Viet- punished, but there was no evi- in someone like Kim Hyok-chol rean leader supposedly made as “constructive and productive”. nam’s capital Hanoi, the second dence they were executed and to insulate Choe Son-hui and Trump was about to walk out, “The two leaders discussed between Kim and Trump, failed they may have been sent to a more substantive diplomatic Chosun reported. ways to build military-to- to reach a deal because of con- labour camp for re-education. personnel, to a certain degree he North Korea’s offi cial party military relations that reduce fl icts over US calls for complete The newspaper reported that is expendable and his superiors mouthpiece Rodong Sinmun the risk of misunderstanding denuclearisation of the Korean other offi cials had been pun- are not.” warned that “two-faced” offi - and miscalculation between peninsula and North Korean de- ished, but not executed. The penalised members of cials would face the “stern judg- our nations,” he said. Washing- mands for sanctions relief. Kim Yong-chol, Kim Jong- Kim Yong-chol’s team includ- ment of the revolution”. “It is an ton has been pushing back Reuters was unable to inde- un’s right-hand man and the ed Kim Song-hye, who led the anti-Party, anti-revolutionary against Beijing’s militarisation pendently confi rm the report. counterpart to Pompeo before preparations, and Sin Hye Yong, act to pretend to be revering the of the South China Sea, and Previously, North Korean of- the Hanoi summit, had been a newly elevated interpreter for leader in front of him when you ahead of yesterday’s meeting fi cials have been executed or sent to a labour and re-educa- the Hanoi summit. They were actually dream of something Shanahan told reporters that purged only to reappear with a tion camp in Jagang Province said to have been detained in a else,” it said in a commentary. facilities China was building on new title, according to media near the Chinese border, the camp for political prisoners, the Hong Min, a senior fellow at reclaimed land in the South reports. Chosun Ilbo reported. newspaper said. the Korea Institute for National China Sea appeared to be an A spokeswoman at South Ko- Offi cials who worked with The diplomatic source said Unifi cation in Seoul, said it was “overkill” if they were purely de- rea’s Unifi cation Ministry de- Kim Yong-chol have been out of Kim Song-hye’s punishment possible Kim Hyok-chol and fensive. “I mean surface-to-air clined to comment. An offi cial the public eye since the summit, seemed inevitable because she other offi cials faced some pen- missiles, long runways ... Seems at the presidential Blue House in while seasoned diplomats who was a “prime author” of the alty but further verifi cation was A worker cleans windows on a building in Shanghai yesterday. excessive,” Shanahan said. Seoul said it was inappropriate appeared to have been sidelined, North’s plan to secure sanctions needed.

Lawmakers in Taiwan raise HK’s independence advocates fear reach of proposed extradition law hurdles for political talks Reuters say no,” said Alan Li, 27, a former “If the Chinese government really others have been kept from run- ion.” She declined to specifi cally with China Hong Kong leader of independence group ning in local elections, and one discuss Li’s case. Some activists Hong Kong Indigenous. continues to make Hong Kong more pro-independence group was think the extradition law, even if Taiwan’s parliament yesterday Li is in Germany after being similar to the mainland, even more banned last year on national se- not immediately deployed against raised the bar for any political ome Hong Kong independ- granted political asylum there curity grounds. “The atmosphere them, would still weigh psycho- agreements with China. In an ence activists say they may in a landmark case that has un- people will support the idea of Hong was really bad. And up to today, logically. “The Chinese Commu- amendment to the “Act Gov- Sbe forced to leave the city if a derscored growing international Kong independence” nothing has changed. Many of nist Party and Hong Kong gov- erning Relations between Peo- proposed extradition law allowing concern about Hong Kong’s ac- my friends have been harassed, ernment have hinted several times ples of the Taiwan Area and suspects to be sent to mainland tivists. “We can’t trust the Hong land China — were enshrined in who lives alone in a ramshackle imprisoned, or forced into exile,” that whoever is anti-Communist the Mainland Area,” the law- China for trial is enacted. Kong government,” he added. Li Hong Kong’s mini-constitution rooftop fl at in Hong Kong, said said Leung, 32. will be a target,” said Wayne Chan, makers voted that any political The government wants Hong and activist Ray Wong, 25, ended when the former British colony that if the government doesn’t Hong Kong Chief Executive 29, another independence advo- accord with China must be Kong’s Legislative Council to up in refugee camps in Germany returned to Chinese rule in 1997. scrap the law, there could be a Carrie Lam said in announcing cate. approved by a three-fourths quickly pass the Fugitives Off end- after skipping bail on rioting Britain and Canada said in a news backlash. “This China rendition the ban that it was necessary on “Pro-independence parties parliamentary majority and ers Ordinance amendment bill, charges linked to a violent stand- release on Thursday that the ex- law represents the mainlandisa- the grounds of national security, may be forced into exile.” ratified by voters in a national which would allow case-by-case off with police on February 8, tradition bill could hurt local tion of Hong Kong,” said Cheng, public order and public safety. She Despite the potential danger, referendum. Previously, draft transfers of people to countries 2016. “We will see more and more freedoms. whom police often follow on the has also emphasised that Hong some activist say they’ll stay and agreements only needed a without extradition treaties, in- people being granted political Zhang Xiaoming, the director streets and during protests. Kong respects electoral freedoms. fi ght. “No one knows what is next simple parliamentary majority cluding China. asylum in the future,” Li said via of China’s Hong Kong and Macau “If the Chinese government re- Leung said that on the last day of for Hong Kong,” said Tony Chung, if legislative changes were re- The bill says extradition can’t phone from Germany, noting that Aff airs offi ce, has said that China ally continues to make Hong Kong 2018, fi ve men forced their way 18, who was assaulted twice on quired. Taiwan has had its own be used for political and religious it was a rigorous process. respects the city’s freedoms but more similar to the mainland, into an offi ce run by fellow activ- the streets last year by four men government since 1949, when off ences, and that safeguards such At least 23 activists from the that there is ‘zero tolerance’ for even more people will support ists, smashing open the door and who were later arrested. the Chinese Nationalists fled as court oversight over extradition February 2016 protest have been activists who seek to undermine the idea of Hong Kong independ- taking some fl ags. After reviewing The men are free on bail; police there after losing a civil war to requests will ensure rights are up- jailed for up to seven years. Crit- China’s sovereignty. ence,” he said. The independence CCTV footage of the incident, he say they are investigating. Chung the Chinese Communist Party. held. But Hong Kong’s small band ics say those are unusually harsh The disconnect between what movement peaked in 2016, when fi led a police report. A Hong Kong was arrested this month over Beijing considers Taiwan to be of independence activists – who sentences for violating colonial- is allowed in Hong Kong but two pro-independence activists, police spokesman confi rmed a grabbing a small Chinese fl ag at a part of its territory. Politicians have railed against China’s tight- era rioting laws not used since the harshly punished in the mainland Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching, break-in had occurred, but said protest and breaking the stick. He of the opposition Chinese Na- ening grip on their city’s auton- late 1960s. China considers Hong has added pressure to independ- won Legislative Council seats, no one had been arrested so far. was charged with criminal dam- tionalist Party (KMT) recently omy and freedoms and say Hong Kong to be an “inalienable” part ence activists. Chinese lead- earning 7% of the popular vote A German Foreign Offi ce spokes- age, which can be punished by up said the KMT would negotiate Kong should be its own country of the country, so calls for inde- ers dub them “separatists” – a in some districts. Since then, au- woman, Maria Adebahr, said to 10 years in prison. a “peace agreement” with – sense peril. pendence are anathema to Chi- pursuit that would make them thorities have moved to shut lo- Berlin was “increasingly worried “Hong Kong has changed com- Beijing if they were returned to “In the future, no matter which na’s Communist Party leaders. criminals in the mainland. Pala- calists out of local politics. about the shrinking space the op- pletely from the place I knew,” he power, raising critics’ concerns fugitives China seeks to extra- But freedom of expression and as- din Cheng, an outspoken leader Leung and Yau were removed position enjoys and the creeping said. “But I don’t want to give up over the island’s long-term dite, Hong Kong won’t be able to sembly — not protected in main- of the independence movement from public offi ce, dozens of erosion of the freedom of opin- and leave right now.” sovereignty. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, June 1, 2019 BRITAIN Peer who never spoke in Lords claims £50,000 expenses

Guardian News and Media among dozens of other lords and The fi ndings show: 88 peers – The former Lords speaker and therefore they are simply re- long complained the chamber is than 80% of possible days, with London baronesses who never took part in a about one in nine - never spoke, Frances D’Souza, a long-term dundant”. bloated, anachronistic and inef- 15 peers attending for 157 days, single debate, while almost a third held a government post or par- advocate of reform, said the The Guardian’s analysis cov- fi cient. the maximum number reported. of the 800 peers barely participat- ticipated in a committee at all; fi ndings corroborated “what ers the attendance, participation Peers are mostly appointed They include the former chair Labour peer claimed al- ed in parliamentary business over 46 peers did not register a single everyone suspects is going on”, and allowances claims of 785 by the prime minister of the of the Labour party’s national most £50,000 in attend- a 12-month period despite costing vote, including on Brexit, sit on and that a minority of peers lords serving for a full year be- day. About 100 peers are sen- executive committee Dianne Aance and travel expenses almost £3.2mn in allowances. a committee or hold a post. One risked discrediting the hard work tween 2017 and 2018. They com- ior members of the judiciary, Hayter, who holds four front- covering every single day the The details have emerged from peer claimed £25,000 without of their colleagues. prise 244 Conservatives, 196 La- Church of England bishops, or bench posts including Labour House of Lords was sitting last a new analysis of public data that voting, while another claimed “There’s clearly a need to re- bour and 97 Liberal Democrats, aristocrats who inherited their Brexit spokesperson in the year, despite never speaking or will raise fresh questions about £41,000 but only voted once. duce numbers,” Lady D’Souza as well as 248 crossbench peers seats. Lords. She spoke on nearly half asking any written questions, a the size and eff ectiveness of the More than 270 peers claimed said, adding that the research and various others. The fi ndings also showed that the days she attended, while also Guardian investigation revealed. Lords, and the funds that can more than £40,000 in allow- “clearly shows there are people The Lords plays a crucial role peers were much more likely to serving on the liaison commit- The former trade union gen- be claimed by those who fail to ances, with two claiming more who are attending the House of in scrutinising government attend frequently than infre- tee, which manages the business eral secretary David Brookman was regularly contribute. than £70,000. Lords who are not contributing, legislation, but its critics have quently: 300 attended on more of the upper chamber. Assange Replica Spitfire subjected to psychological torture: UN

Reuters “Here we are not speaking of Geneva prosecution but of persecution. That means that judicial power, institutions and proceedings are ikiLeaks founder Ju- being deliberately abused for ul- lian Assange has suf- terior motives,” he added. Wfered psychological Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt, torture from a defamation cam- in a tweet posted within minutes paign and should not be extra- of Melzer’s statement, said: “This dited to the US where he would is wrong. Assange chose to hide face a “politicised show trial”, a in the embassy and was always UN human rights investigator free to leave and face justice. said yesterday. “The UN Special Rapporteur Nils Melzer, the UN special should allow British courts to rapporteur on torture who vis- make their judgements without ited Assange in a high-security his interference or infl ammatory A replica Spitfire is seen on display to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings at London Bridge station in London, Britain, yesterday. London prison on May 9 along accusations,” he said. with two medical experts, said Assange made headlines in that he found him agitated, un- 2010 when WikiLeaks pub- der severe stress and unable to lished a classifi ed US military cope with his complex legal case. video showing a 2007 attack by “Our fi nding was that Assange Apache helicopters in Baghdad shows all the symptoms of a per- that killed a dozen people, in- son who has been exposed to psy- cluding two Reuters news staff . chological torture for a prolonged Washington is seeking the ex- period of time. The psychiatrist tradition of Assange, who was Javid accused of ‘human who accompanied my mission dragged from the Ecuadorean said that his state of health was embassy in London on April 11 af- critical,” Melzer said in Geneva. ter his seven-year asylum was re- “But my understanding is that voked, for one of the biggest ever he has now been hospitalised leaks of classifi ed information. and that he is not able to stand The Australian, now 47, had trial,” he said. skipped bail and taken refuge fl y-tipping’ in Begum case Assange was too ill on Thurs- there in 2012 to avoid extradition day to appear via video link from to Sweden over a assault inves- Guardian News and Media stripped Begum of her citizen- In a letter published by the third child when she was inter- “Rather, she was born, raised, a British prison in a hearing on tigation later dropped. Sweden London ship in February after she was Times, Akunjee laid out the le- viewed by the Times at al-Roj groomed and radicalised here in an extradition request from the reopened the investigation in found in a refugee camp in Syr- gal case for Javid to reverse the camp in northern Syria in Feb- the UK. The suggestion that Be- US, his lawyer Gareth Peirce early May. ia. Married to an Isis fi ghter, she decision, saying it was “the re- ruary. Akunjee said Begum was gum is to you genuinely a Bang- said. He is in a health ward. Assange denies the allegation. lawyer for Shamima Be- was in the late stages of preg- sponsibility of a British secre- worried about the quality of ladeshi citizen is unsustainable … “Assange has been deliber- The US has charged Assange gum’s family has accused nancy and said she wanted to tary of state to deal with British healthcare that would be off ered “Rather than take responsi- ately exposed, for a period of with espionage, saying he un- ASajid Javid of cancelling return to the UK. problems”. to her baby, after two previous bility for Begum and her son, several years, to progressively lawfully published the names of the citizenship of the teenager Akunjee said Javid’s decision “Your act represents the children had died in infancy. you took a British problem and severe forms of cruel, inhuman classifi ed sources and conspired who joined Islamic State to fur- was a “politically driven abuse most profoundly egregious, ca- The baby, named Jarrah, was illegally dumped it on our inno- or degrading treatment or pun- with and assisted ex-army intel- ther his ambitions of becoming of power”, and called for the de- pricious and politically driven born on February 16 and died of cent international neighbours. ishment, the cumulative eff ects ligence analyst Chelsea Manning prime minister, describing the cision to be overturned and an abuse of power,” he said. “It pneumonia on March 8, the let- “You have dishonourably left of which can only be described in obtaining access to classifi ed case as “human fl y-tipping”. apology off ered. was a unilateral, unprincipled ter said. it to others to bear the fi nancial as psychological torture,” Melzer information. Mohamed Akunjee also ac- Under international law, can- response to the publishing of Akunjee wrote: “Begum’s and security burden of her safe- said in a statement. He faces 18 US criminal counts cused police and Begum’s local celling citizenship is only per- (a media interview with Begum parents never contemplated a ty and upkeep. You left them to The Swiss law professor de- and decades in prison if convicted. authority, Tower Hamlets, of missible if it does not leave an in the camp) deployed as an ar- life for her in Bangladesh. They minister to her sick child and to clined to identify judges or sen- “I am seriously, gravely con- failing to protect the 19-year- individual stateless. Begum is un- tifi ce or device to further your did not register her birth with bury him. Through sleight of ior politicians whom he accused cerned that if this man were to old Londoner from being derstood to be eligible for Bangla- own personal political objective the Bangladeshi high com- hand, you have sought to bur- of defaming Assange, saying be extradited to the US, he would groomed by the terror group as deshi citizenship, but authorities of being prime minister. mission. They did not take her den the Bangladeshis with her “dozens if not hundreds of in- be exposed to a politicised show a schoolgirl in 2015. there have denied this and said “Begum was a pawn to your to Bangladesh on holiday as a in the longer term. Your cynical dividuals” had expressed them- trial and grave violations of his Javid, the home secretary she could face the death penalty vanity. Her baby died.” child. Indeed she has never vis- decision amounts to human fl y- selves inappropriately. human rights,” Melzer said. and Tory leadership candidate, for involvement in terrorism. Begum was pregnant with her ited the country. tipping.”

Gearing up Labour expulsion was Drones ‘to be used by discriminatory: Campbell greens to shut airport’ Reuters Heathrow Airport said the use London of drones would be a “reckless ac- Guardian News and Media about discrimination in his for- that seems to be impossible. tion”. London mal appeal. “Corbyn needs to decide: is “We agree with the need to act “Is Cherie Blair going to be he going to listen to the many limate activists from Ex- on climate change, but that re- expelled? Is Charles Clarke go- – the public, the members, the tinction Rebellion have quires us to work together con- lastair Campbell has al- ing to be expelled? Is Bob Ains- MPs – or listen to the few – Cdrawn up plans to use structively — not commit serious leged the Labour party worth going to be expelled?” Seamus Milne, Karie Murphy, drones to shut London’s Hea- criminal off ences just as hard- Awas discriminatory Campbell asked, listing other Len McCluskey and Andrew throw Airport this summer in a working people prepare to spend when expelling him for vot- Labour members who had spo- Murray?” he said, naming key campaign to stop the construction a well-earned holiday with their ing for the Liberal Democrats, ken of voting for parties other advisers to the Labour leader, of a third runway at Europe’s busi- family and friends,” an airport because other members have than Labour in the European and the general secretary of the est airport, the group said. spokesman said in a statement not faced similar action despite elections. Unite union. The internal proposal, seen by yesterday. publicly admitting they voted Campbell said he “would Labour has said it would Reuters, emerged against a back- The deployment of drones for another party. like” to vote for Labour again review Campbell’s expulsion drop of renewed campaigning by would mark a signifi cant esca- Campbell, Tony Blair’s in the next general election from the party only as part environmental groups who argue lation by Extinction Rebellion, former communications chief, and referred to new polling by of the appeal process. Cor- that expanding Heathrow would which mobilised thousands of has lodged an appeal against YouGov showing that 41% of byn said he looked forward be incompatible with Britain’s people in a peaceful civil disobedi- the expulsion, which came Labour party members voted to hearing Campbell’s expla- targets to curb greenhouse gas ence campaign that brought parts within 48 hours of him saying for a diff erent party last week. nation for voting for the Lib- emissions. of central London to a standstill he had voted for the LibDems YouGov also put the LibDems Dems. “On June 18, we plan to carry for 11 days in April. in the European parliamentary ahead of the Conservatives and “It’s a question of what out non-violent direct action The parliament declared a elections last week. Labour in general election vot- Campbell said two days before to ensure Heathrow Authorities symbolic ‘climate emergency’ in “I am told by my friends ing intentions. the election, in which he ap- close the airport for the day, to response to the protests, raising in the Labour party that they “Jeremy Corbyn just has to parently appeared to be sup- create a ‘pause’ in recognition of hopes among campaign groups have been inundated with look at his own constituen- porting the Liberal Democrats, the genocidal impact of high car- that the government will cancel people resigning,” Campbell cy,” Campbell said. “He has and whilst he is a member of bon activities, such as fl ying, upon the third runway as part of more told BBC Radio 4’s Today to look at that (YouGov) poll the Labour party that is clearly the natural world,” Extinction Re- ambitious climate commitments. programme yesterday. “Are today. Now, he can pretend not acceptable,” Corbyn said bellion said in a statement. Security forces have been on they too going to be expelled he can get rid of all those on Thursday. “But we look for- “This is not about targeting the alert since December, when Gat- within 48 hours of saying people and somehow Labour ward to hearing what Alastair Workmen construct fences, ahead of the US presidential visit, public, but holding the govern- wick Airport outside London was so?” is going to build a position has to say about this and look around the US ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park in ment to their duty to take leader- forced to cancel fl ights over sev- He said his lawyer had ad- that will win a general elec- forward to his support in the London, Britain, yesterday. ship on the climate and ecological eral days due to drones near the vised him to include a point tion, (but) at the moment future.” emergency,” the group said. perimeter. Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 9 EUROPE Madrid complains to UN over critical experts report

By Patrick Rahir, AFP So much so that Madrid found verdict is not expected until the trial, were elected members of their long detention – some of experts had previously worked public security, defend order and Madrid itself lodging a complaint to the autumn, are broadcast live on the European Parliament (MEPs). them like Junqueras have been as rapporteurs alongside Ben protect the rights and freedoms United Nations yesterday over a Spanish television. Junqueras was also one of in jail for more than a year and a Emmerson, a British lawyer who of others”. report by UN-mandated experts At the helm, Supreme Court those elected to Spain’s lower half. represents several Catalan sepa- The independence movement he high-stakes trial of slamming it for the “arbitrary” judge Manuel Marchena has house in April. In their report, the experts ratists and brought the case to and several legal experts also Catalan separatists has detention of Catalan separatists trodden carefully, alternating Facing up to 25 years in jail for mandated by the UN concluded the UN, alleging confl ict of inter- criticise the accusation of rebel- Tplayed out just as much on trial and asking for their re- fi rmness and leniency. rebellion and misuse of public that the detention of three sep- est. lion brought against nine of the outside as inside the courtroom, lease. But even from behind bars funds, he risks never being able to aratists whose case they were Still, the report made head- defendants, a controversial of- forcing Spain to defend its very In a formal diplomatic protest, or in self-exile like Catalonia’s take either of those seats if found asked to examine, including Jun- lines – more so than a ruling by fence defi ned as “rising up in a democracy. the Spanish government asked former president Carles Puigde- guilty. queras, violated international the European Court of Human violent and public manner”. Twelve Catalan separatist for the revision of the report re- mont, who fl ed Spain in 2017, the Puigdemont, meanwhile, must covenants. Rights on Tuesday in favour They maintain they waged no leaders are accused of break- leased on Wednesday and alleged separatists are making their voice return to Spain to get confi rmed Yesterday Catalonia’s sepa- of Spain in another complaint violence during the secession ing the law by helping organise a “confl ict of interest”, spokes- heard. as an MEP under Spanish rules, ratist government asked Madrid brought by separatists. bid. a referendum despite a court ban woman Isabel Celaa told report- In April general polls, fi ve of meaning he would be arrested. “to adopt the necessary meas- It ruled that Spain’s Constitu- But public prosecutors on before making a short-lived dec- ers. the defendants on trial were However, he maintains he ures for the immediate release of tional Court was right in banning Wednesday decided to maintain laration of independence in Oc- Knowing the sensitive trial elected to the lower house and gained parliamentary immunity the political prisoners”. the Catalan parliament from de- that charge. tober 2017. that began in February was going Senate. immediately after being elected. But in their protest to the UN, bating results of the referendum They have used as evidence the Refusing to give up, the inde- to be under the domestic and for- They have since been sus- The case will likely go to court, the Spanish government said the in a plenary session at the height insults and intimidation used by pendence movement has waged eign spotlight, the Spanish state pended. another opportunity to put Spain experts had skewed facts – for of the secession bid in October separatists during the secession a major off ensive for hearts and was determined it go as smoothly Then last Sunday, Puigde- under the spotlight. example saying an independence 2017. bid. minds, going to European courts as possible. mont, who now lives in Belgium, Labelling those in jail as “po- referendum was allowed under The court said the ban was But the defence teams showed and even the UN to question So it is that the proceedings, and his former deputy Oriol Jun- litical prisoners”, the independ- Spanish law, which it is not. “necessary in a democratic so- footage of police beating voters Spain’s judiciary and democracy. due to end on June 12 even if a queras, one of those in jail and on ence movement has slammed Celaa also said two of the fi ve ciety, particularly to maintain during the banned referendum.

Finnish centre-left parties to Danube river currents form govt

AFP Helsinki keeping rescuers at bay Reuters ably have to wait for fl ooding ive of Finland’s centre-left Budapest to subside, at least several more parties have reached a coa- days, before they can attempt Flition agreement following to secure the site and enter the April elections, and could be of- oiling fl ood waters in the wreckage. fi cially appointed to government Danube made it impos- The current immediately next week, the incoming Social Rsible for rescuers to reach swept away a diver who had sub- Democrat prime minister Antti the wreck of a river boat yes- merged yesterday. Rinne said yesterday. terday, two days after it sank in A hose bringing him air had to Rinne led his party to a razor- the Hungarian capital with 28 be severed and a rescue opera- thin victory in last month’s gen- people feared dead, nearly all of tion mounted to bring him back eral election, holding off the far- them South Korean tourists. up. right Finns Party which surged One rescue diver was swept The 440’ (135m) cruise liner into second place on an anti- away and had to be saved, divers hit and sank the Mermaid, a immigration agenda. said. smaller pleasure boat carrying However Rinne, a 56-year-old The authorities said it was Korean tourists, during a rain- former trade union boss who was unsafe to reach the wreck. storm on Wednesday evening. known for his fi ery negotiating Seven South Koreans were South Korean Foreign Minis- skills, opted to go into coalition confi rmed killed and seven res- ter Kang Kyung-wha, who fl ew with the Centre Party of outgo- cued when their pleasure boat to Budapest yesterday, said the ing Prime Minister Juha Sipila. struck a cruise liner in heavy rain aim is to recover all the bodies. The parties, along with the on Wednesday night. “We strive to ensure no corps- Green party, Left Alliance and Another 21 people are still es are lost from the wreckage or Swedish People’s Party, a cen- missing, 19 of them South Ko- the riverbed,” she said. “I hope trist group which represents rean tourists, and offi cials say this level of eff ort can be sus- Finland’s Swedish-speaking there is little hope any will be tained.” minority, have been hammering found alive. Swiss-based Viking Cruises, out a detailed list of their forth- Hungarian authorities arrest- which owns the larger vessel, coming policies, known as the ed the captain of the cruise liner said in a statement on Thurs- government programme, to be late on Thursday. day that it had co-operated fully Flowers and candles are seen published on Monday. His lawyers said yesterday with the authorities. on the banks of the river “The content is ready, and that he denied blame and re- It did not immediately reply Danube in Budapest, at the spot now over the weekend we’ll gretted that he could not avert to a Reuters e-mail seeking fresh of a boat accident with seven check some of the wording of the the crash. comment. dead and 21 people still missing, text and some of the economic Family members of the Kore- The Ukrainian captain of the most of them South Korean fi gures, but the government pro- ans missing or killed meanwhile cruise ship, identifi ed by police tourists. gramme is in the bag,” Rinne told began arriving in the Hungar- as C reporters. “If everything goes ian capital, some covering their Yuriy from Odessa, denied Right: A diver from a special as we imagine, (the government faces as they made their way blame, MTI news agency quoted South Korean rescue team will be offi cially appointed) at through the arrivals terminal. his lawyers as saying. enters the water at the site of the end of next week.” They were met by embassy He was “shaken by the conse- a ship accident near Margaret The centre-left coalition offi cials and driven off in black quences of the accident and re- Bridge on the Danube river in would give Rinne a majority of vans. grets that he had no way to avoid Budapest. 117 in Finland’s 200-seat parlia- A crane ship was docked near the accident, and expresses his ment, the Eduskunta. the wreck in preparation for re- condolences to the families of “We plan to take legal action The new coalition will unveil covery operations, but divers the victims”, they said. ... because it is related to com- its policy document on Mon- fought strong currents in the Prime Minister Viktor Orban pensation for our customers,” day, though Finnish media has river, “conditions that preclude said he too was “shaken”. Korea Times quoted an offi cial of reported that the government any approach of the hull”, the Very Good Tour, the travel the travel agency. will promise €1.2bn more public interior ministry said in a state- agency that brought the Korean The search area extended to spending. ment. group to Budapest, told the Ko- Serbia, downstream from Hun- The Social Democrats will A diver who works at the scene rea Times that it would sue once gary, head a government for the fi rst and requested anonymity told the causes of the accident were Hungarian Foreign Minster time in 16 years. Reuters that they would prob- determined. Peter Szijjarto said.

Romanians welcome Pope Francis for three-day visit YouTuber found guilty

By Franck Iovene and dressed mostly in white and wav- to be today’s mass at the Sumu- of humiliating beggar Mihaela Rodina, AFP ing fl ags. leu Ciuc shrine in a predomi- Bucharest After talks with Iohannis, nantly ethnic-Hungarian part Francis met Romania’s fi rst fe- of the picturesque Transylvania AFP “Challenged” by one of his male Prime Minister, Viorica region. Madrid followers, Ren, who was 19 at omanians lined Bucharest Dancila. Tens of thousands are expect- the time, fi lmed himself re- streets and packed two ca- The Pope’s visit follows 20 ed at the ceremony, which will moving cream from inside Rthedrals yesterday to wel- years after John Paul II received a see Francis present a golden rose n “infl uencer” in Spain biscuits and replacing it with come Pope Francis, who began warm welcome for his perceived at the large wooden replica of the was sentenced to 15 toothpaste. a three-day trip to the country role in the fall of Communism. Madonna – a tradition for popes Amonths in jail and Then he gave them to a Ro- with a message of integration for Relations between the Ortho- visiting major Marian shrines. fi ned €20,000 for posting a manian beggar along with a a post-election European Union dox Church and Romania’s Greek Francis’s trip will be an oppor- YouTube video in which he of- €20 bill. following nationalist gains. Catholics – who number just tunity “to send a message to the fered a homeless man biscuits “Maybe I went a little far, In speeches in the capital, Pope Francis and Patriarch Daniel of Romania arrive at the Cathedral 150,000 – have been strained many Catholic Hungarians there stuff ed with toothpaste. but let’s look at the positive Francis praised the “sacrifi ces” of for the Salvation of the Romanian People in Bucharest. ever since the decades of the to keep their hearts, minds and Kan-Hua Ren, known as Re- side, it will help him clean his Romanian emigrants and urged communist rule following World gates open to others”, religious Set, was found guilty of an of- teeth, I don’t think he has of- the faithful to reject “a culture of During the three-day visit to seeking work abroad had led to War II. expert Claire Giangrave wrote in fence against moral integrity in ten brushed his teeth since hate”. the mainly Orthodox country, the “depopulation of many vil- The tiny community had its the religious news website Crux- his video published in January he became poor,” Ren told his Thousands along Bucharest the 82-year-old is expected to lages”, he said. property confi scated and its reli- now. 2017 on his channel and since followers, according to a court boulevards cheered, waved and raise issues fuelling nationalism, He also had a private meeting gious leaders were jailed. “The challenge for the pope is removed, the Barcelona court document. took pictures as Francis travelled such as poverty, as well as inter- with Orthodox Patriarch Daniel But the Greek Catholics resist- to stress to the Orthodox com- said. The homeless man threw up, through by popemobile. religious relations. despite their strained relations, ed, holding secret masses until munity that the Church of Rome He was sentenced to 15 wrote the judge in her verdict Many television channels In one of his speeches yester- and they prayed alongside each the dictatorship fell in 1989. does not want to ‘Latinise’ it,” months in jail, which he won’t dated May 29. transmitted his visit live, while day, Francis paid homage “to the other – one in Latin and the other The Pontiff will beatify seven said Bishop Pascal Gollnisch, likely have to serve. The video sparked an out- screens where put up throughout sacrifi ces endured by so many in Romanian. bishops who were tortured and director of the Oeuvre d’Orient Sentences of up to two years cry, so Ren posted a new one the city for people to watch the sons and daughters of Romania”. The Pontiff set off from Rome’s died in prison, setting them on French charity, which supports are generally not implemented in which he went back to see ceremonies. Rampant unemployment and Fiumicino airport early yesterday the path to sainthood. Eastern Churches. in Spain for fi rst-time off end- the man and gave him another Outside Saint Joseph Catholic poverty have pushed millions to after meeting a group of 15 home- He will also travel across the “The unity sought is not insti- ers in non-violent crimes. €20. Cathedral, where tens of thou- seek better lives abroad and the less Romanians who live in Rome. country to meet people of diverse tutional: the aim is not to bring Ren was also ordered to pay Yesterday Ren’s two sands gathered for a mass, peo- country still faces major socio- In Bucharest, he was wel- faiths and languages, which in- all Christians together under the €20,000 ($22,300) in com- YouTube channels, which re- ple waved fl ags and also chanted political problems despite join- comed at the airport by pro-Eu- clude 18 offi cially-recognised Catholic label, but to have eve- pensation to the victim and his spectively have more than “Viva papa”, or “Long live the ing the EU in 2007. ropean President Klaus Iohannis minorities. ryone recognise each other as channels will be closed down 1.2mn and 250,000 followers, pope”. The exodus of Romanians and some 200 cheering children, The highlight of the trip is set Christians,” he told AFP. for fi ve years. were still online. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, June 1, 2019 INDIA

POLITICS CLAIM CRIME PEOPLE OFFBEAT Congress wins more Mamata accuses BJP Main accused in Irani No trace of girl missing Army unit stands by retired seats in Karnataka polls of manipulating EVMs aide’s murder held in Telangana forest captain declared foreigner

The Congress bagged more seats in Karnataka’s West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee The main accused in the murder of Union A five-year-old tribal girl who went missing The army is off ering all legal help to the family of 56 urban local body elections than the BJP and yesterday held her party Trinamool Congress’ core Minister Smriti Irani’s aide Surendra Singh was in Amarabad tiger reserve in Telangana’s retired Captain Sona Ullah, who was declared a the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), an off icial said committee meeting where she accused the BJP of arrested by the police yesterday. Wasim was Nagarkurnool district last week has not yet been foreigner by a Foreigners Tribunal in Assam and yesterday. “Of the 1,221 wards in the city and manipulating the EVMs in the Lok Sabha polls and arrested by the police after an encounter in the found despite a massive search operation. A sent to a detention camp in Goalpara. Born in 1967 town municipal councils and town panchayats, asked party members to initiate a mass movement Jamo police station area in Amethi. He sustained forest off icer said heavy rains have hampered to Mohamed Ali of Kalahi Kash village in Kamrup the Congress won 509 seats, the BJP 366, the against it. She questioned how BJP president Amit a bullet injury to his leg in the encounter the search operations. Dog squads are likely district, Ullah joined the Indian Army in 1987 and JD-S 174 and Independents 160,” Karnataka Shah and Prime Minister Modi were so confident and was being treated in Jamo CHC hospital. to be deployed today to intensify the search. served for 30 years before he retired as a Honorary State Election Commissioner P N Srinivasachari about getting 300-plus seats even before the Security forces were stationed at the hospital More than 200 employees from forest, tribal Captain in 2017. The army unit in Guwahati’s told reporters in Bengaluru. Polling was held election had ended, the source said. Urging the and no one was allowed to meet him, assistant welfare, revenue, police and other departments Narengi area has promised all help to the family on May 29 in seven city municipal councils for party leaders and activists not to lose their heart superintendent of police Daya Ram said. “All the were engaged in the search operation to members. “The army cannot do anything directly 217 seats, 30 town municipal councils for 714 over the results of 2019 polls, which saw the BJP five accused in the murder of Surendra Singh trace Shravani, who went missing a week ago. as it is a legal process. However, our senior seats and 19 town panchayats for 290 seats. making stunning inroads in Bengal by winning 18 have been arrested. Four have been sent to jail,” Shravani and her cousin had ventured into off icers have met the family of the retired off icer The remaining seats were won by the BSP 3, the out of 42 Lok Sabha seats, Banerjee said the party he said, adding that Singh was killed because of the forest and lost their way. While her cousin and assured all possible help in their legal battle CPI-ML 2 and others 7. will spring back in the future elections. a personal feud. managed to return, Shravani remained untraced. to establish his Indian origin,” the army said. ‘Big-bang’ reforms in the offi ng: govt think-tank

Reuters from day one as government data New Delhi released yesterday showed that the economy grew at a much- lower-than-expected 5.8% in n the fi rst 100 days of Prime the January-March period. Minister Narendra Modi’s That is its slowest pace in 17 Isecond term, ‘big-bang’ quarters, and increases pressure economic reforms that should for economic stimulus from the please foreign investors are likely government and the central bank to be pursued, according to a top through tax cuts and lower inter- offi cial at the government’s main est rates. think tank. Sitharaman is expected to de- The reforms will include liver some tax cuts in her fi rst Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he arrives to attend a meeting with his newly-named Cabinet in New Delhi yesterday. changes in labour laws, priva- full-year budget in early July tisation moves, and creation of while keeping the budget defi cit land banks for new industrial close to target. development, said Rajiv Kumar, NITI Aayog, which now acts vice chairman of NITI Aayog as the main centre for policy (National Institute for Trans- making and for driving new forming India), who reports di- ideas, was founded four years rectly to Modi. back when Modi scrapped the “They (foreign investors) will 65-year-old planning commis- PM makes major Cabinet have reasons to be happy. You sion, saying that India was sti- will see a slew of reforms I can fl ed with Soviet-style bureauc- assure you of that. We are going racy. to pretty much hit the ground Kumar said reforms in India’s running,” Kumar said. complicated labour laws would Modi is chairman of the think see the light of day as early as tank. the next parliamentary session changes for new term He and his Bharatiya Janata in July, when the government Party (BJP) were last week de- would place a new bill before the AFP to carry out three extrajudicial Facing major challenges with the new foreign minister was infl uential advisor to Modi on clared landslide winners of the lower house for approval. New Delhi killings in Gujarat in 2005. the economy, job creation and a seen as a sign that Modi will put diplomacy during his fi rst fi ve general election with an in- It will aim to combine 44 He was banished from the state farm debt crisis, Modi replaced more emphasis on diplomacy years in power. creased majority in the lower central laws into four codes — for two years before being cleared around three dozen ministers in the sensitive area around Jaishankar took the mantle house of parliament. wages, industrial relations, so- rime Minister Narendra in 2014 for lack of evidence. and deputies from the last ad- India in his second term. from Sushma Swaraj, a party During Modi’s fi rst term in cial security and welfare, and the Modi yesterday named his Recently he hit the headlines ministration, bringing in many Jaishankar, who was the top veteran who underwent a kidney 2014, he announced plans to at- fourth — occupational safety, Ptrusted aide Amit Shah to after comparing illegal immi- new lawmakers. foreign ministry offi cial until transplant in 2016 and has been tract the manufacturing industry health and working conditions. the key home aff airs ministry as grants to “termites” that must be Sitharaman, 59, became In- his retirement last year, was an beset by poor health. to the country through his fl ag- This should help companies part of a major Cabinet shakeup thrown out of the country. But dia’s fi rst full-time woman fi - ship “Make in India” programme, to avoid getting embroiled in for his second term in offi ce. he has been a close confi dante of nance minister after a similar PM Kisan scheme extended to more farmers but the ambition was not followed complicated disputes with their Nirmala Sitharaman moved Modi for nearly two decades and landmark stint as defence min- up with practical policies appeal- workers. from defence to become fi nance some analysts say Shah is now ister. Former premier Indira In a major push to boost in the earlier version of the ing enough to investors. The government could also minister in a second shock, while in place to take over the party if Gandhi had briefl y held the de- rural consumption, the Modi scheme. “The Cabinet chaired by According to Kumar, the Modi off er swathes of land to foreign career diplomat S Jaishankar be- Modi stood down. fence and fi nance portfolios in government in its first Cabinet Prime Minister Modi approved 2.0 plan would be more attrac- investors from the land banks it came foreign minister. “Congratulations to @Amit- the 1970s. meeting decided to cover all the extension of PM-Kisan tive because of the emphasis on plans to create from unutilised Hardline Hindu national- Shah who transformed BJP into As Finance Minister Sithara- the farmers, irrespective of Yojana to all farmers. Nearly critical building blocks, such as land controlled by public sector ist Shah was the president of the one of the largest political or- man will be expected to steer In- their land holdings, under PM 145mn farmers would now land and labour reforms. enterprises, Kumar said. right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party ganisations in the world & will dia’s course through reforms and Kisan scheme that promises to benefit from the scheme,” said Modi was sworn into offi ce “What could be attempted is (BJP) who masterminded Modi’s now play a bigger role in build- arrest an economic slowdown in transfer Rs6,000 to their bank Agriculture Minister Narendra for his second term on Thursday to build an inventory of govern- second straight landslide victory ing #NewIndia,” tweeted Shah’s Asia’s third-largest economy. accounts. The revised scheme Singh Tomar, briefing the media night. ment land that can then be of- in the country’s national election. Cabinet colleague Smriti Irani. The previous fi nance min- envisages to cover 20mn more about Cabinet decisions. The Kumar was speaking before fered to foreign investors,” Ku- Shah, 54, will now pursue Irani, who defeated opposi- ister, Arun Jaitley, asked not to farmers with an estimated government also announced a Modi yesterday named Nirmala mar said. Modi’s nationalist agenda in in- tion Congress chief Rahul Gan- be considered for a government expenditure of Rs872.175bn minimum monthly pension of Sitharaman, formerly the coun- The land parcels could be de- ternal security, immigration and dhi in his family bastion of Am- post because of ill health. in 2019-20. The previous Rs3,000 for traders across the try’s defence minister, as the signed as clusters catering to a other key national issues. ethi in the election, was handed The induction of Jaishankar, government had estimated nation, which will benefit over next fi nance minister. specifi c set of investors or in- A controversial fi gure, Shah the ministry of women and child a China expert and a former annual expenditure of Rs750bn 30mn people. She will face major challenges dustrial sectors, Kumar said. was accused of ordering police development. ambassador to Washington, as Rahul urges Vijayan to Searing heatwave Parliament session help dead farmer’s family from June 17 IANS gives the status of the country’s New Delhi economy, will be presented in IANS According to the Kerala Po- ers from the “vicious debt trap” Parliament on July 4. New Delhi lice, Kumar died after con- given the devastating impact of A day later, the Budget will suming some poisonous sub- the last year’s fl oods. he fi rst session of the be presented by Finance Min- stance. “I offer you my fullest sup- newly-elected Lok Sabha ister Nirmala Sitharaman, the week ahead of his visit port and co-operation in find- Thas been convened from only woman to hold the port- to Wayanad in Kerala, “Kumar’s case isn’t an ing concrete long-term so- June 17 to July 26 and the new folio after former prime minis- A Congress president Ra- isolated one. There have lutions to the critical issues government of Prime Minister ter Indira Gandhi. hul Gandhi yesterday request- been a spate of farmer Kerala’s farmers are faced with Narendra Modi will present its In its previous term, the ed Chief Minister Pinarayi suicides in Wayanad” and in ensuring every farmer fi rst Budget on July 5, in which it Modi government had on Feb- Vijayan to provide financial in Kerala lives a life of dignity,” is expected to provide an insight ruary 1 presented the interim assistance to the family of a “Kumar’s case isn’t an iso- Rahul stressed. about the programmes to be un- Budget in view of the upcom- farmer who committed suicide lated one. There have been Rahul, who contested on two dertaken in the second term. ing Lok Sabha elections. allegedly due to non-repay- a spate of farmer suicides in seats in this election won from The 40-day session will The fi rst full Budget is ex- ment of loans. Wayanad,” Rahul said. “What Wayanad with a record mar- have 30 sittings, Informa- pected to see various an- The Congress chief, who won is disturbing is that while the gin of 431,770 votes. The Con- tion and Broadcasting Min- nouncements made in the from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, government of Kerala has an- gress chief defeated his rival P P ister Prakash Javadekar said Vote-on-Account to be either also asked the state government nounced a moratorium on Suneer of the Communist Party yesterday while addressing a implemented or taken forward. to conduct an inquiry into the repayment of farm loans till of India who secured 274,597 press conference after the fi rst Among those proposals, the incident. December 31, 2019, farmers votes. Rahul received 706,367 meeting of the new Cabinet. Cabinet already yesterday de- In his letter to Vijayan dated are still being pressured and votes. The fi rst two days of the ses- cided to expand the PM Kisan May 28, Rahul said, “I am deeply hounded by loan collection However, the Congress presi- sion have been kept for oath- scheme of giving Rs 6,000 to saddened by the suicide of V D agents,” the letter said. dent lost from his family pocket taking by the newly-elected small farmers to cover all the Dinesh Kumar, a farmer in Neer- The Congress leader in his borough of Amethi to his rival members, he said. The election agriculturists. varam, Panamaran panchayat in letter said he was “writing to BJP’s Smriti Irani by a margin of With an intense heat wave sweeping Punjab and Haryana, for Lok Sabha Speaker will take The other major highlights Wayanad.” request Vijayan to order an in- 55,000 votes. Sirsa and Bathinda towns yesterday recorded a maximum place on June 19. of the interim Budget, pre- The Congress leader said that quiry into the circumstances Rahul will pay a two-day visit temperature of 46 degrees Celsius. The maximum President Ram Nath Kovind sented by Piyush Goyal, in- after speaking to Kumar’s wife, surrounding Kumar’s death and to Wayanad on June 7 and 8 to temperature in most parts of Punjab and Haryana was two will address the joint sitting of cluded exemption on income “I learnt her husband had been to extend fi nancial support to his thank the voters. According to to five degrees above normal, an meteorological department Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on tax for individuals earning up under severe stress due to his in- family”. Congress leaders, Rahul will visit off icial said. Amritsar city in Punjab recorded a high of 45 June 20 and the subsequent days to Rs500,000 per annum and ability to repay the loans he had The Congress chief said it was all the seven Assembly constitu- degrees, while it was 45.1 degrees in Ludhiana. In Chandigarh, will see a discussion on the Mo- provision of a monthly pen- taken and this pushed him to important to consider “long- encies of Wayanad to thank the the maximum temperature recorded was 44.2 degrees. tion of Thanks to his address. sion of Rs3,000 to workers in commit suicide”. term measures” to free farm- people. The Economic Survey, which the unorganised sector. Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 11 LATIN AMERICA Mexico will overcome Trump threats: Lopez Obrador

Reuters to the US, battering Mexican fi - to convince the US government rador said he believed Trump Mexico sends around 80% of its 2018, Lopez Obrador has shied In a letter responding to Trump’s Mexico City nancial assets and hurting stocks that Trump’s measures were in would understand that the tariff exports to the US. away from foreign policy entan- announcement on Thursday, worldwide. neither country’s interest, and that threat was not the way to resolve Mexico’s main stock index fell glements, preferring to leave di- Lopez Obrador called Trump’s It is the biggest foreign policy Mexico was making progress con- the matter, and stressed that more than 2% after opening, and plomacy to Ebrard. policy of America First “a fallacy” exico’s president yes- test to date for President Andres taining migration. Mexicans had united behind his the peso currency was down 3% Though Lopez Obrador again and accused him of turning the US terday said he would Manuel Lopez Obrador, who Trump said on Thursday he government. against the dollar. stressed the need for diplomacy into a “ghetto” that stigmatised Mrespond with “great during his six months in power would ratchet up tariff s unless “I tell all Mexicans to have faith, Since taking offi ce in December, yesterday, he has in the past of- and mistreated migrants. prudence” to threats by his US has consistently sought to de- Mexico stopped people from ille- we will overcome this attitude of Lopez Obrador has urged Trump to fered pointed criticism of Trump Mexico has yet to receive a reply counterpart Donald Trump to im- fl ect Trump’s barbs and avoid gally crossing the border it shares the US government, they will make help him tackle migration by pro- over migration policy. to the letter, according to Lopez pose tariff s on Mexican goods en- embroiling himself in confronta- with the US. rectifi cations because the Mexican moting economic development in He was adamant that he had the Obrador, who said he would hold tering the US, and called on Mexi- tions. The plan would impose a 5% people doesn’t deserve to be treat- Guatemala, Honduras and El Sal- support of Mexicans living both in news conferences at the weekend cans to unite to face the challenge. Lopez Obrador predicted the tariff on Mexican imports starting ed in the way being attempted,” vador, where most of the migrants Mexico and the US. about his government’s progress. Trump says he will introduce Trump administration would rec- on June 10 and increase monthly, Lopez Obrador said. apprehended on the US border Lopez Obrador in early 2017 Trump’s tariff move rattled punitive tariff s on June 10 if Mex- tify the tariff threat and said that up to 25% on October 1. Exports to the US of goods from come from. likened Trump’s attitude towards investors who feared worsening ico does not halt the fl ow of illegal Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Speaking at his regular morn- avocados to cars and televisions A veteran leftist who won a migrants to Nazi Germany’s per- trade friction could hurt the global immigration from central America would be in Washington working ing news conference, Lopez Ob- are vital to the Mexican economy. landslide election victory in July secution of Jews. economy. Children die Maduro launches new initiative as Venezuela hospitals hit by shortages

AFP leader Juan Guaido claims the Caracas initiative had already run into problems in 2016 due to “a lack of supplies and bureaucratic ob- ilberto Altuve places his stacles.” son Erick’s toys on a white US sanctions were only ap- Gcloth alongside cards plied in 2017. from friends and the mask he While Maduro and Guaido used while waiting for a desper- trade accusations, Altuve says ately needed bone marrow trans- “you shouldn’t look for culprits plant that never came. where there are none.” He died aged 11 on May 26 “But neither should you be ig- while waiting in a Venezuelan norant, knowing that they have the hospital, after being diagnosed abilities to provide help,” he added, with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his face swollen from crying. February. A builder by trade, Altuve He was not the only child in learned to manicure to survive Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores watch children dance during the launch of the “National Fisheries and Aquaculture Plan 2019” in Vargas state, Venezuela. May to lose his battle with the Venezuela’s economic meltdown disease. under Maduro. So too did Giovanny Figuera, The country has suff ered fi ve Robert Redondo and Yeiderberth years of recession while a quarter Requena. of its 30mn population is in need “He needed a bone marrow of aid, the United Nations says. transplant, the disease was ad- Infl ation that the Interna- vancing every day,” Altuve, 38, tional Monetary Fund predicts said adding that his son had suf- will reach a staggering 10mn fered from immunodefi ciency percent this year has left salaries since he was very young. That and savings virtually worthless IMF denies forcing Caracas was the problem that sent him while people face shortages of to the J M de los Rios children’s basic necessities such as food hospital in Caracas in January. and medicine. The hospital detected his cancer Oil production, on which the and kept him under observation country is almost entirely de- in the hope of being able to send pendent, has crashed from a high to release economic data him to Italy for the transplant that of 3.2mn barrels per day in 2008 could have saved his life. to just 840,000 in March. Reuters The data reported a 22.5% cluding the US, have backed ment recognition,” the spokes- within the IMF, had pressured But the programme agreed in Altuve’s family depends on a Washington/Caracas contraction in Venezuela’s Guaido as the Opec nation’s in- man said. Maduro’s government to release 2010 between Italy and Vene- government food box and other economy in the third quarter of terim head of state. Last year, the IMF issued a the data, according to two sources zuela’s state oil company PDVSA subsidies to survive. 2018 from the same period of the However, Maduro and ruling “declaration of censure” against with knowledge of the matter. was suspended last year with At the J M de los Rios hospi- he International Mon- previous year. socialist party continue to con- Venezuela for failing to report One of the sources said China Caracas owing Rome 10.7mn eu- tal, 26 children need transplants. etary Fund said it had The bank did not provide a trol state institutions including timely and accurate economic had hoped releasing the data ros (around $12mn). There, Siolis Alvarez is terri- Tnot pressured Venezuela full-year 2018 fi gure for eco- the military, state oil company data, such as gross domestic would help bring Venezuela into “We have a government that fi ed that her nine-year-old son to release economic indicators nomic activity. PDVSA and the central bank. product and infl ation. compliance with the IMF, mak- helps the whole world, but what Alejandro, suff ering from acute after years of silence, while two Monthly infl ation in April The Fund said in March it was The move was a warning that ing it harder for the institution does it give children?” said Al- lymphocytic leukaemia, will be sources said the country’s sur- 2019 was 33.8%, while 2018 awaiting guidance from member Caracas could be barred from vot- to recognise Guaido. tuve, fi ghting back tears at his the next victim. prise data released this week was full-year infl ation reached countries on whether to rec- ing on IMF policies, and eventu- An IMF spokesman said the son’s wake in his simple home “The same thing could hap- due to pressure from China. 130,060%, the bank said. ognise Guaido as the country’s ally expelled, unless it resumed fund could not fully assess the in Petare, a poor Caracas neigh- pen to all of us. You live with that The central bank on Tuesday The IMF said it suspended leader. timely and accurate reporting. quality of the data because there bourhood. fear,” Alvarez said as she tried to unexpectedly released data con- work with Venezuela on its eco- The US and Venezuelan ally Maduro has repeatedly dis- was no contact with the govern- Venezuela President Nicolas calm her worried son. fi rming Venezuela is suff ering nomic data in January, when China are important IMF mem- missed the IMF as an agent of ment. Maduro blamed the unpaid Ital- In a bid to fi nd better care, she hyperinfl ation and massive eco- opposition leader Juan Guaido bers, as they have the world’s US colonialism and criticised “We cannot off er a view on ian debt on a Portuguese bank took him last year to Falcon state nomic contraction. invoked the constitution to as- two largest economies. the institution for leading harsh data quality as we have not had blocking payments due to US in the west, but there she found The release reversed President sume the interim presidency, ar- “Work in this area has been austerity programmes in devel- the opportunity to make a full sanctions aimed at trying to a hospital with no supplies that Nicolas Maduro’s unoffi cial pol- guing Maduro’s 2018 re-election suspended since late January as oping countries. assessment in the absence of force him from power. barely appeared to be function- icy of classifying economic indi- was illegitimate. political developments gave rise China, which has for years contacts with the authorities,” But Venezuela’s opposition ing. cators as state secrets. Most Western countries, in- to questions regarding govern- sought to increase its infl uence the spokesman said. Brazil’s Amazon Fund Haiti unrest Brazil withdraws invite to Guiado’s envoy recast plan ‘irks donors’ S Paulo and O Globo reported that Reuters Brasilia Bolsonaro’s government had can- Reuters Salles suspended all opera- the vegetation cover in the Ama- celled Belandria’s invitation because Brasilia tions of the fund pending review. zon and another to improve mar- ex-military aides want to pursue Norway and Germany re- ket access for local communities’ razil’s government with- dialogue with Maduro, who also has sponded that they were satisfi ed forest products, are on hold. drew an invitation to an of- an offi cial representative in Brasilia. razil’s right-wing gov- with the administration of the For the donors, the most wor- Bfi cial ceremony sent to the Guiado invoked Venezuela’s ernment has run into re- $1.28bn fund by Brazilian state rying aspect is a plan by Salles envoy for Venezuelan opposition constitution in January to as- Bsistance from key donors development bank BNDES and to change the composition of leader Juan Guiado. sume the interim presidency, Norway and Germany over its asked the minister to provide his the fund’s 24-member steer- The former generals making up saying Maduro’s reelection was plans to change management of proposed changes in writing. ing committee that selects the nearly a third of Bolsonaro’s Cabi- not legitimate. the billion-dollar Amazon Fund “By Thursday afternoon, we projects to back. net have been wary of provoking Most Western countries have aimed at reducing deforestation, had not received any written Salles wants to reduce the role Venezuelan President Nicolas since backed him as head of state. people familiar with the matter proposals nor an inspection re- of civil society and remove a rep- Maduro, warning against moves While the Brazilian govern- say. port from the BNDES,” a spokes- resentative of Brazil’s indigenous that could tip an economic and ment granted diplomatic cre- If President Jair Bolsonaro’s woman for the German embassy people, which would be unaccept- political crisis into violence across dentials to Belandria, it has not government unilaterally alters in Brasilia said. able to the donors, said one source. Brazil’s northern border. revoked the credentials of Ma- the governance model for the The environment ministry did Brazilian environmentalists Guiado’s envoy, Maria Teresa duro’s representatives. sustainable development fund, not immediately reply to a re- said the moves were part of the Belandria, dismissed the sug- Venezuela recently reopened it could lead the two European quest for comment. government’s political project of gestion that her absence from its border crossing to Brazil after a nations to stop donations or Norway has donated $1.2bn steering resources toward private the ceremony with other ambas- nearly three-month closure, and even take back unused funds, the and Germany has paid out farmers and easing environmen- sadors to Brasilia refl ected more Bolsonaro’s aides are working to re- sources said, asking for anonym- $68mn, with another $100mn tal protections. tenuous support. “There will be store more regular power supply for ity given the sensitivity of talks. in the pipeline for the fund, to Carlos Rittl, head of the Cli- another opportunity,” she said. the Brazilian state of Roraima, which Environment Minister Ricardo which the donors make annual mate Observatory, a network Policemen run amid tear gas during a protest against the “Brazil’s support continues to be depends on the Venezuelan grid. Salles, a climate change sceptic, contributions based on Brazil’s of NGOs working on climate government outside the Haitian Parliament in Port-au-Prince. strong, solid and decisive. It’s a Bolsonaro, like many heads two weeks ago criticised the fund’s performance in reducing defor- change, said the fund was care- Four opposition senators ransacked their meeting room in merely technical matter.” of state in the region, has been management for alleged irregu- estation. fully structured under the man- Port-au-Prince to prevent, for a third time, the ratification of the Brazil’s foreign ministry did sharply critical of the Maduro larities in unspecifi ed awards to The disagreement over govern- agement of the BNDES when it prime minister’s general policy, further crippling the installation not immediately respond to a re- government, and advisers to US non-governmental organisations, ance has meant two projects se- was set up in 2008 to prevent po- of the new government. quest for comment. President Donald Trump have calling for new governance rules. lected last year, one for recovering litical manipulation. Brazilian newspapers Folha de pressed him to take a harder line. Gulf Times 12 Saturday, June 1, 2019 PAKISTAN

US pulls tax perk President Alvi ‘unhappy’ granted to Pakistan’s with move against judges diplomats, Internews Senate approves opposition resolution condemning action against judges ter Brigadier (retired) Ijaz Shah Many believe that if the gov- family Islamabad wrongly handled the situation ernment does not withdraw the The Senate has passed a resolution condemning the the honourable judges,” the resolution added. and unnecessarily invited criti- reference, the issue may trigger Imran Khan government’s decision to file a refer- “These references are a direct attack on the independ- cism for the government. another judicial movement. AFP/Internews everal ministers of the ence against the judges before the Supreme Judicial ence of the judiciary and are aimed at stifling the The government recently fi led While the lawyers associa- Washington/Islamabad federal government and Council (SJC). voices of reason, truth and justice in the judiciary. a complaint with the SJC against tions have started giving their Smembers of Parliament “While supporting across-the-board accountability, “This House expresses solidarity with the honourable alleged misconduct of two supe- response rejecting the govern- have conveyed their disapproval the Senate feels that these targeted references are judges under siege, lawyers elected representation rior court judges, who allegedly ment’s move, the political par- he US said yesterday that to President Dr Arif Alvi and mala fide (in bad faith) and politically-motivated. They and Bars Council of the Country. hold foreign properties either ties are fi rming up strategies. it had suspended tax ex- Prime Minister Imran Khan over are a direct attack on the independence of the judici- “This House calls upon the government to withdraw in their own names or through The Qazi Isa issue, it is said, Temption privileges en- the government’s latest move ary, and are aimed at stifling the voices of reason, the references against the honourable judges,” the their spouses. may become the focal point for joyed by Pakistan’s diplomats to fi le a presidential reference truth and justice in the highest judiciary. resolution filed by the opposition read. The Supreme Court judge serious agitation against the in Washington, due to disputes to the Supreme Judicial Coun- “The Senate expresses its full solidarity with the judici- Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz named in the reference is Justice government after the Eid. with Islamabad in the latest cil (SJC) against Supreme Court ary, lawyers elected representation and Bar Councils (PML-N) has decided to protest in parliament against Isa. There is also wide apprecia- dust-up between the countries. Justice Qazi Faez Isa. of the country and we are with them in this struggle,” the government move. Media reports suggest that the tion of additional attorney gen- Under the 1961 Vienna Con- Informed ministerial sources read the resolution. The PML-N parliamentary group, led by party vice- reference was prepared within eral Zahid F Ebrahim, who on vention, diplomats around the said that even President Alvi was A resolution was also tabled by opposition members president Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, met at the chamber the ministry on the instruction Wednesday resigned from offi ce world do not pay taxes in coun- unhappy, but he had to act on in the National Assembly expressing grave concern of the opposition leader at Parliament House. of Minister Nasim. a day after the government fi led tries where they are posted. the advice of the prime minister. over the filing of the references. Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Tanveer, Marriyum Aurangzeb, It is added that a former Su- a reference over alleged miscon- The US State Department’s A source revealed that the “This House expresses grave concern over the filing Mushahidullah Khan, Rana Sanaullah and other party preme Court judge who had tak- duct by superior court judges. Diplomatic Tax Exemption pro- president modifi ed the lan- of references in the Supreme Judicial Council by the leaders were also in attendance. en oath under November 3, 2007 The son of renowned law- gramme is usually granted to guage of the reference, which government against some honourable judges of the “No one is allowed to attack the judiciary,” former Na- Provisional Constitution Order yer and former Supreme Court foreign diplomats and consulars. was worded harshly by the law Supreme and High Courts in secretive manner, with- tional Assembly speaker Sadiq said. “We have decided was hired to fi le the reference. judge Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, The programme provides sales ministry. out even the knowledge of the concerned judges,” the to take a formal point of view against the references Following media reports the additional attorney general and use, occupancy, food, air- These sources also confi ded resolution said. filed by the government. We have every right to about the fi ling of the reference, penned his resignation to Presi- line, gas, and utility tax exemp- that a number of Pakistan Te- “The filing of references has provoked serious criti- protest in front of us.” Isa approached President Alvi dent Alvi, maintaining that one tions to eligible foreign offi cials hreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ministers cism, caused a split in the Bar and the resignation of A day earlier, PML-N spokesperson Aurangzeb had seeking clarity regarding reports of the purported references is on assignment in the US. and MPs have conveyed to both additional attorney-general. said that the meeting will focus on the government’s that the government has fi led a against a senior judge of the apex The said facility is enjoyed by Alvi and Prime Minister Khan “There is a lingering suspicion that the arbitrary and attack on the judiciary and its implications, and the reference against him over alle- court. offi cials’ dependents too. that this move is wrong, and well suspicious manner of filing references before the joint parliament advisory group’s strategy regarding gations of misconduct. “In my humble view, this is The US State Department said thought-out. Supreme Judicial Council linked to recent verdicts by it. The judge lamented that “se- not about the accountability of it withdrew tax exemptions for The sources said that the PTI lective leaks amount to charac- judges, but a reckless attempt to Pakistan embassy employees in in general is against the govern- ter assassination”, jeopardising tar the reputation of independ- Washington and their depend- ment’s move against Justice Isa. tial reference against Justice not even discussed in the cabi- the mishandling of Pakistan his right to due process and fair ent individuals and is browbeat- ents as of May 15, citing pending It is said that in their What- Isa, who is widely respected and net. Peoples Party (PPP) leaders and trial, and undermines the insti- ing the judiciary of Pakistan,” tax issues faced by US diplomats sApp group, the PTI leaders se- known for his independence. According to a ministerial activists on Wednesday in Is- tution of the judiciary. Zahid wrote in his resignation in Pakistan. riously objected and demanded Law Minister Farogh Nasim source, Prime Minister Khan lamabad, where they had gath- The government move, which letter. “Unless resisted, it will “The issue is the subject of explanations from both the has been criticised for initiating may discuss the issue in the next ered for party leader Bilawal apparently surprised many cause irreparable damage to the ongoing bilateral discussions, president and the prime minis- the case against the judge. cabinet meeting. Bhutto Zardari’s appearance be- within the cabinet and the ruling institution which is the protec- and we hope to be able to resolve ter on how the PTI, which had a The law ministry initiated the Sources said that the PTI min- fore the National Accountability PTI, also invited a sharp reaction tor of our fundamental rights the issue and restore the tax leading role in the judicial move- reference summary which, ac- isters and leaders, through their Bureau (NAB). from the media, the lawyers’ and the bedrock of our fl edgling privileges,” a State Department ment, could initiate a presiden- cording to the PTI sources, was WhatsApp group, also criticised They say that Interior Minis- community and political parties. democracy.” spokesman said. The number of aff ected staff - ers of the Pakistani embassy are a little over 20. While the latest issue was not linked to politics, the United States last year restricted Paki- Town struggles with stani diplomats from travelling outside a 25-mile radius around Washington after charging that Pakistani police routinely harass US diplomats, including through surge in HIV cases time-consuming traffi c stops. Pakistan is a Cold War ally of the United States but the two By Syed Raza Hassan, Reuters the iceberg. This could be in the only 25,000 are registered with countries have had bumpy rela- Ratodero thousands, not hundreds,” said provincial and federal Aids tions in recent years, with US Dr Imran Akbar Arbani, who control programmes, said Zafar President Donald Trump cutting operates a clinic in the town in Mirza, a health adviser to Prime off some $300mn in military aid, octors in a town in Pa- Lakarna district. Minister Imran Khan. saying that Islamabad had failed kistan are struggling to About 60% of Ratodero pa- At Pakistan’s request, the to curb religious extremists who Dcope with a surge in pa- tients were infected by reused World Health Organisation stage attacks in Afghanistan and tients infected with HIV, the vi- needles and syringes, or through (WHO) and the US Centres for India. rus that causes Aids, with nearly transfusions of blood that were Disease Control and Prevention Pakistan has tried to revive 700 cases since April, most of not screened properly for HIV, (CDC) have sent a team of ex- ties by using its contacts with them children. said Dr Sikander Memon, head perts to the area. the Taliban to facilitate negotia- Health offi cials suspect the of the Aids control programme They are expected to visit Ra- tions with the Trump adminis- outbreak is linked to reused sy- in the province. todero this week. tration, which wants to with- ringes and needles and improp- Police and doctors conduct- “They will carry out a prop- draw troops from Afghanistan erly screened blood transfu- ed an initial investigation and er investigation into how this and end America’s longest war. sions. found that 123 HIV patients had outbreak too place,” Mirza told “For me it was impossible to been treated by one doctor be- reporters. “I hope in the com- This picture taken on May 24 imagine,” said Nazeer, recall- fore they were infected. ing few weeks we will know the shows a two-year-old New govt wildlife ing the day a doctor said his 16 Dr Muzaff ar Ghanghro was reasons.” HIV-positive girl, who is under month-old girl had tested posi- arrested on April 30 and has The government has ordered treatment, going through a policy to promote tive for HIV. been charged with unintentional 50,000 HIV screening kits and is routine medical check-up at a conservation “I told him ‘are you jok- murder, police said. setting up three treatment cen- clinic in Ratodero. ing with me, how can she have “Negligence and carelessness tres. Pakistan will announce a new HIV?’,” he said in his home in of Dr Muzaff ar Ghanghro has Adult patients are receiving Right: This picture taken on May national policy on conservation Ratodero, 480km (298 miles) been the prime reason behind anti-retroviral drugs and medi- 24 shows the mother of of wildlife after Eid al-Fitr. from Karachi, the capital of the the spread of HIV at the later cines have been ordered for chil- nine-month-old boy, who Off icial sources said here that southern province of Sindh. stage,” the investigation team dren, Mirza said. according to family died after the National Wildlife Policy will His daughter is receiving said in a report. The Ratodero cases under- being diagnosed with HIV, promote conservation of wildlife treatment, he said, adding that Reuters was not permitted to score the dire state of healthcare holding up his shirt during an resources including species, he did not know how she was contact Ghangro in jail and was in Pakistan, a nation of 208mn interview with Reuters, at her habitats and protected areas. infected. not able to contact his lawyer. where almost one-third of the home in Ratodero. According to an off icial of Health offi cials say that 681 Imtiaz, a labourer, said he population lives on less than ministry of climate change, people have tested positive for had taken his three children to $3.20 a day, and where many Tariq, who lives in a village near the goal of this policy will be to HIV in Ratodero, of whom 537 Ghangro because there was no people cannot aff ord expensive Ratodero. maintain and improve the health are children, since April 25. paediatrician in town. medical tests or drugs. Tariq, his wife and daughter and diversity of wildlife heritage More than 21,000 people have All three became infected Few families can aff ord proper are HIV positive, and a nephew and to promote its sustainable taken an HIV test at Ratodero’s with HIV. treatment for HIV, which usually tested positive this month. use for the benefit of future only screening centre in a gov- “He applied the same drip on involves regular trips to Karachi. He does not know how they generations. ernment hospital. 50 children without changing “I have sold all my valuables became infected. He said this first-ever approved Others have been tested at the needle,” he said. for treatment. Now I can’t aff ord “There are 16 HIV cases in our policy would provide the right private clinics. Pakistan has some 163,000 to go Karachi for my children’s village alone. No one has come direction and framework to “I have identifi ed the tip of HIV and Aids patients, of whom medicines every month,” said to see our plight,” he said. conserve wildlife heritage.

Baluchistan lawmaker pushes for daycare facilities in govt departments Aspirants for permanent UNSC Mahjabeen Shereen, a member of the Baluchistan Assembly, has pledged a campaign to amend laws barring women lawmakers from bringing their infants to sessions. seats urged to show fl exibility Last month the member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) was strongly criticised by fellow lawmakers for bringing her child to the assembly session. Internews participating in this year’s fi - categories of membership, the One of the MPAs went on to ask her to leave the house, bringing Islamabad nal session of the deadlocked question of veto, regional rep- tears to her eyes. Inter-governmental Negotia- resentation, size of an enlarged Shereen is from Kech district and became a member of the tions (IGN), aimed at making the Security Council, and working Baluchistan Assembly in 2018 on a reserved seat for women. akistan has urged the as- Council more eff ective, repre- methods of the council and its Lodhi: The way forward entails displaying flexibility, not reviving in In an interview with BBC Urdu, she said that that day (May 11) her pirants of permanent seats sentative and transparent. relationship with the General another guise any outmoded notion of power and privilege. child was not feeling well and so she had no option but to take him Pon the UN Security Council Indeed, she said, it is clear that Assembly. along. (UNSC) – India, Brazil, Germany the obstacles to reform of the Despite a general agreement non-permanent members. The Security Council is cur- The MPA said that she had seen women politicians of other and Japan – to make “serious ef- Security Council are issues of on enlarging the Council, as part On the other hand, the Italy/ rently composed of fi ve perma- countries taking their children to parliament sessions, so she forts” to show fl exibility and not power and privilege, adding that of the UN reform process, mem- Pakistan-led Uniting for Con- nent members – Britain, China, thought it would be the same in Pakistan. be an obstacle in negotiations to those sticking to their goal of ber states remain sharply divided sensus (UfC) group opposes any France, Russia and the United However, to her disappointment, Shereen was informed that reform the 15-member body. seeking power and privilege for over the details. additional permanent members, States – and 10 non-permanent bringing children to the assembly was against the law. “The way forward entails dis- themselves stood in the way of Known as the Group of Four, saying that such a move will not members. She regretted that no one stood up in support of her during the playing fl exibility rather than progress in the talks. India, Brazil, Germany and Japan make the Security Council more In her remarks, Lodhi stressed session. reviving in another guise any Full-scale negotiations to re- have shown no fl exibility in their eff ective and also undermine the the need for a consensual path- Following the negative response from the provincial political circle, outmoded notion of power and form the Security Council began campaign to expand the Secu- fundamental principle of de- way towards the Council’s re- Shereen said she had decided to run a campaign to establish privilege,” ambassador Maleeha in the General Assembly in Feb- rity Council by 10 seats, with six mocracy that is based on periodic form, rather than through a daycare facilities in assemblies as well as government departments. Lodhi said on Wednesday, while ruary 2009 on fi ve key areas – the additional permanent and four elections. quick-fi x solution. Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 13 PHILIPPINES

Nod for auction of Dutch hostage killed in jewellery seized bid to escape militants from AFP Imelda Manila

DPA Dutch birdwatcher held Manila by Islamic State-linked Amilitants was killed yesterday during a fi refi ght hilippine President Ro- between his kidnappers and drigo Duterte has ap- soldiers in the southern Philip- Pproved the public auction pines, according to the military, of a jewellery collection seized which said he was shot by his from former fi rst lady Imelda captors as he tried to escape. Marcos worth 700mn pesos Ewold Horn had been held ($13.46mn), his spokesman said since 2012 by the Abu Sayyaf yesterday. kidnap-for-ransom group and “The chief was fatally wounded as soldiers Ewold Horn executive di- fought a 90-minute gun bat- rects that the tle with the militants on their supported its violent activities proceeds must stronghold, Jolo island. with kidnapping. reach our fel- The Dutch foreign ministry The group has held hostages low coun- confi rmed Horn died in an “ex- over the course of years as it ne- trymen who change of fi re”, adding that it gotiated ransoms, but has also are in urgent was investigating the exact cir- shown a willingness to kill its need of gov- cumstances of his death. captives. Abu Sayyaf beheaded ernmental Imelda Marcos Philippine Brigadier Gen- German hostage Jurgen Kant- aid with dis- eral Divino Rey Pabayo said in ner, 70, in 2017 after its de- patch,” presidential spokesman a statement that “Horn was mands for a roughly $600,000 Salvador Panelo said. shot by one of his guards when ransom were not met. Panelo rejected concerns by he tried to escape from the Abu Two Canadian hostages kid- some observers that Duterte Sayyaf during this morning’s napped from yachts moored at a might not agree with the plan gunfi ght”. The military’s ac- marina on a tourist island in the to sell the seized jewellery count could not be independ- southern Philippines were also due to his ties with Marcos’ ently confi rmed. beheaded in 2016 after demands daughter, senator-elect Imee The southern Philippines for ransoms of similar amounts Marcos. is home to numerous armed went unfulfi lled. groups, several of which are In this handout photo released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Joint Task Force Sulu yesterday, soldiers prepare to evacuate The military said yesterday “The president decides on linked to the decades-old insur- wounded and dead bodies as pursuit operations continue in Patikul of the province of Sulu. that the group was believed to any national matter on the gency aiming to create a sepa- hold at least two Filipinos and basis of the constitutional rate homeland in the Christian- Horn was seized along with dent Rodrigo Duterte’s spokes- cluding repeated kidnappings The bombing was claimed a Vietnamese national, but it command to him to serve majority nation’s deep south. Lorenzo Vinciguerra, a Swiss man Salvador Panelo said in a of foreigners, who are often held by the Islamic State, which could not be sure they were still and protect the people” Horn was on an expedition to national who managed to es- statement. for huge ransoms. has worked to maintain a pres- alive. photograph rare birds on the re- cape in 2014 during a gunbattle “We vow to pursue his kill- Philippine offi cials assert the ence in the Philippines as its It added that a woman named “As we have repeatedly as- mote Tawi-Tawi island group in between soldiers and his cap- ers to the ends of the earth until group was behind the deadly caliphate crumbled in the Mid- Mingayan Sahiron, which the sured the nation, the president the southern Philippines when tors. they are brought to justice.” January bombing of a Catholic dle East. army identifi ed as the second is no respecter of friendship, po- he was abducted by unknown “We express our deep condo- Abu Sayyaf has been blamed cathedral on Jolo island during Abu Sayyaf was active in the wife of a top Abu Sayyaf leader, litical alliance and fi lial relation- gunmen and turned over to the lences to Mr Horn’s family and for some of the worst terror at- Sunday mass that was the worst Philippines years before linking was also killed in yesterday’s ship,” he said. Abu Sayyaf. loved ones,” Philippine Presi- tacks in Philippine history, in- attack to hit the nation in years. up with Islamic State, and has gunbattle. “The president decides on any national matter on the basis of the constitutional command to him to serve and protect the people.” Three jewellery collections of Imelda’s were seized after Duterte warns over strongman Ferdinand Marcos was deposed — one from the Malacanang presidential pal- ace, a second from a known as- sociate of the Marcoses at the sea ‘fl ashpoint’ Manila airport and a third in Honolulu where the family fl ed in exile. AFP Beijing and the 10-member dollars of goods pass through The set to be auctioned would Tokyo Association of Southeast Asian it. be the Honolulu set, which in- Nations (Asean) have for years But in April he warned Bei- cludes a rare 25-carat pink dia- tried to hammer out a code of jing to back off from a disputed mond estimated to be worth hilippine President Rod- conduct to govern the disputed island in the sea, suggesting the $5mn. rigo Duterte voiced rare waters, but the process has been possibility of military action if The three jewellery collec- Pfrustration with China slow. China touched it. tions, stored in a vault at the yesterday, urging progress on a “I am sad and bewildered — In a major victory for Manila, central bank, were valued at 1bn code of conduct for the contest- not angry, because I cannot do an international maritime tri- pesos by auction houses Chris- ed South China Sea, which he anything,” Duterte said. “I just bunal ruled early in Duterte’s tie’s and Sotheby’s in an re-ap- warned was becoming a “fl ash- hope China will come up with presidency that China’s praisal in February 2017. point”. this ‘conduct’ soon. claims to the area have no le- Duterte was delivering a The longer it takes,” he said, gal basis. speech at an economic forum in the greater the chance the sea However, he has largely set Tokyo, but veered off script with would be a “fl ashpoint of trou- aside that ruling and backed remarks about the resource-rich bles”, adding that France, Brit- off on their once tense ter- sea, over most of which China ain, and the United States are ritorial dispute over the sea, Magnitude claims sovereignty despite com- already “testing the waters”. prompting criticism at home peting claims from the Philip- Duterte, aiming to attract that he has been soft on China President Rodrigo Duterte and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hold their joint press statement pines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan trade and investment from the “China says, ‘this is our at Abe’s office in Tokyo, yesterday. 6.2 quake and Vietnam. Asian superpower, has mostly land, this is our sea. Anyone “I love China...but it be- withheld his early criticism of who goes in there will just “My country is very small. Duterte also voiced wor- could only harm the world hooves upon us to ask, ‘is it right Beijing’s expansive claims to have to contend with us. May- I cannot afford to go to war ries about the escalating economy. jolts southern for a country to claim the whole the sea — a point of regional be with arms’,” Duterte told with anybody, not only with trade war between Beijing “It is creating uncertainty ocean?” he said. contention because trillions of the Future of Asia forum. China.” and Washington, saying it and tension,” he said. Philippines

DPA Government sends trash back to Canada Manila magnitude-6.2 earth- quake struck the south- Reuters ada is taking all the necessary Twitter yesterday of the ship Aern Philippines yesterday, Subic measures to ensure safe and departing Subic, with the mes- but there were no immediate environmentally sound trans- sage “Baaaaaaaaa bye”. reports of damage or injuries, a port, handling and disposal The Philippines is the lat- government agency said. he Philippines has start- of the waste in Canada,” Mark est Southeast Asian nation to The tremor’s epicentre was ed returning dozens of Johnson, spokesman for Can- take issue with developed na- located 92 kilometres south- Tshipping containers full ada’s environment and climate tions they say use the region as east of Governor Generoso town of trash to Canada after a long- change ministry, said in an e- a dumping grounds for waste. in Davao Oriental province, over running row over waste exports mail statement. Malaysia, the world’s main 1,000 kilometres south of the that has tested diplomatic ties The Philippines had accused destination for plastic waste capital Manila, the Philippine amid threats from fi rebrand Canada of stalling, prompting after China, said on Tuesday it Institute of Volcanology and President Rodrigo Duterte. angry rebukes from Duterte, would return as much as 3,000 Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The 69 containers were a volatile but hugely popular tonnes of waste back to the The quake was felt most loaded overnight onto a vessel president known for his tirades countries of origin. strongly in nearby Mati City, at the port of Subic, northwest against Western governments. Environmental activists the institute said. Thousands of of Manila, and left yesterday He threatened to declare war gathered in Subic as the con- people were forced to rush out of for a month-long journey to the on Canada, dump the trash in tainers were being prepared, buildings in Davao City, where Canadian city of Vancouver. front of its embassy in Ma- holding banners that said the quake was also felt, but no A Philippine court in 2016 nila, or personally sail with the “never again” and “we are not damage was so far reported. declared the import of 2,400 waste and leave it in Canadian the world’s dump site.” The Philippines is located on tonnes of Canadian waste il- waters. Some carried cardboard the Pacifi c Ring of Fire, where legal. His spokesman, Salvador boxes made to look like ship- about 90% of the world’s earth- It had been mislabelled as Panelo, said he hoped ties with ping containers bearing signs quakes strike. On April 22, 16 plastics for recycling. Canada would now return to that read “good riddance” people were killed and more than Canada said the waste, ex- normal. and “Canada take back your 80 were injured when a mag- ported to the Philippines be- Philippine Foreign Secretary trash”. nitude-6.1 tremor struck the tween 2013 and 2014, was a Teodoro Locsin said diplomats “The waste trade is a very country’s northern provinces, private commercial transaction whom he had ordered to leave unacceptable practice. It is a including Manila. The day af- done without the government’s Canada in protest had now deplorable practice,” Green- ter, a magnitude-6.5 earthquake File photo shows Customs officials inspecting cargo containers with tonnes of garbage shipped by consent. been told to return. peace Philippines director Lea rattled the eastern Philippines, Canada at Manila port. “The government of Can- Locsin posted a picture on Guerrero told reporters. injuring 10 people. Gulf Times 14 Saturday, June 1, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Women and girls hold the key Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko to universal health coverage Production Editor Amjad Khan By Francoise Girard New York P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar ealthcare is a human right, [email protected] yet roughly half of the 44350478 (News), world’s population – 3.5bn people – forgoes essential 44466404 (Sport), H health services due to fi nancial 44466636 (Home delivery) constraints or lack of accessible facilities. Universal health coverage 44350474 (UHC) could change this worrying facebook.com/gulftimes statistic. But if its promise is to be fulfi lled, sexual and reproductive health twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar services must be included. The UHC idea is simple and powerful: guaranteeing access to quality health services, essential medicines, and vaccines, and insuring people against GULF TIMES catastrophic and routine health costs, would reduce poverty and improve health outcomes. That is why UHC was established in 2015 as a central tenet of the United Nations Sustainable Trump’s tariff s on Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs also enshrine sexual and reproductive health as an essential Mexico may stretch condition of gender equality; without it, women and girls cannot control other aspects of their lives. But sexual and reproductive health is often discarded emergency law limits from healthcare strategies for the sake of political expediency, threatening to derail eff orts to ensure UHC by 2030. US President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose sweeping As it stands, women face Illustration: Day Translations tariff s on Mexican goods to push Mexico to stop migrants from disproportionate political, social, entering the United States is likely to prompt legal challenges, and fi nancial barriers to healthcare infertility prevention and treatment; implementation began in 2003 to 15.5 January’s World Health Organisation but is probably on fi rm footing under federal law, some legal access. Their out-of-pocket costs treatment for reproductive tract deaths per 100,000 in 2011. executive board meeting, for example, experts said. are consistently higher than men’s, infections and cancers; and services to Ghana’s UHC programme, by civil-society organisations advocated Congress has for decades ceded its Constitutional authority primarily due to non-coverage or limits address gender-based violence. contrast, was not developed with a forcefully for the inclusion of sexual and on sexual and reproductive health As governments negotiate a focus on women’s needs, and did not reproductive health. to levy tariff s to the president, and courts generally defer to the services, and they are often prevented groundbreaking declaration on UHC lead to meaningful improvements As the global push toward UHC White House in areas of national security. by law or custom from obtaining care. this year, they should place the full in maternal mortality. A study of intensifies, more opportunities to Trump cited the 1977 International Emergency Economic These barriers are particularly high for range of sexual and reproductive community health insurance coverage make this case are arising, including Powers Act (IEEPA) as the legal basis for his threat of women with disabilities, indigenous healthcare services at the centre of in West Africa confi rmed that when the recent World Health Assembly imposing punitive tariffs on all goods from Mexico if steps women, rural women, and adolescents. UHC strategies. Doing so would reduce maternal care is not covered, health – where the Alliance for Gender were not taken to cut the flow of migrants, drugs and crime Instead of sidestepping the issue the burden of disease and mortality outcomes do not improve. Equality in UHC put forward a across the border. of sexual and reproductive health – borne by women and girls, while The right choice should be obvious, “7th Ask” to give higher priority and gender equality more broadly – empowering them to control their own yet many governments continue to to women’s and girls’ health and The law gives the president the authority to regulate a wide governments must acknowledge their health and reproductive lives. The result resist providing sexual and reproductive rights – and this summer’s political range of economic activity, including “any transactions in responsibility to address women’s would be more women in education, healthcare coverage. For some, it’s a negotiations at the UN. These events foreign exchange,” after declaring an emergency “to deal with needs. They must consider the central paid employment, and politics. question of money: they fear the costs will lay the groundwork for the UN’s any unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in role that sexual and reproductive health If, on the other hand, world leaders of investing in women’s health, failing High-Level Meeting on Universal whole or substantial part outside the United States.” plays in women’s lives, the integrated omit sexual and reproductive health to realise that those costs are dwarfed Health Coverage in September, where The emergency powers act has been used by presidents to nature of women’s health, and its from UHC strategies, they will send a by the costs of inaction. governments will adopt a roadmap for impose sanctions on countries such as Iran and Sudan. impact on communities. And they must powerful signal that women’s health For others, the opposition is establishing, financing, and delivering design UHC programmes accordingly. and lives don’t matter. Healthcare costs ideological. In the United States, where UHC programmes worldwide. Employing it as a tool to cut the fl ow of migrants arguably For example, to reduce maternal for many women and their families a growing number of Republican state Governments around the world have falls outside the intent of Congress, which was for it to be mortality, it is not enough to provide would remain prohibitively high, governments have been enacting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to used to respond to violent threats, said Raj Bhala, a professor antenatal attention, safe delivery, and public-health costs would rise, draconian anti-abortion laws, President commit to providing quality, aff ordable at the University of Kansas School of Law who specialises in and postnatal care; women also need as women sought treatment for the Donald Trump’s administration, which healthcare – including the full gamut international trade. access to safe, legal, and aff ordable life-threatening consequences of poor opposes UHC, is actively stripping of reproductive and health services – to But to block the measure abortion services and post-abortion maternity care, untreated STIs, and sexual and reproductive health from all. Seizing that opportunity will require in court, challengers would care. Likewise, reducing sexually inadequate access to contraception and public-health programmes – for strong political will. But one thing is “The plaintiff s transmitted infections (STIs), such as abortion services. example, by seeking to cut funding for clear: only by emphasising the needs have to show the president HIV and Aids, is not possible without These expectations are confi rmed contraceptive programs for low-income and rights of women and girls can any are really going was acting outside the expanding access to testing, care, and by experience. Turkey’s Health populations. UHC strategy be truly universal. – letter of the law and prophylactics, as well as addressing Transformation Programme was Given such resistance from Project Syndicate to have an uphill national security interest, the gender and power dynamics that specifi cally designed to improve governments, the onus has often fallen a diffi cult standard to increase transmission. Other vital maternal health, and led to a signifi cant on civil society and healthcare providers Françoise Girard is President of climb” meet because of the wide sexual and reproductive health services decline in maternal mortality, from 61 to make the case for centring UHC on the International Women’s Health authority given to the include access to contraception; deaths per 100,000 live births when the needs of women and girls. At last Coalition. executive branch under the act. Individuals, companies or groups adversely impacted by the tariff s would likely have the right to sue. The US Chamber of Commerce, an infl uential business lobby, said it was weighing legal options to challenge the tariff plan. The American Institute for International Steel, for example, sued last year to challenge the constitutionality of some tariff s. “The plaintiff s are really going to have an uphill climb,” said The case for carbon tariff s Steven Schwinn, a professor at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. By Adair Turner – for example, within the European have reached the same conclusion. They Schwinn said if a plaintiff did succeed, it is also unclear if a Avignon Emissions Trading System – carbon now argue for a carbon price within the court would block the tariff s against all Mexican goods, or just prices have played a less important US, combined with border adjustments the goods of a particular plaintiff . role than either regulation or direct for the carbon content of both imports One legal vulnerability for the administration is the his January, 3,554 US econo- subsidisation of renewable energy in and exports. Such a scheme “would application of the emergency powers act to immigration. mists – including 27 Nobel driving decarbonisation. The reason protect American competitiveness and laureates, four former Chairs for this is either that carbon prices have punish free riding by other nations.” Bhala said the tariff s would almost certainly run afoul of both of the Federal Reserve, and two been too low to make a major diff erence, But while the economists couch the North American Free Trade Agreement and the General T former Treasury Secretaries – proposed or that the most energy-intensive heavy their argument in language designed Agreement on Tariff s and Trade, or GATT. a previously heretical policy. The United industries have been exempted. And to play well in the US, the policy could Trump is renegotiating the Nafta agreement, but it is still in States, they said, should combine a those weak policies refl ect the fear that equally be applied by other countries to eff ect. domestic carbon price with a “border higher carbon prices and more complete defend their industries against carbon- It is not yet clear how Trump’s tariff threat will aff ect the carbon adjustment system.” By backing coverage will make domestic industry intensive imports from America, should trade negotiations with Mexico. tariff s that would refl ect the carbon uncompetitive with imports from the US choose to be a free rider in intensity of key imports, they broke countries without such policies. eff orts to tackle global climate change. Nafta allows a member nation to impose tariff s under limited with the free-market orthodoxy that The obvious response is to impose Indeed, no country committed to circumstances for specifi c goods, rather than across the board, national environmental policies should carbon taxes in one country, or in a addressing climate change should as Trump has proposed, Bhala said. not impede global trade liberalisation. customs union of multiple countries, regard this policy proposal as a threat to Nafta allows its member countries to initiate disputes against one They were right to do so. Absent with an equivalent tariff per ton of its economy. If one country applies a tax another, which are heard by three-member panels of arbitrators. carbon tariff s, concerns about carbon on carbon-intensive imports, of, say, $50 per tonne of carbon dioxide GATT disputes are overseen by panels of the World Trade industrial “competitiveness” will combined with rebates of the tax for emitted, with an equivalent border Organisation. continue to constrain vital action to exporters. Ten years ago, when I was tax on imports and with a rebate for counter harmful climate change. Chair of the UK Committee on Climate exporters, any other country doing the Nafta also allows international investors to take action against The fundamental obstacle to Absent carbon tariff s, concerns about Change, we debated this possibility. same will leave its industries in exactly countries, and Mexican companies could initiate a dispute decarbonisation is the apparent industrial “competitiveness” will con- But it was met by a wall of opposition. the same relative competitive position against the US. paradox that the costs are trivial at tinue to constrain vital action to counter Such policies, it was said, violated as before either country introduced the However, Bhala said, the Nafta and WTO dispute resolution the fi nal consumer level, but large for harmful climate change. PICTURE: WTO rules, were undesirable in policy. But companies in both countries processes are slow, taking years to reach a fi nal judgment, and an individual company. As the Energy McKinsey & Company principle, and would unleash tit-for-tat would now face an eff ective carbon can be diffi cult to enforce. Transitions Commission’s recent tariff increases justifi ed by whatever price. This means that the US courts will be the most practical Mission Possible report emphasises, of decarbonisation can be daunting. environmental priority each country Global political agreement on carbon the technology to achieve total Producing zero-carbon steel could wished to pursue. pricing has proven to be elusive. A forum for challenging the tariff s. decarbonisation of the global economy add 20% to total production costs, and Since then, we have successfully used carbon tariff could unleash a sequence by around 2050-60, with very small producing zero-carbon cement might other policy levers to drive large-scale of independent national decisions that eff ects on households’ living standards, double cement prices. So any individual deployment of renewable electricity drive a benefi cial “race to the top” in To Advertise already exists. If all steel used in car steel or cement company that systems, with costs falling dramatically which roughly equal carbon prices manufacturing were produced in a committed to zero-carbon emissions, as a result. But in the industrial sectors, spread around the world. [email protected] zero-carbon fashion, the price of a or was forced to do so by regulation or the multiplicity of alternative possible Sometimes, intellectual taboos Display typical car would increase less than carbon pricing, could be driven out of routes to decarbonisation, and the should be dropped. Border carbon 1%. The total cost to decarbonise all business if its competitors did not face fact that diff erent routes will likely be adjustment is an idea whose time 44466621 44418811 the harder-to-abate sectors – heavy equivalent constraints. optimal in diff erent circumstances, has come. It could play a major role industries such as steel, cement and This conundrum has so far stymied makes it essential to use the price in driving progress toward the zero- Classified chemicals, and long-distance transport the eff ective use of explicit carbon mechanism to unleash a market-driven carbon economy that is technologically 44466609 44418811 (trucking, aviation, and shipping) – prices to drive decarbonisation. search for least-cost solutions. And and economically possible by mid- would not exceed 0.5% of global GDP. Almost all economists who accept to do that, we need an answer to the century. – Project Syndicate Subscription Viewed from this perspective, there is climate science believe that carbon competitiveness problem. no excuse for national policymakers taxes, or prices set in an emission- That’s why the ETC’s Mission  Adair Turner, Chairman of the [email protected] failing to adopt policies that can drive trading scheme, must be part of any Possible report argues for the inclusion Institute for New Economic Thinking progress to a zero-carbon economy. optimal policy response. But even of border carbon adjustments (carbon and former Chairman of the UK But, viewed from the perspective in places where this theoretically tariff s) in policymakers’ tool kit, and Financial Services Authority, is Chair of © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved of an individual company, the costs desirable policy has been deployed why so many leading US economists the Energy Transitions Commission. Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 15 COMMENT Has a ‘no-deal Brexit’ become more likely?

By Anatole Kaletsky on the 60mn UK citizens he or she will need London to satisfy to survive in offi ce. Regardless of any promises made to the Europhobic Tory membership, the next prime minister will ask fter British Prime Minister Theresa to reopen the Brexit negotiations and seek a May’s resignation announcement, further extension. In the end, May’s successor several of the candidates to succeed will probably come back with some variant Aher have proclaimed their desire for a of her deal, which will either be approved by “no-deal Brexit.” In response, European leaders Parliament or provide a pretext for a second are ramping up preparations for a total rupture referendum to decide whether Britain still with the United Kingdom, fi nancial analysts wants to leave the EU. are revising their forecasts accordingly, and To see why a no-deal Brexit remains highly sterling is collapsing. improbable, consider how exactly it could The fears about a no-deal Brexit are happen. There are three possibilities. Britain understandable. Such an outcome would could leave the EU on October 31 with no eliminate the 18-month transition period that agreement, because Parliament votes neither for both sides considered essential for an orderly May’s withdrawal agreement nor to extend the realignment of Britain’s relationship with the deadline. Or Britain asks for an extension, but the European Union. This would mean a sudden EU refuses to grant it. Lastly, Parliament could stop in Britain’s commerce with its largest seek an extension, but May’s successor refuses to trading partner, and the EU’s with its second submit this request to the EU. largest (after the United States). As the world The fi rst possibility – the UK simply crashing learned in the aftermath of Lehman Brothers’ out of Europe – was the main concern ahead of collapse in 2008, a sudden stop in trade and the original March 29 Brexit deadline. It turned fi nance, even if it lasts only a few weeks, can out to be a false alarm, because a clear majority cause years of pain. of MPs showed they were prepared to outlaw To emphasise the dangers, the head of a no-deal Brexit, and May bowed to their will. Britain’s civil service presented a 14-page Because the composition of Parliament will dossier to the cabinet (which was promptly be unchanged on October 31 (apart from four leaked), describing not just potential economic Tory MPs’ defection to opposition parties), it is and fi nancial damage, but also the risks to inconceivable that it would deliberately allow national security and healthcare. Even more a no-deal Brexit to happen. John Bercow, the signifi cantly, the cabinet secretary insisted on Speaker, has confi rmed that parliamentary Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May: several of the candidates to succeed her have proclaimed their desire for a “no-deal Brexit.” including this dossier in the cabinet minutes, conventions normally giving prime ministers to demonstrate that ministers, rather than sole power to introduce new legislation would This leaves the third risk – and the one that is October 31 is a non-starter. The next British government and force the general election their civil or military advisers, would bear full be suspended again, as they were in March genuinely worrying. With May gone and Boris election probably will be held well before the that the new prime minister would be responsibility for taking such risks. and April, if that proved necessary for a Johnson or another fervent Europhobe almost constitutional deadline of summer 2022, but desperate to avoid. While the damage would be greatest parliamentary majority to outlaw leaving the certain to succeed her, could the prime minister any new prime minister will want to show some Fanatical Brexiteers argue, however, that a in Britain, a no-deal scenario could also EU with no deal. fi nd a way to bypass Parliament and unilaterally achievement (especially on Brexit) and restore prime minister genuinely determined to deliver be devastating to the EU. Owing to its The second scenario, in which the EU denies impose a no-deal Brexit? the Tory’s abysmal poll ratings before taking a no-deal Brexit could, and should, go nuclear: dysfunctional macroeconomic policies, an extension, is equally implausible. Although A truly determined Brexiteer could have this risk. suspend parliament and refuse to call MPs Europe ended up as the biggest victim of the French President Emmanuel Macron may two ways of achieving this. He or she could A similar precautionary principle will back until after the October 31 deadline, when American-made 2008 fi nancial crisis. With denounce any further extension, his European trigger a general election and win an outright block the last possible route to a no-deal Brexit will happen automatically under current Germany, France, and Italy again now teetering partners will have even less reason than they did parliamentary majority, or else try to block outcome: a new prime minister deciding law. If you believe that the UK is turning into on the brink of recession, the same pattern in April to indulge him and risk the economic parliamentary eff orts to force an extension of somehow to bypass or overrule parliament. Zimbabwe or Venezuela, you should expect a could be repeated in the event of a sudden and devastation of a no-deal divorce. With the the Brexit deadline. Even without any change in parliamentary no-deal Brexit. Otherwise, forget about it. – disorderly breakdown in cross-Channel supply European Parliament elections over, the new On closer inspection, however, these options procedures, there is a clear mechanism to Project Syndicate chains and trade. European Commission appointed, the German are also highly implausible. The idea that a new prevent a prime minister from defying a Luckily for both Europe and Britain, the and Italian economies struggling, and UK budget Tory leader – especially one as ambitious as majority of MPs: the opposition can call a  Anatole Kaletsky is Chief Economist and most likely scenario is that the next Tory leader, contributions more important than ever, the Johnson – would jeopardise his lifetime goal vote of no confidence anytime. After recent Co-Chairman of Gavekal Dragonomics and the after pandering to the Conservative party’s cost-benefi t analysis of another extension would and risk becoming the shortest-serving prime Tory defections, only five or six additional author of Capitalism 4.0: The Birth of a New 120,000 members to get elected, will refocus be more favourable than it was last time. minister in history by calling an election before rebels would be needed to bring down the Economy in the Aftermath of Crisis.

LEGAL HELPLINE Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 450c Minimum Temperature : 300c No classifi cation based on the ownership of shares SUNDAY Maximum Temperature : 410c Minimum Temperature : 300c By Dr Nizar Kochery employer shall pay the gratuity to I came to know that he passed Penalty for purposely MONDAY Doha those employees who have one or away last week. The colleague Maximum Temperature : 390c more years of continuous service who introduced the landlord polluting water tank Minimum Temperature : 290c and unless otherwise a higher rate to me has left Qatar and I don’t Q: Someone polluted my water Fisherman's forecast Question: I have started a is agreed between the employer know any other person related tank with food waste. I don’t contracting company in Doha and employee, the gratuity shall to the landlord. Is there any know who did this. I filed a WARNING in partnership with my friends. be calculated @three weeks’ basic issue on the legality of the lease complaint. What will be the Inshore : Nil But we are not happy with a salary per year of service. The contract? In this situation, how punishment for such acts under Offshore : Nil partner and his behaviour. employees shall be entitled to can I pay the rent? Please advise. the Qatari law? Inshore : Hot daytime with slight He holds 3% of shares in the gratuity for the fractions of the year HS, Doha OS, Doha dust at some places company. We have some kind of in proportion to the duration of and some clouds restriction to take management employment. The employer should A: According to Article 16 of the A: According to Article 254 of the Offshore : Scattered clouds and decision freely because of his arrange the repatriation immediately Rental laws, the lease shall not be Penal law, any person who purposely slight dust at times voting rights. Being a person after the last working day and terminated by the death of one of pollutes or spoils a well, public water holding less percentage of employer should bear the expenses. the parties to the lease. As per the supply, or any other water resource, WIND shares, can we exclude him contract, you are legally entitled or makes the water unusable in Inshore : Southwesterly-North- westerly 05-15 KT from the general meetings? Is it to continue to stay at the leased anyway shall be punished with Offshrore : Southwesterly-North- possible to categorise partners Paying rent in case premises till the end of the contract imprisonment for a term not westerly 03-13/18 KT on the basis of shareholdings? with the terms and conditions exceeding 10 years and a fine not of landlord’s death Visibility : 4-8 KM Please advise. including the rent agreed. The rental exceeding QR20,000. If the act was DB, Doha Q: My lease contract is for agreement shall not get terminated by mistake or out of negligence, Offshore : 1-3/5 FT five years and I am staying in on the death of the landlord. the imprisonment shall not exceed Answer: According to Article 252 the leased premises with my Regarding payment of rent, the six months or a fine not exceeding of the Companies Law (No. 11 of family. I pay the monthly rent tenant may pay the rent to the Rental QR2,000 or both. Around the region 2015), every partner has the right to the landlord directly. But the Committee not later than seven days Weather Weather to attend the assembly regardless landlord did not come to collect of the date agreed upon or of the  Please send your questions to today Max/min tomorrow Max/min of the number of shares he owns, the rent for May and on enquiry, month for which the rent is due. [email protected] Baghdad P Cloudy 43/26 Sunny 44/27 and by virtue of a particular Kuwait CitySunny 44/31 Sunny 45/31 authorisation, he may be represented Manama P Cloudy 40/32 P Cloudy 39/31 in the assembly by another partner LEGAL SYSTEM IN QATAR Muscat Sunny 40/32 M Sunny 39/31 other than the directors. Every Tehran M Sunny 28/17 Sunny 31/19 partner shall have a number of votes According to Article 380 of submit them to the criminal court equivalent to the number of shares Criminal Procedure Code, for within three months following its he owns or represents. There is no the judicial rehabilitation, the submission of a report whereby it restriction or classification among following requirements should be clarifi es its opinion and states its the shareholders based on the met: (1) The penalty is for a crime reasons. The following are to be ownership of shares. or misdemeanour that has been annexed to the petition: (1) Copies completely executed, or a pardon has of the judgment issued against the been issued thereon, or the penalty petitioner; (2) Criminal condition Employee ‘entitled’ for is discontinued by lapse of the status; (3) Report on his conduct end-of-service gratuity period. (2) A period of two years has during the period of enforcement; lapsed from date of enforcement of and (4) A report from the police about Q: I resigned my job last month the penalty or issuance of a pardon his state of aff airs at places of his due to some personal reasons and thereon if it was a penalty for a crime, residence since being released. the management accepted my or one year has lapsed if it was a As per Article 387, the court shall, resignation. When I claimed the misdemeanour penalty. on considering the rehabilitation benefi ts after the notice period, This period shall be doubled in cases petition, hear testimony of the Public Around the world the management rejected the of recidivism and the discontinuance Prosecution and the petitioner, and Weather Weather claim stating that benefi ts are of the penalty for lapse of time. In all inquire any needed information. The today Max/min tomorrow Max/min not paid in case of resignation. Is cases, recidivism shall be affi rmed rehabilitation judgement shall not be Public Prosecution shall summon Athens P Cloudy 27/17 Sunny 27/17 there any provision in the Qatari in the criminal condition sheet, or issued, unless the above-mentioned the petitioner to the hearing, at least Beirut M Sunny 28/22 P Cloudy 28/23 law that denies the benefi ts for judicial precedents. The rehabilitation conditions are fulfi lled. eight days prior to it. Bangkok Cloudy 34/27 Cloudy 34/28 employees who have resigned ? I judgment shall be issued by the According to Article 385, the petition Whenever the conditions of judicial Berlin M Cloudy 27/14 P Cloudy 31/18 have completed two years and four criminal court. for rehabilitation shall be submitted rehabilitation are satisfi ed, the court Cairo Sunny 39/22 M Sunny 39/23 months in the company. How are As per Article 382, if a precautionary by the convicted person to the Public shall issue a rehabilitation judgment Cape Town P Cloudy 17/12 P Cloudy 18/11 the benefi ts calculated as per the measure is decided with the penalty, Prosecution. It should include the after considering the conduct of the Colombo S T Storms 29/27 S T Storms 29/27 Labour Law? Please guide. the period shall commence from the necessary information to identify the petitioner since adjudged. The Public Dhaka T Storm 30/24 S T Storms 30/24 MS, Doha day on which the measure ends, or petitioner, and shall state therein the Prosecution shall send copy of the Hong Kong S T Storms 27/24 T Storm 27/24 discontinued therein by lapse of time. date of the judgment issued against rehabilitation judgment to the courts Istanbul M Sunny 27/18 P Cloudy 26/18 A: The termination of the If the convicted person is released him and the places where he has that issued the judgments of penalty Jakarta I T Storms 33/25 M Cloudy 33/26 employment contract or resignation on parole, the period shall only resided since being released. or measurement to notify them, and Karachi Sunny 34/28 Sunny 34/28 by the employee does not affect commence from the date when the The Public Prosecution shall order it to be indicated in the registers London P Cloudy 26/17 Cloudy 25/12 the right to get paid the service release by parole becomes fi nal. investigate the petition to fi nd prepared for this purpose. Manila M Cloudy 35/28 P Cloudy 36/28 benefits. The employee will be The rehabilitation judgment is issued out the details of the petitioner’s According to Article 390, if the Moscow P Cloudy 22/12 S T Storms 25/14 entitled for end-of-service gratuity, if the convicted person shall fulfi l all residence at all places since the time rehabilitation petition is dismissed New Delhi M Sunny 45/30 P Cloudy 45/29 salary dues and payment against the adjudged fi nancial obligations of the judgment, the period of such due to a reason attributed to New York P Cloudy 25/17 S T Storms 22/13 leave entitlements. If the employee to the State or to the individuals, residence, and to learn about his conduct of the convicted person, Paris P Cloudy 28/16 M Sunny 32/17 is terminated under any of the unless these obligations have lapsed conduct and sources of his income, it shall not be renewed until after Sao Paulo S T Storms 25/18 S T Storms 23/17 grounds mentioned in Article 61 of or the convicted person proves to and in general explore all information six months from the date of its Seoul M Cloudy 25/13 M Sunny 28/14 the Labour Law, the employee is not be in a situation whereby he cannot deemed as necessary. dismissal. In other cases, it may be Singapore S T Storms 31/27 T Storm 31/27 eligible for the gratuity. fulfi l them. If a number of judgments The Public Prosecution shall attach renewed whenever the necessary Sydney S Showers 18/12 S Showers 18/10 According to Article 54 of the are issued against the petitioner, the investigation to the petition and conditions are satisfied. Tokyo Clear 27/18 Cloudy 27/19 Labour Law (No. 14 of 2004), the Gulf Times 16 Saturday, June 1, 2019 QATAR

PM participates in Arab Extraordinary Summit

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Tunisia President Beji Caid Essebsi met with HE the Prime Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met with Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at his bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday evening at his residence at the residence at the Guest Palace in Makkah yesterday Guest Palace in Makkah. At the beginning of the meeting, the evening. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral prime minister conveyed greetings and good wishes of His relations between the two countries. Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the president and good wishes of development and prosperity the Tunisian people. For his part, the Tunisian president reciprocated his greetings to the Amir and the Qatari people further development and progress. The two sides also reviewed fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries.

Left: HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met with Algerian Prime Minister Noureddine Badawi at his residence at HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani participated with the Guest Palace in Makkah yesterday evening. During leaders and delegation heads of Arab states in the opening session of the Arab Extraordinary Summit, which was held the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two on Thursday evening at Al Safa Palace in Makkah. The session was attended by members of the off icial delegation countries, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest. accompanying the PM. Municipality in overdrive to ensure cleanliness, food safety during Eid

he General Cleanness Department at the Ministry of Munici- pality and Environment (MME) has been engaged in intense Tpreparations for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, according to a state- ment. “The cleaning works will go on round-the-clock during the Eid holidays as special fi eld work teams have been formed to provide the necessary workforce,” Safar Mubarak al-Shafi , assistant undersecre- tary for General Services Aff airs, MME, said. These teams will cover all the cities and areas of the country with special focus on sites where crowds gather, such as the recreation and entertainment areas, in particular the corniche, public gardens and parks, beaches and seashores. A large number of garbage containers will be distributed at all such locations and the trash will be collected as frequently as possible to avoid any accumulation. However, al-Shafi stressed that the daily work programme of clean- ing will continue as usual and will not be adversely aff ected by the Eid holidays. He also stressed that the department takes into considera- tion the rights of cleaning workers and drivers, and would schedule their work shifts in a way that would allow them to enjoy the Eid holi- days. In the meantime, the department gave special importance for the cleaning works at the areas designated as prayer yards to keep them in the best possible shape to receive the large number of the faithful for the Eid prayers. Work at such places has been done in co-operation with the entities concerned. In addition, more focus will be given to the beaches including Al Corniche, Sealine, Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Al Ghuwaryiah and others due to the large number of visitors expected. Al-Shafi also urged the public to abide by the rules and regulation of public cleanness and hy- giene and avoid careless disposal of refuse, using only the designated containers. In the meantime, Al Khor and Al Thakhira Municipality Health Control Section has maintained tighter control on the food facilities and outlets there as part of its preparations for Eid al-Fitr through regular and surprise inspection campaigns on morning and afternoon shifts. The targeted outlets include sweets and nuts shops, slaughter- houses and meat shops, eateries and shopping complexes to ensure that the food products for sale are safe for human consumption. Besides, six veterinarians have been assigned the task of supervis- ing the slaughterhouses, the fi sh market, the meat and poultry shops in addition to the other health inspectors to make sure that all the necessary procedures for food safety are maintained. Cleaning in progress in the vicinity of a mosque.

A worker engaged in picking up trash from Doha Corniche.

Veterinarians inspecting slaughtered chicken at a poultry processing facility.

The General Cleanness Department at the MME has been engaged in intense preparations for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr. A food inspector at work in the kitchen of an eatery. Sidewalk of a public beach being cleaned.