Has Threatened the Security and Stability Of

BUSINESS | 14 SPORT | 18 Qatar Mining Thiem Company’s steel stuns Nadal plant in Algeria to to reach open by Q4, 2019 Barcelona ﬁnal

Sunday 28 April 2019 | 23 Sha'baan 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7875 | 2 Riyals partners & 80+ privileges Gulf crisis ‘has threatened the More people buying grocery online in Qatar SACHIN KUMAR other players such as Baqaala, security and stability of GCC’ THE PENINSULA Getit, Jeeblina, Beelivery are some of the other players jos- H E Sheikh Hamad ential role in the region. Online groceries shopping is tling to create space for them- bin Thamer Al Thani, “Before this crisis, the Guf rising in Qatar, taking benefit of selves in Qatar’s fast growing citizens aspired to see more GCC country’s strong Information e-commerce market. Chairman of QMC, said cooperation and many steps Technology (IT) infrastructure Suncart app features over that due to ongoing were planned like unification of and high-income population. 8,000 grocery items including Gulf crisis, the GCC the Gulf currency and passport. Fresh fruits and vegetables are fresh fruits, vegetables, states were not in a But the crisis shattered every- the top items being bought household, personal care, thing and damaged confidence online thorough online applica- baking and cooking, baby, pet position to play an among the GCC countries to the tions (apps) in Qatar. care and many more. inﬂuential role in the extent that the leaders of the GCC “When we were starting With in the next two-three region. are no longer able to meet even,” Suncart, the biggest feedback we month, Jaffer aims to increase said H E Sheikh Hamad bin received was that people might the number of items in Suncart Thamer Al Thani. order non-food or packaged to 1,500. This came yesterday during food online but will never order “While placing the order, SIDI MOHAMED the 13th Al Jazeera Forum which fresh fruits, vegetables or meat users can select from five THE PENINSULA is being held at Sheraton Grand online” Khawaja Jaffer, Founder delivery slots during the day for Doha Resort under the topic ‘The & CEO, Suncart — an app for same-day or next-day delivery H E Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Gulf: From Crisis to Decline of food delivery — told The (i.e: 12noon-2pm, 2pm-4pm, Thani, Chairman of Qatar Media Strategic Influence’, in the Peninsula. 4pm-6pm, 6pm-8pm, 8pm- Corporation (QMC), and Chairman presence of a number of politi- “To our surprise, 18 out of 10pm),” he said. of Board of Directors of Al Jazeera cians, intellectuals and decision- the top 25 sold items are from “Grocery is the most basic H E Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Media Media Network, has said that the makers from around the world to the fruits and vegetables cat- consumer need, and we believe Corporation, and Chairman of Board of Directors of Al Jazeera Gulf crisis has threatened the exchange views without tutelage. egory, people enjoy the high- that accessibility for all types of security of Gulf Cooperation “The GCC crisis is considered Media Network, during the opening ceremony of Al Jazeera Forum quality fruits and vegetables customers should be priori- PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA Council (GCC) states, their stability the biggest Gulf crisis despite yesterday. sourced and delivered through tised," he said. and prevented them from facing various crises experienced by the Suncart,” added Jaffer. "We are proud that Suncart or resolving challenges in the region in the past. Its impact is no pointed out while addressing the could be repeated with them in With rising demand for is the only grocery delivery region. longer limited to the political and opening session of the forum. the future, stressing that the siege delivery of food items, several venture, which is servicing all of He said that due to ongoing socio-economic impact but He also said that there is a fear countries did not achieve their apps have come up in Qatar for Doha and its surrounding Gulf crisis, the GCC states were extends to the strategic dimension among some countries of the goals but all were among sufferers food items delivery. municipalities from Day one,” not in a position to play an influ- of the entire Gulf system,” he region that siege-like situation from the crisis. `P3 Along with Suncart, several claimed Khawaja. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019

Minister of Culture honours Qatari OFFICIAL NEWS delegation for their performance at Arab Robotics Championship Amir greets King of Netherlands THE PENINSULA the keenness of the State of Qatar DOHA to support its youth and always DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh work to enable it to achieve Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani The Minister of Culture and Qatar National Vision 2030. and Deputy Amir H H Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al It also reflects Qatar’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Ali, recently honoured the Qatari keenness to invest in its youth, Al Thani sent yesterday delegation participated in the which is inspired by the values cables of congratulations 13th Arab Robotics Champi- of previous generations in crea- to King Willem-Alexander onship in Jordan and Interna- tivity and contribution to the of the Netherlands, on the tional Exhibition of Inventions development of society. For their occasion of his country’s of Geneva for winning prizes. part, the Qatari youth thanked National Day. The Prime H E the Minister appreciated the Minister and appreciated the Minister and Interior Minis- the efforts of the Qatari youth support of the State and its ter, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin and their constant aspiration to efforts to empower them and Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, raise the name of Qatar in provide them with a full oppor- also sent a cable of con- The Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, with the Qatari delegation that various fields of science, youth, tunity to realise their aspirations. gratulations to the Prime participated in the 13th Arab Robotics Championship in Jordan and International Exhibition of culture and sports which reflect The Qatar team participating in Minister of the Netherlands, the superiority of Qatari youth the 13th Arab Robotics Champi- Inventions of Geneva at a ceremony honouring them for winning prizes. Mark Rutte.QNA and their ability to achieve cre- onship in Jordan won the first Amir congratulates ativity and innovation in various place in the research. The Qatari International Exhibition of gold medals out of five innova- took part in. The fifth invention fields. H E the Minister stressed team participated in Inventions of Geneva, won four tions that the Qatari delegation was awarded the silver medal. President of South Africa

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Angry Birds World entertainment park opens at DFC Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Following the launch activities. The Raft Battle takes keep the energy soaring at the Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Inte- of its indoor section guests on a voyage from the Bird Trampoline Universe, comprising Island to an interactive cinematic a basketball court, foam pit and a rior Minister H E Sheikh last year, the park experience. For a hearty dose of kids’ court. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- extends the same thrill, guests can climb aboard the Ali Bin Mohamed Bin Khalifa lifa Al Thani sent yesterday excitement to its Angry Coaster – a fast and furious Al Attia, Deputy CEO of Leisure, cables of congratulations ride that twists through the air. owner of Trimoo Parks, the to the President of South enchanting outdoor Adventure enthusiasts can company operating the enter- Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, on section, as part of the head to the park’s City Studio. The tainment park, said: “This is a proud the occasion of his country’s second phase. One of bustling adventure hub allows vis- moment for us, we are extremely Freedom Day.QNA the much-anticipated itors to test their strengths with a delighted to open our doors to a Amir condoles with range of activities involving wall first-of-its-kind indoor outdoor attractions is the climbing, parabolic slides, roller destination in Qatar and the President of Vietnam Super Slingshot. gliders and ropes course. World.” DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Once indoors, visitors can “The Angry Birds celebrate Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani enjoy exhilarating rides with Blast their 10-year anniversary this year, and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh THE PENINSULA Bomb, a drop and twist tower that but our work has just begun in Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani A view of the world’s ﬁrst Angry Birds World entertainment park DOHA features free-fall motion from a terms of expanding the brand’s sent yesterday cables of con- at Doha Festival City. height of 11 metres, or Red Alert, a footprint and establishing multiple dolences to the President of The world’s first Angry Birds World 360-degree spin ride or a laser tag touchpoints with our fans the Socialist Republic of Viet- entertainment park marked its the launch of its indoor section last Themed around the classic bird- battle. Amidst the range of attrac- worldwide,” said Simo Hämäläinen nam, Dr. Nguyen Phu Trong, grand opening at Doha Festival year, the park extends the same flinging gameplay, the slingshot tions, the park also boasts the Head of Brand Licensing at Rovio on the death of former Viet- City, welcoming guests into Qatar’s excitement to its enchanting catapults guests more than 60 world’s first indoor/outdoor karting Entertainment. namese President Le Duc unique indoor and outdoor desti- outdoor section, as part of the meters into the air, offering a truly track and The Big Tree, a multi- Robert Hall, General Manager Anh. The Prime Minister and nation. second phase. One of the much- heart-pounding experience. level creative playground offering of Doha Festival City, said: “Angry Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Home to the world-famous anticipated attractions is the Super Red’s House, as featured in The a variety of edutainment work- Birds World is a family favourite Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- Angry Birds flock, the 17,000 Slingshot. Angry Birds Movie, will delight shops for little ones, in addition to and we believe that our visitors will lifa Al Thani, also sent a cable square metre nest brings a riot of At 42 metres in height, this guests with its quirky style while exciting challenges such as ropes have more reasons to enjoy it with of condolences to the Prime fun for the whole family. Following imposing structure is hard to miss. indulging little ones in sand play course and zip line. Visitors can the opening of the Outdoor park.” Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc.QNA Commander of Amiri Naval Amir greets President of Sierra Leone Force attends graduation DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of 2018-2019 training year and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani THE PENINSULA operations that recruits have to sent yesterday cables of DOHA take. congratulations to the Presi- The third is the individuals’ dent of the Republic of Sierra The Acting Commander of Amiri foundational operations course, Leone, Julius Maada Bio, on Naval Force Brigadier General where recruits receive training the anniversary of his coun- (Naval) Hamad Mohammed Al for navigation as well as getting try’s Independence Day. Dosari attended yesterday the a general overview on commu- The Prime Minister and Inte- graduation of the training nications instructions. The rior Minister, H E Sheikh courses for the 2018-2019 year. fourth is a naval rehabilitation Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- The training period included course, which is the first course lifa Al Thani, also sent a cable four courses. The first is officers’ that members of the naval force of congratulations to Chief main war course, which plays a have to pass. In it, they get to Minister of the Republic of key role in preparing officers in know the basics of different Sierra Leone, Prof. David John the operational and tactical mil- administrations and work Francis.QNA itary aspects. places. At the conclusion of the The second is for naval ceremony, Al Dosari handed out Amir congratulates officers, and is one of the foun- the certificates to the President of Togo dational courses in the field of graduates. DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani More people buying grocery online and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani FROM PAGE 1 sent yesterday cables of congratulations to the President With strong IT infra- of the Togolese Republic, structure, high-income popula- Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, tions and high level of smart- on the anniversary of his phone penetration, online country’s Independence Day. buying in Qatar is set to grow Prime Minister and Interior exponentially in Qatar. The Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah e-commerce market in the bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani country is set to grow exponen- also sent a cable of congrat- tially in coming years. Qatar’s ulations to the Prime Minister e-commerce market is expected of the Togolese Republic, to witness a sharp double-digit Komi Selom Klassou.QNA growth over the next few years. Amir condoles with The combined size of e-com- E-commerce in Qatar is merce transactions, which stood already on the rise now with Philippine President at QR4.36bn ($1.2bn) in 2017, is more and more consumers pur- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh estimated to reach around chasing various types of goods Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, QR11.65bn by 2022. and services online, including Deputy Amir H H Sheikh “Though up-scale areas like restaurant food, taxi/limo rides, Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Pearl Qatar or West Bay had the electronics, cosmetics, clothes and Prime Minister and Inte- highest order density, the service and shoes. rior Minister H E Sheikh is also seeing great demand from “Buying groceries on your Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- Doha downtown areas and own is a time consuming effort lifa Al Thani sent cables of various family compounds all because you have to pick fresh condolences to the President over Doha, especially Duhail. and good quality vegetables. of the Republic of the Philip- Further, Western, Qatari & Home delivery of groceries by pines Rodrigo Duterte on the Indian females dominate their online apps is a good option for victims of the earthquake that user profile, though men are also me as it saves my time and struck several parts of the strong users in the mix,” efforts,” Subhash Ghosh, mar- Philippines, wishing a speedy explained Khawaja Jaffer keting officer with IT company recovery to the injured.QNA (pictured). told The Peninsula. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 HOME 03 Gulf crisis ‘has threatened the Sheikh Joaan honours winners of security and stability of GCC’ Qatar Camel Challenge Festival FROM PAGE 1 the biggest factor that augured where the GCC countries had The President of the High the Council’s success,” he added. reached was highly complicated State Council of Libya, Khalid Al Al Mishri mentioned that the in light of the crisis that under- Mishri, stressed that the problem Gulf states, which tried to control mined the security and stability of of Gulf crisis is due to attempts of Qatar, were also trying to end the the region. some countries to control other democratic experiment in Libya In the first session of the countries which do not agree and the rest of the Arab countries. Forum that was held on theme with their policy. “They stand against revolutions ‘The Gulf relations’, the speakers “The GCC was considered by and even provoke wars with their noted that the Gulf crisis could all Arabs as a model for major proxies.” For his part, the member continue longer as there were regional projects especially in the of Grand National Assembly of no positive signs from the siege context of Gulf consensus that Turkey and former deputy countries and Doha had also was non-existent in other Arab chairman of Justice and Devel- rejected the ‘list of demands’ countries. The economic, social opment Party, Mehdi Akkar, said presented by the blockading and geographical proximity was in his speech that the situation states.

The President of Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, with the winners of the 2019 Qatar Camel Challenge Festival at Al Shahaniya camel racetrack.

Chief of Staff inspects Saqr 21 military exercise THE PENINSULA video conference, to stand on commander of fighter aircrafts DOHA the latest developments of the Brigadier General Khalid exercise. Nasser Hazaa Al Shahwani. The Chief of Staff of Qatar He also listened to a Saqr 21 is divided into two sec- Armed Forces H E Lieutenant briefing by acting director of tions, the first is Command General (Pilot) Ghanem bin operations and training Brig- Battle Simulations (CBX), and Shaheen Al Ghanem checked adier General (Pilot) Saad the second is IFX. It takes place yesterday on Saqr 21 military Shaheen Al Sarea Al Kaabi, who from April 23-30 with partici- H E Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani (third left), Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation and Chairman exercise, which is carried out is also head of the Saqr 21 eval- pation from US Air Force, of Board of Directors of Al Jazeera Media Network, with Khalid Mashri (third right), President of High by the Amiri Air Force. uation team, deputy head of the Turkish forces, the Ministry of Council of State in Libya; Dr Mostefa Souag (second left), Acting Director-General of Al Jazeera Media His Excellency communi- Saqr 21 evaluation team Brig- Interior, Coast Guard, Amiri Network, and other officials during the opening ceremony of Al Jazeera Forum at Sheraton Doha cated with all the air bases par- adier General Abdulaziz Ahmed Naval Force, and Joint Special PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA yesterday. ticipating in the exercise using Al Zaman, and by acting Force. Innovative approaches on Neurodegenerative research sought at QBRI symposium

THE PENINSULA Personalised Medicine’, which topics through a series of panel prevalence of neurodegenerative including Hamad Medical Cor- Ottawa Hospital Research DOHA provided a comprehensive discussions and presentations. diseases worldwide. This has poration, QBRI, University of Institute, said: “As an invited overview of the development and Among the main discussion points served as a catalyst for neurosci- Gothenburg, Weill Cornell Med- Canadian neuroscientist and Qatar Biomedical Research discovery of biomarkers to treat of the symposium were devel- entists and researchers to seek icine-Qatar, Newcastle Uni- guest speaker, the symposium Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad neurodegenerative diseases. oping diagnostic tools for Parkin- out innovative approaches to versity, Oxford University, and the showcased an impressive Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), The symposium brought son’s and Alzheimer’s. treating the various disorders that University of Rhode Island spoke building, which most of us can recently hosted the First together local and international Speaking on the event, Dr. fall under the umbrella of neuro- on a range of key neurodegener- only dream of working in with a Symposium on ‘Neurodegener- clinicians and researchers from Omar El-Agnaf, Executive degenerative diseases. ative topics. clever design, generous space and ative Diseases: Innovations in diverse career and educational Director of QBRI, said: “We are Delegates from numerous Dr. Michael Schlossmacher, advanced technology Biomarker Discovery Towards backgrounds to discuss various witnessing an increase in the international institutions, Director, Neuroscience Program, platforms.” STARTING QAR 59,500 GENEROSITY IN OUR GATHERING

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A-G signs MoU with University of Hassan II Casablanca President of Armenia receives credentials of Qatari Envoy

QNA YEREVAN

The President of the Republic of Armenia, Dr Armen Sark- issian, has received the credentials of Mohammed bin Hamad Al Fuhaid Al Hajeri as Ambas- sador Extraordinary and Plen- ipotentiary of the State of Qatar (non-resident) to the Republic of Armenia. The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Armenian President, and H H’s wishes for good health and happiness to the President and further progress and prosperity to the government and people of Armenia. For his part, the The Public Prosecutor’s Office has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University President of Armenia entrusted of Hassan II Casablanca in the Kingdom of Morocco, aimed at cooperation in the academic ﬁeld. The the Qatari Ambassador to memorandum of understanding was signed by Attorney-General H E Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, and Acting- convey his greetings to H H the President of Hassan II University Dr Abdel Rahim Al Khalidi, at the University’s premises in Casablanca. Amir, wishing the best of health The President of the Republic of Armenia, Dr Armen Sarkissian, receiving The MoU provides for the implementation of some of the academic programmes of the University Hassan and happiness and the State of the credentials of Mohammed bin Hamad Al Fuhaid Al Hajeri as II Casablanca in the State of Qatar, as well as beneﬁting from the University’s expertise in support of the Qatar further development and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar programmes agreed upon between the two sides. prosperity. (non-resident) to the Republic of Armenia. Languages Institute of the Qatari Armed Ooredoo hosts IoT conference Forces concludes 2019 season courses THE PENINSULA DOHA QNA DOHA Ooredoo, the region’s leading enabler of digital business innovation, saw strong turnout at its mega The Languages Institute of the event showcasing Qatar’s Internet of Things (IoT) Qatari Armed Forces cele- present and future, with hundreds of C-suite exec- brated yesterday the gradu- utives experiencing how the IoT can accelerate digital ation of a number of its transformation. courses of the 2019 training Attendees from the public, private, and academic season, in the attendance of sectors experienced how Ooredoo’s end-to-end IoT Commander of Recruits solutions and services can transform industry ver- Training Institute Major ticals – such as agriculture, manufacturing, con- General Rashid Nasser Al struction, government, healthcare, tourism and hos- An official at the IoT event. Hajri, and Director of the pitality, Smart Cities, and transportation. Languages Institute Brigadier For example, the IoT can enable real-time and Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief General (Pilot) Hassan predictive services in Smart Cities, managing mega- Operating Officer of Ooredoo, said: Abdullah Ahmed Al Abdullah. events, autonomous vehicles that can reduce traffic “Our IoT solutions provide the building A total of 46 recruits from congestion, smart ports that can enhance throughput, blocks for Qatar’s organisations to different units of the armed virtual check-in for hotels, robotic surgery, and con- forces attended the courses, nected farms. Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Oper- easily adopt IoT. Connected things to including 19 from Mongolia. ating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Strong turnout at collect data for IT systems and apps, At the conclusion of the our IoT Conference and Exhibition where we show- secure and customised managed ceremony, Al Hajri handed out cased how Ooredoo, with 5G-enabled Supernet, is the connectivity, and global partners with prizes and certificates to the preferred partner for Internet of Things solutions that An award being presented to an official at the conclusion of the graduates, and honoured the can enable digitaisation. The IoT is a key transformation the skills and experience to ensure IoT training courses at Languages Institute of the Qatari Armed Forces. teachers. agent for Qatar’s organisations, and during the IoT success.” Conference we demonstrated how our solutions can enable them to gain real-time insights that can drive connectivity, and global partners with the skills and business competitiveness, transform customer expe- experience to ensure IoT success.” Partners exhib- Over 20 tonnes of dates sold out on Friday rience, and enrich their daily business lives.” iting at the event included Ericsson, ALTRAN, EnrichAI, THE PENINSULA the beginning of the exhibition, during three days Ooredoo showcased IoT Connect for managed and Software AG. Selected customers, such as Qatar DOHA a total of over 62.7 tonnes dates were sold out connectivity, IoT Builder, a secure platform running Building Company and Q3Smart Systems, also joined and about 14,000 people visited the on Software AG’s Cumulocity IoT platform, and Fleet Ooredoo in presenting how Ooredoo IoT solutions Over 20 tonnes of dates were sold out on Friday exhibition. Management, one-stop-shop solutions for transpor- effectively support their business strategies. Business at 2019 International Dates Exhibition which is The exhibition will remain open today tation, logistics and supply chain innovation. customers can leverage the Ooredoo Advantage, being held at Souq Waqif. (Sunday) from 9am to 9pm. About 150 exhib- Al Kubaisi, added: “Our IoT solutions provide the making Ooredoo “Best for Business”, thanks to its The Ministry of Municipality and Envi- itors from Qatar and abroad are showcasing building blocks for Qatar’s organisations to easily breadth and depth of talent, best fixed and mobile net- ronment said in statement that around 6,000 varieties of dates at the exhibition, which will adopt IoT. Connected things to collect data for IT works, broadest portfolio of ICT services and solu- people visited the exhibition on Friday. Since conclude on May 4. systems and apps, secure and customised managed tions, and trusted partner for 60 years.

QRCS launches relief response to Iran floods

THE PENINSULA/DOHA

In an immediate response to the heavy rainfall and subsequent flash floods in many parts of Iran, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has started an emergency intervention operation to help the victims. A relief delegation was sent from Doha to assess the needs, supervise the early response process, and coordinate with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Just after the disaster, the Disaster Infor- mation Management Center (DIMC) was acti- vated to keep updated about the situation and An Ahlibank employee receiving a medical assessment. coordinate with international partners. Within a few days, a relief delegation was deployed to the affected regions, where the dis- Ahlibank organises free aster lasted for over a month, with dozens killed and almost half a million displaced. The disaster health day for employees management specialist delegation comprised Jassim Al Emadi, Fatimah Al Mohannadi, Saleh THE PENINSULA mass, and body water levels. Al-Ghanem, and Aiham Al-Sukhni. Upon their DOHA Ahlibank’s Head of Mar- arrival at Iran, they started the assessment and keting and Communication, response arrangements. They met Morteza Ahlibank, a leading Qatari- Khaled Al Zou’bi said: “The Ahl- Salimi, head of the Relief and Rescue Organi- owned financial institution, ibank Health Day was organised zation of IRCS, to discuss the damage and how organised a free Health Day for to help our employees build to help the victims. Then, they took a tour at the Bank’s employees at the awareness of health risks and IRCS’s relief item manufacturing plant. Head Office in Al Sadd, in provide them with information In Ahvaz, the capital city of Khuzestan collaboration with West bay on how they can make changes Province, south-western Iran, the delegation Medicare. to enhance their health and life- held meetings with relief teams, visited the prov- The Ahlibank Health Day, an style and health tips during ince’s only mental health hospital, and went also initiative to help employees Ramadan. to IRCS’s prosthesis manufacturing plant. create a better health awareness Khaled Al Zou’bi further Dr. Ali Khodadadi, Managing Director of the and lifestyle, included medical added: “These medical assess- Khuzestan provincial Red Crescent branch, assessments for vital signs such ments will improve our reviewed with the team the needs in the coming as Blood Pressure and Blood employees’ awareness about short period and how to meet them. Dr. Nazari, Sugar conducted by West Bay health and well-being and Head of General Health Directorate in Khuzestan, Medicare Doctors. A specialist support them on all aspects of talked about the short- and long-term medical nutritionist was also available work related health requirements, highlighting the risks of water- to measure fat mass, muscle promotion.” borne diseases, particularly in the summer. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 HOME 05 Qatar’s quality care for expatriate workers lauded Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group, stressed that expatriate workers and residents are partners in achieving the developmental renaissance in the country and all of them, either blue- collar or skilled workers, have made great efforts in this regard.

Contributions to Protect Rights of Workers” and the centenary of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and it is a message to the workers home and abroad that Qatar is always providing all the com- forts and legal and human protection for workers, Al Mahmoud pointed out. It also comes as an extension of the conference launched by the Dar Al Sharq six years ago in 2013 A graphic view of Floresta Gardens, The Pearl-Qatar design. and continues to succeed successfully in its various Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group community initiatives in the areas of social responsibility, protecting workers and supporting chari- table work, he said. THE PENINSULA Ten tower plots in Floresta DOHA “The success of Dar Al Sharq in this regard stems from our commitment to the wise vision of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, through the Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group, directives contained in Qatar National Vision 2030, Gardens up for sale: UDC has praised the quality of care being provided to the which defined the need for legal legislation and pro- workers from different nationalities in Qatar, stressing cedures,” Al Mahmoud said. THE PENINSULA built-up areas ranging between three gated villa compounds. The the importance of laws and regulations issued by He also said that Dar Al Sharq has launched DOHA 37,000 square metres and 41,000 launch of sales in Floresta Gardens Qatar. several initiatives to support the rights of expatriate square metres per plot. reflects the attractiveness of the Al Mahmoud stressed that expatriate workers workers and these initiatives were supported by the United Development Company All the 10 plots offer distinctive distinctive project and confirms and residents are partners in achieving the develop- ministries and national institutions and other insti- (UDC), one of the leading Qatari waterfront views that increase the the soundness of UDC’s strategies, mental renaissance in the country, and all of them, tutions interested in supporting labour rights initia- public share-holding companies attractiveness of the offering future growth plans and its either blue-collar or skilled workers, have made great tives. He said that Dar Al Sharq, which is the largest and the master developer of The among potential investors and ongoing efforts to further bolster efforts in this regard. media institution in Qatar, has direct channels of com- Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Islands, future residential unit clients. the attractiveness of The Pearl- He also praised the support from all ministries munication with foreign communities, and publishes announced yesterday the launch Floresta Gardens, the Medi- Qatar through distinctive lifestyle and institutions, concerned with labour and workers eight local newspapers in languages of peoples of the of the sales for 10 tower plots in terranean-inspired precinct, offers offerings that cater to the different issues, to ensure the success of the International world such as English, Hindi, Malayalam, Sinhala, Urdu, Floresta Gardens precinct. a variety of community living needs of the Company’s clients Workers’ Day, which will be held on May 1 under the Filipino, Nepalese and others. Land plots on sale in Floresta options with beautiful waterfront and investors alike. patronage of the Minister of Administrative Devel- Regarding the role of sponsors, he praised their Gardens cover medium-rise res- and public realm views and access UDC is a leading Qatari public opment, Labour and Social Affairs, H E Yousef bin role and its importance in the success of the activ- idential towers, each consisting of to a retail centre and facilities. share-holding company with a Mohammed Al Othman Fakhro, and the participation ities of the celebration of International Workers’ Day. 15 floors and approximately 125 Once completed, Floresta mission to identify and invest in of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The celebrations have been sponsored by the Public to 140 residential units for each Gardens will accommodate 5,000 long-term projects contributing The celebration of the International Workers’ Works Authority (Ashghal), the Supreme Committee tower. Each land plot spans an residents within 10 mid-rise res- to Qatar’s growth and providing Day will be held under the theme “Qatar’s for Delivery & Legacy, and Tadmur Holding. area of 3,500 square-metres with idential towers and 114 villas from good shareholder value. Meet highlights Mental Health Law advancements

Students during a visit to Baladna booth. Baladna sponsors education conference Experts, officials and other guests at the symposium organised by HMC on mental health care. THE PENINSULA with Qatar National Vision 2030. DOHA Dr Kamel Abdallah, Chief THE PENINSULA of this year’s symposium was the of the Qatar National Health the wants of the population, Executive Officer of Baladna DOHA Mental Health Law, which was Strategy 2018-2022, the Ministry adding that in the majority of cases Baladna Food Industries, Qatar’s Food Industries, said, “Baladna first articulated in the Qatar of Public Health has set out a plan this represents more care in com- largest local producer of fresh Food Industries takes pride in Hundreds of mental healthcare National Mental Health Strategy to promote mental health and munity-based settings. dairy, sponsored the Education being the sponsor of the Edu- professionals and key stake- 2013-2018. wellbeing and improve access to Two of the keynote speakers Conference 2019 which took cation Conference 2019. The holders in Qatar’s mental health “Focusing on mental health mental health services, with a were eminent authorities in their place on April 24-25 at Qatar conference aims at creating a community gathered this and wellbeing is hugely important, national target to ensure 40 respective fields. The first distin- National Convention Center. dialogue between various edu- weekend for Hamad Medical so too is safeguarding the rights of percent of services are offered in guished guest speaker was Her The conference was inau- cation stakeholders in the Corporation’s (HMC) fifth annual individuals who require mental the primary and community set- Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said gurated by the Prime Minister country and internationally to Symposium on Community health treatment. The passing of tings by 2022. Dr. Mohamed Ali from Oman, who spoke about and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh promote educational values that Mental Health Services in Qatar. the Mental Health Law in Qatar Siddig Ahmed, Senior Consultant mental health awareness. The Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa make a difference. This, in turn, Iain Tulley, CEO of HMC’s was a major step forward in Psychiatrist and Clinical Director second international guest speaker Al Thani. Baladna’s sponsorship will enhance the standards of Mental Health Service and Qatar ensuring the rights of citizens and of the Community Mental Health was Dr. Clementine Maddock, who of the conference comes under education provided to the future National Health Strategy 2018- residents when they require Services, said HMC is continually presented an international per- its commitment to serve the generations of Qatar and the 2022 Lead for Mental Health and treatment,” explained Tulley. striving to provide more services spective on implementing mental Qatari community and in line world.” Wellbeing, stated that a key focus As part of the implementation that are based on the needs and health legislation. Nurses in Qatar feel supported at work

THE PENINSULA safety culture in Qatar. A WISH measured perceptions on patient DOHA report published in 2015, titled safety culture, including commu- ‘Transforming Patient Safety: A nication openness, feedback about A survey conducted by the World Sector-Wide Systems Approach’, errors, and staffing. Innovation Summit for Health highlighted gaps and barriers to Maha El Akoum, Head of (WISH), an initiative of Qatar achieving the goal of zero harm Content at WISH, who led the Foundation (QF), has revealed that to patients. The findings of the research project, said: “This study a strong support mechanism is in global report led the WISH gives us a general overview of the place for nursing professionals in research team to conduct the perceived safety culture among Qatar. Qatar-focused study. nurses in Qatar. Our results show Initial findings of the 2018 Further research was carried that patient safety culture is gen- survey were presented at the out by WISH at MEF, with nurses erally well-executed, with overall recent Middle East Forum on filling out a survey on migration positive responses to the different Quality and Safety in Healthcare patterns and language barriers in measured composites.” (MEF). the hospital environment, and all “However, it is always important They show that 89 percent of delegates at the conference invited to avoid complacency. The WISH the nurses surveyed believe that to share their opinions on men in 2015 report highlighted that they receive organisational nursing. WISH also hosted a around the world patient safety is support for learning and con- workshop titled ‘Creating a often mistakenly regarded as tinuous improvement; 88 percent Culture of Safety: The Role of something to ‘fix’ rather than to say there is sufficient teamwork Nurses’ at the conference. ‘evolve’, and that error reporting within the units they work in; and By using the Hospital Survey should be viewed as a strategy that 73 percent feel they are provided on Patient Safety Culture allows healthcare professionals with management support in pro- (HSOPSC), a tool originally used to learn from mistakes and that moting patient safety. WISH con- to assess patient safety amongst allows for continuous ducted the survey to investigate nurses in the US, WISH conducted improvement in safety culture that nurses’ perceptions of patient a total of 167 surveys. The surveys is routinely monitored.” 06 HOME SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 CNA-Q hosts SafeJam 2019 to encourage youth participation in OSH field

THE PENINSULA Teams of Youth Champi- important role young people can DOHA ons will be developing play in strengthening the culture new ways of tackling of Occupational Safety and A gathering of Youth Champions OSH issues by imagining Health in Qatar,” said Jaber Al for Occupational Safety and Merri, Senior Occupational Health, has wrapped up after innovative new products Health and Safety Specialist at two days of activities at College and services and by the Ministry of Administrative of the North Atlantic - Qatar solving problems in a Development, Labour and Social (CNA-Q). creative, experimental Affairs. The event saw close to 30 and collaborative spirit. “By involving young people, university and college students SafeJam 2019 brings new per- from across Qatar work together spectives, energy and insight to increase both the awareness (ILO), with support from CNA-Q into developing solutions to and active participation of young and Sparks, the initiator of Occupational Safety and Health people in the Occupational SafeJams. issues,” said Houtan Homay- Safety and Health (OSH) field. “We were extremely proud ounpour, Head of the ILO Project SafeJam 2019 was hosted by to host this important event,” Office for the State of Qatar. CNA-Q, and organised by the said CNA-Q Dean of Health Sci- The event saw close to 30 university and college students from across Qatar work together. The results of SafeJam 2019 Ministry of Administrative ences Andrea Smilski. “The issue will be announced and shared Development, Labour and Social of safe workplaces is vital in valuable ideas, and practices.” tackling OSH issues by imagining in a creative, experimental and during the International OSH Affairs (ADLSA) and the Inter- Qatar, and forums such as these Teams of Youth Champions innovative new products and collaborative spirit. Conference, which opens today, national Labour Organisation allow our students to exchange will be developing new ways of services and by solving problems “SafeJam highlights the Sunday, in Doha. QAC bags ‘Best Mid–Size SUV’ award and ‘Best Pick-Up’ for Montero Sport and L 200

THE PENINSULA levels of safety, as well as modern to develop our operations for the DOHA technology features. It is the ideal best of our country”. vehicle for family adventures, due Commenting on the awards, Qatar Automobiles Company, the its spaciousness and 7 seats cabin. Hesham Al Sahn, General Manger, authorised general distributor of The new Mitsubishi L200 Qatar Automobiles Company, the Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, pickup, recently launched in authorised general distributor of accomplished another Qatar, was recognised for its dura- Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, said: achievement wining two top bility, reliability and comfort. The “This another milestone for Qatar awards from Qatar Car of the Year pick-up received huge acclaim Automobiles Company and Mit- Awards, organised by Maqina. from 4x4 fans thanks to its manual subishi motors in Qatar. With our Mitsubishi Montero Sport has transmission and capabilities to Montero Sport and L 200 light received the “Best Mid – Size SUV” meet the demands of truck, we reiterate our strong award while the recently launched corporates. position in the relevant segments. The QAC officials receiving the award at the event. all-new L 200 received the ‘Best Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al On behalf of QAC and Mitsubishi Pick-Up’ Award. The awards ded- Thani, Operations Director – Auto, Motors, we thank the organizers the world and is considered one adventure and speed. Adventure All the cars are available now icated to SUV vehicles, light trucks, at Nasser Bin Khaled Group: for this valuable event’. of the best vehicles whether on calls from the well-appointed in Mitsubishi Motors Showroom commercial vehicles and sedan “These awards clearly demon- Haitham Ebef, Mitsubishi roads or off-roads. The all-new L cockpit, which surrounds you with on Salwa road. Customers can visit took place Mondrian Hotel in strate the effort of Qatar Automo- Brand Manager, expressed his 200 pick-up that we recently solid craftsmanship, supportive the showroom at Salwa Road from Doha, with the participation of biles Company to bring in to Qatar proudness of receiving two launched in Qatar is a multi- comfort, intelligent features and Saturday to Thursday from 8am vehicles from various brands in the best vehicles in all segments. awards for two Mitsubishi purpose light truck that exceeds a wide-open view. From refined to 9pm and on Friday from 5pm Qatar. The Mitsubishi Montero This is part of our plans and vehicles: “Mitsubishi Montero expectations We are happy to be meters to sophisticated floor to 9pm, and Al Khor Showroom Sport was acknowledged as best strategy to accomplish our goals Sport is again proving its leading appreciated and receive such out- console, every feature is fine- from Saturday to Wednesday from mid-size SUV thanks to its capa- on the medium and long term. position in the SUV segment. It is standing awards”. tuned to enhance driving pleasure 8am to 8pm, and on Thursday bilities on roads and off-road, high Besides, these awards motivate us gaining acknowledgment across Montero Sport is ideal for and keep you in confident control. from 8am to 3pm. Chevrolet Camaro 2019 arrives in showrooms across Middle East Georgetown’s IEDM program THE PENINSULA design. Red lenses are featured on registration deadline draws near DOHA LT, with RS, SS and ZL1 featuring dark-tinted neutral-density (clear) THE PENINSULA/DOHA globalised world. The IEDM Taking Chevrolet Middle East’s lenses. program helps the next generation 2019 lineup to a stirring level, the The expanded portfolio of Between visits to a refugee camp, of global leaders prepare for and Chevrolet Camaro 2019 has finally accessories and performance the department of civil defence, respond to a wide variety of landed in the Middle East. The car parts includes second-generation and the Ministry of Public Health natural, technological, and man- is now available for sale across ground effects, a black wing in Jordan, students from Geor- made disasters. The program Chevrolet dealerships in the spoiler, fuel door with exposed getown University’s International offers a blend of virtual learning region. carbon-fiber insert, black Camaro Executive Masters in Emergency and five on-site international res- “Restyled and reinvigorated, fender badges, cold-air induction and Disaster Management idencies that provide critical the 2019 Camaro now offers cus- kits, RECARO performance seats, program had time to reflect on the hands-on experience and tomers more choices and new Brembo six-piston front brake intense planning and inter-insti- engagement opportunities with technologies than it ever did upgrade kit and more. tutional cooperation involved in leading experts in the field across before. Delivering various person- Additionally, the 2019 Camaro responding to a crisis. diverse environments. Delivering various personalisation options, the 2019 model allows alisation options, the 2019 model comes with new wheel designs Farukh Azad, a current IEDM Students also gain a deeper buyers to truly customise their Camaro. allows buyers to truly customise and enhanced navigation and student who also works as understanding of the opportunities their Camaro. The car brilliantly infotainment systems. Drivers can manager of Digital Transformation and constraints to navigating roles, balances driving fun, refinement and new LED signature lighting LT1 direct-injected Small Block also benefit from a full-display at Ooredoo, recently concluded the responsibilities, and resources and value without compromising which put a new face on the 2019 V-8 rated engine at 455 hp (339 rearview camera mirror as well Amman, Jordan, residency of the across and within international on its legendary performance cre- Camaro. The ZL1 model retains its kW) and 617Nm of torque. The as the new Forward Collision program and recalls, “through borders. These are critical skills dentials.” said Ahmed Soudodi, airflow optimised front-end Camaro ZL1 is powered by the LT4 Alert, enhancing the safety for all these on-site visits, we learned needed as Qatar prepares to host Head of Brand, Chevrolet Middle styling, while the RS package also supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine occupants. about the complexities of public the World Cup and other major East. receives unique headlamps and rated at 650 hp (485 kW). The All New Camaro 2019 is health and humanitarian crises global events, and to ensure the The 2019 Camaro boasts new lighting signature. At the rear, new LED tail available exclusively with Jaidah from both a local and regional resilience of any organization in front-end styling on LT and SS The Camaro LT is equipped lamps are incorporated in a more Automotive in Qatar at the main perspective.” the effort to prevent, protect, mit- models, including the fascia, grille, with a standard 3.6L V-6 engine. sculptured execution of Chevro- Chevrolet Showroom at Jaidah Developing multiple perspec- igate, and respond to emergencies dual-element headlamps, hood The Camaro SS comes with a 6.2L let’s signature dual-element Square. tives is a key advantage in today’s and disasters. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Every election is an exam, opportunity: Erdogan

ANATOLIA Erdogan said the “real genocide” including millions ANKARA legitimacy of Turkish of Muslims in Palestine, Myanmar measures taken and Bosnia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Turkey objects to the pres- Erdogan said yesterday that against terror threats entation of the incidents as “gen- Turkey’s ruling party had in Iraq and Syria is ocide” but describes the 1915 succeeded in local elections held indisputable. events as a tragedy in which both last month. “Every election is an sides suffered casualties. Ankara exam, struggle and an opportunity has repeatedly proposed the cre- for assessment. We substantially challenge the results according to ation of a joint commission of succeeded in the March 31 local the electoral law. Millions of historians from Turkey and elections,” said Erdogan, Turkish voters cast their votes Armenia plus international addressing a gathering of the nationwide on March 31 in local experts to tackle the issue. ruling Justice and Development elections to choose mayors, city Erdogan said the legitimacy of (AK) Party in capital Ankara. council members, and other offi- Turkish measures taken against He noted that the AK Party got cials for the next five years. terror threats in Iraq and Syria 44.4% of the votes which is the Ekrem Imamoglu, of the main is indisputable. second highest rate of their party opposition Republican People’s Speaking about recent differ- in terms of local elections to date. Party (CHP), took oath as mayor ences with the US, he said: “We He called the mayoral elections of of Istanbul earlier this month, will continue taking steps to clear Istanbul questionable, adding: “All amid AK Party’s agitation over terror swamps in Syria and doubts must be eliminated so that voting irregularities. Erdogan procure S-400 and similar the people feel relieved.” He also refuted rumours that the AK Party security entrenchments.” referred to the documents which had given up hope on the Istanbul Ankara decided in 2017 to showed that there was a very results, stating that the party will purchase the Russian S-400 serious organised set-up in continue its legal struggle. system. US officials have objected Istanbul polls. Speaking about the events of to the deal, claiming that the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greets the attendees during his party’s 28th Consultation Recalling the opposition 1915, he said the Armenian relo- S-400 would be incompatible and Evaluation Camp in Kizilcahamam district of Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. party’s concerns over objections cation was neither a genocide, nor with Nato systems and expose US to Istanbul poll results, Erdogan a great disaster, which took place F-35 fighter jets — which Turkey termed the situation “tragicomic” under troublesome conditions a Armenians would not be living Caucasus, if allegations against us Erdogan named several com- also has a deal to buy — to pos- as the party has the right to century ago. “Millions of across Europe, US, North Africa, were true,” Erdogan added. munities which were exposed to sible Russian subterfuge. South Africa marks Freedom Day Former Ethiopian president Gidada AP don’t have a house or land?” Makhura said dead at 75 KWA-THEMA the government of the African National Con- gress party is working to get title deeds for AFP / ADDIS ABABA Calls for more jobs for South Africa’s black black South Africans: “The land must belong majority and respect for the rights of all to our people!” Former Ethiopian president section of the community marked Freedom Kwa-Thema, a black township that was Negasso Gidada has died in Day celebrations yesterday commemorating prominent in the struggle against apartheid, Germany where he was under- the 25th anniversary of the end of apartheid. joined the Freedom Day celebrations as the going medical treatment for an Singing and dancing punctuated one anniversary was marked in a low-key way unspecified illness, state broad- gathering of about 3,500 people on the out- across South Africa. Much attention was caster EBC reported yesterday. skirts of Johannesburg. focused on the upcoming elections on May Negasso, who was 75, was A quarter-century ago South Africa’s 8. The rally was marked by the bright yellow, president between 1995 and blacks finally were able to vote, bringing green and black colours of the ruling ANC 2001 and was the first head of democracy to the country. But long after party of the late Nelson Mandela, who was state after Ethiopia adopted a the brutal apartheid system of racial dis- crucial in the decades-long fight to end new constitution transforming crimination, speakers said many still apartheid. the country into a federal state, struggle to find a decent life. “There are many social ills that we are with increased autonomy given “What is the meaning of freedom if dealing with.” President Cyril Ramaphosa to the different regions. many people in a township are unem- marked Freedom Day at a rally in Makhanda Before he stepped down in ployed?” asked David Makhura, premier of in Eastern Cape province. “On this day 25 2001, Negasso publicly fell out Gauteng province, which includes South years ago, we founded a new country with the then prime minister, Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, and the defined by the principles of equality, unity, Meles Zenawi. In 2015, Negasso South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the crowd during the celebrations capital, Pretoria. “What is the meaning of non-racialism and non-sexism,” Ram- was elected to parliament as an for the 25th anniversary of Freedom Day, in Makhanda, yesterday. freedom if you don’t have a job? Or if you aphosa said. independent, but then joined the opposition three years later. More recently, he was reha- bilitated by the ruling Ethiopian Russia considers Idlib People’s Revolutionary Demo- 22 Syrian govt troops dead cratic Front, to which he was offensive ‘unnecessary’ appointed an adviser in 2017. in militant attacks in Aleppo US airstrike on IS ANATOLIA constitutional committee. He AFP dawn, Observatory head Rami million people has come under MOSCOW said Russia and Turkey had pre- in Somalia kills 3 BEIRUT Abdel Rahman said. increasing bombardment since pared a list of candidates for the AFP / WASHINGTON He said the fighting subsided HTS took full control of it in Russia considers a military committee, but former UN Attacks by two militant groups after Russian aircraft struck mil- January. offensive in the Syrian province Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan US forces in Africa have launched killed at least 22 Syrian itant positions in the area, The latest Russian air raids of Idlib “unnecessary” because de Mistura, refused to approve an airstrike against the Islamic government troops and mili- prompting the fighters to pull came after two days of talks on of possible civilian casualties, it because of six persons. State group in Somalia, just tiamen in the northern province back. Eight militants were killed, the Syrian conflict between President Vladimir Putin said Russia and Turkey then weeks after another strike killed of Aleppo yesterday, a war he added. Turkey, Russia and fellow gov- yesterday. However, Russian air replaced those six persons, but the militant group’s second in monitor said. Russia aircraft also carried out ernment backer Iran in Kaza- forces will continue to provide there are still difficulties. command there. Thirty others were wounded strikes in neighbouring Hama khstan earlier this week. support to the Syrian army as “Reaching a complete con- Three IS militants were killed in the assaults by Al-Qaeda’s province yesterday, killing five The three governments part of its fight against terror, sensus is quite a challenging task in the strike in the Golis Moun- former Syria branch, Hayat Tahrir civilians, the Observatory said. expressed concern over the Putin said, speaking at a news due to the lack of unity within tains in northern Somalia, the US al-Sham (HTS), and its ally Hurras On Friday, Russian strikes growing power of HTS in Idlib and conference following the Belt the opposition with its multiple Africa Command, or Africom, al-Deen, which remains affiliated killed 10 civilians in Idlib province, parts of adjacent provinces, and and Road forum in Beijing. points of view and diverse said in a statement. to the global militant network, the the hub of territory held by the determination to cooperate to “In principle, I do not rule groups. “This airstrike eliminated Britain-based Syrian Observatory militants of HTS in northwestern eliminate the militant group. this [offensive] out, but today “Still, we will work with all ISIS-Somalia members staged in for Human Rights said. Syria. Russia and Turkey in Sep- The civil war in Syria has together with our Syrian friends, opposition groups patiently and a remote location in northern The attacks in the southern tember inked a buffer zone deal killed more than 370,000 people we believe that this is inappro- persistently in order to ensure Somalia,” said Major General and southwestern countryside of to avert a massive government and displaced millions since it priate, given this humanitarian that this committee is formed Gregg Olson, Africom’s director Aleppo province were launched offensive on the Idlib region, but began with the bloody repression component,” he said. since this is the only way to lay of operations, using the abbre- shortly after midnight and trig- the deal has never been imple- of anti-government protests in Putin also commented on the foundation for a large-scale viation for the Islamic State in gered clashes that continued until mented. The region of some three 2011. the establishment of the Syrian political process,” he said. Somalia. Cyclone Kenneth devastates Mozambique

AP parts of the country’s north- been recorded in the modern past, notably in 2000. PEMBA ernmost Cabo Delgado age. Terrified children and Cyclone Kenneth arrived province were partially or traumatised parents “face a late Thursday, just six weeks Mozambique’s government fully destroyed, with elec- huge task to start to rebuild,” after Cyclone Idai ripped into urged many people to imme- tricity cut, some roads he said. central Mozambique and diately seek higher ground blocked and at least one key Rain is forecast over the killed more than 600 people. yesterday in the wake of bridge collapsed. Some next several days, and This was the first time in Cyclone Kenneth, fearing schools and health centres Mozambique’s meteoro- recorded history that the flooding and mudslides in the were damaged. Nearly logical authority said the southern African nation has days ahead as heavy rain 700,000 people could be at storm could potentially move been hit by two cyclones in lashed the region. risk, many left exposed and back out to sea and intensify one season, again raising con- At least five people were hungry as waters rise. again, Finney added. “It cerns about climate change. killed, the government said. “There’s a very intense doesn’t look good, quite hon- The remnants of Kenneth, Mozambique’s disaster man- strip of destruction where the estly,” he said of the risk of which packed the power of a agement agency said one wind first made impact in flooding. As water levels Category 4 hurricane, could person had died in Pemba coastal districts,” Nicholas rose, Mozambican author- dump twice as much rain as city and another in hard-hit Finney, response team leader ities asked residents of Idai did last month, the UN Macomia district, while resi- with the aid group Save the Mecufi and Chiure districts World Program has said. dents on Ibo island said two Children, told The Associated and parts of Macomia and Some forecasts warned of people died there. Details on Press after visiting Macomia Muidumbe districts to imme- as much as 9 inches of tor- the fifth death were not district. The team found diately seek higher ground. rential rain, or about a quarter immediately available. people in shock in a region Some rivers in the region of the average annual rainfall A family in the village of Nacate, south of Macomia, cook a meal surrounded by Nearly 3,500 homes in where a cyclone had never have burst their banks in the for the region. their destroyed home, yesterday, after the cyclone Kenneth hit the area. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 How is Trump’s Iran policy ESTABLISHED IN 1996 supposed to work? CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR JENNIFER RUBIN THE WASHINGTON POST MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] he Trump administration’s post-JCPOA (Joint Compre- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR hensive Plan of Action) strategy MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Tis to put Iran’s economy in a [email protected] stranglehold, by among other things, ending waivers for allies that purchase Iranian oil. There are a few serious problems with this strategy. First, it’s not clear that five powers (China, Japan, India, South Korea and Turkey) that are the intended targets of Arabian EDITORIAL the pressure campaign will all comply. Gulf “The Iranian economy is already reeling from sanctions that have also led to a shortage in critical medicine, and Ira- Qatar supports strategic project nian-backed militias have been forced to tighten their payrolls,” the New York he strategic ties between Qatar and China got a further Times reported. “By retracting its oil boost with Qatar’s participation in the Belt and Road exemptions, the Trump administration TForum for International Cooperation. A Qatari del- is encroaching on China’s energy egation consisting of Minister of Transport and Communi- security even as Washington is trying to cations H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti and Minister of Com- strike an all-important trade deal with merce and Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, partici- Beijing. The United States also needs pated in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International China’s help in controlling North Cooperation, on Friday that was inaugurated by Chinese Korea’s nuclear weapons President Xi Jinping in Beijing. development.” A number of leaders and representatives from 37 In an essay for NPR, Aaron David counties attended the Forum. The event also attracted Miller and Richard Sokolsky argue that around 5,000 participants from more than 150 countries the United States will not be able to and 80 international organizations, covering regions from drive Iranian oil exports to zero: five continents and multiple players such as governments, “Saudi Arabia and the UAE are sanctions on and off for decades. return to the nuclear deal.” civil societies, business communities and academia. unlikely to sustain higher production Having divided the United States from A long-standing and wrongheaded Qatar is among the first countries that supported initi- levels for very long, out of concern for its negotiating partners (or rather assumption - that we can bring the ative of the Belt and Road project that aims for wider links stability in oil watched as Trump divided the alliance) regime to its knees by unyielding eco- between Asia, Africa and Europe. As Qatar looks the Belt markets. and seen Trump abandon anti-Assad nomic pressure alone - has guided and Road Initiative from a strategic standpoint to link it Iran’s “heavy allies in Syria, it reasonably or not sees presidents of both parties, but especially with its infrastructures such as ports and airports, it has oil,” which less reason to capitulate. Republicans. Miller and Sokolosky signed several agreements and MoUs that support the many coun- Suzanne Maloney writes that warn: initiative. tries need for Trump’s long-stated position is “based “The Iranian regime remains legit- This will have positive If sanctions refined oil upon his conviction that his background imate in the eyes of millions of Iranians, impacts on Qatar’s economy pressure does products, in wrangling real estate deals will has been in place for four decades, and supports its plan to increase, it’s not at cannot be enable him to extract a better bargain retains tremendous repressive power, becoming a key strategic and all clear that Iran replaced by from the Islamic Republic than more enjoys the support of Russia and China economic hub in the region and Saudi light than a decade of diplomacy and and faces no organized opposition on the Qatar is among the world,” according to H E is going to return crude. coercion applied by his Republican and ground. It is fantastical thinking to the ﬁrst countries Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti. The to the bargaining Turkey, Democratic predecessors managed to believe that Washington could get rid of that supported Silk Road, which helps reduce table to redo the China, India produce.” the regime. If internal changes come, initiative of the time and cost for transporting deal, and even and possibly However, it is far from clear Iran they will be driven primarily by Iranians goods, will contribute to cre- some will be willing to reenter talks - or that themselves. In fact, Trump is likely to Belt and Road ating new industrial cities and less clear that it European the rest of the administration would leave before the mullahs do. “The Trump project that communities in a way that sup- will give President allies will find even welcome such an overture. administration can cause Iran severe aims for wider ports growth and common ben- Trump a better deal ways to work Indeed, the administration sometimes pain, but it cannot trigger massive links between efits for countries on its path,” around U.S. sounds as though it expects the Iran internal unrest that that will precipitate said Al Kuwari. than it got with sanctions for problem to be resolved through regime the collapse of the regime or a funda- Asia, Africa and Qatar with its advanced President Barack both eco- change, without a rational plan to mental change in Iran’s regional Europe. world-class infrastructure in Obama. nomic and accomplish that. behaviour.” seaports, air transport and air- geopolitical Miller and Sokolsky observe: “Both So if the administration isn’t entirely ports and logistic projects will make it one of the major reasons. And Pompeo and National Security Adviser sold on negotiations as opposed to hubs and enhance its economic relations with several coun- Iran can reduce oil supplies leaving the John Bolton are longtime champions of regime change, and the Iranians are tries beyond the region. Persian Gulf. It has threatened to close regime change. The 12 demands unlikely to deliver a diplomatic victory The Chinese President noted the success of the initiative the Strait of Hormuz, and could conduct Pompeo issued last year to Tehran to a president that could be gone by or in expanding the global economy, providing new platforms, cyber operations against oil infra- were, for all practical purposes, a before 2020, what’s the game plan? improving governance and providing opportunities for structure on the other side of the Gulf.” demand for Iran’s surrender on the That’s got a lot of veteran negotiators people to prosper. The Chinese and Arab sides are natural Moreover, if sanctions pressure nuclear deal, its regional behavior, its and experts scratching their heads, partners in the construction of the Belt and Road where the does increase, it’s not at all clear that testing of ballistic missiles and other especially since the Trump team has two sides have signed the executive declaration of the Arab- Iran is going to return to the bargaining Iranian practices the U.S. doesn’t like.” simultaneously let up pressure on Iran Chinese partnership in the construction of the project. table to redo the deal, and even less That’s not happening anytime soon. In by, for example, bugging out of Syria. Qatar is one of the first countries to support and express clear that it will give President Trump a the meantime, “Iran is in no hurry to Miller tells me, “If they really are serious its willingness to take part in its implementations is closely better deal than it got with President negotiate, preferring to wait Trump out about getting Iran back to [the] table involved in the interconnection of facilities with China. Qatar Barack Obama. Iran, after all, has been in hopes he will be a one-term pres- they would have to consider actually Airways operates 49 direct flights a week to seven Chinese muddling along under the cloud of ident and the next administration will negotiating, which means give and take. cities and two direct sea routes were also opened between Hamad Port and the ports of Shanghai and Guangzhou in China for the transport of goods and consumables. There are about 200 Chinese companies in Qatar, mostly of them China puts gentler face on Belt and Road, hits back at critics engaged in the engineering, contracting, IT, trade and BEN BLANCHARD & BRENDA GOH On Friday, Xi told foreign leaders - success of Belt and Road projects “will services sectors, some of which have participated in vital REUTERS including close allies such as Russian depend on our determination to keep projects of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the 2022 World President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani our commitments”. “Commitment to Cup. hina sought to put a gentler Prime Minister Imran Khan - that the openness, commitment to trans- China is Qatar’s third largest trading partner and second face on its massive plan to rec- initiative must be green and sus- parency, commitment to fair compe- largest source of imports and the volume of trade between reate the old Silk Road at a tainable, adding that the plan would tition and, of course, commitment to the two countries has grown by 30 percent in 2018 reaching summit that ended on Sat- deliver “high-quality” growth for all. environmental sustainability as well,” C he said. British Chancellor Philip about $14.5bn. urday, saying it must do more to Meeting Greek Prime Minister explain the programme and boost sus- Alexis Tsipras, Xi said Belt and Road Hammond said that for Belt and Road tainability even as state media hit back was about promoting mutually bene- to be successful it had to deliver “the at critics. President Xi Jinping has made ficial, win-win international cooper- highest international standards of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as it is ation, not a “you lose, I win” scheme, transparency, of governance, but also QUOTE OF THE DAY formally called, one of the cornerstones according to a read-out from China’s of environmental integrity”. of his administration. But it has run into Foreign Ministry. “President Xi made a speech this We should consider opposition in some countries over fears “We must explain this point to the morning in which he committed China digital connectivity, that opaque financing arrangements world, to win even greater under- to all of those things and set out his mobility of labour and lead to unsustainable debt and that it is standing and support,” the ministry vision for the next stage of Belt and transfer of skills, cultural more about promoting Chinese paraphrased Xi as saying. China has Road and we will be looking very care- influence than bringing development. been keen to show that Belt and Road is fully at how that is operationalised,” he links and knowledge China has at times reacted angrily to even winning acceptance in Western said on Friday. and innovation such doubts, tending to characterise nations, especially after Italy became Even Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader connectivity to further critics as harbouring anti-Chinese prej- the first G7 country to sign on last of another good Chinese friend, expand the scope of udice and wishing to contain the coun- month. Britain’s finance minister, Myanmar, said Belt and Road had to Belt and Road Initiative. try’s rise, while overlooking what Beijing France’s foreign minister and Ger- take into account realities on the says are genuine good intentions. many’s economy minister all made the ground. “The projects must not only be The Belt and Road scheme seeks to trek to Beijing for the event. Those economically feasible but also socially Imran Khan build a modern version of the Silk Road countries reminded China of the need and environmentally responsible and, Prime Minister of Pakistan to link China with Asia, Europe and for high standards and transparency. most importantly, they must win the beyond through large-scale infra- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves confidence and support of local com- structure projects. Le Drian told the summit that the munities,” she told the summit. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 HOME 09

International Workers’ Day

Under the patronage of: H E Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs and the participation of the International Labor Organization (ILO)

International Workers’ Day

Qatar contributes to the Protection of Workers’ Rights and ILO Centenary

On the occasion of the International Workers’ Day celebration and the Centenary of International Labor Organization, the Modern Standards, Practices for Protection of Workers’ Rights and New Legislation issued by the State of Qatar supported by International Organizations will be discussed in order to highlight the role of

Tel.: Fax: Mobile: +974 - 44660036 +974 - 44657169 +974 - 50095454 Email: [email protected] 10 ASIA SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 15 dead as Sri Lanka forces raid militant hide-out Three men set off explosives that India issues travel advisory for killed themselves, its nationals visiting Sri Lanka three women and six IANS NEW DELHI children inside what was believed to a India yesterday issued an advisory asking its nationals to avoid militant hideout near “non-essential travel” to Sri Lanka where the situation continues the eastern town of to be precarious in the wake of last Sundays terror attacks. “In view of the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka in the Kalmunai on Friday aftermath of terror attacks on April 21, Indian nationals intending night. to travel to Sri Lanka are advised not to undertake non-essential travel,” the advisory issued by the External Affairs Ministry said. The Indian advisory added: “In case of those undertaking AFP essential/emergency travels, they can contact the High Commission COLOMBO of India in Colombo or the Assistant High Commission in Kandy/ Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna in case of requirement of Fifteen people including six any assistance.” The advisory said the helpline numbers of the children died in a battle between Indian High Commission are available on the mission’s website. Sri Lankan security forces and suicide bombers who blew Security personnel seen at the site of an overnight gun battle, between troops and suspected Islamist themselves up in the latest fallout house and a one-hour long gun Zahran Hashim who founded the militants, on the east coast of Sri Lanka, in Kalmunai, yesterday. from the Easter attacks, police battle ensued before the explo- group accused of staging the said yesterday. sions, a military official said. attacks. The operation followed Three men set off explosives A civilian was also killed in a tip-off that people linked to the carrying out the attacks. defensive over its failure to heed “betrayed” by the government’s that killed themselves, three the crossfire during the night- attacks were in the town, 370km Police said they found an IS a foreign intelligence warning failure to act on the warnings. women and six children inside time raid near the predominantly east of the capital. flag and uniforms similar to that NTJ was planning suicide Prime Minister Ranil Wick- what was believed to a militant Muslim town, with hundreds of Video on state television those worn by the eight fighters bombings on churches. remesinghe apologised on hideout near the eastern town of families later fleeing their homes. showed explosives, a generator, for the video. IS released the Police chief Pujith Friday. “We take collective Kalmunai on Friday night. Police and troops have a drone and a large quantity of video two days after the attacks. Jayasundara became the second responsibility and apologise to “Three other men, also stepped up raids after the Islamic batteries inside the house. Authorities named Hashim’s top official to resign over the our fellow citizens for our believed to be suicide bombers, State group claimed responsi- The clashes came hours after group, National Thowheeth blunders on Friday, after top failure to protect victims of were found dead outside the bility for the suicide attacks on security forces raided a nearby Jama’ath (NTJ), as the perpe- defence ministry official these tragic events,” the PM house,” police added in a three churches and three luxury location where they believe trators of the attack, but Hemasiri Fernando also stepped wrote on Twitter. Amidst fears statement. The three outside hotels, which killed least 253 Hashim and the other bombers announced on Friday he had down. Sri Lanka’s Catholic of attacks, the Roman Catholic were shot dead by security people and injured 500. recorded a video pledge of alle- been killed in the bombing of the leader, Cardinal Malcolm church has suspended all public forces, police officials added. Kalmunai is in the same region giance to Islamic State leader Shangri-La hotel in Colombo. Ranjith, the archbishop of services across the country until Security forces tried to storm the as the home town of the militant Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi before The government is on the Colombo, has said he felt security is guaranteed.

Prayers for Bangladeshi boy who died in Sri Lanka attack Ailing Jet AP in Dhaka. Zayan was with his Cabinet minister who is a cousin with Zayan, his voice choking martyr. Please save Bangladesh technician DHAKA father having breakfast at a hotel of Bangladeshi Prime Minister several times. and the rest of the world from restaurant when it came under Sheikh Hasina. Zayan was He condemned extremism the extremists who campaign commits suicide More than 1,000 people gathered attack. His father was critically buried on Wednesday in Dhaka and said his grandson was a for violence,” the imam in Bangladesh’s capital yesterday injured in the explosion and is after his body was flown back victim of the mindless campaign announced through loud- IANS to remember an 8-year-old being treated abroad. His mother home. of violence that rocked Sri Lanka. speakers. “Please help our hon- PALGHAR, MAHARASHTRA Bangladeshi boy who was killed and younger brother were safe Zayan’s grandfather Sheikh “Please pray for my Zayan,” ourable Prime Minister Sheikh in one of the Easter bombings in as they were in the hotel room Fazlul Karim Selim was joined he said. As the imam recited holy Hasina so that she can crush the An ailing senior technician Sri Lanka. during the attack. yesterday by Hasina’s advisers verses from the Quran, the gath- extremists,” he said. Bangladesh working with the beleaguered They raised their hands The boy, who was vaca- and several Cabinet members as erers said “amen” loudly, seeking has been hit by militants in Jet Airways committed suicide seeking blessings for Zayan tioning with his family, was the an imam led the prayer at a play- blessings. recent years. Following the Sri by jumping off his building Chowdhury while many of his grandson of a top ruling Awami ground in Dhaka’s Banani area. “Allah, Zayan is the victim Lanka attacks, Hasina urged terrace, police said here relatives cried at a prayer session League party leader and former Selim shared fond memories of cruelty, he has died as a Bangladeshis to stay alert. yesterday. “Shailesh Singh was suffering from cancer and was in great pain. He had been discharged from hospital after Campaigning ends for undergoing chemotherapy earlier this week. He ended his life on Friday afternoon,” Tulinj fourth phase of LS polls Police Station Senior Inspector Daniel Ben said. To a question, IANS at 4pm in the three Jharkhand Ben said the police are not NEW DELHI constituencies. aware of the Singh family facing In Madhya Pradesh, while it any financial problems due to Campaigning came to an end ended at 6pm in the Sidhi, the airlines crisis. Singh, 45, is yesterday in 71 constituencies Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla and survived by his wife, two sons, spread over nine states, mostly in Chhindwara constituencies, it including one working in the the Hindi heartland, which will ended at different times between airlines’ operations department, go to the polls tomorrow in the 4 and 6pm in different assembly and two daughters, and the fourth phase of the mega seven- segments of the Balaghat parlia- police have registered an acci- phase electoral exercise. mentary constituency owing to dental death case with investi- As the silence period began, security reasons. gations underway. election rallies and street corner In this phase, the BJP would meetings ended in 17 constitu- be defending 45 of the 71 seats it Another Telangana encies in Maharashtra, 13 each in won in 2014 Lok Sabha elections student ends life Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, — all the 13 in Rajasthan, 12 in eight in West Bengal, six in Uttar Pradesh, five in Madhya IANS Madhya Pradesh, six in Odisha, Pradesh, three in Bihar, three in HYDERABAD five in Bihar and three in Jharkhand, eight in Maharashtra Jharkhand. While campaigning and one in West Bengal. Biju Another Intermediate student ended at 6pm in all seats going to Janata Dal won all six in Odisha, committed suicide in Telangana Indian Bollywood actor Sunny Deol joins the roadshow in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate polls in West Bengal, Uttar the Trinamool Congress six in yesterday, taking the toll to 20 for Ajmer parliament seat, Bhagirath Choudhary, in Ajmer, Rajasthan yesterday, ahead of the fourth Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal and the Samawadi since the Board of Intermediate Maharashtra and Bihar, it ended Party one in Uttar Pradesh. phase of India’s general election. Education last week announced the results, which were marred by goof-ups. In the latest Shatrughan stirs controversy over Jinnah remarks incident, a 17-year-old girl immolated herself in Naray- IANS support of Congress candidate “This is the reason why I have comment. If you are saying then Sinha has just gone to the Con- anpet district. Depressed after CHHINDWAR, MADHYA PRADESH and Madhya Pradesh Chief Min- come here. I have joined the he must have said it but I did not gress. Now he says that Jinnah failing in one subject in the 12th ister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul Congress for the first and last hear it... I must have been talking was also a great man like standard examination, Sirisha Actor-turned-politician Nath on Friday in Sausar, Sinha time and will not turn back now,” to other people at that time,” the Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar committed self-immolation at Shatrughan Sinha has stirred a said Congress “family” belongs said Sinha, who recently joined Chief Minister said as the con- Patel. The Congress leaders are her house in Dhanwada block controversy by saying that to leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress after quitting the troversy erupted. praising Jinnah, who has divided of Narayanpet district, about Pakistan founder Mohammed Ali Sardar Patel, Jinnah, Jawaharlal BJP. Sinha made the remarks in BJP President Amit Shah the country. It is their character,” 160km from Hyderabad. Her Jinnah had the “biggest” role in Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv presence of Kamal Nath, who raked up the issue while Shah said. Senior Congress parents had gone to the fields India’s Independence and Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi who despite sharing the same stage, addressing a rally in Odisha’s leader P Chidambaram, when when she took the extreme progress, evoking sharp attack played the “biggest and the most said yesterday that he did not Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha constit- asked about the issue at a press step. The family members said from the BJP. significant role” in India’s hear any such thing. uency and slammed Sinha for conference, said it was for Sinha she was depressed after failing Addressing a public rally in progress and Independence. “I did not hear any such praising Jinnah. “Shatrughan to explain. in zoology. Global software ‘glitch’ leaves Air India passengers stranded AFP More than 80 domestic and routine software upgrade. It was cancellations and the airline to run day-to-day operations. counters. “Thousands stranded NEW DELHI international flights were resolved after six hours,” Air expects operations to be back to The state-owned loss making at the airport for over 3 hours. delayed for six hours because of India spokesman Praveen Bhat- normal by early evening, the Air India operates more than 450 No updates. No one to talk to. Thousands of Air India a problem with the company’s nagar said. spokesman said. fights a day across the globe, with Terrible service,” a traveller passengers were stranded at check-in software that brought Bhatnagar said most of the India’s aviation industry is in a majority of them domestically. posted on Twitter from Delhi airports across the world operations to a halt, causing delays were on its domestic choppy waters after one of the Hundreds of furious passengers International airport. yesterday, after a software further flight delays across the circuit and they were “doing eve- country’s largest private carriers, took to social media to complain Yesterday’s software mal- “glitch” left those travelling with globe. rything possible to clear the Jet Airways, last week halted its about the widespread disruption, function is a repeat of a similar the state-run airline unable to “Our check-in software backlog”. operations indefinitely following posting pictures and videos of outage in June last year that check in, officials said. experienced a glitch following a There were no flight refusal by lenders to pay it cash passengers waiting at check-in caused flight delays globally. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 ASIA 11 Pakistan wants BRI nations to establish tourism corridor ANATOLIA PM Imran said: “Connectivity has been a part of ISLAMABAD our heritage and CPEC is giving it modern shape Pakistan yesterday suggested the in the 21st Century. As our region becomes more Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) linked and prosperous, my expectation is that countries to establish tourism we will find it easier to find common solutions corridor for cultural and tourism exchanges between the members for longstanding problems.” countries. Addressing the leaders’s the BRI umbrella, we should con- fields, aimed at overcoming roundtable meeting of second sider further areas including constraints and achieving BRI forum in Beijing, Pakistani digital connectivity, mobility of growth. Prime Minister Imran Khan labour, cultural links to assist the BRI, proposed by China in praised the Chinese President Xi development of tourism which 2013, aims to build a trade and Jinping’s initiative and said BRI increases jobs and small busi- infrastructure network con- would break barriers among the nesses,” Imran suggested. necting Asia with Europe and countries to connect people and Explaining the multibillion Africa. Currently 126 countries integrate economies and share China-Pakistan Economic Cor- and 29 international organisa- prosperity. ridor (CPEC), Imran added that tions of the world have signed “I feel that to further boost it was a collection of projects in the documents and became part connectivity and benefits under road, rail, energy and other of the initiative. “We are building highways, modernising railroads, setting up CPEC transforming Pakistan: Imran power plants, establishing a port, and establishing Special Eco- INTERNEWS Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (left), Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades (centre), and BEIJING Cooperation in Beijing and was nomic Zones. And a new port is other leaders at a family picture in Leader’s Roundtable Session of 2nd BRI Forum at International welcomed by Chinese President connecting regions and even- Convention Centre, Yanqi Lake, in Beijing, yesterday. Xi Jinping upon arrival. tually continents,” the Prime Prime Minister Imran Khan “President Xi Jinping has Minister explained. yesterday said the China- given the BRI vision to break Highlighting the importance 21st Century. As our region shorter route for China’s imports through a network of roads, Pakistan Economic Corridor barriers, connect people, inte- of his country, Pakistani Premier becomes more linked and pros- compared to the South China railways, and pipelines to (CPEC) was a source of trans- grate economies and share said his country lied at the cross- perous, my expectation is that Sea, reduce the cost for Chinese transport cargo, oil, and gas. formation for Pakistan and the prosperity,” the Prime Minister roads of important regions and we will find it easier to find companies, and develop The economic corridor will country was privileged to have said. “Pakistan is privileged to throughout their history, they common solutions for long- western China as well. not only provide China cheaper been an early partner of China. have been an early partner of have connected ideas, cultures, standing problems,” Imran The $64 billion mega- access to Africa and the Middle PM Imran attended the China ... CPEC is not a trans- and commerce. hoped. project signed in 2014 aims to East but will also earn Pakistan Leaders’ Roundtable meeting action, rather it is a transfor- “Connectivity has been a He said that the connectivity connect China’s strategically billions of dollars for providing at the Second Belt and Road mation of our society,” the part of our heritage and CPEC of Gwadar Port with China’s important northwestern Xin- transit facilities to the world’s Forum for International Premier asserted. is giving it modern shape in the Xinjiang region will provide a jiang province to Gwadar port second-largest economy. Xi says more nations joining BRI; $64bn deals signed Alice Wells to AFP from Chinese banks. main driver in all Belt and Road visit Islamabad BEIJING But critics say the six-year- projects and market principles old project is a plan to boost Bei- will apply, with governments this week Chinese President Xi Jinping said jing’s global influence, riddled providing a supporting role. yesterday $64bn in deals were with opaque deals favouring “This will make the projects INTERNEWS signed at a summit on his Belt Chinese companies and saddling more sustainable and create a ISLAMABAD and Road Initiative and more nations with debt and environ- fair and non-discriminatory nations would join the global mental damage. environment for foreign Pakistan and the United States infrastructure programme as he The US, India and some investors,” Xi said. are expected to hold an sought to ease concerns over the European nations have looked Xi said that business leaders important session of talks from colossal project. at the project with suspicion. meeting at a side event signed this week in Islamabad. Xi and 37 world leaders Washington did not send any some $64bn worth of deals According to diplomatic wrapped up a three-day forum representatives to the meeting. during the forum, without pro- sources, a US delegation, headed in Beijing with pledges to ensure “This year’s forum sends a viding details. At the picturesque by Principal Deputy Assistant that projects on the new Silk clear message: more and more Yanqi Lake outside Beijing, Secretary for South and Central Road are green and financially friends and partners will join in leaders from Europe, Africa, Asia Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice sustainable following concerns the Belt and Road co-operation,” and Latin America gathered to Wells, will arrive in Pakistan on about debt and environmental Xi said. issue a joint communique. Tuesday to discuss economic damage. A document released after The gathering included and business relations. China’s President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives for a press “We are committed to sup- the meeting showed that Equa- Russian President Vladimir Sources said Pakistan has briefing at the end of the final day of the Belt and Road Forum porting open, clean and green torial Guinea, Liberia, Luxem- Putin, Italian Prime Minister also made regional security development and rejecting pro- in Beijing, yesterday. bourg, Jamaica, Peru, Italy, Bar- Giuseppe Conte, whose nation affairs as part of the agenda for tectionism,” Xi told journalists at bados, Cyprus and Yemen were became the first G7 member to the talks. The representatives the end of the forum, without aims to reinvent the ancient Silk investments in maritime, road the latest countries to join the join Belt and Road, and Paki- are also expected to review taking questions. Road to connect Asia to Europe and rail projects - with hundreds club. stan’s Prime Minister Imran various options for promoting His signature foreign policy and Africa through massive of billions of dollars in financing Xi said enterprises will be the Khan. relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries. Last year in November when Japan kicks off Pakistan to deploy female infantry engagement team to Congo Ambassador Wells visited Pakistan, Islamabad and Wash- unprecedented INTERNEWS staff officers in peacekeeping and complex conflict situations and displaying a blind spot for ington agreed to continue efforts NEW YORK missions, thus fulfilling its around the world”, she said. some of the most vulnerable to promote shared objectives of long holiday responsibilities in accordance The Pakistani Envoy con- women who suffer dispropor- peace and stability in the region The Permanent Representative with the uniformed gender parity tinued, “One of the most effective tionately from violence perpe- and diversify bilateral rela- AFP of Pakistan to the United Nations strategy and Security Council ways to prevent conflict-based trated by foreign occupation,” tionship. She met Finance Min- TOKYO (UN) Maleeha Lodhi yesterday resolutions.” “Our professional sexual violence is to eliminate she said. ister held delegation-level talks said Pakistan was deploying a peacekeepers to the UN, the breeding grounds that are The Pakistani Ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Japan yesterday kicked off an female infantry engagement including our female peace- spawned by unresolved dis- pointed out that while Security The meeting took stock of the unprecedented 10-day holiday, team to the Democratic Republic keepers, continue to set the putes.” She also called to fully Council was leading global understanding reached between including celebration days for of the Congo. highest standards in fulfilling integrate gender perspectives in efforts to eliminate the scourge Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood the imperial transition, as Speaking during a debate in peacekeeping mandates, and the UN’s peace-building of conflict-related sexual vio- Qureshi and US Secretary of airports were packed with the General Assembly on Sexual protecting all vulnerable seg- paradigm. lence, women, especially young State to rebuild the relationship record travellers while people Violence, Lodhi said, “Pakistan ments of the population, “By leaving disputes unad- girls, continued to carry the main based on mutual trust and queued at teller machines in the has achieved the goal of including women, from violence dressed, the Security Council burnt of physical and psycho- respect, said a statement issued cash-dominated nation. deployment of 15 percent female in some of the most dangerous runs the risk of acting selectively logical abuse and trauma. by the Foreign Office. Japan is preparing for the abdication of Emperor Akihito on Tuesday the day before Aki- hito’s eldest son, 59-year-old Moon-Kim summit Crown Prince Naruhito, takes the throne. anniversary marked The long holiday for the AFP famously hard-working Jap- SEOUL North Korea’s nuclear weapons, anese combines two cele- with Pyongyang and Wash- bration days with the tradi- ington deadlocked since a tional “Golden Week” in May. North and South Korea second summit between Trump While many plan to com- yesterday struck different notes and Kim in Hanoi in February memorate the national cere- as they marked the first anni- broke down without a deal. monies across the country, versary of a summit between Moon, who brokered the others are seizing the rare their leaders that fuelled a first meeting between the two opportunity for a trip at home whirlwind of diplomacy which mercurial leaders, has tried to and overseas. has died down amid deadlock salvage the diplomacy although A record 60,700 people over Pyongyang’s denucleari- the North has remained largely were expected to go abroad sation. unresponsive. from Narita airport, Tokyo’s Kim Jong Un and President North Korea did not respond main gateway, yesterday, Moon Jae-in held their first to the South’s invitation this Japan’s public broadcaster NHK meeting on April 27 last year in week for yesterday’s ceremony said. Domestic holidaymakers the Demilitarised Zone dividing at Panmunjom . formed long queues for the peninsula amid a rapid dip- Instead, the North’s Com- Shinkansen bullet services at lomatic thaw, paving the way for mittee for the Peaceful Reunifi- Tokyo station to return home a historic summit between Kim cation of the Country, which or go sightseeing, while and US President Donald Trump handles inter-Korean relations, A screen shows a picture of South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong highways were crowded with in Singapore in June. urged Seoul Saturday to take Un, during a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of Panmunjom declaration, outside of the Peace vehicles in a major exodus from But one year later, little “more active measures” to the capital. House at the southern side of Panmunjom in the Demilitarised Zone, South Korea, yesterday. progress has been made on improve ties. 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019

SAS pilot strike continues, Spain goes to the polls today more flights grounded

REUTERS MADRID across Scandinavia

REUTERS The leaders of all of Spain’s main STOCKHOLM again”. The flag carrier, which is political parties invited their part-owned by the Swedish and supporters on Friday night to Danish governments, has said it prepare for power, as Scandinavian airline SAS is prepared to resume negotia- campaigning for one of the cancelled hundreds of flights tions but warned that meeting tightest national elections in scheduled for today as a pilot pilots’ demands would have dire decades drew to a close. strike entered its second day, consequences for the company. No single party will get an disrupting the travel plans of The aviation industry’s employer overall majority in today’s ballot, tens of thousands of passengers. body in Sweden has said pilots and opinion polls suggest all five SAS pilots went on strike on demanded a 13 percent wage leading contenders have a real- Friday as wage talks broke hike, despite what it called istic chance of playing a role in down, grounding around 70 already high average wages of government. percent of the airline’s flights 93,000 Swedish crowns a month. Divisive and often ill-tem- and hitting some 170,000 people The SAS Pilot Group, a pered, the election has been over the weekend alone. union body representing 95 fought mainly on emotive topics “We deeply regret that our percent of the airline’s pilots in - notably issues of national customers are affected by the Denmark, Norway and Sweden, identity linked to Catalonia’s ongoing pilot strike,” SAS said says that the dispute concerns drive for independence - with Spain’s Prime Minister and Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) candidate Pedro Sanchez attends an in a statement on Saturday out- more than simply wages, the economy taking a rare back electoral campaign closing rally in Valencia, Spain. lining its flight cancellations for pointing to demands for more seat. With campaigning having the rest of the weekend. predictable and transparent ended at midnight, party leaders “Due to the strike another working hours. remained mostly non-committal Most polls have “No one gave Trump any chance parties, notably from Catalonia, estimated 64,000 passengers will Analysts at Sydbank have about potential alliances after shown Socialist of becoming President and he is. which would seek concessions be affected when 587 flights are estimated that the strike is the vote - though Spain’s political Workers’ Party likely No one thought (far-right Jair) Bol- that Sanchez - labelled a traitor cancelled across Scandinavia.” costing SAS 60-80 million landscape has effectively coa- to need backing from sonaro would become President by the right for being open to SAS has taken steps such as Swedish crowns ($6.3 million to lesced around two distinct elec- of Brazil, and he has,” Sanchez told dialogue with secessionists - offering free food to passengers $8.41 million) per day, which toral blocs, one on the left and smaller nationalist a crowd of around 3,000 in the might find hard to swallow. waiting to find alternative flights would effectively wipe out the the other on the right. parties, notably from working class Madrid suburb of Official opinion polls ended at airports across Scandinavia, airline’s expected net profit for Outgoing Socialist Prime Catalonia. Vallecas. on Monday, with up to four in but several travellers complained the year were it to last two Minister Pedro Sanchez - who Under the most optimistic ten voters still undecided. on social media that they were weeks. The strike at SAS does made overtures to far-left scenario for the Socialists, The main rightist challenger, unable to reach the airline’s cus- not affect flights operated by its Podemos during a televised That would be formed of three Sanchez could stay on as leader Pablo Casado of the conservative tomer services. “Hey SAS I’ve partners, which make up debate on Tuesday - cited US parties and include radical new- of the euro zone’s fourth largest PP party, said his party was the been trying to contact you for a roughly 30 percent of all depar- President Donald Trump in comer Vox, part of a broader far- economy with just Podemos as best option for removing day now,” one wrote on Twitter, tures. The airline said it was warning supporters against right movement that has already an ally. But most polls have Sanchez from office, and urged to which SAS responded: “Our offering passengers booked on allowing a right-wing alliance to entered government in some shown them likely to need those on the right to vote customer service is answering flights through May 1 to take office. European countries, notably Italy. backing from smaller nationalist tactically. the phone as fast as they can. Try reschedule free of charge. Yellow vests Moscow hints at simplifying nationality process for all Ukrainians protesters AFP BEIJING signed a decree allowing people Twitter. Putin’s decree came just said he is ready to talk with a a Russian and Ukrainian pension. living in the breakaway regions days after Ukraine elected new Ukrainian leadership. “These people still live under clash with Moscow is “thinking” of making to receive a Russian passport comedian Volodymyr Zelensky he said yesterday that he bullets and have shells explode it easier for all Ukrainians to within three months of applying as President. The actor, due to wanted to “understand” Zelen- sometimes in their gardens,” French police obtain Russian citizenship, Pres- for one. be inaugurated by early June, sky’s position on the conflict. Putin said. The EU condemned REUTERS ident Vladimir Putin said The conflict between the called for more international The Russian leader said Moscow’s passport scheme, PARIS yesterday, after it earlier moved Ukrainian government and sanctions against Russia in Moscow will meet all “social calling it a fresh assault on to grant passports in the coun- breakaway rebels began after response. responsibilities to our new cit- Ukraine’s sovereignty and saying French police fired tear gas to try’s separatist east, causing Moscow annexed Kiev’s Crimea “This is another clear confir- izens of Russia”. Russia sought to “destabilise” push back protesters who tried uproar in Kiev. peninsula in 2014. The war has mation for the world of Russia’s After they receive a Russian Ukraine after its presidential to march towards the European “We are actually thinking claimed some 13,000 lives. real role as an aggressor state, passport, residents of eastern election. Parliament building in the about providing citizenship in a The latest declaration waging war against Ukraine,” his Ukraine will be eligible for This week Kiev appealed to eastern city of Strasbourg simplified order to all citizens of sparked more condemnation in press service said in a statement “social payments, pensions and the UN Security Council to take yesterday, on the 25th consec- Ukraine, not only residents of the Kiev. “Russia wants further this week. their increase, everything will be action to oppose Putin’s decree. utive weekend of protests Lugansk and Donetsk republics,” escalation and chaos in Ukraine Zelensky - a political novice fulfilled,” he said. Ukrainian Ambassador Volo- against President Emmanuel Putin told the press during his and therefore continues to com- - has pledged to “reboot” peace Such payments would not dymyr Yelchenko told a council Macron’s policies. visit to Beijing, referring to the plicate the rules of the game,” talks with the separatists that strain the Russian budget, he meeting that the decree was The so-called ‘yellow vests’ unrecognised separatist Dmytro Kuleba, Kiev’s per- also involve Russia and the West. added, saying it is “theoretically “simply illegal” and amounted protesters were back on the republics governed by Moscow- manent representative to the Putin has not congratulated possible” for residents in the sep- to a “creeping annexation” of streets across France two days backed rebels. This week Putin Council of Europe, wrote on Zelensky on his election win but aratist territories to receive both eastern Ukraine. after Macron outlined policy proposals including tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros ($5.58 billion) in response to the 17 dead in east Ukraine protests. The protests, named after coal mine blast motorists’ high-visibility jackets, began in November AFP four people missing. Pasechnik over fuel tax increases but has KIEV called the explosion at the morphed into a sometimes Skhidcarbon mine a “terrible violent revolt against politicians The death toll from a coal mine tragedy” and declared April 29 and a government they see as blast in a separatist eastern a day of mourning. out of touch. region of Ukraine rose to 17 Russia’s Emergency Situa- Many in the grassroots yesterday, rebel authorities said. tions Ministry sent mine rescuers movement, which lacks a lead- The gas blast on Thursday to the separatist territory after ership structure, have said ripped through the mine in it requested help, it said in a Macron’s proposals did not go Yurievka village in the self-pro- statement. far enough and most of what claimed republic of Lugansk, The Lugansk news agency he announced lacked details. which broke away from Kiev in said the mine was closed in 2014 Around two thousand pro- 2014 and is run by Moscow- due to the conflict between testers had gathered near the backed rebels. Kiev’s forces and the Russia- seat of European Union insti- “The tragedy took the life of backed separatists, but was reo- tutions in Strasbourg, where 17 miners,” Leonid Pasechnik, pened in 2018. organisers had planned make the head of the unrecognised Most of Ukraine’s coal is the protest international by Lugansk republic, said on produced in its eastern region, symbolically marching to the Twitter. where the ongoing fighting has parliament building, a month He added that the bodies of cost some 13,000 lives. ahead of EU-wide parlia- Protest in London all the miners that died have Kiev has tried to boost the mentary elections. been recovered. operations of other pits under Previous yellow vests pro- Cyclists lay down as they take part in the Extinction Rebellion protest at the Tate Modern in London, Earlier the death toll its control in the west of the tests in Strasbourg had mostly Britain, yesterday. accounted to 13, with another country. been peaceful. Fearing violence and destruction of public buildings that has sometimes marred the Assange’s lawyers file ‘extortion’ complaint in Spanish court demonstrations, authorities had banned protests and barricaded AFP after Quito terminated his was ongoing and alleged “espi- out of WikiLeaks not to publish embassy. Last year, Quito cut his the neighbourhood where the MADRID asylum. onage” in the embassy against any of it, Spanish media report. Internet and mobile phone parliament and other EU insti- The 47-year-old founder of Assange, refusing to give further Eldiario.es, which had access, accusing him of breaking tutions are located. Julian Assange’s lawyers have WikiLeaks, which exposed eve- details. access to the written complaint “a written commitment” not to A Reuters witness said filed a court complaint in Spain rything from US military secrets According to Spanish media that was filed to Spain’s top- interfere in its and allies’ foreign police fired several canisters of against a group of Spaniards to the wealthy’s tax evasion, is reports, four Spaniards have level National Court, says policies. tear gas to push back the they allege extorted the now awaiting sentencing for videos and personal documents Assange’s lawyers also accuse The move infuriated demonstrators. WikiLeaks founder and Ecua- breaching his British bail con- of Assange. Ecuador of spying on him. Assange, who sued the gov- French television showed dor’s Foreign Ministry, a source ditions in 2012. Online daily eldiario.es said The National Court could not ernment for violating his “fun- some hooded protesters in his defence team said The source, who wished to they somehow got these via an comment when contacted. damental rights” by limiting his throwing back stones and other yesterday. remain anonymous, said the alleged spying system set up in That contrasts with Ecua- access to the outside world. objects at the police. Assange, who for seven complaint was against “a group the embassy that included doran President Lenin Moreno’s Now in prison in Britain, In the capital Paris, which years lived holed up in London’s of Spaniards who allegedly security cameras and employees version of events. Assange is also fighting a US has witnessed some of the Ecuadoran embassy where he engaged in extortion and the taking photos of all documents In an interview with the extradition warrant relating to worst violence in past protests, had taken refuge to avoid extra- Embassy’s employees and Ecua- handled by Assange. Guardian newspaper, he alleged the release by WikiLeaks of a yesterday’s demonstration was dition to Sweden on rape accu- dor’s Foreign Ministry.” The They allegedly tried to extort Assange had tried to set up a huge cache of official mostly calm. sations, was arrested on April 11 source added an investigation three million euros ($3.3 million) “centre for spying” in Ecuador’s documents. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 AMERICAS 13

Warrant out EU slams Trump’s for ringleader withdrawal from of N Korean embassy raid arms trade treaty in Madrid

AFP EU chief envoy REUTERS BRUSSELS Federica Mogherini LOS ANGELES says the bloc views The European Union warned the pact as key to US authorities are focused on yesterday that US President Southern California in their Donald Trump’s rejection of a “contributing to manhunt for a one-time human UN treaty designed to regulate international efforts rights activist accused of the global arms trade would to ensure peace, leading a violent takeover of hamper the global fight against security and stability”. North Korea’s embassy in illicit weapons trafficking. Spain, according to a federal “A decision by the US to arrest warrant unsealed on revoke its signature would not Friday. Adrian Hong Chang is contribute to the ongoing efforts implementation,” Mogherini wanted by Spain in connection to encourage transparency in said. The treaty, which entered with the alleged embassy raid the international arms trade, to into effect in December 2014, in February, but his lawyer prevent illicit trafficking and to requires member countries to denounced the US Justice combat the diversion of conven- keep records of international Department for seeking his tional arms,” said the EU’s chief transfers of weapons and to pro- arrest and extradition based on diplomat, Federica Mogherini. hibit cross-border shipments “the highly unreliable accounts “The EU will continue to call that could be used in human of North Korean government Trucks wait in a long queue for border customs control to cross into the US, in one of the main roads on all states, and in particular rights violations or attacks on witnesses.” The warrant, citing of Tijuana, Mexico. the major arms exporters and civilians. information from Spanish importers, to join the Arms While 130 countries origi- authorities, describes Hong Trade Treaty without delay,” she nally signed the treaty, only 101 Chang as the mastermind of a said. Trump said on Friday the have ratified it. Those include Goods delays at US border worries Mexico raid by seven individuals on the United States would not abide major powers like France, North Korean Embassy in by the 2013 treaty aimed at reg- Germany and the United AFP impact to Mexican and American exports are to the United States. Madrid on February 22 that ulating the global arms trade, Kingdom. MEXICO CITY companies caused by the delays In March Washington began with Hong Chang posing calling it “misguided” and an The world’s largest arms in customs,” the foreign ministry ordered the re-assignment of as a visiting businessman. encroachment on US traders, the United States, China Mexico has expressed fresh said in a statement. 2,000 customs officers to He and six fellow intruders, sovereignty. and Russia, have not joined. concern to the United States The situation on the border support the border patrol in the armed with knives, iron bars, The US Senate never ratified “The unregulated arms trade about delays in the movement “negatively impacts trade as well processing of a wave of migrants machetes and imitation pistols, the treaty after former President continues to cause major suf- of goods and people across their as the sources of employment seeking to enter US territory. The then stormed the embassy, Barack Obama endorsed it. fering in many parts of the border, after becoming Wash- and consumers in both coun- stepped-up surveillance has restrained and physically beat Trump said he was revoking his world, fuelling conflicts, ter- ington’s biggest trade partner for tries,” it said. sparked delays in processing the the charge d’affaires and predecessor’s signature. rorism and organised crime,” the first time earlier this year. According to the Foreign passage of goods and people. several other employees and Mogherini said the EU Mogherini said. The diplomatic note from the Ministry, in the first two months Tens of thousands of Central held them captive for several viewed the pact - which seeks “Small arms and light Foreign Ministry on Friday is the of the year Mexico was “for the Americans have traversed hours before fleeing the com- to regulate the flow of weapons weapons kill around 500,000 latest sign of tension between the first time in history” the main Mexico in so-called “caravans” pound, according to the to conflict zones - as key to people every year, in addition north American neighbours trading partner of the United in the hope of reaching the warrant. They got away with “contributing to international to the victims of other conven- since President Donald Trump States, with goods worth $97 United States. Trump says the computer equipment and a efforts to ensure peace, security tional weapons.” Trump has last month threatened to close billion changing hands. migrants are a threat to US mobile phone stolen from the and stability. already withdrawn the United the border if Mexico didn’t stop Data from the Ministry of national security and has embassy, which Hong Chang, “All 28 Member States have States from the Paris Agreement illegal immigrants from reaching Finance shows that from January demanded that Mexico detain also known as Adrian Hong, joined the ATT and are deter- on curbing Earth-warming the US. to November 2018, bilateral them and send them home. He presented days later to the FBI mined in pursuing its objectives carbon emissions, signed by “During the month of April trade was worth $527 billion. has also threatened to close the in New York after fleeing back and its universal ratification and most of the world’s nations. there has been an economic Some 80 percent of Mexico’s border if Mexico doesn’t act. to the United States, the warrant says. A Spanish judicial court said earlier this week that the Colombia peace FBI later handed the material Lula says Brazil governed by ‘gang of madmen’ over to Spanish authorities who tribunal orders have since returned it to capture of former AFP incarcerated for the past year people don’t deserve that,” Folha campaign to prevent a leftist Pyongyang’s mission in Madrid. RIO DE JANEIRO for bribery and money de S. Paulo reported Lula as leader from returning to power. The incident at the embassy FARC leader laundering. saying of President Jair Bol- This week, an appeals court came at a sensitive time, just Former Brazilian President Luiz “I know very well the place sonaro’s far-right reduced his 12 year sentence to days ahead of a second summit Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday history holds for me. And I also administration. eight years and 10 months. between US President Donald AFP said the country was governed know who will be in the Bolsonaro entered office in The ruling could mean Lula Trump and North Korean leader BOGOTA by a “gang of madmen” in his dumpster,” said Lula, charis- January, defeating Workers’ is eligible for “semi-open” prison Kim Jong Un that abruptly col- first interview from prison, matic as ever in video clips pub- Party candidate Fernando later this year. Lula is also lapsed without the two men A Colombian tribunal has where he is serving an almost lished by Spanish newspaper El Haddad, who replaced Lula after appealing a second sentence of reaching a deal on Pyongyang’s ordered the capture of a senior nine year sentence. Pais’s Brazilian edition. he was banned from running. almost 13 years handed down in nuclear weapons program. former FARC guerilla The leftist ex-leader, 73, The interview is the first Lula Lula was convicted as part February for accepting reno- North Korea’s Foreign Ministry commander for violating a reiterated his innocence and has given since he was arrested of Operation Car Wash, a wide vation work by two construction denounced the incident as a peace treaty that ended half a told newspapers El Pais and in April of last year. reaching probe into corruption companies on a farmhouse in “grave terrorist attack” and cited century of armed conflict. Folha de Sao Paulo he is “It can’t be that this country surrounding state oil firm exchange for ensuring they won rumors that the FBI was partially It follows President Ivan “obsessed” with “unmasking” is governed by this gang of Petrobras. contracts with Petrobras. If that behind the raid. The US State Duque’s election last year on a those behind his conviction, madmen... the country doesn’t But from the start, Lula has sentence is upheld, it will be Department has said Wash- pledge to roll back some aspects which has seen him deserve that and above all the maintained he is the victim of a added to the previous one. ington had nothing to do with it. of the 2016 peace deal that saw FARC transformed into a political party -- which he sees as too soft. US Border Patrol begins The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) was set up to try fingerprinting children former combatants and hand AP out alternative sentences to HOUSTON families so they can be released prison time if they confess their into the US quickly rather than crimes, compensate victims and face detention or rapid pledge never to resort to vio- US border authorities say deportation. lence again. they’ve started to increase the The Department of But in a shift away from biometric data they take from Homeland Security has also leniency, it revoked the parole children 13 years old and warned of “child recycling,” granted to Hernan Dario younger, including fingerprints, cases where they say children Velasquez Saldarriaga - also despite privacy concerns and allowed into the U.S. were known as “El Paisa” - and government policy intended to smuggled back into Central ordered his detention. restrict what can be collected America to be paired up again from migrant youths. with other adults in fake fam- A Border Patrol official said ilies - something they say is Martinelli seeks this week that the agency had impossible to catch without fin- begun a pilot program to collect gerprints or other biometric to vote from the biometrics of children with data. Panama jail the permission of the adults “Those are kids that are accompanying them, though he being rented, for lack of a better AFP did not specify where along the word,” Porvaznik said. PANAMA CITY Venezuela celebrates leaving OAS border it has been But the Border Patrol has not implemented. publicly identified anyone Former Panama President Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro take part in a demonstration called by the The Border Patrol also has a arrested in a “child recycling” Ricardo Martinelli has asked to presidency to celebrate Venezuela’s official exit from the Organization of American States (OAS), at “rapid DNA pilot program” in the scheme or released data on how be allowed to vote from prison the Bolivar Square in Caracas, yesterday. works, said Anthony Porvaznik, many such schemes have been in next month’s elections, days the chief patrol agent in Yuma, uncovered. Advocates say after authorities barred him Arizona, in a video interview they’re worried that in the name from standing as a candidate. published by the Epoch Times of stopping fraud, agents might The 67-year-old is in jail Sunken Venezuelan migrant boat was ‘overloaded’ newspaper. take personal information from awaiting trial on a raft of charges Spokesmen for the Border children that could be used after being extradited from the AFP The boat sank in the Yusbreilys Merchan said Friday Patrol and the Department of against them later. United States last year where he CUMANÁ, VENEZUELA southern Caribbean early on after she was taken ashore. Homeland Security did not “Of course child trafficking fled in 2015 to evade arrest. Mar- Wednesday with 33 people The woman said she had return several messages from exists,” said Karla Vargas, an tinelli was put forward as a can- A fishing vessel that sank while aboard, nine of whom were boarded the boat in the coastal The Associated Press seeking attorney with the Texas Civil didate for both mayor of carrying Venezuelan migrants plucked from the sea by fish- town of Guiria in northeastern comment on both programs. Rights Project. But she warned Panama City and a national to Trinidad and Tobago was ermen, an opposition lawmaker Sucre state. “After we left, one of The Border Patrol says that against implementing “a catch- assembly seat by his Democratic overloaded, a survivor said as said. the engines had problems, but in the last year, it’s stopped all” policy that could reduce the Change party in elections the search continued for some “There were too many pas- we insisted that we keep going,” roughly 3,100 adults and rights of people who are legally scheduled for May 5. of the missing persons. sengers,” 22-year-old survivor she said. children fraudulently posing as seeking asylum. BUSINESS Sunday 28 April 2019 PAGE | 15 PAGE | 16 Qatar Steel Ghosn’s trial honours to be delayed long-service possibly until employees next year

QFB eyes US, Europe Project Qatar and other new markets 2019 kicks off MOHAMMAD SHOEB private equity products that will Qatar, exiting the other regional THE PENINSULA tomorrow be shared with our investors.” In markets and expanding our addition, QFB is also trying to operations in some more prom- THE PENINSULA year certainly promises a pos- Qatar First Bank’s (QFB) efforts provide some financial advisory ising markets in Europe and the DOHA itive impact on Qatar’s con- to achieve sustainable growth services to some of its investors US,” noted the Vice-Chairman. struction sector.” Considered and turnaround its financial and for certain requirements for He also noted that QFB Project Qatar 2019 is to host 15 Qatar’s largest exhibition for business performance have investment outside the region, earlier was focusing on the international pavilions at the 16th construction materials, started bearing positive results. including the Western Europe private equity model, but it is edition of the premier exhibition equipment, and technology, The QSE-listed Bank, under and the United States. now trying to have asset under specializing in construction and Project Qatar is also the longest its newly adopted strategy, is On the possibility of QFB management, providing all related industries, alongside established event where global working on shifting its operating entering new sectors to have products which are solid in a conference, which opens and local construction firms can model from asset management new stream of revenues, he said terms of good returns and also tomorrow. This year’s event is showcase their latest services, to fee income on structured that QFB is entering new sectors creating funds for technology, expected to draw 20,000 visitors products, and equipment, products and diversifying its geographically as the Bank in the real estate and other sectors. at the Doha Exhibition and expand their market presence, investments and operations to past had concentrated its oper- Commenting about the Convention Center (DECC). and forge new business new markets, including the US, ago, is all about strengthening ations within the region aiming investment-friendly legislations Year on year, Project Qatar relations. Europe and other promising the Bank’s performance and to tap the high growth potential. that has been attracting interests continues to attract the biggest Ghassan Oueijan, Managing markets, said a senior official of profitability for its shareholders, The QFB, according to its of foreign investors into Qatari global players in the construction Director of Nakheel Landscapes, the Bank. which is going to turnaround the Annual Report 2018, has exited economy, especially the free- market and provide unparalleled Outdoor Turnkey Solution QFB recently reported a net Bank’s performance,” Abdulla from nearly a dozen stressed zone areas, he also echoed that opportunities to secure deals Sponsor, said: “It is a great profit of QR3.2m attributable to bin Fahad bin Ghorab Al Marri businesses and investments the blockade came as a blessing with decision makers in the opportunity to be part of the 16th equity-holders for the first three- (pictured), QFB’s Vice-Chairman located in many countries, in disguise which made Qatar a Qatari market. This edition is edition of Project Qatar as one months of this year ended March told The Peninsula. including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, dynamic market as a result of expected to be the most diverse of the main sponsors. This event 31, 2019, against a net loss of Al Marri added: “We faced the UK, Turkey and other various reforms and new laws to date, with over 500 exhibitors has proven itself to be an ideal QR47.1m in the same period of some difficulties during the last markets. introduced by the government. and 34 countries represented. platform to attract new busi- 2018, as well as a 71 percent two years and now we have “Unfortunately due to the More investors are now coming The countries represented at nesses as we showcase our increase in revenues of QR57.5m, almost exited and cleaned up recent political situation it from outside and taping the fast this year’s 15 official national range of activities which have compared with QR33.6m in the most of our stressed assets and became difficult for Qatari growing business opportunities, pavilions include Algeria, Austria, been transforming Qatar’s land- same period of 2018. changing our business strategy financial institutions to operate and QFB is working in close Belgium, China, Germany, India, scapes for 21 years. Most of the “The new strategy which was into fee-based model and also in a competitive way. Therefore, cooperation and partnering with Iran, Italy, Kuwait, Pakistan, main governmental infra- approved about a few months introducing some selective we are concentrating more in some of them. Poland, Romania, Russia, Turkey, structure projects are almost and the United Kingdom. The completed or are under con- pavilions offer brands and com- struction. We believe that beau- panies from the same national tification and maintenance Qatar 2022 to bring QR6.43bn to F&B sector markets the opportunity to works will be our primary LANI ROSE R DIZON jointly introduce their services activity during the coming years, THE PENINSULA the total revenue of F&B outlets in the the Fifa World Cup 2022 will also serve as and products to the Qatari to make the country greener for country is estimated to increase to key locations for F&B outlets such as cafes, market. the residents and millions of Hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2022 is likely QR14.26bn in 2026 from QR6.99bn in 2016, Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), kiosks and Speaking on behalf of the expected visitors.” to bring a one-time boost of QR6.43bn to at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) mobile food trucks in particular. event organisers, IFP Qatar, Shakeel Khan, Head of Qatar’s Food & Beverage (F&B) sector, of 7.4 percent. This growth is largely in line Metro stations for the Doha Metro Haidar Mshaimesh, Acting International Sales and Country according to the latest Sector Analysis by the with the projected growth of the population Project, which will open to the public by General Manager, said: “The Head Qatar, Karss Paint Indus- Middle East Credit Rating Agency (MERatings). and annual increase in tourist arrivals 2020 with 37 stations for its first phase and international pavilions offer a tries (Pvt.) Ltd. (Happilac Paints), Citing the Food and Beverage Services during this period. completed with 72 stations by 2026 will also central showcase for global and Exclusive Paints Sponsor, said: Sector in Qatar 2018 study which was con- The report added that 62 new upscale serve as key locations for upcoming F&B local companies to maximize “We believe that B2B platforms ducted by the Qatar Development Bank hotels, including a mix of four stars, five outlets such as cafes, casual dining, QSRs, exposure for their services, are the easiest way to evaluate (QDB), MERatings said that hosting of the stars, and seven stars are scheduled to com- and cafeterias. products, expertise, and tech- market trends and explore mega sporting event in 2022 will bring an mence operations in Qatar by 2020. With According to the study, fine dining nology, and it is also easier for business opportunities, as we estimated additional tourists of 3.1 million each hotel likely to have an average of three segment in Qatar is estimated to grow to buyers to locate key suppliers. look forward to more business to the country with an average spending of F&B outlets, the report said 186 new F&B QR1.37bn by 2026 from QR675m in 2016. The pavilions have long been ahead of us. Project Qatar is a QR288 per person per day spent on F&B for outlets could also be established in upscale There were 142 fine dining outlets operating one of the biggest contributors prestigious event and we are a stay ranging from three to eleven days. hotels by 2020. in Qatar, which accounted for 4.8 percent to the success of Project Qatar, proud to be part of it, and also In its Food and Beverage Services Sector The study also said the eight stadiums of the country’s total F&B outlets, the report and the increase in the number to represent Pakistan at the in Qatar 2018 study, the QDB also said that expected to be commissioned by 2020 to host added. of international pavilions this exhibition.” Qatar Mining Company’s steel plant in Algeria to open by Q4 2019 THE PENINSULA State of Qatar, was established in Plant currently being implemented The Algerian steel company DOHA 2010 with the aim of implementing in Algeria, which is being imple- has good reputation in the world targeted high-value development mented in partnership with the steel market. He pointed out that The Board of Directors of Qatar investment projects in the mining Algerian government for the estab- the iron and steel factory started Mining Company held a meeting and mineral sector and becoming lishment of the Algerian Qatari in 2017 to obtain quality and safety and discussed the progress of the a multi-product international Steel Company. The factory is certificates from the world’s company’s important develop- mining company by 2024. about 96 percent complete. leading specialised bodies as part mental projects and growth Among the company’s objec- The project will be completed of the company’s efforts and its strategy, including the company’s tives is to secure the supply of raw and fully operational in the fourth readiness to export steel to inter- upcoming steel plant in Algeria, materials for existing industries in quarter of this year (Q4 2019), national markets. which is set to become operational Qatar and to focus on investment with the direct reduction unit It is worth mentioning that this before the end of this year. in commodities for which domestic entering the service and pro- steel plant project uses the latest The Board also issued needful and international demand is high. duction as it is considered to be technologies available worldwide. recommendations and took In 2012, Qatar Mining Company Board’s Chairman Sheikh Faisal CEO of Qatar Mining Company, one of the largest direct reduction Maintaining safety and envi- important decisions with regard established one of its major sub- bin Thani Al Thani Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidli units in the world. ronment is a priority of the to the company’s activities. sidiaries, Qatar Steel International, He also praised the Board of Algerian-Qatari Steel Company The meeting, which was pre- which owns 49 percent of the project is the first of the fruits of Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Directors of the Algerian-Qatari Al Obaidly said that the sided over by the Board’s Algerian-Qatari Steel Company, the cooperation agreement signed Thani and the former Prime Min- Steel Company and the company’s number of employees in the Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Thani the owner of the largest iron and between the State of Qatar and the ister of Algeria. The project was executive management team. At factory currently reached more Al Thani, appreciated the efforts steel plant in the region, located in Republic of Algeria in 2013. In entrusted to major companies the same time, the factory will be than 750 working staff, waiting of the Chief Executive Officer and Algeria’s Jijel, 359 km east of January 2014, the legal framework from Italy, China and others with designed to operate and produce for access to 1,800 workers the company’s team in developing Algiers, the largest Arab joint was signed to establish an global experience in the com- the plant as soon as possible. The directly with the completion of the their current projects and initia- project in Algeria. The iron and Algerian- Jigel. Then, in March pletion of such projects. plant will produce 2 million tonnes rest of the project and the project tives aiming to maximize the steel plant in Baalara built an area 2015, the foundation stone was laid The CEO of Qatar Mining of reinforcing steel of various sizes will create more than 5000 benefit and outputs in line with the of about 216 hectares, making it and the starting point of the con- Company, Khalid bin Ahmed Al according to the needs of the local indirect jobs, which will con- vision and mission of the company. the largest steel industrial complex struction of the industrial complex Obaidli, revealed the accelerated Algerian market with a convenient tribute greatly to the operation of Qatar Mining Company, a in Algeria and the region. was given by the Prime Minister pace of construction work on its possibility to export some quan- the people of the region and cre- wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sheikh Faisal said that the and Interior Minister H E Sheikh project, the Belara Steel and Steel tities to the international markets. ating additional jobs. 15 BUSINESS SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 Qatar Steel honours long-service employees MARKETWATCH

QSE FTSE100 DOW BRENT 10,451.13 7,428.19 26,543.33 $62.80 -6.43 PTS −5.94 PTS +81.25 PTS -2.41 0.06% 0.080% 0.31% Dow & Brent before going to press

Qatar Development Bank opens registration for ‘ROWAD Award 2019’ THE PENINSULA The award categories for Senior management of Qatar Steel with the long-serving employees. DOHA this year include “Best Micro- business award” for those THE PENINSULA On the occasion, Mohammed bin Nasser workplace. Qatar Development Bank (QDB) business that have been success- DOHA Al Hajri said: “Qatar Steel has a long of tra- We, further, believe such efforts will con- has announced the opening of fully operating for 2+ years with dition of holding this ceremony to recognise tribute to enhancing the employee’s partic- registration for the second a growth vision, has a specific In a special ceremony, Qatar Steel Company long-service employees in appreciation of ipation at workplace, promoting per- edition of Qatar Entrepre- action plan, and a proof of (Qatar Steel) honoured 202 of its long-service their efforts and dedication throughout their formance level, adding to the ambition of neurship award “ROWAD Award financial performance; “Best employees, who have completed 10 – 40 years of service.” “This annual recognition outstanding employees for holding key posi- 2019”. This prestigious spon- SME award” is to recognize years of work, in acknowledgement and tradition is the way the Company expresses tions at Qatar Steel and playing a significant sorship is a testament to Qatar’s business operating for 3+ years appreciation of their efforts, commitment its pride in its technical and administrative role in enhancing the Company’s success and wise leadership’s keen interest with a clear and specific growth and dedication in serving the Company staff with excellent expertise and skills in contributions to the national economy and in building the country’s entre- plan, has demonstrated its throughout the years. various fields”, added Al Hajri, “It represents Qatar’s burgeoning trajectory.” Mohammed preneurship ecosystem towards financial performance for two Qatar Steel Managing Director & General a motivation for employees to give their best bin Nasser Al Hajri presented certificates to achieving economic diversifi- years, and adopts innovative Manager Mohammed bin Nasser Al Hajri, in order to enable Qatar Steel to realise its the recognised employees for their out- cation for sustainable devel- ways to reach customers, departmental managers and senior staff were strategic goals and contribute positively to standing performance over the previous opment, in line with the Qatar product development or pro- present. promoting health and safety standards at years. National Vision 2030. Besides, duction process; “Self Suffi- Qatar topped the global entre- ciency Award’ is SMEs that have preneurship environment, made significant contributions according to the Global Entre- to Qatar’s Self-Sufficiency, by preneurship Monitor (GEM) meeting the local market need Qatar expected to add 30 MTPA to report featuring 56 countries, and reduce dependence on which also confirms the leader- imports; and “Best Exporting ship’s keenness in promoting SME award” will be awarded to global LNG production in 2025-26 entrepreneurship and integrate successfully exported product(s) it into the national economy. for a defined period of time. SATISH KANADY growth and also as a result of from 2018,” they said. ROWAD Award aims to Besides, the event will also see THE PENINSULA Qatar is expected higher oil prices, which has a For this additional capacity to promote the spirit of innovation a new category “Innovative to add 30 MTPA knock-on impact on the LNG be fully utilised, demand would and entrepreneurship among Solution Award” to business that The year 2018 witnessed an (million tonnes market. need to grow at just over 6 percent. SMEs in Qatar, which will provides unique innovative important change of direction in per annum) to The new commissions come This is not out of line with historical provide an ideal platform for products and services and create the commissioning of new LNG in addition to 101 MTPA of pro- demand growth, which has entrepreneurs to showcase their solutions to enhance eco- projects. Stronger global market the global LNG duction capacity that is already averaged 6.4 percent since 2000, creative ideas and innovations nomical, social, or technological conditions led to new LNG projects production in 2025- under construction, equivalent to nor with recent demand growth, which will play a vital role in needs, either local or global, or getting approval in the past year. 26, taking the 26 percent of 2018 production which has risen to an average of 11 developing the economy. was able to rely on innovative A larger volume of new proposed global production to capacity, having been commis- percent over the last two years as On the launch of the second solutions in production methods, production received FID (final sioned before the sharp drop in oil Asian countries have voraciously edition of ROWAD, Abdulaziz marketing or customer access. investment decisions) in 2018 than over 500 MTPA, up prices in 2014. Additionally, LNG switched to gas as a cheap and bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO, Qatar Only Qatari Citizens can in the prior 3 years combined, by over 60 percent spot prices have softened during clean source of energy. Addi- Development Bank, said: apply for these awards with no MENA Advisors noted in its latest from 2008. 2019 due to a slowdown in demand tionally, many countries, mainly “We are honored by the age restriction. Business should report. from Asia. However, analysts at the China and India, continue to build patronage of His Highness the be SMEs as per the unified SMEs According to the report, Qatar MENA Advisors argue that the out regasification facilities, which Emir for the ROWAD Award definition. They will need to is expected to add 30 MTPA the global LNG market had a good global LNG market will not be are needed to receive LNG, in a 2019, which indicates H H’s submit audited financial report (million tonnes per annum) to the year in 2018. LNG trade grew 10 oversupplied, at least in the next positive indication for future interest in supporting the Qatari of the company or indicating its global LNG production in 2025-26, percent, following on from strong seven years. demand growth. Despite these entrepreneurs and SMEs. The financial position for a specified taking the global production to growth of 12 percent in 2017. In “Facilities already under con- strong drivers, slower growth in first edition of ROWAD Award period (the period varies over 500 MTPA, up by over 60 particular, demand from Asia, struction mean that there should the global economy, especially selected 25 projects among 500 according to the award category percent from 2008. mainly China and South Korea, be a fairly sharp increase in pro- China, could lead to slower growth applicants as a nominee for the as described above), providing A total of 21.5 MTPA (6 percent grew strongly as the region looks duction capacity in 2019 and 2020, in demand for LNG. However, even award. We were witness to their proof of the use of innovative of existing capacity) received FID to natural gas to reduce the neg- before plateauing in 2021-24. Most if demand growth fell short and entrepreneurial brilliance, inno- methods both in reaching cus- in 2018 and a further 15.6 MTPA ative impact on air quality of other of these new additions will come grew at 3 percent per year on vative streak, and their con- tomers or developing the reached FID in February 2019 with energy sources, mainly coal. from the US and Australia. We average out to 2026, this would be tinuous efforts to serve the needs products or the production a number of other large US projects Additionally, most LNG prices expect Qatar to add 30 MTPA in sufficient to maintain the utilisation of the local market, which helped process itself. Winners of the expected to reach FID this year. globally followed an upward trend 2025-26, taking global production of production capacity in 2018, them become the most deserving 2017 award are NOT eligible to According to MENA Advisor, in 2018, thanks to strong demand to over 500 MTPA, up by over 60% which was 80 percent. of the award among the rest.” apply for the 2019 Award. Hyundai IONIQ Electric earns Auto Class Cars receives ‘Best maximum 5-star ‘Green Car’ rating Affordable Sedan Award’ for MG 6

THE PENINSULA cars from nine manufacturers, losses, aerodynamic drag, tire THE PENINSULA DOAHA DOHA using tests designed to reflect friction and vehicle mass, real-world driving conditions. which all affect how much Hyundai has achieved the Hyundai’s IONIQ Electric energy is used to move the car Auto Class Cars, the authorized maximum possible score in achieved the maximum five forward. general distributor of MG in the first official New Car stars, with only one other “Hyundai is making great Qatar, received the ‘Best Assessment Program (NCAP) vehicle – the BMW i3 – investments in sustainable Affordable Sedan Award’ for the that rates vehicles for their sharing the highest rating. mobility, so it is very satisfying new MG 6 sedan from ‘Qatar Car environmental performance, As an electric vehicle, to see one of our green models of the Year’ Awards which was Skyline Automotive W.L.L., IONIQ Electric scored 10 out rated so highly for meeting organized by Maqina Magazine. which is the official distri- of 10 points in a ‘clean air’ important environmental The awards which was ded- bution partner of Hyundai index. It also scored 8.5 out of goals. NCAP testing has trans- icated to a wide range of cars’ Motor Company in Qatar, has 10 on an ‘energy efficiency’ formed road safety by categories took place at the announced. index, which reflects the effi- empowering car buyers to Mondrian Hotel in Doha, with The inaugural Green ciency with which the vehicle make informed purchasing the participation of vehicles from NCAP, hosted and supported converts its energy source into decisions, and the Green NCAP various brands in Qatar. by the European New Car movement. This includes will give consumers the same The new MG 6 received the Assessment Program, rated 12 factors such as power train type of quick and easy ref- award due to its high-end tech- Officials receiving the award. erence point when comparing nology, unique design and different models for sustain- affordable price, making it at the ability,” Hyundai’s Head of top in its segment. amazing sedan that meets the ‘London Eye’ design concept, Operations for the Middle East Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al needs of the drivers in terms of twin chrome exhaust pipes and and Africa Headquarters has Thani, Operations Director for design, technology and afforda- a ‘Star Rider’ front grille, which said. Auto at Nasser Bin Khaled Group bility. We welcome all customers takes inspiration from the brand’s In its assessment, Green said: “Since the relaunching of in our showroom to experience expressive design language. The NCAP noted that as an all- MG in Qatar, Auto Class Cars is this car and thank the organizers sporty, premium vibe continues electric model, the IONIQ accomplishing huge success and of the awards for this initiative”. inside the cabin with a smartly Electric’s emissions were regaining the confidence of cus- Karim Monier, Head of Mar- configured dashboard and central zero, and that energy effi- tomers in this brand. It is now keting at Auto Class Cars added: console, complemented by stylish ciency for the IONIQ is also one of the favorite choices of “The MG6 gained the confidence leather-wrapped seats boasting very good. Testing found that drivers. Thanks to our strong of the customers and enhanced a black and red interior on top- energy consumption did not relation with MG, we will unite their appreciation in the MG of-the-range models. exceed 20kWh/100km in any our effort to supply the Qatari brand. It is a fundamental result The MG 6 is equipped with a of the tests, including in a market with best vehicles that of the marketing plans of SAIC 1.5-litre turbo engine, mated to high-load highway test, dem- meet the needs of individuals Motors Middle East. Besides, this a 7-speed Dual Clutch Trans- onstrating that full electric and corporates”. award will boost the position of mission (DTC) with paddle shift propulsion is the greenest Hesham Al-Sahn, General MG6 as one of the best sedans”. option, for smooth, effortless means of transportation cur- Manager of Auto Class Cars, also The sleek, dynamic profile of performance. This efficient Hyundai IONIQ Electric car rently available. said: “We are pleased to receive the all-new MG 6 is boosted by petrol unit delivers maximum this award that best acknowledges carbon fibre trim on the front power of 169hp and maximum MG6 and its profile. This is an bumper, headlamps featuring a torque of 250Nm. 16 BUSINESS SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 Election results in Indonesia likely positive for structural reforms

THE PENINSULA through a comprehensive eco- nationalization of the Grasberg DOHA nomic reform agenda. Our copper and gold mine from a US- analysis delves into Indonesia’s based firm did not bode well with On 17 April 2019, for the first time structural reforms and assesses investors. In terms of subsidies, in Indonesia’s history, the pres- recent progress and current chal- the government had taken ident, the vice-president, and lenges to some of its main points, advantage of the crash in oil members of the People’s Consult- including business environment, prices in 2016 to cut spending in Ghosn’s trial to be ative Assembly (MPR), were infrastructure spending, foreign energy subsidies. This was a pos- elected on the same day. This took direct investment (FDI) liberali- itive initiative that contributed to delayed possibly place in a massive general election zation, subsidy reform and labor reduce energy subsidies from 3.6 in which 190+ million voters were market flexibilization. percent of GDP in 2015 to an until next year eligible to participate. While Improvement in business average of 1.3 percent over the official results are expected to be environment was one of the most last four years. However, as oil AFP released by the General Election important successes of Jokowi’s prices recovered, the government TOKYO Committee only by May 22, repu- first term. Indonesia has made started to employ state-owned table quick-count surveys suggest good progress with several de- entities (SOE) to effectively Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn’s a comfortable re-election of the regulation initiatives and reform shoulder the financial burden of (pictured) trial, which was expected to incumbent, President Joko packages to reduce red tape and enforcing de facto price controls, begin in September, will be delayed, local Widodo, popularly known as simplify business procedures. partially undermining both SOE media said yesterday, hinting that it may ‘Jokowi.’ With an estimated 55 From 2014 to 2018, Indonesia has governance and previous not start this year. percent of the vote or a 9 percent leapt up 47 places in the World progress in subsidy reform. The 65-year-old tycoon, currently on advantage over his rival, former bail, is preparing for his trial on four military general Prabowo QNB Economic Commentary charges of financial misconduct ranging Subianto, Jokowi will likely be from concealing part of his salary from confirmed for another five-year shareholders to syphoning off Nissan term (2019-2024). Importantly, Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Less progress has been made funds for his personal use. the coalition of parties supporting ranking. Despite the improve- with labor market reforms. The Tokyo District Court had pro- Jokowi is also expected to have ments, further progress is nec- Labor protection in Indonesia is posed to start his trial in September during taken 60 percent of the popular essary in order to increase com- very strong, so over-stringent its pre-trial meetings with his defence vote, which should guarantee a petitiveness, especially as key dismissal procedures and sev- lawyers and prosecutors, news reports majority in parliament (MPR) and Asean neighbors still present erance payments need to be said, quoting unnamed sources. be supportive for economic more competitive business envi- revised. Manufacturing wages in But the court told the lawyers and reforms. ronments than Indonesia. Indonesia are significantly prosecutors on Friday that it had retracted Markets are interpreting the Infrastructure spending is higher than in the Philippines or the plan without proposing a new time election results as a positive another area in which good Vietnam. Labor market ineffi- frame, Kyodo News said, adding that the outcome. Investors were con- progress has been made. One of ciency, including high redun- move could mean the trial will not start cerned about the opposition’s Jokowi’s first steps as president dancy costs and low flexibility this year. The court also decided not to plan to cut corporate and per- was to cut inefficient fuel sub- of wage determination, makes separate the trial for Ghosn, his close aide sonal income taxes, which would sidies and re-direct resources to it difficult for Indonesia to follow Greg Kelly and Nissan - all indicted on the have affected government rev- infrastructure investments. Over the successful path of other charge of violating the financial instru- enues and pushed up yields. Jokowi’s term, infrastructure Asian economies in developing ments law by underreporting Ghosn’s Moreover, Prabowo’s nation- spending increased by an labor intensive manufacturing. compensation, according to Kyodo. His alism, including his stance average of 30 percent a year. Indonesia has clearly made lawyers have so far demanded he be tried against Chinese investment Continued growth in infra- some progress with reforms, but separately from Nissan and have voiced projects in the country, was also structure spending is necessary the pace has been rather slow fears he will not receive a fair trial. a cause for concern, given its to address existing infrastructure and fraught with ebbs and flows, The Sankei Shimbun also said prose- negative implications for infra- gaps vis-à-vis Asean peers. so more effort is needed to cutors gave up filing an appeal to the structure development. Whereas FDI liberalization and subsidy support competitiveness and Supreme Court against his bail, a move to Jokowi was the embodiment of reforms is where recent policies continued growth. A solid coa- erasing a chance of his return to jail unless continuity and stability. have been a mixed bag. While lition behind Jokowi’s second he is arrested again on fresh charges. Imme- With the re-election out of reforms have removed foreign term will likely create political diate confirmation of the news reports was the way and a strong coalition ownership caps in 35 sectors, space for positive change. All in not available. On Thursday, Ghosn exited backing his new term, Jokowi will there are still restrictions in a all, the recent election can be his Tokyo detention centre after accepting likely be in a better position to broad-base of sectors. In interpreted as a way forward to bail of $4.5m under strict conditions, take on vested interests and push addition, the recent forced continue the reform agenda. including restrictions on seeing his wife.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Avengers: Endgame (2D/Action) 2:00, 4:15, Kanchana 3 (Tamil) 2:15 & 11:15pm 5:00, 6:00, 7:30, 8:00, 10:45 & 11:15pm; Strike (2D/Animation) 2:15pm Athiran (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 9:00pm Avengers: Endgame (2D/Action) 4;15, 5:00, 7:30, 8:15 & Strike (2D/Animation) 2:30pm 11:00pm Athiran (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 11:30pm Missing Link (2D/Animation) 4:15pm Oru Yamandan Premakadha (2D/Malayalam) 5:15 & 8:15pm Layl Khariji (2D/Arabic) 7:15pm Layl Khariji (2D/Arabic) 9:30pm Oru Yamandan Premakadha (2D/Malayalam) Boar (2D/Horror) 11:30pm 11:30pm FLIK Mirqab Mall LANDMARK Avengers: Endgame (2D/Action) 10:10, 10:35, 11:00am, 11:25, Avengers: Endgame (2D/Action) 2:00, 5:00, 11:50, 12:15, 12:40, 1:05, 1:30, 1:55, 2:20, 2:45, 3:10, 3:35, 4:00, 7;30, 8:00 & 11:00pm 4:25, 4:50, 5:15, 5:40, 6:05, 6:30, 6;55, 7:20, 7:45, 8:10, 8:35, Athiran (2D/Malayalam) 2:15pm 9:00, 11:30, 9:25, 9:50, 10:15, 10:40, 11:05, 11:55pm & 0:20am Strike (2D/Animation) 10:35 & 11:00pm Strike (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:45 & 6:30pm Layl Khariji (2D/Arabic) 6:30pm Oru Yamandan Premakadha (2D/Malayalam) ROXY

8:15 & 11:00pm Kalank (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 1:40, 5:00, 8:20, 8:45, 11:40pm Kanchana 3 (Tamil) 11:15pm & 12:00midnight; Mera Naam Shaji (2D/Malayalam) 11:00, Madhura Raja (2D/Malayalam) 4:30pm; 1:45, 4:30, 7:30 & 10:30pm; The Curse of Llorona 1:10, 2:15, 5:00, 6:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:15pm; Missing Link (2D) ASIAN TOWN 11:00, 12:50, 2:40, 4:40 & 6:40pm; Shazam! (Action) 10:30am, 11:30am, 3:10, 4:20pm & 12:00midnight Athiran (2D/Malayalam) 4:00, 5:30, 6:30, 9:00, & AL KHOR 11:00pm; Avengers: Endgame (2D/Action) 1:00, 4:30, 8:00 & 11:30pm Oru Yamandan Premakadha (2D/Malayalam) Athiran (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15 & 2:30, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm; 12:00midnight Oru Yamandan Premakadha (2D/Malayalam) 10:45am, Lucifer (2D/Malayalam) 6:15pm 2:00, 5:15, 8:30 & 11:45pm Madhura Raja (2D/Malayalam) 9:15pm

Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice.

ATHIRAN

Athiran ( transl. The moist one) is a 2019 Malayalam- language psychological horror film directed by deb- utant Vivek and scripted by P. F. Mathews from a story by Vivek. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 17 AL ASMAKH LISTINGS CALL CENTER: 4448 5111 / 4041 0757 We also offer our RICS regulated International valuation service VALUATIONS & RESEARCH [email protected]

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Z, 7 JK !K REGENCY PEARL 1 (THE PEARL): J K R 7,, +JK!K+ R Za_,*'b&&$#%)')))##%&() SHOPS , KRRZ%' (((%)$'#! Z K !+RZ R , KK JK !K +JK!K+ R Z Umm Salal Brand New Commercial Building:)! ,KRRZ%', a_,*'b(()$*,%)((+((%*$))##%&()((+,#')% Q K + &&# 7 R, JK !K +JK!K+ ! Z REGENCY RESIDENCE AL SADD 12 (AL SADD): Fully Q _ ! JK !K +JK!K+ K $ Z R Za_,*'b(##+##(%((+$+*%+! Z, R Za_,*'b((+*+$,&((+,+%,%))##$&%, J K % ! Z, AIN KHALID GATE: R, K !+RZ J % a, b 7,, K RRZ %' REGENCY PEARL 2 (THE PEARL): JKR, K !+RZ R Brand-New Shops in Barwa City:Q W Q W JK !K +JK!K+ R Z K JK !K +JK!K+ R K!+RZR,KK 7 a_,*'b&&$#%)')))##$&%,((+(#'$&))##')&) Z a_,*'b &&'& &$)+ &&,, '%)) ! Z ,KRRZ%', 7,, ! Z SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 SPORT 18 I don’t know why people are Naomi Osaka hits back at FOOTBALL saying I am having a bad FOOTBALL her critics after win over English Premier League: season. I won the Australian English Premier League: Donna Vekic in Stuttgart. Manchester United vs Open, right? Burnley vs Manchester ACTION Chelsea City TODAY’S

Pakistan’s Thiem stuns Nadal to reach final U-19 trip to REUTERS backhand which the Spaniard BARCELONA The Austrian will Austria’s Dominic Sri Lanka Thiem returns had no chance of reaching, meet 23-year-old the ball to ending Nadal’s chances of a Dominic Thiem knocked Daniil Medvedev in Spain’s Rafael fourth consecutive Barcelona postponed favourite and 11-times champion today’s final after the Nadal during Open title. Rafael Nadal out of the Barcelona Twice Barcelona champion REUTERS Russian also pulled off their ATP Tour LAHORE Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 a surprise by edging Barcelona Open Nishikori beat Medvedev in the victory in yesterday’s semi-final, semi-final match final of the Brisbane Interna- avenging his defeat by the out fourth seed Kei tional in January but the Russian Sri Lanka has postponed a Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in Barcelona, Spaniard in last year’s French yesterday. took an early advantage by tour of Pakistan’s under-19 Open final. in a tight match. breaking the world number team following the Easter The Austrian will meet seven in the seventh game. Sunday suicide bombings 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev in Medvedev comfortably saw that killed 253 in the island today’s final after the Russian out the set but was pegged back country, a cricket board also pulled off a surprise by by the Japanese, who won five (SLC) source said edging out fourth seed Kei games in a row to take the yesterday. Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tight second set and make an ideal The Pakistan under-19 match. start to the decider. side, captained by Rohail Thiem had lost his last two Medvedev, ranked 14th, soon Nazir, was scheduled to matches against world number broke back to level the match arrive in Sri Lanka on April two Nadal, at Roland Garros as and as both players consistently 30 to play two four-day well as a thrilling five-setter in held their serve a tiebreak looked matches, followed by three the US Open quarter-finals, but inevitable. one-dayers. Galle and he won their last meeting on But Medvedev earned the Hambantota were the Spanish soil, beating the Mal- first match point with a down- venues for the matches. lorcan in last year’s Madrid the-line winner and needed only “The request was to Open. one opportunity, clinching an postpone it for a short The Austrian, ranked fifth in entertaining match that lasted time,” the source said the world, broke Nadal to take a two hours and 25 minutes when referring to last Sunday’s 3-2 lead in the opener and held He broke Nadal again in the the next three points. Thiem was an ace after a marginal call from Nishikori found the net with a attack. in the next game thanks to a fifth game to lead 3-2 and edged serving for the match but Nadal the umpire. forehand. “Discussions are stunning crosscourt forehand towards victory by taking a 30-15 dug deep to earn three break He sealed his fourth career Today’s final will be ongoing with the Pakistan winner before seeing out the lead before Nadal pulled himself points only to lose each one, victory over Nadal in 12 Medvedev’s third of 2019 but his Cricket Board (PCB) (and) set. back into contention by winning Thiem levelling the game with matches with a softly-struck first final on clay. Sri Lanka Cricket is trying to bring Pakistan to play the tournament at a later Barcelona Open date. Semi-finals “It will depend on the Injured Osaka pulls out; Dominic Thiem (AUT x3) bt Rafael PCB and the SLC will also Nadal (ESP x1) 6-4, 6-4 look at the security situ- Daniil Medvedev (RUS x7) bt Kei ation before taking a final Kvitova through to final decision.” Nishikori (JPN x4) 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 There were more REUTERS The two-times Grand But Kvitova controlled pro- deaths in Sri Lanka after a STUTTGART Slam champion had pulled off ceedings to win the decider. shootout between troops an epic comeback from 1-5 However, Bertens raised Stuttgart GP and suspected militants World number one Naomi down in the final set on her game in the second set and Semi-finals erupted on Friday evening Osaka has pulled out of yester- Friday when she beat stormed back into the match Anett Kontaveit (EST x8) bt Nao- in Sainthamaruthu in day’s semi-finals at the Porsche Croatian Donna Vekic 6-3, with a mixture of powerful mi Osaka (JPN x1) - walkover Ampara district, to the Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart 4-6, 7-6(4) despite struggling baseline shots and delicate P. Kvitova (CZE) bt Kiki Bertens south of the town of Batti- after failing to recover from an on the clay surface, making chips which had Kvitova caloa, site of one of the abdominal injury she suffered 45 unforced errors. scampering around the court (NED x6) 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-1 Easter Sunday blasts. in her quarter-final match. Yesterday’s other semi- to keep up with the Authorities have The top seed’s withdrawal final went the distance as Dutchwoman. warned there could be gives her opponent Anett Kon- world number three Kvitova Kvitova regained control Budapest Open more attacks targeting reli- taveit a walkover and the beat Kiki Bertens 7-6(3), 3-6, and broke twice in the final set Semi-finals gious centres following the Estonian goes through to 6-1 in an engrossing physical to take a quick 5-0 lead, Matteo Berrettini (ITA) bt Laslo Djere bombings, which shattered today’s final where she will battle that clocked two hours. putting Bertens on the back (SRB x5) 6-4, 6-2 the relative calm that Bud- face the Czech Republic’s Petra Both players exchanged foot with deep cross-court Filip Krajinovic (SRB) bt Pierre-Hu- dhist-majority Sri Lanka Czech’s Petra Kvitova. breaks of serve early in the shots. The Czech even gues Herbert (FRA) 6-2, 6-2 had enjoyed since a civil Kvitova returns “I’m really sorry I’m not opening set and the pair looked employed serve-and-volley to war against mostly-Hindu the ball to able to compete for the semis to use every inch of the court take points off her bewildered ethnic Tamil separatists Netherlands’ Kiki today,” Osaka said. and the indoor stadium with opponent. ended a decade ago. Bertens during “I unfortunately got injured one of Kvitova’s lobs hitting the Bertens never recovered Istanbul Open The US State their semi-final, yesterday and I was waiting till roof of the Porsche-Arena to and despite successfully Semi-finals Department, warning that yesterday. today to see if I could get better. give Bertens the point. serving to stay in the match Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) bat Bar- terrorist groups were con- “But unfortunately, I didn’t. Bertens then saved set and getting on the scoreboard, bora Strycova (CZE) 6-2, 6-1 tinuing to plot attacks, I’m really sorry for everyone points on her serve, preventing Kvitova served out to win the Petra Martic (CRO x6) bt Margarita urged citizens to recon- that came out and I hope to see Kvitova from breaking her, to match and book her place in sider travel to Sri Lanka. you next year.” take the first set into a tiebreak. the final. Gasparyan (RUS) 6-1 - retired Bottas takes Baku pole after Leclerc crashes The Finn lapped the REUTERS “This is a massively great Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in action during BAKU six-km Baku street result for us. We came here, a qualifying, yesterday. circuit in one minute, we didn’t have an upgrade so Valtteri Bottas snatched pole 40.495 seconds, just for us to lock out the front row, position for the Azerbaijan 0.059 seconds faster it puts us in a great position for Grand Prix yesterday in an than team-mate and tomorrow. Pace-wise we are incident-packed qualifying championship leader closer in race trim,” added the session that saw Mercedes lock five-times champion. out the front row and Ferrari Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari had started the favourite Charles Leclerc crash session looking dominant out. said the Finn, after the eighth after Leclerc had led every The Finn lapped the pole position of his career and practice session. six-km Baku street circuit in second in a row. However, the Mon- one minute, 40.495 seconds, The 29-year-old also egasque -- fired up after just 0.059 seconds faster than started the previous race in being ordered to move over team-mate and championship China from the front. for Vettel in China and leader Lewis Hamilton. “I managed to hit the sweet denied a maiden Formula One Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Team mate Kimi Raikkonen will including Vettel and Renault’s Sebastian Vettel, the sole spot,” added the Finn. win by engine trouble in fastest in the second phase of therefore move up to eighth. Nico Hulkenberg clipped the Ferrari driver chasing pole Hamilton’s second-fastest Bahrain -- hit the wall. He will qualifying, was fourth ahead of Robert Kubica brought out barriers or had close escapes at after Leclerc crashed out in the time gave Mercedes their third still start ninth, however. Racing Point’s Sergio Perez -- the first red flag, the Pole the same turn eight. second phase of qualifying, front-row lockout of the With the session running the only driver to have stood on ploughing his Williams into the Bottas was on course for will line up in third place after season, leaving the German late after two lengthy red-flag the Baku podium more than barriers at exactly the same victory in Baku last year when his fastest lap was 0.302 marque well-placed to extend delays, and with temperatures once. spot as Leclerc in the opening a blown tyre three laps from the seconds off Bottas’s pace. their streak of three straight dropping and no slipstream, Russian Daniil Kvyat was phase. end handed it to Hamilton Hamilton had been fastest one-two finishes in as many Vettel was unable to extract sixth for Toro Rosso ahead of That crash was the latest instead. after the first flying laps in the races. the lap time from his Ferrari. McLaren’s Lando Norris. blow on a difficult weekend for No driver has won from third and final phase but “Ferrari have looked “It was quite tricky, the Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Gio- struggling Williams with rookie pole so far this season while Bottas found the extra speed incredibly quick,” said Ham- track cooled down, it was dif- vinazzi set the eighth-fastest George Russell striking a loose retired champion Nico Rosberg just when it mattered. ilton, who won in Baku last ficult to find the right balance,” time but the Italian will drop 10 manhole cover in Friday in 2016 is the only driver to have “It was a nice feeling year and leads Bottas by six he said. “In the end, I had a places after being hit with an practice and wrecking his car. converted pole to victory in getting it done on the last lap,” points in the overall standings. good lap but I had no tow.” engine-related grid penalty. Several other drivers, Baku. SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019 SPORT 19 Al Attiyah seals record win in Jordan

THE PENINSULA 2019 JORDAN RALLY DEAD SEA POSITIONS AFTER SS21 (TOP 4) 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Volkswagen Pole GTI R5: Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah survived 3hrs 00min 48.5sec a suspension scare on the first run 2. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (QAT)/Marshall through the Amar special stage Clarke (GBR) Škoda Fabia R5: 3hrs 04min and went on to secure a record- 56.7sec breaking eighth successive and 3. Marouf Abu Samra (JOR)/Malek Hariri 13th outright victory in the Jordan (JOR) Ford Fiesta R5: 3hrs 06min 27.6ec Rally yesterday. 4. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser Al Kipchoge Seemingly coasting to victory Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X: with a massive lead of over five 3hrs 20min 08.8sec stands in way of minutes in their Autotek-run Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, Al 2019 FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY Farah’s London Attiyah and French co-driver Mat- CHAMPIONSHIP thieu Baumel were forced to limp STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 2: Marathon glory 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT) 77pts through two stages with broken 2. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (QAT) 61pts suspension and sufficient repairs Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his French co-driver Matthieu Baumel celebrate with AFP 3. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT) 33pts LONDON were made to enable the duo to podium winners and officials after winning the Jordan Rally, yesterday. 4. Marouf Abu Samra (JOR) 25pts reach the finish with an eventual 5. Hamed bin Eid Al Thani (QAT) 24pts winning margin of 4min 08.2sec 6. Nasser Khalifa Al Atya (QAT) 19pts Mo Farah (pictured above) on this second round of the 2019 7. Khalid Al Suwaidi (QAT) 16pts says turning his attention FIA Middle East Rally Champi- to running marathons has onship (MERC). helped him get his mojo The result marked Al Attiyah’s back as he prepares to take 71st MERC win in the 212-event on world record-holder history of the regional series since Eliud Kipchoge on the its inception in 1984. Baumel has streets of London today. now won 19 MERC rallies. Today was a special day for us. Four-time Olympic Al Attiyah said: “Today was a We had a few problems but we champion Farah turned special day for us. We had a few managed to fix everything. I his back on the track in problems but we managed to fix am so happy to win and to lead 2017 to concentrate on everything. I am so happy to win Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah on his way to the Middle East Championship long-distance road and to lead the Middle East Cham- win a record-breaking eighth successive and 13th after winning in Qatar and now running, finishing third in pionship after winning in Qatar and outright victory in the Jordan Rally yesterday. here in Jordan: Al Attiyah London last year and now here in Jordan. The suspension claiming the European issue was a worry. We had three worsened and the Škoda Fabia R5 time. We are happy with our pace driver enjoying his return to the and still managed to cross the record when winning his gravel shocks (shock absorbers) and crew finished second and main- with different tyres and a different international spotlight as he con- finish line in fourth overall with a first marathon in Chicago one tarmac one and the balance tained the pressure on their rivals set-up. It was difficult to start a firmed another top three finish for massive winning margin of 1hr in October. was completely different. It was not in the title race. Their consolation proper rally after such a long time. the host nation. 04min 25.2sec. Farah will be keen to easy to have all the parts because was winning day two and col- By the end of the season, I hope Kuwait’s Meshari Al Thefiri Lebanon’s Henry Kahy con- focus on the race after the this was a new car.” lecting an additional champi- to have our speed again.” and Qatari navigator Nasser Al tinued the defence of his MERC 3 run-up to the event was Fellow Qatari Abdulaziz Al onship point. The Jordanian crew of Marouf Kuwari were the class of the title in impeccable style with a fine dominated by an extraor- Kuwari and British co-driver Mar- Al Kuwari said: “We are happy Abu Samra and Malek Hariri were MERC 2 field. The defending category win and fifth overall with dinary feud with Haile shall Clarke were waiting to to finish second. We knew that rewarded with a podium finish in champion was able to ease his Jordanian co-driver Musa Djiy- Gebrselassie, which has pounce if Al Attiyah’s troubles Nasser was going faster every their Ford Fiesta R5, the Amman pace over the closing kilometres erian in his nimble Škoda Fabia. seen the pair publicly swap accusations about events at the retired Ethiopian’s hotel. Rajasthan beat The Briton said his duel with Kenya’s Kipchoge is Hyderabad good for the profile of the sport. IANS “Eliud is a great athlete, JAIPUR he’s won so many marathons and I’ve won a lot of A good bowling effort followed by some medals on the track but valuable top-order contribution with the bat this is the next quest of my helped Rajasthan Royals seal a comfortable career. I really believe I can seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad run well and win more in an Indian Premier League (IPL) tie at the major marathons,” he said. Sawai Mansingh Stadium yesterday. Kipchoge shattered the Ajinkya Rahane (39), Liam Livingstone (44 world record in the mar- off 26) and Sanju Samson (48 unbeaten off 32) athon in Berlin last Sep- contributed effectively while Steven Smith also tember, clocking 2hr chipped in with 22 runs to help their side cross 01min 39sec to shave 78 the line with five balls to spare. 2nd Inter-Community Beach Volleyball Festival on May 2-3 seconds off the previous For Hyderabad, Shakib Al Hasan, Rashid mark. Khan and Khaleel Ahmed picked a wicket each. Nilangshu Dey, President of Indian Sports Centre (second right) addressing the media during a press conference held in The Kenyan, chasing a Brief scores: Rajasthan Royals 161/3 in connection with the 2nd Inter-Community Beach Volleyball Festival, yesterday. The Tournament which will be open for fourth title in London, has 19.1 overs (Sanju Samson 48 not out; Liam Liv- amateurs, will be held at Al Gharafa Beach Volleyball Facility (Qatar Olympic Academy) on May 2 and 3 with the participation won 10 of the 11 races he’s ingstone 44; Shakib Al Hasan 1/26) beat Sun- of 30 teams from 15 countries. Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) and Indian Sports Centre (ISC) are jointly organizing the contested over the dis- risers Hyderabad 160/8 in 20 overs (Manish tournament. (From left) Ashik Ahmed, Volleyball and Handball Secretary, ISC, Mohd Habibun Nabi, General Secretary, ISC tance, including the 2016 Pandey 61; David Warner 36; Jaydev Unadkat and Captain Hussain Imam Ali (right), Technical Director at QVA are also seen. PICTURE: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA Olympic title. 2/26)

Title boost for Bayern West Ham’s Ryan Fredericks as 9-man Dortmund in action with West Ham stun ‘tired’ Spurs; Tottenham’s lose to Schalke 4-2 Vincent Janssen (foreground) Cardiff in relegation danger AP during their DORTMUND Premier League AFP Blaming Tottenham’s hectic south-coast rivals Bournemouth at LONDON match played at fixture list for their defeat, St Mary’s. Nine-man Borussia Dortmund blew a chance the Tottenham Pochettino said: “We cannot put Shane Long scored the fastest to return to the top of the Bundesliga after Hotspur Mauricio Pochettino admitted away the circumstance. They goal in Premier League history after losing at home to Schalke 4-2 yesterday, Stadium in Tottenham are suffering from arrived fresh and ready to compete, 7.69 seconds against Watford in giving a huge title boost to Bayern Munich. London, Britain, fatigue after Michail Antonio fired for us it is completely different. midweek and the Irish forward Second-placed Dortmund, which lost yesterday. West Ham to a 1-0 victory “We were tired. We knew that struck again, this time after 12 Marco Reus and Marius Wolf to straight red yesterday, while Cardiff’s 1-0 loss it was going to be tough because it minutes, to put Southampton ahead cards around the hour mark, remained a point at Fulham leaves them in severe was a derby, but we have to move with a low shot. behind Bayern, which visits Nuremberg today. danger of relegation from the on. Dan Gosling equalised for There are three rounds left after the Premier League. Third bottom Cardiff are three Bournemouth eight minutes later weekend. Pochettino’s side had won all points from safety and would be from Callum Wilson’s pass and the Mario Gotze scored the opening goal, and four matches at their new £1bn Tot- effectively condemned to relegation visitors were in front in the 32nd Axel Witsel pulled Dortmund to 3-2 behind tenham Hotspur stadium. if fourth bottom Brighton beat New- minute. after the red cards, but Breel Embolo bagged But Antonio’s clinical second castle later on Saturday. David Brooks crossed for the insurance goal two minutes later for half strike ended that run as the A Brighton win would move Wilson to fire home after South- Schalke. West Ham winger became the first them six points clear of Cardiff with ampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn Jadon Sancho set up Gotze’s opener in the visiting player to score in the plush a vastly superior goal difference and could only push it into his path. action-packed Revierderby and, in the cele- arena. both teams having two games to James Ward-Prowse bagged bration, the England international was hit by Third placed Tottenham’s play. Southampton’s equaliser from 20 a pocket lighter thrown from the crowd, but second defeat in their last three Cardiff had only themselves to yards in the 55th minute and Matt the winger was able to continue. Premier League games put a blame for a lacklustre display Targett made it three in the 67th Daniel Caligiuri, with two, and Salif Sane dent in their bid to finish in the against already relegated Fulham minute, his effort ranking as the scored Schalke’s other goals. top four. at Craven Cottage. 1000th scored in the Premier Third-placed Leipzig beat Freiburg 2-1 They hold a three-point Former Liverpool forward Ryan League this season. to secure Champions League soccer next lead over fourth-placed Babel netted Fulham’s winner when Wilson salvaged a point for season. Leipzig was 10 points ahead of Ein- Chelsea and are four points he took Cyrus Christie’s pass and Bournemouth with his 86th minute tracht Frankfurt, which drew with Hertha ahead of fifth placed produced a superb finish from 25 equaliser, but Southampton, seven Berlin 0-0 and occupied the fourth and last Arsenal, with both teams in yards in the 79th minute. points above the bottom three, are spot for Champions League qualification. action on Sunday. Neil Warnock’s men almost assured of staying up. Also, Fortuna Duesseldorf beat Werder It was a frustrating snatched a draw in stoppage-time Wolves gained a measure of Bremen 4-1, last-placed Hannover defeated warm-up for Tottenham’s when Junior Hoilett side-footed revenge for their FA Cup semi- Mainz 1-0, and Stuttgart earned its first win Champions League semi- against the bar. final defeat against Watford as in eight weeks when it beat Borussia final first leg against Ajax Southampton sealed their sur- they beat the Hornets 2-1 at Vic- Moenchengladbach 1-0. in north London on Tuesday. vival in a dramatic 3-3 draw against arage Road. SPORT Sunday 28 April 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Injured Osaka Qatar’s Al Attiyah pulls out; seals 13th outright Kvitova through title win at to ﬁnal Jordan Rally Hathab Series: Al Qadi seals Big Tour glory THE PENINSULA of the Hathab Series with back to back DOHA Big Tour wins on Friday and the penul- timate day, was placed fourth on Popular Qatari rider Saeed Nasser Al Numero Uno - T, and that lifted him to Qadi emerged as the Big Tour winner the third spot in the overall points table of this season’s Hathab Equestrian Tour in the Medium Tour. while Al Salam secured the team title In the Small Tour, Mohammed Al after 12 rounds in the championships. Ghazali, another promising Qatari Al Qadi accumulated a total of 194 rider, could not book a podium spot points to top the overall standings as in the final round of the Series, but the six-month long competition came he collected 22 points to finish at the to a conclusion yesterday. top of his class in the overall Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, standings. Al Ghazali had won on five President of the Qatari and Asian occasions throughout the Hathab Equestrian Federations, expressed his season and had collected 199 points pleasure as chairman of the joint after 12 rounds. organising committee after another Yesterday’s Small Tour winner successful season of the popular series. Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi was four “The series has helped promote points behind the champion in the equestrian sport, thanks to the efforts points table. Mohammed Nasser Al of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Qadi, with 176 points, was placed third Al Thani and H E Sheikh Joaan bin in the overall rankings. Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Team champions Al Salam had Olympic Committee, who took the ini- secured 197 points after competing in tiative to launch the series,” Al Attiyah 11 rounds and their season was studded said. with four wins. Team Al Shaqab were “We have learned a lot from placed second with 194 points while The champion riders of the second edition of the Hathab Equestrian Tour pose for a photograph with Hamad Abdulrahman another season which was successful Power Steel won the third place in the Al Attiyah, President of the Qatari and Asian Equestrian Federations, and QEF and Al Shaqab officials yestertday. throughout all legs,” he added. overall standings with 183 points. Meanwhile, Al Qadi’s closest Jessica Waldon won the Dressage opponent, Faleh Suwead Al Ajami won Qatari rider Jaber Rashid Al Amri Amri bagged QR5,000 following his Al Amri on the last day of the final leg - Level 1 while Mohammed Al Marri the final leg of the series yesterday, but sealed the Medium Tour title with a final win of the Hathab Series this but fell seven points shy of the emerged Dressage - Level 2 champion fell 11 points short of champion Al Qadi brilliant win on Canavaro De Muze season. champion rider. of the hugely popular series. in the overall points tally. (ET), adding 30 points to take his tally Al Amri’s closest rival Khalid Big Tour champion Al Qadi booked Qatari youngster Fahad Abed and French show jumping star Cyrine to 197. The Qatar Equestrian Feder- Mohammed Al Emadi was faster than the third place on the podium after Mutlaq Al Hajri emerged Future Riders Cherif was placed third in the standings ation-owned stallion clocked a time of the winner yesterday (58.24), but his clocking a time of 61.59 secs (four Level 1 and 2 champions in the 12-leg with 181 points after finishing fourth 64.08 secs to win yesterday’s second 11-year-old gelding Colibri 19 made errors) on Daydreamer EC. series which was jointly organized by yesterday at the Al Shaqab Indoor round of the Medium Tour, Two rounds four errors on his way to complete the Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi, the the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Arena. with jump off (120/130cm) event, as Al routine. He was placed second behind rider who excelled in the final round and Al Shaqab. Al Ahli and Al Shahania move into Amir Cup quarter-finals

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Al Ahli and Al Shahania advanced to the quarter-finals of Amir Cup after winning their respective third round matches at Thani bin Jassim Stadium in Doha, yesterday. Mohsine Moutaouali’s goal in the first half proved enough for Al Ahli, who knocked out Qatar SC from the prestigious tournament with a 1-0 victory. Just before the half-time whistle, Moutaouali converted a penalty kick with a calm kick on his right side, completely beating Qatar SC goalkeeper Jassim Adel Al Hail, who jumped on the opposite direction. In the second half, Qatar SC led by star Samuel Eto’o made several attempts to level the score but Al Ahli put a good defence to retain their lead till the final whistle to set quarter- final date with Al Sailiya. Earlier, Iranian national Ramin Einollah was the star for Al Shahania as they bounced back after conceding goal to claim a 4-1 victory over Al Markhiya. Einollah produced an Al Shahania’s Ramin Einollah celebrates with team-mate Reza assist and scored a brace to craft Najaﬁ after scoring his second goal against Al Markhiya during the resounding victory. However, Al Markhiya were the third round of the Amir Cup at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium the first to score with Ouday in Doha, yesterday. Khaled scoring the first goal after a mistake from Avaro Khuroob on his left. no chance to block. The Iranian Meijia in 17th minute. The Al They made it 2-1 through then scored from left side of the Markhiya captain was Kesse Jean, who connected the circle on another spectacular returning the ball to goal- ball into cage from goalmouth free kick, two minutes later to keeper Amer Ahmed from from a brilliant lofty pass by take things beyond Al Al outside the circle without Khaled from the right side. Markhiya’s reach. knowing Khaled was just With Al Shahania leading Al Shahania will meet behind him, who sneaked 2-1, Khaled scored a brace, defending champions Al Duhail through and grabbed the ball, showing his free kick expertise in the quarter-finals. comfortably beating the goalie. to take his side on top. On Friday, Al Arabi and Al Al Shahania bounced back First of Khaled’s goals came Gharafa marched into the after 10 minutes when Vacquez in the 65th minute on a clinical quarter-finals after claiming Luciano made no mistake on a kick just a few metres outside victories against Umm Salal and penalty kick, beating Muntazar the circle, with goalkeeper had Al Khor respectively.