www.thepeninsula.qa Monday 24 February 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8177 30 Jumada II - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 12

Philippines seeks Muguruza, Qatari partnerships Kuznetsova to establish ‘halal advance hub facility’ in Asia in Doha

FREE Wi-Fi device! Ooredoo FREE installation! Full fun! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply Amir receives grand welcome in Jordan QNA — AMMAN

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday evening in Amman, for a two-day official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. H H the Amir was wel- comed upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport by H M King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; HRH Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein Advisor to H M the King and Chairman of the National Pol- icies Council; H H Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, President of Jordan Football Association; H H Prince Hashim bin Al Hussein Chief Royal Councilor; a line-up of Their Highness Princes; Prime Minister of Jordan, H E Dr. Omar Razzaz; Chief of the Royal Hashemite Court, H E Yousef Al Isawi; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, H E Ayman Safadi; President of the Jordanian Senate, H E Faisal Al Fayez; Speaker of Jordan’s House of Representatives, H E Atef Tarawneh; a line-up of Their Excellencies Ministers and senior military and civil offi- cials; Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Jordan, H E Sheikh Saud bin Nasser bin Jassim Al- Thani; Jordan’s Ambassador to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by H M King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, inspecting the guard of honour the State of Qatar, H E Zaid on his arrival in Amman, yesterday. `P2 Mufleh Al Lawzi, and members of the Qatari Embassy in Jordan. canon shots and playing the Jordan H E Dr. Omar Razzaz Abdullah II of Jordan. government to the for the two countries’ strong H H the Amir was accorded national anthems of the two stressed on Saturday the impor- Razzaz stressed, in advancement of ties with the cooperation in the commerce an official reception ceremony countries. tance of H H the Amir’s visit to remarks made to Qatar News State of Qatar, and enhancing and investment fields, as well upon his arrival at the airport, Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jordan and the talks H H the Agency (QNA), the com- bilateral cooperation in all fields. as in terms of providing job which included the firing of 21 of the Hashemite Kingdom of Amir will hold with H M King mitment of the Jordanian He expressed his appreciation opportunities and training. MoI completes over 3 million Coronavirus screening for all transactions in January ships calling THE PENINSULA — DOHA Mesaimeer Services Centre with 11.3 percent. at Qatar ports Over three million transactions The statistics also indi- were completed during January cates 84,028 special transac- THE PENINSULA — DOHA 2020 by the General Direc- tions were completed, torate of Passports and its including 80,733 transactions Mwani Qatar announced departments and electronic in the Recruitment Applica- yesterday the commencement services according to the tions Reviewing Committee, procedures for the detection and statistics issued by the Ministry 759 transactions for elderly examination of all ships calling of Interior (MoI). and persons with disabilities, at Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and The statistics showed that and the 2,536 other Doha Port, especially from coun- the completed transactions in transactions. tries that have reported cases of the departments affiliated with The total number of entry the emerging Coronavirus the General Department of and exit movements through infection, in addition to applying Passports during January 2020 Hamad International Airport all health checks for ship crew reached 2,690,303, while the in January amounted to 1,215, to detect the virus. number of completed transac- 840, among it 436,904 move- Mwani Qatar said that (as tions in the service centres of ments through E-gates. a precautionary measure) it will the Unified Services The statistics also showed reduce the entry of ships calling Department spread across the an increase in the electronic at Ruwais Port, preventing the President Ghani, Qahtani discuss Afghan peace talks country reached 238,460. services transactions, as it entry from 10pm to 7am. According to the statistics exceeded half a million, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H E Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, received yesterday which posted on the Ministry including more than 300,000 Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Special Envoy for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution, Education Ministry website yesterday, Al Rayyan transactions through the H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani, who is currently visiting Afghanistan. They reviewed bilateral Services Center topped with website of the Ministry of launches unified cooperation, peace talks between America and the Taliban in Doha, the agreement to reduce 24.6 percent of visa and resi- Interior, over 200,000 trans- escalation, the signing of the agreement to end the war in Afghanistan at the end of this month, portal for public dence related transactions, fol- actions through Metrash 2, and Afghan-Afghan consultations and the exchange of prisoners between the two sides, in addition to lowed by Al Wakra Services 278 through Qatar e-Gov- services issues of common concern. Center with 18.4 percent, then ernment Portal (Hukoomi). QNA — DOHA

The Ministry of Education and Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition opens today Higher Education launched yesterday the unified online RAYNALD C RIVERA see increase in number of vis- exhibitors from 10 countries last the sidelines of the event Doha as the official hospitality portal for public services. The THE PENINSULA itors as Qatar National Tourism year. including a showcase of inde- partner, Alfardan Automotive portal aims to enable the public, Council (QNTC) had launched This year’s participants pendent watch brands by Qatar and Sotheby’s International stakeholders and other citizens The 17th Doha Jewellery and a global campaign covering key comprise 74 international and Watch Club, watch polishing Realty Qatar. and residents to have electronic Watches Exhibition (DJWE), the social media, digital and TV 53 local exhibitors showcasing workshops by Objectif Horlo- The exhibition will be access to the services provided, event’s biggest edition yet, is all channels reaching more than around 500 brands of jewellery gerie, diamond grading labo- open to visitors today from through a unified window and set for a glittering opening 460 million people. and watches from 25 countries, ratory and educational class in 3pm to 10pm, thereafter, it at the required speed, where the ceremony today with famous Organized under the spread on a 33,000sqm space. diamond grading, free consul- will be open daily from 12pm Ministry is working to unify all Bollywood actress and influ- patronage of H E Sheikh Khalid Eighteen local designers are tations with certified gemmol- to 10pm, except on Friday, its electronic services under one encer Sonam Kapoor as bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al showcasing 16 jewellery brands ogist and a 360 luxury photo when it will be open from umbrella that is comprehensive celebrity guest. Thani, Prime Minister and Min- under the Young Qatari experience “Journey into 4pm to 10pm. and integrated. Kapoor, who stars in this ister of Interior, the event has Designers initiative. Wonder.” DJWE has been a leading Undersecretary of the Ministry year’s DJWE TV commercial, witnessed a staggering 65 The expo also features The exhibition is supported platform for jewellery enthu- of Education and Higher Edu- will attend the launch of the percent increase from its pre- Turkish Pavilion that features by a number of partners, led by siasts to discover the latest cation Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al six-day event at the Doha Exhi- vious edition. 11 Turkish brands and Indian Qatar National Bank (QNB) as trends and innovations in the Nuaimi, said that the launch of the bition and Convention Center A total of 129 exhibitors Pavilion with 28 brands. the official sponsor, Qatar industry and see collections electronic portal is a continuation (DECC). from 14 countries are taking A number of events and Airways as airline partner, JW from renowned international of the Ministry efforts to develop DJWE 2020 is expected to part this year compared to 77 workshops will be organized on Marriott Marquis City Centre and Qatari brands. the services it provides. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 Amir receives grand welcome in Jordan

OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends congratulations to Sultan of Brunei DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, sent yes- terday cables of congratulations to H M Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of his country’s National Day. QNA Amir sends congratulations to Emperor of Japan

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to H M Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of HM’s birthday. The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and H M King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan during the official reception in Amman, yesterday. Thani, also sent a cable of congratu- lations to the Prime Minister of Japan, H E Shinzo Abe, on the occasion of MoPH launches Transformation Emperor of Japan’s birthday. QNA Amir sends Strategy for Human Resources congratulations to Management 2020-2022 President of Guyana DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin QNA — DOHA Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al The Ministry of Public Health Thani sent yesterday cables of con- (MoPH) launched the Transfor- gratulations to the President of the mation Strategy for Human Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Resources Management 2020- H E David Arthur Granger, on the 2022 recently. occasion of his country’s National The Transformation Day. The Prime Minister and Minis- Strategy for Human Resources ter of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Management 2020-2022 is an Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, also important initiative of the sent a cable of congratulations to MoPH aimed at making a qual- the Prime Minister of the Coopera- itative leap in the human tive Republic of Guyana, H E Moses resources development field in Nagamootoo, on the occasion of his the health sector in Qatar, in responsible for monitoring and country’s National Day. QNA line with the best global devel- supervising health sector opments and practices. facilities. The Assistant Under-Sec- He pointed out that the Unified portal for retary for Shared Services launch of the strategy comes in Affairs at MoPH, Abdullah light of the need to unify the public services Ibrahim Al Emadi (pictured), procedures of human resources said in his speech delivered on management in all institutions launched behalf of the Director of Human of the health sector and the FROM PAGE 1 Resources Department Ghanim additional challenges that this Ibrahim Al Mohannadi that the places in order to maintain the It is in line with the e-gov- Transformation Strategy for efficiency and effectiveness of ernment strategy for Qatar Human Resources Man- services provided by human 2020 for digital transfor- agement 2020-2022 is an resource departments in these mation aimed at enabling and extension of the Ministry's institutions, and contribute to facilitating the access of the directives and in line with the the strategic planning process audience of the services at any National Health Strategy 2018- of the MoPH as well as pro- time and from any place, the 2022 and Qatar National Vision viding support to achieve the Undersecretary added. 2030, which aims to transform desired results, and working Al Nuaimi pointed out that the State of Qatar into an towards a comprehensive the ministry has standardized advanced country capable of digital transformation of its electronic services and put achieving sustainable devel- human resource management it under a multi-service opment and providing decent processes and procedures. umbrella, which facilitates the living for its people generation During the Transformation process of obtaining it in a way after generation. Strategy for Human Resources that meets the aspirations of Al Emadi added that the Management launching cer- the public, and in a manner Transformation Strategy for emony, a comprehensive pres- that suits their multiple needs Human Resources Man- entation was presented on the in the digital age. agement seeks to set a road strategy, and a number of He explained in a press map towards providing Human Resources Department statement that the services will advanced and distinguished heads in the MoPH gave pres- be provided in multiple stages, services in human resources entations on the programs, ini- as today the first package of management, based on tiatives and projects that the the electronic services was ensuring the quality of the strategy contained and pro- launched for the public, in line services provided. He also moted opportunities to achieve with the activation of elec- pointed out that the strategy the proper practical application tronic alternatives and support includes everything that would of its vision and goals. for the rationalization of achieve a future vision in line The joint cooperation and printing initiative He said that with the developments in the building partnerships between it aims at achieving optimal worlds health sector and with the MoPH and health sector exploitation of education and the roles of the MoPH in leading institutions represented in higher education systems, to the health system in the State Hamad Medical Institutions, raise the efficiency and pro- of Qatar, as it is the first Primary Health Care Center ductivity of the ministry’s authority responsible for devel- and Naufar Hospital are also an services to the public’s satis- oping national health-pro- essential element for achieving faction and to meet its aspira- moting programs and plans and success in the strategy. tions for the quality of services. MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 03 04 HOME MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 Japan to share experience of Shura Council Speaker meets Turkish delegation hosting Olympics with Qatar

SACHIN KUMAR The Ambassador of Ambassador. “On the other THE PENINSULA hand, many Japanese com- Japan to Qatar, H E panies have been contributing Japan will share the experience Kazuo Sunaga, said to the development of Qatar. of hosting Olympics with Qatar, The recent examples of this are which will host the football that next year is the inauguration of Doha Metro World Cup in 2022. special for Qatar and and the signing of Mega-Solar- The year 2020 is a special Power Plant of Al-Kharsaah, year for Japan as it will host the Japan because their just to name a few,” he added. Olympic and Paralympic relations mark 50th “Last year, both countries’ Games in summer, said H E anniversary in 2021. leaderships have agreed to Kazuo Sunaga, Ambassador of advance our relations to a Japan to Qatar. higher level of strategic part- “Such major sports events nership. Japan is willing to play have wonderful unifying power, imported about 21 percent of an active role in the realization The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, with a delegation the power to bring the people Qatar’s total exports. Japan is of the Qatar National Vision of Turkish-Qatari Parliamentary Friendship Group, headed by H E MP Vahit Kiler, Chairman of the around the world together, the largest importer of the 2030,” he said. despite their differences in Qatari products. Without oil, He said that next year is Group, in Doha, yesterday. culture, ethnicity or what- gas and other products from special for Qatar and Japan soever,” said H E Kazuo Sunaga, Qatar, Japan could not maintain because their relations mark QNA — DOHA H E the Shura Council Speaker praised the speaking at the National Day the current level of economy 50th anniversary in 2021. celebration held recently at The and even the current level of “Next year marks 50th The Speaker of the Shura great development in the Qatari-Turkish Ritz-Carlton hotel. “I hope that our life,” said H E the anniversary of the estab- Council, H E Ahmed bin relations in various fields, voicing looking this spirit will carry on by the lishment of the diplomatic rela- Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, forward for more cooperation between the two FIFA World Cup 2022, which tions between Japan and Qatar. met yesterday with a delegation will be hosted in Qatar. Japan As a number of events to cele- of Turkish-Qatari Parlia- countries during the next stage for the interest is willing to share experiences brate it are upcoming, I am mentary Friendship Group, of their two brotherly nations. in the Olympic and Paralympic quite sure that our excellent headed by H E MP Vahit Kiler, Games with the Government relations will keep expanding Chairman of the Group. and people of Qatar,” he said. to incorporate new fields of The meeting reviewed par- This year’s National Day cooperation,” he said. liamentary relations between Speaker praised the great bilateral relations between the celebration was special, since “Of course the economy the Shura Council and the development in the Qatari- two countries and a common it was the first such celebration continues to be the driving Grand National Assembly of the Turkish relations in various desire to develop them to after His Majesty Emperor force of our relations. But I, as sisterly Republic of Turkey, and fields, voicing looking forward broader horizons. Naruhito’s enthronement. Ambassador of Japan, will work ways of supporting and devel- for more cooperation between H E the Chairman of the H E the Ambassador said together with the Government oping these relations in addition the two countries during the Qatar-Asian Parliamentary that the bilateral relations and people of Qatar to expand to coordination between the next stage for the interest of Friendship Group, Rashid bin between Japan and the State of our bilateral ties in a wide range two sides in regional and inter- their two brotherly nations. H Hamad Al Meadadi, attended Ambassador of Japan to Qatar, Qatar are developing steadily. of areas, such as security, national forums. A number of E M P Vahit Kiler expressed his the meeting along with a H E Kazuo Sunaga. “Japan and Qatar are indis- PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE science and technology, culture, issues of common concern great satisfaction with the close number of the group members, pensable trade partners. In PENINSULA education and sports,” he were also reviewed. cooperation and fraternal and the Ambassador of Turkey December last year Japan added. H E the Shura Council understanding reached by the to Qatar, H E Fikret Ozar. Grand Mufti of Kosovo visits General Directorate of Endowments QNA — DOHA The visit aimed to learn met during the visit with the Endowments welcomed the Islamic Community and at various levels, and praised about the efforts exerted by Director-General of the guest and the accompanying Grand Mufti of Kosovo Shaikh the achievements made by The Head of the Islamic the Ministry of Endowments General Directorate of delegation, and gave a pres- Naim Ternava highlighted the the Qatari Endowments for Community and Grand Mufti and Islamic Affairs in areas Endowments, Sheikh Dr. entation on the Directorate, history of endowments in the the advancement of the of the Republic of Kosovo, of Islamic work and the Khalid bin Mohammed Al- the various stages it went Balkans and the efforts made endowment work. Shaikh Naim Ternava, and his Qatari experience in the field Thani, and a number of through, the electronic pro- in the field of endowment. He He stressed the keenness accompanying delegation of endowments, and to directors and heads of grams and systems used, how expressed thanks to the Min- of the Islamic Community of visited yesterday the General enhance the cooperation with departments at the to manage Qatar’s endow- istry of Endowments and Kosovo on developing the Directorate of Endowments, the Ministry of Endowments Directorate. ments and its leading role in Islamic Affairs and to the relations with Qatar’s Min- in the framework of his and Islamic Affairs. The Director-General of community service. State of Qatar for its sup- istry of Endowments and current visit to the country. The Kosovan delegation the General Directorate of For his part, Head of the portive positions for Kosovo Islamic Affairs. MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 05 ACTA signs MoU with Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission

THE PENINSULA — DOHA that the relationship between of cooperation, and discuss the State of Qatar and the State practical steps to enhance The Administrative Control and of Palestine is firm and strong mutual cooperation and Transparency Authority (ACTA) in various political, economic exchange experiences and best signed yesterday a memo- and other fields, stressing that practices in the coming period. randum of understanding with the signing of the Memorandum For his part, the Head of the the Palestinian Anti-Corruption of Understanding aims to Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission, with the aim of exchange experiences and good Commission, Dr. Ahmed Barak, strengthening cooperation practices on ways to enhance considered that the memo- between the two sides in the transparency and integrity and randum is the result of con- field of integrity, transparency combat corruption. tinuous cooperation between and anti-corruption. He emphasised that the the two sides in all fields. The memorandum was signing of the memorandum Dr. Ahmed Barak said that signed by the President of the reflects the aspiration of the the State of Qatar is supportive The Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, and Administrative Control and authority to launch a strong of the Palestinian cause and the France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, H E Didier Guillaume, with their accompanying delegation Transparency Authority, H E strategic partnership between establishment of the Palestinian during a discussion on the sidelines of the annual Paris Agricultural Exhibition in Paris, yesterday. Hamad bin Nasser Al Misnad, the ACTA and the Palestinian state, based on the foundations and the Head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Authority of democracy and the rule of Al Subaie meets French Minister of Agriculture Anti-Corruption Commission, embodied through the law, and prevailed by the prin- Dr. Ahmed Barak. exchange of experiences and ciples of integrity, accounta- QNA — PARIS with a delegation headed by H exchange of experiences and On the occasion of the the expansion of cooperation bility and combating E the Minister at the annual information in the fields of agri- signing of the memorandum, in research and training fields, corruption. The Minister of Municipality Paris Agricultural Exhibition, culture, fisheries, agricultural H E the President said that the for the benefit of all national Dr. Ahmed Barak stressed and Environment, H E Abdullah which started on Saturday in quarantine, veterinary services, cooperation that was launched authorities in the two his country’s keenness to take bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al the French capital. animal production and natural with the Palestinian Anti-Cor- countries. advantage of the Qatari efforts Subaie, met here yesterday with The meeting reviewed the reserves. Ambassador of the ruption Commission is con- His Excellency stressed the in this field, appreciating the France’s Minister of Agriculture means of cooperation between State of Qatar to the French sistent with the support pro- keenness of the ACTA to learn important Qatari role in putting and Food, H E Didier Guil- Qatar and France in the agri- Republic, H E Sheikh Ali bin vided by the wise leadership to about the diverse experiences the United Nations Convention laume. This was during the cultural field and food security, Jassim Al Thani, attended the the State of Palestine, covering of the Palestinian Anti-Cor- against Corruption into State of Qatar’s participation especially through the meeting. all political, economic and ruption Commission and its practice, and its initiatives in humanitarian fields. completed and existing this field, in particular the Doha His Excellency pointed out projects, and on possible areas Declaration. At QNL, Qatari writer mentors new screenwriters THE PENINSULA — DOHA A PhD-holder in creative realise their goal of writing a writing, Dr. Majd’s session once screenplay. Qatar National Library hosted again proved to be a successful Mustafa Abdulsalam, one of Qatari writer Dr. Majd Khaled Al mentoring opportunity for Arabic the participants at the event, said: Ziara in the second lecture about writers with a keen interest in cre- “I write stories for the economy her book, Your Way to Control a ative writing. She shared her section of a local newspaper and World of Your Invention: I Will advice on how they could enter attend these workshops at the Make You a Screenwriter, on 22 the world of cinema—also known Library to find out about different February. as the “seventh art world”—and styles of writing. Stories are easy to write, but the different inspira- tions behind each one are what make them interesting to readers. Listening to experts and attending such workshops at the Library gives me that inspiration.” Teacher and poet Taqwa Abdulla, another attendee, said: “The Library is a place that is giving us a chance to meet new people with different interests. Attending today’s event gave me an opportunity to discuss my writing with fellow participants The President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, H E Hamad bin Nasser Al Qatari writer Dr. Majd Khaled Al Ziara shares her experience with and to get their comments on my Misnad, and the Head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission, Dr. Ahmed Barak, during the new screenwriters during a lecture at Qatar National Library. future projects.” signing of MoU. 06 HOME MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 Qatar Post launches campaign to celebrate Arabic language

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH ‘Al Wasl’ campaign our public soon in the form of THE PENINSULA beautifully-designed Qatar Post fuses the unique parcels, postcards and stamps, As part of Qatar Post’s mission typography of Arabic conveying the power of to connect people to what connections”. matters to them the most, the with the notion The design of the new national postal service has of language as a products has been created using launched a new campaign, ‘Al strokes from the Qatar Post Wasl’, that celebrates Arabic symbol of identity, logo, whereby lines intersect language and its role as a social communication, social and connect to form letters and connector. words embodying the essence On the occasion of the Inter- integration, education of Qatar Post’s philosophy. national Mother Language Day and development. The perforated ‘peel this’ tag celebrated by Unesco, Qatar on the box will allow the user Post’s parcel boxes, postcards to connect the letters them- and stamps turn into mediums selves to form a word. As the to remind public in Qatar of the they come in touch with one letters connect, the box gets importance of connecting to another, through the art of con- opened, revealing the message: one another, using a special necting called ‘Al Wasl’. This is “It is only when individual design based on specific Arabic true of us as individuals, as well. letters are connected, that they wording that celebrate human Qatar Post hopes that every day have meaning. The same is true values. ‘Al Wasl’ fuses the we will be able to connect to of us as individuals”. The parcel unique typography of Arabic find affection, respect, hap- boxes are expected to become with the notion of language as piness, pride, gratitude and a collector's item. a symbol of identity, commu- much more, through each of our Moreover, the postcard nication, social integration, edu- postal offerings”. series, comprising a set of 2-4 cation and development. Unlike Western languages cards in one envelope, will Hamad Mohammed Al Fahida (third right), Chief Operations Officer Qatar Post, with Alberto Manzo, Commenting at the cam- where letters are placed next to feature slots to be joined together (right) Head of Sales and Marketing; Fatema Al Yousif (second right), Marketing Supervisor Sales and paign launch event, Hamad each other in a linear fashion to to reveal the word. As for the Mohammed Al Fahida, Qatar create words, Arabic language Marketing Department; and other officials at the launch of 'Al Wasl' campaign at Qatar Post head stamp series, every first day cover PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Post Chief Operations Officer, relies on physically connecting office, in Doha, yesterday. will hold 2-5 stamps depending said: “Connections have always one letter to another to create on its value. The unique expe- lived at the heart of our Arab meaning. words become the very tool that Post, elaborated on the cam- emphasising how meaningful rience here is that its only when culture and is even reflected in ‘Al Wasl’ in Arabic means a reminds people of the bonds paign’s offering. “Our campaign connections are to their daily one tears off the letters and places our mother language. As we ‘link’ or a ‘connection’. In this they share. aims to inspire our people to lives. A series of powerful them next to each other will they know, isolated letters can form context, the links used in the Alberto Manzo, Head of connect to each other through Arabic words, such as pride, form a word that reminds them meaningful words only when Arabic manuscript to form Sales and Marketing at Qatar their mother language by glory and gratitude, will reach of connections. Juvenile Police Department creates International cooperation needed to counter awareness among school students online hate speech: Ombudsman of Serbia SIDI MOHAMED The Director of the Juvenile THE PENINSULA Police Department stressed the importance of parents’ follow- The Juvenile Police Department up of children when they com- of the Ministry of Interior municate through social media organised yesterday a seminar and other applications, pro- for school students in order to vided that this communication spread awareness of and should be determined by promote positive behaviour controls. among students aimed at He stressed that the protecting them from the risks Awareness Section of the of delinquency. Department works to reinforce The seminar was organised this trend through seminars, in collaboration with the Min- future of the nation and the pillar educational meetings and edu- Zoran Pašalić (left), Ombudsman of Serbia; and Zuliana Otero Lainez, President of International istry of Education and Higher of construction and development cational brochures, within the Federation of Journalists’ Latin American regional group, while talking to The Peninsula during the Education. in society. The seminar was held framework of the annual plan social media conference which concluded in Doha recently. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA The event was held at the under the title ‘Positive of the Department, which Officers' Club of the General Behaviour and its Role in targets malls, clubs and schools Directorate of Civil Defence in Reducing the Risk of on all occasions. IRFAN BUKHARI Experts laud sidelines of the conference. the presence of Director of Delinquency’. Captain Shaheen Rashid Al THE PENINSULA Qatar's hosting Zuliana Lainez said that Juvenile Police Department, “In light of the challenges Ateeq, Head of Awareness and social media would not replace Brigadier Ibrahim Essa Al that societies face as a result of Information at Juvenile Police Zoran Pašalić, the Protector of of the conference traditional journalism, but it Buainain (pictured) and officers the tremendous development in Department, spoke about the Citizens of the Republic of to deliberate on would make journalists more from the Department. Officials the means of communication misuse of the Internet, stressing Serbia (Ombudsman), has said eager to provide good content from the Ministry of Education and technology, and the resulting the danger of communicating that international cooperation issues related to to excel on social media. and a large number of students risks that threaten the moral with strangers via social media and coordination is needed to social media, and to She said that journalists from different schools attended system of societies, the concern outlets, due to the psychological counter growing threat of hate promote freedom and should practice self-criticism, the session. with young people becomes an and social problems it causes. speech and violence on social scrutinise their work, and At the outset of the event, Al imperative and a high priority,” He also talked about means media. protection of users. ensure that the information and Buainain emphasised the con- said Al Buainain. to promote positive behaviour “This conference on social news they published was structive and fruitful cooperation He pointed out that positive and curb negative behaviour, media is very important which correct in order to restore between the Ministry of Interior, behaviours are the immune wall, and the importance of the fam- will produce good results. In recommendations to address readers’ confidence in tradi- represented by the Juvenile which limits the risks of delin- ily’s role and its impact on Serbia, we are dealing with issues related to online vio- tional journalism. Police Department, and the Min- quency, and that whenever children. online incitement to violence lence. “The conference is very “The role of a journalist is istry of Education and Higher society succeeds in promoting He highlighted the values of and hate speech and these well-organised, topics of dis- not to just transfer the infor- Education, represented by the positive behaviours, it makes a respecting one's parents, issues must be addressed on cussion are very good as well mation as it is but they also Department of School Affairs, step forward in order to address obeying them and respecting priority,” he said recently while as experts from all over the must verify its authenticity. stressing that youth are the these risks. traditions and social norms. talking to The Peninsula on the world talked on them,” he Those who uncovered many of sidelines of International Con- added. the major scams in many coun- ference on ‘Social Media: Chal- Meanwhile, Zuliana Lainez, tries of the world are profes- lenges and Ways to Promote President of International Fed- sional journalists.” Freedoms and Protect Activists’ eration of Journalists’ (IFJ) Latin She further said that readers which was held on February American regional group, said had lost confidence in social 16-17 in Doha. that print and other traditional media because of the misinfor- He said that Serbia would media would continue to thrive mation, fake news which were introduce new pieces of legis- despite social media. being repeated and promoted lation to address the issue of “The international con- on those platforms and readers online hate speech. “The coop- ference on social media hosted had started returning to the tra- eration and coordination by Qatar is very good initiative ditional media because they between the countries is to discuss many issues and wanted to obtain real infor- needed to counter the challenge challenges revolving around mation that only professional as social media knows no traditional media and social journalists could provide. “We borders.” media and I appreciate Qatar must work to restore the jour- Pašalić further said that the for organising such an event,” nalists’ dignity and defend conference would also help Lainez said recently while strongly this profession,” she Officials from the Ministries of Interior and Education, and school students attending the seminar. proposing workable talking to The Peninsula on the added. MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 07 Dar Al Sharq partners with Baladna to enhance cooperation in Jassim Magazine THE PENINSULA — DOHA Jassim Magazine. Jassim Magazine, which is dis- The magazine presents its He said that the Magazine tinguished by the diversity of readers with children in various Dar Al Sharq Group has signed works to educate the children experiences, experts and forms in order to address a Memorandum of Under- in a great way and commu- painters. children from 4 to 15 years, i.e. standing (MoU) with Baladna nicate with them in a con- Jassim Magazine published from the kindergarten through Food Industries to enhance tinuous way with the aim of by Dar Al Sharq since November the primary to the preparatory cooperation especially at the providing them with everything 2016 is distinguished by the high section. level of Jassim Magazine issued related to knowledge and life cultural and scientific level Jassim Magazine aims to be by Dar Al Sharq. matters that benefit them in the appropriate for children, as it in the next stage a modern The issuance of the Mag- future. devotes chapters dealing with platform to publish everything azine aims at spreading and Fakhro stressed that coop- scientific discoveries, Islamic that concerns children, so that promoting culture among eration with Baladna Company history and the environment. it is allowed to be the pio- children of all ages, which is the will clearly contribute to the There are several chapters con- neering magazine in the field of only monthly children’s mag- development of the magazine cerned with disseminating the children’s literature, with azine in the country. during the next stage, and raise talents of young readers and success in spreading and The MoU was signed by the benefits that it provides to developing them such as enhancing the Arab-Islamic Assistant to the CEO of Dar Al children in all fields. drawing, writing and literature, identity of children. Sharq, Jassim Fakhro, and the For his part, the Chairman comic stories and The magazine will also help Chairman of Baladna Food of Baladna Food Industries, said competitions. in teaching children real values Industries, Moutaz Al Khayyat, that the MoU was signed within The Magazine is issued on and spreading knowledge in a in the presence of a group of the responsibilities of the the first Wednesday of every fun and entertaining way, while officials from both sides. company which aimed at con- month with the aim of forming developing the talents they On this occasion, Jassim tributing to educating the next a pillar for families in Qatar in possess and stimulating crea- Fakhro said that this MoU generation. order to succeed in the task of tivity in them, thus contributing came to confirm the strong ties He said that it is great educating children and building to achieving the Qatar National between Dar Al Sharq and important for the company a strong personality for them in Vision 2030. Jassim Magazine Baladna Food Industries, indi- because the MoU will provide order to ensure a balance had issued in the past period cating that it will allow more the company access to display between positive values in the special numbers for Qatar The Assistant to the CEO of Dar Al Sharq, Jassim Fakhro, and the focus on children in the its products to all children In the culture of Arab societies and the National Day and National Sport Chairman of Baladna Food Industries, Moutaz Al Khayyat, exchanging coming period through a the country through region in general. Day. documents after the signing of MoU. The power of public art explored as QF hosts international forum FAZEENA SALEEM The second day of the forum, “I have seen many people take THE PENINSULA which was hosted by QF also fea- pictures of public art, which means tured several panel discussions it has become socially important,” The impact art can make in the including on ‘The art of making he said. extremely changing world and places: How art and multidisci- “I think art is a battle – the challenging times was explored on plinary approaches in the public battle of space. Design is important, the final day of ‘Outside the Box: space can influence social, cultural but there has to be a space for art, Public Art in Qatar,’ hosted by and economic conditions’ and and getting the space is even more Qatar Foundation. ‘Creating for policy change: Best important than the art itself. Once The two-day public forum was practice approaches and strategic your space is there, at any time, you organised under the patronage of partnerships on commissioning can change the art. The focus should H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad and financing art in the public be not only on public art, but also bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of A panel discussion during the public forum, titled ‘Outside The Box: Public Art in Qatar’ at Qatar realm.’ The programme also public art spaces, and in Qatar, with Qatar Museums. National Library. RIGHT: The Senior Art Specialist at Qatar Foundation, Layla Ibrahim Bacha, speaking aimed to inspire local talent and the 2022 World Cup approaching, Commissioned by the British at the forum. PICS: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA establish an natural connection many countries might want to Council in partnership with Qatar between art and the local exhibit their art in those spaces.” Museums and Qatar Foundation art has evolved over the decades, more a confirmation of political connections, and encouraging community. The first day (22 February) was (QF), the forum has aimed to start in Qatar and around the world. power, fostering national identity openness. In a discussion on the theme hosted by Qatar Museums at the a conversation about how the use Curated with the UK’s arts and the beautification of the city,” “We have noticed that art- of The Art of Making Places, Dr National Museum of Qatar. of art in the public realm can be organisation FutureEverything, the said Layla Ibrahim Bacha, Senior works are now more about the Georgios Papaioannou, Associate ‘Outside the Box: Public Art in redefined and rethought. Its second forum included panel discussions, Art Specialist, QF, in a keynote on temporary than the permanent. I Professor of Museum Studies at Qatar,’ brought together artists, day was held at Qatar National and conversations exploring the speech on ‘Public Art in the Arab think this makes a piece of art London-based university UCL, said architects, developers, policy Library, in Education City, where meaning and role of art in ‘non- world: Yesterday, Today and more attractive, because people public art had, over the past 20 makers, museum and cultural local and international participants art’ domains. Tomorrow.’ “It is now about cre- think they can see it now or never,” years, become “more about organisations, academics and spoke about how the meaning of “In the beginning, art was ating a destination, fostering social she added. physical participation”. commissioners. New paediatric inpatient unit opens at HMC’s Qatar Rehabilitation Institute

Officials during the opening of new paediatric inpatient unit at Qatar Rehabilitation Institute.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Khattab said the new unit will offer continuity of care and patients will be provided The first phase of a new paedi- atric inpatient unit was offi- with child and family focused inpatient cially opened at Hamad Medical rehabilitation services that optimise recovery, Corporation’s (HMC) Qatar maximising quality of life and independence. Rehabilitation Institute (QRI), recently. As part of the phased opening, four beds are now injuries resulting from stroke are delivered by a multidisci- available for patients under the or trauma. We will also receive plinary team,” added Dr. age of 14 years old who require referrals from other hospitals, Khattab. specialist rehabilitation and specifically for children In early 2018 QRI launched services. By the end of this year, who require post-surgical reha- the country’s first dedicated, an additional six beds are bilitative care. Rehabilitation intensive paediatric rehabili- expected to open. services are provided by a team tation program and paediatric Dr. Azhar Khattab, Senior of highly trained specialists,” outpatient rehabilitation Consultant at Paediatric Reha- said Dr. Khattab. service. Located on the eighth bilitation, said providing dedi- Dr. Khattab said the new floor of QRI, the program pro- cated services for children and unit will offer continuity of care vides patients with medical, adolescents with special needs and he said patients will be pro- nursing, nutrition, psychology, is a core component of HMC’s vided with child and family speech therapy and occupa- mission. He said HMC’s reha- focused inpatient rehabilitation tional therapy services in a bilitation services meet the services that optimise recovery, single location. In recent years unique needs of children with maximising quality of life and QRI has expanded its paediatric special needs and he noted that independence. services to include a clinic to QRI’s paediatric rehabilitative “The main objective of the assess muscular tension in programs are designed to team members at the new unit children and to provide spe- ensure patients achieve optimal is to help children who have cialized treatments such as health and development experienced a severe injury or ultrasound-guided botulinum outcomes. illness resulting in disability to injections to treat children with “This new unit will receive recover and live as independ- spastic muscles and drooling. children who are experiencing ently as possible within their Children cared for at QRI have physical and psychological dis- families and community. Care access to the latest technology abilities, such as cerebral palsy, plans are based on the indi- and medical equipment, lower limb paralysis, and brain vidual needs of each child and including water therapy. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Market workers wearing protective gear spray disinfectant at a market in the South Korean city of Daegu yesterday, as a preventive EDITORIAL measure after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ensuring traffic safety The world in grips of an epidemic QATAR'S effective traffic safety management and efficient sustainable transport system gained global more dangerous than coronavirus acclaim and lifted the nation’s pride beyond borders as it presents a model of high quality standards to the world. Qatar is one of the developed countries in terms us must prevent the spread of the Earlier this month, Amnesty of adopting the UN road safety plans, sustainable racist condition of “fear of the for- International issued a report on development goals and reducing road accident eigner” which predates and shall the “seven ways the coronavirus mortality. outlive this outbreak. affects human rights” and listed The recently concluded third Global Ministerial Con- A quick glance at recent racism as one of the most signif- ference on Road Safety in Stockholm showcased headlines immediately reveals icant and dangerous side effects Qatar’s farsighted road safety plans and sustainable the globalisation of this irrational of the virus. goals associated with it. The efforts made by Qatar to and racist “fear”. French, American and Aus- HAMID DABASHI reach “zero accidents”, which is a strategic goal AL JAZEERA According to PBS, “restau- tralian newspapers have been pursued by state institutions, and the environmental- rants in South Korea, Japan, accused of racism in their friendly approach the nation projects have also been Hong Kong and Vietnam have reporting of the crisis. Even the appreciated at the conference. Ever since coronavirus refused to accept Chinese cus- naming of the virus - referred to The progress made by the State of Qatar in (COVAD-19) was detected in the tomers. Indonesians marched in some media as the “Wuhan reducing traffic deaths during 2013-2019 got much Chinese city of Wuhan, public near a hotel and called on coronavirus” - has been exposed highlight in the conference. With relentless efforts and health officials inside and outside Chinese guests there to leave. for its racism in an article by precise planning, Qatar made much progress in As health of China have been trying to French and Australian news- Marie Myung-Ok Lee for Salon. achieving the requirements of the United Nations officials in China prevent the outbreak from trans- papers face criticism for racist “It starts with the question of related to the 2011-2020 contract plan and the forming into a full-fledged global headlines. Chinese and other where the virus originates: is it adoption of sustainable development goals. The follow- and around pandemic. Asians in Europe, the United currently spreading in the US, or up of the implementation of these measures was also the world seek But as public health officials States, Asia and the Pacific com- another Western country? If so, done periodically by the National Committee and the to prevent the have been addressing the plain of racism.” give it its numerical designation National Traffic Safety Office. spread of this medical dimensions of this out- This is utterly foolish. Pan- (eg H1N1), or reference the The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and other break, another epidemic has demics are public health hazards animal in which we think it bodies concerned have well backed the nation in its virus, the rest of been spreading much more that can begin anywhere in the started (eg Swine Flu, or Mad journey to reach these goals. The conference discussed us must prevent quickly across the globe: racist world. Cow Disease). But if it started in a the efforts of Qatar to initiate the 2023-2033 plan for the spread of the fear-mongering. Historically, the so-called country that Americans have traffic safety management and sustainable transport, racist condition The latter may prove more “Justinian Plague of 541” first stereotypes towards, naming it as well as the preparation for the challenges that the dangerous than the former - and appeared in Egypt and then after that region - as with Middle country will face after completing the infrastructure of “fear of the each may exacerbate the other. spread through the Byzantine Eastern Respiratory Syndrome projects, and providing the requirements of the foreigner” which In a piece for Al Jazeera, Empire, and then throughout the (MERS), Asian Flu, and now, increasing demand for traffic. The entire journey of predates and Edward Hon-Sing Wong detailed Mediterranean. Leprosy became Wuhan Coronavirus - is a great Qatar so far in this regard has been depicted as a shall outlive this the long history of anti-Chinese a pandemic in Europe in the way to play on xenophobic and success story at the conference. racism in Canada that has once Middle Ages. When the Spanish racist tropes,” she writes. The commitment of Ashghal in finishing infra- outbreak. again been exposed by this out- arrived in the Caribbean in the “Trump’s overheated rhetoric structure works on time with utmost quality and care break. But the global epidemic of 15th century, they brought with on migrants and people of color - played a key role in Qatar’s highest road safety racism occasioned by this virus is them such diseases as smallpox, and ‘s**thole countries,’ as he standards. It is a key factor behind Qatar’s exemplary not limited to Canada, or even measles and bubonic plague and calls much of the world - are growth in all aspects. North America, and neither is it passed them along to the natives. absolutely fanning the flames of Ashghal does not leave any stone unturned in its confined to Sinophobia. In 1655, the great plague of the racist response to the Coro- mission to ensure better infrastructure facilities for the The Sinophobia we are wit- London is estimated to have navirus. Yet it is important to people of the nation. The recent finishing of the devel- nessing today, in relation to a killed 20 percent of the popu- recognize that this bias against opment works of the roads leading to Al Rayyan disease outbreak which could lation. We had the Russian Flu Asians is nothing new; that the Stadium, and the roads surrounding Al Bayt Stadium have easily originated in any and then the Spanish one. The engine of white supremacist is an ideal example to highlight the commitment of Western European or North Human Immunodeficiency Virus culture and language continually Ashghal. American country, is deeply (HIV), which causes AIDS, was hums underground until some- In what appears to be promising is that Qatar rooted in the fertile ground of a first detected in the US in 1981, thing like 2019-nCoV makes it agreed to transfer its successful experience to help much more widespread but is believed to have originated visible,” Lee continues. poor developing countries in their mission to ensure xenophobia. in Africa decades earlier. Hamid Dabashi is the Hagop road traffic safety and sustainable goals. As health officials in China and Viruses have no race, eth- Kevorkian Professor of Iranian around the world seek to prevent nicity, gender, or class. They can Studies and Comparative Liter- the spread of this virus, the rest of begin anywhere. ature at Columbia University.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR US caves to Europe over broaching climate change at G-20 EMAIL: [email protected] TORU FUJIOKA, JANA RANDOW pluses to spend more. Maire cornering Mnuchin late not mean the rules would be EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 AND WILLIAM HOROBIN One of the main Saturday in Riyadh as the optional, but Europeans said FAX: +974 4455 7758 BLOOMBERG addressees of the calls for G-20 economic leaders dined, they still needed to fully assess more spending is Germany. the US reluctantly agreed to a the proposal. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 The US gave into pressure So far, the export-driven mention of climate change, If there’s no agreement, from Europeans over envi- country has showed little according to two people several European nations will DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 ronmental concerns, allowing interest in significantly familiar with the matter. go ahead with taxes on rev- the word “climate” into a joint boosting expenditures, A Treasury spokeswoman enues of multinational digital LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 communique at a conference arguing fiscal stimulus can’t didn’t reply to a request for firms. That could spark a overshadowed by a viral bolster foreign demand. comment. transatlantic trade war as the BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 outbreak that’s shaken the On climate change, differ- As of Sunday morning in US says such measures are global economy. ences of opinion in the Saudi Riyadh, it was also looking discriminatory and has SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Delegates at the G-20 capital were more stark. The unlikely that representatives already threatened France meeting in Riyadh, Saudi US, represented by Treasury would leave Saudi Arabia with tariffs. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Arabia, spent much of their Secretary Steven Mnuchin, with any breakthroughs on a France and the US have email: [email protected] time talking about a global objected to including a ref- global taxation system that held tense discussions on the slowdown exacerbated by the erence to the subject, would apply to multi-national subject since France intro- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 coronavirus outbreak, but according to four people companies including tech duced a 3% levy last year on email: [email protected] struggled to come up with a familiar with the commu- giants like Alphabet Inc.’s the digital revenue of com- united response, according to nique-drafting process. The Google and Facebook Inc., panies that make their sales ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 people familiar with the Saudi delegation, which is according to the people. primarily online. The move FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] deliberations. Countries such hosting the event, didn’t show Europeans have balked at was supposed to give impetus as Japan, and institutions much enthusiasm for it either, a US proposal that new global to international talks to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 including the Organization for according to two of them. rules should be a “safe harbor” redefine tax rules, and the email: [email protected] Economic Co-operation and After several days of regime. Mnuchin sought to government has pledged to Development, have been heated debate, including reassure his counterpart by abolish its national tax if there SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 pushing for those with sur- France finance chief Bruno Le insisting such a system would is agreement on such rules. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The EU has full confidence in the Italian authorities and the decisions they are taking. We /Peninsula_Qatar share concern for possible contagion (but) there /ThePeninsulaNewspaper is no need to panic. Paolo Gentiloni, +974 6698 6188 EU Economic Affairs Commissioner MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 09 HBKU signs MoU with Brookings Doha Center THE PENINSULA — DOHA The MoU will underline areas of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has solidified its mutual bene-fit and academic and research efforts develop a cooperative with a Memorandum of Under- standing (MoU) it has signed framework designed with the Brookings Doha Center to facilitate (BDC). The MoU will underline scholarly exchanges, areas of mutual benefit and internships, and BDC- develop a cooperative framework designed to facil- HBKU activities. In itate scholarly exchanges, doing so, both entities internships, and BDC-HBKU will have a steadfast activities. In doing so, both entities will have a steadfast commitment towards commitment towards sup- supporting Qatar porting Qatar’s National Vision 2030. National Vision 2030. Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Brookings Doha Center officials during the MoU signing ceremony. versity is a fast-emerging uni- versity located in the heart of independent research and Education City – an academic policy analysis on the Middle interdisciplinary research. As interim provost, said: “HBKU that are not limited to security, academic degrees spanning hub hosting some of the world’s East and North Africa. we continue to enhance our strives to build connections with international relations, and gov- Islamic Studies, Humanities and top-tier universities. Brookings Speaking after the signing, output, we look forward this like-minded organisations and ernance reform. Social Sciences, Science and Doha Center is an overseas Tarik Yousef, director of new MoU with HBKU to bolster our agreement with the BDC These topics are of growing Engineering, Law, Health and center of the Brookings Insti- Brookings Doha Center, said: our research capabilities, today is a testimony to the uni- importance in light of an Life Sciences, and Public Policy. tution in Washington, DC. As a “We are delighted to partner expand our academic network versity’s growing research increasingly complex political, All of HBKU’s degrees were hub for Brookings scholarship with HBKU, one of the region’s and community outreach.” potential. Our partnership with social, and economic landscape designed to meet the current in the region since 2008, the most ambitious universities Commenting on HBKU’s BDC will encourage policy-led in the Middle East.” and future needs of the job BDC advances high-quality, with a strong focus on behalf, Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, debate and research on topics HBKU offers more than 35 market. QC urges people to contribute to ‘Sham Deserves’ campaign for Syrians

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Qatar Charity (QC), urged people to contribute to the national campaign named ‘Shams Deserves’ launched in partnership with the Qatar Media Corporation to provide urgent relief aid to Syrian people in their country and he countries of asylum. The campaign came within the framework of moral and humanitarian duty in response to the worsening humanitarian The campaign came within the framework of moral and humanitarian situation following the largest duty in response to the worsening humanitarian situation. displacement in Syria in the past three months. in commercial complexes. The aid included 200 Launched on February 19, Given the difficult human- tonnes of relief materials worth under the supervision of the Reg- itarian situation of Syrian ref- over QR14m to benefit 864,618 City Exchange football team with the trophy after winning the title of the fifth edition of Banks Sevens ulatory Authority for Charitable ugees and internally displaced people. Another delegation is Football Tournament for banks and financial institutions. Activities (RACA), the ‘Sham persons (IDPs), Qatar Charity scheduled to depart on Friday Deserves’ campaign aims to urges benefactors in Qatar to to provide a second batch of aid deliver assistance to 250,000 contribute to the ‘Sham to Syrian refugees and dis- City Exchange wins Banks Sevens Football title Syrian refugees and displaced Deserves’ campaign to ease placed persons. persons in the areas of shelter, their hardship, as they are The donation in favour of THE PENINSULA — DOHA history that a money exchange the Champions Trophy from food, water, sanitation, and health. struggling to survive under the the ‘Sham Deserves’ campaign company team won it all. officials of Qatar Central Bank The campaign is imple- very harsh cold weather, heavy can easily be made through City Exchange Football Team Satheesh was leading the vic- and Qatar Football Associ- mented by Qatar Charity, in rains, frosts, and snow. It also Qatar Charity’s website, mobile won the title of fifth edition of torious effort and Latheef, ation. The winning team was cooperation with the Qatar calls on media persons and App, 27 branches across the Banks Sevens Football Tour- Shiyas and Mousif scored in the finalist of the last edition Media Corporation, Qatar Tel- social media influencers to country, and 97 collection nament for banks and final. Ahmed Rateb scored the of the tournament. Higher evision, Qatar Radio, Sout Al publicise the campaign. points in commercial places. financial institutions consolation goal of Qatar officials of various banks and Khaleej Radio, Alkass Sports Benefactors can make their The donors can also request organised by Qatar Central National Bank. financial institutions attended Channels, Alrayyan TV, and contributions to the campaign a ‘home collector’ through the Bank. The team made an Latheef put on strong per- the event. Alrayyan Radio. in many forms, including mobile App and dial the hotline authentic victory of three formance throughout the Sharaf P Hameed, CEO and The campaign will include money, jewellery, and vehicle. 44667711 to make their contri- goals against one over Qatar tournament and was awarded other higher officials of City a joint live TV and radio In conjunction with the cam- butions. Mobile donating is also National Bank. with Top Scorer title. Shihas Exchange, congratulated the broadcast on Friday and Sat- paign, a delegation from Qatar available. To donate QR100, This is the first champi- of City Exchange owned Best players for the magnificent urday, February 28, and 29 by Charity has recently distributed QR200, QR500, and QR100, onship title for City Exchange Goalkeeper Award in the victory marking in history of many media corporations to urgent aid to the displaced in please send an SMS with the code in this tournament and it’s the tournament. money exchange companies raise donations, in addition to the country, and refugees in ‘SOS’ to 92642, 92015, 92428, and first time in championship Captain Satheesh received in Qatar. some activities that will be held Turkish areas bordering Syria. 92429, respectively. Shukran announces 9th TAG Heuer announces Qatar Limited Edition Aquaracer THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Swiss luxury watchmaker anniversary draw winners TAG Heuer, has announced its first ever Qatar limited edition THE PENINSULA — DOHA This promotion was concepts, the loyalty program timepiece. The special limited exclusive only for Shukran has a member base of over 1.5 edition GMT Aquaracer is Shukran Qatar’s biggest and Members. Commenting on the million. inspired by the colours of the most successful loyalty 9th Anniversary celebration Shukran Members can earn Qatari flag, and features a program celebrated its 9th Clive Freeman COO, Landmark and spend Shukran points vibrant dual-colorued combi- anniversary from November 26 Group Qatar said: “We always across the region in diverse cat- nation of burgundy and silver- to December 12. believe in rewarding our loyal egories such as clothing, white on the bezel, that is This 17 days Golden Bonanza customers and giving back to footwear, accessories, home further underscored by the use created a buzz as customers them for being a part of our furnishings, electronics, F&B of Arabic numbers. shopping over QR99 in any of journey to this big and fitness. GMT timepieces are fine the Landmark Group Brands milestone.” Shukran members can earn mechanical instruments, stood a chance to enter the Shukran, Landmark Group’s and burn points across coun- extremely popular for their Electronic Draw which was premiere loyalty program is the tries of operations. When it ability to display a second time to 300 metres, the timepiece for precision engineering and held on January 12 at Landmark most successful retail loyalty comes to rewards and recog- zone, and the limited edition retains its iconic diving DNA high performance and look Group’s Regional office. A total programs in the Qatar. Encom- nition, Shukran presents Aquaracer is a prime example with its stainless-steel bracelet forward to pre-launching it of 99 winners won 4 Grams of passing Landmark’s wide array endless possibilities to all its with its 24 hour time display in with diving extension, and amongst Doha’s watch 22K Gold each. of retail and hospitality members. Arabic numerals. folding clasp with double safety lovers. This limited edition The option of a second time push-buttons. timepiece embodies different zone ensures ease and conven- The watch also features a facets of TAG Heuer’s avant- ience for Qatari travellers, who unidirectional turning bezel and garde spirit and strengthens will always know the local time fine brushed & polished steel its reputation as a strong in their homeland. Adorned case back with a decorative innovative watch with a special engraving on the engraving, ensuring that the manufacturer. back case representing the watch is unique, on-trend and TAG Heuer Qatar Limited Doha skyline and available in memorable, from every angle. Edition Aquaracer is automatic 200 pieces only, the special This launch allows TAG with display of date, hour, limited edition Aquaracer will Heuer to show their com- minute and seconds, second be available to pre-order at the mitment to watch lovers by time zone. Diameter 43mm, Doha Jewellery and Watches developing a special Qatar stainless-steel case, unidirec- Exhibition 2020. limited edition that pays tribute tional rotating ceramic bezel in The stunning 43mm Aqua- to national identity and high- maroon burgundy and white racer timepiece spots a stark lights both the Arabic culture light silver with Arabic indexes black dial that is accented by and the colours of the Qatari numbers, sapphire crystal with unique Arabic numerals on the flag. anti-reflective treatment, bezel, as well as a date window Moreover, it celebrates screw-down crown, water- at 3 o’clock on the dial and a the long standing and trusted resistant to 300m (30 bar). triangle marker at 12 o’clock on retail partnership with Al Stainless-steel case back with the bezel, for optimal reada- Majed Jewellery. Together DOHA skyline special Winners pose for a group photo at Landmark Group’s Regional office. bility. With water resistance up they share the same passion engraving. 10 HOME MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 DFI announces Claire Denis, Phedon Papamichael as Qumra 2020 Masters

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Legendary French auteur Claire Denis and Bafta and Academy Award nominated cinematog- rapher Phedon Papamichael are confirmed to join the Qumra 2020 Masters line-up in the highly anticipated sixth edition of the Doha Film Insti- tute’s (DFI) annual film industry incubator for exceptional talents to be held March 20 to 25. Claire Denis Phedon Papamichael They join internationally celebrated director James Gray, CCQ students listening to a lecture during the World Radio Day celebrations. Silver Lion winning film filmmaking have redefined and development labs dedi- director and screenwriter approaches to aesthetic and cated to the creation of original Jessica Hausner and Mark narrative. Denis’ daring por- and compelling TV and web Mangini, Osca winning sound trayals of the human condition content in Arabic. CCQ celebrates World Radio Day designer for the 2020 edition amidst complex social and cul- Projects in development event dedicated to supporting tural landscapes continues to participate in group and indi- THE PENINSULA — DOHA as a thriving media hub, journalist, critic and Qatar’s important new voices from the embolden filmmakers to defy vidual sessions with Qumra housing global media broad- very first radio announcer, Arab and world cinema. standard convention and Masters and industry mentors The Community College of casting powerhouses such as Al stressed the importance of Qumra Masters draw on embrace the poetry of story- in script consulting, legal, sales, Qatar’s (CCQ’s) Library Jazeera and visionary and radio and the immense impact decades of industry wisdom to telling. Papamichael has an marketing and co-production Department marked World ambitious megaprojects, such it has on people’s day-to-day provide invaluable insight on exceptional ability to visually advice, along with individual Radio Day with a series of as the Media City in Qatar’s lives, as well as the way in select projects through consul- immerse audiences in perform- matchmaking projects in post- lectures and presentations by sleek and futuristic Lusail city, which it stimulates their tations and deep-dive discus- ances with his extremely production, which are pre- distinguished members of over the past few years, several intellect through thought, art, sions with participating precise cinematic sented in a series of closed Qatar’s broadcasting new radio stations in diverse culture and entertainment. filmmakers. compositions.” rough-cut screenings to leading community at the College’s languages were also launched Another prominent speaker Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, This year’s edition of Qumra festival programmers, broad- Lusail Female Campus. in the country. at the event was Ahmad Al Chief Executive Officer of DFI, will offer networking and casters, market representa- The event themed ‘Radio in Commenting on the event, Sheikh, Media Advisor, Al said: “We are extremely hon- development opportunities for tives, sales agents and a Changing World’ explored Reem Al Ansari, Head, Library Jazeera, who delivered a talk oured to once again host five 46 projects from 20 countries distributors. topics such as the ‘History and Department, CCQ, said: “Radio entitled ‘Radio and Audience’, highly acclaimed masters of as part of Qumra’s mission to Qumra 2020 features 20 Influence of Radio in Qatar’, has been around for over 100 in which he spoke about his cinema in Qatar at Qumra accelerate the success of film- projects by Qatar-based talent, ‘Broadcasting and the Public’, years. Despite all the latest very first encounter with radio 2020. With mentorship and makers from the region and including 12 by Qatari nationals. as well as the future radio aspi- technological developments, it as a child, the history of radio, guidance from these creative beyond and prepare them to Seven of the projects are in rations of CCQ’s students, remains an important and his outlooks on the future of visionaries, participating film- bring their projects to audi- development, with others in the among other topics. A number widely-accessed source of radio and his journey into the makers gain the unique oppor- ences around the world. Qumra Series and Shorts pro- of Qatar’s most prominent and information. We are delighted media field. tunity to enrich their creative Continuing the Institute’s grammes. Of 47 projects, 33 are recognised journalists, pro- to have had the opportunity to Among CCQ’s goals is to voices by learning the advanced commitment to support Arab recipients of DFI’s Grants pro- ducers, anchors and other host some of Qatar’s most enrich its students’ academic skills necessary to take their talents in evolving forms of cre- gramme, three are supported media personalities also shared famous media personalities on experience through intellectual, projects to completion and out ativity and new possibilities, through the Qatari Film Fund their broadcasting experiences our campus to share their personal and social devel- to global audiences.” Qumra 2020 introduces for the and one through the Institute’s with the CCQ community. A broadcasting experience with opment in a supportive and Filmmaker and DFI Artistic first-time sessions dedicated to co-financing programme. In all, competition for students was CCQ’s students and hope that it nurturing environment by Advisor, Elia Suleiman, said: exploring and developing series 16 feature projects are in devel- also held at the event and drew inspires them to pursue careers exposing and connecting them “The extraordinary contribu- format projects from the region. opment, 13 feature projects in a crowd of students, faculty and in radio.” to industry leaders and encour- tions that Claire Denis and This follows the recent post-production, seven in other members of CCQ. A speaker at the event, Dr. aging them to pursue careers Phedon Papamichael have expansion of DFI’s Grants pro- Qumra Series, and 11 are in Reflecting Qatar’s position Hassan Rasheed, a Qatari in those fields. made to the art and craft of gramme and various training Qumra Shorts. Live coverage of Pakistan Super Philharmonic at QNL evokes a night at Vienna Opera Ball League 2020 on Ooredoo TV Each year, the famed Vienna State Opera THE PENINSULA — DOHA channel is available on channel 399 on Ooredoo TV. is transformed into Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading tele- Speaking of the news, a lavish ballroom communications operator, Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, announced yesterday that it has Director, PR and Corporate for the Vienna secured rights for the upcoming Communications at Ooredoo, Opera Ball, which is Pakistan Super League 2020, said: “We have thousands of graced by thousands and will be showing the cricket enthusiastic cricket fans here matches live on Ooredoo TV in Doha, and we know they will of international channel 399. be delighted to learn they will celebrities in a The fifth season of the be able to watch one of cricket’s hugely popular Twenty20 fran- most popular leagues live on tradition dating back chise has kicked off on Feb- Ooredoo TV. Achieving com- to 1814. ruary 20, with matches being plete customer satisfaction is a held until March 22. key aim at Ooredoo, and we’re Teams including the sure the live coverage of PSL THE PENINSULA — DOHA Karachi Kings, the Multan 2020 will make the cricket fans Sultans and Islamabad United among our customers very February’s edition of Philhar- will battle it out for top spot in happy! We hope they enjoy all monic at the Library treated exciting matches featuring the matches, and of course all music lovers to a night out at Music lovers enjoying the Vienna Opera Ball at Qatar National Library. some of the best Pakistani and the other benefits on offer with the Vienna Opera Ball on international players. Ooredoo ONE.” February 20. atmosphere of the ball for a committed fan of the Philhar- Another attendee, Majed Ooredoo ONE customers Customers who do not yet Each year, the famed captivated audience at the monic at the Library series and Abduljabar, said: “Classical can watch all the matches live have Ooredoo TV via Ooredoo Vienna State Opera is trans- Library with their memorable have attended the last three music is my favourite and I on Ooredoo TV via the new ONE can subscribe now at any formed into a lavish ballroom performance of selections from concerts. It fascinates me how really enjoyed listening to some Ooredoo Cricket channel, part of our Ooredoo shops around for the Vienna Opera Ball, some of Austria’s most famous this series attracts hundreds of wonderful music tonight. of the Doosra package, which town. Customers on packages which is graced by thousands 19th-century composers: people each time. It brings People don’t get similar oppor- is included with all Ooredoo lower than 150Mbps can of international celebrities in a Johann Strauss, Josef Strauss together all elements of a new tunities for free elsewhere and One packages of 150mbps and upgrade online, via the app or tradition dating back to 1814. and Carl Michael Ziehrer. library such as books, being a I will continue to indulge in this above. The Ooredoo Cricket at any Ooredoo shop. The Qatar Philharmonic Mahmood Atta was in the community place, and pro- world-class music with friends Orchestra, a member of Qatar audience at the event, and after viding the opportunity to learn by coming to this beautiful Foundation, evoked the the performance said: “I am a through experiences.” building every month.” No need to panic over locust sightings: QEERI expert

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Concerns have been raised locally due to the increasing crisis unfolding in east Africa, In recent days, there have been increasing numbers of especially in Kenya, where billions of locusts anecdotal reports relating to are ravaging agricultural areas in the worst locust swarms being spotted in Qatar. infestation for 70 years. However, officials and The infamous insects experts are keen to stress that the situation have a reputation for deci- in Qatar bears no resemblance to the African mating crops and even causing famine, but the Min- outbreak. MoCI recalls Mazda CX9 istry of Municipality and Environment (MME) insists that such isolated sightings scientists are following the some areas, and a prized models of 2017-2018 are no cause for alarm. This current situation closely. source of natural nutrients. point of view is echoed by “While around for thousands However, given that insec- THE PENINSULA — DOHA up on vehicle defects and experts. Dr. Jenny Lawler, Senior Research of years, recent increases in ticide is being used by the repairs. “There have been some Director and Acting Executive locust infestations have been MME as part of a wide- The Ministry of Commerce and The Ministry said that it will limited sightings of locusts Director of the Water Center linked with climate change ranging action plan to combat Industry, in cooperation with coordinate with the dealer to thus far in Qatar, with the Min- at QEERI. and changing weather pat- their threat, officials have National Car Company, dealer follow up on the maintenance istry of Municipality and Envi- terns leading to perfect cir- warned against eating the of Mazda in Qatar, announced and repair works and will com- ronment in good control of the especially in Kenya, where bil- cumstances for breeding,” says creatures. the recall of Mazda CX9 models municate with customers to situation,” says Dr. Jenny lions of locusts are ravaging Dr Lawler. “Insecticides are vital in of 2017-2018 due to a possible ensure that they carried out the Lawler, Senior Research agricultural areas in the worst Locusts are actually this case,” says Dr Lawler. malfunction in the warning necessary repairs. Director and Acting Executive infestation for 70 years. common visitors to Qatar and “However, they can be detri- lights on the dashboard that The Ministry urged all cus- Director of the Water Center However, officials and experts the Gulf region, generally mental to the environment sometimes, turn on suddenly. tomers to report any violations at Qatar Environment and are keen to stress that the sit- arriving between January and and human health, persisting The recall campaign comes to its Consumer Protection and Energy Research Institute uation in Qatar bears no April each winter, although for a long time. QEERI will within the framework of the Anti-Commercial Fraud (QEERI). resemblance to the African they appear to be present in continue to monitor the Ministry’s continuous efforts Department, which processes Concerns have been raised outbreak. greater numbers than usual presence of chemicals and the to protect consumers and complaints, inquires and locally due to the increasing QEERI is part of Hamad this year. They are even con- quality of air and water in ensure that car dealers follow suggestions. crisis unfolding in east Africa, Bin Khalifa University, and its sidered to be a delicacy in Qatar.” MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 MIDDLE EAST 11 Nine dead in quake in Turkey-Iran border region The quake damaged buildings some 90km to of villages were rattled in the west in the Turkish city of Van, and to the Turkey. Nearly 150 tents were sent to shelter families in the east in dozens of villages in Iran, where state region, where several schools TV said 75 people were injured including six in the districts of Baskale, Saray in hospital. The shallow tremor caused more and Gurpinar sustained minor damage. than 1,000 buildings to collapse in Turkey, Turkey’s Disaster and Emer- prompting a brief rescue effort to find those gency Management Authority trapped under rubble. (AFAD) has begun rescue work in villages including in Ozpinar, about 25km south of the epi- REUTERS — ISTANBUL centre, said Interior Minister villages in Iran, where state TV Suleyman Soylu. AFAD Nine people were killed and said 75 people were injured measured the initial tremor at buildings collapsed across including six in hospital. 5.9 magnitude. southeastern Turkey yesterday There were several after- The US Geological Survey when a magnitude 5.7 earth- shocks including a larger tremor put the epicentre 47 km west of quake struck near the border measuring 6.0 magnitude that the Iranian city of Khoy, where with Iran, injuring more than a stuck nearby 10 hours later. people felt the effects, according hundred in villages and towns There were no immediate to state TV. An earthquake last in both countries, government reports of damage or casualties month in eastern Turkey killed officials said. from that quake, which was also more than 40 people while In Turkey, three of the dead fairly shallow and potentially another in Iran did structural were children, and 50 people dangerous. damage to homes without were injured, including nine Crisscrossed by major fault causing any fatalities. critically, the health ministry lines, Iran and Turkey are People inspecting a collapsed building after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near the border An Iranian official told state said. among the most earthquake- with Iran, in Gelenler neighbourhood of Baskale district in eastern Van province of Turkey, yesterday. TV that rescue teams had been The shallow tremor caused prone countries in the world. dispatched to the area in Iran’s more than 1,000 buildings to After the initial tremor, cratered under several life,” the governor of Van, Mediterranean Seismological West Azarbaijan province. collapse in Turkey, prompting Turkish TV footage showed buildings, while in others resi- Mehmet Bilmez, told reporters Centre (EMSC) said the quake, Another local official said a brief rescue effort to find those people digging with shovels and dents were wrapped in blankets standing in front of a pile of which hit at 8:53 am (05:53 the earthquake was felt in trapped under rubble. their hands in the rubble, as well outside homes with crumbled cinder blocks and sheet metal. GMT), had a depth of 5km (3.1 several towns including Urmiah The quake damaged as furniture and belongings and cracked exterior walls, “There is destruction in all four miles). The second big quake and Salmas, and many villages buildings some 90km to the strewn on cracked and snowy fallen metal roofs and twisted villages” he visited on Sunday struck at 7:00 pm. including some that suffered west in the Turkish city of Van, roads. wiring. morning, he added. Broadcasters and gov- “100% damage”, state TV and to the east in dozens of In one village the ground “The damage caused loss of The European ernment officials said dozens reported. Turkey, Iraq to shut borders with Iran over coronavirus outbreak

ANATOLIA — ANKARA/BAGHDAD cases of the virus has risen to 43. through the two crossings, in The Governor of Diyala, the precautionary plan against Turkey and Iraq have decided Muthana Al Timimi, said in a the coronavirus. to temporarily close their statement that two border Iranian health authorities borders with Iran over the crossings with Iran, east of the announced earlier yesterday coronavirus outbreak. province, will be closed from that the number of deaths from Speaking to the press in today during a meeting to study the novel coronavirus had risen Istanbul, Turkish Health Min- ways to confront the virus. to 8, and that the number of ister Fahrettin Koca said: Al Timimi pointed out that confirmed cases of the virus “Based on the international it was decided to close Mandali had risen to 43. health regulation, the road and and Mundhiriya crossings in Reminding the rising death rail transits from Iran to Turkey front of the commercial toll from the coronavirus and were temporarily halted as of exchange for a period of three the number of affected people 5pm local time.” days starting from Monday. This in Iran, Turkish health minister Turkey has also temporarily is to give more room to the stressed that additional Iraqis taking medical precautions at the Bashmaq border crossing with Iran to prevent the spread of halted all international arrival competent authorities to take measures were needed to coronavirus, in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, yesterday. flights from Iran unilaterally as all ways to confront the coro- reduce the border movement of 8 pm local time. navirus, pointing at the same with the suggestion of the min- Iraqi authorities announced time to taking all necessary istry’s scientific committee. disease, at least eight Iranian cit- province. Meanwhile, export and from Iran have been temporarily the closure of two border medical measures. After the measures have izens were not allowed to enter transit operations from Turkey stopped as a precaution. crossings with Iran, after He explained that it was been taken, all the passengers Turkey on Saturday and Friday, to Iran continue in a controlled According to Iran’s Health Tehran revealed that number decided to establish two coming from Iran to Turkey Koca noted. The health minister manner, Trade Minister Ruhsar Ministry, the death toll from of new deaths from the novel medical centers at Mandali and have been checked by the also said five people, suspected Pekcan wrote on Twitter. coronavirus in Iran has risen to coronavirus has risen to 8, and Mundhiriya crossings, in order health officials, he said. with cold symptoms, tested neg- But she said entries of all eight, and over 40 cases were that the number of confirmed to check all those entering Due to the findings of the ative in Turkey’s eastern Van vehicles, goods, and passengers confirmed. Iraqi suspected Conservatives claim victory in of coronavirus Iran polls after record low turnout tests negative AFP — TEHRAN downing of a Ukrainian airliner ANATOLIA — BAGHDAD which killed 176 people. Iran’s conservatives claimed victory He said that in such a scenario An Iraqi student quarantined yesterday in a general election “the turnout rate seems perfectly for suspected coronavirus has marked by the lowest turnout since acceptable for us.” tested negative for the virus, the 1979 Islamic Revolution amid A low participation had been according to health authorities public anger against the government, widely forecast, as a conservative- yesterday. an economic downturn and the dominated electoral watchdog dis- “Tests proved that the sus- disqualification of half the candi- qualified about half of the pected case was not carrying dates. 16,000-odd candidates, mostly mod- the virus,” the Health Direc- A conservative resurgence would erates and reformists. torate in the southern Dhi Qar heap pressure on beleaguered Pres- The Fars news agency said a province said in a statement. ident Hassan Rouhani and signal a second round would be held in at A medical source said Sat- shift from four years ago when least 11 constituencies. One woman urday the student was quar- reformists and moderates won a candidate has qualified for the second Smoke billowing following a reported airstrike on the rebel-held town of Ariha in the antined for further tests after slender majority in parliament. round, Iran newspaper added. northern countryside of Syria’s Idlib province, yesterday. returning from the Iranian city The interior ministry announced Voter apathy marked the polls, of Qom. results of 95 percent of the 208 con- but Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah On Saturday, the Iraqi stituencies in Friday’s election, Ali Khamenei lauded the people’s authorities called on its declaring the names of the winning “huge participation” despite what he nationals not to travel to Putin affirms support for candidates but without specifying termed “negative propaganda” by neighboring Iran, where eight their political affiliation. foreign media. coronavirus deaths were “Victory for the anti-American It “began a few months ago and reported. four-way Syria summit candidates, a new slap for Trump,” grew larger approaching the election Coronavirus has spread to crowed the ultra-conservative and in the past two days, under the more than 25 other countries AGENCIES — MOSCOW and French President the Security Council had Kayhan newspaper. pretext of this illness,” he said. including the U.S., the UK, Sin- Emmanuel Macron. asked Guterres in early “The people have disqualified the “Their media did not miss the gapore, France, Russia, Spain The Russian presidency French President January to provide new reformists,” it added, alluding to Rou- slightest opportunity to discourage and India. confirmed President Emmanuel Macron on options after the Council, hani’s backers, who have been people from voting. (Our enemies) Many countries, including Vladimir Putin’s support Friday called for holding a under pressure from Russia, weakened by President Donald are even opposed to any election by Turkey, have evacuated their for a four-way summit four-way summit in drastically reduced the Trump pulling the US out of a the Iranian people,” the leader added. citizens from the city of that brings Turkey, Istanbul, bringing together number of border crossings landmark nuclear deal and by a slew Iran on Sunday reported three Wuhan —the epicenter of the France, Russia and the leaders of Turkey, authorized for delivering of economic and political crises. new coronavirus deaths, taking its virus — and other affected Germany to discuss the France, Russia and humanitarian aid to the Seventeen women were elected, toll to eight -- the highest in any areas of China, placing them Syrian file. Germany, to discuss the sit- hard-pressed population of the website of the government news- country outside China. It said there under quarantine and Spokesman for the uation of Syria’s Idlib. northeast Syria. paper Iran said — the same number were 43 COVID-19 virus infections monitoring. Russian Presidency Dmitry Meanwhile, the UN Sec- The Western powers as in the outgoing 290-seat nationwide. Peskov expressed his Pres- retary-General Antonio had specifically asked for parliament. Authorities ordered the closure Two injured in blast ident’s support for holding Guterres has urged the alternatives to compensate Interior Minister Abdolreza of schools, universities and other in Lebanon’s Tripoli a four-way summit on Security Council to for the closing of the Al Rahmani Fazli announced the par- educational centres in 14 of Iran’s 31 Syria, indicating that the authorise a new passage Yarubiyah transit point on ticipation rate was 42.6 percent — provinces from Sunday and said REUTERS — BEIRUT process of coordinating point on the Turkish border Syria’s border with Iraq. the lowest in four decades. The Tehran could be under quarantine, the date of the summit is to allow humanitarian aid “Several options can be election came two days after Iran if necessary. Art events, concerts and Two people were wounded after still continuing. to reach the embattled pop- made available,” Guterres announced its first cases of the deadly film shows have been banned for a a bomb exploded in a residential Turkish President ulation of northeast Syria, said in his report, “but from new coronavirus that emerged in week across the country. building in the Lebanese city of Recep Tayyip Erdogan has where medical supplies are a security and logistical per- China. In the past 24 hours, four new Tripoli yesterday, security announced he would hold running short. spective, in the current “We held these elections when infections surfaced in Tehran, seven sources said. a summit on Syria on the The recommendation context, the Tal Abiyad there were various incidents in the in the holy city of Qom -- where the The man accused of setting 5th of March in Istanbul, came in a report issued border crossing would con- country: we had bad weather, there country’s first infections emerged -- off the bomb has been with German Chancellor Friday to Council members stitute the most feasible was this coronavirus disease, there two in Gilan and one each in Markazi arrested, the security sources Angela Merkel, Russian and seen Saturday by AFP. alternative to the Al Yaru- was the plane crash,” Rahmani Fazli and Tonekabon, health ministry said. President Vladimir Putin Western members of biyah border crossing.” said, referring to the January 3 spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said. 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020

Arab League Israeli forces shoot welcomes national dead Palestinian unity government in South Sudan near Gaza fence QNA — CAIRO The League of Arab States AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM Shortly after dark, welcomed the formation of the transitional government of Israeli forces yesterday shot cross-border fire national unity in South Sudan. dead a Palestinian near the broke out from the It was installed in ceremonies Gaza border, before extracting held in the capital Juba on his body with a bulldozer, the Gaza Strip, setting Saturday, in the presence of army said. off warning sirens in the President of South Sudan “Following the successful the southern Israeli Salva Kiir. thwarting of the attack near the In a statement, the League Gaza Strip fence earlier this city of Ashkelon of Arab States congratulated morning, an IDF (Israeli army) and several other the leaders of South Sudan on bulldozer extracted the body of their agreement to form the one of the attackers,” a military locations, the Israeli new government as it is con- spokeswoman said. army said. sidered an important step The Palestinian Islamic towards building the pillars of Jihad movement identified the security and stability in the dead man as Mohammed Al country. Cement filled barrels blocking a road leading to the Ibrahimi Mosque in the divided West Bank town Naem, 27, a member of its mortar fire but said that about The League of Arab States of Hebron, yesterday. armed Al Quds Brigade forces. 10 attacks were intercepted by affirmed its support for South Shortly after dark, cross- the Iron Dome missile defence Sudan to implement the border fire broke out from the system. towards them. A hit was iden- collects the body. A tank can be controls the Palestinian enclave, remaining benefits of the revi- Gaza Strip, setting off warning There were no reports of tified,” a military statement seen positioned nearby. which has been holding the talised agreement to settle the sirens in the southern Israeli casualties. said. The Gaza health ministry bodies of two Israeli soldiers conflict in the country, signed city of Ashkelon and several Palestinian security sources Following the incident, a said that two civilians were since 2014. in 2018 in various security, other locations, the Israeli army reported outgoing rocket fire. video from Gaza emerged on wounded by Israeli gunfire at The Israeli army meanwhile political and constitutional said. Earlier yesterday, the Israeli social media showing a bull- the scene. distributed footage of “the aspects, calling on the inter- “Twenty launches were army had said it “spotted two dozer approaching a body as Hawkish Israeli Defence explosive device,” noting that national community to con- identified from the Gaza Strip men approaching the security young, apparently unarmed Minister Naftali Bennett has the same Islamic Jihad “squad tinue to support South Sudan towards Israeli territory,” a mil- fence in the southern Gaza Strip men, were trying to retrieve it. pursued a policy of retaining the was involved in two previous and its people in this process itary statement said. and placing an explosive device The sound of gunfire is bodies of militants from Gaza attempts to place IEDs near the until the peace process in the It did not specify if they adjacent to it”. heard and the men ultimately as bargaining chips to pressure fence during the last few country becomes successful. were rockets or shorter range “The troops opened fire run away as the bulldozer Hamas, the Islamist group that months”. UK will reimpose sanctions on Libya asks US to set up military base to counter Russia Mugabe’s widow, BLOOMBERG — TRIPOLI the Mediterranean from Europe security conference in Munich terrorism, organized crime and Since April, control of the reports Telegraph has been one of the main stages and said they wouldn’t back the keeping foreign countries that country has been divided Libya’s security chief called on for Russia’s push for influence plan, NBC reported. intervene at a distance. An between Haftar’s forces, who BLOOMBERG — LONDON the US to set up a base in the over the past year. More than a In late January, Esper said American base would lead to are also backed by Egypt and North African country to coun- thousand mercenaries deployed the US wouldn’t withdraw all stability.” the United Arab Emirates, and The British government plans terbalance Russia’s expanding by a confidant of President of its troops from Africa, but The US hasn’t had forces in the UN-recognised gov- to reject a European Union influence in Africa. Vladimir Putin have backed acknowledged a review is Libya since last April, when it ernment, which gets military decision to lift sanctions on the Fathi Bashagha, interior Haftar’s offensive to capture the under way to account for a withdrew them as Haftar’s support from Turkey. The war wife of the late Zimbabwean minister for the Tripoli-based capital from the internationally new strategy that makes coun- forces marched toward the prompted the US to withdraw President Robert Mugabe, administration, said his gov- recognized government. tering Russia and China the capital. a counter terrorism contingent suggesting its approach to ernment proposed hosting a Bashagha warned that Rus- priority. The US has about The country has been in from Tripoli that had been financially targeting foreign base after Secretary of Defense sia’s backing of Haftar was part 6,000 troops in Africa, turmoil since a 2011 US-led and assisting in the fight against individuals will diverge from Mark Esper laid out plans to of a broader push for influence. including those guarding dip- Nato-backed uprising ousted Islamic State militants in Africa. the bloc’s, the Sunday Tele- scale back the US military “The Russians aren’t in lomatic facilities, according to long-time autocrat Muammar Bashagha warned that graph reports. presence on the continent and Libya just for Haftar,” he said. a defense official. Gaddafi. The following year, a arms pouring into the country The UK suspended an re-focus deployments globally “They have a big strategy in A report by the Pentagon’s mob attacked the US consulate despite a United Nations arms order freezing the assets of on confronting Russia and Libya and Africa.” lead inspector general released in the eastern city of Benghazi, embargo could find their way Grace Mugabe after the EU’s China. Bashagha’s government Esper’s plan to pull troops this month said Russia’s activ- killing the American ambas- to neighboring Egypt, where decision last week, because it’s has been engaged in a months- from Africa provoked criticism ities in Libya and North Africa sador, Christopher Stevens. In weapons smuggled out of bound to follow the bloc’s long battle with forces trying to in Congress, with 11 lawmakers posed “significant challenges to a 2016 interview with Fox News, Libya have reached Islamic sanctions decisions until the seize the capital led by eastern led by House Armed Services the United States and its then-President Barack Obama State militants in Sinai and the Brexit transition period expires strongman Khalifa Haftar, Committee Vice-Chairman partners,” undermining military said that failing to plan for the neighboring Palestinian Gaza at year’s end. who’s backed by Russian Anthony Brown, a Democrat, relations with countries in the aftermath of Gaddafi’s ouster Strip. Yet the British government mercenaries. noting in a letter last month that region. was the worst mistake of his Meanwhile, forces loyal to disagreed with the decision “The redeployment is not Russia and China were investing “Libya is important in the presidency. Libyan eastern-based com- and plans to reimpose sanc- clear to us,” Bashagha said, in the continent to strengthen Mediterranean: it has oil wealth “We hope that the US can mander Khalifa Haftar said yes- tions on Mugabe once the speaking in a phone interview their influence. Republican and a 1,900km coast and ports move on from this regretful terday they had killed 16 transition period is over, the with Bloomberg. “But we hope Senator Lindsey Graham, a top which allow Russia to view it as incident,” Bashagha said of the Turkish soldiers in recent newspaper reported, without that the redeployment includes ally of President Donald Trump, the gate to Africa,” Bashagha attack on the embassy. “All weeks, a day after Turkey saying where it got the Libya so it doesn’t leave space was among a bipartisan group said. “If the U.S. asks for a base, Libyans regret it. It wasn’t the acknowledged it had lost information. that Russia can exploit.” of lawmakers who confronted as the Libyan government we Libyan people but a small group several martyrs in combat in the On Monday, the bloc The oil-rich nation across Esper on the sidelines of a wouldn’t mind -- for fighting of criminals that did it.” north African country. renewed its arms embargo against Zimbabwe and will maintain a targeted assets- freeze against the state-con- Ethiopia: 29 injured in bomb trolled armaments company, Zimbabwe Defence Indus- tries. Restrictive measures attack at pro-Abiy rally were initially introduced in 2002 in response to serious AFP — ADDIS ABABA people who are suspected said Sunday’s attack was human rights violations by in the attack,” Arasa said. believed to be the work of Mugabe’s government. A “bomb attack” on a rally Ethiopia’s electoral the Oromo Liberation Army A spokesman for the UK in support of Ethiopian board has scheduled (OLA), the breakaway armed Foreign and Commonwealth Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed landmark national polls for wing of the Oromo Liber- Office told the newspaper: “We injured nearly 30 people August 29. Opposition ation Front, an opposition did not agree with the EU’s yesterday, a police official parties and civil society party. decision to suspend these said, in the latest sign of organisations have ques- Officials have also sanctions on Grace Mugabe. At instability ahead of elections tioned whether the elections blamed the OLA for the the end of the transition period in August. will be peaceful and assassination on Friday of we will review it.” The incident occurred in credible, citing persistent the top security official in the town of Ambo, located ethnic violence since Abiy Burayu, another Oromia Four Mali soldiers roughly 100km west of the was appointed in 2018 fol- town located on the out- capital, Addis Ababa. lowing several years of anti- skirts of Addis Ababa. killed in attack “The bomb attack on a government protests. That attack left three rally for Dr Abiy has injured Abiy did not attend Sun- other people injured, and AFP — BAMAKO 29 people, of whom 28 have day’s rally, which was police “vowed to hunt been treated and sent organised by officials in down” those responsible, Four Mali soldiers were killed home,” Arasa Merdasa, the Ambo. Abiy, the winner of state-affiliated Fana and eight wounded yesterday top police official in Ethio- last year’s Nobel Peace Broadcasting Corporate in a suspected militant attack Protest against poverty pia’s Oromia region, where Prize, hopes the elections reported. on an army camp in the far Ambo is located, told the will secure him a mandate Arasa declined to north of the country, the Moroccan protester shouting slogans during a demonstration against state-run Ethiopian News to continue with an ambi- answer questions about the Malian military said. poverty and the economic situation, called for by the “Moroccan Social Agency. tious agenda of political and latest violence in Oromia “The provisional toll is four Front movement”, in Casablanca, yesterday. “Police have arrested six economic reforms. Arasa when contacted. dead, eight injured and several vehicles taken,” army colonel Boubacar Sanogoh, regional commander for the Timbuktu Togo President’s camp claims victory as challenger claims fraud region, said. The outpost in Bambara AFP — LOME troops briefly surrounded the more than 60 percent. After security forces lifted he was in the lead in the capital Maoude, about 100km south homes of opposition candidate “Victory is assured but it is a blockade of Kodjo’s house on Lome and the coastal region and of Timbuktu city, “was the Supporters of Togo President Agbeyome Kodjo and a key ally up to the Ceni to independently Saturday, the challenger told had “good scores” in other areas. object at about 0500 GMT of Faure Gnassingbe claimed in a move the authorities said proclaim the results,” he added media: “I have the conviction The election commission is a terrorist attack,” the military yesterday that he had won was for their “own safety”. in reference to the national that in the coming week, I will expected to release the official had earlier tweeted alongside re-election after his main chal- Kodjo, a former prime min- electoral commission. lead this country. “Considering provisional results early in the an initial toll of three dead and lenger said he could stage an upset ister and head of the national “We are optimistic and the revelations of fraud which week. Bawara said that reports five wounded, plus “material despite “revelations of fraud”. assembly, had emerged as a anticipate a clear victory in the marked this ballot, it is impos- from polling offices across the damage”. A widely-expected win by dark horse challenger looking first round” of voting, the min- sible for the outgoing candidate country “indicate an unbeatable Communications Minister the incumbent would extend to stop Gnassingbe’s bid for a ister said. Bawara downplayed to be elected in the first round.” lead” for Gnassingbe. Yaya Sangare confirmed a more than a half century of fourth term in office. Internet cuts and disruption to Kodjo claimed the author- A source in the president’s death toll of four and tweeted dynastic rule over the West But Gilbert Bawara, min- social media networks since ities had used ballot stuffing, office added that “UNIR (the that, following “intervention African nation by Gnassingbe’s ister of public functions and a vote counting began on Sat- fake polling stations and people ruling party) has held onto all by the Malian airforce, backed family despite broad disillu- strong supporter of the pres- urday, laying blame on mobile casting multiple votes to skew its traditional strongholds and by (French-led force) sionment over its failure to drag ident said: “The lead of Pres- telephone operators Togocel the results in the incumbent’s has even done better every- Barkhane and (UN mission) many out of poverty. After ident Faure Gnassingbe is well and Moov and remarking: favour. He said figures from where, including in difficult MINUSMA, the post is under voting ended on Saturday, above 50 percent, and even “These things happen.” various polling stations showed areas in the south and in Lome.” (army) control”. MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 ASIA 13 Coronavirus is communist South Korea raises virus alert China’s ‘biggest health to ‘grave’ as infections surge emergency’: President Xi AFP — BEIJING The government ordered all schools The coronavirus epidemic that has killed over 2,400 people is and kindergartens communist China’s “largest nationwide to extend public health emergency” since its founding in 1949, President the Spring break by Xi Jinping (pictured) said a week in an effort yesterday. It is necessary to learn from to prevent further “obvious shortcomings spread of the virus. exposed” during China’s response, Xi added at an official AFP — SEOUL meeting to coordinate the virus fight — a rare acknowledgment by a Chinese leader. South Korea raised its alert on the The new coronavirus has is a big test,” he said. coronavirus to the highest level drawn comparisons to the SARS Xi’s comments come as the yesterday after reporting three (Severe Acute Respiratory Syn- number of virus infections hit more deaths and 169 new infec- drome) outbreak of 2002-2003 almost 77,000 in mainland tions. which killed nearly 650 people China — with countries such as The country has seen a rapid across mainland China and South Korea on high alert and surge in the number of corona- Hong Kong, and led to criticism Italy taking containment virus cases since a cluster of over authorities’ cover-up. measures as well. infections emerged from a reli- While China has been Xi acknowledged that the gious sect in the southern city of praised by the World Health epidemic will “inevitably have Daegu. A medical worker wearing protective gear takes a rest as he waits for ambulances carrying patients Organisation for its handling of a large impact on the economy The national toll of 602 cases infected with COVID-19 in Daegu, South Korea, yesterday. the epidemic this time, the and society”, but he stressed the is now the highest outside China, death of whistleblower doctor effects will be “short-term” and apart from the Diamond Princess Moon said. Korean media reports say the One of the victims was a Li Wenliang, who was repri- controllable. cruise ship in Japan. He also urged officials to take highest ‘red’ alert level would patient being treated for mental manded for warning about the China has seen a slow “The COVID-19 incident “unprecedented powerful allow the government to restrict health issues at a hospital in virus, sparked calls for political return to work since an faces a grave turning point. The measures” to contain the public transport, ban group Cheongdo, a southern city linked reform and freedom of speech extended Spring Festival break, next few days will be crucial,” outbreak. events such as religious activities to the religious sect where in the country. as officials urged the public to said President Moon Jae-in fol- The government ordered all and protests, and enforce tighter around 100 new cases were In comments reported by avoid gatherings and stay at lowing a government meeting on schools and kindergartens entry restrictions on the country. reported. state broadcaster CCTV yes- home. Those living in “low-risk the virus. nationwide to extend the Spring Yesterday, South Korea Among the latest infections, terday, Xi said the epidemic areas” should return to regular “The government will raise break by a week in an effort to reported 169 new cases and three 95 involved the Shincheonji “has the fastest transmission, life as soon as possible, Xi said, the alert level to the highest level prevent further spread of the deaths, taking the countrywide Church of Jesus in the nearby city widest range of infection and calling for new measures to of ‘grave’ according to experts’ virus. toll to five. of Daegu, the Korea Centres for has been the most difficult to help smaller businesses that recommendations and drastically While more measures have Later, Yonhap news agency Disease Control and Prevention prevent and control”. have been hit hard by the strengthen our response system,” not been introduced, South said a sixth patient had died. said. “This is a crisis for us and it outbreak. Quarantine questioned as Japanese woman tests positive Japan Emperor’s 60th birthday AFP — TOKYO She was the first passenger said they made a decision to dis- quarantine procedures had governments to send chartered from the ship to have tested pos- embark passengers who tested improved, but still recommended aircraft. With the latest disem- overshadowed Japan yesterday confirmed that itive in Japan after having been negative during the quarantine that all those disembarking the barkation, a 14-day quarantine a woman who tested negative cleared to disembark. period as they took measures to ship should be monitored for at is expected to start for more than by virus fears and disembarked from the coro- The news comes as infectious prevent spread of the virus — least 14 days and should avoid 1,000 crew still on board. navirus-stricken Diamond disease experts and local officials passengers were confined to their contact with others. Many of them were not AP — TOKYO Princess cruise ship later tested have questioned the effectiveness cabins, except for brief outings Since Wednesday, about 970 placed in isolation as they were positive, raising questions about of the quarantine period on the on open deck when they were passengers — who tested neg- needed to keep the ship running Japanese Emperor Naruhito, the effectiveness of the quar- vessel. required to wear gloves and ative after the government put -- preparing food and delivering marking his 60th birthday, antine measures. “There has been a judgement masks and keep their distance the ship under quarantine on meals to cabins. offered his sympathy to those Health Minister Katsunobu that those who disembarked after from fellow passengers. February 5 — have disembarked, Critics have charged that they affected by the new virus, as Kato has also apologised after 23 testing negative had no problem, However, infectious diseases according to local media. were inadvertently spreading the concerns over infections passengers were allowed to leave but it has now become clear that specialist Kentaro Iwata has said On Saturday, around 100 virus throughout the ship, which forced the traditional gath- without being properly tested. those people can turn positive,” the situation on the ship was more passengers who had has seen more than 600 cases of ering of tens of thousands of The woman in her 60s Tochigi governor Tomokazu “completely chaotic” and violated reportedly been in close contact the potentially deadly COVID-19 well-wishers outside the royal returned to her home in Tochigi Fukuda told a press conference quarantine procedures, in blunt with infected people on board disease. Kato defended Japan’s palace to be canceled. prefecture north of Tokyo by late Saturday. criticism rarely seen in Japanese were allowed to get off. on-board quarantine, telling a TV Yesterday’s birthday is a train after she disembarked on “We call on the government officialdom. They included the last group programme Saturday there was special one for Naruhito, his Wednesday, but she had a fever to take additional measures,” he The Kobe University pro- of Japanese passengers while no medical facility large enough first since becoming emperor. on Friday and tested positive on said. fessor later said he had heard some foreign passengers were to admit more than 3,000 people Sixty is considered a landmark Saturday, a local official said. Japanese authorities have from a colleague on board that still waiting on board for their at once. age in the Japanese zodiac calendar. Festivities surrounding the emperor’s birthday, however, Protests against new have been toned down amid concerns about the virus. Plans for Naruhito to wave from the citizenship law in palace balcony to tens of thou- sands of well-wishers were among the events that were New Delhi, Aligarh cancelled. “As we face concerns REUTERS — NEW DELHI freedom in the country with about the spread of the coro- Prime Minister Narendra Modi. navirus, I offer my sympathy Police used tear gas to disperse India’s Citizenship to the patients and their fam- large crowds in India’s capital of Amendment Act, which eases the ilies,” Naruhito told reporters New Delhi yesterday in the latest path for non-Muslims from at a new conference held eruption of violence at protests neighbouring Muslim-majority ahead of his birthday. over a new citizenship law, nations to gain citizenship, has “I hope that the escalation Gujarat police’s bomb detection disposal squad officials inspecting a stage displaying pictures of police officials said. triggered weeks of sometimes of the infections will be con- India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, on Hundreds of people sup- violent protests against Modi’s tained as soon as possible.” the outskirts of Ahmedabad, yesterday. porting the new law clashed with government. those opposing it, with the two The Indian law is seen by groups pelting each other with opponents as discriminating Disbanded Thai Mahatma Gandhi’s former home gets stones in the Maujpur area in the against Muslims and has northeastern part of the city, deepened concerns that Modi’s party says govt according to television footage. administration is undermining facelift ahead of Trump’s India visit “There must be some mis- India’s secular traditions. colluded in creants who want to spoil the Modi’s ruling Hindu nation- REUTERS — AHMEDABAD is in its simplicity.” The modest peace in the area. We will alist Bharatiya Janata Party 1MDB scandal Trump lands in the complex is a possible 15-minute identify them and take action denies any bias against the coun- India deployed more than western city of stop today for Trump, whose against them,” Alok Kumar, a try’s 180 million Muslims. AP — BANGKOK 10,000 police and gave a facelift New York penthouse is deco- senior Delhi police official, told Yesterday, a separate protest to the former home of inde- Ahmedabad today, rated in gold in the style of reporters about the protest. also erupted in the northern Thailand’s disbanded oppo- pendence hero Mahatma Gandhi where he will address French king Louis XIV. “The situation is under Indian city of Aligarh, where pro- sition Future Forward Party yesterday on the eve of a visit by a rally of more than Sarabhai said that should control now,” he added. testers threw stones at the police, attacked the government US President Donald Trump, Trump visit, he is likely to be The protest comes just a day state administration official yesterday for allegedly whose two-day trip aims to 100,000 in a newly- given a charkha, a traditional before US President Donald Chandra Bhushan Singh said. colluding with Malaysia’s repair bilateral relations after a built cricket stadium, spinning wheel used by Gandhi, Trump begins a two-day visit to The internet in the area had been former prime minister to cover trade spat. as well as a copy of his India, where he is expected to suspended until midnight, he up the 1MDB financial scandal, Trump lands in the western before a visit to Agra’s autobiography. raise the issue of religious added. for which former Malaysian city of Ahmedabad today, where renowned Taj Mahal. “We are also considering leader Najib Razak is now he will address a rally of more gifting a set of (Gandhi’s) Three standing trial. than 100,000 in a newly-built Monkeys, which stress on not The accusation comes a day cricket stadium, before a visit to city. But the arrival of Trump, seeing, hearing, or speaking evil,” ahead of today’s launch of a no- Agra’s renowned Taj Mahal and residents and officials say, is Sarabhai added. Preparations confidence debate in the Thai a summit with Indian officials unprecedented in scale. have not been without problems. parliament against Prime Min- and business leaders in New Yesterday, more than ten A 30 foot arch by the VIP ister Prayuth Chan-ocha and Delhi. thousand police — some entrance to the stadium expected five other Cabinet members. In Ahmedabad, a wall at least mounted on camels — fanned to be used by Trump collapsed The Future Forward Party, six feet high in places will block out across the city. At the Sab- yesterday morning due to high which won the third highest a slum from Trump’s view. ermati Ashram, the former home winds, police said, though it was number of seats in last March’s India’s Prime Minister of India’s independence hero quickly repaired. general election, was dissolved Narendra Modi has made grand Mahatma Gandhi, labourers There is enthusiasm among on Friday by Thailand’s Consti- visits to his home state of Gujarat watered lawns and painted walls. many in India for Trump’s tutional Court for violating a signature of his time in power, “A general facelift is being arrival, but others have been election laws by accepting a with the leaders of Japan and done,” said Kartikeya Sarabhai, angered at the cost — nearly large loan from its leader, auto- Demonstrators shouting slogans during a protest against new China both taking similar trips to a trustee of the organisation. $12m for a three-hour visit, parts billionaire Thanathorn Citizenship Amendment Act, in New Delhi, yesterday. Ahmedabad, the state’s largest “(But) the beauty of the Ashram according to officials. Juangroongruangkit. 14 ASIA MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 Mobile phone services restored as Afghan truce holds for a second day The lull in violence allowed telecom Trump says he would sign a operators to begin peace deal with the Taliban restoring networks across the country AFP — WASHINGTON that have long US President Donald Trump said yesterday he would sign a been hampered by peace deal with the Taliban if one were eventually reached in fighting. Afghanistan. “I would put my name on it.” His comments came after a partial truce took effect in Afghanistan on Saturday, with the Taliban, US, and Afghan forces agreeing to a week-long AFP — KABUL “reduction in violence.” Private cellphone antennas are pictured in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, yesterday. The truce was intended to set conditions for Washington Mobile phone services were and the insurgents to sign a deal in Doha on February 29 that restored across swathes of could ultimately lead to a withdrawal of US forces after more fighters. Afghanistan boasts mil- Afghanistan into an uncertain streets to enjoy the relative Taliban-contested areas of than 18 years. lions of mobile users in a pop- future. calm. In their southern Afghanistan over the weekend ulation of 30 million, with the A successful week would stronghold of Helmand, Taliban as a partial truce with the mili- fast-growing industry demonstrate that the Taliban fighters mingled with locals, tants held for a second day. “In general we do see (a started operating after almost employing around 200,000 have command and control of small “peace” demonstrations The Taliban, US and Afghan reduction in violence),” acting five years.” people and earning strong their forces, and it would also took place across the country, forces are currently overseeing interior minister Masood Two separate officials with revenue in an otherwise mor- be a show of good faith before and a bicycle race was held in a week-long “reduction in vio- Andrabi said. knowledge of the country’s tel- ibund economy. signing any deal. the eastern city of Jalalabad. lence” that kicked off on The lull in violence allowed ecoms industry in northern Thousands of telecommu- The partial truce has also Washington has been in Saturday. telecom operators to begin Afghanistan also confirmed that nication towers, however, are given a much-needed respite talks with the Taliban for more The commitment has seen restoring networks across the mobile networks were being in insurgency-hit areas and vul- to civilians who have borne the than a year to secure a deal fighting drop dramatically and country that have long been restored in insurgent-hit areas. nerable to attacks. brunt of the gruesome war. which would see it would pull is set to pave the way for an hampered by fighting. The Taliban have long tar- The partial truce is expected The UN’s Afghanistan about half of the 12,000-13,000 American withdrawal deal to “Around 730 cell towers geted Afghanistan’s private to set the conditions for Wash- mission reported Saturday that troops currently in Afghanistan be signed later this week. have restarted,” said Naqee- telecom firms, kidnapping engi- ington and the insurgents to more than 10,000 people had out. There have been reports of bullah Sailab, vice chairman of neers, destroying transmission sign a deal in Doha on February been killed or wounded in 2019 In return, the Taliban would small clashes in rural areas, but the Telecom Regulatory masts and forcing regular cov- 29 that could, ultimately, pull alone. give security guarantees and a no major attacks that have long Authority of Afghanistan. erage blackouts in volatile areas US troops out after more than As fighting eased across the promise to hold peace talks with defined the conflict have erupted. “There are towers which to avoid detection of their 18 years and launch war-weary country, Afghans took to the the government in Kabul. Pakistan closes Iranian border, Afghanistan bans travel over virus fears Pakistan begins Spring tree AGENCIES — ISLAMABAD Afghanistan yesterday following borders with Iran that are often movement (air and ground) to reported eight deaths from the a spike in confirmed cases and used by smugglers and human and from Iran,” the office of the novel coronavirus. plantation drive Pakistan yesterday closed its fatalities in the neighbouring traffickers, while millions of National Security Council of The latest three deaths Iran land border with Iran, while Iran. The three suspects, all adult Afghan refugees currently live Afghanistan said in a statement reported yesterday were among ANATOLIA — ISLAMABAD Afghanistan suspended travel men, recently returned from the in the Islamic Republic — raising posted on Twitter. 15 new confirmed cases of the to the neighbouring country as Iranian city of Qom to Herat in fears that the virus could easily A provincial official in COVID-19 virus, bringing the Pakistan launched yesterday fears across the region Afghanistan, Dr Nazeer Ahmad, spread over the border. Pakistan and the country’s overall number of infections to a nationwide Spring tree plan- continued to grow over a jump a member of the country’s coro- “To prevent the spread of Frontier Corps also confirmed 43 and fatalities to eight — the tation drive for the revival and in new coronavirus infections. navirus control committee said. the novel #coronavirus and that the country had sealed the highest death toll outside of restoration of forests in the Three suspected cases of the Both Afghanistan and protect the public, Afghanistan land border with Iran. China, the epicentre of the country. coronavirus surfaced in Pakistan share long, porous suspends all passenger Earlier yesterday, Iran epidemic. Pakistan’s Premier Imran Khan kicked off the drive by planting a sapling in his hometown district of Mianwali Khalid Jawed notified in the northeastern Punjab province. “Pakistan is among the as Pakistan’s new countries most affected by climate change... we need to protect it through the plan- Attorney-General tation of trees across the country,” Khan said while addressing the event held as INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD offered to continue as the part of the 10 Billion Tree attorney general after the Tsunami project. The Ministry of Law and Justice Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) The ambitious project is an of Pakistan has notified Khalid formed the government. extension of the Billion Tree Jawed Khan as the new But, they added, he had Tsunami which was launched Attorney-General (AG) for declined the offer since an influ- in 2014 in the northwestern Pakistan. ential figure had recommended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa As per the notification issued Anwar Mansoor Khan for this province, which restored by the law ministry, President position and also arranged his 350,000 hectares of forests Arif Alvi has appointed “Khalid meeting with Imran Khan in and degraded land. Jawed Khan as Attorney-General Banigala. He urged the country’s for Pakistan with the rank and Khalid Jawed Khan is a son youth to play their role in status of federal minister with of ND Khan, a senior politician making the plantation drive a immediate effect”. who served as law minister success. The notification stated: “In during the second government exercise of powers conferred of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Families of victims of the Australian bushfire arrive to a State memorial for those impacted by the under Article 100 (1) of the con- He is a senior lawyer who recent bushfires in Sydney, yesterday. Vietnamese stitution of Islamic Republic of has appeared before the Pakistan 1973, the President is Supreme Court in a number of monk who was please to appoint Khalid Jawed cases and also served as Khan as Attorney-General.” Advocate General for Sindh in a Nobel Prize The copy of the notification 2013 as well as he remained a Australia’s bushfire-stricken has been delivered to the secre- member of the Privatisation nominee dies taries of President Secretariat Commission of Pakistan from and Prime Minister Office, the 1995 to 1996. state pays tribute to 25 victims AFP — HANOI registrar of Supreme Court, He also served in the office Solicitor-General, Accountant- of the Attorney General as con- REUTERS — MELBOURNE Australian Prime change, insisting removing Thich Quang Do, a dissident General Pakistan Revenue and sultant during the government Minister Scott flammable vegetation is “just Buddhist monk who has effec- officials of the law ministry. of former prime minister Benazir Families, firefighters and poli- as important, if not more”. tively been under house arrest Khan has replaced Anwar Bhutto. Anwar Mansoor Khan ticians gathered in a solemn Morrison, who His management of the fires since 2003 and was nominated Mansoor Khan who resigned had to tender resignation from public ceremony in Sydney thanked those who also came under criticism over multiple times for the Nobel from this post on Thursday. the coveted post for levelling yesterday to honour the 25 the unusually prolonged Peace Prize, has died aged 93. Before his appointment, the allegations against some people killed in recent bushfires fought the blazes summer wildfire season, when Head of the banned Unified authorities in the federal gov- members of the Supreme Court that tore through the country’s and honoured he was forced into a rare public Buddist Church of Vietnam ernment contacted Khan and bench hearing petitions chal- most populous state. apology for taking a holiday to (UBCV), the vocal patriarch confirmed his appointment in lenging the filing of presidential The bushfires, which lasted those who died, Hawaii. was born on November 27, the prestigious office. references against Justice Qazi from September until torrential spoke of “children Last week, he said Australia 1928 in northern Thai Binh Sources in the law ministry Faez Isa of Supreme Court. rains hit earlier this month, would conduct a wide-ranging province and spent most of his said that Khan had been selected Though Anwar Mansoor killed 33 people and a billion kissing the coffins inquiry into the causes of the life advocating for religious from eight eminent lawyers. claimed that he had decided to native animals nationally and of their fathers” and fires. freedom and human rights in Besides Khan, the other lawyers quit on his own in compliance destroyed 2,500 homes and a “mothers who should NSW Rural Fire Service communist-run Vietnam. considered for this post were with the demand of the Pakistan wilderness area the size of Commissioner Shane Fit- His staunch activism Abid Zuberi, Punjab advocate Bar Council (PBC), the law min- South Korea. have never had to zsimmons, who played a very landed him under what was general Ahmad Jamal Sukhera, istry said he was asked to do so. The damage was most dev- bury their children”. public role during the crisis, effectively house arrest in Ho Syed Ali Zafar, Kamal Azfar, Anwar Mansoor, however, astating in New South Wales said the season will be remem- Chi Minh City in 2003, where Naeem Bukhari and Molvi disagreed with the government state. Among the 25 people bered as one of the most chal- he was under constant surveil- Anwarul Haq. They had have stance that he had been asked to killed there were 19 civilians, lenging, in which the loss of life lance. Do died on Saturday given consent for the tender his resignation. three local volunteer fire- He told the public, gathered was enormous. night at Tu Hieu pagoda, UBCV appointment on the coveted post On Wednesday, the Supreme fighters and three US around lit candles, of “a “Each one of those is a story announced on Sunday of the attorney general, they Court had categorically asked firefighters. summer where the dark sky of grief, of profound loss, and morning. added. Senior advocate Anwar Mansoor to apologise or Australian Prime Minister turned black and sunsets only great sadness, of lives cut short, According to his will signed Makhdoom Ali Khan, however, produce evidence on the basis Scott Morrison, who thanked signalled another night of and of families being changed on April 2019, Do requested a declined to accept the post. of which he had levelled allega- those who fought the blazes and terror, where the fire crashed forever,” Fitzsimmons said. “simple funeral, not more than Khan served as the attorney tions against the members of the honoured those who died, spoke on our beaches from the bush Six pairs of boots were three days”. general during the interim gov- bench without naming anyone. of “children kissing the coffins that surrounded them”. placed to symbolise the lives of “After the cremation, my ernment prior to the July 2018 The court had, however, of their fathers” and “mothers Morrison has drawn public the three Australian volunteers ashes will be scattered at sea,” general elections. restrained the media from who should have never had to anger for his refusal to directly and the three US firefighters said the statement quoting his The sources said he was reporting the allegations. bury their children”. link the bushfires to climate who died in NSW. will. MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 EUROPE 15 Italy battles surging virus outbreak as cases jump above 100

REUTERS — MILAN Authorities in the locals urged to stay home and wealthy regions of special permission needed to Italy raced yesterday to contain enter or leave the designated the biggest outbreak of corona- Lombardy and Veneto, areas. virus in Europe, sealing off the which are the focal Lombardy is home to Italy’s worst affected towns and financial capital Milan, and banning public gatherings in point of the flare-up, together with Veneto the two much of the north as the number ordered schools and regions account for 30 percent of those infected jumped above universities to close of national gross domestic 100. output. Any prolonged dis- Authorities in the wealthy for at least a week, ruption there is likely to have a regions of Lombardy and shut museums and serious impact on the whole Veneto, which are the focal economy, which is already point of the flare-up, ordered cinemas and called flirting with recession. schools and universities to close off the last two days Fashion designer Giorgio for at least a week, shut Armani has said his fashion museums and cinemas and of the Venice Carnival. show scheduled to take place in called off the last two days of Milan yesterday would go the Venice Carnival. regions of Piedmont and Emilia ahead, but without any press or “As of this evening, there will Romagna, saying the total buyers present to prevent be a ban on the Venice Carnival number of known infections in contagion. as well as on all events, Italy had risen to above 130. Two Health authorities are strug- including sporting ones, until elderly people have died in the gling to work out how the out- March 1 inclusive,” the regional past 48 hours from the illness. break started. The first cases governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, The regional governor of were announced only on Friday told reporters. He said yester- Veneto, Luca Zaia, said he had and doctors do not know the Reporters wearing respiratory masks work at the entrance of the small town of Casalpusterlengo, day’s festivities in the packed dealt with numerous natural source of the illness. southeast of Milan, yesterday, under the shadow of a new coronavirus outbreak. lagoon city would continue to disasters during his long career, Initial suspicion in Lom- prevent any public order including floods and earth- bardy fell on a businessman problems. quakes. “But this is the abso- recently returned from China, worried because if we cannot the virus first emerged last year. border controls to try to prevent The number of certified lutely worst problem that the epicentre of the new virus, find ‘patient zero’ then it means After the first confirmed new arrivals, but Prime Minister cases of the illness in Lombardy Veneto has faced,” he told but he has tested negative. In the virus is even more ubiquitous cases, Italy suspended all direct Giuseppe Conte has rejected rose to 90 from 54 a day earlier, reporters. Veneto, doctors tested a group than we thought,” Zaia said. flights to and from China, but did this. Austria’s Interior Minister while in Veneto some 25 people Almost a dozen towns in of eight Chinese visitors who Prior to Friday, Italy had not keep tabs on those arriving Karl Nehammer said yesterday had come down with the virus, Lombardy and Veneto with a had been to the town that was reported just three cases of the from second countries. that officials would meet today including two people in Venice. combined population of some home to the first fatality, but virus — all of them people who Italy’s far-right opposition to discuss whether Austria Health officials reported iso- 50,000 have effectively been again, they all tested negative. had recently arrived from the League party has demanded that should unilaterally re-establish lated cases in the neighbouring placed under quarantine, with “We are (now) even more Chinese city of Wuhan, where the government reintroduce border controls with Italy. France prepares to tackle virus Trial of Fillon over cases: Minister fake jobs scandal REUTERS — PARIS

French Health Minister to begin today Olivier Veran said yesterday new cases of coronavirus REUTERS — PARIS were “very likely” in France and health authorities were Former French prime minister ready in case of an epidemic, Francois Fillon (pictured) and adding he was “particularly his wife Penelope go on trial watchful” of the situation in today over a fake jobs scandal Italy. that wrecked his 2017 run for Prime Minister Edouard president and opened the Philippe had called up a Elysee Palace door for meeting at 5.30pm to review Emmanuel Macron. the coronavirus situation, Fillon’s bid for the presi- Philippe’s office also said in dency unravelled after allega- a statement. tions he paid his wife hundreds Apart from Veran, the of thousands of euros for doing meeting will include Army little, if any, work as his parlia- Minister Florence Parly, Top candidate Katharina Fegebank (left), of Germany’s Green Party and top candidate and Mayor mentary assistant. Interior Minister Christophe of Hamburg, Peter Tschentscher of the Social Democrats, appear in a TV studio, after first results of A consummate political people think that I am dis- Castaner and Transport Min- Hamburg state election in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday. insider who was prime minister honest or that I sought to con ister Jean-Baptiste Djebarri. under Nicolas Sarkozy’s pres- the French people,” he said. “Today, there is only one idency, Fillon was the com- Fillon is accused of embez- infected patient in France, fortable frontrunner in the zling public funds, a charge who is hospitalised in Lyon. Hamburg voters punish German right, election race when the allega- which carries a sentence of up His health condition is not tions surfaced. He denied to 10 years in prison and a 1 worrying. All the others, Merkel’s party in regional election wrongdoing, resisted party million euro fine. His wife is apart from an 80-year old pressure to pull his candidacy, charged with complicity to man who died, were released AFP — HAMBURG position as the strongest force But the prosperous port city and was eliminated in the first embezzlement and con- cured and are not conta- with 37.5 percent, while shedding with a proud left-of-centre tra- round of the vote. cealment of public money. gious,” Veran said in an Voters in German city-state over eight points on 2015. dition may also be the first state Fillon said in an interview A lawyer for the couple was interview with Le Parisien/ Hamburg punished Chancellor By contrast, Chancellor to deny AfD seats in parliament, last month that his wife had not available for comment. Aujourdhui en France- Angela Merkel’s crisis-racked Angela Merkel’s conservative just two years after it completed been his most important Facing the judges beside the Dimanche newspaper. conservatives and ejected the far Christian Democratic Union its sweep into all 16 German state employee and that her work for Fillons will be Marc Joulaud, right from parliament in a (CDU) lost more than four points, legislatures in a post-World War him would be proven at trial. who is accused of continuing regional election yesterday, to 11.5 — one of its worst-ever II first for a far-right party. “She managed my constit- to channel funds to Penelope German cities according to an exit poll. scores in any German region. The In many other parts of uency diary and my mail, and Fillon after he took the con- According to the Infratest exit party has been sapped across Germany, AfD polls in double edited the speeches I was servative politician’s parlia- cancel carnival poll, the biggest winners in yes- Germany by a long-running digits, scoring above 20 percent making,” he told public broad- mentary seat while he was in terday’s vote were the pro- leadership crisis, sharpened by in several recent state elections caster France 2. government. He also denies the parades because gressive, ecologist Greens. its unprecedented apparent in the former communist east. Investigators estimate changes. They more than doubled alliance with far-right Alternative That has been enough to Penelope Fillon received $1m The French parliament, of gusty winds their score to over 25 percent for Germany (AfD) earlier in Feb- throw sand in the gears of from her husband’s office over which is a claimant in the case, after climate change shot to the ruary. AfD itself and the liberal regional politics, with national a three decade period from the this week said it was seeking AP — BERLIN top of Germany’s political agenda Free Democrats (FDP) may both repercussions. early 1980s to 2013. more than 1 million euros in in 2019. After weeks of intense have failed to clear the five- Earlier this month, Merkel’s When the scandal broke, damages from Francois Fillon Several cities in western political turmoil at national level, percent hurdle needed to enter conservatives were shaken by Fillon denounced what he and Joulaud. Germany cancelled their tradi- including never-before-seen parliament, the poll suggested. the apparent alliance of their called a campaign of dirty Fillons’ defence team will tional carnival parades on cooperation between the centre With the marked boost for regional branch in eastern state tricks and denied having done ask the judges yesterday that short-notice yesterday, citing and far right, some 57 percent the Greens and grinding down Thuringia with AfD, voting in an anything illegal, though he the trial be postponed by two severe weather conditions had cast their vote by 4pm, two of the formerly dominant CDU FDP politician as state premier. admitted an error of judgment. days in support of a strike by including gusty winds and hours before the polls closed, and SPD, Hamburg’s results The breach of a historic He told France 2 he may have lawyers against Macron’s heavy rains. election officials said on their reflect in some respects the political taboo provoked a made mistakes. pension reform. In Cologne, the famous website. broader political picture of frag- nationwide backlash against “I surely committed errors Fillon now works for school and neighbourhood The centre-left Social Dem- mentation visible in Germany- both mainstream right-of-centre but there is something that I investment management firm parades were cancelled and in ocratic Party (SPD) defended its wide polls. parties. will not accept, and that is that Tikehau Capital. nearby Duesseldorf the carnival celebrations on the city’s glitzy Koenigsallee boulevard were also called off. US to lay out case against Assange at extradition hearing “In order to protect all par- ticipants along the route, the AP — LONDON international secret-spiller helicopter attack by American parades cannot take place,” through self-imposed exile forces in Baghdad that killed 11 Cologne city officials said in a The US government and inside the Ecuadorean’Embassy people, including two Reuters statement. Some of the parades’ WikiLeaks founder Julian in s Londsy to incarceration in journalists. Journalism organi- participants were already on the Assange will face off today in a a maximum-security British sations and civil liberties groups way to the celebrations when high-security London court- prison. including Amnesty International parts of their costumes were house, a decade after WikiLeaks Assange has been indicted and Reporters Without Borders blown away by the wind, the infuriated American officials by in the US on 18 charges over the say the charges against Assange city statement said, explaining publishing a trove of classified publication of classified docu- set a chilling precedent for its last-minute decision to call military documents. ments. Prosecutors say he con- freedom of the press. off the parades. About 8,000 A judge at Woolwich Crown spired with US army intelligence “What we have is an assault people were supposed to par- Court will begin hearing argu- analyst Chelsea Manning to on journalism,” left-wing Greek ticipate in the Cologne parades, ments from lawyers for US hack into a Pentagon computer lawmaker Yanis Varoufakis said not including tens of thousands authorities, who want to try and release hundreds of thou- at an Assange support march in of spectators. Assange on espionage charges sands of secret diplomatic London on Saturday. Assange’s father John Shipton (left) and former Greek Finance Other cities across Germany that carry a maximum sentence cables and military files on the “The only charge against Minister Yanis Varoufakis arrive at Belmarsh Prison to visit Julian also cancelled their carnival of 175 years in prison. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Julian, hiding behind the non- activities due to the storm, The extradition hearing US authorities say Assange, in London, yesterday. sense of espionage, is a charge including Emmerich, Essen and follows years of subterfuge, dip- WikiLeaks’ activities put of journalism.” Salzkotten in the west as well lomatic dispute and legal drama American lives in danger. Amendment protection, and wrongdoing. Among the files Assange’s legal team insists as Heiligenstadt in Thuringia in that have led the 48-year-old Assange argues he was acting says the leaked documents published by WikiLeaks was the American case against him central Germany. Australian from fame as an as a journalist entitled to First exposed US military video of a 2007 Apache is politically motivated. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 Hungarians march to protest Orban’s anti-Roma campaign REUTERS — BUDAPEST Lower courts have ordered the state to pay More than 2,000 Hungarians, damages to minority Roma children who had including Roma families and been unlawfully segregated in a school, but the civil groups, marched to parliament yesterday to protest prime minister has suggested the state should against the government’s disobey court orders. Country's top court is due refusal to pay compensation to Roma children who had been to make a final ruling soon. unlawfully segregated in a school in eastern Hungary. Nationalist Prime Minister voters by targeting independent surprise setback in a municipal Viktor Orban, who has come courts, the Roma minority, and election last October, losing under fire from the European the NGOs who help them. Budapest to the opposition. Union for his perceived erosion “The meddling of the gov- Orban has said “a court of the rule of law, suggested the ernment in the Gyongyospata ruling citing segregation has state should disobey court restitution issue is unlawful and stirred up public opinion by orders to pay compensation to violates the rule of law and the awarding large sums of money Roma children in the village of independence of the courts,” to some Roma residents,” Gyongyospata and provide protest organisers said on adding that everyone must People taking part in a protest against government’s campaign on segregation of Roma children in training instead. Facebook. work to receive money. Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. Lower courts have ordered Protesters held up banners He has also said “business- the state to pay damages in a saying “No one is above the savvy lawyers” exploited over- lawsuit that has been dragging law” and “The future cannot be crowded prison conditions to billionaire George Soros helped government campaign could to energise his base with his on for almost a decade. built on hatred”. launch 12,000 lawsuits against Roma launch the lawsuits. The fuel hatred between Roma and new campaign. Hungary’s top court is due Orban has been in power the government for breaking EU party has campaigned for years non-Roma. Roma make up This will include a “national to make a final ruling soon. since 2010 and his ruling Fidesz prison standards. against Soros, who promotes 5-7% of Hungary’s consultation” next month when With the economy slowing, party is leading in opinion polls Senior lawyers said Orban liberal causes. population. questionnaires will be sent to and his anti-immigration cam- because of its anti-immigration was undermining the rule of Close to 500 psychologists Robert Laszlo, an analyst at millions of Hungarians on the paign losing steam, analysts say stance. law. Fidesz has said people con- had, by yesterday, signed a liberal think-tank Political issues of payments to Roma and Orban is seeking to mobilise his However, Fidesz suffered a nected with Hungarian-born petition saying that the Capital, said Orban was trying compensation for prisoners. Serbia receives sophisticated Airports in Russian air defence system Spain’s Canary Islands reopen AP — BELGRADE, SERBIA the Balkans which went through a devastating civil war in the after sandstorm Serbia has received a sophisti- 1990s. NATO intervened in cated anti-aircraft system from Serbia to stop a bloody Serb AFP — MADRID Russia, despite possible US crackdown against Kosovo sanctions against the Balkan Albanian separatists in 1999. Air travel returned to normal state, which is formally seeking US officials have openly on Spain’s Canary Islands European Union membership. spoken about introducing sanc- yesterday, a day after a huge Serbian President Ale- tions against Serbia in case sandstorm disrupted nearly ksandar Vucic told the pro-gov- Moscow sells more arms to the 300 flights in the popular ernment TV Prva yesterday that country, especially with European holiday destination, the Pantsir S1 air-defence weapons that could jeopardise officials said. system was purchased after the security of neighbouring Spain’s airport operator suggestions from Russian Pres- NATO-member states. AENA on Saturday suspended ident Vladimir Putin. Vucic said he hoped there all flights in and out of Gran “Buy Pantsir, it showed its would be no sanctions because Canaria and all flights leaving best efficiency in Syria,” Vucic he has spoken openly about the Tenerife, after strong winds quoted Putin as saying during Pantsir purchase. He said he carrying clouds of red sand Russia marks Defender of the Fatherland Day one of their recent, frequent believed the sanctions threat from the Sahara severely meetings. was focused on possible pur- reduced visibility on the Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown “This anti-aircraft system is chase of the S-400 anti-aircraft islands which lie off the coast Soldier by the Kremlin Wall to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. very efficient for targeting systems that have a much larger of Morocco. drones which are becoming range and are more offensive Around 280 flights were crucial in modern warfare,” weapons. cancelled or diverted, an Vucic said. The delivery on Saturday of AENA spokeswoman told the 47 migrants found in abandoned truck Despite seeking to join the two of the purchased six Russian media. AP — SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA inside, police said in a intercepted a total of 1,365 EU, Serbia under Vucic’s pop- missile systems comes just days But visibility had statement issued on Saturday. migrants who entered North ulist leadership has after Russia’s defence minister, improved yesterday and the Police in North Macedonia said The migrants were trans- Macedonia illegally in the first strengthened close political and Sergei Shoigu, visited Belgrade three airports on the two officers on border patrol found ferred to detention centres in three weeks of the year. military ties with its Slavic ally where he declared that the mil- islands were operating nor- 47 migrants in an abandoned North Macedonia’s capital of Separately, a criminal court Russia. itary cooperation between the mally although there could truck in the country’s southeast, Skopje and in the southern in Skopje gave a two-year sus- Serbia has pledged to stay two states has reached a “fun- still be some delays due to the near the borders with Bulgaria border town of Gevgelija, police pended sentence to a German out of NATO and refused to join damentally” new level. weather conditions, she and Greece. said. man and an Italian woman con- Western sanctions against Pantsir is a rapid-fire missile added. The parked truck was dis- They entered North Mace- victed of trying to smuggle Russia for its policies in Ukraine. system intended for defence Norwegian shipping firm covered late Friday with the donia from Greece, and author- three people into North Mace- Russia’s arming of Serbia is against cruise missiles, drones Fred. Olsen & Co suspended driver gone and migrants from ities plan to deport them back donia from Greece last month watched with unease in the and low flying aircraft with a yesterday its ferry service Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq there. Police say officers with fake ID documents. West amid growing tensions in range of about 20km. between the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, as well as between San Two Polish climbers die in Sabastian and Valle Gran Rey on the island of Gomera, “until further notice” because of the Slovakia’s High Tatra Mountains bad weather, the company said in a tweet. AFP — BRATISLAVA attempts, rescuers returned to Spain’s national weather their base in Stary Smokovec, service said wind gusts of up Two young Polish climbers fell where they collected several to 160 kilometres (100 miles) to their deaths in Slovakia’s groups of rescue brigades and per hour were recorded on High Tatra Mountains on Friday deployed them by helicopters some parts of the archipelago amid high winds and heavy to all sides of the Kezmarsky overnight. snow, local rescuers said on Peak,” the HZS said in a The strong winds also Saturday evening. statement on Saturday evening. stalled efforts to put out a Slovakia’s Mountain Rescue The climbers had set out on wildfire that broke out Sat- Service (HZS) said its rescuers Friday but it was not clear urday near the village of “found two bodies of Polish which route up the popular but Tasarte in the southwest part climbers (aged 27 and 25 demanding peak they had of Gran Canaria. years)”, on Saturday afternoon intended to attempt. Water-dropping aircraft near the 2,558 metre-high Kez- Their bodies were found in were yesterday prevented marsky Peak, according to a “avalanche terrain” under a from taking part in the fire, statement. rock wall in the Great Ice which has scorched around Strong winds and very low Valley, the rescue service said. 300 hectares of land and visibility due to falling snow The High Tatras straddle forced the evacuation of had initially hampered rescue the Slovakia-Poland border. around 500 people, the helicopters from approaching The highest peak is is Gerla- Belgium carnival parade regional government of the the area. chovský at 2,655 metres (8,711 Canaries said in a Revellers in costumes attend a carnival parade in Aalst, Belgium, yesterday. “After multiple flight ft). statement. Kosovo’s new Prime Minister says ready to revoke tariffs on Serbian goods

AFP — PRISTINA Kurti also faces a fierce by the principle of reciprocity forces during the 1998-1999 party threatened to hold street normalisation of ties between backlash from veterans who between the two states” in war which claimed 13,000 lives, protests against the move. Serbia and Kosovo a priority for A few years ago, the newly- fought for independence and political, economic and com- are against commercial The tariffs are a “response the sake of economic devel- elected Kosovo prime minister dominated politics for decades. mercial affairs, Kurti said. concessions. to Serbia’s constant attacks opment and future integration overturned Serbian trucks. But The former student leader The concept, commonly in To mobilise the public, the against Kosovo”, said Kadri into the EU. A recent survey by Albin Kurti now says he is ready wrote recently on his Facebook use in international relations, opposition is trying to collect a Veseli, leader of the largest the Kosovar Centre for Security to revoke tariffs introduced by account that he was “ready” to could mean for example a ban third of the votes in Kosovo’s opposition party PDK. Studies showed that about 60 his predecessor on Serbian “abolish the 100 percent tariffs” for Serbian license plates in 120-seat parliament to call an For Shpetim Gashi, analyst percent of those questioned goods. on Serbian goods. Kosovo, as Kosovar plates are extraordinary session on the at the American think-thank backed the move while 35 Kurti, who took office in They were introduced in prohibited in Serbia. issue. Haradinaj urged the new Council for Inclusive Gov- percent were against it. early February, is backed by late 2018 by Ramush Haradinaj US envoy for Belgrade- prime minister to refrain from ernance, the issue goes beyond Serbia’s exports to Kosovo most of 1.8 million inhabitants as retaliation for a Serbian Pristina talks Richard Grenell removing tariffs “for some tem- tariffs and is now a question of amount to around ¤400m of the former Serbian province blockade of Kosovo’s Interpol urged Pristina to abolish tariffs porary political points you “national pride”. annually. In exchange, Brussels for such a move but is none- membership. Belgrade still as “it hurts Kosovo and chases might gain from the interna- “Kurti will be walking on a and Washington are asking Bel- theless walking on eggshells. refuses to recognise the inde- businesses away from creating tional community. tightrope when replacing it with grade to end its campaign to Under intense international pendence declared by the jobs”. But opposition parties “We have to stand united in reciprocity,” Gashi said. convince other countries to pressure to abolish tariffs and breakaway territory in 2008. that emerged from the guerilla opposing Serbia until mutual The European Union, like withdraw their recognitions of resume stalled talks with Serbia, The tariffs “will be replaced movement that fought Serb recognition,” he said. His AAK Washington, made Kosovo’s independence. MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAS 17 Trump says Russia leak meant to hurt Sanders, calls for probe

REUTERS — WASHINGTON Trump accused Representative Adam Schiff, who served as lead prosecutor in Trump's President Donald Trump yesterday accused Represent- impeachment trial in Senate, of leaking the ative Adam Schiff of leaking intelligence. Schiff has refuted the allegation. classified information on Russian interference in the 2020 US election to hurt Demo- Schiff for leaking that infor- Russian interference. cratic presidential front-runner mation," Trump said, without The President has Bernie Sanders. providing any evidence to back repeatedly cast doubt on US Speaking to reporters as he up his claims. intelligence findings that Russia left the White House for a trip Schiff, who served as the intervened to help him in the to India, Trump said he had not lead prosecutor in Trump's 2016 presidential election been briefed on intelligence impeachment trial in the against Democratic candidate that Russia was aiming to boost Senate, said Trump was seeking Hillary Clinton, the former sec- the campaign of Sanders, a US to turn attention away from his retary of state. Senator from Vermont, and he own actions with the com- By raising questions about called for a probe into Schiff for ments. "Nice deflection, Mr. the latest findings, Trump the leak. Schiff, a Democrat, President. But your false claims appears to be seeking to boost denied the allegation. fool no one," he wrote in a Sanders. As a self-described A congressional source had tweet. "You welcomed Russian democratic socialist, Sanders is US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump prepare to board Air Force One as they said officials had told law- help in 2016, tried to coerce a candidate Trump would like depart Washington for India from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, yesterday. makers Russia appears to be Ukraine’s help in 2019, and to take on in a general election engaging in disinformation and won’t protect our elections in to bolster his argument that propaganda campaigns to help 2020. Now you fired your intel Democrats are pushing a both Sanders and Trump, who chief for briefing Congress socialist agenda. Trump leaves for ‘biggest event’ ever in India is seeking re-election. about it. You’ve betrayed "I think what it could be is, "I read where Russia is America. Again." you know, the Democrats are AFP — WASHINGTON clearly chuffed at the idea of world’s largest cricket stadium, helping Bernie Sanders. Nobody Trump changed out his treating Bernie Sanders very huge crowds in India. he has repeatedly mused on the said it to me at all. Nobody acting director of national intel- unfairly and it sounds to me like President Donald Trump left for “I look forward to being “millions” he expects to turn briefed me about that at all," ligence Joseph Maguire and a leak from Adam Schiff India yesterday, buoyed by with the people of India,” out. Trump said. replaced him with US Ambas- because they don't want Bernie disarray among his Democratic Trump said as he left the White Enormous crowds are guar- "They leaked it, Adam Schiff sador to Germany Richard Sanders to represent them. It opponents and predicting that House on his first trip to the anteed during the one-night and his group. They leaked it to Grenell last week, reportedly sounds like it's (2016) all over “many millions” will greet him world’s biggest democracy. trip, given Modi’s own prowess the papers and — as usual — after being annoyed by the again for Bernie Sanders," on a lightning visit with Prime “We’re going to have many at staging mega-rallies. they ought to investigate Adam briefing to lawmakers about Trump said. Minister Narendra Modi. millions and millions of But Indian officials said they Things could hardly be people,” he said. “I hear it’s didn’t expect more than going better for the Republican going to be a big event, some 100,000 people at any one Woman arrested Trump looks for new envoy to Germany as his campaign for reelection people say the biggest event time. The figure of millions in November gathers pace, fol- they ever had in India. That’s touted repeatedly by Trump WASHINGTON over her missing REUTERS — lowing his acquittal earlier this what the prime minister told may be the result of a misun- President Donald Trump said yesterday he is looking for a new month after the House me.” Trump has something of derstanding or translation children amid ambassador to Germany after tapping current diplomat Richard impeached him for abuse of an obsession with big crowds, problem, experts said. suspicious deaths Grenell to serve as acting US intelligence chief. power related to pressure on frequently boasting about the Modi visited the United “I’ll be appointing an ambassador to Germany,” Trump told Ukraine. size of his rallies, compared to States last year, when he and reporters at the White House. Despite a first term dogged those of his Democratic Trump made a joint appearance AFP — WASHINGTON A senior administration official said last week that Grenell by near constant scandals and opponents. before tens of thousands of would remain as ambassador even as he took up the post of investigations, Trump feels he Ahead of the India trip, Indian-Americans at a football A 46-year-old American acting director of national intelligence, a position that oversees can win against the growing which will see him and his wife stadium in Houston. woman with reported links to the 17-agency US intelligence community. It is unclear how Democratic frontrunner, leftist Melania visit the Taj Mahal and The US president will at least three people whose long Grenell will serve as the top intelligence official. Bernie Sanders, and he is attend a rally with Modi in the arrives in the state of Gujarat. deaths are being investigated has been arrested in Hawaii over the disappearance of her Buttigieg camp two children. Sanders solidifies his frontrunner status with Nevada win Lori Vallow was arrested raises doubt on on Thursday on the island of AFP — LAS VEGAS Kauai and charged with felony Nevada results desertion of the children, Bernie Sanders' landslide victory in 7-year-old Joshua Vallow, who Nevada's Democratic nominating contest AP — WASHINGTON is autistic, and 17-year-old has scattered his moderate challengers and Tylee Ryan, police said in a injected his White House campaign with a Pete Buttigieg’s campaign has statement. fresh burst of momentum as he drives into raised questions about the According to US media the next crucial battlegrounds. results of Nevada’s caucuses reports, the children, were last With his strong result on Saturday, the and asked the state Demo- seen on September 23, 2019. Vermont senator demonstrated an ability cratic Party to address more Their disappearance was to broaden a coalition beyond the narrow than 200 reports of problems reported in November by the limits of leftist voters, undercutting the reported on Saturday. boy’s grandparents, who live argument from several moderates that he In a letter sent to the in Louisiana and had heard would not be able to bridge the divide Nevada State Democratic nothing from the children for between progressives and centrists. Party late Saturday night, the an extended period. "He showed last night that he can Buttigieg campaign said the There has been no sign of energize our core base," Howard Dean, a process of integrating four them since. former presidential aspirant himself and days of early voting into in- The investigation, former head of the Democratic National person caucuses held Saturday spanning several states, took Committee, told CNN. was “plagued with errors and a macabre turn when police By early yesterday, Sanders was com- inconsistencies.” discovered that several people fortably ahead in Nevada with 60 percent It cited instances where closely associated with Lori of precincts reporting. people running caucuses did US 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders addresses a campaign Vallow and her new husband, The 78-year-old senator was leading not appear to follow rules that rally in San Antonio, Texas, US, on Saturday. Chad Daybell had died in the Democratic pack with 46 percent of the could have allowed candidates recent years, media reports vote, followed far behind by former vice to pick up more support on a said. president Joe Biden at 19.6 percent and Pete But he quickly added that a more defin- Democratic electorate. But after Sanders second round of voting. Investigators found that Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, itive result will come only after voters in 14 came in virtually tied for first in Iowa and The campaign is calling for Vallow’s third husband, Joseph Indiana, at 15.3 percent. states cast ballots on March 3, or "Super then won last week in New Hampshire, his the party to address concerns Ryan — Tylee’s father — had Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Tuesday." Before that comes South Carolina, undeniable victory in Nevada places him before releasing final results. died in 2018, apparently of a Klobuchar trailed at, respectively, 10.1 which votes on February 29. squarely in the driver's seat, at least for now. Buttigieg’s deputy cam- heart attack. percent and 4.8 percent. Biden's once-strong prospects had He leads national polls by an 11 point paign manager Hari Sevugan And she was reportedly in Sanders was quick to claim victory, faded sharply for weeks, but he said on Sat- margin over Biden and by 13 points over said the campaign’s own data the process of divorcing her saying his "multi-generational, multi-racial urday that he felt "really good" about his Mike Bloomberg, the former New York showed a “razor thin” margin fourth husband, Charles coalition" was "going to sweep this country." second-place showing in Nevada and mayor who skipped the early voting states for second place and ques- Vallow, when he was killed by Dean said the senator's result in a state shouldn't be counted out. to focus on Super Tuesday. tioned whether the “irregular- a gunshot last July 11. far more typical of America's demographic His team is banking on a strong showing Sanders's progressive policies have ities and a number of unre- Vallow’s brother, Alex Cox, variety than the two earlier-voting states in South Carolina, where Biden has enjoyed struck a chord with millions of solved questions” could said he had fired the shot in was "incredibly impressive." support among a majority-black Americans. change the final results. self-defense after being attacked by a baseball-bat- wielding Vallow; Cox died of unknown causes in December. Amateur astronaut dies as his Last October 19, Daybell’s wife Tammy died, aged 49, homemade rocket crashes ostensibly of natural causes. Media reports said Daybell AFP — LOS ANGELES Several brands sponsored married Lori Vallow just two the project. weeks later, and suspicious An amateur American His goal, he told the local law enforcement officials astronaut who said he wanted press, was to ascend more than ordered Tammy’s remains to prove the Earth is flat has 1,500 meters (nearly one mile) exhumed for testing. Those been killed in the crash of his to prove that the Earth is not results have not been released. homemade rocket in California, round but shaped like a Frisbee. In early November, Vallow said the Science Channel, His spokesman Darren and Daybell left Idaho for which filmed the launch. Shuster told the Los Angeles Hawaii, where they were “Michael ‘Mad Mike’ Times, however, that the flat married. Hughes tragically passed away Earth claim was merely to No children have been today during an attempt to drum up publicity for the seen with them, and police launch his homemade rocket,” launch. “I don’t think he said the couple had given con- the channel, which is part of the believed it,” Shuster said. fusing or contradictory Discovery Channel, said on Images of the launch, answers about the children. Twitter. “Our thoughts & carried out in the desert, circu- Police on the mainland prayers go out to his family & lated on social media yes- pursuing the various investi- friends during this difficult terday. A parachute could be gations asked Hawaii officials time.” seen tearing away from the to question the couple; Vallow Protest against Canada pipeline continues A stuntman by profession, rocket moments after the was ordered to produce the Hughes, 64, launched himself launch, as the spacecraft First Nation’s members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory maintain a camp next to a railway crossing, missing children on January on Saturday in a steam- crashed several hundred in support of the Wet’suwet’en Nation who are trying to stop construction of British Columbia’s 30. powered rocket that he built in meters from the launch site Her arrest on Thursday Coastal GasLink pipeline, in Tyendinaga, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. the backyard of his home in near Barstow, 180km northeast came after she failed to do so. Barstow, California. of Los Angeles. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 Dominicans protest after civic polls suspended The electoral authority suspended the municipal elections due to a glitch in the electronic voting machines.

REUTERS — SANTO DOMINGO

Hundreds of Dominicans took to the streets on Saturday night in fresh protests after the abrupt suspension of municipal elections that unleashed a political crisis months before the Caribbean island votes for a new president. The protests started after the electoral institute on February 16 suspended a nationwide election four hours after voting began. The authority said about half of the machines used in the most populated munic- ipalities to cast votes electronically had failed. “We came to take out the garbage,” read one banner, carried by a group of masked stu- dents in front of the electoral institute in Santo Domingo. Across the country, protesters have Women react from the sunroof of a vehicle as others gather in front of the Central Electoral demanded the resignation of the institute’s Board to protest against the suspension of nationwide municipal elections, in Santo Domingo, officials and an investigation. “I’m tired of them always treating us like Dominican Republic, recently. we’re stupid,” said Melina Adames, who, like many who took to the streets, was dressed in American States (OAS) earlier this week to help was no evidence to suggest the machines had black to mourn the death of democracy. investigate the ruling that led to the sus- been manipulated, it was committed to finding Others were hitting cauldrons in a tradi- pension. Flavio Dario Espinal, a government a solution for the problems. tional form of protest. representative, told reporters a local investi- Even before the election, opposition politi- Dominicans will vote for a new president gation without independent political actors cians had challenged the use of automated voting on May 17. In an attempt to stem the protests, would only generate more suspicion. machines, acquired last year for $19m, arguing the government asked the Organization of The OAS said on Friday that while there that its software could be manipulated. Ecuadorean court denies public vote on halting mining REUTERS — QUITO

Ecuador’s Constitutional Court late on Friday denied for a second time a request by activists to hold a public vote on whether to ban mining in the Andean country’s mineral-rich Azuay province, where several mining projects are in development. Azuay’s prefect, Yaku Perez, who submitted the request, said gold and copper mines threaten communities’ water sources and damage the environment. The court, which in September ruled against Perez for the first time, unani- mously decided that the public vote proposal was not constitutional. “Incredible to understand that a genuinely democratic initiative can be blocked by the mining empire,” Perez Heavy rains hit Bolivia said on Twitter. Ecuador’s Energy Min- istry said the government “reaffirms its A flooded street is pictured after heavy rainfall in Tiquipaya, Bolivia, on Saturday. At least eight people commitment to promote responsible, have died due to heavy rains, floods and mudslides this month. regulated and controlled mining in all Ecuadorean territory.”

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 2:00pm; Freakens (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; Emma (2D/Comedy) 2:00 & 6:15pm; VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 2:00pm; Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 2:30 & Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 5:45pm 11:30pm; VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 2:30 & Elcano & Magellanes (2D/Animation) 4:15pm 5:45pm; Elcano & Magellanes (2D/Animation) 4:45 & The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 9:15pm; 6:30pm; Mafia (2D/Tamil) 4:15 & 11:30pm; Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 6:00 & 11:15pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 4:00pm; Emma (2D/Comedy) 5:30pm The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 8:15 & 9:30pm; Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Arabic) 3:30 & 7:45pm; Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 8:30pm; Color Out of Space (2D/Horror) 9:30pm After Midnight (2D/Drama) 10:00pm; Mafia (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) 11:30pm FLIK Mirqab Mall LANDMARK After Midnight (2D/Drama) 0:30am Mafia (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 11:30pm; Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 11:40am, 2:10, 4:40, 7:05, 9:30 & Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 2:00 & 11:30pm; 11:55pm VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 4:45pm Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 3:10, 5:40, 8:10 & Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 4:00pm; 10;40pm Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 8:00 & Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) 6:10, 10:10pm & 12:00 midnight 11:00pm; Elcano & Magellanes (2D/Animation) 3:30 & Color Out of Space (2D/Horror) 4:00 & 8:00pm 6:15pm; The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 8:00 & Emma (2D/Comedy) 10:50am, 1:15, 3:40 & 6:05pm 9:45pm; Emma (2D/Comedy) 5:45pm; Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 11:00, 1;10, 3:25, 5:35, 7:45, 9:55 & Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 6:00 & 7:45pm; Color Out of Space (2D/Horror) 9:30pm 0:05am Jumanji: The Next Level 11:10am, 1:35pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 10;20am, 11:20am, 12;20, 1:20, AL KHOR 2:20, 3:20, 4;20, 5:20, 6:20, 7:20, 8:20, 9:20, 10;20, 11:20pm & Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 12:15, 6:00 0:20am & 11:45pm; Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 11:45am & 8:00pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Arabic) 8:30, 10;20pm & 0:10am The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:45, The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 5:00 & 9:15pm; Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/ 8:30 & 10:30pm Malayalam) 2:45 & 8:30pm; Mafia (2D/Tamil) 2:45 & VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 10:10am, 11:50am & 1:30pm 11:00pm; Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) 3:00, 7;15 & 11:30pm; Al Mallu (2D/Malayalam) 5:15pm ASIAN TOWN ROXY Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 2:45, 3:45, 7:00, Al Mallu (2D/Malayalam) 10:15pm; Ayyappanum 8:30, 8:45, 10;15, 11:15pm Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 11:00, 2:30, 6:30 & Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 1:15pm 10:10pm; Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 1:00, 3:40, 7:30 & Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 8:30pm 10:10pm; Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm 3:00, 5:30 & 8:00pm; Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) Mafia (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 4:00 & 8:45pm 11:30am, 1:00 & 9:00pm; Emma (2D/Comedy) 7:50 & Freakens (2D/Malayalam) 6:15pm 10:00pm; Mafia (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 8:00 & 10:30pm; Al Mallu (2D/Malayalam) 6:00 & 11:45pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:10, 1:30, 2:40, 3:00, 3:30, 5:40, 6:50, 7:50, 8:00, 9:00 & 10:20pm; Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Arabic) 3:40, 5:00, 5:15, 7:00, 10:00, 11:00 & 11:10pm; Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 11:30am & 10:30pm VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:00, 2:30, 3:00 & 4:30pm

VIC THE VIKING Vic the Viking Official Trailer (2020) Animated Movie HD © 2020 – Fox Comedy, Kids, Family and Animated Film, Blockbuster, Action Cinema, ... MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 19

Parmigiani Fleurier presents Hijri Perpetual Calendar

Products are displayed at the Al Majed Jewellery pavillion at DJWE

armigiani Fleurier aking its name from is very proud to its founder, watch- present a world Parmigiani Fleurier Tmaker and restorer premiere, its very Michel Parmigiani, the fine first Hijri Perpetual watchmaking brand was Calendar wrist- founded in 1996 in watch.P The new calendar is Fleurier, in the Swiss valley based on technology Parmigiani of Val-de-Travers. With its Fleurier developed for an own watchmaking centre exclusive table clock launched ensuring its independence, in 2011 and inspired by the res- the brand has both full toration of a pocket watch fea- control over the pro- turing an Arabic calendar. For duction process and the first time in Parmigiani Fleu- unique creative freedom. rier’s history, the Hijri Perpetual For over 20 years, the Calendar complication is made Parmigiani Fleurier sig- available in a wristwatch. munity was founded. moons and the Rub el Hizb, an nature has resided within In the Muslim world, the cal- This new piece features a Islamic symbol represented by timepieces that command endar is based on the cycles of 44.5 mm timepiece with a two overlapping squares. In the utmost respect, in the moon. The Hijri or Islamic platinum case, a slate dial and addition, the aesthetic of the harmony with watch- lunar calendar consists of 12 rotor in platinum. It shows the Hijri Perpetual Calendar wrist- making traditions. They are months of 29 or 30 days — hours and minutes, and date in watch is inspired by the purest the labour of a lifetime – depending on the moon phase- Arabic numerals, the name and artistic elements and follows that of Michel Parmigiani, and is used to pinpoint the days length of the months in Arabic timeless codes often seen in Par- the talented individuals for Islamic holidays. In contrast calligraphy, as well as the migiani Fleurier collections. The who assist him, and the to the solar calendar, which is abundant and the common lugs shape remain faithful to the special relationship used in the west, the months of years. It also features a moon brand’s ethos, designed to be between the Manufacture the lunar calendar change phase in an aventurine sky and ergonomic and comfortable on and the masterpieces of annually by a difference of -10 a power reserve of up to 48 the wrist. This world-first is also the past, enabling it to to -12 days. As a result, each hours. As seen in all Parmigiani fitted with a black Hermès alli- invent a bold future. month always falls on a different timepieces, every single com- gator strap with a pin buckle. season and therefore varies from ponent of the movement, even As usual at Parmigiani the Gregorian Calendar. the hidden parts, are decorated Fleurier, further customization The starting point of Islamic by in-house specialists. No com- of the model is possible in order Product Technical Sheet time calculations is the emi- ponents were made of gold. to create a one-of-a-kind time- gration of the Prophet Every detail has been piece. The original development Hijri Perpetual Calendar Caliber Muhammad (Peace Be Upon thought of and this stunning of the timepiece dates back to Gender Men PF009, PERPETUAL CALEN- Him) from Makkah to Madinah timepiece includes Arabic archi- 1993 with the restoration of a DAR, AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT in present-day Saudi Arabia in tecture inspired elements- the pocket watch by Michel Parmi- Case Functions: Hours, minutes, the year 622, known as Hijri, and bridges adopt the shape of giani, three years before the cre- Polished platinum seconds, Hijri perpetual cal- is when the first Muslim com- growing and shrinking crescent ation of the Parmigiani Fleurier Dimensions: Ø 44.50 mm endar, moon phase brand. This led Mr. Parmigiani Thickness: 14.09 mm Power reserve: Up to 48 to the creation of a table clock Crown: Ø 5.95 mm hours featuring a Hijri Calendar in Glass: anti-reflective Frequency: 28’800 Vph (4 Hz) 2011- a world’s first as no lunar sapphire, back: sapphire Total dimensions: Ø 33.30 calendar had ever been designed Back engraving: Hijri mm, thickness: 5.700 mm perpetual calendar Decoration: Hand-beveled, to operate continuously. This Water resistance: 30 meters and decorated components piece of exception was inspired Dial featuring large Côtes de by his work restoring a simple Colour: Slate Genève Hijri Calendar. He also worked Material: Brass Oscillating weight: Platinum on a pocket watch dating back Finishing: Brushed – “Grain d’Orge” guilloché to the end of the 18th or Hands Strap beginning of the 19th Century, Skeleton delta-shaped Hermès Black alligator strap which featured a solar calendar translated into Arabic. Living life in Hublot Rainbow colours Big Bang Unico & Big Bang One-Click Rainbow CASE-BACK 178 colored gemstones: Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Ame- ou love colors: Tone-on- colors: rubies, pink sapphires, ame- Satin-finished 18K King Gold and Sapphire Crystal thysts, Blue sapphires, Blue Topazes, Tsavorites, tone, contrasts, gra- thysts, blue sapphires, blue topazes, BEZEL yellow Sapphires and orange Sapphires dients and color blocks. tsavorites, yellow sapphires and Polished and Satin-finished 18K King Gold set with 48 Diameter: 45mm Thickness: 15.45mm Whether you wear orange sapphires. This joyful watch baguette-cut colored Gemstones: Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Water resistance: 10 ATM (100m) black and white, pure also welcomes the colors of the Amethysts, Blue sapphires, Blue Topazes, Tsavorites, CASE-BACK Ywhite or all black, there’s an rainbow onto its "gummy" alligator yellow Sapphires and orange Sapphires 6 H-shaped Satin-finished 18K King Gold and Sapphire Crystal accessory that always flies your strap, a fusion of natural rubber and Titanium screws BEZEL colors! Be it bright red, fuchsia pink, alligator leather. Thanks to its pat- DIAL Polished and Satin-finished 18K King Gold set with 48 ultraviolet, Klein blue, turquoise ented "One Click" interchangeable Set with 307 colored gemstones baguette-cut colored Gemstones: Rubies, Pink Sap- blue, chlorophyll green, lemon strap, the 39mm Big Bang Rainbow Gemstones: Rubies, pink Sapphires, Amethysts, blue sap- phires, Amethysts, Blue sapphires, Blue Topazes, yellow or lively orange, the Big can even match its color to that of phires, blue Topazes, Tsavorites, yellow Sapphires and Tsavorites, yellow Sapphires and orange Sapphires 6 Bang Unico & One Click Rainbow your ItBag with a snap of the orange Sapphires Black composite resin lower bezel H-shaped Titanium screws reflects your every mood. fingers. MOVEMENT DIAL In an ultra-luxe, super-trendy Hublot satisfies your every HUB1710: Self-winding Movement Set with 212 colored gemstones Gemstones: Rubies, combination, Hublot sets its Big choice, with the only one left being Frequency: 4Hz (28’800 A/h) pink Sapphires, Amethysts, blue sapphires, blue Bang models with all the colors of which model to opt for: a 45mm Power reserve: 50 Hours Topazes, Tsavorites, yellow Sapphires and orange Sap- the rainbow, enriching Isaac New- chronograph with a Manufacture No. of Components: 185 phires Black composite resin lower bezel ton's seven hues with the magenta Unico movement and 72-hour BIG BANG ONE-CLICK RAINBOW 39 MM Jewels: 27 MOVEMENT radiance of pink sapphires. Its dial power reserve; or a 39mm model TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS STRAP & BUCKLE HUB1242: UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Chrono- boldly flaunts a chromatic bezel with a mechanical self-winding Multicolored alligator and black rubber strap graph flyback movement with colum wheel composed of 48 baguette-cut gems. movement and 50-hour power CASE 18K King Gold and black plated Titanium deployant Frequency: 4Hz (28’800 A/h) Eight shades impart a dis- reserve. Can’t resist? You’re in luck, Polished and Satin-finished 18K King Gold set with 118 buckle clasp Power reserve: 72 Hours tinctive visual cadence running since this is not a limited edition, colored gemstones: Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Amethysts, No. of Components: 330 from dial to case, adorning the just your dream watch ready to Blue sapphires, Blue Topazes, Tsavorites, yellow Sap- BIG BANG UNICO RAINBOW 45 MM Jewels: 38 39mm Big Bang One-Click order. Sometimes all you need is a phires and orange Sapphires TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS STRAP & BUCKLE Rainbow with 425 brilliant-cut splash of color! Diameter: 39mm Thickness: 12.55mm CASE Multicolored alligator and black rubber strap 18K King stones and the 45mm Big Bang To stay up-to-date, follow: @ Water resistance: 10 ATM (100m) Polished and Satin-finished 18K King Gold set with Gold and black plated Titanium deployant buckle clasp. Unico Rainbow with 388. Eight pop HublotMEA 20 HOME MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020