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Thursday 21 March 2019 | 14 Rajab 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7837 | 2 Riyals New Ooredoo tv

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SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Marri, Executive Secretary of the Com- THE PENINSULA mittee for Monitoring the Implemen- tation of Food Security Policies in the The Ministry of Municipality and Envi- Pubic and Private Sector of Qatar at the ronment (MME) has revealed its MME, told The Peninsula. projects to increase food production He said that the new agricultural including fish, vegetables, red meat, projects will help increase self-sufficiency eggs and shrimps aimed at reaching a in vegetable production to 70 percent by level of sufficiency by 2023. 2023. “The Ministry planned to launch a The Strategic Food Security Projects total of 34 agricultural projects in the 2019-2023 were disclosed by the MME coming years to increase the production officials at Qatar International Agricul- of vegetables in the country,” said Al Marri tural Exhibition (AgriteQ) at Doha Exhi- adding that the existing farms are being bition and Convention Center (DECC). supported to boost production. The projects will help increase the Speaking on poultry products, Al production of fish from the current Marri said that Qatar’s self-sufficiency 74 percent to 90 percent and vege- in fresh chicken reached 124 percent. tables from 24 percent to 70 percent However, he said that frozen chicken by 2023. are being imported. The production of red meat will go He said that the local production up from the current 18 percent to 30 of fresh milk achieved 106 percent self- percent and eggs will increase from 28 sufficiency. “Qatar is producing 280 percent to 70 percent. Qatar will tonnes eggs in a year. Four new projects become self-sufficient in shrimp pro- will help increase the production of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the opening of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern duction by 2023 and green fodder pro- eggs to 70 percent by 2023,” said Al Art’s new exhibitions “M F Husain: Horses of the Sun” and “Still More World” as part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture. duction will increase from 56 percent Marri. `P2 to 63 percent. He added that each of first two H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, was also present. PIC A R AL BAKER “The local production of vegetables projects will add 20 million eggs in a in Qatar reached 66,000 tonnes in a year year and other each two projects will accounting 24 percent of total demand be launched with the capacity of 30 in the local market,” Masoud Jarullah Al million eggs annually. Qatar and UN Office of “Qatar pro- Kuwait lauds US support for Counter-Terrorism 2019 PRODUCTION TARGET BY 2023 duces 15,000 tonnes of fish in a hold strategic dialogue FISH year which is 74 percent of total GCC crisis mediation efforts 90% QNA 74% consumption of NEW YORK the country,” said QNA Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled reaffirmed “dis- VEGETABLES Al Marri adding KUWAIT tinguished, historic and deep-rooted” 70% that all three relation with the US, recalling its “firm” The first strategic dialogue 24% projects of fish Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign stance towards Kuwait’s safety and stability, between the State of Qatar and RED MEAT farming on Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad which bravely manifested in 1991, Kuwait the United Nations Office of floating cages will Al Sabah expressed the State of Kuwait’s news agency reported. Counter-Terrorism was held at 18% 30% help increase the appreciation for the US efforts to resolve the Responding to a question on his latest United Nations Headquarters. self-sufficiency Gulf crisis and its full support to the medi- visit to Qatar, Pompeo said the Gulf crisis The meeting was chaired by TABLE EGGS rate to 90 percent. ation led by the Amir of the State of Kuwait was discussed in detail and it was agreed Chairman of the National Regarding H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al that it is not in the interest of the region and Counter-terrorism Committee 28% 70% fodder, Al Marri Sabah. the world, and working with Gulf countries General Eng. Abdul Aziz said that the Min- In a press conference with his US coun- to resolve it as soon as possible is needed. Abdullah Al Ansari. SHRIMP istry planned to terpart Mike Pompeo, Sheikh Sabah Al He added that cooperation to face shared It was attended by Per- 100% launch 10 projects Khaled highlighted the importance of Pom- threats in the region was also discussed. manent Representative of the 0% for producing green peo’s visit as the first US Secretary of State Pompeo reiterated that Kuwait is a “stra- State of Qatar to the United fodder which will within the framework of strategic dialogue tegic partner”, especially when it comes to Nations H E Sheikha Alya bint GREEN FODDER help increase the between both countries. It comes in the wake counter-terrorism efforts, reaffirming the Ahmed Al Thani, Director of 63% self-sufficiency 63 of international changes and conditions and US' commitment to Kuwait’s safety and sov- Department of International 56% percent. critical regional developments. ereignty. `P7 Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yousef bin Sultan Laram, and a gov- ernment academic delegation 10th Qatar International from Qatar. Qatar Airways celebrates The strategic dialogue included an exchange of views Food Festival opens between the two sides on the arrival of 250th aircraft global and regional strategic climate and the challenges and RAYNALD C RIVERA Masaharu Morimoto, Dominique THE PENINSULA threats posed by terrorism, THE PENINSULA Ansel and Noora Al Kuwari who DOHA violent extremism leading to are among the 37 top interna- terrorism and opportunities for Qatar International Food tional and local culinary artists Qatar Airways yesterday cele- international cooperation to Festival (QIFF) marked its 10th from 17 countries — the largest brated the arrival of its 250th address them. anniversary with a festive number of celebrity chefs hosted aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 The meeting was co- opening ceremony showcasing in any one edition. from Toulouse, France, the latest chaired by the Under-Sec- culinary excellence and cultural “QIFF is a celebration of our addition to the group’s growing retary-General of the UN performances yesterday at country’s cultural diversity and fleet of passenger, cargo and Counter-Terrorism Office Oxygen Park in Education City. has played a key role in enriching executive aircraft. Vladimir Voronkov. `P7 H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad our calendar of curated events, This impressive landmark Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and giving more reasons for tourists comes just 22 years after the CEO of Qatar Foundation; H E to visit and revisit Qatar. It has carrier began operations, and is Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad also elevated our food and bev- testament to the incredible Al Thani, Chairperson Qatar erage industry by introducing us growth of an airline that has yesterday, Qatar Airways’ fleet of having a fleet that now Museums; and Akbar Al Baker, to flavours and culinary artists become world-leading in that is made up of 203 passenger air- numbers 250 aircraft. The Secretary-General of Qatar from all around the world as well time, winning a host of awards, craft, 25 cargo and 22 Qatar delivery of our newest Airbus National Tourism Council (QNTC) as supporting local entrepreneurs including the Skytrax World Executive jets. A350-900 is a mark of the out- and Group Chief Executive of and upcoming businesses,” said Airline of the Year accolade on Commenting on the standing growth we have seen Qatar Airways; attended the Al Baker. no less than four occasions. achievement, Qatar Airways over the last two decades, and Included with opening event. He added: “The recently-estab- The new A350-900 joins the Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al to our commitment to flying only One of the highlights of the lished Qatar National Tourism airline’s state-of-the-art fleet, Baker (pictured), said: “I am the newest and most technolog- today’s edition is a opening day were cooking dem- Council is built on collaboration, where the average age of aircraft extremely proud that we have ically advanced aircraft in the special supplement onstrations by celebrity chefs unity and empowerment. `P4 is less than five years. As of reached this historic landmark world.” `P7 02 HOME THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019

OFFICIAL NEWS Sheikha Moza attends Amir congratulates President of Tunisia Mathaf exhibitions DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Dep- uty Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah celebrating Indian art bin Hamad Al Thani sent yester- day cables of congratulations to the President of the Repub- RAYNALD C RIVERA well as from private collections lic of Tunisia, Beji Caid Essebsi, THE PENINSULA from the Gulf region and around on the anniversary of his coun- the world. try’s Independence Day. Prime Two major exhibitions cele- Acclaimed Mumbai-based Minister and Interior Minister H brating Indian art opened poet, art critic, and cultural the- E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser yesterday at Mathaf: Arab orist, Ranjit Hoskote, who curates bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent a Museum of Modern Art marking the show said the exhibition com- cable of congratulations to the the launch of the museum’s new prises three important sections. Prime Minister of the Republic spring programme. “First: the idea of home, as a of Tunisia, Youssef Chahed, on H H Sheikha Moza bint habitat remembered from the anniversary of his country’s Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar childhood, shaped in the present, Independence Day. QNA Foundation for Education, or to be discovered through Science and Community Devel- exploration. Second: the human Amir congratulates opment (QF), attended the adventure of creativity across opening of the exhibitions. societies, periods, and disciplines. Kazakhstan President H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, at the opening of Mathaf: Arab Museum H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint And third: a pluralist approach to of Modern Art’s new exhibitions as part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture. H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the divine and cosmic aspects of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Chairperson of Qatar Museums, being, articulated through the Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, also attended the opening.PIC: AR AL-BAKER and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh was also present at the event. symbolism of the world’s reli- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani In what is considered the first gions and philosophies,” writing in Urdu, Hindi, and continuous movement with its “Raqs Media Collective are sent yesterday cables of con- large-scale exhibition of M.F. explained Hoskote. English. networks of people, and raw leading contemporary artists gratulations to President Husain’s works, M. F. Husain: M. F. Husain was a founda- The second exhibition titled materials. working at an international level, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the Horses of the Sun is a showcase tional figure in the history of Still More World by Delhi-based The works in this exhibition whose work challenges under- occasion of his swearing-in as of over 100 works spanning more Indian modernism, as a member Raqs Media Collective, which is re-examine human progress and standings of the world in playful the President of the Repub- than six decades of the life of the of the vanguard formation known organised as part of the Qatar natural resources, considering and poetic ways,” said Mathaf’s lic of Kazakhstan, wishing him renowned artist and contributor as the Progressive Artists Group. India 2019 Year of Culture, dis- historical and contemporary Curator Laura Barlow. success and prosperity for the to modern Indian culture and the His chosen media ranged from plays 13 multi-object and video movements of people and the On the sidelines of the exhi- people of Kazakhstan. QNA history of art in the 20th Century. oil painting and watercolour, installations, two of which were way terrains change. The instal- bition, the artists will present a The exhibition includes through lithography and serig- created especially for the show. lations made between 2011 and talk titled ‘Tomorrows Ripen Qatar, Argentina paintings, drawings, textile works, raphy, to sculpture, architecture, It draws on the energy of Doha’s 2019 include two new produc- Today’. review relations and films, drawn from QF and and installation. He was also a urban landscape of light, which tions, Dohas for Doha and To The two exhibitions will run Qatar Museums collections, as film-maker, poet, and memoirist, symbolises a global city in People. until July 31. BUENOS AIRES: The Pres- ident of the Republic of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, met QMC Chairman meets China’s Ambassador with Minister of State for Foreign Qatar, US to hold crisis response exercise Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al QNA Muraikhi. The Minister conveyed DOHA THE PENINSULA will take place at other loca- facilitate a bilateral response to the greetings of H H the Amir DOHA tions approved by the gov- a transnational security threat. to the President and his wishes Qatar Media Corporation ernment of Qatar, with a The US and Qatar coop- for the President of good health (QMC) Chairman H E Sheikh Approximately 400 Qatari design to create minimal erate on a broad range of and happiness and for the gov- Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani Joint Special Forces and ISF impact to the local populace. Arabian Gulf security issues. ernment and people of more (pictured) met yesterday with and 200 US military personnel A small US headquarters CENTCOM maintains its progress and prosperity. The the Ambassador of the will participate in exercise element will also participate forward headquarters facility President entrusted the Minister People’s Republic of China to ‘Invincible Sentry 2019’ at at MacDill Air Force Base in and a Combined Air Opera- to convey his greetings to the State of Qatar, Li Chen. military training areas and Tampa, Florida. tions Center in Qatar. Qatar’s H H the Amir, wishing him good During the meeting they other remote locations This exercise is a regularly history of supporting NATO, health and happiness. They dis- discussed media relations throughout Qatar. scheduled event between US coalition and US military oper- cussed the relations and means between both countries and The exercise starting today Central Command and indi- ations in the region reflects its of boosting them.QNA ways to boost and develop will continue until March 27. vidual partner nations, and con- enduring commitment to them. In addition, a small portion sists of simulated scenarios to regional stability. THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 HOME 03 Amiri Decree approves Qatar’s membership Qatar, Sudan discuss ways to boost relations to agreement for Establishment of IAA

QNA constitution. this decree and to have the force DOHA H H the Amir issued Decree of law in line with Article 68 of the No. 13 of 2019 ratifying the coop- constitution. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin eration agreement in the edu- The decrees are effective Hamad Al Thani issued yesterday cation field between the govern- starting from date of issue and are Decree No. 11 of 2019 approving ments of Qatar and Turkey signed to be published in the official the State of Qatar’s membership in Doha on December 2, 2015, gazette. to the Agreement for the Estab- annexed to this decree and to have H H the Amir also issued an lishment of the International Anti- the power of law in line with instrument of ratification Corruption Academy (IAA) as an Article 68 of the constitution. approving the agreement on international organisation, H H the Amir also issued mutual recognition of driver’s annexed to this decree, and shall Decree No. 14 of 2019 ratifying the licence between the government have the powers of a law in line agreement on mutual adminis- of the State of Qatar and the gov- with Article 68 of the constitution. trative assistance in tax matters, ernment of the French Republic, H H the Amir also issued annexed to this decree and to have signed in Paris on July 6, 2018. Decree No. 12 of 2019 ratifying the power of law in line with Article H H the Amir also issued an agreement between the govern- 68 of the constitution. instrument of ratification ments of Qatar and the Republic H H the Amir issued Decree approving an agreement between of Turkey on avoiding double tax- No. 15 of 2019 ratifying the the governments of Qatar and the ation and preventing financial agreement on cancelling visa French Republic on cooperation evasion with regard to income requirements for holders of dip- in the cultural field, signed in Paris taxes and the attached protocol lomatic, private and official pass- on June 23, 2014. H H the Amir Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani signed in Trabzon on December ports between the governments issued an accession document met yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan, Dr Dardari Mohammed 18, 2016, annexed to this decree of Qatar and the Argentine approving the State of Qatar’s and to have the force of law in line Republic signed in Buenos Aires joining of the International Devel- Ahmed, who is currently visiting the country. The meeting discussed bilateral relations and ways of with Article 68 of the on October 5, 2018, annexed to opment Law Organization. boosting them, in addition to issues of common interest. Cabinet condemns terrorist attack in New Zealand QNA The Cabinet reiterated the firm and resolute related to the municipality and choice is allowed to be made a historical overview of the youth DOHA position of the State of Qatar against the environment, after the between them. It is not permis- work in the country and empow- Cabinet reviewed the recom- sible to settle crimes punishable ering young people to play an The Cabinet, which met terrorism and extremism in all its forms and mendation of the Shura Council by imprisonment. active role in contributing to the yesterday with Prime Minister manifestations, whatever its causes and on the draft law. The draft law The settlement has the effect renaissance of the state by pro- and Interior Minister H E Sheikh motives, expressing its condolences to the was prepared to replace Law No. that it is not permissible to ini- moting the concepts of citi- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa families of the victims and to the Government (17) of 2005 on reconciliation in tiate or close a criminal case, as zenship and identity values, in Al Thani in the chair, expressed the crimes stipulated in the laws the case may be. addition to raising their life skills strong condemnation and and the people of New Zealand. of the municipality. The settlement shall be in the and leadership abilities, encour- denunciation of the terrorist Under the provisions of the crimes provided for in the said aging them to innovate, and attack which targeted worshipers Zealand last Friday and caused firm and resolute position of the draft law, municipalities and laws in exchange for payment of motivating them to lead and par- in two mosques in Christchurch dozens of casualties in one of the State of Qatar against terrorism competent departments of the a quarter of the maximum ticipate in decision-making by in New Zealand. most heinous crimes of fanat- and extremism in all its forms Ministry of Municipality and amount of the fine due for the communicating the voice and Following the meeting, Min- icism, extremism and hatred that and manifestations, whatever its Environment may, within their crime within fifteen days from aspirations of young people. The ister of Justice and Acting Min- is incompatible with heavenly causes and motives, expressing jurisdiction, settle crimes stipu- the date of the record of the vio- Minister spoke about youth ister of State for Cabinet Affairs laws and human values, and its condolences to the families of lated in the laws relating to the lation. The settlement after the centres and youth work during H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al targets safe innocents, which the victims and to the Gov- municipality and the envi- set period shall be in return for the presentation. Nuaimi said that the Cabinet calls for uniting the efforts of the ernment and the people of New ronment prior to the criminal payment of half the maximum The Cabinet stressed the expressed strong condemnation international community to Zealand. proceedings, or during their con- amount of the fine determined. importance of upgrading the and denunciation of the terrorist combat terrorism and to cleanse The Cabinet also took the sideration and before final dis- The Cabinet then listened to youth sector and taking care of attack which targeted wor- the world of its evils and protect necessary measures to issue a missal, if the crime is punished the presentation made by the them and working to develop shipers in two mosques in humanity from its dangers. draft law on reconciliation in the by a fine, or by imprisonment Minister Culture and Sports on their skills in the framework of Christchurch City in New The Cabinet reiterated the crimes stipulated in some laws and a fine in the event that the the youth sector, which included the strategy of this sector. 04 HOME THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 Sheikha Hind honours winners of fifth IUDAC 2019

H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (right); and Machaille Al Naimi, President of Community Development, QF (left); with the winners of IUDAC 2019 duirng the closing ceremony of IUDAC 2019 held at the QNCC, yesterday. RIGHT: H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and Dr Hayat Abdullah Maarafi, Executive Director of QatarDebate, during the closing ceremony.

FAZEENA SALEEM The event brought debate championship. to improve your lives,” he speaking individual and team Maarafi. THE PENINSULA together young Arabic Qatar University (boys) team added. Islamic Science University of “This championship is a way and non-native Arabic was awarded second place, while The IUDAC 2019 organised Malaysia were chosen as to the to protect and preserve the H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al speaking debaters from the team from the University of by Qatar Debate of QF brought best non native Arabic speaking Arabic language,” she added. Thani, Vice-Chairperson and Amar Telidji in Algeria was together more than 110 teams team. She also asked the partici- CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF) Europe, North America, awarded third place. from 51 countries. It aim at con- “I participated in the cham- pants to take a pledge that they awarded winners of the largest Africa, the Middle East “It is an honour to win the tributing towards spreading the pionship for the second time. It will protect the Arabic language debating championship at the and Central Asia. This world’s largest championship,” art of debate and the cultural was a very great opportunity. regardless of which country they Qatar National Convention year had nine new Mohammad Hattab of Princess exchange of participants. Arabic is foreign language for us are from. Centre (QNCC), yesterday. Sumaya University for Tech- The event brought together and the championship gave was The Dialogue and debate Princess Sumaya University participants including nology in Jordan, told The young Arabic and non-native a platform to peruse our intelli- Club from Libya was announced for Technology in Jordan were Serbia, Kosovo Peninsula upon victory. Arabic speaking debaters from gence and skills,” said Muzakhir as the winner of ‘Pioneers crowned as the champions of the Azerbaijan, Macedonia “I highly recommend that all Europe, North America, Africa, Dally representing the team from award’ presented to the best fifth edition of International Uni- university students consider the Middle East and Central Islamic Science University of project to spread the art of versities Arabic Debating Cham- and Iran took part in learning the art of debates to Asia. This year had nine new Malaysia. debate based on precise judging pionship (IUDAC 2019) held over the championship. improve their personalities and participants including Serbia, Best individual speakers standards. five days in Doha. also take part in this Kosovo Azerbaijan, Macedonia were also awarded at the closing The fifth IUDC was held Machaille Al Naimi, President championship. and Iran took part in the ceremony of the IUDAC 2019. under the new corporate re- of Community Development, QF, QatarDebate and several other Debating is not just a skill championship. “We are here together to cel- brand identity, and the new Dr Hayat Abdullah Maarafi, dignitaries were also present at that you learn to present at com- A special prize was awarded ebrate the Arabic language and slogan, ‘Dialogue, Debate, and Executive Director of the closing ceremony of the petitions but it’s an art that helps to the best non native Arabic passion for debate,” said Dr Diplomacy of QatarDebate.’ 10th Qatar International Food Festival opens

FROM PAGE 1 namely O1 for main course spe- QIFF offers visitors vibrant cul- cialities and centre stage; O2 for tural shows, roaming enter- “This festival, which brings kids-friendly foods and activities tainment, and month-long side together so many partners from and O3 for cafes and light food. events offering learning oppor- across the public, private and “We are immensely proud to tunities of culinary craft and semi-government sectors to be the host of the 10th edition of healthy nutrition to participants curate a unique and diverse the Qatar International Food of all ages. tourism experience is exactly Festival, and we thank Qatar Over 30 global social media what that new governance National Tourism Council for influencers attending the Vis- model is about. This year being choosing Education City as the itQatar Inflow Summit ’19 will the Qatar-India Year of Culture, venue for such a key milestone also attend QIFF and share their we also look forward to seeing in the history of this great com- first-hand experiences at the a special emphasis on the foods munity event,” said Machaille Al- multicultural festival with their and cultural elements of both Naimi, President of Community audiences. QNTC also launched countries in this edition.” Development, Qatar a marketing campaign to attract For the first time, QIFF is Foundation. visitors from Kuwait, Oman and H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation; and Akbar Al taking place at Oxygen Park In addition to over 150 India to the event which runs Baker, Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and Group Chief Executive of Qatar which has three dedicated areas mouthwatering F&B offerings, until March 30. Airways; at the launch of 10th Qatar International Food Festival. Qatar and Oman sign MoU on National Month-long vocational health and safety events from April 2 Geographic Information Structures SANAULLAH ATAULLAH THE PENINSULA QNA of national geographic infor- DOHA mation structures based on the The Ministry of Administrative principle of mutual interests Development, Labour, and The State of Qatar, represented and in the light of the discus- Social Affairs and the Ministry by the Ministry of Municipality sions that took place between of Public Health (MOPH) in and Environment and the the Qatari and Omani sides. cooperation with International Sultanate of Oman, represented The memorandum Labour Organization (ILO) will by the Ministry of Agriculture encourages cooperation organise a month long activ- and Fisheries have signed a between the sides in several ities in April to promote occu- memorandum of under- areas, including the estab- pational health and safety in standing (MoU) for cooperation lishment of national geographic the country. in the field of national information infrastructures, The event ‘the month of geographic information infra- practices and expertise in occupational health and safety- structures between the two spatial data, geospatial pol- 2019’ will be held from April 2 to brotherly countries, as part of icies and standards, e-trans- 28 under the slogan ‘working FROM LEFT: Babiker Osman, Administrative Partner, Hawkama; Dr Asmaa Al Nuaimi, MOPH, NHS the 7th Qatar International formation projects, e-gov- together for occupational safety National Lead for Healthy and Safe Employees; Jaber Al Marri, Head of Occupational Safety and Health Agriculture Exhibition and the ernment with a spatial and health’ under the framework Department at the Labour Inspection Department at the Ministry of Administrative Development, first Qatar International Envi- dimension and the policies of celebrating the World Day for Labour and Social Affairs and Max Tunon, Technical Specialist, International Labour Organization ronmental Exhibition, currently and standards of addressing Safety and Health at Work which (ILO), during the press conference. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA held at the Doha Exhibition systems and uses of GIS in falls on April 28. Center. population censuses and the The announcement was Specialist, representative office ministries in the State of Qatar month and to conduct occupa- The agreement was conclusion of government made in a press conference held of the ILO in Doha and Babiker to take part and make their own tional safety and health activities signed for the Qatari side by licensing agreements for Geo- here yesterday. The press con- Osman, Administrative Partner, proposals on how to advance and invite us to attend, and we Eng. Fahad Mohammed Al graphical information systems ference was attended by Dr Hawkama. vocational health and safety in will be so happy to come, we Qahtani, Assistant Undersec- programs, national capacity- Asmaa Al Nuaimi, National Lead Addressing the press con- the country. already noticed a huge progress retary for Planning Affairs at building, and mutual training for Healthy and Safe Employees ference, Dr Asmaa Al Nuaimi Jaber Ali Al Marri said that and great efforts implemented the Ministry of Municipalities in these areas. at MOPH; Jaber Al Marri, Head said said that April 2 will see the the month of occupational health here in Qatar related to the and Environment, and for the The two sides may, by of Occupational Safety and launch of a conference that will and safety-2019 will begin from safety and health,” said Max Omani side by Najib bin Yahya virtue of the Memorandum of Health Department at the Labour mark the beginning of celebra- April 2 and it will conclude on Tunon. Al Balushi, Ambassador of Understanding, add other areas Inspection Department at the tions. She added that vocational April 28 in third vocational safety He said that ILO is working Sultanate of Oman to Qatar. of cooperation through diplo- Ministry of Administrative safety and health is an important and health conference which will be on specific details in order to The MoU reflects the dis- matic channels. The sides will Development, Labour and Social component of the National held under the auspices of H E the solve some problems such as tinguished relations between also encourage the exchange Affairs and Head of the Organ- Health Strategy 2018-2022. Minister of Administrative Devel- excessive stress and heat, which the two brotherly countries and of training courses, expert visits izing Committee of the third She said that the month long opment, Labour, and Social Affairs. are kind of problems that facing their desire to enhance and and scientific research in such vocational safety and health con- activities aimed at encouraging “I would like to invite all the labor sector in particular. develop cooperation in the field areas of cooperation. ference; Max Tunon, Technical all companies, institutions, and sectors to interact during this THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 HOME 05 Sheikh Joaan meets US, Bosnia and Herzegovina envoys Five women among 94 candidates in final phase for CMC elections THE PENINSULA for the electoral process, Muftah, stressed the importance DOHA stressing that each candidate of the electoral campaign stage must exercise electoral propa- for all candidates to introduce The number of candidates for ganda according to his electoral their electoral programs. the elections of the Central program and in accordance with Brigadier Al Muftah pointed Municipal Council (CMC) at its the regulations and conditions out that the rules of electoral sixth session, reached 94 candi- set by the Ministry of Interior campaign stipulate that dates, including five women, and comply with the law and “slogans, phrases and images according to the final tables, after obtaining a special permit. used in electoral campaign which is scheduled to be The Electoral Supervisory should not contradict the reli- announced tomorrow in all Committee is scheduled to gious and social values of the electoral district headquarters, organise a seminar on organ- Qatari society”. in preparation for the start of ising the election campaign on Brigadier Al Muftah added the stage of electoral propa- Sunday at the Officers’ Club of that in the event of violation of ganda. the General Directorate of Civil these rules, the Ministry of The Assistant Director Defense, in order to complete Interior may revoke the license General of Information Systems the stages of the electoral granted to the candidate in at the Ministry of Interior, process and to introduce the accordance with the decision of Chairman of the Technical Com- candidates to the rules of elec- the Minister of Interior. mittee for CMC Elections Brig- toral propaganda. He pointed out that after the adier Abdulrahman Ali Al The Public Relations election campaign period, the Farahid Al Malki, said that after Department Director at the Min- candidate must remove adver- Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani met separately the final tables are announced istry of Interior, Chairman of the tisements, posters, electoral yesterday with US Charge d’Affaires in Qatar, William Grant (left), and the Ambassador of Bosnia and today , the campaign phase will Elections Media Committee leaflets and any means of adver- Herzegovina to Qatar, Bisera Turkovic. During the meetings, H E Sheikh Joaan praised the bilateral begin according to the timetable Brigadier Abdulla Khalifa Al tising at his own expense. relations and the ongoing cooperation. They also reviewed the sports cooperation and ways to boost and develop them in the coming phase. The meetings were attended by QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain. Minister of Education meets delegation from Morocco Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr Mohammed bin MME signs MoUs with Abdulwahed Al Hamadi, met yesterday with Secretary-General of farm-based institutions the Ministry of National QNA Education, Vocational The MoU aims to promote countries in the field of DOHA Training, Higher Education friendship and cooperation in capacity building in the agri- & Scientific Research of the fields of agriculture, aqua- culture, aquaculture, environ- Morocco, Mohammed The Ministry of Municipality culture, environmental pro- mental protection and waste Abo Saleh, and his and Environment yesterday tection and waste treatment, in treatment sectors. accompanying delegation signed memorandums of addition to enhancing tech- The memorandum covers who are currently visiting understanding to cooperate nical and scientific cooper- cooperation in the exchange of the country. The meeting with the Ministry of Envi- ation, and identifying issues expertise and information, focused on discussing ronment, Food and Rural related to agriculture and envi- including publications and bilateral cooperation in Affairs of the United Kingdom, ronment sectors. periodicals, studies, statistics the fields of education, Qatar University and Al Mana It also addresses the pro- and data, work in the organi- higher education, scientific International Holding as part motion of scientific cooper- zation of conferences, research, vocational and of the 7th Qatar International ation in the fields of agri- meetings and training, for- technical training, and Agriculture Conference and the culture, environmental pro- mation of joint working com- the means to enhance first Qatar Environmental tection and rural affairs mittees and holding consult- cooperation, in addition Conference, currently being between the two ministries, as ative meetings. to discussing issues of held at the Doha Exhibition well as strengthening the The agreement extends for joint interest. Center. bilateral ties between the two four years, renewable. Ethiopian Prime Minister visits AZF

Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali yesterday visited Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) including its member organisations, Aspetar, the orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital and Aspire Academy during an official visit to Qatar. The Prime Minister was welcomed by the CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation and Aspetar’s Director General, Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi and a number of senior officials. Qatar calls on all parties in Yemen to strive for national reconciliation

QNA the second item on the agenda of The State of Qatar welcomed GENEVA the Human Rights Council in the conclusion by the Yemeni Geneva, within its current 40th parties of the Stockholm The State of Qatar has called on all session. The State of Qatar Agreement, “We value the efforts parties of the conflict in Yemen to expressed its deep concern at the of the United Nations and the inter- abide by international humani- continuing violations committed national community in this regard, tarian and human rights law and against the brotherly people of and we affirm that this agreement to protect the civilians and to strive Yemen and the great humani- is the first step towards a compre- for national reconciliation and tarian suffering for many years hensive political solution which is move forward with the political as a result of the fact that it has the only way to put an end to this process in accordance with the been the victim of conflicts and conflict. “We hope that all the outcome of the national dialogue, wars that only serve to destroy the parties of the conflict in Yemen the Gulf initiative and Security country and displace the people. would bear the responsibility and Council Resolution No. 2116. It also stressed the importance show serious political will to con- This came in the speech of ensuring effective, impartial tinue the full implementation of the delivered by Hamad Mohammed and independent investigations next stages of the agreement. “ al-Suwaidi, political researcher at into all violations committed The State of Qatar reiterated the Department of Human Rights against the Yemeni people, its firm stance on the unity, inde- at the Foreign Ministry today, holding all those responsible pendence and territorial integrity during a public debate on the oral accountable and taking all nec- of Yemen and its commitment to briefing of the Office of the High essary measures to ensure that the its humanitarian and moral duty Commissioner for Human Rights victims have their rights, justice to provide various kinds of on the situation of human rights and equity and ensure that such humanitarian aid and assistance in Yemen, which took place under violations are not repeated. to the brotherly Yemeni people. 06 HOME THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 Ashghal showcases its novel initiatives at EnviroteQ THE PENINSULA treatment and sterilising tech- recycled materials as a new eco- DOHA niques to provide clear water for nomical and highly efficient con- irrigation and landscaping. struction mix, aiming at changing The Public Works Authority The Doha North Treatment the concept of road construction (Ashghal) is participating in Qatar’s Plant is one of Ashghal’s most through reusing valuable First International Environmental important sewage plants and is resources and reduce the import Exhibition (EnviroteQ) organised considered the largest wastewater rates of gravel and bitumen while by the Ministry of Municipality and treatment facility in the region, and reducing the cost of projects. Environment to highlight its key the first facility developed with a Ashghal also set conditions for eco-friendly projects and initia- thermal drying plant. project contractors in some areas tives. The plant is designed to to use certain percentage of EnviroteQ, which started on produce 245,000m3 of treated recycled construction materials March 19, will continue until water /day, and is surrounded by with varying rates ranging from Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie with tomorrow. more than 90,000 trees, 50 picnic 15% in asphalt layers to 100% for farmers and fishermen and sponsors of the AgriteQ 2019. Ashghal is keen to present a areas and bird watching ponds. In some layers of soil fill and layers number of initiatives aimed at 2017, the DNSTW received the under utility lines. achieving sustainability of projects MEED Quality Award for Sustain- Crumb rubber recycling: MME honours farmers, fishermen and environmental preservation. ability, and was awarded with the With the amount of waste tyre Ashghal aims to achieve it through Water Project of the year award increasing to around 1.9 million QNA and Environment H E Eng. sustainable development as one the implementation of green for its contribution to Qatar, tyre frames disposed every two DOHA Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki of the four pillars of the Qatar buildings, and recycling of dem- beyond its functional role in waste- to four years, the continuous Al Subaie honoured 23 owners of National Vision 2030. olition, drilling debris and tyre water treatment. increase in waste tyre poses an The Ministry of Municipality and farms, natives and fishermen as Al-Sada added that the event waste. It also aims to use recycled Construction material recy- immense problem contributing Environment (MME) honoured well as 15 official sponsors of the will focus on environmental sus- materials for the implementation cling: In order to achieve sustain- to environmental pollution in yesterday a group of farmers, exhibition. tainability in all sectors of the of road projects, in addition to ability in construction projects and Qatar. Ashghal Road Project natives and fishermen for their Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al country, in addition to giving the presenting a model for using reduce cost, Ashghal implements Department started this initiative efforts to support local production Sada, Deputy Undersecretary for Ministry and the public and treated sewage for irrigation. the most recent practices in road to reduce the magnitude of this to achieve self-sufficiency, as well Environment Affairs at the Min- private sectors an opportunity to Ashghal also highlights its construction and pavement, and issue by grinding up waste tyres as honoring the official sponsors istry, said that the organization of highlight their achievements at the awareness campaign that aims to has launched a number of initia- from cars, trucks, or buses and of the 7th Qatar International the first Qatar International Envi- national level and through the raise awareness on dealing with tives including the usage of process them into crumb rubber. Agriculture Fair and the first Qatar ronmental Exhibition is in line accompanying workshops, in sewage water. recycled construction materials It is then incorporated as a mod- International Environmental with the march of the State of order to enhance the pace of Sewage treatment: Ashghal in its projects, such as asphalt ifier into asphalt concrete mixes Exhibition for making the events Qatar under the leadership of global developments, techniques, works through six main plants and waste, crumb rubber, steel slag for use in road construction held at the Doha Exhibition Center Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin brainstorming and knowledge 17 small plants for sewage and demolition and drilling waste. projects, parking lots, and other a success . Minister of Municipality Hamad Al Thani, in adopting dissemination. treatment. It uses advanced Ashghal seeks to use these areas. QADCO’s positive contribution towards self sufficiency goal

SACHIN KUMAR THE PENINSULA

Qatarat Agricultural Devel- opment Company (QADCO), one of the leading agricultural companies Qatar, is making significant contribution to the country’s plan to achieve self sufficiency by producing high quality vegetables. The company, which manages 32 farms, is one of the The Indian Ambassador to Qatar, P Kumaran (centre); Ambassador of Nepal to Qatar, Prof. Ramesh largest vegetable and fruit pro- Prasad Koirala (second right); Managing Director of Digiclip Tech Solutions Qatar, Essa Mohammed ducers in the country. “We are cultivating different Al Sumaiti (left); Founder & CEO, Kannan Sankaran (second left); and Country Manager, Irshad Iqbal, varieties of vegetables and fruits during the launch of Digiclip Tech Solutions’ video review portal, ‘ReviewClip’, in Doha at the Oryx to cater to the diverse prefer- Rotana Hotel. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA ences of the wide demographics market, climate suited for the layers of stone and rubble, to in Qatar,” Nezar M. A. Al respective varieties,” he added. separate stone from clay. Atawneh, Operations Manager, The company has adopted Additional soils are pur- Digiclip Tech Solutions launches Qatarat Agricultural Devel- the concepts of sustainable agri- chased from other development opment Company told media culture and ‘clean farming’. The sites and samples are subjected persons while giving a tour of farms focus on maintaining eco- to extensive laboratory testings ‘world’s first video review portal’ one of the farms of the company. logical balance with minimal in order to establish soil compo- The tour was organised by Qatar invasion or interference, rotating nents, past vegetation, the THE PENINSULA interactive service on the web, review page in the client website Airways. “We are continuously crops to allow the land to existence of any potential pests DOHA giving wider reach by connecting where all their video reviews can looking for new opportunities to recover and source local or diseases, etc. These soils are customers with the business,” be showcased in their website and expand plantings in terms of compost to nourish the soils. then sterilised, raising soil tem- Digiclip Tech Solutions, a video Irshad Iqbal, Country Manager turning into a branding engine. volumes, as well as varieties,” he Other natural methods adopted peratures naturally, to 50 platform company based in of Digiclip Tech Solutions told The Essa Mohammed Al Sumaiti, added. include the careful selection of degrees Celsius or more, using Chennai, India, having its interna- Peninsula. Managing Director of Digiclip Tech The company believes in high resistance seeds and vari- sunlight and water to eradicate tional presence in Qatar, has He said that the portal shall Solutions, delivered the welcome providing fresh fruits and vege- eties for plantings, use of natu- any diseases or infectious bac- launched the world’s first video have devoted pages for brands & address & the personality behind the tables to the customers. “There rally occurring pheromones, teria. Soils are then enriched review portal ‘ReviewClip’ here in businesses showcasing all their product. Kannan Sankaran, is no storage of produce on the anti-insect nets and plantings of with organic matter, such as Doha. video reviews with star rating & Founder & CEO, addressed the gath- farm; crops are picked as nec- certain vegetation to repel farm made compost from The product was unveiled by provides information about the ering and presented features of the essary, immediately sorted, insects as opposed to the use of leftover vegetation, manure P Kumaran, Ambassador of India company. “Users can view, like, platform. packed and delivered to sup- pesticides and other chemicals. from farm livestock, etc. Soils are to Qatar, and Prof. Ramesh share & comment on the video Kannan Sankaran, said: “In the pliers,” said Atawneh. Continuous efforts to source then analysed once again, prior Prasad Koirala, Ambassador of reviews. It also allows the general current technological turf, digital “Continuous harvesting more land suited for plantings to plantings. In between crop Nepal to Qatar. “The Reviewclip public to submit video reviews for presence of brands is necessary to occurs the whole year round, as are ongoing. Huge tractors and rotations, lands are fallowed a Portal www.thereviewclip.com any brands & businesses through attain a global outreach and our crops are rotated, depending on Caterpillar machines can be seen period of three months to is designed to provide the clients the portal,” said Iqbal. He said that mission is to give companies & volume requirements of the on the farm, breaking through recover. with highly personalised, Reviewclip allows to integrate a brands a wider visibility.” Temporary closure on Federation of Indian Nurses Qatar launches website Medical City Intersection THE PENINSULA DOHA

The Federation of Indian Nurses Qatar (FINQ), a non-profitable organisation formed by the personnel who have a common vision of unifying Indian nursing professionals working in Qatar, launched its official website and also released its first newsletter ‘Your Voice is Ours’ at a ceremony on Sunday at Indian Cultural Center, Ashoka Hall. The chief guest of the cer- emony was Enaam Al Naemi, Assistant Executive Director of Nursing Emergency Department THE PENINSULA will be on the main lanes of the - Hamad General Hospital. Major DOHA four sides of the intersection, in Salah Salmel Al Sultan, from the Bejoy Chacko, President of FINQ, handing over the first copy of the newsletter to the chief guest of coordination with the General police department and Azim the ceremony, Enaam Al Naemi, Assistant Executive Director of Nursing Emergency Department - The Public Works Authority Directorate of Traffic. Abbas, President of IBPC, graced Hamad General Hospital, at Indian Cultural Center’s Ashoka Hall, on Sunday. (Ashghal) will temporarily close the The closure will last for 13 hours the occasion. Bejoy Chacko, Pres- Medical City Intersection (AKA Bin from today midnight to Friday ident of FINQ, handed over the release to the chief guest. The future events and the first regis- registration card from Major Salah Omran Intersection). The closure noon. first copy of the newsletter for gathering was briefed on the tered member of FINQ received Salmel. THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 HOME 07 Qatari filmmaker highlights women empowerment

RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA

After the resounding success of her film Gubgub at last year’s Ajyal Film Festival, Qatari filmmaker Nouf Al Sulaiti (pictured) is back with not one but two films in development participating at the ongoing fifth edition of Qumra, Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) annual industry event. Gubgub received much acclaim at the latest edition of The lit pathway and gigantic 3D lit designs on display. Ajyal scooping two awards lines of this year’s Qumra. including Best Short Film in the “There’s a growing number Mohaq category and the inaugural of women going to different AZF to present ‘Aspire Wonderland Festival’ Abdulaziz Jassim Award for Best sectors and to me that’s amazing. Performance at the Made in Qatar Being a Qatari I do want to see a THE PENINSULA As the sun sets, Aspire Won- will be awed their favourite sound techniques to transform Awards for its lead Fatima Al push to allow women to be in dif- DOHA derland Festival will astonish characters. Aspire Park into a fantasy world. Nahdi. ferent sectors and areas of work. AZF’s visitors as it will feature The festival will be an Also, Aspire’s lake will see a Two films being produced by I’d like to think that a lot of Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is animated fantasy characters. authentic mix of folk tales from water fountain transform Aspire Al Sulaiti namely “Khuzama,” a women are in film because they’re gearing up to host a new mind- It will entail an imaginary the middle east and the west, as park into a majestic world with feature narrative by award- creative and film gives us a blowing themed festival titled gateway to the world of fantasy 3D designs will adorn Aspire’s music. winning Qatari filmmaker A J Al platform to express ourselves,” ‘Aspire Wonderland Festival’. and folk tales with the use of lake with characters like Aladdin, The invitation is open to the Thani and “Qatar Stars,” a feature she added. On the progress of The festival is scheduled to take state-of-the-art lighting tech- Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and Cin- public daily from 5pm to 10pm. documentary by Danielle Beverly filmmaking in Qatar, she said it’s place around the shores of Aspire niques. Adult’s childhood mem- derella. In addition, the festival The festival is being sponsored are taking part in Qumra 2019. getting there with support lake from March 26-30. ories will be revived, and kids will use advanced lightening and by Vodafone Qatar. While Khuzama, Al Sulaiti extended to filmmakers by DFI. said, basically centres on a girl in “DFI supports Qatari film- the desert and how to create a makers as well as those from the woman’s world out of a man’s region and pushes for creative VisitQatar hosts INFLOW 2019 Summit powered by QA world, Qatar Stars follows the output which really helps in cre- story of young girls between ages ating different voices. DFI sup- THE PENINSULA help marketing professionals power of the influence. important industry event, in 9 and 13 honing their skills in ports amazing films that get to DOHA enhance their influencer mar- Qatar Airways Senior Vice- partnership with Qatar National rhythmic gymnastics to compete compete internationally,” she keting strategy through B2I President Marketing and Cor- Tourism Council (QNTC) and internationally. said. Qatar Airways is Official Airline (Brand to Influencer) meetings, porate Communications, Salam Katara Hospitality.” “Compared to Gubgub, the Qumra 2019 provides access Sponsor of the second consec- keynote speeches and panels, Al Shawa, said: “The INFLOW Rashed Al Qurese of QNTC two films are completely different to Masterclasses and networking utive Influencers Summit, while also providing influencers 2019 summit represents an said: “We are delighted to host in story but they all share the opportunities to 36 projects from INFLOW 2019, taking place at the opportunity to expand their excellent opportunity for brands yet another edition of the Vis- same theme which is women 19 countries, 15 of which are by Sharq Village & Spa in Doha till network and share the sources to build their relationships with itQatar Inflow Summit this empowerment. When they watch Qatar-based filmmakers March 23, in partnership with the of their creative inspiration. key influencers, and provides year, in partnership with Qatar Qatar Stars, I want young girls to including Al Sulaiti. “Qumra helps Qatar National Tourism Council The national carrier of Qatar important insights into how to Airways and Katara Hospitality. feel they can do whatever they a lot in supporting and developing (QNTC) and Katara Hospitality. will fly more than 40 key digital enhance online marketing strat- We have recently set in motion want which generations before projects. I met some filmmakers VisitQatar INFLOW Summit influencers representing of egies by incorporating influ- tourism development and pro- them weren’t able to do,” she said, from the region in Qumra last Powered by Qatar Airways 2019 travel, luxury, fashion, gas- encers’ voices. motion plans that focus on while expressing optimism with year and later saw them in fes- will host top digital influencers tronomy, and lifestyle to Doha The digital platform has been curating and delivering the acceptance and push in the tivals winning awards,” she said. from around the globe, as well to take part in the conference. a critical component to bespoke end-to-end experi- society with regard to women in Other Qatari filmmakers as creative digital content pro- Topics to be covered during the increasing Qatar Airways’ brand ences to our visitors. We sport. whose films are participating in ducers and leading brands, summit include the importance awareness, and we are delighted warmly welcome influencers This recurring theme in her Qumra 2019 include Hamida Issa, agencies and marketing profes- of influencer marketing, online to be facilitating travel for so to try these unique and films is something she highly A.J. Al Thani, Hend Fakhroo, sionals across a wide range of marketing strategy, and how to many prominent digital media authentic experiences and values, she stressed, while Hassan Al Malki Al Jahni , Khalifa industries. The event aims to amplify your voice with the influencers to Doha for this share them with the world.” speaking to reporters on the side- Al Thani and Ahmad Al Sharif. QRCS receives Kahramaa organises workshop delegation for contractors on services from USAID QNA regards to power connection service DOHA worldwide. Head of the Continuous Improvement THE PENINSULA Qatar General Electricity and Water Corpo- Department at Kahramaa, Reem Al Nuaimi, DOHA ration (Kahramaa) has organised a said the workshop provides more workshop for its contractors on the knowledge regarding the procedures and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) services and procedures provided by the services provided by Kahramaa to has received a delegation of the corporation. approved contractors starting with building United States Agency for Interna- Head of Planning and Quality permits to power connections and all pro- tional Development’s (USAID) Office Department at Kahramaa, Eng Ibrahim Al cedures related to electricity access. of Middle East Affairs. Emadi, said that Kahramaa organised this She said the workshop also confirms The visitors are in Qatar for a training workshop in order to interacted that the early delivery service does not couple of days to hold talks with dif- with all approved contractors as they are require waiting for the building completion The members of the delegation of the United States Agency for International ferent charities and humanitarian the link between Kahramaa, investors and certificate to obtain electricity, but through Development’s (USAID) Office of Middle East Affairs with QRCS officials at providers. owners. this service electricity and water maybe the headquarters of QRCS. The delegation was headed by He added that the workshop comes as requested, thus saving time for the con- Scott Shiller, Adviser for North part of the World Bank recommendations tractor and the owner and accelerating the Africa, and was received by Ali bin mechanism of communication with internationally. especially those related to electricity delivery of electricity and water. She said Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary- QRCS’s headquarters in Doha and According to Al Hammadi, a new services and providing the full picture to the contractors must apply for the service General, Ibrahim Abdullah Al Maliki, foreign offices. QRCS relief and development contractors on those recommendations and early. Executive-Secretary, Dr Mohamed Al Hammadi welcomed any ini- strategy is underway for the coming how to implement them. She added that the workshop also Salah Ibrahim, Executive Director tiative for working together on sus- five-year period. He said that the workshop will raises awareness on the World Bank indi- of Relief and International Devel- tainable development and field inter- “The projects implemented under introduce the early delivery service to con- cators that include the time required to get opment, Abdullah Hamid Al Mulla, vention projects across the Middle our previous strategy, and those to tractors which will contribute to reducing electricity. Director of Communication and East. More opportunities of cooper- be initiated under the proposed one, the power connection time. She said that after meeting with World Public Relations, and Dr Fawzi Ous- ation are seen in youth empow- all were in line with the overall pol- He called on contractors to apply for Bank representatives, it was noted that the sedik, Head of International erment, economic empowerment, icies of the International Federation services from Kahramaa early in order to procedures adopted by the bank are dif- Relations. and sustainable aid. of the Red Cross and Red Crescent serve owners faster. ferent from those currently used. During the meeting, QRCS and The meeting emphasised the Societies (IFRC), as well as the guide- Al Emadi said the workshop comes Therefore, the idea of the awareness USAID representatives discussed importance of concerted efforts for lines of Qatar’s Regulatory Authority within the framework of activating this workshop was to introduce the procedures their respective operations and fields the success of long-term devel- for Charitable Activities (RACA),” he service which benefits both sides and con- of the World Bank to the approved of work. They agreed on a unified opment programs, regionally and added. tributes to improving Qatar’s position with contractors. Qatar Airways celebrates Kuwait lauds US support for GCC crisis mediation Qatar holds strategic dialogue with arrival of 250th aircraft FROM PAGE 1 UN Office of Counter-Terrorism FROM PAGE 1 Airbus A350-1000, symbolising Pompeo said the discussion FROM PAGE 1 “Qatar Airways is moving Qatar Airways’ determination to covered various aspects for the Qatar will make a contribution of $75m over five forward with the rapid expansion lead the way in the industry by pio- bilateral relations including cyber It was attended by Assistant contribution of $75m years to the United Nations Office of our global route network, an neering and championing the security, fighting terrorism, trade Secretary-General and Executive over five years to the of Counter-Terrorism, placing enhanced on board product latest technology and innovation. and education. Director of the Counter-Ter- Qatar at the forefront of donor offering in all cabin classes and, In 2014, the airline became the “Kuwait hosts thousands of US rorism Committee Executive United Nations Office countries. most importantly, taking delivery global launch customer of the soldiers on its grounds, which Directorate (CTED) Michele of Counter-Terrorism, This contribution will be used of the world’s most technologically Airbus A350-900, becoming the reflects the unique, fruitful and Coninsx and other UN officials. placing Qatar at the to support the Office’s work in the advanced aircraft because we first airline in the world to operate strong military cooperation The strategic dialogue dis- forefront of donor implementation of the United want our customers to have an every family of Airbus’ modern air- between the two countries,” he cussed the implementation of the Nations Global Counter-Ter- unforgettable experience when liner portfolio. pointed out. agreement, which establishes a countries. rorism Coordination agreement they fly with us. This is an In January 2015, Qatar Airways Pompeo started an official partnership between the State of in areas including the promotion important moment in our growth, deployed its newly-received, visit to the State of Kuwait on Qatar and the Office in combating implement behavioural visions of youth participation and skills and I look forward to seeing our world-first, Airbus A350 XWB air- Tuesday, where he met with H H terrorism and violent extremism, on violent extremism, with a view development, as well as the fleet grow even more in the craft on the Frankfurt route and in the Amir of Kuwait. Pompeo is and provides for the estab- to focusing on the study of the Office’s programs in preventing coming years,” he added. 2016, it became the first airline to leading the US delegation for the lishment of cooperation that behavioral roots of violent and combating violent extremism Last year, the airline became fly the A350 family of aircraft to third US-Kuwait Strategic Dia- would lead to the establishment extremism. Under the agreement, leading to terrorism and sup- the world’s launch customer of the three continents. logue meetings. of a global centre in Doha to the State of Qatar will make a porting victims of terrorism. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 Terrorism in New Zealand and ESTABLISHED IN 1996 history of targeting mosques CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] FARID HAFEZ ACTING MANAGING EDITOR ANATOLIA MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] he white supremacist ter- rorist could have chosen various other places and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Tobjects to carry out his attack. MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI But he chose a place of Islamic [email protected] worship. Why? Let’s just recall Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 young people at a Socialist Youth camp in Utoya/Norway. He deliberately chose this place, seeing the young gener- ation of open-minded and liberal social democrats as the enablers of EDITORIAL the Islamization of Europe. Breivik, who, in the manifesto of the terrorist, is referred to as “Knight Justiciar Breivik” from whom he had taken Qatar stands with the Palestinians “true inspiration”, could have served as a blueprint for another terrorist atar has been keen on raising the Palestinian cause in attack. But he chose a mosque. But all possible international and regional forums as the why? Flowers and condolences are seen near Masjid Al Noor Mosque during a public vigil, Qstate realises the importance of the issue which is at the The question might sound simple close to the shooting area, in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. heart of the Arab Ummah. Recently Qatar has called on the at first. But we should take some time international community to refrain from applying double to reflect on this aspect of terrorism. standards and to act in order to force the Israeli entity, the This is not so much about what the localities where terrorist plots are object of fear. This has left its marks. occupying power, to fulfill its obligations under international mosque stands for Muslims -- since hatched. On the other hand, on anti- law, to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories and to this does not matter to the white It is the reframing of the meaning Muslim terrorists. The list of targeted hold accountable its officials and leaders for violations and supremacist -- as about how the of these materials that has in many mosques where people were shot crimes committed against the Palestinian people before inter- mosque has places caused Muslims to lose their starts from London’s Finsbury Park national justice. Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United become a freedoms. While freedom of religion Mosque to the Christchurch Mosque Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva metaphor for has been central to most Western in New Zealand. While the mass Ambassador H E Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri gave a speech during the evil pro- countries since the end of the World shooting in New Zealand has been an interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the jections we War II, this right has been questioned the deadliest in recent history, situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, find in Islam- in various ways for Muslims since the mosques have long been targeted, explaining the plight of the people living in the occupied Pal- Remember, how ophobic 1990s. And with the rise of radical from the police raids in France to the estine state. frustrated US ideology. right-wing parties since the 2000s, it attacks in Germany. Only in 2017, During the speech, Qatar expressed its agreement with the Muslims were In fact, has been put into legislation. Institu- police responded to nearly 1,000 content of the report submitted by Special Rapporteur on the because Barack in the imag- tionalized Islamophobia has become attacks on mosques in the Federal human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories inary of anti- normalized today. Muslim women are Republic, meaning that every third Michael Lynk, which said that all measures taken by the Israeli Obama, the Muslim ideo- not allowed to wear the hijab; in some day, a mosque was targeted. A authorities to change the geo- so-called president logues, there places this limitation is for pupils, in website has been mapping hate graphical and demographic char- of “hope”, was is a very other places it is for teachers, and in crimes and attacks on mosques since acter of the Palestine state, not able to visit limited still others it is in several public 2015. including Jerusalem, as void and number of services. Additionally, the mosque has No wonder, then, that the mosque as having no legal basis and con- a mosque, thus materials become a contested issue, ranging played a central role in the manifesto stitute a flagrant violation of inter- yielding to the that have from the notorious minaret ban in that the white supremacist terrorist had Qatar has been national laws and conventions. atmosphere of fear been con- Switzerland to lesser known bans on, posted before the attack. “We will relentlessly raising for example, the construction of destroy every mosque and minaret in The State of Palestine is recog- triggered by the sidered as the Palestinian nised by 136 UN members and has the mosques and minarets in two Aus- the city of Constantinople,” he said, radical anti-Muslim issue before world a status of non-member observer “symbols” of trian counties. And let us not forget referring to the former name of state in the United Nations, which rhetoric spread Islam; the debate around the so-called Istanbul when it was under Christian leaders calling for implies the recognition of by people such symbols that Ground Zero Mosque in New York or rule. He deliberately chose the a concerted effort statehood. Palestine is a member have been other debates that arose around the Christchurch mosque because, for him, as Pamela Geller to put an end of the Arab League, Organisation turned into construction of a number of mosques it “had far more invaders” and repre- alongside the Tea to the atrocities of Islamic Cooperation, the G77, issues of that finally saw completion in sented “an optically foreign building” the International Olympic Com- Party members. political con- Cologne or the Istanbul district of and had links to “extremism”. The committed by the mittee and numerous other inter- testation. In Taksim. mosque for him stands for various occupying Israeli national organisations. the discourse Remember, how frustrated US kinds of otherness; extremism, for- forces and ease Despite theses facts, the inter- on Islam, the most prominent mate- Muslims were because Barack eignness, supremacy (through national community has been rials have undoubtedly been the hijab Obama, the so-called president of acquiring property). It is this crisis of the unjustified turning a blind eye towards the (the headscarf worn by Muslim “hope”, was not able to visit a whiteness that the terrorist addressed, suffering of the sufferings the Palestinian people, women) and the mosque. One can mosque, thus yielding to the atmos- which is projected on one of the most Palestinians, who have been under occupation observe how, first, these objects have phere of fear triggered by the radical visible markers of Muslim life. who deserves for 51 years, live under injustice been reframed. Just as the hijab today anti-Muslim rhetoric spread by Thus, challenging this terrorist and hostile living conditions, facing is imagined as the symbol of “female people such as Pamela Geller attack requires us to primarily chal- a peaceful and gross human rights violations by subjugation” in a patriarchal Muslim alongside the Tea Party members. lenge the broader discourse that has independent life the occupying force, war crimes society, the mosque is imagined as the The mosque was no longer the enabled the legal discrimination of with a government and crimes against humanity, place of radicalization, where symbol of empowerment, as remem- Muslims as well as paves the way for of their own choice. forced displacement, confiscation Muslims are taught to hate people of bered by so many African-Americans, their annihilation, as we have seen in of land, looting and exploitation of other religions or are seen as mere but had instead been turned into an the most recent massacre. natural resources, imposition of collective punishment and the unjust siege on the Gaza Strip and ‘Generation Nazarbayev’ jokes, hopes after Kazakh leader resigns denial of access to basic services. Qatar has been relentlessly raising the Palestinian issue before world leaders calling for a concerted effort to put an CHRISTOPHER RICKLETON mented by advocacy groups. back of Nazarbayev, even if they have end to the atrocities committed by the occupying Israeli forces AFP Crackdowns on political oppo- little hope of real change under loy- and ease the unjustified suffering of the Palestinians, who sition, civil society and the free press alist interim leader Kassym-Jomart deserves a peaceful and independent life with a government eople under 30 in Kazakhstan grew notably in his final presidential Tokayev, who will serve as president of their own choice. It is high time that the international com- have only known one leader term, which was troubled by fallout until fresh elections next spring. munity stood together to make the occupying forces realise the — Nursultan Nazarbayev, who from an oil price collapse. Maria Melnikova, who works for injustice and harassment they impose on the Palestinians who announced his resignation this Nonetheless, peasant-born one of the country’s last remaining P independent newspapers, Uralskaya are clamouring for nothing but a peaceful and independent week after shepherding the country Nazarbayev transformed the nation life, with basic needs such as education, employment, healthcare, from the Soviet era. into an energy powerhouse over his Nedelya, was detained by police three housing and other necessary infrastructure. His stage-managed departure -- decades in charge. times in the last year while reporting. he will keep key posts and significant “Some are sad, because it is an The 32-year-old journalist said political influence — has left Kazakh end of an era. Others are happy the name of the country’s first pres- millennials wondering what will come because fatigue has been building up ident will always be a byword for next. “The word ‘Nazarbayev’ means all these years,” said 32-year-old PR “pressure, dictatorship and QUOTE OF THE DAY something like the word ‘parent’,” said consultant Rinat Balgabayev. harassment”. 18-year-old film student Madi “In the capital no-one is sleeping,” “What’s more, pressure has kept The long-suffering Makanov, who lives in the country’s he said when contacted in the early getting harsher and harsher all the people of Gaza were largest city Almaty. hours of Wednesday morning. time,” she said. protesting the dire “Not because he has brought you Balgabayev has a healthy fol- Kazakhs abroad, like 28-year-old up, but because we didn’t choose him,” lowing on social media and his Sergey Marinin, studying in Wash- economic situation he said. Kazakhstan has a young pop- political jokes often spark ington, USA, were also keeping up on and demanded an ulation, with around 40 percent of engagement. the news. improvement in the people under 24, according to esti- Shortly after Nazarbayev’s shock He said he was chatting with quality of life in the mates based on UN figures. resignation, he joked on Facebook friends back home for hours on Nazarbayev, 78, won interna- about how suddenly anyone could find Tuesday after the presidential Gaza Strip. tionally criticised elections in 1999, themselves in a position of influence. announcement. It was “unexpected 2005, 2011 and again in 2015, when he “Walking (near government but not surprising,” Marinin said, Nickolay Mladenov took more than 97 percent of the vote. buildings) I find myself shaking hands playing down hopes for any major UN Special Coordinator for While Nazarbayev’s Kazakhstan with any dude in a suit, just to be on shifts in Kazakh politics. Middle East Peace Process lacked the despotic edges of some of the safe side,” he said in a post liked by “Change is unlikely to be as the regimes in its Central Asian neigh- hundreds of users. sudden as the resignation bours, rights abuses were well docu- Others felt only relief to see the announcement,” he said. THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 OPINION 09 Back to the Afghan Future: The security challenges of Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development

he current talks between the troops. The action of the PRTs also would not create a proper context for had been carried out by French representatives of the Taliban sparked debates and was criticised by reconstruction. Moreover, since the engineers. The areas controlled by and the US Government in some non-governmental organiza- fall of its Syrian and Iraqi Caliphate, the insurgency corresponded to Qatar are an important step tions as it could create confusion in the Islamic State has found a new poor regions from an agricultural T momentum in Afghanistan and some but peace and stability are still beyond the minds of local populations about point of view ». The French troops reach. Afghanistan’s reconstruction the nature of humanitarian assistance, Taliban factions have pledged alle- conducting civil-military opera- GILLES-EMMANUEL JACQUET and durable development requires a as well as the role of foreign armed giance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, while tions in Kapisa and Surobi wished satisfactory level of security and forces and foreign NGOs. Many others refuse to do so and are engaged to play a role in the long-term tackling issues such as unem- foreign or local NGOs operating in in a fierce competition with ISIS. development of these areas but ployment, corruption, and armed Afghanistan and Pakistan have In this regard, reconstruction and their mission was ended in 2012. violence. reported that after the elimination of development will depend on the Eradicating the cultivation of Since 2001 many reconstruction Osama bin Laden by a team of US context created by the peace deal and opium poppy and supporting and assistance efforts have been con- Navy SEALs in Abbottabad in May a satisfactory agreement for all farmers in their transition towards ducted in Afghanistan but their real 2011, they were facing more diffi- parties, which is far from being easy. the cultivation of legal crops is impact is limited by the security culties in carrying out their opera- All parties have ties to foreign and expensive. Many efforts have been context and corruption. Foreign tions. It can be explained by the fact neighbouring countries. It means that done and opium production has material and financial assistance was that one of the methods used by the foreign powers and neighbouring decreased but the results are limited affected by embezzlement and misap- CIA to identify Osama bin Laden took countries should reassess their by corruption, widespread poverty, propriation. Many examples can be the form of a fake vaccination pro- agendas and interests in Afghanistan. the threats made by criminal gangs, easily found in Kabul or all over the gramme conducted in Abbottabad They should also find common corrupt officials or Taliban com- country. In Kabul’s Parwan-e-seh dis- and seriously undermined the trust of interests and a joint approach, at least manders against farmers. Taking trict, the main road was in a bad shape local populations towards NGOs, and with regard to the reconstruction of into account such difficulties, some Afghanistan is affected and looked as if it had been built especially foreign aid workers. the country. It’s the only way to experts argue that opium poppy cul- during the 1970s or the 1980s. The current security context is ensure a sound reconstruction tivation and opium production by the geopolitical According to some local residents, the critical, the Taliban controls from 44% process and especially the access to should be allowed and that farmers competition opposing road had been built during the 2000s to 61% of Afghan districts and the rural areas where most of the work could legally sell their production to the USA to Russia and the main cause of its deplorable Islamic State is conducting terrorist should be conducted. the pharmaceutical industry. Such and China but also by condition was corruption : the road attacks in the country. The current Security conditions and cor- alternative could provide stable rev- was 9 cm-thick, while it was supposed negotiations are an important step but ruption are also closely tied to the enues to a part of Afghan rural the US-Iranian crisis, to be 18 cm-thick and its maintenance their outcome will not bring a stable social and economical problems populations. as well as the Indo- was almost nonexistent. In many rural and immediate peace. Only a fraction affecting Afghanistan’s rural areas. Education plays an important Pakistani rivalry. Iran areas schools were built with the of the Taliban has endorsed this Agriculture is the largest sector and role in the development of Afghan- and the former Soviet financial support of foreign countries, process and agrees to participate to it the basis of Afghanistan’s economy. istan, especially vocational edu- NGOs or organizations but an as the whole Taliban movement Agriculture should be strongly sup- cation and professional training. As republics of Central important part of these funds have dis- remains divided. Some Taliban fac- ported, especially when it comes to one of the most infuential thinkers Asia (Kazakhstan, appeared. As a result, these schools are tions wants a full withdrawal of the eradication of opium poppy culti- and leading practitioners in the Turkmenistan, often unfinished or badly constructed foreign troops and of all foreign vation. The opiate economy accounts field, Dr. Djawed Sangdel have buildings where the furnitures, presence, as well as the resignation of for 20% to 32% of the country’s GDP repeatedly stressed: « Afghanistan Uzbekistan, Tajikistan windows, heating system, decent the current Afghan government. This (US$ 4.1-6.6 billion) and 24 provinces may need businessmen and man- and Kyrgyzstan) should toilets or electricity are missing. precondition can’t be satisfied as it out of 34 grow opium poppy but 69% agers but it needs even more tech- be included in this Since 2001 ISAF Provincial Recon- would put the current Afghan gov- of cultivation is carried out in nicians, agronomists and joint approach. struction Teams did a great work but ernment at risk and trigger a new Southern Afghanistan. Taliban groups engineers. » it ended with the withdrawal of ISAF phase of conflict. Such possibility control these areas and earn c. US$ The writer is assistant pro- 200 million per year from the opiate fessor of the World History at the economy. Eradication efforts have led Geneva School of Diplomacy and to a decline of opium production International Relations. from 9000 tons in 2017 to 6400 tons in 2018 and the price of dry opium fell to its lowest level since 2004 (US$ 94 per kg). Foreign support is crucial but the United States of America have decided in February 2019 to end Operation Iron Tempest, an airstrike D-RING ROAD campaign launched in 2017 against POST BOX: 3488 Afghan drug labs. DOHA - QATAR Providing jobs and decent rev- [email protected] enues to rural populations play a role in decreasing the activities of insurgent groups in rural areas. This EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE key issue was well understood by the TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 French troops in charge of civil-mil- FAX: +974 4455 7758 itary operations in the province of Kapisa and the district of Surobi. MANAGING EDITOR TEL: French scholar Bernard Dupaigne 4462 7505 explained that during the First Indo- china War (1946-1954) « the map of DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: quiet areas coincided exactly with the 4455 7769 Former Taliban fighters line up to handover their rifles to the Government of Afghanistan during a reintegration map of regions where hydraulic ceremony at the provisional governor’s compound. works improving agricultural yields LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743

BUSINESS NEWS SECTION n public remarks last month, Then-FBI Director James Comey was conduct “did not warrant prose- TEL: 4462 7535 Deputy Attorney General Rod widely condemned, including by the cution,” in the inspector general’s. Rosenstein hinted about the fate department’s inspector general, for Rather, the Mueller report would lay SPORT NEWS SECTION of Special Counsel Robert Muel- violating it during the 2016 presi- out the factual and legal grounds for TEL: 4455 7745 I criminal responsibility, just the kind ler’s report on the results of the inves- dential campaign when he publicly tigation into Russian interference in criticized Hillary Clinton’s conduct of report that prosecutors regularly ONLINE SECTION the 2016 presidential campaign. While regarding the use of a private email write. TEL: 4462 7501 NANCY GERTNER not speaking about any particular server while secretary of state, even Nor is the subject or target’s [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST case, Rosenstein reiterated the as Comey announced that the FBI had interest enough to block publication. not found sufficient evidence to rec- Regarding possible criminal allega- PUBLIC RELATIONS ommend criminal charges. tions against Trump, Congress has an TEL: 4455 7613 obligation to consider whether Yet a closer look at the depart- [email protected] ment’s policy suggests that Rosen- impeachment is warranted. It is pre- Why this one rationale for stein’s approach might not apply to cisely because the impeachment ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT the Mueller report. remedy has priority that Mueller, TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Although the norm is well estab- according to the Justice Department, not releasing the Mueller FAX: 4455 7870 lished, it isn’t actually set forth as a is barred from seeking the presi- [email protected] rule anywhere, including in the dent’s indictment. But it would be absurd if Justice Department policies report won’t fly department’s extensive Justice CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Manual. Its central focus is to bar the prevented both the criminal TEL: 4455 7857 public discussion of evidence that falls indictment of a president and the [email protected] short of being enough to charge a consideration of his impeachment by department’s policy of not publicly person with a crime. In the Clinton blocking information from reaching SUBSCRIPTION & commenting on the evidence in cases email investigation, the inspector Congress. DISTRIBUTION where charges are not brought. This general found no basis for “’trashing’ The inspector general acknowl- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 might affect the report’s release, as the subject of an investigation with edged in its report on Comey and the FAX: 44557819 Mueller is expected to abide by the uncharged misconduct that Comey, Clinton email investigation that in [email protected] Justice Department’s policy that a every agent, and every prosecutor cases with heightened public interest, sitting president cannot be indicted. agreed did not warrant prosecution.” such as the 2004 José Padilla ter- Rosenstein described his message That approach not only protects rorism case, the department may he has given to prosecutors and the interests of a subject or target but publicly summarize the evidence All thoughts and views That approach agents during his tenure: “If we aren’t also acts as an important constraint against a person it is not charging. not only protects prepared to prove our case beyond a on prosecutors. Their job is to inves- Likewise, in the 2014 shooting death expressed in these columns the interests of a reasonable doubt in court, then we tigate crimes and to prosecute them if of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mis- are those of the writers, subject or target have no business making allegations the evidence is sufficient, not to be souri, the department provided an not of the newspaper. against American citizens.” roving critics of all “misconduct.” extensive public report explaining but also acts as an Attorney General William Barr’s But neither rationale would apply why it declined to prosecute. While important constraint message at his confirmation hearing if Mueller finds sufficient evidence of the subject of that investigation might All correspondence on prosecutors. in January was much the same: “If criminal conduct by President Donald have welcomed the release of the regarding Views and Their job is to you’re not going to indict someone, Trump but chooses not to charge him report, it was also aimed at a public Opinion pages should be you don’t stand up there and unload simply because of the department’s need to understand the evidence in sent to editor-in-chief investigate crimes negative information about the policy. It would not mean that prose- the case. and to prosecute person.” cutors “aren’t prepared to prove our It is difficult to imagine an investi- office or mailed to the them. The policy reflects a basic norm case beyond a reasonable doubt,” in gation with a greater public interest [email protected] within the Justice Department. Rosenstein’s words, or that the than the Mueller probe. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019

Two Palestinians Kuwait: US peace dead in clashes with Israeli troops plan should be AP/JERUSALEM The Israeli military says it has shot and killed two Palestinians acceptable to all who attacked troops in a West Bank city. The military says several REUTERS “We hope the plan will explosive devices were hurled KUWAIT take into account the yesterday morning at soldiers securing Jewish worshippers in Kuwait’s foreign minister said situation in the region Nablus. Troops opened fire and yesterday that a long-awaited US and all the relevant killed two of the assailants. peace proposal for the Middle parties,” Kuwait The Palestinian Health Min- East should be acceptable to all Foreign Minister istry identified them as 21-year- stakeholders and factor in old Raed Hamadan and regional considerations. Sheikh Sabah Khaled 20-year-old Zeid Nouri. US President Donald Trump’s Al Sabah told a joint Late on Tuesday, Israeli special adviser Jared Kushner news conference with forces killed a Palestinian sus- visited several Gulf Arab states pected of carrying out a last month — but not Kuwait — US Secretary of State weekend stabbing and shooting to seek support from Arab leaders Mike Pompeo. attack that left two Israelis dead on the economic portion of the near a West Bank settlement. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shaking hands with Kuwait Amir H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al proposal that Trump is expected The military says 19-year-old Jaber Al Sabah, in Kuwait City, yesterday. to unveil in the coming months. “We believe the strong rela- Omar Abu Leila was fatally shot Kushner, Trump’s son-in- tionship between the United when he opened fire on soldiers law, has given a broad outline of States and several countries will President Donald Trump’s Security Council, where it has a greater role for the Middle East trying to arrest him. the plan, saying it would address lead to an acceptable resolution decision in December 2017 to championed the Palestinian Strategic Alliance (MESA), a US- The two-day manhunt for final-status issues of the Israeli- to all parties and to reaching a recognise Jerusalem as the cause. Pompeo is on a regional sponsored Arab Nato aimed at Abu Leila had raised tensions Palestinian conflict, including political solution that has been capital of Israeli delighted tour that will also take him to uniting Washington’s Arab allies in Israel and the West Bank fol- establishing borders. long waited for.” Netanyahu’s government. Israel and Lebanon. against Tehran. lowing a period of calm. “We hope the plan will take Washington has taken a series But it enraged Palestinians, The foreign minister of “We all have the same set of into account the situation in the of steps deemed so “hostile” by who want to make the eastern, Kuwait said he had also dis- threats, threats from Al Qaeda, Algeria’s ruling region and all the relevant the Palestinian Authority that it mainly Palestinian part of the cussed with Pompeo a Gulf from (the Islamic State group), parties,” Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al now refuses any contact with the city the capital of their future dispute that has fractured the threats from the Islamic Republic party chief backs Sabah told a joint news con- US administration. The moves state. Gulf Arab bloc, as well as Syria, of Iran,” Pompeo said at a joint ference with US Secretary of State include cutting most of the US aid Kuwait currently holds a Iran, Iraq and Yemen. press conference with Kuwaiti protesters Mike Pompeo. to the Palestinians. non-permanent seat in the UN Pompeo is also pushing for Foreign Minister. AP/ALGIERS

The acting head of Algeria’s Eight children die or hurt every day in Yemen despite truce: UN governing party says it is throwing its support behind protests against President AFP Yemen’s beleaguered Saudi- the Stockholm accord was of the United States -- unleashed from acute malnutrition, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. GENEVA backed government and Iranian- signed. air power against the Huthi including 360,000 with severe, Critics viewed the move linked Houthi rebels agreed in The UN rights chief voiced rebels. Rights groups say the acute malnutrition, meaning they yesterday as an effort to save The UN human rights chief Sweden on a truce that included particular concern at the recent death toll could be far higher. are wasting away and risk the reputation of the FLN party, warned yesterday that children a ceasefire in Hodeida, the escalation in the northern Save the Children has estimated starvation. or National Liberation Front, in Yemen continued to be killed lifeline port on the Red Sea. province of Hajjah, where 22 that 85,000 Yemenis under five Bachelet also voiced deep amid increasing disillusionment and maimed at an alarming rate, But Bachelet said children people — 12 children and 10 years old may have died of star- concern at reports that both the with Algeria’s power structure. despite a three-month-old truce were currently living in 31 active women — were killed, and vation. Bachelet said it was government-backed forces and FLN interim leader Moab in a vital port. conflict zones across the country, another 30, nearly half of them unclear how many children had the Houthis were continuing to Bouchareb told a meeting of “Since the Stockholm and witnessing “heavy, war- children, were hurt in strikes starved to death in Yemen but enlist children as fighters. party leaders that the party agreement on December 13, it is related violence”, including in earlier this month. warned that “Yemeni civilians, “In most cases, the children “supports the popular estimated that eight children Taez, Hajjah and Saada. An estimated 10,000 people including children, are now more are between 11 and 17 years old, movement.” But he also have been killed or injured in The Norwegian Refugee have been killed since March vulnerable and hungrier than at but there have been consistent appeared to support Boutef- Yemen every day,” Michelle Council said earlier this week 2015, when Saudi Arabia and the any time since March 2015”. reports of the recruitment or use lika’s “roadmap” for political Bachelet told the UN Human that 348 civilians had been killed United Arab Emirates — with the She said more than two of children as young as eight,” reforms. Bouchareb himself has Rights Council in Geneva. in Hajjah and Taez alone since logistical and political backing million children were suffering she said. been criticized as representing a leadership considered corrupt and out of touch with Algeria’s struggling youth. The FLN is Trump: IS territory in Syria nearly eliminated Tunisian President wants Bouteflika’s party. Protesters want the ailing AGENCIES to amend constitution to Bouteflika to step down after WASHINGTON/PARIS 20 years in power. Bouteflika dilute PM’s power responded by abandoning plans President Donald Trump says the last of the Islamic for a fifth term and promising State’s (IS) territory in Syria will be freed by REUTERS limits. But he has lost influence reforms, but also delayed pres- US-backed forces “by tonight.” Trump spoke as he TUNIS since Chaded took office as idential elections indefinitely. left the White House and displayed maps of IS-held prime minister in 2016. territory in Iraq and Syria on the day he was elected Tunisia’s president called Since then tensions have Tunisian forces and as of last morning. The most recent map shows yesterday for changes to the new been building up between the what Trump says is a “tiny spot which will be gone constitution to give the presi- two men and escalated last year kill 3 militants in by tonight.” He says when he was elected, Syria was dency more power, escalating a when Essebsi called on Chahed “a mess” and awash in IS fighters. dispute between the two highest to resign. But Chahed instead shepherd murders US-backed fighters battling to retake the last IS offices in the country. unveiled a new cabinet last outpost in eastern Syria seized most of the last The constitution, adopted November together with the AFP/TUNIS pocket of land on Tuesday. Trump has previously in 2014 after the uprising of 2011 moderate Islamist Ennahda announced the defeat of the group, but sleeper cells that ousted autocrat Zine El party. Now, with a parlia- Tunisian security forces have of fighters remain in Syria. Trump says the US will Abidine Ben Ali, significantly mentary election due in October shot dead three Islamic State- keep 400 troops in Syria indefinitely. erodes the previously extensive and a presidential vote starting linked militants suspected of France, one of the main contributors to the fight power of the presidency and in November, Essebsi is calling involvement in the grisly US President Donald Trump shows maps of Syria against Islamic State in the Middle East, has received gives the prime minister and for an overhaul of the nation’s killings of shepherds in the and Iraq depicting the size of the “ISIS physical no answers to questions about US calls for it and parliament a much bigger role. ruling charter. restive Kasserine region, the others to help secure northeastern Syria, its foreign caliphate” as he talks to reporters in the White But President Beji Caid The parliamentary race is interior ministry said. minister said. Defence Minister Florence Parly was House in Washington, yesterday. Essebsi and Prime Minister expected to be closely fought by “Three terrorists were in Washington on Monday aiming to get details from Youssef Chahed have been at Ennahda, the more secular killed overnight from Tuesday US officials over an idea to set up and observe a to the Americans and try to get answers to loggerheads. Essebsi, a former Tahya Tounes party of Chahed to yesterday,” National Guard safe zone being negotiated for northeastern Syria. various questions: If by chance the American parliamentary speaker under and the Nidaa Tounes party led spokesman Houssemeddine That followed US President Donald Trump’s military presence would be maintained? What Ben Ali, had been the dominant by Hafedh Caid Essebsi, the Jebabli said. “We seized decision in December to withdraw the bulk of his would be the contours of its presence? What figure in the North African president’s son. No one has yet Kalashnikov rifles, explosive 2,000 troops in Syria after the defeat of IS militants. would be the mission? What would be the capa- country since his election in declared their candidacy for the belts, grenades, explosives and “Mrs Parly went to the United States to start talking bilities?” Le Drian said. 2014, despite constitutional presidency. ammunition.” Cyclone Idai toll rises above 300 AP full scale of the devastation is Chimanimani near the border with CHIMANIMANI, ZIMBABWE known. Mozambique. Zimbabwean officials People have been clinging to have said some 350 people may have Mozambique began three days of trees and huddling on rooftops since died. “We do not want to hear that national mourning yesterday for the cyclone roared in over the anyone has died of hunger,” Mnan- more than 200 victims of Cyclone Idai, weekend, and aid groups were des- gagwa said. Clutching a bag of his while the death toll in neighboring perately trying to rescue as many as few remaining possessions, Amos Zimbabwe rose to more than 100 from they can. The United Nations human- Makunduwa described the devas- one of the most destructive storms to itarian office said the town of Buzi, tation with one stark sentence. strike southern Africa in decades. with some 200,000 people, was at “There is death all over,” he said. Torrential rains were expected risk of becoming at least partially “It is beginning to smell really to continue into Thursday and submerged. “Floodwaters are pre- bad,” he added. “The whole area is floodwaters were still rising, dicted to rise significantly in the like one big body of water, huge according to aid groups trying to coming days and 350,000 people are rocks and mud. There are no houses, get food, water and clothing to des- at risk,” the UN office said. as if no one ever stayed here.” perate survivors. It will be days Zimbabwean President The force of the flood waters before Mozambique’s inundated Emmerson Mnangagwa received a swept some victims from Zimbabwe People walk on the flooded street of Buzi, central Mozambique, yesterday, after the plains drain toward the Indian somber welcome in the hard-hit down the mountainside into Mozam- passage of cyclone Idai. Ocean and even longer before the mountain community of bique, officials said. THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 ASIA 11 Fugitive Indian billionaire arrested in London

REUTERS Despite offering to put up $658,650 security, banking fraud came to light looted money to the nation”. LONDON/NEW DELHI Nirav Modi was told he would not be given early last year. In December, a British court bail. District Judge Marie Mallon said there PNB, India’s second-largest agreed that another high-profile Fugitive billionaire jeweller state-run bank, said in 2018 that Indian businessman, aviation Nirav Modi (pictured), wanted were substantial grounds to believe he might two jewellery groups headed by tycoon Vijay Mallya, could be by Indian authorities over a not surrender to bail and no conditions Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi extradited to his homeland to $2bn loan fraud at state-run would satisfy her to grant his release. He was had defrauded it by raising face fraud charges. Mallya is Punjab National Bank (PNB) was remanded in custody until his next appearance credit from other Indian banks currently appealing the decision. remanded in custody after using fraudulent guarantees Separately, the Enforcement appearing before a British court at the same court on March 29. issued by rogue staff of the bank. Directorate (ED), India’s main yesterday. Modi and Choksi have both financial crime-fighting agency, India asked Britain last contacted police. Yesterday, he Hepburne Scott, said his client denied wrongdoing. Prior to his said that a court yesterday August to extradite Modi, 48, appeared at London’s West- would deny the charges which arrest, India’s main opposition issued a non-bailable warrant whose diamonds have sparkled minster Magistrates Court he believes are politically Congress party had used it as a against Nirav Modi’s wife. on famous Hollywood stars, accused by India of two charges motivated. would satisfy her to grant his weapon to target the ruling The court also allowed the after he was accused of massive of conspiracy to fraud and con- Despite offering to put up release. He was remanded in Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of ED to auction 11 vehicles bank fraud, charges he denies. spiracy to conceal criminal $658,650 security, he was told custody until his next an April-May general election. belonging to Modi — including The diamond magnate was property. he would not be given bail. Dis- appearance at the same court Prakash Javadekar, a min- Rolls Royce, Porsche, Mercedes arrested in the Holborn area of He spoke only to confirm his trict Judge Marie Mallon said on March 29. PNB shares closed ister in Indian Prime Minister and Toyota models — and central London on Tuesday after name, age and address, and that there were substantial grounds up 3 percent on the news of Narendra Modi’s cabinet, said allowed income tax authorities he went into a bank to open an he did not agree to being extra- to believe he might not sur- Modi’s arrest. Modi left the all the fugitives would have to to auction 68 paintings owned account and a member of staff dited. His lawyer, George render to bail and no conditions country before India’s biggest come back and “return the by him.

Mayawati not to contest Priyanka lambasts Modi on home turf AFP election which ends May 19. The LS elections VARANASI centre-left Congress party, which has ruled India for about IANS The newest star in India’s Nehru- half a century since the country LUCKNOW Gandhi dynasty wrapped up a became independent in 1947, pre-election boat tour along the was thrashed by the BJP five BSP chief Mayawati yesterday Ganges river yesterday, disem- years ago, with Modi promising declared that she will not barking in Narendra Modi’s to create jobs, stamp out cor- contest the Lok Sabha elections home constituency to attack the ruption, and bring “Achhe Din” and asked party activists not to prime minister’s record. (“Good Days”). get disheartened over her Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Modi’s party however has decision as there were legal sister of Rahul Gandhi who been boosted after India and provisions for her to get elected wants to unseat Modi in elections arch-rival Pakistan lurched within six months. starting on April 11, announced alarmingly close to war last “When I became Uttar her long-awaited entry into pol- month following a suicide Pradesh Chief Minister first itics in January, bolstering the bombing in Kashmir that killed time in 1995, I was not a hopes of the opposition Congress 40 Indian troops. member of either the Uttar party, which has been dominated Priyanka, who for years Pradesh Assembly or Council,” by her family for generations. resisted calls to enter politics, she tweeted. Their father was Rajiv launched her campaign in the The Bahujan Samaj Party Gandhi, assassinated in 1991, northern state of Uttar Pradesh leader added that similar pro- their grandmother Indira on Monday, hopping on to a visions existed at the Centre too Gandhi, killed by her Sikh bod- motorboat on the Ganges river, where a person could get yguards in 1984, and their great- which is considered sacred by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (centre), Indian political leader and the Congress party’s General Secretary for elected to the Lok Sabha or grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s majority Hindu eastern Uttar Pradesh, speaks to the media during her election campaign visit to Varanasi yesterday. Rajya Sabha within six months India’s first prime minister. community. of holding office as Minister or Arriving after her three-day The state is a part of the Prime Minister. cruise in Varanasi, the northern bring about a change. You must are suffering. He is neck-deep opposition has been targeting Hindi “cow belt” heartland of “Don’t get disheartened at holy city famous for its riverside raise your voice for a new gov- in debt and is committing Modi’s right-wing Bharatiya some 475 million people — my decision not to contest the cremations where Modi stood for ernment who will make policies suicide. He does not get seeds Janata Party (BJP) over a lack of nearly as many as the United Lok Sabha election now,” she election in 2014, Priyanka said for you and understand your and fertilisers on time, he is not jobs, slowing growth and the States, Canada and Mexico com- said. The BSP, which scored a people must stand up against his problems,” the 47-year-old said. getting the right price for his desperate situation of farmers bined — where the BJP has its nil in the 2014 Lok Sabha battle, “anti-people” policies. “You can “The farmers of this country produce,” she added. The in the lead-up to the gargantuan core support base. is fighting the elections in Uttar Pradesh in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Congress leaves 5 seats Lok Dal. Congress-NC alliance in J&K The BSP is contesting in 38 IANS Anantnag and Baramulla. The Abdullah in Jammu. Making the seats, the SP at 37 and the RLD JAMMU announcement was made by announcement jointly, Azad and for Left Front in Bengal at three seats, leaving two seats senior Congress leader and Abdullah said that a clear under- (Rae Bareli and Amethi) for the The Congress and the National former Chief Minister Ghulam standing had been reached on IANS Harbour, Tamluk, Asansol, Congress. Conference (NC) yesterday Nabi Azad and NC President three of the six Lok Sabha seats KOLKATA Arambag and Bishnupur,” The Lok Sabha elections are announced a pre-poll alliance Farooq Abdullah. Azad accom- in the state while the two parties veteran Congress leader Pradip scheduled in seven phases from for the Lok Sabha polls in Jammu panied by Ambika Soni and state will engage in “a friendly Amid the ongoing impasse over Bhattacharya said. April 11 to May 19. The results and Kashmir but said there will Congress party President G A Mir contest” in Anantnag and Bara- sharing of seats for the Lok “We expect that the Left will be announced on May 23. be “a friendly contest” in reached the residence of mulla in the Kashmir Valley. Sabha elections in West Bengal, Front will acknowledge our the Congress yesterday decided gesture and refrain from fielding to leave five seats for the Left candidates in the four seats won Front, but said it would field by the Congress the last time. We Goa CM Pramod Sawant wins trust vote candidates in the two seats won are waiting for the message from by the Left parties in the last their end,” he said. general elections in 2014. The Left Front has so far IANS Twenty of the 36 members the Congress would not try to and Goa Forward Party and 3 The Congress has already named candidates for 38 of the PANAJI in the House voted for the topple the Sawant-led gov- Independents while 15 MLAs (14 announced candidates for 11 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in BJP-led coalition government ernment but instead wait for the Congress and 1 NCP) opposed constituencies in West Bengal, the state, leaving four seats that Goa Chief Minister Pramod while 15 opposed the motion. ruling coalition to “topple under the motion in the Goa Assembly. including Murshidabad and the Congress won in 2014. Sawant yesterday won the trust After the vote, opposition their collective greed”. The ‘magic number’ for a Raiganj, the seats held by Left Talking about the impasse in the vote in the state Assembly and MLAs accused Governor Mridula The 20 legislators who simple majority in the Front major CPI-M. “As a seat adjustment talks, the Con- pledged to carry forward his Sinha of being partisan and voted for the motion included 36-member House was 19. The goodwill gesture towards the gress leader claimed there was late predecessor Manohar Parri- facilitating “trading of MLAs” 11 from the Bharatiya Janata trust vote was overseen by Left Front, we have decided not no hindrance from their end and kar’s vision of “positive even as Leader of Opposition Party (BJP), 3 each of Maharash- Acting Speaker and BJP MLA to field our candidates in five that the party wanted a “com- thinking”. Chandrakant Kavlekar said that trawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) Michael Lobo. Lok Sabha seats — Diamond plete alliance” with the Left. Samjhauta Express blast Teenager’s death sparks protests in Bangladesh Bangladeshi case: Court acquits four FIFA official AFP AP DHAKA freed from jail NEW DELHI Hundreds of students demonstrated in AFP An Indian court yesterday acquitted four Hindus Dhaka yesterday after a teenager was DHAKA charged with triggering explosions on a train struck and killed by a speeding bus, heading to India’s border with Pakistan 12 years just months after a similar accident A FIFA official detained for ago, killing 68 people, mostly Pakistani citizens. sparked Bangladesh’s biggest anti- allegedly defaming the Bang- Defence attorney Mukesh Garg said the court government protests in decades. ladeshi prime minister has been in the northern Indian town of Mohali ruled that Students chanting “We want freed, her lawyer said investigators failed to conclusively prove that the justice!” blocked several major inter- yesterday. accused were guilty. sections in the bustling capital of 20 Mahfuza Akhter, a FIFA Two coaches of the Samjhauta Express, or million, demanding the government council member since 2017 and Friendship Express, were engulfed in flames after take road safety seriously a day after the national chief of women’s the blasts in 2007 outside Dewana, a train station a teenage pedestrian was mowed soccer, was arrested on Sat- near New Delhi. down. “We request all students to urday after a local football The train was travelling from New Delhi to return to their classrooms. Let us do organiser accused her of Atari, the last station before the Pakistan border. our work,” said Dhaka Metropolitan A Bangladeshi student shouts during a protest in Dhaka yesterday, following making derogatory comments At Atari, passengers switch to a Pakistani train. Police commissioner Asaduzzaman the death of a student in a road accident. about Prime Minister Sheikh Pakistan has been pressing India to expedite Mia. The protests rekindled memories Hasina. She was granted bail the trial. India’s National Investigation Agency of major street demonstrations last accident. Tens of thousands took to the Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been this week and released from filed charges against the defendants in 2011, August that lasted a week and erupted streets as the marches grew into a accused of waging a crackdown on Dhaka central prison yesterday charging them with criminal conspiracy to murder. after two students were killed in a road broad challenge against Prime dissent under a rule. afternoon. 12 ASIA THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019

Imran reviews Qureshi lauds China’s consistent support to Pakistan Kartarpur INTERNEWS The Director Central territorial integrity. ISLAMABAD Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi stated that Corridor work Commission Office of Pakistan-China relationship was Pakistan’s Foreign Minister the Communist Party time-tested and an example in INTERNEWS Shah Mehmood Qureshi has inter-state relations. He said ISLAMABAD reaffirmed Pakistan’s of China, Yang Jiechi China-Pakistan Economic Cor- commitment to the China- appreciated Pakistan’s ridor has injected a fresh impetus Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Pakistan Economic Corridor role in combating to bilateral economic Khan was yesterday briefed (CPEC) project saying the mega terrorism and its cooperation. about the progress on the project was contributing to the He assured the Foreign Min- Kartarpur Corridor project, country’s economic devel- efforts for regional ister of his full support in which links a key Sikh religion opment and prosperity. peace. building closer China-Pakistan shrine in Pakistan with India. He was talking to Director of community of shared future in Federal Minister for Infor- the Central Foreign Affairs Com- the new era. mation, Fawad Chaudhry said mission Office of the Communist Dialogue between Pakistan and Yang Jiechi appreciated the meeting Imran chaired had Party of China Yang Jiechi in China, reflecting complete con- Pakistan’s role in combating ter- decided not to construct Beijing yesterday, according to vergence of views on issues of rorism and its efforts for regional buildings on a piece of 30 acres a press release here. mutual interest. peace, especially in South Asia. of land which was used by Guru The Foreign Minister He appreciated China’s con- He also appreciated Pakistan’s Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi (left) with the Nanak, the founder of Sikh expressed satisfaction over the sistent support for Pakistan’s support for reconciliation efforts Director of China’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, Yang religion, out of his respect. deliberations in the first Strategic sovereignty, independence and in Afghanistan. Jiechi in Beijing, yesterday. Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu had requested Imran to preserve the piece of land. The Prime Minister was Kazakh capital renamed as Over 100 dead in given a detailed briefing by the Frontier Works Organisation on the work undertaken so far. new President takes office Indonesia floods The Kartarpur Corridor is a project of 1,500 acres of land inaugurated by Imran in AFP AFP through a major transformation, SENTANI, INDONESIA buried in a mass grave today, January this year. Chaudhry ALMATY developing huge energy reserves officials said. “The increasing said a road of 6.8km will be and boosting its international number of evacuees has made constructed under the corridor Kazakhstan’s new interim Pres- influence, but was accused of The death toll from flash floods the shelters very crowded and to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims ident was sworn in yesterday, cracking down on dissent and and landslides that tore uncomfortable,” said National coming from India to visit the following the shock resignation tolerating little opposition. through Indonesia’s Papua Disaster Agency spokesman shrine daily. A meeting between of the country’s long-time ruler, Nazarbayev will continue to region has topped 100 with Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. technical experts of Pakistan and the new leader in his first enjoy significant powers thanks dozens more still missing, the As teams loaded mud- and India was held on Tuesday official act renamed the capital to his constitutional status as disaster agency said yesterday. caked corpses into body bags, at the Kartarpur border. He said after his predecessor. “Leader of the Nation”, life-time Nearly 10,000 people have the search for survivors was that the meeting was held in a Kassym-Jomart Tokayev position as chief of the security moved to shelters while at least hampered by mountains of positive and constructive took office in a pomp-filled cer- council and head of the ruling 104 victims are confirmed to debris including rocks and environment. emony less than 24 hours after Nur Otan party. Tokayev have died and 79 are unac- fallen trees. Hundreds of Both sides jointly surveyed Nursultan Nazarbayev, the only appeared to be in pole position counted for in the aftermath homes, bridges, schools and the coordinates of the Zero leader an independent Kaza- to take over in the long term of the disaster, triggered by other public facilities were Point and discussed the tech- khstan had ever known, sud- until senators voted shortly after heavy rain on Saturday. destroyed. nical details, including finished denly announced he was his swearing-in to name Scores have suffered More than 2,300 personnel road level, high flood level and stepping down. Nazarbayeva, 55, as their new injuries, including cuts and have been deployed to search others. The next meeting on Kazakhstan’s new President Tokayev immediately pro- chief. She is the most politically broken bones, while some 40 for the missing victims and to operationalisation of the cor- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev posed changing the name of the prominent of Nazarbayev’s three unidentified bodies would be clean up debris. ridor will be held at Wagah on Central Asian nation’s capital children and has long been April 2. from Astana to Nursultan, or “Yesterday the world wit- mooted as a potential “Sultan of Light” in Kazakh, and nessed a historic event,” Tokayev successor. parliament approved the change said, hailing Nazarbayev as a Tokayev, the interim Pres- within hours. visionary reformer. “The results ident, has a strong diplomatic Afghan presidential polls delayed to Sept 28 The senate also appointed of an independent Kazakhstan are record dating back to the Soviet Nazarbayev’s eldest daughter there for all to see,” Tokayev said. period and has twice been AFP then delayed to July 20. Many presidential election, provincial Dariga Nazarbayeva as speaker, Nazarbayev changed the Foreign Minister. KABUL observers had considered both council election as well as the setting her up as a potential con- capital from Kazakhstan’s largest Meanwhile, China has wel- dates unrealistic given the IEC is parliamentary election of Ghazni tender to succeed her father. city Almaty to Astana in 1997, comed the new President of Afghanistan has delayed its pres- still finalising results of October’s province will be held on Sep- Tokayev, 65, will serve out transforming it from a minor Kazakhstan.“China understands idential election until September shambolic parliamentary tember 28,” the statement said. the rest of Nazarbayev’s provincial town into a futuristic and supports President 28, officials announced elections. The election should go mandate until elections due in city of skyscrapers rising from Nazarbayev’s decision,” said yesterday, the second time the The IEC yesterday said the ahead, it added, “provided all April next year, though the the steppes. Its name meant Foreign Ministry spokesman ballot has been put back. vote had faced “numerous relevant sides, especially the former president retains signif- “capital” in Kazakh and there Geng Shuang. The announcement by the problems and challenges ... government and the interna- icant powers in the country he had long been speculation of a “Since we established diplo- Independent Election Com- therefore holding the elections tional community, provide the ruled for nearly three decades. renaming after the leader who matic ties 27 years ago President mission (IEC) comes after spec- based on the timelines previ- IEC with the required budget on Tokayev told lawmakers that shaped it. Nazarbayev has been committed ulation that the vote would be ously announced is not time”. A spokesman for Pres- Nazarbayev had “shown Nazarbayev, 78, ruled Kaza- to friendly relations,” Geng told postponed to create space for possible”. ident Ashraf Ghani, who plans wisdom” by deciding to step khstan since before it gained reporters, noting the country will US-led efforts to end the 17-year “In order to better to seek re-election, said the gov- down, a rare move in ex-Soviet independence with the 1991 col- achieve new progress under the war with the Taliban. implement the rule of election ernment respects the decision Central Asia where other leaders lapse of the Soviet Union. acting president Kassym-Jomart The presidential ballot was law, ensure transparency as well and is “fully prepared to coop- have stayed in power until death. He steered the country Tokayev. originally scheduled for April 20, as voter registration, the erate with the IEC”.

Student stabs professor to Arden seeks united front against extremism as burials start death in Punjab AFP CHRISTCHURCH 2nd man charged AFP over livestreaming ISLAMABAD A Syrian refugee and his son who fled the chaos of their homeland NZ shooting A Pakistani student was only to meet tragedy in New arrested yesterday after Zealand were buried yesterday AFP stabbing his professor to death in the first funerals of those who CHRISTCHURCH allegedly for organising a died in the mosque massacres. mixed-gender reception at a Hundreds gathered at a cem- government college, police said. etery in Christchurch to lay to A 44-year-old man has Associate Professor Khalid rest Khalid Mustafa and his become the second person Hameed was killed yesterday 15-year-old son Hamza, who charged with sharing a on the campus of Sadiq Egerton were among 50 people slaugh- gruesome livestream video College in the southern city of tered at two mosques by an Aus- of the deadly attack at a Bahawalpur. tralian white supremacist. Christchurch mosque. “The professor had The pair had fled to New Philip Arps, 44, was organised a gender mix Zealand seeking sanctuary from arrested by New Zealand reception for the new students the Syrian maelstrom but died Police on Tuesday, four days and the event was supposed to in last Friday’s hail of bullets, a after 28-year-old Australian take place tomorrow, on bitter irony that New Zealand Brenton Tarrant went on a Thursday,” a police official said. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern rampage at two mosques in According to the report reg- called “gutting”. the southern city, killing 50 istered with the police, the “I cannot tell you how gutting people and wounding dozens student had shouted that he it is to know that a family came A tribute listing the victims of the mosque attacks is placed at a memorial site in Christchurch, yesterday. more. killed the professor because he here for safety and for refuge, The livestream video was was “spreading obscenity”. and they should have been safe was also wounded in the attack ownership laws, yesterday said that incites violence.” shot by Tarrant, who is facing The professor’s son Waleed here,” Ardern said at a press con- and attended the funeral in a the horrific events in The start of funerals should one initial charge of murder Khan, who was with him at the ference in Christchurch after the wheelchair. In a powerful scene, Christchurch showed the need ease pressure from Muslim fam- for the killings at Al Noor and time of the incident, said the funeral. he held his hands aloft as he for a global approach to confront ilies, many of whom have trav- Linwood mosques. student was waiting for his Khalid, 44, and Hamza were prayed alongside rows of the dangers posed by extremists’ elled long distances to claim Arps was charged with father. shot dead at the Al Noor Mosque, mourners. use of social media. loved ones’ remains and com- two counts of distributing “As my father was about to the first site to be attacked, but A total of six burials took “There is an argument there plained that police investigations objectionable material under step into his office, the guy not before Hamza called his place yesterday and more were to be made for us to take a united have delayed the return of the Films Act, and was attacked him with a knife, mother in a panic. expected in the days ahead after front on what is a global issue,” bodies. remanded in custody after hitting him at his head and “After that I heard shooting police on Tuesday began she said. New Zealand authorities are appearing in Christchurch stomach,” he said. and he screamed and after that releasing victims’ remains for “This is not just an issue for yet to release an official list of District Court yesterday. “We took him to hospital I didn’t hear him,” she told New burial. New Zealand, the fact that social the dead, making it difficult to Arps will be produced but he had already died,” he Zealand media this week. Ardern, who has vowed to media platforms have been used assess the full histories of back in court on April 15. said. Their younger son Zaid, 13, tighten New Zealand’s lax gun to spread violence (and) material victims. THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 EUROPE 13

Finland still the happiest country 51 schoolchildren abducted in Italy in the world AP Officers broke the of Senegalese origin in his 40s, according to official. cuts and scratches related to the AFP MILAN glass in the back door threatened the passengers, “While two officers kept the evacuation, the commander HELSINKI of the bus and got telling them that “no one would driver busy — he took a lighter added. A bus driver in northern Italy all the passengers to survive” as he commandeered and threatened to set fire to the The driver, who lived in Finland ranked as the world’s abducted 51 schoolchildren and the bus carrying two middle- vehicle with a gasoline canister Cremona and was married with happiest country for the second their chaperones yesterday and safety without serious school classes in Cremona on board — the others forced two children, was being treated year running while war-torn took them on an hour-long drive, injury before the province. open the back door. While the for burns. South Sudan sank to the least then set the vehicle on fire when flames destroyed the “An adult called an emer- evacuation was underway, the Sky TG24 reported yesterday contented in a United Nations he was stopped by a Carabinieri vehicle. gency operator, while one of the driver started the blaze.” that the driver had worked for report released yesterday. blockade, officials said. students called a parent, and De Marchis credited the the bus company for 15 years The Nordic nation of 5.5 “Officers broke the glass in they alerted authorities, who set officers’ “swiftness and courage,” without any employment- million people, known for their the back door of the bus and got said he was protesting migrant up roadblocks. The bus was for getting out all the children related issues. love of forests and lakes, topped all the passengers to safety deaths in the Mediterranean,” intercepted on the outskirts of and their teachers “with no tragic He had previous convictions, the study which used survey without serious injury before the Commander Luca De Marchis Milan by three Carabinieri consequences.” but he did not specify their data asking citizens in 156 flames destroyed the vehicle. As said. vehicles, which were able to Some of the passengers were nature other than to say they countries how happy they per- he was apprehended, the driver The driver, an Italian citizen force it into the guard rail,” treated at a hospital, mostly for were not serious crimes. ceive themselves to be, as well as measures such as life expectancy, income and social support. Russia unveils new The other Nordic countries, as well as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, New era in arms control Zealand and Austria also made the top ten. ANATOLIA The top diplomat voiced As well as performing well MOSCOW concern over the possible on all the indicators, the most destruction of other “pillars” of content countries all tended to Events from last year have the arms control system; the have very stable societies, with marked the threshold of a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty happiness levels changing com- era in arms control, the Russian (START) which expires in 2021 paratively little since the year foreign minister said. and Treaty on the Non-Prolifer- 2005. The internationally-accepted ation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Despite the political turmoil legal base for disarmament that “Russia supports START brought by Brexit, Britain rose has maintained security and sta- Treaty extension for another five four places in the rankings to bility for decades has been years. This would make it pos- 15th. destroyed, Sergey Lavrov told sible to prevent further degra- The US, meanwhile, con- the plenary session of the Con- dation of the situation in the tinued its slide of recent years, ference of Disarmament in sphere of strategic stability, as dropping one spot to 19th place. Geneva. well as to gain time to study pos- “This year’s report provides Lavrov recalled in this con- sible approaches to new sobering evidence of how nection problems around the weapons appearing in the world addictions are causing consid- Intermediate-Range Nuclear and ways of extending control Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with US Ambassador Robert Wood during the UN Conference erable unhappiness and Forces (INF) Treaty saying that over them, as not all such for Disarmament, at the United Nations offices, in Geneva, yesterday. depression in the US,” said pro- bilateral Russian-American weapons fall under the current fessor Jeffrey Sachs, one of the agreements no longer meet the regime,” he said. conference meant to address the “Apparently, this segment “decline” of UN structures, report’s authors. demands of time. Commenting the situation problems is scheduled for will have the ability to hit, among created to deal with disar- The unhappiest nation was “The time has come to think around the NPT, Lavrov November, he said. others, space objects. Thus, a real mament, arm controls and non- South Sudan, where the UN seriously about how to make the expressed worry over US refusal “Meanwhile, the US has combat structure will be built, proliferation problems. recently said 60 percent of nuclear arms control process to ratify the Comprehensive already allocated funds for the ready at any time to clean outer “The state of the UN disar- people face food insecurity fol- multilateral, acceptable to all Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, to creation of a space segment of space from the orbital property mament structures is a reflection lowing a bloody civil war which involved states,” he said, adding prevent the placement of the air defence system and of countries that Washington of the general complication of has claimed the lives of an esti- that currently dozens of coun- weapons in outer space and to deployment of the space strike does not like.” the international situation in the mated 400,000 people. tries can produce such weapons. resume nuclear tests. A UN weapons.” Lavrov reiterated the domain,” he said.

France to deploy Theresa May seeks Brexit extension until June 30 military forces AFP Faced with the potentially “As prime minister, I am not pre- meeting might be needed next back to MPs without changes. during protests LONDON catastrophic impact of Britain pared to delay Brexit any further week. European leaders are now leaving its biggest trading than June 30.” The European Commission, demanding Britain tells them BLOOMBERG Prime Minister Theresa May partner with no deal on March And the prospect of Britain the EU’s executive arm, also clearly what it wants. PARIS asked EU leaders yesterdat for a 29, May said she would try one having to hold European Par- warned EU leaders against the “As long as we don’t know three-month delay to Brexit last time to pass her deal next liament elections at the end of June 30 date saying a shorter what Britain could say yes to, no The French government has amid continued political week. May would be “unacceptable”, delay to May 23 or a longer one decision can be taken on our side decided to use anti-terrorism deadlock in London, but Brussels If it passes, it would still need she said. to “at least until 2019” would be either,” Juncker said. military forces to help secure warned the postponement to be ratified, and she told MPs May will travel to Brussels preferable. He said the deal agreed was public buildings during the next carried “serious legal and she has written to EU President today for an EU summit where May and the EU hammered the final offer, warning: “Nothing episode of grassroots ‘yellow political risks”. Donald Tusk asking to push she will put her request in person out a divorce agreement over the more can be done, we’ve reached vest’ protests this Saturday. Exactly 1,000 days on from Brexit back until June 30. to the other 27 EU leaders, who past two years but MPs have the end of the road.” “The troops from Operation Britain’s seismic 2016 refer- If she fails a third time, May must unanimously approve any twice rejected the plan by heavy “If other scenarios are being Sentinelle, who patrol cities endum vote to leave the said parliament would have to delay. margins. discussed, we’d need a new across France as a deterrent to European Union and with just decide what happened next — But European Commission Her original plan to hold a road.” terrorism, won’t be sent into nine days left until the scheduled but said she viewed any longer President Jean-Claude Juncker third vote this week, before the Juncker said May needed to action against protesters and departure date, the divorce deal extension as “a failure to deliver said it was unlikely they would EU summit, was dramatically present Brussels with an rioters,” the government’s is blocked in parliament and on the referendum decision”. reach a decision without a clear blocked by Commons speaker agreement approved by par- spokesman, Benjamin political turmoil grips the She hinted that her own signal from London on what MPs John Bercow, who said May liament as well as “a clear Griveaux, said yesterday. country. future was on the line, saying: want, suggesting another could not keep bringing the deal timetable”. “After seeing the new forms of violence on Saturday, emer- gency measures will be taken to reinforce the reaction of the Dutch police arrest new security forces,” Griveaux said, including “the reinforced mobi- tram attack suspect lisation of Sentinelle to protect official building.” AP — halting public transport and “Individuals have decided to THE HAGUE advising residents to stay indoors attack democracy and its — until Tanis was arrested. symbols,” Griveaux said. “These Dutch police and prosecutors Prosecution spokesman Ties are not demonstrators but rioters, were pursuing “every lead there Kortmann said that the investi- and the distinction is very dif- is” and questioning two suspects gation was continuing into the ferent. Demonstrations are pro- to establish whether the deadly motive of the suspects and into tected by the law; rioting is not.” shooting on a tram in the central the possible involvement of the city of Utrecht was an act of man arrested Tuesday. terror. “We are looking at the role 7 plead guilty to Officers from a specialised of the new suspect,” he added. arrest team detained a 40-year- The suspect’s identity was not joining IS group old man in Utrecht on Tuesday released. and released two other men Prosecutors have said they AP detained earlier, said police are seriously considering an SKOPJE spokesman Joost Lanshage. extremist motive after finding a People wait for the judges to give verdict on former Bosnian Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic’s The alleged shooter, note in a suspected getaway car Officials in North Macedonia appeal of his 40-year sentence for war crimes, at the Memorial centre Potocari near Srebrenica, yesterday. 37-year-old Gokmen Tanis, after the attack, and because of said seven of the country’s remains in custody. the nature of the shooting. They nationals have pleaded guilty Prosecutors have until have not ruled out other possible to joining the IS group and Bosnia wartime leader given life in jail Friday to question the Turkey- motives. fighting with it in Syria and Iraq. born suspect before he must “We are looking into every The North Macedonian AFP motionless and grim-faced in the since World War II. appear before an investigating lead there is,” Lanshage said. prosecutor’s office said the men THE HAGUE dock as judges in The Hague said Judges at the original trial judge who could extend his Meanwhile, a crowdfunding on trial in a Skopje criminal they had upheld his 2016 con- “underestimated the extreme detention. initiative to pay for the funeral court were arrested last August Former Bosnian Serb leader victions for genocide in the Sre- gravity of Karadzic’s responsi- Monday morning’s attack of one of the victims had already in Syria by members of inter- Radovan Karadzic will spend the brenica massacre and war bility for the most grave crimes saw a gunman opening fire on attracted nearly $68,000 by yes- national coalition fighting IS. rest of his life in jail for the crimes in the 1990s. committed during the period of a tram in a residential neigh- terday morning. They were subsequently “sheer scale and systematic In one of the last remaining conflict, noted for their sheer borhood, killing two men and a On a crowd-funding handed over to North Mace- cruelty” of his crimes in the war cases from the break-up of scale and systematic cruelty”, woman and seriously injuring website, a neighbour of the donian law enforcement that tore his country apart a Yugoslavia, they also increased head judge Vagn Joensen said. three others. 19-year-old woman killed in the agencies. All were charged with quarter of a century ago, UN his original 40-year sentence, The panel of appeals judges Fearing more than one attack appealed for donations membership of an extremist judges said yesterday. saying it did not reflect his role therefore “imposes a sentence shooter was active, authorities saying the victim’s father “is not group, while one also allegedly Karadzic, 73, stood in the worst bloodshed in Europe of life imprisonment”, he said. locked down the city for hours well off.” recruited for IS. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 Senators defend McCain against Trump’s attacks

AP Senator Johnny said this week he was “never a WASHINGTON Isakson, R-Ga, said fan” of the former GOP presi- the nation “deserves dential candidate and “never will Some Republican senators better” than Trump’s be.” Over the weekend, Trump defended late John McCain as a renewed his long-running griev- “hero” yesterday after President disparagement. ances in caustic tweets. Donald Trump again denounced Most Republicans remained the Arizonan, who died of brain Martha McSally, who now holds reticent about speaking out cancer in August. McCain’s Senate seat, who against Trump, who is famous Senate Majority Leader tweeted, “John McCain is an for measuring who is on his side Mitch McConnell tweeted that American hero and I am thankful and threatening to mobilize his he misses his friend “today and for his life of service and legacy followers against Republicans he every day.” to our country and Arizona. Eve- deems disloyal. “It was a blessing to serve ryone should give him and his But this week, some alongside a rare patriot and family the respect, admiration, members of the president’s party genuine American hero in the and peace they deserve.” are pushing back — some mildly Senate,” the Kentucky Repub- The comments were pointed — against Trump’s continuing lican tweeted. “His memory con- jabs at Trump, who for years said commentary on McCain. tinues to remind me every day he does not believe McCain was Senator Mitt Romney of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet (centre) with UN Human Rights Council that our nation is sustained by a hero because he was captured Utah, the GOP’s 2012 presi- President Coly Seck during the 40th session of UN Human Rights Council at the United Nations the sacrifices of heroes.” during the Vietnam War. McCain dential nominee whom Trump Senator Johnny Isakson, was held prisoner and tortured briefly considered nominating offices in Geneva, yesterday. R-Ga, said the nation “deserves for more than five years . as secretary of state, tweeted better” than Trump’s McCain went on to serve for praise for McCain. disparagement. more than three decades in the “I can’t understand why the UN rights chief says sanctions “The McCain family deserves Senate, including as chairman President would, once again, dis- better, I don’t care if he’s pres- of the Armed Services Com- parage a man as exemplary as ident of United States, owns all mittee. In one of his last acts, he my friend John McCain: heroic, may worsen Venezuela crisis the real estate in New York, or cast the deciding vote against the courageous, patriotic, hon- is building the greatest immi- Republican bill to repeal the ourable, self-effacing, self-sac- gration system in the world,” “Obamacare” health care law. rificing, empathetic, and driven REUTERS arbitrary detentions, torture and Jorge Valero said that the real Isakson said. It was the thumbs-down by duty to family, country, and GENEVA ill-treatment in detention, and situation in the country had been Also weighing in was Senator Trump can’t seem to forget. He God,” Romney wrote. threats and intimidation,” she “distorted by the baseless inter- Venezuelan security forces, said. national media campaign”. backed by pro-government Maduro, a socialist who said Peaceful protests were Third suspect in militias, have quashed peaceful he is the victim of an attempted allowed, but not acts of van- Trump doesn’t mind if public protests with excessive use of US-led coup, retains the support dalism and criminality that were Brazil school force, killings and torture, UN of the armed forces and control being “promoted by a violent sees Mueller’s Russian probe Human Rights chief Michelle of state functions. portion of the opposition, shooting arrested Bachelet said yesterday. US President Donald Trump whipped up by foreign funding”, REUTERS Attorney-General William Barr The country was plunged said on Tuesday that his admin- he said. AP WASHINGTON on his findings, including Rus- into a political crisis in January istration had held in reserve “The United States gov- SAO PAULO sia’s role in the election and when Juan Guaido, head of the what he called “the toughest of ernment has been pillaging our US President Donald Trump whether Trump unlawfully opposition-controlled congress, sanctions” to try to cut off rev- economic resources and denying Authorities arrested a teenager said he does not mind if the sought to obstruct the probe. invoked the constitution to enues to Maduro. Venezuela the possibility of for allegedly being involved in public is allowed to see the Trump has denied collusion assume an interim presidency, In January, Trump imposed acquiring the necessary food and planning a school shooting in report that Special Counsel and obstruction. Russia has arguing Nicolas Maduro’s 2018 sanctions on state-owned oil medicines for our people,” which eight people and two Robert Mueller is preparing denied interfering in the re-election was not legitimate. company Petroleos de Vene- Valero said. attackers died. about his investigation of election. Bachelet said that she had zuela PDVSA, the stiffest eco- He denounced measures The police officer in charge Russian meddling in the 2016 Asked if the public should information, without elabo- nomic measure against Maduro including the blocking of $7bn of the investigation told Globo presidential election and any be allowed to see the report, rating, that the National Police’s and Venezuela to date. The in shares of PDVSA’s US sub- TV that he believed the teen possible links to the Trump Trump said: “I don’t mind.” He Special Actions Force (FAES) had United States is among countries sidiary Citgo Petroleum Corp. in was one of the masterminds of campaign. said he had no idea when it executed 37 people in January that have recognised Guaido as January. the bloodshed. “Let it come out, let people would be released. in Caracas in illegal house raids the legitimate head of state. Bachelet said that Vene- “He is an intellectual see it, that’s up to the attorney “I had the greatest elec- in poor areas supporting the However, Bachelet, a former zuelan authorities had failed to mentor. He bought objects that general ... and we’ll see what toral victory — one of them — opposition. president of Chile, said the latest acknowledge the extent and could allow him to participate happens,” Trump told reporters in the history of our country, “... my office documented US sanctions on financial severity of a health and food in that crime,” said officer at the White House. “We’ll see tremendous success, tens of numerous human rights viola- transfers linked to the sale of crisis that has driven more than Alexandre Dias with the local if it’s fair.” millions of voters and now tions and abuses by security Venezuelan oil in the United 3 million abroad since 2015. police unit in Suzano, a suburb Mueller is preparing to somebody’s going to write a forces and pro-government States “may contribute to aggra- “A team of experts from her of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest submit a report to US report who never got a vote.” armed groups, including vating the economic crisis”. office is in the country assessing city. excessive use of force, killings, Venezuelan Ambassador conditions, a “positive first step”. The Suzano police unit was not immediately available to comment. The 17-year-old male, Pentagon lists possible project cut to pay for border wall whose identity was not released, was described as a former student at the Raul REUTERS relates to educational establish- could readily be used for wall without congressional approval, in on-base housing, prompting Brasil public school in Suzano. WASHINGTON ments and includes school construction and replaced later. a move that allows his adminis- moves from lawmakers to The teenager was questioned buildings for the children of The Pentagon told Congress tration to use money from the improve landlord controls. last week but was initially The US Department of Defense service members in places like that just because a project was military construction budget, if But elementary and middle allowed to return home. is proposing to pay for President Germany, Japan, Kentucky and listed, it “does not mean that the needed. schools on bases around the Sao Paulo’s Court of Justice Donald Trump’s much-debated Puerto Rico. project will, in fact, be used” as In a tense Congressional world serving military families said yesterday that the teenager border wall by shifting funds The move comes as a sur- a funding source to build sections hearing last week, Democratic are at risk of suffering from the was ordered held in a jail for away from projects that include prise given the Trump adminis- of the border wall. senators demanded that they be funding diversion, as well as a juvenile criminals for at least $1.2bn for schools, childcare tration’s oft-touted support for Trump earlier in March provided a list of military funds new engineering building and 45 days. centres and other facilities for the sacrifices made by military asked for $8.6bn in his 2020 that could be utilized to fund wall parking garage at West Point, the Attackers Guilherme Taucci military children, according to a families and suggests the White budget request to help pay for construction. Army’s military academy in New Monteiro, also 17, and 25 year- list it has provided to lawmakers. House’s desire to build a wall on his promised wall on the US- Military officials have vowed York state. old Luiz Henrique de Castro The Pentagon gave Congress the border with Mexico outstrips Mexico border to combat illegal that they would not use any Joint Base Andrews, where killed themselves after killing a list that included $12.8bn of nearly all other issues. immigration and drug traf- funds from military housing. A the president’s Air Force jet is seven people at the school. construction projects for which However, of the $1.2bn in ficking. It drew swift criticism recent Reuters investigation based, was slated to receive One of the attackers also it said funds could be projects related to education, from Democrats. found thousands of US military $13m for a “Child Development killed his uncle, who owned a redirected. approximately $800m worth are He declared a national emer- families were subjected to Center,” but funding for that nearby used-car dealership. Around 10 percent of the list far in the future, and those funds gency in a bid to fund the wall serious health and safety hazards project is on the list. Nebraska flooding threatens to stretch into Southern US USC students tied to admission

REUTERS waters revealed more devastated scandal could face expulsion BROWNVILLE roadways, bridges and homes. REUTERS Loughlin and fashion designer In the South, Mississippi, SACRAMENTO Mossimo Giannulli. The parents Emergency officials in Southern which lies downstream from the were among 50 people charged US states kept a wary eye on the floodwaters, declared a state of The University of Southern Cali- last week with participation in Missouri and Mississippi rivers emergency as it prepared for the fornia said it may expel students what federal prosecutors called as massive flooding that killed inundation to spread. linked to the largest college- a $25m bribery and fraud scam. four people and caused more The National Oceanic and admissions cheating scandal in The mastermind of the than $1bn in estimated damages Atmospheric Administration US history after it completes a scheme last week pleaded guilty to homes, businesses and crops (NOAA) also predicted major review of their records. to racketeering charges for threatened to extend south. flooding for parts of Kansas, Mis- The school said that it has bribing coaches, cheating on Floodwaters resulting from souri and Arkansas. already “placed holds on the standardized tests and fabri- a late-winter storm last week In Arkansas, emergency offi- accounts of students who may cating athletic profiles to help and warming spring weather cials said they were monitoring be associated with the alleged children of wealthy families gain that melted snow quickly this the situation but did not believe admissions scheme,” preventing admission to top universities. week inundated a large swath of flooding would reach crisis Flooded areas are seen in Bellevue, Nebraska, yesterday. them from registering for classes A spokesman for Geor- Midwestern farm states Missouri, levels. or acquiring transcripts. getown said the school would Nebraska and Iowa along the Kansas and Missouri emer- States to continue today and on Farmers in Missouri, “Following the review, we not comment on disciplinary Missouri, North America’s gency officials did not immedi- Friday, triggering more accel- Nebraska, Iowa and other states will take the proper action related action against individual stu- longest river. States of emer- ately respond to requests for erated snow melt, meteorologist scrambled to move their har- to their status, up to revoking dents linked to the scandal but gency have been declared in all comment. Rich Otto said in a phone vested grains before flooding admission or expulsion,” the added that it is “reviewing the or parts of the three states. The National Weather interview. About a 2.5cm of rain destroyed them as they did college said in a tweet. details of the indictment, exam- Officials warned the damage Service expects warm weather is predicted for Saturday in the across Nebraska, Iowa and other The move would affect the ining our records, and will be toll would rise as receding in the north-central United region. states. daughters of actress Lori taking appropriate action.” THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 HOME 15 UCQ students share nursing knowledge in Indonesia THE PENINSULA an excellent opportunity for stu- especially as a fourth year DOHA dents’ professional growth, nursing student doing my final development, and confidence. practicum. The reason for this is Twenty students from the The trip also offered an that we will directly serve the University of Calgary in Qatar important opportunity for UCQ population in Qatar after we (UCQ) recently returned from students to gain an international graduate in few months, and Indonesia where they partici- perspective on healthcare edu- having such experiences made pated in a unique learning cation and global citizenship. me eager to do more for others exchange programme organised “To partner with Reach Out and spread the essence of the by Reach Out To Asia and to Asia, Education Above All and nursing career. Qatar is a diverse Education Above All. the local community in Indonesia country which made this trip an UCQ students spent a week was an opportunity to facilitate exciting opportunity and an with 120 students from the SMK our students to be global citizens excellent venue for the Uni- Kesehatan Rahani Husad voca- and leaders,” explained Barbara versity of Calgary in Qatar’s stu- tional nursing high school in Rose-Lovett, UCQ faculty dents’ professional growth and Klaten, Indonesia. The UCQ stu- member and trip organizer. leadership development.” dents were divided into four “Global health work is based on “Our students gained great groups that each led instructional empowering communities and experience into the teaching and sessions in areas including elder thoughtful inclusive collabo- learning process from this trip,” care, personal development, rative engagement.” reported UCQ faculty member basic life support, and lifestyle UCQ students also found the Marie-Claude Toriida. “Through management of cardiac and trip very inspiring and the ROTA- led preparation work- Students from the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) during their recent exchange program to kidney disease. In return, the beneficial. shops, students developed a Indonesia. UCQ students received “The University of Calgary in teaching plan and fine-tuned instruction on traditional Indo- Qatar gave me an opportunity to their presentation through nesian therapy methods. better understand nursing edu- it was a great experience for me around the world.” the completion of her studies. “I feedback given by both ROTA Student exchange trips are a cation through this great vol- as a student to see and learn Fourth-year student, Asma personally think that having a and UCQ instructors. This trip is unique aspect of nursing edu- unteer trip,” said third-year more about another culture, Hassan described her experience community service trip at this a great opportunity to build cation at the University of student, Aisha Shareef. “The trip especially considering Qatar in Indonesia as particularly val- stage and time of our academic teaching capacity in nursing edu- Calgary in Qatar and this trip was exceeded my expectations and aims to enhance education uable as she nears career was extremely important, cation in Qatar.” Late maternal age risk factor for Down syndrome Georgetown research conference

THE PENINSULA at the Obstetrics and Gynecology DOHA Department, Women’s Wellness renews focus on Islam’s history and Research Center, said some A woman’s risk of conceiving a women opt to undergo antenatal THE PENINSULA child with Down syndrome, a testing for Down syndrome and DOHA genetic condition characterised other genetic conditions. by abnormal cell division “A screening test for Down Historians and researchers have resulting increases after 35 years syndrome is a test that can tell if focused a lot of attention on the of age, said Mariam Al Mulla, a a baby is likely to have the con- Islamic Golden Age, a period of Genetic Counsellor at Hamad dition and if a screening test cultural, economic and scientific Medical Corporation (HMC). shows that there is a high chance discovery which placed the “Advanced maternal age is that a baby has Down syndrome, Muslim world at the intellectual a well-recognised factor that a woman will be offered further center of the world. But there has increases a woman’s risk of invasive testing to confirm the been far less exploration of the having a child with chromo- diagnosis,” said Dr Al Obaidly. historical period that came next. Dr Nazim Abdel Aati somal abnormalities, such as Dr Nazim Abdel Aati, Acting To fill the gaps in this body of The Dean of GU-Q, Dr Ahmad Dallal, delivering the opening remarks Trisomy 21. Trisomy 21, com- Director of the Child Devel- knowledge, Georgetown at the conference. monly known as Down syn- opment Center at Rumailah Hos- University in Qatar (GU-Q) drome, occurs due to the pital said in the case of a positive recently brought together leading presence of an extra copy of diagnosis, early intervention and scholars involved in research on The dean of GU-Q, Dr Ahmad assistant professor at GU-Q, Dr chromosome 21,” said Al Mulla. Dr Nazim Abdel Aati, consistent medical care are the Islamic intellectual thought Dallal described the literature pro- Sohaira Siddiqui, noted that while Al Mulla said studies suggest Acting Director of the keys to maintaining a high between the 16th and 18th duced in this time period of the conference brings together older females might have lower quality of life for children with centuries at their annual faculty Islamic history as “one of the most scholars from all disciplinary amounts of certain proteins in Child Development Down syndrome. research conference in Doha. important legacies of Islamic fields in Islamic thought and par- their eggs, making chromosomal Center at Rumailah “In Qatar, over 120 cases of Held under the theme “Trans- culture,” challenging widespread ticipants from different parts of abnormalities more likely to Hospital said in the Down syndrome were diagnosed formations and Continuities in beliefs that the era was one of the world, “what connects eve- occur. She said while not all case of a positive between 2016 and 2018. Cur- Islamic Intellectual Thought,” the intellectual stagnation. ryone is a shared interest in ques- people with Down syndrome rently, HMC’s Child Devel- second conference focused on the “Today’s conference has the tions of historical change, intel- share the same physical charac- diagnosis, early opment Center offers diagnostic period of history when the Muslim distinct advantage of providing a lectual and cultural production, teristics, there are features that intervention and and specialised care to approx- world had separated into three comparative approach that ques- and scholarly interconnections. tend to occur in the genetic dis- consistent medical imately five children with Down distinct empires: the Safavids, the tions the notion of decline not only We hope that the presentations order. She said some of the more care are the keys to syndrome each month. Ottomans and the Mughals. by examining it in different periods and conversations stimulate and common physical characteristics Through our early inter- The panel of multidisciplinary and contexts, but also by doing so generate long-term scholarly include a flattened face, espe- maintaining a high vention program, the Center is experts presented research on through the prism of several intel- engagement and collaboration.” cially the bridge of the nose, quality of life for helping children with Down syn- topics in social and intellectual lectual and cultural traditions,” he Each year, GU-Q organises almond-shaped eyes that slant children with Down drome, from birth to three years, history, law and politics, reason said. The dean, who is also a scholar faculty conferences that bring upwards, a short neck, small syndrome. reach their full potential,” said and ethics, and culture and liter- in Islamic Studies, presented sup- together leading academics and ears, a tongue that tends to stick Dr. Abdel Aati. ature in the Muslim world across porting evidence that the post clas- scholars from around the world out of the mouth, tiny white In recognition of World these empires. Leading univer- sical period has a “vitality that, at to encourage an exchange of spots on the iris (coloured part) curve toward the thumb, poor Down Syndrome Day, observed sities from Qatar, the USA, UK, times, is comparable to, and even ideas, provide thoughtful oppor- of the eye, small hands and feet, muscle tone or loose joints, and globally today, HMC is organ- Germany, France, the Nether- supersedes in its scope, intensity tunities for engagement with new a single line across the palm of short stature. ising a family day at Al Bidda lands, India, Turkey, Finland, and and quality, the cultural activities research for students, and engage the hand (palmar crease), small Dr Sawsan Al Obaidly, Con- Park for patients and their Sri Lanka took part, along with the of the classical period.” local, regional and international pinky fingers that sometimes sultant Maternal-Fetal Medicine families. British Library. Conference chair and audiences. Blue Salon launches Gentle Fluidity La Parisienne from Maison Francis Kurkdjian Doha opens at THE PENINSULA InterContinental DOHA Doha The City Blue Salon, Qatar’s leading retailer of luxury brands, recently THE PENINSULA launched Gentle Fludity – two DOHA identities from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. La Parisienne Doha is now open To celebrate the launch of the at InterContinental Doha The new identities of fragrances, a City in West Bay. reception was hosted at Blue La Parisienne Doha is a tra- Salon. Present at the launch were ditional Parisian Salon de Thé, La Parisienne Doha - Chef David Girard. Marc Chaya, CEO of Maison Pâtisserie, and Boulangerie Francis Kurkdjian, Nabil Abu Issa, offering guests the quintessential Vice-Chairman of Abu Issa French experience in Doha. Paris to you in the middle of the At La Parisienne Doha you Holding Group and Fawaz Al Idrisi Bringing the vintage spirit of hustle and bustle of West Bay. will find traditional French CEO of Abu Issa Holding group La Belle Époque from Paris, “Whether you’re searching savouries including Pain Bagna, The officials at the launch of Gentle Fluidity from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. As a keen observer of society guests have the chance to for freshly baked baguettes and various quiches, sandwiches, and its evolution, Francis indulge in freshly baked breads, croissants to take home, or and friands. Savour homemade Kurkdjian mirrors his era by name for two distinct olfactory ambery woods reveal a radiant, signature savouries and pastries looking for a quaint space to pastries by Chef David including telling stories through fragrance. identities. The same name shared bright silhouette. developed by award-winning relax and satisfy your cravings the ever famous Macarons and Gentle Fluidity is his answer by two creations whose distinctive In Gentle fluidity (silver), Executive Pastry Masterchef for authentic French pastries Paris-Brest and the unique to contemporary questions on feature is to be composed of the nutmeg and ambery woods are David Girard. and savouries, La Parisienne Coffee-Date Éclair. gender identity. “Gentle” because same ingredients. dominant and release a vibrant, The Boulangerie at La Paris- Doha is the perfect place to Popular French desserts can benevolence is one of Maison In gentle Fluidity’s (gold) gen- comfortable trail. As for juniper ienne Doha brings the traditional immerse yourself in that much be found alongside sweet treats Francis Kurkdjian core values. erous, enveloping trail, one can berry essence, it leads to an art of baking bread from France sought after Parisian atmos- that are usually hard to find “Fluidity” because “we are all free find coriander seed essence and ascending, ultra-fresh, aromatic to Doha, with freshly baked phere,” said Gilles Longuet, outside of France, including “La to express our personality without an overdose of musks and vanilla. note, similar to a “gin frappé” baguettes, breads, and pastries General Manager of InterCon- Tropezienne” and “Succés having to submit to diktats, just The floral, spicy note of coriander effect, balanced by the dry, slightly being served warm and crusty tinental Doha The City. “A full Noisette”. like the Maison has unlimited cre- seeds brings, just like musks, balmy, spicy notes of nutmeg. throughout the day. All creations experience from the moment La Parisienne Doha is now ative freedom,” the company said. ethereal volume and a lingering The base notes reveal ambery are homemade from the best you enter the doors, La Paris- open daily from 6am – 10pm Gentle Fluidity is the name of trail. In the base notes, the wood facets ranging from sweet quality ingredients imported ienne Doha offers everyone the and is located on the ground two new eau de parfum created gourmand, reassuring notes of the and enveloping to powerful and from France. quintessential Parisian floor of InterContinental Doha by in-house perfumer. A single vanilla accord enhanced by the dry. La Parisienne Doha brings experience.” The City, West Bay. 16 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 21 AM SHOROOK 05. 38 AM Qatar advances in World Happiness Report

ZUHR 11. 41 AM MAGHRIB 05. 47 PM IRFAN BUKHARI Denmark at second position and Qatar, from 32nd position and Eastern Europe, five are in sub- ASR 03. 08 PM ISHA 07. 17 PM THE PENINSULA Norway taking the third spot. in 2018, jumped to 29th Saharan Africa, and three in Latin Other seven countries in top ten place in World Happiness America. The 10 countries with the WEATHER TODAY Gaining three points in one year, list of happiest countries of the world Report 2019. In 2016, largest declines in average life eval- Qatar has become the 29th happiest are as follows. Iceland (4), Nether- uations typically suffered some com- country in the world in 2019 lands (5), Switzerland (6), Sweden (7), Qatar was ranked at the bination of economic, political, and according to World Happiness Report New Zealand (8), Canada (9), and 36th position. social stresses. The five largest drops released yesterday by the Sustainable Austria at position (10). since 2005-2008 were in Yemen, Development Solutions Network Different variables including India, Syria, Botswana and (SDSN), a global initiative of the income, social support, healthy life “This year, the Report analyzes Venezuela.” United Nations. expectancy at birth, freedom to make how life evaluations and emotions, World Happiness Report 2019 Qatar, from 32nd position in life choices, generosity etc. are both positive and negative, have focuses on happiness and the com- 2018, jumped to 29th place in World counted for the happiness rankings. evolved over the whole run of the munity: how happiness has evolved Happiness Report 2019. In 2016, The World Happiness Report is Gallup World Poll, starting in 2005- over the past dozen years, with a Qatar was ranked at the 36th a landmark survey of the state of 2006. For life evaluations at the focus on the technologies, social position. In the Middle East and North global happiness that ranks 156 coun- national level, there have been more norms, conflicts and government pol- Africa (MENA) region, Qatar is the tries by how happy their citizens per- gainers than losers,” said a press brief icies that have driven those changes. fourth happiest country. ceive themselves to be. The report is on the official website of World Hap- Special chapters focus on generosity Finland again took the top spot produced by the United Nations Sus- piness Report. and pro-social behaviour, the effects as the happiest country in the world tainable Development Solutions It adds: “Among the 20 top of happiness on voting behaviour, big according to three years of surveys Network in partnership with the gainers in life evaluations from 2005- data, and the happiness effects of taken by Gallup from 2016-2018 with Ernesto Illy Foundation. 2008 to 2016-2018, 10 are in Central Internet use and addictions.

19oC 26oC Minimum Maximum Scattered clouds and chance of light rain at places from evening maybe thundery at times. Relatively cold by night.

HIGH TIDE 04:39 – 16:30 LOW TIDE 12:13 – 00:00 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department

FROM LEFT: Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman; Indian music legend A R Rahman; Katara Studios CEO Hussein Fakhri, and Lulu Hypermarket Regional Director Mohammed Althaf, at the press conference held at Mondrian Doha yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA A R Rahman in Qatar for biggest music show THE PENINSULA “I have heard a lot of good things about the great support for music and DOHA art in Qatar. You have a great studio and an orchestra. And this is not the end as we will be doing another concert sometime in October,” said Oscar-winner A R Rahman will be performing live for the first time in Qatar tomorrow at the Khalifa Interna- Oscar-winner A R Rahman. tional Stadium, the first FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium to be completed. In what is billed as the biggest music show ever in Qatar, Indian music legend is accompanied by a long- list of popular artists like, playback singer and King of Melody Udit Narayan Jha, award-winning singer Shweta Mohan, Carnatic vocalist, playback singer and musician Haricharan Seshadri, A R Rahman’s sisters and popular singers from the South Indian film industry Reihana and Isshrathquadhre, playback singer from the Malayalam film industry Alphons Joseph, Bollywood playback singer Javed Ali, singer-actor Benny Dayal, Indian film score composer Ranjit Barot, Rahman’s troupe singer Dilshad Shabbir Ahmed Shaikh and Indian-born Canadian singer Jonita Gandhi. Rahman said that he was very excited to be in Qatar and was looking forward to performing in front of Qatar’s music lovers. “I have heard a lot of good things about the great support for music and art in Qatar. You have a great Qatar discovers 4 studio and an orchestra. And this is not the end as we will be doing another concert sometime in October,” new star planets Rahman answered to a query about his impression about Qatar at a press conference held at Mondrian Doha THE PENINSULA yesterday. DOHA The concert, organised by Katara Studios, is held as part of the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019. An esti- A Qatari research team announced the mated 35,000 people are expected to attend the concert, discovery of four new stars in the solar making it the biggest event of its kind in Qatar. system and named them Qatar 7b, Qatar “We received confirmation two days back that this 8b, Qatar 9b and Qatar 10b. is the biggest music show ever held in Qatar,” Katara Dr Khalid Al Subai, a Qatari Studios CEO Hussein Fakhri said at the press meet. astronomer at Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- “It is my great pleasure that Katara Studios is hosting versity (HBKU), said the discovery of the legendary Indian composer and musician A R Rahman. new stars has raised the stars of Qatar’s His music has transcended all countries and languages planets to 10 in less than 10 years, since and we are very excited to be bringing him to Qatar for the launch of Qatar Exoplanet Survey a historic performance,” Fakhri added. (QES). He added that these planets have The press conference was also attended by Doha been formally recognised by various global Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman and Mohammed Althaf, astronomical forums, especially the Inter- Regional Director, Lulu Hypermarket. national Astronomical Union (IAU). A two-time winner and five-time nominee of the Dr Al Subai said that the star planets Academy Awards (Oscar), Rahman is popularly known are characterised by the proximity as the man who has redefined contemporary Indian between them and Jupiter in size, while music. He shot to international fame with his compo- they differ in the temperature of the sition for the 2009 Hollywood production Slumdog Mil- surface, with some 1,000 degrees Celsius lionaire. In addition to the two Oscars, Rahman also difference of them thousand due to close boasts of two Grammy awards, a Bafta, a Golden Globe, proximity to the stars revolving around as well as a slew of awards in India, including six National the planets. He pointed out that these Film Awards, 15 Filmfare Awards and 17 Filmfare Awards planets were found by the QES, which is South. The Grammy-winner is known for his elaborate situated in three different geographic loca- stage arrangement and his shows held around the world tions: New Mexico (USA), Canary Islands are a treat for music lovers. The show in Qatar will be (Spain), and Urumqi (China). no less extravagant and the Khalifa International Stadium Dr Al Subai expressed hope that Arab pitch will be converted into a giant 90-metre-long stage youth will be inspired by these discoveries with 80 artists performing live. Large LED screens and that it inspires them towards fields of around the stage will ensure that the entire audience science and scientific research. will get a memorable up-close and personal experience Harvard University, the research with the singer. partner in the project, confirmed the The musical fest in Doha is in association with Qatar validity of these findings. With the dis- Airways and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and covery, Qatar ranks fourth in the world Legacy as part of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture, and first among 30 countries concerned that is intended to promote mutual understanding, rec- with this type of astronomical discovery. ognition and appreciation between the two countries.