WEDNESDAY APRIL 3, 2019 RAJAB 27, 1440 VOL.12 NO. 4593 QR 2

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PM CALLS FOR CLOSE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC & PRIVATE SECTORS FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Siege a turning point in region’s geopolitics: FM Amir to meet Italian PM today THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani will meet Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte at the Amiri Diwan on Wednes- day. The Amir will discuss with the Italian Prime Minister the re- lations of friendship and cooper- PRIME Minister and Minister of Inte- ments and enhancing partnership opment in all sectors,” the PM said. ation between the two countries rior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser with the private sector to support The PM said achieving sustain- and ways of developing them, in bin Khalifa al Thani held a meeting development works to meet the able growth is a joint responsibility of addition to a number of issues with businessmen and representa- goals of the Qatar National Vision both the public and the private sec- of common concern. (QNA) tives of the private sector on Tues- 2030. tors and furthering this partnership day. During the meeting, a number The PM highlighted the achieve- between the two parties is important of economic and developmental ments made during the past, the to achieve economic aspirations and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed issues were discussed, in addition to initiatives launched to support the the strategic goals of Qatar National bin Abdulrahman al Thani at the Georgetown University on Tuesday. Algeria’s Bouteflika the role of businessmen in support- private sector and to enhance the Vision 2030. ing the economic growth. investment climate. The businessmen made some TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK regional cooperation and coexist- submits resignation: The PM stressed the govern- ”Qatar has been keen to create suggestions for the development of DOHA ence. State TV (PG 10) ment’s keenness to implement the an attractive investment climate by the private sector. The FM spoke of his role as directives of the Amir HH Sheikh modernising legislative and legal The PM stressed on the necessity THE unjust siege imposed on Qatar Chairman of the Board of the Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on frameworks, facilitating procedures of continuing such meetings periodical- was a turning point for geopolitics Development Fund as an institu- boosting economic growth by creat- for investors, enhancing confidence ly and forming a technical committee in the region and the only way to tion dedicated to improving the Saudi placates Khashoggi ing an appropriate environment for in the business environment, and of concerned bodies of businessmen move forward is coming to the ne- lives of people and communities children with swanky investment and by diversifying the providing advanced infrastructure as a to follow up the implementation of gotiating table, Deputy Prime Min- around the world. homes, cash (PG 10) economy, attracting foreign invest- basis for continued growth and devel- these decisions. (QNA) ister and Minister of Foreign Affairs “Last year, the Qatar Develop- HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- ment Fund provided assistance to rahman al Thani has said. 71 countries and provided grants “This will only happen when amounting to about $585 million, these (siege) countries realise that 30% of which was allocated to edu- the blockade will not be the way to cation. If we want to achieve stabil- IPU meet in Doha to be QP awards major contracts achieve their goals, or to remove ity in the future, we should invest in their fears, regardless of their defi- tools that enable people to achieve nition,” Sheikh Mohammed said that stability,” he added. the largest: Mahmoud for LNG expansion project during an open dialogue hosted by The seminar was attended by Georgetown University on Tuesday. Dean of Georgetown University HISHAM ALJUNDI TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The fabrication and installation The FM said, “We appreciate in Washington, Dr Robert Groves, DOHA DOHA of the offshore jackets contract has the valuable contributions made Dean of the Edmund Walsh Col- been awarded to McDermott, while by our diverse society and the role lege for International Affairs, Dr IN the presence of the Amir HH QATAR Petroleum (QP) has award- the contract for early site works it continues to play in the future de- Joel Hellman, and a large number Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, ed a number of contracts related to required to prepare the site of the velopment of the country.” of Georgetown University stu- Qatar will host the 140th Interna- Qatar’s LNG expan- four new 8 mtpa LNG “We are proud of Georgetown dents, faculty and staff members tional Parliamentary Unions (IPU) sion project as part mega-trains in Ras Laf- University in Qatar, which has grad- and members of the diplomatic assembly and related meetings of increasing its LNG fan Industrial City gone uated more than 440 students so corps. from April 6 to 10 with the partici- production capacity to a joint venture between far, including 12 graduates working Dr Ahmed Dalal, Dean of pation of 160 countries. from 77 to 110 million Consolidated Contrac- for us at the State Department, who Georgetown University in Qatar, This was announced by Shu- the world, participating in it. tonnes per year by tors Company (CCC) and are part of the team that worked said: “As far as our international ra Council Speaker HE Ahmed “The assembly’s theme is ‘En- 2024. Teyseer Trading and Con- during the blockade,” the FM said. relations students are concerned, bin Abdullah bin Zaid al hancing education for peace, secu- The contracts were tracting Company. The Georgetown campus in Qa- this is a valuable opportunity for Mahmoud, at a press conference rity and the rule of law’ and it will announced by Minister “We are in the ten- tar currently houses more than 50 direct dialogue with a prominent on Tuesday. focus on the aspects of developing of State for Energy Af- dering phase for 8 rigs different nationalities. figure in the highest decision- The upcoming IPU assembly in education in the world as key to fairs and President & CEO of Qatar for the drilling. The front end engi- In a response to questions making in Qatar, and to gain a di- Doha will be the largest with nearly development,” said Mahmoud. Petroleum HE Saad Sherida al neering and design of the onshore about the future of the Gulf Coop- rect understanding of the power of 2, 271 people, including 80 presi- Kaabi at the 19th International Con- facilities with Chiyoda will be com- eration Council (GCC), Sheikh Mo- diplomacy and its importance in dent of parliaments from around Continued on page 2 Ô ference & Exhibition on Liquefied pleted in the next few days,” he hammed stressed the importance building multilateral international Natural Gas in Shanghai on Tuesday. said. PAGE 12 of the block as a framework for relations in today’s world.” Qatar paying great attention to workers’ safety NEW PARK WITH MINI ZOO OPENS IN AL SHAHANIYA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK JOINT LABOUR PANELS TO RESOLVE with the Ministry of Administra- The Ministry of DOHA tive Development, Labour and Municipality and DISPUTES WITHIN ESTABLISHMENTS Social Affairsand with support Environment on QATAR, the host of the 2022 FIFA of the International Labour Or- Tuesday opened the World Cup, is creating a safe and THE Ministry of Administrative Develop- ganization (ILO), the conference Desert Park in Al healthy working environment for ment, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) is part of the efforts to improve Shahaniya area. The all workers. has set procedures for the elections and enhance work environment park is designed in “Qatar pays a great attention to of joint labour committees in compa- and ensure employees’ health and the form of a desert employee’s health and safety,” Dr nies. These committees will resolve all safety. tree and boasts of Saleh al Marri, Assistant Minister labour-related within the establishment. Marri stressed on the impor- a varieties of trees of Health Affairs at the Ministry of MADLSA, in cooperation with the Interna- tance of acting in a proactive man- and animals, about Public Health said at the “Launch- tional Labor Organization (ILO) office in ner to maintain employees’ health 8 types of animals, ing of the month of Occupational Doha, followed up the electoral process, at work and delivering the nec- which are found in Safety and Health (OSH)” confer- which witnessed the participation of a essary services for employees to Qatari environment ence on Tuesday. large number of workers. maintain their physical and psy- Organised under the pa- chological wellness. PAGE 3 tronage of the Ministry of Pub- Continued on page 2 Ô lic Health, and in cooperation Continued on page 2 Ô 02 Wednesday, April 3, 2019

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News MAHMOUD MEETS TURKISH ENVOY in brief Amir congratulates Turkish president THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the sisterly Republic of Turkey on the occasion of the victory of Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the local elections. (QNA) Deputy Amir greets Turkish president THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of the victory of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the local elections. (QNA) SHURA COUNCIL SPEAKER MEETS ZIMBABWE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER: Speaker of the Shura Council HE PM congratulates Turkish president Ahmed bin Abdulla bin Zaid al Mahmoud met with Jacob Francis Mudenda, the speaker of the National Assem- bly of the Republic of Zimbabwe and chairperson of the African Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, along SPEAKER of the Shura Council HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin with his accompanying delegation currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral al Mahmoud met on Tuesday with Ambassador of the Republic of Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to relations between Qatar and Zimbabwe and the means of supporting and developing them, especially in the Turkey to the State of Qatar HE Fikret Ozer. They discussed bilateral the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of parliamentary field. The meeting also reviewed the issues on the agenda of the (140) Meeting of the General relations and the ways of developing them in various fields, espe- the victory of Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the local assembly of the IPU which will begin its meetings in Doha next Saturday. The meeting was attended by HE cially in the parliamentary field. A number of topics of common elections. (QNA) Mohamed bin Ali al Hanzab, member of the Shura Council and the chairman of the Qatari-African Friendship interest were also discussed at the meeting, which was attended by Group, members of the group, and HE the General Secretary of the Shura Council. (QNA) a number of Shura Council officials. (QNA) ‘Emulate Mandela to bring peace in region’ Awqaf’s religion convoys programme this month CATHERINE W GICHUKI the Middle East.” wonderful in supporting us to DOHA Emphasising that the film roll out our programme.” QNA the Muslims need in their dai- will inspire people, he said, “I According to him, the Cul- DOHA ly worship practices. THE Middle East should learn worked with Mandela for four tural Village Foundation ‘Ka- The religion convoys the lessons of unity, strength years and had the chance to tara’ and the South African THE Ministry of Endowments programme coincides with and forgiveness in order to know him from close quarters. Embassy will be doing a lot of (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs the preparation for the Holy have peace, said South Afri- His life can inspire any one.” programmes together in future. will send out 17 religion con- Month of Ramadan. The con- can Ambassador to Qatar HE The envoy said that Man- “They have really opened the voys this month as part of the voys will address important Faizel Moosa. dela negotiated with the oppo- door to us. We thank Katara programme of religious con- issues by discussing the con- Speaking to Qatar Trib- nents for four years following for allowing the South African voys run by the Religious Calls cept of dialogue and its lim- une on the sidelines of the his release from prison which Embassy to be part of the pro- and Guidance Department at its, the blessings of Allah, the screening of the film ‘Man- finally led to the holding of gramme of this year.” the ministry. most important of which is dela Long Walk to Freedom’, peaceful elections. The screening was attended The religion convoys will the grace of wellness, through which depicts Mandela’s early “Nelson Mandela led us by a number of diplomats. The be going out four days a week four meetings in various areas life, education and 27 years in into our first democratic elec- showcase of the film was part during the evening. in Qatar. prison, Moosa said the ideals of South African Ambassador to Qatar HE Faizel Moosa with other guests tions. On April 27, 1994, Nelson of the activities to celebrate The programme includes The convoy program is South African activist and for- at the screening of the film ‘Mandela Long Walk to Freedom’. Mandela became the first black Mandela’s birth anniversary holding religious lectures and important because it pro- mer president Nelson Mandela president in South Africa.” on July 18. The South African distribution of a number of vides an opportunity to meet should be emulated to bring learnt from Nelson Mandela’s ness. I think it’s a universal Moosa said the film was be- Embassy recently organised a religious leaflets issued by the with different segments of peace to the region. life and struggle are about message that can bring peace ing screened in collaboration beach cleaning activity towards Religious Calls and Guidance the society, especially those He said: “The lessons unity, strength and forgive- across the world, including with Katara. “They have been this end. Department to explain what living far from Doha.

‘Meet to focus Italian PM to meet Amir, PM ‘Occupational safety and health measures must’ on parliaments’ TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Continued from page 1 Ô ducts visits to facilities, to develop a national policy across Qatar.” role in promoting DOHA workplaces and workers’ ac- on OSH with the aim to pre- Activities to mark the Oc- right to education’ MOHAMMED Hassan al commodations to ensure the vent occupational accidents cupational Safety and Health PRIME Minister of Italy Gi- Obaidly, assistant undersec- implementation of the provi- and injuries. It is not only the month will continue through- Continued from page 1 Ô useppe Conte will be on an offi- retary for Labour Affairs at sions of the Labour Law and adoption of a policy that is out the month. MADLSA will cial visit to Qatar from Wednes- MADLSA, said the Labour the requirements of occupa- important, but also the pro- host the Third International “QATAR has become a perma- day and will meet the Amir HH Law obligates all establish- tional safety and health. cess of its formulation and Conference on Occupational nent member of the Democracy Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al ments to implement gen- Houtan Homayounpour, its subsequent implemen- Safety and Health in Doha and Human Rights Commit- Thani at Amiri Diwan. Italian PM Giuseppe Conte. eral measures of occupa- director of the ILO Office tation and periodic review. on April 28, coinciding with tee within the IPU assembly The Italian PM will also tional safety and health in all in Qatar, said: “The ILO is This collaboration is the en- the World Day for Safety and which will discuss many issues meet Prime Minister HE Sheikh with other Italian enterprises, workplaces and to provide a happy to support the joint ef- gine driving efforts to create Health at Work, with the concerning human rights in the Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa including Italiana Costruzioni healthy work environment. forts of MADLSA, MoPH and a safe and healthy working support of International La- region. It is also part of other al Thani, Minister of Foreign and iGuzzini. He said MADLSA con- other national stakeholders environment for all workers bour Organization (ILO). three committees including the Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed Furthermore, Conte will Peace and International Secu- bin Abdulrahman al Thani and inaugurate the new premises rity Committee, the Sustain- other government officials dur- of the Embassy of Italy, located able Development, Finance and ing his visit, an Italian Embassy at Alfardan Office Tower, where Trade Committee and the Unit- press release said on Tuesday. he will greet the staff of the em- ‘Firms with 30 workers to have joint panels’ ed Nations Affairs Committee,” The Prime Minister will bassy, representatives of the Mahmoud added. also visit the recently-opened main Italian companies based “We will focus on how par- National Museum of Qatar in Qatar and the Italian military Continued from page 1 Ô related to work in the es- provisions on the terms of If the number of work- liaments can promote educa- where he will be welcomed by personnel in service at Al Udeid tablishment, including the membership of the commit- ers reaches 500, the num- tion especially in developing the Acting Chief Executive Of- Air base. THE workers choose their rep- organisation of work, ways tee and the procedures for ber of members of the joint countries as it is the pillar of ficer of Qatar Museums Dr Ah- At the end of his visit to resentatives in the joint com- to increase production and the electoral process, accord- labour committee will be six development and prosperity,” mad Musa alNamla and the Di- Doha, Giuseppe Conte will mittee by direct election, while development, improve pro- ing to a report in Al Watan. -- three to be elected by the he added. rector of the museum Sheikha go to Lulu Hypermarket at Al the employer chooses his rep- ductivity, workers’ training Companies with more workers and three others to When asked about the par- Amna bint Abdulaziz bin Jas- Messila, where he will officially resentatives in the committee programmes, risk prevention than 30 workers and up to be selected by the employer. ticipation of any of the blockad- sim al Thani. open the first permanent corner from among his employees. tools, improve compliance 200 workers will have a four- If the number of workers is ing countries, Mahmoud said The Italian prime minister of 100 percent Italian products The term of membership of the with occupational safety and member joint committee, more than 500, then the joint an Egyptian delegation has will also visit the new DECC by Coldiretti, the main institu- joint committee shall be two health regulations, and de- wherein two are to be select- labour committee will have registered to take part in the Metro Station, built by the tional agricultural organisation years. velop the culture of public ed by the employer and two eight members – four elected upcoming assembly but no one Italian infrastructure com- comprising a large number of The joint committee shall workers. will be elected by the work- by workers and four selected from any of the other blockad- pany Salini Impregilo along associates in Italy and Europe. study and discuss all issues The draft also included ers. by the employer. ing countries is coming. Rumailah Hospital, Heart Hospital and NCCCR patients can get reports delivered at home TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK pilot of the unique delivery – and then HMC and Qatar reports, making it more con- vide their Qatar ID number, a deliver the report and collect DOHA programme at Hamad Gen- Post take care of the rest,” venient for patients and help- mobile phone number and a a delivery fee of QR50 in cash. eral Hospital earlier this year, said Nasser al Naimi, HMC’s ing to reduce unnecessary pa- delivery address. They will also Naimi said the new deliv- PATIENTS requesting copies four HMC hospitals will now deputy chief of Quality, Cent- tient visits to hospitals. be asked to choose a delivery ery system will be rolled out of their medical report from provide patients with the op- er for Patient Experience and “Currently, obtaining med- time. Delivery times will vary to other HMC hospitals in the Rumailah Hospital, Heart tion to request Qatar Post de- Staff Engagement and direc- ical reports requires a patient, depending on the complexity coming months, benefitting Hospital and the National liver their medical reports to tor of the Hamad Healthcare or their representative, to visit of the report requested. even more patients. Center for Cancer Care and their doorstep, for a small fee. Quality Institute. one of our hospitals on multi- Naimi explained that the “HMC is continually work- Research (NCCCR) will now “We received very positive In 2018, HMC’s Nesma’ak ple occasions. The collabora- day before the agreed delivery ing on improvements and in- be able to have them delivered feedback from patients about (customer service) teams re- tion with Qatar Post removes date, a Qatar Post customer novations that positively im- by Qatar Post to their home the convenience and reliabil- sponded to more than 46,000 this extra step,” said Naimi. service representative will call pact the lives of our patients. as part of premium services ity of the new service. Under inquiries about patient medi- Under the new system, pa- the patient to confirm the de- This service is the first in a set offered to patients by Hamad the new service, patients cal reports. Naimi said the new tients requesting to have their livery time and location. Then of premium services that we Medical Corporation (HMC). only have to visit the hospital premium service simplifies the medical report delivered by on the agreed date and time, a plan to offer to our patients,” Following the successful once – to request their report process of obtaining medical Nasser al Naimi Qatar Post will be asked to pro- Qatar Post representative will said Naimi. Nation Wednesday, April 3, 2019 03

CARTOON CORNER Sudan praises QC’s By: Saad al Mohannadi support for orphans The number of orphans Qatar Charity sponsors in Sudan has reached 15,000

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

SUDANESE officials have praised Qatar Charity (QC) for its humanitarian and social welfare programmes in Sudan, which have contributed to en- hancing stability and peace in the country. The officials also lauded QC’s outstanding achievements in various fields such as orphan sponsorship, healthcare, edu- cation and sustainable devel- opment. This came during a cere- mony organised by Qatar Char- ity in Khartoum to observe the World Orphans Day, in which Ashghal signs employee 1,000 orphans sponsored by Qatar Charity and their moth- ers participated. training pact with CIOB The celebration was attend- Qatar Charity marks World Orphans Day with children in Khartoum recently. ed by Amal al Bayli, minister of TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The MoU aims to enhance human resources and employ- social development in the State tended by the Qatar Govern- DOHA mutual cooperation and benefit ee potentials. of Khartoum; Khalid Moham- ment to promote peace in Su- from each other’s resources by He expressed pleasure over med al Hajri, chargé d’affaires dan. THE Public Works Authority sharing experiences in educa- signing a memorandum of of the Qatari Embassy in Khar- The orphans sponsored by (Ashghal) has signed a mem- tion, training and promotion. understanding with the Char- toum; Ahmed Mohammed, Qatar charity expressed their orandum of understanding This is in addition to focusing tered Institute of Building to acting humanitarian and vol- sincere thanks to sponsors in with the Chartered Institute on the importance of managing enhance the mutual coopera- untary aid commissioner in Qatar for their support. of Building (CIOB) to develop infrastructure projects with the tion between the two parties in Sudan, and Ahmed Senoussi, Hocine Kermache, direc- the capabilities of Ashghal highest professional efficiency. many fields of education and director of Arab International tor of Qatar Charity’s office in employees by utilising the ser- The agreement is designed joint research projects which Organisations in Sudan. Sudan, said observing the Or- vices of CIOB towards the on- to enable Ashghal and CIOB to contribute to raising the ef- An array of activities, in- phan Day coincided with the going career development of collaborate for the organisation ficiency of workers in imple- cluding plays and performing 25th anniversary of the charity staff in the fields of construc- of events such as conferences, menting high-quality projects arts were held to mark Or- organisation in Sudan, noting tion, engineering and asset forums, seminars, publications implemented by the authority. phan Day while outstanding that the number of orphans management. and educational materials, as On his part, Soffe said, “We orphaned students were hon- supported by QC has reached The agreement was signed well as awareness-raising ac- are proud to work with Ash- oured for their excellent aca- Children take part in Qatar Charity’s World Orphans Day event. 15,000. in the presence of Engineer tivities on sustainability in the ghal to promote diverse edu- demic performance. He added that the com- Mohammed Masoud al Marri, built environment. cational programmes that sup- Amal al Bayli, minister of promoting stability, peace, tary aid commissioner in Su- ing period would witness the Ashghal’s Infrastructure Af- Eng Marri said Ashghal is port their mission and vision. social development in Khar- noble values, solidarity and dan, praised Qatar Charity’s opening of a complex for or- fairs director, British Ambas- keen on strengthening partner- Our membership gives special toum, applauded Qatar Char- compassion in all states of the achievements in the fields of phans, which will provide hous- sador to Qatar HE Ajay Shar- ship with all professional insti- recognition to engineering ity for its significant humani- country. building hospitals, digging ing facilities for 500 orphans, in ma and CIOB President Chris tutions, both local and inter- graduates, helping to establish tarian work in Sudan, pointing Ahmed Mohammed, act- wells and sponsoring orphans, addition to educational and cul- Soffe, in addition to a number national, to implement further them as committed to careers out that it has contributed to ing humanitarian and volun- appreciating the support ex- tural activities. of Ashghal’s managers and capacity-building programmes in construction and leaders in CIOB representatives. and competencies to enhance their field.” Desert Park opens in Al Shahaniya

QNA from the Qatari envi- DOHA ronment. Director of Munici- THE Ministry of Munic- pality of Al Shahaniya ipality and Environment Jaber al Jaber said one on Tuesday opened the of the goals of the park Desert Park in Al Sha- is to introduce young haniya area. people and school stu- The park, designed dents to the Qatari iden- in the form of a desert tity and environment by tree, is characterised by presenting all the types the presence of a num- of trees and animals of ber of wild trees and the desert environment eight types of animals of the state. Ashghal to close parts of Al Corniche Street, Al Rumaila area from tomorrow

TRIBUNE NEWS NETORK Street, known as Majliss DOHA Al Taawon Street, will be closed directly after Wadi THE Public Works Author- Al Sail Intersection to- ity (Ashghal) will implement wards Al Diwan Al Amiri. a temporary closure on In addition, 200 me- some lanes of Al Corniche tres will be closed from one Street and Al Rumaila Area, of the lanes turning left at from April 4, 2019 for one Wadi Al Sail Intersection month in coordination from Mohammed Bin Tha- with the General Directo- ni Street to Al Bidda Street. rate of traffic. Ashghal will instal road The closure will fa- Al Mirqab Street signs to guide motorists of cilitate connecting the new the closure. Ashghal has Treated Sewage Effluent of Greater Doha. About 150 Intersection heading from urged all road users to abide line with the old one as metres will be closed from Al Corniche Street to Mo- by the speed limit set at part of the improvement one of the lanes dedicated hammed Bin Thani Street. 50km/hour) and follow the works for roundabouts and for the left turn at the Also, 300 metres of road signs to ensure their junctions in various areas Qatar National Theatre the left lane of Al Bidda safety. 04 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Nation

MURAIKHI MEETS OMANI OFFICIAL Experts discuss ways to protect endangered marine life in Gulf

QNA The conference aims to shed studying the components of industrial pressure, and over- DOHA light on the most important ma- the marine environment in the use threaten many marine spe- rine biomes that characterise Gulf, the biological and envi- cies. MARINE environment in the the marine environment in the ronmental specifications of lo- Maadeed added that Qatar Gulf region, threats to the en- Arabian Gulf and the risks they cally threatened marine species, has enacted many laws and leg- dangered marine species and face as a result of human activi- and the current major threats to islations, provided possibilities, ways to protect and preserve ties resulting from urban devel- local marine biodiversity. established reserves, encour- this environment in the light of opment in the region, as well as Vice-President for Re- aged research and awareness, sustainable development plans exploration of oil resources in search and Graduate Studies applied sanctions and penalties are some of the key issues being the Gulf waters. Dr Mariam al Maadeed said in and took various measures to discussed at a conference or- The conference also seeks to a speech at the opening session address those risks and reduce ganised by the Environmental study the extreme climatic con- of the conference that the fun- their consequences. Science Centre at Qatar Univer- ditions of high temperatures, damental impact of the marine Director of the Environ- sity with the support of Qatar low rainfall and sand and dust and coastal environment on mental Science Center at QU National Research Fund, Exx- storms in the region in recent daily life in the Gulf region and Dr Hamad al Saad al Kuwari onMobil Research Qatar and decades, which have affected Qatar’s interest in protecting expressed hope the conference Total. many marine species such as the environment is one of the would come out with solutions Scientists and researchers coral reefs, seagrass, turtles pillars of Qatar Vision 2030. that contribute to the preser- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi on Tuesday met with a delega- from universities, institutions and seabirds, as well as marine She also pointed out that vation of marine environment tion from Oman headed by Acting Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs Dr and companies within Qatar, microorganisms that represent the Qatari and Gulf environ- and check deterioration of ma- Mohammed bin Awadh al Hassan, who is visiting the country. During the meeting, they discussed as well as from Oman, Kuwait, the cornerstone of the biological ments are exposed to various rine life and extinction of many bilateral relations between the two countries and the means of enhancing them and promoting Iran, Britain, America and system. risks, some natural and some important species which were mutual cooperation, in addition to matters of common concern. (QNA) Canada are participating in the Participants at the three- human, adding that climate once an integral part of the ma- conference. day research conference are change, pollution, urban and rine ecosystem. Ooredoo backs World QAC starts Advanced Master Autism Awareness Day in Aviation Safety Mgt course The events included the lighting-up of Ooredoo tower with a blue projection light

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fun environment. To conclude the events, Manar Khalifa al Murai- DOHA The hands-on science QISH will host a walkathon to khi, director PR and Corporate programme saw children un- spread awareness of this spe- Communications at Ooredoo, OOREDOO was the official dertaking a series of practical cial day in collaboration with said of the events: “At Oore- communications sponsor for a experiments that taught them Ooredoo. The event will have doo, we’re completely com- series of events commemorat- about the science that sur- a dedicated play area suitable mitted to supporting events ing World Autism Awareness rounds them every day in their for children with autism. that promote understanding, Day on April 2. natural environment, includ- World Autism Awareness inclusion and cohesion as part In collaboration with Best ing the ocean, the composition Day aims to highlight the hur- of our corporate social respon- Buddies Qatar and Qatar In- of the earth, volcanoes and dles people living with autism sibility strategy. Acting as tel- Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) students with the lecturers for postgraduate programme in Aviation stitute for Speech and Hearing more. and those living with them face ecommunications sponsor for Safety Management (AMASM) course. (QISH), three fun events were At the event, Ooredoo gave on a daily basis, to increase these worthwhile events is the organised in Doha. away MyKi watches to children awareness and understanding perfect way for us to provide TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK that other core business topics nership agreement with Ecole The first, on Monday, was with autism, for their safety. of the condition. Best Bud- practical support to our com- DOHA are managed and to analyse Nationale de l’Aviation Civile an exciting science-based The second event on the dies focuses on ensuring so- munity here in Doha.” them continuously, in conjunc- (ENAC), to offer the Advanced event for children aged 7-14 calendar was the lighting-up cial inclusion for people with More information on QATAR Aeronautical College tion with state institutions within Masters in Aviation Safety Man- years, led by experienced sci- of Ooredoo’s headquarters in different or additional needs, World Autism Awareness Day (QAC) recently started their first their State Safety Program (SSP) agement to aviation profession- entists from Qatar-based or- West Bay with a blue projec- including those with autism, can be found at autismspeaks. postgraduate programme and and industry counterparts. als to create a new generation of ganisation Science Made Fun. tion light, along with all other through organising events and org, about Best Buddies Qa- delivered the Advanced Master It is the formal systemic and SMS specialists in the aviation The event allowed the children buildings at Doha Corniche, on programmes throughout the tar at bestbuddies.org.qa and in Aviation Safety Management proactive approach to anticipate industry. to explore science in a safe and Tuesday. year. about QISH at www.qish.info. (AMASM) course. and manage safety risk, as well This programme will enable Developed and accredited as to initiate and achieve the nec- applicants to acquire practical by Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation essary transformation of organi- expertise in the development, Civile (ENAC) under the aegis sational structures, accounting, implementation, assessment of the International Civil Avia- policies procedures, standard and improvement of Safety tion Organisation (ICAO), the practices and regulations. Management System and State AMASM programme is designed International civil aviation Safety Program. to train safety managers. authorities require organisations It is specifically designed to Aviation safety is at the core and institutions alike to imple- address both executive as well of ICAO’s fundamental objec- ment a Safety Management Sys- as working levels, to consider tives and they strive to promote tem for the management of safe- the entire range of aviation or- a systemic approach of safety by ty risks to reach the next level of ganisations (aircraft operator, the implementation of a Safety aviation safety worldwide. manufacturer, maintenance Management System (SMS). In 2018, Qatar Aeronautical organisation, airport operator, SMS is a structured process College (QAC), emphasising the air navigation service provider, that requires organisations to need for safety management at training organisation) and to The hands-on science programme saw children undertaking a series of practical experiments that taught them about the science that surrounds address possible safety issues organisational levels within Qa- cover the interactions between them every day in their natural environment, including the ocean, the composition of the earth, volcanoes and more. with the same level of priority tar and the region, signed a part- these structures. Sri Lanka Tourism holds roadshow in Doha Christopher Zappia from Hil- The Sri Lankan ton Colombo said that five more Hilton properties will open in Sri body will visit Doha Lanka and stressed that Sri Lanka again in October as a destination will be offering world-class services and hospital- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ity to tourists. DOHA As part of the event, Mercure Hotel’s well-known Sri Lankan THE Sri Lanka Tourism Promo- chef Madushan prepared special tion Bureau conducted a road- Sri Lankan cuisines. The two sig- show for the travel trade and hotel nature dishes called Mirissa Fish chains in Doha recently, with the Ambula and Jaffna Pittu were ad- aim to increase footfalls to the em- mired by the guests. erald island of Asia. The roadshow Apart from the roadshow in saw the attendance of 25 partici- Doha, the delegation will visit pants from Sri Lanka comprising Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau delegates during their roadshow at Jordan and Lebanon next week leading travel companies and ho- Mercure Hotel in Doha recently. before returning to Qatar again teliers besides the national carrier, in October. The highlight of the Sri Lankan Airlines. was ranked by Lonely Planet as the comprising basically transit pas- event was a traditional dance Madubhani, Director Market- top country for travel in 2019. sengers.” performed by Lalanthi Acad- ing Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Speaking about Qatar as a “We’ll like to see locals from emy. The dance showcased the Bureau, gave a presentation on market, Kumudu Fonseka, a lead- Qatar invest more in the country. Sri Lankan culture, history, and Sri Lanka as a destination, which ing hotelier said, “Qatar is one The number of tourists coming to hospitality. included the places to visit and of the hubs that feeds the most Qatar from Sri Lanka is increasing The roadshow received an the country’s long history of tour- number of tourists to Sri Lanka. and both destinations can benefit overwhelming response as a large ism experience with the rest of the The number of flights from Qa- by having more promotions like number of agents and hoteliers at- world. Only recently, Sri Lanka tar to Colombo weekly is over 40 this one,” he noted. tended the event.

Vodafone Qatar Notice: Change to local calling rates on Vodafone Business Broadband plans. Effective from 1 May 2019, local calls from Business Broadband plans will be charged at the following rates: Calls to Rate Vodafone Mobile Numbers QR 0.25 / minute Non-Vodafone Mobile Numbers QR 0.25 / minute Landline Numbers Free Nation Wednesday, April 3, 2019 05 QFFD supports workshop HBKU fetes students for community service to address international humanitarian challenges The Student Life Awards celebrates accomplishments of HBKU students who are achieving incredible feats outside the classroom and giving back to the community locally and internationally TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK vations in water, sanitation and DOHA health programmes. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK events representing HBKU. Misfer al Shahwani, deputy DOHA Munira Aden and Dalal al THE Qatar Fund for Develop- director-general for Develop- Sharshani from the College of ment (QFFD) on Tuesday con- ment Projects at QFFD, said: HAMAD Bin Khalifa Univer- Health and Life Sciences se- cluded a two-day knowledge- “Through its government in- sity’s (HBKU) Student Affairs cured the Competitions Award, exchange workshop in Doha, stitutions and NGOs, Qatar is held the inaugural Student alongside Salman Haider and which focused on developing a key contributor to humani- Life Awards 2019 to honour Yuhan Satapo from the College innovative solutions to address tarian work across various current students for their of Islamic Studies, Mohammad humanitarian crises. geographies and actively sup- contributions to the wider Khader from the College of Hu- The Emergency Response ports populations facing wars, community through non-aca- manities and Social Sciences, Learning Workshop was co-de- conflicts or natural disasters demic activities. and Samar Elkhalifa from the signed by QFFD and the Bill & through cash and in-kind con- The Student Affairs Com- College of Science and Engi- Melinda Gates Foundation and tributions. The QFFD seeks mittee received and assessed neering. The award is granted was attended by more than 30 to enhance its emergency re- more than 30 nominations to students who have repre- representatives from charities, sponse capabilities by leverag- based on solid criteria, includ- With the Student Life Awards 2019, HBKU Student Affairs seeks to instil a culture of integration and sented HBKU on a national, educational institutions and ing innovative humanitarian ing participation and involve- community outreach within the university and beyond. regional or international level international organisations mechanism and integrating the ment in the university’s in- in various competitions. based in Doha. global humanitarian system.” formal learning environment HBKU students who are achiev- wider community.” went to Zinnira Shaikh, Alina Finally, Ahmed Sodiq from Officials and experts from Dr Valerie Nkamgang – community service, com- ing incredible things outside the The Community Engage- Zaman and Mohammad Alaze- the College of Science and Engi- several local and global or- Bemo, who leads the Gates munity engagement, student classroom and giving back to ment Award, which recognises mi at the College of Islamic neering won the Sports Award, ganisations shared their views Foundation’s global humani- leadership, and sports and non- the community locally and in- an individual or a group for Studies, as well as Mohammad which recognises an individual on the strategic aspects of the tarian programme, said: “Or- sports competitions. ternationally. We are proud of projects that promote campus al Sooj from the College of Sci- who has demonstrated high humanitarian aid sector, op- ganisations from Qatar have Maryam al Mannai, vice our students and their well de- vibrancy, community bonding, ence and Engineering. The cat- performance and achievement erational experiences from made valuable contributions to president of HBKU Student serving accomplishments. social integration, and/or edu- egory acknowledges students in sports-related initiatives. the field, and the challenges several global health and devel- Affairs, said: “It is a core re- “HBKU is committed to cation outreach, was awarded who have demonstrated exem- HBKU Student Affairs of allocating resources be- opment initiatives that focus on sponsibility of Students Affairs nurturing responsible global to Mohammad el Haj and Me- plary and effective leadership seeks to promote a culture of tween strategic needs and un- improving the quality of life for Department at HBKU to sup- citizens who will go on to hzabeen Mannan from the Col- capabilities in a team, com- inclusivity and strong com- planned crises. millions of people around the port students on their academic shape the world for the better. lege of Science and Engineer- mittee, project, or student or- munity awareness. In doing Innovation within a hu- world, especially in the areas of and nonacademic journey. The awards encourage our stu- ing and Ghuroor Ahmad from ganisation. The award is open so, it consistently holds and manitarian context was the greatest need. The launch of the Student Life dents to be well-rounded indi- the College of Humanities and to students who have held a promotes events that are of core theme of the workshop “Today’s emergency re- Awards provides an opportu- viduals who are driven to be of Social Sciences. leadership position during relevance to HBKU’s student with each organisation pre- sponse learning workshop has nity to honour and celebrate service to their peers and the The Leadership Award an HBKU event or at external body and beyond. senting case studies of success- been a great way to share stra- ful implementation of innova- tegic and programmatic views tion and highlighting areas of within the humanitarian sys- existing need. tem, identify promising areas The workshop featured a that could benefit from innova- QNL’s lecture explores history of Jerusalem focus on digital financial ser- tion and develop a framework vices to help empower poor for working together to advance communities, as well as inno- our shared goals.” TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK from the Arabian Peninsula. in the Arab world,” said Suhad. DOHA “Libraries are very impor- Mohammed Shaaban, who tant because they provide ac- attended the lecture, said, “It RENOWNED Palestinian his- cess to books and raise aware- was a really informative lec- torian Suhad Kulaibo deliv- ness about important historical ture and the author shared ered an insightful lecture at causes. I am very proud and interesting information about Qatar National Library (QNL), thankful to Qatar National Li- the history of Jerusalem. It is highlighting the history of the brary for inviting me to have always refreshing to gain new ancient city of Jerusalem. this lecture here. Currently, information about the region The lecture offered a pano- this library is the best place and especially this city. I often ramic historical overview of for everyone to deliver lectures attend events here at the li- the emergence of the city and and have their thoughts lis- brary and have borrowed sev- Speakers at ‘The Emergency Response Learning Workshop’ in Doha its foundation over 7,000 tened to. I am proud to see that eral books about the history of on Tuesday. years ago by tribes migrating Qatar has built the best library the region.” Renowned Palestinian historian Suhad Kulaibo at a lecture at QNL. Qatar Technical School students on a learning trip to QNB’s IT division FREE VEHICLE

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK RECALL DOHA

QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, organised a visit for Qatari students from Qatar Technical High School to take a tour around the IT Division. The students were briefed on the functions of the division and had the opportunity to engage with IT staff to further their knowledge of the de- partment and its scope of work. The bank conducted sessions and organised a tour for the students to take a closer look at the data cen- tre, servers and computer network. The Group encourages school initiatives to understand QNB and its contribution to, and support young students in pursuing careers that will serve their country. QNB The bank conducted sessions and organised a tour for the students to take a is keen on providing scholarships closer look at the data centre, servers and computer network. and employment opportunities in line with Qatar’s 2030 vision and its subsidiaries and associate com- es. The total number of employ- to contribute to the educational panies extends to more than 31 ees is more than 29,000 operating sector and play an active role in countries across three continents, through more than 1,100 locations, the society. providing a comprehensive range with an ATM network of more than QNB Group’s presence through of advanced products and servic- 4,400 machines. Vodafone launches mobile satellite services TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA BMW Z4 Roadster VODAFONE Qatar is expanding Manufacturing its portfolio of business services Year 2018 with the launch of mobile satel- lite services that provide two-way voice and data communications to users around the globe who are Incorrectly Installed Accelerator Pedal Wiring on the go or in remote locations. DEFECT Vodafone is the only telecom- munications operator in Qatar that offers this service with an Contact the dealer for the free required repair end-to-end solution, including PROCESS the provision of hand-held satel- lite devices, accessories and the service’s operations. Vodafone Qatar has launched mobile satellite services that provide two-way voice Al Fardan Automobiles “As part of our commitment to and data communications to users around the globe who are on the go or in CONTACT Phone: 44065555 remote locations. help our customers succeed in an [email protected] increasingly connected world, we introduced mobile satellite ser- is especially crucial during the ple oil & gas companies can en- vices that ensure your business event of crisis management,” said sure uninterrupted access to their For any consumer protection issues please contact us on the hotline 16001 and employees are safe and able Vodafone Qatar’s Chief Business data, even during the mining or to operate in remote areas any- Officer Mahmud Awad. extracting process and media net- where in the world whether you He added, “Virtually all major works can be the first to commu- are in the middle of the desert industries can benefit from mo- nicate and report headline news or even flying and sailing. This bile satellite services. For exam- from all over the world.” 06 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or Pakistan Prism call (974) 4000 2222 Kindergarten students excel at TNG Youth Leadership Programme 2019

Luxurious residential complex beckons Qatar-based Pakistani investors ATAR-BASED Pakistanis have been offered oppor- tunity to invest in the luxurious residential complex Q‘Eighteen’ located near new Islamabad airport. The offer came at an event Elite Estates Private Limited Sales Manager Ghulam Sarver organised at Governor West Bay Hotel recently. “The purpose of our visit to Qatar is to hold one-on-one meetings with Pakistani community members and brief them about the ongoing project and answer their queries,” Ghulam Sarver said. TNG Director Riyaz Bakali presents a memento to Pakistan embassy’s Community Welfare Attache Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial as TNG Principal Ailia Rizvi, CEO Shagufta Bakali, Eighteen is a world-class luxury residential com- Dr Saif Ali al Hajari and Head of Kindergarten Maryam Habib look on. plex located only 10 km from New Islamabad Airport where semi-furnished villas and apartments with all modern amenities are on offer. “We have brought YLP provides a platform where students learn team work, develop critical thinking special packages for Pakistanis living in Qatar,” said Sarver. and are empowered to be future leaders The package includes transfer of title deed, 4-year easy payment plan, booking with only 5 per- INDERGARTEN work, critical thinking and express themselves in any dergarten Maryam Habib. tor Riyaz Bakali for arrang- cent and free orientation site visit. students of TNG are empowered to be future situation. These leader- It is not enough to only ing and conducting such a “Qatar-based Pakistanis can make investment School presented leaders. Excited about watch- ship skills are inculcated focus on academic pur- programme that brings out in the elite project with complete peace of mind,” spectacular per- ing their children perform in a child at an early stage, suit; it is equally important the leadership qualities in a added Sarver. formances during onstage, parents turned out which, in turn, help them to lay stress on social and child. Ghulam Sarver can be contacted on theK 6th Youth Leadership Pro- in large numbers at the event. evolve into responsible and emotional development of a Sial said that every child +971557206334 and Tauseef Bhatti on 33359996 for gramme (YLP) held on the in- Dressed in eye-catching global citizens. child, remarked TNG Princi- has a hidden talent or skill more details. stitution’s Ain Khalid campus. and colorful attires, the stu- “We are proud to be con- pal Ailia Rizvi. which is actually a gift from Kindergarten students dents handled with aplomb tinuing the legacy of the YLP. Community Welfare Atta- the God. The job of a school is from all the four campuses of topics like ‘Technology Us- The kindergarten students che at the Pakistan Embassy to explore and polish up this TNG participated in the pro- age’, ‘Learning Goals’, ‘Unit- are here, showcasing their Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial was quality, TNG is happily do- gramme. YLP provides a plat- ed for Qatar’, ‘Rainbow Col- talents and abilities. This is the chief guest while Chair- ing. A leader must be proac- form where students learn ours’, ‘Healthy & Unhealthy our belief that without pro- man of Friends of Nature and tive, assertive, broad-minded team work, develop critical Food’ and ‘Proud of Our viding the students opportu- a renowned educationist Dr and self-assured. thinking and are empowered School’ . nities for articulation of their Saif Ali al Hajari attended the Sial presented Ajrak, a as leaders of the future. The YLP event helps en- talent and skills, the whole event as the guest of honour. block-printed Sindhi shawl YLP provides a platform hance the oratorical skills teaching process would be in- Dr Saif conveyed his spe- to Dr Saif. Bakali presented a to students to promote team of children who learn to complete,” said Head of Kin- cial thanks to TNG Direc- memento to Hafiz Junaid.

Students demonstrate the importance of healthy food. Parents turned out in large numbers to watch their children perform onstage. APOO World launches Urdu book “Finland Ka Samaj” LL Pakistanis overseas tions from Finland” compiled organisation Interna- by Finnish politician, physician Ational (APOO World) Qa- and activist Dr Väinö Ilkka Ilari (From left) Fartash Syed, Haroon Rashid, Zahid Sheikh, Arshad Farooq, Muhammad Atiq and Commodore tar chapter organised a glit- Taipale and comments of re- Irfan Taj addressing the gathering. tering ceremony to launch nowned Pakistani writers. Urdu book titled “Finland Ka The first edition of the book Samaj” by Arshad Farooq at was inaugurated in Pakistan in White Moon Residence Hotel 2010 and Dr Taipale attended recently. the ceremonies held in different Farooq, who is a renowned cities along with his wife. Fa- writer and translator, flew in rooq has been living in Finland here from Finland specially to for over two decades. attend the event. APOO World Central Com- Chairman of Majlis Froghe mittee Chairman Zahid Sheikh Urdu Adab and Shaiqee Ne Fun Defence Attache Commodore Irfan Taj and Chairman Muhammad thanked Farooq for attending Muhammad Atiq presided over Atiq inaugurate Arshad Farooq’s book “Finland Ka Samaj” at White the event. He said his forum the function while Defence At- Moon Residence Hotel. successfully raises voice for the tache at the Pakistan embassy right of votes for overseas Paki- Commodore Irfan Taj attended Visiting Pakistani poet Ab- lights socio-economic condi- stan. “By the grace of Almighty the event as the chief guest. bas Tabash and Shakil Jazab tions of Finland and describes Allah, we have been success- Fartash Syed and Haroon also attended the event. how a tiny country developed ful in seeking voting rights for Rashid compered the pro- Farooq, who is a senior vice its economy and progressed overseas Pakistanis. Our next gramme which commenced president of APOO World, dis- in different spheres of life. The agenda is to have representa- with the recitation of verses cussed in detail the contents of second edition of the book tion of overseas Pakistanis in from the Holy Quran by the second edition of his book comprises translated essays the National Assembly and the Arshad Farooq (seated right) with the distinguished guests. Usman Khan. (published in 2017) which high- of a book “100 Social Innova- Senate,” remarked Sheikh. Pakistan / Philippines / Asia Wednesday, April 3, 2019 07 Thai army chief warns against Philippine police chief orders probe into killing of 14 farmers protests after disputed polls DPA in Negros Oriental province na and Manjuyod, where the on our part to initiate an in- BANGKOK: Thailand’s army chief on Tuesday warned against pro- MANILA was aimed at ensuring an killings took place. Police al- vestigation if only to discount tests after a disputed election, invoking the revered monarchy and impartial investigation into lege the victims were suspect- any doubts and satisfy the castigating people he said “distort” democracy. His words were the THE Philippines national the killings. The suspensions ed communist rebels who re- requirements of fair and ju- latest in a series of signals from the military and royalist establish- police chief on Tuesday or- were “not a punitive meas- sisted officers serving search dicious investigation in fair- ment against opposition parties loyal to ousted ex-premier Thaksin dered the suspension of four ure” but were to “ensure that warrants for their homes in a ness to our personnel also,” Shinawatra. The inconclusive results to the March 24 election, police officials following the they will not be able to exert pre-dawn raid on Saturday. Albayalde said. pitting the party of the junta leader against an opposition alliance, killing of 14 farmers during a any influence in the ongoing But human rights activ- According to the political have seen both the pro-army Palang Pracharat party and the opposi- series of police operations in investigation,” he said. ists said that the victims were leftist group Kabataan, the tion claim victory. Final results may not be clear for weeks. General a central province over the The suspended officials farmers and included some lo- killings in Negros Oriental Apirat Kongsompong said the military would remain neutral in the weekend. headed provincial police com- cal community leaders. province raise the number election, in which his predecessor as army chief, Prayuth Chan- National police chief Os- mand and were chiefs of po- “While we maintain the of farmers killed, during the ocha, is seeking to stay in power as an elected prime minister, five car Albayalde said the sus- lice stations in Canlaon City PNP Chief Director General regularity of these police op- administration of President years after he seized power in a coup. (REUTERS) pension of the police officials and the towns of Santa Catali- Oscar Albayalde. erations, we find it prudent Rodrigo Duterte, to 180. Pakistan-India tensions Seven killed in India-Pakistan ground Afghan travellers REUTERS KABUL Restrictions The restrictions have clashes along Kashmir border AIRSPACE restrictions in Pa- kistan due to simmering ten- forced commercial and sions with India have caused passenger flights that airfares to spike for Afghans connect Afghanistan with 3 Pakistani soldiers among the dead as several injured in clashes overnight in Rawalkot sector who travel for medical treat- India, a major trading part- ment, education and business. ner, to double back west DPA Pakistan closed its airspace through Iranian airspace ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI in February after a suicide and then pass south of bomber from Pakistan-based Pakistan into India AT least seven people, includ- militant group Jaish-e- Mo- ing four soldiers, were killed hammed (JeM) attacked a in separate incidents of fir- convoy in Indian-controlled outside his means. “All my ing across the border in the Kashmir. Following the at- medicine has finished and disputed Kashmir region, of- tack, both countries carried I have to go back to India as ficials said on Tuesday. The out aerial bombing missions soon as possible,” he said, deadly exchanges occurred on each other’s soil and their adding that some friends had just weeks after nuclear-armed warplanes also fought a dog- remained in India because neighbours India and Pakistan fight over Kashmir. they could not afford to re- pulled back from the brink of a The restrictions have turn home. full-blown conflict. forced commercial and pas- “Can you imagine how Three Pakistani soldiers senger flights that connect difficult it is?” Abdurrahman were killed and several were in- Afghanistan with India, a ma- Mirzaie, 25, who is pursuing a jured in a clash overnight Tues- jor trading partner, to double masters degree in India’s Har- day in the Rawalakot region, back west through Iranian yana state, is unsure whether the military said in a statement. airspace and then pass south he can afford to return home The civilian population near the of Pakistan into India. Qasim, for the summer break. border fled their homes follow- 37, a Kabul shopkeeper, trav- “It’s a very bad situation ing the firing. els regularly to India for treat- for Afghan people and Afghan A Pakistani military spokes- ment for diabetes. students,” he said. “Most of man said Indian troops started The cost of a round-trip the students who have come firing bullets and shells at their flight to New Delhi has dou- to India are not rich and can- border posts. Separately on bled to $700, he said, well not afford to buy tickets.” Monday, a civilian was killed and another was injured in shelling by Indian forces in Kashmir’s Forward Kahuta Pakistan court forms panel to probe Ghotki area, according to police official sisters’ ‘abduction, forced conversion’ Mohamed Zaman. Pakistani Rangers (in black) and Indian Border Security Force personnel (in brown) perform during a flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah Indian security forces also border area between Pakistan and India in eastern Pakistan’s Lahore, recently. (AFP) ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday formed a accused Pakistani forces of fir- five-member commission to probe the alleged abduction, forced ing mortar shells across the Line Indo-Pak war will destroy entire South Asia: Chinese envoy especially across the de facto conversion and marriage of two teenage Hindu girls in Ghotki. A of Control in the Poonch sector frontier that divides the Hima- high court bench led by Chief Justice of IHC Athar Minallah heard on Monday evening, drawing an ISLAMABAD: In a situation of war between Pakistan and India, entire South Asia will be destroyed, said layan valley of Kashmir. the petition filed by Reena, Raveena and their alleged spouses, Indian retaliation. A five-year- the vice ambassador of China to Pakistan, Jiang Li. Addressing a conference on China Pakistan Economic Both Pakistan and India Safdar Ali and Barkat Ali, to seek protection. In their plea, the girls old girl, a woman and a paramil- Corridor (CPEC) on Tuesday, the envoy expressed concerns that both – Pakistan and India – are nuclear control parts of Kashmir, but had said that they belong to a Hindu family of Ghotki, Sindh but itary soldier were killed during states and “we don’t wish to see a war between the two countries” which will result the destruction of lay claim to the entire valley. converted willfully as they were impressed by Islamic teaching. the shelling by Pakistani troops, whole South Asia. The Chinese diplomat apprised the attendees that consensus has been developed over The rivals have fought three The incident came to light when a video surfaced online showing district police chief Ramesh Ku- the inclusion of a third partner in the CPEC. The third country will collaborate to implement economic and wars since they gained inde- the teenagers’ father and brother claiming the girls were abducted mar Angral said. social development projects. pendence from British colonial and forcefully converted. It was followed by another video snippet Twenty-two more people Li further elaborated that the second phase of CPEC is about setting up special economic zones rule in 1947, two of them over in which the two girls claimed that they had converted to Islam. It including five troops were in- (SEZ) and the first SEZ is in its last phase of construction. He also hoped that the provincial govern- Kashmir. In February, Indian was reported that the girls were moved from Sindh Ghotki district jured in clashes in the region, ments will fulfill their responsibilities in time.(ARYNEWS) fighter jets entered Pakistani to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab. Taking notice of the incident, Prime he added. “The exchange of airspace to target an alleged Minister Imran Khan directed Sindh and Punjab to investigate the firing continued intermit- Tuesday morning. All schools closed today,” Angral said. vilians have been killed over the militant camp, in the first such matter and recover the girls. (TRIBUNE.COM.PK) tently overnight as well as on near the border have been Hundreds of soldiers and ci- last five years in border clashes, incursion since 1971.

News US envoy for Afghan peace process in brief to arrive in Islamabad tomorrow Aid reaches survivors of deadly Nepal storm

ISLAMABAD: United States special envoy on Afghan peace process DPA Dev Mandal, a govern- Duterte orders Zalmay Khalilzad is scheduled to arrive on a two-day official visit to KATHMANDU ment officer in Bara district, review of all Pakistan on Thursday, April 4, diplomatic sources said on Tuesday. said they were providing govt contracts Khalilzad, who is currently visiting Kabul, is likely to take the THOUSANDS of survivors free food and mattresses to Pakistani civil and military leadership into confidence over ongo- of a devastating storm which around 3,000 people dis- MANILA: ppine President ing Afghan peace process, sources privy to the development told struck southern Nepal over placed by the storm. Rodrigo Duterte ordered a The Express Tribune. The US special envoy would be apprised the weekend began receiving “We still face many prob- review of all contracts en- of Pakistan’s concerns regarding the matter while the Pakistani aid on Tuesday. Relief work- lems. We don’t have electric- tered into by the government leadership would also be taken into confidence over dialogue with ers brought dry food, tents, ity. The farmers have lost with companies and other the Afghan Taliban. Khalilzad, in his ongoing visit to Kabul, has mattresses and other items their crops such as wheat and countries to ensure none already held important meetings with the Afghan officials ahead to the storm-hit villages in Nepali villager Ram Kumar Sharma sits on the debris of his damaged maize,” he told dpa. puts the country at a disad- of his next round of talks with the Taliban aimed at ending more the country’s southern region house at Bhaluhi Bharbaliya village in Nepal’s southern Bara district Nepal’s weather forecast- vantage, his spokesman said than 17 years of war. His last round of talks with the Taliban was bordering India, officials said. near Birgunj on Sunday, the morning after a rare spring storm. (AFP) ing service has come under on Tuesday. The Office of the originally slated to last two days in February, but dragged on for The rainstorm left 28 peo- increased criticism over its Solicitor General, the Depart- 16 days, eventually ending March 12 with Khalilzad saying “real ple dead and injured more 343 of the injured still receiv- tals, according to the National failure to predict the ex- ment of Justice secretary strides” had been made. (TRIBUNE.COM.PK) than 600 others, with around ing treatment at local hospi- Emergency Operation Centre. treme weather event. and all legal departments were tasked to conduct the review, spokesman Salvador Panelo told a regular news conference. (REUTERS) Facebook, Twitter sucked into India-Pakistan information war Singapore proposes REUTERS rights abuses to lionizing insur- enemies of Pakistan,” Tayyab Britain’s vote to leave the Euro- ernment pressure, but because sweeping anti-fake ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI gents battling Indian security told Reuters in the capital Is- pean Union, and for not acting people behind them coordi- news legislation forces in Kashmir, a disputed lamabad. to stamp out hate speech on its nated with one another and PAKISTANI social media cam- Himalayan region at the heart With a combined popula- platform that was fuelling eth- used fake accounts to misrep- SINGAPORE: Singapore is paigner Hanzala Tayyab leads of historic tensions between tion of 1.5 billion, India and Pa- nic violence in Myanmar. resent themselves. proposing an anti-fake news about 300 ultra-nationalist Pakistan and India. kistan are hot growth markets Four Facebook and more “When we disrupt these law that will increase pow- cyber warriors fighting an in- Tayyab’s job became harder for Facebook and Twitter, say than 20 Twitter accounts be- networks for coordinated inau- ers for dealing with online ternet war with arch-foe India, on Monday when the Pakistan analysts. longing to members of the thentic behaviour, it’s because misinformation, stoking fears in a battle that is increasingly Cyber Force’s Facebook ac- But with many rival ul- Pakistan Cyber Force have of their deceptive behaviour amongst free-speech advo- sucking in global tech giants count was taken down, one tra-nationalist and extremist been shuttered in the past two and not because of the content cates that the law will further such as Twitter and Facebook. of 103 Pakistani accounts the groups in the region using Face- months, according to Tayyab, they’re sharing, or the ideol- tighten an already heavily-reg- Tayyab, 24, spends his days social media giant said it had book and Twitter platforms to who is still angry at Twitter for ogy or political leanings of the ulated media environment. on Facebook and encrypted deleted because of “inauthen- advance their political agenda, shutting down his previous per- people behind them,” Facebook The bill, which was tabled in WhatsApp chatrooms organis- tic behaviour” and spamming. Hanzala Tayyab, a social media both companies face accusa- sonal account in 2016. said. Parliament on Monday, allows ing members of his Pakistan Some Indian nationalist ac- campaigner and cyber analyst. tions of bias whenever they sus- A Twitter spokeswoman This online battle of politi- the government to issue Cyber Force group to promote counts have also been suspend- pend accounts. Facebook has said: “We believe in impartial- cal and ideological narratives “take down” orders that re- anti-India content and make ed in recent weeks. role in the broader information been buffeted by controversies ity and do not take any actions is one that Pakistan’s military quire the removal of content it go viral, including on Twit- Portraying himself as an war being fought between the across the globe in recent years, based on political viewpoints.” believes it must win at all costs, posted by social media com- ter where he has more than online combatant defending nuclear-armed foes. including for not stopping the A Facebook spokesperson analysts say. Military spokes- panies, news organizations 50,000 followers. Pakistan from India’s attempts “We are countering the In- use of fake accounts to try to told Reuters the company did men often warn unconvention- or individuals. (DPA) That ranges from high- to destabilise his country, Tayy- dian narrative through social sway public opinion in the 2016 not remove the Pakistani ac- al “fifth generation warfare” is lighting alleged Indian human ab plans to continue playing his media, we are countering the US Presidential election and counts because of Indian gov- being waged against Pakistan. 08 Wednesday, April 3, 2019

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Running For President In The #MeToo Era Present Tense, Future

The backlash against former US vice president Joe Biden over allegations of sexual harassment must serve as a Imperfect As NATO warning for those in power to check their behaviour if they aspire after a spot in the Oval Office Marks 70th Birthday HE first #MeToo allegations of the 2020 sexual harassment should be taken serious- presidential race hit over the weekend, let- ly and addressed on a case-by-case basis. Tting the general public in on a secret that There is, of course, a spectrum of bad apparently was already known in political cir- behaviour; not every offence should be 75% of Americans including a former US envoy to North Atlantic Treaty cles: that former Vice President Joe Biden can career-ending; not all transgressions are be a bit too “handsy” with women and girls. equally unforgivable. Some require a rep- Organisation believe that the power of an alliance is critical when the In fact, there’s plenty of photographic rimand while at the other extreme, some documentation of this. But Biden’s behav- require criminal charges. Meanwhile, the US faces new challenges from a resurgent Russia and a rising China iour didn’t draw much scrutiny until an es- useful and important discussion about how say appeared in New York Magazine’s ‘The men should, and should not, treat female TRUDY RUBIN Cut’ on Friday in which Lucy Flores, a state colleagues, co-workers, subordinates and TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE assemblywoman in Nevada, described an service workers should continue. encounter when she was running for lieu- It’s important to note the incident Flores VERY child knows if he is attacked tenant governor in 2014. During a political reported was in 2014. This is not to offer an by a bully in a schoolyard it helps rally, she said, Biden came up behind her, excuse for Biden, but to acknowledge that to have buddies alongside him. All put both hands on her shoulders and gave since then there has been a seismic cultural the more so for nation states: Mili- her a long, slow kiss on the back of her head shift that has recalibrated societal norms and Etary allies make attacks less likely just before she headed to the stage. If it was coloured past behaviour in new shades of and alliances of democracies strengthen meant, as some have suggested, as a show gray. Men of all ages have been confronted their hands against despots. Yet President of avuncular encouragement, it didn’t work. with the reality that behaviour they might Donald Trump repeatedly displays his Flores said she felt embarrassed, shocked have seen as inoffensive might instead have scorn for NATO, the transatlantic military and confused. Since then, several other peo- been taken as patronising, offensive or creepy. alliance that has kept the peace in Europe ple have recounted similar experiences. Biden seems bewildered by the outcry since World War II ended. With more than a year and a half to go over what he called “expressions of affec- NATO will mark its 70th anniversary before election day, it’s hard to imagine tion.” After all, he says, he’s been an advocate in Washington on April 4, but onetime there won’t be more such unsavoury disclo- for the rights of women and authored the Vi- plans to make it a celebratory summit sures involving the large field of presiden- olence Against Women Act. But he also said were downgraded to a low-key gathering tial candidates. So perhaps we as a society wisely that he will pay better attention in the of foreign ministers for fear Trump would can use this time to think about how we future. That’s a good idea. Check your behav- harangue the party. So, rather than pop respond to such allegations. As this page iour before you get checked, because the days corks, the ministers have an unwritten boost defence spending undercuts the al- A strong NATO strengthens efforts to has noted many times, the #MeToo move- in which a president or a presidential candi- item on their agenda: Not only must they liance. It gives Trump further excuse to push back against Kremlin cyber-med- ment is a healthy one for a society that has date could blithely massage the shoulders of adapt NATO to new challenges from Rus- keep bashing the alliance, although he dling and political assassinations. It is for far too long ignored these serious issues. another world leader or rub noses with a vol- sia, China, and technology, but they need wrongly claims that the increased funds needed to coordinate a response to the Women’s complaints should not be ignored unteer or kiss a state assemblywoman on the to figure out how to survive Trump. would reimburse the United States. Yet new deployment of Russian missiles on or pooh-poohed or dismissed out of hand; back of her head are happily gone. The good news: There is strong bipar- the big reasons to back NATO have noth- its European territory. And NATO is vital (Tribune News Service) tisan support for NATO in Congress. Sen- ing to do with Trump’s monetary gripes. to coordinate a common approach to new ate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of global threats from China. Kentucky is a fervent NATO supporter and Beijing is making big economic in- has split with Trump on the issue; he and NATO will mark its 70th anniversary roads in Europe with security implica- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California in Washington on April 4, but onetime tions for all members. “We need to work have invited NATO head Jens Stoltenberg plans to make it a celebratory sum- with NATO and the European Union for a to address a joint session of Congress. mit were downgraded to a low-key common position on keeping China from The Great Brexit Crackup Rep Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania gathering of foreign ministers for fear buying up all the infrastructure on the who just led a congressional delegation Mediterranean,” says Burns, referring to to a meeting on NATO in Croatia, says: Trump would harangue the party Chinese efforts to manage or buy up ports Gets Even Worse “Bipartisan support for institutions like in Israel, Greece, possibly Italy — along NATO has been critical in deterring Soviet “What we’ve learned since WWII with infrastructure elsewhere in Europe. OMEONE may as well have stood up in security, budgetary matters and more. and then Russian aggression.” Counter- is that we don’t want to be alone in the Similarly, NATO coordination will be Parliament on Friday and proclaimed Without a deal, tensions could reignite parts in Europe grilled Boyle on whether world, because it is too dangerous,” says vital in coordinating a Western position Sthe Brexit proceedings “a tale told by an along what is now an open border between that support will last in the Trump era. He former US Ambassador to NATO Nicho- on “the race for the technological lead in idiot, full of sound and fury.” British Northern Ireland and the Irish re- thinks it will. Polls show more than 75 per- las Burns, coauthor of ‘NATO at 70: An AI (artificial intelligence).” Europe-bash- In 2016, the British people voted to leave public, which will remain in the EU. cent of Americans believe the US should Alliance in Crisis’, a just-released report ing won’t persuade allies to join Wash- the European Union. Since, Prime Minister Without a deal, the economy of one of maintain its commitment to NATO. from Harvard’s Kennedy School. ington in curbing the worrisome, global Theresa May’s government has proven itself America’s closest allies could crater, drag- This, despite Trump’s calling the alli- After 9/11, recalls Burns, “all the allies expansion of Huawei, China’s telecom- tragicomically incapable of selling the peo- ging Europe down with it. ance “obsolete” and suggesting last year came with us” and unanimously invoked munications giant. ple on the terms of that divorce. At week’s When Parliament voted on a wide range that the United States quit NATO because Article 5 of the NATO charter, which calls Most important, NATO is key to the end, on the day Britain was initially sched- of options this week, it rejected every sce- it was a drain on our finances. Trump for a common defence. Since then, thou- battle of ideas that may shape the 21st uled to say goodbye to Europe, came a hu- nario — but a second referendum garnered fulminates that allies don’t pay their fair sands of NATO member soldiers have century. “NATO is also an alliance of de- miliating, and potentially debilitating, third the most votes. share and are taking advantage. served – and over 1,000 died — alongside mocracies,” says Burns, “as the US and rejection of the 585-page deal May and the Polls show Britons, for whom the last “When he thinks of Europe, he thinks US troops in Afghanistan. European allies push back against the big continent had brokered. three years have been an excruciating edu- of trade, of German cars, of allies being Burns argues that the power of an alli- idea (promoted by) authoritarian powers.” Once, twice, three times a failure: April cation, would reject Brexit if given another deadbeats,” says Jim Townsend, a fel- ance is critical when the United States fac- Slamming NATO gifts Putin and oth- 12 is the drop-dead date for finding a way shot at the ballot box. low at the Center for a New Security, who es new challenges from a resurgent Rus- ers who argue that democracy is passe. forward or begin breaking with dozen crucial Let them vote again. Tomorrow, and to- served eight years as deputy assistant sec- sia, a rising China, and new technological Congress gets it. The public gets it. economic and political partners without any morrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty retary of defence for European and NATO threats. A strong NATO forces Moscow The issue is whether their support for sense of how to work together on trade, trav- pace from day to day. The last syllable of policy. “He sees NATO purely in transac- to think twice before trying to destabilise NATO will be overruled by Trump. el, immigration, the status of British subjects recorded European time is really coming. tional terms.” However, the issue of mem- European member countries as they have in EU countries and Europeans in the UK, Snap out of it. bers’ individual defence budgets – each is done in Ukraine, Georgia, and elsewhere. (Trudy Rubin is a columnist supposed to rise to 2 percent of GDP by “The Baltics and Poland still need de- and editorial-board member (Tribune News Service) 2024 – is relevant. Germany’s failure to fence,” says Burns. for the Philadelphia Inquirer.) Poor Office Air Can Impair Decision Making Studies suggest high levels of indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) can result in decreased cognitive function ANNE GHERINI Scientific studies have shown that poor typical for indoor buildings with good air 3,000 ppm! Now, back to our excessively TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE indoor air quality could play a big part in quality. The study showed that at the 1000 long meeting in a closed room. When sev- how we feel at work, and it could also have pmm level there was some moderate, yet eral people are talking in a closed off room HE average American spends 93 pe- a direct correlation to cognitive function. statistically significant decrements in deci- for several hours the CO2 levels rise. Stud- cent of their life indoors. The media Studies from Berkeley National Labora- sion making among the subjects. At 2500 ies say those CO2 levels can exceed 1000 headlines often talk about the deplet- tory and Harvard University looked at in- pmm the deficits became more significant. ppm and get as high as 5000 ppm depend- ing outdoor air quality, but neglect door carbon dioxide (C02) levels and how People in these environments who com- ing on the ventilation and number of peo- Tto talk about the air inside that we it affects our cognitive function and deci- plained about the indoor air quality also ple. The longer the meeting, the more CO2 happen to be breathing the majority of sion making. reported more acute health symptoms, is trapped in the room with you and your our lives. For those who have chosen the First, let’s flashback to 5th-grade sci- such as headaches. They often work slight- coworkers. The levels are highest at the “startup path” proper ventilation and con- ence class to get a quick recap of carbon ly slower and they were more often absent end of the meeting, at the same time when stant monitoring of the air quality is often dioxide (CO2). CO2 is a greenhouse gas from work or school. important decisions are being made. treated as a luxury than a necessity. that is natural and safe in small quantities, The National Institute for Occupa- For companies of all sizes, when you Personally, I have advised and worked yet high levels can quickly escalate to be tional Safety and Health found that in ap- are evaluating office space it is important for early-stage companies that had very harmful to your health. Because humans proximately 500 indoor air quality (IAQ) to keep air quality in mind, especially in the humble office beginnings. I’ve walked into produce carbon dioxide (CO2) when we ex- Because humans produce carbon diox- investigations in the last decade, 52 per- conference rooms. Monitors are now inex- poorly ventilated rooms and could instant- hale, concentrations of CO2 in occupied in- cent of the indoor air quality problems pensive and can help your team stay on top ly determine what my co-workers had for door spaces are higher than concentrations ide (CO2) when they exhale, concentra- were related to inadequate ventilation. On of any issues. Additional filtration systems breakfast and who forgot to give an extra outdoors. The less ventilation, the more tions of CO2 in occupied indoor spaces an even sadder note, the Berkeley National and office plants can also aid in ensuring swipe of deodorant that morning. Some- CO2 can hang around and cause problems. are higher than concentrations outdoors. Laboratory study looked at crowded ele- healthy levels of CO2 in the office. times I would roll out of a marathon strat- The studies looked at both CO2 in the The less ventilation, the more CO2 can mentary classrooms in California and Tex- Over-indexing for a healthy work envi- egy session in a small room and feel light- office and evaluated human participates hang around and cause problems as and documented that the average CO2 ronment will pay dividends in the future to headed, never knowing if it was the lack of decision-making skills in environments concentrations were above 1,000 ppm, a your employees’ overall health, happiness, oxygen, the fluorescent lights, or the fiscal with different levels of CO2. What they substantial proportion exceeded 2,000 proper decision making. Indoor air quality policy that made me wheezy. Needless to found directly correlates to the zonked crowded meeting room. First, it had been ppm, and in 21 percent of Texas class- should not be taken for granted as the risks say, startups aren’t for everyone. feeling you get when you tumble out of a previously stated that 350-1000 pmm was rooms peak, CO2 concentration exceeded to business are too high.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. India / World Wednesday, April 3, 2019 09 We want pre-1953 Constitutional Congress insults Ambedkar, don’t vote for it: Modi News relationship with India: Omar in brief IANS never support the Congress, PATNA Modi added. IANS later erosion of Constitutional Accusing the Congress of Complaint against SRINAGAR guarantees made to Jammu PRIME Minister Narendra creating confusion over res- Kerala CPI-M leader and Kashmir following the ar- Modi on Tuesday attacked ervation by spreading lies, he for sexist remarks THE National Conference will rest of his grandfather, the late Congress for insulting the In- said: “No one can end reserva- fight for the restoration of the Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, dian Constitution’s prime ar- tion in government jobs and PALAKKAD : Congress can- pre-1953 Constitutional rela- who was the ‘Wazir-e-Azam’ chitect B.R. Ambedkar while educational institutions, not didate from Kerala’s Alathur tionship between Jammu and (Prime Minister) of the state his BJP-led National Demo- even Modi. Opposition leaders constituency, Remya Haridas, Kashmir and India, former till August 1953. cratic Alliance government are spreading lies on it.” on Tuesday filed a police Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Asked about the contro- honoured him. The Prime Minister also complaint against Left Demo- said on Tuesday. versy about his statement “Congress has always in- sought to clarify that the 10 cratic Front convenor A. Vi- Speaking to the media at regarding reversion to old sulted Ambedkar. But the percent reservation for eco- jayaraghavan for his “sexist” Pattan in Baramulla district, nomenclatures such as ‘Sadr- NDA government is doing nomically weaker sections, and “lewd” remarks against the National Conference lead- e-Riyasat’ and ‘Wazir-e- everything to respect and brought in by his government, her. “I came to know about er said: “We will fight for the Azam’ for the Governor and honour him,” he said at an Indian PM Narendra Modi (centre) addresses an election rally in Bihar’s has nohing to do with ending the lewd remarks made by restoration of the pre-1953 the Chief Minister, Abdullah election rally in Bihar’s Jamui Jamui on Tuesday. (AFP) reservation at all. Vijayaraghavan aimed at me Constitutional relationship said: “What is new about my constituency from where ally After Jamui, Modi was to on Monday night. It is not between the state and India.” demand? Didn’t we have the Lok Janshakti Party’s Chirag and Union Minister Ram Vilas who consider Ambedkar as address another election rally a slip of tongue but he has Abdullah was referring to the same designations till 1965?” Paswan, the son of party chief Paswan, is contesting. Those an icon and legendary would in Gaya Lok Sabha seat. been repeating the same comments to malign my im- age,” Haridas told the media after filing the complaint. “The CPI-M on one hand Indian low-caste leader claims to fight for women’s rights but on the other hand, Congress poll manifesto a senior party leader like says statues of herself Vijayaraghavan has been spreading abuses about me,” she added. (IANS) ‘declares’ war on poverty reflect popular will IS-backed Boko Haram faction publishes REUTERS ‘execution’ video NEW DELHI KANO: Boko Haram’s A powerful leader of India’s Islamic State-backed faction low-caste community on Tues- has claimed to have ex- day told a court that setting up ecuted five Nigerian soldiers dozens of statues of herself but security sources said reflected the will of the people on Tuesday three of those to honour her and others at killed were civilian militia the bottom of the rigid Hindu members. The Islamic caste hierarchy. State West Africa Province Mayawati, an icon of the (ISWAP) video, dated April Dalits and a four-time chief 1 and said to have been minister of the most popu- filmed in Borno state, north- lous state of Uttar Pradesh, Bahujan Samaj Party east Nigeria, was published has been an aggressive cam- chief Mayawati. online by the IS propaganda paigner for the rights of the arm Amaq. It showed two oppressed, vowing to shake her critics for permission to de- men in military fatigues and the stranglehold of India’s up- molish the statues as a waste of three in red-orange jump- per castes on politics. public funds. Mayawati leads suits reminiscent of those As leader of the state, she the Bahujan Samaj Party that worn by IS hostages in Syria spent millions of dollars on me- has forged an alliance with a re- and Iraq. All five are shot morial parks featuring life-sized gional group to pose a challenge in the head at point-blank marble and sandstone statues to Prime Minister Narendra range. (AFP) of elephants, her party symbol, Modi’s ruling Hindu nationalist Dalit icons and herself, evoking party in general elections that Former chairman of figures from history who built start on April 11. China’s Xinjiang region monuments as their legacies. She called the case against arrested for graft Mayawati, who ended her her politically motivated and last term in office in 2012 but “gross abuse” of the court pro- BEIJING: A former chairman is bidding to play a key national cess, and asked why other parties’ of the government of China’s role in general elections this expenditure of public funds for troubled northwest region of month, said the statues were similar causes had not prompted Xinjiang, an ethnic Uighur, built with the support of law- questions from her critics. has been arrested for graft, makers who wanted to respect a She cited the example of national prosecutors said low-caste woman leader. a $400-million statue of in- Tuesday. Nur Bekri was the “Certainly I could not go dependence hero Vallabhbhai regional government’s chair- contrary to the wishes of the Patel that Modi inaugurated man for seven years until state legislators,” she said in last year and which is nearly 2014 -- a period that was a signed statement to a court twice the height of New York’s marked by a spate of deadly Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi (right) and predecessor Sonia Gandhi pose with copies of Congress party’s election manifesto that is weighing a request from Statue of Liberty. violence in the region, includ- unveiled in New Delhi, on Tuesday. (AFP) ing riots. Bekri later served as head of the National Won’t allow change in Article 370: Cong manifesto Energy Agency and deputy Rahul challenges Modi to engage in a director of the country’s top NEW Delhi: The Congress has promised that it won’t allow any WhatsApp targets fake messages economic planning office. debate on issues such as corruption, change in constitutional position on Article 370, will review His arrest was announced AFSPA and reduce presence of armed forces in the Kashmir ahead of India’s mega election in a short statement by the foreign policy and national security Valley if it wins the Lok Sabha polls. Supreme People’s Procurate In its manifesto ‘Congress will deliver’ released here AFP lions of Indians prepare to vote (SPP). (AFP) IANS ployment to youth by filling about 10 days ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha elec- NEW DELHI this month and next, experts NEW DELHI 22 lakh government vacancies tions, the party also promised “suitable changes” in the say the biggest election in his- Congo Ebola outbreak and employment to 10 lakh text of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed WHATSAPP launched a hot- tory will also prove an immense spreading faster CONGRESS President Rahul youth in gram panchayats, Areas Act “to balance the requirements of security and the line Tuesday allowing Indians misinformation challenge. than ever : WHO Gandhi on Tuesday promised guaranteeing jobs for 150 days protection of human rights”. to flag rumours circulating Less than two weeks before to provide Rs 72,000 a year under MGNREGA instead of It also promised to ensure safety of students, traders ahead of the upcoming elec- voting starts, WhatsApp has GENEVA: Democratic Repub- to the poorest families and fill 100 days, 6 per cent GDP will and others belonging to state and protect their right to tion, a major concern in a launched a “tipline” in part- lic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak 22 lakh government vacancies be used in education and no study or do business in the rest of the country. (IANS) country where fake news has nership with an Indian startup is spreading at its fastest if his party won the Lok Sab- permission required for start- fuelled violence. that it says will allow voters to rate yet, eight months after ha battle and accused Prime ing a new business(for three It comes a day after What- submit uncertain or suspicious it was first detected, the Minister Narendra Modi of years),” he said after releasing country. Blaming demonetiza- REGA scheme dubbing it bo- sApp’s parent company Fa- content for verification. Pic- World Health Organization wrecking the economy. the party manifesto here. tion and the Goods and Servic- gus and useless. cebook removed hundreds of tures, video links and texts will (WHO) said on Monday. Each Unveiling the Congress Gandhi promised to pre- es Tax (GST) for what he said “Today everyone knows pages promoting India’s ruling be analysed and debunked if of the past two weeks has manifesto, the Congress sent a separate budget for was an economic mess, Gandhi how much it helped the coun- and opposition parties for vio- untrue in English and four re- registered a record number President also challenged the farmers on the lines of said his party was determined try. So now we want to guaran- lating rules around spam and gional languages, the company of new cases, marking a Modi, who he said was the now discarded railway to set right the situation. tee jobs for 150 days, instead of “coordinated inauthentic be- said in a statement. sharp setback for efforts to scared, to engage in a debate budget and said if his party To repeated questions, 100 days, under the scheme.” haviour” online. “This combined effort by respond to the second big- with him on issues such as was voted to power, farmers Gandhi said the narrative for Gandhi said the Congress gov- The spread of viral fake WhatsApp and industry or- gest outbreak ever, as militia corruption, foreign policy who fail to return bank loans the Lok Sabha election had ernment will allow anyone to videos and messages on social ganisations will help contrib- violence and community and national security. will no more face criminal but already been set–and it was start business without permits media platforms has proved ute to the safety of the elec- resistance have impeded ac- “The five main themes only civil cases. all about economic issues and or clearances with tax holiday incendiary in India, where tions, by giving people means cess to affected areas. Less of our manifesto (are) NYAY Accusing the Prime Minis- misery. for the first three years to half a billion people are online to know if the information is than three weeks ago, the scheme... Garibi par waar, ter of wrecking the economy, Hitting out at the Prime encourage entrepreneurship but limited digital literacy has verified and deter people from WHO said the outbreak of 72,000 (war on poverty with Gandhi said that there was an Minister, Gandhi said that and create thousands of jobs helped rumours spread like sharing rumors that have no the haemorrhagic fever was Rs 72,000 cash support), em- “economic emergency” in the Modi made fun of the MGN- across the country. wildfire. As hundreds of mil- basis in fact,” it said. largely contained. (REUTERS) Indian test puts Space Station at risk, says NASA Congress manifesto recognises air pollution crisis NEW Delhi: India’s recent anti-satellite missile test IANS all major sources of emission Analyst Consultant at Inter- see the commitment for a has created 400 pieces NEW DELHI were to be targeted, mitigated national Institute of Sustain- clean and green India in the of orbital debris which has and reduced to acceptable lev- able Development. “A possible Congress manifesto, where put the International Space THE Congress manifesto for els while setting sectoral emis- point of contention would be it has also said the air pollu- Station and its astronauts the Lok Sabha polls recognises sion standards, it said. that of stressed coal assets. On tion will be treated as a na- at increased risk, NASA said air pollution as public health Calling it a positive move the day of the Congress mani- tional health emergency. Tuesday. NASA administrator emergency, but whether other by the Congress, the experts festo launch, the Supreme “A clean and green India Jim Bridenstine said only 60 political parties, like the BJP hope other political parties Court has ruled in favour of cannot be possible unless In- pieces of debris, 10 centi- or the AAP, will take note of will follow and make air pollu- these coal plants. This leads to dia’s ‘maharatna’ companies metres or bigger, were large this is yet to be seen, accord- tion, energy and environment further uncertainty about the move from investing in dirty enough to track. Of these, ing to green activists. part of their manifestos. financial viability of coal pow- energy to clean energy. As 24 pieces are going above The manifesto, released “In Section 3, point 5 of the er as well as a greater threat to long as companies like LIC the apogee, or the highest here by Congress President Congress manifesto, a promise (File photo) An arial view of the central Delhi after a thick layer of the coal communities.” continue to pour billions into point in the ISS orbit. “That Rahul Gandhi, also promises has been made to formulate a smog covered the national capital region. Joe Athialy, Executive coal while selling health in- is a terrible, terrible thing,” to strengthen the National policy on clean energy in pow- Director, Centre for Finan- surance to its citizens, clean he said. (DPA) Clean Air Programme to tackle er plants that use fossil fuels. intent, it does not adequately the issue,” said Balasubra- cial Accountability, said: and green India will remain the problem of pollution. Also, While this does show positive respond to the complexity of manian Viswanathan, Energy “It’s indeed heartening to just a vision,” he said. 10 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Gulf / Middle East Saudi placates Khashoggi children with swanky homes and cash allowance: Post

AFP tober at the kingdom’s consu- Khashoggi children are locat- to tens of millions of dollars WASHINGTON late in Istanbul by a team of 15 ed in the port city of Jeddah each, according to the report. agents sent from Riyadh. His Compensation for and are worth up to $4 mil- Saudi Arabia’s powerful THE children of murdered body has not been recovered. the murder? lion, the newspaper reported. crown prince, Mohammed Saudi journalist Jamal The payments to his four Four children of the slain Salah, the eldest of the bin Salman, has been accused Khashoggi have received mul- children -- two sons and two children, plans to continue liv- of orchestrating Khashoggi’s timillion-dollar homes and are daughters -- “are part of an ef- journalist have received ing in the kingdom, while the killing, but the kingdom has being paid thousands of dollars fort by Saudi Arabia to reach a multimillion-dollar homes and others, who live in the United claimed that the prince was per month by the kingdom’s long-term arrangement with are being paid thousands of States, are expected to sell the not involved. authorities, The Washington Khashoggi family members, dollars each month to ensure homes, the paper said. Saudi Arabia initially said it Post reported on Monday. aimed in part at ensuring they continue to show restraint In addition to the proper- had no knowledge of Khashog- Khashoggi -- a contribu- that they continue to show in their public statements, ties, the children are receiving gi’s fate but later blamed rogue tor to the Post and a critic of restraint in their public state- reports The Washington Post $10,000 or more per month agents for his death. Its public the Saudi government -- was ments,” the Post said. and may also receive larger prosecutor has charged 11 peo- killed and dismembered in Oc- The houses given to the payments that could amount ple over his murder.

Erdogan party appeals Istanbul, Yemen’s Houthis deny Ankara vote results UN access to Hodeidah Algeria’s Bouteflika quits ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP mills for ‘safety reasons’ on Tuesday appealed against results in Istanbul and Ankara REUTERS But Houthi forces told following a weekend election ADEN the WFP team they could after weeks of protests after tallies showed the ruling not leave Houthi-held areas party lost both key cities. HOUTHI forces denied the inside Hodeidah city for “se- Erdogan’s AKP and coali- United Nations access to a curity reasons”, asking the tion partner won more than 50 grain storage site in the Yem- United Nations instead for a percent of votes nationwide eni port of Hodeidah on Tues- way to investigate attacks on in Sunday’s local ballot, but day, sources familiar with the the mills. defeat in both Turkey’s capital matter said, hindering efforts “The Houthis argued that and its economic hub would to increase food aid to mil- government forces will target be a setback after the party’s lions facing severe hunger. the UN and then they will be decade and a half in power. Hodeidah is the entry blamed for it,” one source The AKP appeals with point for most of Yemen’s aware of the discussion said. electoral authorities, who humanitarian aid and com- “(But) if the wheat is not fumi- have two days to decide mercial imports. World Food gated, it will be lost.” The WFP whether the claims of irregu- Programme (WFP) grain regained access to the mills larities have merit, may signal stores there have been cut last month, a step hailed by more ruling party challenges off in the conflict zone for six UN Secretary-General Anto- to the surprise opposition months, putting the contents nio Guterres. The grain stores victories. (AFP) at risk of rotting. there have more than 51,000 A WFP technical team tonnes of wheat, enough to was scheduled to cross the feed 3.7 million people. front line between the Iran- WFP spokesman Herve Rocket that hit Israeli aligned Houthi movement Verhoosel said a WFP mis- forces and the Saudi-backed sion to the Red Sea Mills house fired in error, government on the eastern was scheduled for Tuesday says Hamas leader outskirts of Hodeidah to fu- but was postponed due to migate the wheat stored in “safety concerns”. Verhoosel AFP the Red Sea Mills. declined to give details. GAZA CITY

HAMAS leader Ismail Haniya said on Tuesday the rocket Iran orders 70 villages from Gaza that hit a house in Algerian students hold a banner with Arabic reading ‘People want to run their transitional government and form their constituent assembly’ during a Israel last week launched due evacuated in Khuzestan protest against the current government in Algiers, Algeria, on Tuesday. (Inset) Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.(EPA) to a technical error, his first of- ficial statement on the strike. over flash flood danger Bouteflika’s resignation “the end of Bouteflika’s long The rocket that was fired On Monday, the ailing president had “doesn’t change anything”, reign is far from being the same from the Gaza Strip on March REUTERS the south of the sprawling Is- psychology student Meriem as the end of the system”. 25 destroyed a house north of DUBAI/GENEVA lamic Republic after the most announced he would quit before the Medjdoub said as she marched Students on the streets of Tel and injured seven Israelis. torrential rains to hit the end of his term on April 28 in central Algiers with around Algiers voiced doubts and con- FLOOD risks forced Iranian country for at least a decade. 1,000 protesters. cerns. “It is a diversion... they The rocket that was fired authorities to order the evac- Flooding has affected at AFP the end of the month. “We are demanding a radi- are trying to gain time,” said from the Gaza Strip on uation of over 70 villages least 26 out of Iran’s 31 prov- ALGIERS In power for two decades, cal change,” she told AFP. Imen Zaaf. in the oil-rich southwest- inces since heavy downpours Bouteflika has come under The announcementof his “I wonder what is behind all March 25 destroyed a ern province of Khuzestan began on March 19. A state mounting pressure to step resignation came after a succes- this,” chimed in Yasmine, who house north of Tel and on Tuesday, the state news of emergency was declared ALGERIA’S veteran President down since his decision to seek sion of loyalists deserted him in like many Algerians believes injured seven Israelis agency IRNA reported. in several provinces and tens Abdelaziz Bouteflika informed a fifth term despite rarely being the face of the massive protests the announced departure of State television said the of thousands of people have the Constitutional Council that seen in public after suffering a rocking Algeria. It was greeted Bouteflika is a manoeuvre by Israel responded by striking armed forces, including the been evacuated. he is resigning in a move that stroke in 2013. by the beeping of some car the veteran leader and mem- a series of Hamas targets in the elite Revolutionary Guards IRNA said Germany and is to take effect on Tuesday, The 82-year-old, who uses horns in Algiers on Monday, but bers of his inner circle. Palestinian enclave, including corps, had stepped up relief Britain has offered humani- state television said, after the a wheelchair, said last month there was little sign of euphoria The presidency, in a brief flattening Haniya’s office, be- efforts in flood-stricken areas, tarian aid to Iran, including military called for his impeach- he would pull out of the bid for as people insisted that the whole statement carried by the official fore Egypt brokered a ceasefire airing footage of military and 40 boats, but Iranian offi- ment. another term, and on Monday ruling establishment must go. APS news agency on Monday, that prevented a full conflict. Red Crescent helicopters tak- cials said renewed US sanc- Bouteflika “officially ad- his office said he would resign Some Algerians even said Bouteflika will step down In his comments on Tues- ing part in rescue operations. tions against Tehran had vised the Constitutional Coun- before his mandate expires on shrugged it away as an “April’s after “important decisions” are day, Haniya said the rocket Iranian media said elec- disrupted some relief efforts. cil of the end of his term of April 28. The moves failed to Fool” and a “non-event”. taken. He would take “steps to was “due to a technical defect, tricity and telecommunica- “In an inhuman and out- office as President of the Re- quell public ire, with hundreds On Tuesday it was clear that ensure state institutions contin- but was a mini demonstration tions had been cut in affected rageous approach...because of public” from Tuesday, said a of students taking to the streets for many Algerians Bouteflika’s ue to function during the transi- if (Israel) thought to commit areas, roads had been washed America’s blockage of the (Ira- news ticker on the television. again earlier on Tuesday. departure after 20 years in tion period”, the statement said. folly against the Palestinian away and people were wait- nian) Red Crescent’s bank ac- The report came hours after Hundreds of students hit charge was not decisive enough. Algeria’s constitution says people.” The statement from ing on rooftops to be rescued counts..., no foreign or Iranian armed forces chief Ahmed Gaid the streets of the Algerian capi- El Watan newspaper said that once the president of- his office said he made the re- in some inundated villages. nationals outside Iran will Salah demanded the immedi- tal on Tuesday dismissing the the announced resignation was ficially resigns the speaker of marks during a meeting with At least 47 people have be able to send aid to flood- ate launch of impeachment president’s promise to resign as a “half measure... as long as the the upper house of parliament political analysts. been killed in the past two stricken people,” Foreign proceedings against Bouteflika a diversion and demanding an departure of all those who sym- would act as interim leader for He did not provide further weeks from flash floods in Ministry spokesman Bahram as the military dismissed an an- overhaul of the country’s politi- bolise the (ruling) system has up to 90 days during which a details on what type of techni- provinces from the north to Qasemi said on Tuesday. nouncement he would resign cal system. not really started”. presidential election must be cal defect could have caused before his mandate expires at The announcement on Liberte daily agreed saying organised. the launch. Floods hit 40,000 Palestinians pray for fish as Israel opens deeper waters displaced people in REUTERS combined with several surges GAZA of cross-border fighting which Palestinian succumbs have prompted mediation on to wounds after Gaza northwest Syria: UN AS their rickety motorboats ways to help Gaza’s economy. border clashes puttered out into deep Medi- “Thanks to God and then AFP from the rising muddy waters. terranean waters for the first to the ‘March of Return’, GAZA City: A Palestinian BEIRUT “For the second day in a time in almost two decades, which opened up the sea for wounded three days ago dur- row, White Helmets... con- the Palestinian fishermen us,” al-Amoudi said, referring ing clashes along the Gaza MORE than 40,000 displaced tinue to respond to the cata- prayed for deepwater mack- to the weekly demonstrations border died on Tuesday, the people in northwestern Syria strophic situation in the north- erel and tuna to supplement at the frontier, which demand health ministry in the strip have seen their camps flood- ern Syria camps,” they said on Gaza’s usual shallows fare of a lifting of the blockade and said, bringing to five the ed by heavy rains in the past Twitter late Monday. sardines, shrimp and crab. the right for Palestinians to number of fatalities from three days, a United Nations One video posted by the This week, as part of Egyp- return to homes their families the day. spokesman said on Tuesday. group on Sunday showed tian-mediated efforts to ease fled or were forced from when Faris Abu Hajaras, 26, Around 14 camps were af- brown water cascading out of the plight of 2 million resi- Israel was founded. was shot by Israeli fire in his fected in the northwestern a flooded tent. dents of the blockaded Gaza April to June are peak stomach east of Khan Yunis province of Idlib, David Swan- In another published the Strip, Israel has extended the The sun rises as fishermen are seen at the seaport of Gaza City, after Gaza fishing season. The sec- Saturday and succumbed son of the UN Office for the same day, civil defence work- area where it permits Palestin- Israel expanded fishing zone for Palestinians on Tuesday.(REUTERS) tor accounts for less than 5 to his wounds Tuesday, the Coordination of Humanitar- ers clung on to a rope as their ians to fish. percent of the enclave’s GDP ministry said in a statement. ian Affairs told AFP. waded through a brown tor- “Such a distance has been territory. “This step is part of the and supports some 50,000 Tens of thousands of The Idlib region, controlled rent above knee level. off-limits. And hopefully there Israel has long limited Pal- civilian policy aimed at pre- people, a fraction of the 2 mil- Palestinians gathered in dif- by Syria’s former Al-Qaeda af- The downpour has affected are lots of fish to bring back,” estinian fishing waters, and venting a humanitarian dete- lion population. ferent spots along the Gaza filiate, is home to more than tens of thousands of civilians, said 69-year-old fisherman has varied the size of the zone. rioration in the Gaza Strip and But the fishing has value border on Saturday for the 3 million people -- more than crops and livestock in Idlib, as Ahmed al-Amoudi. It was tightened to just 6-9 reflects the policy of distin- beyond the numbers, as one first anniversary of the often half of them displaced by the well as in the Aleppo and Ha- Israel keeps a naval cordon miles (9-15 km) from the coast guishing between terror and of the few viable industries in violent protests there. Four country’s eight-year war. sakeh provinces since Satur- on Gaza, part of a blockade it in recent years. But on Mon- the uninvolved populace,” an Gaza, where more than half other men, including three Civil defence workers day, Swanson said. and neighbouring Egypt say day, Israel broadened the limit Israeli official said. the population is unemployed 17-year-olds, were killed by known as the White Helmets In Aleppo province, tents is necessary to prevent arms to 12-15 miles (19-24 km) out, Palestinians saw the move and nearly 80 percent receive Israeli fire on Saturday, ac- have been working to save peo- were destroyed in several smuggling by the Hamas Is- its widest since 2000, before a as an Israeli concession to a some form of aid, according to cording to the ministry. (AFP) ple and their scant belongings camps for the displaced. lamists that rule the coastal Palestinian revolt erupted. year of protests at the border, the World Bank. Europe / Americas Wednesday, April 3, 2019 11

News Trump thrusts health care back into spotlight; Democrats go on offence in brief AFP essentially punted away the Care Act from day one,” House for the president playing cyni- WASHINGTON problem of crafting a quick Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, cal games with health care.” Biden camp rejects solution, after several Re- noting how the move would The Justice Department had ‘smears’ about his EMBOLDENED Democrats publicans warned that there bump some 20 million people previously said it backed parts physicality with women on Tuesday demanded Donald was no coherent Obamacare off their insurance and end of Obamacare. But in its new Trump’s administration end replacement ready. protections for people with position, it said it sided fully US: Joe Biden’s 2020 its assault on the Affordable A new Republican plan pre-existing conditions. with the December ruling in a campaign-in-waiting pushed Care Act, after the US presi- “will be far less expensive & Senate Minority Lead- Texas federal court by Judge back Monday on “smears” it dent said he would not seek to much more usable than Oba- er Chuck Schumer called Reed O’Connor following a said he faces regarding his replace the health law until af- maCare,” Trump tweeted. Trump’s position a “callous lawsuit brought by conserva- physical contact with women, ter next year’s election. “Vote will be taken right af- legal assault on Americans’ tive states. as a new accuser emerged to Trump thrust health care ter the Election when Repub- health care,” as he mocked That ruling is being ap- say the former vice presi- back into the spotlight last licans hold the Senate & win the president for suddenly de- pealed and the resulting im- dent crossed the line into week when the Department back the House,” he added. “It US President Donald Trump. laying his own plan. passe looks increasingly likely indecency. Biden’s spokes- of Justice (DOJ) announced it will be truly great HealthCare “Translation: They have to end up in the Supreme man pointed to doctored was siding with a court ruling that will work for America.” sensing an opening, gathered ate calling for Trump and the no health-care plan,” Schum- Court–putting a politically ra- or misleading photographs declaring the Barack Obama- Trump’s messaging essentially on the steps outside the US Su- DOJ to reverse their position. er said. “What a ruse. What a dioactive issue center stage in that have circulated on the era reforms unconstitutional. turns health care into a 2020 preme Court to announce res- “The president has been trying shame. What a disgrace... The the middle of a heated presi- internet for years spotlighting But late Monday Trump campaign issue. Democrats, olutions in the House and Sen- to do away with the Affordable American people will not stand dential campaign. what the 76-year-old Demo- crat himself describes as a “tactile” campaign style. With two women in the past week going public to recount Fears of violence return how Biden inappropriately touched them years ago, May struggles to break scrutiny on his history of to haunt Corsica amid unwanted contact has surged as he considers a presiden- tial campaign. (AFP) French president’s visit Whistleblower reveals Brexit deadlock as EU ‘grave breaches’ in WH AFP security clearances AJACCIO, FRANCE US: Some 25 White House BOMBS at public buildings officials including top advisors and holiday villas going up of President Donald Trump warns of no-deal exit in flames: a spike in attacks were given security clearances on Corsica has led to wor- despite staff recommenda- ries that nationalist violence tions against it, a whistleblow- could return to the tour- er has told Congress. House ist destination known as Oversight Committee Chair- France’s “island of beauty”. man Elijah Cummings said The Mediterranean terri- in a letter Monday that White tory, famed for its beaches and French President Emmanuel House security official Tricia as the birthplace of Napoleon Macron. Newbold detailed to his panel Bonaparte, was once a hotbed of “grave breaches of national anti-French militancy which led day, three days before French security at the highest levels to thousands of bombings from President Emmanuel Macron of the Trump Administration.” the 1970s to early 2000s. But visits. Improvised explosive de- None of the 25 were named, since 2014, when local National vices were found earlier Mon- but in his letter, addressed to Liberation Front of Corsica an- day outside two tax offices in the White House counsel Pat Ci- nounced a ceasefire, French town of Bastia, leading to evacu- pollone, Cummings requested state infrastructure and the ations and bomb disposal teams information relating to clear- luxury holiday homes owned by being scrambled in scenes that ances for National Security wealthy mainlanders -- still seen recalled past attacks on symbols Advisor John Bolton. (AFP) as “colonisers” by some locals -- of the French state. have been largely safe. At the weekend, a second- UK police investigate After a series of incidents in ary home in Sagone, a village devices on rail line recent weeks, Gilles Simeoni, above a picturesque bay of tur- linked to Brexit the nationalist head of Corsican quoise water on the west of the regional government, warned of island, was attacked, while an- LONDON: British police on a “tense atmosphere” on the is- other partly-built villa went up Tuesday were investigating land and “the resurgence of the in flames in Venzolasca on the two attempts to disrupt the logic of conflict”. eastern coast. In early March, rail network that they said “It’s our common duty, in on the day Macron’s visit was were linked to Britain’s exit Corsica and in Paris, to stop this announced, six homes were from the European Union. The dreadful spiral and to open a bombed, causing no injuries but devices were found by rail real dialogue,” he said on Mon- lots of structural damage. workers on tracks in central England on March 21 and 27, but police said the obstruc- tions had failed to disrupt services. “This was a serious Germany’s Maas calls for new and deliberate attempt by Britain’s PM Theresa May gives a statement inside 10 Downing Street in London, on Tuesday after chairing a day-long meeting of the cabinet. (AFP) someone to cause significant nuclear disarmament plan sabotage and disruption to AFP May says she will ask for a further Brexit delay tween Northern Ireland and Britain’s rail network,” Sean LONDON Ireland by keeping Britain DPA ure of some nations to abide by O’Callaghan from British LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday she temporarily in a customs union NEW YORK the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Transport Police said in a PRIME Minister Theresa May will ask the European Union for an extension to the Brexit negotia- with the EU are strongly op- Treaty (NPT) could encourage statement. (REUTERS) spent Tuesday locked in crisis tion period and will sit down with opposition Labour leader Jeremy posed by many MPs. GERMANY’S foreign minister others to build up their own talks with her ministers to try to Corbyn in an attempt to break the impasse in parliament. Pro-European MPs fear Heiko Maas called for a new arms. “The Cold War is over, Greek PM hails new resolve the months-long Brexit “So we will need a further extension of Article 50, one that is that May’s refusal to change plan for nuclear disarmament there is no Warsaw Pact any ties during landmark crisis, as EU leaders warned as short as possible and which ends when we pass a deal. And we course is putting Britain at risk on Tuesday as he chaired a UN more, and there is no more N Macedonia visit Britain risked crashing out of need to be clear what such an extension is for, to ensure we leave of a “no-deal” exit, and they Security Council meeting in Berlin Wall,” Maas told re- the bloc next week. in a timely and orderly way,” May said in a televised statement from seized the initiative by holding New York on the non-prolifer- porters on Tuesday before the SKOPJE: Greece’s prime min- In a meeting lasting more her office in Downing Street. two rounds of votes on possible ation of weapons. meeting. ister was greeted with hugs than seven hours, the divided “Today I am taking action to break the logjam. I am offering to alternatives. “We need a roadmap that “That means we cannot ad- and selfies on Tuesday during cabinet sought to find a way sit down with the leader of the opposition and to try to agree a plan Both the first and second will get us back on track with dress the challenges we have his landmark visit to newly forward after MPs again reject- that we would both stick to ensure that we leave the European Un- rounds of ballots failed to se- nuclear disarmament,” Maas now with answers from the renamed North Macedonia, ed May’s withdrawal deal and ion and that we do so with a deal.” (Reporting By Andrew MacAskill; cure a majority for any single said. He named three ele- last century,” he said. where the neighbours cele- stepped up their own efforts to editing by Stephen Addison). (REUTERS) option, but lawmakers are ex- ments to focus on: increasing Germany took over as brated a new start after resolv- force a new approach. pected to try for a third round transparency, further develop- president of the 15-member ing their decades-long identity Brussels has set Britain an next Monday. In case that fails, ing verification mechanisms UN Security Council on Mon- row. The one-day trip came a April 12 deadline to either pass and she could bring it back for a 27 is now prepared,” he said two senior MPs have put for- and establishing new disarma- day for the month of April. little more than a month after the divorce deal, settle on an fourth vote this week. referring to the bloc’s remain- ward a bill that could force May ment agreements. Maas billed the Tuesday meet- Alexis Tsipras and counterpart alternative, or crash out of the The EU’s chief negotiator, ing member states. “It becomes to delay Brexit rather than take “I firmly believe that fur- ing as the first session of the Zoran Zaev finalised a deal European Union risking huge Michel Barnier, said an orderly day after day more likely.” Britain out of the EU on April ther reductions are possible - council since 2012 to address that added “North” to Mac- economic disruption. In reality, exit was still possible but was May’s deal aims to smooth 12 with no deal. without any loss of security,” nuclear disarmament. edonia’s name to distinguish the deadline is even closer as becoming less likely. Britain’s EU exit by settling its Conservative former minis- Maas said. The demise of the In- it from a bordering province the EU has called an emergency “If the UK still wants to financial affairs, guaranteeing ter Oliver Letwin and opposi- He added that the US and termediate-Range Nuclear in Greece. “We are starting leaders summit for April 10. leave the EU in an orderly man- the rights of expatriate citizens tion Labour MP Yvette Cooper Russia “could and should” Forces (INF) Treaty, a US- to cover lost ground to build May’s deal has been re- ner, this agreement, this treaty and setting up a transition pe- will try to get their bill through continue to cut their num- Russian disarmament pact a deep friendship, not only jected by the House of Com- is and will be the only one,” riod until December 2021 in the House of Commons in a bers of warheads and delivery that has protected Europe between our governments,” mons three times but she says he told a think tank in Brus- which new trade terms can be single day on Wednesday, but systems. Ahead of the meet- for the past three decades, Tsipras said. (AFP) MPs’ failure to agree anything sels. “No deal was never my agreed. But its proposals to it must still then pass the upper ing, the German minister ex- has sparked fears about a re- else means it is the only option, intended scenario, but the EU maintain an open border be- House of Lords. pressed concern that the fail- newed arms race.

Top Venezuela court tightens noose on opposition chief Juan Guaido White House steps back after threat to close border with Mexico CARACAS: Venezuela’s Supreme Court called Monday for Juan REUTERS have started to do a significant ple at their Southern Border, Guaido to be stripped of his legislative immunity, tightening WASHINGTON amount more. mostly from Guatemala, Hon- the noose on the opposition chief just days after authorities We’ve seen them take a larg- duras and El Salvador,” he said. announced a ban on him holding public office. THE White House took a step er number of individuals” and Trump threatened on Fri- Guaido -- recognized as Venezuela’s interim president by back from its threat to close the hold those who have asylum day to close the border with this some 50 countries -- is locked in a power struggle with Presi- southern US border on Tues- claims in Mexico while they are week unless Mexico took steps dent Nicolas Maduro that has drawn in neighboring states as day, saying Mexico has begun to being processed in the United to stop immigrants from reach- well as superpowers such as the US and Russia. take actions to address the im- States, Sanders told reporters at ing the United States illegally. As the political battle plays out, the country has been hit migration problem on its end. the White House. Closing the border with Mexico by a series of devastating blackouts that have left millions White House spokeswoman “We’ve also seen them could disrupt millions of legal without water, prompting the government to replace the coun- Sarah Sanders said the Trump stop more people from com- border crossings and billions of try’s energy minister and institute power rationing in a bid to administration sees Mexico ing across the border so that Migrants from Central America are seen escorted by US Customs and dollars in trade. address the outages. “stepping up and taking a they aren’t even entering into Border Protection (CBP) officials after crossing into the US illegally and Sanders said the adminis- The decision by the Supreme Court -- which is controlled by greater sense of responsibil- the United States. So those two turning themselves in to request asylum in El Paso, Texas, United States, tration was “looking at all op- Maduro loyalists -- to call on the ruling Constituent Assembly ity” for dealing with the immi- things are certainly helpful and in this picture taken from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on Monday. (REUTERS) tions when it comes to closing legislature to strip Guaido of his immunity could open the way gration flows that US officials we’d like to see them continue,” the different ports of entry, for the opposition chief to be prosecuted. (AFP) say are overwhelming ports of Sanders said. earlier in a Twitter post earlier (decades), Mexico is appre- what that looks like and what entry along the border. “They Trump hinted at the shift on Tuesday. “After many years hending large numbers of peo- the impacts would be.” UDC highlights SMEs procurement practices PAGE 14

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

DOW26,175.51 QE 10,201.18 SENSEX 39,056.65 GOLD 1,296.10 SMEs vital to Qatar’s economic -82.91 PTS +46.29 PTS +184.78 PTS +0.15% growth: QA CEO Baker PAGE 14 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 15.06 BRENT 69.46 +0.65% WTI 62.67 +1.75% SILVER -0.26% Kaabi announces awarding of major LNG contracts in China

City went to a joint ven- few days. The main invita- plies and the sustainability QP hands offshore jackets contract to ture between Athens-based tions to tenders for the en- of their economic growth. Consolidated Contractors gineering, procurement and “As the largest LNG pro- McDermott as part of expansion project Company (CCC) and local construction of the onshore ducer, we are also expand- contractor Teyseer Trading facilities will be issued be- ing our capacity in many TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ity from 77 to 110 million and Contracting Company, fore the end of this month,” parts of the world. This in- DOHA tons per year by 2024. he said. he said. cludes adding 16 MTA from Kaabi, who is also the Kaabi was address- “In a few weeks, quali- our Golden Pass LNG export MINISTER of State for En- President and CEO of Qatar ing the 19th International fied ship yards will be in- project in the United States ergy Affairs HE Saad Sherida Petroleum, said American Conference and Exhibition vited to participate in a with our long-term strategic al Kaabi has announced the engineering firm McDer- on Liquefied Natural Gas tender for the provision of partner ExxonMobil. awarding of Qatar’s two signifi- mott got the contract for the (LNG2019) in Shanghai. LNG ship construction slots Kaabi was addressing the cant LNG contracts at a high- fabrication and installation “We are in the tender- for the LNG shipping fleet conference’s opening ses- profile conference in China. of offshore jackets. ing phase for eight rigs for required for the LNG expan- sion on the global LNG out- These contracts are relat- The contract for early the development drilling. sion project,” he added. look, alongside ExxonMobil ed to Qatar’s LNG expansion site works required to pre- The front-end engineering Kaabi said Qatar was Corporation Chairman and project designed to enhance pare the site of the four new and design of the onshore Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad Sherida al Kaabi partnering with several CEO Darren Woods and its capabilities by increasing 8 mtpa LNG mega-trains facilities with Chiyoda will addresses the 19th International Conference and Exhibition on countries to ensure the se- Chevron Corporation Chair- the LNG production capac- in Ras Laffan Industrial be completed in the next Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2019) in Shanghai. curity of their energy sup- man and CEO Mike Wirth.

GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL New QCB norms for insurance Customer, investor protection a top providers in force from today priority for QFCRA QCB instructions are in line with the steps taken by cbank to regulate and develop Qatar’s insurance market TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ity and timeliness of the QNA DOHA scheme’s operation, the DOHA new rulebook makes it eas- CUSTOMER and investor ier for customers to under- QATAR Central Bank (QCB) protection has been key stand the process. Governor HE Sheikh Abdul- pillars of the QFC Regula- Dr Mohammed Abdel lah bin Saud al Thani has is- tory Authority’s regula- Aziz al Kulaifi, Dean of sued Decision No 7 of 2019 tory framework since the the College of Law, Qatar on instructions for licensing, establishment of the Qatar University, and an inde- organising and supervising Financial Centre (QFC) in pendent adjudicator of the the services of supporting in- 2005, the authority said in a CDRS, said, “Qatar Univer- surance providers, pursuant statement on Tuesday. sity has studied the QFC to the provisions of the Law of QFC authorised firms CDRS model and consid- the QCB and the Regulation of are required to provide ers that the clarified CDRS Financial Institutions No 13 of their customers access to rules will ensure that cus- 2012. an internal complaints tomers of QFC authorised According to a QCB state- handling mechanism. If a firms have easy access to a ment issued on Tuesday, the customer is not satisfied free, fair and transparent instructions came into force with the firm’s resolution on April 1, 2019. of a complaint, the cus- The governor’s decision tomer can take the com- QFC authorised firms are obliged all those to whom the plaint to the Customer Dis- required to provide their provisions of the instructions pute Resolution Scheme customers access to an is addressed to, to regularise (CDRS), an independent internal complaints their status in accordance with adjudication process that handling mechanism the provisions of the instruc- has been in operation since tions and called on all the 2014. competent authorities to im- The CDRS, which is ad- redress mechanism, giving plement this decision. ministered through Regu- greater confidence in the The statement added that latory Authority rules, has integrity of the regulatory these instructions are in line resulted in a number of framework and the firms with the steps taken by QCB The Qatar Central Bank building on Doha successfully adjudicated that operate within it.” to regulate and develop the disputes, details of which The Regulatory Author- insurance market in Qatar. It have also included measures are summarised on the ity is equally interested in sets up necessary legal frame- The governor’s decision QCB issues T-Bills worth QR600 mn and procedures that require Regulatory Authority web- ensuring that its rules re- obliged all those to whom works to upgrade the pro- Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued on Tuesday treasury bills insurance providers to ensure site. garding fair outcomes for fessionals’ skills, which are the provisions of the for three, six and nine months, with a value of QR600 million that their obligations are met. The Regulatory Au- customers of QFC author- important in protecting the instructions is addressed According to a statement issued by QCB on Tuesday, the They also provided provi- thority has updated its ised firms keep pace with rights of policyholders. to, to regularise their status sions that must be taken in rules for the CDRS and best international prac- The instructions placed a treasury bills are distributed as follows: QR 300 million for certain cases when a violation has issued a new rulebook, tices and standards. This clear and specific mechanism three months at an interest rate of 2.46 percent; QR 200 of the provisions of the law or Customer Dispute Resolu- month, along with the new for licensing procedures and pany, and the bank authorised million for six months at an interest rate of 2.52 percent; instructions is proven. tion Scheme Rules 2019. CDRS Rules, the Regulato- required certain competen- to practice insurance business. QR 100 million for nine months at an interest rate of 2.58 The QCB continues its The CDRS covers financial ry Authority released rules cies and expertise that must The instructions also set percent. The issuance is part of the QCB’s monetary policy efforts to regulate the insur- services provided by QFC to update and strengthen be met by each supporting out the nature of the work and initiatives and its efforts to strengthen the financial system ance market and develop it firms such as financial existing rules to protect insurance provider includ- the respective areas of respon- as well as to activate the tools available for the open market in accordance with modern planning and advice, in- customers and investors of ing the representative of the sibility and functions and also operations. The issuance is part of a series of issues execut- international standards, thus vestments, general insur- QFC authorised firms. insurance company, the in- organised their relationship ed by QCB on behalf of the Government of the State of Qatar enhancing the position of the ance, life insurance, bank- Treating customers surance broker, reinsurance with the parties that deal with and in accordance with the schedule prepared by both Qatar insurance sector in the nation- ing, collective funds and fairly is the central theme broker, insurance consultant, them as insurance companies. Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Treasury bills are al economy and in line with trustee services. in the updated Customer actuarial expert, inspection They established profes- the Second Strategic Plan for In addition to improve- and Investor Protection expert, damage assessment, sional and ethical codes of issued through auction for banks operating in Qatar. (QNA) Financial Sector Regulation ments to the access, clar- Rules 2019 (CIPR). insurance management com- conduct for their business, and 2017-2022. Widam Food names new CEO Private sector credit growth in Qatar solid, says report TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK his position as the General SATYENDRA PATHAK subdued price pressures projects related to the 2022 figure. Soft food prices DOHA Manager of the Arab Qatari DOHA supported consumer spend- World Cup,” it said. and lower housing costs Agricultural Production ing in the country. The non-oil private sec- have muted price pres- QATARI shareholding com- Company. QATAR’S private sector reg- Highlighting Qatar’s sol- tor expanded at a moderate sures in recent months. pany Widam Food announced He also led several other istered solid credit growth in id economic position despite pace in the first quarter of Going forward, price pres- on Tuesday the appointment of leadership positions that the first two months of 2019 the ongoing blockade, the 2019, the report said. sures are expected to pick Al Noubay Salem al Marri as its earned him an extensive ex- when compared with same report said, “Qatar raised FocusEconomics pan- up on stronger economic new chief executive officer as of perience in the food sector. period of the previous year, $12 billion on March 6 in an elists see growth of 2.7 per- activity. The possible in- April 3, 2019. He started his career in the FocusEconomics has said in oversubscribed bond sale, cent in 2019, which is un- troduction of VAT presents Prior to his appointment operations department at its latest report. indicating strong investor changed from last month’s an upside risk to the infla- as CEO, Marri has held sev- Qatar Petrochemical Com- According to FocusEco- sentiment.” estimate, and 2.9 percent in tion outlook. Our panelists eral senior positions. He pany (QAPCO). Marri holds nomics Consensus Forecast “Growth should acceler- 2020. expect inflation to average served as the Director of the an MBA and BSc in logis- - Middle East & North Africa ate this year, supported by “Consumer prices fell 1.6 1.4 percent in 2019 and 2.3 Agricultural Division at Has- tics management and supply for April, the private sector higher hydrocarbon pro- percent year-on-year in Feb- percent in 2020,” the report sad Food, in conjunction with Al Noubay Salem al Marri chain from the UK. credit growth coupled with duction and infrastructure ruary, matching January’s said. Economy & Business Wednesday, April 3, 2019 13

KUWARI VISITS QIMC PAVILION AT HANNOVER FAIR MONEY WEEK QATAR 2019 Qatari entities join hands to promote financial education TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK very high importance on Youth port such initiatives that raise DOHA and Community Development, awareness among children in with a special emphasis on Qatar about the importance of PROMINENT Qatari enti- encouraging financial literacy financial education, financial ties including the Qatar Stock within the local community. inclusion and the principles Exchange (QSE), the Qatar “With that in mind, we are of good financial management Financial Centre (QFC), the delighted to support Money that will help them develop Qatar National Bank (QNB), Week Qatar for the second their financial future.” and the Embassy of the Neth- consecutive year, as we be- Michael G Ryan, CEO, erlands have come together lieve that by instilling financial Regulatory Authority said, “As as part of Money Week Qatar awareness at an early age, we part of our CSR programme, 2019, a week-long campaign are essentially empowering Mubadarah, we are commit- that is designed to promote young people to make sound ted to raising the financial lit- financial education among financial decisions now and in eracy of young people in Qatar school children. the future.” and making them aware of the The initiative comes as HE Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Am- many career choices in the fi- part of Global Money Week, bassador of the Netherlands nance sector. With its focus Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari visited the stand of Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) at a project that was originally to Qatar said, “I’m proud that on teaching children about Hannover Fair, in Hannover, Germany. The minister’s visit to QIMC stand was part of his tour to Qatar Pavilion at Hannover Fair, QIMC said in launched by Her Majesty Qatar participated for the the importance of saving and a statement on Tuesday. Hannover Fair is the world’s largest trade exhibition in the industrial sector that attracts largest production com- Queen Maxima of the Nether- third time. This year more investing, Money Week Qatar panies in the world and is the leading platform for industry technology. QIMC participation in Hannover Fair aims to promote its industries lands nine years ago, and has schools and more professional was a great fit for us, and our before international audience and familiarise the global community with investment opportunities across its businesses. (TNN) grown to become an annual volunteers enthusiastically employees who volunteered in global initiative that reaches took part. It’s great to see how the classroom thoroughly en- 169 countries and has touched eager children and youth are joyed themselves.” the lives of 32 million students. to learn that money matters. Hussein al Abdulla, Direc- The campaign aims to They are the next generation tor of Marketing and Com- raise awareness among school of change makers. It is there- munications, QSE said: “We children of the importance of fore so important to empower in QSE are proud of being financial education, inclusion young people to be aware of a part of the Global Money Global tensions to hit and the principles of good fi- the value of money, know how Week. This programme gave nancial management, QFC said to spend money wisely, and us the opportunity to deliver in a statement on Tuesday. realize they must save money our financial education to the The first edition of Money for their future.” students of the participating Week Qatar was held in 2017, San Lie, Project Leader schools and provide them with trade in 2019: WTO and saw participation from 100 Global Money Week Qatar, a grounding in how stock mar- students, gradually growing to said: “I am so happy that five kets work and the benefits of AFP mists said. become 1,100 students in 2018. new schools decided to join us sensible investing. GENEVA For this year, the down- This year’s edition engaged this year. They all indicated “We subscribe fully to the side risks again outweigh the over 1,500 primary school chil- they’d like to participate again goals of Global Money Week GLOBAL trade growth is ex- upside potential, but a “relax- dren from both local and inter- next year, since they see the in providing our youth with pected to be lower in 2019 ation” of tensions, especially national schools, and included impact of the guest lessons the knowledge that will allow than it was last year, the the lifting of restrictive trade a series of interactive activities on their students. I am very them to develop the necessary World Trade Organisation measures, could see 2019 beat such as guest lectures, daily grateful to the growing pool of skills to make smart financial forecast on Tuesday, citing the projections, the WTO said. school trips to QSE to under- volunteers, all of them tell me decisions throughout their widespread “tensions” and The projections released stand stock trading, along with they love to do this for their lives.” economic uncertainty. on Tuesday are based on a a range of other fun and educa- communities, which I think is “Financial education has The WTO had in its pre- “relatively smooth” Brexit tional activities. heart-warming.” been on QSE’s agenda since liminary estimates predicted playing out over the next two QFC Authority CEO Yousuf Salem al Naimi, Assistant long time and we have our a 3.7 percent expansion of years, WTO economist Cole- Mohamed Al Jaida said: “The General Manager – QNB Pub- own educational, training and trade for this year, but has man Nee told reporters. QFC’s CSR and Social Invest- lic Relations, said: “We are awareness activities. Based on revised that down to 2.6 per- Britain leaving the Euro- ment strategy ‘United for Good’ pleased to offer our sponsor- this responsibility, QSE en- cent, marking a decline on the pean Union without a with- underscores our long-term ship to this important initia- courages financial awareness three-percent growth record- drawal agreement, or the commitment to our ethical, so- tive that will bring great benefit particularly among the new ed in 2018. various other possible Brexit cial and environmental respon- to our future generations. Our generation and future lead- “The fact that we don’t scenarios that remain in play, sibilities and with that we place Group is always keen to sup- ers,” Abdulla added. have great news today should will impact global trade, Nee surprise no one who has been said. reading the papers over the But “the situation is so flu- last 12 months,” WTO direc- World Trade Organization director-general Roberto Azevedo in Geneva id,” Nee added. “We will have tor-general Roberto Azevedo on Tuesday. (AFP) to wait and see what the final told reporters in Geneva. outcome is,” before fully un- In its main annual fore- It was therefore becoming derstanding Brexit’s influence cast, the 164-member WTO “increasingly urgent” that ten- on world trade. renewed its concerns about sions are resolved, he added The WTO, which works systemic threats that could in a statement. to create a level playing field continue to disrupt the world’s The WTO is “definitely in global trade, has faced un- economy, notably retaliatory Trade decline hoping that we will hear good precedented criticism from tariffs between China and the news” from the US-China President Donald Trump’s United States. The WTO had in its preliminary talks, said Azevedo, who is a administration, which has ac- There are indications that estimates predicted a 3.7 Brazilian national. cused the body’s arbitrators of ongoing talks between Wash- percent expansion of trade for A year ago, the WTO pro- treating the US unfairly. ington and Beijing could re- this year, but has revised that jected that trade growth for Azevedo stressed that the solve the bruising tariff battle, down to 2.6 percent, marking 2018 would be 4.4 percent. WTO leadership was avail- but timelines for a possible a decline on the three-percent The fact that the final able to help nations work to- deal are not clear. growth recorded in 2018 number was 1.4 percent low- gether to improve the global Asked if he saw either side er than the initial estimate trade climate, but conceded emerging victorious in the highlights the considerable that when tensions mount trade spat between the world’s do said “there will be many downside risks plaguing the countries “tend to try to go on QFC Authority CEO Yousuf Mohamed al Jaida, HE Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Ambassador of the Netherlands to two largest economies, Azeve- losers”. global economy, WTO econo- their own”. Qatar and other officials at an event in Doha on Tuesday.

GOING ELECTRIC MG Motor rolls out electric MG EZS globally er this year. Motor is at the forefront of new en- Middle East hot weather testing part of It is equipped with a single ergy developments in the car indus- electric motor that drives the front try. Recent announcements regard- brand’s electric vehicle programme wheels and delivers 148bhp and ing the MG EZS demonstrate our 350Nm of torque – accelerating commitment in this field, and cus- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK electric hybrid vehicles and fuel this compact SUV from 0-50km/h tomers across the world will soon DOHA cell vehicles. It has launched more in 3.1 seconds. It has a range of be able to experience the benefits of than 20 NEV models to date, and 428km between charges and also an all-electric MG for themselves. WITH new energy vehicles (NEV) sold more than 140,000 NEVs in benefits from a fast-charging ca- We look forward to sharing news rapidly increasing in popularity, 2018, up 120 percent on the previ- pacity that allows up to 80 per cent on future new energy develop- 2019 will be a landmark year for ous year. of the charge to be replenished in ments for vehicles destined for the MG Motor as the company rolls out MG is already benefiting from just 30 minutes. Middle East market later this year.” its first all-electric SUV in a number this expertise, showcasing the E- And while the MG EZS is yet to 2018 was a great year for MG of markets around the world. Motion electric sports car concept be announced for the Middle East, Motor in the Middle East, with re- The MG EZS, already a Middle in 2017, and launched the MG6 Hy- the 1.5L petrol version of the MG ZS cord sales registered despite the East favourite in its petrol guise, is brid sedan in domestic market. gained popularity in the compact challenging market conditions. the first of a series of models fea- Marketing a range of NEVs in SUV segment and reached the sec- With a network of dedicated retail turing innovative electric vehicle the Middle East is key to MG’s am- ond top spot in sales volume across partners across the Middle East technology that will see the British- bitious plans. As part of its devel- MG EZS KSA. Available in three high value boasting 20 modern showrooms born brand establish its place as a opment programme, last year the trim levels, MG’s compact SUV is and 21 service centers, the brand’s world-leader in the field of NEVs. brand brought a Hybrid Electric process, which included visits to climatic conditions that the region the perfect option for buyers seek- presence is growing apace. And, MG’s parent company, SAIC (PHEV) version of its popular RX5 Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offers. ing a good-looking, well-equipped, with a further three new models Motor is the only automaker in SUV to the region for hot weather demonstrated that the company is The new MG EZS has already well-built car at a sensible price. joining the region’s model line-up China that is simultaneously de- testing. ready to deliver electric vehicles proved to be a success in China and Tom Lee, Managing Director for in 2019, MG is perfectly primed to veloping electric vehicles, plug-in This successful assessment that can cope with the challenging will go on sale in other markets lat- SAIC Motor Middle East, said, “MG continue its expansion. 14 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Economy & Business

TOP COMPANIES TAKE PART IN MOUSHTARAYAT 2019 Expo an excellent platform for Milaha to connect with local SME suppliers

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The fourth edition of Gov- DOHA ernment Procurement and Contracting Conference and MOUSHTARAYAT provides Exhibition offers key opportu- an excellent platform for Mila- nity for local SMEs to network ha to connect with local small with big buyers and medium-sized suppliers as “we expand our operations and pursue our development In 2019, Milaha will kick plans”, Milaha President and start plans to upgrade its CEO Abdulrahman Essa al shipyard facilities in Mannai has said. preparation for further “By prioritising local sup- pliers and vendors when growth in current markets sourcing goods and services, and expansion into new we further contribute to bol- areas of operations stering Qatar’s private sector in line with our commitment to supporting the country’s At the expo, Milaha is development, Mannai said. showcasing its range of busi- Over the past few years, Mi- ness activities, world-class laha has revamped a number shipping fleet and services, of its facilities and introduced while familiarising local SMEs unique services to support Qa- with its procurement prac- The Qatar Airways team at the company’s pavilion during the Moushtarayat 2019 expo in Doha on Tuesday. tar’s supply chain connectiv- tices. ity and ongoing development, In 2019, Milaha will kick with the inauguration of its start plans to upgrade its ship- Logistics City, a major invest- yard facilities in preparation ment that marked the com- for further growth in current SMEs vital to Qatar’s pany’s entry into cold chain markets and expansion into solutions, the company said in new areas of operations, the economic growth: Baker a statement on Tuesday. statement said.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK development of a diversified Moushtarayat aims to nor of Qatar Central Bank and Qatar Airways seamlessly DOHA economy in Qatar,” Baker said. create opportunities for Vice Chairman of Qatar Devel- connects passengers to more “Qatar Airways is delight- local suppliers and SMEs opment Bank, Sheikh Moham- than 160 destinations across QATAR Airways representa- ed to be present at this year’s by providing access to a med Bin Hamad al Thani. six continents via its award- tives will discuss potential Government Procurement and A multiple award-winning winning Hamad International procurement opportunities for Contracting Conference and network of prominent airline, Qatar Airways was Airport in Doha. small and medium enterprises Exhibition,” he added. buyers and suppliers named ‘World’s Best Busi- The carrier will launch a (SMEs) at Moushtarayat 2019, Moushtarayat aims to for government, ness Class’ by the 2018 World host of exciting new destina- CEO Akbar al Baker has said. create opportunities for local semi-government, and Airline Awards, managed by tions in 2019, including Lis- “Qatar Airways is a firm suppliers and SMEs by pro- large private entities international air transport rat- bon, Portugal; Malta; Rabat, believer that SMEs in Doha are viding access to a network ing organisation Skytrax. It Morocco; Davao, Philippines; vital to sustaining the growth of prominent buyers and The three-day procure- was also named ‘Best Business Langkawi, Malaysia; Izmir, of our economy, and we will suppliers for government, ment and contracting exhibi- Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Turkey; and Mogadishu, So- continue to support their ini- semi-government, and large tion was officially opened on Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best malia, Qatar Airways said in a tiatives, as they are key to the private entities. March 31 by the Deputy Gover- First Class Airline Lounge’. statement on Tuesday. A view of Milaha booth at the expo. UDC briefs on SMEs procurement practices at Moushtarayat

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK visitors on the company’s DOHA programmes and familiarise SMEs and entrepreneurs with UNITED Development Com- its procurement practices. pany (UDC) has participated UDC’s participation in the in the fourth edition of the event alongside other leading Government Procurement buyers is part of the company’s and Contracting Conference aim to support local SMEs. and Exhibition - Moushtaray- The conference featured at 2019. bilateral meetings with The expo provided a key SME owners and entrepre- platform for networking neurs to assess cooperation among big buyers and small prospects, and to advise lo- and medium-sized enterprises cal businesses on the pro- (SMEs), UDC said in a state- cedures relating to existing ment on Tuesday. public tenders extended by UDC’s booth brought to- larger private sector com- UDC’s booth brought together members of its procurement department to brief visitors on the company’s programmes and familiarise SMEs and entrepreneurs with its gether members of its pro- panies, semi-governmental, procurement practices. curement department to brief and governmental bodies.

News QC training programme on Shares slip after six-month in brief CSR International concludes peak, oil nears $ 70 a barrel REUTERS sion worries at bay. On Tues- Qatar real estate trading volume TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK responsibility and its role in NEW YORK day, the index held close to the exceeds QR342 million in a week DOHA, achieving the quality of busi- unchanged mark for most of ness in institutions and com- WORLD stock markets were the session. THE trading volume of registered real estate reached QATAR Chamber (QC) in munity giving, as well as pol- little changed on Tuesday after Major US indexes were QR342,452,126 between March 24 to 28, according to cooperation with Regional icy and procedure guidelines touching a six-month high as little changed, although the data released by the Ministry of Justice’s real estate Network for Social Responsi- Key issues for applying corporate social investors took a breather fol- blue-chip Dow Jones Industri- registration department. The department’s weekly report bility (RNSR) has concluded responsibility principles, in- lowing a three-day run of gains al Average was dragged down said the trading included empty lands, residential units, the training programme for The programmed addressed novation in designing com- while oil prices continued to by a slump of 12.58 percent in residential buildings, multipurpose empty lands and multi- the international community the reports of social munity-driven initiatives and climb amid the increased pos- Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc purpose buildings. Most of the trading took place in Doha, responsibility licence (CSR responsibility and its role in marketing tools for commu- sibility of tightening supply. after the drugstore chain cut Al Daayen, Umm Salal, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra, Al Khor and Al International) which is one achieving the quality of nity initiatives. Oil prices continued to its 2019 profit growth forecast. Thakhira. (QNA) of the United Nations pro- business in institutions and Meanwhile, the first real rally, with crude prices hitting Economic data did little to grammes adopted for the community giving, as well as estate committee meeting was their highest levels of the year stunt growth worries. Qatar Stock Exchange gains 46.29 Global Compact Academy for policy and procedure held in QC for the current year and Brent moving closer to the The Dow Jones Industrial social responsibility. under the chairmanship of QC $70 a barrel mark for the first Average fell 105.98 points, or points, closes day at 10,201 points Delivered by RNSR dep- guidelines for applying Board Member Abdulrahman time since mid-November. 0.4 percent, to 26,152.44, the uty chairman Ali Abdullah al corporate social responsibility Abdul Jaleel al Abdul Ghani. The gains came on the pros- S&P 500 lost 1.96 points, or QATAR Stock Exchange (QSE) index gained 46.29 points Ibrahim, the programme pro- principles, innovation in The meeting discussed the pect of more sanctions against 0.07 percent, to 2,865.23 and (0.46 percent) when the bourse closed trading at 10,201.18 vided the trainees with full designing community-driven issues and topics related to the Iran and further Venezuelan the Nasdaq Composite added points on Tuesday. The volume of shares traded decreased knowledge of the concept of initiatives and marketing tools development of the real estate disruptions that could deepen 12.16 points, or 0.16 percent, to 10,697,819 from 14,269,781, and the value of shares community responsibility, the for community initiatives sector in the country. an OPEC-led supply cut. to 7,841.07. decreased to QR264.96 million from QR290,56 million. From principles of the UN Global The real estate committee US crude rose 1.33 percent After a sluggish start, Eu- the 49 companies listed on QSE, shares of 44 saw trading Compact and its implementa- panies to achieve sustainable is concerned with discussing to $62.41 per barrel and Brent ropean shares built some late on Tuesday. From these, 20 companies gained, 22 closed tion mechanisms, standards of social returns, encourage the ways of developing the real was last at $69.20, up 0.28 momentum to close at their lower while remained two remained unchanged. Indices of community responsibility and private sector to seek com- estate sector in Qatar, limit- percent on the day. highest level in six months, four sector ended in green zone and three ended in the red. the preparation and design prehensive and environmen- ing and studying the problems MSCI’s key gauge of global helped by gains in insurers QSE Total Return Index increased 0.46 percent to 17,771.04 of community initiatives, QC tally friendly solutions, and in- and obstacles facing them, equities had rallied 1.1 percent and automakers. points, QSE Al Rayan Islamic Index added 0.55 percent to said in a statement onb Tues- crease social solidarity among finding suitable solutions for on Monday, its best perfor- Europe was led by a jump 4,070.14 points and QSE All Share Index went up 0.12 per- day. different segments of society. it and recommending the con- mance in three weeks, as man- of 1 percent in London’s FTSE cent to 3,071.56 points. (QNA) The programme also ad- The programmed also ad- cerned parties to discuss ways ufacturing data in China and 100 index as sterling weak- dressed tools to enable com- dressed the reports of social of activating them. the United States put reces- ened. www.guide.com.qa  Wednesday, April 3, 2019

REAL ESTATE SITUATION WANTED

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Qatar’s Mohammed al Meer moves closer to FRENCH COUPE DE FRANCE T2 title in Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge PAGE 19 PSG VS NANTES Doha to host Asia’s best athletes QNA DOHA

THE organising committee of the Asian Athletics Cham- pionships (Doha 2019) is intensifying preparations to host the 23rd edition of the Championships from April Big show at 21-24 at Khalifa International Stadium with the participa- Khalifa Intl tion of top athletes from the continent. Nearly 1,000 athletes will Dahlan al Hamad, Presi- compete for 186 medals in dent of the Asian Athletics 21 men’s and 21 women’s Warm welcome Association and Vice-Pres- events in addition to a mixed I’m thrilled to welcome ident of the International relay event that makes its Association of Athletics Fed- debut in the Asian Athletics Asia’s elite athletes to erations (IAAF), said Doha Championships. Doha, the global hub 2019 will be one of the most for athletics, where our important tournaments in outstanding facilities the history of Asia as Doha, promise to deliver a flawless the world-renowned athletics experience for everyone destination, is set to welcome Asia’s top athletes. involved in the event. “I’m thrilled to welcome Dahlan al Hamad, President Asia’s elite athletes to Doha, Asian Athletics Association the global hub for athletics, where our outstanding fa- and Vice-President IAAF cilities promise to deliver a flawless experience for eve- fans of the game in Qatar and ryone involved in the event,” the region,” said Qatar Ath- said Al Hamad. letics Federation President Al Hamad added that this Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman edition of the continental al Kuwari. athletics showpiece brings Along with the Diamond together nearly 1000 athletes League round in May, Asian and up to 450 officials from 45 Athletics Championships will countries, who will compete be the official test event of the for top honors in the world’s IAAF Worlds, with all ma- most populous continent. jor operations, including the “Qatar is about to embark The Khalifa International Stadium will see the Asian Athletics Championships being staged from April 21 to 24 with the participation of the continent’s best athletes. venue, transport and accom- on an enthralling summer modation, set to be examined of first-class athletics with The four-day tourna- ing athletes will compete for until it was unseated by last when the city hosts the World to ensure a smooth and spot- the IAAF Diamond League ment takes place at Khalifa 186 medals in 21 men’s events, editions hosts and eventual Championships. less experience during the and IAAF World Athletics International Stadium where 21 women’s events in addition winners, India. “It’s a great honour to global showpiece. Championships to follow as Innovative and environmen- to a mixed relay event that With top Asian athletes welcome some of the finest Doha has a proven track top athletics events staged tally friendly cooling tech- makes its debut in the Asian descending on Doha from the athletes in the world to Doha record of bringing interna- in Doha. There is no better nology has been successfully Athletics Championships. different regions of the con- for yet another major athlet- tional athletics to the region way to test our preparations operating, ensuring optimal The tournament will see tial period of Japanese dom- tinent, the Championships ics event. As always, our fa- by staging the annual Doha for such major events than conditions for athletes and the usual continental pow- inance over the champion- will surely produce promis- cilities and infrastructure are Diamond League, World hosting the Asian Athletics fans alike. erhouses go head-to-head ship, China has taken over ing athletes who can then ready to help athletes com- Indoor Athletics Champi- Championships,” Al Hamad Over morning and evening for the number one spot in as undisputed champion return to Doha in September pete at their best and deliver onships in 2010 and Asian stressed. sessions in which participat- Asia’s athletics. After an ini- for 17 consecutive editions and shine on the global stage an amazing atmosphere for Games in 2006. YOUSUF SCOOPS 100M FREESTYLE GOLD First Asian U-21 Dressage C’ship final in Doha

The final competition will Competitions to be be a two round competition held on April 5 & 6 with different horses provided by the Organising Committee TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Artistic in each round. DOHA The classification for the Dressage, the highest Final Competition will be de- DOHA will play host to the expression of horse training, cided by adding together the first Asian Equestrian Federa- is considered the most percentage scores attained in tion U-21 FEI Dressage Cham- artistic of the equestrian Round 1 and Round 2. pionship final to be held at the sports and can be traced as All riders and horses are Qatar Equestrian Federation far back as ancient Greece. expected to arrive in Doha by from April 4 to 6. The horse has to perform at a Wednesday (April 3) while the The qualifiers for the walk, trot and canter, and all mandatory vet check for the championship were held in tests are ridden from memory horses will be done on Thurs- Jakarta, Indonesia in October and follow a prescribed day at 3pm. 2018. pattern of movements. The Draw of starting order and The final will see some of horses will be done on Friday Asia’s promising and upcom- only exception is the followed by a welcome din- ing riders and horses show Freestyle which is specially ner later in the evening for all their prowess. choreographed for each horse attendees. There will be a Test Level and is performed to music. Dressage Test ride and for both Round 1 and Round 2: The popularity of Dressage Round 1 Competition will be- Qatar swimmer Yousuf al Khulaifi won gold in the 13-14 years 100m FEI World Dressage Challenge has increased rapidly in gin at 10am on Friday and last freestyle event with a time of 59.20 seconds at the Sarajevo Inter- Senior 1 Test (FEI Individual recent years. till 4pm. national Swimming Championships on Tuesday. This is Qatar’s third Competition Test Children). Saturday will see Dressage medal in the competition after Yaqoub al Khulaifi secured a gold and A separate draw for each Test ride and Round 2 Com- a bronze medal. The two swimmers participated in Sarajevo champi- round will be held to decide petition from 9am onwards. onships as part of the continuous presence of promising Qatari swim- athletes’ starting order in The event will see some of Asia’s promising and upcoming riders and horses show their prowess at Qatar The prize-giving ceremony mers in international competitions. each round. Equestrian Federation’s arena. will be held at 4.30pm.

Quick read Real Madrid unveil plans for ‘digital stadium of the future’ German FA president Reinhard Grindel resigns following controversies MADRID: Real Madrid’s planned stadium renovation will provide fresh sources of income for the club, president Floren- BERLIN: The president of the German Football Association (DFB) Reinhard Grindel confirmed on Tuesday that he had tino Perez said on Tuesday at the unveiling of designs for a revamped Santiago Bernabeu. The facelift is expected to be stepped down with immediate effect, ending three controversial years in charge. The 57-year-old has been under growing completed by 2023 and will cost an estimated 525 million euros, although it will not lead to an increase in capacity on pressure following controversies culminating in a newspaper report on Monday that he had accepted the gift of a 6,000 the current 81,000 spectators. Last September club members approved Real going into debt of up to 575 million euros euro ($6,700) watch from Hryhoriy Surkis, a UEFA vice-president and honorary president of the Ukrainian football federa- for 30 to 35 years to pay for the modernisation plan. tion. “I am stepping down from the position of DFB president, and I apologise for my less than exemplary behaviour “We want this to be a great digital stadium of the future, and it will be paid for by the income its renovation will provide, regarding my acceptance of a watch,” said Grindel. Surkis sat alongside Grindel on the executive committee of Euro- and it will make Real Madrid more competitive at a time when the footballing landscape is becoming ever less certain,” pean football’s governing body UEFA until last February. Yet Grindel denied that he had been given the watch for political Perez said. A retractible roof will be built, and the stadium will be wrapped in a titanium facade, while a 360 degree reasons. “For me this was an entirely private gift which I was bound to accept out of politeness,” he said. “I did not scoreboard will also be installed. Pedestrian areas will be built along with an expanded megastore and museum as well have any idea how expensive the watch was and it was a grave oversight on my part not to find out. In doing so, I could as restaurants and bars, to generate more revenue for the 13-times European champions. Perez said details of how the have avoided the impression that I was acting inappropriately.” Grindel said that Surkis had “no economic interest in the project will be financed will be revealed next week, adding that construction will begin at the end of this season.(REUTERS) DFB”. “I am deeply shaken to have to give up my role as DFB president over such an issue,” Grindel said. (AFP) Sports Wednesday, April 3, 2019 17 Giannis returns to power Ferrari test felt like home, says Mick Bucks’ win; Raptors romp Schumacher

AFP REUTERS NEW YORK MANAMA

GIANNIS Antetokounmpo re- MICK Schumacher, son of sev- turned from a right ankle sprain en-times world champion Mi- to score 28 points and grab 11 chael, made his Formula One rebounds Monday, powering test debut for Ferrari in Bahrain the Milwaukee Bucks to a 131- on Tuesday and lapped second 121 NBA victory at Brooklyn. fastest behind Red Bull’s Max The Greek star, who sat out Verstappen. a game due to the setback, lifted On a surprisingly wet day an injury-hit Milwaukee squad at the same track where his fa- within one game of clinching ther won the first grand prix in the best regular-season record the Middle East with Ferrari in the league and a home-court 15 years ago, Schumacher was edge throughout the NBA play- 0.597 seconds slower than the offs. 21-year-old Dutchman. “I thought it would be a re- His time of one minute ally good team but to be honest 29.976 seconds was set on the with you I didn’t think we would softest, and fastest, C5 tyres -- be the best team in the NBA,” softer than anyone else’s -- and Mick Schumacher walks out of Antetokounmpo said. he completed 56 laps on a day the garage after his first laps for Eric Bledsoe added 29 where track time was limited by Ferrari at the in-season test at points and reserve George Hill bad weather washing out much the Sakhir circuit in Manama on had 22 off the bench for the of the middle of the day. Tuesday. (AFP) Bucks, who lead the Eastern “I really enjoyed today. It Conference at 58-20 and can felt like home in the garage from Tuesday’s test was Mick’s clinch the best NBA mark with the very first moment with a lot first experience of a modern F1 a win Thursday at Philadelphia. of people that know me since I car, although he did drive his fa- “We know how important was very young,” he said. ther’s 1994 title-winning Benet- that is but we are just trying to The 20-year-old German, ton at the Spa-Francorchamps get better,” said Antetokounm- who made his Formula Two de- circuit before the 2017 Belgian po. “We could have played bet- but at the Sakhir circuit over the Grand Prix. ter tonight.” Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots the ball over Brooklyn Nets centre Jarrett Allen during the second half at Barclays weekend and finished eighth Michael Schumacher, who Antetokounmpo sparked Center in Brooklyn on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) and sixth in the two races, had still holds the record of 91 grand the Bucks as they pulled away been top with five minutes re- prix wins, won five of his titles late, hitting a 3-pointer and lat- But I have to do what’s best for All five teams battling for Jazz. maining before Verstappen with Ferrari in a golden period er rebounding his own 3-point the team to win and if that’s rest the final three playoff spots in Boston’s Kyrie Irving scored went faster. It was still the first from 2000 to 2004. miss and driving in for a slam then I will take a break.” the Eastern Conference lost 25 points and Al Horford pro- time since 2012 that a Schu- He last raced for the team in dunk to help seal the Nets’ fate. Danny Green powered To- We know how important Monday, moving Detroit (39- duced his second career tri- macher had led an official For- 2006 before a comeback with “When a team plays zone ronto with 29 points and the that is but we are just trying 38), Brooklyn (39-39) and Mi- ple double with 19 points, 11 mula One time chart. Mercedes from 2010-12 and has the whole game it’s hard,” he Raptors stayed in the hunt for to get better. We could have ami (38-39) nearer the post- rebounds and 10 assists in “The SF90 is incredible be- not been seen in public since he said. “But we started moving the overall top spot with a 121- played better tonight. I was season with Orlando (39-40) the Celtics’ 110-105 home vic- cause of the power it has, but suffered severe head injuries in the ball well and knocking down 109 home victory over Orlando, trying to wait for the game and Charlotte still chasing and tory over Miami, which had 30 it is also smooth to drive, and a skiing accident in the French some shots.” improving to 55-23 with four hoping. Despite Kemba Walk- points from Goran Dragic in a that’s why I enjoyed myself so Alps in December 2013. Sitting out a loss against At- games remaining. to come to me. My er’s 47-point effort, Charlotte losing cause. much,” said Schumacher. Mick, who joined the Fer- lanta forced him to take some And the Raptors clinched teammates did a good job lost 111-102 at Utah and slid to Thaddeus Young and Bo- “I was impressed by the rari academy in January, was time early to regain a smooth no worse than second in the finding me. 35-42, staying three games be- jan Bogdanovic each scored 19 braking power an F1 car has. It the only debutant on track in a flow with teammates. East when Philadelphia lost hind Miami for the eighth and points to lead seven players in seemed to me you could brake rain-hit session that followed “Just trying to get back into 122-102 at Dallas, the 76ers fall- Giannis Antetokounmpo final playoff position. double figures for Indiana in a later and later and the car would Sunday’s second grand prix of the rhythm,” he said. “I was try- ing to 49-28. Donovan Mitchell led Utah 111-102 home victory over De- have made the turn anyway.” the season. ing to wait for the game to come Justin Jackson led the Mav- The Sixers, playing without with 25 points while Span- troit. Domantas Sabonis had 18 The reigning European F3 Double world champion to me. My teammates did a ericks with 24 points while Joel Embiid, got 26 points from ish guard Ricky Rubio had 20 points and 12 rebounds off the champion will also test with Fernando Alonso, who left good job finding me. Tunisian reserve center Salah J.J. Redick, 25 from Tobias points and 13 assists and French bench for the Pacers while An- the Ferrari-powered Alfa Ro- Formula One at the end of last “I want to play every game Mejri added 16 points and 14 Harris and 17 from Australian center Rudy Gobert added 18 dre Drummond had 18 points meo team (formerly Sauber) on season, was back in a McLaren -- rest is not in my dictionary. rebounds for Dallas. guard Ben Simmons in the loss. points and 18 rebounds for the and 17 rebounds for the Pistons. Wednesday. testing tyres for Pirelli.

Murray returns to court after hip surgery Quick read Bencic, Ostapenko ease into second round in Charleston REUTERS as he was now pain free after twice, but targeted a possi- LONDON the surgery. ble return in doubles at this CHARLESTON: Swiss ninth seed Belinda Bencic made a strong start to her claycourt season with a 6-3 The 31-year-old post- year’s tournament as it put 6-0 win over qualifier Destanee Aiava to reach the second round of the Charleston Open in South Carolina ANDY Murray has returned ed a short video on Insta- less stress on his hip. on Monday. Bencic broke Aiava at love to open the match, one of the six break points she converted, and to a tennis court two months gram, where he was seen The three-times Grand was never really tested as the 18-year-old Australian made 24 unforced errors. Aiava did well to fight off after undergoing hip resur- hitting the ball in an outdoor Slam champion compared one match point but then double-faulted the next time the match was on the line to hand Bencic victory in facing surgery. court while rallying with a his situation to that of Amer- 56 minutes. Up next for the world number 21 at the green-clay event will be American Allie Kiick, who beat Murray, who has not wall with a caption, “It’s a ican doubles player Bob Bry- Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier 6-3 6-0. played competitively since start.” an who returned to the court Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, a runner-up here in 2017, dropped the opening game of his first round exit at the Murray had said he was 5-1/2 months after a similar her match but quickly righted the ship and dominated the rest of the way in a 6-1 6-4 win over Swede Johanna Australian Open in Janu- A file photo of Andy Murray dur- not sure he could play in the procedure. Larsson. Latvian Ostapenko had seven double faults in the match but rounded into form as the match wore on ary, said last month he could ing the Australian Open in Janu- singles draw at Wimbledon, This year’s Wimbledon before clinching the win by firing down an ace. She will next face American Shelby Rogers.(REUTERS) possibly play at Wimbledon ary this year. (REUTERS) a tournament he has won begins on July 1.

Swapping Kalashnikovs for bat and pads: Afghan cricket, the Taliban and peace

REUTERS ugee camps of cricket-loving chance against giants of the JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN Pakistan, where more than 3 game such as India, Australia million fled a Soviet invasion or England. DURING a lull in Afghani- and civil war in the 1980s and “We have a very strong stan’s never-ending war, 1990s, and has since made The sport is the only one most team and my dream is Af- before the fighting season huge strides in the country, of the fighters enjoy, ghanistan bring the World resumes once again in the particularly among ethnic commanders say, with Cup home,” said Hazrat Gul, a spring, Taliban fighters recall Pashtuns in the eastern border matches attracting hundreds young cricketer in the eastern laying down their Kalashnik- provinces. of spectators from city of Jalalabad, as he pre- ovs and, for a brief moment, Taj Malook Khan, who pared to play a friendly match enjoying a game of cricket. helped set up the Afghan Taliban-controlled villages against a team from neigh- The sport is the only one Cricket Club in Kacha Gari when there is no fighting. They bouring Kunar province. most of the fighters enjoy, refugee camp outside the Pa- are also fans of the As peace talks between commanders say, with match- kistani city of Peshawar in increasingly successful the U.S. government and Tal- es attracting hundreds of spec- the 1980s, and a small group national team. iban officials continue and Af- tators from Taliban-controlled of players used to cross into ghanistan looks for a way out villages when there is no fight- Afghanistan during the 1990s of 40 years of conflict, excite- ing. They are also fans of the Taliban era to play and pro- A video clip he shot on his ment is building and officials increasingly successful nation- mote cricket. mobile phone shows dozens and government ministers al team. The Taliban had banned of Taliban, many with Kalash- lavish praise on the players, “I love cricket,” said Mul- games such as cricket and nikov automatic rifles slung whom President Ashraf Ghani lah Badruddin, a Taliban com- football in the early years of across their shoulders, dissect- has called national heroes. mander in Khogyani district of their austere rule because they ing the quality of the team. From the other side of the Nangarhar, on the border with believed they kept men away Afghan men play cricket in Kabul. “I like all the players but war, the feeling is similar. Sadiq Pakistan, where a tournament from prayers, according to for- my favourite is Rashid Khan who has just returned to prac- organised by the militants at mer national cricketer Hasti Council in 2017, Afghanistan mier League (IPL), the razzle- sers, in line with traditional Arman,” says one fighter, re- tice after a long injury, aiming the start of last winter drew Gul, but later became more won its first five-day Test dazzle showcase of so-called dress codes. It also bears some ferring to the young spin bowl- to take part in the upcoming large crowds. tolerant of cricket. From there, match against Ireland last T20 cricket, the 12th season of resemblance to traditional Af- er who stars for the Afghan na- World Cup, said the Taliban “When Afghanistan play despite at least two attacks month after making steady which has just got under way. ghan children’s games involv- tional side and IPL’s Sunrisers usually send them congratula- against another team, we lis- in the past couple of years on progress in the lower levels of Despite the Taliban’s for- ing throwing and using sticks Hyderabad. “His bowling is tory messages through social ten to the radio with great in- cricket matches claimed by the international game. mer suspicion of organised to hit smaller sticks or balls. amazing.” media and on his cellphone terest and we also check for the ultra radical Islamic State However it is in the dy- sports and their opposition Karim Sadiq, a former when Afghanistan win. scores in social media and group, the game now rivals namic, shorter form of the to much of the transforma- batsman in the national team World Cup dream Such broad appeal has follow those in Facebook who football for popularity in a sport that Afghans have had tion in Afghanistan since their and an early pioneer of the With the approach of the seen the sport widely hailed give live updates,” he told Reu- country that has long been cut most impact. hardline Islamic regime was sport who visited some Tali- cricket World Cup in England as a unifying force in Afghani- ters by telephone. off from international sport. Players such as spin bowl- toppled in 2001, many of the ban-controlled areas in east- and Wales from May to July, stan, a patchwork of different First played in Afghani- er Rashid Khan or big hitting mainly Pashtun movement’s ern Afghanistan this year, said Afghanistan’s hopes of mak- languages and cultures, some- stan by British troops in the Star Names batsman Mohammad Nabi fighters are fans. he was mobbed by fighters ing a dent in the tournament times at peace with each other 19th Century, the game was Admitted as a full member Esakhil have become undis- Unlike football, cricket is asking about the game and are higher than they have ever but increasingly in recent adopted by Afghans in the ref- of the International Cricket puted stars of the Indian Pre- played in long sleeves and trou- their favourite players. been, even if few give them a years in conflict. 18 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Sports Contract rebel Al Sadd-Al Ahli pick of the bunch Icardi set for long-awaited in penultimate QSL weekend Inter return AFP MILAN ing champions Al Duhail to a The Wolves need 2-2 draw. Only a win would INTER Milan forward Mauro be enough for Jesualdo Icardi will return to action on three points Ferreira’s men with Al Du- Wednesday after nearly two hail four points behind tak- months out amid off-pitch dra- from the game ing on bottom-placed Al ma over contract talks as the Kharaitiyat. Serie A club battle for Cham- to seal a 14th Rui Faria’s Al Duhail pions League football next sea- cannot afford a slip-up as son, coach Luciano Spalletti league title they still have chance to to confirmed on Tuesday. retain the championship. Al The Argentina striker was TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Kharaitiyat are fully aware stripped of the captain’s arm- DOHA that they stare at relegation band on February 13 amid ne- with only two matches re- gotiations played out on social THE stage is set for the QNB maining. So The Thunders media and TV via Icardi’s wife Stars League Week 21 action. are sure to go all out. and agent Wanda Nara, and All matches will be played on Seventh-placed Al Ghara- hasn’t played since Inter beat Thursday in a bid to give all fa (25 points) take on Al Khor Parma a few days before. 12 teams equal advantage. (10th with 18 points) with an He was also left out of the The fixtures are Al eye to improve their position weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Kharaitiyat vs Al Duhail even though they cannot fin- fellow Champions league chas- (18:10) at Al Ahli Stadium, ish among the top four this ers Lazio as punishment for the Al Khor vs Al Gharafa (18:10) season. row, which on Sunday Spalletti at Al Khor Stadium, Al Sadd In the relegation battle, described as “humiliating”, de- vs Al Ahli (18:10) at Al Sadd Al Khor are still not com- spite rumours he would play. Stadium, Qatar SC vs Al Ara- pletely out of danger zone “The conditions are now bi (18:10) at Qatar SC Stadi- and will look to sustain the right for Mauro to help the team um, Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya winning momentum, having again,” Spalletti told a press (20:20) at Al Ahli Stadium defeated Al Kharaitiyat in conference ahead of Wednes- and Umm Salal vs Al Shaha- Week 20 by a big margin. day’s game against Genoa. nia (20:20) at Qatar SC Sta- Qatar SC, 11th with 16 “He’ll play from the start dium. points, face Al Arabi with because he’s displayed the right The final round of match- relegation threat in mind. reaction. He’s trained well in es will be played either on Al Arabi are sixth with 27 the past few days, and if a play- 12th or 13th April. The kick- points. er is in the squad they’re able to off timings and venues will Al Rayyan and third- lend the team a hand. “Blood, be decided later. placed Al Sailiya will take the sweat and tears are needed This weekend, four field with top-four finish at when you play for our colours.” matches will kick off at 18:10 stake as the latter have only The three-time European and two at 20:20. one point more than the for- champions are third in Serie In the big game on Thurs- mer (33 points). A – 25 points behind leaders day, Al Sadd will host Al Ahli ons and extend their record are tied with fourth-placed points in their bid to finish sealed the title last week- Al Shahania will surely Juventus, but just two points knowing a win will see them title to 14. Al Rayyan on 33 points, so in the top-four bracket. end but were lucky to have have a point to prove when ahead of fourth-placed AC crowned as league champi- Al Ahli on the other hand they will be keen to collect Al Sadd could have held contenders and reign- they play Umm Salal. Milan.

Quick read Toure blasts football chiefs over racism UEFA chief Ceferin slams outbreaks of AFP UEFA have opened discipli- racist abuse LONDON nary proceedings against Mon- tenegro, including a charge of FOUR-TIME African football- racist behaviour. LONDON: UEFA president Alek- er of the year Yaya Toure says Toure, though, is painfully sander Ceferin admitted on football authorities should be aware of how football authori- Tuesday that he is ashamed of more proactive when it comes ties get excited when racism the recent outbreaks of racism to racism. hits the headlines then drop that have blighted football this The 35-year-old former it, as FIFA did in 2016 by clos- season. England stars Raheem Ivory Coast great -- who also ing down a racism Task Force Sterling, Danny Rose and starred for Barcelona and Man- on which he sat. He dryly ob- Callum Hudson-Odoi endured chester City -- said football’s served that with the incident racist abuse from Montenegro governing bodies only reacted last week his services may be fans during last month’s Euro once incidents had already oc- called upon again. 2020 qualifier, while in the curred, as in the case of the rac- Former Manchester City and Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure. “They’ll probably ask me club game Inter Milan, Dinamo ist chanting during England’s to come and do this or that,” Arsenal’s French striker Alexandre Lacazette in action against Newcas- Zagreb and Dynamo Kiev have Euro 2020 qualifier in Monte- saying: ‘We have to have a meet- mate Sterling for his behaviour he said. “But I’ve been there tle United during their English Premier League match at the Emirates all been punished with full or negro last week. ing! We have to do something! during the match. The 24-year- for how many years. I’ve been Stadium in London on Monday. (AFP) partial venue closures due to The Montenegro fans di- “It shouldn’t work that way. old restricted his response to there. People only start to see it racist behaviour by supporters. rected their chants at several We have to be proactive. Some- cupping a hand to his ear after when something happens.” “I am ashamed, ashamed that England players including de- thing that is seen. scoring a goal in the 5-1 thrash- Manchester United striker Arsenal up to third as in 2019 we have to hold a fender Danny Rose and striker “We have to be working be- ing of their opponents. Romelu Lukaku believes that conference to promote diver- Raheem Sterling. fore that kind of situation with “I was surprised Raheem the England team should have sity,” said Ceferin. “It is wor- “They (the football authori- Raheem is happening.” Sterling stayed so calm,” said walked off. rying to see world leaders and ties) sit and they have their cof- Toure, who was speak- Toure. “I have seen it happen in Ramsey, Lacazette politicians playing down racist fee, their wine,” Toure told the ing after receiving an award “He is like my little brother. countries and then the team and discriminatory incidents.” Daily Mirror. “Then they hear from Football Against Racism When you have seen what he would get sentenced and stuff (AFP) a case like Raheem happening in Europe (FARE), praised his has done surely he has to be like that,” the Belgian told Sky sink Newcastle and they jump on the phone former Manchester City team- Footballer of the Year.” Sports News. AFP first time since December LONDON 1997 to May 1998. Arsenal finished with 63 UNAI Emery challenged revi- points in Wenger’s final sea- talised Arsenal to write their son, but Emery has matched Manchester City look to go back on top own history after they climbed that tally with seven games to to third place in the Premier spare. League with a 2-0 win against No wonder Arsenal fans Newcastle on Monday. celebrated an important win as Spurs finally open new stadium Aaron Ramsey’s first half by taunting their splutter- strike was followed by Alexan- ing north London rivals with DPA at their temporary home Wem- dre Lacazette’s killer second in chants of “are you watching LONDON bley Stadium. Manager Mau- the closing stages at the Emir- Tottenham”. ricio Pochettino hopes this will ates Stadium, maintaining “It’s a new history. We are THE tennis match the Premier give them some much needed Arsenal’s impressive progress creating our own way. Our tar- League title chase is resembling inspiration. under Emery. get is very clear,” Emery said. resumes midweek with the ball “Now we have a mini- Emery’s side climbed two “We have created a big in Manchester City’s court. league, seven games ahead and points above fourth placed atmosphere here. We are in a Holder Man City and Liver- it’s in our hands to finish in the Tottenham and fifth placed good moment, a good mental- pool have gone back and forth top four,” he said. Manchester United to bolster ity with the players. at the top the past few weeks “We also have the quar- their chance of qualifying for “We are improving and with neither able to grab a firm ter-finals of the Champions the Champions League via making progress, but we hold. League and the new stadium a top-four finish with seven know it is difficult. Totten- City beat Fulham on Satur- on Wednesday. That’s going to games to go. It is the first ham, Chelsea and Manchester day to leap-frog the Reds, only be a big boost for us.” time Arsenal have been as United are going to win a lot for Juergen Klopp’s side to re- The curtain can drop on high as third place since April of games.” turn the favour with a late 2-1 Fulham’s disappointing one- 2017, highlighting their im- Newcastle remain seven win over Tottenham the next season return to the Premier provement since former Paris points above the relegation day. City are two points back League. The Cottagers visit Saint Germain boss Emery zone after a 12th defeat in their but do have a game in hand, General view of the interior of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of a test event for the new Watford on Tuesday in the replaced Arsene Wenger at last 13 meetings with Arsenal. which comes on Wednesday stadium in London. (AFP) midst of an eight-game losing the end of last season. “If you don’t take the when they host Cardiff City. streak that’s kept them rooted Ramsey’s fifth goal of the chances and aren’t precise With much being made It’s one of five games in later on Monday as fifth-placed the latest coming Sunday at second-bottom of the table. season was only the Wales against a good team, you of their quest for four titles, a midweek reschedule for the Arsenal (60) can go third by Liverpool as an error by keep- They are 16 points from midfielder’s second since he know it is a matter of time manager Pep Guardiola is urg- FA Cup. Three involve teams in beating Newcastle to close out er Hugo Lloris resulted in an safety with six games remain- signed a lucrative pre-con- until you make a mistake,” ing his players to focus only the tight battle for the top four the weekend action. stoppage-time own goal. ing, meaning anything but a tract agreement to join Ju- Newcastle boss Rafael Ben- on what’s immediately in front while the other could end Ful- Manchester United (61) They hope to change their win will see them join Hud- ventus at the end of the cur- itez said, before taking a shot of them. ham’s survival hopes. then visit Wolverhampton on fortunes against Palace in the dersfield in relegation. rent campaign. at owner Mike Ashley’s lack “It’s not to think so much Just one point separates Tuesday, with Chelsea host- much-awaited first game at “It’s still mathematically But, while Ramsey won’t of investment in new players. about the titles, it’s what’s third-placed Tottenham (61 ing Brighton and Tottenham their new home. The stadium, possible (to stay up), but being be part of Emery’s long-term “We have been speaking all next,” he said. “What’s next points) and sixth-placed Chel- opening their new stadium on the site of the old White realistic we need to look ahead plans, the future still looks season about the final third, is Cardiff, prepare well and go sea (60) in the fight for the final against Crystal Palace the next Hart Lane, was due to open in at where we lie and it’s a tough bright for Arsenal, who re- you have to spend £50 million, like a machine to win, to play, two Champions League places. night. Sputtering Tottenham August but numerous delays ask of course,” interim man- corded a 10th consecutive £75 million (to have players to and try to win.” And even that could change have lost four of their last five, pushed that back leaving Spurs ager Scott Parker said. home league victory for the make a difference).” Sports Wednesday, April 3, 2019 19

News Gopal, Buttler end RR’s in brief Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal fined for night out in Dubai losing streak in IPL KARACHI: Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal’s dancing skills off the pitch have landed him in trouble as the maverick middle- order batsman was fined 20 percent of his match fee for a night out in Dubai. The leg-spinner grabs three wickets in three overs to restrict RCB at 158 for four The 28-year-old talented yet indisciplined player was in the United Arab Emirates for a five-match series against Australia, IANS for a six and a four as RCB managed to which Pakistan lost 5-0 in Dubai on Sunday. JAIPUR score 51 runs in the last five overs. It was his first international fixture since January 2017. RCB were off to a good start as Koh- But a video clip circulating on social media showed JOS Buttler and Steve Smith made sure li looked in positive frame of mind from Umar attending a concert and dancing on Friday night in Shreyas Gopal’s valiant effort with the ball one, working K. Gowtham through Dubai. ball did not go in vain, as Rajasthan midwicket for a couple of runs. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement late Royals beat Royal Challengers Banga- Facing most of the deliveries in the Monday that Umar had apologised after team manager Talat Ali lore (RCB) by seven wickets in their IPL early stages, Kohli was looking good charged him with breaching the team’s curfew and going to a game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium when Patel joined him to welcome club, a violation of the rules for tours. here on Tuesday. Archer by hitting him for three fours in Leg-spinner Gopal (3/12) snared the fifth over. three wickets in his three overs to re- At the end of six overs, RCB were Britannia, ICC tie up to restart World Cup duce RCB to 73/3 from a steady 49/0 48/0, but just after the Powerplay, Go- contest and they could only manage 158/4 in pal removed Kohli with a superb googly 20 overs after being asked to bat first. that beat the right-hander all ends up to BENGALURU: Britannia Industries Ltd. on Tuesday partnered Chasing a modest 159 for victory, crash into the stumps through the gate. with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to bring back their Buttler (59; 43b; 8x4 1x6) made the Gopal did not stop, sending the oth- World Cup lucky draw contest whereby the winners can watch most of a reprieve when he was dropped er ‘big fish’ de Villiers back in the hut in the showpiece cricket event live. on 7 by RCB skipper Virat Kohli in the the ninth over for just 13 with another The contest, which debuted in 1999, will have the mega second over to bring up his seventh fifty wrong’ un that stopped on the batsman prize going to 100 consumers who will each win an all-expens- in the last ten IPL games while Smith forcing him to punch the ball back to es paid trip to watch a cricket World Cup match live in England -- dropped thrice -- scored a 31-ball 38 the bowler. and Wales. before finally holing out to Umesh Ya- Gopal then accounted for Het- “The promotion is also set to offer a bouquet of experienc- dav at long on off Mohammed Siraj. myer (1) as well two overs later, the es and rewards to millions of consumers who SMS a promo Yuzvendra Chahal (2/17) was the big-hitting West Indian failing to read code (on pack). The prizes include a lucky draw as well as pick of the bowlers for RCB as he got the another googly that turned away from assured gifts such as e-vouchers and signed memorabilia from wickets of Royals’ captain Ajinkya Ra- him to take the outside edge for Buttler cricket legends,” a statement said. hane (22) and Buttler but it was too lit- to complete a sharp catch behind the World Cup 1983 winning legends Kapil Dev, Roger Binny, tle too late as Rahul Tripathi (34 off 23 stumps. Syed Kirmani and Kris Srikkanth were present here to help not out) hit a six off the penultimate ball Patel and Stoinis tried to steady the kick-off the event. of the innings to take his team home. ship from there on with the Australian Royals needed five in the final over struggling to get going. Patel tried his and as much as it looked like they would best to drag the team to a fighting total Royal backdrop for Cricket World Cup make heavy weather of a simple chase, Rajasthan Royals’ Shreyas Gopal celebrates after dismissing Royal Challengers Banga- but holed out to Rahane at long on off launch party Tripathi pulled Umesh for a maximum lore captain Virat Kohli during the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket Archer in the 18th over, looking to up to complete the formalities with one match in Jaipur on Tuesday. (AFP) the ante. LONDON: The launch for this year’s cricket World Cup in Eng- run needed in two balls. From then on, Stoinis and Moeen land will take place on The Mall in central London, organisers RCB, thus, succumbed to their for the opening wicket, then cut short Stoinis was unbeaten on 31 off 28 balls hit a few boundaries to end on a high. hoping for a 4,000 sell-out crowd said on Tuesday. fourth straight loss to stay rock-bottom AB de Villiers and Shimron Hetymer’s and Moeen Ali played a nine-ball 18 run The Mall -- which links Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar in the points table while Royals regis- stay at the crease in his next two overs cameo to help the struggling outfit post BRIEF SCORES: Square -- will host the party on May 29, the eve of the opening tered their first win. as the visitors were reduced to 73/3 in a competitive total. Royal Challengers Bangalore: 158/4 (Parthv Patel 67; game between England and South Africa, featuring “music, Earlier, Gopal was given the ball in 10.1 overs. Patel and Stoinis joined hands for a Shreyas Gopal 3/12) dance and some of the biggest names in sport”, according to the seventh over and the leg-spinner Patel top-scored for RCB with a pa- 53-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rajasthan Royals: 164/3 in 19.5 overs (Jos Buttler 59, the organisers. first broke skipper Kohli (23; 25b; 3x4) tient 41-ball 67 -- his knock laced with In the final over, Jofra Archer (1/47) Steve Smith 38, Rahul Tripathi 34 not out; Yuzvendra “The opening party will capture the very essence of what and Parthiv Patel’s 49-run partnership nine fours and a six -- while Marcus leaked 17 runs with Ali smashing him Chahal 2/17) makes this tournament so special and will be hugely exciting for the fans that are lucky enough to attend,” said World Cup managing director Steve Elworthy. “The Mall, with Buckingham Palace in the background, is synonymous with some of the biggest events held in the UK and is instantly recognisable to everyone around the globe. 16 teams to compete in Aspire embassies futsal “It will be a fitting celebration of a World Cup, cricket and sport with diversity at its core,” added the 54-year-old former South Africa bowler. Tickets for the launch party for the tournament -- which runs from May 30 to July 14 -- will be allocated in a free ballot which opens on Thursday.

BCCI wants Pandya-Rahul chapter to end with WC on mind

NEW Delhi: With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ombudsman DK Jain sending out notices to India all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opening batsman KL Rahul to depose before him in a pending enquiry following their inappropriate comments in a TV chat show, the board is looking forward to end the row keeping the World Cup in mind. Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI executive said that every- one in the board is on the same page and feels that it is time that the issue was put to rest. “Everyone in the board feels that this issue needs to come AZF officials and representatives of embassies during a technical committee meeting in Doha. to an end. The players committed a mistake and there is no two-way about it. But the players were sent home from the tour TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Women’s Sports Hall on of Iraq, South Africa, Eretria dan in the opening match on Aspire Ramadan Festival edi- of Australia, they did apologise for their mistake and are also DOHA Thursday. and Bosnia, while the Group Thursday at 5 pm, followed tion in 2015, is an opportunity set to depose before the ombudsman. The tournament, featur- C will be contested by Spain, by the Syria vs Mali match at for diplomats and representa- “With the World Cup round the corner, the general senti- ASPIRE Zone Foundation ing 16 teams, will conclude Japan, Azerbaijan and Oman. 6:00pm. At 7:00pm, Iraq and tives of the embassies to take a ment is that the matter should be put to an end,” the executive (AZF) held a technical meet- on April 27. The participating The Group D contains Por- South Africa are scheduled to break from their typical work said. ing to review the preparations teams have been divided into tugal, Djibouti, France and clash and Bosnia face Eritrea setting and experience an Another BCCI functionary said that the ombudsman has for the third edition of the As- four groups. The Group A Ministry of Foreign Affairs of at 8:00pm. electrifying environment that been given the matter as priority and Jain will in all likelihood pire Embassies Futsal Tourna- has Jordan, India, Mali, and Qatar. The tournament, which combines activity and enter- submit his report within a week of meeting the players. ment, which is slated to start Syria. The Group B consists India will take on Jor- grew out of the popular mini tainment. Qatar driver Meer closer Nawaf helps Qatar rally to win to T2 title in Abu Dhabi TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK held in Czech Republic in Au- DOHA gust, as well. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Japan and Hong Kong DOHA RASHED Nawaf won both his have won two matches and rubbers and helped Qatar post each and the winner of their QATARI driver Mohammed a come-from-behind 2-1 vic- match on Wednesday will al Meer is firmly on course tory against Chinese Taipei in make it to the last four. The to capture the T2 production the Asia-Oceania Final Quali- similar scenario is in Pool D class title with two stages re- fying Tournament for the ITF too, with India and Thailand maining in the Abu Dhabi World Junior Tennis Cham- locked with two victories each Desert Challenge, powered by pionship (Under-14) in Kuala ahead of their crucial match. Nissan. Lumpur on Tuesday. Australia are on the top of Pool In the opening rubber of C with two wins, while South He completed Tuesday’s their second Pool B match, Korea and Kazakhstan are tied Qatar’s Nasser al Yafei suf- with one win in two matches. 297.9km Nissan Stage fered a 2-6, 0-6 loss against On Wednesday, Australia face holding a massive 206- Hsin Yu Yang. off with Korea. hour T2 lead over Russian But Nawaf played bril- Alexander Baranenko. liantly and sparked Qatar’s Results (Pool B) return with a 6-2, 6-2 win Chinese Taipei lost to Qatar 1-2 Partnered by Russian co- against Yu-Cheng Tseng in the Hsin Yu Yang (Chinese Tai- driver Alexey Kuzmich in a second singles. pei) beat Nasser al Yafei (Qatar) Nissan Patrol, Meer needs Mohammed al Meer of Qatar in his Nissan Patrol during Tuesday’s T2 He and Yafei then com- 6-2 6-0 only to avoid a major misfor- category action in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. bined well to best Yun Yang Yu-Cheng Tseng (Chinese tune over the next 48 hours Lin and Yu-Cheng Tseng by Rashed Nawaf of Qatar: Leading the team’s challenge Taipei) lost to Rashed Nawaf to ensure he celebrates at the ing a massive 206-hour T2 the dunes of the Rub Al Khali. 6-2, 6-2 to wrap up the win. (Qatar) 2-6 2-6 Yas Marina Circuit finish on lead over Russian Alexander Saudi driver Ahmed al She- This was the first win for On Wednesday, Qatar will Chinese Taipei so far. Group Yun Yang Lin & Yu-Cheng Thursday. Baranenko in a Toyota Land gawi had taken a Nissan Patrol Qatar in two matches after take on pool leaders China, toppers will advance to the Tseng (Chinese Taipei) lost to He completed Tuesday’s Cruiser after his main rivals all to victory in the T2 category having lost the opener to New who have won both the match- semi-finals and also qualify for Nasser al Yafei & Rashed Nawaf 297.9km Nissan Stage hold- collected huge time penalties in last year. Zealand 1-2. es against New Zealand and the world championship, to be (Qatar) 2-6 2-6 20 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 The Last Word

SHEIKHA MAYASSA ATTENDS GEORGETOWN JOINT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

HE Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad al Thani attended Georgetown Joint Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday. In a tweet, Sheikha Mayassa wrote, “We had an excellent discussion at the Georgetown Joint Advisory Board meeting at our new National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). I congratulate Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) on the publication of 100 books authored by its faculty, staff and fellow researchers. (TNN)

15 innovative projects Sidra to host world paediatric surgery meet from nine countries The 6th World Congress of Paediatric Surgery will have nearly 1,000 surgeons from across the globe

for 2019 WISE Awards TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tive; and Dr Pippi Salle, chief of lenges facing the care of children DOHA Urology and the chair of Urol- in high and low income coun- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The projects were select- ogy for the congress. tries will frame each interactive DOHA SIDRA Medicine has an- Prof David Sigalet said: “I learning session. ed from a pool of 482 nounced that it will be hosting am very pleased that Sidra Med- Prominent experts to par- THE World Innovation submissions evaluated the 6th World Congress of Pae- icine, after opening its main hos- ticipate in the conference in- Summit for Education according to strict criteria. diatric Surgery from November pital in January, 2018, is ready clude: Dr Ron Hirschl, Prof (WISE) – an initiative of They must be established, 1 to 3 at the Qatar National Con- to host this year’s WOFAPS Philip Ransley, Dr Pippi Salle, Qatar Foundation – has an- innovative educational vention Center in Doha. congress in Doha. This is our Dr Steve Rothberg, Dr Kokila nounced the 15 finalists for The congress is organ- opportunity to showcase Qatar’s Lakhoo,Professor Jörg Fuchs, the 2019 WISE Awards. projects that have already ised by the World Federation commitment to hosting interna- Dr Michael Sjöö,Dr Marc A Lev- The WISE Awards rec- demonstrated a trans- of Associations of Paediatric tional medical events aimed at itt, Prof Antoine E Khoury and ognise and promote inno- formative impact on indi- Surgeons (WOFAPs). Sidra improving the care of children Prof Paul Merguerian. vative projects from across viduals, communities and Medicine will be serving as a Dr Mansour Ali, chair of Pediatric Surgery and the Middle East WO- around the world. The theme of In addition to the interna- the world that are address- society of their context host for the first world con- FAPS representative and Prof David Sigalet, chair of Patient Services the conference is ‘Collaboration, tional surgical expertise,who ing global educational gress of WOFAPs in the Mid- and the current president of WOFAPS with Dr Pippi Salle, chief of Education and Training: Mov- will be leading sessions, WO- challenges. dle East and is expecting to urology and the chair of urology for the congress. ing beyond borders to improve FAPS 2019 expects to show- This year, the 15 finalists Micro:bit Educational welcome nearly 1,000 del- the surgical care of children’.” case more than 400 pres- selected by a panel of inter- Foundation; United World egates from all over the world. care for children in high- and cluding Prof David Sigalet, the WOFAPS 2019 will include entations by participants, national experts come from Schools; Teaching the The congress aims to cover the low-income countries. chair of Patient Services and a comprehensive discussion of including oral, video and post- nine countries. Unreached; Akilah Insti- most cutting edge advances in WOFAPS Qatar will be un- the current president of WO- the ‘classical’ challenges in gen- er walks. Selected abstracts The projects tackle a tute; Family Business for paediatric surgical care, in ad- der the leadership of a group FAPS; Dr Mansour Ali, chair of eral and urological paediatric will be eligible for publication number of pressing issues, Education; My Machine; dition to current challenges of internationally-renowned Pediatric Surgery and the Mid- surgery. Newsworthy research, in a special volume of Paediat- including early childhood Personal Safety Educa- impeding optimal surgical Sidra Medicine surgeons in- dle East WOFAPS representa- surgical techniques and chal- ric Surgery International. education; girls’ education; tion Programme; Stawisha coding and digital skills; in- Leadership Institute; Open novative higher educational Classrooms; ReBoot Kamp; models; improving teacher Dost Education’ Peer Coach- training and motivation; ing Plan; Moringa School; education in emergencies; Institut de l’Engagement; Dutch team visits QRCS to bolster cooperation stimulating critical thinking Programa Criança Feliz and and creativity; alternative Career Aware. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK balanced workflow. ways of learning for employ- The projects were se- DOHA “Other ways to facilitate the ment; and personal safety lected from a pool of 482 work include operating under education for children. submissions evaluated ac- A DELEGATION from the the umbrella of the movement WISE CEO Stavros N cording to strict criteria. They Netherlands visited Qatar Red and the United Nations, as- Yiannouka said, “Each of the must be established, innova- Crescent Society (QRCS), as sociating with fellow national 2019 WISE Awards finalists tive educational projects that part of a diplomatic tour to the societies and local partners and has built an effective, tested have already demonstrated a Middle East. The team com- establishing foreign representa- solution to a global educa- transformative impact on in- prised Eline Kasanwidjojo tion offices,” Maliki pointed out. tional challenge. dividuals, communities and from Security Policy Depart- The meeting also re- “Whether ensuring ac- society of their context. They ment, Paul Sassen, regional viewed the latest humanitar- cess to fundamental early also need to be financially security coordinator, and ian developments in Qatar childhood education or pre- stable, have a clear develop- Amin Zaghdoud, political af- and regionally. They focused paring children for the 21st ment plan and be scalable fairs officer at the Dutch Em- on the countries where QRCS Century workplace, each and replicable. bassy in Qatar. Ibrahim Abdullah al Maliki, QRCS chief executive director, and other officials welcomed the Dutch team. works, mainly Syria, Yemen, project is already transform- The winning projects will They were received by Iraq and Palestine. ing children’s lives and pro- be announced in July 2019, Ibrahim Abdullah al Maliki, bassador to Qatar, who com- thority for Charitable Activities He highlighted some chal- As a key player on the inter- vides an inspirational model and celebrated at the 2019 chief executive director; Dr mended QRCS’ humanitarian (RACA). lenges to humanitarian action, national humanitarian arena, for others to adopt. This is WISE Summit taking place Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, ex- operations and achievements. “Being a member of the particularly the bureaucratic Kasanwidjojo remarked, the vital to our mission at WISE, from November 19 to 21, ecutive director of relief and During the meeting, Maliki International Red Cross and procedures that delay hu- Netherlands was interested to which centres around cele- 2019, in Doha. In addition international development; said QRCS worked in accord- Red Crescent Movement is manitarian response. To over- have stronger relations with brating and enabling innova- to publicity and networking and Mona Fadhel al Sulaiti, ance with a set of rules and laws another strength and legal ca- come these challenges, Maliki QRCS, in order to ensure timely tion in education.” opportunities, each initiative head of social development. regulating charity and humani- pacity that gets us well in place explained, QRCS adopted delivery of aid, while comply- The 2019 finalists are will receive $20,000. The visitors communicated tarian action, under the super- to reach out to disaster zones,” modern technology and tech- ing with the global banking and greetings from the Dutch am- vision of Qatar’s Regulatory Au- Maliki added. niques, to ensure a smooth and regulatory requirements. WCM-Q scientist studies how desert toxins could help find cure for Alzheimer’s

TRIBUNE NEWS NEWTORK times the incidence of ALS BMAA (beta-N-methylamino- percent (ALSFRS-R scale) at their toxins in all tested sam- anobacteria may produce the DOHA compared to their colleagues L-alanine) was accumulating the highest dose tested. ples of seawater, cyanobacte- BMAA toxin as a means of with the same training but who in the tissues of the bat. The The current ALS phase Iia rial crusts and marine mats. communication, so it would be A STORY from the deserts were not deployed to the Gulf. toxin itself was produced by clinical trial at Dartmouth- When we tested for BMAA in the equivalent of a text mes- of the Middle East during These soldiers trained together cyanobacteria found in the Hitchcock Medical Center in water tanks and the marine sage in humans or a distress the first Gulf War could po- in the US and had similar back- roots of the cycad trees. New Hampshire is seeking to food chain in Qatar, including call in birds. They may com- tentially end with a cure for grounds and experiences. BMAA damages neurons replicate these results. crabs, snails, shrimp and fish, municate with the toxins when Alzheimer’s disease. “The hypothesis was that in a number of ways and so is L-serine is a readily avail- all the samples were free of the environmental conditions Dr Aspa D Chatziefthimiou, what caused the subsequent thought to cause brain disor- able and inexpensive food sup- BMAA. Other associated tox- change or when nutrient levels a microbial ecologist and re- disease was the inhalation of ders like Alzheimer’s. While plement, and found naturally ins which can transform into change. We also see that these search scientist at Weill Cornell dust particles in the desert. searching for ways to block the in food such as sweet potatoes, BMAA were present, but did toxins are persistent or have Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q), is These personnel were follow- neurotoxin, Dr Cox and col- turkey and tofu among others. not biomagnify up the food long residence times in the en- part of an international consor- ing military vehicles in the leagues found that the com- Dr Chatziefthimiou, in chain i.e. the larger organisms vironment, even when they are tium of more than 50 scientists desert which were physically monly occurring amino acid L- collaboration with the Brain don’t contain greater levels of not actively being produced. researching neurodegenerative disturbing biocrusts contain- serine not only blocked BMAA Chemistry Labs and Dr Renee the toxins when compared to “Now we are looking at fur- diseases like Alzheimer’s, Par- ing cyanobacteria and the but was also neuro-protective. Richer, a former associate pro- the base of the food chain. ther evidence of how and why kinson’s and ALS (also known toxins they produce and aero- They are now investigating, Dr Aspa D Chatziefthimiou. fessor of biology at WCM-Q, This was a surprising find- the toxins are produced. How as motor neuron disease or Lou solising them.” through FDA-approved human is examining how the cyano- ing, contrasting work by col- are they transformed from one Gehrig’s disease). The interest in cyanobac- clinical trials, whether L-serine food with BMAA present, an- bacteria and their toxins that leagues that clearly show that to the other? What is their half- She is examining the role teria as a potential cause of could prove to be a therapy for other food with L-serine and a are found in Qatar in both the BMAA is present and biomag- life in the environment? How of desert cyanobacteria, pre- neurodegenerative disease was neurodegenerative diseases third with both BMAA and L- desert and the marine environ- nifies in marine food chains are they transported with sand viously called blue-green al- originally sparked by ethnobot- like Alzheimer’s. serine present. A control group ment are transmitted to hu- in Florida, US or in the Baltic storms and how do they affect gae, and how the neurotoxins anist Dr Paul Cox, executive di- Dr Chatziefthimiou said, received unadulterated food. mans through the marine food Sea, Sweden. our outdoor air quality? These they produce may be at least rector of Brain Chemistry Labs, “We now know that BMAA is The researchers found chain, drinking water and the “Our conclusion is that the are questions we try to answer partly responsible for the on- a not-for-profit research centre one causative factor for neuro- that the monkeys fed BMAA air, although she stressed that way the toxins behave are cli- from an ecological standpoint.” set of a variety of neurodegen- based in Wyoming. degenerative diseases, it’s one developed brain tangles and there is no cause for alarm and mate- or regionally-dependent, Dr Chatziefthimiou’s re- erative diseases. Dr Cox and his colleague of multiple stressors. We have plaques associated with Alz- that cyanobacteria are regular- and so the scientific queries search is supported by a Na- The possibility that desert Dr Sandra Banack discovered found that L-serine offers neu- heimer’s, while those fed ly found in almost every envi- used to inform policy and tional Research Priorities Pro- toxins may have a role was first that local villagers on the Pa- roprotection and we believe BMAA and L-serine combined ronment on Earth. regulations for the protection ject grant: 4-775-1-116: ‘Toxin noticed in the decade following cific island of Guam had a that it can slow down the pro- had 80 percent lower density In deserts particularly, cy- from exposure to these toxins, Production by Desert Cyano- the first Gulf War and the lib- high rate of neurodegenera- gression of disease.” of brain tangles. anobacterial crusts are vital as should be regionally based bacteria’ from the Qatar Na- eration of Kuwait. tive disorders because of their She said a 2016 study in- More recently, a phase I they keep the soil fertile and as well. These research find- tional Research Fund, which Dr Chatziefthimiou said, “It predilection for eating native volving primates that was con- clinical trial showed that L- set the stage for vegetation to ings have been published in was awarded to Dr Renee Rich- was found that the US military fruit bats. The bats were eat- ducted by Dr Cox and his team serine is safe for human con- take root. the journals Neurotoxicity Re- er, who is currently an assistant personnel who were deployed ing the seeds of the cycad tree had potentially positive results; sumption and that ALS disease Dr Chatziefthimiou said, search and Toxicon. professor at the University of in the first Gulf War had three and a toxin in the seeds called one group of monkeys were fed progression was slowed by 85 “We find cyanobacteria and He said, “We think the cy- Wisconsin in the US.