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THURSDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10303 December 15, 2016 Rabia I 16, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Extension In brief

REGION | Unrest Saudi rejects external for stores’ interference in Yemen Saudi Arabia is determined to prevent external “interference” in neighbouring war-torn Yemen, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman said yesterday. “We will not accept any licences interference in the internal aff airs of Yemen”, King Salman said in an address opening a new session of the Shura Council. King Salman said his country will neither accept that Yemen “becomes a base or a point of passage for whatever state or party to menace until 2019 the security or the stability of the kingdom and of the region”. Page 11 eighbourhood stores in Qatar sation of the National Committee on can get their licences extended Biosafety. ARAB WORLD | Confl ict Non a yearly basis until the end The Ministry of Municipality and 35,000 Iraqi kids fl ed of 2019, according to a draft decision Environment prepared the draft deci- of HE the Minister of Economy and sion as part of integrating a number from Mosul: Unicef Syrian pro-government forces advance in the Jisr al-Haj neighbourhood during the ongoing military operation to retake Commerce approved by the Cabinet of ministries and delegating some de- United Nations Children’s Fund remaining rebel-held areas in the northern embattled city of Aleppo yesterday. Shelling and air strikes sent terrified residents yesterday. partments, which required a restruc- (Unicef) estimates that some 35,000 running through the streets of Aleppo as a deal to evacuate rebel districts of the city was in danger of falling apart. The decision amends some provi- turing of the committee. children have escaped from Mosul sions of Decision No 239 of 2011 on The committee is concerned with a since mid-October, when the Iraqi regulations for granting temporary li- number of issues, including biosafety army launched a major off ensive cences to open commercial and public policies, identifying procedures that to retake the northern city from IS. shops in residential areas, the offi cial control biotechnology in order to cre- “Children are the innocent victims of Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported. ate a safe policy for research on genetic any conflict and in this conflict are Qatar cancels National Day Under the amendment, licences can recombination, approving the national the most innocent victims,” Peter be renewed for such neighbourhood framework of biosafety, and conduct- Hawkins, the Unicef Representative shops that function during the appli- ing a risk assessment of organisms and in Iraq, said in statement. He further cation of the said decision and carry genetically modifi ed products. expressed concern over the mental celebrations over Aleppo out activities other than those stipu- Meanwhile, the Cabinet yesterday re- situation of the displaced Iraqi kids, lated in Article 1 of Decision No 239 of viewed HE the Minister of Economy and saying that “they’re not smiling, 2011. The extension period will end on Commerce’s draft decision to identify cer- they’re sad.” he Qatar National Day celebra- Aleppo assault likely a war crime: UN December 31, 2019. tain areas in the country as tourist spots. tions on December 18 have been In September 2013, the Cabinet had At its meeting, the Cabinet wel- EAST ASIA | Military Tcancelled, according to a direc- Plans to evacuate besieged rebel truce agreed less than a day before. approved a draft decision allowing the comed the results of the 37th GCC Su- tive from HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim districts of Aleppo were under threat A ceasefire brokered by Russia, Assad’s renewal of such outlets annually until preme Council summit held in Bahrain China bolsters defences bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday. yesterday as renewed air strikes and most powerful ally, and Turkey was the end of 2016. earlier this month with the participa- on S China Sea islets The decision is in solidarity with the shelling rocked the Syrian city in a intended to end years of fighting in The decision had come as a welcome tion of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin New satellite imagery shows China people of Aleppo who are being sub- bombardment the United Nations said the city, giving the Syrian leader his relief for more than 7,100 groceries and Hamad al-Thani. has apparently installed “significant” jected to the worst kinds of repression, “most likely constitutes war crimes”. biggest victory in more than five years other shops spread across the country HE al-Mahmoud noted that the Sa- defensive weapons on a series of torture, displacement and genocide, Iran, one of Syrian President Bashar of war. as the Ministry of Economy and Com- khir Declaration issued at the summit artificial islands it built in the South the offi cial Qatar News Agency (QNA) al-Assad’s main backers, imposed new The evacuation of rebel-held areas was merce had decided in March that year and its closing statement constituted an China Sea, a Washington think-tank reported. conditions on a ceasefire deal, saying expected to start in the early hours of not to renew the licences of most of “important addition to the path of the said yesterday. Beijing has created Following HH the Emir’s directive, it wanted the simultaneous evacu- yesterday, but did not materialise. the business establishments located in GCC and the achievement of the ambi- seven islets in the Spratly Islands in the Organising Committee of the Na- ation of wounded from two villages Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and residential neighbourhoods after Sep- tions of its peoples”, QNA reported. recent years, built up from smaller tional Day has announced a campaign besieged by rebel fighters, according Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed tember 15, Gulf Times had reported. In addition, the Cabinet welcomed land protuberances and reefs. for collection of donations to support to rebel and UN sources. in a phone call to make a joint eff ort to Back then, residents, including ex- the joint communique issued by the Although Beijing insists it does not the Syrian people on Sunday at Darb Al There was no sign of that happening. start the process, Turkish presidential patriates and locals, had called for the summit, which involved GCC leaders wish to militarise the contested Saai, under the fl agpole, from 7pm. Instead air strikes, shelling and gunfire sources said. continuation of neighbourhood grocer- and British Prime Minister Theresa waters of the South China Sea, Various organisations have also can- erupted in Aleppo and Turkey accused There was no sign of Iran’s conditions ies because they off ered “necessary and May, during which they agreed to the ongoing satellite imagery has celled Qatar National Day celebrations. government forces of breaking the being met. Page 12 timely” services, according to the daily. launch of a GCC-UK strategic partner- shown the installation of military Mall of Qatar announced in a state- After the Cabinet’s weekly session ship to promote closer ties in all fi elds. equipment and longer runways. ment that it will cancel all National day chaired by HE the Prime Minister and Additionally, the session approved a Page 16 celebrations in alignment with the de- nally displaces persons and refugees In a statement yesterday, Eid Char- Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah proposal by the Ministry of Economy cision issued by HH the Emir. in Turkey. ity said the aid consists of shelter kits, bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani at the and Commerce to ratify the requested PHILIPPINES | Crime war A number of Qatari charity organi- A team of volunteers will oversee the food baskets, baby milk and other ne- Emiri Diwan yesterday, HE the Deputy budget to participate in Expo 2017 in sations announced the implementa- convoy and the distribution of food cessities for about 50,000 people. Prime Minister and Minister of State Astana, Kazakhstan. Duterte ‘personally tion of urgent relief for Syrians dis- baskets to hundreds of families on the Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foun- for Cabinet Aff airs Ahmed bin Ab- It also reviewed a memo from HE the killed people’ placed of Aleppo, in light of the tragic Syrian-Turkish border. QC’s executive dation for Humanitarian Services dullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud said the Minister of Public Health on the results Philippine President Rodrigo human conditions in the city. director for operations Faisal al-Faha- (RAF) announced its preparations for meeting gave its nod to a draft Cabinet of the 80th session of the GCC council Duterte has said he personally killed Qatar Charity (QC) said it is send- ida urged Qatar residents to help the the implementation of emergency re- decision that amends some provisions of health ministers, held in Riyadh in suspected criminals when he was ing to Aleppo 12 trucks carrying food people in Aleppo and provide assist- lief projects for the provision of basic of Decision No 2 of 2012 on the organi- October. mayor of a southern city to set an stuff , baby food and warming materi- ance to those who were forced by the needs of the displaced people of Alep- example for police. Duterte made als across the Turkish-Syrian border, recent incidents to leave their homes. po. the comments in a speech late enough for 20,000 people as a fi rst Sheikh Eid bin Mohamed Al-Thani RAF’s plan includes the provision Call for action to confront terrorism on Monday night to businessmen step. Charitable Foundation (Eid Charity) of shelter and non-food items, such as he discussed his campaign to QC explained in a statement that announced emergency relief for the as tents, blankets, and rain insulators, The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) Dr Yousef eradicate illegal drugs, which has the assistance convoy comes as part displaced Syrians in Aleppo at a cost of heaters, fuel, mattresses and clothing. al-Othaimeen reiterated the OIC’s firm and principled position against terrorists seen police and unknown assailants of its relief project for displaced per- QR1mn. The assistance will be await- The plan also includes the provision and their nefarious acts whatever their claim and justification emphasising that kill thousands of people since he sons in Aleppo, and in the framework ing the displaced persons in Jarablos, of canned food baskets, food baskets, terrorism has no boundary, religion, belief, culture or race. became president on June 30. of the campaign “Syria... cold and north suburbs of Aleppo and Idleb baby milk, in addition to the provision He called for immediate action to redouble eff orts in confronting this global Page 24 hunger” aimed to assist Syrian inter- suburb. of medical supplies, QNA added. menace, which has become cancerous in nature. Fed lifts rates, sees faster pace of increases in 2017

Reuters lower, but selling picked up speed dur- gains, evidence of faster inflation, shifted their outlook to one of slightly further improvement in the job mar- Fed policymakers have said Trump’s Washington ing Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s subsequent and the expected impact of Trump’s faster growth, lower unemployment ket. proposals could push the economy into news conference. policies. and infl ation just under the Fed’s 2% It sees unemployment falling to a higher gear in the short run. Yellen indicated the central bank But she also said yesterday’s rate target. 4.5% next year and remaining at that Even though the details of the Re- he US Federal Reserve raised was, at the margins, adapting to Trump increase should be “understood as a The Fed’s projected three rate in- level, which is considered to be close to publican businessman’s plans remain interest rates by a quarter point as “some of the participants” on the refl ection of the confi dence we have in creases next year would be followed by full employment. uncertain, yesterday’s statement Tyesterday and signalled a faster rate-setting Federal Open Market the progress the economy has made. another three increases in both 2018 The economy is projected to grow marked a rare case in the post-crisis pace of increases in 2017 as the Trump Committee began shifting fi scal policy In addition to its policy statement, and 2019 before the rate levels off at a 2.1% in 2017, up from a previous fore- era in which the Fed moved its interest administration takes over with prom- assumptions. the Fed issued fresh economic fore- long-run “normal” 3.0%. cast of 2.0%. rate outlook higher. ises to boost growth through tax cuts, “We are operating under a cloud of casts that indicated the current once- That is slightly higher than three US bond yields had already begun Risks to the outlook remain “roughly spending and deregulation. uncertainty. All the FOMC partici- a-year pace of rate increases will accel- months ago, a sign the Fed feels the moving higher following the Trump’s balanced” between factors that could The rate increase, regarded as a vir- pants recognise that there is consid- erate next year. economy is still gaining traction. Nov 8 victory and as expectations of slow or accelerate the economy beyond tual certainty by fi nancial markets in erable uncertainty about how eco- Markets and the Fed appeared to be “They didn’t mention the fi scal the Fed rate increase solidifi ed. what the central bank anticipates, the the wake of a string of generally strong nomic policy may change and what close on their rate outlooks, with Fed stimulus but typically their aggres- By the start of this week, trading in Fed said, no change from its assess- economic reports, raised the target effect they may have on the econo- futures markets pricing in at least two siveness does indicate that there’s a fed funds futures assigned a greater ment last month. federal funds rate 25 basis points to be- my.” and possibly three hikes in 2017, up little more confi dence that they can get than 95% likelihood to a rate hike, ac- The rate increase was the fi rst since tween 0.50% and 0.75%. Partly as a result of the anticipated from one to two prior to this week’s away with three hikes next year,” said cording to data compiled by the CME last December and only the second US bond yields moved higher and changes, the Fed sees three rate hikes meeting. Aaron Kohli, interest rate strategist at Group. since the 2007-2009 fi nancial crisis, the dollar rose against a basket of cur- in 2017 instead of the two foreseen in With President-elect Donald Trump BMO Capital Markets. All 120 economists in a recent Reu- when the Fed cut rates to near zero and rencies after the Fed’s unanimous pol- September. planning a simultaneous round of tax The Fed continued to describe that ters poll had expected a rate hike yes- deployed other tools such as massive icy decision. Yellen called that a “very mod- cuts and increased spending on infra- pace as “gradual,” keeping policy still terday. bond purchases to stabilise the econ- US stocks were trading marginally est adjustment” driven by strong job structure, central bank policymakers slightly loose and supporting some In the weeks following the election, omy. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, December 15, 2016 QATAR

PM meets Cuban ambassador FM meets new UN chief Official

Emir greets new king of Malaysia

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani have sent cables of congratulations to Sultan Mohamed V on the occasion of his inauguration as the king of Malaysia. HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met the United Emir condoles Nations (UN) new Secretary-General Antonio Guterres yesterday. They discussed the latest HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani developments in Syria, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Aleppo. The with Nigerian met Cuban ambassador to Qatar Emilio Caballero Rodriguez in Doha yesterday. They discussed Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the international community to shoulder its aspects of bilateral co-operation and the means to enhance them in all fields. They also reviewed responsibility towards protection of the civilians, securing safe paths, and guaranteeing the president issues of joint interest. delivery of humanitarian assistance to Aleppo and other besieged Syrian cities. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin New Hala Khalifa al-Thani have sent cables to the President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari condoling billing ‘Match of Champions’ draws the victims of the church collapse in south of the country on service Monday. Law on insurance launched thousands, raises QR9.6mn protection for military personnel he fi rst-ever ‘Match of growing strength of Qatar’s po- sport education and sport-re- from around the world together host, Qatar Airways, and QTA. ala customers can now Champions’ between FC sition as a destination for global lated business events, as well as in celebration of athletic excel- Later this month, Qatar will buy Hala credit or re- TBarcelona and Al Ahli SC, sporting events and its potential to improve their health and well- lence. host the Italian Super Cup (Su- HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hcharge data and pay at held in Qatar on Tuesday, at- to signifi cantly contribute to the being. “With Qatar hosting a great percoppa Italiana) fi nal between Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued the end of the month. tracted more than 5,000 foot- growth of the tourism sector and number of world-class com- Juventus and AC Milan. Law No 19 of 2016 on a unified Dubbed as ‘Hala Go,’ Oore- ball fans at Doha’s Al Gharrafa overall economy,” he stressed. “The hosting of this petitions across a multitude The match, which is scheduled system for extending insurance doo’s new service (pegged at Stadium and generated an es- Identifi ed as one of the four Match of Champions is a of sporting disciplines, we are to take place on December 23 at protection to military personnel QR25 monthly) will give custom- timated QR9.6mn for the local priority tourism sub-sectors testament to the growing working closely with our part- the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium who are citizens of the GCC ers the chance to buy credit and economy. in the Qatar National Tourism strength of Qatar’s position ners to attract international (Al Sadd Stadium) is expected working in any of the member data add-ons immediately. In a statement, Qatar Tourism Sector Strategy, QTA noted that as a destination for global sports tourists to visit the coun- to bring an additional boost to states other than their home “Ooredoo is striving to make Authority’s (QTA) chief mar- sports tourism is defi ned as that sporting events and its try,” he said. visitor arrivals this month, with countries. our services available for every- keting and promotion offi cer which takes individuals tempo- potential to signifi cantly Supporters of Saudi Ara- more than 3,000 tickets sold to The law is eff ective starting from one 24/7, and thanks to this new Rashed al-Qurese said the large rarily out of their home commu- contribute to the growth bia’s Professional League international fans so far. its date of publication in the billing method, Hala custom- turnout of visitors, many from nities to participate in sport and of the tourism sector and champions Al Ahli SC, and The match will also mark the off icial gazette. ers can now top-up and stay in Saudi Arabia, illustrates the val- recreational activities, whether overall economy” Spanish giants FC Barcelona, second time that the Italian Su- contact without the need to visit ue that sporting events can have by competing, watching, or vis- benefited from travel pack- per Cup will be played in the Qa- Emir issues an Ooredoo shop or self-service for the tourism sector in Qatar. iting sports associated attrac- Al-Qurese added that they ages including air travel, ac- tari capital after Juventus took decrees machine,” said Fatima Sultan al- “The hosting of this Match of tions and facilities. recognise the unique power that commodation and match on Napoli in 2014 at the same Kuwari, director, Community and Champions is a testament to the Sports tourists also travel for sport has in bringing people tickets created by the match stadium. Public Relations, Ooredoo Qatar. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the “Ooredoo is striving following decrees yesterday: to make our services 1. Decree No 54 of 2016 available for everyone approving the rules governing 24/7, and thanks to this Doha Festival City recruits the logo of the GCC adopted by new billing method, Hala the GCC Supreme Council during customers can now top- its 33rd session that was held up and stay in contact Teyseer Security ahead of opening in Bahrain on December 24-25, without the need to visit 2012, an Ooredoo shop or self- 2. Decree No 55 of 2016 ratifying service machine” oha Festival City has an- the mall’s opening, the state- development manager at Tey- a co-operation agreement in nounced that Teyseer Se- ment notes. seer Security, added: “The the security field between the The service can be accessed Dcurity has been awarded The security offi cers will be 100-strong guard force and team governments of Qatar and Oman from today via Ooredoo Shops. the contract for security services trained to cover every security of dedicated supervisors and signed in Doha on 26/04/2016. Customers need to simply take at the upcoming leisure, retail aspect within the mall and they CCTV operators will include Ar- 3. Decree No 56 of 2016 a valid Qatar ID to any Ooredoo and entertainment destination. will also familiarised with the abic speakers and female guards ratifying a memorandum of Shop branch to activate the serv- Qatar-based Teyseer Security overall off ering. The offi cers are to ensure that visitors to Doha understanding for co-operation ice. is preparing to take control of the considered as an extension of Festival City will feel completely in the sport field between the To ensure that users can en- 670,000sq m building as Doha the customer service team for at ease.” Ministry of Culture and Sports joy the new self-service billing Festival City prepares to open its the protection of visitors and The QR6.5bn mixed-use of Qatar and the General methods, Hala customers can doors to the public in February employees. Doha Festival City is set to “be- Authority of Youth and Sports order multiple credit or data re- 2017, according to a press state- Trevor Hill, general manager come a top leisure, retail and Welfare of the United Arab charges during the month. ment. of Doha Festival City Mall, said: entertainment destination of Emirates signed in Doha on All orders placed within the 30 Prior to the opening, the se- “Doha Festival City, with the choice in the region”. As well as 2/5/2016. day period need to be settled by Temporary closure on curity company will allocate 70 help of Teyseer Security, will employing world-class security 4. Decree No 57 of 2016 ratifying the customer in one payment at dedicated security profession- ensure that customers feel pro- services, Doha Festival City is in an agreement on abolishing the end of the billing cycle. als to Doha Festival City for the tected, comfortable and at ease full compliance with the Minis- visa requirements for holders Customers can enjoy a maxi- Al Markhiya Street protection of all visitors and em- when they visit at any time of the try of Interior’s standards and of diplomatic, service and mum of QR300 worth of Hala ployees, with the guard force in- day or night.” requirements,” the statement special passports between credit or data recharges per creasing to more than 100 upon Zaher El Khatib, business added. the governments of Qatar and month. They can pay their ac- n order to install cladding Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) on Al Indonesia signed in Doha on count at any Ooredoo Shop or Markhiya Street between Dahl Al Hamam Junction and Lejbailat 14/09/2015. via Ooredoo’s network of more Ijunction, Ashghal will implement a temporary closure on Al than 200 self-service machines Markhiya street in front of Al Hazm Mall. Instruments across the country. The closure will last for six hours each for two days from today, starting from midnight until 6am. During the period, traffi c will be QC ties up with Microsoft to of ratification diverted to the alternative road adjacent to the closed section of Al Markhiya Street, as shown on the map. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued educate special needs children the following instruments of 2007 model ratification yesterday: 1. Approving an agreement atar Charity (QC), as part of its annual win- to encourage and protect Bentley car ter programme, is running an event that investments made by and in Qteaches the basics of computing to those Qatar and Serbia, signed between who need it most. the government of the two recalled The lessons, coinciding with International Day countries on November 7 2016. for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, are 2. In the field of combating being conducted in partnership with Microsoft Qa- organised crime signed between he Ministry of Economy tar as part of its Computer Science Week initiative, the government of Qatar and and Commerce, in collab- according to a press statement. Algeria, signed in Doha on Toration with AlWajba Mo- Children with special needs, as well as orphans, October 31, 2016. tors, has announced the recall of young Qatari females and Qatari mothers will be Bentley-Flying Spur model year coached by experts from Microsoft’s Philanthrop- Emir appoints 2007 over a potential defect in ies and Services teams on important aspects of in- The purpose of the course is to introduce the ambassadors the sunroof glass panel, which is formation technology. concept of computing to those who may otherwise not fi xed properly. Last year, QC worked with Microsoft and Exx- not get the opportunity to learn from specialists. The MEC said the recall cam- onMobil Qatar to teach the fundamentals of com- HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim paign comes within the frame- puter-game coding to orphans, using Microsoft’s Outlook e-mail and calendar, Skype communica- bin Hamad al-Thani issued work of its ongoing eff orts to visual-programming language, Kodu. tion, and games like Minecraft were also covered. Emiri decision No 60 of 2016 protect consumers and ensure This year’s classroom sessions began on Decem- “In ensuring the basic human dignity of all, re- appointing Sheikh Mishaal bin that car dealers follow up on ve- ber 1 with basic ICT training for children with mild gardless of circumstance, access to technology is a Hamad bin Mohamed al-Thani as hicle defects and repairs. disabilities. The purpose of the course is to intro- critical step. It is a privilege to once again work with ambassador to the USA. The MEC will co-ordinate Traffi c diversion duce the concept of computing to those who may Microsoft towards this goal,” said Hamed Shiha- The Emir also issued decision No with the dealer to follow up on otherwise not get the opportunity to learn from deh, community partnership manager, QC. 61 of 2016 appointing Mohamed the maintenance and repair specialists, the statement notes. Qatar Charity and Microsoft also held training Jaham Abdulaziz al-Kuwari as works and communicate with diversion will be in place on a stretch of the westbound lanes During the classes, mentors cover what a com- sessions at Microsoft’s facilities in Qatar Science & ambassador to Spain. customers to ensure that the on Al Luqta Street near the Qatar National Convention Centre puter is and the various types of device that qual- Technology Park, specifi cally for Minecraft gamers, necessary repairs are carried out. A(QNCC) from tomorrow until the end of the month. ify as computers. Students also get a run-down of on December 8 for young orphan students. Today, Emir telephones The MEC has urged all cus- During the diversion, road users travelling from Doha to Dukhan the major components inside a computer, and the they will address young Qatari female students. tomers to report any violations on Al Luqta Street will be shifted from the existing carriageway onto typical peripherals that make machines more us- On December 22, QC will turn its attention to Kuwaiti leader to its Consumer Protection and an almost parallel route for nearly 540m before rejoining the existing able. There are lessons on how to use a mouse and the issue of Internet safety by running awareness Anti-Commercial Fraud De- road, (as shown on the map). keyboard, and an overview of the Windows desktop sessions for Qatari mothers that will allow them HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin partment through the follow- The minor diversion is the second stage of a three-phase diversion as well as software applications such as Microsoft to keep their children from coming to harm when Hamad al-Thani held a telephone ing channels: Hotline: 16001, that will be implemented on the Dukhan Highway East project. Paint, Word and PowerPoint. surfi ng the World Wide Web. conversation with the emir of e-mail: [email protected], Twit- The diversions are required to enable the construction of a pedes- Bilal Tamimi from Microsoft’s Services team in- “It is always a great honour to work alongside or- Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al- ter: @MEC_Qatar, Instagram: trian tunnel, future roads and the implementation of new utilities troduced children to the wonders of the Internet, ganisations like Qatar Charity, which have similar Jaber al-Sabah. The Emir inquired MEC_Qatar, MEC mobile app for systems. Ashghal will provide a further update to road users regarding explaining what it is, how it works and how to get aspirations,” said Lana Khalaf, acting general man- about the health of the Kuwaiti Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar the fi nal phase of the road changes in the area. the most out of it. Web services such as Bing search, ager, Microsoft Qatar. emir wishing him good health. Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 3 QATAR

UCQ teams up with Elan Decaux to raise QRI outpatient clinics public awareness about importance of start operations child car seat usage head of the offi cial open- niversity of Calgary in key shopping centres, such as ing of three new hospi- Qatar (UCQ) has part- Villaggio, to reach out to the Atals in Hamad Bin Kha- Unered with Elan Decaux community and spread the mes- lifa Medical City next year, Qatar to raise awareness among resi- sage among the population of Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) dents about the importance of Qatar, the statement notes. yesterday welcomed its fi rst pa- child car seats. Dr Deborah White, UCQ dean tient to its outpatient clinics. The initiative is in line with and CEO, said: “Initiatives like This precedes the offi cial the 10-year National Traf- this one show the important opening of the new dedicated fi c Safety Strategy (2013-2022) role nurses play as community rehabilitation facility which will launched by the National Traffi c health leaders and demonstrate take place once a comprehensive Safety Committee, which aims how nurses contribute at an im- range of services and therapies to reduce the number of traffi c portant strategic level to achiev- have been established. accident victims and decrease ing Qatar’s health and wellness For now, the QRI will house a the number of deaths result- goals as set out in Qatar National few outpatient clinics which are ing from road accidents annu- Vision 2030 and the National being relocated from Rumailah ally, and follows the commend- Health Strategy. We’re grate- Hospital. These include physi- able eff orts being undertaken by ful to community partners like cal medicine and rehabilitation, the authorities to make Qatar’s Elan Decaux for supporting us in speech therapy, adult neuro oc- roads safer, according to a press making a diff erence in our com- cupational therapy and adult statement. munity.” neuro physiotherapy clinics. UCQ nursing students have Abdulaziz al-Khalifa, chair- Additional clinics and serv- worked on an awareness cam- man of Elan Decaux, noted: “We ices will also be gradually phased paign as part of a project to en- are very proud to partner with in ahead of the offi cial opening hance health in the community. University of Calgary in Qa- of QRI, Women’s Wellness and To address the issue, students tar in its eff orts to raise aware- Research Center and the Ambu- prepared visuals, one of which ness about road safety in Qatar latory Care Centre next year. was selected together with Elan and display this campaign on Mahmoud al-Raisi, chief of Decaux to be displayed on their our street furniture advertising HMC’s Continuing Care Group 2sq m advertising panels spread panels around Doha to reach the who was present to witness the throughout Doha and around largest audience.” start of outpatient operations at QRI said an increasing number of services will be phased in over the coming months in prepara- tion for the offi cial opening of the three new hospitals in Medi- cal City next year. “As the largest rehabilita- tion hospital in the region and as more and more clinical serv- HMC off icials with Qatari patient Jassim Mohamed Ali Abdulla - the first to be seen at QRI’s outpatient clinics. ices and therapies services are launched over the next year, the Pain Management and Paediat- ices are selected and adapted ac- services which are tailored to not only increasing capacity and range off ered by the QRI will be ric Rehabilitation. cording to each patient’s needs each patient’s individual needs. improving services but also pro- unprecedented in Qatar.” These programmes are made by multidisciplinary teams of QRI CEO professor Gisli Ei- viding each of our patients with a Once fully operational, QRI up of clinical and therapy serv- clinicians and therapists who narsson said: “The care off ered personalised rehabilitation treat- will off er fi ve main rehabilitation ices such as hydrotherapy, music work together to co-ordinate by the QRI and the rest of our ment plan, we can ensure they programmes: Stroke, Traumatic therapy, driving assessment and and deliver a personalised pack- new hospitals will revolutionise receive the very best care and the Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, prosthetics and orthotics. Serv- age of advanced rehabilitation healthcare delivery in Qatar. By best possible recovery outcome.” One of the advertising panels used for the campaign. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, December 15, 2016 QATAR

FM calls for Qatar’s ambassador honoured accountability in Syria

HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has met the permanent delegates of the countries of the Group of Friends of accountability for the crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Syria. The Foreign Minister stressed during the meeting on the principle of justice and accountability for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed daily in Syria. He also emphasised the necessity of activating the role of the United Nations General Assembly in keeping international peace and security by holding an emergency special session on the situation in Syria. The Foreign Minister also Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg bestowed the Order of Merit in the class of referred to the eff orts made by commander on Qatar’s ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Qatar in co-operation with other recognition of his efforts during his post and his efforts to promote member-states to highlight the relations between the State of Qatar and Luxembourg. importance of accountability for those crimes. Qatar rejects claims of role in attack on Egypt church

QNA ular levels which rejects all failures of designated au- ing that the Qatari author- Doha terrorist acts regardless of thorities in Egypt incites the ities did not receive any its motives as it contradicts feeling of brotherly peoples requests from the Egyptian with Islamic and human and doesn’t help in deepen- security forces, or the Arab atar’s Ministry of principles. ing the ties between broth- and International criminal Foreign Aff airs has The Ministry of Foreign erly countries’’. police department to de- Qexpressed its con- Aff airs also expressed de- The ambassador said tain the suspect or prevent demnation and denuncia- nunciation and disapproval that the suspect called him from entering Qatar. tion of the terrorist attack of tendentious claims that Mohab Mostafa al-Sayed The ambassador also on the church of St Peter Qatar was involved in the Qassim entered Qatar on stressed Qatar’s position and St Paul, attached to the condemned terrorist act, on December 3, 2015 on an en- that rejects terrorism in all St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox the pretense that the sus- try visit visa in accordance its forms regardless of its Cathedral in Al Abbassiya in pect named Mohab Mous- with the legal procedures motives, as well as Qatar’s Egypt’s capital Cairo, which tafa paid a visit to Qatar in of Qatar like the hundreds rejection of any threat to led to death and injuries to 2015. of thousands of others who the security of the Egyptian many innocent people. Ambassador Ahmed al- are allowed to enter the people. The ministry also ex- Rumaihi, Director of The country for a visit or work. He maintained that ties pressed its condolences to Information Offi ce at the Al-Rumaihi added that the between the Qatari and the families of the victims, Ministry, said: “Dragging suspect left Qatar to Cairo Egyptian people will remain stressing Qatar’s position at the name of Qatar under on February 1, 2016 after deep-rooted regardless of the governmental and pop- any pretense to cover up the the end of his visit, stress- any baseless claims.

Gulf Times 6 Thursday, December 15, 2016 QATAR

Official Japanese National Day

Chief of Staff meets Saudi military attache

HE the Chief of Staff Air Vice- Marshal Ghanim bin Shaheen al-Ghanim yesterday met Brigadier General Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman al-Daej, the military attache at the embassy of Saudi Arabia in Qatar. During the meeting, they exchanged views on issues of common concern as part of enhancing co-operation between the two countries. Qatar-Tunisia ties reviewed

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al- Muraikhi met Tunisian Secretary of State for Foreign Aff airs Sabri Bachtobji, who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they Japanese ambassador Seiichi Otsuka joins Qatar’s Minister of Energy and reviewed bilateral relations Industry HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada and Ministry of Foreign aff airs’ between the two countries and Protocol Department director Ibrahim Fakhroo in cutting a cake at the Japanese ways of enhancing them and National Day reception on Tuesday to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor of strengthening the prospects for Japan. PICTURE: Ram Chand co-operation, in addition to issues of common concern. RAF announces plan to provide urgent relief for people of Aleppo

QNA In a press statement yes- RAF has stepped up its tional reports, the humani- Doha terday, RAF said that the efforts over the past two tarian situation in Aleppo plan includes the provision days, in co-ordination and has reached a serious stage, of shelter and non-food communication with the where the eastern neigh- heikh Thani bin Ab- items, such as tents, blan- humanitarian organisa- bourhoods of the city are dullah Foundation for kets, and rain insulators, tions working within Syria facing a siege situation and SHumanitarian Serv- heaters, fuel, mattresses to deliver relief materials, continued shelling for more ices (RAF) has announced and clothing. to displaced people who than 20 days, which has its preparations for the im- The plan also includes the managed to get out of east- caused waves of displace- plementation of emergency provision of canned food, ern Aleppo, and those who ment towards other neigh- relief projects for the pro- food baskets, baby milk, in will have to leave in the bourhoods within the be- vision of basic needs of the addition to the provision of coming days. sieged areas and towards the displaced people of Aleppo. medical supplies. According to interna- western areas of the city.

Gulf Times 8 Thursday, December 15, 2016 QATAR

Qatar Cricket Fiesta ticket winners picked LuLu photo QU honours contest at Barwa City 97 employers he LuLu Photography Contest and Exhibition Twill be held at LuLu Hy- permarket, Barwa City, tomor- row. Under the theme ‘Nature of Qatar’, LuLu Hypermarket at ceremony Group has organised the contest for amateur photographers for atar University (QU) honoured 97 the fi rst time in Qatar. employers in the annual ‘Employer In a press statement yester- Q Recognition Ceremony’ yesterday for day, LuLu Group said it invited collaborating with various colleges to train or entries and nominations two sponsor QU students in 2016. weeks ago and received a size- Organised by QU’s Career Services Centre able number of entries from am- (CSC), the event was attended by university of- ateur photographers, including ficials and staff led by its president Dr Hassan students of various schools. The al-Derham, and company representatives. contest includes two age catego- Dr al-Derham thanked employers for their ries – up to 18 years and 18 years pivotal role in supporting QU’s objectives, and above. strategic plan and Qatar National Vision QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham speaking at According to the manage- 2030 towards a knowledge-based economy. the annual ‘Employer Recognition Ceremony.’ ment, a panel of judges chaired “QU is committed to promoting national iden- by Arif Hussain, professional tity among students and to shaping national the world in the QS World University Rankings photographer, will now shortlist Winners of tickets for Qatar Cricket Fiesta 2016, organised by Pro Event, were announced competencies by equipping them with high- 2016-2017. the entries and the exhibition yesterday at the draw conducted at the off ice of media sponsors, Gulf Times. Popular quality education,” he said. CSC director Maha al-Marri echoed al-Der- and contest will be held at 5pm cricketers from Pakistan including T20 international record holder Shahid Afridi, and those from “We are always pleased to receive a feedback ham’s statement saying the continuous col- tomorrow at LuLu Hypermarket, India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have confirmed their participation about our qualified graduates.” laboration between QU and the various sectors Barwa City. All selected pictures in the match between World XI vs Qatar XI. The exhibition match will be held tomorrow at the The QU president also highlighted their in Qatar helps them to prepare a generation will be exhibited. 13,000-capacity Asian Town Cricket Stadium in the Industrial Area. Gulf Times readers Shahid achievements in international and regional which is capable to participate in the process All contestants are required Rasheed, Shahoor Hussain, Nisha Agrawal, Mobarak Hossain, Ilyas Faqih Mohamed and rankings, saying that the university has been of national development and lead the country’s to be present at the exhibition Mohamed Ashraf have won a ticket each. The lucky coupons were picked by Saqlain Haider ranked number one in the Arab world in the promising projects. hall, the LuLu management said, Rizvi, managing director, Stepco Group (event partner) in the presence of Habib Ullah Sheikh, Round University Rankings. “We are keen to strengthen our relationships while also requesting the partic- senior business development manager, representing Gulf Times. The winners are requested to QU also topped in international collabora- with our partners to provide our students with ipation of the general public and contact Gulf Times off ice today at 44466620 between 8am and 5pm for their tickets. tion in THE World University Rankings 2015- career opportunities and give Qatar the best,” al- students to make the occasion a 2016 and ranked 393 out of 400 universities in Marri added. memorable one. Winners in the fi rst category (up to 18 years) are entitled to get Nikon DSLR D3300, Nikon D/ Cam Coolpix S8200 and LuLu Gift voucher worth QR500 as the Samsung off ers Star Wars fans chance to win Florida trip fi rst, second and third prizes, re- spectively. Winning participants in the second category (above 18 amsung is celebrating the The new Galaxy S7 edge and Bahrain, along with a plus launch of the latest Star Wars (IM) division at Samsung Gulf years) will receive Nikon DSLR release of Rogue One: A phones will be packaged in one, will be fl own to Florida to fi lm, Rogue One: A Star Wars Electronics. D3400, Nikon D/Cam Coolpix SStar Wars Story by off er- Rogue One branding as part of enjoy the Star Wars Celebration Story, by rewarding customers The recommended retail B500 and LuLu Gift voucher ing a special edition wireless the campaign, which will see set to take place from April 13 to with the chance to win excep- price of the Galaxy S7 edge is worth QR500 as the fi rst, second charger along with a chance to Samsung running competitions 15. tional lifestyle experiences that QR2,649, available in coral blue, and third prizes, respectively. win a trip to the Star Wars Cel- across its social media channels The winners will be an- have become synonymous with black onyx, gold platinum, pink The exhibition will continue ebration 2017 in Florida on the and on the radio. nounced in late February. the Samsung brand,” said Tarek gold and silver titanium colour Samsung to run competitions until December 18. purchase of a Galaxy S7 edge. A winner from Kuwait, Qatar “We wanted to celebrate the Sabbagh, head of IT and Mobile options. across its social media channels. Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 9 QATAR All-new Honda

One of Apparel Group’s stores at Mall of Qatar. Civic launched l-Futtaim’s Doha Marketing parking brake with brake hold func- Apparel Group opens 30 Services Company (Domas- tion that replaces hand lever with Aco), the distributor for Hon- compact, easy to operate switch. da in Qatar, announced the launch Powering the Civic 1.6L is the stores at Mall of Qatar of the 2017 Civic with an all-new new SOHC i-VTEC engine produc- 1.6L engine grade. ing a peak horsepower of 123@6500 pparel Group, the and new brands such as There are more than 75 The 1.6L Honda Civic provides a rpm and a torque of 151N-m@4300 Dubai based fash- New Balance, Rituals, LC international brands in completely new option for custom- rpm. The engine is mated to a new Aion and lifestyle Waikiki and Ardene are Apparel Group’s portfo- ers. With two grades namely, DX generation Continuously Variable retail conglomerate, has among the stores. lio. Mall of Qatar is spread and LX, it aims to reach out to cus- Transmission (CVT). The Civic’s opened 30 stores in Qa- “We have expanded over 5.4mn sq ft with more tomers looking for value for money. new CVT has a taller fi nal gear ratio tar’s largest leisure, en- tremendously by reach- than 500 retail shops. The 2016 Civic which was for fuel-effi cient low-rpm cruising, tertainment and shopping ing more than 1,450 stores “The nation’s mall will launched in April this year in two and new-generation G-Design shift complex, Mall of Qatar. across the GCC, and this be a jewel in Qatar’s Na- engine grades, namely 2.0L and 1.5L logic for smooth acceleration and Apparel Group’s pop- year, almost 10 interna- tional Vision 2030, off er- turbo, has seen a marked increase in natural throttle response. The fuel ular brands including tional brands were added ing visitors a wide selec- sales by 86% year on year. Honda effi ciency of the DX and LX grades Skechers, Aldo, Tommy to our portfolio,” Apparel tion for experiencing a aims to further enhance its sales and are at 18.4 Km/l. Hilfi ger, and Tim Hortons Group chairman Nilesh shopping extravaganza,” make its mark in the smaller engine The 1.6L Civic utilises Honda’s & Cold Stone Creamery Ved said. he added. segment with the launch of the 1.6L Advanced Compatibility Engineer- Civic. ing body structure technology to Faisal Sharif, managing director, The 1.6L Honda Civic comes in two grades - DX and LX. enhance occupant protection and Domasco, said Civic has a special crash compatibility. It also boasts place in the hearts of Honda enthu- range. Some of the standard fea- wheel mounted controls for Blue- of Honda active-safety features siasts with its style, technology and tures include LED Daytime Running tooth hands free telephone, a 5-inch such as vehicle stability assist with performance. “With the introduc- Lights, distinctive C-shaped LED touch screen audio and USB jacks. traction control systems, anti-lock tion of the 1.6L engine, Civic will taillights, power side mirrors with Some standard features in all grades brake systems, electronic brake become even more accessible.” integrated LED turn signals and the include 60:40 fold down rear seats, distributor, hill start assist, tire Greig Roff ey, head of sales and distinctive chrome grille. The LX rear seat armrest with cup holders, pressure monitoring system, and marketing, Domasco Honda, said boasts of Halogen Fog Lights and sun visor extension mechanism and emergency stop signal. there is no doubt the introduction of 16” Alloy wheels. map light. Taff eta white (exclusive), polished the 1.6L engine will further enhance The 1.6L Civic interior has the Convenience features in the LX metal metallic (exclusive), lunar sil- Honda’s position in the smaller same comfort, sophistication and grade include smart entry, push ver metallic, midnight burgundy engine segment. premium cabin space as the 2.0L button start, rear parking sensors pearl, crystal black pearl and car- In terms of exterior styling, Civic and RS models. The 1.6L Civic also and remote engine starter. Both nelian red pearl are the available ex- 1.6L has the same sporty design and off ers auto air-conditioning, rear grades have electric power steering, terior colours for the 1.6L Civic with athletic stance of the existing 2L ventilation in LX grade, steering auto headlight off timer, electric standard ivory interior.

Industry advisory board inaugurated at Stenden University

l Faisal Holding chair- board will meet biannu- man HE Sheikh Faisal ally and provide its mem- Abin Qassim al-Thani has bers with an opportunity inaugurated the new industry to share and discuss ideas advisory board of Stenden Uni- about the future develop- versity Qatar (SUQ). ment of the university. The Speaking at the fi rst board will serve as one of board meeting under his the pillars of the university chairmanship, HE Sheikh by supporting its strategic Faisal highlighted the role planning activities and in of the board in assisting further developing its aca- SUQ in achieving its goals, demic curriculum. which are aligned with Qa- The board will also assist HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani with members of SUQ’s new industry advisory board. tar’s National Vision 2030. SUQ with internship, em- The board members have ployment, and sponsorship been acquainted with the opportunities for its stu- history of the university, its dents and alumni. main academic and non- The inauguration was at- academic activities, and the tended by Katara Hospital- plans for its future develop- ity CEO Hamad al-Mulla, ment through a presenta- Msheireb Properties CEO tion given by Dr Ivan Ninov, Abdulla al-Mehshadi, Qa- executive dean, SUQ. tar Stock Exchange CEO University alumni and Rashid al-Mansoori, Aiana current students were in- Hotels and Resorts CEO vited to the meeting to Amruda Nair, and Dr Craig share their overall experi- Thompson, head of Stenden ence at SUQ. Hotel Management School SUQ industry advisory in the Netherlands.

New wireless travel headphones from Sennheiser

eading department store Fifty One East Land Sennheiser have announced the new wire- less travel headphones, the PXC 550, described as one of the most lightweight headsets in the industry. Soft leather ear-cups are ergonomically designed to surround the ears while delivering crystal clear sound. Sennheiser has New PXC 550 measured hundreds of ears and designed the head- with ease. The PXC 550 set accordingly keeping in will automatically pause mind the overall size, the music and calls when the special shape of the ear- headphones are taken off . pads, and the headband’s The PXC 550 is compat- architecture. ible with Sennheiser’s pre- The collapsible structure mium sound player app, makes the headphones fi t CapTune. Though wireless, snugly into a sleek travel a cable is provided if users case when not in use. The need it. The PXC 550 has a PXC 550 runs for up to 30 built in limiter that avoids hours. Even with the Noise- sudden extreme sound level Gard hybrid adaptive noise peaks. cancellation engaged, the The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones can travel the headphones are available world on a single charge. at Fifty One East’s store at The ear cup has an intui- Al Maha Center on Salwa tive control touch panel and Road, FNAC, iSpace and a voice prompt system that major electronics retailers will allow to change settings in Qatar. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, December 15, 2016 QATAR/REGION Temperature to drop below average levels The Mercedes-Benz Exchange Carnival runs until December 21 at the Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned Cars Showroom on Salwa Road. indy and dusty and 17C, while it be colder The detailed report for conditions, along in external areas. The prev- inshore areas also says hazy Wwith below-av- alence of fresh winds will to misty conditions are ex- erage temperatures, are ex- make it feel cooler, the Met pected in some places in the NBK holds Mercedes-Benz pected in the country from department has said. early hours of the day. This tomorrow until Monday, Also, high waves are is to be followed by cloudy the Qatar Met department likely in off shore areas in conditions and there is a has said. the above-mentioned pe- weak chance of rain in some Today, cloudy condi- riod, ranging from 8-10ft, areas. Also, it will be rela- exchange carnival tions are expected until going up to 13ft, along with tively cold by night. the evening and there is a strong winds that may Hazy and partly cloudy chance of isolated light rain There is a chance of blow- reach a high of 35 knots. conditions are also expect- asser Bin Khaled opportunity to exchange demonstrating its apprecia- “The carnival under- in some areas, the weather ing dust during the day and Meanwhile, today’s ed in off shore areas, and (NBK) Automo- their vehicles of any brand tion for the community by of- scores NBKA’s promise for offi ce informed in a tweet. low visibility in open areas. forecast states that strong there is a chance of light Nbiles, the author- with a ‘Proven Exclusivity’ fering two weekends of fun. providing exemplary qual- In a report yesterday, the In general, the weather winds are expected in parts rain towards the north. ised general distributor Mercedes-Benz or to buy a “As part of the fi rst Mer- ity vehicles and outstand- Met department said “an will be mild at daytime of the country by the night. Northerly winds and sea of Mercedes-Benz in Qa- Mercedes-Benz pre-owned cedes-Benz Exchange Carni- ing customer service. It extension of a high-pres- with some clouds, with Off shore areas, too, are warnings will resume by tar, is organising the fi rst car at special discounted val, we added extra services also showcases our com- sure system” is expected the conditions becoming likely to see strong winds tonight, the Met depart- Mercedes-Benz Exchange rates. These deals also in- and incentives by extending mitment to nurturing the to aff ect the country in the cold at night and the tem- and high seas towards the ment tweeted yesterday. Carnival in its history at clude free vehicle evalu- complimentary vehicle eval- automotive industry in Qa- coming days, accompanied perature dropping slightly north at night. Today, a minimum tem- the Mercedes-Benz Pre- ations and other options uations on trade-ins and pur- tar and contributing to the by fresh to strong north- below average levels. The The wind speed may go perature of 14C is expected Owned Cars Showroom on when exchanging one mod- chases, all of which deliver community by hosting an westerly winds ranging maximum temperature is up to 22 knots in both in- in Mesaieed, Wakrah and Salwa Road. el for another. immense savings to our cus- event that encourages the between 12 and 22 knots expected to range between shore and off shore areas by Abu Samra, followed by 15C The carnival, which Khalid Shaaban, general tomers. Our goal is to present entire family to spend qual- inshore, reaching 25 knots 20C and 23C in Doha and tonight, with the sea level in Dukhan and 17C in Doha, runs until December 21, manager, NBK Automobiles all consumers with the best ity time with one another,” at times in northern areas. the minimum between 14C rising to 7ft. Al Khor and Ruwais. presents all car owners the said the company is also possible off ers. Shaaban added.

OIC calls for emergency meeting on Aleppo Film of UNHCR conducts workshops

he Organisation of Islamic OIC said in a statement that the of international humanitarian law. abducted on international refugee law Co-operation (OIC) yesterday conditions of the Syrian people, The organisation called for the for- Tcalled, at the request of Kuwait, particularly in Aleppo is a stain of mation of an independent investiga- for an emergency meeting at the level shame on the conscience of the tion committee in light of reports on Yazidi s part of the UN tional humanitarian law. Charity. The workshop fo- of Foreign Ministers on December 22 international community and the fi eld executions and random bombing Refugee Agency’s Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR cused on the Regional Ref- to address the situation in Syria, in Security Council in particular, ex- of civilians and medical facilities, in A(UNHCR) ongoing regional representative ugee and Resilience Plan light of the tragic condition in the city plaining that Aleppo has seen un- addition to the starvation and siege girl wins strategy to enhance part- to the Gulf Co-operation (3RP) for Syrian Refugees of Aleppo. speakable massacres and violations policy adopted by the Syrian regime. nerships with offi cial and Council Countries, ob- which tackles the Syrian local institutions in Qatar, served that the workshop, humanitarian crisis, that Dubai UNHCR’s regional offi ce a fi rst of its kind with the has displaced over 4.8mn concluded two workshops National Committee for people to neighbouring in Qatar, in partnership International Humanitar- countries in the Middle award with the Qatar Ministry ian Law, addressed top- East and North Africa, in of Justice, Qatar Devel- ics which are of particular addition to displacing over opment Fund and Qatar relevance in light of the six million people inside AFP Charity Foundation. unprecedented numbers Syria. Dubai The fi rst training ses- of refugees and displaced The workshop ad- sion on “Protecting Ref- persons, exceeding 65 mil- dressed the humanitarian ugees in a time of Hu- lion globally.” crisis in Syria and its im- Kurdish Iraqi fi lm manitarian Crises”, was “Working together with pact on refugees and host depicting the ordeal organised in co-ordina- local and national institu- communities. Methods to Aof a Yazidi girl tak- tion with the Ministry of tions in Qatar on interna- enhance the co-ordination en hostage by the Islamic Justice’s National Com- tional protection issues is a of humanitarian response State jihadist group won mittee for International refl ection of Qatar’s com- between UNHCR and na- best feature at the Dubai Humanitarian Law. The mitment towards humani- tional institutions for a International Film Festival workshop, which focused tarian issues around the more effi cient response to yesterday. on the defi nition of inter- world,” Khalifa added. 3RP was also highlighted In The Dark Wind, national refugee law and During the same week, by the participants, who Kurdish director Hussein the international refugee UNHCR also concluded a included representatives Hassan tells the tale of treaties and conventions, workshop in collaboration from the Government of Pero and her fi ance Reko, was attended by experts with the Qatar Fund for Qatar and Qatari charity a young Yazidi couple pre- and specialists in interna- Development and Qatar foundations. paring for their wedding when IS fi ghters attack their village. Young Yazidi girls in- cluding Pero are abducted and sold into slavery but Reko — who works as a se- curity guard at an Ameri- can oil fi rm — escapes the attack. Devastated, he sets off in search of his fi ancee and his family. Thousands of Yazidis were massacred when IS took over the Sinjar area in Iraq in August 2014 and thousands of Yazidi women abducted and turned into sex slaves. The 92-minute feature — an Iraqi-German-Qatari co-production — made its regional premiere at the glitzy emirate’s annual cin- ematic event. It vied against 17 other fi lms in the main competi- tion of the festival, which screened more than 150 ti- tles from 55 countries this year. The Dubai event has become a major regional showcase for fi lms from the Arab world, espe- cially after a festival in its sister emirate Abu Dhabi ended two years ago. As part of its ongoing commitment to stimu- late regional fi lm pro- duction and trade, DIFF established the Dubai Film Market (DFM) in 2007. Since its inception, the DFM has supported over 270 projects; bringing fi lms to the screen which have gone onto enjoy critical ac- claim and fi nd new audi- ences across the globe. Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 11 REGION

Kuwaitis Won’t accept protest against interference Russia AFP Kuwait City

undreds of Kuwaitis pro- tested outside the Rus- in Yemen: Hsian embassy yesterday to condemn Moscow’s support for the Syrian regime besieging rebel-held Aleppo. Carrying banners saying “Stop crimes” and “Save Alep- po,” around 2,000 demonstra- Saudi king tors marched on the diplomatic compound housing the embassy Agencies The Saudi-led coalition inter- Riyadh was open to a “political in Kuwait City. Riyadh vened after Houthi rebels allied solution” in Yemen, whose secu- Speakers called Russian Presi- with elite members of security rity “is intrinsically linked to that dent Vladimir Putin a “criminal” forces loyal to Yemen’s former of the kingdom”. and urged the government to ex- audi Arabia is determined president Ali Abdullah Saleh The Yemen war has killed more pel Russia’s ambassador. to prevent external “inter- seized the capital Sanaa and than 7,000 people, about half of “Today, the Syrian people are Sference” in neighbouring overran other parts of the coun- them civilians. at war with Russia... dead bod- war-torn Yemen, Custodian of try. Its intervention has cost Saudi ies are in the streets of Aleppo,” the Two Holy Mosques King Sal- The rebels have killed at least Arabia billions of dollars despite Islamist lawmaker Jamaan al- man said in an annual address 110 civilians and soldiers in rock- austerity at home to cope with Harbash told the crowd. yesterday. et fi re and skirmishes along the fallen oil revenues. “We call on Turkey and the He did not explicitly refer to Saudi frontier. On top of hikes in the prices of Gulf states to expel Russian en- Iran but Saudi offi cials have ac- They have also fi red longer- petrol, electricity and water over voys and sever diplomatic ties cused Tehran and the Lebanese range ballistic missiles over the the past year, the cabinet in Sep- with Moscow,” he said. Shia militant group Hezbollah of border at Saudi Arabia. tember imposed a wage freeze on Speakers also condemned Iran aiding rebels in Yemen. International investigators civil servants, who make up the and Shia militias, accusing them Since March 2015, Saudi Ara- last month said they had found bulk of the workforce. of indiscriminate killings of ci- bia has itself led an Arab coalition a suspected “weapons pipeline” The government was left ow- vilians in Aleppo. conducting air strikes against the from Iran through Somalia to ing billions of dollars to private MP Thamer al-Suwait called Shia Houthi rebels and providing Yemen. fi rms, chiefl y in the construction the war in Syria a “genocide”. other assistance to local forces in British-based Confl ict Arma- sector, where tens of thousands Former lawmaker Ahmad al- support of President Abedrabbo ment Research, which is pri- of foreign workers were left un- Shuhumi condemned what he la- Mansour Hadi. marily funded by the European paid. belled “a dirty sectarian war led by “We will not accept any inter- Union, analysed photographs of King Salman said the govern- Iran against the Sunni Muslims.” ference in the internal aff airs of weapons including assault rifl es ment “took measures that were Protesters then marched to- Yemen,” King Salman said in an and rocket launchers to draw its sometimes painful” because of wards the fence of the com- address opening a new session of conclusions. the eff ect of lower oil prices, but pound, shouting: “The people the Shura Council, an appointed Tehran has repeatedly denied that it has co-ordinated with want the expulsion of the am- body which advises cabinet. sending arms to Yemeni rebels. other producers to stabilise the bassador”. Salman said his country will Salman’s son, Deputy Crown petroleum market. Police watched the demon- neither accept that Yemen “be- Prince Mohamed bin Salman, “The kingdom experienced stration closely but it ended comes a base or a point of pas- 31, has had overall responsibil- similar circumstances in the peacefully. sage for whatever state or party ity for the Yemen campaign as past three decades, obliging it Kuwait’s parliament is set to to menace the security or the he holds the post of defence to reduce its expenses, but it al- hold a special debate on Aleppo stability of the kingdom and of minister. ways succeeded in surmounting on December 28, Speaker Mar- the region”. King Salman underlined that them,” he said. Saudi King Salman waves as he arrives to address the consultative Shura Council, in Riyadh, yesterday. zouk al-Ghanem said yesterday. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, December 15, 2016 ARAB WORLD Famed Old City is left ‘unrecognisable’ by war

AFP powerhouse, attracting tourists Al-Hatab was one of the old- year after the confl ict began with factions withdrew from the Old The mosque’s minaret, dating for artisans and traders. Aleppo from around the world to its cel- est squares in the city, but it now anti-government protests. City on December 7 in a highly back to the 11th century Seljuk They came from across the globe ebrated heritage sites. lay dotted with sand barricades For four years, it was caught symbolic retreat. period, was destroyed during to its 4,000 shops and 40 caravan- But now, only gaunt stray cats and the charred remnants of between opposition factions in The interior courtyard of the clashes in April 2013, leaving a serais, roadside inns for travellers. nce renowned for its roam the rubble-strewn alley- overturned buses. the east and government forces Ummayad mosque resembled pile of blocks, some featuring el- But now the market’s walls are bustling souqs, grand ways of its Old City, a Unesco “I couldn’t even recognise it in the west. a battlefi eld, strewn with scrap egant motifs. scarred by years of gunfi re, rockets Ocitadel and historic gates, World Heritage site, after years because it was so severely dam- Fighting destroyed the 11th metal and electricity cables. At the citadel, part of the impos- and mortar rounds - attacks that Aleppo’s Old City has been ren- of savage confl ict. aged. I told myself, this can’t be century minaret of Aleppo’s In part of it, rebels had created a ing ramparts have collapsed, and at Sayyed called “unjustifi able” be- dered virtually unrecognisable In the famed Al-Hatab Square, Al-Hatab square,” he said. famed Ummayad mosque and fortifi ed position, stacking large ce- the entrance, the traces of fi re could cause of the area’s historical value. by some of the worst violence of recently recaptured by the Syr- The Old City became one of heavily damaged its citadel. ment blocks to protect themselves. be seen on blackened walls. The market was “the eco- Syria’s war. ian army, lawyer and Aleppian Aleppo’s bloodiest front lines af- Faced with a blistering off en- Nearby, shrapnel that gouged Aleppo’s covered market is the nomic heart of Aleppo and an For centuries, Aleppo was historian Alaa al-Sayyed could ter rebel groups overran the east- sive by forces loyal to President large slits out of the bronze roof largest in the world, and served irreplaceable piece of heritage”, Syria’s economic and cultural scarcely believe his eyes. ern half of the city in mid-2012, a Bashar al-Assad, opposition of a basin for ablution. for centuries as a gathering place he said. Intimate fi lm shows Syria in new light

Reuters they will all be dead. Dubai The harrowing eff ect is am- plifi ed as viewers become deeply involved in the lives of Houssam, hen a group of friends Hisham, Lulu, Rabea, Amal and took their cameras to Argha, joyful young Syrians who Wthe streets of Damas- fall in love, play heavy metal, go cus to document Syria’s 2011 to the beach and dream big, only uprising, they could not have to meet tragic ends. foretold how events would spiral “You were the love of his life, out of control and change their you know,” Zytoon tells her friend lives forever. Lulu in Turkey after they discover Obaidah Zytoon, a radio host that Hisham, who had gone miss- with big dreams for her coun- ing for years after being picked up try, was full of hope for freedom at a checkpoint, had died in prison when she started fi lming the after repeated torture. demonstrations that broke out Rabea, a musician who Zytoon against President Bashar al-As- described as “universal” in his sad in March 2011. views on life, gets assassinated Five years later, she is in Co- in his car. penhagen living as a refugee. He is found dead by his sister, Zytoon is one of the lucky who desperately tries to put part ones. Most of her friends did not of his shattered forehead togeth- make it out of Syria alive. er to bring him back to life. Buses which will be used to evacuate civilians leaving from rebel-held areas of Aleppo are seen waiting yesterday. Much of the death and de- Zytoon collaborated with struction documented in Zy- Danish fi lmmaker and co-direc- toon’s hometown of Zabadani in tor Andreas Dalsgaard to bring the fi lm is eerily similar to im- those stories to life after meeting ages coming out of the battle of him in Turkey and showing him Aleppo this week, where Syrian the footage. government forces and their al- “I hope the rest of the world lies fi nally broke rebel resistance can see the fi lm and have a to hand Assad his biggest victory deeper understanding of what Cold, hungry civilians of the civil war. a Syrian leaving their country “What remains is the crime,” is forced to leave: what is it that Zytoon narrates as she watches they carry inside, and what was dogs eating a dead sheep amidst the experience emotionally that the death and destruction of they are dealing with,” Dalsgaard war. told Reuters in Dubai. The War Show, which pre- He said that unlike main- wait to leave Aleppo miered in the Middle East this stream media coverage, which week at the Dubai Film Festival, can desensitise viewers, the No aid has entered east there was no sign of movement. since mid-July, when govern- alliance that includes Al Qaeda’s credible reports of summary ex- is a disturbing documentary that documentary was important in Aleppo since mid-July, when There was no comment on ment troops fi rst encircled rebel former affi liate Fateh al-Sham ecutions by pro-regime fi ghters. compiles footage shot inside putting a face to the tragedy and government troops first the apparent delay in the evacu- districts of the city, and food Front. UN rights offi ce spokesman Syria from 2011 to 2013, taking revealing a story behind the pain. encircled rebel districts of ation from the government or supplies have dwindled, forcing Deputy Prime Minister Meh- Rupert Colville described re- viewers through a journey of eu- “I see pictures from Aleppo, the city the rebels, or from the deal’s co- many to survive on as little as a met Simsek said Turkey would ports of at least 82 civilians, phoria and revolution to disap- and everyone from around the sponsors. meal every two days. “set up a tent city to accommo- including 11 women and 13 chil- pointment and despair. world sees pictures of Aleppo, AFP An AFP correspondent in the The army has seized virtually date up to 80,000 Syrian refu- dren, being executed in recent In one scene at the beginning, but there’s no human connec- Aleppo, Syria government-held west of the all of east Aleppo, in rebel hands gees fl eeing Aleppo”. days. the friends sit together at a Da- tion,” he said. city said evacuation buses wait- since 2012, since beginning an Washington, which backs the He said pro-government mascus apartment smoking and “It destroys our senses. And ing on the the edge of the Sala- operation to recapture the city opposition, said it had not been fi ghters had reportedly entered discussing revolution. only when we start understand- housands of cold and heddin neighbourhood – still di- last month. consulted on the deal but wel- homes and killed those inside, “By 2014, we will all be free,” ing each other, and connect hungry civilians crowded vided between rebel and regime Losing their one-time bastion comed any arrangement that and in others “caught and killed one of them says. deeper on a human level, can our Tthe streets of Aleppo yes- control – had not moved. will deal the opposition its worst brought safety to the people of on the spot” fl eeing civilians. Another replies that by 2014 senses come alive.” terday uncertain of their future Drivers were sleeping inside blow since the confl ict began Aleppo. The UN was “fi lled with the after their planned evacuation the two dozen green government in March 2011 and mark a ma- US ambassador to the United deepest foreboding for those from the last rebel pocket of the buses, which arrived late on jor victory for President Bashar Nations Samantha Power urged who remain in this last hellish city was delayed. Tuesday soon after the deal was al-Assad and his allies Iran and international supervision of the corner of opposition-held east- The delicate deal to end years announced. Russia. evacuation, expressing concern ern Aleppo,” he said. of rebel resistance in Syria’s sec- An AFP correspondent inside The evacuation deal emerged about “people who wish to leave Witnesses described scenes of ond city came amid mounting remaining rebel-held territory late Tuesday, with rebel offi - but who, justifi ably, fear that, if carnage in rebel areas, with bod- international concern about the said hundreds of civilians had cials saying civilians and fi ghters they try, they will be shot in the ies lying amid the rubble of city plight of civilians and as the UN gathered in the streets from the would leave for opposition terri- street or carted off to one of As- streets. said it had reports of atrocities early hours, some clutching bags tory elsewhere in northern Syria. sad’s gulags.” Aleppo, a cultural and eco- being committed by advancing of belongings, to await evacua- “The fi rst stage will be the While tens of thousands of nomic hub second only to Da- government forces. tion. evacuation of civilians and civilians have already fl ed east mascus in importance, had been From before dawn, entire Some had slept in the open, wounded, within hours, and af- Aleppo for government-held split between a rebel-controlled families gathered in the streets despite the cold and a fi erce terwards fi ghters will leave with territory, others say they fear ar- east and government-held west for news of the deal brokered by storm that brought heavy rain their light weapons,” said Yasser rest or torture at the hands of the since 2012. Russia and Turkey for their safe and high winds, after fl eeing al-Youssef, of the Nureddin al- regime. It was unclear how many ci- passage. from other districts as they army Zenki group. The UN has reported allega- vilians remained in rebel terri- A general view shows fire rising from buildings in Aleppo’s The fi rst departures had been advanced and fi nding nowhere Turkey said those leaving tions that men have gone miss- tory, after an estimated 130,000 southeastern al-Zabdiya neighbourhood following government expected to begin around 5am to shelter. would be taken to Idlib, which ing after crossing to government fl ed to other parts of Aleppo strikes yesterday. (0300 GMT), but hours later No aid has entered east Aleppo is controlled by a powerful rebel areas, and on Tuesday said it had during the government advance. UN calls for protection force to prevent genocide in South Sudan

DPA tus by Hutu extremists in Rwanda in sive use of rape as a weapon of war Basel 1994. and of ethnic cleansing, describing The planned regional protection the levels of gang rape as “epic; to be force, which has been authorised frank we are running out of adjectives he international com- by the UN Security Council, would to describe the horror.” munity needs to immedi- strengthen the 13,500-strong UN At UN civilian camps in the capi- T ately deploy the planned peacekeeping mission in South Su- tal Juba, 70% of the women had been 4,000-strong regional protection dan. raped since the confl ict erupted, the force in South Sudan to prevent a South Sudan has been in the grip of vast majority of them by police or “Rwanda-like” genocide, the head a civil confl ict since a split between soldiers, Sooka said. of a UN human rights commission President Salva Kiir and his former Some were raped within sight of said yesterday. deputy Riek Machar turned violent in UN peacekeepers in July, she added. “South Sudan stands on the brink December 2013. Sooka called for a thorough inves- of an all-out ethnic civil war, which Tens of thousands have been killed tigation into human rights violations could destabilise the entire region,” and 3mn displaced. The confl ict is to gather evidence for future ac- Yasmin Sooka told an emergency ses- spreading even to regions that had countability. sion of the UN Human Rights Council been peaceful, Sooka said. South Sudanese representative in Geneva. She reported growing ethnic polar- Kuol Alor Kuol Arop said his coun- Sooka, who visited South Sudan isation and said that “a steady proc- try’s delegation would participate in with two other experts recently, was ess of ethnic cleansing” already ap- the work of the Human Rights Coun- referring to the genocide of about pears to be underway in some areas. cil “in the spirit of dialogue” and 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hu- The UN expert stressed the mas- “with an open mind.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 13 AFRICA

CRACKDOWN REFORM POLITICS MEDIA EU REPORT Uganda charges tribal Tanzania’s Magufuli in Mugabe slams off icials S African minister denies Co-operation with African king, others with treason anti-corruption drive for ‘shameless’ ambition censoring state broadcaster states has not cut arrivals

A Ugandan tribal king and 151 others have been Tanzania’s President, John Magufuli, has vowed to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe criticised South African Communications Minister Faith EU co-operation with five African countries has charged with treason for allegedly seeking to root out corruption in his ruling party, threatening “no some ruling party off icials yesterday for “shame- Muthambi denied yesterday that she had tried to helped limit migrant movements in West Africa but overthrow the government, their lawyer said mercy” for anyone giving or taking bribes. Businesses less and unbridled” ambition in their quest to suc- get the SABC to suppress news of protests and not yet reduced the number of arrivals to European yesterday. The Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley have long said corruption and slow government ceed him. Mugabe, 92, who has ruled the former discontent, when she testified to a parliamentary shores, according to a report released yesterday Mumbere was arrested in late November during bureaucracy were major obstacles to investing in British colony since independence in 1980, has inquiry into a string of scandals at the public from the European Commission. After more than a violent police crackdown on his palace - from Tanzania, which is ranked towards the bottom third refused to name a successor, saying the party will broadcaster. The probe, led by a cross-party panel 1mn migrants and asylum seekers entered Europe where he is accused of commanding a militia - of Transparency International’s 2015 index of least do so when the time comes. His age and frequent of MPs, is the latest example of allies of President last year, the commission decided in June to boost which left at least 87 dead. “The king was charged corrupt countries. “Our party is among institutions rumours about his health have stoked a scramble Jacob Zuma being called to account for alleged funding and co-operation with Mali, Nigeria, Niger, today (Wednesday) together with 151 people with accused of rampant corruption - this is not a secret,” in ZANU-PF over who should succeed Mugabe, misspending or underperformance. The SABC is Senegal and Ethiopia to “better manage” migration treason,” Evans Ochieng a lawyer representing Magufuli said late on Tuesday while addressing the who has said he will seek re-election in 2018. the primary news source for South Africa’s 54mn flows across the Mediterranean Sea. The eff orts the group said. The charge carries a possible Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) highest decision- Looking frail and labouring through a 40-minute people but has been mired in editorial and execu- to reduce European arrivals and increase migrant death sentence. “Definitely my clients including making body. He said corruption was most rampant speech, Mugabe condemned what he called tive controversy this year, including journalists returns to the five countries have seen mixed the king deny the charges. They are trumped up in Tanzania during elections and promised to “have “dirty politics” in the party during an address to being told to focus on “sunshine news” and not results. Desert crossings in Niger dropped to 1,500 by the state” he said. no mercy on those who give or accept bribes”. the ZANU-PF Central Committee. show footage of violent protests. in November from 70,000 in May. UN envoy: Jammeh must leave by Jan 19

AFP Banjul, Gambia

he UN’s west Africa en- Shacks are seen at an informal settlement near Cape Town, South Africa. A process of ‘upgrading’ enables each shack in an informal settlement to receive basic services of water, voy says Gambian leader electricity and sanitation. TYahya Jammeh must step down when his mandate ends in January to enable opposition leader Adama Barrow to take of- fi ce after his election win. Speaking to AFP in Dakar, Senegal, Mohamed Ibn Chambas The tale of two slums in SA as said that as Jammeh’s fi ve-year UN’s West Africa envoy, Mohamed mandate ended on January 19, he Ibn Chambas. had a constitutional right to re- main in offi ce until then. election result as unworkable “Between now and January 19th due to a lack of judges on the Su- residents seek to upgrade lives it is Mr Jammeh that is the consti- preme Court, which is the body tutionally elected president,” he mandated to decide on cases of By Nicky Milne About 900mn people now live It involved a process called amongst residents have stopped problem as the conditions people said.”By January 19th he should be electoral law. Cape Town in slum conditions globally with ‘re-blocking’ where shacks were any progress in upgrading San- were living were unacceptable. ready to hand over power.” “The only way they can pursue limited access to basic services demolished, the settlement lay- tini. “Once a settlement exists, the On Monday Barrow had called the commission is through the but campaigners hope this small out re-designed and infrastruc- “There are only 7 toilets for 150 government must provide basic for the president to step down court, and there is no court,” Njie n Cape Town, the slums of community, with its vital com- ture brought in to allow for basic people,” Grace Lebakeng, a young services, but the city can’t win “now” as his coalition became said. Flamingo Crescent and San- munity lead, could set a prec- services of water, sanitation and mother from Santini told the the battle as settlements grow by increasingly annoyed by Jam- To meet the deadline of Janu- Itini are just 20km apart but edent and give others a glimmer electricity. Thomson Reuters Foundation. night,” he told the Thomson Reu- meh’s refusal to admit defeat in ary 18 required for Jammeh’s case the gap in the standard of living of hope. Shacks were then re-built. “We can’t go out at night be- ters Foundation. the December 1 election and his to be heard before the end of his in these two settlements is being “When I fi rst came here (11 years The shacks of Flamingo Cres- cause there are many criminals. The upgrading of Flamingo party’s legal challenge against tenure, he would need to appoint hailed as an example of how resi- ago), there was nothing, it was an cent are now vibrantly coloured, So we have a bucket to go to the Crescent seemed insurmountable the result. as many as six judges to the Su- dents can actively upgrade their open fi eld,” community leader the streets have names, wheelie toilet at night. And our children at fi rst to many. Commenting on opposition preme Court, which has lain dor- own lives. Matthews told the Thomson Reu- bins are neatly lined up outside are always ill. They play by the For while the city committed worries that Jammeh could try mant since May 2015. Shanty towns are a familiar sight ters Foundation in her cosy, ensuite the front gates, and mail is deliv- toilets. There are no open spaces.” resources to providing infrastruc- to cling on to power pending the Lawyers continued a planned across the picturesque coastal city, home in Flamingo Crescent that ered to all residents. With no electricity, residents ture and services, the residents outcome of the legal case lodged boycott of the court system with a third of Cape Town’s 3.7mn she shares with her partner Patrick The project took three years rely on candles and fi res for were asked to commit to paying Wednesday by the ruling Alli- Wednesday in protest at Jam- residents living in slums or infor- Edward du Plessis. from inception to completion, but light, leading to frequent fi res. 20% of the cost of the individual ance for Patriotic Reconcilia- meh’s legal fi ght. mal settlements with limited ac- “Law enforcement brought regional co-ordinator for Cape On New Year’s Day in 2013 the structures. tion and Construction (APRC), The country’s most infl uential cess to basic services, such as water, people here to stay until they Town City Council, Levona Pow- worst slum fi re in recent history That was a big call for Flamingo Chambas said: lawyers’ group, The Bar Associa- electricity and toilets. could fi nd suitable accommoda- ell, said it showed it could be done left over 4,000 people homeless Crescent where 90% of residents “That legal process has noth- tion, has said any appointment Urbanisation is increasing with tion elsewhere. That was for three if all parties worked together. and at least fi ve people dead in are unemployed but Matthews ing to do with the term of his of judges by Jammeh to decide on villagers fl ooding daily to South months, but the three months “It’s the ultimate goal of the Cape Town’s largest settlement, convinced people. mandate.” a case involving himself would be Africa’s second biggest city to became nine years. We had to dig city to give every single resident a Khayelitsha, that is home about “You can’t take a bread and not His spokesman earlier said that fundamentally unjust. fi nd jobs and better lives, increas- holes to go to the toilet. It was like house, but whether we reach that 400,000 people. pay for it, because that’s stealing,” the ongoing police occupation of Liberia’s President Ellen John- ing pressure for housing and ex- a pigsty.” goal in my lifetime, I’m not sure. Powell from Cape Town City she said as she explained how she The Gambia’s Independent Elec- son Sirleaf said on Tuesday a that panding slums. Matthews, together with other There are people who have Council said authorities were won over residents in time.”We toral Commission (IEC) - the ob- a heavyweight delegation of four Aware that city offi cials were residents, decided things needed been on the housing list for 40 struggling to cope with these have to contribute.” ject of the APRC’s legal complaint African leaders including herself facing a 25-year backlog to house to change. years,” she admitted. sprawling settlements and ex- Currently 22 pilot projects - was an “unacceptable act”. had failed to reach a consensus people, one Flamingo Crescent She discovered the Infor- Across town in Santini, a set- plained that people living in these are underway in Cape Town but “It is a violation of the inde- with Jammeh and Barrow on a resident took the initiative and, mal Settlement Network (ISN), tlement housing about 200 peo- conditions were insecure about communities must agree before pendent nature, guaranteed by the transition of power. working with the authorities, has a community based movement ple, the situation is a total con- tomorrow. upgrading can happen. constitution, of the electoral com- “We come to help Gambians managed to transform her settle- that engages government to im- trast. “The gap between the rich and In Santini upgrading was due mission, as some soldiers have fi nd their way through a transi- ment into the envy of many slum prove the lives of the urban poor It is a maze of tightly packed, the poor is huge, coupled with the to have started this year, but local taken away commission materials tion. That’s not something that dwellers in the city. by addressing security of tenure dilapidated shacks strewn with global phenomenon of urbanisa- politics spurred fear in the com- relating to the presidential elec- can happen in one day,” said Maria Matthews, known to all and better services, and worked rubbish with no garbage collec- tion, the challenges are clear,” she munity. The process has come to tion,” the spokesman added. Sirleaf who headed the team of as Auntie Marie, is a 66-year-old with them on Flamingo Crescent. tion, no drainage and only one tap explained in her offi ce in Cape a standstill, to the dismay of many The chairman of the IEC, Al- four African heads of state and fi rebrand who has driven a com- This innovative partnership for all residents. Town. residents. ieu Momar Njie, said yesterday the UN’s Chambas. munity project to bring water, between Flamingo Crescent resi- Offi cials are aware that a lack of “Urbanisation needs innova- “We want the re-blocking but morning that he had not yet been The lack of a deal has come as electricity and toilets to every dents, Cape Town city, and non- basic services in informal settle- tive ideas, we embrace that, we some people fear they will lose informed why he was locked out a blow to the opposition, which shack, changing the lives of the government organisations has ments poses many challenges. can’t run away.” their houses and then have noth- of his own premises. had hoped Jammeh would leave 400 or so Flamingo Crescent brought taps, toilets and electric- Crime is rife and health ISN’s national leader Nkokheli ing,” Lebakeng said. - Thomson He further dismissed Jam- power within a month under in- residents. ity to every shack. risks severe, but so far disputes Ncambele said it was a massive Reuters Foundation meh’s legal challenge of the IEC’s ternational pressure. Buhari presents record Anti-nuclear power protest budget; defi cit to rise

Reuters in roads, railways and power black market rate, meant Nigeria The government has struggled Abuja plants to diversify the economy, did not plan a new devaluation, to fund the 2016 budget as a Eu- Buhari told parliament. as demanded by investors who robond sale and World Bank loan “This budget represents a have been reluctant to commit have been delayed. igeria expects its 2017 major step in delivering on our money at the current rate.”That’s The budget must be agreed defi cit to rise to 2.36tn desired goals through a strong pretty worrying for the non-oil by parliament before being sent Nnaira ($7.75bn), President partnership across the arms of economy,” he said. back to Buhari to be passed into Muhammadu Buhari said yes- government and between the Spending is set to rise 20.4% law. terday, as the government tries public and private sectors to cre- to 7.3tn naira, and revenues are The 2016 budget became law to drag Africa’s biggest economy ate inclusive growth,” he said. projected to increase by 28% to in May after being delayed by out of recession with a budget “Fiscal, monetary and trade poli- 4.94tn naira, the president said. several months by wrangling be- that foresees record spending. cies will be fully aligned.” The defi cit would be funded by tween the government and the Buhari is facing rising disen- But John Ashbourne, econo- borrowing 1.254tn naira domes- upper house of parliament. chantment with his handling of mist at Capital Economics tically and 1.067tn naira abroad, Senate President Bu- the economy as Nigeria struggles in London, said the budget’s he said, putting the debt to GDP kola Saraki said lawmak- with 18% infl ation and its fi rst planned oil production of 2.2mn ratio at 2.18% compared with ers would cooperate with the recession in 25 years, brought on barrels a day looked “very, very 2.16 % in 2016. government.”We assure you by low global prices for the oil it optimistic” as militant attacks Buhari did not say when Ni- Mr President and all Nigerians produces. had cut output to 1.68mn bpd. geria would emerge from reces- that not even a single minute Capital expenditure will rise He said the assumed currency sion and whether the defi cit for would be wasted on our side by nearly a quarter next year to rate of 305 naira to the dollar, 2016 would be 2.2tn naira as in the course of getting this Environmental activists protest against the use of nuclear power in Durban, South Africa, yesterday. 2.24 tn naira as the state invests some 40% stronger than the forecast. budget approved,” he said. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, December 15, 2016 AMERICAS

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ENTERTAINMENT RANKING MOTORING PENALTY Obama to press Trump Manchester by the Sea Putin world’s most Uber launches self-driving Dating site to pay to preserve Cuba detente rules SAG nominations powerful man: Forbes car fleet in San Francisco $1.6mn over breach

President Barack Obama will make his case The cast of family drama Manchester by the Sea Vladimir Putin was the world’s most powerful Uber has rolled out its self-driving car fleet The operators of the Ashley Madison aff air- directly to President-elect Donald Trump not leads this year’s crop of films in recognition from person for a fourth straight year in 2016, with US in its hometown of San Francisco, despite minded dating website yesterday agreed to derail the recent US-Cuba detente, the White their peers, receiving four nominations yesterday President-elect Donald Trump in second place, lacking the proper permit that state regulators to pay a $1.6mn penalty over a data breach House said, insisting that “turning back the clock” for the Screen Actor Guild Awards. Fences Forbes magazine said in its annual rankings say is required. Starting yesterday, riders exposing data from 36mn users, US off icials would be damaging to American interests and and Moonlight both had three nominations. yesterday. “Russia’s president has exerted his who request an UberX, one of the company’s announced. Ashley Madison’s Canadian parent the Cuban people. Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy The casts of all three films were nominated country’s influence in nearly every corner of the budget ride options, may be matched with company Ruby agreed to the penalty to settle national security adviser, said the outgoing for SAG’s ensemble award. Winners are to be globe,” the US business magazine wrote. The a self-driving Uber. It is unclear how many charges with the US Federal Trade Commission administration hopes to persuade the incoming announced on January 29 for the SAG Awards, magazine wrote that at number two, Trump, who of these cars Uber has in San Francisco. and state regulators for failing to protect Trump administration to preserve Obama’s policy which are among a handful of Hollywood prizes takes over the US presidency in a little more than Launching the programme kicked off a battle confidential user information. The settlement of engagement despite the president-elect’s threat considered early indicators for the Oscars, which a month, “has a seeming immunity to scandal, with the California department of motor comes after a hacker group last year released to roll back the opening with the communist- are awarded in February. Casey Aff leck stars in both houses of Congress on his side, and a vehicles, which said that Uber does not have what was said to be personal data on millions of ruled island. Obama and his aides are seeking to Manchester by the Sea. He was nominated for personal net worth in the billions.” Trump, who a permit to test autonomous vehicles on members of Ashley Madison, who were based further cement one of his top foreign policy legacy best actor, while Michelle Williams and Lucas was elected US president last month, was listed California roads, and demanded the company in 46 countries. The fallout led to reports of initiatives, a breakthrough between US and Cuba. Hedges got best supporting nominations. 72nd in Forbes’ 2015 power rankings. follow the permitting process that is in place. blackmail and even suicides.

Trump’s hotel a Elderly man confl ict of interest: Democrats with dementia

Reuters Washington killed by police S President-elect Donald Trump must divest his Uluxury Washington ho- tel in a building leased from the federal government because the arrangement violates confl ict- of-interest rules, congressional in California Democrats said yesterday. The General Services Ad- Guardian News and Media thorities. The woman’s husband fornia attorney general to ap- ministration, which manages Washington described Serna to police as “an point an independent investiga- property owned by the federal older Hispanic male” and said he tor to the case. government, including the Old had a gun. “It is diffi cult to accept that Post Offi ce housing the Trump he unarmed 73-year-old Police said a number of Bak- our dad’s life ended so brutally, International Hotel, has con- man killed by Bakersfi eld ersfi eld offi cers arrived in the abruptly and with such exces- cluded that the lease would vio- Tpolice on Monday had a neighbourhood minutes later, sive violence,” the family said in a late federal confl ict-of-interest crucifi x in his pocket that his speaking with the woman and statement read at the vigil. “Our rules once the Republican busi- neighbours mistook for a gun, her husband, before Serna – who dad was treated like a criminal nessman is sworn in on January authorities have said. had gone back into his home and we feel he was left to die alone 20, according to a letter to the Francisco Serna was killed at some point – left his home without his family by his side.” agency from lawmakers. early on Monday morning while across the street and, authorities The family said that police did The letter referred to a De- walking around his neighbour- claim, walked toward the offi c- not allow them to comfort their cember 8 briefi ng to congres- hood in the southern California ers, ignoring commands to take mother, Serna’s wife, immedi- sional staff ers by a GSA offi cial city, something his family said his hand out of his pocket. ately after the shooting, and that whom the letter did not name. he did frequently after having Offi cer Reagan Selman opened they were threatened with arrest “The deputy commissioner been diagnosed with dementia. fi re on Serna as the man contin- if they crossed police lines dur- made clear that Trump must di- Police said they were re- ued to approach and came within ing the investigation. The fam- vest himself not only of manage- sponding to a 911 call claiming 15 to 20 feet of the offi cer, police ily also said they were not told rial control, but of all ownership that Serna was armed with a said. Selman fi red seven rounds by police Serna had died and interest as well,” Representative gun, although investigators later at the 73-year-old, killing him in instead found out through local Elijah Cummings of Maryland concluded that he was unarmed. his neighbour’s driveway. news coverage. and three other Democrats said Bakersfi eld police released a Selman has worked with Bak- Serna’s death has increased in the letter, which was made more detailed account of what ersfi eld police since July 2015 demands for changes to the way public yesterday. they say preceded Serna’s killing and this is his fi rst shooting, ac- police interact with people with The hotel is a few blocks from on Tuesday evening, reporting cording to the police statement. disabilities. Serna had recently the White House and has become that investigators found a “dark Selman and six other offi cers at been diagnosed with demen- a rallying point for anti-Trump coloured simulated woodgrain the scene of the shooting are on tia, according to his family. The protesters since it opened in Sep- crucifi x” on Serna during a search. administrative leave while Bak- Ruderman Family Foundation, tember. It is part of a web of busi- The release did not provide any ersfi eld police investigate the which works to support peo- nesses that could create unprec- details on the size of the object. case. ple with disabilities, released a edented confl icts of interest for According to the police ac- Bakersfi eld is the largest city in statement reiterating “its call for Trump, a New York real estate de- count, a woman was parking her Kern County, California, where better policing when interacting veloper and former reality TV star. car outside her house in Serna’s in 2015 law enforcement killed with people with disabilities”. Trump’s company has not re- neighbourhood at about 12.30am more people per capita than any “The killing of Francisco Ser- sponded to the GSA’s concerns on Monday morning when the other county in the US, accord- na is another tragic incident of about the potential confl ict, the 73-year-old began questioning ing to a Guardian investigation. police shooting a person with Democratic lawmakers said. her, and asked to look inside her The internal investigation into disabilities, something which is The agency has been dealing car. Serna’s killing will be reviewed occurring on a near-weekly ba- with Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, The woman told authorities by the local district attorney’s sis now throughout the US,” said about the lease, even as she acts that Serna kept his right hand in- offi ce, where the Guardian re- Jay Ruderman, the foundation’s as a presidential transition team side his jacket and that she saw “a ported that most investigators president. “These tragedies are offi cial, they said. dark brown or black handled ob- are former local law enforce- unnecessary and preventable.” The Democratic lawmakers ject that she believed was a gun” ment offi cers. The Counted, the Guardian’s asked the GSA for documents inside the jacket, police said. Serna’s family organised a investigation into police kill- about the hotel’s lease, profi t The woman allowed Serna to candlelight vigil in his neigh- ings in the US, found that mental and expense projections and le- search her car before running to bourhood, and called for the US health issues were reported for gal memos about the potential President-elect Donald Trump arrives at the USA Thank You Tour 2016 at the Wisconsin State Fair her home and telling her hus- department of justice to review more than one in every fi ve peo- confl ict of interest. Exposition Centre in West Allis, Wisconsin. band to call 911, according to au- Serna’s death and for the Cali- ple killed by police in 2015. Canadian actor Thicke Book launch Judge urged to hear dies from heart attack from Cosby accusers Reuters The actor, who built a family- Norristown, Pa. friendly image as the star of The AFP appeared in the fi rst season of “AlanThicke a joy for us 2 Cosby Show television comedy, Los Angeles Netfl ix’s Full House reboot. represent His big-heart and has denied any wrongdoing. On Tuesday, Thicke had sense of humor 1-f-a-kind. slew of women Bill Cosby The two-day hearing, which tweeted: “Season 2 Fuller More importantly, family was is accused of luring into began on Tuesday, is crucial for anadian actor Alan House looking good. I even like his priority. Miss him already,” Asexual assaults by prom- both sides. If prosecutors pre- Thicke, best known for the ones I’m not in!” Integrated PR Agency, which ising them friendship or career vail, Cosby would face a parade Chis role as the dad in represented Thicke, tweeted. advice could show that the co- of trial witnesses describing at- 1980s sitcom Growing Pains According to US media, median was a serial predator tacks going back four decades. and as the father of singer Rob- Thicke was taken to Providence who preyed on his victims for If not, Cosby’s defence law- in Thicke, has died, his public- St Joseph’s Medical Center in decades, Pennsylvania prosecu- yers could focus on undermining ity agency said on Twitter. He Burbank, California, where he tors argued yesterday. just one account: that of Andrea was 69. was pronounced dead. “I’m sad Judge Steven O’Neill of the Constand, whose allegations of a Thicke, who became a beyond words that Alan Thicke Montgomery County Court 2004 drug-fuelled sexual assault household name after starring has passed away. I’ve known you of Common Pleas is weighing led to the Pennsylvania charges. as psychiatrist Jason Seaver in since I was eight years old and so whether to allow prosecutors to The lead prosecutor, Kevin the US series Growing Pains, “America loved Alan glad I had the pleasure of work- call 13 accusers as witnesses at Steele, acknowledged that real- reportedly suff ered a heart at- Thicke. I’m so sad he’s ing with you again so recently on Cosby’s trial next year, in addi- ity yesterday. tack while playing hockey with gone. Sending so much Fuller House,” Candace Cam- tion to the woman whose alle- “Without this evidence, we his son Carter, the Los Angeles love to his family” eron Bure, one of the stars of Full gations of sexual abuse form the would be forced to rely on what Times daily reported. House, wrote on Instagram. basis for the case. I’m sure will be argued is the un- Thicke’s son Robin told the Growing Pains, which ran US comedian Ellen De- A defence lawyer for one of corroborated testimony of the paper that his father was “the from 1985 to 1992, saw Thicke Generes posted on Twitter: the most familiar faces on Amer- victim,” he told O’Neill. greatest man I ever met” and nominated for a Golden Globe. “America loved Alan Thicke. ican television asserted that the But defence lawyer Brian Mc- had been an inspiration to his He also appeared in the soap I’m so sad he’s gone. Sending women’s claims are “ancient, Monagle said the accusations pop music career. opera The Bold and the Beau- so much love to his family.” remote, incredible and uncor- could not be considered reliable, In addition to a variety of tiful, hosted The Alan Thicke Thicke, who was born in On- roborated” and would rob Cosby with details like specifi c dates television roles, Thicke helped Show daytime talk programme tario, Canada in 1947, is survived Former presidential candidate and Vermont senator Bernie of his right to a fair trial. often missing. write theme songs for a number for three years, and tried his by his wife Tanya Callau as well Sanders speaks about his 2016 campaign at The Cooper Cosby, 79, faces sexual assault He also accused “clever law- of shows, including Wheel of hand at a largely unsuccess- as two sons from his fi rst mar- Union in New York City. Sanders also spoke about Donald allegations from about 50 wom- yers” of helping the prosecution Fortune, Diff ’rent Strokes and ful nighttime talk show called riage, including Robin Thicke, Trump’s win in the 2016 presidential election and his new en altogether, though the Penn- collect the allegations with the The Facts of Life. Thicke of the Night for one sea- and one other son, Carter, from book, Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In. sylvania case is the only criminal aim of “bringing down an Amer- The Canadian actor recently son beginning in 1983. a subsequent marriage. prosecution to result. ican icon.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 15 ASEAN

Innovation Myanmar govt ‘following the law’ in Rakhine

Reuters Yangon

commission set up by Myanmar leader Aung ASan Suu Kyi to investigate attacks on border posts and the army’s brutal response yesterday said security forces had abided by the law in a Muslim-majority area of northwestern Rakhine State. The Nobel Peace Prize laure- ate established the body amid growing international pressure to investigate allegations that Myanmar soldiers had killed and raped civilians and burned down their homes, as well as to allow aid agencies to reach the area. In a statement, the 13-mem- ber panel said, “Government authorities have followed the law and acted legally in their re- sponse to the attackers.” The preliminary conclusion raises questions over whether the commission — headed by Vice President Myint Swe, a general and an acolyte of former junta leader Than Shwe — will deliver an independent verdict in its full report, expected by Jan 31. On Tuesday, the body wrapped up a three-day visit to Indonesian students walk past a Christmas tree made of old tyres at a university in Surabaya yesterday. Maungdaw, where at least 86 people have been killed since the Oct 9 attacks and where the military sweep has prompted about 27,000 Rohingya Muslims to fl ee across the border to Bang- ladesh. Rohingya, who form the ma- jority of residents in Maungdaw, are denied citizenship in Myan- mar, face restrictions on their Malaysia opposition leader movements and have limited access to healthcare and educa- tion. Najib Razak, the prime min- ister of neighbouring Malaysia, has accused Myanmar of com- mitting genocide against the Ro- loses fi nal bid for freedom hingya. Suu Kyi has called a special Court rejects Anwar’s final plication for a review of his 2014 dollars had been misappropri- capable leader,” Robertson add- meeting of foreign ministers of appeal against sodomy conviction, his fi nal legal option ated from state fund 1Malaysia ed. the Association of Southeast conviction; Opposition for an acquittal, was without Development Berhad (1MDB). A former deputy prime Asian Nations (Asean) on the is- leader must serve final 16 merit. However, the prime minister minister of the ruling party, sue in Myanmar’s capital of Nay- months of jail term “This is not a fi t or proper weathered the political crisis by Anwar’s legal troubles began pyidaw on Monday. case for this court to exercise consolidating power and crack- soon after he fell out with then The panel visited the sites of Reuters its inherent jurisdiction to ini- ing down on dissent. prime minister Mahathir Mo- numerous attacks believed to Kuala Lumpur tiate a review,” Zulkefl i Ahmad Crowds of demonstrators hamed in the late 1990s and have been launched by a previ- Makinudin, the Chief Judge of gathered outside the court was sacked. ously unknown Rohingya armed Malaya, said as he read excerpts ahead of the verdict, to show He then campaigned against group. ailed Malaysian opposition from a 60-page ruling. support for the 69-year-old corruption and nepotism and Upto 17 police and security leader Anwar Ibrahim yes- Anwar was convicted and Anwar, backed up by the pres- led a nationwide “reformasi”, forces were killed in the initial Jterday lost his fi nal bid for jailed for sodomising a former ence of his wife, children and or reform, protest movement. attacks and subsequent clash- freedom when a federal court aide, a charge he and his sup- grandchildren in the courtroom. He was later jailed for the es. rejected his appeal to set aside porters describe as a politically The verdict was a “real trag- first time on charges of sod- The panel also visited Mus- his sodomy conviction and fi ve- motivated attempt to end his edy for justice,” said Phil Rob- omy and graft. lim villages, but its members year jail term. career. ertson, deputy Asia director of In a 2013 election, Anwar did not hear allegations of rape Once a rising star in the ruling “This is not the end of the New York-based rights group led an opposition alliance that by soldiers, the statement said. United Malays National Organi- road...I have pleaded and reit- Anwar Ibrahim: setback Human Rights Watch. posed the first genuine chal- Such claims cannot be veri- sation (UMNO) party, Anwar erated my innocence, but the “With this fi nal decision run- lenge to UMNO, which has fied as authorities have blocked is the greatest threat to Prime judiciary has ignored my pleas,” other 16 months, as Malaysia from contesting the next elec- ning roughshod over Anwar’s ruled Malaysia since inde- travel to the area by independ- Minister Najib Razak and his Anwar told reporters in the grants a one-third reduction of tion that must be held by 2018. rights and sending him back pendence in 1957. ent journalists and observers. coalition, after leading a three- court after the verdict. jail terms for good behaviour. Najib has been buff eted by to prison, Najib and the ruling But the opposition fell apart “The military replied they party opposition alliance to “This is a long walk to free- Anwar’s prison term ends in graft allegations and faced the UMNO party have just fi red the after Anwar’s imprisonment, didn’t rape the women as de- stunning electoral gains in 2013. dom,” he said. 2020. biggest challenge to his leader- starting gun on the expected and the ruling coalition took scribed in the fabricated news A panel of fi ve judges ruled Anwar is widely expected to But the conviction disquali- ship last year following reports 2018 election by permanently advantage to coast to victory in stories, that they followed the unanimously that Anwar’s ap- be released after serving an- fi es him from political offi ce and that hundreds of millions of sidelining the opposition’s most several by-elections this year. rules,” the statement added.

INVESTIGATION Last sweep for Crowd favourite MH370 sea search Vietnam jails people smugglers The last vessel searching for missing MH370 has left on its final deported from Australia sweep across the southern Indian Ocean, Australia said yesterday, as the transport minister cautioned AFP and the island of Nauru. The face charges.The ringleader of the airliner might not be found in Hanoi four Vietnamese sentenced the group, 27-year-old Nguy- coming weeks. in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau en Giao Thong, had previ- Fugro Equator sailed from province on Tuesday were de- ously fled to Australia in 2013 Fremantle port on Australia’s Vietnam court has ported from Australia in June before he was arrested and western coast on Monday for the convicted four men of after their boat carrying 21 returned to Vietnam, accord- 120,000 square-kilometre zone Apeople-smuggling after people was spotted in Aus- ing to state-run Thanh Nien where investigators believe the they tried to sail to Australia tralian waters. newspaper. Seeking to return, Malaysian Airlines jet disappeared with a boatload of migrants but Two were given three and Thong organised the trip with en route from Kuala Lumpur to were turned back under Can- three and a half years in pris- three others and set sail on May Beijing on March 8, 2014, carrying berra’s hardline immigration on, while another pair were 18, reaching Australian waters 239 passengers and crew. No trace policy. handed 18-month suspended 20 days later. has been found in the massive Australia does not accept sentences, a court clerk said The four men were sen- undersea hunt off Australia but so-called boat people from yesterday. tenced just days after Canberra investigators have confirmed that any nation and the country The Vietnamese migrants, and Hanoi signed an agreement three pieces of debris recovered has come under fire for hold- who were reportedly seeking on the return of Vietnamese on western Indian Ocean shore- ing migrants in isolated out- higher paying jobs abroad, nationals deemed to be in Aus- lines came from MH370. posts in Papua New Guinea were also deported but did not tralia illegally. “It has been an heroic under- taking but we have to prepare ourselves for the prospect that DISPUTE we may not find MH370 in the Hanoi protests Chinese stamps featuring sea images coming weeks, although we re- main hopeful,” Transport Minister Vietnam has condemned a new series of Chinese China to, as the newspaper reported, “respect the Darren Chester told The West postal stamps that show images of the contested historical truth” and withdraw the stamps. Australian Tuesday. Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, state-control- Ownership of the Spratly Islands, which are mostly The newspaper added that the led media reported yesterday. The stamps, which uninhabited, lies at the centre of a dispute between ship’s final hunt would involve were issued by the Chinese postal service in Octo- China and Vietnam over maritime sovereignty in examining some 200 small areas ber, depict five diff erent lighthouses constructed on the South China Sea. which were either too deep for reefs that are controlled by China but also claimed Both countries claim historic rights to the Spratly previous sweeps or were not Ousted former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra greets supporters as she arrives at the by Vietnam, the Tuoi Tre newspaper reported. Islands and have military garrisons stationed there. properly examined due to poor Supreme Court for a trial on criminal negligence over a rice-buying scheme, in Bangkok yesterday. Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communica- The Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan also maintain sonar readings. tions issued a statement on its website calling for claims to the islands. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, December 15, 2016 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA ‘Shadowy’ doctors visited S Korean president: hearing

AFP bottom of a scandal that triggered Park had sought treatment from taining human placenta extracts had performed cosmetic pro- “I heard rumours that some House and had physical access Seoul mass nationwide protests and led doctors who were not part of her and vitamins, widely used as an cedures on Park as lawmakers (doctors) were visiting the to the president,” one lawmaker to lawmakers voting to impeach offi cial medical staff but had ties anti-ageing treatment or for de- grilled him with past photos of presidential Blue House in the said, describing them as “shad- Park Geun-hye last Friday. with Choi. toxifi cation in South Korea. small bruises on the president’s evening...but did not take it se- owy doctors”. outh Korea’s embattled Park stands accused of col- The two doctors - who treated He later became a member of face, which he said were possibly riously back then,” he told law- Another lawmaker pointed president was visited by luding with her longtime friend Choi for years - testifi ed that the presidential medical team. traces of wrinkle fi ller needles. makers yesterday. out the pair had gone through S“shadowy” doctors who Choi Soon-sil to strong arm do- they had visited Park at her The other doctor, who runs a A former chief of the presi- Details of the president’s minimal security checks when injected her with human placen- nations from large companies residence multiple times, often plastic surgery clinic in the af- dential medical team told a TV health conditions are state se- visiting Park repeatedly. ta extract, a parliamentary in- worth tens of millions of dollars. without the presence or knowl- fl uent Seoul district of Gang- station that he had turned down crets. “Our head of state was left quiry into a growing corruption The scandal raised questions edge of the presidential medical nam, testifi ed that he had visited Park’s request to inject human “It is a very grave problem that completely vulnerable...as the scandal heard yesterday. as to what extent the friend in- team. Park multiple times since 2013 to placenta extract due to doubts doctors who were not named as offi cial presidential security The ongoing, two-month fl uenced the president’s per- One of them said he had given handle her “skin troubles.” over its medical benefi t, before part of the offi cial medical team protocol was ruined by her pri- hearing is seeking to get to the sonal life, as it emerged that Park a series of injections con- He however denied that he he was dismissed in 2014. entered the (presidential) Blue vate relationship,” he said. US warns ‘aggressive’ Beijing in S China Sea

AFP spite rival claims from its South- Sydney east Asian neighbours. But Washington has repeat- edly said it does not recognise he United States will keep the claims, and has regularly A wrecked US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft that crash-landed in the sea off Nago is seen in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, yesterday. challenging Beijing’s “as- sent warships into the strategi- Tsertive, aggressive behav- cally vital area to assert the right iour in the South China Sea”, the to freedom of navigation. US Pacifi c commander said yes- “Should others (countries) terday, as tensions between two signal in this way in freedom of powers rise over comments by navigation operations? I think Donald Trump. so, but that is again up to each Admiral Harry Harris, head of individual country to make that the US Pacifi c Command, warned decision,” the admiral told Aus- US military grounds Osprey Washington would not accept tralian think tank the Lowy In- Chinese control of the region, stitute in Sydney. despite Beijing’s rapid develop- “The US fought its fi rst war ment of artifi cial islands capable following our independence to of hosting military planes. ensure freedom of navigation, He remarks come as Beijing and we did that when we were planes in Japan after crash reacted angrily after Trump, the weak and small,” he added. US President-elect, broke con- “This is an enduring principle, AFP ter half turboprop and boasts in the water to reduce injuries cockpit separated from partially shi Onaga, an outspoken critic vention by speaking directly to and one of the reasons our forces Tokyo the manoeuvrability of a chop- to crew and avoid fl ying over submerged fuselage. of the US military presence, Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen - remain ready to fi ght tonight.” per and the speed and range of a Okinawan residential areas, he Of the fi ve crew members called the incident “really out- and suggested Washington could Harris added that Washing- fi xed-wing aircraft. told reporters. aboard, one needed “a few more rageous”. jettison Washington’s decades- ton would not make Australia he US Marines suspend- But a series of accidents Nicholson said that inves- days” of medical attention, one The accident came as Japa- old “One China policy”. choose between its traditional ed fl ights of their Osprey mostly in the United States in- tigations were under way and suff ered a broken bone and the nese media reported that an- The “One China policy” is a ally, the United States, and rising Taircraft in Japan yester- volving the plane have prompt- fl ights would not resume until other three did not require seri- other Osprey landed on its fu- diplomatic compromise allow- world power China. day as anger mounts over an ed protests by Okinawa resi- he was satisfi ed with the results ous attention, Nicholson said. selage late Tuesday at Futenma ing the US to do business with “Australia is more than capable accident that saw one of the hy- dents. of the reviews. The incident quickly sparked airbase, located in a crowded both China and Taiwan while of chewing gum and walking at the brid planes crash off the south- The crash happened over- He stressed, however, that anger on Okinawa - a strategic Okinawan residential district. only recognising Beijing diplo- same time, and so we’re not asking ern island of Okinawa. night after the aircraft damaged the incident was not due to a outpost of US military pow- The US military told the matically. you to make a choice,” he said. The incident came at a deli- one of its propellers during an mechanical problem with the er - where the local governor Japanese government that the “We will not allow the shared A UN-backed tribunal ruled cate time, with Tokyo and aerial refuelling drill with an- aircraft. has spearheaded a campaign plane had trouble deploying its domains to be closed down uni- in July in a case brought by the Washington pushing to build other plane around 10 pm Tues- “We apologise to Okinawan against the presence of US landing gear, chief government laterally, no matter how many Philippines that any extensive a new airbase on Okinawa de- day (1300 GMT), according people, who perhaps will lose bases, while in Tokyo the gov- spokesman Yoshihide Suga told bases are built on artifi cial fea- claims to the sea had no legal spite local opposition against to Marine Lieutenant General faith and confi dence in the Os- ernment demanded the halt to reporters. tures in the South China Sea,” basis and that China’s construc- the heavy US military presence Lawrence Nicholson. prey based on this accident,” he fl ights, which the Marines later Tokyo and Washington want Harris said. tion of artifi cial islands in dis- there and concerns by residents The Osprey pilot guided the said. announced. to move the Futenma base to a “We will co-operate where we puted waters was illegal. about the Osprey. violently shaking aircraft to “I hope that they will not.” Japanese Prime Minister sparsely populated area in the can but we will be ready to con- Australia’s Foreign Minister The MV-22 Osprey, a so- shallow waters near US Marine Japanese public broadcaster Shinzo Abe called the accident north of the island, but many front where we must.” Julie Bishop said last month that called tiltrotor plane that can base Camp Schwab, and con- NHK showed the main wings of “serious” and “regrettable”, locals, including Onaga, want it China insists on sovereignty Canberra and Jakarta were con- carry 24 troops, is half helicop- ducted “a controlled landing” the craft broken in half and the while Okinawa governor Take- removed altogether. over virtually all the resource- sidering joint patrols in the dis- endowed South China Sea, de- puted region.

Tourist dies on Great Barrier Reef China tells Japan it opposes unilateral N Korea sanctions An elderly Japanese tourist has “pulled unresponsive from the died after being pulled from water”, a Queensland Police waters in the Great Barrier Reef spokeswoman said. Reuters diplomat told Japan yesterday. its annual export revenue by a Kenji Kanasugi, director-general tions, and opposes unilateral while snorkelling, Australian The crew on the boat she was Beijing Japan and South Korea said quarter after its fi fth and largest of Asian and Oceanian aff airs sanctions imposed outside the police said yesterday, the fourth travelling on started CPR but this month they would impose nuclear test in September. bureau at Japan’s foreign minis- framework of Security Council fatality at the popular tourist she died shortly after, the new unilateral sanctions on It says the resolution is a con- try, China’s special envoy for the resolutions,” China’s Foreign spot in a month. spokeswoman added. hina is willing to work North Korea over its nuclear and spiracy hatched by the United Korean peninsula Wu Dawei said Ministry cited Wu as saying. The 75-year-old woman The incident followed the death with the international ballistic missile programmes, States to deny its sovereignty. China had always pushed for de- “The situation on the Korean was snorkelling at Moore of a 60-year-old English tourist Ccommunity to fully im- following a new UN Both South Korea and Japan nuclearisation via talks. peninsula is complex and sensi- Reef some 40km (25 miles) while diving on Agincourt Reef plement UN resolutions on Security Council resolution already have comprehensive “China is willing, along with tive. All sides should work hard from Cairns on Tuesday off the popular resort of Port North Korea, but opposes any imposed on the reclusive country. unilateral sanctions in place the international community, together to maintain the peace afternoon when she was Douglas last month. unilateral sanctions outside that North Korea has rejected the against North Korea. to fully and completely en- and stability of the Korean pe- framework, a senior Chinese UN resolution, aimed at cutting Speaking by telephone to force Security Council resolu- ninsula,” Wu said. Cooling off Chinese Muslim website shuttered after Xi petition

AFP mal” and the other “in violation activists and academics detained Beijing of required guidelines”. and dozens jailed. China offi cially has more than “You are not responsible for 23mn Muslims, though some in- all of the crimes of the totalitar- ne of China’s most popu- dependent estimates say there ian system, but as the totalitar- lar online communities may be as many as 50mn - which ian system’s head and its com- Ofor Muslims has been would put China among the mander-in-chief of repression, shuttered after posting a peti- world’s top 10 Muslim nations. you must take responsibility for tion asking Chinese President Xi While China’s constitution the blood and tears which now Jinping to stop his “brutal sup- enshrines freedom of religious fl ow,” it said. pression” of activists, the letter’s belief, authorities keep strict “In the next spring of China’s authors said yesterday. limits on it, recognising only fi ve new Jasmine Revolution, who Since 2003, the “Zhongmu belief systems and seeking to will drive your tanks to crush us, Wang” website, or 2muslim. control their messages. the new generation of students com, functioned as an “online The closure came after the after 1989?” network of Muslims sharing Is- posting of an open letter to Xi Yi Sulaiman Gu, a Muslim lam”, according to archived de- calling for a halt to the “brutal student studying in the US at scriptions. suppression” of activists and the the University of Georgia, said But as of yesterday the site immediate release of those still the website shut the day after was inaccessible, showing only detained by the state, according he posted the letter to a forum a message stating it was “under to students who wrote the peti- that had previously hosted sen- maintenance”. tion. sitive discussions on issues such Surfers surf in the Sydney suburb of Tamarama yesterday after Sydneysiders sweltered through the hottest night ever recorded in Two of its affi liated social me- The letter criticised Xi for as China’s persecution of Mus- December. The Bureau of Meteorology said the 27.1C beat the previous record for the hottest December night in Sydney set in 1868, dia accounts were also unavail- overseeing a crackdown on dis- lim dissidents. “We believed it when a minimum temperature of 26.3 was reached. able, displaying messages that sent since coming to power in would be safe for Zhongmu to declared one account “abnor- 2012, with hundreds of lawyers, post it there,” Gu said. Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 17 BRITAIN British Airways cabin crew to strike over pay

Guardian News and Media unit – who represent about 15% of vote to strike on a 60% turnout. £12,000 a year – a fi gure that has airline group is forecasting annual ways bosses need to wake up to the and hourly duty rates increasing London stewards at the airline – voted to All of BA’s new fl ight crew mem- led crew to resort to moonlighting profi ts of £2.3bn, largely driven by anger and the injustice here.” by a minimum of 7%. strike after rejecting a 2% pay of- bers are recruited into the mixed in other jobs or sleeping in their BA. He added that low pay was not A spokesperson for the airline fer on what Unite has described as fl eet branch, which was set up in cars between shifts to survive, the Unite’s regional offi cer Matt just indefensible but a safety issue said: “We are extremely disap- ritish Airways cabin crew “poverty pay” levels. 2010 on lower pay and conditions union said. The mixed fl eet con- Smith said the crew was “at break- for aviation. ”Inexperience, fa- pointed that the union is creat- have voted overwhelmingly Union representatives will meet than existing crew. sidered a strike in 2014, with dis- ing point”. He said: “Mixed fl eet tigue, and the fact that BA recent- ing uncertainty for our custom- Bin favour of strikes in a dis- over the next two days to decide Average pay, including allow- content stoked by the diff erential crew earn just over the minimum ly cut the length of crew training ers. Mixed fl eet Unite represents pute over pay, in a move that could what action to take, with a strike ances, is just £16,000 a year for in pay between new recruits and wage and below the national aver- courses means Unite is genuinely about 15% of our cabin crew. result in fl ights from Heathrow possible at any date from Decem- crew, according to the union, al- company bosses. age. Signifi cant numbers of crew concerned about the potential re- “We remain focused on resolv- being disrupted over the Christ- ber 21. though BA said crew would nor- Willie Walsh, the chief execu- are taking on second jobs, many percussions.” ing this issue as quickly as pos- mas holidays. More than 2,000 staff at Hea- mally make at least £21,000 a tive of BA’s parent company IAG, go to work unfi t to fl y because they BA said the airline had made an sible without any disruption to Cabin crew in BA’s mixed fl eet throw were balloted, with a 79% year with bonuses. Basic salary is earned £6.5mn in 2015, and the can’t aff ord to be sick. British Air- off er that would lead to basic pay customers.”

Johnson jokes about PM’s Premier leather trousers and Corbyn Reuters London

oreign Secretary Boris Johnson has publicly poked Ffun at Prime Minister clash over Theresa May, telling dozens of foreign ambassadors she was so cosmopolitan that she sported leather trousers like German “lederhosen”. Johnson, known in Britain and beyond for his often outlandish persona and dishevelled mop of social care platinum hair, said his country would not turn its back on the Guardian News and Media keen to stress that local author- creases in council tax raised world after Brexit and cast the London ities would not be allowed to more in wealthy parts of the United Kingdom as a cosmopoli- make any rises in the third year, country. “Raising council tax tan consumer of imports. so the total increase in council has a diff erent outcome in dif- “We are gluttons in this coun- heresa May has pledged tax over the three-year period ferent parts of the country,” try for imports. We buy huge to seek a “long-term would remain the same, at 6%. he said, adding: “Is she saying quantities of stuff , particularly Tsolution” to the chal- Pressure has been mounting that older people – frail, elderly, of course from our friends in the lenge of funding social care for on the government to tackle a vulnerable older people – are European Union, as of course we older people, as she confi rmed looming winter crisis in social less valuable in our cities than shall continue to do so when we that local authorities would be care since the Chancellor, Philip in other parts of the country?” do that great free trade deal,” he allowed to bring forward in- Hammond, failed to make more May insisted funding was not told ambassadors. creases in council tax to meet a funding available at his Autumn the only answer to the problem, Johnson quipped that Brit- short-term funding squeeze. Statement last month. pointing to what she said were ain had even managed to export Challenged by Labour lead- poorly performing councils, Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, er Jeremy Corbyn on what he singling out Ealing council as who enjoys a friendship with called the crisis in social care, an example of poor practice for president-elect Donald Trump, May said her government would failing to integrate social care to the US. give councils more fl exibility to with the wider NHS. “We managed to export Nigel raise more money in the short “There are also some coun- Farage to America,” he said, be- term – but would also seek a cils across the country – some fore joking about May’s decision sustainable funding model. Labour councils – who have to be photographed wearing fash- “You cannot look as this not taken that opportunity, and ionable full-length leather trou- question as simply being about where we see a worse perform- sers that the British media said money in the short term. If ance,” she said, pointing to a had cost £995. we’re going to give people the “Is she saying that older “twentyfold” diff erence in de- “We are so cosmopolitan that reassurance they need in the people – frail, elderly, layed discharges, where hospi- we drink more champagne, more long term, it’s about fi nding a vulnerable older people tals cannot send a patient home prosecco, buy more German cars way forward that will give a sus- – are less valuable in our because there is no social care in than anyone else and our won- tainable solution for the future,” cities than in other parts of place. derful prime minister actually she said. the country?” “We recognise that there are wears lederhosen,” he said, using Sajid Javid, the Communities indeed pressures on social care, the German word for traditional Secretary, is today expected to In a spirited performance at but we also recognise that this is Alpine leather shorts. announce that local authori- the fi nal PMQs of 2016, Corbyn not just about money; it is about Johnson denied a media report ties will be allowed to increase said older people were being left delivery,” she said. that he had privately told some council tax by up to 3% next to live a “horrible, isolated life, Local authorities, which are EU ambassadors that he support- year and the year after, with the when they should be cared for responsible for social care, have ed freedom of movement, one of money ringfenced to pay for so- by all of us, through a properly repeatedly said cuts to their the EU’s fundamental citizenship cial care. funded social care system”. funding from central govern- rights that was established by the The maximum increase had He urged the prime minis- ment have put provision at risk. 1992 Treaty of Maastricht. been 2% over each of the next ter to cancel planned cuts to Sarah Wollaston, the Totnes Britain wants to control immi- three years, but councils will corporation tax, which were MP and chair of the health gration from EU countries as part now be able to make upfront confi rmed by Hammond at last select committee, called for of Brexit, though EU leaders say rises of 3% in each of the next month’s budget, and ringfence cross-party talks to come up Britain cannot have full access to Prime Minister Theresa May leaves Downing Street in London to attend her final Prime Minister’s two years. the money to fund social care. with a long-term solution to the EU markets if it does. Question Time of 2016 yesterday. Government sources were Corbyn pointed out that in- problem. Airport baggage handlers No Brexit plan before February: minister held for smuggling drugs Guardian News and Media of business groups, but would only London go for that option if it was really necessary. London Evening Standard His alleged involvement in the scale drug smuggling through UK “Whatever the transitional ar- London drugs operation is understood to airports is high risk for organised ritain will not have a Brexit rangement is, we need to know have taken place before he was criminals. This operation was co- plan until February at the where we’re going before we de- jailed. ordinated to strike simultaneously Bearliest but should be able cide on the transition,” he said. “It major drugs gang which has Yesterday’s action follows the at as many parts of the suspected to negotiate its departure from the seems to me that it will be perfect- used corrupt baggage han- seizure of about 100kgs of co- drugs ring as possible. EU and a new trade deal within 18 ly possible to know what the end Adlers to smuggle millions of caine, with a street value of at least “The NCA is grateful for the months of triggering Article 50, game will be in two years.” pounds worth of cocaine through £10mn, and 50kgs of cannabis at support and co-operation it has David Davis has said. It comes after Philip Hammond, Heathrow airport was busted yes- Heathrow over the past 15 months. received from the airport authori- The Brexit secretary said the the chancellor, made clear that terday in a wave of arrests. Most of the drugs were fl own ties and Border Force, all of whom plan would be published as soon “thoughtful politicians” were in A total of 11 people, including in from Brazil to be smuggled have a vested interest in protecting as possible but there were “quite favour of striking a transitional one woman, were held as 125 of- through customs by corrupt bag- the security of our borders.” a few decisions still to be made” deal with the EU to cushion com- fi cers from the National Crime gage handlers and given to a Lon- Offi cials indicated that there was about the way Downing Street panies from the possible conse- Agency and police carried out don-based organised crime gang. no evidence of other items, such as wants to leave the EU, including quences of Brexit. early-morning raids across Lon- The criminal operation will raise fi rearms, being smuggled through on the impact on business sectors, Speaking at the Commons com- don and the South-East. They concerns about security at Heath- Heathrow by the baggage handlers justice and home aff airs. mittee on exiting the EU, Davis included three baggage handlers row and the vetting system that is who were arrested yesterday over “It certainly won’t be next went on to run through four possi- from Heathrow. employed to check baggage as well the drugs allegations. The security month,” he told MPs at the House bilities on the UK’s membership of Others detained included peo- as other staff who are cleared to breach is, however, certain to lead of Commons committee on exit- the customs union: being fully in, ple allegedly linked to drugs bar- work in the airport with access to to questions about the ability of ing the EU. fully out, a partially inside Turk- ons in South America, from where planes and their cargo. those with criminal intent to obtain Despite the lack of a fi rm plan, ish model of being inside the cus- cocaine and cannabis were be- All the suspects held yesterday clearance to work at the airport — Davis gave a series of hints about toms union but outside the single ing fl own in, and alleged British were arrested on suspicion of con- particularly given the continuing the direction of travel and argued market, and a Swiss model of be- “wholesalers” responsible for sell- spiring to import class A drugs and terrorist threat to fl ights. that “everything is negotiable” ing outside the customs union but ing the drugs to street dealers. are now being questioned at police In the case of yesterday’s drug within a year-and-a-half of the with customs arrangements. Four were arrested at an address stations around London. The ages arrests, it is understood that most formal Article 50 notifi cation in In a further development, Davis in Stoke Newington. Others were of those held range from 24 to 60. of the seizures were the result of March. also revealed the government is held in Tooting, Thornton Heath, The National Crime Agency’s intelligence that enabled the NCA He said the UK was not op- looking at the Norway-Sweden Hayes, Chigwell and Banstead. senior investigating offi cer David to identify the fl ights on which the posed to a Brexit “implementa- border as a possible model for how An inmate at London’s Wands- Reynders said as he announced cocaine and cannabis were being tion phase” to soften the impact the border could work between worth prison was also arrested. the arrests yesterday: “Large- smuggled in. David Davis: ‘few decisions still to be made’ of leaving, which is a key demand Ireland and Northern Ireland. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, December 15, 2016 BRITAIN

ECONOMY INVESTIGATION ILLEGALS CLARIFICATION MILESTONE Employment slips from Three charged with assault 13 people rescued from Students ‘not told’ to use Amazon completes its first post-referendum record against child in Rotherham refrigerated lorry on M25 gender-neutral pronouns drone delivery in England

The number of people in work in Britain has fallen Three men have been charged with a total of A group of people reportedly including children Oxford University’s student union has said it Amazon yesterday said it had completed its first slightly for the first time in over a year, suggesting 15 off ences of indecent assault against a child has been detained after calling the police for had not told students to use gender pronouns delivery by drone, in what the global online giant that a six-year expansion in the labour market in Rotherham following an investigation by the help from the inside of a refrigerated lorry. such as “ze” instead of “he” or “she”, calling such hopes will be a trend in automated shipments may be coming to an end ahead of a Brexit-led National Crime Agency. Riaz Makhmood, 38, Sajid Surrey police said off icers received the call a move “totally counterproductive”. A number by air. The delivery to an unnamed customer economic slowdown which is expected next year. Ali, 37 and Zaheer Iqbal, 39, all from Rotherham, from people inside the trailer of the vehicle of reports at the weekend said the student near Cambridge, England, was announced in a Off icial data released yesterday showed a modest have been charged with assaulting a girl under with concerns for their welfare at 3.10pm on union had issued a leaflet telling students to use tweet by Amazon founder and chief executive acceleration in wage growth in the three months the age of 14 between June 1994 and June 1995. Tuesday. Off icers attended junction 11 of the gender neutral pronouns such as “ze” in order Jeff Bezos. “First-ever #AmazonPrimeAir to October, with one measure of pay rising at its Riaz Makhmood faces three charges of indecent M25 motorway near Chertsey, Surrey, and to stop transgender students being off ended. customer delivery is in the books. 13 min – click fastest since August 2015. The jobless rate held assault; Sajid Ali faces seven charges of indecent discovered 13 suspected illegal immigrants A denial published on the OUSU website said: to delivery,” he wrote of the December 7 order. at an 11-year low of 4.8% as fewer students and assault and Zaheer Iqbal faces five charges of inside, the force said. The group included 10 “As far as we’re aware, the information which Amazon, which has been testing drone deliveries homemakers looked for work. But the number of indecent assault. The men are the first to be adults and three children, according to local has been published is incorrect. We have not in the US and elsewhere, has on several people in work dipped by 6,000 to 31.762mn from charged as part of Operation Stovewood, the reports. The group was checked by paramedics produced a leaflet implying that all students occasions complained that the regulatory a previous record high, the first decline since the investigation into allegations of child exploitation and then taken to Dover by immigration must use ‘ze’ pronouns to refer to others, or environment in the US for these automated three months to June 2015. and abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. enforcement. indeed to themselves.” deliveries is more cumbersome. Parents do not recognise that children obese: study

Guardian News and Media Over a quarter (27% of men and London women) were obese last year and a further 41% of men and 31% of women were overweight. he vast majority of parents The average waist circum- of overweight children in ference of an adult reached its TEngland do not recognise highest ever fi gure – 92.9cm, or the fact, the annual NHS health 36.57in, (88.4cm, or 34.8in, for survey has found, raising fears women and 97.4cm, or 38.34in, that high levels of obesity have for men) – compared with normalised unhealthy weights. 87.1cm when the survey began Nine in 10 mothers and eight in 1993. Carrying too much fat in 10 fathers of an overweight around your middle can increase child described them as being the risk of developing conditions about the right weight. such as heart disease, type 2 dia- Almost half of mothers (48%) betes and cancer. and 43% of fathers said their Almost half of women (47%) obese child was about the right and just over a third of men weight, according to the Health (35%) were found to have a very Survey for England 2015, pub- high waist circumference, de- lished by NHS Digital yesterday. fi ned as a waist circumference People walk and cycle across Westminster Bridge on the second day of a train strike in London yesterday. Gillian Prior, head of health greater than 88cm for women at the National Centre for So- and greater than 102cm for men. cial Research, said: “Around The Obesity Health Alliance, three in 10 children are over- a coalition of over 30 leading weight or obese, yet nearly half charities, royal medical col- of mothers think their obese leges and campaign groups, child is about the right weight. said: “Obesity is still an urgent It is possible that consistently public health epidemic cost- high levels of childhood obesity ing our national health service Ready to run strike-hit in recent years have normalised billions of pounds every year. an unhealthy weight. Prevalence hasn’t changed “This should be of concern much but the majority of adults to parents and public health remain worryingly obese or professionals alike. Obesity is overweight. As our waistlines linked to a number of health continue to increase, so do the conditions in later life, such chances of developing type 2 Southern rail, says Khan as diabetes and heart disease. diabetes, cancer, cardiovascu- Parents want to do the best for lar disease and other devastat- Guardian News and Media Speaking on BBC Breakfast, those who represent our work- politics with commuters, with He pointed out that Conserv- their children and the difficulty ing health conditions. London he urged the Transport Secre- ers,” he told the BBC. businesses and with London. I ative-run councils, including of recognising obesity in their “We must take bold action tary, Chris Grayling, to put party He also pointed out that say stop it. We can do a deal with Surrey, Hertfordshire and Kent, own child could be putting now by bringing in measures politics aside by giving a Labour Grayling’s predecessor, Patrick you, the government.” supported the idea of TfL taking them at risk.” like the soft drinks industry ondon mayor Sadiq Khan mayor responsibility for South- McLoughlin, and the former He pointed out that last week, over suburban services. The survey showed that child levy, reducing the sugar, salt has said his team could ern. mayor of London Boris John- a letter from Grayling to Johnson “We would make sure the obesity remains stubbornly and fat from everyday foods Lgo in this week to tackle On Tuesday, Grayling dis- son agreed in January that the had rejected the idea of trans- longer lines carry on running high, despite attempts to raise and restricting junk food mar- the Southern rail strike if the missed the idea as “nonsense” government would hand over ferring suburban lines to TfL, under the franchise system, so public awareness of the problem. keting to children. We still government stopped “playing and said in a letter to MPs: responsibility for running com- because the transport secretary the government can focus on In 2015, 28% of children were ei- have a way to go to truly tackle politics” and gave Transport “Transport for London has no muter trains on the Southern, did not want to see the services the longer lines and let us look ther overweight (14%) or obese this deadly and economically for London (TfL) responsibil- experience of running a main- Southeastern and South West “in the clutches of (a) Labour after the suburban lines. It’s a (14%). This was down from the draining obesity issue. How- ity for commuter services. line railway like this.” Trains networks to TfL. mayor”. win win,” Khan said. previous year when the fi gure ever, these proposed measures Pleading with the govern- But Khan said TfL had a bet- Khan said: “The previous Khan said: “We have got to do “Why the government says no was 31% and the 2004 peak of will be a major step towards ment on behalf of commuters ter record than private opera- government made a deal with better than this. We have got to is purely party politics. And in the 34% but higher than 20 years creating a healthier environ- and London businesses, Khan tors. “Transport for London the previous mayor. The only provide a system that is fair to meantime, we are losing tens of ago, when it was 25%. ment.” said: “My message to the gov- has fewer cancellations, fewer diff erence is I’m a Labour may- commuters and hasn’t had the millions of pounds for our busi- Obesity, which is defi ned as The survey was based on in- ernment is let my team go in. We delays and fewer strikes. Since I or. How is that fair on the com- appalling service that commut- nesses, commuters are suff ering a BMI of 30 or more for adults, terviews with 8,034 adults and can go in this week to help run became mayor, we have had 92% muters and businesses? ers receive every day from Govia and patients can’t make appoint- also remains high among adults. 5,714 children. this Southern line.” fewer strikes because I talk to “Grayling is playing party (Southern’s owner).” ments. How is that right?”

Shard lit up Ministers attacked ‘Ironman’ hero saves in toxic air row boy from the Thames London Evening Standard improve its plans to clean up London toxic air which is blamed for more than 9,000 deaths a year London Evening Standard again but I managed get hold of Lyme, climbed a ladder to hand the in the capital. London him. boy back to his desperate mother, inisters were left Hayes said the ruling by “I was talking to reassure him. who was with two other children. shamed yesterday judges that the government’s I asked his name and told him he He said: “His mum was cry- Mafter being carpeted air quality proposals were too boy who slipped through was going to be OK, we’re nearly ing. She was obviously in shock over London’s toxic air scan- feeble was a “wake-up call”, railings into the fast-fl ow- there. and could barely speak. When dal. quoting CS Lewis that “fail- Aing Thames near the Gold- “He managed to tell me his she realised I’d got him back over MPs tore into Air Quality ures are fi nger posts on the en Hinde was rescued with “sec- name but was in total shock. It the railing she was trying her best Minister Therese Coff ey and road to achievement”. onds to spare” by a hero bystander. was a really tough current. I did to say thank you but she couldn’t Transport Minister John Hayes But Tory MP Parish respond- Mark Maloney was with col- a huge open-water swim in an get the words out. I was just so over why Londoners were still ed: “Does it take two court cases leagues at the Old Thameside Inn Ironman competition during the relieved to get the boy out and having to breathe fi lthy fumes to wake up?” It was Coff ey who on Bankside when he was alerted summer but I was struggling to see he’s OK. It’s a sense of relief despite the alarm being raised left MPs most aghast, with her by screams from the four-year- keep us both afl oat.” I’ve never known before to give about killer pollution years stance over a new cruise ship old’s mother. Maloney’s manager Andrew him back to his family just be- ago. terminal off Greenwich which The insurance worker, 37, said Edwards, 45, was among a group fore Christmas. We’re staying in “We just can’t go on say- has been given the go-ahead it was only his training for Iron- who threw an emergency ring touch so I can hear how he re- ing: ‘It’s the fault of somebody without having a shore-to- man contests and triathlons that to the pair and dragged them to covers and I’ll be sending him a else’,” Neil Parish, chairman of ships electrical supply. enabled him to keep his head above the river edge. He said: “It was present too for being so brave.” the Commons environment Poplar and Limehouse La- the current and grab the boy before the most heroic thing I have ever A worker at a nearby pub said: committee, said as he waved a bour MP Jim Fitzpatrick said he was swept away. seen. We looked round and Mark “There was a helicopter and am- map showing how a pollution the decision should not have “I just acted on instinct with- was already taking his shoes off bulances everywhere as this was peak smothered London last been left to Greenwich council out thinking,” he told the Stand- to go in. He was the only one who happening. The guy who jumped month. In heated exchanges, as other parts of London would ard. “I do a lot of triathlons and had the strength to do it. If I’d in did an amazing thing — he’s a Coff ey was accused of “ab- be aff ected by fumes from the open swimming so I thought I gone in I’d be dead. hero.” dicating her responsibility”, ships’ engines being kept run- could help. In the water I was “The kid was going under. You Police said the boy was taken “insulting Londoners” and ning. panicking as I couldn’t see the could just see the top of his head to hospital as a precaution after “opting out” of key decisions, He told Coff ey this was “an boy. I was screaming up to my and hands as he struggled to the rescue but has since been dis- claims which she denied. abdication of your responsi- mates, ‘Where is he?’ Then sud- breathe. Seconds later and he’d charged. The RNLI said: “At the Parish lambasted “policies bility” and added: “To sit there denly his head popped up in front have gone.” time, the Thames had a strong that are just not working” and and say Greenwich have made of me. He was bobbing under and Maloney, visiting London for ebb tide, which can be extremely Lights illuminate The Shard skyscraper in central London. asked why the government had the decision is an insult to the I didn’t think he’d come back up work from Newcastle-under- dangerous.” to be dragged to court twice to people of London.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 19 EUROPE

Putin’s dog takes centre stage at interview

Ahead of his visit to Japan later this week, Russian President Crisis fears loom as Eurozone Vladimir Putin brought his dog Yume into an interview with Japanese journalists, and the large Akita breed made sure she as well as her master were well heard. Putin gave an interview to Nippon suspends Greece debt relief Television and Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper in Moscow on AFP of bitter talks that nearly saw Greece’s debt totals more Tuesday, accompanied at first by Brussels Athens crash out of the euro. than 300bn euros, equal to Yume, who was given to him by “The institutions have con- 180% of total annual economic Japan’s Akita Prefecture in 2012. cluded that the actions of the output and compared with the Yume, who was not on a leash, urozone fi nance minis- Greek government appear to European Union’s ceiling of entered the room quietly but ters yesterday suspended not be in line with our agree- 60%. she soon began barking loudly Edebt relief for bailed- ments,” said a spokesman for The “short-term” debt relief at the media crew, who stood out Greece after Greek Prime Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijssel- was agreed by eurozone min- still and smiled at the dog. Putin Minister Alexis Tsipras hiked bloem, the head of the 19-na- isters on December 5 despite eventually drew Akita’s attention spending for pensioners, an- tion eurozone club which over- criticism by the International with treats before showing some gering austerity champion sees Greece’s massive 86bn Monetary Fund that the meas- tricks she can do. Germany. euro bailout. ures fell well short of what was “We are glad to see Yume happy The setback echoed the worst There is “no unanimity now necessary to get Greece back on and cheerful. However, we were setbacks of the Greek debt crisis for implementing short-term its feet. a bit surprised and afraid that as the eurozone and the Inter- debt measures,” he added. They crucially did not in- the beginning of the meeting national Monetary Fund bat- The Athens stock exchange clude an outright reduction would be like this,” one of the tle over how far to push Athens index lost over three percent in the Greek debt mountain, journalists said, according to on implementing more tough in response to the announce- backed by the IMF as the only a Kremlin transcript of the policy reforms. ment which came after Berlin way forward but fi rmly opposed interview. Leftist premier Tsipras on expressed its fi rm opposition to by hard-line eurozone govern- Putin said Yume was protective Thursday made the surprise one- the extra spending by Tsipras. ments led by Germany. of him. “You were right to take off payout to 1.6mn low-income “If the rescue programme is Instead, the highly techni- caution, Yume is a no-nonsense pensioners, along with a sales going to be deemed a success, cal measures include extending dog,” he said. “There are many tax break for islands sheltering it is imperative that measures maturities on certain loans and people here, with camcorders thousands of migrants. are not taken unilaterally,” a locking in the interest rate on running, lights shining and Tsipras’ critics at home im- spokesman for the German some debt so as to reduce the cameras clicking. She is being a mediately denounced it as an Finance Ministry said in re- repayment burden, not the total guard dog.” electoral ploy but the premier sponse to the 617-million-euro owed. Striking health workers stand by police blockade near the Greek prime minister’s off ice in Athens A decade ago, with cameras said “Europe owes a debt” to the package. The tough stance against yesterday during their protest against austerity measures. Health workers called for work stoppage to running, Putin allowed his big islands that are on the frontline Berlin asked that the institu- Athens is led by Berlin’s pow- denounce the lack of financing in the health sector. black labrador Koni to bound of the migrant crisis. tions overseeing the bailout – the erful fi nance minister Wolf- into a room where he was Eurozone fi nance minis- European Commission, the ECB gang Schaeuble as key elec- Dijsselbloem’s spokesman Unlike during the worst of the Greece’s fi nancial situation receiving German Chancellor ters however said the meas- and the eurozone’s ESM bailout tions approach next year in said that the institutions crisis, Athens remains fi nancial- could become more serious in Angela Merkel at his Black Sea ures could violate the terms of fund – review the measures and Germany and the Nether- overseing the bailout would ly afl oat for now and is not in ur- the spring, when big debt pay- residence, ignoring warnings Greece’s third bailout, agreed suspend the hard-won and very lands, where bailout fatigue is report back to the fi nance gent need of fresh bailout funds. ments to the European Central from protocol that she has a fear in July 2015 after six months modest debt relief measures. fanning voter discontent. ministers in January. Analysts believe that Bank come due. of dogs. Italian PM wins confi dence vote Germany to deport

Reuters hire and fi re workers, and the to protest over the make-up of 50 failed Afghan Rome labour minister told reporters the new cabinet, saying the re- the initiative on unions made cent referendum showed Ital- it more likely that national ians did not want continuity but talian Prime Minister Paolo elections would be brought rather a new beginning. asylum seekers Gentiloni won the backing forward. The largest opposition party, Iof the fragmented Senate Following the referendum the anti-establishment, anti- yesterday, allowing his govern- defeat, Renzi supporters fear euro 5-Star Movement, is feed- DPA move at Frankfurt Airport at ment to formally take offi ce as a the anti-establishment drive ing off the popular discontent Berlin around 5pm (1600 GMT). new threat emerged to the lega- will push Italians to reject the and has promised to stage major “Simply fl ying people to Ka- cy of predecessor Matteo Renzi. Jobs Act. By bringing forward street protests in the coming bul, unloading them and leaving Renzi resigned last week the national vote, the referen- weeks to push for elections. ome 50 failed asylum seek- them to an uncertain fate is ir- when he lost a referendum on dum would be automatically The understated Gentiloni ers from Afghanistan were to responsible,” Pro Asyl’s Guenter his proposed reform of the con- delayed by up to 12 months. won 169 votes in the 320-seat Sbe deported from Frankfurt Burkhardt said. stitution. Looking to stave off “It seems to me that the Senate, with 99 voting against Airport to Kabul yesterday, the The police and Fraport – the political turmoil, the head of prevailing attitude is to go and many opposition senators fi rst group deportation as part of company that operates Frankfurt state asked Gentiloni, the out- to elections soon, before any not taking part. Gentiloni is an agreement the German govern- Airport – declined to comment going foreign minister, to form referendum on the Jobs Act,” Italy’s fi fth prime minister in as ment made with Kabul in October. on the group deportation. The a new cabinet. Newly appointed Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni speaks said Labour Minister Giuliano many years and heads its 64th In the past, the majority of Af- Interior Ministry said it would After winning an initial before a confidence vote at the Senate in Rome yesterday. Poletti. government since 1946. ghans whose asylum bids were confi rm the move when it hap- vote of confi dence in the low- A new electoral law must be One of the fi rst problems declined were allowed to remain pened to avoid disruption. er chamber of parliament on formance and rampant graft, Italy’s Constitutional Court drawn up before national elec- awaiting the new government is in Germany due to the security German news magazine Der Tuesday, Gentiloni secured vic- looks increasingly ragged. said yesterday it would review tions can be held. In a speech to a mushrooming banking crisis. threat in their home country. Spiegel, which fi rst reported the tory in the upper house Senate With the constitutional re- the request on January 11. If it the Senate, Gentiloni said his Monte dei Paschi di Siena, German Interior Minister news, said that the 50 Afghans and promised to push ahead form already shot down by a gives the green light to the CGIL government, which is a virtual Italy’s third-biggest lender, Thomas de Maiziere said in Oc- booked on Wednesday’s fl ight with Renzi’s reform agenda. referendum, another of Renzi’s union, a referendum on the Jobs carbon copy of the previous ad- needs 5bn euros ($5.3bn) of tober that the group deporta- would be registered by local of- But the reform drive, once fl agship projects, a shake-up Act could be held before next ministration, would seek cross- fresh cash before the end of the tions were supposed to send a fi cials in Kabul before travelling heralded by investors as a sign of the labour market, risks suf- summer. party consensus on the law. year to stay afl oat. It is widely signal to Afghans that Germany to their regions of origin. that Italy was fi nally facing up fering the same fate with Italy’s Business leaders denounced Many senators represent- expected to seek funds from only accepts a small number of Germany took in 890,000 mi- to myriad problems such as main union demanding a plebi- the move to overturn the re- ing opposition parties left the the state to stave off collapse, asylum bids from their country. grants in 2015, prompting wide- chronic economic underper- scite on the law. form, which made it easier to chamber before Gentiloni spoke bankers say. Though de Maiziere has ac- spread public concern about knowledged that Afghanistan can- domestic security and the in- not be considered a safe country of tegration of refugees and other French votes to origin, his government has argued migrants, as well as boosting sup- that parts of the country – includ- port for the right-wing Alterna- extend state of ing Kabul, Herat and Mazar-e Shar- tive for Germany (AfD) party. emergency Crimean gold treasures must be if – are safe enough to return to. More than 12,000 Afghans liv- Human rights organisation ing in Germany – around 5% of France’s parliament voted early Pro Asyl confi rmed the group their total number in the country yesterday to extend a national deportation, saying that it – were due for deportation as of state of emergency until July 15, returned to Kiev: Dutch court was holding a rally against the November. after next year’s elections. The security measures, in force since attacks in Paris that killed 130 people Reuters Scythian helmet, highlighted in November 2015, are now expected Amsterdam the rich history of the penin- to be approved by the Senate today. sula, a staging post on the silk It is the fifth extension of the state road between from China to Bosnia to expel of emergency, which gives police priceless collection of Europe, where Russian, Greek, extended powers of search and arrest. gold artefacts from Cri- Turkish cultures have met The overnight vote in the Amea that was on loan to since ancient times. National Assembly passed by a Dutch museum when Russia The court ruled that only 300 of foreign 288 to 32, with only Left Front seized the peninsula must be sovereign countries could lawmakers, protesting ecologists returned to Ukraine and not claim objects as cultural her- and a handful of centre-right Crimea, a Dutch court ruled itage. Since only Ukraine, Republicans voting against. yesterday in a judgement likely not Crimea, was sovereign, property owners The extension, which will give the to anger Moscow. it was for a Ukrainian court country its longest uninterrupted Kiev and the four muse- to adjudicate the competing state of emergency since the Algerian ums have been wrangling over ownership claims. Reuters istered at false addresses and had War in the 1960s, will span the two- the fate of the archaeologi- “Ownership questions have Sarajevo no staff , the offi ce said. round presidential election in April- cal treasures, including gems, to be settled when they have Many of the property owners May and June parliamentary polls. helmets and scabbards, which been returned to the state and had registered the fi rms as real The government has cited a were on loan to Amsterdam’s A 1st-century AD golden pendant in the shape of a deer, found in accordance with the law osnia will expel more than estate companies for a 2,000 heightened risk of jihadist attacks Allard Pierson Museum when in a grave at the necropolis of Ust’Alma and which is part of the of the state in question,” said 300 foreigners, most from Bosnian mark ($1,000) fee in or- coinciding with the polls. Russia annexed Crimea from “Crimea: Gold and Secrets of the Black Sea” at the Allard Pierson judge Mieke Dudok van Heel. Bthe Gulf, as illegal residents der to buy or develop property Ahead of the vote new Interior Ukraine in March, 2014. Museum in Amsterdam. “The Allard Pierson Museum after they bought property for worth hundreds of thousands Minister Bruno Le Roux stressed Ukrainian Foreign Minis- must return the treasures to investment that they may have of marka to rent out to tourists, that France faced “an extremely ter Pavlo Klimkin, alluding to president in Kiev, triggered the curator, choking back tears. Kiev.” evaded taxes on, the offi ce for ex- then not fi ling tax declarations. high” risk of a terrorist attack. Ukraine’s ambition to restore biggest confrontation between “After this ruling what A spokesman for the Uni- patriate aff airs said yesterday. Some of the owners were liv- Since the last extension – shortly Kiev’s rule over the penin- the Kremlin and the West should Crimean people think versity of Amsterdam, owner In recent years, Bosnia has seen ing illegally in the country, some after the Bastille Day attack in July sula, tweeted: “The Scythian since the end of the Cold War about Ukraine?” she said. of the Allard Pierson museum, an infl ux of Arab investors who were not registered as having ar- when a Tunisian jihadist rammed Gold is coming back home – to in 1991. It brought Western But Elena Gagarina, direc- said the museum would con- have built residential complexes rived in the country at all, some a truck through a crowd in Nice, Ukraine. I’m sure, it will also sanctions against Moscow and tor of the Kremlin Museum in tinue to hold the objects until and tourist resorts, attracted by had violated their visa require- killing 86 people – he said “we have return to Ukrainian Crimea.” complications in the interna- Moscow, said she understood all appeals were settled. low prices and a favourable cli- ments and others misused their foiled no fewer than 13 attacks, In an initial reaction, the tional arena for Crimean or- the court’s decision. The Crimean museums have mate in a country where half the work permits, the offi ce said. involving about 30 individuals”. Russian Culture Ministry was ganisations from sports teams “In this case, when these three months to appeal the population is Muslim. Depending on the off ence, With numerous public meetings quoted by RIA news agency and cultural institutions to objects were taken from the ruling. Ukraine was ordered Over the past three months of- more than 300 will be either and campaign rallies expected as saying “the museum ob- commerce. territory of Ukraine and be- to pay a portion of the costs fi cials inspected nearly 700 fi rms asked to leave the country volun- in the coming months, Le Roux jects should return to Crimea, Some Crimeans greeted the longed to Ukraine as a state, of storing the collection, esti- and 16 tourist resorts owned by tarily or be expelled and banned said “the intense electoral period where they were discovered decision with dismay. this decision seems perfectly mated at 300,000 euros. But citizens from the Gulf, Libya, from returning for between one we are entering increases the and where, for decades, they “I don’t think it was a good reasonable to me,” Interfax for Mordvinsteva, the story Russia and Ukraine. and fi ve years, a source at the of- risk of further terrorist acts”, were kept and studied by idea to bring this before court,” news agency quoted her as had further to run. About 500 of the fi rms, be- fi ce said. echoing weekend comments by archaeologists.” said Valentina Mordvinsteva, saying. “It is not the end of the sto- tween them owning more than Details of the violations will be his predecessor, newly-appointed The annexation, following a historian and the exhibi- The exhibition, its cen- ry,” she said. “Such a rich story 600 residential and business passed on to tax authorities and Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. the toppling of a pro-Russian tion’s Crimea-based original trepiece a 4th century BC will never end.” premises, were found to be reg- the police. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, December 15, 2016 INDIA

CONTROVERSY DECISION ISSUE INITIATIVE PEOPLE BJP workers protests by Tripura to tighten law Chaos in assembly over Music artistes rap about Sushma Swaraj on list singing national anthem on chit funds, NBFCs farmers’ detention social, political issues of 15 Global Thinkers

Leading Malayalam film director Kamal faced The Tripura government will pass a law The Odisha assembly yesterday witnessed Northeast music artistes have rapped External Aff airs Minister Sushma Swaraj has been a protest of a diff erent kind when angry to curb the activities of illegal chit fund pandemonium over the detention of their way to put the spotlight on social and included in Foreign Policy magazine’s 2016 list of Bharatiya Janata Party workers yesterday and non-banking financial companies, a hundreds of farmers, who were coming political issues. Youth content portal 101India. 15 Global Thinkers “for fashioning a novel brand sang the national anthem near his home in senior state official said yesterday. “The to attend a farmers’ convention in com launched the second edition of its music of Twitter diplomacy”. In a website posting, the Thrissur. Kamal, chairman of the Kerala State Protection of Interest of Depositors (Second Bhubaneswar. Opposition leader Narasingh property Hip Hop Homeland called “Hip magazine recalled how, when around 10,000 Chalachitra Academy (KSCA), said he did Amendment) Bill will be tabled on the Mishra demanded a discussion on the issue, Hop Homeland Northeast” (a web series) Indian workers in Saudi Arabia faced a “food not understand the reasons for the action. first day of the assembly’s winter session which was rejected by Deputy Speaker with the launch of a rap anthem yesterday. crisis” earlier this year due to job losses, Swaraj KSCA is a key organiser of the ongoing tomorrow to further tighten the existing Sanand Marandi. As a result, Congress The rap expresses the anguish of the tweeted about the issue to 6mn followers on the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). act to curb the activities of illegal chit fund members shouted slogans against Chief region’s people on issues like identity crisis social media website. “What followed was a weeks- Ever since the Supreme Court ordered that groups and non-banking financial companies Minister Naveen Patnaik’s government. As and human rights violations. “Hip Hop long social media operation in which Swaraj posted the national anthem should be played before (NBFCs),” the official said yesterday. He the chaos in the house continued, the deputy Homeland Northeast” series introduces information for migrants about rations provided a film is screened in theatres, it has become a said the existing Protection of Interest of speaker adjourned it till 3pm. Later, Congress artistes and crews like Khasi Bloodz, by the Indian embassy, claims for unpaid wages, discussion point in the IFFK that opened last Depositors Act was enacted several years lawmakers moved to Raj Bhavan and sought Symphonic Movement, Cryptographik and government-organised transportation home,” week. Eleven people who refused to stand back and now requires amendments to deal the intervention of Governor S C Jamir. They Street Poets and B-boy Kim. The highlight it said. “From evacuating Indians from Yemen to up when the national anthem was played with unauthorised chit fund groups and demanded the immediate release of the of the series is a 13-year-old rapper from helping replace lost passports, Swaraj has earned were arrested though the police later let NBFCs. The winter session of the assembly farmers. “The act of the state government is Symphonic Movement who is rapping the nickname ‘the common tweeple’s leader’ for her them off on bail. will continue till December 19. undemocratic. about social issues. aggressive use of Twitter,” it said.

Search entire JNU campus to fi nd missing Take steps student, HC tells police

IANS to curb child New Delhi

he Delhi High Court yes- terday asked the police’s TCrime Branch to search every nook and cranny of the Ja- drug abuse, waharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus with the help of sniff er dogs to fi nd out missing student Najeeb Ahmed. A division bench of Justice G S Sistani and Justice Vinod Goel was hearing a habeas cor- SC tells govt pus plea fi led by Fatima Nafees, Ahmed’s mother, that her son be Report by the National The child rights group asked A 2013 report by the Na- produced by police and the Delhi Commission for the the court to order the govern- tional Commission for the government before the court. Protection of Child Rights ment to create rehabilitation Protection of Child Rights Ahmed, 27, a fi rst year MSc estimates 40-70% of India’s centres in each district of India, estimated 40-70% of India’s student, went missing from his 18mn homeless children with a special wing for children. 18mn homeless children were hostel on the night of October are exposed to some form It also urged a national action exposed to some form sub- 14, allegedly after a row with substance abuse plan on substance abuse, to in- stance abuse. members of the Akhil Bharatiya clude counselling and rehabilita- Many of them started taking Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Agencies tion. drugs as young as fi ve years old, students’ wing of the Bharatiya New Delhi Bachpan Bachao Andolan ac- the report found. Janata Party. tivist Bhuvan Ribhu said millions It estimated almost one in fi ve The ABVP has denied any in- of children are hooked on drugs, of India’s drug and alcohol ad- volvement in his disappearance. he Supreme Court yester- many of whom later turn to deal- dicts in 2011 were under the age The police told the court that day ordered the govern- ing to fund their habit. of 21. four students, suspected of Tment to come up with a Experts say peer pressure and Placing statistics from a 2012 beating up Ahmed, would un- plan to tackle child drug abuse, academic stress are driving chil- survey by the Health and Family dergo lie-detector tests in order acting on a petition from No- dren to drugs, but there is scant Welfare Ministry, Phoolka said to get clues about his disappear- bel Peace laureate Kailash Sat- data on the scale of the problem. among the boys aged between ance. yarthi’s child rights group. 15 and 19, a shocking 28.6% re- The university and its student With government fi gures “Traffi cking and drug ported tobacco use and 15% were union were asked by the court to showing almost 20% of addicts abuse, inherently linked addicted to alcohol. fi le affi davits in two days stat- in India are under 21, the court to each other, are the Similarly, in girls aged 15-19, ing they have no objection to the said more needed to be done to most prevalent forms of 5.5% used tobacco while 4% were “thorough search” and that all educate young people about the organised crime in the addicted to alcohol. assistance would be provided to dangers of substance abuse in world” “There appeared to be an up- the police. India. ward trend from the previous The court also said the police The court ordered New Delhi “We can find solutions to a round of the survey (1998-99) were free to search Jamia Millia to “evolve a national action plan problem only after determin- where the prevalence of alcohol University also. In the event of within six months to combat ing the severity,” Ribhu said, use was found to be 2.4% for boys any resistance or objection the drug abuse amongst school chil- calling it a “landmark judg- and 0.6% for girls,” he said . university or its students, the dren”. ment”. Satyarthi’s campaign also agency could approach the court It said the government should “I welcome this landmark found resonance with the court for permission. conduct a national survey to judgment and believe that it will which decided to crack down on The judges said they were not determine how widespread the go a long way in building a safer states found defi cient in taking concerned about which students problem is, and include educa- environment for our children. measures to trace missing chil- union did what and they were tion about drugs in the school It is also a timely judgment, es- dren despite repeated orders of not on a fact-fi nding mission curriculum. pecially in the midst of the gov- the court. whether what JNU did wrong or “Traffi cking and drug abuse, ernment’s crackdown on black The court had earlier passed right. “We are only concerned inherently linked to each other, money,” Satyarthi said. a slew of orders over allega- with where he has vanished.” are the most prevalent forms of “Society, school and parents tions that for over 170,000 The lawyer for Ahmed’s organised crime in the world,” must come together to tackle children went missing in the mother said the police were said Satyarthi in response to the violation of child rights espe- country between January “bypassing” the abduction an- judgment. cially child sexual abuse in areas 2008 and 2010, many of whom gle and it appeared that they Satyarthi’s Bachpan Bachao of community within their reach. were kidnapped for trafficking were moving on the theory that Andolan (Save Childhood Move- It is a collective responsibility in the flesh trade and for child something was mentally wrong ment) fi led the petition before and action must be taken against labour. with the student as he just the Supreme Court in 2014. drug mafi a and for their reha- India’s top court regularly in- walked out of the campus. “This petition was fi led to bilitation. India cannot aff ord to tervenes on public policy issues. Delhi police’s lawyer Rahul ensure that children are pro- lose a generation. If we are proud Last month it ordered the gov- Mehra refuted the allegations vided with a better, more healthy to be the youngest nation in the ernment to curb air pollution, and told the court that they were Missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed’s mother Fatima Nafees joins a demonstration against the Delhi childhood,” Bachpan Bachao An- world, let us protect our young which it said was a “public health exploring all angles. police’s inability to find her son, in New Delhi yesterday. dolan’s lawyer H S Phoolka said. ones with top most priority.” emergency”. Karnataka minister quits Mobile phone services still down in Chennai after sex tape surfaces services. Our teams are working IANS Chennai on a war footing to restore the IANS however denied indulging in any cleared of all charges by the police. services in the shortest possible Bengaluru obscene activity. His was not a case similar to this. time,” S Murali of Vodafone In- He alleged it was a conspiracy Even in this case, the CD does not obile phone services dia said. to tarnish his image. mean admission of guilt by Meti. continued to be dis- “Almost all services in these n an embarrassment to the “I have resigned but I am in- It is only that he has submitted it Mrupted in Tamil Nadu’s locations are nearly back to nor- ruling Congress Party, Kar- nocent. An offi cial investigation on moral grounds.” three cyclone-aff ected districts mal, the voice and data services Inataka’s 70-year-old Excise will prove my innocence,” Meti Meti is a lawmaker of the rul- of Chennai, Thiruvallur and in and around some areas are be- Minister H Y Meti resigned yes- told reporters. ing party from Bagalkot district, Kanchipuram yesterday. ing progressively restored and terday after a sleaze tape show- Meti is seen in a compromis- about 410km from here, and Compared to private compa- we should soon be back to nor- ing him with a woman surfaced ing position with the young belongs to the Kurba (shepherd) nies, the services of public sec- malcy,” he added. and news channels began airing woman in the tape, of which community. Siddaramaiah also tor Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd Bharti Airtel said one of its it, an offi cial said. around four minutes of footage belongs to the same community. (BSNL) seems to be better, resi- international undersea cables “Meti called on Chief Minis- has been aired so far. According to party sources, T dents said. was damaged as a result of which ter Siddaramaiah at his offi cial “As the location, when the Rajashekar, a Right to Information “While BSNL’s mobile service Internet traffi c was partially im- residence here and submitted his CD was shot and by whom is not activist from Ballari district, about is okay during the testing times, pacted. resignation letter. It will be sent known, the inquiry will bring out 330km from here, claimed hav- it is the company’s landline Offi cials of Airtel’s Chennai to the governor soon for accept- the facts,” the offi cial said. ing evidence of Meti seeking sexual service that worked well,” V Re- and New Delhi offi ces were not ance,” an offi cial from the Chief Siddaramaiah said there was favours from a woman who ap- vathi a home maker, said. available for clarifi cations. Minister’s Offi ce said. no embarrassment to the gov- proached him for a government job. Cyclone Vardah that crossed An offi cial of Indian National Siddaramaiah later in a tweet ernment, and that Meti’s resig- zA 35-year-old man was ar- Chennai coast on Monday up- Centre for Ocean Information said he had recommended to nation was not sought for. rested for allegedly raping his rooted several trees, electric Services, Hyderabad, said: “A Governor Vajubhai Vala to ac- When told it was the second 10-year-old daughter, Guru- poles, lamp posts and also dam- cyclone can damage a subma- cept the minister’s resignation. incident involving his ministers gram police said yesterday. aged mobile towers, aff ecting rine cable while it is nearing the “I have also ordered a probe,” – earlier Education Minister Tan- The alleged attacker was iden- services. coast. But it also depends on the he said. veer Sait was caught watching tifi ed as Neeraj, from a village in Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses a press “The cyclone which para- kind of safety precautions taken Walking out of the chief min- sleaze pictures on camera – Sid- Chhatarpur district of Madhya conference during which he announced the resignation of Excise lysed Chennai and nearby areas and at what depth the cable was ister’s residence, a defi ant Meti daramaiah said: “Tanveer Sait was Pradesh. Minister H Y Meti, in Bengaluru yesterday. caused disruption of some of our laid.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 21 INDIA Court extends CBI custody of former IAF chief, two others

IANS tion Tyagi, his cousin Sanjeev saying their custodial interroga- mother’s house in Switzerland of 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters met at an event in February 2005. the nation in two wars in 1965 New Delhi Tyagi and Delhi lawyer Gautam tion was necessary in the inter- and it needed to be probed. from Britain-based AgustaWe- The CBI alleged that between and 1971 and a winner of various Khaitan for three more days after est of justice as it has yet to un- The document pertains to the stland. 2005 and 2007, Tyagi invested military awards. the central agency said they were earth the entire conspiracy. proposal to reduce the service In February 2005, senior of- millions of rupees in property Lawyers Sidharth Luthra New Delhi court yes- required to be confronted with The central agency said a con- ceiling of the helicopters from fi cials of the Italy-based Fin- and his questioning will help re- and Pramod Kumar Dubey de- terday extended till De- incriminating evidence that has fi dential document of the Indian 6,000m to 4,500m after which meccanica and Britain-based veal his source of income. fended Khaitan and said that Acember 17 the custody of emerged during investigation. government was seized from the AgustaWestland became eligible AgustaWestland, which is a sub- Tyagi’s lawyer Menaka Gu- the CBI had failed to disclose former Indian Air Force (IAF) The three men were arrested residence of alleged middleman to supply a dozen helicopters for sidiary of the former, met Tyagi ruswamy said the properties any new material for question- chief S P Tyagi and two others on Friday. On Saturday, they and Italian national Guido Has- VVIP fl ying duties. and discussed issues related to were bought legally from his ing their client as he had already in the Rs37bn AgustaWestland were remanded in CBI custody chke’s mother. Tyagi, the fi rst former chief the service ceiling of the VVIP hard-earned money. disclosed the details of money chopper deal case. till yesterday. The CBI said the document of any wing of the Indian armed helicopters, the CBI said. The defence lawyer accused transaction before the Enforce- Central Bureau of Investiga- Earlier in the day, the CBI regarding a proposal to amend forces to be arrested, and others Countering the CBI’s sub- the CBI of tarnishing the image ment Directorate (ED) which is tion Special Judge Arvind Ku- sought seven-day extension in the VVIP helicopters’ confi gura- were allegedly involved in ir- mission, Tyagi’s lawyer said the and reputation of Tyagi, 71, a probing a separate money laun- mar allowed the CBI to ques- custody of Tyagi and others, tion was seized from Haschke’s regularities in the procurement meeting was not illegal as they decorated war hero who served dering case. Banks, ATMs still crowded as cash crisis continues

IANS day after waiting in line for two New Delhi hours. I was cashless for days,” Apoorva Agnihotri, a logistics company executive said. anks and ATMs yesterday Meanwhile, on a tipoff , In- continued to be crowded come Tax (IT) department offi c- Bwith long queues even 36 ers seized Rs28mn unaccounted days after the ban on high de- cash, mostly in the new Rs2,000 nomination notes. notes, from a fl at in Bengaluru, The queues appeared just as an offi cial said. long and branches as crowded as “An unexplained cash of on November 10 – when banks Rs2.89 crore, including Rs2.25 opened for business after the crore in Rs2,000 notes was Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi attends a public meeting organised by Kerala Congress leaders against demonetisation, in New Delhi yesterday. November 8 demonetisation an- found during a search in a fl at nouncement. And those waiting at Yeshwantpur on Tuesday,” to withdraw money comprised IT department spokesman Alex disaff ected and despairing peo- Mathew said. ple, made cash-poor by the cen- Though the IT offi cers got the tral government’s surprise move. information on Monday that a The Punjab National Bank huge amount of cash was lying in (PNB) branch near the Nan- an apartment, occupied by an old gloi Metro Station in west Delhi woman and guarded by two fi erce Rahul: PM ‘personally’ had at least 150 people waiting dogs, they could not enter the at 8am – two hours before its building as she was not co-oper- scheduled opening time. ative and refused to tie the dogs. The disaff ection seemed to “We had to take the help of lo- have led people to believe that cal police and other inmates in the ban is anti-poor, said an in- the building to enter the premis- dividual privy to the daily scene es where one room was found involved in corruption at the bank. locked. On opening the room, “So far, I have seen only the the cash was found stashed in BJP dismisses allegations Gandhi didn’t make the proof government is scared of the in- The ruling Bharatiya Janata ment, Gandhi “could have done poor, labour-class people in boxes,” said Mathew. as a sign of desperation by public. He insisted he wanted to formation I have. Thus, they (the Party fi elded an array of its lead- it” when the house was in session. queues. Yet to see an advocate, When a survey operation re- Congress explode the bombshell in the Lok government) are not allowing ers to counter the allegations. Human Resource Develop- a top police offi cer, a judge, or vealed that a person was visiting Sabha during the current winter me to speak in parliament. Let us Parliamentary Aff airs Min- ment Minister Prakash Java- any local politician coming and the fl at in the early hours, the of- IANS session that has been disrupted speak in the Lok Sabha. We will ister and senior BJP leader H N dekar said: “Rahulji, we want waiting,” Asghar, a street vendor fi cers summoned him and asked New Delhi in opposition protests against reveal everything.” Ananth Kumar alleged that some you to speak. When you do, you in front of the bank, said. him about the cash source. As his the government’s November 8 The Gandhi scion also dubbed Congress leaders were acting expose the Congress, so we want “The rich people don’t have to claims were found to be incor- move to ban Rs500 and Rs1,000 demonetisation as Modi’s “per- as “commission agents” to ex- you to speak. wait in line, all the money is fun- rect, he admitted it was unac- fter threatening an earth- notes to combat corruption and sonal decision ... taken against change old currency notes for “They have been unmasked, so nelled to them from back chan- counted income. shattering disclosure on black money. the poor of the country (that) has new at the party headquarters. they are making these allegations.” nels, without them having to Also yesterday the Delhi po- Ademonetisation earlier, “Read my lips. The prime destroyed millions of lives”. Kumar was referring to a BJP spokesman G V L Nar- wait in the queues,” he said. lice Crime Branch arrested fi ve Congress vice president Rahul minister is personally terri- The Congress leader was joined sting operation by a news chan- asimha Rao said “Rahul Gandhi “People start gathering outside men with Rs30.25mn in old cur- Gandhi yesterday said he wanted fi ed with the information that by other opposition leaders, in- nel showing some politicians, is making a joke of himself” eve- the bank as early as 10pm and rency notes. to expose Prime Minister Naren- I have. I have information on cluding Trinamool Congress’s including those from the Con- ry time he speaks. sleep or chat through the night, The police said the joint raid dra Modi’s personal complic- the personal corruption of the Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Marxist gress, being involved in money Urban Development Minister so that they can get their cash as with the IT was conducted at ity in corruption but “a terri- prime minister,” Gandhi told re- leader P Karunakaran and Nation- laundering. M Venkaiah Naidu questioned soon as possible in the morning, Hotel Taksh Inn of Karol Bagh fi ed government” didn’t let him porters after the Lok Sabha was alist Congress Party’s Tariq An- “Gandhi is making baseless why the Congress was “not al- and also avoid being absent from following a tip off . speak in parliament. adjourned for the day without war, in cornering the government. allegations. He should instead lowing the house to function and their workplace,” he added. Interrogation has revealed that Though the prime minis- conducting any business – the Gandhi last week said an apologise to the nation,” said have a proper debate on the de- The queues at the ATMs in the money recovered belonged to ter and his offi ce didn’t react to way it has been since the session “earthquake will come” if he was Kumar, accusing the opposition monetisation issue”. He said the Connaught Place were also the Mumbai hawala operators, who the remarks, the government began on November 16. The ses- allowed to speak in the Lok Sab- of “sabotaging” the entire win- government was ready to debate same as they were the on the day had hired ‘special’ packaging dismissed the “baseless allega- sion ends today. ha “about the biggest scam com- ter session of parliament. demonetisation in the house after demonetisation. agents to pass through airport tions” as a “sign of desperation” “If I speak, his (Modi’s) bal- mitted by Narendra Modi single He said that if the Congress had provided the opposition allows “I fi nally withdrew money to- security with the cash. by the Congress. loon will burst. He is scared. The handedly”. information to share with parlia- it to run.

Police seek info from 5 countries on Twitter hacking

IANS net service providers. The police Thailand – in the hacking job. address,” Deputy Commissioner of New Delhi are probing the case after Congress Investigators want to know if the Police Anyesh Roy said. members lodged a complaint. hackers used the servers in these Asked if the act was done by Twit- Accounts of two senior journal- countries from somewhere else or ter hackers Legion, Roy said “The he Delhi police have sought ists – Barkha Dutt and Ravish Ku- they were physically present there group is itself taking responsibil- information from fi ve coun- mar, both from the NDTV group while breaking into the microblog- ity for hacking these microblogging Ttries to help in tracing the – were also hacked, and their com- ging sites of Gandhi and his party. sites, but we don’t as yet have any group which hacked into the Twit- plaint was received by the police’s “We have got the IP logs from information about the real hackers. ter accounts of Congress vice presi- Cyber Cell on Monday. Twitter. The details of IP logs were The case is under investigation”. dent Rahul Gandhi and his party. During the preliminary inquiry, sent to the Internet service provid- Roy said the police were also tak- The hacking group ‘Legion’, the police could trace IP address- ers in fi ve countries after a thorough ing the help of Twitter offi cials in which claimed responsibility for es from five countries – Sweden, examination. We are yet to get the Bengaluru to identify those respon- the act, is still a mystery for Inter- Romania, the US, Canada and details of the hacker’s account and sible.

New season, new home

Migratory birds are seen on a lake on the outskirts of Kolkata yesterday. The winter months (October to March) draw 4,000 to 5,000 ducks and waders to the area. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, December 15, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

RESIGNATION DECISION INDUSTRIAL ACTION APPEAL OBITUARY Temer loses top aide Farc expels commanders Banks in Argentina Colombia asks Madrid to Archbishop who opposed due to graft allegations opposed to peace deal close for 48-hour strike remove Narcos billboard dictatorship dies at 95

One of Brazilian President Michel Temer’s closest Colombia’s Farc rebels have expelled five Banks in Argentina closed for 48 hours Colombian leader Juan Manuel Santos yesterday Evaristo Arns, a much-loved senior leader of aides resigned yesterday following allegations commanders for refusing to demobilise and yesterday after employees agreed to a two-day warned against praising late drug lord Pablo Brazil’s Catholic Church who stood up for human he had received graft money from engineering join a peace process with the government strike over salaries amid high inflation, a union Escobar “as a hero” as Bogota asked Madrid rights during the country’s brutal two decades of conglomerate Odebrecht in a widening corruption aimed at ending more than five decades of war, representative said. The strike aff ected only authorities to remove a giant poster advertising dictatorship, died yesterday. He was 95. He died scandal that is besieging the government. guerrilla leadership said. The five commanders, international banks yesterday while Argentine the Netflix series Narcos. Asked about the series of complications linked to pneumonia after being Lawyer Jose Yunes, a friend of the president for all from units in the country’s southeast jungle, banks were to join today, a representative for produced by the US video on-demand website, hospitalised with lung problems on November 50 years, denied the allegations in a letter to include one former participant in four-year-long union La Bancaria said. The labour ministry which portrays Escobar as a loving family man 28, Sao Paulo’s archbishop Odilo Scherer said. Temer but said he could not stay on as his special peace talks in Cuba. “This decision is motivated said it had asked employees to call off the and ruthless murderer, Santos told Spanish Arns was a priest for 71 years, rising to archbishop adviser, according to a copy of the letter released by their recent conduct, which contradicts our strike in order to negotiate but the union said it radio that it was a “very good” show. “But we of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city, and spent 43 by the government. Another key Temer aide, political-military line,” leaders of the Farc said. had not been formally notified of this. Traders as Colombians lived through the Pablo Escobar years as a cardinal. After being ordained in 1945, infrastructure investment secretary Wellington “We call on all combatants who have been said lower volumes in financial markets were tragedy and suff er from the memories” of a man he studied at Sorbonne University in Paris and Moreira Franco, denied that he planned to quit tricked into this futureless path to distance expected due to the bank closures. Argentine who had thousands killed, he added. “Pablo began a prolific writing career that included after being named in the same plea bargain themselves from this mistaken decision taken consumers are accustomed to frequent strikes Escobar was a murderer who doesn’t deserve to authoring 57 books. He made his name promoting testimony by a former Odebrecht executive. by their commanders,” the statement said. and no disruption was reported. be praised as a hero under any circumstance.” programmes dedicated to helping the poor. Unusual Chile volcano activity sparks interest and worries

Reuters Segemar, during a visit to the Laguna del Maule, Chile zone with other scientists to learn more about the complex and the latest research fi ndings. “unique” burst of activity Argentina and Chile have been at a little-known volcanic working increasingly closely Acomplex near the Chile- on monitoring the Andes vol- Argentina border has attracted canic chain that runs down their the interest of international sci- shared border. entists and led worried govern- Most of the volcanoes — some ments to plan for a potentially 15% of the world’s total — are devastating eruption. located on the Chilean side, but The volcanic fi eld at the La- winds usually mean Argentina guna del Maule, located in cen- faces the brunt of any ash cloud. tral Chile near the Argentine “I often say that Argentina is border, has risen around 6.5 feet an ashtray country,” said Sruoga. since 2007, undergoing “uplift” “It’s important that we are pre- at a rate and consistency that is pared.” unprecedented in recent history, Chilean emergency authori- scientists said. ties say they also have an exten- That likely means magma is sive evacuation plan. exerting pressure on the earth’s High in the remote Andes, crust in a zone where evidence the Laguna del Maule complex indicates that explosive erup- is centred around a deceptively Tania D’Amelio Cardiet (second right) signs as newly elected member of the Venezuelan National Electoral Council at the Supreme Court in Caracas yesterday. tions have happened repeatedly calm, intensely blue lake of the in the last few thousand years, same name, surrounded by arid though none in modern times. volcanic rock. If such an eruption were to The nearest towns are San Cle- happen at Maule today, it would mente in Chile, around 122kms have the potential to devastate away, and the slightly closer Ma- nearby hydroelectric projects, largue on the Argentine side. and pump out ash that could Chile’s capital Santiago is wipe out crops across Argenti- some 300kms to the north. Venezuela power clash na’s pampas and severely disrupt About 2,400 people live or global air traffi c. work in the nearby area, and “We have so little experience the Maule river valley supplies with this kind of data, but the up- around 25% of Chile’s energy via lift is the biggest seen anywhere 14 hydroelectric stations. on the planet,” said Bradley Sing- Right in the potential path of er, a geoscientist from the US any eruption is Los Condores, a resumes after talks falter University of Wisconsin- hydroelectric plant under con- Madison, who is leading an in- struction that will use water Reuters referendum or by bringing for- tiate new members of the fi ve- Later, the Supreme Court, “They have caused a war of ternational research eff ort to from the lake. Caracas ward the presidential vote due person election board. which normally backs Maduro, powers, and this leads us to a understand what is happening Enel Generacion has invested for late 2018. That issue is central to Ven- named replacements for two situation of total non-govern- under the surface. some $660mn in the project, Maduro, 54, says he will stay ezuela’s long-running political outgoing election board mem- ance in the nation.” “No-one has a seen a signal which is due to begin operations olitical confl ict between the course, and accuses oppo- confl ict because the election bers, saying the Assembly was While the politicians bicker, this large and this persistent. in 2018. Venezuela’s opposition- nents of sabotaging the econo- board has quashed the opposi- in “contempt” of the law. Venezuelans are reeling from And it’s in an area with an explo- Enel did not immediately re- Prun legislature and socialist my to undermine him while also tion’s main request this year, Opposition leaders said that a brutal economic crisis, with sive record.” spond to requests for comment. government fl ared again yester- seeking a coup with US conniv- for a recall referendum, and is was an unconstitutional usurp- many skipping meals due to Scientists emphasise that it is One of the people who knows day after the breakdown of Vati- ance. viewed by many in Venezuela ing of their functions and were shortages and soaring prices in impossible to know if or when the zone best is Raul Torres, an can-led talks, as each side moved The feuding sides came to- as being compliant towards the set to appoint their own board a third year of recession caused Maule will blow again and how offi cial who has lived close to the to appoint its own members to gether at the end of October in a government. replacements during a National by falling oil prices and failing large any eruption would be. lake for around 60 years. the national election board. dialogue convened by the Vati- On Tuesday, the National Assembly session later. policies. “We must not be alarmist... “About 10 or 15 years ago I no- The opposition Democratic can and three former heads of Assembly pressed ahead with a “The Supreme Court can- The surprise pulling from but it is showing signs of reacti- ticed a real change in the area,” Unity coalition blames Presi- government. symbolic political trial of Ma- not substitute the Assembly’s circulation of Venezuela’s larg- vation, it is like a cardiac patient he said, noting that the icy water dent Nicolas Maduro for the But the opposition walked duro, declaring him responsi- responsibility,” said lawmaker est denomination currency bill who must be monitored very temperature has warmed, algae Opec nation’s shrinking and out last week saying offi cials ble for economic hardship and Juan Pablo Guanipa, who sits on has added to consternation and closely,” said Patricia Sruoga of have bloomed, and bubbles have dysfunctional economy, and were reneging on accords in- rights abuses in the nation of the assembly’s appointments chaos on the streets, generating Argentina’s geological service appeared on the lake surface. wants to remove him through a cluding an agreement to nego- 30mn people. committee. huge lines at banks. Mexican senate clears Mercosur flayed Residents kidnap gang leader’s mother medical marijuana bill as El Tequilero (The Tequila AFP Acapulco, Mexico Drinker). AFP Mexicans’ need of an alternative violation of human rights.” The wife of the engineer ap- Mexico City medical treatment. But senator Miguel Barbosa, peared in a video broadcast by The bill authorises the health of the PRD, lamented that the esidents of a southern local television in which she ministry to design regulations legislation was “well below the Mexican town held sev- demands that Almonte release exico’s senate voted for the use, import and produc- expectations of society” regard- Reral people, including her husband. overwhelmingly in tion of pharmaceutical products ing reforms of marijuana laws. the mother of a criminal gang’s “We have your mother here, Mfavour of legalising made from cannabis or mari- Senator Armando Rios Piter leader, to demand the release mister known as El Tequilero. I medical marijuana after a na- juana, including tetrahydrocan- voted against what he called a of an engineer kidnapped by request an exchange. In return tional debate on narcotics policy nabinol (THC), the plant’s main “tiny” step to resolve a “failed the criminal group. for my husband’s life, I will in a country mired in brutal drug psychoactive ingredient. policy in the battle against or- Some 220 soldiers and po- deliver your mother....I want violence. Products with 1% concentra- ganised crime” and called for a lice were deployed to San him safe and sound,” said the In a major policy shift, tion of THC would be allowed. discussion on regulating opium Miguel Totolapan to “avoid a woman identifi ed as Yadira President Enrique Pena Ni- The cultivation of marijuana poppy production, a source of confrontation,” Guerrero state Guillermo Garcia. eto proposed legalising medi- for medical and scientifi c pur- violence in Guerrero state. governor Arturo Astudillo told Five of the people detained cal marijuana in April after his poses will not be punishable. A family in northern Mexico reporters. by the population were re- government organised forums to Senator Cristina Diaz, of Pena became a symbol of the push to Townspeople formed a vigi- leased, Astudillo said. discuss changes to the laws. Nieto’s centrist Institutional legalise medical marijuana last lante group on Sunday after Local media said 24 people Senators voted 98-7 for the leg- Revolutionary Party (PRI), said year when the parents of a young the engineer was kidnapped, were held captive by towns- islation, moving Mexico closer to the legislation was a historic epileptic girl won a court battle to allegedly by the gang known people. joining several US states and other move that will “lay the founda- import a cannabis-based treat- as Los Tequileros (The Tequila The government, which nations in Latin America in allow- tion to establish in our country an ment to stop her daily seizures. Drinkers). The same gang was formed a negotiating team ing cannabis for medical uses. industry for the national produc- The girl’s father, Raul Elizalde, accused of kidnapping 12 peo- to mediate between the two The bill — which now moves tion of medicine with cannabis.” said the legislation represent- ple in the village of San Jeroni- sides, later said that an agree- to the lower chamber of deputies Senator Angelica de la Pena ed “great progress” but that it mo last month. ment was reached to exchange — falls short of demands among Gomez, of the leftist Demo- should make it easier for patients People holding signs and shouting slogans demonstrate Five of those people have El Tequilero’s mother and the some lawmakers and civil groups cratic Revolution Party (PRD), to acquire THC by letting them outside the Argentine foreign ministry in Buenos Aires, been freed. engineer. who argue that a wider legalisa- said there was consensus to buy it without a prescription. during a meeting among Mercosur’s ministers where Residents of San Miguel To- A video has circulated on tion of marijuana use can help “do something different in In a separate major case in No- Venezuela was not invited. Mercosur’s foreign ministers tolapan decided to detain sev- YouTube showing the vigi- the country reduce drug-related drug policy” because prohibi- vember 2015, the Supreme Court debated on Venezuela’s suspension from the group after eral people they accuse of col- lantes carrying weapons and violence. tion “has generated high levels authorised four individuals to accusations that the leftist government in Caracas failed luding with the gang as well as explaining that they took up But proponents said it is a of violence, more than 100,000 grow and smoke pot for recrea- to meet democratic and trade standards. the mother of its leader, Raybel arms in response to crimes major step that will address deaths and the systematic tional purposes. Jacobo de Almonte, known committed by Los Tequileros. Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN Army rejig Funeral raises hope of better ties with govt

Internews manders of Mangla, Gujran- their intentions. Intentions can Islamabad wala, Lahore and Quetta, with change.” the last-mentioned designated With the Modi-Doval duo as Commander Southern Com- opting for upping the ante for hen Chief of the Army mand. the moment, there can be no Men mourn over the casket containing remains of their relative who was killed in a plane crash last week near Abbottabad, during Staff General Qamar The incumbent in Quetta was softening of the stance on Paki- the funeral in Islamabad, Pakistan, yesterday. WJaved Bajwa sits down seen as a front-runner for the stan’s side. to chair what is known as the CGS position, but it isn’t clear However, more room might be Corps Commanders conference whether his reported illness available to the civilian govern- (although some of his principal about a year ago meant that the ment and the prime minister to COMMERCE staff offi cers will also be in at- additional stress was inadvis- tweak policy and rethink its ex- tendance), there will be several able. ecution. Sharif to open new faces around the table in As with each change in com- The coming weeks will make deep water port place of many of those present mand of the country’s powerful it clear whether he now has more Qatar to supply Pakistan at the last such meeting chaired army, the obvious question be- of a say in such areas. next month by the former army chief, retired ing asked is how and whether the One indication may come in Gen Raheel Sharif. new chief’s appointment and his the shape of better trade ties. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz The new chief was facilitated radically diff erent looking team The civilian government and 400mn tonne LNG in 2017 Sharif will inaugurate state-of-the- in his fairly large-scale reshuffl e will translate into policy changes the military both seem keen to art Pakistan Deep Water Container by the outgoing chief who de- in diff erent areas. try and move forward to some Port (PDWCP) the next month, ferred promoting and posting a With a couple of corps com- sort of a solution to the Afghan Internews said an important Pakistan- cluded in the joint ministerial Federal Secretary for Ports and number of senior offi cers in Oc- manders who were seen as rela- conundrum. Islamabad Qatar joint ministerial com- commission meeting to assess Shipping Khalid Pervaiz said tober/November. tive hardliners now opting for But given that the outgoing ISI mission meeting will be held investment opportunities in yesterday. It isn’t clear why Gen Sharif retirement after being supersed- DG was said to have made some on December 22 where a high the fi elds of energy, higher ed- The port has three berths with a didn’t exercise that option. ed by Gen Bajwa and some oth- earnest eff orts to bring the recal- atar would provide level delegation from Qatar ucation, agriculture, health and designed draft of 18 metres and The two chiefs before him, ers who sat at the long table now citrant Taliban to the negotiating 400mn tonne LNG to led by HE Dr Mohamed bin trade in Pakistan. operational draft of 16 metres. retired generals Ashfaq Parvez moved to staff appointments, table again, it is anybody’s guess QPakistan in the year Saleh al-Sada, Minister of He said bilateral trade be- World’s biggest vessels, Mother Kayani and Pervez Musharraf, the new chief can eff ect policy what new initiatives will likely 2017, Saqar bin Mubarak al- Energy and Industry, will par- tween Qatar and Pakistan stood Ship, could be handled at this port, had done so in their fi nal weeks changes at will. be seen. Mansuri, ambassador of Qatar ticipate. at $600mn and both the coun- he added. in offi ce. Frankly, all discussions with Some movement will have to in Islamabad, has disclosed The ambassador said Qa- tries were striving to increase He said that trans-shipment would It may have been a courtesy knowledgeable sources suggest be witnessed as apart from the yesterday. tari companies would recruit it. take place here. to his successor or it happened no change or, in fact, a toughen- Afghan Taliban, the militant In 2016, Qatar provided skilled and non-skilled labour The Qatar envoy said to World’s big vessels would reach merely because in his fi nal weeks ing of the internal security op- Islamic State (IS) is said to be 300mn tonne LNG to Pakistan including engineers, doctors, commemorate the National the port, cargo would be trans- there were other things on his erations initiated in the country gathering strength in parts of that played an important role technicians, bankers and serv- Day of Qatar they were pre- ferred to smaller ships, which mind, for example speculation during Gen Kayani’s tenure and Afghanistan where the govern- in eliminating gas crisis in the ice sector persons from Paki- paring to host a reception on would transport it to Gulf states of an extension in his tenure and carried out with gusto under his ment’s writ is weak and some of country. stan. December 16 for the Pakistani and other parts of the region. a public row with the govern- successor. the groups involved in terror- Talking to Internews at his He said a number of inves- nation and government offi- The secretary said the terminal ment over a report speaking of The posting of offi cers with a ist attacks in Pakistan are now office yesterday, Al-Mansuri tors from Qatar will also be in- cials. operator, South Asia Pakistan civil-military tensions over how track record in internal security aligning themselves with the IS. Terminals (SAPT), owned and to handle Jihadis in Punjab. and counterterrorism as the CGS Among these are Lashkar-e- operated by Hutchison Ports of Whatever the cause, it is clear and the ISI DG respectively also Jhangvi Al Alami and a couple Hong Kong, had constructed the that the decision enabled the reinforces this impression. of splinter groups of the TTP as port under the Build-Operate- new chief to have his desired That the prestigious CGS well. Transfer formula. team in place from the word go, position has gone to one of the One earnestly hopes that with although Gen Bajwa did seem to most junior lieutenant generals the civilian government getting 368 terrorists eliminated in CRIME take a week or 10 days to think suggests that the chief will take more space to formulate and roll through all the changes he want- keen interest in these operations out policy, a healing touch is ap- Afghan police ed to make. and provide proactive guidance plied to Balochistan as repressive off icer kills Now when he chairs the and oversight. measures may have restored a a year in Sindh province Corps Commanders conference, It is early to say whether any semblance of relative peace, but Uganda national among the new faces he himself policy change regarding India the simmering resentment can appointed to the powerful and will come about apart from per- blow over any time. Internews terrorists’ [Al Qaeda, TTP, A single ‘sectarian militant’ An Afghan police off icer opened elite army grouping will be the haps a tighter watch over solo Equally, there is a hope that Karachi Daish, etc,], and 77 ‘sectarian was killed in encounter in Lar- fire and killed a Ugandan national Chief of the General Staff , the fl ights by militants, but no army Nawaz Sharif utilises his new- terrorists’ [LeJ, SSP, SMP, etc,] kana, the political headquar- while injuring two others including Director General of the Inter- chief can aff ord to be lax. found space to do good for the in Karachi alone. ters of the ruling PPP’s Bhuttos a fellow policeman yesterday, Services Intelligence, and fi ve It is pertinent to quote Gen country and address terror- laiming elimination of In the same period, it adds, 534 while 20 others have been ar- an off icial said. “Shah Agha, the new corps commanders with Kayani here. ism, poverty, illiteracy, unem- 368 ‘terrorists’ over the suspected dacoits or suspected rested from there. police off icer, was arrested and is their headquarters in Pesha- Commenting on India’s peace ployment and gross inequali- Cpast one year, a report robbers have also been killed. One ‘sectarian militant’ has under investigation,” said a police war, Rawalpindi, Multan, Baha- overtures to the then civilian ties rather than succumb to the compiled by the Sindh prov- A total of 12,450 suspects been arrested in the Sukkur di- off icial, who spoke on condition walpur and Karachi. government, he said: “I have temptation of once again drift- ince home ministry shows that have been arrested in the city, vision. of anonymity. The motive of the Those appointed earlier, and to respond and prepare keep- ing towards authoritarianism in a signifi cant number of those of which 171 are ‘militants’ al- The law enforcement agen- shooting in unknown. People retained, will be the corps com- ing in mind their capability, not a replay of the 1990s. killed in encounters with law legedly belonging to Al Qaeda, cies in Hyderabad killed 46 were gathered outside the Kabul enforcement agencies were the TTP and other religious ex- ‘robbers’ and arrested 4,589; International Airport to welcome ‘India, Afghanistan priority’ ‘religious’ or ‘sectarian’ mil- tremist organisations, 216 affi l- nine ‘robbers’ were killed and Faryadi Zardad, a former warlord itants, it was learnt yesterday. iated with sectarian outfi ts and 1,308 were arrested in Mirpur- deported from Britain. Tackling India and Afghanistan and their new- Lt Gen Mukhtar when he was studying at the US The portion of the report is 12,063 are ‘robbers or dacoits’. khas division; Benazirabad law found bonhomie will be a priority for Pakistan Army War College five years ago. dedicated to the action against The counter-terrorism depart- enforcers killed 20 ‘robbers’ TERRORISM Army’s new chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, The off icer had written on Pakistan’s policy in armed militias, including the ment (CTD), which is mandat- and arrested 338 others; in Su- according to an influential daily in Islamabad. Afghanistan and recommended reconciliation banned Tehreek-i-Taliban ed to work across the province, kkur division, 44 ‘robbers’ were IS militants The News International in its editorial yesterday with “moderate” Taliban. Pakistan and its affi liates and killed 62 ‘religious extremists’, killed and 653 have been arrest- penetrate into said Gen Bajwa has stamped his authority on the The newspaper said Pakistan, Afghanistan and sleeper cells, Al Qaeda, Baloch eight ‘sectarian militants’ and ed; while 39 ‘robbers or dacoits’ world’s sixth largest army by carrying out a major the US were committed to peace talks with the Liberation Army, Lashkar-i- 74 ‘robbers’. It arrested 82 ‘mil- were killed and 1,264 have been Badakhshan reshuff le. Taliban. Jhangvi, Sipah-i-Mohamed itants’ of Al Qaeda, the TTP, arrested in Larkana division. The most significant change was the replacement However, it blamed Afghan President Ashraf Pakistan, Lyari gangs, Jeay etc, 30 allegedly belonging to The report shows a total of An unknown number of foreign of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief. The spy Ghani for trying to find a “scapegoat” in Pakistan Sindh Muttahida Mahaz, Si- the LeJ, SSP, 282 ‘religious terrorists’ were militants apparently aff iliated to the agency heads usually serve for three years. whenever there was a militant attack. pah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, Jun- SMP, etc, and 279 ‘robbers’. killed and 273 have been ar- Islamic State (IS) has penetrated into But Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar was replaced only two Mukhtar’s warning that Pakistan would need to dullah (Haji Khalil group), the The CTD’s most activities have rested across Sindh. Afghanistan’s northern Badakhshan years into his tenure. “guard against India using Afghanistan as a proxy Punjabi Taliban and Daish. been reported from the provin- The number of ‘sectarian province, an off icial said yester- The appointment of Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, who also seems to be coming to pass”, it said. More than 21,000 alleged cial capital. militants’ who were killed by day. “Numerous foreign militants, previously headed the counter-terrorism wing of Most recently, at the Heart of Asia Conference in members of such organisations No affi liate belonging to the the LEAs is 86 while 267 have including Kazakhs, Tajiks, Uzbeks, the spy agency, as new ISI chief signals that “India Amritsar, India, it was clear that Afghanistan has have been arrested in a series religious extremist organisa- been arrested. Uyghurs, obviously aff iliated to and Afghanistan will be a priority of the new army “joined India in trying to blame Pakistan for all of combing operations and en- tions was killed in the rest of A total of 766 ‘dacoits or the Islamic State, have penetrated chief”, the daily said. its problems and to isolate it internationally”, the counters, says the report. fi ve regions of Sindh. However, robbers’ were killed and 20,494 to Badakhshan a,” Wardoj district The newspaper cited a research paper written by daily said. It says the law enforcement 12 of them have been arrested in have been arrested from across Governor Dawlat Khan Khawari told agencies killed 220 ‘religious Hyderabad and eight in Sukkur. the province. Xinhua news agency. Pakistan ranks below most regional countries in IPR index

Internews private property rights. (IPR). Each of these three com- property rights, patent protec- property sub index, the score ity, ranking it lowest among 128 at 8.4 points. Lahore It also provides for unifi ed ponents that make up the Inter- tion, and copyright protection. was 5.0, ranking it 102 out of 128 countries. It was ranked 97 among the transactions related to register- national Property Rights Index This index was introduced a countries in this parameter. In control on corruption, Pa- 127 countries for which the data ing property and allows access are further broken down into decade back. The intellectual property kistan scored 3.4, placing it at was available. akistan ranks 121 out of 128 to credit necessary to convert subcomponents. Pakistan’s overall score on a rights score was 3.2 out of 10, 107 out of 128 countries. But on access to loans, its per- countries in the Interna- property into capital. The LP has four subcompo- scale of 10 in IPRI 2007 was 3.9 and the country ranked 118 out In the sub index of physical formance was very poor, scor- Ptional Property Rights In- As innovation and creativity nents: judicial independence, points that declined to 3.6 in of 128 economies. property rights, Pakistan’s scor- ing only 2.6 points; despite that, dex (IPRI) 2016 Report. abound in markets around the rule of law, political stability, and 2016. On the other hand, the sub ing deteriorated from 5.7 points Pakistan placed 84 among 128 Among the regional countries world, the current globalised control of corruption. Its highest score in this seg- index of legal and political on in- out of 10 in 2007 to 5.0 points in economies surveyed by the re- it ranks below China, India, Iran, economy requires strong prop- The PPR has three subcompo- ment was 4.3 points achieved in dependence of judiciary was 4.3, 2016. port. Sri Lanka, and Nepal. erty rights. nents: the protection of physical 2014. elevating its rank to 74 out of 128 The scored in the protection of Hernando De Soto, the great- Only Myanmar and Bangla- The index measures the three property rights, registration of On the basis of this score, Pa- in this segment. physical property rights was 4.1 est proponent of physical prop- desh are ranked below. main components of a sound property and the ease of access kistan ranked 121 out of 128 glo- On rule of law, the score was points, placing Pakistan at 102 erty rights, stated in the report The report states that a strong property rights system: the legal to loans. bal economies and 18 out of 20 3.4, placing it at 109 among 128 out of 128 economies. that property rights are crucial property rights regime com- and political environment (LP), The fi nal component, IPR, regional countries. countries. According to the IPRI 2016 in establishing a climate condu- mands the confi dence of people physical property rights (PPR), also has three subcomponents: In the political sub index, its The country scored barely Report, Pakistan’s scored on cive to economic prosperity and in its eff ectiveness to protect and intellectual property rights the protection of intellectual score was only 2.8; in physical 0.1 out of 10 in political stabil- registering property, was healthy freedom within a country. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, December 15, 2016 PHILIPPINES

Govt cancels visit by UN Duterte admits personally rapporteur to probe rising killing suspected criminals AFP Obama about his anti-crime and-order policies across the war.Surveys show a majority of Manila tactics, vowing he would not be nation. Filipinos continue to support death toll intimidated by their criticism He pledged that 100,000 the charismatic Duterte and his into stopping. people would die in the crack- crime policies, accepting his hilippine President Ro- “Sorry, I am not about to do down and that so many bodies argument that drastic action is Reuters drigo Duterte has said he that,” he said.In a speech to ex- would be dumped in Manila Bay required to stop the Philippines Manila Ppersonally killed suspect- patriate Filipinos during a state that fi sh there would grow fat from becoming a narco-state. ed criminals when he was mayor visit to Cambodia on Tuesday, from feeding on them. In October, Duterte compared of a southern city to set an ex- Duterte joked that as mayor of Since taking offi ce in late himself to Adolf Hitler and said he Philippines has can- ample for police. Davao he would go on missions June, police have reported kill- he would be “happy to slaugh- celled a trip next year by Duterte made the comments with police and shoot blindly at ing 2,086 people in anti-drug ter” 3mn drug addicts. Tthe UN special rapporteur in a speech late on Monday criminal suspects. operations.More than 3,000 He later apologised for the on extrajudicial killings to look night to businessmen as he dis- “I (would) sometimes go others have been killed in un- Hitler reference but said he was into the rising death toll in its cussed his campaign to eradi- along with them. If you say I explained circumstances, ac- “emphatic” about wanting to war on drugs, the country’s for- cate illegal drugs, which has shot someone, maybe I did. I cording to offi cial fi gures.Often kill the millions of addicts. eign minister said yesterday. seen police and unknown as- was closing my eyes because I masked assailants break into In September, a self-con- Perfecto Yasay said the United sailants kill thousands of people am scared of fi ring a gun,” said shanty homes and kill people fessed Davao death squad mem- Nations could not pursue its in- since he became president on Duterte, a lawyer and former who have been tagged as drug ber told a Senate hearing into vestigation because special rap- June 30. state prosecutor. traffi ckers or drug users. the drug war that then-mayor porteur Agnes Callamard had After speaking about police Rights groups have previous- Rights groups have warned of Duterte personally gunned declined to accept the condi- killing suspects during the cur- ly accused Duterte of running a breakdown in the rule of law down a justice department tions set by the government of rent crime war, Duterte said vigilante death squads in Davao with police and hired assassins agent and ordered the murders President Rodrigo Duterte. he led similar eff orts when he that killed more than 1,000 operating with complete impu- of opponents. “They cannot come,” Yasay was mayor of Davao, the major suspected criminals, includ- nity. The confessed hitman, Edgar told reporters in the Cambodian southern city that he ruled for ing children accused of petty Duterte has insisted that Matobato, said one of the vic- capital of Phnom Penh. “If they most of the previous 20 years. Duterte: bold revelation crimes. police are only killing in self- tims was fed to a crocodile. will not comply with the condi- “In Davao I used to do it per- Duterte has variously denied defence and gangsters are mur- Duterte’s aides denied the tions of our president regarding sonally. Just to show to the guys “And I’d go around in Davao I was really looking for a con- and acknowledged involvement dering the other victims. claims, sought to discredit their visit to the Philippines to (police) that if I can do it why with a motorcycle, with a big frontation so I could kill.” in the death squads. But he has also said he will Matobato and orchestrated the validate their claims, then the can’t you,” Duterte said in his bike around, and I would just Duterte, 71, also responded But he easily won presidential not allow any police to go to jail removal of the president’s chief trip will not push through. They speech at the presidential pal- patrol the streets, looking for to criticism from human rights elections in May after promis- if they are found guilty of mur- political opponent as chair of cannot come here.” ace. trouble also. groups and US President Barack ing to roll-out his Davao law- der in prosecuting his crime the Senate hearing. Yasay said there were no indi- cations Callamard would comply with Duterte’s guidelines. He did not say what the gov- ernment’s guidelines were, although Duterte has said he wanted to challenge the UN rap- China pledges funds porteur to a public debate. Since Duterte took offi ce on July 1, police say more than 2,000 people have died in anti- narcotics police operations, with to decongest jail another 3,000 deaths, caused by motorcycle-riding masked men and by vigilante groups, under AFP paign that has left more than has packed an underfunded investigation. Manila 5,000 people dead. and overwhelmed penal sys- Last month, Callamard wrote Yesterday, the head of the tem, with the population in to the government, welcoming Bureau of Jail Management Quezon City Jail soaring to the Philippines’ invitation to hina has pledged funds and Penology said that dur- 4,100 in August. examine situations of extrajudi- for a new detention fa- ing Duterte’s trip to Beijing The number had since cial, summary and arbitrary ex- Ccility in the Philippines in October, China also of- gone down after a local court ecutions due to the war on drugs. as part of its support for Presi- fered to donate 700mn pe- agreed to temporarily admit She had intended to visit dur- dent Rodrigo Duterte’s drug sos ($14mn) for detention new inmates to other jails ing the fi rst quarter of next year. war, the Philippine jail chief facilities. “It’s meant to help in Manila with more space, Yasay said the government said yesterday. the anti-crime campaign of warden Randel Latoza said. must be given the opportunity Duterte’s unprecedented our president. It’s really for City and jail officials said to question the rapporteurs be- crackdown has worsened se- jails,” prison director Serafin the AFP report fast-tracked cause the Philippines had al- vere congestion in Philippine Barretto said. the transfer of land for a ready been maligned by allega- jails, with AFP photographs “We feel happy because new facility that could house tions of extrajudicial killings. of Quezon City Jail in July ex- this will be a big help to ad- 6,000 inmates by 2019 but In its October letter inviting posing how inmates in one of dress the lack of resources.” finances remained a chal- the UN rapporteur, the govern- the nation’s most overcrowd- Barretto added that his lenge. ment said it was “entitled to ed detention facilities took agency decided to use the Latoza said the Chinese aid know the motive for the inves- turns to sleep on an open-air money to fund the construc- would contribute to funding tigation, and why the focus is on basketball court and a stair- tion of a new Quezon City the new jail estimated to cost the Philippines, when there are case. Jail, which was built six dec- 2bn pesos ($40mn). other nations responsible for the Duterte has credited China ades ago for 800 inmates but Officials collaborated with death of innocent and defence- for supporting his crime war, now houses almost 3,000. the International Committee less individuals elsewhere in the which the United States and Duterte, 71, took office in of the Red Cross to present a world”. Duterte has lashed out at the United Nations have criti- June and quickly made good new jail design by January. US President Barack Obama, the cised over alleged extrajudi- on his campaign promise to “We hope to build a first of European Union and former UN cial killings. launch a brutal drug war that its kind jail in the Philippines, secretary-general Ban Ki-moon Beijing has provided fund- would prevent the Philip- in Asia, that really factors in for criticising the government’s ing for rehabilitation and of- pines from becoming a nar- the needs of inmates,” Latoza anti-drug campaign. fered weapons for the cam- co-state.The spike in arrests said. Inmates relax inside the jail complex in Quezon City, suburban Manila, yesterday. Cops accused of mayor Philippines signs agreement to killing receive summons

Manila Times serving of warrants against Es- combat transnational crime Manila pinosa and a fellow inmate at a sub-provincial jail last Novem- ber 5. DPA he Department of Justice Phnom Penh (DOJ) yesterday sum- The Alejo team of Tmoned the police offic- prosecutors will be tasked ers who were implicated in the to evaluate the complaints hilippines President Ro- killing of Albuera (Leyte) May- fi led against members drigo Duterte concluded or Rolando Espinosa. of the PNP-Criminal Phis trip to Cambodia yes- DOJ prosecutors earlier is- Investigation and terday afternoon after meeting sued subpoenas in connection Detection Group with Prime Minister Hun Sen at with preliminary investigation Phnom Penh’s Peace Palace. of the case. Charges for the crime of Following a closed-door ses- The preliminary investiga- murder, robbery, malicious sion, both leaders signed mem- tion of the complaint filed by procurement of search war- orandums of understanding on the National Bureau of Inves- rant, perjury and planting of transnational crime, sports col- tigation (NBI), set two hearings evidence under the Compre- laboration and commerce. on the case on December 20, hensive Dangerous Drugs Act The ceremony was attended 2016 and January 8, 2017, 10am, were filed by the NBI before the by professional Filipino boxer at the DOJ multi-purpose hall. Department of Justice on De- Manny Pacquiao, who was in- The panel, headed by Senior cember 2 against 25 people, in- vited to Cambodia at the re- Assistant State Prosecutor Lil- cluding Supt. Marvin Marcos, quest of Hun Sen, a personal ian Doris Alejo, will determine former CIDG Eastern Visayas fan. if the complaints forwarded by director, and other members of Pacquiao separately pledged the National Bureau of Investi- the raiding team. to return to Cambodia to train gation (NBI) shall warrant a fil- Also charged with perjury local boxers, according to gov- ing or dismissal of the case. and malicious procurement ernment news agency Agence Alejo will be joined in the of search warrant was Paul Kampuchea Presse. Secretary of the Philippines Department of Tourism Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo (front left) shakes hands with Cambodian Minister of Tourism panel by Senior Assistant State Olendan, the witness used by Boxing is Cambodia’s most Thong Khon as Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen look on during a signing ceremony at the Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas, the police to obtain the search popular sport and Pacquiao is Peace Palace in Phnom Penh yesterday. Assistant State Prosecutors warrants against Espinosa and popular with many Khmers. Jinky Dedumo and Karla Cabel Raul Yap from Judge Tarcelo While Duterte briefl y posed community. “The other coun- wrong to say that?” Filipino ex- where there’s a lot of corruption she also understands Duterte’s and Prosecution Attorney Moi- Sabarre Jr of the Regional Trial for photos with Hun Sen, the tries treat it with triviality, but patriate Mark Huang, who at- and drug use,” he said yesterday. appeal, although she did not ses Acayan. Court branch 30 in Basey, Sa- usually outspoken leader did I have here 4mn drug addicts tended the event, said that he “We all have the same mind. personally approve of his presi- The Alejo team of prosecu- mar. not make a statement or address to deal with,” he was quoted and his friends approve of the We defi nitely do not all agree dency so far. tors will be tasked to evaluate The NBI said testimonial and the press. as saying in the Cambodia president’s hardline law-and- with his methods, but a war on “I can see the charisma and I the complaints filed against forensic evidence has shown He did, however, take the op- Daily. “It’s a legitimate state- order stance — although not drugs — no matter what coun- can see why people like him a lot. members of the PNP-Criminal that the mayor, a “narco poli- portunity to defend his contro- ment when you say you will with all of his methods. try — can never be a smooth He disrupted how politics usually Investigation and Detection tician,” was killed in a police versial drug war at a Tuesday kill someone who wants to kill “We need a big change in a and peaceful process,” he said. go like what happened in the US Group who were involved in the rubout. event for Phnom Penh’s Filipino your country. When has it been country like the Philippines Fellow Filipino Katy Vitug said with (Donald) Trump,” she said. Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Urgent measures India’s demonetisation in place to avert dengue epidemic drive hits Nepal economy IANS in place in order to avoid an Colombo epidemic. Nepal’s economy is already of the Fitch rating agency, ing reconstruction eff orts,” the new Indian bank notes being held in Nepal, but that has yet to “The numbers are much suff ering with growth at said yesterday. research agency said in a report, brought into circulation. happen. higher this year. This is mainly less than 0.8% in the 2015-16 BMI has revised down its adding that Nepal’s economy “Until such a notice is re- The infl ow of Indian tour- ri Lanka is likely to face due to the fl oods in June. We fiscal year after earthquakes forecast for land-locked Ne- was heavily reliant on India for ceived, we will not accept the ists to Nepal, who account for a a dengue epidemic if are trying our best to control in 2015 pal’s economy, saying that trade, jobs and aid. new Indian notes,” said central quarter of about 800,000 visi- Sthe number of infected the situation,” health ministry India’s demonetisation could The announcement by Prime bank offi cial Rajendra Pandit. tors a year, has fallen. Many In- patients continues to rise, offi cials told Xinhua. Reuters shave Nepal’s growth down to Minister Narendra Modi on That leaves thousands of dian tourists have traditionally health ministry offi cials said The Western Province Kathmandu/New Delhi 2.2% for this fi scal year to July November 8 to ban 500- and Nepalis doing informal trade carried Indian currency for pay- yesterday. has been the worst hit with 2017, from an earlier estimate 1,000-rupee notes was intended along the open border with In- ments in Nepal. A total of 48,000 people 49.48% aff ected. Kalmunai of 2.5%. to fl ush out billions of dollars in dia without the means to re- In addition, Nepal depends have been infected with city in the Northern Province ndia’s scrapping of Nepal’s $21bn economy was unaccounted wealth and hit the ceive or make payments for their heavily on funds from workers in dengue so far this year, also has been severely aff ected high-value bank notes already suff ering with growth fi nances of militants suspected business. India, who sent home $640mn with 76 deaths reported, due to continuous showers. Ilast month has dragged at less than 0.8% in the 2015- of using fake currency. Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa in 2016, or about 2.6% of Nepal’s compared to the 30,000 The health ministry is also down economic growth in 16 fi scal year after earthquakes The Nepal Rastra Bank, the Kamal Dahal, a former Maoist gross domestic product. infected last year with 54 mulling hiking the penalty neighbouring Nepal with in 2015 that killed about 9,000 central bank, has now banned rebel commander, spoke to Modi Thousands of Nepali mi- deaths. imposed on dengue breed- trade, remittances and tour- people. Indian currency, saying it want- after the currency ban to ask for grants are returning home as In- The health ministry said ing places in order to keep the ist numbers all down, BMI “The disruption in funds from ed a formal communication from arrangements for the exchange dian businesses cut production that urgent preventive meas- environment healthy and free Research, a group company India is likely to weigh on ongo- the Indian central bank about of the now defunct Indian cash following the cash crunch. ures have already been put from dengue. Nepal parties prepare to hold polls

IANS The amendment bill is in the will have a larger pie in the Up- dates that Nepal should hold the Deuba revealed that three big Kathmandu limbo due to opposition to it in per House, that is constituted by elections to the local levels, pro- political parties have agreed to parliament by main opposition, local level representatives. vincial and central Parliament by local bodies elections on the old Communist Party of Nepal - A meeting of top leaders February 2018. structure. However, if elections epal’s major political United Marxist Leninist (CPN- called by Prime Minister Push- “I had a very positive meet- to the local bodies are held on parties in principle have UML). pa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday ing today with top leaders of two old structure, the elected per- Nagreed to hold elections The opposition has been de- decided to go for local bodies major political parties, where we sons cannot constitute the Up- in order to implement the con- manding that elections to the lo- elections but remained silent agreed to go for local polls and per House and the Madhesis will stitution, and were most likely to cal bodies should take place only on the status of the constitution my government is focusing on have a larger pie on local level. announce soon the dates for lo- after restructuring them on the amendment bill. it,” said the prime minister at a Addressing a party pro- cal bodies polls. basis of population. Nepali Congress president function in Kathmandu after the gramme, Deuba said, “Parties But Madhes-based parties in Though the Madhes region Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN- meeting. were bound to hold local body Nepal, opposing the new consti- holds just 17% of total geo- UML chairman A K P Sharma “The focus of my government election in the old structures as tution, have not made clear their graphical area of Nepal, it has Oli, the main opposition leader, is to make the constitution more part of the implementation of Arjuna Ranatunga: “We hope to be able to raise about $1.12bn position on polls at a time when over 50% of the country’s pop- who were present in the meet- acceptable to all ranging from the constitution. As the country and a deal could be struck by the first week of January.” the Nepal government has moved ulation due to fertile land and ing, agreed to the polls as soon as mountains, hills and plains,” Da- has adopted federalism, there a constitution amendment bill plain area. possible in order to implement hal said, adding that his focus is was no option to holding elec- in parliament to address the de- If restructuring takes place on the new constitution. also on strengthening national tions in all three levels by Febru- Lanka to sell mands of these parties. the basis of population, Madhes The new constitution man- unity. ary 2018.” Cabinet Bangladesh pays tribute to loss-making okays policy port to China to end child intellectuals martyred in 1971 labour IANS AFP International Monetary Fund Dhaka Colombo in June after facing a balance of payments crisis and has IANS also negotiated cheaper fund- Colombo resident Abdul Ha- ri Lanka hopes to sell ing from international lenders. mid and Prime Minister part of its loss-making Ranatunga said the Chinese PSheikh Hasina paid trib- S$1.4bn harbour to a Chi- had initially wanted the port ri Lanka’s Cabinet ute yesterday to the intellectu- nese company in January to on a 199-year lease. yesterday approved als killed on December 14, 1971, help pay off crippling debts, “First they wanted it for 199 Sa national policy to two days before the War Lib- the ports minister said yester- years, then brought it down eliminate child labour in the eration ended in the creation of day. to 99 years, but I am think- country. Bangladesh as an independent Arjuna Ranatunga said talks ing around 50 years,” he said, A proposal made by Minis- nation. were under way with China adding that a fi nal agreement ter of Labour and Trade Un- Hasina and Hamid placed Merchants Port Holdings to could be signed in January. ion Relations W D J Senevi- wreaths at the Martyred Intel- Sheikh Hasina speaking at a discussion on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day in Dhaka yesterday. transfer an 80% stake in the Some 480 temporary dock ratne to adopt and implement lectuals’ Mausoleum in Dhaka Hambantota port on a long workers at the port in Ham- the national policy on child and stood in silence for two She later went to Dhanmondi lease. bantota, 240km (150 miles) labour was approved by the minutes to mark Martyred In- and placed a wreath at the por- List of slain intellectuals to be published in July “We hope to be able to raise south of Colombo, have been cabinet, Xinhua news agency tellectuals Day. trait of her father who is also the Bangladesh, even 45 years commanders at the behest of about $1.12bn and a deal could on strike since December 6 reported. Both leaders spoke to Father of the Nation, ‘Banga- after carnage of its intellectuals Pakistan army, masterminded be struck by the fi rst week of demanding that they be ab- The government has said freedom fi ghters and fam- bandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rah- just before final victory on the murders of some of the January,” Ranatunga told re- sorbed into the main port- there has been a decrease of ily members of the martyred man, at the Bangabandhu Me- December 16, 1971, could not best Bangalee intellectuals porters in Colombo. owning company ahead of any 50% in use of child labour from intellectuals gathered at the morial Museum. prepare their complete list. two days before the end of the The new government, sale to the Chinese. 2008-2009 to 2015-2016. It mausoleum. On the night of December 14 Liberation War Aff airs Minister Liberation War,” he added. which came to power in Janu- Ranatunga said he had given also said the national policy is A contingent of Bangladesh in 1971, over 200 intellectuals Mozzamel Huq yesterday said a The bodies of the slain ary last year, has been trying to strikers a Thursday deadline essential to regain the GSP plus Armed Forces presented a state including professors, journal- book containing the complete list intellectuals were found with renegotiate terms of its $8bn to report back to work or lose trade concession from the Eu- salute, while a bugler played ists, doctors, artistes, engi- of intellectuals martyred during torture marks at Dhaka’s Mirpur Chinese debt, which includes their jobs. ropean Union. the Last Post, the Daily Star re- neers, and writers were abduct- the 1971 Liberation War would be and Rayerbazar, where the the construction costs of the Sri Lanka’s navy opened fi re Sri Lanka agreed to elimi- ported. ed by the Pakistani occupation published in July next year. monuments have been built to Hambantota port. at the port on Saturday to dis- nate child labour at the Global Members of the cabinet, forces. “We hope to publish the immortalise them. The former administra- perse strikers who had blocked Child Labour Conference in mayors of city corporations, They were taken to torture complete list of martyred The liberation war aff airs tion relied heavily on China a Japanese vehicle carrier from 2010 held at The Hague in the chiefs of the three Armed Serv- cells in diff erent parts of the city intellectuals this coming July,” minister said the ministry to build ports, highways and leaving the port. Netherlands. ices, as well as civil and military and executed en masse at vari- he told the media after paying would also be publishing the railways as Western nations The minister said the strik- The National Survey on Child offi cials were present. ous killing fi elds, most notably his respects at the Rayerbazar names of freedom fighters slain shunned it over its dismal hu- ers had also sabotaged facili- Labour conducted in 1999 esti- Flanked by leaders of her Rayerbazar and Mirpur. Killing Grounds Memorial in the Liberation War, which are man rights record. ties at the port, where there mated just over 900,000 chil- Bangladesh Awami League par- Bangladesh gained inde- yesterday. being collected at the district The new government se- were currently no foreign dren to be economically active in ty, Hasina laid another wreath pendence from Pakistani occu- “On this day in 1971, Al-Badr level, next July. cured a $1.5bn bailout from the vessels. Sri Lanka. as the party chief. pation on December 16, 1971. Cancelled meetings expose fraught Myanmar-Bangladesh ties

Reuters the abrupt cancellation of the it is fi ghting in the northwest, Aung San Suu Kyi, facing criticism seen commitments” as a reason operation. Another document, The Myanmar military’s press Yangon/Dhaka talks, planned for mid-October, diplomats and analysts say. of her handling of the crisis from to cancel the nearly week-long reviewed by Reuters, would set offi ce and presidential spokes- refl ected Myanmar’s reluctance Close to 27,000 people have both Western nations and Asian talks scheduled in Bangladesh up border liaison offi cers (BLO) man Zaw Htay did not re- to deepen bilateral ties and press fl ed across the border from My- countries such as Malaysia. from October 16. on both sides of the frontier and spond to an emailed request for s Myanmar’s army was ahead with talks on security co- anmar’s Rakhine state to Bang- Myanmar’s military and the The letter was sent four days other collaboration measures in- comment. stepping up an anti-in- operation and the establishment ladesh since November 1, ac- government have rejected alle- after nine Myanmar police of- cluding joint patrols. Aye Aye Soe, an offi cial at the Asurgency operation in the of border liaison offi cers. cording to the United Nations gations by residents and rights fi cers were killed in attacks on Underscoring deterioration of Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, said country’s northwest in October, “Those two documents are in- Offi ce for the Co-ordination of groups that soldiers have raped border posts. Since then, secu- the ties, Bangladeshi diplomats there had been an “earlier meet- senior offi cers cancelled talks credibly important, particularly Humanitarian Aff airs, with more Rohingya women, burnt houses rity forces have fl ooded north- said last month they pulled out of ing” between the two militaries with their Bangladeshi counter- given the situation we’re dealing people likely to have fl ed since and killed civilians during the ern Rakhine, hunting a Rohingya bilateral foreign ministry consul- on the “current refugees issue parts, straining ties with a key with right now, but we’ve hit a the onset of violence in October. military operation in Rakhine. insurgent group the government tations seen as a preparatory step but (that) also involved other potential ally in dealing with the wall,” said a senior Bangladeshi The Rohingyas, of whom there “Regarding the army to army says was responsible. before a meeting of heads of state. border related issues - drug traf- violence on their border. offi cial, who did not want to be are around 1.1mn in Rakhine, are talk between Bangladesh Armed Five days later, the head of the “We went everywhere and fi cking and other transorgan- The cancelled meetings, re- identifi ed because of the private denied citizenship by Myanmar Forces and Myanmar Defence Myanmar police division against met with everyone, but we have ized crimes”. She said she had no vealed in documents seen by nature of the exchanges. and Bangladesh, who both cite Services ... I deeply regret to transnational crime also pulled been met with delays and lack of other details. Reuters, are the latest on a long Myanmar offi cials did not census documents and histori- inform you that our authorities out of talks with the Bangladeshi interest,” said the senior Bangla- Tensions between the two list of failed initiatives to im- comment on the meetings. cal accounts to argue they have a would like to postpone,” said the border guard force planned for deshi offi cial. countries were exacerbated last prove relations between frac- Defusing the deep-seated long-established presence in the head of the Myanmar military’s October 25-27 in Dhaka, citing Bangladesh is the only neigh- month, when Myanmar’s envoy tious neighbours who both see mistrust between the two coun- other country. foreign relations department, the security situation in Rakhine. bouring country Suu Kyi, who in Dhaka was reprimanded over the largely stateless Muslim Ro- tries is crucial both to improving The cancelled meetings also Lieutenant Colonel Aung Zaw One of the documents Bangla- serves as Myanmar’s foreign reports in state media that some hingya at the heart of the crisis the plight of the Rohingya mi- point to the growing isolation of Linn, in a letter to Bangladesh deshis were keen to discuss was minister as well as being the de of the insurgents blamed for the as the other nation’s problem. nority and curbing the insurgen- the eight-month-old administra- offi cials on October 13. a memorandum of understand- facto leader of the government, October 9 attacks had crossed Bangladeshi diplomats say cy Myanmar’s government says tion of Nobel Peace Prize winner The military cited “unfore- ing on security dialogue and co- has not yet visited. the border from Bangladesh. Gulf Times 26 Thursday, December 15, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah

Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Making mobile banking,

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar digital wallets a reality [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), Mobile phones and the That amounts to a 6% increase half of whom are women – could as well, so that service providers can 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Internet can reduce the above business as usual. gain access to financial services, control fraud. Fax 44350474 In low-income countries with very shifting about $4.2tn in cash and In emerging economies, one in fi ve need for cash and bypass low fi nancial inclusion rates, such savings currently held in informal people are unregistered, compared traditional brick-and- as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and India, GDP vehicles into the formal financial to only one in ten in advanced could increase by as much as 12%. system. economies. mortar channels Digital fi nance can boost GDP in This would allow for an additional Nearly 20% of unbanked women in several ways. $2.1tn to be extended as credit to emerging countries do not have the By Laura Tyson Nearly two-thirds of the expected individuals and small businesses. documentation necessary to open a GULF TIMES growth would come from increased Businesses could also save on bank account. and Susan Lund Berkeley productivity, because businesses, labour costs, to the tune of 25bn Even when people have recognised fi nancial-service providers, and hours annually, by swapping cash IDs, they must be amenable to digital government organisations would be transactions for digital payments. authentication. n economic development able to operate much more effi ciently And governments could take in Digital IDs that use microchips, A glimmer of hope, revolution lies literally in the if they did not have to rely on cash and an additional $110bn every year – to fi ngerprints, or iris scans could prove palm of a single hand. paper recordkeeping. invest in growth-enhancing public useful – and are already gaining A As mobile phones and Another one-third would come goods like education – because digital popularity – in emerging economies. digital technologies rapidly spread from increased investment throughout channels make tax collection cheaper Finally, governments must then nightmare for around the world, their implications the economy, as personal and business and more reliable. implement regulations that strike a for economic development, and savings were moved into the formal New mobile-money services balance between protecting investors particularly fi nance, have yet to be fi nancial system, and then mobilised are already demonstrating digital and consumers, and giving banks, fully realised. to provide more credit. fi nance’s potential. retailers, and fi nancial-technology Aleppo civilians The sooner that changes, the better The remaining gains would come In Kenya, M-Pesa – which and telecommunications companies for people worldwide. from people working more hours – the transforms one’s phone into a mobile room to compete and innovate. In emerging economies today, time they would have spent travelling wallet – has leveraged powerful Because regulations often shut out 2bn people – 45% of all adults – do to bank branches and waiting in network eff ects to bring about a vast non-bank competitors, governments In the last rebel-held pocket of Aleppo, residents were not have a formal account at a bank, queues. expansion in the share of adults using should consider a tiered approach, bidding a tearful farewell to their battleground city, fi nancial institution, or with a mobile- As for fi nancial inclusion, digital digital fi nancial services. whereby businesses without a full expecting to evacuate, only to be plunged back into a money provider. fi nance has two positive eff ects. That share grew from zero to 40% in banking license can provide basic familiar nightmare. The “unbanked” rate is even higher First, it expands access. just three years, and had risen to 68% fi nancial products to customers with for women, the poor, and people living In emerging markets in 2014, only by the end of last year. smaller accounts. “Bombing is ongoing, no one can move. Everyone is in rural areas. about 55% of adults had a bank or Traditional fi nancial-services A good model for this is the United hiding and terrifi ed. The situation is indescribable,” activist Moreover, at least 200mn small- fi nancial-services account, but nearly accounts tend to grow at the pace Kingdom’s “regulatory sandbox” for Mohammad al-Khatib said yesterday from inside the city of and medium-size enterprises lack 80% had a mobile phone. of national income, but M-Pesa’s fi nancial-technology companies, northern Syria. suffi cient credit, or have no access to That 25-percentage-point gap could adoption rate has been dramatically which imposes lower regulatory “The wounded and dead are lying in the street. No one credit at all. be closed by making mobile banking faster, demonstrating that digital requirements on emerging players Entrepreneurship, investment, and and digital wallets a reality. fi nance can achieve signifi cant market until they reach a certain size. dares to try and retrieve the bodies,” he said. economic growth suff er when savings But a gender gap will also have to penetration rapidly even in the world’s Financial inclusion is vital for The tiny enclave still held by rebels in the ravaged east are stored outside the fi nancial system, be closed: worldwide, about 200mn poorest countries. inclusive economic growth and of the city had been quiet for hours, after a deal brokered and credit is scarce and expensive. fewer women than men have mobile But such success stories do not gender equality, and it has assumed a by Turkey and Russia was announced on Tuesday to allow Fortunately, according to a recent phones or Internet access. happen in a vacuum. prominent role in global development civilians and fi ghters to leave. report by the McKinsey Global Second, digital fi nance reduces For starters, everyone needs a eff orts, with the World Bank aiming Institute (MGI), digital technologies costs: MGI estimates that it would mobile phone with an aff ordable data for universal fi nancial inclusion by Civilians had gathered in the streets from early morning, – starting with mobile phones – can cost fi nancial-service providers plan. 2020. devastated at the prospect of exile from their city but rapidly fi x this problem and foster 80-90% less – about $10 per year, While businesses can help, it is With billions of people in relieved to fi nally escape the hell created by years of faster, more inclusive growth. compared to the $100 per year it costs incumbent upon governments and emerging economies already using bombardment and a months-long siege. Mobile phones and the Internet today – to off er customers digital non-governmental organisations to mobile phones, digital finance But there was no movement, no sign that the buses parked can reduce the need for cash and accounts than accounts through extend mobile networks to low-return makes this goal achievable. – Project bypass traditional brick-and-mortar traditional bank branches. areas and remote populations. Syndicate outside rebel-held areas would enter, and then word spread channels. Using purely digital channels thus Governments must also ensure that the deal was on hold, and suddenly fi ghting erupted This dramatically reduces fi nancial- makes it feasible to meet the needs of that networks between banks and zLaura Tyson, a former chair of the anew. service providers’ costs, and makes low-income customers. telecommunications companies are US President’s Council of Economic The booms of air strikes and artillery fi re rang out, sowing their services more convenient and Financial inclusion becomes interoperable; otherwise, widespread Advisers, is a professor at the Haas panic across the 5sq km of residential districts still held by accessible for users – especially low- profi table for providers even when use of mobile phones for fi nancial School of Business at the University income users in remote locations. account balances and transactions are services and payments would be of California, Berkeley, and a senior rebels. MGI estimates that if digital fi nance small. impossible. adviser at the Rock Creek Group. Terrifi ed residents ran through the streets in a fruitless is widely adopted, it could add $3.7tn With digital finance, as many as Governments must establish Susan Lund is a partner with the bid to fi nd shelter, with some hiding in the doorframes of to emerging countries’ GDP by 2025. 1.6bn unbanked people – more than universally accepted forms of identity McKinsey Global Institute. damaged buildings. There were several wounded civilians as well as a regime tank turning its cannon “Everyone is towards opposition-held districts and opening fi re. hiding and Some residents took to Twitter, for many terrifi ed. The their only link with the situation is outside word, to publish desperate messages from indescribable” neighbourhoods under fi re. “Ceasefi re is over. Everyone will be executed when Assad’s forces and their thugs capture our liberated area,” wrote Ismail Alabdullah, a member of the White Helmets rescue worker group which operates in rebel areas. He posted a video of a grim, rainy neighbourhood inside Aleppo rocked by the boom of air strikes. The scene was worlds away from the calm but downcast atmosphere at dawn just hours earlier yesterday. Crowds of civilians had gathered in the chilly streets to await evacuation, after weeks of heavy government fi re and a siege that left food supplies scarce. Entire families had slept in the open, despite the cold and a fi erce storm that brought heavy rain and high winds. Some set fi re to their cars or motorcycles to prevent them being confi scated by the regime, and rebels even set alight heavy weapons so that they would not be seized by government troops. The atmosphere was funereal. Everyone was crying. Many feared they had seen their homes for the last time and might never be able to return to the city. Civilians have been desperate to escape the increasingly dire conditions in the east, which has been ground into rubble by bombing. In one local hospital, bodies had lain in rows on the fl oor for days, with relatives too afraid to identify and collect them for burial because of the ferocity of the bombardment. Wounded residents with exhausted, emaciated faces were taking shelter inside the clinic, which was at capacity. Amputees lay on the cold fl oor as all the beds were full, Sign of the times: wanted ‘emoji translator’ and others shared the few blankets available to try to stay warm. Translation agency seeks A London translation agency Chief executive Jurga Zilinskiene Remuneration for the position It’s time for the world to show solidarity with the people is advertising for its fi rst “emoji said the company decided to create is listed as “competitive”, but of Aleppo who are being subjected to the worst kinds of fi rst emoji specialist to translator/ specialist” to help meet the freelance position after being applicants are warned that a repercussion, torture, displacement and genocide. help meet ‘challenges the “challenges posed by the world’s approached by a client to translate “practical test of emoji knowledge/ fastest-growing language”. a family diary from English into skills may be given”. posed by the world’s Based in the City of London emoji. An exemplar “Emoji Translation fastest-growing language’ fi nancial district, Today Translations “We started looking into it and Test” is available for potential To Advertise is advertising on its website for decided we had to do much more work candidates on the company’s website. [email protected] a translator able to interpret the to understand the culture of emojis The successful recruit will join Guardian News and Media miniature images, from smiley faces across the globe,” she said. a company that works with 3,000 Display London to food items, beloved of smartphone The recruit will be required to write linguists who speak some 200 Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 users the world over. monthly reports on emoji trends and languages, according to the job “Emoji translation is itself an research cultural diff erences in usage, posting. Classified o you venture further into emerging fi eld – but one dominated as well as carry out translations. Zilinskiene is confi dent that Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 the emoji dictionary than to date by software, which is “In the absence of any native demand for emoji translation is set to Subscription the faces and food pages? often insensitive to the many speakers, the successful candidate grow. D Does your vocabulary cultural diff erences in usage and should be able to demonstrate “We are already seeing a [email protected] extend beyond “thumbs up” and “red interpretation,” said the advert. a passion for emojis, combined professional use for legal cases where heart”? “We are therefore seeking an with cutting-edge knowledge and text messages are used as evidence,” Do you know your “face with tears exceptional individual to provide awareness of areas of confusion and she said, adding that interpreting 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved of joy” from your “grinning face with the human touch needed where cultural/international diff erences,” emojis was “even more complex than smiling eyes”? translation software is inadequate.” continued the advert. the written word”. Gulf Times Thursday, December 15, 2016 27 Weather report COMMENT Three-day forecast TODAY High: 27 C Low : 17 C Letters Strong wind at places by night Hottest Arctic on FRIDAY Syria war a crime aged to open new restaurants at vari- High: 23 C ous locations. Low: 15 C against humanity Offi cials can continue their strict M Sunny vigil to ensure that these outlets off er record triggers Dear Sir, only quality food and the charges are not only reasonable but also aff ord- SATURDAY Aleppo has been obliterated by able. High: 23 C the Russian and Syrian forces, in a Absence of competition encourages Low: 16 C massive ice melt destructive military onslaught un- the restaurant operators to charge ex- Sunny precedented in the annals of high-tech orbitant rates and force the customers warfare. This once beautiful city now to accept what they off er. Fishermen’s forecast By Kerry Sheridan/AFP Climate scientists say the reasons resembles ruins beyond human com- It may not be out of place to men- for the rising heat include the burning Miami prehension. Bodies and faces are fro- tion here that several restaurants do OFFSHORE DOHA of fossil fuels that emit heat-trapping zen in expression of horror. Every facet not provide drinking water for free. Wind: SE-NW 15-22 KT gases into the atmosphere, southerly of this brutal war was a crime against Almost all of them charge more Waves: 2-4/7 Feet he Arctic shattered heat winds that pushed hot air from the humanity, a violation of international for bottled water. Customers have no INSHORE DOHA Wind: SW-NW 10-18/22 KT records in the past year as mid-latitudes northward, as well as law and a crime against humanity. choice but to succumb to such tactics. Waves: 1-2/3 Feet unusually warm air triggered the El Nino ocean warming trend, Several nations remained indiff erent Consumers expect the restaurants Tmassive melting of ice which ended mid-year. as this monumental tragedy unfolded. to off er free drinking water and the Around the region and snow and a late fall freeze, US The Arctic’s annual air temperature Innocent civilians were destroyed option to buy bottled water should be Weather Weather government scientists said Tuesday. over land was 6.3F (3.5C) higher than like vermin. This is the 21st century, left to the discretion of customers. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min The grim assessment came in the in 1900, the report said. not the middle ages. How could the Abu Dhabi Sunny 27/18 P Cloudy 26/19 Arctic Report Card 2016, a peer-reviewed The sea surface temperature in the world remain silent? History reminds V Kalyanaraman Baghdad Sunny 13/00 M Sunny 15/03 Dubai document by 61 scientists around the peak summer month of August 2016 us that over the past 100 years, neu- (e-mail address supplied) Sunny 27/17 P Cloudy 27/18 Kuwait City Cloudy 19/06 Sunny 17/07 globe issued by the US National Oceanic reached 9F (5C) above the average for trality has helped only the oppressor. Manama P Cloudy 24/16 Cloudy 20/14 and Atmospheric Administration. 1982-2010 in the Barents and Chukchi When Aleppo was “liberated”, As- Muscat Sunny 27/18 Sunny 27/19 The NOAA report covers from seas and off the east and west coasts of sad’s shadow caused darkness to fall Noble gesture Riyadh P Cloudy 22/08 M Sunny 19/08 October 2015 to September 2016, a Greenland. upon Syria. He slew civilians with for Afghan boy Tehran Rain 09/-2 Sunny 08/-1 period it said the Arctic’s average “Warm air and ocean temperatures cluster bombs and burned them alive annual air temperature over land was in the fall led to a record-breaking with barrel bombs, and fi nally exter- the highest on record. delay in fall freeze-up,” Perovich minated them with a variety of chemi- Dear Sir, “The report card this year said, noting that the Arctic sea ice cal weapons. What a hollow victory! clearly shows a stronger and more minimum from mid-October to late I was moved beyond words and emo- pronounced signal of persistent November was the lowest since the Farouk Araie tions ran high when I saw little Murtaza warming than any previous year satellite record began in 1979. Johannesburg Ahmadi clinging on to the football in our observational record” going It was also 28% less than the average legend Lionel Messi. This is what makes back to 1900, NOAA Arctic Research for 1981-2010 in October. world a more humane place. Program director Jeremy Mathis told Scientists added a section to the Restaurants too I would like to say hats off to the the American Geophysical Union report about noteworthy records set are overcharging Supreme Committee for Delivery & conference in San Francisco, where the in October and November 2016, even Legacy, QFA and all the authorities report was released. though that extended beyond the who have been responsible for this “Those warming eff ects in the report’s typical time span. Dear Sir, noble gesture of bringing the little boy Arctic have had a cascading eff ect More of the ice that freezes in the from Afghanistan to this lovely coun- through the environment.” Arctic winter is thin, made of only a S S Nair’s letter on “poor qual- try during the “Match of Champions” The environment has steadily single year’s worth of freeze rather ity and high prices of cooked food in and letting him live his dream. The declined since scientists started doing than thicker, more resistant ice built super markets” (Gulf Times, De- image will stay for long in my mind as the annual report card, now in its 11th up over multiple years. cember 14) is timely and reveals how I am sure in many other minds as well. year, co-author Donald Perovich said. In 1985, almost half (45%) of Arctic customers are charged more at some The image of Murtaza playing football, “When it started, you kind of had to sea ice was called “multi-year ice.” of Qatar’s outlets. wearing a plastic carry bag “jersey” listen closely because the Arctic was Now, just 22% of the Arctic is I wish to add that the restaurants are with Messi written on it had moved Around the world whispering change,” said Perovich, who covered in multi-year ice. no exception. the world and the legend himself. Weather Weather works at Dartmouth College’s Thayer The rest is fi rst-year ice. To make more profi t, they too are Hope these gestures put a healing today Max/min tomorrow Max/min School of Engineering in New Hampshire. In Greenland, the ice sheet not far behind the supermarkets in touch on millions of kids who are Athens Sunny 14/05 P Cloudy 11/04 “Now it is not whispering anymore. continued to shrink and lose mass as charging high prices for low quality suff ering the ravages of war, natural Beirut P Cloudy 14/12 Showers 15/12 Showers 25/21 It is speaking change. It is shouting it has every year since 2002, when food. calamities and poverty the world over. Bangkok 27/22 S Showers Berlin M Cloudy 02/-2 M Sunny 02/-3 change.” satellite measurements began. As thousands of expatriates arrive Hope each little kid can dream Cairo P Cloudy 18/11 Sunny 19/10 The Arctic region is continuing to Melting also started early in in this country to work on FIFA World similarly and there are good and kind Cape Town P Cloudy 26/17 Cloudy 26/17 warm up more than twice as fast as Greenland last year, the second Cup 2022 projects, Qatar needs more people around to fulfi l their dreams. Colombo P Cloudy 32/22 M Sunny 32/23 the rest of the planet, which is also earliest in the 37-year record of eateries that off er quality food at rea- Dhaka Sunny 27/17 Sunny 27/17 Hong Kong P Cloudy 21/15 M Cloudy 18/17 expected to mark its hottest year in observations, and close to the record sonable prices. Dr Tariq W Kureishy Istanbul modern times. set in 2012. Entrepreneurs need to be encour- (Address supplied) Gulf Times 28 Thursday, December 15, 2016 QATAR Hungarian honour for Sidra physician

idra Medical and Re- search Center’s neona- Stology division chief Dr Istvan Seri has been feted as an honorary member of the Hun- garian Academy of Science, it was announced yesterday. The award is reserved Dignitaries at the opening of the conference. for distinguished Hungar- ian academicians and scholars who have made internation- ally recognised contributions Dr Istvan Seri to various fi elds of science. Dr Seri is in charge of the their families are given an Neonatology Prenatal Con- opportunity to learn about sultation Clinic at the Sidra the baby’s condition and the Outpatient Clinic. He was available treatment options PHCC to expand school nominated for his work in after delivery or, if warranted, developmental cardiovascu- during pregnancy. lar physiology and neonatal “Together with the bioin- haemodynamics and neonatal formatics team at Sidra, we are shock. currently working to develop The vast body of his research comprehensive early warn- focused on neonatal transition ing systems via monitoring oral health programme from in-utero life to postna- and data acquisition. This will tal life. Neonatology is a sub- help us establish individual- he Primary Health Care a platform to share best prac- speciality of paediatrics that ised medicine and treatment Corporation (PHCC) will tice and identify potential col- consists of the medical care of methods for neonatal patients Trestructure and expand laborators to work together for newborn infants, especially if at Sidra. I hope that we will the current school oral health better health outcomes. they are ill or premature. contribute towards a stronger programme, it was announced With several sessions, pres- “The Hungarian Academy understanding of life-saving yesterday. entations and workshops, the of Science has many leading methods for neonates and of- “The current school oral conference offers a leading, scientists, researchers and fer treatment choices in a cul- health programme was estab- knowledge sharing platform clinicians in its midst. It is a turally sensitive and family- lished in 1988. It is not suffi cient on primary health policies and source of pride for me to be centred manner,” Dr Seri said. to attend to the growing needs how they are set up to meet the recognised by peers from our In addition to his role as di- of oral health of children. So we population’s expectations. profession. I am honoured to vision chief at Sidra, Dr Seri is are restructuring and expanding Yesterday the conference receive the recognition. How- also the vice chair of faculty the programme,” said Dr Asmaa heard from international and ever, the ultimate reward is development at the Depart- AlKhti, manager, Oral Health local healthcare research sci- to see the culmination of my ment of Paediatrics and the Division, PHCC on the sidelines A panel discussion at the conference. entists on several topics such research positively impact on professor of paediatrics at of the Scientifi c Research Day as childhood and adolescent saving lives, during every step Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar. organised by PHCC. provided at health centres,” ex- for children between grade one organised by PHCC started at health with a focus on address- of a baby’s journey from womb For his research accom- PHCC will launch a pilot plained Dr AlKhti. and four, the new one will tar- Qatar National Convention ing obesity and others. to delivery,” said Dr Seri. plishments, Dr Seri has been project of the new programme in “Cavities are the main prob- get entire primary school from Centre yesterday. The two-day The conference also ex- The Sidra Outpatient Clinic recognised as an international February next year. “At present lem among children. It s a ma- kindergarten to grade six, in event aims at highlighting the amined the need for research launched its Neonatology Pre- leader in the fi eld of develop- the programme is health centre jor problem and number one phase one, after implementing role of primary care research in that underpins primary care’s natal Consultation Clinic on mental cardiovascular physi- based. We are taking it to schools disease in children in Qatar and the pilot programme. Evalu- strengthening the health sys- search for effective preventive June 1 this year where Dr Seri ology in general and neonatal focusing on the concept of pre- the world. It is five times more ating it in future, we hope to tem, promoting family care and strategies and interventions and his team off er prenatal hemodynamics and neonatal vention. Prevention activities than asthma and diabetes or implement it to all students up preventing chronic disease. that improve population well- consultation services for preg- shock in particular. He has for oral health will be taken to any other diseases among chil- to18 years,” she added. Dr Hanan al-Mujalli, execu- being and health, particularly nant women and their families published over 250 peer-re- the schools along with screen- dren,” she pointed out. Meanwhile, the Second Sci- tive director, Clinical Affairs, in non-communicable disease with complex and high-risk viewed scientifi c publications, ings, and the treatment will be “If the present programme is entific Research Conference PHCC, said the forum provides prevention. pregnancies.The women and editorials, and chapters. QIIB relocates Bin Omran branch

IIB has relocated its be taken merely as moving from enhanced level and benefi t from two-shift pattern. From Sunday branch in Bin Omran one building to another.” the additional space, trendy de- through Wednesday, it will work Qto Bin Tawar build- “For, this relocation refl ects sign and more services at the in two shifts – morning and ing, which is adjacent to the old our eff orts to take the customer branch.” evening hours and on Thursday, branch near the TV Roundabout. service concept to a new level to Al-Jamal said, “At the Bin services will be available during Through the branch reloca- meet the objectives we are re- Omran branch, we have a fl oor the morning hours. tion, QIIB said it aims to off er alising, the experiences we are dedicated to our privileged cus- Of late, QIIB has put addition- the best banking experience to gathering, and the innovative tomers who will enjoy services al focus on its countrywide net- its customers and provide the services we are constantly add- to a distinguished level they are work of branches and ATMs in most suitable banking services ing to our set of integrated serv- entitled to.” addition to its alternative chan- to their needs. ices.” He added, “The staff members nels (call centre, Internet bank- “The specially designed new He said, “The new branch at who will service the new branch ing, mobile banking and phone building is spacious; one that re- Bin Omran is another addition at Bin Omran are highly profes- banking services). fl ects the newer identity adopt- in the scope of the bank’s plan sional and totally qualifi ed and QIIB customers now fi nd it ed by the bank in a number of Jamal al-Jamal to improve the quality of diff er- equipped to off er high-level and easy to access the bank and its its state-of-the-art branches ent branches. We hope that our key banking services that match various products and services. across Qatar,” the bank said in a Jamal stated that the relocation customers who deal with the Bin customer requirements and ex- The bank is expected to open QIIB’s new branch at Bin Omran is spacious and has a floor dedicated release yesterday. of QIIB branch at Farij Bin Om- Omran branch will experience pectations, whatever those are”. new branches in the coming to the bank’s high net worth customers. QIIB Deputy CEO Jamal al- ran to a new building “shall not the evolution of services to an The new branch will follow a period. A rendezvous with Ferrari’s classic model collection

n celebration of the brand’s rich automobile heritage, Al- Ifardan Sports Motors — the offi cial dealer of Ferrari in Qatar — organised an exclusive visit to Letbelah, the private museum of Omar Alfardan. The tour off ered Ferrari own- ers, for the fi rst time, a rendez- vous with the classic models of the Prancing Horse lineage, while also shedding light on the signifi cance of aftersales vehi- cle maintenance, according to a press statement. The event commenced with a parade of Ferrari cars, as owners made their way from the show- room at The Pearl-Qatar to the museum, joined by Ferrari Mid- dle East and Africa general man- ager Giulio Zauner and aftersales manager Francesco Marchionna. Omar Alfardan with officials and employees. The tour offered Ferrari owners a rendezvous with the classic models of the Prancing Horse lineage. Upon arriving at Letbelah, guests were treated to a private motoring prowess since 1940. A iconic LaFerrari car. Delving into Sports Motors, said: “We are ful thanks to the support of the that covers all the scheduled vehicle remains under warranty viewing of Omar Alfardan’s highlight of the tour was the La- the aspect of vehicle mainte- extremely grateful to Omar Al- Ferrari regional offi ce and head- maintenance for the fi rst seven even if it changes ownership. prized collection of vintage Ferrari sculpture – an exclusive nance, Ferrari Qatar’s aftersales fardan for providing us with this quarters.” years of the vehicle’s life, and ex- Customers can also avail of cars. The ensemble featured top bronze life-size replica of the team proceeded to brief guests wonderful opportunity to view As part of its commitment to- tends to any subsequent owner the Welcome Back Programme names from yesteryears such limited-edition LaFerrari hybrid on how to keep their Ferraris in his impressive collection; and wards quality, Ferrari Qatar pro- within the seven years. to update the car’s software. as Ferrari Super America, Te- sports car. mint condition for a consider- we commend his eff orts in pre- vides its customers with a range The Ferrari Pre-Owned War- This service also includes one starossa, 288 GTO, 612, F40, The piece was crafted by re- able period of time. serving such an extensive scale of aftersales services and bene- ranty service allows clients to year of roadside assistance along F50, Enzo and a replica of the nowned Iraqi artist Ahmed al- Charly Dagher, general man- of vintage cars. This unique ini- fi ts. This includes a Ferrari Gen- avail a warranty of up to 10 years, with an exclusive invite to the F1 – demonstrating the brand’s Bahrani and pays homage to the ager of Ferrari Qatar, Alfardan tiative was also made success- uine Maintenance programme including spares and repairs. The World of Maranello.