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Sunday 19 November 2017 | 1 Rabia I 1439 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7350 | 2 Riyals

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Prime Minister meets UNDP Director Emir greets Qatar’s aid for Sultan Qaboos of Oman development mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Esent yesterday a cable of congratulations to H M Sul- tan Qaboos bin Said of the at $2bn a year Sultanate of Oman on the occasion of his country’s National Day. Deputy Emir The Peninsula H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime inister of Finance Minister of Finance Minister and Interior Minis- H E Ali Shareef Al H E Ali Shareef Al ter H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Emadi said that Emadi said that Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani the proportion of Qatar has provided also sent similar cables. the assistance Mprovided by Qatar has exceeded international Emir congratulates Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani the official development assist- assistance to ance (ODA) of the developed met with the Director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Achim Steiner, King of Morocco friendly countries who is currently visiting Doha to participate in the high-level meeting to prepare for the countries, where the Qatari for- in 13 sectors for eign and non-governmental Economic and Social Council Forum on Follow-up to Financing for Development. During mir H H Sheikh Tamim assistance is almost $2bn a year various humanitarian the meeting, they discussed aspects of cooperation between the two sides and means of bin Hamad Al Thani on average. and development enhancing them to serve the goals of sustainable development at the international level. Esent yesterday a cable He said Qatar is not legally initiatives around of congratulations to H M obliged to pay this proportion, King Mohammed VI of the but it fulfills it out of its belief in the world. Kingdom of Morocco on the the importance of supporting the anniversary of his country’s agenda of South-South cooper- Independence Day. Deputy ation, triangular cooperation and He stressed that Qatar, 116 bids received for construction Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin the financing for development based on its responsibility and Hamad Al Thani sent a simi- agenda, reported QNA. commitment to strengthening lar cable. Prime Minister and He was addressing the its regional and international of private schools on 11 plots Interior Minister H E Sheikh opening session of the high- partnerships, will continue to Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- level meeting to prepare for the play a prominent and increas- The Peninsula is being conducted pending the Encouragement and Participation lifa Al Thani also sent a cable Economic and Social Council ingly important role in announcement of the winning of the Private Sector earlier con- of congratulations to the Forum on Follow-up to Financ- providing development and ome 116 bids have been bidders of the competitive- ducted a survey through the MEC Prime Minister of the King- ing for Development in 2018 relief assistance to many coun- submitted by investors to based tenders. in cooperation with the Ministry dom of Morocco, Dr. held in Doha yesterday. tries in the world facing Scompete for the construc- The land project for the con- of Education and Higher Educa- Saadeddine Othmani, on the The Minister said that the economic and humanitarian tion and operation of 11 land lots struction of private schools is tion during the period from anniversary of his country’s provision of such assistance is crises and natural disasters. for the construction and oper- part of similar projects in a November 15 to December 15, Independence Day. positively reflected on the This will be in addition to the offi- ation of private schools, said the number of sectors that the State 2016. The survey also aimed at achievement of international cial development assistance Ministry of Economy and Com- plans to launch in implementa- developing clear perceptions on Emir congratulates peace and security, human provided by Qatar voluntarily. merce (MEC ) yesterday. tion of the directives of Emir H the mechanisms of land alloca- rights and development for all, In this regard, he said that This has come following the H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al tion for such projects. President of Latvia in order to achieve peaceful, Qatar has provided interna- invitation for tender and the Thani to provide quality educa- The survey paved a ground integrated and non-marginal- tional assistance to friendly examination of the eligibility of tion for everyone on the land of of transparency between the mir H H Sheikh Tamim ised societies, based on strong countries in 13 sectors for var- the bids for consideration made Qatar. The projects is expected government and private sectors bin Hamad Al Thani institutions that are more ious humanitarian and by the Ministerial Group for the to offer 12,000 seats for students and a key element for the devel- Esent yesterday a cable accountable and efficient and development initiatives around Encouragement and Participa- of different grades and levels opment of the general policies of congratulations to the more resilient to addressing the the world. Government sup- tion of the Private Sector in the with a view to meet the increas- of the project, preparation of the President of the Republic of scourge of extremism and the port for aid reaches more than Economic Development Projects ing present and future demands documents related to the call for Latvia, Raimonds Vejonis, on threat of terrorism, in accord- 70 percent of foreign aid com- of Qatar, chaired by Prime Min- for education. tenders, and understanding the the occasion of his country’s ance with Millennium pared with non-governmental ister and Interior Minister H E Considering the importance criteria for evaluating the ten- National Day. Deputy Emir Development Goals 11 and 16, assistance. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin of the investors and stakehold- ders, the Ministerial Group said. H H Sheikh Abdullah bin which are the focus of Qatar’s Khalifa Al Thani. The evalua- ers’ opinions on the project, the Hamad Al Thani also sent a development policy. → Continued on page 6 tion of the offers and interviews Ministerial Group for the → Continued on page 6 similar cable.

NHRC chief explains EXCLUSIVE QBA team in Germany to boost ties siege violations to The Peninsula OHCHR delegation New public hygiene he Qatari Businessmen Association’s (QBA) high- QNA Tprofile European tour, law comprehensive resulted in a number of agree- ational Human Rights ments with Germany that would Committee (NHRC) Sanaullah Ataullah The new law stipulates fine strengthen economic coopera- NChairman Dr. Ali bin The Peninsula from QR300 to QR6,000 accord- tion between Doha and Berlin Sumaikh Al Marri met yester- ing to the nature and severity of and further boost the volume of day with the delegation of the he promulgation of Law violation under the conciliation. trade and investments. technical mission of the Office No. 18 of 2017 on Public The minimum fine of QR300 is QBA kicked off its meetings of the High Commissioner for THygiene and Cleaning has imposed on releasing waste in Berlin by meeting with sev- Human Rights (OHCHR). been enacted in a timely man- water on roads and QR6,000 — eral businessmen in the presence The international delega- ner, said Safar Al-Shafi, the the maximum fine — for of Minister of Municipality and tion, on Friday, started a visit Director of General Cleanness dumping solid waste of construc- Environment H E Mohamed bin to Doha in order to gather Department at the Ministry of tion, demolition or excavation on Abdullah Al Rumaihi. information about the reper- Municipality and Environment. unauthorized places. The meetings were led by cussions of the siege on Safar Al-Shafi, in an exclu- “However, the inspectors Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al human rights for citizens and sive interview with The are armed with special powers Thani, Chairman of the Qatari residents of the State as well Peninsula, said that the Minis- to decide whether the violations Businessmen Association; Hus- as citizens of the Gulf Coop- try of Municipality and are reconcilable otherwise the sein Al Fardan, First Deputy to eration Council countries. Environment is waging a mas- violators would be referred to the Chairman; Sheikh Dr. Kha- The meeting was part of a sive campaign through local the police and court in case the lid bin Thani Al Thani, Second series of meetings that the del- media, radio and social net- violations cause serious harm,” Deputy to the Chairman; and Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani (right), Second Deputy to egation will hold with working sites to educate said Safar Al Shafi. QBA Board Members Sheikh the Chairman of QBA, speaking to Peter Blitzer (left), Federal governmental, non-govern- citizens and expatriates about He noted that pursuant to Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of State for Agriculture and Nutrition, in Berlin. Hussein mental and civil society new public hygiene law. the new Law, violations and Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Al Fardan, First Deputy to the Chairman, is also seen. organizations as well as “We are placing billboards penalties have become severe Thani, Sherida Al Kaabi, and some of the victims affected at roadsides and other public and stricter than the previous QBA members Saud Al Mana, bin Faisal Al Thani, Sheikh Jabor Manager of the QBA. by the siege. places in different languages Law No. 8 of 1974. Salah Al Jaidah, and other del- bin Abdelrahman Al Thani and including Arabic, English, Urdu, egation members Sheikh Turki Sarah Abdullah, Deputy General → See also pages 17 & 19 → Continued on page 6 Hindi and others.” → Full report on page 5 02 HOME SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017

Handover of Ras Qatar is still Laffan hospital, health centre committed to on Tuesday

QNA resolving crisis he Private Engineering Office will hand over on TTuesday a hospital QNA project and a health centre in Deputy Prime Ras Laffan City to Hamad Med- eputy Prime Min- ical Corporation (HMC) in ister and Foreign Minister and Foreign coordination with the Ministry Minister H E Minister H E Sheikh of Public Health. Sheikh Mohamed Mohamed bin After receiving the hospi- bin Abdulrahman Abdulrahman Al tal and the health centre, HMC DAl Thani stressed yesterday that will provide the necessary the State of Qatar is still com- Thani noted that equipment for the operation of Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari visiting the Ooredoo stand with mitted to resolving the GCC this commitment is these two health facilities in crisis. He noted that this com- a result of Qatar’s senior executives. accordance with its set plan. mitment is a result of Qatar’s belief that there is The hospital is one of the belief that there is a bigger three hospitals to be imple- threat in the region, which is a bigger threat in mented by the Private terrorism. the region, which is Ooredoo sponsors meet Engineering Office to In an interview held with terrorism. strengthen the health sector in US TV network MSNBC, he the State. The facilities included described the propaganda on primary health care Abu Nakhla General Hospital, waged against the State of which was handed over to Qatar accusing it of terrorism engage in dialogue with Iran on HMC about a year ago, Ras Laf- without any evidence was the principle that the GCC will The Peninsula that demonstrates the compa- Corporation (HMC) to develop a fan Hospital and Mesaieed baseless. On ties between the be one entity and Iran the other. ny’s growing healthcare remote care service for diabetes Hospital to be delivered by the State of Qatar and Iran, he Addressing whether there oredoo is the Official Tel- solutions. management and long-term end of this year. . noted that Qatar has a unique was a sense that Saudi Crown ecommunications The booth showcases a range patient conditions. This solution These three hospitals con- relationship with Iran. He Prince Mohammed bin Salman OSponsor of the Interna- of available products in Qatar, is based on Ooredoo’s Fora A Tel- tribute to improving the level pointed out that Qatar is located was a threat to Qatar’s future, tional Conference on Primary such as CloudClinik – Ooredoo’s ehealth service, which will also of health services in general as between and shares borders Sheikh Mohamed bin Health Care being held in Doha Electronic Medical Record solu- be available for demonstration at a result of their absorption into with two big countries — Saudi Abdulrahman Al Thani said that under the patronage of Minister tion, Intrihealth — a solution for the event. the workforce in the areas they Arabia and Iran. there was a diversion in the of Public Health H E Dr Hanan X-ray image sharing, SuperWire Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, serve, thus reducing pressure The Deputy Prime Minister policy of Saudi Arabia and the Mohamed Al Kuwari. — an assistive technology solu- Director of PR and Corporate on hospitals in Doha. and Foreign Minister noted, UAE from the GCC agreement The conference brought tion designed to better care for Communications, said: “Ooredoo Ras Laffan City Hospital is however, that there were which was the engagement in together speakers and experts disabled/elderly patients who continues to invest in the latest located on a land area of concerns of Iran’s increasing dialogue. There was also a from around the world to share require monitoring, and more. technologies to make sure Qatar approximately 200,000 sqm influence in the region, but sense of unpredictability when knowledge around the theme Ooredoo is a key supporter and its people enjoy the most and consists of an underground stressed that those fears must it comes to the policies of Saudi “Healthy Communities and a of Qatar’s 2030 National Vision innovative healthcare solutions floor and a ground floor and be addressed peacefully and Arabia and UAE in the region, Brighter Future” and includes and is working to develop its own in the world. We’re happy to sup- two upper floors with a capac- that is what Qatar is he said. sessions, exhibitions and Digital Health Strategy that aims port this important conference ity of 118 beds on a total area encouraging other Gulf states He added that there was a workshops. to enriching people’s lives through and showcase our solutions to of the hospital about 49,000 to do. He added that this was lot of chaos and crises that As a key sponsor, the com- smart home solutions connected participants and visitors. We wish sqm. also the decision taken during occurred in the region, pointing pany is represented by a to the fastest networks. everyone attending the confer- The total area of the hos- the GCC summit that took place out that Qatar was part of a delegation of Ooredoo employ- An example of this strategy in ence the very best of luck and pital includes a primary health in 2016, saying that the decision bigger strategy now seen in ees who are attending the event action is Ooredoo’s ongoing part- hope amazing results and part- care centre with an area of taken in December 2016 was to Lebanon too. and hosting an Ooredoo booth nership with Hamad Medical nerships are achieved.” 7,200 sqm, as well as the serv- ices of the National Medical Center in order to reduce pres- sure on the health centres in the vicinity of Ras Laffan City. UN official praises Qatar for sustainable development The project has supporting service facilities, including a mosque for 400 worshipers QNA conferences, forums and interna- He said the meetings held by become global trends, noting that provide a general framework for and a cafeteria with a total area tional development mechanisms, the international community to progress in a given country may moving forward, he said, noting of about 1,300 sqm to accom- he State of Qatar has shown including the 2008 International discuss the challenges of devel- positively affect other countries. that the Third Forum of the Eco- modate the expected high strong commitment to the Conference on Financing for opment and the development of He pointed to the risks facing nomic and Social Council on density of workers and other Timplementation of the 2030 Development. progress plans such as the Addis the global economy and the chal- Follow-up to Financing for Devel- facilities. Agenda for Sustainable Develop- He noted that the conference Ababa meeting in 2015, to the lenges of recovery despite the opment scheduled for April next The construction took ment, as well as the Addis Ababa was held at the height of the glo- Doha meeting. “This meeting aims positive economic scene in some year will review the progress and three and a half years and was Action Plan, said Liu Zhenmin, bal economic crisis and managed at recalling the action plans, areas, referring to the major challenges at the level of sustain- built according to the approved Under-Secretary-General for Eco- to mobilise the international com- enhancing confidence, coopera- humanitarian crises, natural dis- able development plans. standard specifications, espe- nomic and Social Affairs of the munity on the financing agenda tion and joint action in the current asters, water shortages and other He noted that the achieve- cially in terms of construction United Nations. for development despite all the international environment, challenges hinder growth and ment of the 2030 development of green buildings. Speaking at the opening ses- difficulties facing the world at that besides exchanging expertise and push millions of people below the goals rests with national govern- The construction of the sion of the high-level meeting to time. “The development scene developing action plans at the poverty line. ments, thus enhancing dialogue second labour hospital in Qatar prepare for the Economic and since the Doha Conference wit- local and international levels. “ He stressed the importance of among policy makers and all is part of the State’s interest in Social Council Forum on the Fol- nessed many changes. However, The Under Secretary-General international cooperation to meet frameworks and departments at providing high quality health low-Up of Financing for the spirit of cooperation and stressed that the Doha meeting is the current global challenges. The the local level to achieve com- services to all segments of soci- Development, Liu Zhenmin respect remained a legacy of that rich in successful local and Development Agenda 2030 and prehensive sustainable ety within the framework of praised Doha hosting of several conference,” he added. national experiences, which can the Addis Ababa Plan of Action development. Qatar National Vision 2030. Continued dialogue is central pillar of Qatar’s communication strategy

The Peninsula and imaginative agency.” Since the media coverage, he said, has been sensitive, regarding various issues, blockade, Sheikh Saif said it has robust as it has followed the path whether the World Cup or foreign he Director of Qatar’s Gov- become clear that engagement of the blockade. Similarly, he said, policy,” he said. NU-Q conducts ernment Communication and dialogue are the most con- local media in Qatar have been an annual study of media use in TOffice (GCO), H E Sheikh Saif structive way forward. He said the fulsome in their coverage, while Qatar and the larger Middle East bin Ahmed Al Thani, has called for GCO and other ministries “con- media of the blockading countries that confirms heavy use of social principled communications, tinue to intensively engage with has been more one-sided and media in the country. greater government transparency, media,” adding, “we remain clear sometimes a purveyor of fake As for Qatar’s diplomatic and willingness to cope with exter- that we do not fear the boycott, news. agenda after the blockade, he said, nal scrutiny. and we are willing to sit at the Dean Dennis observed a “Unlike some countries who have “Sticking to our principles is table and build a dialogue.” greater public commitment to different strategies. We don’t hire most important to us. Put simply, Speaking to an audience of freedom of expression since the lobbyists to do our bidding. Qataris the GCO’s role is to coordinate students, faculty, and staff, he was blockade began and asked and government officials will con- communication strategies across asked by the dean about Qatar’s whether remarks by H H the Emir tinue to engage, whether that’s each ministry, and communicate attitudes towards freedom of and the Foreign Minister, respec- with Congress, think tanks, uni- the facts and engage externally, speech, and said that the media tively on CBS 60 Minutes and at versities, or other people in the whether in Qatar or elsewhere,” has been important to Qatar’s evo- London’s Chatham House would society who have issues. We do it he said in a public interview at The Director of Qatar’s Government Communication Office lution. “Whether that’s regarding hold after the blockade. Sheikh through ensuring we have a con- Northwestern University in Qatar (GCO), H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed Al Thani, at the Northwestern labour practices or foreign affairs, Saif agreed that coverage of the stant stream of visits with media (NU-Q). University in Qatar event. scrutiny has helped to shape pol- blockade had highlighted trends outlets and others every few Sheikh Saif has headed the icy. If we disagree with a piece of that were already underway. months and ongoing activities GCO since it was created by Emiri Commenting on the blockade CEO, who moderated the session coverage, we may not get a cor- On social media, he said that which allow us to directly engage Decree in 2015 to encourage the of Qatar in the context of the coun- commended the Sheikh for devel- rection, but it’s important that we Qatar does not censor social with public opinion. We do it as a flow of information between try’s longstanding commitment to oping an office that departs from remain tenacious in speaking to media. “People in Qatar now use government, not as an office.” Qatar’s ministries and other agen- international outreach, he argued more controlling ministries of the media and presenting the social media in both Arabic and During the hour-long conver- cies with the citizenry internally that continued dialogue– at home, communication, common in some facts,” he said. English to share views. Social sation, Sheikh Saif offered a and the world outside. The office in the Middle East, and globally – states that “most often constrain, When asked to assess the media helps us understand opin- behind the scenes view of how the heralded Qatar’s effort to craft a is a central pillar of Qatar’s rather than enhance public under- quality of media reporting around ions and improve governance. We GCO operates and a reflection on modern strategy for communica- communication strategy, said a standing.” He noted several NU-Q the globe, Sheikh Saif pointed to try to interact with comments its development since 2015 while tion based on the free flow of press release. graduates serve in positions with coverage in the US and European from people locally and to share the dean noted that the office was information, but respecting local In his opening remarks, Ever- GCO, and have been on the ground media where he said journalists these with appropriate ministries fortuitously for Qatar up and run- values and traditions. ette E Dennis, NU-Q dean and floor in helping develop “this new “report both sides.” International for consideration. We are not very ning when the blockade occurred. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 HOME 03 Climate change poses biggest risk: Al Rumaihi

Bonn Alliance, which started as an initiative QNA Environmental and of the State, the Minister said, indicat- ing that its main objectives are to inister of Municipality and economic development are maintain food security. Environment H E fundamental objectives Meanwhile, Al Rumaihi praised Mohamed bin Abdullah Al that can not be sacrificed at Qatar’s important role in the negotia- Rumaihi said that chal- the expense of each other, tions process that contributed to lenges and risks facing reaching the Paris Agreement. Doha Mthe world due to the phenomenon of the Minister said while hosted the COP18 in 2012 and welcomed climate change are among the biggest addressing the 23rd session the invitation of French President challenges, given their economic, envi- of the Conference of the Emmanuel Macaron to the summit ronmental and social dimensions, and meeting on 12/12/2017. their serious repercussions particularly Parties (COP 23) in Bonn. The Minister expressed his deep in the developing countries. gratitude to the Government of the Addressing the 23rd session of the Republic of Fiji for its great and distin- Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to achieving sustainable development, as guished efforts in organising the the UN Convention on Climate Change it automatically reduces emissions of Conference, thanked the Federal Repub- (UNFCCC), which concluded in Bonn, greenhouse gases. lic of Germany for its efforts in the Minister stressed that there are still He added that adherence to the prin- convening the Conference, and congrat- a lot of work and effort required by ciples of equity, shared responsibility ulated the Kingdom of Morocco on its States parties to achieve the objectives but differing burdens and the provision success in organizing its previous and principles of the Convention, and of support from developed countries to Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al session. what falls under it. developing countries in a transparent Al Rumaihi led Qatar’s delegation to Rumaihi, addressing the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP Al Rumaihi highlighted the joint and balanced manner, is the best way the conference which discussed several 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in Bonn. desire of the participants to make tan- towards safety. issues related to climate change, the gible progress in meeting the pre-2020 The Minister highlighted Qatar most important of which are how to commitments by providing the neces- National Vision 2030, announced by noting that the State have completed flame gas, introducing modern tech- implement the Paris Agreement, issues sary support to the developing countries Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al projects for recycling and utilisation of niques on natural gas power plants, and related to the mitigation of emissions in capacity building, financing, devel- Thani, which emphasises that environ- household waste and waste of construc- stopping burning oil and fossil and adaptation to the effects of climate opment and transfer of technology. He mental and economic development are tion and industry, sewage treatment by material. change and on financing, technology also stressed that everyone believes that fundamental objectives that can not be 100%, rationalising energy consump- In October, the State of Qatar signed development and transfer and capacity adaptation is the key to sacrificed at the expense of each other, tion, solar producing energy, reducing the establishment of the Global Dryland building. Iran’s largest private shipping firm eyes expansion in Qatar

Sachin Kumar was importing most of its After the unjust siege, which 7,000 containers- 20 feet, 40 capacity to meet demand com- The Peninsula requirement from some of its was imposed on Qatar by block- feet and reefer containers,” said ing out of Qatar, he said. neighbouring countries. But right ading countries on June 5, the Khani. “We have once in a week “World Cup in 2022 will be orang Darya Shipping (TDS) now, we have desire and plan for momentum of trade between service from Qatar between hosted in Qatar and companies Line, the biggest private import and export from Qatar. Iran and Qatar has picked up. Bandar Abbas (in Iran) to Hamad involved in the projects related Tshipping company in Iran, We want to extend our business Now vegetables, equipment, Port,” he added. to this mega sporting event will is looking to expand its business in Qatar,” Amir Khani (pictured) dairy products and other food He believes that the volume need goods,” said Khani. in Qatar. The company expects from TDS Line, who was in Qatar items are coming to Qatar from of trade between the two coun- The role of cargo movement the trade between Qatar and Iran to participate in an industry Iran via sea route. Shelves of tries will increase in future through sea route has increased witnessed strong growth. The is bound to increase in coming exhibition. many retail outlets in the coun- because of rapid pace of growth in the country after the siege was port, the largest port in the Mid- days which will lead to increase The company started its try are now filled with Iranian Qatar is witnessing currently. imposed on Qatar. dle East, saw a huge 44 percent in its frequency from Qatar. service from Qatar around four products. “We ship minerals, Projects related to FIFA World Due to the proactive steps year-on-year rise in cargo move- “Before siege (imposed on months ago and currently has tools, and food stuffs. We are the Cup are going in full swing and taken by the Mwani Qatar in the ment in September this year Qatar) we did not have any once in a week service from biggest private shipping com- companies will require raw past few months, the cargo while 120 percent rise in tonnage desire (to expand), because Qatar Qatar. pany in Iran with three ships and materials. TDS Line has enough movement at Hamad Port has in the same month last year. 400 people to attend National Day preparation training programme

The Peninsula

he National Day Organis- ing Committee is Torganising training pro- gramme for 400 trainees, who will participate in celebration activities of the National Day at Darb Al Saai and Al Corniche in order to develop their skills and performance. The training programme is being held in collaboration with a number of training bodies and will continue until next month in the framework of the ongo- ing preparation to celebrate the National Day on December 18 to commemorate the founder of the State Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani. It comes to enhance the value of National Day in the hearts of citizens and to stress the importance of taking responsibility and to improve their skills on how to commu- nicate with people during the National Day activities. The National Day Organis- ing Committee in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has adopted the voluntary hours for the students of secondary schools (first and second phase) and the trainees will get 24 Officials taking part in the training programme in order to training hours before starting develop their skills and performance for the National Day Darb Al Saai activities and 16 celebrations. hours by their participation in Darb Al Saai activities. that the training program being Hamad International Training The committee has asked a held by the organising commit- Center of HMC. number of trainers and bodies tee will contribute to build When trainees will pass which have vast experience in abilities and sharpen skills of the eight hours of training, they will imparting training to partici- trainees. receive international licenses for pants and has offered Ali bin The training aims to educate practicing first aids and that will Hamad Al Attiyah Arena and Al trainees on issues like crowd be valid for two years. The expe- Markhyia Primary Independent control, confidence, responsi- riences also include courses in School for Girls to organise the bility, challenges and initiative, crisis-management and fire training courses. in addition to teaching how to extinguishing provided by Gen- Aisha Al Mutawa, chairper- deal under work pressures. eral Directorate of Civil Defense son of the Training and The trainees will also get and many other courses in dif- Development Committee said courses in first aid provided by ferent fields. 04 HOME SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 MoU for Qatar–Russia Year of Culture signed

The Peninsula – Russia 2018. role that should be played by cul- Minister Al Ali said that Qatar tural institutions to bring peoples inister of Culture is keen to cooperate with the Rus- closer and spread mutual under- and Sports H E sian side to make the Year of standing of culture and common Salah bin Ghanem Culture a basic pillar of friendship humanitarian values. Al Ali paid a visit to between the peoples of Qatar and The Minister met with Mikhail Russia from Russia as a response to instruc- Piotrovsky, Director of the State MNovember 15 to 17 at an invitation tions made by Emir Hermitage Museum, and discussed Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali signing a joint declaration for from the organising committee of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al the preparations for Year of Cul- cooperation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Medinsky, on preparation for the Year of the VI St Petersburg International Thani to have stronger relation- ture. Piotrovsky expressed his full Cultural Forum, to participate in ships with Russia at the state and support for the event to be enti- Culture Qatar – Russia 2018. the events of the international cul- public levels. tled: “Qatar in the Hermitage” in tural forum. The Minister signed On the sidelines of the forum, Russia and “The Hermitage in the Russian Museum, and dis- the Russian art from the ancient society awareness of the common a joint declaration for cooperation the Minister held several meetings Qatar”. The event will consist of cussed with him the ways of times up to date. values of peoples from different with his Russian counterpart with leaders of participating del- several cultural lectures. cooperation between the Russian Al Ali emphasised that the cultures, praising the Russian cul- Vladimir Medinsky, on prepara- egations and exchanged with them The Minister also met also Museum and Qatari museums to Qatari Ministry of Culture and ture and its impact on human tion for the Year of Culture Qatar opinions on cultural issues and the with Vladimir Gusev, Director of hold artistic exhibitions featuring Sports is keen to develop the civilization. Traffic Department keeps tab on driving schools

Sidi Mohamed inspection visits focus on help us in developing our is one of its kind in the such decision because it situation that many roads The Peninsula checking trainers and work in schools,” said region,” he said. will increase the demand are under construction. devices used in these Mohamed Al Zain Ibra- Regarding the press of driving licence for light Commenting about he Traffic Depart- schools. him (pictured), Executive statement of Brigadier vehicle and will be bene- the current trend of ment will keep a “Periodic inspections Manager of Gulf Driving Mohammed Saad Al ficial for us” . demand for licences, Al Tclose eye on the of driving schools are School. He also said there Kharji, Director of the As part of a national Zain pointed out that the driving schools across being conducted by the is a lot of development General Directorate of strategy to address traffic demand is not high and is Qatar. The General Direc- General Directorate of done related to theory Traffic to The Peninsula, congestion, the Traffic normal. Replying to a torate of Traffic has Traffic. It is aimed to test and in improving the where he said that the ban Department has banned question of the percentage begun conducting peri- improve trainers and to training devices. “We on some job categories to more than 180 jobs to of trainees who are pass- odic inspection on improve the training have also started a train- get licence was tempo- apply for driving licence ing the driving test, he said schools to ensure that devices. We appreciate ing programme for rary, Al Zain said: “As a and clarified that the that “the percentage is they offer best services to this monitoring from time people with special needs driving school we are licences are not necessary ranging from 40 to 50 their customers. The to time because it will to obtain licence, which optimistic and waiting for for these categories in this percent”. Joyalukkas ‘Shop & Win’ to offer HBKU Graduate Studies Open House 6 Audi cars and up to 3kg gold invites prospective students The Peninsula shopping even more rewarding.” The Peninsula HBKU introduced three he world’s favourite Shoppers get 1 raf- new graduate programs — jeweller ushers in the fle coupon for a amad Bin Khalifa University a testament to the Tend of the year fes- minimum purchase of (HBKU), a member of Qatar University’s continuous tive season with a dazzling gold jewellery and 2 HFoundation for Education, Sci- efforts to pursue excel- car giveaway. Six Audi A3 raffle coupons when ence, and Community Development lence, as well as its cars and up to 3kg gold will buying diamond jew- (QF), is hosting a Graduate Studies mandate to bring world- be given away across the ellery. Joyalukkas Open House for students who are class education to Qatar. GCC. Along with the luxury Golden Rewards loy- interested in pursuing master’s and The new graduate pro- car prize, customers also alty card holders doctoral degrees. The open house will grams include the Master have a chance to enjoy double their chances be held on Wednesday, November 22, of Arts in Digital Humani- super value offers in store. of winning. Adding to at 5:30pm at the Education City Stu- ties and Societies degree, “It’s the season for cel- this exciting opportu- dent Center. which blends digital tools ebrations,” says Joy nity are generous HBKU’s provost, deans, faculty and computing methodol- Students and other participants at an open Alukkas, Chairman and onwards for weddings and offers, including zero per- members, and admissions staff will ogies with the study of MD, Joyalukkas Group. “A the festive holidays. With cent deduction on gold be available to meet prospective stu- house held at the HBKU campus. humanities. Also at the Col- huge portion of our over 10 our Shop & Win promotion exchange and zero percent dents and answer questions about the lege of Humanities and million loyal supporters at this time of the year, we instalment on jewellery University’s dynamic graduate pro- education has helped them thrive both Social Sciences, a Master of around the world buy jew- aim to offer them more purchases from major grams and admissions. personally and professionally. Arts in Women, Society and Develop- ellery from October value and make their banks. The Graduate Studies Open House The event is one of several planned ment degree was introduced, to focus will begin with an introduction from events that focus on welcoming poten- on issues related to women in the con- HBKU Provost Dr Khaled B Letaief, tial students to HBKU. “We encourage text of socio-economic development who will provide attendees with con- individuals who are interested in grad- in the Middle East. Master of Science text about the University’s uate studies to attend this event and and PhD degrees in Genomics and interdisciplinary approach to its aca- hear first-hand about how HBKU is Precision Medicine are now being demic curriculum as well as an making an impact across Qatar and offered at the College of Science and overview of the various colleges and the globe,” said Dr Letaief. “It will be Engineering, which provide, in a programs. An anticipated highlight of a great opportunity for them to learn region’s first, an advanced curriculum this year’s Graduate Studies Open about our unique innovative interdis- in the life sciences, integrating an House will be the shared experiences ciplinary academic programs and extensive approach to hands-on of some of HBKU’s alumni and stu- meet our highly accomplished stu- research. dents, who will speak about their dents, faculty, and alumni.” With graduate degrees in the fields studies at the University and how their This academic year, of cybersecurity, data science, com- puter science and engineering, sustainability, biological and biomed- ical sciences, law, translation studies, audiovisual translation, Islamic stud- ies, Islamic finance, and energy and resources, HBKU continues to offer academic programs that are both rel- evant and distinctive. “Last year’s Graduate Studies Open House was the ideal avenue for me to learn about the different graduate pro- grams offered at HBKU. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and answered all of my queries clearly. The information I gathered was invalua- ble and helped me reach a decision on my graduate studies. I would highly recommend the open house to eve- ryone interested in pursuing higher education at HBKU,” said Houd Al Obaidli, a Qatari PhD student work- ing towards a degree from HBKU’s sustainable energy program. The University’s admissions cycle opened in October 2017. Those inter- ested in attending the Graduate Studies Open House can register for the event at: http://www.hbku.edu.qa/ openhouse. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 HOME 05 ‘New public hygiene law more comprehensive’

Sanaullah Ataullah The Peninsula “Accordingly, one may say that the new law is more he Director of General Clean- comprehensive and largely fulfils the developments of the ness Department, Safar Al current and future eras as well as the behavioural changes Shafi, has stressed that the usually taking place within the context of social mobility promulgation of Law No. 18 of due to the demographic, economic and cultural variables 2017 on Public Hygiene and TCleaning has been enacted in a timely and the different cultures adopted by the segments of the manner. society in Qatar, Al Shafi said. “There is an all-inclusive and unpar- alleled constructional and developmental renaissance in the country which success thereof, Safar Al Shafi said that requires amending the law to cope with the new cleaning Law has been espe- such renaissance including public EXCLUSIVE cially promulgated to assist inspectors hygiene and cleaning services and envi- in their work adding that this Law ronmental health of course,” Al Shafi said to QR500.” directly targets at realizing success with in an exclusive interview with The He said that the Ministry of Munic- respect to the hygienic operations and Peninsula. ipality and Environment is waging a achieving its objectives so that our res- He added that the new Law has massive campaign through local media, idential areas shall reach the required much in common with the objectives of radio and social networking sites to edu- level. the previous Law and is even consid- cate citizens and expatriates about new The Director of the Public Cleanness ered a complementary enactment public hygiene law. Department said that the total number thereof. “We are placing billboards at road- of the Articles of the new Law are 20. “Accordingly, one may say that the sides and other public places in different “They have observed the requirements new law is more comprehensive and languages including Arabic, English, of the current and future eras as well as Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Muhammad bin Abdullah largely fulfils the developments of the Urdu, Hindi and other,” said Al Shafi. the behavioral changes usually taking Al Rumaihi current and future eras as well as the “The Law also assists in eliminating place within the context of social mobil- behavioural changes usually taking the additional efforts of the Public ity because of the population increase place within the context of social mobil- especially with respect “Wastes may be thrown in streets maintain the cultural appearance of ity due to the demographic, economic to the expatriate labor taking into account that they are pub- vacant lands and buildings. It is well and cultural variables and the different force which has vari- lic utilities. The Law must protect all known that abandoned buildings, vacant cultures adopted by the segments of the ous cultures and these public facilities against transgres- and unfenced plots of lands, especially society in Qatar.” habits.” sion so that the environment and overall amidst residential areas, are almost “We must here refer to the efforts Al Shafi noted that look of cities shall not be jeopardized”, always subject to throwing wastes exerted by H E Muhammad bin Abdul- pursuant to the new said Al Shafi. whether on the part of passers-by or lah Al Rumaihi, Minister of Municipality Law, violations and Under Article No. 5, it is prohibited surrounding neighbours. and Environment,” said Al Shafi. Add- penalties have become to leave animals or birds move or pass On how does the new law deal with ing that the Minister kept on following severer and stricter through public places. On the impor- violators, Safar Al Shafi said, the law up and sponsoring this endeavour until than the previous Law tance of this Article, he said if animals is very clear with respect to address- it has been promptly referred to the Cab- No. 8 of 1974. “Penalty such as camels, mules, horses and sheep ing hygienic contraventions. “There is inet which approved it in its integrated fines start from are left wandering in public places or a gradual procedure in some viola- form. He said that finally, the law has QR300 up to QR6000 streets, they shall convert these places tions such as serving a warning, been ratified by H H Emir Sheikh Tamim depending on the type into grazing areas where they shall leave levying fines and referring the matter bin Hamad Al Thani. of violation and dam- behind dung and other wastes which to the court in case it has been impos- The new public hygiene law No 18 age, provided that the are harmful to the environment and the sible to apply the Law (conciliation),” of 2017 stipulates a fine of QR300 to reasons for the viola- public hygiene. Besides, they affect the he said adding that here are less dan- QR6,000, according to the nature and tion shall be plans and programs of public hygiene gerous violations on which a severity of violation under the concili- eliminated.” in the respective area. conciliation may be reached based on ation, said Safar Al Shafi. Director of General Cleanness Department, Safar Al Shafi. Al Shafi said that Al Shafi noted that With respect to the request of the violator instead of The minimum fine QR300 is as for penalties in case Article No. 13 of the Law which obliges lodging a lawsuit against him. “The imposed on releasing waste water on no conciliation has owners of unusable lands and non-hab- concerned municipal departments roads and QR6,000; the maximum fine Cleanness Department due to the con- been figured out, they include 4 proce- itable or abandoned buildings to shall collect fees in accordance with for dumping solid waste of construc- tinuous cleaning of the wastes which dures depending on the type of violation preserve cleanliness in order to the administrative procedures.” tion, demolition or excavation on are thrown away in a random, irrespon- and pursuant to Article unauthorised places, Al Shafi said. sible and illegal manner,” Al Shafi added. No. 15 of the Law: A “However, the inspectors are armed Al-Shafi pointed that he new Law is term of up to 1 year with special powers to decide whether severer in addressing the violations imprisonment and the violations are reconcilable or the which impede the provision of public penalty fines which violators should be referred to police hygiene services on an around-the- shall not exceed and court in case the violations cause clock basis. twenty five thou- serious harm,” added Al Shafi. “This is manifested in applying its sand (QR25,000) or Giving an example, he said, like provisions which range between impris- one of these penal- overflow of manhole invites a fine of onment, levying fines or both penalties ties, a term of up to QR1,000 but if the inspector catches a as set out in Article No. 15 of the Law. six months’ impris- violation of manhole-overflow involv- There are violations where conciliation onment and penalty ing release of plenty of waste water is strictly prohibited,” said Al Shafi add- fines which shall not affecting big areas, the violator will be ing that with respect to the reasons for exceed ten thousand sent to the court that stipulates hefty fine the variations of fines under the Law, (QR10,000) or one and jail sentence. out that this is a natural matter in of these penalties. “The serious violations will be accordance with the seriousness of the “The law also referred to court where the law imposes violation. includes penalty fine up to QR25,000 and stipulates one The value of violations ranges fines which shall not year jail sentence as maximum,” said Al between QR300 (releasing waste water exceed twenty five Shafi. from washing in public roads) and thousand He said that the fine for throwing QR6000 (leaving, spilling or eliminat- (QR25,000), penalty tissue papers and spitting on road and ing the wastes of building or demolition fines which shall not public places is increased from QR200 and solid excavations in unauthorized exceed ten thousand to QR500. “The fine for littering on places). (QR10,000),” said Al beaches was QR100 but now the viola- He indicated that increasing finan- Shafi. tors have to pay QR500. Fine for cial collections is not the objective of the He said that he washing vehicles at unauthorized places Law, but we noticed that the penalty severe penalties of invites fine QR300 earlier it was only fines of the previous Law have been very this Law shall be QR100. The fine for hanging cloths on low. deterrent for the balcony that overlooking on road or About the role of control organiza- violator and contrib- public places is increased from QR300 tions in applying the Law and the ute to minimizing malpractices towards the environment. The new Law prohibits throwing, leaving or disposing of wastes in public places. On the sub- ject of determination of public places by the Law, he said that Public places are the venues visited by the public in their capacity as public utilities such as gar- dens, parks, sea beaches, cornice, malls, yards, and public squares. “Taking into consid- eration that these are common places visited by the public at any time, they may be misused by leaving wastes espe- cially during The workers of General Cleanness Department cleaning various areas. vacations and occasions.” 06 HOME / MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017

PM congratulates Art plays key role in health care: Expert Latvia counterpart QNA The Peninsula Wright, two licensed art therapy specialists, gave a joint presen- rime Minister and Inte- he impact of visual arts tation summarising the theory rior Minister H E Sheikh on medicine, health- of art therapy and its applica- PAbdullah bin Nasser bin care and patient tions in patient care, and Khalifa Al Thani sent a cable wellbeing, including presented a sample case study of congratulations to the art therapy interven- demonstrating the effectiveness Prime Minister of Latvia, Ttions, was explored at a of art therapy in practice. Maris Kucinskis, on occasion symposium at Weill Cornell Dr. Aicha Hind Rifai, Assist- of his country’s National Day. Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). ant Professor of Clinical The ‘Visual Arts and Medi- Psychiatry, gave a joint presen- cine’ event, part of the WCM-Q tation alongside her WCM-Q Lives in Medicine series, colleague Dr. Alan Weber, Asso- QU showcases explained the theory and prac- ciate Professor of English. tice of art therapy in patient care, Dr. Weber, said, “Visual art achievements and also discussed ways in which can have a very significant visual art in healthcare settings, impact on healthcare in many at WISE 2017 such as hospitals, can positively ways. This includes the effect affect mood and therefore that the décor of a hospital has The Peninsula potentially lead to better health- on a patient’s sense of wellbe- care outcomes. ing, the use of comic books to atar University’s (QU) Sara Powell and Andrew help medical students participation in the World QInnovation Summit for Speakers and coordinators during ‘Visual Arts and Medicine’ event at Weill Cornell Medicine- Education (WISE) 2017 during Qatar (WCM-Q). November 14-16 at Qatar National Convention Center understand their patients better, She also described the benefits theories supported the use of the (QNCC) drew high visitor inter- and encouraging students to of using art therapy in the treat- visual arts as media for the diag- est to its information lounge at study fine art to develop their ment of patients with nosis and the treatment of the Meet Qatar Zone exhibition ability to interpret and assimi- Alzheimer’s disease who are able various psychiatric conditions, area. late complex visual information, to engage in such therapies even from psychological trauma to Exhibiting alongside a large which is particularly important after they have lost their lan- anxiety and depression. number of local education insti- when interpreting physical guage ability and many other “Art therapy can be an tutions partnering with WISE, symptoms or medical images aspects of their cognition. extremely effective treatment it was an opportunity for QU to such as x-rays or CT scans.” Dr. Rifai said: “Art therapy but it is not widely practiced in showcase its wealth of pro- Dr. Rifai explained the use of was born in the second part of the Gulf region. This event forms grams and achievements, and art therapy along with medica- the 19th century as the discipline part of a wider effort to encour- to strengthen its growing rep- tions to address the symptoms of psychiatry developed and age the use of art therapy in utation as key partner in driving of apathy and social withdrawal interest in the inner world of Qatar, where appropriate, for the forward Qatar’s stated ambi- in patients with schizophrenia. patients grew. Psychological benefit of patients.” tions towards excellence in education. QU representatives were on hand at the lounge to brief the large number of local NHRC chief explains 116 bids to compete for 11 land lots for construction of private schools and international delegates and other visitors on the organiza- siege violations to tion’s vision and mission, Continued from page 1 Forum in Davos and other indi- British curriculum, while another degree programs, research, OHCHR delegation cators have played an important The government of private school is allocated in scholarships and academic The Ministry pointed out that role in attracting investors. Qatar has provided Sumaisma area (10 investors) grants, accreditation, and its the increasing demand for pub- The government of Qatar has with the priority to either the campus facilities and resources. Continued from page 1 lic education is caused by the provided the private sector with private sector with national or British curriculum. During the meeting, the increase in population rates, as facilities such as customs exemp- facilities such as Eighteen investors are compet- delegation briefed the NHRC the State of Qatar has become a tions, exemption from electricity customs exemptions, ing for two private schools in ‘Friends of Madhya Chairman on the nature of professional attraction for resi- and water bills, granting land for exemption from Al-Khor region and four private their mission to be concluded dents of different nationalities incentive fees and the provision schools are allocated in Al-Wukir Pradesh Conclave’ by a report to be submitted to working for entities that offer a of educational resources and electricity and water area (29 investors) with the pri- in January 2018 the High Commissioner for number of advantages, including vouchers to Qatari students to bills, granting land ority given to the national Human Rights. education of children, which broaden their school choices for for incentive fees etc curriculum, Egyptian curriculum, For his part, Dr. Al Marri encouraged investors to invest in optimal academic are yet other Indian curriculum and the Amer- The Peninsula explained to the delegation private education. reasons that encourage invest- ican curriculum. the impacts of the siege on Besides, the ranking of the ment in education. winning a bid for the construc- The Ministerial Group plans he Government of Mad- citizens, residents and citi- State of Qatar as the world’s top In a press statement, Direc- tion and operation of one school to launch projects in different hya Pradesh, an Indian zens of the GCC countries and fifth place in terms of quality edu- tor of the Public Relations and in the area of Umm Qarn, with sectors, including food security, Tstate located at the cen- latest violations and develop- cation and 11th in the index of Communication Department of a priority of the American edu- health, industry, tourism and tre of the country, is ments in the humanitarian School Internet Connectivity the Ministry of Education and cational curriculum, another logistics areas in full implemen- organising ‘Friends of Mad- situation monitored by the according to the Global Compet- Higher Education Hassan Abdul- private school in Rawdat Al- tation of the directives of HH the hya Pradesh Conclave’ at National Human Rights Com- itiveness Report 2016-2017 lah Al Mohamedi said that the Hamam area (16 investors) with Emir, as the government seeks to Hotel Marriott, Indore, dur- mittee (NHRC) in this regard. published by the World Economic distribution of land vouchers in a priority of the national curric- reach a stage self-reliance and ing January 3 & 4 next year. various regions took into con- ulum for girls, and a third private self-sufficiency and enhancing The aim of this conclave sideration population density school in Al-‘Ab area (20 inves- Qatar’s developmental and sus- is to invite people of Indian growth and cultural diversity in tors) while the priority is given tainable macro project with the origin, especially with roots conformity with the set guide- to the Filipino or Indian curric- objective of creating more eco- from Madhya Pradesh, and lines of the State’s future ulum. One private school is nomic opportunities and options those who are interested in development plan. allocated in Al-Thameed area, for investors, especially at the developing a relationship with Al Mohamedi added that 116 which is contested by 13 inves- levels of public and university Madhya Pradesh, to hold investors are competing for tors with the priority for the education. deliberations on the vision. Qatar’s aid at $2bn a year Continued from page 1 disasters. He underscored It indicates the political that the hosting of this high will towards fulfilling Qatar’s level meeting by Qatar was external commitments in line part of its constant commit- with its role as an active and ment to be present to work responsible member of the with the partners of the inter- international community. national community to He pointed out that 30 achieve the objectives of the percent of the aid comes from United Nations. external support, in the form The Minister noted that of donations from charitable the high-level meeting is tak- organisations, humanitarian ing place at a time when organisations and Qatari efforts to achieve sustainable donor institutions, which are development are facing many often working to deliver var- challenges that undermine ious kinds of assistance to the the ability of countries to beneficiaries, according to make progress at the devel- the best international stand- opmental level, such as ards and in partnership with extreme poverty, resource specialised international scarcity, hunger, unemploy- agencies as well as institu- ment, climate change, tions at regional and frequency of natural disas- sub-regional levels and coun- ters, forced displacement, terparts from around the violent extremism and esca- world. lating conflicts. Al Emadi said that the He stressed that Qatar relief sector has been the will continue its efforts as an largest recipient of aid to the active partner in the interna- humanitarian sector, where tional community despite Aid in the relief sector had regional and global chal- seen a marked double-digit lenges in order to achieve the increase since the beginning common objectives desired of the second decade of the by all and meet the chal- millennium in the face of nat- lenges in all areas of common ural disasters and man-made interest. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Lebanon crisis: Germany in spat with Saudi

Riyadh fate. “Saudi Arabia has decided am held up in Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Hezbollah AFP Gabriel said he shared the concern about the to recall its ambassador to Ger- not allowed to leave the coun- movement. threat of instability and bloodshed in Lebanon many for consultations and will try is a lie. I am on the way to Gabriel said he shared the audi Arabia has recalled give the German ambassador in the airport,” concern about the threat of its ambassador to Ber- and, without mentioning Saudi Arabia directly, the kingdom a letter protesting Hariri tweeted. Hariri’s res- instability and bloodshed in lin in protest over warned against the “adventurism” behind the these unfortunate and unjusti- ignation was quickly perceived Lebanon and, without mention- comments made by the Lebanon crisis. fied statements,” SPA said, citing as the latest round in a tug of ing Saudi Arabia directly, German Foreign Min- a spokesman for the Saudi for- war between Saudi Arabia, his warned against the “adventur- Sister perceived as suggesting eign ministry. Hariri’s longtime sponsor, and its ism” behind the Lebanon Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad yesterday following fevered released a statement protesting resignation announcement and regional arch-rival Iran. crisis. Hariri had been held against his speculation over his situation comments on the crisis by Ger- his subsequent failure to return It has raised deep concerns Gabriel had said: “Lebanon will in Riyadh, Saudi state media after he announced his shock man Foreign Minister Sigmar home to officially quit in per- about the stability of Lebanon, has earned the right to decide on said yesterday. resignation on television in Gabriel calling for Lebanon’s son, fuelled speculation that he which has long been riven by its fate by itself and not become Hariri, a dual Saudi citizen Saudi Arabia two weeks ago. neighbours -- including Saudi was acting under orders from disagreements between Hariri’s a pinball of Syria or Saudi Arabia left Riyadh for France early Riyadh’s state news agency SPA Arabia -- to let it decide its own his Saudi patrons. “To say that I bloc and that of his chief rival, or other national interests”. Hariri announces return as crisis simmers

Paris “make known my position” once that I am held up in Saudi Ara- decision to step down — which AFP back in Beirut. “As you know I bia and not allowed to leave the Aoun has refused to accept while have resigned, and we will dis- country is a lie,” he said in a Hariri remains abroad — has rime Minister Saad Hariri cuss that in Lebanon,” he said Twitter post just before flying to raised fears over Lebanon’s frag- said he will return to Leb- told reporters, saying he needed Paris overnight. ile democracy. Panon for Wednesday’s to meet with President Michel Hariri’s wife and eldest son Hariri’s camp has sought to Independence Day celebrations Aoun before taking further steps. Houssam joined him for lunch allay the concerns, with a source and explain his situation, after Hariri’s announcement fol- with Macron at the Elysee Pal- saying the premier had a “fruit- his shock resignation announce- lows two weeks of deep ace, but their two younger ful and constructive” meeting ment in Saudi Arabia sparked uncertainty after his surprise children, who live in Saudi Ara- with the powerful Saudi Crown political turmoil. decision to step down. bia, have remained there “for Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Speaking after talks in Paris His failure to return to Leb- their school exams”, a source before leaving. Hariri, a dual with French President anon since then sparked close to the premier said. Saudi citizen who has previously Smoke rises following an air strike on the rebel-held Emmanuel Macron, who is seek- rumours that he was being held “Hariri does not want to mix enjoyed Riyadh’s backing, ing to broker a way out of the in Riyadh, which both he and his children up in this affair,” the resigned saying he feared for his besieged town of Arbin, in the Eastern Ghouta region on crisis, Hariri said he would Saudi officials denied. “To say source said. His mysterious life. the outskirts of Damascus, yesterday. Syrian troops and allied fighters Party set to sack Mugabe retake most of last IS-held town Harare Women’s League. Mugabe’s Beirut Friday night,” said Observatory Reuters 37-year rule has been effectively AFP chief Rami Abdel Rahman. at an end since the army seized “IS was pushed back to the imbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF control on Wednesday, confining yrian troops and allied northern and northeastern sec- party will meet today to dis- him to his residence, saying it fighters advanced yester- tors of the city. Clashes are Zmiss President Robert wanted to target the “criminals” Sday to capture most of ongoing,” Abdel Rahman said. Mugabe and reinstate the vice- around him. A motorcade left Albu Kamal, a monitor said, in The Britain-based monitor president he dismissed, Mugabe’s official residence in the a tug-of-war over the Islamic said the fresh push came with Emmerson Mnangagwa, two capital Harare to the jeers of State group’s last urban strong- heavy bombing raids by regime party sources said yesterday. onlookers, although it was unclear hold in the country. ally Russia, and that troops The sources said a party cen- if he was inside. The town in Syria’s oil-rich were advancing more “care- tral committee meeting scheduled Hundreds of thousands of Deir Ezzor province has fully” than in their previous for 10:30am would also dismiss people had flooded the streets of changed hands several times, assault to ensure their gains 93-year-old Mugabe’s preferred Harare singing, dancing and hug- with government troops would not be rolled back. People chant at a roadblock put up by Zimbabwean Defence successor, his wife Grace, from ging soldiers in an outpouring of announcing its capture but los- A string of territorial defeats Force soldiers near the State House in Harare, yesterday. her role as head of the ZANU-PF elation at Mugabe’s demise. ing it to a blistering IS across northern and eastern counter-attack a week ago. Syria left Albu Kamal, near the Syria’s army and Lebanese, border with Iraq, as the last sig- Iranian and Iraqi loyalists re- nificant town held by IS in the entered Albu Kamal two days country. Losing it to regime Ruling party keeps power in E Guinea ago and by yesterday had taken forces would cap the group’s most of it from IS, said the Syr- reversion to a guerrilla organ- ian Observatory for Human isation with no urban base. Equatorial Guinea victory in elections widely crit- mayoral posts and 99 of the 100 It is the party of President Rights. Syrian state television aired AFP icised by the opposition as seats in the Chamber of Depu- Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Afri- “Syrian regime forces, (Leb- live footage from Albu Kamal, fraudulent, according to official ties, the lower house of ca’s longest-serving leader, who anese) Hezbollah, the Iranian showing plumes of smoke ris- he ruling party in Equato- results. parliament. The PDGE has dom- has ruled the former Spanish Revolutionary Guard, and Iraqi ing over the city’s skyline. It said rial Guinea has maintained The Democratic Party of inated the parliament of the tiny colony for 37 years and been militias seized control of more the army was preparing to Ta firm grip on power after Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) and oil-rich country since single- repeatedly accused of abuses by than 80 percent of Albu Kamal, “storm the remaining areas” sweeping to another landslide it’s allies won all 75 senate seats, party rule was scrapped in 1991. human rights groups. after a huge attack that began held by IS in Albu Kamal’s east. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

A gateway to knowledge

atar’s quest for the best has produced yet another jewel. This time it was Qatar National Library, which has become a shining example of excellence all over the globe. One of the commendable aspects of Q the project was that this feat was achieved at the time when Qatar is under the unjust siege imposed Russia again vetoes extension by blockading countries. This gateway of knowledge, which was opened this month, has become an example of country’s perseverance. The state-of-art new facility of the Qatar National of chemical experts in Syria Library, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has been in the planning for five years, having been founded in 2012 by H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF. In UN and the international chemical 2015 and used sarin in an aerial attack spite of the difficulties imposed by the siege countries in Edith M Lederer weapons watchdog, the Organisation for on Khan Sheikhoun last April 4 that the last few months, the opening of this knowledge AP the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons or killed about 100 people and affected centre is a great example of Qatar’s steadfastness. And OPCW. about 200 others who survived the QNL is a jewel in the crown of Qatar. The Japanese draft asked Secretary- nerve agent. As QNL Executive Director Dr Sohair F Wastawy General Antonio Guterres and the head The JIM has also accused the Islamic said: “The opening of the QNL building is a landmark of the OPCW to submit proposals for the State extremist group of using mustard achievement for the cultural and education landscape in structure and working methods of the gas in 2015 and again in September 2016 Qatar. QNL is a place where everybody can learn, ussia again vetoed a UN resolution JIM within 20 days. It said the proposals in Um Hosh in Aleppo. collaborate, and create.” Friday that would extend the man- should reflect the views of Security Syria has denied any use of chemical A quick look at the facilities at the library shows that date of the expert body charged Council members. weapons, while Russia has accused the it is living up to its vision to be one of the world’s with determining responsibility for Nebenzia said the draft placed “a JIM of using faulty methods to determine preeminent centres of learning, research, and culture; a chemical weapons attacks in Syria, completely impossible challenge” for the that President Bashar Assad’s govern- Rdooming its operation and making it exceed- secretary-general because Thursday’s ment was to blame for the attacks, guardian of the region’s heritage; and an institution that ingly difficult to hold anyone accountable for heated council meeting demonstrated including not visiting Khan Sheikhoun. promotes discovery and the the deaths of hundreds of civilian victims. that council members on many issues Nebenzia said the JIM’s leadership nourishment of the human It was Russia’s second veto in 24 hours of “are diametrically opposed.” “disgraced itself with a fictitious investi- spirit. a resolution to keep the Joint Investigative The day began with closed council gation into the episode of sarin use in The collection includes A quick look at Mechanism, or JIM, in operation. And it was discussions on the Japanese draft where Khan Sheikhoun.” the facilities at books from all over world in Russia’s 11th veto of a Security Council resolu- Russia’s deputy UN ambassador After Friday’s vote, Sweden’s UN 20 languages. The main the Qatar National tion dealing with Syria, its close ally. Vladimir Safronkov opposed the meas- Ambassador Olof Skoog asked for new collection comprises Arabic Russia cast its latest veto Friday night on a ure while Haley and many other council Security Council consultations to see if Library shows and English language texts, last-ditch resolution by Japan to extend the members supported it, according to there was any way of salvaging the JIM. that it is living but also provides a wide mandate for 30 days for further discussions. It council diplomats speaking on condition Italy’s UN Ambassador Sebastiano up to its vision selection of books in French, was supported by 12 of the 15 council mem- of anonymity because the meeting was Cardi, the council president, emerged German, Italian, Portuguese, to be one of the bers with Bolivia joining Russia in voting “no” private. about an hour later telling reporters: Spanish, Tamil, Urdu, and China abstaining. So the Russian veto was no surprise. “We will continue to work in the coming world’s preeminent Tagalog, Sinhala, The first Russian veto on a US-sponsored Russia has been highly hours and days constructively to find a centres of learning, Malayalam, Bangla, Nepali, resolution, and Russia’s failure to get the min- critical of the JIM’s find- common position in light ... of this cru- research, and as well as Russian, Korean, imum nine “yes” votes on its rival resolution ings that the Syrian cial nonproliferation issue.” culture. Chinese and others, during a highly contentious three-hour coun- government used chlo- France’s UN Ambassador Francois reflecting Qatar’s diverse cil meeting Thursday, reflected the rine gas in at least two Delattre called the vote “disastrous,” society. deterioration of US-Russian relations. attacks in 2014 and saying council members can’t “throw in The QNL building, At the heart of the dispute is the demand the towel” because the Russian veto designed by renowned Dutch by Russia for major changes in the way the poses “a major threat to the security of architect Rem Koolhaas and located in Education City, is JIM operates, and the United States’ insistence Russia has been highly us all.” the first new national library to open anywhere in the that the current mandate be extended and the critical of the JIM’s findings He said it is liable to weaken interna- JIM’s independence be preserved. tional efforts to prevent the use of world in this millennium and it is one of the largest that the Syrian government libraries in the world. Spread over an area of 45,000 US Ambassador Nikki Haley told the chemical weapons, to be a green light for square-metre, the library is fully accessible to visitors council after the vote the veto “shows us that used chlorine gas in at some to use chemical weapons because with special needs. It can boast of rare and unique Russia has no interest in finding common least two attacks in 2014 there is no way to ensure accountability, collection and includes a joint atlas of which only 12 ground with the rest of this council to save the and 2015 and used sarin and to create a “fertile breeding ground JIM.” for chemical terrorism which is something copies are available in the world. QNL also features a in an aerial attack on Khan dedicated Children’s Library containing more than “Russia will not agree to any mechanism we are all gravely concerned about.” 150,000 books. that might shine a spotlight on the use of Sheikhoun last April 4 that Britain’s UN Ambassador Matthew The Teen Library at QNL, is for visitors aged between chemical weapons by its ally, the Syrian killed about 100 people Rycroft told the council: “We will keep 13 to 18 years, and has more than 30,000 books, regime,” she said. “It’s as simple and sinful as and affected about 200 going, not only to bring justice to those that.” who have suffered from the use of these magazines, computer labs, graphic novels, interactive others who survived the learning tools, and a specially-tailored events space. White House press secretary Sarah Huck- despicable weapons, but also to deter abee Sanders said that by vetoing the JIM’s nerve agent. those who might think of doing so in the Definitely, it is an institution promoting discovery renewal “Russia has sent a clear message that future.” and human development in line with the Qatar National it does not value the lives of the victims of Vision 2030 and the UN’s Global Sustainable chemical weapons attacks.” Development Goals. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia shot back that the JIM for two years “has rub- ber-stamped baseless accusations against Syria,” stressing that the failure to eradicate QUOTE OF THE DAY its “fundamental flaws” brought about its downfall. He said Thursday’s heated council meet- ing “left behind a very unpleasant sludge, and We should do our utmost it focused on political content which is far to resolve the worst of from the issue of Syrian chemical weapons.” the region so that it can “What is taking place here is akin to a bad continue to contribute its theater production,” Nebenzia said. “Russia is best. I count on countries being accused of having shut down the JIM” in the Mediterranean and by the US and its supporters. He said they are really responsible for beyond to reaffirm their shutting the JIM down by refusing to support proud tradition of openness the Russian resolution on Thursday. It and solidarity. remains on the table, Nebenzia said, but any extension of the JIM’s mandate is only possi- ble if its flaws are fixed and it is made Antonio Guterres Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia during a Security UN Secretary-General “stronger and more robust.” The JIM is a joint investigative body of the Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York City. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 OPINION 09 Belt and road project: China’s new vision & Turkey including Turkey, is an 259 through Georgia and the rest 503 Emel Parlar Dal important cornerstone to through Azerbaijan. It is envisaged Anatolia understand the project’s that this line will be initially carrying expectations from Turkey, one million passengers and 6.5 mil- Turkey’s actual capacity as lion tons of cargo annually. well as the current difficul- It is planned that the BTK line, S President Donald Trump’s 13-day Asia ties it has. Unlike most whose current capacity is expected tour, which began on November 5 with European states, Turkey has to increase to 3 million passengers Japan and includes, first and foremost, high expectations from this and 17 million tons of cargo annually, China, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Phil- mega trade and transporta- will be carrying Chinese merchan- ippines, is already signaling that the US is tion project, considered the dise to the Caspian Sea and Baku’s Udrawing up a new Asian strategy. most important project of Alat Port by way of Kazakhstan and Although it is suggested that the visit is outwardly this century. Turkmenistan, and eventually to based on the goal of creating a coordination and business More than anything else, Europe through Georgia and Turkey. alliance to take tougher measures against North Korea, this project seems to overlap Another feature of the BTK is that this 13-day diplomacy tour by Trump, the longest Asian with Turkey’s own develop- it will shorten the China-Europe tour ever taken by a US president since George H W ment goals and the new role route by about 7,000 kilometers, Bush’s 12-day visit in 1991, is dropping major hints about it has designed for itself as given that all railways from China to the discomfort the US is feeling towards the recent trans- well as the ideological infra- Europe currently go through Russia. formation in power balances in Asia. structure of this role in the Thus, bypassing Russia will reduce One such hint is that the region, defined to date by changing post-western the overall duration of this long route Washington as “Asia-Pacific”, began to be conceptual- international system, in to 15 days. ised as the “Indo-Pacific region” starting from before which power and competi- In the same manner, with this this visit. We may say that the most important reason tion are gradually shifting new project, it is estimated that a for this visit as well as the conceptual transformation Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at Belt and Road Forum n Beijing. from the Global North to the significant portion of the freight traf- accompanying it — beyond the ostentatious North Global South. fic between China and Europe will Korean threat — directly relates to containing or con- years, especially in the neighboring regions, into a for- It is undoubtedly not a shift from Russia to this particular trolling the rise of China, which is now following a mula for a new vision of the world. surprising development that Turkey has been seeking route. global trajectory after its spread over Asia. What is currently on display in the showcase of this new alternatives and partnerships in international poli- When assessing the Turkey leg of The aspect of this Chinese rise that will pose the vision, being advertised in an increasingly audible and tics in this new era marked by ups and downs in its the project, we need to consider greatest challenge to the US’ position as a superpower visible fashion since the 2000s, is — as it is called now relations with the West, and following a strategy of these geo-economic elements as well is the Belt and Road project, which is China’s global — “Belt and Road”, which was originally called “One convergence with China, the most powerful state of the as all other dimensions, including strategic partnership vision with pragmatic foundations Belt, One Road” (OBOR) by Chinese President Xi Jinping Global South, because of a dwindling capital flow security. Such a comprehensive and a win-win strategy as opposed to the security- when he first announced it in 2013. owing to these ups and downs. assessment is very important if we related tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. As was stressed by Xi Jinping during his long speech Beyond the economic and commercial expecta- do not wish for this win-win mental- Does the Belt and Road project really have the at the 19th Communist Party Congress held in October, tions — they are surely of the main reasons behind ity — the primary reason for the potential to introduce a Chinese alternative to the estab- China is now seeking to shape its global strategy in Turkey’s interest in the Belt and Road project — the project — to turn into a loss for lished world order? What countries, multilateral search of a “new” order in a “new” era. growing closeness between Turkey and China will cre- Turkey. structures and regions constitute the main partners of In this context, while consolidating its new geo- ate a geopolitical and strategic impact on a regional and Last but not least, the Belt and the project? And how important are Turkey and the economic and geo-strategic stance in its foreign policy, global scale. Road project might as well serve as Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railroad project to this massive China, with its new pragmatic approach of regionalism We can additionally mention the positive contribu- an example of similar transportation undertaking, considering that the current final destina- and inter-regionalism, is offering an inclusive model tions that may arise from the project to Turkey’s and transit routes that Turkey may tion of this project (Kars) is a Turkish province? based on a win-win mentality as opposed to the West- regional and global leverage, the roles it plays, and its consider developing on its own initi- Is Belt and Road main pillar of China’s new world ern-origin conditional/normative integration projects international image. ative in the years to come and of the vision? that are becoming less appealing by the day in the Indeed, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s state- new initiatives of regionalism that it At a time when the basic paradigms of the interna- international system; an inclusive model that the coun- ment just before the Belt and Road Forum — “Our may help to shape. tional order are being questioned once again, China is tries the model is being offered to can accept and adopt convergence with China will create a significant impact the focal point of almost every other analysis because more easily. in the world” — illustrates the above observation. of its position in the international hierarchy and Through this project, which is trying to connect In which leg of the project is Turkey situated and because it is seen as possessed of the greatest potential Asia, Europe and Africa together with land and sea how does it contribute to it? We need to first mention to develop new alternatives. routes and economic corridors, China takes interest in the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, whose construction Indeed, it would not be wrong to argue that China not only the infrastructure projects that would provide began in 2007. It was inaugurated at the Port of Baku in has in recent years been transforming the said connections; it also considers steps towards Alat two weeks ago and is situated at the middle belt of D-RING ROAD its infrastructure-based activities and policy cooperation, the joining together of activities, the Iron Silk Road, which aims to establish an uninter- POST BOX: 3488 foreign aid-based activities, which it has unimpeded trade, financial integration and establishing rupted link between Beijing and London. independently carried out for many ties between peoples among the project’s goals; steps Another initiative is also worth mentioning: a high- DOHA - QATAR that will hopefully facilitate the efforts to keep these speed train project, planned between Edirne and Kars [email protected] connections smooth and operational. [the northwestern-most and northeastern-most prov- Beyond the economic and commercial The project, which will connect the Chinese hinter- inces of Turkey, respectively] as an extension to the land to Europe by road via Central Asia, will also be BTK line. It will cost a total of $30 billion. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE expectations — they are surely of the connecting Chinese ports to Europe by sea, calling at Turkey is making an important contribution to the TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 main reasons behind Turkey’s interest in ports in South East Asia and Africa. Iron Silk Road, having completed the middle belt of the FAX: +974 4455 7758 the Belt and Road project — the growing What is Turkey’s position with regard to ‘Belt and Beijing-London line with the Marmaray [the world’s closeness between Turkey and China Road’? first undersea railway] and the Yavuz Sultan Selim MANAGING EDITOR The “Belt and Road International Cooperation” Bridge — the third on the Bosporus Strait — both of TEL: 4462 7505 will create a geopolitical and strategic forum, also known as the “Modern Silk Road”, held on which had been designed as part of the Iron Silk Road. May 14-15, 2017 in Beijing with the participation of the The BTK railway has a total length of 838 kilom- impact on a regional and global scale. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR heads of states and governments of 29 countries, eters, 76 kilometers of which passes through Turkey, TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743

The ‘big five’ could destroy the tech ecosystem BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535 What’s forgotten as these companies seemingly might lose some cloud revenue. Conor Sen gobble up the rest of the economy is they remain Another company, Fossil Group, has struggled mightily SPORT NEWS SECTION Bloomberg dependent upon customers who get value from over the past several quarters as consumers have bought TEL: 4455 7745 their services. Companies advertise on Facebook fewer watches, perhaps in part because of the Apple and Google only if they’ve determined it’s more Watch. If the Apple Watch disrupts Fossil, Facebook and ONLINE SECTION profitable than not doing so. Google would lose ad sales from Fossil, and Amazon would TEL: 4462 7501 Cloud revenue requires the existence of profit- lose Fossil watch sales as well. [email protected] ow big can the largest tech able businesses that need business software and The retail vision put out by some tech optimists would companies get? How com- services. Third-party vendors choose to sell on be devastating to overall advertising revenue. Imagine it in PUBLIC RELATIONS pletely can they come to Amazon because it’s profitable for them to do so. the extreme: If Amazon put all physical retail stores out of dominate the economy? The In other words, for the most part, the big five tech business, and private-label goods replaced all branded TEL: 4455 7613 “big five” — Apple, Alphabet, companies exist at their current size and scale only goods, you’d kill the source of a large swath of advertising [email protected] HMicrosoft, Facebook and Amazon — now because they serve a larger underlying economy of demand. In a sense, Amazon could partially disrupt Face- have a combined valuation of over $3.3 profitable companies. book and Google without ever competing directly with ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT trillion, and make up more than 40 per- But the disruptive nature of the tech companies them. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 cent of the value of the Nasdaq 100 index. raises questions about how much they can grow. These tech platforms and the companies they serve FAX: 4455 7870 As the digital economy continues to grow Because, in a sense, at some point they’ll only be exist in an ecosystem, where there must be some sort of [email protected] faster than the old economy, it’s hard to able to grow by putting some of their customers balance. Profitable companies can allocate only so much of see what can stop these juggernauts. out of business either directly or indirectly. Con- their revenue to advertising, cloud services, information CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Unless reality intrudes. sider a couple examples. technology and the like. If their profits go away or are dis- TEL: 4455 7857 After all, what exactly is their busi- Blue Apron, a meal delivery company that went rupted by tech companies, their ad and tech spending will [email protected] ness? Who are their customers? What public this year, has been a prolific advertiser go away. A few highly successful predators could decimate role do they play in the economy? Each online. If Amazon came out with a competing serv- their ecosystem and wind up hungry. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION answer points toward some limit on the ice that put them out of business, Markets and the overall economy got in trouble by TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 size, scale and profitability of these giants. Facebook and Google would lose out making a similar mistake about another sector — finance FAX: 44557819 These companies are big for a reason: on some advertising revenue, and — a decade ago. Finance, like these tech companies, exists Nearly every aspect of the digital econ- Microsoft and Google (and Amazon) as a layer on top of an underlying economy. Markets [email protected] omy touches them in some way or became irrational about how profitable the financial sector another. We know that Facebook and could become relative to the underlying economy, and in Google represent a digital advertising response to these market pressures, finance came up with All thoughts and views duopoly. Profitable companies can allocate increasingly elaborate schemes to make money that expressed in these columns We know that Amazon is gobbling up weren’t sustainable. more and more of e-commerce. Amazon, only so much of their revenue We may not be quite there with tech yet, but as stock are those of the writers, not Google and Microsoft are leaders in pro- to advertising, cloud services, valuations climb higher and higher, tech will be feeling the of the newspaper. viding cloud services. Apple sells information technology and the same pressures that Wall Street did a decade ago. Expect a high-margin smartphones and other like. If their profits go away or are similar collapse of the ecosystem. All correspondence computing devices. Put it all together, and regarding Views and disrupted by tech companies, their The writer is a Bloomberg View columnist. He is a portfolio man- you’re talking about hundreds of billions Opinion pages should be of dollars of annual revenue and tens of ad and tech spending will go away. ager for New River Investments in Atlanta and has been a billions of dollars in profits. contributor to the Atlantic and Business Insider. mailed to the [email protected] 10 ASIA SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017

Philippine court Farooq reiterates stand on J&K autonomy convicts man

Jammu lambasted the alleged overt and special status and surrendered were suffering due to non-gov- in motorcycle IANS “J&K is a unique state covert attempts being made to fiscal autonomy over GST. ernance, development deficit weaken Article 370 and said “What could have been our and lack of accountability. bombing case efending his asser- and needs special demand of autonomy was within own prerogative over tax struc- He alleged that survivors, tion for internal dispensation in terms the framework of the ture rests with the central GST widows and the families of sol- Manila autonomy to both of regional autonomy Constitution. Council now,” he said. diers, who laid down their lives AP parts of divided He said the NC would not He also hit hard at the coa- for the country, were being Kashmir without to satiate the urges allow the attempts of repealing lition government for neglected in the state. Philippine court has Dobliterating the Line of Control of various regions,” Article 35-A to succeed. He said abandoning the border residents, Abdullah referred to his visit convicted a man for a (LoC), National Conference (NC) Farooq Abdulla said. its fallout would be more disas- who stand exposed to harsher to the bereaved family of Sohan- Adaring 2007 motorcy- President Farooq Abdullah yes- trous for Jammu than other two winter due to lack of shelter. lal Bhagat, the soldier killed in cle bombing that killed a terday said if India wants to get regions of the state. He referred to his recent visit Manipur, and said the family was Muslim rebel-turned-con- Pakistan-administered Kashmir demand for grant of regional “People will come here to to various parts of the LoC in totally shattered and devastated. gressman and three other (PoK), let it move towards the autonomy to different regions in take your land,” he said accus- north Kashmir including Teet- He lamented that none of the people and wounded 10, LoC with guns. Jammu and Kashmir to assuage ing the BJP of raising the issue to wal and Machil and said the ministers in Jammu and Kash- including two legislators. “If India wants to liberate the the aspirations of people. make electoral gains and divide border dwellers were facing lots mir Government had time to visit Judge Ralph Lee of the PoK, let it move towards the LoC “J&K is a unique state and the people. of problems due to failure of the the family. “This is how soldiers Regional Trial Court Branch with guns,” Abdullah told a party needs special dispensation in He questioned the ruling government to provide better and their families are treated,” 83 on Friday convicted Ikram meeting in winter capital Jammu, terms of regional autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir Peoples roads, communication and elec- he said and mentioned the state Indama but acquitted two adding that wars were no solu- satiate the urges of various Democratic Party (PDP) for tricity facilities to them. funeral accorded by Himachal other key suspects in the tion as these bring only death regions,” he said. advocating self-rule for Jammu “The PDP-BJP alliance will Pradesh to the soldier killed November 13, 2007, bomb- and destruction. Without naming the and Kashmir, saying the PDP have to pay for all its wrongs,” along with Sohanlal Bhagat in ing that killed Representative Abdullah also reiterated his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he could not safeguard the state’s he said, adding that the people Manipur. Wahab Akbar as he walked out of a lobby at the House of Representatives. Indama, who has links to militants, was sentenced to Funeral procession life in prison without the pos- Sharad questions sibility of parole, according to a copy of Lee’s decision. Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong said symbol decision that Indama, a cousin of a notorious Abu Sayyaf extrem- ist commander in the New Delhi cratic fight,” he said. country’s south, brought the IANS Hinting that he could form motorcycle laden with a a party in the future, Yadav said bomb and was identified uestioning the Election he has held discussions with the through closed circuit Commission’s decision to Congress and his candidates television. Qgrant the “arrow” symbol would fight the Gujarat Assem- Ong said the attackers to the Nitish Kumar-led faction bly polls on “auto rickshaw” had also plotted to kill Akbar of Janata Dal-United, senior symbol. before, including the previ- socialist leader and Rajya Sabha “Talks have been com- ous day, but he was absent MP Sharad Yadav yesterday pleted. The Congress is a driving from the lower house. said “justice was not done” and force in Gujarat and it would Former Representative vowed to continue the fight declare the seats and candi- Luzviminda Ilagan, who sur- both legally and dates,” he said. vived the bombing with leg democratically. The Yadav-led faction of and back wounds, head burns “The decision has not meted the JD-U is contesting the and a shattered ear drum, out justice. The EC’s decision is Gujarat elections under Chho- welcomed the conviction but just asking the person who built tubhai Vasava’s leadership. said government investiga- the building to vacate it. My law- On being asked about ram- Women mourn during the funeral of Mugees Mir, a suspected militant who was killed tors should continue efforts yers are looking into the matter ification of the EC decision in an encounter with security forces, in Srinagar, yesterday. to identify the other suspects and will soon take a call. Our regarding his disqualification involved in the attack. fight will continue,” Yadav said case, which is pending before here at a press conference. Rajya Sabha Chairman M He was responding to the Venkaiah Naidu, Yadav said: EC’s decision in which it “There would be difficulties granted the “arrow” symbol to when you fight for the cause of Delhi air quality deteriorates to ‘very poor’ the Nitish Kumar-faction after democracy but I never bowed a three-month battle between before anyone. You can see my the two warring factions of the bio-data. I have devoted my New Delhi throughout the day -- at least 12 could go down. Ghaziabad and Gurugram, the JD-U. long life to politics but I never IANS times beyond the safe limit. According to SAFAR (System AQI also showed “poor” Yadav, a former president compromised on principles.” Last evening, Ghaziabad was of Air Quality and Weather Fore- category. of the JD-U, said the EC’s deci- Javed Raza, considered ours after slight improve- most polluted in NCR with the casting and Research), an app Experts said the rain in the sion would not deter his fight close to Sharad Yadav, said they ment in the air quality of city recording 370 units, Gur- instituted by the Ministry of national capital on Friday night to “save democracy”. are reviewing the EC order in HDelhi-NCR, the national gaon recorded 325 units. While Earth Science, Delhi’s air qual- and early Saturday morning was “We are not dismayed with detail and would soon decide capital again started inhaling Noida recorded 363 units, Fari- ity last evening was “very poor” responsible for the improvement this decision. We knew the fate the future course of action in toxins as the quality of air dete- dabad recorded 315 units. and is expected to remain “very in air quality. but it does not mean that we consultation with their lawyers. riorated from “poor” in the Mahesh Palawat, Director of poor” for next three days. Palawat said air quality had should end our fight. Our fight “We do have the option of morning to “very poor” in the Skymet, a private weather fore- Of 10 monitoring stations of improved due to overnight rain, for party symbol is a legal bat- knocking the door of the High evening yesterday. cast agency, said due to rain, SAFAR spread across Delhi-NCR, wind from the northwest and tle but the real issue, for which Court,” he said. The major pollutant, PM2.5, dust particles had settled in the 7 recorded very poor air quality cyclonic formation in we are fighting, is to save Yadav also said Moody’s or particles with diameter less morning. with Mathura road in south Delhi Rajasthan. democracy. report is a joke on the people than 2.5 micro metre, was “However, by evening, there and IGI T-3 recording the worst “The western disturbance “The country runs on issues of the country. “It is ridiculous recorded above 300 units. was a fall in temperature and the PM2.5 concentration -- at least has moved away from hills and and on principles. They (Nitish- that our own economists The Central Pollution Con- wind speed was low, hence the 320 units. hill states that have witnessed led faction) have insulted the including Manmohan Singh are trol Board (CPCB) yesterday particles got condensed and Earlier in the morning, nota- rainfall and snowfall. So winds mandate of 11 crore people of not being relied upon. The gov- recorded the Air Quality Index there was a drop in the air bly, most of the 17 monitoring from northwest with speed of Bihar by joining hands with BJP. ernment is relying on the (AQI) of Delhi-NCR at 301 and quality.” stations of the CPCB in Delhi upto 15 kmph are bringing pol- “They have compromised outside agency in measuring Delhi recorded 308 at 7 p.m. He added Delhi may again found air quality on Saturday in lution levels down. The situation with the issues and principles. our economic situation,” he PM2.5 across Delhi and NCR witness drizzling on Saturday the “poor” bracket. will be better day-by-day,” Pal- We will continue our demo- said. was above 300 units tonight and the pollution level In neighbouring Noida, awat said in the morning.

Myanmar and Jumbo show By-election could cost Indian armies to conduct drill Australian govt power Umroi Melbourne The coalition government IANS Reuters is hanging onto power by just one seat. If it loses the Benne- ndian and Myanmar ustralia’s conservative long by-election, it will be armies will conduct their coalition government is plunged into minority Imaiden joint exercise in Aat risk of losing power government. India’s northeastern state of after a new poll revealed the A second by-election is Meghalaya, an army official opposition Labor Party is neck- being held in Queensland state said yesterday. and-neck in a knife-edge but the government is widely The five-day exercise by-election triggered by a con- expected to win that one. slated to start on November stitutional crisis. Alexander has renounced 20 will be held at the newly- A by-election is being held in his British citizenship and is inaugurated state-of-the-art the Sydney seat of Bennelong standing in the Dec. 16. by-elec- Joint Training Node at Umroi after government member of tion for his old seat. Cantonment, about 25 km parliament John Alexander was Labor candidate Kristina from Shillong, the state cap- forced to resign after he declared Keneally, a former high-profile ital of Meghalaya. he held dual British citizenship. New South Wales premier, is Exercise “IMBAX-2017” is Under the Australian consti- polling 50-50 with him in two- the first-ever military train- tution, dual citizens cannot hold party preferred polls. ing exercise on United Caparisoned elephants take part in the annual Vrischikolsavam festival, which features federal office. Alexander is Alexander, a former tennis Nations Peacekeeping Oper- a colourful procession of decorated elephants along with drum concerts, at a temple among eight Australian politi- champions, is leading by just ations (UNPKO) between the in Kochi, India, yesterday. cians who have left parliament three percentage points in the two nations. because of dual citizenship. primary vote. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 ASIA 11

19 held after communal China to work violence in Sri Lanka Colombo with N Korea Reuters

ri Lankan police arrested 19 people after a clash to boost ties Sbetween “extremists” from the majority Buddhist and minority Muslim commu- Beijing/Seoul nities in which four people Reuters were injured, a spokesman China’s special envoy said yesterday. raditional friendship met a high-ranking Tension has been grow- between China and North Korean official, ing between the two North Korea repre- but there was no communities this year, with sents “valuable some hardline Buddhist wealth” for their peo- mention of the crisis groups accusing Muslims of Tple, China said after its special over North Korea’s forcing people to convert to envoy met a high-ranking North weapons. Song Tao (third left), head of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee Islam and vandalising Bud- Korean official, but there was no of the Communist Party of China, attending a meeting with Choe Ryong Hae (second right), dhist archaeological sites. mention of the crisis over North member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Some Buddhists nation- Korea’s weapons. traditional friendship between Party of Korea, in Pyongyang. alists have also protested Song Tao, who heads the rul- China and North Korea was against the presence in Sri ing Chinese Communist Party’s founded and cultivated by both relations between the two par- Korea, especially from China, It is not clear whether Song Lanka of asylum seekers from international department, is vis- countries former old leaders, and ties and countries. with which North Korea does 90 will meet North Korea’s youth- mostly Buddhist Myanmar’s iting Pyongyang to discuss the is valuable wealth for the two Song arrived on Friday but it percent of its trade. ful leader Kim Jong Un. persecuted Rohingya Muslim outcome of the recently con- peoples,” it said. is not clear how long he will be The influential state-run Chi- Kim and President Xi minority. cluded Communist Party “Both sides must work hard in North Korea. China has nese tabloid the Global Times exchanged messages of congrat- Police said the late on Fri- Congress in China, at which together to promote the further repeatedly pushed for a diplo- said in an editorial that it was ulations and thanks over the day violence in the southern President Xi Jinping cemented development of relations matic solution to the crisis over unwise to expect too much from Chinese party congress, but nei- coastal town of Ginthota was his power. between the two parties and two North Korea’s development of his trip, saying his key mission ther leader has visited the other’s triggered by rumours and In a brief statement dated countries to benefit their two nuclear weapons and missiles to was to inform North Korea about country since assuming power. fake messages on social Friday but reported by Chinese peoples.” carry them, but in recent months the party congress in Beijing. Song’s department is in media. media yesterday, the interna- The department made no it has had only limited high-level ”Song is not a magician,” the charge of the party’s relations “This was a clash between tional department said Song, mention of North Korea’s exchanges with North Korea. newspaper said. with foreign political parties, and a small fraction of extremists who is there representing Xi, nuclear or missile programmes, The last time China’s special ”The key to easing the situ- has traditionally served as a con- in the both ethnic groups,” reported to North Korean offi- which are strongly opposed by envoy for North Korea visited the ation on the peninsula lies in the duit for Chinese diplomacy with police spokesman Ruwan cial Choe Ryong Hae the China. country was in February last hands of Washington and North Korea. Gunasekera said. outcome of the congress. The North’s official KCNA year. Pyongyang. If both sides insist China’s new special envoy One of those arrested was Song and Choe also talked news agency said Song informed Song’s trip comes just a week on their own logic and refuse to for North Korea, Kong Xuanyou, a woman who falsely spread about relations between their Choe about China’s 19th National after US President Donald Trump move in the same direction, even who took up his position in news that Muslims were parties and countries, the Congress “in detail”, and stressed visited Beijing as part of an Asia if Song opens a door for talks, August, is not believed to have about to attack a Buddhist department said. China’s stance to steadily tour, where he pressed for the door could be closed any visited the country since assum- temple, he said. “They said that the develop the traditionally friendly greater action to rein in North time.” ing the job. “We’ve decided to arrest those who have been spread- ing false messages and rumours on social media.” Later police said all 19 suspects have been Pakistan likely to replace embattled finance minister remanded until November 30 and a local curfew had Islamabad appointed or a full-fledged min- other names too which the adviser. “I am very clear on this: I within the tax machinery as been imposed in the clash Internews ister, who must be a member of source was not willing to divulge. do not wish to be finance minister well,” he said. FBR chairman area for 12 hours to 0600 parliament. Speculation rife in Islama- or an adviser” he said, but added Tariq Pasha has started seeking hours today. he decision to replace What was most likely, he bad and in the media suggests that he could consider helping out approval from Dar even on Law and Order Minister embattled Pakistani said, was that a non-elected that name of Special Assistant to in some other capacity, “such as on minor issues like the issuance of Sagala Ratnayaka said “some TFinance Minister Ishaq Dar adviser would be appointed and the Prime Minister on Economic some council or committee, but press statements. political groups are now on a has been made at the highest the decision would be made Affairs Miftah Ismail is also on even that depends on who else is Pasha worked with Finance desperate mission to turn this levels of government, a senior public in the next couple of days. the list, as is that of Ahsan Iqbal, going to be a member,” he said. Minister Dar very closely and minor brawl into a Sinhala- government official said. The source said a list of likely currently holding the twin min- “If a council is stuffed with was considered his close asso- Muslim clash”. According to the official, the advisers had already been isterial portfolios of interior and useless people, there is no sense ciate. He was also likely to be “I urge the public not to only option the government now drafted. Two of the people being planning. A final decision on who in serving on it.” replaced as the new adviser be misled by their false prop- has is to replace Dar. “The deci- considered for the job are Shau- the replacement for Dar will be The source painted a picture would consider his own team, aganda,” he said. sion was taken after getting a kat Tarin, who served as finance has yet to be made. of disarray in the bureaucracy. the source added. Additional police battal- green signal from former prime minister in the PPP government, Tarin said that he had not No bureaucrat in the finance Dar was indicted on Septem- ions, elite police forces, the minister Nawaz Sharif,” he said. and Dr Ishrat Husain, who was been contacted by anyone in the ministry had the courage to ber 27 in a corruption reference anti-riot squad and the mili- The source added that it had governor of the State Bank of government about this. He also move any file, resulting in delays but has continued to serve as tary were called late on not yet been decided whether an Pakistan during Pervez Mushar- ruled out the idea of becoming a in major decisions, he said. finance minister amid strong crit- Friday to bring the situation adviser on finance would be raf’s regime. But the list contains finance minister or a financial “There is complete chaos icism from opposition parties. under control.

Bodies of 5 Bicycle hill found in Cambodian reporters Southwest charged with spying Pakistan Phnom Penh The former RFA journalists Quetta AFP — Oun Chhin and Yeang Sot- AFP hearin — now face up to 15 wo Cambodian journal- years in jail for allegedly run- he bullet-riddled bod- ists were charged ning an illegal media studio ies of five Pakistani Tyesterday with spying from a guesthouse in the capi- Tmigrants believed over news reports they alleg- tal, according to police. headed for Europe via Iran edly filed to US-based Radio After seeing “enough were found yesterday in Free Asia, amid a sweeping grounds, the prosecutor at the southwest Pakistan, in the government crackdown on dis- Phnom Penh Municipal Court same area where 15 bodies sent that has tipped the decided to charge them with were discovered three days country’s democracy into providing a foreign state infor- earlier, officials said. crisis. mation that is destructive to the The five migrants whose The reporters were national defence”, said court corpses were found in the dis- detained on Tuesday night, days spokesman Ly Sophana. trict of Ketch in Balochistan before Cambodia’s main oppo- The US-funded RFA, a cru- province near the Iranian bor- sition party was dissolved over cial source of independent der had been killed two days accusations it conspired with Khmer-language broadcasting, ago, said provincial government the US in a treason plot. slammed the arrests as part of spokesman Anwaar ul Haq. That case was blasted by Hun Sen’s “cynical campaign As with the previous 15 A woman rides a bicycle past shared bikes at a hutong in Beijing, China, yesterday. Washington as baseless and of persecution”. they were ethnic Punjabis decried by rights groups as has- Spokesman Rohit Mahajan who were illegally travelling tening the country’s descent said the reporters have not had to Iran, he said. into a de facto one-party state any relationship with RFA since Senior administration led by authoritarian premier the station closed its Phnom official Akbar Harifal said the Hun Sen. Penh bureau in September. killings seemed to be the 13 dead in Afghanistan snow, avalanche The ruling capped a pro- “Therefore the charges work of separatist groups. tracted clampdown aimed at brought in court today have The army said a separatist Kabul said yesterday. Abdul Ghani were killed last night due to silencing Hun Sen’s political absolutely no basis in reality,” leader believed to have mur- Anatolia Musmim, spokesman for the heavy snow and avalanches. rivals, outspoken NGOS and he said by email. dered the 15 had been killed. provincial administration in He said the provincial independent media before an Hun Sen, a firebrand ultra- Baloch separatists have t least 13 people have eastern Kunar province, told administration has appealed to election in 2018. Radio Free nationalist in power since 1985, regularly targeted ethnic been killed in avalanches Anadolu Agency the remote the disaster management body Asia was forced to shut its has been leaning heavily on Punjabi workers, accusing Acaused by snowfall in the Chapa Dara district of this prov- to take immediate and effective bureau in September after 20 anti-American rhetoric to jus- them of exploiting the mountainous eastern parts of ince is affected the most. steps to mitigate the losses sus- years due to a series of legal tify the unprecedented province. Afghanistan, officials Musmim said ten people tained in the snow. threats. clampdown. 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017

Spanish police Parties regroup shoot Frenchman Barcelona for German AFP olice in Spain shot and injured an unarmed coalition push PFrenchman yesterday at a toll station near the French border, who officers said was Berlin shouting ‘Allahu akbar’. Reuters The man, of Moroccan Angela Merkel’s origin, was travelling with a ermany’s three would- only realistic hope woman in a vehicle registered be coalition partners of securing a fourth in France and approached the went deep into over- toll by the border town of La time in talks yesterday term after suffering Jonquera in the north of the as they sought enough losses in September’s country in the early hours of Gcommon ground in climate and election is an yesterday. migration policy to form a gov- awkward three-way Police said a Guardia Civil ernment and stave off the prospect patrol was alerted because of a repeat election. conservative-liberal- the man had a “strange” atti- Incumbent chancellor Green alliance. Christian Democratic Union party’s state leader in North Rhine-Westphalia Armin Laschet tude and “seemed to be Angela Merkel’s only realistic chats with protesters as he arrives for further exploratory talks with members of potential manipulating something hope of securing a fourth term coalition parties to form a new government in Berlin yesterday. inside the vehicle”. after suffering losses in Septem- tax-cutting Free Democrat (FDP) “The police asked him to ber’s election is an awkward liberals freshly returned to par- now had to be wrapped up by Greens chairwoman Simone Among its demands are a get out. He finally got out with three-way conservative-liberal- liament after four years in the 1700 GMT on Sunday. Peter said much that had earlier cap of 200,000 per year on the something in his hands and Green alliance. wilderness, and the Greens out But President Frank-Walter been agreed on emissions pol- number of refugees Germany he moved towards the offic- But after four weeks of talks, of office for 12 years, neither is Steinmeier, a former foreign icy had been undone, without will take, and an end to the ers,” said a spokesperson for the parties remained far apart as keen to give ground. minister who now plays an apo- giving details. practice of allowing successful the Catalan police. they adjourned for the night. The A self-imposed deadline of litical role, said brinkmanship Bavaria’s Christian Social asylum seekers to bring their The spokesperson said biggest sticking points are cli- Thursday for wrapping up was to be expected. Union (CSU) faces regional state immediate families to join that the man “shouted ‘Allahu mate change, where the Greens exploratory talks and starting “Before the formal talks start, elections next year, and fears the them. akbar’(God is greatest)”. want emissions cuts that the formal coalition negotiations there are always attempts by par- far-right Alternative for Ger- All parties are anxious to “The police officers other parties see as economically passed without agreement, forc- ties to drive prices up,” he told the many (AfD) could unseat it after avoid a repeat election, which repeatedly asked him to stop, ruinous, and immigration, where ing the conservatives to promise weekly Welt am Sonntag. “What 60 years if it fails to secure tough they fear could boost the AfD, shot in the air to intimidate Merkel’s arch-conservative allies further concessions on emissions we’ve seen in the past weeks isn’t immigration rules - which are which surged into parliament for him but as he continued to in Bavaria insist on stricter rules. cuts to the Greens. FDP leader so different from previous coali- anathema to the left-leaning the first time in September’s move forward, they shot him With the pro-business, Christian Lindner said the talks tion negotiations.” Greens. national election. in the hip,” he said. Contest for London-based EU regulators Macron’s party

Brussels campaigning by candidate the medical agency first, for With much tactical voting and AFP cities. which 23 cities have put forward mutual backscratching likely to names new leader The 27 member states — their names, followed by the be involved, the vote will be sen- hings are rarely simple in without Britain — will vote in banking regulator, for which sitive, so ballots will be secret and Lyon in private, a small group of 100 the EU’s complex bureauc- several rounds using a points there are eight candidates. the number of votes for each city AFP followers went public this week Tracy, but the procedure for system that has been compared Some cities have applied for will not be revealed. with an open resignation letter choosing new host cities for two to a less glamorous version of both, and if one of those scoops If a city is the first choice of mmanuel Macron’s party that claimed the party had no London-based regulatory agen- the Eurovision Song Contest the EMA, it will have to withdraw at least 14 countries—a majority named a new leader yes- internal democracy and was cies after Brexit is one of its most finals. its candidacy for the other. of the 27 EU states—it will be Eterday as the French consumed by political fiendish inventions yet. It promises to be bitterly For the vote, each state will named the new host of that president faces the first rebel- scheming. European affairs ministers fought, and long. “I fear we are have six points to award: three for agency outright. lious grumblings in the The anonymous rebels said will decide the new locations of going to have to order in sand- its first choice, two for the second If not, there will be a second 19-month-old movement that in the letter that LREM was the European Medical Agency wiches,” a European source said, choice, and one for the third — round of voting, but this time swept him to power. guilty of “contempt and (EMA) and the European Bank- predicting a vote that would much like the Eurovision with each member state having Christophe Castaner, a arrogance”. ing Authority (EBA) in a secret stretch into tomorrow night. competition although without the only one point to award, to its smooth-talking, ultra-loyal gov- The complaints are one of ballot tomorrow after months of The ministers will decide on famous ‘nul points’ option. first choice. ernment spokesman, takes the a number of challenges faced helm of Republic on the Move by Macron, who needs a sup- (LREM) six months after Macron port base as he battles won the presidency in a sensa- opponents including trade Polish envoy tional upset for French politics. unionists opposed to his labour Aircraft collision Macron’s handpicked reforms and leftists who accuse summoned favourite, Castaner is a former him of favouring the rich with Socialist MP who joined the his tax policies. by Ukraine as 39-year-old’s centrist, pro- Even senior figures admit European campaign early in his that, since tasting glory over the row deepens run for presidency. summer with a membership “It’s not a dream, it’s not an that swelled to more than Warsaw ambition, it’s a chance, an hon- 350,000, the party has Reuters our, it’s a duty,” Castaner said, stagnated. as he promised not to be “the Some party activists criti- kraine has summoned leader of the movement”, but cised the decision to use a show the Polish ambassador an “organiser, a facilitator”. of hands to elect Castaner, Uin Kiev after Poland Castaner, 51, was elected arguing it would pressure vot- denied entry to a Ukrainian unopposed via a show of hands ers into toeing the line. official in an escalation of a at LREM’s party congress in the LREM will be vital for diplomatic spat over the two eastern city of Lyon, to the irri- Macron at the local and regional neighbours’ troubled past. tation of some grassroots level in France, where future Poland’s decision to refuse members of what Macron elections for mayors and coun- entry yesterday to the head of called a “citizens’ movement”. cils offer him the chance to Ukraine’s commemoration The new party chief — who push his pro-business agenda commission, Svyatoslav Sher- admitted he had not been to “transform” France. emet, was in response to a ban “dreaming” of the unpaid job Launched simply as En imposed earlier this year by — struck a humble tone as he Marche (On the Move) in April Kiev on the exhumation of accepted a three-year term, 2016, it was a hugely effective Poles killed in Ukraine during telling party members: “Your electoral force with its thou- the Second World War, Polish Police officers stand at a road block near the scene of a fatal mid-air collision between a vote gives me no rights, only sands of volunteers who state news agency PAP light aircraft and a helicopter, near the village of Waddesdon, Britain, yesterday. responsibilities.” knocked on doors, flocked to reported. After widespread grumbling rallies and distributed leaflets. “The Ukrainian side has complained that Mr Sheremet was not allowed into Poland,” Poland’s ambassador to Kiev Jan Pieklo told PAP after the meet- ing with Ukrainian authorities. Elizabeth II, Prince Philip fete 70 years of life together “I have been also informed that this is a problem that con- London royal union has endured through After 70 years of marriage official duties to her son Prince in a satin dress embroidered with cerns the restarting of AFP the decades without any public it’s a burgeoning clan, with four Charles, now aged 69. It was a ver- roses and decorated with 10,000 exhumations because Sher- hint of marital strife. children, eight grandchildren sion of love at first sight. pearls and sparkling crystals. emet is the person responsible e accepted living in her Now, they join a small club and five great-grandchildren. Elizabeth was aged just 13 Prior to the wedding, the for this,” Pieklo said, adding shadow. She forgave his of couples who have spent seven They expect to welcome a when she first laid eyes on her Queen Mother asked her future that both sides had agreed that Hperiodic gaffes. decades together. sixth great-grandchild in April, future husband Philip, then a son-in-law if he would cherish the exhumations should be Queen Elizabeth II and No events are planned to cel- when Prince William and wife dashing 18-year-old blond army her daughter. restarted. Prince Philip will celebrate their ebrate their landmark, but the Kate Middleton’s third child is due. officer. ”Cherish Lilibet? I wonder if In an apparent effort to platinum wedding anniversary bells of Westminster Abbey will The 96-year-old Prince The pair may have met in that word is enough to express mend ties, representatives of tomorrow, marking 70 years ring at 1300 GMT in tribute. Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, their teens, but it would be eight what is in me,” he replied, using the Polish and Ukrainian since they married in the splen- Elizabeth and Philip will retired from the public eye this years until the nation celebrated the Queen’s childhood presidents said on Friday that dour of Westminster Abbey. spend the day with other mem- summer, enjoying his newfound with pomp their fairy-tale wed- nickname. they “reconfirmed their com- Despite three of their four bers of the royal family, a free time reading and painting. ding at Westminster’s famous He went on to say that he mitment to strengthening the children (Charles, Anne and Buckingham Palace spokesman For her part the Queen, at 91, abbey on November 20, 1947. had “fallen in love completely strategic partnership”. Andrew) having divorced, this said. is slowly passing over some of her The princess dazzled, dressed and unreservedly” with her. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 AMERICAS 13 SC picks: Trump adds five conservatives to list

Washington Court’s conservative major- nominate a candidate from the emissions from coal-burning and Attorney General Jeff Ses- Reuters ity. Gorsuch was confirmed by updated list of 25, the White power plants, said Carrie Sev- sions at the same conference The five jurists, the Senate in April and has House said. erino, chief counsel of the lashed out at “activist judges.” n a move certain to please all with strong established himself as one of Leonard Leo, an advisor to the Judicial Crisis Network, a con- Trump already has taken conservatives, President conservative the Supreme Court’s most president on Supreme Court nom- servative legal advocacy group. steps to make the federal judici- Donald Trump on Friday credentials, were conservative justices. inations, said Trump thought it The court currently consists ary more conservative, with 14 added five names to his list Speaking at a Federalist was time to refresh the original list. of five conservatives and four judicial appointees already con- of candidates for a prospec- added to the list Society conference of conserv- “When you’re committed to pick- liberals, with conservative Jus- firmed by the Senate and more Itive US Supreme Court vacancy with input from ative legal advocates, White ing from a list you want to make tice Anthony Kennedy in the pipeline. as he presses ahead with a cam- conservative leaders, House Counsel Donald McGahn sure it’s as complete as possible,” sometimes joining with the lib- Catherine Glenn Foster, pres- paign to move the federal and should another said Trump is “very commit- Leo said in an interview. erals on high-profile issues such ident of the anti-abortion judiciary to the right. ted” to appointing judges who Kavanaugh, who was as gay rights and abortion. advocacy group Americans Two of them are appellate seat on the court are “committed originalists and appointed to the federal bench At 81, Kennedy is the second- United for Life, said she was judges who were nominated by open up, Trump will textualists,” referring to a legal in 2006 by Republican former oldest justice on the court behind pleased with the new selections. Trump earlier this year and con- nominate a candidate philosophy that relies on the president George W Bush, served liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 84, “From their known records they firmed by the Senate: Amy Coney from the updated actual wording of laws and the as a White House counsel under and some former Kennedy clerks tend to be strong on recognising Barrett and Kevin Newsom. original meaning of the US Con- Bush and worked as an assistant have said he is considering the protections for life,” she said. Another, Brett Kavanaugh, sits on list of 25, the White stitution. “They all have paper to Kenneth Starr, the independ- retirement. Liberal Justice On Friday, Republican Ala- the US Court of Appeals in Wash- House said. trails. They all are sitting judges. ent counsel who investigated Stephen Breyer is 79. bama Governor Kay Ivey said she ington, long viewed as a There is nothing unknown about Democratic former president Bill Should any of those step would support her party’s Sen- stepping-stone to the high court. During his presidential them. What you see is what you Clinton during the Monica down, Trump would get a his- ate candidate Roy Moore, who The others were Britt Grant, campaign last year, Trump get,” McGahn said. Lewinsky scandal. toric opportunity to shape the has been accused by several a Georgia Supreme Court justice, identified 20 conservative can- The five jurists, all with Grant and Wyrick both joined court in a more conservative women of unwanted sexual con- and Patrick Wyrick, a Oklahoma didates for the Supreme Court. strong conservative credentials, state challenges to the Affordable direction for decades to come. tact, because of the importance Supreme Court justice. There is Upon taking office, he named were added to the list with Care Act, Democratic former pres- Supreme Court appointments are of keeping the Senate under no current vacancy on the US Neil Gorsuch to the court to input from conservative lead- ident Barack Obama’s signature lifetime jobs. Republican control should Supreme Court but three justices replace the late Justice Antonin ers, and should another seat on healthcare law, and Obama reg- Conservatives criticize the another Supreme Court vacancy are 79 or older. Scalia, restoring the Supreme the court open up, Trump will ulations aimed at reducing federal judiciary as too liberal, arise. White House seeks Abuse data $44bn hurricane aid on military bases Washington Virgin Islands, where needs Reuters were still being assessed. “At this time, the adminis- disclosed he White House on Fri- tration is requesting an day said it had asked additional fiscal year 2018 Washington TCongress for $44bn in funding in the amount of $44bn Reuters supplemental disaster assist- and the necessary authorities ance to help those hurt by to address ongoing recovery he US military on Fri- recent hurricanes that hit efforts,” Mulvaney said. day disclosed for the Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida The administration also Tfirst time base-by- and the US Virgin Islands, far wants Congress to approve base data on sexual assault short of the aid some officials new tax relief for victims of reports, showing a higher have called for. recent California wildfires, number of reports at big The White House said it which mirror what Congress military installations like expected to seek additional awarded recently to hurricane Naval Station Norfolk in Vir- funds after a fuller analysis. US victims. The White House also ginia as well as overseas This picture taken in 2014 and released by the Argentine Navy yesterday shows submarine Representative Frank Pallone wants to make houses of wor- hubs like South Korea. and Senator Ron Wyden, both ship eligible for disaster relief ARA San Juan docked in Buenos Aires. Argentina’s navy is hunting for one of its submarines Sexual assault in the mil- Democrats, called the request funding. which has been reported missing in the South Atlantic with a crew of 44 on board. itary, which is defined as “a dereliction of duty by the Senator John Cornyn of anything from groping to Trump administration to Amer- Texas, the No. 2 Republican in rape, is believed to be signif- ican citizens in Puerto Rico and the chamber, on Thursday dis- Powerful winds and waves hinder icantly higher than the the US Virgin Islands that need missed the latest request as number of reports. The Pen- our help. “wholly inadequate” for his tagon said it estimates that, “This woefully inadequate state. White House spokes- search for Argentine submarine in 2016, less than a third of funding request does not pro- woman Sarah Sanders service members who expe- vide the necessary resources defended the request. rienced a sexual assault required to properly respond “Up until this point Texas Buenos Aires But a storm with powerful requires a combination of high- reported it. to the ongoing humanitarian has not put any state dollars Reuters winds and waves 20 feet high tech tools,” Gonzalez said. Still, that was an improve- crisis,” they added. into this process. We feel continued to disrupt visibility Poor conditions were ment in reporting from Puerto Rico Governor strongly that they should step hipping winds and and efforts to explore Argen- expected to hold until today after- previous years, the Pentagon Ricardo Rossello asked for up and play a role and work 20-foot waves in the tine’s southern sea, navy noon. Carlos Zavalla, a navy said. According to the newly $94.4bn to rebuild the US ter- with the federal government in WSouth Atlantic contin- spokesman Enrique Balbi said. commander, urged the loved ones released data, a collection of ritory’s infrastructure. Texas this process. We did a thorough ued to hinder a frantic search Nevertheless, authorities of crew members not to give up US bases in South Korea had was seeking $61bn and Florida assessment and that was com- for an Argentine submarine with were doubling down on search hope. “So far, the only concrete a combined 211 reports of sex- had asked for $27bn. The $44bn pleted and this was the number 44 crew members on board, the efforts above and below the thing is the lack of communica- ual assault while Norfolk had would be in addition to about that we put forward to Congress navy said, as authorities readied water’s surface and were read- tion,” Zavalla said on local TV 270 reports of sexual assault $50 billion Congress previously today,” she said. a mission to comb the sea floor ying an operation to comb the channel A24. “That’s all.” in the 2016 fiscal year, which approved for hurricane and dis- She said the new request for signs of the missing vessel. bottom of the ocean, said Gabriel Messages of support have began in October 2015 and aster relief. “primarily addresses Texas and The German-built AR San Gonzalez, who heads the navy’s poured in from abroad. Argen- ended in September 2016. White House budget direc- Florida Those storms took place Juan submarine last reported its base in the port of Mar del Plata. tina accepted an offer from the That is down slightly from 291 tor Mick Mulvaney said in a ahead of Puerto Rico. The location 432km off Argentina’s The submarine had been United States for a Nasa P-3 cases at Norfolk in 2015. letter to House Speaker Paul assessment for Puerto Rico southern Atlantic coast early on headed to Mar del Plata from the explorer aircraft that had been The Pentagon did not Ryan that the $44bn “does not hasn’t been completed yet. Once Wednesday, prompting author- city of Ushuaia. “The underwa- stationed in Ushuaia. A Hercules elaborate on the data but represent the final request” for that’s done, we fully anticipate ities to launch an emergency ter search is obviously much C-130 from the Argentine Air noted that the reports showed assistance for the victims, espe- that there will be additional search-and-rescue operation on more complicated than the Force has also been flying over where a victim reported a cially in Puerto Rico and the requests at that time.” Friday. search at the surface because it the area. sexual assault, not necessar- ily where the sexual assault occurred. Sexual assault reports from other big bases in 2016 US Senate candidate Moore’s wife says ‘he will not step down’ included: Fort Hood in Texas with 199 reports; Naval Base Washington heavily favored to defeat Dem- is a little curious but at the same in San Diego, California, with Reuters ocrat Doug Jones in the special time I have no reason to disbe- 187 reports; Camp Lejeune in election next month. lieve them.” The White House North Carolina with 169 he wife of Republican US Two polls this week showed has said President Donald Trump reports; Camp Pendleton in Senate candidate Roy Moore now trailing Jones. Fox finds the allegations troubling California with 157 reports, TMoore of Alabama said on News released a poll on Thursday and believes Moore should step and Fort Bragg in North Caro- Friday that her husband would putting Jones ahead with 50 per- aside if they are true. lina with 146 reports. not end his campaign in the cent to 42 percent for Moore. But White House legislative direc- The Pentagon announced wake of sexual misconduct alle- Moore’s embattled candidacy also tor Marc Short said Trump earlier this year a record total gations, dismissing reports about got a boost on Thursday, when the previously backed Moore’s oppo- of 6,172 sexual assault reports his past behaviour toward some Alabama Republican Party said it nent, Luther Strange, in the in 2016, compared with 6,082 women as political attacks. would continue to support him, primary contest and that Moore’s the previous year. This was a “He will not step down,” putting it at odds with Republican explanations “so far have not been sharp increase from 2012, Kayla Moore said at a news con- leaders in Washington who want satisfactory”. “At this point, we when 3,604 cases were ference on the steps of the state him to withdraw. believe it is up to the people of reported. capitol in Montgomery. “He will Republican Alabama Gover- Alabama to make a decision,” The US military said it not stop fighting for the people nor Kay Ivey on Friday told Short told CNN. believes that a biannual of Alabama.” Kayla Moore, wife of Roy Moore, looks on during a ‘Women reporters she would vote for During the 2016 presidential anonymous survey provides The former Alabama For Moore’ rally, in front of the Alabama State Capitol, in Moore, emphasizing the impor- campaign, several women went a more accurate estimate of Supreme Court chief justice’s Montgomery, Alabama. tance of keeping Republican public with accusations that the number of sexual assaults. campaign has been in turmoil control of the US Senate. Asked Trump had in the past made According to the latest sur- since the Washington Post pub- while they were teenagers and Reuters has been unable to whether she believed the women unwanted sexual advances or vey, 14,900 service members lished a story last week detailing he was in his 30s. More women independently confirm any of accusing Moore of sexual impro- inappropriate personal remarks experienced some kind of the accounts of three women have since spoken out with alle- the accusations. Before the alle- prieties or unwanted romantic about them. Trump denied the sexual assault in 2016, down who claim Moore pursued them gations of their own. gations came to light, Moore was overtures, Ivey said, “the timing accusations. from 20,300 in 2014. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 Trump halts decision to allow elephant trophy imports

Washington “This review established that but only Zimbabwe was men- Wildlife activists argue that Reuters both Zambia and Zimbabwe had tioned in Friday’s notice. Zambia corruption is endemic in impov- Early word of the planned change had drawn met new standards, strict, inter- was mentioned in a news release erished Zimbabwe, and that S President Donald protests from conservationists, who said it could national conservation standards, issued by the government. money generated by big game Trump said in a deplete already at-risk elephant populations. that allowed Americans to The international affairs sec- hunting and meant for conser- tweet on Friday that It also caused a social media firestorm, with resume hunting in those coun- tion of the official US Fish and vation has been diverted into the he is putting a deci- tries,” Sanders told reporters. Wildlife Service webpage shows pockets of crooks and sion to allow opponents posting photos of President Donald In an official notice pub- the agency has already begun poachers. Uimports of elephant trophies on Trump’s sons Donald Jr. and Eric, avid hunters, lished on Friday in the Federal accepting permits for imports of Supporters say money made hold after a torrent of criticism posing with dead wild animals. Register, the US Fish and Wild- trophies from the hunting of lions from well-regulated hunts has from conservation advocates and life Service said it had concluded in Zimbabwe and Zambia. been used for costly wildlife con- across social media. that the killing of African ele- Wildlife advocates said that servation in cash-starved African Trump’s reversal came hours “issuing of permits is being put on reconsider this despicable deci- phants in Zimbabwe as trophies, move contradicts the agency’s countries battling to diminish after his administration released hold as the decision is being sion, but it takes more than a tweet between the dates of January 21, decision last year to extend chronic poverty. a rule on Friday to allow hunt- reviewed”. to stop trophy hunters from 2016 and Decdember 31, 2018 Endangered Species Act protec- The Republican chairman of ers who kill elephants in Early word of the planned slaughtering elephants and lions. “will enhance the survival of the tions to African lions. But US the US House of Representatives’ Zimbabwe to bring their trophies change had drawn protests from We need immediate federal action African elephant”. hunting groups and the National Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep- back to the United States, which conservationists, who said it to reverse these policies.” The agency had said earlier on Rifle Association praised the resentative Ed Royce, slammed had been banned by the Obama could deplete already at-risk ele- Amid the backlash to reports Friday before Trump’s tweet that recent decision on lion trophies, the administration’s decision to administration. phant populations. It also caused that the move would apply to “legal managed hunting” can help which they said the Trump admin- allow the imports, saying eco- “Put big game trophy decision a social media firestorm, with two southern African countries provide incentives to conserve istration issued on October 20. nomic and political turmoil in on hold until such time as I review opponents posting photos of Pres- — Zimbabwe and neighbouring wildlife and habitat and provide Africa’s elephant population Zimbabwe gave him “zero con- all conservation facts. Under ident Donald Trump’s sons Donald Zambia — White House spokes- revenue to help conservation. plunged by about a fifth between fidence” the authorities there study for years. Will update soon Jr. and Eric, avid hunters, posing woman Sarah Sanders said it was The move was disclosed by 2006 and 2015 because of were properly managing conser- with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!” with dead wild animals. due to a review by career offi- Fish and Wildlife Service officials increased poaching for ivory, a vation programs. Trump wrote.Interior Secretary Tanya Sanerib, senior attor- cials at the US Fish and Wildlife attending a meeting in Tanzania coveted commodity used in carv- “Elephants and other big game Ryan Zinke said that he had spo- ney with the Center for Biological Service which began back in this week that was organized by ing and ornamental accessories in Africa are blood currency for ken with Trump and “both believe Diversity, said on Friday in a state- 2014 under the previous admin- a pro-trophy hunting group. The in China and other parts of Asia, terrorist organizations, and they that conservation and healthy ment: “It’s great that public istration of Democratic president officials had said Zambia would the International Union for Con- are being killed at an alarming herds are critical”. He said the outrage has forced Trump to Barack Obama. also be covered by the change, servation of Nature said last year. rate,” Royce said in a statement.

Trump starts paying his own Argentina rights body chief dies legal bills on Russia probe

Washington adviser, including with Mos- Clinton’s legal expenses related Reuters cow’s former ambassador to the to the Whitewater investigation. United States, Sergei Kislyak, Under former president George S President Donald and his knowledge of contacts W Bush, a legal fund was set up Trump has begun paying between the campaign and Rus- to help former Bush staffer Uhis own legal bills related sian intermediaries. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, but only to the Russia investigation and But Sessions made light of the after he had left White House will no longer cover the costs investigation during a speech on employment. using political donations to his Friday before a conservative law- In August, Reuters first re-election campaign or the yers’ group. “Is Ambassador reported that the RNC was pay- Republican Party, his attorneys Kislyak in the room? Before I get ing Trump’s legal bills, which confirmed on Friday. started here, any Russians?” Ses- amounted to more than $230,000 Trump defence lawyer John sions said, prompting applause that month. The payments were Dowd said that following pay- and laughter from the crowd at made to Trump’s outside legal ments by the Republican the Federalist Society event. team, which includes Dowd. National Committee, the presi- “Anybody been to Russia? Got a Additionally, Trump’s re- This file photo taken on November 18, 2015 shows Marta Vasquez, one of the founders of the dent began paying the bills and cousin in Russia or something?” election campaign paid more Argentine human rights organisation Madres de Plaza de Mayo Linea Fundadora (Mothers of now wants to make the party Special White House coun- than $300,000 this year in bills “even”. The RNC confirmed it is sel Ty Cobb said the to lawyers representing his son, May Square - Founding Line) putting on her headscarf before a press conference in Buenos no longer paying the bills. administration was working Donald Trump Jr, according to Aires. Vasquez, president of the group, died aged 90 at a Buenos Aires hospital yesterday. The expenses cover per- with others to establish a legal public disclosures. The cam- sonal lawyers representing fund for current and former paign did not respond to a Trump in special prosecutor staffers. Dowd said White House request for comment on Robert Mueller’s probe of pos- counsel Don McGahn and cam- whether it will continue to pay sible collusion between the paign lawyer Ben Ginsberg of for Trump Jr’s legal expenses. Jesse Jackson has Parkinson’s Ousted Caracas Trump campaign and Russia Jones Day are working to struc- The Federal Election Com- in last year’s election. Moscow ture that fund, which would be mission allows use of private CHICAGO: American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson announced mayor arrives has denied meddling in the subject to rules that prohibit campaign funds to pay legal bills on Friday that he has the degenerative neurological disease Par- election, and Trump has denied staff from receiving gifts or pro arising from being a candidate kinson’s. The 76-year-old Baptist minister, who once worked with in Madrid any collusion. bono legal service. or elected official. Martin Luther King Jr for the cause of equal rights for African Amer- The investigation has The President is exempt While previous presidential icans, and currently heads a Chicago non-profit organization, said hounded Trump’s presidency. from those rules, Dowd said. campaigns have used these it has become “increasingly difficult to perform routine tasks”. Madrid Mueller already has secured an “The geniuses are working on funds to pay for routine legal “My family and I began to notice changes about three years AFP indictment of Trump’s former it,” Dowd said. “If it passes mus- matters such as ballot access ago. For a while, I resisted interrupting my work to visit a doctor,” campaign chief and another ter with the tax lawyers and disputes and compliance Jackson said in a statement. “After a battery of tests, my physi- he former mayor of Cara- aide, while a third former accountants, then it has to pass requirements, Trump is the first cians identified the issue as Parkinson’s disease, a disease that cas, a staunch opponent adviser pleaded guilty. muster with the Office of Gov- president in the modern cam- bested my father.” The diagnosis was made in 2015, and Jackson Tof Venezuela’s President Attorney General Jeff Ses- ernment Ethics.” paign finance era to use such said he was concentrating on “lifestyle changes”, physical ther- Nicolas Maduro, arrived in sions has offered shifting During former president Bill funds on the costs of respond- apy to slow disease progression, and on writing his memoir. He Madrid early yesterday after accounts of his Russia contacts Clinton’s administration, private ing to a criminal probe, said also said he would use his diagnosis as an opportunity to educate escaping house arrest and flee- while he was a campaign funds were raised to cover election law experts. others about the neurological illness. ing to Colombia. Antonio Ledezma, 62, managed to cross the border on Friday, saying he would now help organise resistance Pinochet casts long shadow over Chile vote to Maduro’s increasingly authoritarian rule which has left millions facing food and Santiago but he needs pinochetismo,” said Pinera should adopt more mod- medicine shortages. AFP Raul Elgueta, an analyst from the erate positions to win. From Bogota, he flew to University of Santiago. Pinochetism is dead, or very the Spanish capital where he e’s been dead for 11 years, Chile’s conservatism has marginal,” said Patricio Navia of was met by his wife and his but Augusto Pinochet still been jolted by four years of left- New York University. two daughters as well as Hcasts a long shadow over ist President Michelle Bachelet’s And yet, much of Chilean former Colombian president today’s presidential election in social reforms, including the society continues to value Pin- Andres Pastrana. A lawyer by conservative Chile, where the decriminalization of abortion ochet’s political and economic profession, Ledezma was right is set to reclaim power. and the introduction of same- legacy. Twenty-seven years arrested and jailed in Febru- Despite his iron-fisted regime sex marriage. In a largely dull after the end of his dictatorship, ary 2015 over allegations he being responsible for some 3,200 election campaign, Kast broke a the free-market economic sys- was plotting to overthrow the dead or missing, 12 percent of taboo with a speech lauding Pin- tem that he established remains president, and had been Chileans still consider the military ochet’s rule, saying he was almost intact, as does the private under house arrest since dictator one of the “best leaders” vehemently opposed to abortion pension system and the consti- August following surgery. in the country’s history, accord- and immigration, and called for tution that he backed in 1980. “Venezuela is not at the ing to a recent poll. a relaxing of gun laws to allow The electoral system he edge of an abyss, it’s at the Center-right billionaire busi- Workers set up polling stations at the National Stadium in citizens to defend themselves. introduced — and which has long bottom of the abyss: it is col- nessman Sebastian Pinera has a Santiago on the eve of Chile’s general elections. Kast managed to momentar- favoured the right — has been lapsing,” he said on arriving clear lead going into today’s first ily grab the media spotlight with dismantled by the Bachelet gov- at Madrid’s Barajas airport. round vote, but will probably admiration for Pinochet, has “Pinochetismo” remains a real- his direct views during the cam- ernment, which also wants to Ledezma said he plans to have to rely on some support forced Pinera to the right. The ity in Chile, and is still able to paign — including that he reform Chile’s elitist education travel the world to demon- from the hard right to prevail in businessman toughened up his wield influence in the country’s wouldn’t hesitate to shoot if he system. Forced to swing his elec- strate “the hope of all a run-off next month. rhetoric to the point that shouts largest party, the Independent discovered a burglar in his home toral campaign more to the right, Venezuelans to finish with The emergence during the of “Viva Pinochet” rang out dur- Democratic Union (UDI). It’s a — though his party only holds Pinera temporarily gave up the this regime, this dictatorship,” campaign of ultraconservative ing some of his rallies. weapon Pinera can’t easily around three percent support. idea of casting himself as the and accused Maduro’s gov- MP Jose Antonio Kast, who has Even though its political heft afford to ignore. “In the second round, every- leader of a political right wing ernment of “colluding with no qualms about professing his has declined over the years, “Pinera is not a pinochetist, one should vote for Pinera, and free of Pinochet’s legacy. drug traffickers”. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 HOME 15

Preparations on to welcome National Day celebrations PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.34am SHOROOK 05.53 am

ZUHR 11.19 am MAGHRIB 04.47 pm AZR 02.24 pm ISHA 06.17 pm

WEATHER TODAY

24oC 29oC Minimum Maximum

Preparations under way for the National Day celebrations on December 18 at Doha Corniche. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula

‘International cooperation Qatar plays pioneering role in support of development efforts part of national plan’ at global level: Envoy

The Peninsula emerged, after difficult consul- aid to friendly countries to QNA tations, calling on the Assembly about 13 sectors across various he State of Qatar has not to lose sight of this Decla- international humanitarian ini- E Permanent Representative of the State of affirmed that its ration, especially after it had tiatives around the world. Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alia Ahmed efforts, in the field of been affirmed by the Addis He pointed out that the gov- Hbin Saif Al -Thani said that Doha’s hosting of international cooper- Ababa Declaration of 2015. ernment subsidy represents 70 the high-level meeting to prepare for the Economic Hazy to misty at places at first and ation, including “The meeting today is a con- percent of Qatar’s foreign aid and Social Council Forum on Financing for Develop- partly cloudy to cloudy at times Tforeign aid, are part of its tinuation of the efforts of the compared to non-governmen- ment reflects Qatar’s pioneering role in supporting with chance of rain at places. national plan, to strengthen State of Qatar to support the tal assistance. This reflects the development at the global level. regional and international part- international movement for the political will to meet Qatar’s In remarks to reporters on the sidelines of the nerships for development. implementation of the Sustain- external commitments in line meeting, HE Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al -Thani HIGH TIDE 05:45 - 16:45 LOW TIDE 12:15 – 22:45

This came in a speech deliv- able Development Plan 2030,” with its role as an active and said that the international event being held in coop- Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department ered by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan he added. responsible member of the eration between the State of Qatar and the United Al Hammadi, Secretary-General Dr. Hammadi noted that the international community, Dr. Nations to discuss development issues, noting that of the Ministry of Foreign developing and least developed Al-Hammadi said. Qatar hosted in 2008 the International Follow-up Con- Affairs, at the ministerial round countries will be able to achieve He also pointed out that the ference on Financing for Development to review the table at the high-level meeting sustainable development in the contributions of charities, implementation of the Monterrey Consensus and this to prepare for the Economic and social, economic and environ- humanitarian institutions and meeting is held on the tenth anniversary of that impor- Social Council Forum on mental fields only through donor countries amounted to tant international conference. Financing for Development, funding their national plans in 30 per cent of the value of She noted that the International Conference has which began in Doha the areas of the 16 development external support. set strategic goals related to financing for develop- yesterday. goals through activating the 17th Dr. Al-Hammadi noted that ment and following up on international commitments Dr. Hammadi stressed that goal. the State of Qatar has been able in this area. This meeting is an affirmation of Qatar’s the implementation of sustain- “The State of Qatar had to expand its external assistance leading role in development assistance issues and able development plans 2030 integrated sustainable develop- geographically and sectoral issues related to financing for development and tan- depends mainly on political will, ment plans 2030 into the over the past years, and that gible achievements at the level of developing resource mobilization at the Second National Development such assistance has taken many countries.”, she added. national and international lev- Strategy 2017-2022 and its forms, such as contributions and HE Sheikha Alia Ahmed Bin Saif Al-Thani said that els and the effective use of this efforts in the area of interna- grants, tangible or technical Qatar, despite the unjust blockade, remains commit- potential. tional cooperation, including grants or soft loans, which are ted to achieving the development goals, stressing that He referred to the hosting foreign aid, became an integral often written off, as well as sup- this meeting confirms in its content this by Doha in 2008 of the Follow- part of its national plan, in line port for humanitarian and commitment. up International Conference on with its responsibility and com- development projects and pro- “Qatar is one of the leading countries in the imple- Financing for Development to mitment to strengthen its grams. He also pointed out that mentation of its international development review the implementation of regional and international part- the State of Qatar has focused commitments,” and it also has a prominent humani- the Monterrey Consensus and nerships,” he noted. its foreign aid on the education tarian role in all parts of the world. “, she added. the strong declaration that had He said Qatar has provided sector.

Readiness of emergency Beat Diabetes drive plans checked at HIA

The Peninsula guarantee the safety of employees in emergency amad Interna- cases.The mock exercises tional Airport at Hamad International H(HIA) manage- Airport and Doha Airport ment in collaboration have been developed in with Airport Security a way to provide an Department recently opportunity to other conducted an emergency departments for a exercise to check the national level training readiness of emergency meant to deal with emer- plans at the airport. gency scenarios and The fire drill was a many government bod- chance for all participat- ies participate in them. ing bodies to deal with First Lieutenant Sultan various aviation accident Abdulrahman Al Kaabi, related emergency situ- officer at Airport Secu- ations which can be rity Department said that Dr. Abdulla Al Hamaq (centre), Executive-Director of Qatar Diabetes Association; Santosh happen suddenly. the training used to Pai (third left), COO of Landmark Group Qatar; and other officials during the launch of ‘Beat It also came in the enhance the readiness of Diabetes’ initiative at Oxygen Park recently. Over, 5,000 residents came together to raise framework of commit- bodies working at Air- awareness about diabetes during the 8th annual walkathon organised as part of this by ment of HIA port to deal with any Landmark Group & Qatar Diabetes Associaltion. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula management to emergency case. Social network crucial for managing health of diabetic kids The Peninsula Successfully managing the health “When a child has diabetes, prepar- usually required. In the case of younger of a child with diabetes requires ongo- ing for school requires a little more children, adults will need to provide ommunity support is an essential ing support from paediatric health care planning. Children spend nearly half of most, if not all, of the care. Professor part of well-managed diabetes providers and individuals in the child’s their waking hours in school, so relia- Abou-Samra says it is important that Ccare in children and according to social network, including family, teach- ble diabetes care during the school day teachers and other school staff have the Professor Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, ers and other school staff. This support is extremely important to ensure the information and training they need to Chairman of Internal Medicine at is particularly important for young chil- child is safe and remains healthy,” said support the child while under their care. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and dren with Type 1 diabetes, as limited Professor Abou-Samra. In recognition of World Diabetes Day, Director of the Qatar Metabolic Insti- communication and motor skills, cog- While middle-school students may held annually on 14 November, HMC tute (QMI), this means educating a nitive abilities, and emotional maturity have the skills necessary to perform has planned a full month of activities child’s entire support system about their can challenge their ability to manage their own blood glucose monitoring and to highlight the importance of diabetes condition. the disease. insulin injections, some supervision is awareness, education, and research. 16 HOME SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.34am SHOROOK 05.53 am

ZUHR 11.19 am MAGHRIB 04.47 pm AZR 02.24 pm ISHA 06.17 pm

WEATHER TODAY

24oC 29oC Minimum Maximum

Hazy to misty at places at first and partly cloudy to cloudy at times with chance of rain at places.

HIGH TIDE 05:45 - 16:45 LOW TIDE 12:15 – 22:45

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department