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I express my pride in my Qatari people, along with the multinational and multicultural residents in Qatar. ” #Tamim_almajd Emir holds PM honours ‘diving’ & ‘parachute jumping’ graduates phone talks with Erdogan

QNA

mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yes- Eterday held a telephone conversation with President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The telephone con- versation reviewed bilateral ties between the fraternal countries and discussed cur- rent issues on regional and international fronts. US lawmakers eager to discuss Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other officials with the first batchof students of the Police College that participated in ‘diving’ and ‘parachute jumping’ courses. siege: NHRC Chief he National Human The Peninsula yesterday in the Sealine area. and Rescue Group. sessions for the graduates, started on July 23 and is aimed Rights Committee Some 105 students from the The International/ Qatar besides honouring the at preparing candidates and T(NHRC) Chairman Dr Ali rime Minister and Interior first batch of the Police College Search and Rescue Group per- participants. training them to swim and dive bin Sumaikh Al Marri has said Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- participated in the two training formed live parachute jumping The ceremony was through intensive and integrated that during his meetings with Plah bin Nasser bin Khalifa courses that were held from July holding the image of Tamim Al attended by senior officials programmes under professional a number of US Congress Al Thani attended the gradua- to September. Majd, along the flag of Qatar, and officers of the Ministry of trainers. The parachute jumping members, he had noted a tion ceremony of diving and The ceremony included flags of Internal Security Force Interior, members of the course started on September 10 strong will to discuss viola- parachute jumping courses for live parachute jumps by grad- (Lekhwiya) and the Police Col- Supreme Council of the Police and ended yesterday with the tions of human rights by the the first batch of Police College uates from a height of 5,000 lege. At the end of the ceremony, College, and parents of graduation ceremony. siege at the US Congress. students. feet, as well as paratroopers of the Prime Minister honoured and graduates. The ceremony took place the International/ Qatar Search gave away the badges of the two Meanwhile, the diving course → See also page 2 → See also page 5 Qatar to address education challenges: Al Muraikhi Enough supply of

New York uncertainty caused by conflicts, Mission of the State of Qatar to was held on the sidelines of the QNA mass migration, increasing the United Nations in New York 72nd Session of the United meat in country inequality, rapid technological and the United Nations Children’s Nations General Assembly. atar has reiterated its development and other factors. Fund (Unicef) on “Partnership The Minister of State for Sachin Kumar commitment to working This came in an inaugural and Means of Cooperation Foreign Affairs stressed that The Peninsula Qtogether with United speech delivered by Minister of between Governments, education in Qatar is a collective Widam provides Nations agencies, partners and State for Foreign Affairs H E Multilateral Assistance need and a right and key to the here is enough supply of Australian, Indian, institutions to address the Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi at a Organizations, United Nations well-being of societies. meat in the local market Sudanese, Pakistan challenges of education in high-level working breakfast agencies and civil society despite the illegal block- Continued on page 6 T and Arab sheep and emergencies, economic organised by the Permanent organisations in educatio,” which → ade on Qatar by siege countries and the availability cows from Australia, will remain adequate in the Pakistan and Somalia future as Widam Food is look- to the local market. Spaniards ing to import meat from new Red Arrows perform at Doha Corniche countries. The company, rally for unity which is the largest provider of red meat in the country, is “We are opening new ahead of vote also planning to expand its branches very fast because of branch network to meet the the market demand. We now growing demand in the local have 30 branches and we plan Barcelona market. to open a lot more in future,” AFP “We have lot of new mar- he added. kets on the table. We are The efforts by the company housands of flag-wav- looking to New Zealand, Bra- will provide a big boost to the ing protesters rallied in zil, South Africa and Turkey and country in the field of food Tcities across Spain, other countries,” said Abdul sufficiency. including Barcelona and Rahman bin Mohammed Al The unjust blockade Madrid, in favour of national Khayarain, CEO of Widam talk- imposed by the siege countries unity yesterday, a day before ing to The Peninsula on the on Qatar has had no impact as a banned referendum on sidelines of an exhibition for there is no shortage of meat in independence for Catalonia. food and pharmaceutical the local market. In Barcelona, the capital companies. “Our business is going nor- of the northeastern region, a “We are the biggest com- mal. There is no shortage of crowd of several thousand pany in Qatar providing meat meat in the local market. Before filled a square in front of the for 90 percent of the market,” and after the blockade, our headquarters of the regional he added. business is as usual and there government which is push- The company plans to is no difference. We have a lot ing ahead with the vote even import meat from the new of new different countries to though the courts have ruled A scintillating show by Royal Air Force Red Arrows aircraft put crowds on cloud nine as the countries in a couple of months. bring meat from. Our main sup- it unconstitutional. autumn sky over the Doha Corniche came alive with colourful contrails streaking across “We expect to import meat pliers are Australia, Sudan, “Catalonia is Spain!” and the firmament yesterday. Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula → See also page 20 from new markets in the next Somalia, Azerbaijan, India and “We are also Catalans!” they two months,” he added. Pakistan,” he added. chanted in the rain. “I am Widam provides Australian, The company, in collabo- tired of this fracture, tired of Indian, Sudanese, Pakistan and ration with the Ministry of this anti-democracy, tired of Arab sheep and cows from Aus- Economy and Commerce, runs these impositions, of this law- tralia, Pakistan and Somalia to an initiative to provide subsi- breaking,” said 54-year-old Dial 109 for education enquiries the local market. dised Arab sheep to citizens. It Maria Jose Moreno. Madrid In order to increase its pres- had launched a new slaughter has vowed to stop the refer- THE Ministry of Education and Higher Education vises this centre in order to achieve the strategy of ence across the country and to house in Central Market last endum from going ahead. has announced that the number 109 is the unified the Digital Government of the State of Qatar 2020. get more close to customers, the year, which is first of its kind in government call centre number. It noted that the company is planning to expand the country for slaughtering → See also page 17 Ministry of transport and Communications super- → Continued on page 5 its branch network. camels. 02 HOME SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 PM attends graduation of diving and parachute jumping course

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and Staff Major General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, the Director-General of Public Security, and other officials at the graduation ceremony of the diving and parachute jumping courses for the first batch of the Police College students held at Sealine yesterday. Parachute jumping shows were held by some of the graduates from a height of 5,000 feet, as well as paratroopers of the International/ Qatar Search and Rescue Group holding the image of Tamim Al Majd, the flag of the State of Qatar, flags of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the Police College. The Prime Minister honoured the graduates and distributed badges of the two sessions to the graduates. The ceremony was also attended by senior officials and officers of the Ministry of Interior, members of the Supreme Council of the Police College, and parents of graduates.

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The signing of the Foundation and the Insti- collaborate in academics, agreement with HBKU enlarges the tut Pasteur signed a research, teaching and frame of the partnership to higher Memorandum of Under- knowledge-sharing. education and research institutions Hstanding (MoU) in Paris on Friday, led by Qatar Foundation. Hence, it announcing a new partnership to work will include in addition to infectious closely in the field of biomedical HBKU aiming to become a diseases the research on most prev- research. key player in healthcare alent chronic diseases in the region The two research intensive enti- and research in the region. like diabetes, cancer, neurodegener- ties will collaborate in the fields of ative and genetic diseases, H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, academics, research, teaching and particularly in the context of the suc- knowledge sharing. facing the world, has been rapidly cessful Qatari genome project,” said Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and Dr Christian Bréchot, President The agreement was signed by H ramping up over the years. Being Dr Bréchot. of Institut Pasteur, signing the agreement in Paris. BELOW: H E Sheikha Hind with E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, home to research centers like the The MoU between HBKU and officials at Salle des Actes, Institut Pasteur. Chairperson of Hamad Bin Khalifa Qatar Biomedical Research Institute Institut Pasteur will see a close col- University, Vice-Chairperson and (QBRI) and the College of Health and laboration in joint research and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and Dr Life Sciences as well as working with academic collaboration in the areas Christian Bréchot, President of Insti- local and international partners, the of genomics and precision medicine. tut Pasteur, at a ceremony held in University is aiming to become a key The partnership will have students, Paris’ on September 29, at Salle des player in healthcare and research in researchers and scientists between Actes, Institut Pasteur. the region. from both entities working together Dr Khaled Al Mansouri, Qatar’s Named after the renowned Louis on research projects as early as 2018. Ambassador to France, Dr Ahmad M Pasteur, the Institut Pasteur brings Dr Al Mansouri, said, “Qatar con- Hasnah, President of HBKU, along with it 130 years of breakthrough dis- tinues to remain steadfast in its with senior official from both insti- coveries in preventing and treating commitment towards the country’s tutions, were in attendance at the infectious diseases. With ten Nobel human development goals, as laid out ceremony. laureates, the Institute’s contributions in the Qatar National Vision 2030. Sheikha Hind commented on the to field of medicine and physiology Qatar aims to enhance its cooperation new partnership saying,“Hamad Bin are innumerable. Today, the 130 and partnership with France in differ- Khalifa University has consistently and research units of its Parisian campus ent fields and partnerships such as this diligently played a prominent role in site continue to make contributions one with the internationally recognized promoting and facilitating innovation, of global impact to biomedical Institut Pasteur and HBKU are a testa- scientific research and academic excel- research. ment to Qatar’s role in strengthening lence, in Qatar with the aspiration of “As Qatar Foundation’s homeg- its collaborations that foster knowledge global impact. We firmly believe that rown university, innovation is at the sharing and cooperation. We are proud our commitment to being a global core of HBKU’s values. Inspired by to have our homegrown university leader in innovation and education has this and driven by the spirit of col- partner with the Institut, to work yielded numerous achievements since laboration, the University has together on the pressing challenges the am convinced this partner- project.” achieving the Qatar our inception.” developed a dynamic ecosystem, world faces in the field of disease pre- ship will enrich both entities The agreement will also National Vision 2030. “Today, with this new partner- contributing to knowledge and sci- vention and genomics with academic experience see faculty and PhD stu- HBKU and Institut Pasteur ship with the Institut Pasteur, our ence, with global impact,” Sheikha Eric Chevallier, Ambassador of and innovative research, not dents from the two will organize and facilitate researchers, scholars, academics and Hind said. France to Qatar said, “The MoU is the only in infectious disease, but institutions exercise more conferences, seminars, students will be further emboldened “One of the Institut Pasteur’s achievement of the impulse given by also in other domains, such mobility between the cam- workshops and trainings to to facilitate ground-breaking discov- fundamental missions is to bring HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Founder as genomics and genetics. I puses, for teaching and raise awareness and inspire eries in healthcare, biomedical its expertise to support capacity and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, am proud of this signature research. Beyond academ- the coming generations of sciences, and genomics,” she added. building in biomedical research just a few months ago. This partner- because it was a priority of ics, they will actively work scientists in the field of HBKU’s commitment to being an through training and education. ship demonstrates again the strong ties my term in Qatar and because towards strengthening the genomics and the preven- innovation-driven research univer- The Institut Pasteur has been between France and Qatar in the we all have worked hard at healthcare infrastructure tion of infectious disease sity, addressing the critical challenges involved one year ago in training domains of education and research. I the French Embassy for this in Qatar, and build towards and other research areas. 04 HOME SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 New irrigation system found effective in saving water

Sidi Mohammed 50% water saved affected by the new system. The Peninsula An official at the department It saves 50 percent said that the “department is he new irrigation system of water and helps in using the modern irrigation sys- approved by the Depart- keeping the plants tem to save water consumption Tment of Public Parks at the healthy and green especially in the new public Ministry of Municipality and while ensuring good parks, and is also using energy- Environment has achieved a big level of growth. saving LED lights that replace success in reducing water con- traditional ones”. The system sumption for irrigation. The implementation was tested for over 15 months. It saves 50 percent of water of the system took 15 It uses half the water traditional and helps in keeping the plants irrigation systems consume. months — from healthy and green while ensur- The result of the test was September 2014 to Qatar’s delegation at the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury. ing good level of growth. positive, and accordingly, the The results recorded by December 2015. department has approved the technical committee at the Pub- system so that it can be used in lic Parks Department shows also all categories of plants, the government’s greenery and Qatar participates in high-level good results of the quantity of whether palm trees, seasonal beautification projects. water which has been used and flowers, etc were not negatively The Ministry of Municipal- ity and Environment said in an meeting on mercury pollution earlier statement that the imple- mentation of the system took 15 months — from September 2014 Geneva Minamata Convention, after pollution. In the roundtable to December 2015. QNA seven international negotiations events for high-level participants It also said that this outcome sessions that lasted a decade, and from all over the world, issues will help expand green areas he State of Qatar has par- resulted in an international agree- related to mercury pollution in air, and plantations and will have a ticipated in the First ment on the binding international soil and water, exchange of expe- positive impact on the environ- Tmeeting of the Conference legal instrument on mercury. riences and future visions on ment and will check of the Parties to the Minamata The first meeting entitled mercury and the treatment of desertification. The importance Convention on Mercury (COP1), “Make Mercury History” to cele- adverse effects of mercury and of this system came from the and the roundtable and high- brate the commitment of the its compounds, and the achieve- need to save more water and not level meeting on mercury issues international community to the ment of the goals of sustainable wasting it which will help of sus- from September 24-29, in Minamata Convention, as it pro- development 2030 were tainable development. The Geneva, Switzerland. vides a unique opportunity to addressed through the sound system will help of save tens At the first meeting, the inter- raise global awareness of the management of hazardous chem- millions of cubic meters per national community celebrated scope of the Convention and the icals, together with other relevant The new irrigation system. year. the entry into force of the damage caused by mercury international conventions. HMC plans breast cancer awareness events Samsung Galaxy Note8 available at Ooredoo The Peninsula changes in their breasts or any unu- The Executive Director of Nurs- sual symptoms. Time is of the ing at NCCCR, Catherine Gillespie, amad Medical Corporation essence, and without doubt, breast says that while HMC has adopted The Peninsula The Galaxy Note8 (HMC) is joining global efforts cancer is most treatable when cutting-edge technologies, includ- also comes with a dual Hto increase public awareness detected early.” ing operating the first PET CT oredoo camera with great low- of breast cancer, and specifically the According to the Qatar National scanner in the region, the focus announced yes- light capabilities and disease’s signs and symptoms, coin- Cancer Registry at the Ministry of remains on improving cancer serv- Oterday the telephoto lens to give a ciding with October the Breast Public Health, 16.2 percent of breast ices and patient outcomes. Samsung Galaxy Note8 2x optical zoom for users Cancer Awareness Month. cancer cases diagnosed in Qatar are “Our focus on improving cancer is available for purchase to capture images near The most common symptom of in women aged between 45 and 49 services – one of the objectives of now at Ooredoo shops, and far. breast cancer is a new lump or mass. years old. Breast cancer is the most the National Cancer Strategy (2011- and online via the eShop. The Samsung Gal- Other possible symptoms can common cancer among women in 2016) – has seen advancements in Ooredoo is offering the axy Note8 will work include swelling of all or part of a Qatar and the second leading cause cancer diagnostics and treatment new Galaxy Note8 with Ooredoo’s Cate- breast, skin irritation or dimpling, of death in women worldwide. options year on year. As a result, the (64GB) device for just gory 9 LTE-Advanced breast or nipple pain, nipple retrac- In recent years, the discovery of number of people who have sur- QR3,449. network, enabling tion (turning inward), redness or new therapies and technologies has vived cancer has greatly increased.” The Samsung Gal- download speeds of up thickening of the nipple or breast provided an almost overwhelming As part of Breast Cancer Aware- axy Note8 is available to 325Mbps. skin, and nipple discharge (other menu of treatment choices for breast ness Month, which is held annually in Gold, Black, and Ooredoo is an official than breast milk). cancer, bringing new hope for treatments keep getting better and every October, HMC is reminding Orchid Grey, and offers partner of Samsung Prof. Karl Alexander Knuth (pic- patients. According to Professor people know more than ever before the public about the importance of a host of amazing fea- phones in Qatar, and the tured), Medical Director at the Knuth, while there have been many about ways to protect themselves prevention, early detection, and tures such as a 6.3-inch strong connection National Center for Cancer Care and advancements in breast cancer against this disease. When combined treatment of breast cancer. Infinity Display screen between the two compa- Research (NCCCR) stated: “At HMC, treatment, particularly in the area together, technology advancements, Throughout the month, it is holding size, wireless charging nies means that we strongly believe in the link of drug therapies, regular breast research developments, and aware- a range of activities aimed at capabilities, and high- customers can enjoy the between awareness and reducing screenings are essential for reduc- ness programs greatly help to enhancing awareness of breast can- performing 10nm latest devices, as well as the incidence of breast cancer. We ing one’s risk of breast cancer. improve all cancer services and cer risk factors among women and mobile processor and guaranteed authorised encourage women of any age to seek “There has been a lot of good reduce the impact and extent of increasing knowledge of lesser- 6GB RAM to make products from the medical advice if they notice news about breast cancer recently; breast cancer,” Professor Knuth said. known breast cancer symptoms. things run smoothly. company. Hundreds join Vodafone’s iPhone 8 & Plus launch

The Peninsula

odafone has officially launched the highly Vawaited smartphones, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, in the country. An exclu- sive midnight event which saw hundreds of people showing up at the company’s store located at Villaggio Mall, has marked the moment everyone was eagerly waiting for. Those who pre-ordered online and wanted to be some of the firsts to pick up their favourite Customers at a Vodafone outlet for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus phones. handset, joined the Vodafone team for the chance to be part of the memorable event. In addition, to give iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus. Vodafone Qatar, said: “We wider access to other cus- At the event, Vodafone are very proud to have tomers who wished to announced that all new launched the iPhone 8 and purchase iPhone 8 or and existing Vodafone iPhone 8 Plus in Qatar and iPhone 8 Plus on the spot, Postpaid customers will we were extremely happy Vodafone this year enjoy 8GB a month of local to see a great number of extended the opening data for 3 months with people joining us in cele- hours of three of its other their new iPhone. Voda- brating this event. We have flagship stores in Mall of fone Prepaid customers timed the launch with a Qatar, Landmark and City will receive 8GB of local fantastic data offer to both Center. data for 90 days. Further- our new and existing Post- Timed with the launch, more, Vodafone offers paid and Prepaid Vodafone launched great 2-year warranty with all customers in order to data offers for both Post- iPhone purchases. guarantee a most enjoya- paid and Prepaid Diego Camberos, Com- ble experience on our customers who purchased mercial Director at world class network.” SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 HOME 05 Al Rayan Poultry plans largest farm

The Peninsula On the other hand, Dar Al The project, when completed, will have a Rayan Investment Company, atari owned Dar Al production capacity of 70,000 tonnes of broiler through Al Rayan Food Company Rayan Investment which is subsidiary of Dar Al Company has meat and 250 million eggs per year, making it Rayan Investment Company, is announced the first of the largest poultry farm in the country capable planning to establish the largest Qits kind initiative that dairy farm in Qatar which will of covering current and future market demand. will revolutionise the poultry produce all types of dairy prod- sector and boost local produc- ucts, by importing about seven tion of poultry products in the thousand cows that have genetic country. of 70,000 tonnes of broiler meat capacity exceeding 90 tons/hour characteristics to withstand the Committing to significant and 250 million eggs per year, will also cover the need of other very hot humid climate in Qatar. investments in excess of QR1.6bn, making it the largest poultry producers in the country. Al Rayan Poultry, a subsidiary of farm in the country capable of In order to ensure global Dar Al Rayan Investment Com- covering current and future mar- standards in production and dis- Sheikh Suhaim bin Khaled Al Thani (left), Chairman of Dar Al Rayan Investment Company; pany, plans to introduce the ket demand. Al Rayan Poultry tribution, Al Rayan Poultry have largest exclusive integrated poul- has already dedicated more than engaged one of the best interna- Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani (centre), Vice -Chairman of Dar Al Rayan try farm in the country. “Through 15 million SQM of land for the tional consultants to undertake Investment Company; and Mohammed Hussein Al Ali. Dar Al Rayan Investment Com- project and is spread across var- this project. The company has pany, we aim to contribute and ious strategic locations covering also appointed innovative glo- high standards in terms technol- be a part of vision 2030 by the whole of Qatar including the bal technology providers for the ogy, hygiene and operational undertaking strategic projects First Agro Cluster in the South supply and installation of all the standards.” that will support Qatar’s food and Al Waab farms, Al Dawood- machineries. The project will be Mohammed Hussein Al Ali, security programme,” said iyah and Al Sidriya farms in the completed through implement- said, “Our focus is not just to Sheikh Suhaim bin Khaled Al north. ing all the latest technologies and build a poultry farm, but to cre- Thani, Chairman of Dar Al Rayan In a major step to boost local will adopt the highest bio-secu- ate a whole ecosystem that Investment Company. production of poultry products rity measures. supports the production of “Al Rayan Poultry will be an in the country, Al Rayan poultry Sheikh Khalifa bin Moham- domestic poultry products. Steps asset to the country’s future, as plans to undertake a unique and med bin Khalifa Al Thani, Vice like providing parent stock poul- it is implemented with a special critical area within the industry, -Chairman of Dar Al Rayan try feed and factory will all emphasis on positioning our- parent stock, which is introduced Investment Company stated, “We support and encourage smaller selves as the best poultry for the first time in Qatar and will want to make Al Rayan Poultry broiler meat production units in provider in Qatar and the whole have the capacity to supply other a unique project with global the country. This, in the long run region.” smaller broiler meat producers standards that our country and will contribute significantly to The project when completed in the country as well. Moreover, its wise leadership will take pride the local economy and domes- will have a production capacity the planned feed mill production in. As such, we strive to set very tic food security.”

Dial 109 for education PHCC now providing services at enquiries Continued from specialised clinics on weekends page 1 rimary Health Care Cor- The Ministry of poration (PHCC) is now The PHCC began to open specialised clinics Education and Pproviding services at during the weekend in some healthcare Higher Education specialised clinics during the said that this gov- weekend in some of its health- centres since September 16. It has also ernment call centre care centres, according to increased the number of dental clinics on number came geographical distribution and Saturdays and patients can schedule their within the frame- the number of patients. The appointments by calling 107. work of joint PHCC began to open special- cooperation ised clinics during the between them and weekend in some healthcare Also PHCC has increased this step comes within the the Ministry of centres since September 16, the number of dental clinics on objectives of PHCC aims to Communications, with a plan to expand it and Saturdays and patients can achieve within the framework aims to activate the include more centres. schedule their appointments of its development plans, which hotline to be a uni- The Executive Director of to these clinics on Saturdays intend to remove all obstacles fied number Operations at the PHCC, Dr by calling 107. Dr. Al Abdullah that prevent the access of vis- capable of support- Samia Al Abdullah, said that in said that 25 percent of the itors to their services fast to ing all services and addition to the general and capacity of clinics and special- align with the pillars of the provide the time, dental clinics which were ear- ised services on Saturday for National Health Strategy and effort and costs to lier operational during the emergencies and visits on the in line with the vision of Qatar government agen- weekend, services such as same day without a prior National 2030. The specialised cies, thereby ophthalmology, otolaryngol- appointment, and 75 percent clinics are open during the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Chairman, Dr. Ali bin Sumaikh Al helping to speed up ogy, ophthalmology, of the capacity was allocated weekend in morning hours on Marri, with Congressman Stephen Lynch. the implementation ultrasound and physiotherapy for visits by appointment and Saturdays, where the ophthal- of the Digital Gov- are now available on transfers from other centres. mology services are available ernment 2020. The Saturdays. She also pointed out that at Rawdat Alkhail, Al Rayyan US lawmakers call centre also pro- and Madinat Khalifa , and oph- vides services thalmology, dermatology and based on interna- It was also pointed out that this step physiotherapy services are tional standards for comes within the objectives of PHCC aims available at Rawdat Alkhail and eager to discuss customer services Leabaib Health Centre, and for and through vari- to achieve within the framework of its ENT Clinics open at the Raw- ous channels development plans, which intend to remove dat Alkhail Health Centre, and including telephone all obstacles that prevent the access of for Ultrasound services avail- siege: NHRC Chief calls, faxes, SMS, able at Rawdat Alkhail, e-mails and visitors to their services Mesaimeer and Madinat Kha- The Peninsula at the table of Congress debates strongly, e-conversations. lifa Health Centre. in absolute agreement to reject involv- he National Human Rights Com- ing citizens and residents in political mittee (NHRC) Chairman Dr. Ali conflicts, or take them hostage to any Tbin Sumaikh Al Marri has said that political strife. during his meetings with a number of Al Marri made the remarks at the US Congress members, he had noted a end of a series of intensive meetings in strong will to discuss the file of viola- Washington, DC, with a number of rep- tions of human rights by the siege at the resentatives of the Republican and US Congress. Democratic parties in the US Congress, Dr. Al Marri met with a number of which witnessed fruitful discussions, on US House of Representatives members the repercussions of the siege imposed at the Congress including Mike on the State of Qatar since June 5. Capuano , Stephen Lynch, David Cicil- In the context of these meetings, Dr. line and Nita Lowey, where he gave Al Marri also met with the two US Rep- them detailed explanations of the vio- resentatives Republican Congressmen lations of human rights by the siege Trent Franks and Gus Bilirakis, and countries the deprivation of citizens another discussion session with the and residents of Qatar and citizens of Chairman of the “Tom Lantos” Human the Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, the UAE Rights Commission in the US Congress and Bahrain) of their fundamental James McGovern, as well as another rights, foremost of which is the right meeting with officials of the Foreign to education, transportation, treatment, Relations Committee of Congress And family reunification and the perform- the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights ance of religious rites. Foundation. The NHRC Chairman said he had The enormous and intense momen- noted the remarkable interest of the US tum of these meetings with a number Congress members and their deep con- of Republican and Democratic legisla- cern over the tragedies faced by citizens tors reflects the National Human Rights and residents of Qatar and the three Gulf Committee’s keenness to hand over States due to the unjust siege. these documented reports on the grave He also praised their response and human rights violations caused by the keenness to put human rights violations siege imposed on the State of Qatar. 06 HOME SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 Simulation-based training to hone skills of WCM-Q pupils

Fazeena Saleem continuously enhance the stand- Sharing her experience Syeda The Peninsula ard of education we offer to our said, “It’s a reflection of what hap- students, and the re-Iaunched pens in the labour room. The only he region’s one of the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab thing missing was blood, than that most technologically adheres to this important princi- it was very realistic. Even the advanced facilities, ple. The -new facility not only baby has the weight and the cry equipped with a wider brings WCM-Q up to date with of a real baby. You feel like you selection of modern the latest innovations in medical are real in the moment. It pro- Tteaching aids that simulate real- education but puts us ahead of the jected real emotion in the room.” world clinical situations, is now curve, which will be of enormous “It prepares us to real situa- available for students at Weill benefit to both our students and tions in the clinics or labour room Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM- the patients they will care for after with patients,” she added. Q). The newly expanded and they graduate.” The CSSL at the WCM-C, for- upgraded state-of-the-art Clini- The CSSL is equipped with merly known as the Clinical Skills cal Skills and Simulation Lab lifelike medical mannequins that Center, has been expanded from (CSSL) was officially inaugurated are able to simulate a vast range 8,500 to 10,500 square feet and on Thursday at the campus. of symptoms such as a racing now has 12 clinical examination Dr. Javaid I Sheikh, Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar; Dr. Stella Major, Director of At this modernised facility heartbeat and dilated pupils, to a rooms, up from six previously. Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab; and Lan Sawan, Manager of Clinical Skills and Simulation students will gain practical skills swollen tongue or a full-blown Each examination room is fully Lab with other officials cutting a cake to mark the official inauguration of the lab. they need in a risk-free environ- seizure and its all controlled equipped with diagnostic instru- Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula ment under the guidance of remotely by a technician. Stu- ments for examining the ears and WCM-Q’s highly trained teach- dents working with the eyes and measuring blood pres- machines. CSSL also a cardiop- address their skill gaps and needs Six-Year Medical Program at ing faculty. mannequins can practice sure and temperature. Students ulmonary patient simulator and in a safe environment, to attain a WCM-Q which comprises a Two- Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of responding to an almost limitless learn to utilize these instruments a variety of 3D anatomical very high level of proficiency. This Year Pre-Medical Curriculum and WCM-Q, together with Dr. Stella array of conditions as if they were under instructor supervision and models. will help them to be extremely a Four-Year Medical Curriculum, Major, Associate Professor and in a real ER (emergency room), with the help of ‘standardized Dr Major, said, “Students now well prepared for the demands both of which place more empha- Director of the CSSL and Lan such as a cardiac arrest, respira- patients’ - individuals trained to have the chance to practice and of modern medicine.” sis on the attainment of practical Sawan, Manager of the CSSL tory infections, heatstroke or even play the role of patients. Other perfect a wide range of commu- The CSSL also has a newly physcianship skills than tradition inaugurated the facility during a childbirth. facilities in the revamped suite nication and procedural skills updated high-definition audio- medical curricula. Upon gradua- ceremony held at the campus. Making it an exciting moment include hi-tech training aids for before entering the real world of visual system with remotely tion, students receive the same Dr. Sheikh, said, “At WCM-Q to the guests, Syeda Razia Haider, practicing administering joint patient care. While in clinical controlled cameras placed in stra- M.D. degree awarded to students we have always been enthusias- a third year student assisted a life- injections, taking blood samples, training the students can also tegic locations. at the Weill Cornell Medicine tic early adopters of new size birth simulator mannequin inserting intravenous lines and benefit from the center by using Enhancing and expanding the campus in New York. technologies that enable us to ‘deliver’ a simulator baby. using portable ultrasound it to augment their skills and CSSL complements the integrated Kahramaa Chief urges consumers to reduce utility wastage

Sanaullah Ataullah expatriates at subsidised prices natural resources as natural gas The Peninsula in a bid to provide them high is being used for the production standard life. And the subsidy of electricity and water. And the he Kahramaa’s ongoing policy also aims at providing Qatar’s National Vision 2030 National Program for Con- basic needs to consumers with- also aims at preserving Tservation and Energy out putting any additional resources of the country for next Efficiency (Tarsheed) does not burden on them,” said Al generation. have any impact on the conven- Kuwari. The President said that so ience of citizens and expatriates, The President said that the far, Tarsheed programme said Kahramaa Chief. cost of utility production is very helped in saving the per capital “The programme aims at high but with the help of state consumption of electricity and reducing the consumption of support and modern technol- water about 18 percent and 20 Gary Connan, Technical and Development Manager at Halfen-Moment Group, with other utility by cutting the wastage ogy we successfully created percent respectively that is a officials from Teyseer Rebar Contractors during the seminar at Radison Blu, enabling consumers to enjoy balance in the cost, he added. great achievement. their life with comfort,” said the “Tarsheed programme does Another purpose of the util- President of the Qatar General not require from consumers to ity conservation drive is to Electricity and Water Corpora- reduce the consumption of util- reduce the carbon emission in Seminar held to explore tion (Kahrama), Issa bin Hilal Al ity from their need but it asks a bid to protect the Kuwari in a video footage posted them to stop the wastage. The environment. on social networking sites of unnecessary uses of air condi- Electricity sector represents new business opportunities Kahramaa. tioning and lightening are itself 17 percent of total emissions of Al Kuwari said that produc- wastage of money for citizens the country and we reduced tion of a square meter water and expatriates,” said Al Kuwari. about seven percent that is a bid Amna Pervaiz Rao developments in Qatar. aim of the seminar was to convey costs about QR9.5 as per the The programme educates figure for the protection of the The Peninsula The seminar was conducted the engineers of Doha about Hal- prices of gas in the international the consumers how to bring effi- environment, said Al Kuwari. by Gary Connan, Technical and fen Moment products, which help markets but it is being provided ciency in the consumption of Tarsheed programme was s Qatar is marching towards Development Manager at Halfen- to reduce cost, improve safety and to citizens and expatriates at utility so they could lead a com- launched in 2011 as a five year achieving self-reliance in Moment Group. The Seminar widen precast use such as the subsidised prices. fortable life without wasting it. goal. First goal was achieved and Aall sectors from food to included a mix of lectures, tech- recess provided in the lifting “The state provides electric- The basic goal of Tarsheed second goal will be accom- construction, local companies too nical sessions, and case studies clutches and their ‘invisible ity and water to citizens and programme is to preserve the plished in 2020. have geared up their efforts in this through interaction with the connections’.” regard with new initiatives which participants. Discussions in the seminar will ultimately help materialising K S Kumar,General-Manager primarily revolved around lifting the goal. of Teyseer Building Materials and and erecting of precast elements; Qatar to In line with Qatar’s vision of Transport Company told The connections for wall panels; con- achieving self-sufficiency, Halfen- Peninsula: “Under the motto of nections for columns and beams Moment Group and their Qatari self-sufficiency as Qatar envis- and connections for stair landings participate in distributor Teyseer Rebar Con- aged under Qatar National Vision in the precast sector. The event tractors, a division of Teyseer 2030, Teyseer Group has taken was also an opportunity for Hal- Holy Quran Building Materials, recently held many steps to explore, source and fen-Moment Group and Teyseer a technical seminar on “Advanced evaluate new business opportu- Rebar Contractors to provide a contest in Croatia Precast – Connections and Lift- nities. This seminar is one of many platform to exchange views on ing” to promote the latest steps taken by Teyseer Group. The precast technologies in the region. The Peninsula

he Ministry of Awqaf and Qatar to address education challenges: Al Muraikhi Islamic Affairs has Tannounced to participate in an international competition Continued from page 1 sustainable development goals Director of the United Nations for memorising Holy Quran in for investment in the education Children’s Fund (UNICEF) HE Croatia in which Qatar bagged In this regard, he referred to sector. Anthony Lake, Director-General first prize last year. the World Innovation Summit It also reviewed the success- of the United Nations Educa- Croatia whose capital is for Education (WISE), which will ful elements and models of tional, Scientific and Cultural Zagreb is located in Central and focus on coexistence and part- existing, multisectoral and inno- Organization ( UNESCO) HE Southern Europe, on the Adri- The members of the delegation from Qatar getting ready to nership in the promotion of vative partnerships in education Irina Bokova, and the High Rep- atic Sea. education during its 2017 Ses- and highlighted the challenges resentative of the United Nations A delegation from the Reli- participate at the International Holy Quran contest in Croatia. sion, to be held in Doha from to cooperation among various Alliance of Civilizations HE gious Calling and Guidance 14-16 November, HE the Minis- development actors, including Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Nasr. Department at the Ministry will got first prize in the competition prize in an international Holy ter noted. government aid and multilat- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) move on Thursday to Croatia for of memorising Holy Quran com- Quran memorizing contest The high-level working eral development banks. of Education Above All Fahd Al the participation of the fourth pletely held last year. organized in Khartoum, capital breakfast provided an opportu- Participants also discussed Sulaiti, and Director General of edition of the International Holy The Qatari candidate Abdul- of Sudan. He also obtained first nity to bring together Member the role that national govern- Qatar Fund for Development Quran Contest in Croatia, said a lah Hamad Bu Sahridah has prize in the International King States, relevant United Nations ments can play in education. The Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, release.The delegation will com- been excellent candidate from Abdul Aziz Holy Quran compe- agencies, education institutions, high-level working breakfast as well as a number of promi- prise with candidate Abdullah Qatar and bagged a number of tition at Mecca, second prize in civil society organizations and was held in the presence of the nent international experts and Hamad Bu Sahridah and super- prizes in the international Holy the International Holy Quran the private sector to promote Minister for Foreign Affairs of personalities involved in edu- visor Yusuf Mohamad Hashi. Quran competitions organized Contest at Algeria and third partnership in the implementa- the Republic of Kenya HE Amina cation took part in the The candidate from Qatar in all over the world in the past. prize at the International Holy tion of the fourth objective of Mohamed, the Executive discussions. Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Hamiri Bu Sahridah bagged first Quran Contest in Malaysia. SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 HOME 07 Qatar Museums extend operating hours Siege: Social media The Peninsula becomes platform ooking to accommodate increasing interest from residents and visitors to LQatar, Qatar Museums (QM) has for spreading hatred announced extended operating hours for its museums, galleries and institutions. QM is entering another busy exhibitions season, jam-packed with world-class shows and dissemination of rumours and community workshops. to damage countries and polit- QM has a number of major exhibitions ical symbols and mainstream on show across several of its sites and is get- media. ting ready to open two more exhibitions as It turned the websites to part of the Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Cul- spread insults in away seems to ture next week. be far from the high values and Opening in QM Gallery Al Riwaq, Driven ethics of the societies where by German Design is curated by Prof Dr Mar- brothers are insulting their tin Roth, in close partnership with the cousins in other countries, and Volkswagen Group. It traces the evolution neighbours have began to stab of German design over more than six dec- their nearest neighbours and ades, and features numerous design objects brothers as if the World War III loaned from some of Germany’s most sig- has begun. nificant cultural institutions. The blockading countries Simultaneously, opening at Doha Fire The Museum of Islamic Arts Pic: Qassim Rahmatullah / The Peninsula Dr Rabeea bin Sabah Al Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Station, Garage Gallery, German Encounters Kuwari, Arab Emirates and Bahrain, – Contemporary Masterworks from the the start of the early modern period in new interpretation of the museum’s exten- Assistant Professor of have contributed to spreading Deutsche Bank Collection, will showcase a Islamic art - the Ottoman, Safavid, and sive collection, bringing together landmark Journalism at Qatar sedition and promoting hatred selection of artworks from the Deutsche Mughal empires. artists and pivotal works that redefine mod- University against Qatar so that no one can Bank Collection – one of the world’s most Another significant exhibition on show ern and contemporary art practices and trust his brother or his relative important corporate collections of contem- at MIA is, Powder and Damask: Islamic Arms historical narratives. after all these negative impacts porary art. and Armour from the Collection of Fadel Al QM new operating hours serious issue, which of the crisis, even after it ends. In addition, The Museum of Islamic Arts’ Mansoori. The exhibition, presents edged should not be tolerated, Whatever is being circu- (MIA) blockbuster exhibition, Imperial weapons and firearms crafted primarily in Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Ais happening today at a lated on social networking sites Threads: Motifs and Artisans from Turkey, Turkey, Iran and India from the 17th to the Monday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm time when we must be united are being published on news- Iran and India, has been extended to run until mid-19th century. Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm against the true enemies of the papers and their websites today. 27 January 2018. The exhibition shows a new Lastly, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm nation. The electronic media - TV element of MIA’s extraordinary permanent Art in Doha has recently updated its perma- Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm With the onset of the siege Channels - of siege countries collection by highlighting the connection nent collection galleries. The exhibition, titled Friday: 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm against Qatar, the issue of are still airing fake news, between three major dynasties that marked Mathaf Collection, Summary, Part 2, is the Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm spreading hatred through social reports and talks in an exagger- media sites has emerged in the ated manner in a bid to spread GCC region. Everyone, while rumours, fabricated pictures expressing opinion, defends the and footage purposely to tar- position of his country in a nish the image of Qatar and Training course on ‘Commercial Arbitration’ manner that the truth is absent those supporting its standing. instead of giving his own fair Notably, there are thou- Reconciliation and Arbitration, arbitrations and related legal that meet the needs of the Qatari opinion on the issue. sands of bogus accounts on said that the Center is honoured issues in order to preserves the community in general and busi- Now the crisis has become social media that are working to cooperate with the Center for rights of commercial companies ness sector in particular. He an issue to polarise the people with extreme hostility among Continuous Education at QU, when they sign contracts with pointed out that the commercial into various parties instead of our countries (GCC) unneces- which has made significant con- other companies. The five-day arbitration course will enhance uniting them and the people of sarily. And the first and last tributions to the educational training course focuses on the the skills of the arbitrators and each country are expressing loser is the GCC citizen who was field in Qatar. . importance of arbitration as one the law with the latest methods. opinion from the point of view sidelined in this crisis and con- The training programme has of the alternative means of dis- Participants includes lawyers, of the state they hold their tributing in spreading this The Peninsula come as a result of the positive pute resolution. It reviews the legal advisors, legal and admin- nationality or in a racist man- culture of hate among us cooperation between the two various alternative means of dis- istrative leaders in public and ner. Even if they are right or unexpectedly. training course on “Com- centres following the signing of pute resolution, highlighting the private sector companies, legal wrong, the disaster occurred There are many negative mercial Arbitration”, a cooperation agreement last advantages, characteristics, departments in ministries and here. impacts of electronic media on Aorganised by the Qatar month with aim of implement- types of arbitration, the legisla- government institutions, banks The social networks were GCC citizens in the absence of International Center for Concil- ing training programmes in the tive framework for arbitration and financial institutions, heads developed to breathe freely and rationality fuelled by mislead- iation and Arbitration (CICIT) in field of law, investment, bank- and practical examples of the and members of boards and freely express the views avail- ing information obviously from collaboration with the Centre for ing and international trade for arbitration agreement in com- directors of companies, business able to all. However, this blockading countries and their Continuous Education at the the academic year 2017-2018, mercial contracts. owners, contractors, commer- attitude has transformed these silence on this problem that led University of Qatar, to be Dr. Thani added. Thani praised the great cial agents, arbitrators and networks from platforms meant to break the social fabric of GCC launched today. The programme aims to pro- efforts being exerted by the Cen- experts in the field of commer- to spread credibility and objec- countries. The GCC states were Dr. Thani bin Ali Al Thani vide the participants with tre linking Qatar University and cial disputes, engineers and tivity in the presentation of united but the differences were (pictured), Board Member of the necessary professional knowl- society providing general and accountants, lawyers who are views to platforms of fabrica- created among the people with- Qatar International Center for edge improving their skills of specialised training programmes undergoing and law students. tion and invention of false news out any benefit. Indian singer Badshah performs live on October 13

Amna Pervaiz Rao Doha and he is quiet excited to accompanied by Astha Gill, who reputation of mega shows in the The Peninsula perform here. He has been per- recently sung ‘DJ wale babu’, past giving Dohaites a totally forming all around the Middle which was a hit. As per the cur- new experience in every event. opular Indian singer Bad- East. This will not be a regular rent situation in Doha, we want They are known for their signa- shah will be performing concert, we call it an audio video to show people around the ture Rang Barse event that Plive in Qatar on October experience, many video walls world that nothing odd has hap- attracts over 4,000 people every 13 at Doha Marriott”, event will be placed on the back of the pened here and we are leading year. Doha Marriott also has organisers said during a press stage. In Doha, this experience a normal life.” been host to big events in the conference here. will one of its kind. We tried to “For the first time, we are past and Badshah live in Doha The event is organised by do similar in our previous con- doing an international setup, the promises to be one of its kind. Red Apple Events and Media in certs. People will enjoy the VIP area is located on the same The event is organised by association with Prime Wealth concert and the atmosphere height of stage which will be Sony Music and the crowd will Creators (PWA). The press con- which is developed by us. The very close to the artist, this VIP be treated to a full on audio ference was moderated by venue is beautiful and is located ticket is for QR5,00, then we visual experience. The event Atul Kumar Singh (left), Business Development Director at Jassim Mohammed, CEO of Red in Marriot. We have finished our have a regular standing category arena will be decked to look PWC, and Jassim Mohammed, CEO of Red Apple Events and Apple Events and Media, and early-bird promotion on our which is worth QR1,00, gold cat- like a concert arena with ele- Media, during a press conference, on Badshah’s live event, Atul Kumar Singh, Business tickets. The venue’s maximum egory is worth QR2,50. It is a vated VIP seating, massive yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula Development Director at PWC. capacity is 4,000.” family friendly event, Kids gold video walls and team of 11 Jassim Mohammed, CEO of About the event details, he circle is worth QR1,25 and kids musicians from India who will Red Apple Events, told The said: “First opening act of con- regular ticket QR50,”unveiling ensure Doha remembers this Doha and online at www.q- sponsored by MTC, 7st by Peninsula during the press con- cert will be performed by the ticketing price as per their event for a long time. Tickets tickets.com. For more details Mumbai Spices, Zaffran Cafe, ference, that, “Badshah is Pakistani singing sensation, categories, Jassim added. for the concert are available at on the concert people call the Parex Group, AI Maya Trading, performing for the first time in Tahir Naeem. Badshah is being Red Apple Events has a major restaurants all over hotline 33033103. The event is Prism and Mega Mart. 08 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 Iraqi Kurds face heat after referendum

Arbil AFP Iraqi Kurds overwhelmingly raq and Iran have turned to economic weapons in voted for retaliation for Iraqi independence Kurdistan’s independence in Monday’s referendum, with Bagh- non-binding Idad closing the Kurds’ airspace to international flights and referendum, which Tehran freezing trade in fuels. has sent regional After the autonomous tensions soaring. Kurdish region’s controversial Displaced Iraqis, who fled the northern city of Hawija due to the government forces military operation, arriving in Al Dibis, “yes” vote for independence, neighbouring Iran announced and units from the Iraqi army near Kirkuk, yesterday. joint border drills with Iraq and will be held in the coming days the fuel trade ban. along the shared border,” Ira- A day after Baghdad cut nian armed forces spokesman international air links with the Masoud Jazayeri told reporters Anti-IS ‘sheikh region, Iran’s state broadcaster in Tehran. Macron invites Iraqi PM to said all transport companies The drills will take place at and drivers have been ordered several crossings on Iran’s bor- sniper’ dead in to stop carrying fuel products der with Iraqi Kurdistan, he Paris to discuss Kurdish vote battle for between Iran and Iraqi Kurdis- said. He said that at a high-level tan “until further notice”. meeting of Iranian command- Diesel is one of Iran’s key ers, “necessary decisions were Paris recognising the rights of the enormous victories,” it added. Iraq’s Hawija exports to the oil-rich region, taken to provide security at the AFP Kurdish people. Any escalation Iraqi forces ousted IS from the mainly for power plants and borders and welcome Iraq’s must be avoided,” the presi- northern Nineveh province on vehicles, while the Kurds rely central government forces to rench President Emmanuel dency said in the statement late August 31, and is now fighting to Basra almost exclusively on crude and take position at border Macron has invited Iraqi Friday. retake the jihadist group’s last AFP fuel oil exports to raise crossings”. FPrime Minister Haider al- “Faced with the priority of footholds in the country. revenues. To head off any military Abadi to visit Paris on Thursday, fighting Daesh and the stabili- Abadi’s office stressed the veteran fighter known Iraqi Kurds overwhelm- concerns, Iraq’s premier, whose saying the aim is to calm ten- sation of Iraq, Iraqis must invitation was first made when as “the sheikh of snip- ingly voted for independence country has also staged joint sions after the deeply divisive remain united,” it added, refer- French Foreign Minister Jean- A ers” has been killed in in Monday’s non-binding ref- exercises inside Turkey, moved Kurdish independence ring to the Islamic State group. Yves Le Drian and Defence Iraq’s battle to retake the erendum, which has sent quickly to try to assure his referendum. The office of Abaadi, how- Minister Florence Parly visited town of Hawija from the regional tensions soaring. country’s Kurds. In a statement, the presi- ever, on Saturday denied that Baghdad on August 26. It said Islamic State group, his par- Tehran, which strongly “To our people in the dency said France wanted to Macron’s invitation had any link Macron had made no mention amilitary force announced opposes independence for Kurdistan region: we defend “help Iraq to stop tensions from to the crisis with Iraqi Kurdis- of “the need to recognise the yesterday. Iraq’s Kurds, fearing it will pro- our Kurdish citizens as we setting in” following the vote tan. “There is no relation rights of the Kurds or stopping Abu Tahsin al-Salhi, who voke separatists among its own defend all Iraqis and will not tomorrow, which saw Iraqi between the invitation and the an escalation by Baghdad”. took part in conflicts dating Kurdish minority, also allow any attack on them,” Kurdistan overwhelmingly sup- crisis caused by the unconstitu- “On the contrary, there was back to the 1973 Arab-Israeli announced a joint military Abadi tweeted in English. port secession. tional referendum,” it said. a condemnation of the insist- war and said he had gunned exercise with Iraq in response Tehran has accepted a In a phone call on Wednes- “The visit aims to reinforce ence of the Kurdish leadership down at least 320 IS jihadists, to the referendum. request by Baghdad for an Iraqi day, “Macron stressed the bilateral relations and to focus on to hold this referendum and died on Friday. He was killed “A joint military exercise army presence at frontier importance of preserving the the fight against terrorism in the expose the region to as he advanced on Hawija in between Iran’s armed forces crossings. unity and integrity of Iraq while region in which Iraq has achieved instability”. northwest Iraq, said Ahmad al-Assadi, spokesman for the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance mostly of Shiite militias fight- ing alongside government At least 11 dead as DR Congo army plane crashes forces against the last jihad- ist bastions. At his funeral yesterday Kinshasa militia groups, an airport offi- erected a barrier around the sa’s Ndjili airport. said he had seen the plane “fall- near the southern port city of AFP cial said, speaking on condition crash site, in an uninhabited However, a commander at ing” out the sky shortly before Basra, close friend Ahmad Ali of anonymity. area that formerly housed an the airport, George Tabora, said 9:00am but said there was no Hussein said the marksman transport plane chartered The plane went down at agro-industrial complex. that “there were no passengers sign of any smoke coming from was widely known by com- by the Congolese army N’sele, about 100 kilometres The plane, which had a Rus- onboard.” the aircraft. But another witness, rades as “the sheikh of Acrashed near Kinshasa (60 miles) east of Kinshasa, sian crew, was carrying “two “There were only crew an army lieutenant, contradicted snipers” or “hawk eye”. yesterday, killing at least 11 peo- capital of the Democratic vehicles and weapons” as well members because it’s a cargo that account, saying that the air- A grey-bearded hulk of a ple, military and airport sources Republic of Congo (DRC), the as military personnel, a source plane,” he said, without saying craft caught fire in mid-air man who drove an offroad said. source said. at the army’s headquarters said, how many were onboard, or before crashing and that there motorbike and wore a black- The Antonov transporter had A local official in the area of also speaking on condition of their nationality. was a series of explosions on the and-white chequered scarf just taken off with “several the crash said there were “no anonymity. Army and government ground. and fingerless mittens, Abu dozen people” onboard, head- survivors”. He said there were “between spokesmen were unavailable for A woman whose house is Tahsin was inseparable from ing for the eastern region of Reporters saw that the coun- 20 and 30 people” on board comment. less than 500 metres (yards) his Austrian-manufactured Kivu, where the army is fighting try’s Republican Guard had when it took off from Kinsha- A witness at the crash site from the crash site said. Steyr rifle. South Sudan’s capital goes thirsty as costs soar

Juba to receive an affordable educa- rampant inflation. oil production has largely ground Reuters tion. My family struggles to “We survive by selling home- to a halt in the conflict. survive. We spend most of our made cake and bread. I haven’t Chlorine and alum for water hen Jimmy’s parents money on water.” received my wages in several treatment are imported by road finally pulled their son South Sudan, home to the months. Water comes first... from Uganda, a dangerous jour- Wout of the churning Nile, is not considered to be a Some people have died because ney through an area prone to river, his body was already life- water-scarce country. But civil they couldn’t afford medical attacks and lootings, pushing up less and limp, heavy in the arms war and hyperinflation have cre- treatment and others only eat transport prices. Aid agency of his father. ated a water crisis. For an maize flour and okra,” said Rose Oxfam told the Thomson Reu- But the eight-year-old’s average family, spending a third Johnson, a social worker, mother ters Foundation that in previous death – and that of three other of their earnings on water, the of five and one of Mary’s years tankers were operating on boys – could have been easily cost relative to income is six neighbours. a profit margin of 45 percent, but prevented, had it not been for the times greater than the interna- “When someone in our com- those profits have turned to price of drinking water in South tionally recognised five percent munity falls ill, all we can do is sharp losses. Sudan’s capital Juba – costing a that the World Health Organisa- hope and pray for the best.” “It’s one of the reasons why third of a family’s monthly tion suggests families should be Providing clean drinking an increasing number of tankers income. The only school the fam- spending on water. water is complex in the lush, pump water straight from the ily could afford was on the other In Khor William, a hilly sub- green country that won its inde- river, instead of getting it from a side of the river, and, with no urb of Juba with red mud roads pendence in 2011 but descended treatment plant,” said Oxfam’s bridge, Jimmy had to wade and small brick houses almost into civil war two years later. water and sanitation adviser through its turbulent waters each hidden by grasses and maize Water is available, but facil- Mariana Matoso. day. “My brother drowned on his plants, Jimmy’s family is not the ities and resources to purify it for “The businesses are scram- way to class,” said his only one forced to make sacri- drinking are lacking. bling to survive and some might 18-year-old sister Mary fices since water prices began to Pipe infrastructure built dur- therefore sell dirty water that Irene, who has just graduated rise in recent years. ing British colonial rule in 1937 they pumped for free.” from high school. Many families, especially serves just 17 percent of Juba’s South Sudanese refugees at the Bidi Bidi camp in Uganda. After fighting erupted in Juba The pain of losing her brother government employees, haven’t permanent population of about in July 2016, a this past May is still fresh. received their salaries lately and 370,000 and is in need of repair mostly privately owned water A litre of petrol costs 700 Japanese-funded project to “Jimmy was always scared live on less than 1,000 South and upgrading. tankers, but in times of economic South Sudanese Pounds ($5), but build the city’s biggest water of the raging stream, but facing Sudanese Pounds a month – a The rest of the city depends crisis, their prices have risen only limited imported supplies treatment plant was suspended. his fear was the only way for him mere $8 - even as prices rise with on supplies from almost 700 steeply. are available and the country’s Work is yet to resume. SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09

Turkey opens Airstrikes in military base in Mogadishu Syria safe Mogadishu AP

he Turkish government has opened a military zone claim 28 Ttraining base, its largest in Africa, in the Somali capi- tal, Mogadishu. Beirut The Turkish chief of staff AFP Russian President Gen Hulusi Akar and Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali t least 28 civilians Vladimir Putin and Khaire inaugurated the facil- were killed in air Turkish counterpart ity yesterday. Khaire thanked strikes on north- Recep Tayyip Turkey for “unwavering” sup- western Syria Erdogan agreed on port to help Somalia rebuild where a planned its fractured army and stabi- safeA zone has been overshad- Thursday to step up lise the war-torn country. owed by a bombing campaign efforts to establish Two hundred Turkish against jihadists, a monitor said a safe zone in Idlib military officers will train yesterday. as part of a wider 10,000 Somali soldiers at the Four children were among Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) speaks during the opening ceremony of base which includes army the dead in the overnight agreement struck in Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Fairground and MNG Shopping and Wellness Center in dormitories, training grounds strikes on the town of May. Erzurum province, yesterday. and prisons. Armanaz, in Idlib province near the Turkish border, the Syrian Observatory for Human has forced hospitals in the Israel behind Kurdistan referendum: Erdogan Rights said. province to close, medical char- The Britain-based watch- ity Doctors Without Borders dog had earlier reported 12 (MSF) said on Friday. Istanbul “This shows one thing, that series of measures to punish calling on Iraqi Kurds to “wake dead in the strikes on the town They were triggered by an AFP this administration (in northern Iraqi Kurds, including shutting up from this dream” of in Harem district around 20km offensive by jihadist fighters led Iraq) has a history with Mossad, the land border between Turkey independence. northwest of the provincial by Al Qaeda’s former Syria affil- urkish President Recep they are hand-in-hand and the region and halting the Ankara had previously capital Idlib. iate launched against Tayyip Erdogan said together,” Erdogan said in Erzu- transit of oil from Iraqi Kurdis- refused to engage in official con- An AFP correspondent who government-held villages in yesterday that Israel’s rum, in eastern Turkey. tan to the southern Turkish port tacts with Iraqi Kurds, fearing toured Armanaz yesterday neighbouring Hama province Mossad intelligence Iran and Iraq’s central gov- of Ceyhan, an economic lifeline. that any actions that could morning said entire apartment on September 19. agency played a role ernment in Baghdad have also On Friday, the Turkish carriers encourage the creation of an blocks had been flattened by The jihadists control nearly Tin Iraqi Kurdistan’s independ- expressed alarm over the refer- Turkish Airlines, Atlas and independent Kurdish state could the bombardment. all of Idlib province after driv- ence vote, proved by the waving endum last Monday, and have Pegasus suspended their flights embolden its own Kurds. The Observatory said it ing out Islamist former allies of Israeli flags during celebra- refused to recognise its validity. to Iraqi Kurdistan for an unspec- But as Turkey’s economy has could not immediately deter- earlier this year. tions of the overwhelming “yes’ Israel has been the only country ified period of time. boomed, Erdogan has moved to mine whether the strikes had Russian President Vladimir vote. to openly support an independ- Erdogan yesterday vowed forge trade ties with Iraq’s been carried out by warplanes Putin and Turkish counterpart Ankara fiercely opposed the ent Kurdish state, with Prime that Iraqi Kurdistan “will pay a Kurdistan region, helping make of the Syrian government or its Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed referendum and has threatened Minister Benjamin Netanyahu price” for the “unacceptable” Iraq the second-largest market ally Russia. on Thursday to step up efforts sanctions against the region, backing “the legitimate efforts independence referendum, for Turkish exports last year, But they are the latest in an to establish a safe zone in Idlib reflecting its worries about its of the Kurdish people to attain without elaborating. after Germany. intensifying air campaign car- as part of a wider agreement own sizeable Kurdish a state of its own.” “An independent state is not Iraqi Kurdish leader Massud ried out by the two struck in May. minority. Erdogan has derided the being founded in northern Iraq, Barzani has also become a fre- governments against jihadist Three other safe zones have During a televised speech, Israeli support. but on the contrary a continu- quent visitor to Turkey. Business fighters who control most of the already been set up — in East- Erdogan claimed that Turkey “Are you aware of what you ously bleeding wound is being sources quoted in Turkish media province and are not party to a ern Ghouta near Damascus, had been saddened to see some are doing?” Erdogan said in an opened,” he said. have warned that the closure of safe zone deal brokered by Rus- parts of the south and some Iraqi Kurds acclaiming the inde- appeal to Iraqi Kurdish leaders. “To ignore this reality ben- the Habur border gate could sia, Turkey and Iran. areas of the central province of pendence referendum with “Only Israel supports you.” efits neither us, nor our Kurdish harm $7bn of trade between The surge in bombing raids Homs. Israeli flags. Ankara has threatened a brothers in Iraq,” he said, Ankara and Arbil.

11 dead in High demand for iPhone 8 in Kuwait City Iraq will defend Kurds Cape Town shootings from attack: Abadi Baghdad vowed to defend the country’s Cape Town AFP unity, warning that the poll AFP could trigger civil war. raq’s Prime Minister Haider Baghdad has demanded the leven people were killed Al Abadi yesterday said he annulment of Monday’s non- in a series of overnight Iwould defend the country’s binding referendum, which Eshootings in a Cape Kurds from attack as internal resulted in a huge “yes” vote, Town township, police said and regional tensions soared and has suspended interna- yesterday, including four vic- over a controversial independ- tional flights to and from the tims shot dead when gunmen ence referendum. region. opened fire in a restaurant. “To our people in the Washington has said it does Extra police officers were Kurdistan region: we defend not recognise the “unilateral” deployed to the Philipi district our Kurdish citizens as we referendum. Turkey, Iran and of Cape Town, a city that suf- defend all Iraqis and will not Syria — which have their own fers from regular gang allow any attack on them,” he sizeable Kurdish communities violence and armed clashes tweeted in English. — have also rejected the vote between rival criminal An Abadi adviser, who for independence in the oil-rich groups. asked to remain anonymous, region. “We have deployed teams said that the premier was refer- Yesterday, Abadi explained comprising specialist detec- A crowd outside a telecommunications company headquarters in Kuwait City to purchase ring to either an internal or Baghdad’s wish to better con- tives, high-risk units and the new Apple iPhone 8, yesterday. external attack. trol all of Iraq’s oil revenues. intelligence operatives,” “We will not allow any “Federal government con- police spokeswoman Novela harm to you and we will share trol of oil revenues is in order Potelwa told the News 24 our loaf of bread together,” to pay KR employee salaries in website. Abadi said in another tweet. full and so that money will not “We already executed Iran yesterday said it would go to the corrupt,” he tweeted. search operations that are set Cameroon city deserted ahead hold a joint military exercise In 2014, after a dispute over to continue throughout the with Iraq on Iran’s border with oil exports, Baghdad suspended day. The police are doing Iraqi Kurdistan in response to payments to the Kurdish region their best to arrest those of ‘independence’ declaration Monday’s “illegitimate of 17 percent of Iraq’s national responsible.” referendum”. budget. Tens of thousands of peo- Buea violence. On Thursday, the Cameroon’s oil wealth. Iraqi soldiers on Tuesday Wages, including those of ple live in informal shack AFP authorities announced a tem- They are also angry about also took part in a Turkish mil- Kurdish peshmerga fighters, settlements in Philipi, located porary curb on travel and public perceived discrimination, espe- itary drill close to the Iraqi were slashed after the end of in the notoriously crime-rid- he main city in a restive meetings across the Southwest cially in education and the frontier. those transfers, which were den Cape Flats area of the English-speaking region Region, adding to a curfew in the judicial system, where they say Inside Iraq, Hadi Al Ameri, worth around $12bn annually city. Four people were shot Tof Cameroon was a virtual neighbouring Northwest Region, the French language and tradi- head of the powerful Iran- and made up 80 percent of the dead at a restaurant Friday ghost town yesterday, with also English-speaking. tions are being imposed on backed Badr organisation, has region’s budget revenues. evening, with three other armed police patrolling the The majority of Cameroon’s them, even though English is bodies found by police streets on the eve of an expected 22 million people are French- one of the country’s two official nearby. Another four more — but symbolic — declaration speaking, while about a fifth is language. Tensions have surged, people were killed elsewhere of independence from the English-speaking. leading to marches and a clamp- in the district. French-speaking country by The legacy dates back to down ahead of what is expected Turkey hails Palestine in Interpol “Regardless of the cir- anglophone separatists. 1961, when a formerly British to be a symbolic declaration of cumstances, these mass In Buea, the chief city in entity, Southern Cameroons, independence on October 1 — urkey’s Foreign Ministry “We welcome admission of murders — related or not — Cameroon’s Southwest Region, united with Cameroon after its the anniversary of the 1961 “welcomed” earlier yes- the State of Palestine to Inter- are criminal acts which must shops were closed, streets were independence from France in amalgamation. Tterday Palestine’s full pol as a new member during the be punished using the full almost deserted and the nor- 1960. University dormitories in the membership of the global polic- 86th meeting of the General might of our law,” party mally bustling university The anglophone minority district of Molyko were empty ing network Interpol, despite Assembly, held in Beijing,” said spokesman Zizi Kodwa said campus was lifeless after resi- has long complained about dis- and armed police patrolled the heavy opposition from Israel, the Turkish Foreign Ministry in a statement. dents left, apparently fearing parities in sharing out avenues. reports Anatolia. statement. 10 VIEWS SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 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 New travel ban onald Trump’s latest version of the controversial travel ban, forbidding citizens of seven countries from travelling to the United States citing national security reasons, is being challenged in court. D Human rights organisations announced on Friday that they are suing the Trump administration Right-wing Zionism, white over the ban. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), along with other rights organizations, have submitted a letter to the US District Court in Maryland seeking to amend an existing lawsuit they already filed. Under the latest ban unveiled by the White House supremacy and the BDS on Sunday, citizens of Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iran, Somalia, North Korea and Chad are all banned from entering the US. For the last three months, the are better dancers than other people”, that settlements. administration used an executive order to ban citizens David A Love “Jews are better businessmen”, and “most Meanwhile, ZOA’s Klein insists that from six Muslim countries with some exceptions. But Al Jazeera people know” that Asians “are smarter on both Gorka and Bannon are lovers and after October 18, the new restrictions will begin. And average than other people in America”. defenders of Israel and the Jewish people unlike the previous ban, which limited travel for 90 Writing an op-ed recently in Breitbart, who “fight against radical Islamic terror- days, the new restrictions are indefinite and Klein, who like Trump, supports the profil- ism”. Klein also insists the neither the “conditioned based, not timed based.” ing of Muslims, said “Creating a truly alt-right nor Breitbart include racists or Will the new ban make Americans safer? According peaceful Palestinian Arab State living in neo-Nazis, and Bannon is a victim of a to all publicly available information, the answer is a hen right-wing Jewish organi- peace with the Jewish State is thus an campaign by far-left groups and the media resounding no. National security and safety is a sations in the United States and impossible-to-achieve deal”, adding, “It to defame friends of Israel. convincing and easy excuse for imposing the ban, but Israel embrace white national- would only strengthen the ability of the Yet, ZOA chooses to target liberal, pro- security experts and those in the know are convinced ists and neo-Nazis - and support Palestinians to promote their terrorist gressive and antiracist voices and paint that it’s an excuse meant to fool the public. The US visa an American president who goals of murdering Jews and destroying them as anti-Semites and anti-Israel, at a Wmakes open appeals to them - they reveal the the Jewish State”. time when white American reactionaries system all over the world is already efficient enough to inherent flaws in their argument that the BDS (Boy- Casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, brand as “racist” those who bring attention weed out suspicious cott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement against the organisation’s top funder, is also one of to the continuing prevalence of racism in applicants and there are the Israeli occupation of the Palestinians is anti- Trump’s largest campaign donors, and a society. The organisation labelled British systems in place, with the Semitic. Even worse, these hardliners may have supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Ben- musician and Pink Floyd founding mem- huge security and As the American more in common ideologically with white nation- jamin Netanyahu. Adelson has raised ber Roger Waters an “unabashed intelligence network at Civil Liberties alists than they care to admit. millions of dollars to combat BDS on US anti-Semitic bigot” for supporting BDS, Washington’s disposal, to Sebastian Gorka, a real-life Nazi and Islam- campuses, with defamatory posters calling while the Simon Wiesenthal Center called Union Director vet the applicants ophobe who until recently worked in the Trump Students for Justice in Palestine “Jew hat- Waters “an open hater of Jews”. Anthony Romero effectively. As ACLU White House, was the keynote speaker at a ers”. Inspired by the South African Klein accused MSNBC host Joy Reid of puts it, the latest Director Anthony Romero counterterrorism conference near Tel Aviv, anti-apartheid movement, BDS is a Pales- displaying “hostility” towards Israel after put it, the new ban “is still a version of Trump’s speaking alongside Israeli cabinet ministers tinian-led global movement to bring an she tweeted a joke about Gorka’s alleged Muslim ban at its core, and such as Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman. As end to the Israeli occupation, on the Nazi ties. Alan Dershowitz, who spoke at travel ban “is still it certainly engages in The Forward reported, Gorka has been accused grounds that Palestinian Arabs deserve last year’s ZOA gala, has defended Bannon a Muslim ban at discrimination based on of having ties to Vitezi Rend, an anti-Semitic freedom, justice and equality, and are enti- against anti-Semitism charges but has its core”. national origin, which is Hungarian political party whose leader report- tled to their fundamental human rights. accused Black Lives Matter of anti- unlawful”. Trump is edly handed over hundreds of thousands of The BDS movement, which reflects Semitism. The Movement for Black Lives fulfilling his election Jews to the Nazis in the Second World War. America’s proud legacy of civil rights boy- platform accuses Israel of genocide against promise of implementing ‘a Yair Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister’s cotts, is designed to apply economic the Palestinians and supports BDS based total and complete son, found common cause with neo-Nazis and pressure on the Israeli government and on Israeli policies such as 50 discrimina- shutdown’ of Muslims entering the United States, a white supremacists when he posted on Face- end its colonial settlements on Palestinian tory laws against Palestinians, the Israeli provocative action which is against the constitution of book a meme laden with anti-Semitic imagery land, and a military-enforced apartheid detention of Palestinian children as young this great country and the great values it has been including George Soros, a reptile and a sinister system. BDS enjoys support from progres- as 4 years old without due process, the promoting all over the world. Illuminati figure. Former Ku Klux Klan grand sive Jewish groups such as Jewish Voice for bulldozing of Palestinian homes to make It’s also interesting to note that opposition to the wizard David Duke retweeted the meme, and Peace. JVP also boycotts the Adelson- way for illegal Israeli settlements, a US- ban from ordinary Americans has diminished the post drew praise from the neo-Nazi site funded Birthright Israel programme, which funded “apartheid wall” and military compared to the fury and protests that accompanied Daily Stormer, calling Yair Netanyahu “a total sends young Jews on free 10-day trips to checkpoints. ZOA opposed a Black Lives the first ban. Trump is determined to push his agenda bro” and posting an article entitled, “Netanya- Israel to strengthen their cultural identity, Matter week in the predominantly black and such determination is difficult to be defeated. All hu’s Son Posts Awesome Meme Blaming the while Palestinians are not allowed to and brown Philadelphia public schools hopes are now on the ACLU lawsuit. The courts must Jews for Bringing Down his Jew Father”. Fol- return to their own homes. Other Jewish over fears the curriculum would contain overturn the ban as it discriminates against millions of lowing the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, human rights organisations, which oppose anti-Semitic material. Muslims who are law-abiding citizens of their Yair Netanyahu equated the white supremacists the occupation in earnest and uphold Pal- It is problematic that certified white respective countries, and also because the ban is and neo-Nazis with the anti-fascist protesters, estinian rights, either do not support BDS supremacists would be received with open against the principles of justice and equality enshrined and said he was far more concerned with the or refuse to take a stand on the issue. arms by some Jews and Israelis, as BDS is in the American constitution. This is a political ban that far-left “thugs of Antifa and BLM who hate my Conservative pro-Israel lobby branded as anti-Semitic, even criminalised will only help exacerbate the current divisions and country (and America too in my view) just as groups such as AIPAC, however, have for employing free speech to bring about much” and “are getting stronger and stronger sought to criminalise BDS in Congress, positive social change and an end to the hatred in the world and will hugely satisfy the and becoming super dominant in American while ZOA has characterised the move- racism and human rights violations in xenophobes who support Trump, goading them to universities and public life”. ment as anti-American and anti-Semitic. Israel and Palestine. spread more hatred and Islamophobia. Zionist Organisation of America (ZOA) has Jewish organisations ranging from the The pro-Israel right lacks integrity in invited Breitbart chief and former Trump ADL and the American Jewish Commit- this regard, and this is just as problematic as adviser Stephen Bannon to speak at its Novem- tee to T’ruah and J Street have criticised any Jewish support for the Trump adminis- ber 12 gala in New York. The White House a law passed in the tration, which recently reversed DACA, a overthrow of Bannon — who has been accused Knesset banning entry programme that protects young immigrants QUOTE OF THE DAY of making anti-Semitic statements — was hailed to any foreigner who who entered the United States illegally as by mainstream Jewish-American organisations supports the boycott of minors. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Israel and its who could hardly contain his glee while Reform movement and J Street. announcing the reversal of this programme The correct direction must Described as the oldest pro-Israel organisa- was inspired by the US Immigration Act of be upheld in developing tion in the US, ZOA has in recent years engaged 1924, which was promoted by white China-US relations. in “anti-Muslim extremism”, according to the Defining pro-Israel as pro- supremacists and eugenicists and was Both countries common Southern Poverty Law Center. Supportive of occupation and anti-Arab, designed to keep Jews, Italians and other interests far outweigh our expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank, stalwart defenders of the so-called “morally defective immigrants” disputes, and cooperation ZOA was the first Jewish group to meet with primarily from Eastern and Southern President Trump. ZOA has associated with anti- Israeli occupation provide Europe out of the country. In a 2015 Breit- is the only correct choice Muslim extremists such as Frank Gaffney of the an opening to whitesplain bart radio interview with Bannon, Sessions for both sides. Center for Security Policy, and actor Jon Voight, and rehabilitate neo-Nazis said the 1924 law “was good for America”. who said “Obama founded ISIL” and would as friends of Israel and cause “a civil war”, and black people would vote David A Love is a Philadelphia-based freelance Xi Jinping for Trump “if they can be educated”. unjustly paint BDS as the journalist and commentator, and adjunct Chinese President Morton Klein, ZOA president, has said that real anti-Semites. instructor at the Rutgers University School of “everyone knows that blacks are, on average, Communication and Information. SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 OPINION 11 What can actually trigger war on the Korean Peninsula?

members aboard when it was Alexander Gillespie operating in international air- Al Jazeera space. At that point, President Nixon did not respond with vio- lence due to a fear of how the Soviet Union and China would react. n the coming days, there are three possible Today, as the over 60 times triggers for war with North Korea that need that Russian military aircraft to be carefully watched. have flown close to Alaska or The first possible trigger is a declaration down past the edge of Western of war by North Korea, especially since the Europe in the past 10 years have IUnited States has made clear it has not declared shown, no matter how unpleas- war. The idea that countries would formally ant such acts may be, such planes declare war against each other, before commenc- may be intercepted and followed, ing hostilities, is a relic of the early 20th century. but they may not be shot down if Although remnants of the practice remain, it was they do not cross into territorial largely outdated by the second world war as the airspace. military advantages of surprise as the Japanese To ensure that no mistakes attack on Pearl Harbour and the Nazi attack on are made in this carefully chore- Soviet Russia, made clear. ographed sabre rattling, certain After the second world war, the United rules need to apply — primarily, Nations hoped that all members would refrain the planes should not be invisi- from the threat or use of force against the territo- ble. Where possible, rial integrity or political independence of any transponders and radios should state, to which Declarations of War by individual be on, and (as the US appears to A file photo showing North Korean People’s Army soldiers marching in a military parade at Kim Il-Sung states would become redundant. However, when be doing) flight plans disclosed in the North Korean armed forces advanced over Square in Pyongyang. advance. the 38th parallel on June 25, 1950, without a dec- If Kim decides to take down laration of war, it was shown how in vain this scrapped the armistice that ended the first nuclear airburst since that done by China in 1980, one of the American planes flying hope was. Korean War in 1953. this would not be the beginning of hostilities. in international airspace, as his The response to this act of aggression by To show their determination in 2013, North Such an act would violate international environ- grandfather Kim Il-sung did in North Korea was the 84th resolution (pdf) of the Korea also cut the hotline that enabled direct mental law, not the laws of war and peace. Kim earlier times, he would be gam- Security Council (when the Soviet Union was communication between North and South Korea. will start a war if he detonates his device over or bling against the odds that absent from the vote) to defend South Korea Although the hotline was reconnected a few within someone else’s territory, including the President Trump will not respond under the UN flag but with the leadership of the months later, when South Korea closed down the ocean spaces that they control, such as with the with violence. US. joint Kaesong industrial complex following Kim American land and ocean territory of Guam. Today, the situation is even more complicated Jung-un’s fourth nuclear test in early 2016, North However, if he exploded it in international The author is professor of interna- as the North Korean rhetoric of declaring war is Korea condemned the act as a Declaration of territory, such as the high seas, he faces different tional law at the University of not uncommon. Following the 2013 sanctions War, and then cut the hotline again. rules, such as when Australia and New Zealand Waikato, New Zealand. His research (pdf) approved by the Security Council against Cutting the hotline is more dangerous than the took France to the International Court of Justice focuses on laws of war and armed North Korea for their nuclear test, Kim Jong-un rhetoric. Hotlines prevent accidental war. South after French atmospheric testing caused radiation conflict. He is the author of the promised a pre-emptive strike against the US Korea, which has a hotline to China, has been try- pollution to fall on them, downwind. It was for three-volume set “A History of the with nuclear weapons. This was followed by a ing to have its hotline to North Korea this reason of pollution that most of the global Laws of War” and the three-volume “Full War Declaration Statement”. This was all reconnected. However, the line that is really community concluded an international agree- set “The Causes of War”. part of their assertions that North Korea had needed is one between North Korea and Wash- ment prohibiting such atmospheric nuclear ington. Such best practice has been evident since testing. Although North Korea is not a signatory to 1963, following the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the this agreement, the same international rules Kim will start a war if he two superpowers recognised the necessity to be about not causing significant environmental able to talk directly, at short notice, whenever damage to other nations still apply. detonates his device over required so as not to stumble into nuclear war. or within someone else’s Shooting down an aircraft D-RING ROAD territory, including the ocean Possible detonation of a nuclear device The third possible trigger to watch for is the POST BOX: 3488 spaces that they control, such The second possible trigger to watch for is the North Korea threat to shoot down aircraft in North Korea threat of a possible detonation of a international airspace (as in, mirroring the terri- DOHA - QATAR as with the American land and nuclear device in the atmosphere over the Pacific. torial sea, 12 nautical miles/22.2km out from the [email protected] ocean territory of Guam. Although the aesthetics of such an act would land). Previously in 1969, North Korea did shoot shock the world as humanity has not seen a down an American spy plane, killing all 31 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

Merkel’s top challenge is building a new coalition MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Bloomberg TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION ngela Merkel’s victory gives TEL: 4455 7743 her a fourth term as Germa- ny’s chancellor and should be BUSINESS NEWS SECTION seen as a remarkable achieve- TEL: 4462 7535 ment — one that few would haveA predicted back in 2015, when her SPORT NEWS SECTION popularity slumped during the worst of TEL: 4455 7745 the refugee crisis. Merkel’s resilience, based on a careful blend of principle and ONLINE SECTION pragmatism, deserves to be celebrated. TEL: 4462 7501 To be sure, this success is marred, and [email protected] the future of German politics somewhat clouded, by the strength of support for PUBLIC RELATIONS the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD). Yet dealing with this TEL: 4455 7613 newcomer to the national parliament is [email protected] unlikely to be Merkel’s toughest chal- lenge. Building and leading a new kind of ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT coalition government will be a greater TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 test of Merkel’s abilities. FAX: 4455 7870 Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union/ German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Lower Saxony’s Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) top candidate [email protected] Christian Social Union won 33 percent of Bernd Althusmann wave after a regional election campaign in Hildesheim, Germany. the vote, down from 41.5 percent in 2013. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT The Social Democrats, who’d been in they’re divided, and the splits wid- cooperation on fiscal policy will be TEL: 4455 7857 coalition with the CDU/CSU, were ened in their moment of success. A needed to ensure long-term stability. [email protected] pounded too. Their share fell to just politician of Merkel’s skill should be The Free Democrats in particular are 20.5 percent — and, wounded by the able to exploit this weakness. skeptical of further integration and SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION experience, they’ve said they’ll now Uniting her new coalition will want a less centralised EU. Without TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 move into opposition. AfD’s 12.6 per- probably be harder. Granted, Germa- the backing of the Social Democrats, FAX: 44557819 cent put them in third place, obliging ny’s economy is thriving: it will be harder for Merkel to make Merkel to seek a new coalition with Unemployment has declined to 3.7 the case for the larger fiscal transfers [email protected] the right-of-center Free Democrats, percent from over 11 percent in 2005, that a successful union will require. Uniting her new coalition will on 10.7 percent, and the left-of- growth is healthy, and the govern- To be sure, the prospect of a probably be harder. Granted, center Greens, on 8.9 percent. ment’s budget is in surplus. This was fourth Merkel term is good news. All thoughts and views Germany’s economy is thriving: Forming a government could take the core of Merkel’s case to the elec- And the setback posed by the AfD, expressed in these columns Unemployment has declined weeks or even months. torate. Yet areas of neglect demand though disappointing, is being exag- Support for the AfD is best seen attention, ranging from poor digital gerated. The party is still marginal: It are those of the writers, not to 3.7 percent from over 11 as a protest vote. The party managed infrastructure to lack of competition has no more support than hardline of the newspaper. percent in 2005, growth is to attract an unruly mix of first-time in services. Building cross-party sup- nationalist parties elsewhere in healthy, and the government’s voters, conservatives abandoning the port for programs to address those Europe and, deftly handled, it won’t All correspondence budget is in surplus. This was CDU/CSU, and voters from eastern issues won’t be easy. sway policy. Merkel’s real test in the regarding Views and states under economic stress. Germany’s role as a leader of the next few years will be forming and Opinion pages should be the core of Merkel’s case to the Roughly one- sixth of the party’s sup- European Union poses an even leading a new coalition to grapple mailed to the electorate. porters switched from backing leftist greater challenge. Monetary union with Germany’s, and especially parties in the past. Ideologically, remains incomplete and closer Europe’s, pressing demands. [email protected] 12 ASIA SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 Modi urged citizens to get inspired from festivals

New Delhi Durga on Vijaya Dashami, the IANS Dussehra fest last day of the Durga Puja festi- Prime Minister val. With anticipation of the ijaya Dashmi, or Narendra Modi homecoming of the deity next Dussehra, marking exhorted the citizens year, married women decked in the victory of Rama the ritualistic red-and-white to see festivals as over Ravana and saris marked the event with the source of inspiration symbolising the tri- customary “Sindoor Khela” or umphV of good over evil, was to do something smearing each other and the celebrated with fervour across positive for society idols with red vermillion to pre- the country yesterday. as he underlined pare Durga and her four children In New Delhi, before burn- their social — Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha ing the effigy of Ravana at the relevance. and Kartik — for their return to Subhash Maidan opposite Red their heavenly abode on Mount Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Kailash. Modi exhorted the citizens to see places this time to highlight the As part of the observances, festivals as source of inspiration wrong-doings of these babas enthusiasts cutting across reli- to do something positive for soci- who take people for a ride in the gious and age barriers indulged ety as he underlined their social name of religion. in “dhunuchi naach” -- dancing relevance. On some of the effigies of to the beat of the ‘dhaak’ (drums) In Punjab and Haryana, a godmen, the photograph of Gur- holding aloft earthen bowls festive spirit prevailed at all meet Ram Rahim Singh, the laden with incense and places including Amritsar, Ludhi- disgraced chief of Dera Sacha camphor. ana, Patiala, Bathinda, Jalandhar Sauda sect who was recently In Assam, lakhs of people and Gurdaspur (all in Punjab); convicted and sentenced to 20 thronged different Durga Puja Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talking with former prime minister Manmohan Singh at an Ambala, Hisar, Rohtak and Kar- years imprisonment for rape of pandals since morning, braving event marking the festival of Dussehra in New Delhi, yesterday. nal (all in Haryana) and in two female disciples, was put up. rains and inclement weather, to Chandigarh where the burning In Haryana, the tallest bid adieu and celebrate ‘Vijoya In Karnataka’s cultural capi- government hosting the fest as Fifteen caparisoned ele- of Ravana effigies was Ravana at 210 feet was put up at Dashami’ -- the last day of the tal Mysuru, about one million the state festival, Chief Minister phants, horse-drawn carriages, organised. Barala near Ambala, about 65 km four-day Durga Puja festival. people from across the country Siddaramaiah flagged off the around 2,000 artists, cultural Interestingly, effigies of from Chandigarh. Men, women and children gath- gathered for the victory parade 407th procession, to celebrate the troupes and 40 tableaux babas or self-styled king were In West Bengal, devotees ered in puja pandals and took to mark the culmination of the triumph of good over evil, from marched five km to the Banni- included among the effigies of thronged marquees and commu- part in the rituals performed by Dasara festival, as it is called the gates of the royal Amba Vilas mantap Grounds through the Ravana and others at some nity pujas to bid farewell to the priests and took blessings. locally. With the Karnataka Palace. city.

NEWS BYTES President Kovind appoints five new Governors

New Delhi Mukhi is Governor in Assam, additional charge since K. over in the Union Territory, had Kuwait commutes 15 Indians’ IANS Bihar BJP leader Ganga Prasad Rosaiah retired in August last resigned in the middle of his ten- in Meghalaya and Brigadier year. ure as Navy chief after a fire death sentence to life term resident Ram Nath Kovind (retd) B.D. Mishra, a war veteran, Purohit - a long-time social broke out aboard Kilo-class sub- yesterday appointed new in Arunachal Pradesh. Former and political activist from Vidar- marine INS Sindhuratna on NEW DELHI: The death sentence handed to 15 Indians in PGovernors for five states, Navy chief Admiral (retd) D.K. bha in Maharashtra - was elected February 26, 2014. He was to Kuwait has been commuted to life imprisonment, External including Tamil Nadu, which got Joshi was named as the new Lt. to the Lok Sabha thrice from retire in August 2015. Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said yesterday as she thanked its first full-time Governor in a Governor of Andaman and Nico- Nagpur. He won the elections Bihar also got a full-time the country’s ruler for the gesture. “The Emir of Kuwait has year amid the continuing polit- bar islands. twice on a Congress ticket in Governor in Satya Pal Malik - a been pleased to commute the sentence of 15 Indian nationals ical crisis. Banwarilal Purohit, Purohit, a former national 1984 and 1989 and once as a BJP former Janata Dal MP from Ali- from death to life imprisonment,” Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Congress-turned BJP leader, will Vice President of the BJP, will be member in 1996. garh and BJP Vice President. “The Emir further directed reduction in sentence of 119 Indian occupy the Raj Bhavan in the taking over as Governor at a time Last year, Purohit was Bihar politician Ganga nationals. We are grateful to the Emir for this kind gesture,” southern state. when Tamil Nadu is going appointed Governor of Assam, Prasad, the new Governor of she said. “The Indian Mission in Kuwait will provide all pos- According to a Presidential through a political crisis due to where he is being replaced by Meghalaya, had been part of sible assistance to the Indian nationals who are awaiting statement, BJP leader Satya Pal infighting in the ruling AIADMK. Jagdish Mukhi, veteran BJP BJP’s national executive after release from prison,” the Minister added. Malik will hold charge in Bihar, There has been demand for leader. Mukhi was earlier Lt. Amit Shah took over as party where Kovind was Governor a full-time Governor in the state Governor of Andaman and Nico- President. He has been a mem- before he became President, where Maharashtra Governor C. bar islands. ber of Bihar’s legislative council Amit Shah to take part in Kerala rally former Delhi BJP MLA Jagdish Vidyasagar Rao was holding Admiral Joshi, who takes for 18 years.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP National President Amit Shah will participate in a ‘padyatra’ in Kerala, which will see him walk past the home of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the DMRC defends latter’s hometown in Kannur district on October 5, as a mark Rail Minister Goyal orders safety upgrades of protest against the ruling CPI-M’s “political violence” and also against growing jehadi terrorism, a BJP official said here Mumbai series of deadly crashes in recent Goyal, who was appointed fare hike yesterday. V. Muraleedharan, coordinator of the state-wide AFP years. Railways Minister Piyush by Prime Minister Narendra ‘yathra’ of state BJP president Kummanem Rajasekheran, said Goyal yesterday announced steps Modi last month to replace the proposal the padyatra was conceived in August, after the killing of Rash- ndia’s railways minister yes- to assess and improve safety on previous railways minister triya Swayamsevak Sangh office bearer E. Rajesh on July 29 terday told station managers the Mumbai suburban network, following a series of accidents, here. The yathra will also see a campaign against the recent I“to spend whatever is neces- which carries millions of people has pledged to invest billions of New Delhi trend of jehadi terrorism promoted by Islamic fundamental- sary” to ensure passenger safety around the country’s financial dollars to make the network AFP ists, he told the media. “The state-wide yathra would be flagged as the death toll from a stam- hub every day. safer.Nearly $8bn has been off by Shah from Payanur in Kannur district on October 3. He pede on a railway footbridge in Goyal said all Mumbai promised to upgrade the he Delhi Metro Rail Cor- will walk for three days, and on October 5, he will walk past Mumbai rose to 23. stations would be inspected suburban trains in Mumbai that poration yesterday the home of Vijayan at Pinarayi. Railway officials said the within a week and new are a lifeline for city’s 20 million Tdefended its decision on accident happened after footbridges were being people. another fare hike saying its Dalai Lama to visit Manipur hundreds of people took shelter approved for overcrowded Some 7.5 million passengers input costs have gone up over Friday on the station footbridge stations. commute in nearly 2,500 trains the years, and the increase is IMPHAL: The Dalai Lama is to visit Imphal, the capital of to escape a heavy downpour. “To eliminate bureaucracy daily but hundreds die every on par with other city metro Manipur, on October 17 to participate in an international peace Most of those killed were and delays, I have empowered year due to losing their grip on rails. In a statement issued conference. This was disclosed yesterday by Yumnam Khem- crushed to death, some GMs (general managers) to the doors, falling while trying here, the DMRC said it has chand, the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly during suffocated and others fell from spend whatever is necessary on to get into packed been operating in the city a brief public function. Khemchand said that the Tibetan the narrow bridge. Around three safety,” he said on Twitter. compartments and hitting since 2002, and is presently spiritual leader will grace a peace conference on October 18 dozen injured were also rushed “Additional escalators electric poles outside. Official carrying around 27 lakh pas- which will be attended by religious leaders from some coun- to nearby hospitals. sanctioned at crowded Mumbai figures say some 3,400 people sengers everyday. tries. The Speaker said that during his last meeting with The accident has raised new suburban stations and thereafter died in 2016 either from falling “To continue to provide a the Dalai Lama in the national capital sometime ago he had safety questions about one of the for all high traffic stations,” the off the trains or while crossing world class service, it is essen- requested him to visit Manipur, which was readily accepted. world’s biggest rail networks, minister said after chairing a the tracks of what is the world’s tial to operate as a healthy which is struggling to upgrade meeting of top railway most overcrowded suburban organisation. Keeping this in infrastructure and safety after a department officials. rail network. view, the provision has been made for the periodic revision of fares through a Fare Fixa- tion Committee (FFC) in the Delhi Metro Operations & Defence Minister visits Siachen Maintenance Act, 2002,” the statement said. Srinagar mander of the Ladakh Corps. Meanwhile, A 14-feet-long “However, since 2009, IANS “The minister interacted tunnel, dug from from the there has been no fare with the soldiers in the remote Pakistan side across the inter- increase whereas the input efence Minister Nirmala areas of Siachen Glacier and national border, was cost for DMRC has increased Sitharaman yesterday conveyed her best wishes on discovered yesterday in Jammu by over 105 per cent in Dvisited the Siachen Gla- the auspicious occasion of and Kashmir’s Jammu district, Energy, 139 per cent in staff cier, the world’s highest and Dussehra,” a Defence Ministry the BSF said. cost and by 213 per cent for coldest battlefield, and also statement said. The tunnel from which, the repair and maintenance”. some other forward posts in Sitharaman also inaugu- Border Security Force (BSF) “In addition, the DMRC the Ladakh region to review rated a bridge on river Shyok troopers said they have recov- has taken a huge loan from the security situation in the on the road between Durbuk ered war-like stores, was the Japan International Coop- area. and Daulat Beg Oldi. discovered a day after the its eration Agency (JICA) and a “During her visit she was “During her visit to Leh, field commanders and those payment of Rs26,760 crore is accompanied by the Chief of she interacted with Indian Air of Pakistan Rangers held a flag still outstanding which has to the Army Staff General Bipan Force personnel,” the state- meeting in which it was mutu- be paid back,” it said. Rawat, General Officer Com- ment added. ally agreed that peace and The statement said DMRC India’s Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurating a bridge mander-in-Chief, Northern This is Sitharaman’s first tranquility would be main- has to provide for deprecia- Command Lieutenant General visit to Jammu and Kashmir as tained on the international on river Shyok on the road between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldi, tion and replacement of Devraj Anbu and Corps Com- Defence Minister. border by both sides. yesterday. various assets. SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 ASIA 13 2,000 Rohingya mass in Myanmar to join exodus

Yangon for Bangladesh,” the state-run AFP Ethnic cleansing Global New Light of Myanmar reported. ore than 2,000 They follow more More than half had gathered Rohingya have than half a million on a beach near Lay Yin Kwin massed along fellow Rohingya who village, the report said, with pho- Myanmar’s coast have emptied out of tos of women and children this week after northern Rakhine in a clustered together on the sand Mtrekking from inland villages in single month, fleeing as security officers looked on. Rakhine state to join the refugee an army crackdown It was not clear if or how they exodus to Bangladesh, state and communal would complete the journey to media reported yesterday. Bangladesh, where the unprec- violence the UN says They follow more than half edented influx of refugees has a million fellow Rohingya who amounts to “ethnic unfurled a separate humanitar- have emptied out of northern cleansing”. ian crisis as aid groups struggle Rakhine in a single month, flee- to meet their vast needs. ing an army crackdown and The report said officials tried communal violence the UN says Thursday has left some 60 feared to assure the Rohingya of their amounts to “ethnic cleansing”. dead, with 23 bodies -- mainly safety in Myanmar but villagers Rohingya refugees walking on the Bangladeshi shoreline of the Naf river after crossing the The journey to Bangladesh is of children -- brought to shore said they “would still like to go border from Myanmar in Teknaf, yesterday. fraught with danger for the state- as dozens more remain missing. to Bangladesh of their own less Muslim minority, who have The crowds building up along accord”. faced decades of systematic Rakhine’s coast hail from the Chris Lewa from the Arakan been cut off from the impover- them very badly and because of cleansing is under way and oppression in mainly Buddhist same inland area -- Buthidaung project, which closely tracks ished area since August 25, when that people are afraid to go out instead blames Rohingya mili- Myanmar. township -- as many of those developments in Rakhine, said Rohingya militant raids on police ... they feel they cannot get out tants for whipping up the After fleeing burning villages who perished in the boat economic deprivation and ten- posts triggered the military back- of their village to do any liveli- violence, which has also dis- they say were set alight by sol- tragedy. sions with Buddhist neighbours lash that plunged northern hood.” The UN has previously placed tens of thousands of diers and Buddhist mobs, more “Starting on Tuesday, they appear to be the main forces Rakhine into crisis. reported that increasingly iso- Rakhine Buddhists and Hindus. than 100 Rohingya have left their region, claiming that driving the recent movements of “The majority are mostly lated Muslim communities in The crisis has inflamed drowned in the scramble to cross they felt insecure to remain Rohingya out of Buthidaung, as poor who are leaving and have Rakhine are receiving regular already blistering religious ten- the Naf river that divides the two because they were now living in opposed to fresh outbreaks of nothing to eat,” said Lewa. threats from ethnic Rakhine sions and fuelled a dizzying array countries. a sparsely populated area, as violence. “The Rakhine (Buddhist) vil- Buddhists to leave the area. of claims and counterclaims The latest boat capsize on most of their relatives had left Crucial aid deliveries have lages nearby, they are treating yanmar denies ethnic from different ethnic groups.

Broadband Festive mood PML-N to hold general user base council meet tomorrow

widens in Lahore and general council a Internews 1,600-strong electorate had Pakistan been summoned to elect the he Pakistan Muslim party’s central leadership. League-Nawaz (PML-N) The first meeting of the Islamabad Twill convened a meeting council would be held at the AFP of its general council tomorrow Islamabad Convention Centre on and October 3 to formally begin Oct 2 after a meeting of the CWC akistan’s broadband the process of re-electing ousted earlier in the morning to amend subscriber base, prime minister Nawaz Sharif as the PML-N constitution that also Pincluding both wireless the party president. barred a disqualified person from (3G/4G) and wireline users, PML-N central information holding any party office, he said, broadened to over 46.9m by secretary and Minister for Cli- adding that the second session August 2017 from around mate Change Mushahidullah would be held on Oct 3 to elect a 45.6 million till a month ear- Khan said on Saturday that new party president. lier, mainly driven by a Sharif was unlikely to leave for He insisted that all legal striking rise in the usage of London till he was re-elected hurdles in the way of Sharif re- mobile data services, Paki- as the party chief. assuming his role as party chief Nepali Hindus dancing during the tenth day of Dashain festival in Bhaktapur on the outskirts stan Telecommunication He added that separate would be removed by Oct 3, of Kathmandu, yesterday Authority (PTA) reported meetings of the PML-N’s cen- and he would take over his yesterday. tral working committee (CWC) former role. “The major contribution came from the mobile oper- ators in the shape of 3G/4G subscribers, which reached Kulsoom Nawaz 44.5 million by August,” the Petrol & diesel prices to go up in Pakistan in October PTA said. discharged from “The number of broad- Islamabad The government is, however, litre. It proposed Rs19.32 (almost in adulterated and poor quality band subscribers in other Internews expected to pass on partial 44pc) increase in kerosene price petrol in the market instead of London hospital technologies included DSL increase recommended by the to Rs63.32 per litre from Rs44. higher grade being charged to reached 1,549,688, HFC he Oil and Gas Regula- regulator, an official said. For LDO, it recommended a consumers. 51,065, Wimax 160,519, tory Authority (Ogra) of In a summary sent to the Rs14.09 (32pc) per litre hike to The government has been Islamabad FTTH 51,097, EvDO 565,709, TPakistan yesterday rec- government, Ogra said the Rs58.09 per litre from Rs44. rejecting these calls in the past, Internews while the users of other ommended Rs2.17 and Rs2.35 adjustment in diesel and petrol For the past many months, saying it wanted to protect poor technologies hit a figure of per litre increase in the price of prices was required to pass on the Ministry of Petroleum and people. Interestingly, Prime Min- usted Pakistani Prime 9,264.” high-speed diesel (HSD) and pet- the impact of increase in the Ogra have been recommending ister ShahidKhaqan Abbasi has Minister Nawaz Shar- The PTA also revealed rol, respectively, effective from international market during a substantial increase in the maintained the status quo Oif’s wife Kulsoom that country’s largest mobile October 1. It also recommended September. An official said the prices of kerosene and LDO to despite personally being an Nawaz, who is undergoing phone operator, Jazz, over- Rs19.32 and Rs14.09 per litre rise regulator on the basis of exist- minimise the huge price differ- advocate of using prices as a tool cancer treatment in London, whelmed its competitors as in kerosene and light diesel oil ing tax rates and imports made ential with petrol. to end adulteration in the past. has been discharged from a a premier 3G/4G provider. (LDO) rates, respectively. by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) in The ministry believed that a Kerosene is the only regu- hospital here and her further “Jazz mobile broadband As such, if the regulators’ cal- September, revised upwards the Rs30 per litre price differential lated petroleum product. treatment, including chemo- subscriber base reached 13.2 culations are accepted, the price new ex-depot price of HSD to between petrol and the two However, it is unavailable at therapy, would start next week. million and 1.24 million for of kerosene would go up by 44 per Rs79.40 for October from other products was encourag- fixed rates anywhere in the Nawaz underwent a third 3G and 4G respectively in the cent, followed by 32pc of LDO. Rs77.40 per litre. Likewise, it ing dishonest market operators country while all other products operation for lymphoma, for period under review,” the The price of petrol would increase worked out the ex-depot price to mix kerosene with petrol for are deregulated and are availa- which she was diagnosed last PTA numbers disclosed. by 3.3pc and that of HSD by 2.8pc. of petrol at Rs73.85 Rs71.50 per higher profits. This is resulting ble reasonably. month, on September 21. “Shukar Alhamdulillah, Ammi (Kulsoom Nawaz) is bet- ter, discharged from the hospital and back home. Her further treatment including Roadside bombs leave two dead in Herat chemotherapy starts next week.” her daughter Maryam Kabul Farhad said a civilian motorcy- responsibility for the attacks in a Shiite mosque in Kabul after attacks in recent months target- said in a tweet on Friday night. AP cle hit a roadside bomb, killing Herat or Kapisa. Friday prayers. It said Zaid al- ing minority Shiites. Last month, Speaking to Geo News, her one civilian and wounding In a separate report from Khorasani, an Afghan, carried militants stormed a packed Shi- son Hussain Nawaz said his t least two people includ- another in the Shindand southern Kandahar province, a out the attack in which author- ite mosque in Kabul during mother’s condition was better ing a police officer were district. woman was killed after a civil- ities say at least five people were Friday prayers in an attack that now. “There do come ups and Akilled by roadside bombs In yet another report from ian vehicle came under attack killed and 29 others wounded. lasted for hours and ended with downs during ailment and it in Afghanistan’s western Herat northern Kapisa province, at by unknown gunmen, said Nia- Najib Danish, spokesman for at least 20 worshippers killed took a couple of days for my province, a provincial official least nine civilians were mat Khan, director of the the Interior Ministry, said three and another 50 seriously mother’s condition to said yesterday. wounded when a bicycle bomb regional Kandahar hospital. He people suspected of being wounded many of them children. improve.” Gelani Farhad, spokesman exploded in a bazaar, said Qais said five others were wounded involved in the attack have been IS claimed it was responsible. The wife of the former pre- for Herat’s provincial governor, Qaderi, spokesman for the pro- in the attack that took place in arrested, and an investigation Additional police forces have mier won the Lahore NA-120 said another officer was vincial governor. Two small Shah Wali Kot district. was underway. been deployed by the Interior by-poll last week. The seat had wounded when a police vehicle children were among the Late on Friday, the Islamic The attack took place two Ministry, especially around the fallen vacant after Sharif’s dis- triggered the explosive in the wounded, including one who State group on its Amaq news days before the Muslim holy day Shiite mosques in different prov- qualification by the top court Adraskan district. was in critical condition, he said. agency claimed responsibility for of Ashura, but Afghanistan has inces of the country, ahead of the in the Panama Papers case on In a separate incident, No one immediately claimed a suicide bombing outside faced a series of large-scale Ashura holy day Sunday. July 28. 14 ASIA SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 Bali urges people who fled volcano to return

Klungkung debris. About 1,100 people died AP The Mount Agung in total. Archive footage of the 1963 uthorities were try- volcano on Bali, a eruption shows buildings with ing to convince more tourist hotspot, has roofs shredded by falling debris, than half of the been at its highest alert a massive plume of ash gushing 144,000 people who sideways from the crater and fled a menacing vol- level for more than children in a row of hospital beds canoA on the Indonesian island of a week, sparking an with their arms and legs Bali to return home yesterday, exodus from an official bandaged. saying they left areas that are danger zone and areas Government volcanologists safe. The Mount Agung volcano last week warned Agung could on Bali, a tourist hotspot known farther away. erupt at any time following a for its lush interior, Hindu cul- dramatic increase in tremors ture and beguiling beaches, has from the mountain. Evacuees stay at a temporary shelter in Kubu, Karangasem Regency on the Indonesian resort been at its highest alert level for where some 22,000 people have “I will stay here for as long more than a week, sparking an fled. “We are trying to identify as it takes,” said Suryani, a island of Bali, yesterday. exodus from an official danger those who lived outside the dan- mother of two living with zone and areas farther away. ger zone.” extended family in a tent on the She said she sympathised Widiada, the disaster official, Sinabung on Sumatra, has been Authorities say the no-go Bali’s governor has warned grounds of a public sports cen- with people who’d fled from said longer-term plans for evac- erupting since 2010. zone, which in places extends that people leaving what the gov- tre that’s the main camp in areas designated as safe by offi- uees from the so-called red zone Officials say tourists on Bali, 12km from the crater, is the area ernment classifies as safe villages Klungkung district. cials. “If it’s not safe yet, they are still being worked out. “This which had nearly 5 million visi- at risk of lava, lahars and sear- have become a “burden” on gen- Inside the centre, families should allow them to stay,” she is a temporary shelter so it’s not tors last year, are not in danger ing hot clouds of ash, gases and uine evacuees and the temporary whiled away the time on mat- said. “We can stay here together as comfortable as your own but they have prepared evacua- rock fragments if there’s a pow- shelters set up to receive them. tresses, watching a giant TV so they’re not in danger.” house but we are trying to make tion plans if ash fall from an erful eruption. Agung’s last eruptions in screen, while cheerful music At another smaller tempo- it as good as we can by provid- eruption forces the closure of the “Those who live outside the 1963 produced deadly clouds of blared in the background. rary camp, officials said a dozen ing entertainment, counsellors, island’s international airport. danger zone, we urge them to go searing hot ash, gases and rock “They are treating us well. I people had left of their own a school for the children.” Indonesia, an archipelago of back home and carry on with fragments that traveled down its don’t want to go home if the accord after the Bali governor’s Agung, about 70km to the thousands of islands, is prone to their daily lives,” said Putu Wid- slopes at great speed. Lava mountain hasn’t exploded yet,” statement and they were in the northeast of the Kuta tourist seismic upheaval due to its loca- iada, head of the disaster spread for several kilometres and said Suryani, who goes by one process of identifying others who mecca, is among more than 120 tion on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” mitigation agency in Klungkung people were also killed by lahars name and is from a village inside can go home but wouldn’t com- active volcanoes in Indonesia. an arc of volcanoes and fault district south of the volcano — rivers of water and volcanic the danger zone. pel them to. Another volcano, Mount lines encircling the Pacific Basin.

Fear driving Cambodian opposition MPs abroad Quake rattles

Phnom Penh The government has said country in fear,” Mu Sochua, one but Kem Sokha’s “criminal act” countries. Mu Sochua said she southwestern Reuters there could be more arrests of three deputies to Kem Sokha had destroyed it. “The ship has was still hopeful that Western linked to the alleged plot, which said. “I’m taking my chances. We left the port so it’s already too countries would take stronger China causing round half the opposition the opposition says is just a ploy cannot live in fear and let the late,” said Sok Eysan. action against the government, members of Cambodia’s to ensure Hun Sen keeps his fear paralyse us.” The government has said but did not specify what. minor damage Aparliament have left the more than three-decade hold on She said the party was still in Kem Sokha’s party could be dis- “A statement alone is not country in fear of a crackdown power in next year’s general contact with those members out- solved if it doesn’t drop him as going to help,” she said. Beijing by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s election. side the country as the its leader, something the CNRP The evidence presented Reuters government, a deputy party Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian opposition tries to rally interna- has said it will not do. against Kem Sokha so far is a leader said. People’s Party (CPP) has a slim tional pressure on the While Western countries video from 2013 in which he tells 5.5 magnitude The leader of the Cambodia majority in the 123-member par- government. A spokesman for have condemned the arrest of supporters that he has support earthquake rattled National Rescue Party (CNRP), liament, which voted on the ruling party said it was an Kem Sokha and called for his from unidentified Americans for Asouthwestern Chi- Kem Sokha, was arrested on September 11 to allow the pros- internal issue for the CNRP if its release, Hun Sen has support a plan to gain power. na’s Sichuan province September 3 and charged with ecution of Kem Sokha in a vote members were abroad. Spokes- from his close ally China, by far The opposition says it is evi- yesterday, part of the treason for an alleged plot to boycotted by opposition mem- man Sok Eysan said the CPP the biggest donor to one of dence of an election strategy, not country frequently struck take power with US help. bers. “About half are out of the believed in a culture of dialogue Southeast Asia’s poorest a coup plot. by temblors, with initial reports of only minor damage. The quake struck 78km west of Guangyuan city, the United States Tokyo Governor Geological Survey said, with a depth of 10km. People close to the Koike’s party epicentre said on Chinese social media that they felt shaking, and some posted pictures of people rush- threat to Abe: Poll ing outside of buildings. State media showed newborn “Party of Hope”. pictures of tiles having Koike is also talking with fallen off walls, bottles smaller opposition groups to toppled over and in one explore possibilities of rural area some rocks cooperation. having fallen onto roads A survey in the leading and what appeared to be business daily Nikkei last week- a small collapsed barn. end had showed 44 percent of The official Xinhua Japanese plan to vote for the news agency said there LDP while only eight percent were no reports yet of favoured the Democratic Party. any injuries or deaths. Tokyo Abe on Monday called the The Sichuan govern- AFP snap election, seeking a fresh ment said several rail term at the helm of the world’s Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks during a reception on the eve of China’s National Day, services had been sus- apan Prime Minister Shinzo third-largest economy. which marks the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in pended for safety checks, Abe’s (pictured) lead in next He hoped to capitalise on a Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, yesterday. but that it had not Jmonth’s election has shrunk weak and fractured opposition received any reports of as the popular Tokyo governor to sweep back into power, as power being cut off in any pushes to unite opposition polls had shown him regaining Study capitalism but parts of the province. forces, a survey by Japan’s top- ground for his hawkish stance It also showed pic- selling daily indicated on rising tensions with nearby tures from Qingchuan yesterday. North Korea. county, the quake’s epi- Thirty-four percent of Jap- But Koike stole his limelight Marxism remains top: Xi centre, with everything anese plan to vote for Abe’s by launching her party with the looking as normal and conservative Liberal Demo- criticism that the pace of much- with no damage. The cratic Party (LDP) while 19 needed reforms under Abe’s Beijing tightening the party’s grip over Marxism, we must maintain quake hit a mountainous percent favour a party formed government is too slow. Reuters the internet, media and security unswerving resolve, never area between the cities of this week by Tokyo Governor The Yomiuri conducted the infrastructure, and locking up wavering at any time or under Guangyuan and Mian- Yuriko Koike, according to the survey on which party voters ommunist Party members rights lawyers and dissidents. any circumstances.” yang. Sichuan is often poll in the Yomiuri Shimbun. plan to cast their ballots for should study contempo- Speaking at a study session Xi said the party should bet- struck by tremors. A huge It also showed one quarter under the proportional repre- Crary capitalism but must of the Politburo, one of the par- ter integrate the basic tenets of quake there in 2008 of those polled were still unde- sentation system. A total of 465 never deviate from Marxism, ty’s elite ruling bodies, Xi said Marxism with the “reality of killed almost 70,000 cided on how vote in the seats are up for grabs in the Chinese President Xi Jinping that while times are changing contemporary China and learn people. In August, a October 22 election. lower-house election on Octo- said, offering a clear signal there and society is developing, the from the achievements of other 7.0-magnitude earth- The findings suggest Abe’s ber 22, of which 289 are to be will be no weakening of party basic tenets of Marxism remain civilisations to create and quake struck a remote path to victory may not be as elected from single-seat dis- control weeks ahead of a key true, state news agency Xinhua develop Marxism”, Xinhua part of the same province easy as earlier believed. tricts and 176 by proportional Congress opening. said late Friday. added. near a popular tourist The poll was taken on representation. The party brooks no chal- “If we deviate from or aban- “Xi also asked Party mem- area, killing 20 people Thursday and Friday, right after Both Yomiuri and Nikkei lenge to its rule, and Xi has don Marxism, our party would bers to study contemporary and injuring around 500, the main opposition Demo- surveys were telephone polls overseen a sweeping crackdown lose its soul and direction,” Xi capitalism, its essence and pat- many of them in cratic Party made a surprise that covered more than 1,000 on civil society since assuming said. “On the fundamental issue terns,” the report added, without landslides. move to join forces with Koike’s eligible voters across the nation. power almost five years ago, of upholding the guiding role of elaborating. SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 ASIA 15 US probes North Korea’s willingness to talk

Beijing AFP US Secretary of State Xi touts Trump ‘friendship’ ashington has Rex Tillerson met with opened chan- China’s top officials nels to North in Beijing to discuss in talks with Tillerson Korea to find efforts to curb North out if the Beijing Korea to abandon its nuclear Wregime is ready to talk about giv- Korea’s nuclear AFP and missile activities. ing up its nuclear weapons, ambitions and prepare The Trump administration Secretary of State Rex Tillerson President Donald hinese President Xi Jin- angered Beijing this summer said yesterday. Speaking after a Trump’s November ping told US Secretary by slapping sanctions on Chi- day of talks with China’s Presi- Cof State Rex Tillerson nese companies accused of dent Xi Jinping and top visit. Tillerson said US yesterday that he expected supporting North Korea’s diplomats, Tillerson told report- officials are in touch President Donald Trump’s weapons programme. But ers that US officials are in touch with Pyongyang to upcoming visit to be “wonder- China, which accounts for 90 with Pyongyang. ful”, as ties appear warmer percent of North Korea’s The disclosure follows an find out if the regime following tensions over how international trade, has since escalating war of words between is ready to talk about to handle North Korea. backed a slew of additional US President Donald Trump and giving up its nuclear Xi smiled as he greeted United Nations sanctions North Korean strongman Kim weapons. Tillerson at the imposing against its neighbour. Jong-Un, and Tillerson issued a Great Hall of the People across A senior US official said call for calm. Tiananmen Square for talks this week that China appears Asked how he could know expected to focus on North to be on board with the plan whether the North would even nuclear tests, and last week Korea and Trump’s Novem- to squeeze Pyongyang. “This contemplate responding to new Trump threatened to “totally ber visit. Xi recalled that he is a relationship that contin- sanctions by coming to the table, destroy” the country. and Trump have spoken on ues to grow and mature on the the US envoy said: “We are prob- But privately senior figures the phone several times and strength of the relationship ing, so stay tuned.” admit the military options do not US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (left) with Chinese President that they already met at the between yourself and Presi- Washington has no diplo- look promising, with ally South Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, yesterday. US leader’s Mar-a-Lago resort dent Trump,” Tillerson told Xi. matic ties with Kim’s autocratic Korea’s densely populated cap- in Florida in April and the G20 “And we look forward to regime, and has been leaning on ital Seoul in range of the North’s Trump an “old psychopath” bent Tillerson instead called for summit in Hamburg in July. advancing that relationship at Beijing to rein in its neighbour’s artillery. on the “suicidal act of inviting a calm, singling out Pyongyang’s “I have enjoyed each and the upcoming summit.” behaviour through tougher sanc- Tillerson, meanwhile, has nuclear disaster that will reduce missile tests for criticism, but not every one of those engage- Tillerson also met with tions. But Tillerson said US been a proponent of a campaign America to a sea of flames”. rushing to defend Trump’s own ments and we have made China’s top diplomat, State diplomats do not rely on China of “peaceful pressure”, using US North Korea’s rhetoric has heated rhetoric and bellicose considerable efforts to push Councillor Yang Jiechi, and as a go-between in overtures to and UN sanctions and working been backed by a provocative tweets. “The whole situation is a for the development of China- Foreign Minister Wang Yi to North Korea, and have them- with China to turn the screw on series of ballistic missile tests and bit overheated right now. I think US relations,” Xi said. lay the groundwork for selves talked directly through the regime. But his efforts have on September 3 it conducted its everyone would like for it to “The two of us have also Trump’s trip, which will “our own channels.” been overshadowed by an sixth and most powerful nuclear calm down,” he said in response maintained a good working include stops in Japan, South “We ask,” he said. “We have extraordinary war of words, with test. In the decade since the to a question about Trump’s relationship and personal Korea, Vietnam and the Phil- lines of communication with Trump mocking Kim as “little North’s first nuclear explosion it threats. “I think if North Korea friendship,” he said, adding ippines between November 3 Pyongyang. We’re not in a dark Rocket Man” and Kim branding has made rapid progress in would stop firing all the missiles, that he believed Trump’s visit and 14. “Let us concentrate on situation, a blackout, we have a the US leader a “dotard”. developing the kind of missile that would calm down things a “will be a special, wonderful cooperation and properly couple, three channels open to Even as Tillerson met Xi and technology that would allow it lot,” he said. and successful one”. manage our differences in the Pyongyang.” China’s top diplomats State to hit US targets. Tillerson, who was in Beijing Trump has touted his spirit of mutual respect and “We can talk to them, we do Councillor Yang Jiechi and For- Tillerson said that decision to plan for a summit that Xi will friendship with Xi but he has mutual benefit so that we can talk to them,” he said. eign Minister Wang Yi, the would be up to Trump alone and host for Trump in November, also prodded the Chinese keep moving the China-US The US has not ruled out the North’s propaganda agency fired that “as far as I know the com- welcomed recent measures leader in recent months to relationship forward in the use of force to compel a new barrage of insults. mander in chief has issued no red taken by China to crack down on exert more pressure on North right direction,” Yang said. Pyongyang to halt missile and The statement proclaimed lines.” its neighbour. Pyongyang seen moving missiles Philippines won’t allow from development centre foreign

Seoul The missiles could be either interme- intervention Reuters diate range Hwasong-12 or intercontinental ballistic Hwasong-14 missiles, according ZAM BOANGA CITY: Philip- everal North Korean missiles were to the report, though the missile facility at pine President Rodrigo Duterte recently spotted moved from a rocket Sanum-dong has been dedicated to the addressed the concerns, raised Sfacility in the capital Pyongyang, South production of intercontinental ballistic by the 39-member states of Korea’s Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) missiles. the United Nations to the thou- reported late Friday amid speculation that A source from South Korea’s defense sands of killings during his the North was preparing to take more pro- ministry said he could not confirm details war on drugs by saying there vocative actions. of the report or whether there has been is no culture of impunity in the The report cited an unnamed intelli- any unusual activities in the area men- country and it will not allow gence source saying South Korean and US tioned. South Korean official have voiced foreign dictation. intelligence officials detected missiles being concerns that North Korea could conduct Duterte’s bloody drug transported away from North Korea’s Mis- more provocative acts near the anniver- war has been repeatedly crit- sile Research and Development Facility at sary of the founding of its communist party icised by the UN and other North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visits a Farm No. 1116 of KPA Unit 810 in Sanum-dong in the northern part of on October 10, or possibly when China rights groups globally. The this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency Pyongyang. The report did not say when holds its Communist Party Congress on Netherlands, UK, Ukraine, (KCNA) in Pyongyang. or where they had been moved. October 18. and United States expressed concern, “about the thou- sands of killings and climate of impunity associated with the war on drugs” in the Philippines. US carrier navigates crowded South China Sea “While it is true that 39 countries have expressed South China Sea “We’ve had no issues. They’ve been concern over drug-related Reuters very professional,” said Rear Admiral killings, the fact remains that Marc Dalton, commander of the Reagan’s the United Nations Human s the commanders of the largest US strike group, as well as the larger battle Rights Council (UNHRC), the warship in Asia seek to maintain forces of the US Seventh Fleet. “We see highest peer review body in Aoperational readiness amid pro- them on a regular basis,” he said. the world on all matters of tracted tensions over North Korea, they As Dalton spoke, the midnight blue human rights, unanimously find themselves keeping one eye on China, waters beyond the flight decks made for accepted and commended the too. Yesterday, as F-18 Super Hornet jet a crowded scene, with a US and an allied Outcome Report on the Phil- fighters roared from the deck of the USS Japanese destroyer also visible as the Rea- ippines’ Universal Periodic Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier during rou- gan manouvered some 400 nautical miles Review (UPR),” according to tine drills deep in the South China Sea, (748km) from the Chinese coast. statement of Presidential two Chinese frigates maintained a con- It provided a window into the strains Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. stant line-of-sight vigil. of increased deployments and exercises “Unfortunately, it still Officers on the Japanese-based Rea- by regional militaries, in part as they appears that some parties gan described frequent close quarter respond to the threat posed by refuse to understand certain surveillance from the ships of the Peo- Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear and mis- aspects of our human rights ple’s Liberation Army Navy in sile programmes. efforts. So let us be clear. international waters. North Korea has staged an apparent There is no culture of impu- Sometimes, they said, Chinese ves- hydrogen bomb test and fired two ballis- nity in the Philippines. The sels steam in to check out the carrier en tic missiles over Japan in recent weeks. State is investigating all cred- route to other destinations. Other times, The situation has unfolded as US naval ible allegations of human An F/A-18 Super Hornet lands on the deck of the USS Ronald Reagan in the Chinese frigates linger for days within the chiefs review operations to draw lessons rights violations by all its screen of US ships and planes that pro- from four significant accidents within the South China Sea, yesterday. agents and will continue to tect the Reagan — Washington’s only US Pacific Fleet this year. do so, consistent with our carrier based outside America. A report this month by the US Gov- operational readiness. Dalton will soon China, which claims much of the dis- Constitution and laws, and At times, the carrier crew, to ensure ernment Accountability Office highlighted lead the carrier to a port call in Chinese- puted South China Sea, has long objected in compliance with the spirit safe passage, will alert their uninvited Chi- a host of training and maintenance prob- ruled Hong Kong — the first such visit in to US military operations off its coasts, of our national traditions of nese escorts, should the Reagan sharply lems as the navy strove to expand three years after a stop by another car- even in areas Washington insists are free liberty and democracy,” alter course, officers said. overseas deployments and improve rier was denied in 2016. to international passage. Abella added. 16 EUROPE SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 May faces new tensions in Conservative party

London that saw the Conservatives lose AP The latest intervention their majority in the House of Commons in June. ritish Prime Minister by Foreign Secretary The prime minister faced Theresa May is facing Boris Johnson comes calls to discipline Johnson ear- fresh tensions within as May seeks to lier this month after he laid out her Conservative re-establish her hold his own vision of Britain’s future Party over how to outside the EU in a 4,000-word Bmanage Britain’s departure from on power and turn article for the Sunday Telegraph the European Union, distracting attention toward the newspaper. Johnson called for her from efforts to shift attention British economy. Britain to adopt a low-tax, low- toward economic issues ahead regulation economy outside the of the party’s annual EU’s single market and customs conference. union. Foreign Secretary Boris “There can be no monkey- The latest intervention by Johnson said in comments pub- ing around” with the transition Johnson comes as May seeks to Workmen attach a hording displaying Conservative party logos onto the perimeter fence lished yesterday that a transition period, Johnson said. re-establish her hold on power surrounding the Manchester Central convention centre in Manchester, ahead of the Conservative period to ease the impact of The comments mark the sec- and turn attention toward the party annual conference, yesterday. Brexit must not last “a second ond time in less than a month British economy. more” than the two years May that Johnson, often mentioned “Yes, we have to get the best when Britain triggered a two- status of the Ireland-Northern Leave Means Leave group say the proposed during a key speech in as a successor to May, has chal- Brexit deal — but we must also year countdown to leave the Ireland border and the amount government could instead allow Italy last week. lenged the prime minister’s take action here at home to make 28-nation EU, negotiations have Britain must pay to settle its World Trade Organization rules Johnson also said Britain efforts to make the government this a fairer place to live for ordi- made little progress. The EU is financial commitments to the to take effect on the day Britain must not pay for tariff-free trade appear both strong and united. nary working people,” she said. demanding that Britain resolve bloc. leaves the EU in March 2019. with the EU, or agree to imple- May’s performance at the “The social contract in our coun- so-called separation issues Some leading Conservatives “Brussels cannot be allowed ment the bloc’s rules in order to party conference, which begins try is that the next generation before moving onto questions are suggesting Britain should end to boss Britain around,” said gain such access, according to an today in Manchester, may be piv- should always have it better than about the future relationship talks with the EU as early as Richard Tice, the group’s co- interview with the Sun otal for her administration after the last.” between the two sides. Those Christmas if there is no concrete founder. “It’s time we showed newspaper. a disastrous election campaign In the months since March, separation issues include the progress. Senior figures in the how ready we are to walk away.”

At least 20 detained ahead Billionaire carves of right-wing rally up Czech politics by

COPENHAGEN: Swedish police say they have detained some 20 shunning extremists people, mostly foreigners, ahead of a right-wing demonstration in Sweden’s second-largest city. Prague said ANO, the overwhelming Police in Goteborg, about Bloomberg favorite to win elections on Oct. 400km southwest of Stockholm, 20-21, won’t accept the Com- say those arrested included one he Czech billionaire munists or the anti-immigration person accused of kicking an whose upstart party Freedom and Direct Democracy officer in the face and two oth- Tshook up the establish- party -- known by its Czech ers for carrying knives. ment four years ago now wants acronym SPD — as a coalition Authorities say the Nordic to realign the political middle partner. The latest poll pub- Resistance Movement expects ground on his own terms. lished shows the two parties some 1,000 people to march Andrej Babis, who’s almost garnering almost a fifth of the while as many as 10,000 peo- certain to become the Czech vote, with the Communists fin- ple could Republic’s prime minister after ishing third and SPD clearing The Nordic Resistance Movement members march in central Gothenburg, Sweden, yesterday. counter-demonstrate. next month’s elections, said he the 5 percent threshold to enter wouldn’t partner with parties parliament. on either extreme of the polit- SPD’s leader, Tokyo-born ical spectrum. It’s less obvious lawmaker Tomio Okamura, has for Babis, however, where his urged voters to harass Muslims Thousands march in Dublin against Irish laws ANO party will find its natural by walking dogs and pigs by allies. “Common sense and mosques and to stop buying Dublin Campaign which organised the added to the constitution after a A recent poll by Ipsos/MRBI problem-solving” is how Babis, kebabs because they fund AFP rally, said: “The message today referendum, giving equal rights found 67 percent of respondents 63, defines his agenda. “I don’t Islamic movements. The viru- is ‘time to act’ because we’ve to the life of the unborn child and were opposed to abortion in know, maybe we will be in the lent campaign has made housands of demonstra- waited for a long time for a the mother. general but that 76 percent were opposition,” he said in an inter- inroads in the European Union tors marched in Dublin change. “We want full repeal. We The law was changed three in favour of legalising it cases of view in Prague this week. member of 10.6 million, despite Tyesterday in favour of lib- can’t support exceptions and decades later to allow termina- rape. Varadkar, who trained as The second-richest Czech the country having a tiny Mus- eralising Ireland’s tight abortion only a hundred people allowed tions when the mother’s life is at a doctor, has called the current is taking a different tack from lim community. laws ahead of a planned refer- to get access to abortion.” risk, following public outrage at laws “too restrictive”. other leaders in Europe, who’ve The Communists have endum on the fiercely-debated Keishia Taylor, a spokes- the death of a pregnant woman Varadkar has said he would at times sought compromise never officially renounced the issue. woman for the organisation in 2012 who was refused an support abortion in cases of fatal with political outliers. In Swe- crimes of the Soviet-dominated Protesters chanted, “My ROSA (For Reproductive Rights, abortion. In the face of mount- foetal abnormalities but is not den, the biggest opposition Czechoslovak regime and want body, my choice” and waved said: “I think today is going to be ing public pressure, Irish Prime supporting wider party opened itself up to coop- the country to leave the North placards reading “Not the a huge turnout, a turning point.” Minister Leo Varadkar on Tues- liberalisation. eration with an Atlantic Treaty Organization. church, not the state: women Campaigners were expect- day announced plans for a Thousands of Irish women anti-immigration party with Meanwhile, Babis is look- should decide their fate”, as they ing 30,000 to attend, but the referendum on the issue to be currently travel abroad for abor- neo-Nazi roots. The junior coa- ing to protect his political flanks headed through the capital police declined to give a crowd held in May or June 2018, ahead tions every year, mainly to lition partner in Bulgaria is a and bend the mainstream to his towards the parliament. estimate. Abortion has always of a visit by Pope Francis in England. A “March for Choice” loose alliance of nationalist par- liking after rising to popularity Linda Kavanagh, a spokes- been illegal in Ireland and in August. Ireland is still deeply took place in London outside the ties. Babis, himself no stranger among Czechs by channelling woman from the Abortion Rights 1983 an eighth amendment was divided over the issue. Irish embassy yesterday. to anti-immigration rhetoric, anti-EU sentiment.

French PM at navy base Russian soldier Moscow denies that it who murdered 3 comrades left troops in Belarus

shot dead Moscow Viktor Muzhenko said Russia Reuters had left troops behind after MOSCOW: Officials in far staging the war games despite east Russia say a soldier who ussian troops that took promising not to. opened fire at other service- part in war games in Relations between Kiev and men during drills has been Rneighbouring Belarus Moscow nosedived after Rus- tracked down and killed. have returned to their bases, a sia annexed the Crimean The military says the sol- Russian general said peninsula in 2014 and sup- dier, who killed three and yesterday. ported the outbreak of a wounded two other soldiers, “As for units of Russian separatist insurgency in east- offered resistance to arrest forces that took part in a mutual ern Ukraine that has killed and was shot dead early Sat- strategic military exercises more than 10,000 people. urday following a massive ‘Zapad 2017’, they all returned Muzhenko said that Russia manhunt. During the incident, to their permanent disposition,” had withdrawn only a few units the soldier fired his Kalash- TASS news agency quoted from Belarus and had lied about nikov rifle at his comrades Major-General Igor Konash- how many of its soldiers were French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (centre) watches a helicopter lands on deck as waiting to have target prac- enkov as saying. “Zapad” is the there in the first place. Konash- he visits the French BPC Mistral amphibious assault ship with French Defence Minister tice at a base outside the town Russian word for “west”. enkov said Muzhenko’s Florence Parly (right) at sea off Toulon navy base, southern France, yesterday. of Belogorsk near the border Konashenkov spoke after remarks on Russian troops in with China and then fled. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Belarus were a fantasy. SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 EUROPE 17 Anxiety running high as Catalan vote looms

Madrid AFP Thousands rally rustration and anxiety mounted across Spain yesterday in the face of Catalonia’s determina- tion to defy Madrid and for Spanish unity Fhold a banned independence ref- erendum for the wealthy Madrid northeastern region. AFP In the run-up to today’s vote, which the courts have ruled housands of people, many unconstitutional, more red and waving red and yellow yellow Spanish flags have TSpanish flags, rallied in appeared on balconies in Madrid, Madrid in favour of Spanish unity Seville and other cities in support yesterday, a day before a banned of national unity. referendum on independence for “Before this summer the Cat- Catalonia. alan question was not a worry,” The demonstrators gathered said Lluis Orriols, a political sci- in the central Plaza de Cibeles, ence lecturer and expert on public in front of the capital’s town hall, opinion at the University Carlos chanting “Catalonia is part of III in Madrid. “The latest polls show Spain!” and “I am Spanish, Span- 75 percent of Spaniards oppose the ish, Spanish!” — a cry usually referendum, for fear of secession,” heard during national team foot- People sing inside the occupied Miquel Tarradell High School, one of the designated polling he said. ball matches. stations, a day before the banned independence referendum in Barcelona, yesterday. The anxiety has been fuelled Some of the demonstrators by the media’s focus on the issue, called for Catalonia’s pro-inde- Protesters unfold a Spanish Orriols added, since “in reality 55 oil from centuries-old olive trees, pendence president, Carles flag during a demonstration percent of Catalans reject separa- said the dominant feeling was one Puigdemont, to be jailed. against independence of tion even if a majority want to of “sadness, because we are Most potential voting stations Puigdemont has vowed to Catalonia called by DENAES vote.” neighbours”. push ahead with the independ- Foundation for the Spanish The apprehension is especially “We are taking a step back- ence vote for Catalonia, a Nation Defence in Madrid, strong in Catalonia’s neighbour- wards. My family in Barcelona for Catalan vote closed: Govt wealthy northeastern region that yesterday. ing regions of Aragon to the west thinks it’s madness. Catalans crit- is home to about 7.5 million peo- and Valencia to the south. “The icise Madrid but they forget the MADRID: Spanish police have sealed off more than half of ple, even though a Spanish court economy and daily life of the peo- rest of the country. My bottles, my schools earmarked as polling stations for a banned referendum has ruled that the vote is Beside him stood Fernando ple of Aragon would be hugely labels, come from Catalan com- on Catalonia’s breakaway from Spain, according to officials. unconstitutional. Cepeda, a 58-year-old engineer, impacted if a border went up,” said panies, and I need them for my Separatists in the northeastern region on Friday evening and Prime Minister Mariano who said Catalonia and Spain’s Spanish author Sergio del Molino, exports,” he said. Saturday morning started occupying voting stations in a bid Rajoy’s conservative government northern Basque Country already who is from the region, which in Bordered by the Pyrenees and to ensure the poll, which has been declared illegal by Spanish has also said the referendum is enjoyed more powers than Ger- medieval times ruled Catalonia. the Mediterranean, Catalonia — authorities, goes ahead. The central government in Madrid illegal and has vowed to do eve- man regions. “We should not “The Aragonese do not under- which is roughly the size of said that 1,300 of 2,315 designated voting stations have been rything in its power to stop it. have come to this. We have stand the demands of such a rich Belgium — accounts for 16 percent sealed off by police, who have been mobilised in the thou- “The state needs to explain reached a point of no return,” region and feel abandoned,” added of Spain’s population and 19 per- sands in the region. Enric Millo, the highest-ranking Spanish the benefits of remaining united, said Cepeda, a Spanish flag tied Del Molino, whose book “Empty cent of its economic output. The official in Catalonia, said parents and students were found to instead of repeating all the time around the waist. Spain” examines the effect of mass economic consequences of seces- be occupying 163 schools and holding activities when police that the referendum is illegal. But Maite Lopez Sanchez, 55, migration to major economic cen- sion are also a worry in the eastern were sealing off facilities. Police have been ordered not to use there is no leader in Spain,” said who came to the protest with her tres like Madrid and Barcelona. region of Extremadura, one of force, but to vacate the schools by 6am (04:00 GMT) today, Rafael Castillo, a 59-year-old daughter, said Spanish institu- In the village of Traiguera in Spain’s poorest regions, which is ahead of the scheduled opening of polls at 9am (07:00 GMT). engineer at the rally, wearing a tions should “explain better what the coastal region of Valencia, known for the cherries of its Jerte scarf with the Spanish flag they are doing to enforce the Amador Peset, who produces olive Valley region. around his neck. constitution”.

Merkel allies fret over Violet Festival political gathering Germany arrests suspected baby former East Germany’s food poisoner

FRANKFURT AM MAIN: rightward shift German police announced yesterday the arrest of a 55-year-old man “strongly Berlin and rising criminality.” suspected” of poisoning baby Reuters Rainer Haseloff, premier of food and threatening to con- Saxony-Anhalt, echoed this, taminate other products in he premiers of two telling newspaper Die Welt: stores nationwide and across regions where the far- “People want to know how Ger- Europe. Tright Alternative for many will preserve its The man was detained by Germany (AfD) party made big identity.” officers near Tubingen, south gains in the national election These calls align the two of Stuttgart, following infor- warned that Chancellor Angela influential state leaders more mation received from the Merkel’s conservatives must closely with the CDU’s Bavar- public, police and prosecu- change course to stop the ian sister party, the Christian tors said in a joint statement. former East Germany’s right- Social Union (CSU), which Police on Thursday had ward drift. wants a hard immigration alerted the public to the risk Merkel’s Christian Demo- ceiling. of food being poisoned, say- crats (CDU) suffered big losses While both premiers stuck ing a blackmailer was across much of Germany in the to Merkel’s line that a firm demanding millions of euros election, in which the AfD, with upper limit would be imprac- in cash. its anti-immigration message, tical, their calls for the state to President of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes council, Vice-President of the French right-wing Les Authorities released sur- became the first far-right party take a firmer hand with immi- Republicains (LR) party, and candidate for the LR presidency, Laurent Wauquiez delivers veillance footage of the in the national parliament in grants could strengthen the a speech yesterday at the “Fete de la Violette” (Violet Festival), a political gathering suspect, then described as over half a century. CSU’s hand as the sister parties organised by Guillaume Peltier at Souvigny-en-Sologne, Central France. being aged around 50 and The calls for a rightward attempt to thrash out a com- who was wearing glasses and shift add to the challenge Mer- mon position ahead of coalition a white cap, which ultimately kel faces as she tries to talks with the FDP and Greens. led to the arrest. assemble an already tricky Some warn that a black To press the demand, the three-party coalition including (CDU)-yellow (FDP)-Green blackmailer had poisoned the left-wing Greens, the pro- “Jamaica coalition”, risks Oxford removes Suu Kyi portrait five baby food products and business Free Democrats (FDP) heightening a sense of aliena- last week alerted police to and her own increasingly frac- tion among voters in the former London Suu Kyi has meanwhile been the store they were placed tious party. East Germany. AFP moved to a secure location.” in, in the southern city of The AfD’s surge prompted Given the losses all three The university did not say Friedrichshafen on Lake much soul-searching within the parties had suffered in the East, he Oxford University col- whether the removal was linked Constance. conservative camp, with many “a Jamaica coalition would be lege where Aung San Suu to the ongoing crisis in Myan- The food — which had blaming Merkel’s 2015 decision seen as a West German coali- TKyi (pictured) studied said mar’s western Rakhine State. been laced with ethylene gly- to open the doors to over a mil- tion in the east,” Green MP it had taken down a portrait of The United Nations col, a chemical found in lion migrants fleeing war and Canan Bayram said. the Myanmar leader, a decision describes the situation as “eth- anti-freeze and brake fluid poverty in the Middle East and But Merkel, in a podcast that follows widespread criticism nic cleansing”. — was successfully removed. Africa for the far-right’s surge. released yesterday, warned of her over the Rohingya crisis. The removal of the 1997 But it prompted the The conservative premiers against treating Germany’s The portrait, which was on portrait by the Chinese artist nationwide appeal for infor- of Saxony, where the AfD poorer east as a homogenous display in the main entrance of Chen Yanning comes a few days mation on the suspect and a topped polls, and of Saxony bloc. St Hugh’s College, has been before new students arrive at warning about further food Anhalt called for the CDU to “We see these fears of glo- placed in storage and was the college to start their courses. tampering. move to the right to stem the balisation, of anonymity, about replaced on Thursday with a before completing a masters in The portrait belonged to Suu Through the video sur- losses. “People want Germany old-age care everywhere, new painting gifted by Japanese politics in 1968. “We received a Kyi’s husband, the Oxford aca- veillance of the stores where to stay Germany,” said Stanis- including in the west,” she said. artist Yoshihiro Takada. new painting earlier this month demic Michael Aris, and was the baby jars were identified, law Tillich, premier of Saxony, “We have to get people listen- Nobel Peace Prize laureate which will be exhibited at the bequeathed to the college after police were able to obtain in an interview with the Funke ing, to win people over by Suu Kyi studied at St Hugh’s, main entrance for a period,” the his death in 1999. St Hugh’s also images clearly showing the newspaper network. “They solving their problems. That’s graduating in philosophy, poli- college said in a statement. counts British Prime Minister face of the 55-year-old man, don’t want parallel societies my task.” tics and economics in 1967 “The painting of Aung San Theresa May among its alumni. who has not been named. 18 AMERICAS SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 Blow to Trump as Price resigns as health secretary

Washington Trump, currently trying to sell his late on Friday saying use of private Reuters Private jet use tax cut plan and oversee the federal planes required approval from White His abrupt departure was response to devastation wreaked by House Chief of Staff John Kelly and that S Health and Human Services announced an hour after three hurricanes, saw the Price drama the commercial air system was appro- Secretary Tom Price (pictured) Trump told reporters he as an unnecessary distraction and priate even for very senior officials with resigned under pressure from behind the scenes was telling aides few exceptions. U was disappointed in Price’s President Donald Trump late on Fri- “what was he thinking?,” a source close The Washington Post on Friday use of private aircraft and day in an uproar over Price’s use of to the president said. reported that Veterans Affairs Secretary costly private charter planes for gov- did not like the way it Price promised on Thursday to repay David Shulkin attended a Wimbledon ten- ernment business. reflected on his the nearly $52,000 cost of his seats on nis match, toured Westminster Abbey and His abrupt departure was administration. private charter flights. “The taxpayers took a cruise on the Thames this summer announced an hour after Trump told won’t pay a dime for my seat on those during a 10-day trip to discuss veterans’ reporters he was disappointed in Price’s Price’s resignation leaves planes,” Price said. But that was not health issues in Britain and Denmark. use of private aircraft and did not like Trump with a second White House, which has struggled to get enough to satisfy Trump. Shulkin, who traveled on a commer- the way it reflected on his administra- Cabinet position to fill. He major legislative achievements passed Trump told reporters that the cial airline, was accompanied on the trip tion. “Secretary of Health and Human has yet to pick a secretary by Congress and has been embroiled in “optics” of Price’s travel were not good, by his wife, whose airfare was paid for Services Thomas Price offered his res- for homeland security after one controversy after another since since, as president he was trying to rene- by the government and who received a ignation earlier today and the president hiring former Secretary Trump took office in January. gotiate U.S. contracts to get a better deal per diem for meals, the Post said, not- accepted,” the White House said in a John Kelly as his White Price, a former congressman, was for taxpayers. “Look, I think he’s a very ing that the Department of Veterans statement. House chief of staff. instrumental in the Trump administra- fine person. I certainly don’t like the Affairs said she was traveling on Trump named Don Wright to serve tion’s policies aimed at undercutting optics,” Trump said. “approved invitational orders.” as acting secretary. Wright is currently the Obamacare, as well as working with Price had also been seen in the His six-person traveling party deputy assistant secretary for health and Administration, according to industry governors across the country to slowly White House as having been ineffective included an acting undersecretary of director of the office of disease preven- analysts. Several sources saw Gottlieb begin unraveling parts of the law. in getting Congress to pass healthcare health and her husband as well as two tion and health promotion. “I’m not happy. as a clear front runner. They said he got In a resignation letter, Price offered reform legislation, an effort that has fiz- aides. They were accompanied by a OK? I’m not happy,” Trump told report- along well with the White House and is little in the way of contrition. He said he zled on Capitol Hill. security detail of as many as six people, ers on the White House South Lawn. viewed favorably there. had been working to reform the US Price was one of a handful of senior the Post said. Washington news media Candidates to succeed Price Price’s resignation leaves Trump healthcare system and reduce regula- officials in Trump’s administration put outlet Politico has reported that Price included Seema Verma, who is admin- with a second Cabinet position to fill. He tory burdens, among other goals. on the defensive over reports about their had taken at least two dozen private istrator of the Centers for Medicare and has yet to pick a secretary for homeland “I have spent forty years both as a use of charter flights and government charter flights since May at a cost to US Medicaid Services and who is close to security after hiring former Secretary doctor and public servant putting peo- aircraft, sometimes for personal travel, taxpayers of more than $400,000. Polit- Vice President Mike Pence, and Scott John Kelly as his White House chief of ple first. I regret that the recent events when they could have flown commer- ico also reported he took approved Gottlieb, a physician who serves as com- staff. have created a distraction from these cial for less money. military flights to Africa and Europe missioner of the Food and Drug It was the latest blow to the Trump important objectives,” he said. The White House issued an order costing $500,000.

Iowa mom jailed NSA may scale down after leaving spying program 4 kids alone for European jaunt Washington program. The law, Section 702 Reuters of the Foreign Intelligence New York Surveillance Act, allows US Reuters he US National Security intelligence agencies to eaves- Agency would need to drop on, and store vast amounts n Iowa mother who left Tbegin winding down what of, digital communications from her four young chil- it considers its most valuable foreign suspects living outside Adren alone to go on an intelligence program before its of the United States. 11-day European trip was expiration at year-end if the US It is considered a critical jailed on child endangerment Congress leaves its reauthori- national security tool by US charges, authorities said. sation in limbo, the agency’s officials, who say it supports Erin Lee Macke, 30, deputy director said. priorities ranging from coun- traveled from Johnston, Iowa, The possibility the US gov- terterrorism to cyber security. a suburb of Des Moines, to ernment may begin losing But the program, classified Germany on Sept. 20 without access to the surveillance details of which were exposed arranging child care for her authority even before it would by 2013 by former NSA contrac- children, two aged 12 and the officially lapse on December 31 tor Edward Snowden, also others 6 and 7, Johnson police is likely to increase pressure on incidentally scoops up commu- said. The children also had lawmakers to quickly renew the nications of Americans for a access to a gun in the house. law. “We would have to be variety of technical reasons, “The police have seen looking to work with our mis- including if they communicate times when people have left sion partners in the government with a foreign target living their children to go some- as well as the companies to start overseas. Those communica- where, but to go to another scaling down in advance,” tions can then be subject to country is completely differ- George Barnes, the deputy searches from analysts without ent,” said Janet Wilwerding, director of the NSA, said at the a warrant. a spokeswoman for the city George Washington University The scenario articulated by of 22,000. Center for Cyber & Homeland Barnes resembles one that The news attracted head- Security event. occurred two years ago, when lines in England, where the “We would, definitely. The portions of a separate law, the Daily Mail newspaper called last thing we would want to do Patriot Act, that allowed the Macke “America’s worst is conduct any operation ... if we NSA to collect bulk domestic mom,” as well as comments did not have an active statute phone metadata were on Macke’s Facebook page. in place,” Barnes said. “We expiring. Police on Sept. 21 discov- would have to work the dates Gridlocked over whether ered the children at the house, backwards to make sure we to enact reforms, US lawmak- notified child protective serv- didn’t cross the line.” ers briefly let that Patriot Act ices and then called Macke in Asked about the remarks by lapse. The NSA said it had to Germany, ordering her to Barnes, an NSA spokesman said begin winding down the pro- return. She had planned to the agency fully expects Con- gram about a week before its return on Sunday. gress to reauthorise the expiration. Social media posts sug- gested it was a social trip, Johnson Police Lieutenant Lynn Aswegan said. Macke was arrested Thursday on Cubans angry they can’t seek US visas in Havana four counts of child endan- germent, police said. She is also charged with one count Havana Louzado said she also immigrant visas may apply at employees in Cuba have been poorest, the people, and not the of making a firearm availa- Reuters wanted to visit the graves of her another US embassy or consu- injured and reported symptoms government,” said Jessica Aguila, ble to a person under age 21, sister and mother. She has late overseas.” The United States such as hearing loss, dizziness, 38, an office employee who had because there was an unse- ubans said they were both traveled there regularly but now has one specific deal with its headache, fatigue, cognitive been planning to visit her fam- cured gun in the home the heartbroken and enraged she simply no longer knew when former Cold War foe to issue issues, and difficulty sleeping, ily at Christmas. children knew about. Cby the United States’ deci- she next could. “This is unnec- 20,000 visas a year to Cubans the State Department said. “In a few months, all the It could not immediately sion on Friday to stop processing essary and inhuman,” said Laura seeking to emigrate there, agreed Several Canadian diplomats advances between the two coun- be determined if Macke had visas at its embassy in Havana Hernandez, a Cuban student who after the 1994 rafter exodus to have complained of similar tries have been turned to dust.” an attorney. The children that would further tear at the had been hoping to move to live prevent them from taking to the symptoms to their American Washington on Friday also were placed in the custody of seams of families already divided with her father in the United sea illegally in makeshift crafts. counterparts but Canada said on warned US citizens against visit- family members, police said. by the Florida Straits. States. “With so many families Short of an effective third coun- Friday it had no plans to reduce ing the Caribbean island, a move The children are from two The United States said it was to reunify... why?” try workaround for those visa staff at its embassy in Havana. that will likely hurt many Cubans biological fathers who do not cutting its diplomatic presence While Cuba numbers a pop- applications, Friday’s measure Many Cubans on Friday said working in hospitality. live in the home, Aswegan said. in Cuba by more than a half ulation of 11.2 million, there are would likely ensure it violates that they felt they were once more That sector is one of the few One of the fathers who lives in because of mysterious “attacks” an estimated 2 million Cuban agreement, said Michael Bustama- collateral damage of the war that had been thriving amidst a Texas discovered they had against its embassy personnel Americans in the United States. nte, an assistant professor of Latin between the anti-Castro lobby gloomy economic outlook, been left alone and called and was therefore halting regu- It remains unclear which visas American history at Florida Inter- in the United States and Cuba. although it took a beating earlier police. Iowa state law does not lar visa operations. the US Havana embassy will still national University. The Cuban US President Donald Trump, this month from Hurricane Irma specify any age or time limit for “To think you can’t go see be processing and what other government has denied any a Republican, had in June said that wrought havoc on much of leaving children alone, but par- your family is a terrible thing,” recourses Cubans will have. involvement in the alleged attacks he wanted to partially roll back the island’s infrastructure. ents must provide for their said pensioner Xiomara Irene “We have suspended most on diplomats in Havana and the detente agreed with Cuba “(Trump) is already an imminent children’s safety, said Amy Louzado, 74, who had been plan- visa processing in Havana,” a warned the Trump administration under his predecessor, Demo- danger for us, said Magdalena McCoy, spokeswoman for the ning a visit to the United States notice on its website read. against politicizing them. crat Barack Obama. “Politics Hernandez, 67, “worse than a Cat- Iowa Department of Human to see her sister and nephews. “Cuban applicants for non Twenty-one US embassy always ends up affecting the egory 5 hurricane.” Services. SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017 AMERICAS 19 Maria response: Trump blames Puerto Ricans

San Juan Reuters Ten days after the devastating storm S President Donald wiped out power and communications Trump blamed systems, more than half of the 3.4 Puerto Ricans yes- terday for failing to million people who live on the island do enough to dig out do not have access to drinking water, Ufrom damage caused by Hurri- cane Maria, saying criticism and 95 percent remain without power, leveled at his government for the the Pentagon said. slow response was driven by politics. Ten days after the devastat- ing storm wiped out power and a shelter after her home was committed to collaborating with communications systems, more destroyed in the hurricane, said everybody,” he said. “This is a Children walk next to hurricane-damaged furniture, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, yesterday. than half of the 3.4 million peo- municipal employees were point where we can’t look at small ple who live on the island do not working as hard as they could. differences and establish differ- have access to drinking water, She also said her complaints had ences based on politics.” and 95 percent remain without resulted in more food and water The Trump administration power, the Pentagon said. being provided. has given Puerto Rico’s govern- Power outage puts old Trump, who was spending “Actually, I was asking for help ment “whatever we ask for” in the weekend at his private golf - I wasn’t saying anything nasty the immediate aftermath of the club in Bedminster, New Jersey, about the president,” Cruz said on hurricane, Rossello said. But he fired off a series of angry tweets MSNBC. “I am not going to be dis- warned that the U.S. Congress and vulnerable at risk early yesterday complaining that tracted by small comments, by would need to help rebuild the media coverage of the suffering politics, by petty issues.” Trump’s island, which is home to 3.4 mil- Mayaguez her building in the western city to let me breathe. Because the was unfair, and took aim at the comments drew swift condemna- lion Americans. Reuters of Mayaguez does not have the worry is you’ll end up like a fish mayor of San Juan, the island’s tion on the mainland. “If Congress doesn’t take fuel to run a generator 24 hours. that jumps out of the fish tank. largest city. “The tweets this morning are action with a significant package, ew people in Puerto Rico “I’m a ticking time bomb on It’s like crossing the Niagara by On Friday, Carmen Yulin Cruz despicable, are deplorable, are then we are looking at a possible have suffered more from the the verge of exploding,” the bicycle every day.” criticized Trump’s Republican not statesman-like at all,” said humanitarian crisis,” he said. Fdevastation of Hurricane 53-year-old said with a laugh as One floor down from administration and begged for New York City Council Speaker “What are the effects of falling into Maria than the elderly and the she rasped through the ventila- Vazquez, Santos Medina rested more help, pleas that received Melissa Mark-Viverito, a Dem- that predicament? Massive exo- infirm. Isolated from their fami- tor in a housing block she shares his head on his left hand as he widespread television coverage in ocrat born in Puerto Rico. “He dus without a doubt.” lies due to phone blackouts, short with about 60 other people. sat in a rusted wheelchair, empty the mainland United States. “Such needs to be in charge, he needs The insurance industry has of fuel and water and at the mercy Federal and municipal medicine vials strewn on the poor leadership by the Mayor of to take control, he needs to dem- begun to tally the mounting costs of nationwide power cuts, the old authorities have vowed to step table at his elbow. Legally blind San Juan and others in Puerto Rico onstrate some level of empathy of Maria, with one modeling and those in need of care have up distribution of essential sup- and suffering from diabetes and who are not able to get their work- over what is happening,” Mark- company estimating that claims seen their problems multiply since plies, but long lines for fuel and hepatitis B, he has had both legs ers to help,” said Trump, who is Viverito said on CNN. could total as much as $85 bil- Maria shattered basic infrastruc- cash still snaked around main amputated in the last two years slated to visit the island on Tues- Trump was scheduled to lion. Puerto Rico has incurred ture across the US island. roads of the city on Friday. Medina, 64, said he needed day. “They want everything to be speak by telephone to the gov- most of the damage. Police offic- Elevators, dialysis machines Every night since Maria kidney dialysis three times a done for them when it should be a ernor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo ers, firefighters and National and a host of life-saving medical downed power cables across the week. After Maria, he failed to go community effort.” Rossello, and other officials from Guardsmen loaned by other states devices no longer offer the same island of 3.4 million people, for treatment for an entire week Maria, the most powerful the region. US Vice-President were beginning to arrive to help guarantees because rationing of Vazquez has faced the possibil- for the first time, in part because storm to strike Puerto Rico in Mike Pence visited the Federal local officials, Rossello said. resources has forced hundreds and ity of running out of oxygen it had become exhausting and nearly 90 years, has destroyed Emergency Management Agen- The US business community thousands of people to adjust to when the electricity goes off in too difficult. Water shortages roads, making it difficult to get cy’s headquarters in Washington was rallying to donate cash, with days whose effective span falls her building after 10pm. were interfering with dialysis food, water and fuel around the for a briefing. more than $24m donated to well short of 24 hours. Hooked up “The electricity needs to and forced the local hospital to island. The hurricane has killed At a news conference, Rossello relief charities as of Friday, said to a ventilator during the day, come back on,” she said on a bed pare back the time it could pro- at least 16 people, according to declined to comment on Trump’s Marc DeCourcey of the US Adeline Vazquez needs an arti- beneath two still fans and sign vide it, he said, and fuel the official death toll. tweets, which he said he had not Chamber of Commerce ficial oxygen supply to cope with reading “loving you” on the wall. bottlenecks had made it harder Cruz, who has been living in seen. “Let me stress this: I am Foundation. severe respiratory problems, but “Then I could have the machine to get buses to see specialists.

Rights groups Street performer ACLU presses Pentagon over sue Trump captured American IS fighter

administration Washington detained unlawful enemy com- AFP batant will be deliberated with over travel ban the appropriate agencies; in the he American Civil Liber- interim, the individual remains Washington ties Union called on US in DoD custody,” he said, refer- AFP Tmilitary authorities Fri- ring to the Department of day to release details on a Defence. ICRC spokesman Marc uman rights organi- captured American Islamic Kilstein confirmed that the zations announced State fighter and to transfer him group was notified, and said Hthey are suing the to the civilian justice system. they are now trying to set up a Trump administration over In a letter to Defence Sec- visit which will aim to ensure the latest version of the pres- retary Jim Mattis and Attorney the man’s detention conditions ident’s controversial travel General Jeff Sessions, ACLU adhere to the law. ban, continuing a long-run- director Anthony Romero “We anticipate being given ning legal battle over the warned the man—apparently timely access,” he said. The case restrictions. being held in Iraq—should not will be a test of President Don- At the forefront of the be designated an “enemy com- ald Trump’s administration’s challenge is the American batant,” the term the US used stance toward the legal rights of Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in the 2000s to hold terror sus- terror and battlefield detainees. which along with partner pects without charge or Although no official policy is organizations submitted a let- representation. set, the administration has sug- Street performer Jose, 83, performs in Caracas, Venezuela. Jose says he has been ter to the US District Court in “If the reports about the US gested a willingness to send new Maryland seeking to amend performing for 15 years. citizen are accurate, his ongoing detainees in the fight against an existing lawsuit they military detention is unlawful as jihadist groups to the US mili- already filed. The new travel a matter of domestic law, and his tary’s Guantanamo Bay, Cuba ban, unveiled by the White constitutional rights to habeas prison compound, which former House late on Sunday, forbids corpus and to a lawyer must be president Barack Obama had citizens of seven countries respected,” Romero said. “If the sought to shut down. from travelling to the United US will admit up to 45,000 government has legitimate Romero said there were no States — citing national secu- grounds to suspect the citizen legal grounds to send the Syria rity reasons. fought with ISIS, he should detainee to Guantanamo, which Under the ban, citizens of refugees next year immediately be transferred to the has been reserved in the past Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iran, federal criminal justice system for foreign nationals captured Somalia, North Korea and for criminal charges.” in the fight against Al-Qaeda Chad are all prohibited from Washington humanitarian crises around the refugees on their “likelihood of On September 14 the Pen- and the Taliban. entering the US. Reuters world that are causing people successful assimilation and con- tagon confirmed that they were Wyn Hornbuckle, a spokes- Also suspended are cer- to flee their native countries in tribution to the United States.” holding a US citizen who had man for the Justice Department, tain Venezuelan government he United States will admit greater numbers, and represents An assimilation standard for been fighting for the Islamic declined to comment on the officials and their families, a maximum of 45,000 ref- a departure from US global refugees would be a departure State group and surrendered to specifics of this case. But he said due to what the US called Tugees during the 2018 leadership. from recent practice but on its the allied Syrian Democratic the department “recognizes the poor security and a lack of fiscal year, President Donald The Trump administration face is not inappropriate, said Forces in Syria days earlier. wide range of tools and author- cooperation with American Trump said in a memorandum says the lower cap is necessary Joseph Cassidy, a fellow at the Since then, no details have ities that the President possesses authorities. to Secretary of State Rex Tiller- so that U.S. officials can address Wilson Center and former State surfaced about the person’s to protect our national security The new ban “is still a son and released by the White a growing backlog of people Department official. identity or status. A Pentagon and to defeat our terrorist adver- Muslim ban at its core, and it House on Friday. The cap, the applying for asylum inside the “The particular concern is spokesman, Air Force Major saries. All options remain on the certainly engages in discrim- lowest in decades, was proposed United States, and to do better that assessments could be made, Ben Sakrisson, said Friday that table, and the Justice Department ination based on national by the administration in a report vetting of refugees. In its report not on the basis of individual the International Committee of will continue to use every law- origin, which is unlawful,” to Congress on Wednesday. to Congress, which was cases, but might be biased the Red Cross (ICRC) had been ful investigative and ACLU director Anthony Refugee advocates say the reviewed by Reuters, the admin- against certain religions or invited to meet with the prosecutorial tool to achieve Romero said. lower limit ignores growing istration said it may assess nationalities,” Cassidy said. detainee. “The disposition of the these objectives”. 20 HOME SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS Spectacular air show marks QA anniversary FAJR 04.10 am SHOROOK 05.26 am The Peninsula Trent XWB engine used on the Qatar ZUHR 11.24 am MAGHRIB 05.23 pm Airways Airbus A350. ASR 02.48 pm ISHA 06.53 pm housands of people watched Following its re-launch in 1997, in admiration as a Qatar Air- Qatar Airways has become one of the ways aircraft flew in fastest growing carriers in the history WEATHER TODAY formation over Doha with the of aviation with unprecedented expan- world-famous Red Arrows sion averaging double digit growth year Taerobatic display team, an event tak- on year. Now the 2017 Airline of the o o ing place as the airline celebrates its Year, as awarded by Skytrax, has a host 30 C 38 C twentieth anniversary. of exciting new destinations planned Minimum Maximum The event, hosted by the British for the remainder of this year and 2018, Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Ajay including Canberra, Australia, Chiang Sharma, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Mai, Thailand and Cardiff, U.K. to name Executive, Akbar Al Baker, included a just a few. number of other ambassadors as well As well as being voted Skytrax Best as Qatar’s Minister of Municipality and Airline by travellers from around the Environment, H E Mohammed bin world, Qatar’s national flag carrier also Abdullah Al Rumaihi, and Chairman of won a raft of other major awards at the Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, H E ceremony, including Best Airline in the Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey. Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Middle East, World’s Best Business Class Many representatives of the Qatar Rumaihi at the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, VIP reception at Sheraton and World’s Best First Class Airline British Business Association were also Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, yesterday. Lounge. present to celebrate the auspicious occasion, which included an incredible with the welcome that the UK’s Red display over Doha’s sweeping Corniche Arrows have received during their visit from the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort to Qatar this weekend. Residents and and Convention Hotel, which offered visitors alike have come out in force to ideal views of the fly-by. see the air display, demonstrating the The thrilling display took place in close relationship between our two the skies above Doha as a state-of-the- countries. I am glad that the Red Arrows’ art Qatar Airways Airbus A350, for visit coincides with Qatar Airways’ which the airline was the global launch twentieth anniversary celebrations. customer, flew in formation with the Qatar Airways is an important partner British Royal Air Force’s (RAF) iconic for us and plays a key role in moving Red Arrows. Their distinctive fleet of UK-Qatar relations forward.” Hawk jets were on hand to display the The fly-by and special aerobatics Hazy to misty / foggy at places at speed, agility and precision of the RAF display had been carefully planned in first becomes hot daytime with and fly in their trademark diamond nine advance by Qatar Airways and the Red some clouds. formation to join in the salute to Qatar Arrows, working in partnership the Airways and its 20 years of Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA). operations. Also involved in the careful prepara- Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- tions were the Ministry of Defence, the Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker (left), and other HIGH TIDE 01:15 – 14:00 LOW TIDE 06: 15 – 21:30 tive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “It has been Emiri Guard and Qatar Civil Defence officials watching the air show at Doha Corniche. Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department an honour to have one of Qatar Airways’ representatives. Airbus A350 aircraft join forces with Qatar Airways’ flight operations the world-famous Red Arrows and take experts produced a special flight plan part in today’s historic fly-by over the that enabled one of the airline’s Airbus impressive Doha skyline. A350 aircraft, capable of carrying up to “The Red Arrows have helped Qatar 283 passengers, to fly empty in close Airways celebrate in style with a thrill- formation with the Red Arrows Hawk ing display to mark our twentieth jets. The highly-agile jets can fly at anniversary. In just two decades, Qatar speeds of up to 1,028 km per hour or Airways has exceeded all expectations, Mach 0.84. Qatar Airways Chief Flight to rise from humble beginnings to Operations Officer, Captain Konstanti- become one of the world’s leading and nos, was at the helm of the A350 to fly most admired airlines. This year we the state-of-the-art aircraft through- were named Airline of the Year by Sky- out the impressive display. trax, which is the fourth time we have The nine-strong fleet of Red Arrows won this prestigious award. aircraft and their pilots visited Qatar as “I am very proud of all that Qatar part of an extensive global tour, acting Airways has achieved in the past 20 as ambassadors for the United King- years and as we embark on the next 20 dom to promote ‘the best of British’ years I look forward to continuing to goods and services. Since they were demonstrate the passion, innovation formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have and award-winning customer service performed over 4,700 displays in 56 that we have become renowned for.” countries worldwide. Mike Ling (centre) of Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, with Qatar Airways Ajay Sharma, said: “I am delighted Also on display was a Rolls Royce staff.

Views from the air show of the world-famous Red Arrows held to mark the twentieth anniversary of Qatar Airways at Corniche, yesterday. Pics: Salim Matramkot, Abdul Basit and Kammutty VP / The Peninsula