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TUESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10770 March 27, 2018 Rajab 10, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief

QATAR | Offi cial Emir condoles with Kuwaiti leader His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of condolences to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, on the death of Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Hmoud al-Ali al-Malek al-Sabah.

QATAR | Offi cial His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Russian President Vladimir Putin chairing off icial talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Emir sends greetings Qatar and Russia at the Kremlin yesterday. Hamad al-Thani at the Kremlin yesterday. to Bangladesh president His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to Bangladesh President Mohamed Abdul Hamid on the anniversary Emir, Putin vow to bolster ties of his country’s Independence Day. HE the Prime Minister and Interior O Rosneft to open research The two leaders also explored means lations have developed signifi cantly over The meeting was attended by mem- means of enhancing them, particularly Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser centre at QSTP to boost co-operation in the organisa- the past two years since his last meeting bers of the offi cial delegation accompa- in economy and investment. bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent a tion of the World Cup and the exchange with the Russian president, adding that nying the Emir. They also discussed Russia’s prepa- similar cable to Bangladesh Prime O Qatar, Russia to exchange of expertise, especially as Russia is to the two countries’ ambitions for co- On the Russian side it was attended rations for the 2018 World Cup and Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid. expertise on organising host the FIFA tournament this year and operation are greater than they are now, by a number of ministers. prospects of co-operation and ex- FIFA World Cup Qatar in 2022. considering the strong relations and mu- His Highness the Emir and the Rus- change of expertise in this regard. QATAR | Reaction The Emir and the Russian president tual trust between the two sides. sian president witnessed the signing The Emir also met with Igor Sechin, O Ties to be enhanced Missile attacks on also discussed various regional and in- The Emir stressed the need to de- of a co-operation agreement in science chief executive offi cer of Russian oil in defence, energy, ternational issues of common interest. velop these relations in other areas, es- and education between Qatar Founda- fi rm Rosneft, at the Emir’s residence Saudi cities slammed investment, trade and The talks were held during the meet- pecially in the volume of bilateral trade. tion for Education, Science and Com- in Moscow. The meeting reviewed co- Qatar condemned the missile ing between the two leaders yesterday Sheikh Tamim pointed out the im- munity Development (QF) and Rosneft, operation ties and means of boosting attacks on a number of cities scientific research at the Kremlin Palace. portance of 2018 for Qatar and Russia as which aims to open a research centre them. in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. In a At the beginning of the meeting, the it is their common cultural year, praising for Rosneft at the Qatar Science and The Emir visited the Russian Na- statement yesterday, the Foreign QNA Russian president welcomed the Emir, the great co-operation between the two Technology Park (QSTP). tional Museum for Fine Art (Tretyakov Ministry said the attacks violate Moscow noting the development of relations countries in the fi eld of culture. Members of the offi cial delegation Gallery). international humanitarian law and between the two countries since the The Emir said Qatar is counting on accompanying the Emir and a number During the visit, the Emir was briefed relevant UN resolutions, especially last visit of the Emir to Moscow in 2016. friends in Russia, considering its his- of Russian ministers and senior offi cials on a number of historic and contempo- Security Council Resolution 2216 on is Highness the Emir Sheikh Putin said the two sides are main- torical relations with the Arab world attended the signing ceremony. rary works as well as paintings by Rus- Yemen. It added that the continued Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and taining constant communications and and its role in resolving some issues in The Emir also met Arkady Dvorko- sian artists. firing of missiles will lead to further HRussian President Vladimir Pu- stressed “relations between Qatar the Arab world. vich, deputy prime minister of the Rus- He was also briefed on the museum’s military escalation in the region and tin discussed ways to strengthen bilateral and Russia have completed 30 years in The Emir expressed condolences to sian Federation and head of the organ- historic collections, art works and the undermine the chances of ending co-operation in several fi elds, including 2018,” adding that the volume of trade the president and the Russian people ising committee of the 2018 World Cup. ancient icons of Russia. The Emir lis- the ongoing conflict in Yemen. defence, energy, economy, investment, and investment is increasing but it has on the loss of many lives in the Ke- Held at the Emir’s residence in the tened to an explanation by the mu- The statement reiterated Qatar’s trade exchange and scientifi c research at tremendous scope of further growth. merovo shopping mall fi re and wished Russian capital, the meeting reviewed seum’s directors about Russian art and rejection of any military attacks a meeting in Moscow yesterday. The Emir affi rmed that the bilateral re- the wounded a speedy recovery. friendship and co-operation ties, and culture. To Page 2 against cities and civilians. It called on the international community, the Security Council in particular, to take all measures to prevent such attacks. The statement called on all Yemeni parties to prioritise the Cancer treatment made free national interest and engage in a Qatar joins Council of Europe comprehensive positive dialogue. for all residents in Qatar QATAR | Advisory Council as observer member ancer treatment for all resi- has been developed to protect patients Permanent residency dents in Qatar is now totally against strokes that may happen due to draft law discussed Cfree of cost at the Hamad Med- the inadequate mobility. The Advisory Council yesterday atar has been accepted as an lighted the importance of Qatar’s ical Corporation’s (HMC) oncology NCCCR is also keen to provide al- discussed the Internal and Foreign observer member of the Coun- membership of the body, which con- department, a senior offi cial has said. ternate treatment options for patients Aff airs Committee’s report on the Qcil of Europe as the country sists of 47 countries and is managed “If a resident had to pay 20% ear- without having to become inmates in draft law on permanent residency. aims to share knowledge and expertise through a Council of Foreign Ministers lier for oncology treatment recently it the hospital by way of using a mobile After wide ranging discussions at in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World of member states. was made completely free,” explained medical unit that visit them at home its weekly session, chaired by HE Cup. “The safety and security of all par- Dr Osama al-Homsi, chairman and and follow up their treatment at the the Deputy Speaker of the Advisory The agreement, to be known as ‘St ticipants of the 2022 FIFA World Cup senior consultant, Haematology and same level given at the hospital. This Council Mohamed bin Abdullah al- Denis Convention’ was announced is of the utmost importance to us,” Oncology, National Centre for Can- would eventually save the number Sulaiti, the council decided to return during a signing ceremony in France, he said. “By working closely with the cer Care and Research (NCCCR) in an of beds needed for the patients that the draft law to the committee and will help all parties co-operate on a Council of Europe and its member interview with local Arabic daily Al should stay in the hospital. for further study. It then reviewed range of issues, notably safety, security countries, the SC can deliver a unifi ed Arab. Dr al-Homsi pointed out that 16 a report on the participation of and service preparations related to the Brigadier Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, signed approach to safety, security, and serv- “The free treatment is helping many committees have been formed to as- its delegation in Regional Forum 2022 FIFA World Cup. the agreement on behalf of the SC. icing during the tournament.” patients, especially since 20% of the sess the cases of patients and deter- of Parliamentarians on Science The Council of Europe agreed to Since 2012, the SC has co-ordinated amount can sometimes be huge, be- mine the most suitable treatment. and Diplomacy, which took place sanction Qatar’s observer status fol- Qatar’s Representative to the Coun- with national and international agen- cause of the high price of cancer drugs,” Each team is specialised in the sur- recently in Oman. lowing discussions with the Supreme cil of Europe, Brigadier Ibrahim al- cies and forces in relation to safety and he pointed out while expressing happi- gery of a diff erent type of cancer. Due Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Mohannadi, signed the agreement on security planning in crucial areas, such ness at the government decision. Qatar to such developments the percentage QATAR | Progress at the 1st Major Event Safety and Secu- behalf of the SC. as law enforcement, legislation, train- is keen to bring to the country the lat- of Qataris seeking cancer treatment Minister: Qatar emerged rity Conference in November 2017. In doing so, al-Muhannadi high- ing and planning. est treatment for cancer. A new system abroad has dropped considerably. stronger under siege Qatar has become stronger under the siege imposed on it and all indicators reflect the progress achieved in various economic fields, Qatar makes great strides in human capital development: minister said HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed By Peter Alagos during the ‘Development of Human On Qatar’s “great progress” in the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. pation of government agencies, the pri- bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani. Business Reporter Capital towards Achieving Sustainable fi eld of human development, al-Nabit “We are still facing the challenge of vate sector, and civil society institutions. Talking to reporters after an event Development’ seminar held yester- said the 2017 Human Capital Report development. First of all, we are talk- He added that the report will support organised by Qatar University day, the minister said Qatar “has made showed that Qatar ranked 55 out of ing about human development. It is our the national development strategies and during which he was honoured as overnment initiatives in human signifi cant strides in the development 130 countries in the human capital in- most important wealth. Investment in current and future planning policies. CSR Person of the Year 2017, he development has catapulted of human capital, thanks to the state’s dex at 64 points, achieving an 11-point education, health, infrastructure, and Al-Nabit said the National Develop- said Qatar is stronger under the GQatar’s ranking to advance by 11 great attention to education.” progress compared to 2016. others is linked to achieving this task, ment Strategy 2018-2022 is consistent siege, and this is reflected by all the points in the World Economic Forum’s Al-Nabit said the attention to the He said the ministry is working on by which our success in development is with the Sustainable Development Goals economic indicators, including a 2017 Human Capital Report, HE the education process in the state was re- issuing the 5th National Human De- measured,” said al-Nabit, quoting the of the 2030 agenda, which adopts a com- 19% increase in imports and above- Minister of Development Planning and fl ected in the net enrolment rates in velopment Report in recognition of Emir’s directive. prehensive and holistic approach to hu- forecast growth, as well as the Statistics Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem al- education, which reached 94% for the growing national, regional, and In the preparation of the 5th National man-centred development, while seek- World Bank’s forecast that Qatar’s Nabit has said. children enrolment in primary educa- international necessities to meet the Human Development Report, he said the ing integration and sustainable economic, economy will achieve the highest In a speech delivered by Assistant tion, 87% for enrolment in secondary challenges in the areas of human de- ministry has decided to strengthen the social and environmental development to growth rate in GCC in 2017-2018. Undersecretary for Planning Aff airs of education, and 99% for enrolment in velopment, and in implementation of national contribution to the preparation meet the aspirations of the present and Page 8 the Ministry Hamad Rashid al-Athba adult literacy in 2016. the directives of His Highness the Emir of reports through the eff ective partici- future generations. To Page 28 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 QATAR

Emir witnesses agreement signing Emir meets Rosneft CEO

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Russian President Vladimir Putin witnessing the signing of an agreement for co-operation in the field of science and education between Qatar Foundation for His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holding talks with Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Off icer of Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and Rosneft, which aims to open a research centre for Russian oil firm Rosneft, at the Emir’s residence in Moscow yesterday. The meeting reviewed co-operation and means Rosneft at the Qatar Science and Technology Park. of boosting it. Members of the off icial accompanying delegation attended the meeting.

Emir meets Russian Deputy PM Emir leaves Moscow

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holding talks with Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and head of the organising committee of the 2018 World Cup, Arkady Dvorkovich, at the Emir’s residence in Moscow yesterday. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations and means of enhancing them, particularly in the fields of economy and investment. They also discussed Russia’s latest preparations for the 2018 World Cup and prospects of co-operation and exchange of expertise in this regard. Several members of the off icial delegation accompanying the Emir attended the meeting.

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani being seen off at Vnukovo International Airport by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov, senior Russian off icials, Qatar’s ambassador to Russia Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and members of the Qatari embassy in Moscow.

Emir, Putin vow to bolster bilateral ties

From Page 1 A number of ministers and senior of- Putin, expressing thanks and apprecia- fi cials from the Russian side attended tion for the warm welcome accorded to The Emir attended a dinner banquet the banquet. him and the delegation accompanying hosted in his honour by the Russian After a two-day working visit to Rus- him during the visit. president at the Kremlin Palace. sia, the Emir left Moscow yesterday. The Emir also expressed pleasure at During the banquet, the Emir and The Emir and the accompanying meeting with the Russian President and the president discussed the results of delegation were seen off upon depar- the talks, which enabled the two sides to the work of the Qatari-Russian joint ture at Vnukovo international airport exchange views on various regional and committee for trade, economic and by Special Presidential Representative international issues and strengthen the technical co-operation and the pros- for the Middle East, a number of sen- strategic partnership between the two pects of enhancing them, as well as ior Russian offi cials, Qatar’s ambas- countries. He also expressed apprecia- ways to develop military co-operation sador to Russia Fahad bin Mohamed tion to the Russian President, wishing between the two countries. al-Attiyah and members of the Qatari him good health and happiness and They also talked about the activities embassy in Moscow. the friendly people of Russia further of the Qatar-Russia Cultural Year 2018. The Emir sent cables to President progress and prosperity. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 3 QATAR

Emir visits Russian National Museum of Fine Art

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visiting the Russian National Museum of Fine Art (Tretyakov Gallery) yesterday. During the visit, the Emir was briefed on a number of historical and contemporary works as well as paintings by Russian artists. The Emir was also briefed on the museum’s collections, art works and the ancient icons of Russia which extend from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The Emir listened to an explanation by the museum’s directors about Russian art and culture. The Emir was accompanied during the visit by several members of the off icial delegation. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 QATAR

Qatar-Malaysia PM meets Macedonian deputy premier trade relations reviewed HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani yesterday met Abdul Malik Kassim, State Minister for Religious Aff airs, Domestic Trade & Consumer Aff airs and Chairman of Penang International Halal Centre, Penang State of Malaysia, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Qatar and Malaysia, and discussed aspects of co-operation, especially in the economic, trade and investment fields, and means of developing them. The meeting also discussed ways to promote trade opportunities between Qatar and the State of Penang in various HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met the visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Macedonia Oliver Spasovski and the accompanying sectors, mainly logistics and delegation, in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Qatar and Macedonia and ways of developing and strengthening them, especially in the security field, in addition to manufacturing, halal food and a number of regional and international issues of common concern. Later, HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent for services, electronics, electricity security co-operation between the Ministry of Interior of Qatar and the Ministry of Interior of Macedonia. and environment, export and import through Penang Port.

Tourism council to start operating in Q2 of 2018 Qatar, Jordan hold

QNA mation and adoption of its in- specialised exhibitions. and facilitating the entry and the increase was supported by Doha ternal organisational structure, The QTA acting chairman exit experience for tourists be- transit visas and expanding the talks on boosting which will include a representa- emphasised that Qatar is mov- fore, during and after the tour- issuance of visa, in addition to tive of the private sector and an ing ahead with a paradigm shift nament, in addition to providing Doha’s offi ces in the largest three atar Tourism Authority executive branch responsible of in the tourism sector, and open- adequate accommodation for cities in China in terms of ex- (QTA) Acting Chairman the exhibition section in order to ing up to the world in a care- state guests and visitors during porting tourism. air transport ties QHassan al-Ibrahim has attract major international con- ful manner that will not aff ect the event. He noted that QTA will open predicted the National Tourism ferences that profi t the country’s Qatari customs and traditions, Al-Ibrahim added that QTA a representation offi ce in Russia Council will start operating in economy instead of relying on stressing further that the tar- is currently working with the and another in India next week. QNA Misto chaired the Jordanian the second quarter of 2018 under the state budget. get segments of the society and council to discuss attract- Regarding the contribution Amman side. the new governance of the tour- He pointed out that the coun- the tourism products that are ing cruise ships to use them weight of tourism to the coun- The talks resulted in the sign- ism sector. cil will not have any connection processed for them are carefully as a means of accommodation try’s gross domestic product on ing of a memorandum of under- The council will continue with commercial public sales studied to be consistent with the during the tournament, and an annual basis, the acting QTA atar’s Civil Aviation standing on boosting transport QTA’s path and the new govern- events, but will rather be limited nature of the society and the na- that there is a specific plan for chairman said that the author- Authority (CAA) and rights between the two coun- ance of the tourism sector will to monitoring the planning of ture of the evolution of human World Cup 2022 floating hotels ity’s estimates for 2016 show QJordan’s Civil Avia- tries. be among the best at the global specialised events that add to the urbanisation in Doha and that that will be announced soon a rise in direct contribution tion Regulatory Commission The memorandum allows Qa- level thanks to allowing a role for economic value of the state and family tourism is the priority. when contract negotiations to the economy, which repre- (CARC) held a two-day meeting tar Airways to increase its pas- the private sector at the council, ensure the conclusion of joint As for the Qatar 2022 World conclude. sented 3.5% compared to 3.2% on enhancing air transport ties senger fl ights between Doha and which will oversee the develop- deals that achieve an economic Cup, al-Ibrahim confi rmed the He clarifi ed that the country is in 2015, and the contribution between the two countries and Amman to 12 per week and cargo ment and regulation of the tour- revenue that is greater than mere strategic partnership between concentrating on attracting Chi- in the economy to 6.7% com- means of boosting co-operation fl ights to seven. ism industry, al-Ibrahim said sale and consumption. QTA and the Supreme Commit- nese tourism as the world’s larg- pared to 6.2% in 2015, while in the fi eld of civil aviation and The two sides also agreed on during an interview with Lusail He added that the new council tee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), est tourist market and that over direct contribution to the non- airports. the importance of upgrading the magazine. aims to increase the number of with the authority being part of the past year Doha has attracted oil economy rose to 5%, and the Qatar’s delegation was led by air services agreement that both Al-Ibrahim further noted that international companies in the the preparation system for the some 50,000 Chinese tourists, total contribution to the non- CAA Chairman Abdulla bin Nass- countries signed in 1976. the fi rst meeting of the council country’s market and contribute tournament in terms of promot- 28% higher than 2016. oil economy in 2016 increased er Turki al-Subaey, while CARC The memorandum came into will be concerned with the for- to the increase in the numbers of ing Qatar as a tourist destination He further explained that to 9.7%. Chief Commissioner Haitham eff ect from yesterday. Qatar condemns blast at mosque in Afghanistan

Qatar has strongly condemned an explosion that targeted a mosque in Herat city in western Afghanistan, which killed one person and left a number of people injured. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of motives and reasons. The statement stressed Qatar’s total rejection to target places of worship and intimidate peaceful peoples. The statement expressed Qatar’s condolences to the family of the victim, the government and the people of Afghanistan, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Car bombing in Mogadishu condemned Qatar has strongly condemned a car bomb explosion near the Parliament and Interior Ministry buildings in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which caused a number of deaths and injuries. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of motives and reasons. The statement expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, the government and the people of Somalia, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Al-Mahmoud holds meetings in Geneva

HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud met with a number parliamentarians on the sidelines of the meetings associated with the 138th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) currently being held in the Swiss city of Geneva. The meetings discussed the parliamentary relations between Qatar and other friendly countries as well as means of supporting and developing them.

Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 QATAR

Sidra Medicine to hold child safety classes

idra Medicine, a member way we operate. Not only are we of Qatar Foundation for committed to providing qual- SEducation, Science and ity education and training to Community Development, has affiliated medical students and announced a new schedule for staff, but we are also dedicated its ongoing series of educational to giving women, children and workshops, this time focusing families in the community the on child safety tips both at home knowledge and skills they need and on the road. to protect and improve their The free workshops off er the health and well-being.” local community a chance to To date, Sidra Medicine has speak with Sidra Medicine ex- organised four workshops for perts, ask questions, and connect both patients and community with other parents and families members, giving them the nec- in the country. essary knowledge to handle The sessions are part of Sidra real-life safety situations. The Medicine’s Child Safety and In- upcoming child car seat safety jury Prevention Programme. workshops will be held on April 2 The MyHealth patient portal was inaugurated by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, during the Middle East Forum on Quality and Safety. The programme was and May 2 while the home safety launched on March 12, and aims workshops will be held on April to educate participants about 16 and May 7. essential child safety tips, from All workshops will be held at ensuring their ride home from the Patient Resource Centre in the hospital is a safe one to pre- the Outpatient Clinic at Sidra venting burn injuries in all ar- Medicine with the English- eas of the home. language workshops taking Aziza Mahamoud, man- place from 10 to 11am, and the MyHealth lets patients ager of the Health Promotion Arabic-language ones from 3 to Division and organiser of the 4pm. workshops, said: “Sidra Medi- All workshops are free and cine aims to become a beacon open to the public and those in- of knowledge and discovery. terested can register by e-mail- Thus, community engagement ing [email protected] access medical records and education are core to the or calling +974 4003 6277. E the Prime Minister and making more informed deci- ments, and to review discharge seen at HMC or PHCC. This many instances, to make a return QFCRA, Qatar Post ink pact Interior Minister Sheikh sions about their well-being,” summaries. The portal also al- ensures health information is visit to their physician as they can HAbdullah bin Nasser bin HE Dr al-Kuwari said. lows patients to send a non-ur- readily available and can be used access some results online and The Qatar Financial Centre mail room, digital mail room Khalifa al-Thani has inaugurat- “It helps patients stay on track gent message to their healthcare in conversations with health- communicate with their physi- Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) and messenger requirements ed the MyHealth patient portal. by providing up-to-date infor- provider in a confi dential man- care professionals when visiting cian through the portal.” has signed a Memorandum of and an international express The nation-wide launch took mation about lab results and ac- ner. HMC or PHCC,” he said. Cerner, a global leader in Understanding (MoU) with the courier service for documents place earlier this week at the the tive medications and provides The nationwide launch of the Dr Samya Ahmad al-Abdulla, healthcare technology and the Qatar Postal Services Company and parcels. Middle East Forum on Quality reminders about appointments. programme follows a success- executive director of operations provider of the electronic health (Qatar Post). Abdulla said the MoU will allow and Safety’s exhibition area. HE As part of the Clinical Informa- ful pilot conducted at HMC and at PHCC, said the pilot pro- record platform used across Qa- The MoU was signed by Eisa his organisation to streamline the Minister of Public Health tion System, the portal allows PHCC. gramme demonstrated that pa- tar, has been an important part- Ahmed Abdulla, chief operating its internal operations and work Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari patients to securely access their Dr AbdulWahab al-Musleh, tients want access to personal ner for the country’s healthcare officer and managing director, with greater efficiency. and other senior offi cials from personal health records,” she deputy chief medical offi cer, healthcare records in a conven- sector. Corporate Services, QFCRA, and Al-Fahida emphasised the impor- the ministry, Hamad Medical said. Clinical Information Systems ient format. Patients can enrol for the My- Hamad Mohamed al-Fahida, chief tance of the agreement due to Corporation (HMC) and Pri- With MyHealth, patients at HMC, said MyHealth is a “Our patients said that one Health Portal online at www. operating officer of Qatar Post. the strategic significance of the mary Health Care Corporation can access their electronic per- convenient and secure way for of the key benefi ts of MyHealth myhealth.qa or at any HMC or Qatar Post will provide a com- financial sector in the country. (PHCC) were present. sonal health record online and patients to access key medical was being able to access their PHCC facility. Patients can also prehensive postal service to “Qatar Post is pleased to provide “MyHealth will empower pa- through a mobile app. Features records. key medical records in one place, seek more information about the QFCRA including but not a host of services to the regula- tients by allowing them to play of the portal include the ability “MyHealth provides patients which enabled them to check and MyHealth by calling Nesma’ak limited to, business delivery, tor of the financial sector and a more active role in controlling to access lab reports, to view and with a single health record, re- track them,” said Dr al-Abdulla. at HMC on 16060 or Hayyak at Qatar Post Premium (delivery meet its demands for accuracy, their health information and reschedule upcoming appoint- gardless of whether they were “Further, it reduces the need, in PHCC on 107. of event invitations and gifts), privacy and speed,” he said.

Water tariff hike sees ‘reduction in consumption’

he importance of eff ective Urban Water Management”, groups showed a reduction in out in 547 households of differ- stepped up tariff s have had a management of the coun- Hamish R Mackey, faculty at the their median water use in the ent types of customers. Sam- positive impact on water reduc- Ttry’s water resources was Sustainable Development Col- post-tariff implementation ples were collected from flats tion, Mackey said it is interest- highlighted at a seminar organ- lege of Science and Engineering phase. and villas. It clearly shows the ing that the revised rates had ised jointly by the Qatar General at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- “Consumers who otherwise quantum of water used de- its impact even on citizens who Electricity and Water Corpora- versity said raising water tariff s used more water responded pends on the prices at which it were not paying for water as tion (Kahramaa) and Qatar Green in 2015 helped reduce wastage positively to the revised tariffs is available, said Mackey, while they also seemed to have reduced Building Council (QGBC) at the of water at diff erent levels and and there was a decline in the disclosing that consumers were consumption, thanks to the in- Kahramaa Awareness Park yes- there was a fall in consumption in consumption at different lev- not using more water if the creased level of awareness built terday. many households. els, “ said Mackey, and recalled charges were more. in the wake of ongoing Tarsheed Hamish R Mackey addressing the seminar yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram In his presentation on “Smart The speaker stressed all user the results of a survey carried While highlighting that campaign.

Mahzaben Mannan speaking at the seminar. PICTURE: Jayaram World faces shortage of fresh water: expert

ow availability of The world population fresh water and which was 6.93bn in 2010, Lsteady growth in now stands at 7.6bn and is population across the expected to rise to 8.14bn in world would make water 2025. “However, there has dearer in less than a dec- been no perceivable increase ade, warned an expert at a in the availability of fresh seminar organised jointly water,” she said. by the Qatar General Elec- Except for Europe and tricity and Water Corpora- North America, the avail- tion (Kahramaa) and Qatar ability of fresh water would Green Building Council be a major issue in the next (QGBC) yesterday. decade, she said. While making a presen- With examples, Mannan tation, Mahzaben Mannan also said that the GDP from of the Sustainable Devel- construction activity is per- opment College of Science haps the highest in Qatar and Engineering at the Ha- compared to countries as mad Bin Khalifa University the US, Australia, Canada, said one-third of the global the UK and Saudi Arabia. population would fi nd it ex- While it is close to 15%, in tremely diffi cult to access Qatar, it is less than 5% in fresh water by 2025, as there most other countries, she has been no signifi cant rise said. It shows how enor- in the availability of fresh mous is the use of water in water over the years. Qatar, she added. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 7 QATAR Maze replicating old Doha opens at Dahl Al Hammam Park Ministry of Municipality and Qatar British Festival 2017 for about the history and culture of Environment collaborates “combining art and architecture.” the people who help make Qatar with the British Council to The winners include archi- what it is today,” he noted. express Qatari culture tect Deena al-Terawi, architect British Council Qatar is show- Gizem Kahraman, architect casing the award-winning de- By Joey Aguilar Cherng-Min Teong, archaeolo- sign dubbed as ‘The Streets of Staff Reporter gist Omer Can Aksoy and archi- Doha | City of Joy: Maze at Dahl tect Alex Scott-Whitby. Al Hamam Park’ for two months. Park-goers will have the “The British Council is en- esidents and visitors in chance to feel how to play in gaged in a range of cultural ini- the country will have the the narrow streets (passages) tiatives locally and we are glad Ropportunity to discover of Doha, as well as play tradi- that there is so much interest in traditional Qatari games at a tional Qatari games, as they pass the ways we encourage co-op- newly-constructed maze, which through the maze. eration and collaboration such opened yesterday at Dahl Al “As part of Qatar’s Vision as this,” British Council coun- Hammam Park, located opposite 2030, we are creating more try director Dr Frank Fitzpatrick Tawar Mall. opportunities for people to in- said in a statement. The installation, built in col- teract with the environment The British Council is the Dr Frank Fitzpatrick (fifth, left) and Mohamed al-Sada (sixth, left) led the opening of The Maze yesterday at Dahl Al Hammam. PICTURE: Ram Chand laboration between Qatar’s in new ways,” Mohamed al- UK’s international organisation Ministry of Municipality and Khouri, director, public parks for cultural relations and educa- and facilitate opportunities for screenings, events, public talks will hold a talk titled “Streets of chaeology, University College Environment and British Coun- department at the Ministry tional opportunities. young designers and architects in and exclusive tours of many of Doha: Between the Future and London Qatar, will chair the pan- cil Qatar, represents the streets of Municipality and Environ- British Council Qatar’s Pro- creating a collaborative work like Qatar’s best-loved buildings the Past,” which will discuss the el while Mangera Yvars Architects of old Doha and explores the ment, said in a statement. He grammes and Partnerships the maze,” he said, adding that and sites of historic and cultural infl uence of traditional Qatari director Ali Mangera, Moham- changing culture of how public was represented by deputy di- head Waseem Kotoub said Qa- the council is keen in supporting signifi cance. architecture on the urban fabric med Ali Abdullah of the Emiri spaces are used. rector Mohamed al-Sada at the tar’s rich urban heritage has al- Qatar Museums’ (QM) initiative Marchitecture will also feature of Doha today. It will also explore Diwan’s Private Engineering Of- Winners of the British Coun- opening yesterday. ways been a source of inspira- Marchitecture. talks and workshops that explore how it will continue to shape the fi ce and Qatar Foundation Capi- cil Qatar’s ‘Unlimited Doha De- “Doha is famous for its mod- tion for local and international The recently launched QM art and architecture scene in the future of the city. tal Projects Directorate’s senior sign Prize’ created the maze, ern architecture but we want architects and designers. programme is a nationwide cul- country. Robert Carter, professor of architect Nur Alah Valdeolmillos which proved popular at the to ensure people do not forget “We are delighted to provide tural showcase comprising fi lm The British Council Qatar Arabian and Middle Eastern Ar- will be the speakers. Qatar Airways ties up Woqod takes part in Agriteq 2018 atar Fuel (Woqod) has partici- and the world to exchange information responsibility strategy aimed at fulfi lling pated in the recently held 6th and expertise to come up with eff ective the company’s responsibilities through QQatar International Agricul- solutions and recommendations aimed three main pillars: building human capa- tural Exhibition – Agriteq 2018. at encouraging optimal investment in bilities, aligning our business environ- with Russian art fair The event, held under the patronage agricultural projects and animal pro- ment with the principles of sustainable of Ministry of Municipality and Envi- duction, as well as help local and inter- development, and promoting good gov- ronment, highlighted innovation in ag- national businesses establish a robust ernance in the business environment. atar Airways will in terms of transport links ricultural techniques, and pinpointed presence in the local market and get “We are committed to support the ag- further strengthen and enhanced trade co-op- the road map to achieve food security into new partnerships and deals which ricultural plan aimed at achieving self- Qits ties with Russia eration, but with stronger and sustainable development. will be of great benefi t to the sector. suffi ciency in agricultural and vegetable through a fi ve-year part- cultural ties in this, the cel- Agriteq 2018 gathered top-notch Woqod CEO Saad Rashid al-Muhan- production by year 2030 by enhancing nership with the forthcom- ebration of the arts.” decision-makers, industry leaders, and nadi said: “Our participation in Agriteq local food industries and reducing ing Cosmoscow Interna- “I am sure that this part- professionals from across the region 2018 comes as part of our corporate social dependency on imported products.” tional Contemporary Art nership will generate mu- Fair, it was announced. tual benefi ts for all involved The art fair will com- while encouraging a fl our- mence from September this ishing arts event here in year during the widely cel- Moscow,” he added. ebrated ‘Qatar-Russia Year Pushkina said: “We are of Culture.’ honoured to become the Speaking at a press con- fi rst art fair supported by ference at the St Regis Qatar Airways and grateful Hotel, Moscow yesterday, to the new General Partner Qatar Airways Group chief of Cosmoscow for long- executive Akbar al-Baker term co-operation.” highlighted the many ben- Margarita Pushkina and Akbar al-Baker at the event yesterday. “Our partnership will con- efi ts that the partnership tribute to the establishment will bring. sponsorship choice for Qa- HIA,” al-Baker said. of cultural dialogue between A letter of intention be- tar Airways. “During this widely cel- Qatar and Russia, as well as tween Cosmoscow and Qa- The airline is widely ebrated Year of Culture to the development of the Art tar Airways was signed by known for celebrating the between Russia and Qatar, Fair and its numerous initia- al-Baker and Cosmoscow arts with its home and hub, I am delighted to further tives,” she noted. International Contempo- Hamad International Air- strengthen our ties with this Pushkina added that the rary Art Fair’s founding port, featuring inspiring in- partnership, highlighting partnership will further director Margarita Push- stallations such as the sym- our shared countries beliefs strengthen the integration of kina, in the presence of bolic Lamp Bear by Swiss in the importance of art as Russian contemporary art into Qatar’s Minister of Culture artist, Urs Fischer, through a means of bringing people the international context. and Sports HE Salah bin to the more recent installa- together,” he stressed. As the General Partner of Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali. tion by American pop artist Qatar’s ambassador to Cosmoscow, Qatar Airways The art fair is an event and designer, Kaws. Russia Fahad bin Mohamed will fi rst be represented at which unites the contem- “Qatar Airways cel- al-Attiyah said: “During the main venue of the Fair at porary Russian art market ebrates strong links with this, the Year of Culture be- Gostiny Dvor from Septem- and helps its contributors Russia with triple daily tween Russia and Qatar, it ber 6 to 9 and will have an establish contacts with fl ights to Moscow and daily is wonderful to see the col- opportunity to participate the international art com- fl ights to St Petersburg, laboration between our two in a number of Cosmoscow munity, and it is a natural from our home and hub, countries develop, not only projects and programmes. Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350 lands in Atlanta atar Airways is now servicing which it is the global launch customer the Atlanta market with its ul- once again. Qtra-modern Airbus A350-900, The state-of-the-art aircraft fea- bringing a new level of aerodynamics, tures 36 seats in Business Class in a design and advanced technology to in- spacious 1-2-1 confi guration, featuring ternational travellers in Atlanta, it was 80-inch fully fl at horizontal beds and a announced yesterday. 247 seating capacity in Economy Class Skytrax’s reigning “Airline of the in a 3-3-3 layout. Year” marked the occasion with a water In addition to being Wi-Fi enabled, cannon salute and special celebration at Qatar Airways is the only carrier to passengers in all classes can enjoy more the airport, which included giving pas- off er nonstop flights between Atlanta than 4,000 entertainment options on sengers a celebratory Qatar Airways- and Qatar, using its ultra-modern Qatar Airways’ award-winning Oryx themed cake and refreshments as well as Airbus A350-900. One in-fl ight entertainment system. complimentary in-fl ight Wi-Fi. Encompassing a host of eco- The airline operates daily fl ights “With our extensive network and Doha- effi ciency features, the aircraft is from Hartsfi eld-Jackson Atlanta In- based hub, we off er geographic advantages equipped with LED mood lighting, ternational Airport (ATL), and is the other airlines cannot; conveniently con- which help reduce the eff ect of jetlag only carrier to off er nonstop flights be- necting passengers to the Far East, Africa and maximise passenger comfort. tween Atlanta and Qatar. and the Middle East,” he noted. Further, passengers will experience less The new service connects corporate “With our A350 arrival, Atlantans fatigue upon arrival, thanks to the air- and leisure travellers in the Atlanta will continue to enjoy unprecedented craft’s optimal air management system, market to more than 150 destinations levels of comfort and innovation that which fi lters the air every few minutes and worldwide via the airline’s home and will meet their long-haul demands,” controls the humidity level onboard. hub, Hamad International Airport al-Baker added. Qatar Airways plans a host of new (HIA) in Doha. Qatar Airways was the global launch route launches for 2018-2019, includ- “Since our arrival in Atlanta in 2016, customer of the Airbus A350 in De- ing London Gatwick and Cardiff , UK; we’ve been honoured to provide the cember 2014, and debuted the ultra- Lisbon, Portugal; Tallinn, Estonia; utmost travel experience to the local modern aircraft in the US in January Valletta, Malta; Cebu and Davao, Phil- community, as Atlanta has been and 2016 to Philadelphia. ippines; Langkawi, Malaysia; Da Nang, continues to be a key route for business Last month, the award-winning air- Vietnam; Bodrum, Antalya and Hatay, and leisure traffi c,” Qatar Airways Group line welcomed Airbus’ newest twin- Turkey; Mykonos and Thessaloniki, chief executive Akbar al-Baker said. aisle jet, the Airbus A350-1000, for Greece and Málaga, Spain. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 QATAR

Transport Minister meets Sudan president

The CSR award winners with HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, other dignitaries and QU off icials. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir met Qatar’s Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti at the presidential palace in Khartoum yesterday. At the outset of the meeting, the Minister of Transport and Communications conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Sudanese president, and his wishes of further progress and development for the relations between the two countries. The Sudanese president QU honours minister reciprocated the greetings of the Emir and conveyed his wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Qatari leadership and people. Talks during the meeting covered issues of common interest as CSR Person of Year and means of developing bilateral relations. atar University (QU) ing companies and community darity and eff orts exerted by all this year’s edition of the na- yesterday launched representatives who are leaders state agencies and institutions to tional CSR report, which serves Sudanese port to be Qthe 6th edition of Qa- in CSR were also honoured. consolidate and cement the con- as a platform for the lead- tar CSR Report and the sec- The ceremony was also at- cept of social responsibility in ac- ers of prestigious institutions ond CSR exhibition under the tended by QU president Dr cordance with the wise directives to share their vision on social theme ‘Citizenship’ at a special Hassan al-Derham, Indian of His Highness the Emir Sheikh responsibility.” ceremony and honoured HE ambassador P Kumaran, South Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Al Faisal Holding, Al Kha- developed with $4bn the Minister of Economy and Korean ambassador South He also praised Qatar Uni- lij Commercial Bank (al khaliji), Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Korea Heung Kyeong Park, versity’s pioneering initiatives Astad, Asthma Qatar Network, Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, Spanish ambassador Ignacio in the fi eld of community serv- Baladna, Commercial Bank, as CSR Person of the Year 2017. Escobar, and QU CSR Commit- ice, noting that these initiatives Contraco WLL, Dlala Hold- Held under the patronage of tee head Dr Bader al-Esmael are aimed at cementing the ing, EBLA Corp, embassies of Qatari funding HE the Prime Minister and In- among others. principles and values of social India, Spain and South Korea, terior Minister Sheikh Abdullah The report issued by QU in responsibility among students Es’hailSat, Hamad Medical bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, partnership with Qatar CSR and developing their potential Corporation, KPMG, Manateq, E the Minister of Trans- the ceremony also honoured a Network, is supported by the to support the nation. MH Al Mana Group, Ministry port and Communica- number of organisations and Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, Dr al-Derham said, “It is of Economy and Commerce, Htions Jassim Seif Ahmed individuals with CSR awards. Qatar Media Corporation and an honour to host HE Sheikh Oxy Qatar, Primary Health Care al-Sulaiti and Sudan’s Minister HE Sheikh Ahmed was recog- Qatar Post. It documents the Ahmed bin Jassim bin Moham- Corporation, Public Works Au- of Transportation, Roads and nised for the role of his ministry achievements of national or- ed al-Thani, as CSR Person of thority “Ashghal”, Qatar Cool, Bridges Makawi Mohamed Awad has played in launching innova- ganisations in CSR, and moni- the Year 2017 and congratulate Qatar Financial Centre Regu- yesterday witnessed the signing tive initiatives that enhanced tors progress in social develop- him on this signifi cant award latory Authority, Qatar Inter- of the minutes of the meeting of the national economy and sup- ment and Qatar National Vision in recognition of the minis- national Islamic Bank, Qatar the joint committee on develop- ported the country’s eff orts to- 2030. This year’s edition focus- try’s eff orts to launch innova- Primary Materials Company, ing and managing the Sudanese wards ensuring the welfare of its es on the eff orts and achieve- tive initiatives to enhance the Sahtak Awalan, Sasol, Seib In- Port of Suakin. citizens and residents. ments of local corporations and national economy and advance surance, Sharq Law Firm, Spirit Hassan bin Hassan al-Hail, CSR experts Buthaina al- their success in overcoming the the country’s eff orts to ensure of Qatar, and United Devel- chairman of the joint committee Ansari, Sheikha Sara al-Thani blockade. the welfare of its citizens and opment Company are the or- on transport with the Ministry HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Makawi Mohamed Awad witness and Dana al-Anzy received the The minister hailed the ini- residents. QU is proud to have ganisations that supported and of Transport and Communica- the signing of the minutes of the meeting. CSR Innovation Award. Lead- tiative as a tribute to the soli- “Citizenship” as the theme of contributed to the report. tions (MoTC), and director-gen- eral of Sudan’s Maritime Ports Sudanese livestock, stressing for neighbouring countries. Authority Dr Abdul Hafi z Saleh that the minutes of the meeting He emphasised that the port’s Ali, signed the minutes of the included a “powerful economic development works would meeting. The event was also co-operation in the interest of move at an accelerated pace to attended by Qatar’s ambassa- both brotherly countries”. fi nalise its rehabilitation and UDC feted for its social dor to Sudan, Rashid bin Abdul He also stressed the strength development by 2020, taking Rahman al-Nuiami. of Qatari-Sudanese relations, for into account the application The Suakin Port develop- which the foundations were laid of the world’s latest technolo- responsibility eff orts ment and management project by His Highness the Emir Sheikh gies for operations, as well as is expected to be completed in Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani environmental standards. nited Development tions to sustainable develop- 2020 with Qatari funding worth and Sudanese President Omer Meanwhile, Awad hailed the Company (UDC) has ment and the accomplishment $4bn, of which $500mn will be Hassan al-Bashir. Qatari role that is supportive of Usponsored the sixth of the four pillars of the Qatar allocated for implementing the This step, he added, would Sudan in all fi elds, nothing that edition of Qatar University’s National Vision 2030. fi rst phase, the offi cial Qatar bring back Suakin Port’s historic it has contributed to the coun- corporate social responsibility Dr Hassan al-Derham, News Agency reported. The Su- glory and make it a maritime try’s progress and economic de- report, entitled ‘Citizenship’. president of Qatar University, danese and Qatari share of the commercial gateway as well as a velopment. He said the minutes Qatar University honoured presented the award to UDC’s project will be 51% and 49%, key, vital economic platform in of the meeting came within the UDC for its eff orts, presenting executive director (commer- respectively, according to Awad. the region. framework of successful strate- the report’s gold sponsor with cial) Abdulrahim al-Ibrahim The minutes of the meeting, Suakin Port, HE the Minister gic partnerships between the two the CSR Award during a cer- in recognition of the compa- Abdulrahim al-Ibrahim receiving the award from Dr Hassan al-Derham. signed yesterday morning in said, has its advantages and is brotherly countries. emony yesterday. ny’s eff orts and commitment Khartoum, outline a future road- supporting exports signifi cantly, Awad stressed that the project The Citizenship report high- to adopting the highest social projects on the local environ- UDC’s CSR strategy rests on map for co-operation and general especially the economies of the would provide high-quality lights the eff orts of Qatari in- responsibility standards in ment, its provision of various four pillars - the company’s frameworks for partnership. African region. He also stressed services to all vessels on the Red stitutions and their success terms of; its commitment to social services, its embrace- responsibility towards its em- Starting this April as a begin- its importance and vital, strate- Sea, as Suakin Port is a new sea- in overcoming the blockade, protecting employees’ rights ment of disclosure and trans- ployees, the community, the ning of the co-operation, HE gic location, its connection to the port for Africa and an investment examines their achievements and social welfare, its ef- parency principles, and its environment and its commit- al-Sulaiti said, a maritime route Silk Road and uniqueness for be- source to provide economic ben- in support of the nation, and forts to mitigate the negative endorsement of corporate ment to corporate governance would be launched between Ha- ing an important meeting point efi ts for Sudan and serve the two sheds light on their contribu- impact of its construction governance standards. standards. mad Port and Suakin Port to ship for exportation, particularly countries’ interests. Ministry announces 12 leads to steer National Health Strategy

ollowing the launch of the new National Health Strat- Fegy 2018-2022, the Minis- try of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the National Health Strategy leads to spearhead de- signing services around the seven priority population groups and the fi ve areas of health system improvement. The seven priority population HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari along with the off icials of the ministry. groups identifi ed in the strategy are: Healthy children and adoles- National Health Strategy Leads.” Mental health and wellbeing, Iain al-Mulla, adviser to the Minister of cents, healthy women leading to “Their task – to work with clini- Tulley, CEO, Mental Health, Hamad Public Health, Ministry of Public healthy pregnancies, healthy and cians and support staff from right Medical Corporation; People with Health; Dr al-Anoud Mohammad safe employees, mental health across the health sector on plans to multiple chronic conditions, Dr al-Thani – Deputy National Health and well-being, improved health deliver our ambitions – will be cen- Maryam al-Emadi, head of Al Wakra Strategy Lead Health Promotion for people with multiple chronic tral to our future success, which is Health Centre and Consultant Fam- and Non-Communicable Diseases conditions, health and well-being why we have appointed leads with ily Physician, Primary Health Care manager, Ministry of Public Health; for people with special needs, and a wealth of experience in their fi eld Corporation; Health and wellbeing Enhanced Health Protection-Dr Sa- healthy ageing. of expertise who are respected and for people with special needs, Dr lih Ali al-Marri, Assistant Minister The fi ve system-wide areas of admired amongst their profession,” Khalid A Hadi, director of the au- of Health Aff airs, Ministry of Public improvement focus on: an integrat- she added. diology and balance unit, Hamad Health; Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin ed model of high quality care and National Health Strategy leads Medical Corporation; and healthy Hamad al-Thani, Deputy National service delivery, enhanced health for the seven priority population ageing, Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, chair Health Strategy lead and direc- promotion and disease prevention, groups are : Healthy children and of geriatrics and long-term depart- tor of Public Health Department, enhanced health protection, health adolescents, Dr Sadriya al-Kohji, ment, Hamad Medical Corporation. Ministry of Public Health; Health in all policies, and creating an ef- head of child health and adoles- National Health Strategy leads in all policies- HE Dr Hanan Mo- fective system of governance and cent health and community medi- for the fi ve cross cutting areas for hamed al-Kuwari, Minister of Pub- leadership. cine consultant, Primary Health system-wide improvement are: In- lic Health; Dr Roberto Bertollini, Announcing the names of the 12 Care Corporation; Healthy women tegrated model of high quality care Deputy National Health Strategy new leads, HE the Minister of Pub- leading to healthy pregnancies, Dr and service delivery-Dr Mariam lead and adviser to Minister’s Offi ce; lic Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al- Najat Ali Mohsen Khenyab, senior Ali Abdulmalik, managing direc- Eff ective system of governance and Kuwari, said, “The new National consultant, obstetrics and gynae- tor, Primary Health Care Corpo- leadership- Ali al-Janahi, chief of Health Strategy 2018-2022 sets out cology and head of fetomaternal ration; David Flory, CBE, deputy business services, Hamad Medical some very ambitious targets so it is medicine, Hamad Medical Corpo- national health strategy lead, chief Corporation; Khalid al-Mughesib important that we start work on de- ration; Healthy and safe employees, of Tertiary and General Hospitals - Deputy National Health Strategy livering the strategy straight away, Dr Asma al-Nuaimi, acting director Group, Hamad Medical Corpora- Lead Insurance Adviser for Minister which is why I am pleased to an- of occupational health and safety, tion; Enhanced health promotion and Director of HFID, Ministry of nounce the appointment of the new Primary Health Care Corporation; and disease prevention, Dr Ahmad Public Health. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 9 QATAR Doha Bank promotes careers, inspires talent National Museum

s part of eff orts to pro- to more than 1,700 employment necting gifted students with mote careers and work- opportunities, 400 internships, employment opportunities at Abased education among and 60 academic sponsorships. Doha Bank helps to enrich our the youth of Qatar to equip Doha Bank representatives team, whilst further underlin- them with banking knowl- also visited the students of the ing our commitment to uplift- calls for objects edge and skills, Doha Bank has QBSBAS to introduce them to ing the local community.” participated in the 12th Qatar the banking system and famil- Doha Bank’s collaborations University Careers Fair and at iarise them with the operations with QBSBAS kicked-off in the Qatar Banking Studies and of banks through understanding 2016 and until today the bank Business Administration Inde- various departments, from tell- has trained 35 students within pendent Secondary School for er and call centre to corporate its organisation with impres- Boys/Girls (QBSBAS) Careers banking, among others. sive achievements, including from community day held recently. Scott Kind, head of Learn- the bank being recognised with At the Qatar University Ca- ing & Development at Doha a trophy for being mentor to the atar Museums (QM) has reers Fair held at the university’s Bank, said: “We were honoured school’s students. launched a call for objects College of Business and Eco- to work closely again with Qa- Doha Bank operates various Qfrom the local community nomics building, Doha Bank’s tar University Career Fair and programmes and development to be included in the forthcom- information booth, one of 75 QBSBAS, which off er outstand- solutions designed to equip stu- ing National Museum of Qatar. A stands representing govern- ing platforms to uncover bright dents for a career in the banking limited number of the local com- ment and private organisations, new talents. sector. munity will have the privilege of provided students with valuable “Participation in this kind These include its Gradu- showcasing historic objects and insights on the labour market. of career and training develop- ate Management Trainee Pro- artefacts belonging to them that The visiting students were ment initiatives is a key part gramme, which aims to recruit will be featured as exhibits with- also briefed about training pro- of our long-term strategy, as and train fresh graduates, pro- in the wider Museum. grammes and internships avail- it allows us to reach out to and viding them with excellent op- Opening offi cially in Decem- able to help them develop their inspire the next generation of portunities for career growth ber 2018, the Museum tells the skills, abilities, and professional young minds, who ultimately and grooming them for roles as story of the people of Qatar, giv- experience. Attendees at the ca- will help shape the way we do future leaders in the banking in- ing voice to the country’s rich reer fair benefi ted from access business in the future. Con- dustry. heritage and history whilst cel- ebrating its future. The Museum represents one of the most sig- nifi cant cultural projects in the country and also one of the most ambitious museum projects of its Malabar Gold unveils promotion kind, anywhere in the world, QM said. An architect’s impression of the National Museum of Qatar’s west view from the Doha Bay. “It will celebrate Qatar’s cul- alabar Gold & Dia- ture by preserving and recon- public, students, and museum The palace has a unique his- varied and unusual the various monds, one among the necting visitors and residents professionals. It will redefi ne torical signifi cance for the coun- belongings and objects we re- Mbig fi ve jewellery re- with the country’s traditions,” the role of a cultural institution, try and will be a fi tting central ceive are,” she added. tailers globally with a network QM said. fostering a spirit of participation exhibit within the Museum when According to QM, the Museum of over 210 retail outlets across “In this way, the Museum is the and providing the conditions for it opens. symbolises Qatar’s commitment nine countries, has launched physical manifestation of Qatar’s discovery to thrive. “The National Museum will to developing cultural spaces ‘The Great Gold Rush’ promo- proud identity, connecting the The Museum’s structure sur- be a source of pride for our entire that develop, promote and sus- tion in Middle East and Far East country’s history with its diverse rounds the Old Palace of Sheikh nation. With this donation drive tain a thriving cultural sector and off ering a total of 100 gold bars and cosmopolitan present.” Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani. we’re providing a unique oppor- build a national spirit of partici- as prizes. Exhibitions will combine his- The Old Palace, a former royal tunity for selected members of pation. The Museum also dem- In Qatar the off er will run toric objects and contemporary residence and seat of govern- the local community to play their onstrates the eff orts that QM is from March 28 to May 5. In Qa- infl uences, opening up a dia- ment, was converted into the part in helping tell the story of undertaking in fulfi lling the cul- tar, with every purchase of dia- logue around the impact of rapid original National Museum of the country’s past, present and tural goals of the Qatar National mond jewellery worth QR500, change. Innovative presentation Qatar in 1975. It is one of most future,” National Museum of Qa- Vision 2030, contributing to a customers will get two raffl e techniques will excite audiences recognisable landmarks in the tar director Sheikha Amna bint strong and sustainable cultural coupons while every gold jew- and push boundaries. country and serves as a monu- Abdulaziz bin Jassim al-Thani infrastructure for the country ellery purchase worth QR500 QM noted that the museum ment to a historic way of life in said. and helping to build a diversifi ed, will get them one raffl e coupon April 12 to 21 only. Malabar Gold & Diamonds will be a thriving hub for the Qatar. “We are excited to see just how knowledge-based economy. for entering a raffl e draw to get a Customers can get gold rate has also revealed their latest chance to win 100gm gold bars. protection by paying 10% of the collection of jewellery in gold, In Qatar a total of 10 winners entire amount on the selected diamonds and precious gems as will walk away with a 100gm gold jewellery until April 18. part of various brands namely gold bar each. In addition, cus- They can buy 8gm (22K) gold Ethnix – Handcrafted Designer tomers also get a 2gm gold coin coins without paying mak- Jewellery, Era – Uncut Dia- on diamond jewellery purchase ing charges during this period. mond Jewellery, Mine – Dia- Alfardan Sports Motors hosts of QR5,000 and a 1gm gold coin Customers can also avail the monds Unlimited, Divine – In- on purchase of diamond jewel- zero deduction off er on 22K dian Heritage Jewellery, Precia lery worth QR3,000. These free (GCC) gold jewellery exchange – Gem Jewellery and Starlet – gold coins off ers are valid from until May 5. Kids jewellery. Passione Ferrari day experience

lfardan Sports Motors, the official dealer of Ooredoo, Ahlibank partner AFerrari in Qatar, turned the passion for cars and motor racing into a thrilling Passione to off er payment options Ferrari day last weekend. Ferrari’s 71 years of style, speed and blistering on-track hlibank will now enable performance were on display their customers to make at the Losail International Cir- AOoredoo bill payments cuit, where an exclusive se- and top-ups through Ahlibank lection of Ferrari owners and ATMs, it was announced. prospects enjoyed an adrena- The new agreement al- line-filled day testing the Fer- lows Ooredoo customers to rari 488 GTB, 488 Spider and use Ahlibank ATMs to pay 812 Superfast. their Shahry, Fibre and Mobile In the ninth edition of the Broadband bill, as well as top- Passione Ferrari day in Qatar, up their services. the marque’s latest products Ahlibank has a network of 67 were presented by the tal- ATMs located in their branches ented team of Pilotas from the and non-bank sites such as home of the Prancing Horse, malls and popular tourist areas Maranello, “stimulating an across Qatar. (From left) Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi and Hassan al-Efrangi at the exciting drive and cherishing According to Ooredoo, this agreement signing yesterday. Ferrari’s qualities admired by joint service has been launched millions worldwide”, Alfardan in response to growing demand more,” Ooredoo Qatar COO ple, local, modern and secure Sports Motors said in a state- for alternative payment chan- Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi banking experience at the heart ment. The Passione Ferrari day hosted by Alfardan Sports Motors. nels that allow Ooredoo cus- said. “Alongside the Ooredoo of the Qatar community and The special drive experience tomers to utilise the services App, Ooredoo Self-Service bringing tomorrow’s banking began with a Ferrari parade is much more than a pure driv- of the Ferrari world. Our track participants can engage with round-the-clock and save time Machines and now Ahlibank to Qatar today.” starting from Alfardan Sports ing experience; it’s an invita- days are always incredibly pop- Ferrari’s latest technologies by avoiding long queues. ATMs, customers can eas- All Ooredoo transactions Motors showroom at The tion to a lifestyle that can only ular and we at Alfardan Sports and unique experiences. Al- “Ooredoo is excited to be ily stay connected 24/7,” he carried out at an Ahlibank ATM Pearl-Qatar where the group be accessed by the elite. We are Motors are pleased to lead the fardan Sports Motors caters to working with Ahlibank to added. are instantly refl ected in the was under the guidance of the proud of our ability to show- market in offering world-class aficionados of sports vehicles provide our customers with Hassan al-Efrangi, Ahl- user’s Ooredoo account. This Ferrari expert team. The gen- case this lifestyle to our own- driving experiences in Qatar.” in Qatar, offering one of the yet another convenient and ibank’s Deputy CEO – Retail is supported by a unique agree- eral manager of Ferrari Qatar at ers and prospects with events During the Passione Ferrari world’s most coveted iconic secure way to pay for their and Private Banking, said: ment between the two to link Alfardan Sports Motors, Charly such as these, which underline day, select Ferrari-approved brands in sports and luxury au- Ooredoo services, top-up and “Ahlibank is delivering a sim- their interfaces in real-time. Dagher, said: “Owning a Ferrari the exhilaration and elegance vehicles are on display where tomobiles.

Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah launches ‘Heritage Walls’

zdan Mall Al Wakrah has just meant for shopping and environment. Friends of the En- niche. Mall guests can enjoy the launched the ‘Heritage entertainment but also a plat- vironment Centre also promotes scenery and the worthy infor- EWalls’ initiative to pro- form through which we convey a cultural diversity cherishing the mation as they walk through the mote Qatar’s cultural identity great message in supporting Qa- Qatari identity. malls pathways.” through murals. tar’s culture and environment “Each wall has its own story He added, “Ezdan Mall is The murals have been created through arts. We believe it’s our line related to Qatar’s culture proud to have a pioneering vi- by well-known local and expa- responsibility to highlight our and heritage, such as the ‘Ba- sion to raise awareness on the triate artists who are keen to ex- legacy, as art and culture play a toola’, one of the popular masks importance of preserving the press their love for Qatar. very positive role in building the Qatari women use to cover their environment through its ongo- In a press statement yester- image of our nation. faces. ing Green Dream 2022 initia- day, the Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah “We seek to make our guests Paintings also include sand tives. People visiting Ezdan Mall management said it has allo- feel they are at home rather dunes, camels and falcons, Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah will cated seven large walls in diff er- than in an ordinary shopping which is a national emblem in have the chance to contribute to ent parts of the mall for the mu- experience. To achieve this, we Qatar; as well as the oryx, an Qatar National Vision 2030 by rals, which depict Qatar’s most partnered with Friends of the antelope species that lives in the planting in our ‘Eggshell Plant- prominent traditions, edifi ces Environment Centre, a non- Arabian Peninsula. ing’ station.” and local traits. government organisation focus- Other paintings focus on The initiative supports Ezdan Commenting on the event, ing on ecological preservation pearl-diving, fi shing and mod- Mall Al Wakrah’s vision to keep Ezdan Malls Group GM Malik and educating people about pre- ern Doha with its distinctive Qatari culture and heritage Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah has allocated seven large walls for the murals, which depict Qatar’s most prominent Awan said: “Ezdan Mall is not serving and rehabilitating our towers and the attractive Cor- alive, the statement adds. traditions, edifices and local traits. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 QATAR

Ministry pulls up car company for non-compliance with law

he Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has issued a violation against a known automo- Tbile company for not complying with one of the Partnership to highlight provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. The Ministry, through the continuous review and follow-up of the international recall sites to ascertain the extent of compliance of car dealers with the fol- low-up of vehicle defects, was able to detect the com- pany’s failure to notify the relevant authorities in the ministry about the factory’s recall of a particular type scope of sport in health of its vehicles because of a defect, QNA reports. The manufacturer had recalled a certain model be- atar Red Crescent Soci- ship will see both parties exploring The guests were welcomed by al- cause of an industrial defect that may pose a danger to ety (QRCS) and the Inter- co-operation opportunities across Hammadi, who said: “The purpose the safety of consumers. Qnational Centre for Sport a number of projects that aim to of this MoU is to work together to The Ministry said that a violation has been issued Security (ICSS), within the frame- maximise sports’ vital contribution utilise sport in the best interest of against the company and that all legal procedures will work of its ‘Save the Dream’ initia- to enhancing health programmes humanity. Sport is a major aspect be taken in this regard, especially since the violation tive, have joined forces to strength- and facilitating access to aid within of modern life and a pillar of sus- of the law on consumer protection ranges from penal- en the role of sports in promoting most underserved communities.” tainable peace around the world. ties between administrative closure and fi nancial fi nes health and access to aid at a global The agreement will enhance “We will contribute our 40 years ranging from QR3,000 to QR1mn. level, as part of a wide-ranging co- ICSS-QRCS co-operation in vari- of charitable, social and humani- The Ministry of Economy and Commerce is con- operation agreement. ous fi elds, whilst protecting public tarian experience in Qatar and in- stantly monitoring to ascertain the compliance of car The agreement was signed by health and safety within local com- ternationally.” dealers with the follow-up of car defects and correct- Mohamed bin Hamad Hanzab, ICSS munities. Hanzab said: “We are proud to ing them to protect the rights of consumers. chairman and founder of ‘Save the It also paves the way for the ex- enter into this partnership to sup- It also coordinates with the company’s agent to fol- Dream’, and Ali bin Hassan al-Ham- change of knowledge and expertise port the important work QRCS car- low up maintenance and repair operations and to com- madi, secretary-general of QRCS. between the two sides, with the aim ries out protecting life where most municate with clients to ensure the implementation of The signing ceremony, which of initiating various joint awareness needed, protecting the forgotten procedures and correcting defects. took place on Sunday at the QRCS and educational activities to support and the most vulnerable ones. The Ministry stressed that it will fi rmly confront all headquarters, was attended by a sports community and public health, “Through ‘Save the Dream’, we those who are negligent in carrying out their obliga- number of QRCS and ‘Save the according to a press statement. use the power of sports to reach and tions under the Consumer Protection Law and its ex- Dream’ offi cials. Launched in 2012 by the ICSS, Off icials mark the partnership. involve children and young people, ecutive regulations. It will intensify inspection cam- Siham Alawami, director of Spe- with support from the Qatar Olympic including those with special needs, paigns to control such practices. Any violation of laws cial Projects at the ICSS’s ‘Save Committee and involvement of inter- sandro Del Piero, ‘Save the Dream’ is mote and protect the core values of and work to facilitate their access to and ministerial decisions will be referred to the com- the Dream’, said: “This partner- national sports fi gures such as Ales- a global movement designed to pro- sports for youth at a global level. the aid provided by the QRCS.” petent authorities for appropriate action against them.

Indian mission seeks details of students awaiting admission he Indian embassy has announced it QLM explores laws governing top-notch healthcare services is collecting the details of students Twaiting for admission to any of the Indian schools. LM, Qatar’s leading health and healthcare and treatment have con- ticalities post implementation. It also Parents are requested to contact the life insurer and a subsidiary of tinued to rise. helps them to know more about the embassy via e-mail to ‘doha.admission@ QQatar Insurance Group, has The consequent spiralling health- challenges in the medical insurance gmail.com’. participated in the Healthcare Law care related costs have aff ected indi- sector,” Nasser al-Naimi said. Parents should furnish the following de- course taught by Dr Barry Solaiman viduals, families and ultimately the Companies that operate in Qatar tails such as name of the student, Qatar ID, at the College of Law and Public Pol- health systems. comply with the health insurance age of the student, nationality of the stu- icy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University In view of this, uptake of health in- laws, QIC said, adding owing to the dent, school desired, class/grade desired, (HBKU), a member of the Qatar Foun- surance serves as a potential solution developments in this arena, Qatar has father’s name and contact telephone. dation. for people seeking healthcare cover- been benchmarked along with A-list- A statement issued yesterday by the The topics discussed with students age. ed countries for implementing global embassy said it has received a number of on the Juris Doctor (JD) graduate law Moreover, health insurance also fa- standards in the fi eld of healthcare as requests for assistance, citing non-avail- programme comprised medical insur- cilitates access to health management has been set out by the United Na- ability of seats in Indian schools in Doha. ance law, standards and requirements services through a network of service tions (UN) and World Health Organi- “In order to take up the issue with the provided by medical insurance law, providers. sation (WHO). Supreme Education Council, Ministry of the legal framework mandated for the Hence it may be prudent that or- “QLM is the only national insurer Education, we need to get a better sense of establishment of modern compre- ganisations provide full health insur- that has provisions for in-house op- the number of children who have failed to hensive medical insurance system, ance coverage for their employees as The QLM healthcare law session. erations and internal audit, where get admission in an Indian school in Doha,” trends in medical insurance and a part of their employee engagement applications are duly reviewed and the statement added. roundup on QLM’s services. benefi ts. cant increase in the number of service This is verifi ed by the fact that gov- approvals on services are issued on OPEN HOUSE: The Indian ambassador Nasser al-Naimi, executive vice Indeed, such arrangements are providers. ernment support in these countries a need basis. QLM is well equipped will hold an Open House tomorrow at the president, Legal Department of QIC undertaken by various employers in During the seminar, examples and for the private medical sector has re- to deal with the best medical service embassy premises from 3pm to 4pm to lis- Group; Ahmad M Zebeib, senior man- Qatar. models of health insurance programs sulted in a high level of medical serv- providers in Qatar and abroad,” Ze- ten to/redress any urgent labour and con- ager, QLM and Mohamed Salem, sen- At a macro level, healthcare is in Europe, America and various coun- ices and specialities and has attracted beib said. sular issues of Indian nationals in Qatar, ior business development manager, considered a key sector that drives tries were discussed in terms of their patients from around the world to re- Clinton Francis, the Founding Dean the embassy announced yesterday. QLM presented critical insights to the growth in the economy through in- mechanisms of implementation and ceive treatment and medical services. of the HBKU College of Law and Pub- EMBASSY CLOSED: The Indian em- students to broaden and deepen their fl ow of insurance premiums. how the model of partnership be- “This class is indeed unique as it lic Policy, said this innovative course bassy will remain closed on Thursday on understanding of the relevant issues. The nation’s heightened interest tween the state and the private sec- provides students with an opportu- off ers students a holistic understand- the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, it was an- With the advancement in medi- in the burgeoning sector has clearly tor was important for the success of nity to gain knowledge on medical in- ing of healthcare law issues both nounced yesterday. cal science and technology, costs for been evidenced through the signifi - health insurance programmes. surance law and know about the prac- abroad and in Qatar. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 11 QATAR Millions were sent to Trump fundraiser to push Emirates agenda against Qatar HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud top fundraiser for Presi- asked if his funding was con- dent Donald Trump re- nected to any foreign govern- Al-Mahmoud says Aceived millions of dol- ments or if he had business con- lars from a political adviser to tracts in the Gulf. He assured us the United Arab Emirates last that he did not,” FDD said in a April, just weeks before he be- statement. gan handing out a series of large Broidy donated millions of world seeing worst political donations to US law- his own money to eff orts to fight makers considering legislation Qatar, in addition to the $2.5mn targeting Qatar, TIME magazine from Nader, according to some- has said quoting, an Associated one close to him, who spoke on Press investigation. condition of anonymity because kinds of human George Nader, an adviser to he was not authorised to discuss the UAE who is now a witness Broidy’s private fi nances. in the US special counsel inves- Broidy’s behind-the-scenes tigation into foreign meddling eff orts unfolded when the UAE in American politics, wired and Saudi Arabia launched an rights violations $2.5mn to the Trump fund- embargo with travel and trade restrictions against Qatar less raiser, Elliott Broidy, through a QNA called for addressing the root causes of global than two weeks after Royce in- company in Canada, according Geneva problems, including wars, terrorism, immigration, to two people who spoke on the troduced the sanctions legisla- asylum, genocide and the obstacles to sustainable condition of anonymity because tion in the US House of Repre- development, and therefore it called for paying at- of the sensitivity of the matter. sentatives. E the Speaker of the Advisory Council tention to human beings and providing them with They said Nader paid the money Weeks later, Trump himself Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud the basics of a decent life. to Broidy to bankroll an eff ort to waded into the fracas, accusing Hhas said that the work of the ongoing 138th In this regard, the Advisory Council speaker persuade the US to take a hard Qatar of funding extremism in Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) noted that the State of Qatar has off ered initiatives line against Qatar, a long-time tweets on June 6. and related meetings in Geneva are held at a time, to promote education around the world, includ- American ally but now not in George Nader Royce and a staff member met when the world is witnessing the worst kinds of ing Protect Education in Insecurity and Confl ict good terms with the UAE. with Broidy at Washington’s violations of human rights, the persecution of mi- (PEIC), Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Silatech initia- A month after he received the ing the Trump era to infl uence sitivity of the issues surround- Capitol Hill Club to discuss the norities and attempts to exterminate them in full tive for employment opportunities for young peo- money, Broidy sponsored a con- US policy in the Middle East. ing the Mueller investigation. bill, according to someone who view of the world. ple in the Arab World and ‘Educate A Child,’ which ference on Qatar’s alleged ties The US has long been friendly A lawyer for Nader declined was at the meeting. An associate, In a speech to an IPU meeting, the Speaker of the is a global initiative aimed at reducing the number to extremism. During the event, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to comment for this story. who Broidy paid for some of the Advisory Council said we wonder how the UN is of children who have lost their right to education. Republican Congressman Ed as well as Qatar, which is home Broidy and Nader fi rst met at work, also had frequent contact unable and how many international laws and con- The State of Qatar established the Doha Center Royce of California, the chair- to a massive American air base Trump’s presidential inaugu- with congressional staff . ventions have failed to protect and defend human for Interfaith Dialogue in 2007 to promote a culture man of the House Foreign Af- that the US has used in its fi ght ration on January 20, 2017, ac- Broidy’s eff ort to cultivate beings. of peaceful co-existence, and created the Qatar fairs Committee, announced he against the Islamic State. But as cording to a person with knowl- allies in Congress extended be- He noted that the Arab region has suff ered for Committee for the Alliance of Civilisation to high- was introducing legislation that political rifts in the Gulf have edge of the matter. yond Royce. more than 70 years as a result of the Israeli occupa- light the contribution of civilisations to human would brand Qatar as a terror- widened, the Saudis and Emi- Both men have checkered legal Broidy has personally given tion and aggression, Israel’s non-compliance with progress. In order to activate the role of the United ist-supporting state. ratis have sought to undercut histories. Nader was convicted in hundreds of thousands of dol- international resolutions and its intransigence in Nations and its entities and reform the Security In July 2017, two months after American ties with Qatar. a Czech Republic court in 2003 lars to Republicans over the past the face of international peace eff orts, and its rejec- Council, al-Mahmoud said, Doha hosted in early Royce introduced the bill, Broi- Qatar and UAE have also ex- of multiple counts of sexually decade or more. But he gave tion of a two-state solution and the establishment 2017 a conference on revitalising the debate on Se- dy gave the California congress- changed allegations of politi- abusing minors. Broidy, a busi- nothing during the 2012 and of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, leading curity Council reform to discuss means of reform- man $5,400 in campaign gifts cally motivated hacks. Scores of nessmen and prolifi c Republican 2014 election cycles and just to instability in the region, the continuation of wars ing the council as part of a comprehensive reform — the maximum allowed by law. Broidy’s emails and documents fundraiser, was sidelined for a $13,500 during the 2016 cycle. and destabilization of the security of neighbouring of the United Nations. The donations were part of just have leaked to news organisa- few years after he pleaded guilty Things changed after Trump’s countries and the occupation of their territories. The Speaker also expressed his delight to be par- under $600,000 that Broidy has tions, drawing attention to his to bribery in a case stemming election as Broidy ramped up He stressed that all of these constitute a threat to ticipating for the fi rst time in IPU meetings and to given to GOP members of Con- relationship with Nader. Broidy from an investment scheme in- his advocacy on Middle East international peace and security. address it in his name and the name of the Qatari gress and Republican political has blamed “Qatar’s agents” for volving New York state’s em- policy. Broidy has given nearly The Speaker said that civil society is required to- Advisory Council. He also thanked the presidency committees since he began the the leak. ployee pension fund. $600,000 to GOP candidates day, as was demanded in the wake of World Wars I and general secretariat of the union. push for the legislation fi nger- A spokesman for the Qatari Broidy later re-emerged as a and causes since the beginning and II, to search for mechanisms to end colonialism Concluding his speech, al-Mahmoud wished ing Qatar, according to an AP embassy, Jassim Mansour Jabr player in GOP politics. During of last year when he began his in all its forms, to criminalise wars and genocide, to the IPU general assembly success in coming up analysis of campaign fi nance al-Thani, denied the charges, the 2016 Republican presiden- advocacy push— more than in achieve justice and equality and to maintain inter- with decisions that reaffi rm the need to address the disclosure records. calling them “diversionary tac- tial primary, he raised money for the previous 14 years combined. national peace and security. causes of problems without limiting the eff orts of Broidy said in a statement to tics.” Representatives of the US Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Campaign fi nance records He attributed all this to the shortcomings of members to dealing with the manifestations. AP that he has been outspoken UAE did not respond to requests Marco Rubio and Sen. Ted Cruz. going back two decades show the UN system as well as the current international He also hoped IPU would take a leading role in for years about militant groups, for comment. After Cruz bowed out of the Broidy had not given any mon- laws and treaties on protecting humanity from the advocating reform of the UN system and for the including Hamas. The timeline of the infl ux of race, Broidy signed on to help ey to Royce — until he gave the scourge of war, pointing out that in light of this fail- goal of everyone to be working towards achieving While Washington is awash cash wired by Nader, an advis- Trump during the 2016 election lawmaker a pair of $2,700 dona- ure, nearly 3mn people are still in constant search human dignity. with political donations from all er to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and beyond, co-hosting fund- tions on July 31, 2017. for the basics of life and the reasons for stability. Addressing the implications of the declaration of manner of interest groups and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al- raisers across the country. By then, the sanctions bill He pointed out that, in order to achieve a safe and the US administration on Jerusalem and the rights individuals, there are strict re- Nahyan, the de facto leader of The meeting between Broi- was on a fast track. legal migration and asylum, IPU had participated in of the Palestinian people in accordance with the strictions on foreign donations the UAE, may provide grist for dy and Nader at the dawn of The original draft considered a number of activities aimed at enacting a law to UN Charter and international legitimacy resolu- for political activity. Agents of US special counsel Robert Mu- Trump’s presidency soon led by the Foreign Aff airs Commit- ensure safe and legal migration, noting that what is tions, al-Mahmoud reaffi rmed at the outset of the foreign governments are also eller’s legal team as it probes the two to work together in an tee contained language singling important here is not the promulgation of the law session the keenness of all participants on peace in required to register before lob- the activities of Trump and his eff ort to shift US policies on the out Qatar as a supporter of Ha- but the guarantee of its implementation. the Middle East, noting that the vote in that regard bying so that there is a public associates during the 2016 cam- Middle East. mas, a Palestinian organisation “I would like to propose that we turn the Inter- was a fi rm evidence of the desire. record of foreign infl uence. paign and beyond. However, it On April 2, 2017, Nader asked that has been designated as a Parliamentary Union from a mere platform to en- The Advisory Council speaker also thanked all In October, Broidy also raised is not clear that Mueller has ex- Broidy to invoice his Dubai- terrorist group by the US State act legislation that clashes with the bitter realities the countries that voted on the issue, stressing that the issue of Qatar at the White panded his investigation in that based company for $2.5mn, Department. resulting from the lack of eff ectiveness and im- the vote seeks peace. House in meetings with Trump direction. according to someone familiar Soon Qatar was lobbying hard plementation mechanisms to an eff ective system “There are attempts for peace in the region. We and senior aides. Mueller’s investigators are with the transaction who spoke to have that language excised. as this organisation is characterised by a spirit of want nothing but peace for everyone,” al-Mah- The details of Broidy’s advo- looking into two meetings close on condition of anonymity. Nikki Haley, US ambassador to equality among all its members, where there is no moud said but added that it is unacceptable that cacy on US legislation have not to Trump’s inauguration at- On the same day, Broidy at- the United Nations, declared in a discrimination or preference in countries that have there is occupation and violation of the rights of been previously reported. The tended by Nader and bin Za- tached an invoice for that statement to the committee that the right of veto,” said al-Mahmoud. the Palestinian people. AP found no evidence that Broidy yed. The pair joined a meeting amount from Xiemen Invest- Qatar does not fund Hamas. “In this context, the Inter-Parliamentary Union In his speech, the Speaker also stressed that if used Nader’s funds for the cam- at New York’s Trump Tower in ments Limited, a Canadian According to two people fa- could play a great and noble role through parlia- peace were to prevail, security and stability would paign donations or broke any December 2016 that included company directed by a friend. miliar with the committee de- mentary diplomacy and seek consensus on the need follow suit. laws. At the time of the advocacy presidential son-in-law Jared The money was forwarded to liberations, both Republican for reforms of regional and international systems.” He added that terrorism is rejected anywhere and work, his company, Circinus, did Kushner and Steve Bannon, who his own account in Los Ange- and Democratic staff members He added: “We, in the State of Qatar under the defending the homeland is a right that all people not have business with the UAE, was Trump’s chief strategist at les from the Canadian account, reached a consensus that be- leadership of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim must have. but was awarded a more than the time. A month later, Nader the person said. It was marked cause of the tensions in the Gulf, bin Hamad al-Thani, are deeply saddened by these Al-Mahmoud expressed his wish for a lasting $200mn contract in January. and bin Zayed were a world away for consulting, marketing and the language would look like the tragedies and the oppression of our fellow human peace in the Middle East, noting that there are in- The sanctions bill was ap- on the Seychelles island chain in advisory services, but was ac- lawmakers were taking sides. beings and violation of his dignity, and we share the ternational legitimacy resolutions as well as Secu- proved by Royce’s committee the Indian Ocean, meeting with tually intended to fund Broidy’s They agreed to take it out of the international community’s assistance and aid. rity Council and UN General Assembly resolutions. in late 2017. It remains alive in Erik Prince, the founder of the Washington advocacy regarding bill. We have provided and continue to provide, out of He stressed that the whole world can’t be at fault the House of Representatives, security company Blackwater, Qatar, two people familiar with Qatari offi cials and lobbyists the humanitarian principle, a lot of humanitarian while only one person or one country is right. “We awaiting a review by the House and the Kremlin-connected the transaction said. The fi nan- thought the matter had been and fi nancial assistance in kind to those aff ected.” want peace and we do not accept the killing of any Financial Services Committee. head of a large Russian sovereign cial transaction and the White settled, according to one lobby- Al-Mahmoud said the State of Qatar has always innocent person anywhere.” The backstory of the legis- wealth fund, Kirill Dmitriev. House meetings were fi rst re- ist and a committee staff er. But lative push is emerging amid Nader, a Lebanese-American ported by The New York Times. just before the bill was to be put continuing concerns about ef- businessman, agreed to co- It was on May 23, 2017, when up for debate ahead of the com- forts by foreign governments operate with Mueller’s team Royce, a 13-term Congressman, mittee’s vote, Royce ordered the Qatar keen ‘to develop Gulf Co-operation Council’ or their proxies to infl uence after investigators stopped him appeared at a conference on Qa- language on Qatar not only re- American politics. While re- at Dulles International Airport, tar’s ties to the Muslim Broth- instated, but strengthened, they HE Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry Dr the position or opinion of our brothers from the ports about possible Russian according to a person familiar erhood and announced that he say. Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi has said that the peoples of those States, but also may not represent links to Trump’s campaign and with his case. was introducing the sanctions The bill was approved by the Gulf crisis is a political crisis between brothers and the position of a number of off icials in them. Our his presidential administra- That person and others who bill that would name Qatar a committee in November with that it must be resolved through constructive dia- principle has been to face the bad with the good, as tion have been making head- spoke to the AP on condition of state sponsor of terrorism. the stronger language on Qatar logue, in accordance with the directives of His High- abuses only deepen crises and do not solve them. lines since 2016, questions are anonymity said they could not The Foundation for the De- intact. ness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. He stressed that the principle of the State of Qatar now arising about eff orts dur- be identifi ed because of the sen- fence of Democracies, a think A Royce aide, who spoke on Since the beginning of the crisis, the Emir’s position in this is based on the fact that this crisis will find its tank that hosted the conference, condition of anonymity because has been clear and unambiguous that the Gulf way to a solution and will be overcome one day. said Broidy had approached he was not authorised to com- crisis must be addressed through a calm rhetoric And we will put an end to it.Therefore, we cannot it about organising the event. ment, denied that Royce had and a sound logic in order to solve it in a decent and we will not accept ourselves to harm to those Broidy bankrolled that confer- ever considered removing the manner, he said. who share with us blood and ties. ence and contributed to the fi - Qatar language. In an interview with the Diplomatic magazine to be Qatar’s foreign policy is based on well-established nancing of a second conference In January, Royce announced published soon, he said the Emir has always main- principles that promote stability, peace, security hosted on a similar theme in that he would not seek re-elec- tained this firm position and firmly rejected any and natural relations between nations and peoples, October by another think tank, tion, saying that he wanted to polemical arguments that lead to further aggrava- he added. The Secretary-General of the Foreign the Hudson Institute. focus on his committee in the tion of the situation. Ministry also stressed the State of Qatar’s keenness Both organisations said Broi- last year of his chairmanship His Highness the Emir has repeatedly emphasised to maintain the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) dy said that no money from for- rather than a political campaign. that what binds us with these countries are not and that it will not give it up whatever the reasons, eign governments was involved. In the same month, Broidy’s only interests, or diplomatic exchanges, but broth- adding that GCC reflects the hopes and aspirations FDD says it does not accept company signed the hefty con- erly and close relations, and we cannot inflict any of the peoples of the Gulf states, consolidates its money from foreign govern- tract with the UAE government abuse on brothers with whom we have ties and unity and represents one of the most important ments and Hudson only accepts for gathering intelligence, ac- bonds, regardless of the abuses some in the siege pillars of Arab solidarity. It is also considered a GCC money from Democratic coun- cording to someone familiar countries have levelled against the State of Qatar integration mechanism and encourages interde- tries allied with the US. with the work. or its people. We are sure that it does not represent pendence among its countries. (QNA) Elliot Broidy “As is our funding policy, we (Courtesy: TIME) Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 REGION/ARAB WORLD

74% of French people against weapons sales to Saudi: poll Rebels stage show of force Three out of four French people believe it is “unacceptable” to sell military weapons to Saudi Arabia, according to a poll published yes- terday. The study by independ- ent research group YouGov was commissioned by the anti-corpo- hours after missile attacks ration lobby group SumOfUs to mark the third anniversary of the AFP ance for possible war crimes in Saudi-led military intervention in Sanaa Yemen. Yemen. Several NGOs including Britain’s Foreign Secre- Amnesty International are seek- tary Boris Johnson saying he ing to raise pressure on President undreds of thousands of was “appalled” by the attack Emmanuel Macron over French Houthi rebel support- and would stand “shoulder to arms sales ahead of the visit by Hers fl ooded the streets shoulder” with Riyadh. Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed of Yemen’s capital yesterday to The US State Department bin Salman to Paris in early April. mark three years of war, hours also said Washington would Norway has suspended arms after Riyadh said it had inter- support the Saudis’ “right to exports to the United Arab cepted seven missiles fi red from defend their borders against Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s coalition rebel territory. these threats”. Rebel leaders partner in Yemen, while the A Saudi-led military coali- have sought to highlight the new German government says tion intervened in Yemen on role of the United States in the no weapons will be supplied to March 26, 2015 to try to restore Saudi-led intervention. countries involved in the conflict. the government of President At yesterday’s rally, Saleh al- About 74% of French people Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Sammad, head of the rebels’ questioned for the poll said they the Houthis and their allies took Supreme Political Council, said were against selling weapons over large parts of the country, the rebels were “ready to reach to Saudi Arabia and 71% were including the capital Sanaa. an understanding” to end the against supplying to the United After the missile attacks that intervention and the coalition’s Arab Emirates. resulted in the fi rst reported blockade of Yemen. France, one of the world’s biggest death in the Saudi capital, “It is the Americans who arms exporters, continues to sell Sanaa’s Sabaeen Square was a are directing this aggression equipment to both countries and sea of Yemeni fl ags yesterday and participating directly on a campaigners claim Paris does as rebel authorities ordered all number of fronts,” Sammad told not have suff icient guarantees schools and government offi ces the rally. The Hadi government, that the weapons will not be shut for the anniversary. for its part, said yesterday that used in Yemen. French exports Houthi supporters carried the overnight attacks on Saudi have included Caesar artillery portraits of rebel chief Abdul- A picture taken yesterday in Um al-Hammam district in Riyadh shows Egyptian labourers inspecting damages to a home hit by falling Arabia amounted to “an open guns and ammunition, sniper malik al-Houthi and speak- shrapnel from Yemeni rebel missiles that were intercepted over the Saudi capital. rejection of peace”. rifles and armoured vehicles. ers blasted out a fi ery speech The US Senate last week re- Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s by Hassan Nasrallah, leader of About 10,000 Yemenis have Egyptian labourer in Riyadh, shrapnel struck his ramshackle scattered piles of debris. jected a bipartisan bid to end off ice insists that the weapons Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah been killed and 53,000 wounded killed by falling shrapnel. room in Riyadh’s Um al-Ham- Experts have cast doubt on American involvement in Yem- sold to Saudi Arabia are for movement, praising the “stead- since the start of the coalition The Houthis said on their Al- mam district, leaving a gaping the near-perfect interception en’s war, voting down a rare defence and are only being used fastness” of the Yemeni people. intervention in Yemen, which Masirah television that Riyadh’s hole in the roof, according to rate reported by Saudi Arabia, eff ort to overrule presidential to deter rebel attacks. In March War songs, poems and triggered what the United Na- King Khalid International Air- witnesses interviewed by AFP which says it relies on a US- military authorisation. 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of nine speeches condemning the tions has called the world’s port was among the targets. at the site. made Patriot missile defence The US has provided weap- African and Middle Eastern coun- United States, the main arms worst humanitarian crisis. “This aggressive and hostile Three other Egyptian la- system. Amnesty International, ons, intelligence and aerial re- tries intervened in the civil war supplier for the Saudi-led coa- The rebels remain in control action... proves that a regime bourers in the same room were which has criticised both par- fuelling to the Saudi-led coali- in Yemen. The coalition supports lition, echoed across the square. of the capital, northern Yemen continues to support the armed wounded and hospitalised, they ties in the Yemen war for ne- tion. Yemeni pro-government forces “No one can speak on behalf and the country’s largest port. group with military capabili- said. glecting civilian safety, yester- Washington formally ap- against Houthi rebels. of the Yemeni people. The peo- Saudi authorities announced ties,” coalition spokesman Turki “He was the father of two day said the “indiscriminate” proved defence contracts worth Since then, nearly 10,000 Yemeni ple taking to the streets today Sunday night they had inter- al-Malki said. young children and the sole Houthi missile attack “could more than $1bn with Riyadh last citizens have been killed in the are the real voice,” Ibtisam al- cepted seven missiles fi red from Abdul-Moteleb Ahmed, 38, breadwinner for his family,” constitute a war crime”. Thursday during a high-profi le conflict, and more than 53,000 Mutawakel, head of a Houthi Yemeni territory, including one died instantly in his bed when another roommate said, stand- The rights group has also visit by Saudi Crown Prince have been injured. cultural committee, said that caused the death of an what appeared to be burning ing amid smashed furniture and slammed the Saudi-led alli- Mohamed bin Salman.

Children must not French FM meets Abbas Last rebel group in be at risk during Ghouta negotiates as Palestinian protest: UN others bussed away

AFP phe, marking when more than Reuters on forced displacement will be United Nations 700,000 Palestinians fl ed their Beirut catastrophic,” he added. land during the war that led to The group’s fi ghters skir- the creation of Israel.The United mished with the Syrian army he UN envoy for the States plans to open its embassy he last rebel group on one front of the Douma Middle East urged re- in Jerusalem on May 14, which fi ghting in Syria’s east- pocket yesterday, said the Syr- Tstraint yesterday as he coincides with the 70th anniver- Tern Ghouta said yes- ian Observatory for Human raised concern about children sary of the creation of Israel. terday it was still trying to Rights, a Britain-based war at risk during Palestinian pro- The US decision to recognise negotiate an end to the army’s monitoring group. tests starting this week near the Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in- assault, dismissing a Russian The army fi red shells into Gaza-Israel border. furiated the Palestinians, who report that it was ready to the town, it added. Palestinian families are plan- have broken off ties with the ad- leave the stronghold near Da- Under the Russian deals, ning to pitch hundreds of tents ministration of President Don- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian mascus. scores of buses have left the area in the Gaza Strip near the border ald Trump. in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, yesterday. All other insurgent groups since Thursday carrying fi ght- starting on Friday, launching a Mladenov told the council there have agreed to surrender ers from other rebel groups, six-week show of support for that Israel was pressing on with their territory in deals medi- their families and civilians who Palestinian refugees. the building of settlements, de- ated by the government’s ally do not want to come back under “It is imperative that civilians, fying the United Nations, which Moscow, bringing President Assad’s rule, to opposition areas in particular children, not be tar- has branded the expansion of Bashar al-Assad to the cusp in northwestern Syria. geted and that all actors refrain the Jewish outposts on occupied of his biggest victory over the Yesterday, a long line of buses from putting children at risk at Palestinian land as illegal. Hamas positions hit for second day rebels in more than a year. stood waiting at a road junction, any time,” Nickolay Mladenov “Israel’s illegal settlement But the Jaish al-Islam group waiting to take thousands more told the council via videoconfer- expansion and related activities has kept hold of the town of people north.They were leaving ence from Jerusalem. continue further threatening the AFP been no casualties. It was the second night in a Douma. “The negotiations are the towns of Arbin, Zamalka, “I call on all sides to exercise viability of the two-state solu- Gaza City row that Israel had struck the coastal territory. still ongoing without reaching Ein Terma and Jobar after the restraint and to take the neces- tion and eroding the prospects The strikes came ahead of a planned protest on a fi nal agreement till this mo- Failaq al-Rahman group which sary steps to avoid violent esca- for peace,” he said. Friday in which Palestinians have been urged to ment,” said spokesman Hamza held the area agreed a surrender lation,” he said. Over the past three months, n Israeli tank struck two Hamas positions camp along Gaza’s border with Israel. Birqdar in a social media mes- deal on Friday. The protest kicks off on Land Israel approved 22 plans for in the Gaza Strip late Sunday after bullets On Sunday night Israel’s Iron Dome missile sage. More than 40 buses had fi lled Day, which commemorates some 1,500 housing units in Awere fi red from the Palestinian enclave, defence system was activated and sirens sounded A Russian offi cer earlier said with evacuees by yesterday af- the killing of six unarmed Arab one area of the West Bank, with the Israeli army said. near the border, but it later turned out these were yesterday the group had sig- ternoon, after scores had left protesters in Israel in 1976, and about a dozen units approved for Two observation points belonging to the false alarms. nalled during talks it was ready from there and from a separate ends on May 15. May 15 marks construction — but this is sig- armed wing of the movement were struck in the The army said it was investigating why the to lay down its arms.” (This) is enclave in the town of Harasta, what the Palestinians refer to nifi cantly lower than in the pre- northern part of the enclave, the army said. systems turned on, but said “unusual machine a lie and devoid of truth,” Bir- where rebels accepted a deal on as the Nakba, or the catastro- vious three-month period. Palestinian security sources said there had gun fi re towards Israel was identifi ed.” qdar said. “An attempt to insist Thursday.

DIPLOMACY Syria’s minister visits Oman

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem arrived in the Omani capital yesterday for talks with off icials, the two countries’ off icial news agencies said. Oman has frequently served as a mediator in the Arab world. Its state news agency ONA said Muallem’s visit would cover “several days during which he will meet with a number of senior off icials in the sultanate”, without giving details. The talks would cover “the current situation in the region and means of strengthening bilateral ties”, as well as regional and international issues, said Syria’s SANA news agency. During the visit, which comes in response to an invita- tion from the Omani minister responsible for foreign aff airs Yusuf bin Alawi, Muallem is to inaugurate the headquarters of Syria’s new embassy in Muscat, SANA said.

ELECTIONS Sisi assured of win as Egyptians vote

Egyptians began voting yesterday in a presidential election that guarantees victory to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, running virtually unchallenged with all credible candidates intimidated or locked up. Sisi, who appears to see the vote more as a referen- dum on his rule than a serious democratic contest, has urged Egyptians to vote, hoping a large turnout will give him a mandate to repair the economy and crush hardliners fighting to topple him. Opposition figures have called for a boycott, while the presi- dent’s sole challenger is Moussa Mostafa Moussa, a Sisi supporter widely seen as a dummy candidate. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 13 AFRICA Zuma to face graft charges on April 6 AFP Zuma, 75, denies any wrongdoing, while Johannesburg Thales has declined to comment. Zuma will face one count of racketeer- ing, two counts of corruption, one count ormer South African president Jacob of money laundering and 12 counts of Zuma is set to appear in court on fraud — all of which are punishable by FApril 6 to face corruption charges, lengthy custodial sentences. police said yesterday, in a case that could The charges relate to arms procurement People hold signs asking for a re-count and credible elections near the High Court in Freetown, Sierra Leone. see him jailed. deals struck by the government in the late Zuma is accused of taking kickbacks 1990s and from which Zuma is accused before he became president from the $5bn of profi ting corruptly to the tune of 4mn purchase of fi ghter jets, patrol boats and rand ($345,000). military equipment manufactured by fi ve In 2005, Zuma’s former fi nancial advis- European fi rms. er Schabir Shaik was convicted for facili- He resigned as president on February 14 tating bribes over the contracts and sen- Top court okays Sierra Leone after the ruling African National Congress tenced to 15 years in prison. He was later (ANC) party turned against him following released on medical parole. a nine-year reign marred by corruption Zuma was deputy president from 1999 allegations, an economic slowdown and to 2005, when he was sacked by Mbeki. diminished popularity. The previously loyal ANC last weekend presidential run-off balloting “We can confi rm that the summons distanced itself from its former leader, saying has been served to the former president,” that it was determined “to put the sad chap- Reuters party standard-bearer Samura Ka- until Saturday because its prepara- The March 7 vote to replace him Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesman for the ter of systemic corruption” behind the party. Freetown mara was put on hold by the court on tions had been interrupted by the unfolded mostly peacefully but was Hawks police investigation unit, told AFP. Once in offi ce, many of the graft allega- Saturday after a member of Kamara’s earlier order. marred by allegations of fraud in “The case is going to be heard on April 6 tions against Zuma centred on the Gupta All People’s Congress alleged fraud In a brief ruling read by Justice some districts and complaints of po- at the Durban High Court. It is the formal business family, who are accused of un- ierra Leone’s High Court yes- in the fi rst round. Abdul Rahman Mansaray, the court lice harassment against the electoral charging.” fairly obtaining lucrative government terday cancelled an injunction It was unclear when the vote, said the election “can go ahead as commission. Mulaudzi added that the former presi- contracts and even infl uencing Zuma’s Sto delay the second round of which had been scheduled for today, planned”, without elaborating on its Maada Bio, who narrowly led the dent would have to be present in court for ministerial appointments. presidential elections, saying the would go ahead. reasoning. fi rst-round vote, and civil society the hearing. Zuma’s successor Cyril Ramaphosa, vote could go ahead as planned. But the electoral commission im- President Ernest Bai Koroma is organisations had denounced the Local media said Zuma’s lawyers would a multi-millionaire former trade union The face-off between opposition mediately fi led a request to the court stepping aside after his maximum court’s injunction and called for the appeal against the reinstatement of the leader, has admitted graft was a major leader Julius Maada Bio and ruling asking that the run-off be delayed two terms in offi ce. run-off vote to proceed today. charges, which date back to the 1990s. problem in the previous government and Prosecutors dropped the charges in vowed a clean-up. 2009, just months before Zuma became In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded president. its worst electoral result since coming to They said that tapped phone calls be- power in 1994 with Nelson Mandela at the tween offi cials in then-president Thabo helm as white-minority rule fell. Congo rejects ‘conditional’ foreign aid to fund vote Mbeki’s administration showed undue of- Zuma’s hold over the ANC was shaken fi cial interference in the case. in December when his preferred succes- French fi rm Thales was also issued with sor — his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini- Reuters Militia chief, policeman arrested over UN murders the constitution to remove term lim- a summons yesterday over the allegations Zuma — narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a Kinshasa its that bar him from standing for a and is due in court on the same day. vote for the new party leader. The head of a local militia group and The two “are currently in the hands third elected term, have sparked vio- a policeman have been arrested over of the military judiciary,” a source lent street demonstrations in which he Democratic Republic of the shock killing of two UN experts at the military prosecutor’s off ice in dozens of people have died. 23 killed as vehicle ploughs into Mozambique party Congo said yesterday it would in DR Congo a year ago, off icials said Kananga, the provincial capital, said. The United Nations has asked Trefuse international fi nanc- yesterday. The two experts, Swedish-Chilean international donors to contribute ozambique police said yesterday cal director of Maputo central hospital. ing for a long-delayed presidential The two were arrested by troops Zaida Catalan and American Michael $123mn to support presidential, leg- that a pick-up truck ploughed The accident happened on a highway election and fund the poll itself, say- on Saturday in the village of Bukundo, Sharp, were investigating reports islative and local elections over the Minto a crowd of party-goers at the where the speed limit is 60kph. ing donors’ conditions amounted to where the pair were found murdered, of mass graves in the Kasai region, next two years, whose total cost is weekend killing 23 people, many of whom Scores of young people were at an all- “foreign interference”. the deputy governor of Central Kasai where fierce fighting had erupted the expected to run to more than $1bn. were teenagers. night party close to the roadside. The United States and European province, Manix Kabuanga, told AFP. previous year. Mende said the government’s de- The speeding vehicle ignored orders “The car turned over and went towards countries have expressed concern The militia chief was named as They reportedly left the city of cision to reject such aid was prompt- from traffi c police, hit an obstacle and people who were participating in the car- about the electoral commission’s Vincent Manga, while the policeman Kananga on March 12 and their bodies ed in part by an upturn in govern- veered into the local carnival in the work- nival,” Mudumane said, suggesting the plans to use 100,000 new electronic was not identified. were found 15 days later. ment revenues from its mining ing-class Luis Cabral neighbourhood of driver may have been drunk. voting machines, saying the system sector, which has left more money to Maputo on Sunday morning. “We requested an autopsy and as soon is untested and could allow fraud. fi nance the polls. “The driver was speeding when he did as we have results we will share them with US ambassador to the United Na- through on the plans to use the ma- is an exercise of sovereignty,” Mende Congo is the world’s biggest not obey the signal from a traffi c police of- the public,” he said. tions Nikki Haley warned Congolese chines. told Reuters. source of cobalt and Africa’s top fi cer,” Maputo police spokesman Orlando According to police statistics, an aver- authorities last month to use paper Government spokesman Lambert The presidential election — now copper producer. Mudumane told reporters in the capital. age of 30 people die each week in acci- ballots or lose American support for Mende said yesterday the donors’ scheduled for December 23 — has Mining sector revenue rose nearly “A few metres later he lost control of the dents on Mozambique’s roads. the polls. conditions amounted to meddling in been repeatedly delayed since Joseph 36% last year and oil and gas sector car, crashed into an obstacle and caused President Filipe Nyusi off ered his con- Only a fraction of expected inter- Congo’s sovereign aff airs and urged Kabila refused to step down at the revenue doubled. the accident.” dolences. national contributions have been them to direct their contributions to end of his mandate in 2016, with the Election commission president The male driver and his passenger were “We condemn the disrespect for traffi c disbursed as donors await clarifi ca- other sectors such as healthcare and government citing fi nancial con- Corneille Nangaa told Reuters yes- among the dead, with 30 others injured. rules by drivers and we express our sym- tion from authorities about how the education. straints as a main reason. terday he was aware of the govern- “Five victims are still hospitalised in a pathies to the victims of the accident and vote will be conducted, including “No country in the world accepts Uncertainty about Kabila’s future, ment’s decision but had no further critical condition,” said Farida Ursi, clini- their families,” he said. whether the commission will follow foreign interference in a process that including whether he plans to change comment.

Weah lends jersey number to new military hospital Dos Santos son faces

AFP peacekeeping mission fi nally fraud charges Monrovia due to leave on March 30. The security forces took back responsibility from the AFP central bank to a London branch iberia’s new leader, ex- UN last year, but the mission Luanda of Credit Suisse, but the money football player George has remained in place to wind was later returned to Angola. LWeah, yesterday lent the up its last projects. A judge ordered that the two number from his national team Weah noted he had made he son of Angola’s former accused be released on bail and jersey to a military hospital promises to the armed forces president Jose Eduar- forced to surrender their pass- as he unveiled the fi rst major during his campaign. Tdo dos Santos has been ports. project of his presidency. “I pledged my commit- charged with fraud linked to a “There is no leeway for this The “14 military hospital” ment...to building an army of $500mn transfer executed when crime, even if the money has will primarily care for Liberian professionally trained soldiers he ran the country’s sovereign been returned to our country. soldiers returning from peace- who are well paid, educated and wealth fund, prosecutors said We’ll see this inquiry through keeping missions abroad, who cared for medically,” he said. yesterday. — there will be no excuses,” said are currently obliged to seek “I pledged to build a hospital Jose Filomeno dos Santos is Zenga. treatment in foreign countries exclusively for youths of the accused of “fraud, misappropri- Jose Eduardo dos Santos ruled due to a lack of specialised fa- army and other security forc- ation of funds, money launder- Angola for 38 years with an iron cilities. es,” he added. ing and associating with crimi- grip. “The number 14 was the “It is the fi rst step toward nals,” deputy chief prosecutor During his regime he was ac- number on my back playing for fulfi lling my commitment to Luis Benza Zanga told a media cused of running the country’s the Lone Stars (national team). build a modern and profes- conference. economy to enrich himself and The number is now attached to sional Liberian army.” Nicknamed “Zenu”, Filom- those around him. this important new institution The security forces won eno dos Santos was appointed Filomeno’s half-sister Isabel as a symbolic reminder of what accolades for their profes- to head the $5bn oil-fuelled sov- dos Santos was also sacked from Liberians can achieve,” Weah sionalism during last year’s ereign fund by his father in 2013 her job as head of state oil giant told journalists. presidential election, their fi rst but then was sacked by President Sonangol. The hospital will be located major test without UN sup- Joao Lourenco, who took power Investigators this month in the Edward Binyah Kesselly port. in January. opened an inquiry into suspected Barracks, close to the capital Inaugurated on January 22, Former central bank governor misappropriation of funds dur- Monrovia. Weah meanwhile faces a slew Valter Filipe da Silva was charged ing her time at the helm of So- Liberia’s police and army of economic problems includ- alongside Filomeno dos Santos, nangol. were disbanded after back-to- ing a depreciating currency, Liberia’s President George Weah and his wife Clar Weah attend a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday Zenga added. Thought to be Africa’s richest back 1989-2003 civil wars, and mass unemployment and de- of the first military hospital in Liberia, naming it the “14 Military hospital” at Edward Binyah Kesselly The suspect transfer was made woman, she has denied all of the security was assured by a UN preciated commodity prices. Barracks near Monrovia. from the fund’s account with the allegations against her. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 AMERICA Trump lawyer tells porn actress to ‘cease, desist’ after interview

Reuters keep quiet about an “intimate” relationship Washington between them in 2006. White House aides did not respond immediately to requests for comment after the interview aired. resident Donald Trump’s personal Daniels attorney Avenatti spoke with lawyer, Michael Cohen, has demand- major news broadcasts yesterday morning. Ped Stormy Daniels “cease and desist” In an interview with NBC, he said the after the adult-fi lm star said in a CBS 60 man who threatened Daniels while she was Minutes TV interview that she was threat- with her infant daughter was not Cohen but ened with violence to stay silent about an that “it had to be someone that is related to alleged aff air with Trump. Mr Trump or Mr Cohen.” “Mr Cohen had absolutely nothing Asked about the cease-and-desist let- whatsoever to do with any such person or ter on CNN, Avenatti said Cohen “needs incident, and does not even believe that to stop hiding behind pieces of paper and any such person exists, or that such in- come clean with the American public.” cident ever occurred,” said the letter sent Daniels’ appearance followed an inter- by Cohen’s attorney, Brent Blakely, to the view aired last week on CNN with former lawyer representing Daniels, Michael Ave- Playboy model Karen McDougal, who People take part in a ‘March For Our Lives’ demonstration demanding gun control in Seattle, Washington, on Saturday. natti, late on Sunday, shortly after the in- described a 10-month-long aff air with terview aired on CBS. A copy of the letter Trump starting in 2006. was viewed by Reuters yesterday. Trump would have been married to his Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie wife, Melania, during both alleged rela- Cliff ord, had implied Cohen was behind the tionships. threat of harm if she did not “leave Trump The White House and Cohen have both alone,” which was made by a stranger in a denied Trump had an aff air with Daniels. Las Vegas parking lot in 2011. The White House has said Trump denies The letter also demanded “that you im- having an aff air with McDougal. Gunmaker Remington mediately retract and apologise to Mr Co- Cohen said he paid Daniels $130,000 of hen through the national media for your his own money during the 2016 presiden- defamatory statements on ‘60 Minutes’, tial campaign, but has not explained why or and make clear that you have no facts or if Trump was aware of the payment. evidence whatsoever to support your alle- In fi lings with the Justice Department gations that my client had anything what- and Federal Election Commission watch- soever to do with this alleged thug.” dog groups have said the payment amount fi les for bankruptcy Daniels sued Trump on March 6, saying may have exceeded campaign-contribu- he never signed an agreement for her to tion limits and violated US law. Reuters ary 14 shooting at a Parkland, Flor- Fred Meyer said it will stop selling After a Remington Bushmaster Wilmington, Delaware ida high school that killed 17 and fi rearms entirely. rifl e was used in the Sandy Hook spurred an intense campaign for gun Cerberus Capital Management elementary school shooting in Con- control by activists. LP, the private equity fi rm that con- necticut in 2012 that killed 20 chil- emington Outdoor Co Inc, The massacre led to huge US anti- trols Remington, will lose ownership dren and six adults, Cerberus tried one of the largest US makers gun rallies by hundreds of thousands in the bankruptcy. unsuccessfully to sell Remington, Americans less likely to trust Rof fi rearms, fi led for bank- of young Americans on Saturday. Remington’s creditors, which then known as Freedom Group. ruptcy protection on Sunday to In some of the biggest US youth sources told Reuters include Fran- Katie-Mesner Hage, an attorney carry out a debt-cutting deal with demonstrations for decades, pro- klin Templeton Investments and representing Sandy Hook families Facebook on personal data creditors amid mounting public testers called on lawmakers and JPMorgan Asset Management, will in a lawsuit against Remington, said pressure for greater gun control. President Donald Trump to con- exchange their debt holdings for in a prepared statement that she did The company’s chief fi nancial of- front the issue. Remington equity. not expect the gunmaker’s bank- Reuters US Senator Mark Warner, the top Demo- fi cer, Stephen Jackson, said in court Voter registration activists fanned The creditors inked the debt- ruptcy would aff ect their case. San Francisco crat on the Senate Intelligence Commit- papers that Remington’s sales fell out in the crowds, signing up thou- cutting deal prior to the Parkland Remington and other gunmakers tee, said in an interview on NBC’s Meet signifi cantly in the year before its sands of the nation’s newest voters. shooting, and it is unclear if any have suff ered from slumping sales in the Press on Sunday that Facebook had not bankruptcy, and that the company Major US companies and retail- have exited. the past year as fears of stricter gun pinion polls published on Sunday in been “fully forthcoming” over how Cam- was having diffi culty meeting re- ers have taken some steps to restrict The restructuring support agree- laws have faded. the United States and Germany cast bridge Analytica had used Facebook data. quirements from its lenders. fi rearm sales. ment allows creditors to sell their hold- The chief executive of American Odoubt over the level of trust people Warner repeated calls for Zuckerberg to Remington, America’s oldest Citigroup Inc said last week it will ings, but the buyer is bound by the deal. Outdoor Brands Corp, maker of the have in Facebook over privacy, as the fi rm testify in person before US lawmakers, say- gunmaker, announced in February require new retail-sector clients to One investor told IFR, a Thomson Smith & Wesson gun used in the ran advertisements in British and US news- ing Facebook and other internet companies it would reduce its $950mn debtload sell fi rearms only to customers who Reuters news provider, that his fi rm Parkland shooting, said on March 1 papers apologising to users. had been reluctant to confront “the dark in a deal that will transfer control of passed background checks and to bar had contemplated buying the Rem- that some gun retailers reported in- Fewer than half of Americans trust Fa- underbelly of social media” and how it can the company to creditors. sales of high-capacity magazines. ington loans that will be exchanged creased sales after the Florida school cebook to obey US privacy laws, according be manipulated. The company plans to wrap up its Citi also said it was restricting into equity, which were off ered at as shooting. to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sunday, Zuckerberg acknowledged that an app bankruptcy as soon as May 3, ac- sales for buyers under 21, a move low as 25 cents on the dollar. Remington fi led for Chapter 11 while a survey published by Bild am Son- built by a university researcher had “leaked cording to court papers. adopted by other large retailers, “We bowed out because we were bankruptcy in the US Bankruptcy ntag, Germany’s largest-selling Sunday Facebook data of millions of people in The fi ling comes after a Febru- while Kroger Co’s superstore chain uncomfortable,” he said. Court for the District of Delaware. paper, found 60% of Germans fear that Fa- 2014”. “This was a breach of trust, and I’m cebook and other social networks are hav- sorry we didn’t do more at the time,” Zuck- ing a negative impact on democracy. erberg said, reiterating an apology fi rst Facebook founder and chief executive made last week in US television interviews. Mark Zuckerberg apologised for “a breach Facebook shares tumbled last week, of trust” in advertisements placed in pa- while the hashtag #DeleteFacebook gained Wildfi re funding fi x will take ‘years’ to protect forests pers including the Observer in Britain and traction online. the New York Times, Washington Post and The Reuters/Ipsos online poll found that Wall Street Journal. 41% of Americans trust Facebook to obey Reuters has seen federal offi cials take money season — which hit California par- that the bill streamlines approval for “We have a responsibility to protect your laws that protect their personal information, Seattle from budgets for other activities like ticularly hard — cost over $2bn. local authorities and private land- information. If we can’t, we don’t deserve compared with 66% who said they trust maintaining campgrounds and trails. “The great bipartisan work on owners to fell trees on public land par- it,” said the advertisement, which appeared Amazon.com Inc, 62% who trust Alphabet “This will end the fi re borrowing a fi re funding fi x shows what can cels smaller than 3,000 acres. in plain text on a white background with a Inc’s Google, 60% for Microsoft Corp. deal in last week’s US federal that we have seen that has prevented happen when diverse constituents “National forest management tiny Facebook logo. The poll was conducted from Wednesday spending bill to fund wildfi re us from doing the kind of fuel reduc- — from landowners to industry to should always be based on public input The world’s largest social media network through Friday and had 2,237 responses. Afi ghting has drawn praise but tion that we would like to see to protect conservationists — and a diverse and sound science,” said Mike Ander- is coming under growing government scru- It is too early to say if distrust will cause also some concern over a provision our communities,” said Washington coalition in Congress work together son, senior policy analyst for the Wil- tiny in Europe and the United States, and is people to step back from Facebook, eMar- relaxing rules on cutting trees in na- senator Maria Cantwell. “And it will toward a common cause,” said Tom derness Society, an advocacy group. trying to repair its reputation among users, keter analyst Debra Williamson said in an tional forests. The $1.3tn bill signed help us better manage the stewardship Martin, who heads the American “We are concerned that some advertisers, lawmakers and investors. interview. by President Donald Trump on Fri- contracts and release the funds that Forest Foundation, in a statement. parts of the fi re-funding deal will This follows allegations that the British Customers of banks or other industries day set up a contingency account for should be going to recreation manage- The foundation is part of a coali- make it harder for the public to have consultancy Cambridge Analytica improp- do not necessarily quit after losing faith, wildfi re fi ghting funded with up to ment within our forest,” she said. tion of over 100 recreation, timber, a meaningful role in the decision- erly gained access to users’ information to she said. “It’s psychologically harder to let $2bn a year for a decade. A wide range of groups praised the conservation, indigenous and hunt- making process,” he said by e-mail. build profi les of American voters that were go of a platform like Facebook that’s be- Previously, the escalating costs of so-called “fi re funding fi x” that be- ing groups that pushed for the dedi- Last year, the largest fi re in Cali- later used to help elect US President Donald come pretty well ingrained into people’s fi ghting worsening wildfi res, espe- came an increasingly pressing topic cated fi refi ghting money. fornia history scorched swaths of Trump in 2016. lives,” she said. cially in the western United States, after last year’s devastating wildfi re But conservationists are concerned Ventura County. Pacifi c outpost keeps watch on shifting strategic seas

By Thomas Watkins, AFP island saw one of the fi rst US en- America’s day has even begun. the Joint Chiefs of Staff , told re- Dunford’s Pacifi c trip came on Wake Island gagements of World War II, when All told, 85 people live here on porters travelling him following the heels of other visits by senior Marines repelled a Japanese at- a semi-permanent basis, con- a visit to Wake Island last month. Trump offi cials, including De- tack just days after the bombing tracted in one way or another to “If you look at the health of fense Secretary Jim Mattis, then- ife on Wake Island seems, of Pearl Harbor. keep the island running. our alliances in the region...The secretary of state Rex Tillerson much of the time, rather “It’s humbling to think back... Today, after decades of relative evidence refl ects anything other and the president himself. Lsedate. The blank ‘Flight to when Marines were defending calm across the Pacifi c region, than a decline in Pacifi c power. They want to show that as Movement’ board at this tiny the island. They were running Wake Island is taking on renewed We have enduring interests here, China rises, America is not re- airfi eld in the middle of the Pa- from bunker to bunker.” strategic importance. we have enduring commitment ducing its hold on the Asia-Pa- cifi c promises zero fl ights, and no The Japanese came back days China is aggressively growing and an enduring presence in the cifi c, where to a major extent it movement. later, reinforced and better or- its military and pushing its foot- Pacifi c.” has underwritten regional secu- But every day or so, a US mili- ganised, and this time they took print deeper into the Pacifi c, and That presence is visible across rity since the end of World War II. tary plane touches down to refuel the island. wants to coax neighbours to shed the region, including on Wake During his brief visit to Wake or deliver cargo, bringing a burst Several US bunkers and other old economic and military ties and Guam — located 2,200km Island, Dunford, a Marine four- of activity to one of the world’s remnants of the confl ict remain to the United States and partner further west — and at a string of star, paid his respects at a small most remote places. largely intact. with Beijing. US bases on Japan, South Korea monument to the US Marines The miniscule coral atoll, which The coral beaches, once Offi cials like to talk about and elsewhere. and sailors killed during Japan’s pops up unexpectedly from the stained with wartime blood, are America’s Pacifi c presence as Wake Island also plays a key invasion and occupation. ocean’s steel-grey expanse, seems now strewn with plastic rub- vital for “projecting power” role in America’s eff orts to block The concrete memorial, an unlikely place to fi nd a perma- bish, grim evidence that parts of into the region, where rivals like a ballistic missile attack from a topped with the Marine Corps’ nent military presence. US Air Force Captain Marc Bleha speaks to reporters during a visit to the Pacifi c have become a gyre of China are writing a narrative that rogue regime such as North Ko- globe-and-anchor motif, reads: It is located more than Wake Island by chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , US Marine Corps manmade waste. President Donald Trump and his rea. “Enemy On Island, Situation In 3,500km west of Hawaii, and four General Joseph Dunford, on February 2, 2018. Bleha, who is on a yearlong tariff -imposing, “America First” The Missile Defense Agency Doubt,” memorialising the ra- US troops live here year round. tour overseeing three enlisted agenda mean the US no longer uses the atoll to test its missile- dio transmission the atoll com- Thanks to more than a century this speck of sand and stones “There’s so much honour here men, ensures a permanent mili- cares about what happens here. interceptor systems designed to mander sent his comrades in of military history and a chang- will continue to pack an outsized on Wake,” says Air Force Captain tary presence on the island, where “Obviously I reject that,” Gen- smash into a rocket headed to- Hawaii during the Japanese inva- ing power dynamic in the region, strategic punch for America. Marc Bleha, describing how the the sun sets long before mainland eral Joe Dunford, the chairman of ward US soil. sion. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Taiwan scrambles jets as China’s air force holds drill near island

Reuters number of Xian H-6 bombers, China’s most sensitive issues and of history” for any attempt at na was clear in its opposition to opposition Nationalist Party, told States. US Deputy Assistant Sec- Taipei Su-30 fi ghter jets and Y-8 trans- a potential military fl ashpoint. separatism. Taiwan independence, Chinese Liu they hoped for peaceful co- retary of State Alex Wong an- port aircraft over the waterway The Chinese military move- China’s hostility towards Tai- state television said. operation. “Although the politi- gered Beijing during a recent visit on their way to the West Pacifi c ments come during a time of wan has grown since Tsai Ing- China hopes both sides of the cal situation has changed, what to Taiwan by saying the US com- aiwan sent aircraft yester- Ocean, the Taiwan ministry said. heightened tension between Bei- wen from the pro-independence Taiwan Strait can work together people hope for most is peace,” mitment to the island had never day to shadow China air They were followed by Tai- jing and the self-governed island Democratic Progressive Party for the peaceful development of said Chu, who Tsai defeated for been stronger. Tforce fi ghter jets as they wan jets until the mainland air- and follows strong warnings by won presidential elections on the relations and “jointly promote the presidency two years ago. Beijing is already furious about fl ew through the Bashi Chan- craft returned to base, it said in Chinese President Xi Jinping island in 2016. the process of the peaceful reuni- While China insists it has no a law signed two weeks ago by nel to the south of the island, its a statement. Taiwan on March 21 against Taiwan separatism. Chi- Meeting New Taipei City May- fi cation of the motherland”, Liu hostile intent, its military exer- US President Donald Trump that defence ministry said, the latest sent ships and aircraft to shadow na claims Taiwan as its own and or Eric Chu in Shanghai on Mon- told Chu, state television added. cises and patrols around Taiwan, encourages the United States to such incident to add to tension a Chinese aircraft carrier group considers the island a breakaway day, the newly appointed head of The New Taipei City govern- and in the busy South China Sea send senior offi cials to Taiwan between Taipei and Beijing. that sailed through the narrow province. Xi said last week Tai- China’s policy-making Taiwan ment said in a statement that waterway, have touched a nerve to meet counterparts and vice China sent an unspecifi ed Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is one of wan would face the “punishment Aff airs Offi ce, Liu Jieyi, said Chi- Chu, from the China-friendly in the region and in the United versa.

Myanmar to elect In bloom new president High-level North tomorrow

Myanmar will elect its new president tomorrow, one week Korean offi cial after president Htin Kyaw abruptly resigned from his position, parliament announced yesterday. Htin Kyaw said he wanted to may be visiting “take a rest” from his current work after becoming Myanmar’s head of state in March 2016, the first civilian leader after more than a Beijing: reports half-century of military rule. Myanmar’s lower house of parlia- ment on Friday elected 66-year- Reuters Dandong said that there had old former lower house speaker Beijing been high security around the Win Myint as vice president. train station there and said The same house is expected to there were rumours that Kim select Win Myint as president to- high-ranking North Ko- was passing through. morrow. Both Htin Kyaw and Win rean offi cial appeared Police tightened security Myint are stalwarts of the ruling Ato have arrived by train along Beijing’s main east-west National League for Democracy in Beijing, Japanese media re- thoroughfare, Changan Av- (NLD) and close to de facto leader ported, though speculation enue, mid-afternoon yester- Aung San Suu Kyi, who is barred that North Korean leader Kim day, closing off the entrances from the presidency and rules the Jong-un is currently visiting to some of the buildings which civilian government under the the Chinese capital has not face the road. Police also title of state counsellor, above the been confi rmed. cleared out all tourists from presidency. Kyodo, citing sources close Tiananmen Square around the Myanmar’s government and Suu to the matter, said the visit same time, which normally Kyi in particular have been criti- of the offi cial was intended only happens when important cised internationally for the treat- to improve ties between Bei- meetings are happening in the ment of minority Rohingya, nearly jing and Pyongyang that have Great Hall of the People, where 700,000 of whom have fled to been frayed by North Korea’s top Chinese leaders often meet Visitors ride a boat in the Chidorigafuchi moat, as they enjoy fully bloomed cherry blossoms, in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. Bangladesh during a military pursuit of nuclear weapons visiting heads of state. There campaign described as “ethnic and China’s backing of tough was a large security presence cleansing” by the UN. The NLD sanctions against North Korea outside the Great Hall yester- swept to power in 2015 elections, at the United Nations Security day evening. the first fully democratic polls after Council. Late yesterday evening, Re- decades of military rule. Reuters was unable to im- uters reporters saw a lengthy The military, however, kept 25% of mediately confi rm that a top motorcade, including a limou- seats in all regional and national North Korean offi cial had ar- sine with dark tinted windows, parliaments and control of three rived by train. Footage from heading down Changan Av- key ministries. Nippon News Network, owned enue in the direction of the Di- by Nippon TV, showed what an aoyutai State Guest House and Malaysia proposes announcer described as a green away from the Great Hall of New Zealand train carriage with yellow hori- the People, fl anked by a police zontal lines, part of a 21-car escort on motor-bikes. Also ordered to pay train, similar to the kind that yesterday evening, the Beijing Kim’s late father, Kim Jong-il, railway bureau warned on its Kim Dotcom for rode when he visited Beijing in microblog, without giving a breach of privacy 2011. reason, of multiple train delays 10 years’ jail, hefty Beijing has traditionally been of up to two hours in the Beijing The New Zealand government has secretive and isolated North region. been ordered to pay controver- Korea’s closest ally, but Kim is A source with ties to the sial Internet mogul Kim Dotcom due to hold summit meetings Chinese military told Reuters NZ$90,000 (US $64,404) for separately with its rivals South that it was “not possible to rule privacy breaches, according to a Korea and the United States. out the possibility” that Kim decision by the country’s Human Asked earlier at a daily news was visiting Beijing, but cau- fi nes for ‘fake news’ Rights Tribunal yesterday. In 2015 briefi ng about reports of an tioned this was not confi rmed. the German entrepreneur, who is important North Korean visi- A diplomatic source told Reuters in the bill. The government de- this week. US President Donald dia, as it would give the govern- battling extradition to the United tor arriving at the Chinese bor- Reuters that there was heavy Kuala Lumpur fi ned fake news as “news, infor- Trump popularised the term ment “unquestionable power” to States, where he faces charges der city of Dandong, Chinese security around the Diaoy- mation, data and reports which “fake news”, which he used to remove articles deemed preju- stemming from his file-sharing Foreign Ministry spokeswom- utai State Guest House, where is or are wholly or partly false” describe media reports and or- dicial to public order or national service Megaupload, requested all an Hua Chunying said she was some high level foreign visitors alaysian Prime Minister and included features, visuals ganisations critical of him. The security. private information held about him unaware of the situation. stay during visits to the city. Najib Razak’s govern- and audio recordings. The law, term quickly became part of the The 1MDB scandal, exposed by from all 28 New Zealand ministers. Nobody answered the tel- Other diplomatic sources Mment tabled a bill in which covers digital publications standard repertoire of leaders in foreign media and news blogs in The departments deferred the de- ephone at the North Korean said they were aware of the parliament yesterday outlawing and social media, would apply authoritarian countries such as 2015, refuses to die down despite cision to the off ice of the Attorney- embassy in Beijing on Monday speculation that Kim was vis- “fake news”, with hefty fi nes and to off enders outside Malaysia, Venezuela and Myanmar. Najib’s consistent denials of any General, who declined Dotcom’s evening. “The government is iting but were not able to im- up to 10 years in jail, raising more including foreigners, if Malaysia Governments elsewhere in wrongdoing and his govern- information request, treating it as closely communicating with mediately confi rm it. Visits to concern about media freedom in or a Malaysian citizen were af- Southeast Asia, including Sin- ment’s fi rm grip on Malaysia’s “vexatious” – made purely to cause relevant countries and moni- China by Kim Jong-il were only the wake of a multi-billion dollar fected. gapore and the Philippines, have state-owned mainstream media. annoyance. In yesterday’s decision, toring the situation,” South confi rmed by both China and graft scandal. The government said in the bill also proposed laws aimed at Transactions related to 1MDB the Human Rights Tribunal found Korea’s presidential Blue North Korea once he had left The bill was tabled ahead of a it was hoped the public would be clamping down on the spread of are under investigation in six that the Crown had breached the House said in a statement via a the country. general election that is expected more responsible and cautious in “fake news”, to the dismay of me- countries including the United Privacy Act by refusing the request messaging app. Kim Jong-il travelled by pri- to be called within weeks and as sharing news and information. dia rights advocates. States, where the Department of for information and ordered it to Kyodo, citing sources, re- vate train during his rare visits Najib faces widespread criticism Opposition lawmakers have Human rights group Amnesty Justice has launched civil cases to pay NZ$90,000 in damages. The ported that on Sunday, a spe- to China or Russia under tight over the scandal at state fund questioned the need for such a International called for the bill to recover assets linked to the fund government and ministers have cial train that might have car- security. Diplomats and other 1Malaysia Development Berhad law, arguing that the government be scrapped immediately. “The after investigations under an an- also been ordered to comply with ried the offi cial passed through sources have said Kim Jong- (1MDB). already had broad powers over vague and broad defi nition of ti-kleptocracy initiative. the original requests and supply all the Chinese border city of Dan- il avoided fl ying for overseas Under the Anti-Fake News free speech and the media. ‘fake news’, combined with severe The Malaysian government relevant documents to Dotcom. dong. Two sources in north- trips due to security concerns. 2018 bill, anyone who publishes “This is an attack on the press punishments and arbitrary arrest has acted harshly against media Dotcom celebrated his victory on eastern China also told Reuters The younger Kim, who was so-called fake news could face and an attempt to instil fear powers for police, shows that this reporting on 1MDB. It suspended Twitter. “After years of perseverance that a North Korean visitor had educated in Switzerland, is fi nes of up to 500,000 ringgit among the rakyat (people) before is nothing but a blatant attempt one newspaper, The Edge, in 2015 the time is here, we won, we’re crossed into Dandong by train. not known to have any fear of ($128,140), up to 10 years in jail, GE14,” opposition lawmaker Ong to shield the government from and blocked websites for pub- getting to the truth. I’m no longer The rail journey between fl ying and state media have or both. “The proposed Act seeks Kian Ming said on Twitter after peaceful criticism,” the group’s lishing stories critical of Najib’s the defendant,” he wrote. He also Dandong and Beijing covers shown pictures of him aboard to safeguard the public against the bill was tabled, using a Ma- director for Southeast Asia and role. claimed his extradition case was more than 1,100km. It takes a plane. However, he is not the proliferation of fake news laysian term for this year’s elec- the Pacifi c, James Gomez, said in A deputy minister was quoted “over.” “By unlawfully withholding at least 14 hours by ordinary known to have travelled out- whilst ensuring the right to free- tion. a statement. in Malaysian media last week as information that could have helped service, according to Chinese side the country since assum- dom of speech and expression Parliament, where the govern- Malaysia’s National Union of saying that any news on 1MDB my case the former Attorney Gen- railway timetables. On Chinese ing power in late 2011 after his under the Federal Constitution is ment has a comfortable major- Journalists said the bill could that had not been verifi ed by the eral of New Zealand has perverted social media some residents of father’s death. respected,” the government said ity, is expected to vote on the bill easily be abused to stifl e the me- government was “fake”. the course of Justice,” he wrote.

Abe seeks to remove ‘balance’ requirements in broadcast news

Reuters article 4, which requires licence holders Abe has said he wants to overhaul the But critics see it as a more sinister online and 10 minutes reading news- Tokyo to show contrasting political views and broadcast law to put traditional televi- move, saying Abe wants to stack air- papers. The same survey showed that is considered Japan’s version of the US sion channels on equal footing with on- waves with pro-government messag- 70% of people believed information in Fairness Doctrine. line media, which are not restricted by ing to bolster his popularity and push newspapers to be trustworthy, and 66% rime Minister Shinzo Abe wants The US Federal Communications article 4. The law does not apply to print through a controversial revision of Ja- rated television trustworthy. Around to repeal a Japanese law requiring Commission decided to repeal the doc- media. In a parliament session in Feb- pan’s pacifi st constitution. He is facing 34% thought the Internet was a credible Pbroadcasters to show impartiality, trine in 1987 after criticism that it re- ruary, he cited his appearance on Abe- pressure over a suspected cover-up of a source of information. a step critics fear will lead to sensational stricted broadcasters’ freedom. The maTV, a livestreaming service operated cronyism scandal, which could dash his Conservative politicians have used the reporting and polarise views, just as a move, fi nalised in 2011, is widely cred- by Internet advertising agency CyberA- hopes of winning a third three-year term broadcast law in recent years to criticise similar move has been blamed for doing ited with helping give rise to politically gent and TV Asahi that despite its name in a leadership election in September. television broadcasters as biased against in the United States. charged radio talk shows and news pro- has no fi nancial or other links to Abe. “What Prime Minister Abe wants to them. Sanae Takaichi, a member of Abe’s Abe’s government has drafted changes grammes. During his appearance, he was allowed to do is to advertise his views,” said law- conservative Liberal Democratic Party to Japan’s broadcast law and plans to in- “Without having these safeguards, air his views without the need for con- maker Soichiro Okuno from the opposi- and former minister of internal aff airs clude them in reform proposals as early media outlets become more susceptible trasting views to be presented. tion Party of Hope. and communications, said in 2016 that as May, laying the groundwork for future to market forces,” said Victor Pickard, “As the division between traditional Television is still a popular and trust- television stations could be shut down Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo legislation, three government sources associate professor of communication and digital media become meaningless, ed medium in Japan; there is one public if they repeatedly showed political bias. Abe gestures during a session told Reuters. at the Annenberg School for Commu- we should make for bold revisions to broadcaster, NHK. Government data Reporters Without Borders has criti- of the upper house budgetary The sources, who asked for anonymity nication at the University of Pennsylva- broadcast businesses to make the best shows the average household spends cised Abe’s government for passing a committee at parliament in due to the sensitivity of the matter, said nia. “The US could serve as a cautionary use of airwaves, which are a public as- 168 minutes watching TV per week day, tough secrecy act that critics have said Tokyo yesterday. the draft includes repealing the law’s tale.” set,” Abe said. compared with less than 100 minutes could muzzle media. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 BRITAIN

TRIAL ANGER CRIME JUSTICE ACCIDENT Ex-girlfriend accused of Protest against Corbyn for Hunt for gunman as man Gangmaster jailed Car smashes into home murder was abusive: singer not tackling antisemitism shot dead in street for enslaving 15 men as a family watches TV

A former member of Irish band Boyzone yes- British Jewish groups staged a street protest out- Detectives launched a murder hunt yesterday A Romanian gangmaster who forced seven men Two members of a family suff ered broken bones terday told a court how he was abused by his side parliament yesterday against Labour leader after a man was shot dead in the street in to work for him like slaves while living in cramped when a car ploughed into their home as they “manipulative” ex-girlfriend accused of murder- Jeremy Corbyn, accusing him of failing to tackle Hackney. The 26-year-old victim was treated conditions in a one-bedroom east London flat has sat watching television. Robert Beattie, his wife ing her French nanny and burning the body antisemitism in party ranks. Since becoming by paramedics but died at the scene. Scotland been jailed for seven years. David Lupu, 29, plucked Mel and 15-year-old daughter Tash were sitting afterwards. Mark Walton, now a judge on Pop Labour leader in 2015 after decades spent on the Yard said officers were called to Ferncliff Road the men from poverty in their native Romania, in their living room when the car smashed into Idol Vietnam, told London’s Old Bailey court that left-wing fringes of the party, Corbyn has repeat- after residents reported the sound of gunshots. promising them a £50-a-day wage in the UK as the house. The woman and girl are recovering fashion designer Sabrina Kouider was “abusive” edly faced accusations of turning a blind eye to A neighbour, Layla, 52, who did not want to well as a “decent” place to live. In reality, they were in hospital following Friday’s crash. A 26-year- and “exhibited a manipulative and controlling antisemitic comments in the party and among give her full name, said: “I was just sitting on barely paid at all for working on a demolition site in old man from Worcester has been arrested on nature” during their relationship. Kouider, 35, and groups he supports. “He is repeatedly found the couch and heard this huge bang that made Lancaster Gate, stripped of their identity cards, and suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous her 40-year-old partner Ouissem Medouni, are alongside people with blatantly antisemitic views, my dog go crazy. The windows shook, it was treated “like animals” in appalling living conditions. driving and released under investigation. Beattie accused of the murder of Sophie Lionnet. “She but claims never to hear or read them. Again and so close.” Another resident said: “The man lives Inner London crown court heard Lupu controlled said it was nothing short of a miracle he and his would go from softly spoken French accent then again, Corbyn has sided with antisemites rather around here. I saw his mother come out on the the men’s movements, fed them poor quality food family were still alive. “I got my wife out into the she would flip, get very angry, very loud and just than Jews,” the Board of Deputies of British Jews street and was crying. She was so upset, just while eating luxury meals himself, and at times had kitchen area as best I could, she was very dazed not care where we were,” said Walton. and the Jewish Leadership Council said. sobbing.” 15 men packed into his one-bedroom flat in Leyton. and confused,” he said.

Row over passports Labour looks to ‘nationalist nonsense,’ stop ‘No-Deal’ says Clarke

Guardian News and Media Brexit as Blair London

he former Conservative chancellor Ken Clarke Thas dismissed the row about Britain’s passports being seeks new vote printed abroad as “nationalist nonsense”. Reuters and spark a political crisis in the dependent on support from a The government faced a back- Birmingham world’s sixth largest economy. small party in the province of lash last week when it emerged Labour will seek to give parlia- Northern Ireland for a majority. that the Franco-Dutch fi rm Ge- ment more options — including a In December she was defeat- malto had won the contract to he opposition Labour return to Brussels for fresh talks ed in parliament when 11 mem- print Britain’s post-Brexit blue Party yesterday demand- — by amending the legislation bers of her party said her prom- passports, beating British-based Ted that parliament have that will end Britain’s EU mem- ise of a vote on the final deal had De La Rue, which had also bid for the final say on the govern- bership on March 29, 2019. to be guaranteed in law. the work. ment’s Brexit deal, including an “The amendment will make Labour’s own internal divi- The former international de- option to send ministers back clear that — should the prime sions on Brexit were exposed on velopment secretary Priti Patel to the negotiating table rath- minister’s proposed Article Friday when Corbyn sacked his called the decision “perverse”, er than leave without an exit 50 deal be defeated — it would shadow Northern Ireland min- and Labour’s shadow Brexit agreement. then be for parliament to say ister after he called for a second secretary, Keir Starmer, said on After reaching a deal last what happens next, not the ex- referendum on Brexit. Sunday: “The passport is such week on a transitional period ecutive,” Starmer said. Blair argued that the govern- an important issue of course it lasting until the end of 2020, ment will fudge the terms of its should be a British company.” Prime Minister Theresa May’s Blair has made several fi nal deal to ensure Britain actu- Clarke said there had been a team must now negotiate Brit- interventions seeking ally leaves the bloc. “Basically, “childlike, jingoistic element ain’s long-term trading ar- to build support for we will have to take what we are to this debate”, since it emerged rangements with the European reversing Brexit, saying given. By the end of 2020, the last week that the job of printing Union — perhaps the hardest it will be regretted for transition will end. The cliff edge Britain’s new dark blue, post- stage yet in the complicated di- generations will beckon. We can navigate a Brexit passport would be handed vorce talks. harder or easier descent; but re- to Gemalto. The government has prom- The government argues that treat will be impossible,” he said. He was speaking in the House ised to put that final deal to leaving open the possibility of Blair has made several inter- of Commons, as the Labour parliament for approval, but more talks means that EU ne- ventions seeking to build support MP Liz Twist, whose Blaydon has made clear the choice is gotiators won’t give Britain the for reversing Brexit, saying it will constituency includes the De either to accept the exit agree- best deal possible during the be regretted for generations. La Rue plant, asked an urgent ment, or leave without a deal. current negotiations. “Only parliament can change question of Home Office min- Labour’s Brexit policy chief The European Union (With- the direction of this process. ister Caroline Nokes about the Keir Starmer yesterday called drawal) Bill has tested May’s Only parliament can give back decision. for a different approach. “If ability to rule, as her Conserva- to the people the final say on Twist said she had recently parliament rejects the terms of tives remain divided on the best the terms the government ne- visited the factory, where work- the prime minister’s deal that approach to Brexit and she is gotiate,” he said. ers produce the current British would not give her licence to passports, “with great pride”. crash out without an agree- May backs adviser who ‘outed’ whistleblower Nokes said civil servants had ment. Far from it: that would complied with EU and interna- be the worst of all possible The prime minister has “full through BeLeave, a group tional laws – including those worlds,” he said in a speech in confidence” in her political linked to Cambridge Analytica, set down by the World Trade Birmingham. adviser Stephen Parkinson to get around electoral law. Organisation. “Her Majesty’s In a separate speech, former after he was accused of outing On Friday Sanni was outed by Passport Office has undertaken Labour prime minister Tony a whistleblower to distract Stephen Parkinson, now one of a rigorous, fair and open con- Blair, whose centrist views are attention from allegations Theresa May’s closest advisers test,” she said. at odds with the current left- he made about Vote Leave’s and a former Vote Leave of- She said 20% of existing wing leadership of Jeremy Cor- spending during the referen- ficial. Sanni yesterday heaped passports were already printed byn, urged parliament to go dum campaign. The whistle- further pressure on the govern- abroad, which had not created further and insist on a referen- blower, Shahmir Sanni, says he ment over the allegations by any security issues – and the dum on accepting the deal. has endured one of the “most accusing Parkinson of trying to winning bid had provided “sig- A so-called ‘No Deal’ exit awful weekends” of his life smear him. A Downing Street nifi cant benefi ts both in terms would likely cause upheaval on after telling the Observer how spokesman said May had full of value for money and product financial markets, throw cross- Vote Leave channelled money confidence in Parkinson. innovation”. Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer speaks at Birmingham City University in Birmingham yesterday. border trade into confusion, Tycoon jailed for teen’s Fighting fur trade Self-driving train debuts on Thameslink railway

Ferrari crash death cember 2019, allowing direct serv- Guardian News and Media London ices to 80 more stations on 12 routes Guardian News and Media showing off – that is the expla- when he visited the premises to north and south of the capital. The London nation for the accident and its make a delivery. Cobden off ered trains will accelerate and brake with consequences. In accelerating to take Alexander for a ride. assengers have been carried computerised precision to travel as such a powerful vehicle, you lost Smith told the court that Al- across London by the fi rst quickly as possible at the shortest businessman has been control of it … the surge of power exander “in a fl ash” dashed to get Pself-driving train on a main- possible distance, about 100 metres, jailed for causing the took you by surprise.” into the car. Describing the crash, line railway in the UK. from a train in front. Adeath of a 13-year-old He added: “Nothing that this Cobden said: “I didn’t do any- Govia Thameslink Railway Weir, who has driven trains for boy he had taken for a ride in a court can do can bring Alexander thing stupid … The next thing I promised that it would not spell 10 years, said of the automated £1.2mn supercar. back to his mother and father and remember is being out of the car.” the beginning of the end for driv- system: “It’s diff erent – I wouldn’t Matthew Cobden, 39, lost his family. Nothing that I can do The prosecution said the vehicle ers, who remain responsible for say aggressive – it’s a little un- control of the Ferrari F50 while can properly refl ect or compen- was travelling at about 40mph at safety and can take control of the nerving at fi rst. We drivers err on “showing off ” to Alexander sate that loss of his life.” the time of the accident. train at any time. the side of caution but this knows Worth as he drove on a farm road Cobden’s defence said Fer- Automated operation using a the limits it can go to.” in Hampshire. “We hope the media raris were “temperamental” new digital signalling system will The technology is similar to Winchester crown court heard coverage has in some and argued that the engine was allow many more trains to pass that used on the London Under- that the vehicle, which has a top way increased awareness prone to using only six of the 12 through the congested tracks be- ground’s Victoria line, which re- speed of almost 200mph, “accel- of the fragility of life and cylinders and the car accelerated tween St Pancras and Blackfriars tains drivers about 50 years after erated uncontrollably” causing it the danger of driving uncontrollably when all the cyl- in central London, giving space for it was implemented. Thameslink to fl ip and throw the pair, who powerful cars for inders kicked in suddenly. an additional 60,000 passengers drivers will check the platforms at were not wearing seatbelts, from however short a journey, But the prosecution said the to commute at peak hours daily. stations and close the doors while the vehicle. and the necessity of car was well maintained and the After almost 18 months of test- the train is in automatic operation. Cobden, of Walton-on- adhering to all sensible accident was caused by driver er- ing, the fi rst commuter train in au- Gerry McFadden, the engineer- Thames in Surrey, denied caus- safety measures” ror. tomatic operation was Monday’s ing director of Govia Thameslink ing death by careless driving, Alexander’s family, from Kings 9.46am Thameslink service from Railway, said: “Self-drive technol- saying the car had a mechanical The accident happened in Au- Worthy, near Winchester, said: Peterborough to Horsham. ogy has great potential for the rest defect, but was convicted by a gust 2016 after the Ferrari was “We hope the media coverage has Shortly after 11.08am, the driver, of the country’s rail network, par- jury. unloaded at a car storage busi- in some way increased aware- Howard Weir, pressed the yellow ticularly on congested routes, and Sentencing Cobden to 18 ness run by the defendant. ness of the fragility of life and the button in the cab that allowed the could in future reduce the need for months in prison, the judge, Justin Smith, who supplied car danger of driving powerful cars train’s computer to do the driving costly infrastructure projects.” Keith Cutler, said: “You put your batteries to Cobden, had taken for however short a journey, and Musician Brian May hands in a petition to stop all fur sales between St Pancras and Blackfriars. Network Rail said it was a momen- foot down in order to cause a his partner, Arabella Worth, and the necessity of adhering to all in the UK to 10 Downing Street in London yesterday. Automation will mean trains tous day after five years of work on the thrill for Alexander; you were her son, Alexander, with him sensible safety measures.” every two to three minutes by De- £7bn Thameslink programme. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 17 BRITAIN Firm to off er couriers sick pay and abolish nesfi

Guardian News and Media it charged for attending a medi- it was treating couriers. Lane’s holiday, sick pay and access to a “Drivers on this contract will re- ments with specialists to treat made £100mn in profi ts last year, London cal appointment to treat his di- treatment caused anger in West- pension scheme. ceive some of the protections of kidney damage from his diabe- said: “We recognise that we need abetes and who later collapsed. minster, with Labour describing The new self-employed worker being employed, including paid tes because he felt under pres- to improve the way we work with The announcement came six it as “heartbreaking” and the contract will off er drivers a choice annual leave, pension entitlement sure to cover his round and faced our drivers. While the self-em- he courier company DPD weeks after the Guardian ex- Business Secretary, Greg Clark, between being directly employed and sick pay, but will also be able DPD’s £150 daily penalties if he ployed franchise scheme has bene- is to offer all of its driv- posed the case of Don Lane, who labelling it “a terrible tragedy”. by DPD or working on a self-em- to realise the benefi ts of being did not fi nd cover, his widow told fi ted thousands of drivers over the Ters sick and holiday pay was delivering parcels for the DPD yesterday said it would ployed franchise basis. Drivers self-employed, by having a higher the Guardian. He collapsed at the past 20 years, it hasn’t moved with and will abolish its controver- company on behalf or retailers off er its 6,000 couriers – more who choose direct employment earning potential and greater fl ex- wheel of his van while on deliver- the times and needs updating. Our sial £150 daily fines for missing including Marks & Spencer and than 5,000 of whom are self- will be paid less per parcel deliv- ibility and choice over how they ies a few months before he died in plan is to completely transform our work, as part of wholesale re- John Lewis. employed piece workers with no ered to off set the cost of paid holi- work.” January. overall driver off er, as well as the forms to its gig-working model The retailers both raised con- employment rights – the right to day, sick pay and pensions. Lane, 53, from Christchurch Dwain MacDonald, the chief day-to-day working relationship sparked by the death of a driver cerns with the company over how be classed as workers, with paid In statement, the fi rm said: in Dorset, missed three appoint- executive of the company, which we have with our drivers.” Man jailed for Royal waxworks beating partner with rolling pin before she died

Guardian News and Media house and it was not until about London 6am that he called paramed- ics. They found Newbold under a black duvet on the sofa, dead. man who severely beat The judge said questions re- his partner on the night mained as to how Newbold in- Ashe died – but was not gested the cocaine and over Bal- charged with murder – has been lin’s failure to call an ambulance jailed for 15 years for the “cold- when she was still alive. He said blooded, merciless” attack. in the last few weeks of her life, Duane Ballin, beat his girl- her home had become squalid, friend, Tara Newbold, 29, with she had lost weight and become a rolling pin, leaving her with at depressed and was increasingly least 37 visible injuries from head shutting herself off from friends to toe, before turning himself in to and family. police saying: “I think I’ve killed “For these children, the last my girlfriend.” He had abused her memory of their mother is her for years. crying, screaming and shouting: Madame Tussauds unveiled its new royal balcony experience featuring wax figures of Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and Prince But after toxicology reports ‘Duane, stop.’ Dickinson said Bal- William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in London yesterday. revealed she had cocaine in her lin was a “continuing danger to system, police offi cers dropped a women”. murder inquiry and charged Bal- The extended sentence includes lin, 36, with the less serious of- an extended period of licence of fence of grievous bodily harm with three years on top of the 15 years intent for which he was convicted in jail, taking the total term up to in February and sentenced at Not- 18 years. tingham crown court yesterday. Unlike regular sentences which Sentencing Ballin to an extend- allow a prisoner to be eligible for ed sentence, which are reserved parole halfway through the term, for the most dangerous off end- Ballin would not be able to be re- NHS trust fi ned £2mn ers, judge Gregory Dickinson said: leased until after 10 years, two- “There’s evidence you domi- thirds of the sentence. neered, controlled and bullied Julie and Peter Dury, Newbold’s Tara. That is crystal clear. What’s mother and stepfather, who re- beyond question is that Tara’s re- peatedly called on the police and lationship with you was bad for prosecutors to pursue a murder her.” charge, said in a statement they over two patients’ deaths Ballin attacked Newbold on “can’t help feeling a sense of hol- the night of October 24, 2016, af- low justice”. Guardian News and Media fi ne of an NHS trust following Health had failed to prop- attempt to shift responsibility Speaking after the sentenc- ter she demanded to know where “Until the police take seriously London a prosecution by the Health and erly investigate the deaths of to individuals. ing, Ryan accused the trust of he had been for the previous two and investigate fully the circum- Safety Executive (HSE). more than 1,000 patients with In its submissions to the “arming itself with a range of days. The court heard he had been stances behind Tara’s death, jus- Justice Stuart-Smith said the learning disabilities or men- court, Southern Health ac- legal weapons and dirty tricks” in a hotel with another woman tice cannot be considered to have n NHS trust has been penalty was a “just and propor- tal health problems over four knowledged the deaths were following the deaths. She added: on a cocaine binge. The row led been fully served,” they said. fi ned a record £2mn af- tionate outcome that marks the years. “entirely preventable” and said “No one should die a preventa- to Ballin attacking her in “a cold- “Tara was a dedicated mother Ater admitting “systemic seriousness of the trust’s of- The trust will pay £950,000 it was “a matter of signifi cant ble death in the care of the state. blooded, merciless beating”. not just to her own children but failures” following the deaths of fending (and) the terrible conse- for Colvin’s death and just over regret” it did not address its fail- “I’m left thinking if Connor With three children in the to any she came into contact with, two vulnerable patients. quences of that off ending”. £1mn for that of Sparrowhawk. ures quicker. was here now in the shadow of house they shared in West Bridg- and she would not willingly have Southern Health pleaded Colvin, 45, died on April 26, Passing sentence, Stuart- The judge paid tribute in par- Oxford crown court and St Al- ford, Nottingham, Ballin beat her put them or their relationship guilty last year to breaching 2012. She was found dead at Smith said it was a “regretta- ticular to Ryan, who he said had dates’ police station, he would all over her body, leaving her with with her in jeopardy. Our only health and safety laws following the acute mental health unit in ble fact” that Sparrowhawk’s to endure “entirely unjustifi ed say: ‘Why mum?’ And I would fi ve broken ribs and a punctured comfort is she can no longer suf- the deaths of Teresa Colvin and Hampshire, where she had been mother, Sara Ryan, and Colvin’s criticism” during her campaign, say: ‘I don’t know, but we’ve lung. The youngest child, then fer at the hands of this evil, selfi sh Connor Sparrowhawk, an epi- admitted only 48 hours earlier. husband, Roger Colvin, had to known as JusticeforLB – named done you proud’.” three, witnessed some of the at- and controlling person.” leptic teenager with autism who Sparrowhawk, 18, suff ered an campaign to uncover problems after her son’s nickname Laugh- Dr Nick Broughton, the tack, the court heard. The Durys are now pressing for drowned in a bath at an NHS epileptic seizure and drowned at the trust. ing Boy. Southern Health chief execu- Instead of calling an ambu- a full inquest to resume into their care unit. in a bath at Southern Health’s The judge acknowledged In May 2016, Ryan revealed tive, appointed last year after lance, Ballin searched the Internet daughter’s death. It is at the coro- A judge at Oxford crown court now-closed Slade House care the trust’s early indication it she had been called a “vindic- high-level resignations trig- for symptoms of dying and death. ner’s discretion whether to hold yesterday described each death unit in Oxford on July 4, 2013. would plead guilty and said tive cow” in a voicemail left by gered by a damning report into In the early hours of the morning an inquest after criminal proceed- as an “unnecessary human trag- The teenager’s death led to Southern Health had made it someone claiming to work for the deaths, said he wanted to he took the children to his sister’s ings have concluded. edy” as he issued the biggest the discovery that Southern completely clear it would not the trust. “apologise unreservedly”.

Suicide sculptures Sheffield pauses Autistic boy wins £42,000 payout tree-felling scheme Guardian News and Media they wanted to make the rules London and regulations. It was sup- posed to be a dialogue.” Guardian News and Media erly street trees in 2012 under a 25- the end of the needless felling of Gleeson described the meas- London year private fi nance initiative (PFI) healthy trees and bring an end to n 11-year-old boy with ures as a “complete overreac- contract with Amey called Streets this eco-vandalism”. autism has received tion”. Ahead. Teal, who has been arrested and A£42,000 in compensa- The restrictions placed on heffi eld city council has Despite sustained criticism of expelled from Sheffi eld city coun- tion after his family accused a Ben included not being able to announced an immediate the project, the authority has re- cil’s town hall during the dispute, cub scout group of discriminat- travel with his fellow cub scouts Spause of its controversial peatedly refused to suspend or said she suspected the council had ing against him. on a bus to events or participate tree-felling scheme after a bar- cancel the works and has said it fi nally bowed to “mounting pres- Ben Gleeson joined the 10th in athletics, his family said. His rage of criticism. would be liable to pay millions of sure from Labour and the commu- Harpenden scout group in Jan- parents also said they were told Thousands of trees assessed as pounds in penalties if it terminated nity and perhaps the police start- uary 2015 but was later told he he had to have one-to-one su- dead, dying, dangerous or diseased the deal. Asked if the government ing to feel uncomfortable”. could not go to camps or take pervision at other events. have been cut down under a £2bn would step in to help pay contract She added: “It just couldn’t part in athletics without super- Ben said he was upset at be- project to improve the condition termination penalties, Gove said: continue. We don’t know what vision, the BBC reported. ing separated from his friends, of the streets. Michael Gove, the “We will make sure that we will do the outcome is going to be, but it’s Pack leaders are said to have adding: “I don’t like the idea of environment secretary, said on anything that is required in order really positive that there’s been imposed restrictions, which his someone following me all the Sunday he would “do anything” to to stop this.” enough pressure that they can’t parents – both lawyers – said time.” stop what he described as the “en- He also said the council had continue the way they are.” amounted to a ban, after Ben According to the BBC, 10th vironmental vandalism”. been “strong-armed and draconi- This month a freedom of infor- had a short episode at a camp in Harpenden scout group disput- A spokeswoman for Sheffi eld an” with citizens who had tried to mation request revealed that the March 2016. ed some of the claims. However, city council confi rmed to the protest, and called on the Labour council’s PFI deal specifi es that His parents sued the Hert- the Scout Association apolo- Guardian that the tree-felling was leadership to intervene. up to 17,500 trees – half the city’s fordshire group and the case gised and said it had launched being paused for a few weeks. The Sue Hayman, Labour’s shadow 36,000 trees – could be felled as was eventually settled out of an investigation. Labour-run authority is expected environment secretary, wrote to part of the work to maintain the court. Ben’s mother, Beverly A spokesman said: “The to issue a full statement shortly. the council last week off ering to roads and pavements. Gleeson, told the BBC: “Pretty handling of Ben’s case was The announcement will be met formally mediate in the dispute. Sheffi eld council’s Cabinet much every event had to be su- completely unacceptable. We with relief and some scepticism Alison Teal, a Green party coun- member for the environment, pervised on a one-to-one basis, are very sorry that Ben and by campaigners who have fought a cillor in Sheffi eld, gave a cautious Bryan Lodge, denied that the An art installation by US sculptor Mark Jenkins called ‘Project which I felt wasn’t inclusive. his family were not supported long battle to save the street trees, welcome to the news. Speaking 17,500 fi gure was a target, but the 84’, which aims to raise awareness of male suicide rates in “I felt he didn’t need it. He as they should have been by of which 5,500 have been felled before the detail of the announce- revelation prompted three of the the UK is seen on the roof of a building in central London didn’t have this level of super- their Cub Scout Pack, and we amid scores of arrests. ment was available, she said: city’s Labour MPs to call for an end yesterday. vision at school. He’d made one have made a personal apology The council began felling eld- “Let’s hope that this can lead to to the programme. mistake and then that was it; to them”. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 EUROPE

Police investigate possible anti-Semitic Number of dead in killing in Paris

Reuters of this battle (against anti- Paris Semitism),” he said, speaking alongside Prime Minister Ben- jamin Netanyahu after visit- mall fi re rises to 64 rench police are inves- ing the Yad Vashem Holocaust tigating whether the museum. Exits were blocked, Fdeath of an elderly Jew- As a child in Paris, Knoll say Russian mall fire ish woman stabbed and burnt managed to evade the round- investigators to death in her Paris apartment up of Jews during World War II, last week was an anti-Semitic Paris lawmaker Meyer Habib Reuters murder, a judicial source said said. Moscow yesterday. Thousands of Jews were Mirelle Knoll, an 85-year- brought to the Velodrome old Holocaust survivor, was d’Hiver cycling track in 1942 nvestigators looking into found dead on Friday inside and sent on to Nazi death a fi re that killed at least 64 the blackened remains of her camps. Ipeople at a busy shopping apartment, which police sus- France is home to west- mall in Siberia said yesterday pect was set ablaze after she ern Europe’s biggest Jewish that a security guard had turned was attacked. population and many in the off the public address system and Two suspects have been de- 400,000-strong community that the exits had been illegally tained but have not yet been have complained for years of a blocked. charged. rise in anti-Semitic crimes. The fi re, one of the deadliest The investigation by the In 2015, vandals desecrated in Russia since the break-up of Paris prosecutor’s offi ce is try- 250 tombstones in a Jewish the Soviet Union, swept through ing to establish whether it was cemetery in eastern France the upper fl oors of the “Winter a killing “motivated by the real days after four Jews were killed Cherry” shopping centre in the or supposed adherence to a re- in an attack on a kosher gro- city of Kemerovo, where a cin- ligion”, the source said. cery in Paris. ema complex and children’s play France’s chief rabbi de- Knoll’s killing took place a area were located, on Sunday af- scribed Knoll’s death as a year to the day after the mur- ternoon. “horror”. der of Sarah Halimi-Attal, Dozens of children were feared Jewish leaders have called a 65-year-old whose death to be among the dead. for a march in her memory. prosecutors believe was anti- Vladimir Putin, re-elected last French Foreign Minister Semitic. weekend, expressed “deep con- An aerial view taken on Sunday Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is vis- “The horror of the crime and dolences”, the Kremlin said. with a drone shows the fire at iting Israel, said the theory that the violence of the execution- However, the president has the shopping centre in Knoll’s death was anti-Semitic ers are identical and refl ect the yet to speak publicly about the Kemerovo. was plausible. negation of the human face,” tragedy, which has stirred anger “It reminds us of the fun- Chief Rabbi Haim Korsia said in Kemerovo, a coal-producing be able to be identifi ed via DNA damental and permanent side in a tweet. region about 3,600km (2,200 testing, offi cials said. miles) east of Moscow. An unoffi cial list of those miss- Russia’s Investigative Com- ing circulating on Russian media mittee, which handles major included more than 20 children, crimes, said that it is trying to some as young as fi ve. bring in the mall’s owner for Mobile phone messages sent More migrants found questioning and wanted to detain from one of those on the list, a security guard who turned off 13-year-old Maria Moroz, and the public address system after published by Russian media, without valid papers learning of the blaze. said: “We are burning. I love you “Serious violations (of the all. This is perhaps farewell.” law) took place when the mall Alexander Lillevyali told on- Reuters centre-left Social Democrats was being built and when it was line newspaper Meduza that he Berlin in renewing their coalition this functioning. The fi re exits were and his wife Olga had lost all month. blocked,” Svetlana Petrenko, a three of their daughters, two aged The number of people who spokeswoman for the committee, 11 and one fi ve, in the blaze. he number of failed asy- applied for asylum fell in 2017, said in a statement. He was cited as saying that he lum-seekers who could however, coming in well below Four people have already been had dropped the girls off at the Tnot be repatriated from the maximum 220,000 agreed detained, including two employ- cinema and that one of them had Germany because they lack on by the coalition parties. ees of the fi rm that services the phoned later to say the audito- valid documents jumped 71% The largest numbers of mall’s fi re alarm. rium was fi lling with smoke and in 2017 compared with the pre- failed applicants who could Emergency services said they that they couldn’t get out be- vious year, the interior minis- not be repatriated because had extinguished the fi re, but cause the doors were locked. People place toys and flowers at a makeshift memorial for the victims of the shopping centre fire. try said yesterday. they had no papers were from later said that it had reignited in He described how he had led Around 65,000 failed asy- India (5,743), Pakistan (4,943), places, and that rescuers were rescuers up the stairs, but that for anyone found guilty of neg- as saying that the main theory shopping mall opened in 2013. lum-seekers were granted Afghanistan (3,915), and Rus- struggling to recover bodies be- they had been ordered to go else- ligence or worse to be harshly is that the fi re was caused by an Offi cial documents showed temporary permission to stay sia (3,828), publishing group cause the building’s top fl oor had where and that rescuers, citing punished. electrical short circuit. that it last underwent a fi re safety in the country in 2017 because Funke Mediengruppe reported, collapsed. regulations, had refused to give Witnesses told Russian media However, it quoted Vladimir check in 2016. they could not be repatriated citing an interior ministry in- It is unclear if any people are him a respiratory mask. that the fi re alarm and sprinklers Chernov, the region’s deputy The Kremlin rejected criticism due to their lack of identity ternal report. still unaccounted for. “My daughters were left to had failed to function. governor, as saying on Sunday from some journalists that state papers, a ministry spokesman The nationalities of nearly Health Minister Veronika Sko- burn because of their bloody Video footage showed a group that the blaze may have started TV had been slow to publicise the said, up from 38,000 in 2016. 3,800 applicants were regis- rtsova said from the scene that 13 rules,” Lillevyali told Meduza. of people in a smoke-fi lled stair- when a teenager set fi re to the fi re. Germany has been trying to tered as “unclear”, including people were in hospital, includ- Anna Kuznetsova, Russia’s case attempting to smash open a rubber foam on a trampoline in a Mourners left fl owers near the speed up such repatriations people such as Palestinians ing an 11-year-old boy in a seri- children’s rights commissioner, fi re exit door, which was jammed play area using a lighter. scene of the blaze – thought to since Anis Amri, a Tunisian and Kurds who did not have a ous condition. said that the fi re had been caused shut. Other offi cials were quoted as be the deadliest since 2009 when awaiting deportation, killed 12 country to which they could be Russian media said the boy had by incompetence and that similar The cause of the blaze remains saying the blaze may have been 156 people were killed in the city people at a Berlin Christmas deported, the report said. leapt from a window and that shopping centres across Russia unclear. started by candles used in a chil- of Perm when an indoor pyro- market in December 2016. Co-operation between Ger- both his parents had been killed. should be urgently checked. The Interfax news agency cited dren’s celebration. technics display at a nightclub Amri’s deportation had been man authorities and the em- Many of the victims will only Pro-Kremlin politicians called an unnamed local offi cial source State TV reported that the went wrong. delayed because he had no val- bassies of the countries of ori- id passport. gin of failed applicants, to issue Chancellor Angela Merkel’s substitute passports, was go- decision in 2015 to welcome ing poorly in many cases. more than 1mn migrants has Earlier this month, Europe’s provoked a popular backlash top migration offi cial, Dimitris and increased support for the Avramopoulos, said the Euro- Macron to lead tribute far-right Alternative for Ger- pean Union wanted to tighten many party. visa requirements for appli- Migration policy was one of cants from countries that were the most disputed issues for not co-operating enough on to slain hero offi cer Merkel’s conservatives and the migrant deportations.

Mother of slain off icer urges himself a “soldier” of the Islamic The right-wing opposition tolerance ahead of tribute State (IS) extremist group – was criticised President Emmanuel holding in a supermarket in the Macron’s government and called Pope thanks Italian DPA/AFP southern town of Trebes. for harsher measures against Paris The former petty criminal had suspected extremists. already killed three other peo- Laurent Wauquiez, leader of police for protection ple – two when he opened fi re on the main Les Republicains op- resident Emmanuel Ma- entering in the supermarket, and position party, called for a state cron is to lead a state trib- one earlier during a carjacking. of emergency, lifted in November A photo released by the French Gendarmerie shows Beltrame, the DPA Pute to slain gendarme Ar- Special forces who had sur- two years after deadly attacks in gendarme who voluntarily took the place of a hostage during a Vatican City naud Beltrame, who was killed rounded the supermarket subse- Paris killed 130 people, to be re- deadly supermarket siege in southwestern France on March 23. after exchanging himself for a quently launched an assault af- imposed. hostage held by a terrorist last ter hearing gunshots, and killed “I demand that we no longer Meanwhile, Beltrame’s mother surprised, even if it’s very pain- he Italian police does week. Lakdim. content ourselves with tracking has called for tolerance as the ful and it will be very hard to live splendid work in pro- The ceremony will take place They found Beltrame seriously Islamists and waiting for them country prepared a national trib- without him.” Ttecting the Vatican from tomorrow morning in the old In- injured. to carry out attacks,” Wauquiez ute for the offi cer. Asked if she felt hatred towards “crazy” terrorists, Pope Fran- valides military hospital in Paris, He died of his wounds in the said. Nicolle Beltrame said she was Lakdim, she replied: “Not at all. I cis said yesterday. Pope Francis: I am grateful for where Napoleon is buried, the early hours of Saturday. The most dangerous should not surprised by her 44-year-old feel indiff erence and the greatest “These people sacrifi ce your vigilant presence and for Elysee Palace said yesterday. Meanwhile, a judicial source be “interned” and those without son Arnaud’s selfl ess act on Fri- sense of contempt. I think that themselves to protect the the assistance you give. Macron, accompanied by his confi rmed that Lakdim’s partner French nationality expelled, he day, adding that he was a fi erce someone must not be right in the Pope, to protect the people, to wife Brigitte, will make a funeral was, like him, on a state security argued. patriot and proud serviceman. head to do something like this.” make sure some crazy guy does high alert ahead of Easter. speech. watchlist. Marine Le Pen of the far-right “Arnaud would not have want- She also suggested not even not do something, a massa- Rome police said heavy Beltrame’s family and those of She was arrested on Friday National Rally, formerly National ed us to give up,” she told RTL talking about him, “not showing cre, and ruins many families,” goods vehicles, public dem- the other three victims of Fri- night hours after Lakdim was Front, meanwhile called for the radio. “I’m here to honour him his photo. We should show the Francis said. onstrations and weapons and day’s attacks will also be present, killed. resignation of Interior Minister and I’m speaking to honour him, photos of heroes, not killers and His unscripted remarks explosives will be banned in and the ceremony will be open to A legal source had told AFP on Gerard Collomb and the expul- so that his act has some purpose, monsters”. came at the end of an audience central Rome from Thursday to the public. Sunday that the 18-year-old was sion of all foreigners and dual na- that we’re a bit more human, a bit Richard Lizurey, the head of with Italian police offi cers who Easter Monday, April 2. Yesterday Pope Francis added answering questions during her tionals on the security watchlist. more tolerant.” France’s gendarmes police serv- act as the Pope’s security detail It also said that a terrorist his voice to those paying tribute detention, and had “shown signs But Economy Minister Bruno She said that when she heard ice, said that Arnaud Beltrame on Vatican and Italian grounds. alert, triggered by an anony- to 44-year-old Beltrame. of radicalisation”. Le Maire said there was “no na- that a police offi cer had been took the initiative to swap places “I am grateful for your vigi- mous letter to the Italian em- “I salute in particular the gen- A friend of the attacker, a mi- ivety” on the government’s part. killed in the Friday attack, she with a woman being used by Lak- lant presence and for the as- bassy in Tunis warning that a erous and heroic act of Lieuten- nor born in 2000, was also ar- Authorities were fi ghting, knew it was her son. dim as a human shield. sistance you give” during reli- Tunisian man was planning an ant Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, rested on Saturday. not just against terrorism, but “I know Arnaud: loyal, altru- Calling his sacrifi ce a fi rst for gious and public events in Saint attack on Rome, had passed. who gave his life to protect oth- Lakdim had been on a watch- against “political Islam” which istic, and since he was small, the gendarmerie, Lizurey told Peter’s Basilica and around the The man, Atef Mathlouthi, ers,” the pontiff said, off ering his list since 2014 but surveillance was “eating away at our society”, working for other people, com- France Inter radio: “The deci- Vatican, he added. told RAI Italian state television prayers for all the victims. in 2016 and 2017 had shown no he said. mitted to the country,” she said. sion made by Arnaud Beltrame In its propaganda, the Is- from Tunisia that he is “not Beltrame gave himself up to indications that he might carry “The struggle against political “He couldn’t have done any- was his own decision, which he lamic State (IS) group has of- a terrorist”, and according to 25-year-old Radouane Lakdim out any attack, according to anti- Islam is the struggle of a genera- thing else, he wasn’t someone determined he had to do because ten singled out the Vatican and Rome police, he “does not at in exchange for a civilian hostage terrorism prosecutor Francois tion,” he told public broadcaster who could shirk something,” Bel- he wanted to save a hostage’s life, Rome as a key target, and secu- the moment pose a real and that the gunman – who declared Molins. FranceInfo. trame said of her son. “I’m not which is what he did.” rity services are on especially present danger”. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 19 EUROPE

Suspected leader of bank Russia faces a wave of hackers arrested diplomatic expulsions Reuters West to expel more than 100 Amsterdam Russian diplomats

Reuters panish police have arrested London/Washington the suspected leader of a Sgang of cyber criminals who stole €1bn ($1.2bn) from he US said yesterday that banks by altering account bal- it would expel 60 Russian ances and instructing automatic Tdiplomats, joining gov- teller machines to issue cash, ernments across Europe in pun- Europol said yesterday. ishing the Kremlin for a nerve The person suspected of being agent attack on a former Rus- behind malware attacks known sian spy in Britain that they have as “Carbanak” and “Cobalt” was blamed on Moscow. arrested in Alicante, a port city It was the strongest action on the southeast coast of Spain, that US President Donald Trump after co-operation between po- had taken against Russia since lice forces in the United States, coming to offi ce. Asia and Europe, Europol said. He has been criticised by Putin: to make the final decision on the Russian response. The interior ministry said Democrats and members of his that “Denis K”, who had directed own Republican Party for fail- the West’s response is a “mis- planemaker and defence con- the criminal organisation from ing to be tough enough on Rus- take” and that Russian President tractor Boeing Company, one of Spain since 2013, was arrested sia over US allegations of Rus- Vladimir Putin would make a the senior administration offi - with three members of his or- sian meddling in the US electoral fi nal decision about Russia’s re- cials said. ganisation, who originally came system, including the 2016 pres- sponse. Seattle was a hub of Russian from Russia and Ukraine, it said. idential campaign. Moscow has denied being be- cyber espionage, both political The Ukrainian police did not British Prime Minister There- hind the attack on Sergei Skripal and commercial, according to The Russian Federation flag flies in front of its embassy in Washington, DC. provide further details. sa May, welcoming the show of and his daughter in the southern two US intelligence offi cials. Europol said the group had solidarity, said that 18 countries English city of Salisbury. The administration offi cials posed sanctions on Russian citi- Studies at Georgetown Univer- Mexico said that it reserved operated since 2013, with mem- had announced plans to expel Skripal, 66, and Yulia Skripal, said that “well over 100 intel- zens and fi rms for US election sity. the right to expel diplomats. bers in 40 countries, carrying Russian offi cials. 33, were found unconscious on a ligence offi cers” operated in the meddling and cyber attacks but The US offi cials said that the Russia said it would respond out attacks on 100 fi nancial in- Those included 14 European public bench in a shopping cen- United States, and Washington’s put off targeting oligarchs and scale of the expulsions was based in kind. stitutions. Union countries. tre on March 4 and remain criti- action cuts 60 of them. government offi cials close to not only on the expansion of “The response will be sym- They targeted bank employ- In total, yesterday’s an- cally ill in hospital. “To the Russian government Putin. Russian espionage in the United metrical. We will work on it in ees with e-mails infecting their nouncements aff ected more “We assess that more than 130 we say: when you attack our “Punishing diplomats is not States, but also on its increasing the coming days and will re- computers and then using them than 100 Russian diplomats – people in Salisbury could have friends, you will face serious a direct threat to Putin’s power focus on critical infrastructure spond to every country in turn,” as a base to gain control of bank the biggest Western expulsion been potentially exposed to this consequences,” another sen- or money. Further, our previous targets such as electrical grids, the RIA news agency cited an network and servers. of Russian diplomats since the nerve agent,” May said. ior US offi cial briefi ng reporters eff orts to kick out diplomats has fi nancial networks, transporta- unnamed foreign ministry “With that level of access, the height of the Cold War. Yesterday’s wave of expul- said, speaking on condition of done little to change Kremlin be- tion and healthcare. source as saying. nefarious individuals authorise British Foreign Secretary sions followed EU leaders saying anonymity. haviour,” said former US Central Trump has been criticised in Russia’s foreign ministry said fraudulent bank transfers, raise Boris Johnson said on Twitter last week that evidence present- The envoys and their families Intelligence Agency (CIA) offi cer the United States for doing too that “powerful forces” in the the balances of mule accounts or that yesterday’s “extraordinary ed by May of Russian involve- have been given a week to leave John Sipher, who served in Mos- little to punish Russia for the United States and Britain were command aff ected ATMs to spit international response by our ment in the attack was a solid the United States, according to cow and ran the agency’s Russia election meddling and other ac- behind a nerve agent attack, RIA out the money for them,” Eu- allies stands in history as the basis for further action. the offi cial. operations. “If we follow-up on tions, and US Special Counsel Novosti agency reported. ropol said. largest collective expulsion of The staff expelled by the Unit- Trump, who before he took this action with additional sanc- Robert Mueller is looking into The Kremlin has accused Brit- Europol said the US Federal Russian intelligence offi cers ever ed States included 12 intelligence offi ce in January last year prom- tions against Putin and his cro- whether Trump’s campaign col- ain of whipping up an anti-Rus- Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and will help defend our shared offi cers from Russia’s mission to ised warmer ties with Putin, last nies, it might get his attention. I luded with the Russians, an alle- sia campaign and has sought to Romanian, Belarussian and Tai- security”. the United Nations headquarters week congratulated the Russian don’t think this action by itself gation the president denies. cast doubt on the British analy- wanese authorities, and private May said that the co-ordinat- in New York for activities that leader on his re-election, draw- will do so.” Moscow denies interference sis that Moscow was responsi- cyber security companies were ed measures sent the “strongest the US said were outside their ing criticism from Republicans The UN mission in New York in the campaign. ble. assisting in the case. signal to Russia that it cannot offi cial capacity and an abuse of and Democrats alike. was also a centre for Russian fi - Skripal’s poisoning, which Russia has already ordered The interior ministry said that continue to fl out international their privileges of residence. Trump said that the two lead- nancial spying and recruiting, Britain said employed the So- 23 British diplomats out of the during the raid in Alicante, police law”. Russian UN ambassador ers had made tentative plans to the offi cials said. viet-era military-grade nerve country after Britain expelled 23 seized jewels worth €500,000 Britain had evidence Russia Vassily Nebenzia called it “a very meet in the “not too distant fu- “The last time that the United agent Novichok, is the fi rst Russian diplomats. and two luxury cars. has investigated ways of distrib- unfortunate, very unfriendly ture”. States expelled so many Russian known off ensive use of a nerve Russian foreign ministry It also blocked bank accounts uting nerve agents for assassina- move”, adding that they had to He did not bring up the poi- spies was when the Reagan ad- toxin in Europe since World War spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and two homes valued at about tions, May told parliament. leave by April 2. soning attack in his phone call ministration ordered 55 Soviet II. suggested in a post on Facebook €1mn. Russia’s foreign ministry Trump also ordered the clo- with Putin. diplomats out of the country in European Council President that the EU’s expression of sup- The organisation needed the called the actions a “provocative sure of the Russian consulate in US lawmakers largely wel- 1986,” said Angela Stent, direc- Donald Tusk said that further port for Britain was misguided support of other criminal groups gesture”. Seattle because of its proxim- comed Trump’s move yesterday. tor of the Centre for Eurasian, measures could be taken in the given that it would be leaving the to co-ordinate the work of the The Kremlin spokesman said ity to a US submarine base and Washington had already im- Russian and East European coming weeks and months. bloc next year. “mules” that they used to ex- tract money from cash points that they attacked, it said. Until 2015 they used the Rus- sian mafi a for this, and after 2016 the Moldovan mafi a. Greece’s maverick ex-minister Varoufakis launches party Their earnings were converted into bitcoins at exchange houses in Russia and Ukraine. AFP He added that the party will The DiEM25 movement has no manage household debt and pro- These were later transferred Athens also participate in Greek national offi cial leader. tect bank debtors from foreclos- to their accounts and they ac- elections, scheduled to be held in Within months, members in ure. cumulated about 15,000 bitcoin, autumn 2019, but rumoured to be countries where it is active will As fi nance minister during the interior ministry said. reek former fi nance min- called as early as this year. elect a head secretary, electoral early months of Greece’s radical Denis K used fi nancial plat- ister and anti-austerity “Our intent is to run in nation- candidates and a campaign plat- left government in 2015, Varou- forms in Gibraltar and the United Gmaverick Yanis Varou- al elections, when they take place form for every nation, Varoufakis fakis famously locked horns with Kingdom to load prepaid cards fakis has launched a new party, ... we hope in a few months to be said. senior European offi cials over the with bitcoin and spend them in part of a movement in several ready, “ Varoufakis said. The initiative promising “re- country’s bailout plan, which he Spain on cars, homes, and other European countries to contest MeRA25 is part of DiEM25, a sponsible disobedience” already argued only plunged Greeks fur- goods. EU elections next year. transnational anti-establish- has members in countries in- ther into recession and debt. He also set up an “enormous “We will not mince our words,” ment movement urging a “new cluding France, Germany, Brit- His critics counter that Var- network” to mine bitcoins which the 57-year-old economics pro- deal” for a continent hit by the ain, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, oufakis’s stalling tactics in 2015 he used as a means of laundering fessor told a news conference, fallout of the 2008 economic cri- and Lithuania, Varoufakis said. only brought an even harsher re- money. seated on a theatre stage next to sis. Prominent backers include form deal later signed by Prime a red neon sign bearing the new The name is an acronym for Canadian journalist Naomi Minister Alexis Tsipras and cost party’s name: MeRA25. Movement for Democracy in Eu- Klein, US intellectual Noam the country billions. No Netflix films at Pledging to “bring realistic rope (by) 2025. Chomsky, and British musician European economic aff airs hope” to Greece, Varoufakis said “We don’t really (have a Euro- Brian Eno. commissioner Pierre Moscovici Cannes this year that the grassroots pro-Euro- pean parliament),” he said. “(It) Varoufakis’s proposals for has described him as “half guru, Varoufakis is seen on a video camera screen as he addresses pean movement is composed of has always been there as a fi g leaf Greece include public debt re- half rock star” and a “narcissist The Cannes Film Festival will ban journalists during the presentation of his new party MeRA25 in “people of the left and liberalism, for the lack of genuine democrat- structuring, a tax cut, and the ... with whom dialogue is impos- Netflix from this year’s event after Athens. Greens and feminists”. ic processes.” creation of a state company to sible”. the video-on-demand company stood firm in its refusal to give its movies a cinema release, festival director Thierry Fremaux said in an interview. Two Netflix films were screened Kosovo police apprehend senior Berlusconi faces new in Cannes last year but organisers had said the company would not be allowed to compete at the Serbian offi cial for defying ban trial over sex parties festival again if it did not show them in movie halls. “Last year, when we selected AFP Serbian offi cials visiting Ko- tear gas to disperse dozens of DPA which to prove” his client’s in- two of their movies, I thought Mitrovica, Kosovo sovo commonly seek Pristina’s Mitrovica residents who were Rome nocence. I could convince Netflix to approval before visiting areas trying to intervene. Berlusconi, 81, was cleared release them in theatres. I was with an ethnic Serb population. Nearly 20 years after the in 2015 of soliciting sex from presumptuous: they refused,” osovo police have arrest- Hooded police holding au- 1998-1999 war between Serb ormer Italian prime min- a 17-year-old prostitute and Berlusconi: allegedly bribed Fremaux told magazine Le Film ed a senior Serbian offi - tomatic weapons and accom- forces and Kosovo pro-in- ister Silvio Berlusconi abusing of his position to cover witnesses to avoid prosecution. Francais. “The people at Netflix Kcial after he crossed into panied by armoured vehicles, dependence ethnic Albanian Fshould face a new trial up the aff air. loved the red carpet and would the disputed territory and trav- were deployed from the Serbian guerillas, Mitrovica remains over allegations that he bribed However, appeals judges had trial in Milan and one in Siena, like to show us more movies. elled to the fl ashpoint town of border to Mitrovica to prevent divided between ethnic Serbs, witnesses to avoid prosecution suspicions that he paid defence and may face more in Turin and But they have understood that Mitrovica in defi ance of a ban, a several Serbian offi cials from living north of the Ibar river, in the so-called “bunga bunga” witnesses to help secure his ac- Rome. their intransigence over their police spokesman said. entering Kosovo, according to and ethnic Albanians, who live case, a court ruled yesterday. quittal. According to Ansa, the two (business) model clashes with Marko Djuric, Belgrade’s an AFP correspondent. in the south. Proceedings against Berlus- On that basis, prosecutors Milan court cases may be our own.” chief negotiator for the former However, Djuric arrived in International forces are still coni and four showgirls, ac- reopened investigations. wrapped into a single trial. However, Netflix may be Serbian province that pro- Mitrovica despite the ban. deployed in the divided town. cused of perverting the course The case was originally due The “bunga bunga” aff air is permitted to show movies on the claimed independence in 2008, He was accompanied by About 115 countries have rec- of justice and making false to play entirely before the Mi- named after an underground fringe of the festival, outside the “was arrested and we are taking Nikola Selakovic, an adviser to ognised Kosovo’s independence statements, should start in Mi- lan court of justice, but in 2016 room in Berlusconi’s villa near off icial competition, he said. him to a police centre in Pris- President Aleksandar Vucic, over the past 10 years. lan on May 9, the Ansa news a pre-trial judge split proceed- Milan. Fremaux also said he was ending tina”, spokesman Baki Kelani Kosovo authorities did not However, Serbia and dozens agency said, quoting judge ings between several tribunals In past trials, showgirls tes- the press screening of movies told AFP. provide any information on Se- of other states, including its ally Maria Vicidomini. across the country, multiplying tifi ed that the room hosted lap before their world premiere in the Kosovo authorities said ear- lakovic. Russia, have not. A lawyer for Berlusconi, Fe- Berlusconi’s legal travails. dance routines, sometimes by off icial competition. The off icial lier that Djuric did not obtain Police had to make their way Today Kosovo, which has a derico Cecconi, was quoted by For the same charges, the bil- dancers wearing masks of fa- selection for the May 8-19 festival authorisation to enter their ter- through a hall where Djuric was population of 1.8mn, is home to Ansa as saying that the trial lionaire politician and media mous people like ex-US presi- will be announced on April 12. ritory. attending a conference, using some 120,000 ethnic Serbs. “will be the right forum in mogul is already facing another dent Barack Obama. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 INDIA

INVESTIGATION SNUB POLITICS CRIME MUSIC Man in BJP leader’s Karnataka woman IPS L-G-AAP govt tussle over BJD youth leader British singer’s album shot murder case surrenders off icer declines award jurisdiction rocks assembly shot dead in Odisha in Goa to be unveiled

A criminal, carrying a large prize on his head and Karnataka’s woman police off icer D Roopa Moudgil, The tussle between the Delhi Lt Governor Anil Unidentified assailants yesterday shot dead British singer Spencer Maybe will unveil his fourth wanted in the case of the murder of a Bharatiya the whistleblower who exposed prison favours to Baijal and the Aam Aadmi Party government a youth wing leader of Odisha’s ruling Biju album titled Wait & Patience, which has been shot in Janata Party leader and two of his security jailed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam yesterday rocked the state assembly after Janata Dal, police said. The assailants, who were Goa, in Mumbai tomorrow. Spencer, a vocalist, will guards, surrendered in Greater Noida yesterday, leader V K Sasikala, declined to accept an award Speaker Ram Niwas Goel announced that Baijal in an SUV, hurled bombs and opened fire on unveil the album along with Swedish guitarist Peter police said. Sheru Bhati, a resident of Ghanghola, recognising her work. “I did not accept the Namma has said that the speaker cannot accept any Jashobanta Parida, 40, as he was getting down Tegner, Moscow session bassist Denis Petukhov and was carrying a reward of Rs50,000 on his head. Bengaluru Award by the Namma Bengaluru question on reserved subjects like land, law from his car near Gandhi Mandir in Dhenkanal’s Mumbai/New York-based instrumentalist, drummer Feeling the heat after new Senior Superintendent Foundation on Sunday as it came with a heavy and order, and services among others. “The Kamakshyanagar, Superintendent of Police and producer Bunny Batliwala at The Finch. Wait of Police Ajay Pal Sharma launched a new drive cash reward of Rs2 lakh,” the Indian Police Service secretariat has also received copies of letters Santosh Nayak said. The critically injured Parida and Patience has been primarily recorded in Goa against criminals at large, Bhati surrendered off icer, who is the Inspector General of Police (Home from some departments such as Services, was taken to a hospital where doctors declared and mixed in London. Spencer has collaborated at the Bisrakh police station. BJP leader Shiv Guards and Civil Defence), said in Bengaluru. In a Vigilance, Land and Building refusing to attend him dead, he added. “The attack was a planned with many musicians from all over the world, each Kumar Yadav and his two security guards were letter to the private foundation, which is founded meetings with ministers concerned,” he said. one. The attackers fled the scene. We have sealed representing their own special talent to the collective, attacked November 16, 2017 as they were on and supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Rajya However, Goel stressed that legislation on various roads to nab the attackers. The reason facilitating a unique sound of instant familiarity. “Who the way to Tigri village. As they reached the Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Moudgil said as a reserved subjects and seeking replies on behind the incident is yet to be ascertained,” said doesn’t enjoy a good musical evening in the middle of village, assailants opened fire, injuring Yadav and government servant, she was expected to maintain matters of public interest are two diff erent Nayak. Meanwhile, ministers Prafulla Mallick and the week to unwind and cure post-work blues? And if his personal security guards Bali and Rishipal. neutrality and distance from “quasi-political” bodies. issues and hence he ruled that “off icers are duty Nrusingh Sahu, who belong to Dhenkanal district, it is about listening to Spencer Maybe and his rock While Yadav and Bali died on the spot, Rishipal Chandrasekhar, who was earlier an independent, bound to provide replies to all questions which met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and requested music, the evening cannot get any better,” said The succumbed to injuries in hospital. recently got re-elected as a BJP candidate. are admitted (by the assembly)”. him to order a speedy probe into the incident. Finch director Sandeep Singh Katiyar. Ready for Everest expedition UP is among states with lowest quality of life: study

Agencies risen to the fi fth position from Bihar shows a decline in rank in Mountaineers Bachendri Pal, Poonam Rana, Swarnalata Dalai and Sandeep Toliya attend a press conference on the eve of their trip to Lucknow the sixth. On the other hand, the housing and health status. Kathmandu for Mt Everest expedition, in New Delhi yesterday. Rana, Dalai, a 20-year-old tribal woman, and Toliya have been trained and West Bengal and Assam have “In general, the quality of life mentored by seasoned climber Pal, who heads Tata Steel’s Adventure Programme. They will start the trek from Jiri, which is along the showed a decline in their rank is better in richer states though route taken by Pal during her expedition in 1984. ttar Pradesh is among the over time, the study says. there are some important ex- least developed states in “Uttar Pradesh, Madhya ceptions,” he says, adding, “For Uterms of quality of life, Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar and As- instance, Kerala, Maharashtra, says a study by an economist. sam, according to the study, have Jammu & Kashmir and West Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odi- occupied the lowest fi ve posi- Bengal enjoy a higher rank in sha and Assam are in the same tions in the quality of life index terms of quality of life compared league, the study adds. during these years,” Singh says, to their rank in per capita state On the other hand, Kerala, referring to his fi ndings. income. On the other hand, in Pune highway project yet to be Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and case of Haryana, Gujarat, Andhra Maharashtra are the most devel- “In general, the quality of Pradesh and Odisha, the reverse oped states in terms of quality of life is better in richer states position is found, that is, their life index, according to the fi nd- though there are some rank in quality of life is much ings of the latest study published important exceptions” lower compared to their rank in completed, but toll rates go up per capita income.” on ‘Pattern of Development’ by Ajit Kumar Singh, economist and The study also fi nds that the These, Singh says, refl ect the Agencies for carrying out the project, has that the work be completed on December 2018. Our head will former director of Giri Institute performance of states has varied diff erences in the development Mumbai once again applied for an exten- time.” take a decision on it, but we have of Developmental Studies. over time in terms of the diff er- priorities in these states. Kerala, sion till December this year. Velankar added that it was completed all procedures from The study has analysed the ent components of the quality of for example, was known to have While the contractor has cited unfair that NHAI has decided our side, including the approval of inter-state diff erences in the life. Thus, Andhra Pradesh has done much better in terms of he National Highways issues such as land acquisition, to increase the toll rates even all necessary permissions. Hence, quality of life and levels of living improved in income levels and social development compared to Authority of India (NHAI) lack of permission for cutting though the road work is yet to be we are expecting Reliance Infra across the major states of India. housing status, but has gone other states of the country, he Thas hiked toll rates of the trees and untimely funding as completed. This is causing a lot to complete the project before A composite quality of life index down in health and education says. However, states like Gu- Khed-Shivapur and Anewadi reasons for the delay, NHAI of- of inconvenience to commuters, the monsoon season,” said Suhas has been prepared using 17 indi- status. Gujarat has shown im- jarat, which rank high on eco- toll plazas on the Pune-Satara fi cials said these issues have been he added. “They are planning to Chitnis, project director of NHAI. cators, covering various aspects provement in education index, nomic development, are lagging highway in Maharashtra, though sorted out. increase the toll charges at Khed- NHAI had sanctioned the pro- like income and consumption but has gone down in terms of behind in social development the road widening work of the “Now, Reliance Infra should Shivapur and Anewadi toll pla- posal for expanding the Pune- level, quality of housing, health the other three components. Ut- indicators. 140km long highway is yet to be deploy more labourers and ma- zas even before the road work is Satara highway into a six-lane status and educational attain- tarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir Singh says the states enjoying completed. chinery to complete the project completed. Why should we pay if highway in 2008 and had allotted ment of the population. show a remarkable improvement a better level of quality of life are The project has missed four in time,” said a senior NHAI of- the contractor has not completed Rs19.84bn for the project. The The ranking pattern of states in health status. Tamil Nadu and relatively more urbanised com- deadline extensions in eight fi cial on the condition of ano- the project,” Velankar asked. contract was given to Reliance in the quality of life index, ac- Kerala show a big jump in its pared to those which have a lower years and the increase in toll nymity. B K Singh, assistant manager Infra. The deadline was set for cording to Singh’s fi ndings, has position in the housing index, level in quality of life index. rates is causing inconvenience to RTI activist Vivek Velankar, at Reliance Infra, said: “The March 2013. However, the con- remained remarkably stable over whereas Madhya Pradesh and “Thus, the development pat- commuters. who has been raising the issue of project was delayed because of tractor managed completes only the last two decades with a few Maharashtra show a decline, ac- tern followed in India in the past The road widening work of the delay in the road widening work, the hurdles in land acquisition 40% of the project in three years exceptions. cording to the study. refl ects a strong urban bias which Pune-Satara highway, commis- said: “I don’t know why NHAI is with many residents opposing and sought additional time on Himachal Pradesh, ranked The study says Rajasthan needs to be corrected so that the sioned in 2008, started on Octo- silent on the serious issue of de- the project. We have completed various occasions. Though the fi rst in 1990-91, slipped to the shows a better performance in quality of life in rural areas im- ber 1, 2010 and was supposed to lays in the project. Though NHAI almost 90% of the work and will last deadline given was March third rank in 2010-11. Kerala has income levels, but a decline in the proves and the rural areas, where be completed by March 31, 2013. is pinning the blame on Reliance complete the remaining work as 31, 2018, Reliance Infra said that jumped from second to fi rst place health and education index. the majority of the people still Even though NHAI extended the Infra, they are not taking any soon as possible.” only 90% of the work has been and Punjab from third to second. Uttar Pradesh and Assam have live, also benefi t from the proc- deadline four times, Reliance strict action against the contrac- “Reliance Infra has demanded completed, a claim discarded by Maharashtra remains in the done poorly in case of education- ess of economic development,” Infra, the company responsible tor. NHAI should have insisted one more deadline extension till activists. fourth position. Tamil Nadu has al status, the study says, while he suggests. Auto giant eyes Kerala Biker completes 270-day ‘world trip’ as global digital hub we left that country’s borders at IANS Mumbai Estonia... It was a very enjoyable Ashraf Padanna the act,” Tharoor tweeted yes- Nissan leadership team. They part with him showing us around Thiruvananthapuram terday. also had separate meetings with for 15 days that he spent with us,” “But any such venture must Alphons and Vijayan. ndian biker Debasshish and Ghosh recalled. be a collective eff ort of all who “Any such venture, if it is to his partner Dharmendra Jain Though they travelled through erala is likely to get one have the state’s best interests succeed, must involve the co- Iof ‘One World, One Ride’ suc- some of the loneliest and remot- of the world’s leading at heart. Development ahead of operation of all,” Tharoor wrote. cessfully completed a 68,000km- est areas in the world, they did not Kcarmakers to set up their politics!” “If Nissan makes a favourable long journey across 35 countries experience any weird encounters global digital hub in the state. He later posted a detailed decision, it would bring 5,000 across fi ve continents. or attacks by wild creatures, mak- Congress leader Shashi Tha- note on Facebook on the de- people into Technopark, involve The two left on their BMW ing it a largely smooth and event- roor, who initiated talks with velopments since many “voters local hires in supporting roles, GS1200 from Bandra in Mumbai free journey. Nissan Motors three months have expressed curiosity about and give a boost to (its) tech on June 10 and returned here last “However, on the food front, back, received a delegation the ongoing eff orts.” economy.” weekend after riding 270 days or we had to adapt as per the local from the Japanese carmaker on As the company was looking He took to Facebook af- nine months. availability in small restaurants or Sunday. at Indian and foreign locations ter Alphons went to town as if “This iconic journey took us homes of villagers... We ate what- They also met federal Tour- to locate its IT division, Tharoor he clinched the deal, without across India and its northeast, ever we got en route and converted ism Minister K J Alphons and sought an opportunity to intro- mentioning Tharoor’s eff orts. Southeast (Asia), Far East, China, to non-vegetarians,” Ghosh said. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi duce the Kerala capital. The two-time lawmaker and Mongolia, Russia, Europe, then He said the long ride provided Vijayan and are reportedly im- After preliminary informal former federal minister had the US by shipping the bike, go- a perspective of people of diff er- pressed by the ecosystem at contacts, he sent a formal letter earlier persuaded Oracle and a ing again to Australia, and back to ent nationalities, helped them the Technopark in Thiruvanan- on February 21 to place the city few others to locate here. the Asean belt before returning to overcome the language barriers thapuram. on the list. “I hope Nissan will take the Mumbai,” said a weary but cheerful and cultural diversities, discover The company had tested After a dinner with a Keralite right decision and accept the Ghosh on his adventurous ordeal. and learn new things, understand its fully driverless cars on the offi cial at Nissan, Tharoor held a warm welcome of the people of Luckily, there were no major customs, weather conditions, and streets of Tokyo last year and is video conference with its entire Thiruvananthapuram,” he said. incidents or breakdowns and they local traditions and how people planning its launch in 2020. decision-making team in Tokyo, “Whatever happens with this rode only during daytime, but at survive. Industry sources feel it would which was also joined by a state venture, I pledge to extend my one point, Jain lost balance and On their part, the two attempt- be a real game-changer for the government representative. fullest co-operation to ensure tumbled off the bike speeding at ed to promote India as “a peace- state that lags far behind its Each of them made presenta- the continued progress and de- 150kmph in Russia, but escaped loving country with multi-lin- neighbours in attracting invest- tions and answered questions. velopment of our city.” with minor fractures and bruises. gual, multi-cultural peoples, its ments. A decision was made by Nissan Many of his non-Kerala fol- “In Russia, we were thrilled to glorious traditions and a rich her- “I sent the fi rst e-mail to to add the Kerala city to the list. lowers also appreciated his ef- meet the world-renowned biker itage” in an attempt to forge close Nissan, I’m proud to say, well On Sunday, Tharoor hosted forts taking political rivals also Marcel Killer and he accompa- people-to-people ties during the before the state govt got into a lunch for the nine-member onboard. Ghosh speaks to reporters in Mumbai yesterday. nied us on the entire Russia leg till journey. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 21 INDIA Chipko Movement’s 45th anniversary marked with Google Doodle

IANS dle) illustration takes off from an The next day, the news spread Under a half-moon, an in- region to protest trees that were Interestingly, long before the in the Bishnoi areas of his desert Mumbai original picture of the movement like wildfi re and people from visible river is flowing with a being indiscriminately chopped epochal movement, there was a kingdom. spearheaded by Gaura Devi, who many surrounding villages also deserted bridge over it, and off in the name of development, small eco-friendly initiative in Later, a monument to com- learnt late on March 25, 1974, that joined in ‘hugging’ to save their several baffled forest creatures, but were detrimental to the vil- September 1731, when some 363 memorate the Bishnoi mas- Google Doodle yesterday a group of loggers had arrived to beloved trees. After a face-off of nesting birds suspiciously eye- lagers and tribals living there members of the Bishnoi commu- sacre was constructed and it celebrated the 45th an- butcher trees in her village Reni, in four days the loggers left and the ing the ‘trespassers’ below the since centuries. nity of Khejarli, Jodhpur region, stands testimony to the peo- Aniversary of the Chipko modern-day Uttarakhand. trees were saved. fruity tree, as the Google logo The movement shot into glo- voluntarily sacrifi ced their lives ples’ sacrifices in the village Movement, one of the most With a group of her ‘sahelis’ The Goodle, created by Svabhu is created with a flourish from bal limelight with the Gaura to protect the Khejri trees, wor- even today. infl uential non-political eco- (friends) she rushed to the tree- Kohli and Viplov Singh, depicts the clouds, the tree and its Devi-led initiative to protect shipped on the last day of Dusse- The modern-day ‘Chipko Move- conservation movements in the felling site and despite threats four women – among them pur- branches. the trees in her village and soon hra festival. ment’ started in April 1973, in a world, among whose stalwarts at gun-point and abuses by the portedly Gaura Devi, Sudesha The ‘Chipko Movement’ was it spread in diff erent parts of the Taken aback by the ‘green’ modest way in the snowy foot- were Chandi Prasad Bhatt and loggers, they surrounded the Devi and Bachni Devi – protec- launched in a non-violent, Gan- country with villagers peacefully fervour of the villagers, Maharaja hills and the upper valley of the Sundarlal Bahuguna. trees and ‘stuck’ (chipko) to tively surrounding a huge tree in a dhian style, in the foothills of the ‘hugging’ trees to save them Abhai Singh of Marwar issued a Alakananda River in Mandal village The Goodle (Google + Doo- them all night. forest in the dead of the night. Himalayas in the then Garhwal from the axes. royal decree banning tree-felling in what is now Uttarakhand. Mamata in Shah meets 110-year-old Lingayat leader Delhi, set to meet Pawar and Sonia

IANS She is expected to meet New Delhi Gandhi tomorrow. Banerjee is seen as a key player in the possible group- est Bengal Chief ing of non-BJP political parties Minister Mamata ahead of the next Lok Sabha WBanerjee arrived in elections. New Delhi yesterday where she Telangana Rashtra Samithi is expected to meet several op- (TRS) chief and Telangana position leaders including Na- Chief Minister K Chan- tionalist Congress Party (NCP) drasekhar Rao, who is keen on chief Sharad Pawar to discuss a third front, had met Banerjee ways to take on the Bharatiya earlier this month. Janata Party government in- In Lucknow meanwhile, Ba- side and outside parliament. hujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Banerjee, who is also the Mayawati indicated that her Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah calls on the 110-year-old Lingayat leader Shivakumara Swami of the Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru Karnataka yesterday. Shah’s Trinamool Congress chief, is party might align with Sama- meeting with Lingayat leader comes a week after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah decided to recognise Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats as a religion. also expected to meet United jwadi Party (SP) in next year’s Progressive Alliance chief So- Lok Sabha elections after the nia Gandhi and Delhi Chief one-time bitter rivals helped Minister Arvind Kejriwal. defeat the BJP in the Gora- During her meeting with khpur and Phulpur parliamen- Pawar, Banerjee is expected to tary by-elections. discuss the current political According the offi cial situation. sources, the four-time Uttar Pawar had convened a Pradesh chief minister told meeting of opposition parties party legislators that such an in January this year. alliance was necessary to “rout Congress, BJP trade There have been suggestions the common and bigger adver- that the opposition parties sary, the BJP”. should put up common candi- She also warned party mem- dates against the BJP-led Na- bers not to get carried away tional Democratic Alliance in by the propaganda unleashed the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. by the BJP and the Rashtriya There also have been eff orts Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). to form a third front of parties “Whatever negative is being charges on data theft that want to be equidistant from said by the BJP is nothing but its both the BJP and Congress. fear of our coming together so Agencies referring to India’s version of the their personal data without their Both parties last week ex- “WithINC” from the Google The Trinamool leader is stand guard,” Mayawati said. New Delhi “Big Brother” TV show. consent. changed charges of links with store. expected to visit Parliament A close aide said that she has But the Congress president “The issue with this app is that Cambridge Analytica, the fi rm She also asked the Congress House today and meet “her also tried to ease fears that fol- did not comment on allegations they send the personal data of accused of misusing information chief if he would care to answer old colleagues, party MPs and lowing the defeat of her party ndia’s ruling and main op- that his own party had taken their user to a third party compa- on millions of Facebook follow- “why Congress sends data to leaders of other political par- candidate in the Rajya Sabha position parties yesterday down a membership website and ny without their consent,” Alder- ers. Singapore servers which can be ties”, a senior Trinamool leader biennial polls, the SP-BSP Iaccused each other of using mobile app because of security son said in Twitter messages. The BJP also called Gandhi accessed by any Tom, Dick and said. bonhomie will end. social media dirty tricks to mine fl aws and allegations that it too Congress and the BJP seized “technologically illiterate.” Analytica.” and share followers’ personal was sharing people’s personal upon Alderson’s allegations to BJP spokesman Sambit Patra Congress spokesman Ab- data. data. attack each other. accused him of spreading lies. hishek Manu Singhvi, who also Lalu likely to be shifted to AIIMS Prime Minister Narendra The row erupted this weekend In response to Gandhi’s at- “This is a classic case of tech- addressed a press conference, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party after a French security research- tack on the Modi app, the head of nological illiteracy of Rahul said that the allegations of Con- Former Bihar chief minister Rajendra Institute of Medical (BJP) and the Congress Party of er, who tweets as Elliot Alderson, BJP’s IT department turned fi re Gandhi. Technologically he is gress collecting data through its and Rashtriya Janata Dal Science (RIMS) director R K Rahul Gandhi have seized upon fl agged fl aws with Modi’s per- on the Congress Party’s former very backward. Analytics is not app were the “half truth”. (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, who Srivastav, adding: “He may the data breach storm surround- sonal NaMo app. mobile platform. equivalent to spying or snoop- “As is usual with the BJP, they is behind bars in the fodder be shifted to AIIMS for further ing Facebook and other media to Modi is the most popular poli- “Congress deleted its own ing. Those technologically igno- did not tell you that the ‘With- scam cases, may be shifted to treatment.” Yadav was shifted score political points against one tician on Indian social media. app from the App store after rant are trying to describe it as INC’ app had only 15,000 down- the All India Institue of Medical to RIMS on March 17 after he another. His app has been downloaded they were called out. What is snooping and spying,”he said. loads. It had become defunct be- Sciences in the national capital complained of chest pain and Gandhi accused Modi of us- more than 5mn times, and his the Congress Party hiding,” said Information and Broadcasting cause our people do not like the for treatment, a doctor said discomfort. He was convicted ing his offi cial app “to build a Twitter account has 41.4mn fol- Amit Malviya on Twitter. Minister Smriti Irani also took ‘missed call’ membership. Con- yesterday. “There is slight in the fourth fodder scam case personal database on millions of lowers. Congress denied the BJP a swipe at Gandhi, asking him gressmen believe in physical or swelling on Lalu Yadav’s face. by a court on March 19 and was Indians”. Alderson alleged that when- charge, saying that its member- if his team had misunderstood offl ine membership. In contrast He is suff ering from multiple subsequently sentenced to 14 “He’s the Big Boss who likes to ever a user created a profi le on ship site had been “defunct for a his demand to get “NaMo” app the Narendra Modi app has had health-related issues,” said years in jail and a fine of Rs6mn. spy on Indians,” Gandhi tweeted, Modi’s Android app, it shared while now.” deleted and instead removed 50 lakh downloads,” he said. Conservationists slam Fire guts slum Two journalists killed in 24 hours

Agencies Nischal’s brother registered a draft policy on forests formal complaint. New Delhi “He said it was a murder as he Reuters of the advocacy group Commu- The draft Forest Policy seeks (Nischal) had an argument with Mumbai nity Forest Rights. to amend a three-decade-old it-and-run attackers the former village head yester- “It raises serious concerns law “by incorporating elements have killed two journal- day,” Bhojpur police superin- about the impact of monocul- of ecosystem security, climate Hists in 24 hours in sepa- tendent Avkash Kumar said. ampaigners in India have ture plantations on bio-diversity change mitigation, participatory rate incidents that underlined Kumar said a murder case had criticised a proposed new and the local ecology, as well as forest management (and) robust India’s reputation as one of the been registered against Harsu Cpolicy for managing the displacements and violations of monitoring,” the environment most dangerous places for re- and they were also seeking his country’s forests, saying it could the rights of tribal and forest- ministry said. porters, police said yesterday. son. undermine the rights of indig- dwelling communities,” he told Public-private partnerships Police yesterday detained a Media reports said Harsu and enous people to use them. the Thomson Reuters Founda- will undertake planting commer- former village chief in Bihar state his son fl ed the accident scene The draft proposal, unveiled tion. cially important tree species in accused of running over and kill- and his sports utility vehicle was earlier this month, suggests al- India has pledged to keep a forest lands and in degraded for- ing Navin Nischal, a reporter for set on fi re by local people. lowing plantations of “commer- third of its total land area under est areas, it said, referring to lands Dainik Bhaskar, a major Hindi Sharma, 35, had been inves- cially important species” such as forest and tree cover, but a grow- with less than 40% tree cover. newspaper. tigating the illegal trade in sand teak, eucalyptus and bamboo in ing population and increasing The draft undermines a 1996 A television journalist, Sand- for a television channel. forest lands. demand for industrial projects law that gives indigenous people eep Sharma, was mowed down The journalist “had told That could open the door for are placing greater stress on the right to govern their lands, by a truck in the central state of the district administration he private firms to grow and har- these lands. as well as the FRA, which gives Madhya Pradesh in the second feared he could be killed by the vest commercial plantations, Under the 2006 Forest Rights tribal people the right to inhabit attack. ‘sand mafi a’”, his nephew Vikas which would hurt the ecology Act (FRA), at least 150mn people and live off forests where their Nischal and an associate Vi- Purhoit said in a complaint to and deprive tribal communities could have their rights recog- forefathers settled, Dash said. jay Singh were on a motorcycle the police, according to the Press of their livelihoods, analysts nised to about 40mn hectares of Dash and other campaigners when they were run over in Bho- Trust of India news agency. said. forest land. are demanding the speedy im- jpur, about 80km from the Bihar CCTV footage of the attack “This draft policy presents a But progress has been slow, plementation of FRA, and the state capital of Patna on Sunday. early yesterday, in Bhind district very regressive and narrow vi- and campaigners say many repeal of a law enacted in 2016 to A woman sits near her burnt belongings after a fire broke Police said they had detained 450km from the state capital sion of forest governance and states have rejected recognition increase forest cover by planting out in a slum area in Ahmedabad yesterday. Mohamed Harsu, a former vil- Bhopal, went viral on social me- management,” said Tushar Dash of community rights. trees. lage chief in the region, after dia. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 LATIN AMERICA Mexico steps up ‘fake news’ fi ght as election nears

AFP there are allegations of meddling their platforms, said INE board network over allegations that Besides their deals with the tored videos, fabricated news clared goal is to show the world Mexico City by Moscow, and attention is fi x- member Enrique Andrade. That Cambridge Analytica, a British INE, Facebook, Twitter and articles and straight up slander “the dark and unknown side” of ated on scandal-rocked data includes broadcasts of the three communications fi rm, had ille- Google are all partners on a has so far been the presiden- the former Mexico City mayor, miner Cambridge Analytica’s presidential debates and live gally harvested the data of tens project called #Verifi cado2018, tial front-runner, veteran leftist the founder of the left-wing ith allegations of Rus- local activities. election results. of millions of US users and used an alliance of 60 Mexican media Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador party Morena. sian interference and Trying to get ahead of the The social media giants “are it to target potential voters on outlets, universities and non- — known simply as AMLO or In a similar vein, the Facebook Wa fl ood of “fake news,” curve, the National Electoral very interested in this election behalf of Donald Trump. profi t groups launched to check “El Peje,” for a less-than-pretty page MorenaNarcos is dedicated the race for Mexico’s presiden- Institute (INE) recently signed after what happened in the US The INE was left scrambling to facts and fl ag false information fi sh native to his home state, Ta- to exposing the supposed link tial election is shaping up to look deals with Facebook and Twit- and all the things that were said explain. about the race. It already has basco. between Obrador and Mexico’s a lot like the last one in its giant ter, and is due to sign another about them,” said Andrade. “Any allegation that we are plenty of work. On the website PejeLeaks.org, powerful drug cartels. northern neighbour, the US. with Google, seeking to fi ght the But teaming up with them is a handing over information (on In a country where corruption articles accuse Lopez Obrador of “This is the work of profes- The campaign for the July 1 fake with the true. risky bet for the INE. Mexican voters), which the INE runs deep and the truth is often corruption, and sinister videos sionals. It’s well-funded, with polls offi cially opens Friday, but “We are going to ask all the No sooner had its deal with zealously protects, is false,” said murky, the “fake news” era is paint his inner circle as a mafi a no trace of who’s behind it,” said already the Internet is swarm- social networks to let us pub- Facebook been announced than the head of the electoral author- particularly loaded. of thugs. Morena’s social media co-ordi- ing with dubious “news” stories: lish offi cial information” on a new scandal engulfed the social ity, Lorenzo Cordova. The leading target for doc- The anonymous site’s de- nator, Jesus Ramirez. Oil fi rms ready River clean-up new bets in Mexico, Brazil ahead of polls

Reuters est rival, according to polls. Rio de Janeiro/Mexico City In Brazil, the most likely left- ist contender in the presidential race, Ciro Ferreira Gomes, has il and gas companies are warned off potential oil compa- gathering in Mexico and ny bidders, saying he would ex- OBrazil this week for what propriate energy assets bought may be two of their last chanc- by private investors if he wins es to compete for some of the the October election. world’s biggest reserves ahead Gomes, a former governor, is of elections that could dial back trailing rightist candidate Jair energy reforms in both coun- Bolsonaro in polls where former tries. president Luiz Inacio Lula da An auction of rights to ex- Silva, who has vowed to run but plore and produce oil from shal- is likely to be barred due to a cor- low waters off Mexico and an ruption investigation, is not of- onshore and off shore auction fered as a candidate. round in Brazil are taking place “The companies might now Workers of state-owned oil company Ecopetrol clean the Lizama river which has been aff ected by an oil leak in Barrancabermeja, Santander department, Colombia. months before presidential elec- want greater rates of return or The oil spill from an Ecopetrol inactive oil well has sparked an environmental crisis. tions in Latin America’s top two they could get to a point where economies. they will not want that level of Leftist contenders have risk,” said Alfredo Alvarez, head pledged to reverse or slow the of the North Latin America en- fl ow of private money into the oil ergy group for consultancy EY in industry in both countries. Mexico. The uncertainty of the elec- Most oil executives and ana- tions could spur some compa- lysts said they are not expecting nies to win bids to lock in access the reforms to be fully reversed to new exploration areas. in either country. But many see “There is indeed a feeling that a slower bidding calendar and Setback for Lula as Brazil these could be the last (auctions) changes in contract terms as real for a while,” an executive for one possibilities. company registered to bid in “The speed of the auctions both countries said on condition could be slower and even stop, of anonymity. but the reform is protected in Other fi rms could hold off the constitution, which requires competing until they see if elec- two-thirds of the Senate and the court junks latest appeal tions bring any changes to con- lower house to change,” Pemex tracts or terms. chief executive offi cer Carlos AFP ing, the offi cial Agencia Brasil The Supreme Court said it convictions from seeking public former president would come Mexico’s leftist fi rebrand can- Trevino said earlier this month Rio de Janeiro reported. will rule on this on April 4 and offi ce. on top in a fi rst round of the didate Andres Manuel Lopez in Houston. In theory, the ruling meant that until then Lula can remain However, even this is in election and win the runoff Obrador, who is leading in opin- Brazil’s top-quality geology Lula might have been ordered at liberty. question and could end up against any other currently ex- ion polls, has said he will review and history of honouring con- Brazilian court yes- immediately to begin his sen- The 72-year-old, who faces becoming another prolonged pected challenger. over 90 contracts signed since tracts have outweighed worries terday rejected former tence of 12 years and one month six other corruption cases, says court battle. However, he also has high Mexico passed legislation in about political instability. A president Luiz Inacio for accepting a luxury seaside the legal onslaught is part of a Brazilian media reports say rejection ratings and is blamed 2013 ending the 75-year monop- Bids in Thursday’s round and Lula da Silva’s latest appeal apartment as a bribe from a politicised campaign to prevent that Lula’s strategy will be to by the right and many in the oly of state energy fi rm Pemex. in a subsequent auction in June against a corruption convic- construction company seeking him from running in October’s keep campaigning for as long centre for Brazil’s slide into the This month Lopez Obrador for presalt blocks could be so big tion that could see him sent contracts with state-controlled presidential election. as possible — even from behind mammoth “Car Wash” corrup- plans to ask President Enrique they may damage the profi tabil- to prison for 12 years and pre- oil giant Petrobras. Lula has surprised many by bars — in order to maximise his tion scandal that has shaken Pena Nieto to cancel two auc- ity of any awards, consultancy vented from making a political However, Lula was handed holding a huge lead in opinion impact on the campaign. the country over the last four tions planned for the second half Wood Mackenzie said. comeback. a temporary get-out-of-jail polls, which shows he would If barred from being on the years. of the year if he wins the July In September, Exxon Mobil The three judges at the lower card last week by the Supreme win what is shaping up to be an ballot, he’d then endorse a re- On Sunday, Lula and his en- election. paid a record $678mn for a Bra- appeals court in Porto Alegre Court, while it considers his unusually turbulent contest. placement at the last possible tourage were pelted with eggs Support for Lopez Obrador is zilian block with partner Petro- unanimously turned down Lu- claim that he should be free un- The other threat to Lula’s minute, according to media re- and stones while on a campaign pegged at around 29.5% com- bras in a concession-based auc- la’s appeal on technical issues til he has exhausted options at comeback is a Brazilian law bar- ports. stop in the south of the country, pared with 21.2% for his near- tion. to his conviction and sentenc- higher appeals courts. ring candidates with criminal In polling, the two-term his staff said. Scant rains dampen Favela violence Maduro ‘gave tainted Argentina soy prospects fi rm huge projects’ AFP “We are not going to work Sao Paulo on speculation,” he said last Reuters low what was predicted by the the 2017-18 season in the 55mn August, after his predecessor Buenos Aires diff erent forecast models.” tonne range, but have been Luisa Ortega Diaz — who fl ed Argentina is the world’s big- slashed to around 40mn. enezuelan President the country following her dis- gest supplier of soymeal live- Meteorologists had projected Nicolas Maduro award- missal — said she was inves- ains expected to relieve stock feed, used to fatten cattle weekend rains of one to two Ved a Brazilian construc- tigating the president and his Argentina’s drought-hit from Europe to Asia. centimetres in key farm areas tion giant at the heart of a huge inner circle. Rsoy and corn crops failed The drought has put upward of Cordoba, Santa Fe and Entre corruption scandal across According to the docu- to materialise over the weekend, pressure on food prices, making Rios provinces. But the showers Latin America almost $4bn ments, Maduro started award- all but ending hope that yields it harder for poor countries to never came. for public works in exchange ing the huge payments less might recover from four months feed themselves. “No matter how much it for campaign donations, the than a month after he was of unrelenting sun with more “We had a few showers this rains now, it won’t help. Yields newspaper Estado reported. elected in April 2013. heat and dryness expected over weekend, but none of them were are fi xed,” Sofi a Corina, a crop The payments to Odebrecht The works included extend- the days ahead. important,” said Francisco Abel- analyst at the Rosario grains came to light as part of a Bra- ing Caracas’ metro system and US soybean futures touched a lo, a partner in the TraulenCO exchange, said yesterday. “The zilian investigation. a cable car project. one-week high yesterday after SA farm management company. fi rst soy to be harvested shows The documents in question Estado reported that Brazil’s the disappointing weather in- “Even if it rains going forward, a lot of variability from two to are in the possession of prose- public prosecutor’s offi ce got creased concern that dryness in yields are not going to change fi ve tonnes per hectare. Soy that cutors in Brazil and Venezuela, the information from testimo- the world’s No 3 exporter would much. Most of our soybeans are was planted later in the season the newspaper said. Accord- nies of former Odebrecht di- tighten global supplies. done.” is more aff ected by the drought, ing to the documents, Maduro rector in Venezuela, Euzenan- It was not the fi rst time As of yesterday, Argentina and a lot of those fi elds will not considered the payments — do Azevedo, and consultants forecasters got it wrong since looked increasingly hot and dry be harvested at all,” Corina said. not included in the Venezuelan Monica Moura and Joao San- drought descended on the nor- over the 10 days ahead, said Isaac The fi rst corn to be harvested budget — “very urgent.” tana, linked to the presidential mally fertile Pampas grains belt Hankes, a weather research ana- has shown better-than-expected “In exchange for $35mn campaigns of Luiz Inacio Lula in November. lyst at Thomson Reuters’ Lan- yields but later-planted corn was for the campaign in 2013, the da Silva and Dilma Rousseff in “The weather diff ered from worth commodities and weather harder hit by the dryness. Farmers president (Maduro) gave ‘pri- Brazil. the forecasts again,” said Este- forecaster. were expected not to even bother ority’ to extraordinary funds The Odebrecht scandal led ban Copati, the Buenos Aires “The heat won’t fully kick in trying to harvest later-planted Members of the Brazilian military police special unit Choque to cover the Odebrecht works,” to the resignation of Peru- Grains Exchange’s chief analyst. until April 6 to April 10, but it corn fi elds, Corina added. patrol during an operation in the Rocinha favela in Rio de the newspaper said. vian president Pedro Pablo “The storm front dodged most of could be intense and dryness is The scant rains that fell on Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Over the weekend nine people Venezuela’s top prosecutor Kuczynski this week, and also the agricultural region and even likely throughout the 10-day parts of the Pampas did little or were shot dead in clashes with military police, currently Tarek William Saab has previ- implicated his predecessors the areas that registered rainfall forecast,” Hankes added. nothing to relieve parched soy operating across Rio de Janeiro state. ously ruled out an investiga- Ollanta Humala and Alejandro accumulated amounts well be- Soy crop estimates started and corn fi elds. tion against Maduro. Toledo. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 23 PAKISTAN Islamabad wants cordial relations with neighbours

Internews taining peace in the region. minister said that all-out ef- He hoped that eff orts in this between the two countries would taking eff ort to purge the country On the China-Pakistan Eco- Islamabad In an interview published here forts are being made to develop regard would bear fruit and rela- be further strengthened with the of menace of terrorism to make it nomic Corridor (CPEC), the yesterday, the minister said that healthy and durable relations tionship between the two neigh- passage of time, and both the a safe place for its people, sacri- minister said that mega project Islamabad’s top priority is estab- with Afghanistan, Iran, India, bouring countries would become countries would become even fi cing a lot in the war against ter- would play an instrumental role oreign Minister Muham- lishing peace in the country as and Russia as well as other coun- normal. closer. rorism. in bringing revolutionary chang- mad Asif has emphasised well as in the region in larger in- tries of the region. Pakistan and Russia are enjoy- “We want to see Afghanistan Asif said that the world should es in the country. Fthat Pakistan is a peace- terest of people of the region but To another question, Asif said ing highly cordial relations and as a peaceful and stable country recognise the sacrifi ces made by He said that the economic sta- loving country and is keen on es- that this fl exibility and the eff orts that senior members of the Paki- Russia is extending co-operation because Pakistan would ben- Pakistan. bility and prosperity in the coun- tablishing a cordial relationship in this regard should not be un- stan and Indian governments are and support to Pakistan in dif- efi t the most from a peaceful Af- No country in the world has try would not only benefi t the with its neighbouring counties derestimated. in touch to handle concerns in re- ferent fi elds, the foreign minis- ghanistan, he added. done more than Pakistan to check people of Pakistan but the region on the basis of equality for main- Answering a question, the cent weeks. ter said, adding that relationship The minister said Pakistan is the menace of terrorism, he said. at large.

Seven fi rms sanctioned by the US Baluchistan’s lawmakers

Reuters Islamabad

he United States has im- seek to expand assembly posed sanctions on seven TPakistani companies over Internews implementation of its resolu- Provincial Minister for Com- seats and at least 20 more pro- more than 2mn – be divided into constituencies were spread over suspicion they have links to the Quetta tion. munication Asim Kurd present- vincial assembly seats. fi ve National Assembly constit- 800km to 1,000km, it would be nuclear trade, potentially hurt- The speaker said: “Balu- ed the resolution on behalf of 18 The MPs stated through the uencies. impossible for a candidate to ing Pakistan’s ambitions to join chistan election commissioner MPs and ministers. resolution that apart from not The minister said: “In the new visit his constituency within the the Nuclear Suppliers Group he Baluchistan Assembly should remove apprehensions of The resolution stated: “De- being able to solve problems of delimitations of some constitu- limited time period for his or her (NSG). has passed a resolution public representatives regarding spite the fact that the popula- the people of the province at encies, fi ve districts had been election campaign. Pakistani government spokes- Tdemanding an increase of new delimitations.” tion of Baluchistan increased to their doorstep, the new delimi- merged.” Ziaratwal added: “All political men could not be immediately 20 seats in its current 65-mem- It was also decided that the 12.3mn in last year’s census, the tation also raised apprehensions Opposition Leader Rahim parties have rejected these new reached for comment yesterday. ber legislature after it surfaced provincial election commis- Election Commission of Paki- that diff erent tribes would be Ziaratwal said: “Without con- delimitations of the national and Relations between the United that the new delimitation in the sioner would be summoned to stan increased only three seats pitted against each other in the sulting and having knowledge provincial assemblies’ constitu- States and Pakistan have been province was fl awed. brief the legislators on the de- in the National Assembly from upcoming general elections. of the landscape of Baluchistan, encies.” strained in recent years over In this regard, assembly limitation process carried out in Baluchistan, while not a single Speaking on the fl oor of the some people sitting in Islama- Provincial Home Minister Pakistan’s alleged support for Speaker Rahila Durrani consti- Baluchistan. seat in the provincial assembly house, Kurd suggested that all bad made the new delimitations Sarfraz Bugti apprised the house religious militants waging war tuted a committee of assembly The resolution was jointly was increased.” districts of Baluchistan should which are not acceptable for that he, along with some other in Afghanistan, something Paki- members for approaching all moved by provincial ministers The resolution demanded be declared National Assem- Baluchistan.” MPs and senators, had taken up stani offi cials deny. elected senators and members and opposition members in the increasing district-wise the bly constituencies, with Quetta He pointed out that as un- the issue with Prime Minister The US Bureau of Industry of National Assembly to ensure assembly. number of National Assembly district – having a population of der the new delimitation, some Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. and Security, Commerce im- posed the sanctions on the Paki- stani companies on March 22 by placing them on its “Entity List”. Voter lists set to The companies had been “de- go on display termined by the US government to be acting contrary to the na- Life and death: Pakistani describes The Election Commission of tional security or foreign policy Pakistan (ECP) has started setting interests of the United States”, up 14,487 display centres across the bureau said in a report on a the country to help citizens US government website. eligible to vote in elections to The Department of Com- being under siege in Syria’s Ghouta update their off icial records. merce’s Entity List does not These centres are being freeze assets but requires that established for registration, US and foreign companies doing By Khurram Shahzad, AFP correction or removal of names business with those on the list Gihal Zer, Pakistan from the voter lists. fi rst obtain a licence. A total of 7,928 centres will be set Companies placed on the En- up in Punjab, 2,585 in Sindh, 2,545 tity List will need special licenc- he image of a small, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and es to do business in the US. limbless girl lying in a 1,429 in Baluchistan. None of the seven sanctioned Thospital in Ghouta is The names of all those who Pakistani companies, which are burned into the memory of received their computerised not well known, could be im- Mohammad Fadhl Akram, one national identity cards (CNICs) mediately reached for comment, of the fi rst people to fl ee a rebel from 2013 to 2018 have been nor could a Singapore-based Syrian city under bombard- added to the national voter list. company which the bureau said ment from government forces. Mohammad Fadhl Akram holds a photograph of his The names of 800,000 voters was linked to one of the Paki- Years of siege left the en- late Syrian first wife Rabah Jarrad during the were removed from the voters stani companies. clave a desperate place, where interview with AFP in Gihal Zer village, near Sarai lists, while 8,100,000 new voters Pakistani offi cials have in the hungry people depended on Alamgir in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province. were registered. past been accused of handing the kindness of neighbours for The draft voter lists contain over nuclear secrets to North food; where disease lurked in Right: Akram and Bibi with relatives in Gihal Zer around 104mn names. Korea. the faltering water supply and village. The commission has updated The government has denied where death fell from the sky in its 8300 short message service the accusations. a hail of rockets. Prisoners of the enclave, they On February 18 this year, Syr- Ghouta to be evacuated. It felt like a heart attack, she (SMS) and asked the voters to Of the latest companies to be “We did not know who was found themselves witnessing ian President Bashar al-Assad’s Bibi described their fearful said. “I could not feel where I check the details of their vote sanctioned, Singapore-based killing us and who wasn’t,” says the progressive annihilation of forces turned their full fury on journey out, passing through was.” registration by sending SMS with Mushko Logistics and Pakistan- Akram, now in Pakistan. “The its population. this hold-out enclave on the four checkpoints as planes Weeks later and thousands their CNIC number to 8300. based Mushko Electronics “pro- one thing we knew was that Corpses became common- edge of Damascus. roared overhead, dropping of kilometres away in Pakistan, Chief Election Commissioner cured items for several Pakistani they were destroying our city.” place as rockets rained down; More than 1,600 civilians bombs on the home they had the couple have not adjusted. Muhammad Raza said that the entities on the Entity List”, the Initially, the violence that has images of human beings strewn have died since, and 107,000 left behind. Motorbikes sound like registration of the youth as voters US bureau said in its report. engulfed their adopted country among rubble are seared into people have fl ed, with many “I thought we would not get planes, slamming doors like is essential to their participation Another company, Solutions since 2011 did not worry Akram, his mind. using “corridors” opened up by out alive,” she said. “It is too bombs. in the democratic process. Engineering, “has been involved a Pakistani who arrived in Syria People with horrifi c injuries Syrian army troops advancing hard.” Bibi, still weak, closes her It was the best chance for them in the procurement of US-origin in 1974 and took two wives – a were everywhere. into rebel territory. She was so weak that by the eyes, her face tense as her hus- to register themselves as voters items on behalf of nuclear-relat- woman from Ghouta, Rabah The sight of a girl “without For Akram and Bibi, evacu- third checkpoint she could no band recounts their experi- before the general election, he ed entities in Pakistan that are Jarrad, and Saghran Bibi, a Pa- arms and legs” particularly ated in a “humanitarian pause” longer stand, and had to be giv- ences. added. already listed on the Entity List”. kistani cousin. haunts Akram. announced by Russia earlier en oxygen in an ambulance. “They are destroyed from Three of the companies – Then foreign militants came. “I pray to Allah that he this month, the increasing des- “It was so terrifying, we were within,” sighs their nephew Akhtar & Munir, Profi cient En- Two of his sons enlisted in an should not show these scenes peration of the fi ve-year siege – hungry and thirsty, we had no Mohammad Irfan, who has tak- PTI to form Senate gineers, and Pervaiz Commer- armed group, while a third was to any man,” he said. and the children and grandchil- strength. I could not walk ... we en them in. cial Trading Co (PCTC) – were caught up in street violence in Increasing deprivation erod- dren left behind – will forever had no hope in ourselves.” The decision to leave their opposition group on the list due to “involvement 2013. ed neighbourhood solidarity. haunt them. At the embassy, horrifi ed family was agonising, and made in the proliferation of unsafe- Akram remembers darkness They scavenged in garbage The terrifying fi nal month of offi cials tried to feed them, only after the children begged Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e- guarded nuclear activities that thickening as the family waited for fuel, washed clothes in ash, government bombardment at cooking Pakistani staples to them to go. Insaf (PTI) party has decided to are contrary to the national se- for their son to return home. and as water ran short did not fi rst brought Bibi a kind of ac- strengthen their malnourished “They said, ‘For God’s sake, form an independent opposition curity and/or foreign policy in- When he did, he lay lifeless in shower for months. ceptance of the inevitability of bodies. you leave. We will come later,’” group in the Senate. terests of the United States”. the back of an ambulance. “There was no salt, no sug- death, and she felt stronger. At fi rst unable to eat, their Bibi said. Diff erences between Bilawal Marine Systems was placed The boy’s mother “could not ar, no tea, nothing ... we ate But her husband began to de- strength slowly began to return. Three days before he spoke to Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party on the Entity list for helping stand it, she had a heart attack” leaves,” said Akram. teriorate. “He ... stopped eat- But the grief was setting in. AFP, Akram was able to call one (PPP) and PTI have widened other already-sanctioned bod- and died, he says, clutching Ra- A livid scar on Akram’s abdo- ing, and even drinking water.” “I was so sad,” Akram sobs. of his sons in Syria. after the latter failed to get ies obtain items without a li- bah’s blue passport. men, which he pulls his white By chance they met a jour- “I left behind 40 years of work, “His son told him: ‘We are its candidate elected as the cence, while Engineering and In 2015 Akram and his family shalwar kameez up to reveal, nalist, who told the Pakistan my house, my grandchildren in the worst of situations, and opposition leader in the Senate Commercial Services (ECS) was tried to fl ee. “The armed groups bears witness to an appendec- embassy in Damascus of their running between my legs.” soon we will not be able to talk instead of the PPP’s Sherry sanctioned for “involvement in shot at us fi rst, then the gov- tomy performed without an- plight. Bibi described a toddler at to you anymore’,” Irfan said. Rehman. supplying a Pakistani nuclear- ernment forces, we could not aesthestic in a clinic that lacked On March 1, Akram and the embassy kissing her as her Since then, there has been si- The PTI has become active in related entity on the Entity List”. get out.” both drugs and doctors. Bibi were the fi rst residents of granddaughter had once done. lence from Syria. creating an independent group in Senate and has increased eff orts to win the support of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) members. To contact Farooq Sattar’s Pakistan awaits subscribers for group tourism visa off er Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Sirajul Haq’s Jamaat- e-Islami (JI) and other parties, Internews The government, a few relevant quarters, the govern- policy had failed to attract any tour operator for the tourists the facility, he was astonished Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Islamabad months ago, had devised a pol- ment designed the policy in or- group of tourists from any of the under the scheme, believes the to learn that Turkey was not in- Minister Pervez Khattak is icy for issuance of group tourist der to promote tourism in the 24 countries. government initiative will bear cluded. expected to visit Karachi later this visas on arrival for 30 days to country which is a neglected The countries that are of- fruit only when these measures Polani said that the of- week. here has been no taker citizens of 24 Tourist Friendly sector, but the interior and tour- fered the visa-on-arrival facility are highlighted at the embassies fer should also be extended to The independent opposition from any of the 24 coun- Countries (TFC). ism ministries and other rel- are as follow: Austria, Belgium, and consulates of the concerned other countries for the sake of group will also deal with the Ttries recently off ered a The visa may be availed for evant quarters, including the Canada, China, Denmark, Fin- countries. promoting tourism and depict- policies of the PPP in Sindh with visa-on-arrival facility by Paki- “multiple entry”, with the visit country’s commercial attaches land, France, Germany, Greece, “I am a designated tour op- ing a positive image of Pakistan fierce opposition, party sources stan in a bid to revive its tourism sponsored by designated tour at foreign missions, have not Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lux- erator in this connection, but I worldwide. said. industry. operators. been able “sell” the off er prop- embourg, Malaysia, the Nether- don’t know the details of the 24 He also expressed concern PTI Senator Azam Swati said This cool response to Paki- However, according to offi cial erly. lands, Norway, Portugal, Singa- countries which have been given over the low number of accom- that the party will sit under the stan’s proposal has left a ques- documents of the interior min- All these quarters were sup- pore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the facility of visa on arrival for modation facilities available to name of independent group in tion mark on the performance istry, not a single visa is under posed to launch promotional the United Kingdom, and the group tourists,” Polani pointed tourists. Senate and play their full role in of the interior and tourism min- consideration as there have been campaigns for the tourists to get United States. out. He also stressed the need for opposition. istries, which have failed to pro- no applicants. full benefi t of the initiative, said Yahya Polani, the head of Po- When informed about the developing domestic tourism in He claimed that 25 senators mote the visa scheme. According to sources in the the sources, adding that the new lani (Pvt) Limited, a designated names of the countries off ered the country. support this move. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 PHILIPPINES

Balancing act Displaced aff ected by Drug lords lack of Marawi plan use rights

By Ted Khan Juanite Task Force Bangon Marawi groups as Marawi City/Manila Times (TFBM) Assistant Secretary Fe- lix Castro said out of the 26,000 families from Ground Zero, only ‘tools’ to ayor Majul Gandamra 11,000 have been identifi ed as has requested for an qualifi ed to receive transition Mextension of the April shelter assistance. Some 15,000 discredit 15 deadline to pull out all inter- families still need to be cleared. nally displaced persons (IDPs) Iligan City Mayor Celso Re- from the Iligan evacuation gencia earlier informed TFBM leader centres, citing the absence of a he wanted all Marawi evacuees comprehensive rehabilitation out of Iligan by March 31 cit- plan and unfi nished transition ing security concerns but was Reuters shelters. moved to April 15 considering Manila Gandamra said over the the construction time frame. weekend that the government He also warned the IDPs that is rushing construction of the they cannot purchase housing ome rights groups may shelters that are expected to units at Bayanihan sa Iligan Vil- have become “unwit- be complete by the fi rst week lage in Barangay Santa Elena for Sting tools” of drug lords of April. Among these are 100 Typhoon “Sendong” victims as in the Philippines to undermine shelter units President Rodrigo reported since this is illegal. the president, his spokesman Duterte inaugurated at Bahay Meanwhile Secretary Martin said yesterday, a statement that Pagasa 2 in Barangay Mipaga, Andanar, Presidential Com- Human Rights Watch said was Marawi and additional 100 munications Offi ce head, dur- “shameful” and risked provok- units from Vice President Leni ing his visit here on Thursday ing violence. Robredo’s Angat Buhay Village announced that as of March 20 Rights groups have denounced in Barangay Sagonsongan. there are 1,648 families in 52 President Rodrigo Duterte’s The problem is complicated evacuation centres in Region bloody war on drugs in which by the identifi cation of fami- 10 and Autonomous Region thousands of people have been lies qualifi ed to receive shelter in Muslim Mindanao while killed, either by police or by assistance, as well as the con- 41,175 families were identifi ed shadowy, unidentifi ed gunmen. A boy plays on a railing of a bridge in Manila, yesterday. struction of transition shelters as “home-based IDPs in these Duterte, who says he must be that may not meet the deadline. same areas.” tough to protect the people from the scourge of drugs, has criti- cised rights groups saying they were “trivialising” his campaign and unjustly blaming the au- thorities for bloodshed. Drug lords have suff ered huge fi nancial losses since the cam- paign was unleashed 20 months ago and drug syndicates were Defence chief says China trying to destabilise the govern- ment, the president’s spokes- man, Harry Roque, said in a statement. “We therefore do not discount the possibility that some hu- man rights groups have become sea dispute still a challenge unwitting tools of drug lords to hinder the strides made,” Roque Reuters surveillance planes but decided said, without naming any rights Manila last year to transfer without group. cost the aircraft after changes Roque said attacks on the were made in Tokyo’s self-de- president’s war on drugs had he territorial dispute with fence forces law allowing do- been “vicious and non-stop”, Beijing over the South nation of excess defence and echoing comments by Foreign TChina Sea remained a se- military equipment to partner Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano curity challenge despite an im- countries. last week after he defended the provement in bilateral ties, the Japan’s vice minister for de- policy at a UN human rights Philippine defence chief said fence, Tatsuo Fukuda, said Tokyo council meeting in Geneva. yesterday as he accepted three was willing to help its allies im- Roque did not off er any evi- maritime surveillance planes prove its capabilities help secure dence to support the suggestion from Japan. the safety of international sea that rights groups were being Delfi n Lorenzana, in a speech lanes and benefi t not only the used by drug lords. at a naval base south of the Philippines but the entire region. The anti-narcotics campaign capital Manila, said the three During the handover cer- has raised international alarm Japanese donated second-hand emony, Lorenzana and Fukuda and drawn criticism from some TC90 planes will defi nitely watched the planes land at a na- UN representatives, including boost the navy’s capability to val base guarding the mouth of High Commissioner for Human gather intelligence in the dis- Manila Bay, hundreds of miles Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, puted South China Sea. southeast of the disputed Scar- who suggested recently that Du- “We must admit that much borough Shoal now patrolled by terte needed to see a psychiatrist. still has to be done to boost our Chinese coast guard ships. Police say they have killed military capability equipment The navy said the surveillance more than 4,200 drug suspects in order to meet a number of planes have a range of 300km, who were violently resisting persistent maritime security twice the capability of its exist- arrest since the launch of the challenges,” Lorenzana said, ing aircraft and could patrol into crackdown, which Duterte has identifying territorial disputes China’s seven artifi cial islands in vowed to pursue until he steps with China, and other coun- Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (top left) and Japan’s Defence Minister Tatsuo Fukuda (top right) wave as they welcome the arrival the Spratly, which had been con- down in June 2022. tries, over resource-rich areas of one of three Beechcraft TC90 aircraft from the Japan Ministry of Defence (JMOD) at the Naval Air Group headquarters at Sangley verted into military bases. Several thousand more peo- in the South China Sea. Point in Cavite, south of Manila, yesterday. The navy said it has a budget ple have been killed by uniden- China claims almost the en- of nearly 6bn peso ($114.65mn) tifi ed gunmen. Police suspect tire South China Sea, where have confl icting claims in the President Rodrigo Duterte came Lorenzana said the Philip- crimes, including smuggling of to acquire two brand new long- many were victims of gang wars about $5tn worth of sea-borne strategic waterway. to power in July 2016 and im- pines was also concerned with illegal drugs and poaching into range maritime patrol aircraft to though activists believe vigilan- goods pass every year. Tensions between the Phil- proved relations with Beijing piracy and the movement of rich fi shing grounds in territo- enhance its intelligence, surveil- tes supporting the government Brunei, Malaysia, the Philip- ippines and China over the via Chinese trade and invest- armed insurgents in the Sulu rial waters. lance and reconnaissance (ISR) campaign were responsible for pines, Taiwan and Vietnam also disputed sea have eased since ments. Sea and other transnational Japan planned to lease fi ve capability. many of the killings. In the rush to develop, Asia’s cities advised to think green

Thomson Reuters Foundation and sustainable living by putting there is massive and widespread pressure off Manila so that Ma- Clark, Philippines nature at the heart of develop- corruption, and where elected nila can also invest in building a ment, urban experts say. representatives change in the more resilient future,” said Lau- Refl ecting a rising trend from short term?” asked Harini Na- ren Sorkin, director for Asia- e may never set foot Japan and India to the United gendra, an author and academic Pacifi c with 100 Resilient Cities in New Clark City, but States, New Clark seeks to chal- based in southern India. (100RC), a network backed by Htaxi driver Edgard Lab- lenge conventional urban plan- The answer: convince poli- The Rockefeller Foundation. itag hopes the Philippines’ fi rst ning by uniting government, ticians and bureaucrats that Manila is one of the world’s green, disaster-resilient, high- developers, business and the making a city stronger and safer densest cities, with 14,500 people tech metropolis will ease the public — and proving that green against modern-day threats will per square kilometre, almost triple pressure on Manila — meaning and resilient cities can be cost- not slow down development, London’s level, UN data shows. fewer hours stuck in traffi c and eff ective. and will save their governments Congestion could cost the more time with his children. “The objective is not simply money in the long run, said Oe- capital $155mn a day in lost pro- On a sweltering Sunday af- to build a disaster-resilient city, sha Thakoerdin of the Asian De- ductivity by 2030, a Japanese ternoon, the 42-year-old at the but rather a successful, innova- velopment Bank (ADB), which is government study found. wheel bemoaned another shift tive and economically competi- backing the New Clark project. Cities across the Philippines spent inching along the infa- tive city that is also disaster-re- File photo shows an artist’s impression of the New Clark City development in the Philippines. Economists at RAND are seek- generate more than 70% of gross mously congested streets of the silient,” said Benjamin Preston, a ing to demonstrate the social, domestic product (GDP), while capital city of 13mn people. researcher at RAND Corp, a glo- the private sector, and protect- third of the $14bn city’s land will agenda not only helps with water environmental and economic the percentage of urban dwell- “Crowding, pollution and bal think tank. ing open spaces and making the be developed, with two-thirds storage and drainage, but creates gains from building resilience ers is set to rise by 2050 to 65% traffi c — this is what people say New Clark is still in its in- city walkable, green and resil- reserved for green spaces and ag- community spaces and guides and are developing a business — representing about Manila,” he said, gesturing fancy, but offi cials say Duterte ient,” said Vince Dizon, presi- riculture, the government said. street design in a way that ben- case to prove that green urban 102mn people — up from 45% at the gridlock. is fast-tracking the project as dent of the BCDA, which over- Houston in Texas and nearby efi ts pedestrians and bikes... planning is not only an option today, the World Bank says. “But luckily the government the Philippines, one of Asia’s sees the project. Singapore have provided inspi- so social resilience also gets for wealthy economies. While New Clark has been has a plan... and (President Ro- fastest-growing economies in “Traditional development can- ration on how to plan the city in strengthened,” Bouw said. “Increasingly we are seeing hailed for its vision, experts drigo) Duterte is the right man to 2017, seeks to boost spending on not overwhelm or overpower the an integrated manner where wa- Yet the rapid pace of develop- middle-income countries realise warn the push for resilience in see it through.” infrastructure to create jobs and area,” he told the Thomson Reu- ter management and green spac- ment and large number of actors that planning and investing in Asia may be sacrifi ced in the That plan is New Clark, a attract more foreign fi rms. ters Foundation. “For New Clark es are linked closely to all urban working on diff erent structures green areas in cities is critical for rush to invest the $1.7tn per year 9,450-hectare city that govern- Yet even as the government City, here lies the challenge.” systems, according to Dutch ar- and systems means some aspects their development — and cost- through 2030 the ADB estimates ment offi cials say will be big- races to build New Clark and Situated about 100km north chitect Matthijs Bouw. could “fall through the cracks competitive,” Thakoerdin said. is required to keep up with the ger than New York’s Manhattan tackle Manila’s booming popu- of Manila in Tarlac province near By focusing on nature and resilience-wise”, he warned. Urban experts say New Clark region’s infrastructure demand. by the time it is completed in 25 lation, density and congestion, it Clark International Airport, one allowing plenty of open space Another challenge in design- City could not only set a shin- “We’re facing a huge infra- to 30 years — with an expected must plan the new city with care of the country’s busiest hubs, along rivers, for example, New ing and developing such a city ing example for Southeast Asia structure gap...and a rapidly population of more than 1.2mn. and avoid past mistakes, says the New Clark will be home to sever- Clark can benefi t beyond pro- is changing the mindsets of offi - in terms of balancing rapid eco- growing urban population,” Sor- The aim is to build a city state-run Bases Conversion and al government departments, an tecting itself from fl oods, said cials used to traditional planning nomic development with social kin said. equipped to deal with climate Development Authority (BCDA). agro-industrial park and a huge Bouw, who has worked on the approaches, who may be wary of and environmental policies, but “It’s going to be enormously shocks in one of the world’s most “We need to strike a balance sports complex. master plan for the city with the going green, urban experts say. may also mark a turning point diffi cult to make up defi cits, cyclone-aff ected regions, and to between fast-paced develop- Yet despite the range of government. “How do you do this in a re- closer to home. and plan for and meet emerging promote healthy, eco-friendly ment that maximises value for planned infrastructure, only a “Putting green areas on the gional context in Asia where “(It) has the potential to take needs at the same time.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Lanka plans to seek extradition of fugitives The intelligence unit of police in Sri Lanka has confirmed that Bangladesh honours martyrs fugitives wanted for serious crimes such as former diplomat Udayanga Weeratunga and underworld don Madush, who have been issued Interpol red notices and wanted by police for years in connection to serious on Independence Day crimes, are living in a Gulf country, according to a local Agencies media report. Dhaka In the past, a number of Interpol red notices, blue notices and international warrants have been angladesh has honoured issued for about 15 Sri Lankans the martyrs of 1971 and including underworld dons, Bthanked them for their narcotics traff ickers who have contribution to the develop- connections to international drug ment of Bangladesh as an inde- traff icking networks and other pendent and prosperous nation absconding criminals in foreign on the 47th anniversary of the countries. country’s independence. The information received by the Many came to the National intelligence unit has revealed that Memorial in Savar yesterday to most of them have fled to India, pay their respects. Singapore and Malaysia first and President Abdul Hamid and later reached Dubai. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina It is reported that they are already presented fl owers at the monu- involved in various crimes ment at dawn on behalf of the including drug traff icking, mafia nation. gangs, international espionage The gates to the National and arms sales and operating Memorial opened to the public. from the Gulf country. Various representatives from According to the information political, social, cultural and received, the absconding economic organisations and criminals earn millions from their families came to the site to pay Schoolgirls paying their respects to martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar, near Dhaka, yesterday. illegal activities and deposit the their respects and commemorate money in foreign banks. Independence Day. to the loss of several advan- War. We must root out the poi- Many organisations com- eral Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alam- fi ght until they win, he said. The financial institutions have Bangladesh has travelled a tages in aid and trade previously son of those who opposed our memorated Mass Killing Day on gir, came to the National Me- “We will continue to advance learned through the police that long and diffi cult path since its available to Bangladesh. independence.” March 25, he said. morial to pay his respects. towards the goal of freedom the fugitives have discussed bloody birth on March 26, 1971. “The fact that the UN has Though crowds had fi lled the “They do not accept the Fa- “The democracy the Libera- from want, from poverty, from withdrawing the money from the The country recently be- declared Bangladesh eligible to National Memorial premises as ther of the Nation, Mass Killing tion War was fought to protect hunger that the people of this banks if they were arrested by came eligible to graduate from advance from its categorisation soon as it opened in previous Day or the death toll of 3mn,” has been constrained,” he said, country desire,” said Bangla- the police and the banks have the UN’s list of least devel- is proof of how far Bangladesh years, the early push was less Inu said, adding, “We have two adding, “A three-time prime desh Workers Party president informed the relevant authorities oped countries (LDC) to the has come,” Road Transport dense this year. But attendance major challenges before us,” he minister is in jail. The people do and Social Welfare Minister of the Gulf country. list of developing countries and and Bridges Minister Obaidul grew as the day wore on. said. “The fi rst is to hold the not have the freedom to speak. Rashed Khan Menon. In the meantime, Sri Lanka police dreams of one day making the Quader said, adding, “But the Information Minister Has- election in time and the second They do not have the right to People of all ages and all are hoping to chart out a plan to list of developed countries. enemies of Bangladesh’s in- anul Haq Inu said, “But Bangla- is to prevent militants and their engage in politics. Democracy walks of life came to pay their apprehend the criminals wanted LDC graduation brings with dependence are still casting a desh is not out of danger yet,” he backers from coming to power.” does not exist.” respects to the martyrs wear- by Sri Lankan authorities and it the potential for further de- dark shadow, working against said. “Enemies are still involved A delegation of BNP leaders, The BNP is fi ghting to restore ing the red and green of the seek their extradition to the velopment, but will also lead the values of the Liberation by proxy.” including BNP secretary-gen- democracy and will continue to Bangladesh fl ag. country. Veteran Sherpa set to climb Everest for record 22nd time

IANS “I am making yet another at- the tradition in the community, near the Everest base camp had Kathmandu tempt to create history to make who was also a Sherpa. killed 16 Nepali guides and in the entire Sherpa community The mountaineer began his 2015, 19 mountaineers were and my country proud,” the professional career in 1992 killed in several avalanches trig- epal’s Kami Rita Sherpa 48-year-old veteran climber told and, two year later, had com- gered by an earthquake that is set to begin climb- Efe news yesterday. pleted his maiden ascent of rocked Nepal and killed 9,000 Ning Mount Everest for The Sherpas or mountain the Everest, a peak that he people across the country. the 22nd time, breaking a world guides, an ethnic group that lives climbed again twice per season Rita hopes to reach the top record he shares with fellow at the foot of the high Nepali in 2008, 2011 and 2013, until of the Everest for the 22nd time climbers Apa Sherpa and Phurba mountains, are usually the fi rst his last successful ascent on by May 29, although every- Tashi Sherpa. choice of foreign climbers when May 27, 2017. thing will depend upon weather Rita will lead a team of 29 they are attempting to climb the “I will continue to climb the conditions. climbers, including several Amer- Everest owing to their physical Everest even if I set the record Approximately 5,300 moun- icans and Japanese nationals and build, strength and familiarity this year,” said the climber and taineers have reached the sum- 17 porters, to the 8,848m high with the region. added that he hopes to “make mit of Everest since it was fi rst peak, starting for the base camp Rita’s motivation to become history” by completing 25 scaled by Sir Edmund Hillary on April 1 to acclimatise and begin an Everest guide was passed on ascents, despite the challenges. and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay climbing two weeks later. to him by his father, as is usually In April 2014, an avalanche in 1953. Kami Rita Sherpa looks at climbing gears in Kathmandu yesterday. Province-1 in Nepal to follow balanced Bangladeshi facing Nepal mulls deportation released new policy foreign policy: PM Oli from prison in US Agencies with his wife, who is also from on education Agencies cial elections in Nepal lacked Dhaka Bangladesh, and three chil- Kathmandu transparency. dren who are American citi- epal’s province-one Chief The 28-member political and zens. He came to the United Minister Sherdhan Rai economic bloc had also raised professor of Bangla- States on a student visa. Later, Nhas said that the govern- epal will follow a bal- questions on the fairness of deshi-origin who was he switched to an H-1B visa, ment will soon introduce a new anced foreign policy electoral process, an allegation Aarrested on January 24 and when he enrolled for a PhD education policy for the province. Nand relations with all rejected by Nepal. from his home in Lawrence, he switched back to a student “As the existing education the friendly countries will be Foreign Minister Pradeep Kansas, by the United States visa. When he was arrested policy has apparently failed to based on equality, Prime Minis- Kumar Gyawali said interna- immigration and customs en- in January 2018, he had work produce necessary manpower ter K P Sharma Oli said yester- tional relations will be expand- forcement agents has been authorisation and was teach- for the country, we are work- day amidst China’s bid to step ed in a balanced manner, noting freed from jail. Syed Ahmed ing chemistry as an adjunct ing to devise a new policy that up infl uence in the Himalayan that relations between Nepal Jamal, a chemistry teacher, professor at Park University in will ensure quality education nation. and China will scale new height was almost deported in Febru- Kansas City, the Washington and produce required manpower Oli, widely regarded as in the days to come. ary 2018 but the intervention Post reported. for the country,” said Sherdhan pro-China, was sworn in as Former foreign minister of lawmakers and the general In February, Republican Rai while inaugurating a school Nepal’s prime minister for Sujata Koirala said Nepal and outcry slowed the process. representative Lynn Jenkins building in Morang’s Katahari the second time last month, China have always enjoyed pro- A US district judge in Kansas introduced a legislation titled Rural Municipality yesterday. weeks after his Left alliance found relations and that China City on March 20 ordered the “For the relief of Syed Ahmed Further, the chief minister with the Communist Party of has never interfered in Nepal’s release of Jamal from jail. He is Jamal and Zaynaub Jahan clarifi ed the government’s stance Nepal-Maoist (CPN-Mao- internal aff airs. still awaiting a decision from Chowdhury,” a private mem- on private investment in educa- ist) swept the parliamentary China’s ambassador to Nepal the immigration board on his ber bill in Congress that has tion and said, “We aren’t against polls. Yu Hong said that the multi- case, according to reports. the potential to provide the private investment in education China and Nepal have been billion Belt and Road Initiative The 55-year-old father of couple with permanent resi- sector, the only thing is we want stepping up eff orts to im- is an opportunity to expand three was arrested on the front dentship in the country. private sector to be a bit service- prove road connectivity while China-Nepal relations and lawn of his home as he was “He has a valid work au- oriented rather than being totally speeding up plans to build mutual collaboration. about to take his daughter to thorisation till October 2018, driven by profi t motive. But, we a railway line connecting to The book consists of 25 arti- school. He was held in Missouri has been here with no criminal again need private investment Nepal’s border after a transit cles by Oli among others. jail until he was taken to a de- history whatsoever, and there’s and welcome such investment in trade treaty was signed in 2016 In 2016, Oli had accused In- tention centre in El Paso, Texas, no reason to hold him,” the law education and health, which are with Beijing. dia of supporting the Madhesi local media quoted a report in a fi rm, Sharma-Crawford, said our priorities.” Speaking at a function movement, a charge denied by Kansas community website. in February 2018. “We have Member of Parliament Shiva organised in Kathmandu K P Sharma Oli: “Relations with all the friendly nations will be based India. In February, he was taken off confi rmed that Syed Jamal is Kumar Mandal, on his part, also to release a book on Ne- on equality.” The Madhesis, largely of In- a plane to Bangladesh after a back in KC (Kansas City, Mis- stressed the need of a new edu- pal-China relations at the dian-origin, launched a violent federal judge issued a tempo- souri), and being detained at cation policy for the prosperity prime minister’s offi cial and unbalanced. It will be said, adding that eff orts would agitation in September 2015 rary stay on his deportation. the Platte County Jail.” and development of the country. residence in Baluwatar, Oli equal.” continue to minimise inequal- when the new Constitution was He was deboarded when the Representative Emanuel The Indian ambassador to Ne- said, “Relations with all Oli, on a diff erent note, said ity while discrimination would announced, saying the statute aircraft stopped in Hawaii for Cleaver, D-Missouri, had pal, Manjeev Singh Puri, who also the friendly nations will be any matter that disturbs the be ended. failed to address their concerns. refuelling. Later, he was taken also met Jamal when he was participated in the programme, based on equality. We em- newfound change and peace in Oli was hinting on a state- Nearly 60 people had lost back to Missouri and housed in detained in El Paso, Texas to said the Indian government was phasise on friendship, our Nepal is not acceptable. ment by the European Union their lives during the six- a detention facility in Platte Co. show support after he was ready to help in the development policy is of friendship, and “Eff orts to disturb social har- that the recently-concluded month-long agitation that Jamal has been living in fl ooded with calls by his of the province. (Agencies) hence it cannot be unequal mony shall not be tolerated,” he parliamentary and provin- strained the Indo-Nepal ties. the United States for 30 years supporters. Gulf Times 26 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Cheating in sport has been going on for ages

The Australian ball-tampering scandal continues to ripple far 27-03-2018 beyond cricket circles, with captain Steve Smith portrayed as arch-villain in the sorry saga. A tide of moral outrage has fl owed ever since Smith admitted conspiring to tamper with the ball during the third test against South Africa in Cape Town last week. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described it as a “shocking disappointment”, sponsors of Australia’s national sport are said to be reviewing their involvement and Smith has been banned for one test with his future as captain in serious China as seen from doubt. It was even the lead story on BBC’s News at Ten on Sunday. The good and the great of world cricket are queuing up to take pot shots at Smith and his senior players for what has been described as an act of cheating, though Australia still lost the match comfortably. a glass house The fallout has been extraordinary, considering those in numerous sports have found ways of pushing rules to and over the boundary without quite such widespread condemnation. By Stephen S Roach to the 19th Party Congress, President World Economic Forum in Davos in abroad to fi ll the gap. The result is a New Haven Xi Jinping made the same point from January, Liu He, China’s new vice- multilateral trade defi cit, with China Doping is regarded as one of the most unpalatable forms of an ideological perspective, reframing premier for economic policy, hinted and 101 other countries, required to cheating, but there are many other examples of sportsmen and the so-called Marxian principal that upcoming reforms would be provide the foreign capital needed for women trying to gain an edge, from a soccer players diving to he removal from the Chinese contradiction around the pitfalls carried out with surprising speed. In a the balance of payments. win penalties to tennis constitution of the provision of “unbalanced and inadequate” recent signed commentary published In other words, China is actually an Formula One also players taking well-timed limiting presidents to two development. in People’s Daily, he also noted that, important part of America’s “solution” ‘toilet breaks’. Tfi ve-year terms came as Signifi cantly, these two perspectives “Strengthening the party’s overall to its saving-short growth problem. has a long record Some are more a shock to many. For China, the – analytical and ideological – take leadership is the core issue.” Yet US leaders fi nd it expedient to make China a scapegoat. And the situation sophisticated, far more institutionalisation of leadership China to the same destination: a These views do not come out of of teams trying to succession was one of Deng Xiaoping’s prosperous economy and society with thin air. Liu, a master tactician, seems is going from bad to worse. The large sophisticated than most important legacies, signalling an a thriving middle class. To get there, to be underscoring the link between tax cut enacted at the end of 2017 will gain advantage Australia’s opening end to the wrenching instability of the China must go through a transformative leadership power and the pace of expand the US federal budget defi cit by batsman Cameron Bancroft chaotic leadership cult of Mao Zedong. rebalancing, from manufacturing to reforms. The perceived need for greater $1.5tn over the next decade, pushing through illegal rubbing dust into a piece For the West, the term limit was an services, from export dependence to leadership power – refl ected in the domestic saving even lower – an of sticky tape to create ideological bridge that led to a path of domestic consumption, from state- elimination of the presidential term outcome that will lead to even wider means a rudimentary piece of engagement. Could its abolition be the owned to private, and from rural to limit – has become a key element of the trade defi cits. As if that’s not bad enough, a sandpaper with which to work on the ball. tipping point for an already precarious urban. authorities’ implementation eff orts. Sino-American relationship? By now, all of this is well understood. Consistent with Xi’s early instincts, this protectionist Trump administration In European rugby in 2009, Harlequins winger Tom Williams Start with China and what the The current debate in China is less may well be the only way for China to has elevated anti-China tariff s to a bit into a fake blood capsule so he could go off with a ‘blood move means for its future. To fi gure about strategy design and more about avoid the “blind alley” of which Deng central role in its international policy injury’ and be replaced by specialist kicker Nick Evans in a out what will change under a diff erent implementation. This, in fact, was warned in 1992. agenda. Yet protectionism in the face of Heineken Cup quarter-fi nal against Leinster. framework for leadership succession, Xi’s highest priority on assuming Yes, viewed from the perspective widening trade defi cits spells nothing Harlequins’ director of rugby at the time, Dean Richards, was it is important to cut through the offi ce in late 2012, and it formed the of liberal democracies, China’s but trouble for frothy fi nancial markets banned from coaching in Europe for three years for his role in authorities’ opaque rhetoric – the rationale behind an unprecedented constitutional revision is a and a saving-short US economy. And it risks the most serious rupture in the the so-called bloodgate controversy. “moderately well-off society” anti-corruption campaign aimed at disappointing governance setback. transitioning into the “new era” – and dislodging deeply entrenched power From China’s perspective, however, Sino-American relationship since 1989. Cycling has been scarred by the use of illegal drugs but it is stress-test their basic development blocs that have stymied the transition. it may well be the only option to No one knows how long Xi will remain not always what riders put in their bodies. strategy. But now, fi ve years later, the Chinese address its daunting implementation in offi ce. If China stays the course, the Belgium’s Femke Van Den Driessche was banned for six years While anything is possible, and there leadership is poised to tackle the next imperatives head-on. And the recent succession question is inconsequential after a motor was found in her bike at an under-23s world is always a risk of mistakes, my bet is phase of the implementation challenge. experience of other countries, – at least for the time being. If China championship cyclo-cross race in 2016. that China stays its current course. There is a palpable sense of urgency to particularly the United States, certainly slips, the verdict will be very diff erent. Formula One motor racing also has a long record of teams Succession or not, there can be no this task. Behind the public façade of a cautions against the Western tendency While the US has a very diff erent political feedback loop, accountability trying to gain a less than sporting advantage, from illegal fuel, turning back from a transition that confi dent leader, Xi has owned up to the to confl ate succession and leadership has brought a large, poor developing possibility of failure. From an analytical quality. also matters. In the end, the quality of deliberate crashes and team orders. In 2007, McLaren was found country to the brink of prosperity as a perspective, this has been expressed America’s leadership defi cit is, in leadership is what matters most for both guilty of stealing confi dential data from rivals Ferrari and fi ned modern, high-income economy. in terms of a Japanese-like stagnation fact, pushing the US and China to the countries. Sadly, those living in glass 50 million pounds. Initially, China’s leadership – if China mismanages its economy. brink of a trade war. The plight of the houses always fi nd it easiest to throw In boxing, welterweight Antonio Margarito was banned for a responding to former Premier Wen From an ideological perspective, an US middle class has been framed as a stones. – Project Syndicate year after a 2009 fi ght against Shane Mosley in which plaster Jiabao’s surprising 2007 critique of endgame of chaos and revolution looms blame game, with China and its alleged of Paris, which could set like concrete, was found on his hand a Chinese economy that had become if the “principal contradiction” is not unfair trading practices singled out zStephen S Roach, a faculty member at Yale University and former Chairman wraps inside his boxing gloves. increasingly “unstable, unbalanced, resolved. as the culprit. Yet the evidence points uncoordinated, and unsustainable” Given these mounting concerns, elsewhere: to a dramatic shortfall of of Morgan Stanley Asia, is the author Baseball, the game most closely associated with cricket in the – made its case from an analytical implementation risks are now being domestic saving that leaves America of Unbalanced: The Codependency of United States, is no stranger to ball-tampering either. perspective. Last October, in a speech presented in a diff erent light. At the dependent on surplus saving from America and China. One of the favourite tricks of pitchers is to apply pine tar to the ball or change its surface with hidden sandpaper. Batters have been known to ‘cork’ their bats for greater power. Golf, a sport with rules so draconian that players are often penalised for minuscule indiscretions, is not immune either, according to Vijay Singh’s former caddie Kip Henley. “Cheating happens almost every single round,” Henley said last year in an interview with website Golf.com. “If people think there’s no cheating out there, they’re crazy. Some of it’s intentional, some of it’s just ignorance.” in the Aussies’ case, however, it was not ignorance, but arrogance. It beggars belief that they thought they could get away with such blatant disregard for the rules of fair play. Pity the International Cricket Council couldn’t come up with much stringent punishment for the off enders.

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© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved No one knows how long President Xi Jinping will remain in off ice. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 27, 2018 27 COMMENT Engineering a more responsible digital future

By Dirk Helbing remain a viable political model, the Zurich information systems that democratic governments use must be designed to support human rights, dignity, self- he world is being battered determination, pluralism, division of by technological disruption, responsibility, transparency, fairness, as innovations such as big and justice. Tdata analytics, artifi cial To achieve this democratic digital intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet future, the world needs to change how of Things, blockchain, 3D printing, and it thinks about technology. We need to virtual reality change how societies build open, participatory information and economies work. Individually, ecosystems that empower anyone each of these technologies has the in the global economy to contribute potential to transform established ideas, talent, and resources. In a products, services, and associated networked world, where everything support networks. Taken together, we do aff ects others, we must learn to they will upend old business models think beyond ourselves, and pursue co- and institutions, heralding a new era of operation, co-creation, co-evolution, economic, social, and political history. and collective intelligence. How will we respond? If we progress accordingly, the Major economic transformations Fourth Industrial Revolution can be typically produce far-reaching change. more inclusive than the fi rst; that During the fi rst Industrial Revolution, is the future that my colleagues in the 18th and 19th centuries, new and I are working toward. For manufacturing processes eventually example, at Delft University of led to huge improvements in human Technology in the Netherlands, we well-being. As productivity increased, are engineering socially responsible salaries and living standards rose. But, communication networks and urban early in the process, mechanisation governance systems, while the brought negative consequences, like FuturICT initiative, an international unemployment, child labour, and network of researchers, is applying environmental degradation. a multidisciplinary approach to The social and political impact of the technology development. The goal of digital revolution could be even more both research eff orts is to facilitate a dramatic. Wars and revolutions may more equitable digital future. erupt, and values like human rights and Today, many AI systems discriminate against people, and can even be manipulated. We have the ability to engineer civil liberties could be undermined. As technology that serves us, rather my colleagues and I noted in a recent awareness of technology’s risks. In science to judge which are meaningful for experimentation, creativity, Simply put, our digital utopia will than enslaves us. But building article in Scientifi c American, the more other words, the transition we are and which are misleading. The innovation, learning, and interaction. not arrive unaided. We need a more that future demands a new digital computers know about us, “the less facing is bigger than any one country expectation that AI would overcome Finally, while the “platform economy,” ethical approach to engineering zeitgeist, whereby social, cultural, likely our choices are to be free and not or organisation can manage alone. We human weaknesses such as bias has and its reliance on the Internet, technology, one that integrates environmental, and ethical values predetermined by others” – as long as all have something at stake: our future. also fallen short. Today, many AI computation, and data, has given rise to constitutional, cultural, and moral become part of the design process. informational self-determination is There are obvious dangers in letting systems discriminate against people, some of the most valuable companies norms and values into artifi cial and Innovations and revolutions are impossible. technological progress alone drive and can even be manipulated. in the world, it has also turned many autonomous systems. An “ethically often upsetting and tumultuous, but Fortunately, the loss of individual this change. In 2008, Wired editor Other predictions of the new “digital citizens into passive consumers. The aligned,” “value-sensitive” design in the digital age, they can also be autonomy is not inevitable. It is Chris Anderson suggested that big society” were equally off -base. So- irony of hyper-connectivity is that approach is needed in every aspect responsible. – Project Syndicate possible to engineer a more responsible data would eventually reveal all truth, called smart cities – in which urban people are less discerning not only about of technological development – digital future. But we must start doing without requiring science or theory. life is automated – have so far failed the products they buy, but also with the from smart devices to the software zDirk Helbing is a professor of so immediately. Success requires Clearly, that hasn’t happened. With to live up to expectations. That’s information they consume. It is, after all, that supports our governments and computational social science at ETH public discourse, digital enlightenment more data at their disposal, scientists because cities are not simply giant this “attention economy” that spawned markets. Zurich, and the scientifi c co-ordinator and emancipation, and broader fi nd more patterns to study; it takes supply chains; they are also spaces “fake news.” For example, if democracy is to for FuturICT.

The importance of optimism Three-day forecast TODAY resilient too, letting them deal with Maximum Temperature : 330c By S Zuhair Naqvi Minimum Temperature : 220c Doha adversity more eff ectively. They build better relationships and are more WEDNESDAY creative. From a practical standpoint, Maximum Temperature : 360c he more I explore they are more loyal to their employers Minimum Temperature : 220c organisational effi ciency, the – which is signifi cant when you’re THURSDAY more I fi nd myself gravitating investing in people. Maximum Temperature : 340c Tto several key infl uencers. There is no doubting that Minimum Temperature : 230c there are benefits to developing One recurring theme that I’ve been Fisherman's forecast stumbling across lately, whether organisational optimism but that because of it’s intrinsic importance or journey has to incorporate leaders. WARNING it’s rising popularity, is optimism. We tend to treat optimism as Inshore : Nil At times, exploring these concepts is situational when it’s something Offshore : Nil a bit like disappearing down the rabbit we can cultivate and develop in hole, if I can borrow from Alice in ourselves. I’m a fan of breaking WEATHER Inshore : Relatively hot daytime Wonderland. The more you discover, anything down into three core with some clouds and the less conventional management components so, with that in mind, slight dust at places at methodology seems fi t for purpose. here’s how to develop yours… times WIND After all, optimism is hardly a measure Cultivate your sense of Inshore : Northwesterly-North- for most organisations – let alone a appreciation. For some, this comes easterly 05-15 KT critical one. But, if you accept that naturally but most leaders tend to be Offshrore : Southwesterly-North- people are the driver of success, it focused on outcomes and don’t always westerly 03-12/18 KT stands to reason that motivating them take the time to appreciate their Visibility : 4-9 KM to excel is of strategic importance. team. Gratitude is one of the highest SEA STATE Optimism is one of the most predictors of optimism and you can Offshore : 1-3 FT rise to 5 FT to the important contributors in that start with something as simple as north at time. process and it’s important enough writing down three things you’re to my organisation that I’ve invested grateful for each day. Finally, work on reframing any through anger, impatience or in training my team to develop Build on your awareness of frustration you might feel. Focus frustration! Around the region theirs. Why have I decided to focus complaints. In particular, the ones that on what you want to achieve and Weather on a fringe skill? The facts speak for you make. Many of us have a tendency identify how to get there instead zS Zuhair Naqvi is the Managing Weather tomorrow Max/min themselves… to focus on the negative. Try not of fixating on the things that are Director of DicoTech Qatar WLL, and today Max/min P Cloudy 37/26 Optimistic employees are up to complaining for 24 hours – it’s harder keeping you from doing so. Most an EMBA alumnus of HEC Paris, Class Baghdad Sunny 33/19 M Sunny 34/23 30% more productive. They’re more than it sounds! of the time, the best route isn’t of 2016. Kuwait City Sunny 34/21 Manama Sunny 33/22 Sunny 34/22 Muscat Sunny 32/24 Sunny 33/24 Tehran Sunny 27/15 M Sunny 28/18 Live issues Keep stomach calm with ginger, fennel seeds

IANS reducing the uncomfortable feeling of New Delhi being bloated. zOat bran: It’s a signifi cant source of both soluble and insoluble fi bre. ating out and binging on fast Bran, the nutrient-rich husk is food is a common problem, removed from polished and refi ned Around the world which may upset bowel grains such as white fl our, depleting Weather Weather Emovements. much of the fi bre, minerals, and today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Keep your digestive system calm vitamins that are essential for healthy Athens M Sunny 19/11 S Showers 18/09 by consuming a bit of fennel seeds, digestive function. Beirut Sunny 23/19 M Cloudy 24/19 ginger, yogurt and papaya, say experts. Oat bran contains soluble fi bre that Bangkok I T Storms 33/27 P Cloudy 33/27 Nutritionist and dietitian Nmami absorbs water to become a gel-like Berlin Cloudy 07/01 Rain&Snow 06/03 Agarwal; and Mehar Rajput, substance in the digestive tract. Cairo Sunny 32/22 M Cloudy 34/16 nutritionist and dietician at Fitpass, zPapaya: It is one of the fruits Cape Town M Sunny 23/13 P Cloudy 20/14 have listed a few digestive saviours: Make it a habit of having one spoon These are also commonly known popular for curing upset stomach and Colombo S T Storms 31/26 P Cloudy 31/26 zGinger: It’s a wonderful overall of fennel seeds after every meal. as friendly, healthy and good diarrhoea. Dhaka M Sunny 33/23 P Cloudy 35/24 healthy herb that aids digestion, It will surely give you remarkable bacteria. Eating papaya encourages digestion, Hong Kong P Cloudy 24/21 Sunny 24/21 reduce infl ammation and heartburn. health benefi ts. People can get a healthy dose eases indigestion, and helps with Istanbul M Sunny 16/08 Cloudy 13/07 This not only relaxes but also zCumin seeds: These help in of probiotic in foods like yogurt, constipation. Jakarta T Storm 31/24 T Storm 32/24 soothes the intestinal track. secretion of various digestive enzymes kefi r and kombucha, which provide The magic is in the enzymes papain, Karachi Sunny 36/22 Sunny 39/22 Have a sip of ginger water with few in the pancreas that aid in digestion numerous health benefi ts including a natural digestive enzyme that breaks London Showers 13/05 Rain 08/02 drops of lemon after every meal and and absorption of nutrients. strengthening the immune system, up foods irritating the stomach and Manila P Cloudy 33/24 P Cloudy 32/24 feel the benefi t of the wonder herb. Enjoy the fl avour and its benefi ts by preventing urinary tract infection, chymopapain, which help break down Moscow S Showers 0/-11 P Cloudy -1/-12 zFennel seeds: Phytonutrients in adding roasted cumin or its grounded allergies and cold proteins and soothe the stomach New Delhi Sunny 38/21 Sunny 39/21 fennel give it an antioxidative property form in curd, buttermilk, shikanji zYogurt: Though most dairy by promoting a healthy acidic New York M Cloudy 09/04 Showers 09/06 and eff ectively helps in reducing gas (lemondae), salad and soups. products are diffi cult to digest, a environment. Paris Rain 13/08 Rain 12/02 and bloating. zProbiotic: Probiotics are the live serving of plain yogurt can have quite zBananas: These are easily Sao Paulo S T Storms 28/19 S T Storms 28/18 Chewing the seeds or making tea micro-organisms that may be able to the opposite eff ect. digestible fruits that provide instant Seoul M Sunny 18/07 M Sunny 19/08 with it will stimulate the secretion prevent and treat some illnesses. Yogurt contains probiotics that energy. Singapore T Storm 31/25 T Storm 31/25 of digestive enzymes, that further Promoting a healthy digestive tract help in increasing the number of Like papaya, they also contain Sydney M Sunny 23/17 P Cloudy 26/18 reduces heartburn, infl ammation of and healthy immune system are its good bacteria in the gut for a healthy pectin, which help to naturally initiate Tokyo Cloudy 21/09 Clear 23/10 the stomach and intestine. most important and primary function. stomach, aiding in digestion and bowel movements. Gulf Times 28 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 QATAR

Swedish envoy: ‘Qatar achieved Bangladesh Independence lot of development goals’

QNA goals, pointing to the existence tries are highly progressive, Doha of many co-operative and de- dynamic, ideal partners and and National Day observed velopment areas in which the therefore deserve the best. two countries work together. Polano stressed that Qatar, weden’s ambassador to The ambassador explained despite the siege, has been he Bangladesh embassy minister of state for foreign Qatar, Ewa Polano, said that the achievements and re- able to meet its external de- in Doha yesterday ob- aff airs were read out. Sthat Qatar had made forms achieved by Qatar over velopment and humanitarian Tserved the 47th anni- In his speech, ambassador great strides in implementing the last year and so far, have commitments, pointing out in versary of the country’s In- Ahmed recalled Sheikh Mu- the objectives of sustainable been very impressive, point- this regard to Qatar’s support dependence and National Day jibur Rahman’s unique role in development. ing to what has been achieved for the United Nations Relief with due solemnity. the process of Bangladesh’s In a statement to Qatar in many areas such as food se- and Works Agency for Pales- The programme started liberation. Addressing the ex- News Agency (QNA), Polano curity and logistics, the new tine Refugees (UNRWA). The with participation in the si- patriate community, he said said on the sidelines of her port, new road systems and ambassador said: “We know multaneous worldwide ren- Bangladesh is now graduat- participation in a conference human rights. that they are focusing on sus- dering of Bangladesh’s na- ing from LDC (least developed on sustainable development She touched on the mu- tainable economy and shift tional anthem at 5am on the country) status to a develop- at Qatar University yesterday tual visits and co-operation away from oil and gas only embassy premises. This was ing nation. that Qatar had been able to agreements signed and an- to a diversifi ed economy and followed by the hoisting of He reminded them that make a lot of developmental ticipated between Qatar and knowledge-based economy. the national fl ag by the chair- traditionally Bangladesh has and legislative achievements. Sweden in various fi elds. Gulf crisis has lead to Qatar man of the Parliamentary sent unskilled workers and She lauded the strong ties Polano affi rmed that the two taking a huge leap forward.” Standing Committee on Min- the need for these workers in of friendship between Qatar countries can do a lot together Polano also praised Qatar’s istry of Foreign Aff airs and Qatar is likely to reduce after and Sweden as well as the two and share knowledge, especially diplomatic skills and approach former Foreign Minister of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. countries’ ambitious agenda as Sweden occupies the highest to the crisis as well as its suc- Bangladesh, Dr Dipu Moni, “We all have to look for sectors for implementing the glo- rank in all areas of development. cess in creating strong part- and Bangladesh ambassador where skilled workers can fi nd bal sustainable development She added that both coun- nerships around the world. Ashud Ahmed in the presence jobs. Meanwhile, we are also of embassy offi cials and a large taking initiatives to explore number of Bangladeshi expa- other sectors such as trade, triates. investment and business. The After the fl ag hoisting, a embassy is also working to en- special prayer was off ered for hance Bangladesh-Qatar bi- Qatar makes great strides the eternal peace of the de- lateral relations through high- parted souls of the Father of level visits from both sides,” he the Nation, Bangabandhu noted. From Page 1 building their community,” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Meanwhile, Bangladesh al-Nabit said. martyrs of the Liberation War MHM School & College, Doha, He stressed that human The 5th National Human as well as for the continued under the supervision of the capital “is the most impor- Development Report will pro- peace and prosperity of the mission, organised a pro- tant element” in achieving the vide an overview of the eff orts country. gramme on the school premis- goals of sustainable develop- of various responsible institu- A discussion meeting on es yesterday morning to cel- ment. tions in the state in promoting the signifi cance of the Day ebrate the Independence and “This is why Qatar National investment in human capital was organised at the em- National Day. The ambassador Vision 2030 gives priority to in the Qatari society, support- bassy after the fl ag hoisting hoisted the national fl ag and building an education sys- ing the national development and munajat. At the begin- inaugurated the event. tem that keeps pace with the planning, and providing in- ning, all attendees observed He encouraged the students international educational Assistant Undersecretary for puts and motivation. The re- a minute’s silence as a mark to devote themselves to pur- standards, and meets the Planning Aff airs of the ministry ports provide a tool to formu- of respect to the memories of suing their studies to become needs of the citizens and the Hamad Rashid al-Athba. late policies that are consistent the martyrs of the Liberation worthy citizens by taking Qatari community in this as- with the objectives of Qatar War. Messages from Bangla- forward the country and ma- Dr Dipu Moni and Ashud Ahmed jointly hoisting the national flag of pect through a national net- provides children and youth National Vision 2030 and with desh’s president, prime min- terialise the dream of Banga- Bangladesh on the occasion of the Independence and National Day work of government and non- with the necessary skills and national development strate- ister, foreign minister and bandhu. yesterday. governmental education that motivation to contribute to gies, the MDPS said.

‘Lion’s Lair’ exercise And Greeno flew away

Al Khor Park has witnessed the release of a parrot called ‘Greeno’ which spent a year under treatment after being found injured. Greeno was kept in a cage at the Friends of the Environment Centre’s corner at Ezdan Mall for treatment. The release of the bird took place on Saturday in the presence of Dr Saif Ali al-Hjari, head of ‘A flower each spring programme; The Qatar Armed Forces held the 2018 ‘Lion’s Lair’ exercise from March 14 to 22 under the patronage of HE the Deputy Prime Shaheen Ghanim al- Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Muhannadi, administrative Major General (pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem. Forces from Turkey participated in the exercise along with personnel director of Al Khor Park, and from all commands and branches of the Qatar Armed Forces, backed by supporting forces from the Ministry of Interior, Internal a number of students who Security Force (Lekhwiya), the Emiri Guard and State Security Department, according to a statement by the Directorate of Defence were taught how to handle Communication at the Ministry of Defence. Staff Brigadier General Jassim Ahmed al-Muhannadi, director of the exercise, said the birds. initiative is part of the annual training plan implemented by the Qatar Armed Forces and considered among the most imported exercises as part of the plan. It is aimed at enhancing the combat and co-ordination capabilities of all the forces concerned.

ICDO Executive Council kicks off in Doha The showstoppers

he 51st Executive Council Executive Council at the 51st Session of the Interna- session, especially, the renewal Ttional Civil Defence Or- of the organisation’s 10-year ganisation (ICDO) kicked off at operational programme and the Sheraton Doha yesterday. strengthening of bilateral and The three-day meeting, held multilateral relations and the under the patronage of HE the forum’s activities during the Prime Minister and Interior period. Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Qatar’s General Directorate of Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani is Civil Defence Director General being attended by 19 out of the Staff Brigadier Abdullah Mo- 22 member countries of the Ex- hamed al-Suwaidi said Qatar ecutive Council. Executive Council of ICDO in progress in Doha yesterday. was among the foremost coun- At the opening session, tries to host such conferences ICDO deputy secretary-general developments and the organi- meet the challenges that we are that aimed at international co- Belkacem Elketroussi, congrat- sation should have a forward- experiencing. Throughout the operation and humanitarian ulated His Highness the Emir looking vision for the next two world, we have seen various ar- fi elds. He said the meeting in co- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- decades”. eas of co-operation in the fi eld operation with Member States, Thani, and the Ministry of Inte- The ICDO offi cial said the de- of civil defence. The increasing hopes to strengthen the organi- rior represented by the General velopment of events and occur- disasters that we see and the sation further and put it in par Directorate of Civil Defence for rence of disasters such as major enormous problems that threat- with the technological develop- facilitating the meeting in Doha. forest fi res last year in an accel- en humanity in the international ments across the world. Elketroussi said the existing erated manner were beyond the community highlight the impor- The senior offi cial added such laws of the organisation were control of some of the aff ected tance of our work.” meetings are a good opportunity framed in 1976, and the current states. The loss in 2016 from He presented the report on the to exchange experiences and the world situation is very diff er- such disasters was estimated at activities of the Organisation at meeting of the Executive Coun- Mall of Qatar’s first-ever Spring/Summer Fashion Festival continued for the fifth day yesterday. ent. “Now, the world is in an $437bn. its 50th session. Kuvshinov re- cil will contribute to the devel- Designer apparel showcased by the models on the Oasis Stage captivated the audience. Fashion era of globalisation and tech- Earlier, ICDO secretary-gen- called the General Secretariat, at opment of the organisation’s shows are being held daily until March 31. A scene from yesterday’s fashion show. nology, which means internal eral Vladimir Kuvshinov said its previous session had focused works and materialise the hopes PICTURE: Nasar T K law should be in line with these “We are ready to advance and on the resolution adopted by the of member states.