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Qatargas Qatar Olympic wins Sword Committee holds and Globe of 34th General Honour award Assembly

Thursday 6 December 2018 | 28 Rabia I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7732 | 2 Riyals

Amir arrives in Malaysia to strengthen ties H H the Amir’s visit to focus more on economic cooperation.

Total trade increased by over two-fold in 10 years from $320m in 2007 to $670m in 2017.

QNA/THE PENINSULA Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, said that the visit KUALA LUMPUR/ DOHA of H H the Amir will further enhance bilateral ties between the two countries which is cur- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani rently at its highest level. He said overall the arrived yesterday evening in Kuala Lumpur visit shall focus more on economic cooper- on a working visit to Malaysia. H H the Amir ation between Malaysia and Qatar. was welcomed upon arrival at the Kuala “Total trade between Malaysia and Qatar Lumpur International Airport by the Minister has increased by two-fold in 10 years, from of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Saifuddin $320m in 2007 to $670m in 2017. I believe Abdullah, Qatar’s Ambassador to Malaysia that with the current warm and close bilateral Fahad Mohammed Kafood and members of relations at the political level will provide an the Qatari Embassy. excellent and strong foundation for a more The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia active and meaningful economic cooper- described H H the Amir’s working visit to ation,” he said. The ambassador expressed Malaysia and his talks with the Prime Min- appreciation on the opportunities and confi- ister of the Kingdom of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir dence given by the Qatar to Malaysian com- Mohamad, as an excellent opportunity for panies participating in various Qatari devel- both leaders to discuss bilateral matters, as opment projects. well as exchange views on a range of inter- “I must admit that the Doha-based national issues of common concern and Malaysian companies such as Gamuda, WCT mutual interests. Engineering, Muhibbah Engineering, Ever- In a press release issued yesterday, the sendai, Malaysia Airport Consultancy Services Malaysian Foreign Ministry said that H H the and Holiday Villa Hotel look forward to par- Amir is scheduled to have a meeting with ticipate in more development projects in Prime Minister of Malaysia, followed by a Qatar,” he said. session of official talks in the presence of the “Under the new administration, Malaysia accompanying delegation of would like to continue encouraging Qatari H H the Amir and a number of senior businesses to invest in Malaysia, particularly Malaysian officials. in new growth areas in both the manufac- This visit will mark the first official turing and services sectors,” he added. meeting between H H the Amir and Prime He said that the current state of bilateral Minister of Malaysia since Dr Mahathir took relations between Malaysia and Qatar is at its office in May. In a statement issued yesterday, highest level as manifested by the exchange Ambassador of Malaysia to Qatar, Dato of high level visits. `P2 Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being welcomed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Kahramaa to launch reservoir Nod for draft decision for panel to Turkey may seek international project in Umm Salal next week regulate non-Qatari ownership probe into murder

QNA 2,300 million gallons. This QNA determine the committee’s work of non-Qatari ownership and of Khashoggi DOHA capacity will increase with the DOHA system and remuneration. The use of real estate and proposing completion of all phases. There Ministry of Justice prepared the the benefits, incentives and ANATOLIA Qatar General Electricity and are a total of 15 tanks with a Prime Minister and Interior draft decision as part of com- facilities granted to property ANKARA Water Corporation (Kahramaa) capacity of 100 million gallons Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah pleting the necessary decisions owners and non-Qatari users. announced yesterday that it will per tank. bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani to activate the provisions of Law It is also proposing fees and Turkey will not hesitate to seek launch the Water Security Mega The Water Security Mega chaired the Cabinet's regular 16 of 2018 regulating non-Qatari services in the areas deter- an international route if the Reservoirs Project at the Reservoirs Project is one of the meeting held yesterday at its ownership and use of real estate. mined by the Cabinet and any probe of the October killing of pumping stations in Umm Salal largest of its kind in the world. seat at the Amiri Diwan. The draft included the for- other functions ordered by a journalist Jamal Khashoggi hits area on December 11. The mega reservoirs are Following the meeting, Min- mation of the committee headed decision of the Council of a dead end, Turkey’s Foreign The project worth QR14.5bn being built along with inte- ister of Justice and Acting Min- by a representative of the Min- Ministers. Minister said yesterday. is being implemented in five grated pumping stations ister of State for Cabinet Affairs istry of Justice with the mem- Under the provisions of the Speaking to reporters after regions of the country: Umm including more than 650 km of H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al bership of representatives of the said Law No. 16 of 2018, non- a Nato foreign ministers Salal, Al Thumama, Rawdat interconnecting water Nuaimi stated that the Cabinet authorities concerned. Qataris may own and use real meeting in Brussels, Mevlut Rashed and Umm Biraka. The pipelines. considered the topics on the In accordance with the pro- estate in the areas in accordance Cavusoglu said Turkey’s probe implementation process started Deputy Amir H H Sheikh agenda. visions of the said law, the com- with the conditions, controls, into the killing of the Saudi in May 2015. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani The weekly meeting mittee shall have several func- benefits and procedures, which journalist at the Saudi Con- The total capacity of the launched the first phase of approved the Cabinet’s draft tions including, proposing areas shall be determined by a sulate in Istanbul is ongoing. project is currently 960 million water pumping of the strategic decision to form a committee to where non-Qataris are allowed decision of the Council of Min- Meanwhile, UN human gallons of water, and will reach mega reservoirs project in Al regulate non-Qatari ownership to own and use real estate; pro- isters upon the proposal of the rights chief yesterday said that at the end of its first phase to Thumama last July. `P2 and use of real estate and posing the terms and conditions Committee. `P2 the killing in Istanbul of Khashoggi should face an international probe, just not one by the UN. “We urged an international QU improves Times Higher Education ranking probe on the Khashoggi case. But we don’t have jurisdiction for a criminal investigation,” THE PENINSULA The Computer Science quality education and to steering Education has added many new experts, top leaders from uni- Michelle Bachelet, UN high DOHA ranking judges world-class uni- the organisation in the direction additions to its rankings database. versity and industry sectors, pol- commissioner for human versities across all of their core of world-class standard in As more and more universities icymakers and many more rights, told reporters at the UN Qatar University (QU) continues missions, teaching, research, research, teaching, international apply to be judged against THE’s players from the world’s offices in Geneva. “I do believe to be recognised in Times Higher knowledge transfers and inter- outlook, and in our strong links rigorous, global performance emerging economies will gather (an international investigation) Education (THE) rankings, placing national outlook, while the Engi- with industry. This achievement indicators, the competition gets to share expertise with the aim of is really needed in terms of 201–250 in the Computer Science neering & Technology subject will resonate not only throughout more intense, and universities advancing knowledge economies ensuring what really happened subject for the second year and ranking highlights universities the QU community but also to have to run just to stand still in for high-value return to and who are responsible for 176–200 in the Engineering & that are leading across electrical, parents, prospective students and the zero-sum rankings. So to societies. that awful killing,” she added. Technology subject for the year mechanical, civil, chemical and faculty, industry partners, and our move up in these circumstances Phil Baty says of the summit, Rebuffing charges of UN 2019. QU has improved in its general engineering subjects. academic collaborations at home is a great achievement and tes- “We are very excited to be hosting inaction, Bachalet said they computer science ranking from Commenting on the and abroad.” tament to the hard work of many a major international summit have been waiting for 2018, where the university previ- announcement, QU President Dr THE World University people at Qatar University.” with QU in January, where global “detailed information” as the ously placed 251-300. The Hassan Al Derham said, “This is Rankings Editor Phil Baty said, QU is hosting THE Emerging university leaders can share best UN can’t act in line with announcement was made by THE a proud achievement for QU. We “Qatar University’s performance Economies Summit 2019 from practice and see at first hand the unconfirmed reports, reiter- World University Rankings on are pleased to see the fruits of our is particularly impressive this January 14 to 16 in collaboration resilience shown by QU and the ating that it lacks the juris- November 29. commitment and dedication to year, because Times Higher with THE in which world-class great social impact it is having.” diction to act itself. `P9 02 HOME THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018

Amir greets King Qatar-Malaysia trade Al Marri to launch report of Thailand Amir H H Sheikh Tamim doubles in 10 years bin Hamad Al Thani sent documenting UAE violations FROM PAGE 1 yesterday a cable of the kind invitation and the excellent congratulations to King “It is envisaged that these visits arrangements and hospitality QNA regionally and internationally and to push for Maha Vajiralongkorn of will enhance Malaysia-Qatar rela- accorded to the Malaysian official GENEVA urgent and effective solutions to stop the suf- Thailand on the occasion of tions especially in trade and delegation during the recent visit of fering of thousands of families affected by the his country’s National Day. investment, education, women and Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail, The Chairman of the National Human Rights siege. Dr. Al Marri praised the prominent and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh community development, anti-cor- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Committee (NHRC) Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri effective role played by UNHCR in addressing Abdullah bin Hamad Al ruption, and also to forge closer per- of Women, Family and Community has announced that a comprehensive report the serious violations caused by the blockade Thani also sent message sonal relations with Qatari leaders,” Development of Malaysia. will be launched next month, documenting of Qatar through its numerous reports and cor- to the King. Prime Minister he stressed. violations by the UAE of the decisions of the respondence to the countries of the blockade, and Interior Minister H E The envoy added: “I am of the International Court of Justice and the contin- demanding their cessation of human rights vio- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser view that His Highness second visit uation of the UAE in obstructing citizens and lations, and issuing the first official UN report bin Khalifa Al Thani sent to Malaysia will enhance on the residents in Qatar, and to prevent those affected that explicitly condemns such violations and message to Prime Minister opportunity to discuss ways and by recourse to the courts to regain their rights, calls for their cessation. of the Kingdom of Thailand, means and to further strengthen despite the Abu Dhabi authorities’ formal He also called on the UN High Commis- Prayut Chan-o-cha. QNA bilateral cooperation between the commitment to implementing the decisions of sioner for Human Rights to take measures to two countries, as well as exchange the International Court of Justice in this regard. ensure that the blockading countries comply Personal views on various issues that are of During his meeting yesterday with Michel with the findings of the technical mission of the Representative mutual concern and common Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner High Commissioner following her visit to Doha interests with the Qatari leaders.” for Human Rights, Al Marri called on the United in November 2017. This culminated in the of H H The Amir “The anti-corruption initiatives Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issuance of the first official UN report con- conveys condolences by H H the Amir is relatively similar (UNHCHR) to immediately and effectively move demning the violations of the blockading coun- on death of George to the initiative that Malaysia has to take steps to stop the UAE violations and tries and urges them to stop “discriminatory H W Bush embarked on under the new Gov- ensure full commitment by the Abu Dhabi and arbitrary” measures. ernment. Combating the scourge of authorities to respect the conventions and rec- He noted that despite the warnings issued H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad corruption is one of the promises in Dato Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, ommendations of international bodies to take by the UN High Commissioner for Human Al Thani, the Personal the new Government’s policy. In this Ambassador of Malaysia to Qatar. deterrent measures to ensure an end to UAE Rights on the dangers of such violations, 11 Representative of regard, Malaysia welcomes any pos- violations and ensure full commitment by Abu special rapporteurs of the Human Rights H H the Amir, conveyed the sible areas of cooperation on anti- He said Qatar and Malaysia are Dhabi authorities to respect the conventions Council and the Group on Arbitrary Detention condolences of Amir corruption between Malaysia and set to establish a Joint High-Level and recommendations of international bodies sent letters to the blockading countries urging H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Qatar,” he said. Committee and to reactivate the Joint and to implement the precautionary decision them to stop their violations and discriminatory Al Thani to the family of He stressed Malaysia welcomes Technical Committee which will of the International Court of Justice on the ces- measures against citizens and residents of former US President George collaboration with Qatar in the areas serve as a platform to monitor sation of discriminatory measures against cit- Qatar, Of the complaints that will be resolved H W Bush, the 41st President of fighting corruption, managing progress in enhancing and follow- izens and residents of Qatar. soon by a number of organizations and bodies of the United States, during immigrant workers and capacity up on bilateral and economic ties. He affirmed the readiness of the Permanent of the United Nations, but the blockading coun- His Highness’ attending the building in enhancing integrity in civil The two committees are expected to Committee to cooperate with the UN High Com- tries continue to ignore the resolutions of the funeral ceremony held in service and business sectors. He establish their meetings in the first missioner for Human Rights in all matters that United Nations, the international community, Washington DC yesterday thanked the Qatari Government for quarter of next year. would protect human rights and defend them and human rights organisations. morning. QNA

Deputy PM sends Kahramaa to launch Draft decision for panel to regulate non-Qatari ownership message to Greek FROM PAGE 1 Parliament President reservoir project in Technology Exhibition and Con- (2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020- The Cabinet also amended some ference (QITCOM), scheduled to be 2021). It also approved that nec- The Greek Parliament Umm Salal next week provisions of the Cabinet’s decision held in Doha on October 29-30, essary measures be taken to endorse President, Nikos Voutsis, has No. 30 of 2017 setting up the Com- 2019. agreement between the Government FROM PAGE 1 received a message from mittee for Policies of Financing the The Council of Ministers also of Qatar and the Government of Par- Deputy Prime Minister and State’s projects, to include H E the approved the second executive aguay on the cancellation of visa Minister of Foreign Affairs It is worth mentioning that this project comes Minister of Commerce and Industry program in education, higher edu- requirements for holders of diplo- H E Sheikh Mohammed within the State’s plans and efforts to increase the stra- in the membership of the cation and scientific research of the matic, official and private passports, bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, tegic water storage and meet water needs at all areas. committee. educational and scientific cooper- and a memorandum of under- pertaining to bilateral It is considered the backbone of the water security in The weekly meeting also ation agreement between the Gov- standing for cooperation in tourism relations and means of the State in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and approved the financial budget ernment of the State of Qatar and and business events between the boosting them. QNA Kahramaa’s mission of providing high quality and sus- needed for the activities of the Qatar the Government of the Republic of Government of Qatar and the Gov- tainable electricity and water for better living in Qatar. Information and Communication the Sudan for the academic years ernment of Paraguay. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 03 PM inaugurates Lusail Marina Promenade

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other dignitaries during the ceremony to inaugurate Lusail Marina Promenade at Lusail City, in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: H E the Prime Minister tours the promenade to get acquainted with the latest services and facilities, which have been developed according to world-class standards.

QNA Marina Promenade, during a opening signal to inaugurate facilities, which have been the new tourist attractions facilities that make it DOHA ceremony held on the the promenade and launch the developed according to that characterise the State of attractive destination for walkway in Lusail City, this accompanying aquatic shows. world-class standards. Qatar and contribute to the hosting many local and inter- Prime Minister and Interior evening. His Excellency, then H E the Prime Minister and efforts to make the nation a national events. The opening Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Following the opening toured the promenade, to get Interior Minister stressed that global tourist destination. The ceremony was attended by a bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al speech, H E the Prime Minister acquainted with the latest the inauguration of the Lusail promenade is characterised number of Their Excellencies, Thani inaugurated the Lusail and Interior Minister gave the promenade services and promenade is an addition to by the presence of many Sheikhs and Ministers. Annual investments Qatar confirms its commitment to education QNA With regards to Qatar’s 2017-18 it ranked fifth globally and to continue their edu- in region’s electricity DOHA global commitments, His and first in the Arab region for cation from primary to the Excellency said Qatar formed the quality of education university level in host Qatar has confirmed its national committee for edu- system. countries. commitment towards its cation 2030 to monitor the With regards to Qatar’s “Despite the develop- sector seen at $70bn pledge to the world in the field implementation of the keenness to achieve further mental results that Qatar has of education, where its consti- national education for all plan partnerships globally in sup- achieved in implementing the QNA resources and investment in tution endorsed that education in partnership with relevant porting education, Al fourth goal of the sustainable AMMAN smart networks. is the main pillar in the society ministries and entities under Hammadi said H H Amir development goals, it con- For her part, Jordan’s Min- and a basic right. the fourth goal of the sus- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al tinues to exert its efforts to The electricity capacity in the ister of Energy and Mineral Qatar has given great tainable development plan on Thani announced recently improve the results of Qatari Arab world exceeded 265 giga- Resources, Hala Zwati, said importance through increasing education. Qatar’s pledge to provide students in international watts (MW), said Eng. Essa Hilal that her country is in a high its allocated budget to edu- He said that the committee quality education to a million examinations, raise their aca- Al Kuwari, President of the position in the field of cation over 13 percent of the also prepared different pro- girls in areas of conflict by demic achievement, improve Arab Union of Electricity and renewable energy, especially gross domestic product (GDP), grams to raise awareness on 2021, part of supporting the early childhood education and President of General Electricity in light of the scarcity of its in addition to its continuous this goal, its purpose and indi- Charlevoix Declaration on develop human capital, to and Water Corporation resources, which were always development of the educa- cators for all sectors of the Quality Education for Girls, meet labor market require- (Kahramaa). limited, which imposed great tional and research centers State. “One of these programs Adolescent Girls and Women ments and national devel- Speaking at the opening of challenges. In 2014, its import and sources of soft power. was the Right to Education in Developing Countries. opment priorities,” the Min- the sixth conference of the Arab of energy was about 18 percent Qatar also increased its held last October,” said the His Excellency said the ister said. Union of Electricity, which of GDP. interest in educating students Minister highlighting that Educate a Child initiative to His Excellency stressed started yesterday, in the Jor- These challenges have with special needs through Qatar’s immediate response which Qatar was a main party, that everyone should make danian capital, Amman, Eng. spurred Jordan to resort to qualifying many schools to be to the campaign which was represented by H H Sheikha further efforts to achieve the Al Kuwari noted that the rate alternative energy. Today, only integration centers for them launched by the United Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson fourth goal of sustainable of growth in the maximum load five years after the start of and implementing a compre- Nations Educational, Scientific of Education Above All (EAA), development as an effective of energy ranges between 6 renewable energy projects, hensive system for evaluating and Cultural Organization has recently succeeded in sup- mean of achieving social and and 8 percent, saying that it is 2018 Jordan will reach about students with special needs (Unesco). porting 10 million of the most economic development. a high ratio compared to global 10 percent of the total gener- and launching a compre- “The curricula and educa- marginalised out of school Qatar’s participation in rates, which requires high ating capacity of the electrical hensive database of their edu- tional programs include children to receive quality, Global Education Meeting was investments to establish and system from renewable energy cational path. understandings and topics that primary education through 82 part of the global Education operate new production units and is projected to rise to about Addressing the Global serve issues related to climate partnerships in 50 countries 2030 Agenda supervised by to meet this growing demand, 20 percent by 2020, she added. Education Meeting, held change, peace, justice and co- with $1.8bn. Unesco to discuss global estimating the value of annual The conferences of the recently in Brussels, Minister existence, with keenness to His Excellency said that progress towards achieving investments in the electricity Arab Union of Electricity are of Education and Higher Edu- promote innovation at the Qatar contributed to third of the fourth objective of sus- sector in the Arab world about held once every three years, cation H E Dr. Mohammed bin national and global levels, the amount and continues its tainable development. $70bn. and the Qatari capital, Doha Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi through many programs efforts to increase the number The inaugural session of He said that some Arab hosted its fourth conference in said that Qatar started to shift including ‘Stars of Science’,” of children benefiting from the the meeting was launched by countries have been able to 2013 after Oman hosted the to a knowledge-based said the Minister. program. Al Hammadi said H the Global Education Moni- make achievements in the field first conference in 2003. economy as an enabling His Excellency said these H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser toring Report, which focuses of renewable energy and The Arab Union of Elec- element of social and eco- efforts have had an impact on has had great input to issuing mainly on the impact of recorded 10% of generated tricity was established in 1987, nomic progress, part of Qatar Qatar achieving good results international resolution migration and displacement electricity , calling on the Arab and includes in its membership, National Vision 2030 which in the educational field, allowing refugee and dis- on education and the impor- countries to pay attention to the 19 Arab countries, based in the sets goals in sustainable according to the Global Com- placed children to obtain tance of education in building development of human Jordanian capital, Amman. development in all sectors. petitiveness Index where in accredited academic degrees bridges of knowledge. CCQ event highlights ‘Doha Historical Dictionary’ Al Muraikhi stresses

THE PENINSULA Arabic calligraphy and sup- origin, meaning and evolution Qatar’s constructive role DOHA porting creativity and intellec- of Arabic’s rich vocabulary over tuals in Qatar. twenty centuries. The Community College of Qatar Moreover, the ceremony With the first phase set to in Afghan reconciliation (CCQ) celebrated the World featured a play written by cele- be launched later this month, Arabic Language Day with a host brated Arabic Writer Tawfik Al the project — which has gener- QNA Atlantic Treaty Organisation of activities organised by its Hakeem under the title “The ously received the direct BRUSSELS (Nato) in Brussels. faculty and students, commem- Devil in Danger”, which was per- support and sponsorship of the In his speech at the orating the day when the United formed in collaboration with the Amiri Diwan and the Amir H H The Minister of State for meeting, H E the Minister Nations approved Arabic as one Theatre Arts programme at CCQ. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin stressed Qatar’s stance in of its six official languages in Commenting on the Thani – is considered an Saad Al Muraikhi has affirmed support of maintaining security 1973. occasion, Dr. Mohamed Al extraordinary accomplishment, the State of Qatar’s and achieving peace and sta- The event was attended by Naemi, said: “We convene today after several attempts by dif- constructive role in achieving bility in Afghanistan, praising Li Chen (pictured), Ambassador to celebrate the World Arabic ferent Arab nations to launch a the national reconciliation and the role of NATO and its efforts of China to Qatar; Dr. Mohamed highlighting the aesthetic aspects Language Day, and it is out of historical dictionary of the peace in the Islamic Republic in building peace and stabi- Al Naemi, CCQ President, and of the Arabic Language, as well both pride and duty that we Arabic language have failed. of Afghanistan through its role lizing Afghanistan. the College Dean, Dr. Abdallah as its ability to incorporate new carry the banner of our beau- Dr. Mohammed Al Obaidi, as mediator in the Afghan crisis H E the Minister of State for Hazaimeh, alongside a number terminology related to arts and tiful language, for its greatness Deputy Executive Director of between the conflicting parties, Foreign Affairs reiterated the of guests and Arabic language sciences. is not limited to a single chapter Doha Historical Dictionary in coordination and consul- commitment of the State of experts. As this year’s main speaker, in the history of languages, but Foundation and one of the tation with its strategic allies. Qatar to efforts to maintain The activities ranged from Li Chen talked about his expe- extends in esteem as it is the lan- project founders, pointed out This came as H E the Min- world peace and security. interactive competitions and cal- rience in learning Arabic, his guage of Islam, our civilisation, that such attempts date back to ister heading the delegation of He added that stability and ligraphy exhibits to poetry rec- efforts of teaching Arabic in and heritage.” the early 20th century, noting the State of Qatar participating peace in Afghanistan cast a itations by students and China and finally the collabo- One of the event’s highlights that the first phase of the project in the meeting of foreign min- shadow over regional and speeches by experts that collec- rative relations between Qatar was a speaking session on the will available in electronic form, isters of the countries taking global peace, stressing the tively defined this year’s theme and his home nation. The event’s making of the “Doha Historical while the print version is set to part in “The Resolute Support importance of uniting regional “Our Language ... Creativity and acclaimed guest speakers also Dictionary”, a momentous lit- be published with the launch of Mission (RSM)”, held today at and international efforts to Delight”, which aim at elaborated on key topics such as erary project that chronicles the the second phase. the headquarters of the North achieve this. 04 HOME THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 Deputy Speaker meets Italian officials

Kazakhstan Embassy celebrates National Day Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, with Askar The Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council H E Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Sulaiti met with the visiting Shokybaev, Kazakhstan Ambassador to Qatar; Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Chief of Protocol Chairman of the Eastwest European Institute, Giuseppe Scognamiglio, and the delegation of Italian Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr Ibrahim Al Nuaimi students accompanying him. During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker briefed the delegation on the and other officials on the National Day celebrations of Kazakhstan in Doha yesterday.PIC: ABDUL positions of Qatar and its internal and external policies as well as on the legislative and supervisory BASIT / THE PENINSULA role of the Shura Council.

Lecture on Qatar’s Founder QU’s College of Pharmacy at QNL tomorrow honours outstanding students

THE PENINSULA the vision of Qatar’s founder, and discuss how the founder’s THE PENINSULA qualified for today’s distinction. DOHA Sheikh Jassim Al Thani, and his legacy is paving the way for the DOHA They have also earned several legacy in driving Qatar’s nation’s remarkable transition prizes, both locally and interna- Sheikh Mohamed Al Thani, economic, social and cultural into a knowledge-based The College of Pharmacy (CPH) tionally. Their distinction was author of the book Jassim the development. economy. at Qatar University (QU) not earned overnight, but was Leader: Founder of Qatar, will Entitled, ‘The Vision of the “It is important for the honoured the academic excel- the result of their hard work, dil- deliver a lecture at Qatar Leader: Founder of Qatar,’ the people of Qatar to reflect on the lence of 92 of its students at a igence and determination. We National Library tomorrow lecture will outline the quali- vision of their forefathers, and ceremony held recently to mark are proud of our students and (December 7). He will highlight tative shift of the State of Qatar, how those efforts are now their inclusion on the Dean’s graduates and highly believe fueling the country’s eco- Honor List. The ceremony that they will always be honored nomic prosperity,” said acknowledged the efforts of pre- ambassadors for the college, Amani Saleh Alyafei, pharmacy and pharmacy CPH Dean Dr. Mohammad Diab Qatar University and the state Head of Science at Qatar students who made it onto the praises students’ efforts. of Qatar, and an integral part of National Library. “We are Dean’s list by achieving GPA the success and distinction of proud to host Sheikh scores of 3.5 or above in the Fall Sawsan Al Mukdad. The cer- our college.” Mohamed to help us 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters. emony ended with the distri- Dr. Amani Al-Haddad, CPH understand our founder’s The ceremony was attended by bution of pins and certificates PharmD graduate and Clinical vision and legacy, on the CPH administration, faculty, to the awarded students. Pharmacist at the Pharmacy occasion of the National students and their families. Some In his remarks, Dr. Clinical Services Unit in Sidra Day.” 92 distinguished students Mohammad Diab said: “Events Medicine attended the event “It has been always a received their pins and certifi- like the Dean’s List are an saying, “Excellence is the dream pleasure for me to read cates from CPH Dean, Dr. excellent opportunity for the CPH of all students, but only those and write about Sheikh Mohammad Diab. Another 19 to recognize the efforts of its who have done their best in ful- Jassim’s vision and legacy. students were recognized for undergraduate students with out- filling the academic require- I thank Qatar National achieving international or local standing records of academic per- ments could achieve it. Despite Library for taking such awards in the last academic year. formance. Through this cele- this, student effort is considered high interest in our The event’s program fea- bration, students get to celebrate to be only one of the success founder’s history and tured an opening speech by CPH with faculty members and stake- factors. CPH played a crucial achievements in this Assistant Dean for Students holders as well as receive pins and role in providing students with critical time of our Affairs Dr. Alla El Awaisi fol- certificates as an honor for their golden opportunities that nation,” said Sheikh lowed by a welcoming speech achievements. This also comes in enabled them to succeed. My Mohamed A. Al Thani. The and presentation on CPH alignment with Qatar University’s colleagues and I give our sincere lecture is part of the achievements over the last aca- strategic plan of excellence.” thanks to Allah first then to the Library’s month-long cel- demic year delivered by Dean Dr. Alla El Awaisi said, “Our college for their efforts with us. ebration of Qatar National of the CPH Dr. Mohammad Diab. students in CPH, proved their We dedicate our success to Day, and will take place This was followed by a keynote excellence in academic and sci- Qatar and always aim for raising from 5:30pm to 7pm. speech by CPH MSc student entific competencies, and have its name highly.”

A leading Media Company HBKU to host activities for in Qatar is looking for: Qatar National Day

THE PENINSULA Business Reporter DOHA →Should have at least 4 years experience. →Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) colleges and communication or a related field. research institutes are set to host an array of activities to →GCC and/or MENA experience would be an advantage. engage the wider community in celebrations that mark →Bilingual (Arabic/English) preferred. Qatar National Day on December 18. The activities, taking place from December 12 - 20 Job duties and responsibilities include: at the Qatar Foundation tent at Darb Al Saai, will aim to →Covering assignments and developing own ideas into educate visitors about some of the University’s key focus areas, including science; energy and environment; com- relevant news content. puting and biomedical research; as well as the HBKU →Following prescribed editorial style and format. Press’ literary works. → Attending business events and meetings as assigned. Maryam Hammad Al Mannai, vice president for student affairs at HBKU, said: “As HBKU is quickly estab- lishing itself as a recognized name within the domain of Online Content Editor internationally-acclaimed graduate institutions, the →Should have at least 2 years experience. current student body enjoys vast benefits of the latest →Bachelor’s degree in mass communication or a related field. state-of-the-art facilities and the expertise of remarkably →Should be active on social media platforms. motivated faculty. These are integral factors that sustain →Bilingual (Arabic/English) preferred. our educational experience, which is defined by a dis- tinctive academic infrastructure and rich extracurricular Job duties and responsibilities include: options.” →Updating the website with latest news. “Our activities at Darb Al Saai cater to all age groups, →Writing reports about events and happenings in Qatar and we invite families to join us in celebrating Qatar as →Manage social media accounts a nation, along with all of its achievements in the spheres of science and research,” she added. Qualified candidates are invited The College of Science and Engineering will host various computing and gaming activities, as well as a to send their CVs at vocabulary challenge for children aged 7 – 11. These activ- [email protected] ities are based on game design research and human- computer interaction (HCI) techniques developed by faculty experts within the college. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 05 Qatar attends Arab Social Affairs Ministers’ Meeting Submissions open for 2019 WISE Prize for Education

THE PENINSULA Prize for Education Laureate(s) generate positive systemic DOHA will receive a $500,000 cash change through their lead- prize to help them continue their ership, and prove that their The World Innovation Summit work in education, as well as a projects have had sustainable for Education, an initiative of gold medal. impact. Qatar Foundation, has opened As well as celebrating out- During 2019, a panel of the submission period for the standing education leaders, the independent judges will select 2019 WISE Prize for Education WISE Prize also supports recip- 12 WISE Prize finalists, who will - the first distinction of its kind ients to shape the future of edu- then be required to submit a to recognize outstanding, cation, providing Laureates with proposal outlining how they aim world-class contributions to tailored support over two years to use the WISE Prize funds. The education. to grow their initiative further jury will review proposals Established in 2011 by H H and scale its impact. during the final evaluation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Nominations can be sub- period, before selecting the Chairperson of Qatar Foun- mitted from today until 1pm 2019 WISE Prize for Education dation, the WISE Prize for Edu- GMT on February 26, 2019. Laureate(s). cation raises the status of edu- They are judged according to The winner will be Qatar participated yesterday in the 38th Session of the Council of Arab Social Affairs Ministers cation by giving it similar strict criteria, with individuals announced during the opening in Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh. Qatar’s delegation was headed by Ambassador Ibrahim bin prestige enjoyed in other areas or teams of up to six people plenary of the 2019 WISE Abdulaziz Al Sahlawi, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the Arab League. for which international recog- being expected to show their Summit, which will take place During the session, the Council discusses a number of items on its agenda, including the preparation of nition exists, such as literature, commitment to education, in Doha, Qatar, from October the social files for the Arab summit in Tunis in 2019 and the fourth economic and social development peace, and economics. The WISE demonstrate their capacity to 28-30, 2019. summit in Lebanon next year.

QRI continues HIA finishes emergency exercise HMC holds 8th Surgical THE PENINSULA executed by HIA in accordance and Rescue Service team, Qatar to offer quality DOHA with the requirements estab- Emiri Air Force Fire Squadron, lished by the International Civil Civil Defence Firefighting Research and Innovation care to persons Hamad International Airport Aviation Organization (ICAO). Team, and Hamad Medical Cor- (HIA) successfully completed its The airport is responsible for poration (HMC) among others. with disabilities Full-Scale Emergency Exercise ensuring that the Airport Man- Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Ideas Symposium ‘Oryx Foxtrot’ 2018 on agement Systems and Emer- Meer, Chief Operating Officer December 5, at Doha Interna- gency Preparedness meet the at Hamad International Airport THE PENINSULA QNA tional Airport (DIA), Doha’s exact requirements of the Qatar stated: “In accordance with DOHA DOHA older airport. Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) international and national The exercise, was con- Aerodrome Licensing Standards requirements of civil aviation, Hamad Medical Corporation’s Hamad Medical Corpora- ducted in collaboration with at both HIA and DIA. The and in line with international (HMC) Department of Surgery tion’s (HMC) state-of-the-art over 25 government agencies, objective of the emergency safety standards, the successful and the Medical Research Qatar Rehabilitation partners and stakeholders exercise was to test the airport’s execution of this emergency Center recently concluded the Institute (QRI) is continuing including the Ministry of crisis readiness in extreme exercise reinforces our high 8th Surgical Research and to provide high-quality care Interior, Ministry of Defense, situations. standards of safety and security Innovation Ideas Symposium. to patients with disabilities. Ministry of Public Health, The simulation involved a for our passengers and the The symposium, which took The QRI has signifi- National Command Centre, Gulf Helicopter Bell 412 aircraft airport community at large. As place from November 30 to cantly expanded HMC’s Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, mock colliding with an Aero- a joint effort between HIA, QR December 1, is a research ideas capacity to care for patients Qatar Aeronautical College, nautical College Piper PA28 Group and our partners, we are workshop for surgeons, with impairments and Gulf Helicopters Company, while approaching the runway proud to once again demon- anesthesiologists, perioperative applications, research ethics, activity limitations, Airport Customs, Airline Oper- for landing, resulting in mock strate our safety and emergency nurses, and allied health profes- development of multi-center including those recovering ators Committee, and Qatar fatalities, casualties, and debris preparedness as well as our sionals. It included two days of clinical trials, and quality-based from illness and traumatic Airways Group. across the impact area. The swift coordination efforts presentations on multidisci- surgical research at HMC. injury. The facility, which is Emergency Exercise ‘Oryx emergency exercise saw par- among all those involved in the plinary perioperative care The event was opened by the region’s largest tertiary Foxtrot’ 2018 was arranged and ticipation from the Airport Fire event of an emergency.” research ideas and a day of one- Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari (pic- rehabilitation hospital, to-one extensive feedback ses- tured), Acting Chief Medical includes seven hydro- sions for the presenting teams. Officer at HMC. Commenting therapy pools and ten ded- The Surgical Research and on the event, he said: “Delivery icated exercise rooms, pro- Innovation Ideas series provides of the best care is always guided viding patients with faster a platform for surgical and peri- by the latest research break- access to specialized reha- operative research. For the first throughs as clinical research bilitative care. time, this year the workshop and treatment are not separate, In recognition of the requested submissions in two but symbiotically linked. By International Day of Dis- areas - clinical and technological. integrating clinical care, abled Persons, Dr. Wafa Al The clinical track looked at research, and education in Yazeedi, Chairperson of research proposals for innovative HMC’s journey towards Rehabilitation for QRI, said ideas leading to positive clinical achieving a world-class ‘Aca- HMC is focused on helping outcomes while the technological demic Health System’, we can individuals with disabilities track looked at technology-based build a solid foundation of to access the care they need. solutions that have the potential existing core research facilities She said QRI provides to improve surgical care. and highlight some unique world-class integrated reha- The event was attended by opportunities for Qatar to bilitation services and the clinicians, academics, and become a world leader in most technologically- researchers from across Qatar. healthcare delivery by inte- advanced patient-centered Research ideas were discussed grating all disciplines in care. by participants and a panel of surgery, whether they are cli- Dr. Al Yazeedi says QRI international and local nicians, nurses, allied health or offers five main rehabili- researchers and innovation clinical support professionals, tation programs, including experts. Constructive com- to produce a portfolio of high- programs for patients who ments and advice were pro- impact research, development, are recovering from a vided to participants to help and innovation outputs leading stroke, traumatic brain them develop the full potential to high impact patient care. injury, and spinal cord of their research ideas. Dr. Sabah Al Kadhi, Medical injury, as well as for patients A number of lectures were Director of Al Wakra Hospital, with pain management and also delivered on a range of reinforced Dr. Al Ansari’s sen- pediatric rehabilitation care topics, including opportunities timents about the importance needs. She added that QRI for collaborative research and of surgical research and inno- also provides general reha- innovations of biomedical vation for both HMC and Qatar. bilitation services.

Call to involve private sector in transport projects

QNA for the national economy, by expertise and applied tech- DOHA involving it in nationwide devel- nology, he noted. opment process, thus achieving He noted that the workshop The Ministry of Transport and Qatar National Vision 2030. This aims to clarify the great efforts Communications (MOTC) is within the State’s keenness to that are being made by the Min- organised a workshop on develop the policies, standards, istry to involve the private sector “Private Sector Participation regulation and programs that in the implementation of Strategy for Qatar’s Transport encourage the private sector’s projects, and to present these Projects in Qatar”, in which the participation in Qatar’s eco- efforts to the largest group of Ministry of Finance, Qatar nomic development projects, he stakeholders, in addition to Chamber, Qatar National Bank said. ensuring the adoption of projects (QNB) and Qatar Businessmen He said the MOTC has given that add real value to the devel- Association participated. an ideal example of promoting opment of the State of Qatar. The Director of the MOTC a broader private sector partic- The Director of the MOTC Technical Affairs Department ipation in mobility projects, by Technical Affairs Department Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid making it unlimited to project added that it is time to expand Al Thani stated that the strategy setup only, but extending it to the private sector participation reflects the vision of the wise developing real operational in all eligible government leadership in supporting the activities. This helps enrich projects, particularly transport private sector in order to make Qatar’s private sector investment and communication projects it a make it a fundamental asset approach and thereby localize suitable for this partnership. 06 HOME THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 WCM-Q conference explores medical humanities in MENA

THE PENINSULA The Medical helping medical practitioners, DOHA Humanities in the academics and students rec- Middle East Program oncile the pressing sociological, The role of the medical human- economic, philosophical and ities in improving understanding brought senior ethical issues that arise in the of both disease and wellness was academics in the practice of medicine. This con- explored at a two-day conference fields of medicine and ference brought together experts organised by Weill Cornell the humanities from from all over the world to discuss Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). these issues, with the ultimate The Medical Humanities in Europe, the Middle goal of discovering how far and the Middle East Program brought East, Asia, and North in what ways humanistic senior academics in the fields of America together. approaches to medicine and the medicine and the humanities teaching of medicine can from Europe, the Middle East, improve patient outcomes.” Asia, and North America together humanities and literature, socio- The event featured presen- at the Sheraton Hotel to discuss logical and historical approaches tations of abstracts of 24 research the impact on perceptions of to understanding healthcare, projects on topics such as the use The participants from Europe, Middle East, Asia, and North America at the WCM-Q conference to health and disease of a broad medical ethics, and culture and of art therapy in medical settings examine the role of the medical humanities in medical education in the region. spectrum of humanities subjects, its impact on the clinic. Aca- for dealing with grief, the role of including literature, history, pol- demics and professionals were in storytelling in trauma therapy, deployed by physicians when organizing committee, along short story reading and the itics, religion, art and art therapy, attendance from institutions the impact of fluorescent lighting conducting consultations with with Ms. Jamie Gray, director of practice of visual art’. and medical ethics, among including WCM-Q, Hamad on Attention Deficit Hyperac- patients. Dr. Verjee said: “In the the Distributed eLibrary at Gray said: “Improved under- others. Medical Corporation, Qatargas, tivity Disorder (ADHD), and the clinical setting, a physician’s WCM-Q. standing of the human context The conference began with a Boston University School of Med- challenges of integrating the behavior and attitude towards a The conference also saw that defines the giving and keynote speech by Dr. icine, King’s College London, the humanities into medical patient are observed, and research posters presented by receiving of healthcare can ulti- Mohammed Ghaly of the College American University of Beirut, curricula. acknowledged, followed by Dr. Linda Miller of Imperial mately lead to improved of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin University College London, and WCM-Q’s Dr. Mohamud implicit trust. The capacity to College London on ‘Graphic healthcare outcomes. We are Khalifa University (HBKU) on many others. Verjee, associate professor of listen to patients’ histories is not medicine as a reflective tool for therefore extremely grateful to Islamic perspectives on ethical Dr. Alan Weber, professor of family medicine in clinical med- limitless. Attentive listening is self-efficacy and motivation’ and all who participated in this con- issues relating to genomics. There English at WCM-Q and a member icine/assistant dean for medical manifestly important. Not only Dr. Tsai Pi-hua of Mackay ference and shared their val- then followed a series of presen- of the organizing committee of student affairs, gave a presen- is it essential to elicit the nature Medical College in Taipei, uable insights into the ways the tations by expert speakers the event, said: “The medical tation and submitted an abstract of a visit but what matters to the Taiwan on ‘Preparing medical humanities can be successfully arranged in five sessions humanities have emerged as examining the importance and patient, and how they feel.” Dr. students for the writing of history integrated into medical edu- addressing the arts and healing, important and useful tools for nature of the listening skills Verjee was also a member of the of present illness: Marching from cation programs.”

Ooredoo Katara Publishing House stall introduces at DIBF draws many visitors new QR5 THE PENINSULA prepaid cards DOHA THE PENINSULA The Katara Publishing House DOHA stall at the ongoing 29th Doha International Book Fair at Doha Ooredoo announced Exhibition and Convention yesterday the introduction Children at the event. Center has been attracting a of QR5 prepaid cards, large number of visitors. widening its customer The Katara stall is show- audience and making its FNAC displays of casing about 112 titles in Arabic, services accessible to more English and French, all pub- of Qatar. lished and being circulated by The new prepaid cards French books at fair the Katara Publishing House. are intended to serve the THE PENINSULA Katara Publishing House Visitors check out some of the titles on display at Katara Publishing needs of consumers who DOHA also released two new books on House stall at the 29th Doha International Book Fair at Doha may not want long-term Tuesday at the Fair - Medical Exhibition and Convention Center. services or the more FNAC, the leading cultural destination in Qatar, together with the Analysis of an Arab Love Story, expensive cards, and will be French Embassy in Qatar and the French Institute, is marking a Majnoon Laila by Hajar Ahmed topics such as fishing and pearl along with a number of critical available in a number of remarkable participation at the 29th Doha International Book Fair Hajar Albinali, MD and another diving, shipbuilding and tradi- studies on Arabic novels and options depending on cus- where it displayed a large variety of French books and a special by Dr Mohammed Abdul tional dhows, pigeons in Katara other areas of Arab art and tomer requirements section for Qatari authors and organized a range of activities such Raheem Kafoud in Arabic on and Qatari maritime literature. including a QR5 data card as workshops, book signings, meet and greets, story-telling sessions, language, identity and culture, traditions. “These novels by authors giving you 210MB data from and other interactive activities. with a special focus on the Gulf A book titled Forts, Strong- from across the Arab region have purchase until midnight; a This year, FNAC is set to host notable authors especially invited region. holds and Towers in Qatar, been attracting a large number QR5 Hala Smart Card giving by Fnac International, France, including Sibylline Desmazières “This is the first time Katara which is available in English and of visitors. The Katara Publishing 30 local minutes and 200MB and Jérôme D’Aviau, authors and illustrators of the book ‘Rat et Publishing House is partici- Arabic, introduces Qatari land- House stall is also frequented by promotional data, with the les animaux moches’ who interacted with students during their pating in the Doha International marks supported with brilliant visitors from other GCC coun- calls valid for five days from workshops. Alexis Nesme, the author and illustrator of the book Book Fair. Our stall is offering photographs. There is a book tries, especially Oman and purchase and the data valid ‘Les Enfants du Capitaine Grant’ also led workshops for school Arabic novels and other books dedicated for the famous Qatari Kuwait,” said Al Sayed. until midnight on the day of students. Over the ten days, FNAC booth is expected to attract on a wide range of topics at rea- dhow Fath Al Khair and another The latest and previous edi- purchase. more than 600 students from different schools in Doha. During sonable prices. Especially books on the different variety of trees tions of Al Da’ad, an illustrated Another option include the whole period of the book fair, Qatari writers and artists will on the heritage and traditions found in Katara Cultural Village. monthly magazine for children 30 international minutes to be visiting the booth throughout the exhibition to present their of Qatar have generated tre- Another attraction of the being published by Katara and India, Nepal (NTC and Ncell), work. Fnac is supporting local talent through cultural and educa- mendous interest among the stall are award-winning Arabic the Katara diary, Mufakkirath Philippines (Globe and tional activations and signing ceremonies. All of these activities visitors,” said Khalid Al Sayed, novels and their translations in Al Da’ad are offered to the vis- SmartMobile) Pakistan, inspire and enlighten students on the importance of reading books, Director of Katara Publishing English and French. More than itors free of cost. Bangladesh and Indonesia, which helps further hone their talents. House. 20 novels that have won prizes The Katara Publishing with validity until midnight The Doha International Book Fair is considered as the largest The stall showcases Qatari over the first three editions of House stall is located at Gate 1 on date of purchase and a international book fair in the region with extensive participation from heritage and traditions through the Katara Prize for Arabic Booth 1. The 10-day exhibition QR5 Flexi card giving 30 different countries worldwide. It is a platform to exchange cultural a number of books in Arabic on Novels are available for sale will conclude on Saturday. Flexi points diversity and a space to inspire dialogue and share knowledge.

Ashghal announces partial ICBF provides over Rs1.5m to opening of Al Manaseer support flood victims of Karnataka

Intersection tomorrow THE PENINSULA DOHA THE PENINSULA DOHA Indian Community Benev- olent Forum (ICBF) has The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced yesterday handed over a cheque the partial opening of Al Manaseer Intersection to traffic after worth Rs1.5m to Chief the removal of the temporary roundabout, as shown in the Minister of Karnataka, H D attached map. The opening will take place tomorrow, in coor- Kumaraswami to support dination with the General Directorate of Traffic. flood victims. Representatives of ICBF handing over the cheque to Chief Ashghal recently converted the intersection into a tem- A Rs1.5m cheque for Minister of Karnataka, H D Kumaraswami. porary signal-controlled roundabout to enable expansion the Chief Minister’s Relief works on Al Manaseer Intersection to accommodate the current Fund was handed over to Shetty, vice-president of of the NRIs living in Qatar and future traffic, through constructing additional lanes. Once Chief Minister of Kar- Karnataka Sangha and Sub- and extended his heartfelt fully completed, the intersection will consist of four main lanes, nataka, on November 24 by ramanya Hebbagilu, dis- gratitude. three lanes to turn left, and one dedicated U-turn lane on Al ICBF delegation led by tributor of Kannada films Indian citizens residing Forousiya Street. This is in addition to constructing a new ICBF General Secretary in Qatar and former vice- in Qatar, impartial of their surface water network and other infrastructure utilities, as Mahesh Gowda. president of Karnataka state of origin, generously part of Al Furousiya Street Development Project. Milan Arun, President of Sangha, Qatar, were also contributed for this cam- The Public Works Authority will install road signs advising Indian Cultural Association, present on the occasion. paign under the able motorists of the diversion. Ashghal requests all road users to Aravind Patil, former Pres- Kumaraswami, who guidance of P. Kumaran, abide by the speed limit, and follow the road signs to ensure ident of Karnataka Sangha spoke after accepting the the Indian Ambassador to their safety. and ICBF, Ravi donation, lauded the efforts Qatar. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 07 08 HOME THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09

Gabon’s ailing Turkey seeks arrest leader reassures of Saudi prince aides officials on health AP over Khashoggi case LIBREVILLE Gabon’s government has broadcast new images of its AFP Assiri, the former ailing head of state, President ISTANBUL Ali Bongo Ondimba, in his deputy head of second public appearance A Turkish court issued arrest general intelligence, since his hospitalisation in warrants yesterday for two often sat in during Saudi Arabia in October and suspects close to Saudi Crown prince’s closed- transfer to Morocco last week Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convalescence. over the murder of journalist door meetings with The broadcast shows the Jamal Khashoggi, increasing visiting foreign 59-year-old, seated in profile, pressure on the kingdom’s de dignitaries. Qahtani receiving a Gabonese dele- facto leader. was a key counsellor gation. Prime Minister The chief prosecutor’s office Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet in Istanbul filed an application to the crown prince. spoke upon his return, saying on Tuesday to obtain the war- Bongo is conscious and sees Saelem Mohammed Noman Al Mughalles, a member of the Houthi delegation, gives an interview in rants for Ahmad al-Assiri and and speaks well. He said front of Johannesberg Castle in Rimbo, 50km north of Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday, where peace Saud al-Qahtani, described in said yesterday that the prose- leaders were reassured by the court documents as being cutor’s move “reflects the view talks on Yemen are expected to take place. visit. Vice-President Pierre “among the planners” of that the Saudi authorities won’t Claver Maganga Moussavou Khashoggi’s grisly killing. take formal action against those said they are ruling out any Then yesterday, an Istanbul individuals”. Expectations low as Yemen’s article on vacancy of power. court issued the arrest warrants Riyadh could “address for Assiri and Qahtani on the those concerns” by extraditing charge of “deliberately killing the suspects to Turkey, the Libyans protest (someone) with monstrous official said. The official, who warring parties meet for talks feeling or causing torment”, did not wish to be named, also against US strike according to state news agency suggested there could be more Anatolia. arrest warrants sought by the AP Houthi rebels say they are “de-escalation and starting the REUTERS Assiri, the former deputy prosecutor. CAIRO striving for peace. A Houthi del- political process.” “It’s not much, BENGHAZI head of general intelligence, Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign egation arrived in Stockholm late but given the humanitarian sit- often sat in during Prince Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu yes- Yemen’s warring parties will Tuesday, accompanied by UN uation and toxic political atmos- Dozens of Libyans protested Mohammed’s closed-door terday said that Turkey would meet in Sweden this week for envoy Martin Griffiths. The gov- phere currently prevalent in against a US air strike on meetings with visiting foreign “not hesitate” to seek an inter- another attempt at talks aimed ernment delegation and the head Yemen, it’s better than nothing.” suspected Al-Qaeda militants dignitaries. Qahtani was a key national probe if there were dif- at halting their catastrophic of the rebel delegation were The war has claimed at least in the country’s southwestern counsellor to the crown prince. ficulties during its probe. 3-year-old war, but there are few heading to Sweden yesterday. 10,000 lives, with experts esti- desert, saying civilians had Both were sacked after Cavusoglu also criticised incentives for major compro- Confidence-building mating a much higher toll. Saudi- been targeted, witnesses said. Riyadh admitted Khashoggi the lack of evidence given to mises, and the focus is likely to measures before the talks led airstrikes have hit schools, The US Africa Command was killed in the Saudi Turkey by Riyadh as he urged be on firming up a shaky included a prisoner swap and the hospitals and wedding parties, (Africom) on Thursday said it consulate. the kingdom to be “trans- de-escalation. evacuation of wounded rebels and the Houthis have fired long- had killed 11 militants near Saudi Arabia has sought to parent” and give details of what UN officials say they don’t for medical treatment. The range missiles into Saudi Arabia the town of Al Uwaynat in its distance the prince from the Saudi officials have found expect rapid progress toward a release of funds from abroad by and targeted vessels in the Red third strike since March on murder and has received during their investigation. political settlement, but hope for Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Sea. The fighting in Yemen has the militant group’s North support from US President Two-time Oscar winner at least minor steps that would Mansour Hadi to pay state generated the world’s worst African branch — Al-Qaeda Donald Trump. His adminis- Sean Penn was in Istanbul yes- help to address Yemen’s wors- employees in rebel-held territory humanitarian crisis. The exec- in the Islamic Maghreb. tration has downplayed pos- terday filming a documentary ening humanitarian crisis. is also in the works. utive director of the UN’s World The strike close to the sible links between the crown about the murder, Anatolia Both the internationally-rec- Yemeni scholar Hisham Al Food Program, David Beasley, Algerian border, destroyed prince and what happened to reported, sharing images of the ognised government, which is Omeisy, who has written exten- said Tuesday that 12 million three vehicles, Africom had Khashoggi. American actor outside the backed by a US-sponsored and sively about the conflict, said the people suffer from “severe said in its statement last week, A senior Turkish official consulate. Saudi-led coalition, and the talks would focus on hunger.” adding that at the time, they had assessed “no civilians were injured or killed”. UN team to begin probe Sierra Leone of IS crimes in Iraq doctors on strike

REUTERS AFP details to lay the groundwork for FREETOWN UNITED NATIONS the probe. “The investigative team now A UN team authorised over a looks forward to continuing Doctors in Sierra Leone’s year ago to investigate the preparations in Iraq with a view public hospitals were on strike massacre of the Yazidi minority to commencing investigative yesterday to protest against and other atrocities by jihadists activities in early 2019,” Ahmad low wages and poor working in Iraq will finally begin work Khan told the council during his conditions, and nurses said early next year, the head of the first report. they may follow suit. investigation said. The Iraqi government had Sierra Leone is one of The UN Security Council resisted calls for the UN probe Africa’s poorest countries and adopted a resolution in Sep- and the head of the investigative its public hospitals lack tember 2017 to bring those team stressed that much effort equipment. The 2014-2016 responsible for Islamic State had been deployed to ensure Ebola epidemic killed nearly group war crimes to justice —a cooperation from Baghdad. 4000 people, including more cause championed by Nobel Ahmad Khan told the council than 250 medical staff. Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad that “the realisation of our inves- At Freetown’s Connaught, and international human rights tigative activities is dependent on the country’s biggest hospital, lawyer Amal Clooney. securing the cooperation, some wards were nearly Yellow vests protest in Iraq The team, led by British support and trust of all elements empty and at least a dozen lawyer Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, of Iraqi society.” The United people were sitting on the People wearing yellow vests stage a protest against lack of public service and unemployment in was deployed to Baghdad in Nations has described the mas- floor at the hospital entrance Basra, Iraq, yesterday. October, but has since focused sacre of the Yazidis by IS as pos- waiting to be seen, a witness on administrative and technical sible genocide. said. Somali officials report deadly US-backed raid AP NAIROBI explosions. travellers to fund its high-profile “Something big happened attacks in major cities such as Somali commandos backed by here last night. We only know Mogadishu, collecting millions US forces raided two Al Shabab that Al Shabab was under attack, of dollars a year. checkpoints at which the said one elder, who gave his The US military in coordi- extremists extort money from name only as Yusuf for fear of nation with Somali forces, as well commercial vehicles, killing reprisal from the Al-Qaida- as an African Union force, have several fighters, Somali intelli- linked extremists. targeted Al Shabab’s finance gence officials said yesterday. “Then we woke up to find operations in recent weeks. Last The officials also said two US fighters sealed off the whole area month, Somali intelligence offi- air strikes in the area during the in the morning,” he said. cials said at least four missiles hit overnight raid destroyed an The US military has stepped a base for over 30 extremists explosives-laden minibus that up the fight against Al Shabab assigned to collect livestock taxes was prepared for a complex since US President Donald from nomadic communities in attack on an unspecified location. Trump took office, carrying out the central Mudug region. Ivories seized during undercover operation The US Africa Command had no more air strikes in 2017 than over In October, the AU force said Police officers show seized 11 pieces of ivory weighing 55 kg estimated to be of street value 5.5m immediate comment. the previous decade. The US has the head of tax collection in Kenyan Shilling (about €47,300) at Mariakani, southeast Kenya, yesterday. The ivories were seized Residents of Awdhegle, a carried out at least 37 air strikes Lower Shabelle region was killed farming village in Lower Shabelle this year. after an ambush on a meeting of during the undercover joint operation by Kenyan police and Kenya Wildlife Service at a forest as region in southern Somalia, said Al Shabab uses widespread Al Shabab fighters in southern two men tried to sell the ivories in a forest nearby. they had heard gunfire and extortion of businessmen and Somalia. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 2018 has been a dangerous and ESTABLISHED IN 1996 deadly year for journalists CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] EMILY RAUHALA ACTING MANAGING EDITOR THE WASHINGTON POST 45 MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] t was not a good year for jour- nalists. From Myanmar to Annapolis, Maryland, reporters DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR were harassed, arrested and even Ikilled for doing their jobs. According to MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] the Committee to Protect Journalists, 45 journalists were killed in 2018 because of their work. Reporters Without Borders put the figure slightly higher, saying more professional jour- nalists were killed in connection with their work in the first nine months of EDITORIAL 2018 than in all of 2017. Conflict zones such as those in Afghanistan and Syria continue to be the deadliest places for journalists to Making great strides work. But press-freedom groups warn of worsening conditions in places mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has where a free press has been a pillar of reached Kuala Lumpur and today will hold talks with civil society, including Mexico, parts of AMalaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Europe and the United States. enhancing the already strong relations between Qatar and “This has been one of the worst Malaysia. On Friday H H the Amir will honour the winners years of press freedom,” said Courtney of H H’s International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award Radsch, the advocacy director for the during a ceremony in cooperation with the United Nations. Committee to Protect Journalists. Malaysian Prime Minister will also join in the ceremony to “Over the past couple years, we’ve see honour the winners of the four awards: Lifetime/Outstanding a deterioration in the environment in Achievement, Innovation, Youth Creativity and Engagement which people work, both in terms of and Academic Research and Education. people in prison and journalists The awards, presented every year in conjunction with killed.” the International Anti-Corruption Day, represent an inter- There are too national recognition for those who contribute to the global many threats, seven years in prison. denouncing the news media. Writing campaign against corruption. The awards will honour indi- arrests and Foreign governments and human in The Washington Post, media critic viduals and institutions who have dedicated themselves to killings to list, but rights groups condemned the Margaret Sullivan cautioned against combating corruption on the basis of transparent and here are four outcome, saying the trial and sen- drawing a direct line between the accurate standards. On April 30, cases that set the tencing signaled trouble for president and Ramos. But she argued Qatar’s efforts and its distinctive role in improving quality a suicide tone in 2018: democracy in Myanmar, also known that the president’s rhetoric is indeed of life, achieving justice and combating corruption and ter- Setup in as Burma. “The clear flaws in this case having an effect on press freedom. rorism have drawn praise from across the world. Qatar has bomber riding Myanmar raise serious concerns about rule of “Trump can’t, and shouldn’t, be always at the forefront of efforts a motorbike Reuters jour- law and judicial independence in blamed for the Annapolis massacre,” in promoting peace, providing blew himself nalists Wa Lone Myanmar,” the US Embassy there said she wrote. “But that doesn’t make his education for the underprivi- up in Kabul, not and Kyaw Soe Oo in a statement. contempt for the press any less leged, fighting terrorism, started the year The case will have a chilling effect dangerous.” ensuring a healthy and quality far from the in prison. To the on journalism in Myanmar, Khin Maug Ambushed in Afghanistan life for people in the country, in US Embassy. surprise and Zaw, the jailed reporters’ attorney, told The media scene that once thrived Qatar’s efforts the region and awider world. As journalists outrage of many, The Washington Post. The message is, in post-Taliban Afghanistan is increas- and its distinctive Qatar realises that cor- rushed to the they will end it he said: “Hold your tongues, don’t say ingly under attack. ruption is one of the most dan- there as well. anything, don’t be inquisitive.” On April 30, a suicide bomber role in improving scene, a second quality of life, gerous and negative phe- The pair was Shot in Annapolis riding a motorbike blew himself up in nomenon that spreads bomber, posing arrested in On the afternoon of June 28, a man Kabul, not far from the US Embassy. achieving justice worldwide and threaten inter- as a journalist, December 2017 burst into the offices of the Capital As journalists rushed to the scene, a and combating national security and peace and detonated his while investi- Gazette newspaper in Maryland’s second bomber, posing as a journalist, needs concerted efforts to fight gating reports of capital and opened fire, killing five detonated his own device and killed 25 corruption and own device and terrorism have this evil. a massacre of people in what is believed to be the people, including nine reporters and It is the second visit by H H killed 25 people, Rohingya, a deadliest attack on US journalists in photographers. drawn praise the Amir to the friendly country including nine Muslim minority decades. It apparently was not a In a separate attack on the same random shooting. The suspect, Jarrod day, Ahmad Shah, a reporter for the from across the of Malaysia and it is a clear reporters and in Myanmar. world. expression of the depth of the While they were Ramos, 38, had been harassing Gazette BBC, was shot dead in Khost province. relationship between the two photographers. reporting, a journalists since the paper ran a “This is the deadliest day for Afghan countries. It is a relationship police officer column noting that he was convicted media in the past 15 years,” Lotfullah based on the principles of mutual invited them to of criminally harassing a woman. The Najafizada, the head of Afghanistan’s respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in meet up. As they were leaving the harassment was so intense that the Tolo News TV, told the BBC at the time. internal affairs and the establishment of the best relations meeting, the reporters said, the paper’s former editor, Tom Marquardt, He insisted that the violence would between them. Qatar’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Fahad bin policeman handed them documents. had previously wondered whether not break the resolve of the country’s Mohammed Kafood, said that the visit will include an in- Soon after they left the meeting, they Ramos would eventually attack. journalists. “We went, all of us, to the depth official talks between H H the Amir and the Malaysian were arrested. “I said during that time, ‘This guy is blast site,” he said. “We said: ‘If you Prime Minister which will be of great importance in laying Despite testimony from another crazy enough to come in and blow us killed an entire line of journalists solid foundations for enhancing bilateral relations in the police official that they were set up, a all away,’ “ he told the Los Angeles reporting here, in five hours time framework of seeking opportunities to develop political court found the two men guilty of vio- Times. In the aftermath of the killings, we’re back here; the line is longer; the coordination and cooperation and economic relations lating Myanmar’s colonial-era Official critics accused President Donald queue is longer and the resolve is between the two countries. Secrets Act and sentenced them to Trump of inciting the shooting by greater.’ “ Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar, Ahmad Fadil bin Sham- suddin, said that his country is once again looking forward to welcoming H H the Amir for the official visit and in con- junction with the award ceremony in Putrajaya. Malaysia is deeply honoured to be chosen as the third venue for the Enhance transparency to stem ill effects of IT giants’ dominance award after Vienna and Geneva in 2016 and 2017, he added. Qatar has taken great strides in making the country cor- THE JAPAN NEWS/YOMIURI are exposed to competition. paper saying “digital platform oper- ruption-free by ensuring transparency in every level of gov- The panel will compile a final ators are on the threshold of entering a ernance by putting in checks and balances wherever nec- report shortly. The panel is expected to cycle of reproducing and restrength- essary. The country is taking whatever possible steps it can nformation technology companies call on the government to make it ening their overwhelming competitive towards making the region and the world free of rampant of the United States and elsewhere obligatory for these digital platform advantage,” thus supporting the regula- corruption and the awards are a testimony of Qatar’s efforts Iquickly become enormous by taking operators to disclose such important tions. This is reasonable thinking. It can in this regard. advantage of their massive amounts of information as the terms of the con- be deemed an appropriate judgment digital data. It is a matter of course that tracts with their trading partners. for the government to impose certain a sense of wariness also grows. To The European Union is moving restrictions on IT giants while taking prevent the ill effects of their market forward with the drafting of regula- care not to impede the private sector’s QUOTE OF THE DAY dominance from spreading, the gov- tions to be imposed on IT giants. originality and ingenuity. ernment needs to quickly implement Japan’s government should work out There are many voices saying that effective regulations. the details of its regulations by using the contracts these digital platform It is very likely that in A governmental panel of experts as a reference the regulations being operators have inked with their coming days we will tasked with considering regulations on drawn up by the EU. trading partners are unfair. According talk with President IT giants - known as digital platform Digital platform operators have to a survey taken by the Economy, Donald Trump about operators - heard opinions from produced innovative technologies, but Trade and Industry Ministry, 86 this issue in particular, Google and Apple, both of the United as they bolstered their market domi- percent of the business operators States. Facebook only submitted an nance, there have been increasing dealing with IT giants said they have the immigration issue. opinion paper, and Amazon did not cases of their buying out newly been put at a disadvantage due to the We are in constant attend the interview. growing enterprises. IT giants’ unilateral alterations of their communication, and the Google and others expressed their As things stand now, this could agreements and the like. communication is good. concerns that technological inno- result in market competition being In Germany, the Federal Cartel vation could be impeded if excessive restricted, making it likely that the Office has launched an investigation restrictions are placed on them. When young buds of new technologies and into Amazon. The agency said there is Lopez Obrador the panel pointed out that the IT services will be nipped. a suspicion that Amazon is hurting Mexico’s President market is in a state of oligopoly, they The Japan Association of Corporate retailers in that country trying to sell reportedly refuted that by saying they Executives has compiled an opinion products through its website. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 OPINION 11 France’s protests mark a broader crisis for Western democracy

rench President Emmanuel Locals saw the new tax as a particu- ambitious slate of reforms he claims Macron likes to present larly harsh blow to their livelihoods. will unshackle the French economy. himself to the world as the “We live on the side of a mountain,” There is widespread resentment suave centrist who can hold one said. “There’s no bus or train to about his highhanded governing style Fthe line against the anger of the take us anywhere. We have to have a and the lingering impression that he is The case in point seems fringes. But at home, he’s a politician car.” running the country in the interests of to be the friction over under siege, at risk of being over- Adam Nossiter of the New York a comfortable metropolitan elite. ISHAAN THAROOR Macron’s climate agenda. THE WASHINGTON POST whelmed by a growing rebellion. Times took a similar trip to Gueret, in Macron’s political enemies have Macron returned to France from south-central France, where he seized on the disturbances. Jean-Luc Macron sought to be a this past weekend’s Group of 20 encountered the stagnation, neglect Mélenchon, leader of the French far global leader - perhaps summit under duress. For the third and disaffection that has come to left, likened the atmosphere in the global leader - on weekend in a row, heated protests characterize provincial life. “It is not France to the heady days of leftist had taken place throughout the deep poverty, but ever-present protest half a century ago. “We are in the subject, taking on country, reaching a violent peak in unease in the small cities, towns and a situation that is almost insurrec- President Trump and Paris. Dozens of cars were burned; the villages over what is becoming known tional,” Mélenchon said in an other politicians trying to debris of barricades lay strewn across as ‘the other France,’ away from the interview with a local network. famed avenues; clashes between glitzy Parisian boulevards that were “These are pages in the history of discard collective efforts police and protesters blanketed parts the scene of rioting this weekend,” France comparable to 1968. Every- to curb emissions. But his of the city with tear gas and broken Nossiter wrote. thing must be dealt with by having a focus on global warming windows. At least 260 people were “In these territories marked by the larger perspective.” has also fuelled the rage wounded across France - 133 in Paris absence of a tomorrow, there’s a form Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, For the third weekend alone. of postindustrial despair that’s now whom the French interior minister of some yellow vest in a row, heated The unrest is linked to an inchoate gnawing at the middle and working blamed for inciting the violence in protesters. protests had taken movement known as the “gilets classes who suffered the brunt of the Paris, called for the dissolution of the place throughout the jaunes,” or “yellow vests,” after the brutal crisis [of] 2008 and the ensuing National Assembly and new parlia- reflective jackets French drivers must budget cuts,” Niels Planel, a poverty- mentary elections. Another right-wing country, reaching a wear in case of roadside emergencies. reduction consultant, told McAuley. hard-liner associated with the protest by the monarch,” James Traub violent peak in Paris. The roots of their anger are rising “To give one example, a young movement provocatively urged wrote in Foreign Policy. “The Dozens of cars were diesel prices and a new gasoline tax, student who just finished her bach- Macron to resign in favor of a care- French regard him as an elitist who burned; the debris of imposed by Macron as part of elor’s told me that she couldn’t stay in taker government led by a former carries out policies that benefit the France’s climate change commit- her home region because, in her city, general. elite at the expense of the squeezed barricades lay strewn ments. But the protests are tapping ‘there is nothing.’ Faced with aus- The republic isn’t about to fall, but middle class.” across famed avenues; into much deeper frustrations among terity, city councilors must always do the protests seem to highlight how The case in point seems to be clashes between a segment of the French public. They more with less and less, all while Macron is being overtaken by the the friction over Macron’s climate have prompted calls for a greater facing the growing discontent of their same anti-establishment frustrations agenda. Macron sought to be a police and protesters social safety net at a time when constituents.” that brought him to power as a global leader - perhaps the global blanketed parts of France still finds itself in a rut of The cracks that are widening in political outsider. “Macron’s own leader - on the subject, taking on the city with tear gas sluggish growth and high France - and the postindustrial political party, La République En President Trump and other politi- and broken windows. unemployment. despair entrenched in the provinces - Marche, also started out as an anti- cians trying to discard collective The roots of the protests also lie would seem familiar to Americans, party party, a haven for people who efforts to curb emissions. But his At least 260 people well outside France’s wealthy urban Britons and others in Western democ- no longer identified with the tradi- focus on global warming has also were wounded across centers. James McAuley, The Wash- racies. So, too, would the inability of tional political parties. But it was con- fuelled the rage of some yellow vest France - 133 in Paris ington Post’s Paris correspondent, politicians to bridge the divides. ceived in a political context, and its protesters. alone. went to the town of Besancon in the Beyond the gasoline tax, Macron has members took part in elections,” The president speaks “about the rural foothills along the Swiss border. struggled to push through an wrote Post columnist Anne end of the world,” one demon- Applebaum. strator told Le Monde, “while we “As a result, En Marche, which talk about the end of the month.” didn’t exist three years ago, is now perceived as part of the establishment it was formed to defeat,” she con- tinued. “French history is full of revo- lutions overtaken by even-more- radical revolutions, but the speed with which these changes happen now is breathtaking.” For Macron’s defenders, including foreign observers, these are worrying D-RING ROAD times. Many hoped his victory last POST BOX: 3488 year might be a turning point, an DOHA - QATAR unmistakable rebuke to the [email protected] ascendancy of right-wing populists on both sides of the Atlantic. But he has failed to head off the far right, which EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE cares little for his worthy internation- TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 alism, or persuade those on the left FAX: +974 4455 7758 who see him as an agent of the rich. “Macron has sought to find that MANAGING EDITOR TEL: space between technocrat and 4462 7505 monarch; one can only observe that so far, the French have not been per- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: suaded by the technocrat or seduced 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743 t could be said that Tuesday was Tuesday, the executive lost a vote on then the premature triggering of BUSINESS NEWS SECTION the day the government lost its refusal to publish the legal advice; Article 50 helped get us there. TEL: 4462 7535 Icontrol over Brexit and parliament it then became the first UK gov- At least lawmakers are wiser now. claimed it. In one of the most dra- ernment in history to be held in con- Grieve’s intervention may have just SPORT NEWS SECTION matic days in the House of Commons tempt of parliament. In another taken no-deal off the table, as far as TEL: 4455 7745 since before the Iraq war, Prime Min- defeat, the EU’s highest court has that’s possible. Brexiters who support ister Theresa May suffered a series of indicated it will allow Brexit to be a no-deal exit note that his motion is ONLINE SECTION THERESE RAPHAEL defeats before the debate over her cancelled if that’s what the U.K. non-binding anyhow. Even so, it TEL: 4462 7501 BLOOMBERG Brexit deal even got started. wants. would take a brave government to [email protected] There’s some justice in the shift of Most important, an amendment ignore the will of parliament on so from europhile MP Dominic Grieve fundamental a question, especially PUBLIC RELATIONS given the predictions of economic means lawmakers will be free to TEL: 4455 7613 harm. One tactical outcome from the table and vote on their own alter- [email protected] native Brexit plans should May’s deal Grieve amendment is that May will lose next week’s parliamentary vote. try to use the increased threat of a ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Theresa May really has That means they could seek a softer softer Brexit or no Brexit at all to whip TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 withdrawal or try to stop Brexit her hard-line europhobes into sup- FAX: 4455 7870 entirely. porting her own deal. Most expect her [email protected] reaped what she sowed Many are celebrating this resto- to lose the first vote, nonetheless. ration of the Commons’ luster. Jour- But whomever has control - par- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT nalist Ian Dunt wrote that “now, liament’s roundheads or May’s cava- TEL: 4455 7857 finally, this poisonous spell of pop- liers - they still have to deal with [email protected] ulism channeled through an over- reality, and Brussels. The EU says power from executive to legislature. powerful executive seems to have negotiations are closed. And even it it SUBSCRIPTION & May had tried her best to squash par- been broken.” Yet that’s also the trou- does change its mind, the one DISTRIBUTION liament’s role throughout the Brexit bling part. Imagine a car where dif- workable looking Plan B to emerge TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 process. It took a Supreme Court case ferent people are fighting for the from May’s party has plenty of FAX: 44557819 to get a parliamentary vote on trig- steering wheel. That’s what’s hap- obstacles too. Lawmakers can hit the [email protected] One tactical outcome gering Article 50 - the starting gun on pening in Brexit Britain right now. For pause button by requesting an its EU departure. It took a crusading much of the past two years, law- extension of Article 50. from the Grieve Conservative lawmaker to give par- makers have been largely confined to But the EU is only likely to grant amendment is that liament a “meaningful vote” on the the backseat. Now an agreement has that in the event of a second refer- All thoughts and views May will try to use Brexit deal. been delivered, they’ve managed to endum or a new UK election. expressed in these columns The government tried to prevent clamber into the front to wrestle with However at odds parliament is with the increased threat amendments once a Brexit deal came May. Some want to put the car into the government, it can’t stay that way are those of the writers, of a softer Brexit or to a vote (they’re now allowed). It reverse, others want to change course for long. Unlike the Lockean consti- not of the newspaper. no Brexit at all to refused a parliamentary demand to entirely and a few want to drive off a tution in the US, with its clear sepa- whip her hard-line turn over the legal advice it received cliff. Nor has parliament’s wisdom ration of powers, Britain’s legislature All correspondence on the agreement with Brussels. It always proved reliable. It voted over- and executive are intertwined. The europhobes into even refused to tell MPs whether whelmingly to trigger Article 50. That head of government sits at the center regarding Views and supporting her own Article 50 could be unilaterally was before anyone had thought of the Commons and the country only Opinion pages should be deal. Most expect her revoked and sought to prevent through the ramifications; no prepa- moves forward with government send to editor-in-chief to lose the first vote, Europe’s highest court from hearing a rations had been made for contin- leading. Whether it’s May or another office or mailed to the case to decide that. gencies like leaving without a deal. If prime minister, they’ll have to find a nonetheless. Parliament has had enough. On the current Brexit situation is hell, way through this mess together. [email protected] 12 ASIA THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 Chopper scam: Michel sent to five days CBI custody

IANS “The CBI is seeking officers involved in supplying NEW DELHI these classified documents to police remand of 14 him. British national Christian Michel days for thorough The prosecutor also told the James, the middleman wanted interrogation and court that they have recovered two in the Rs3,600 crore AgustaWe- in order to unearth handwritten notes related to bribe stland VVIP chopper deal case, money - including one written by was yesterday remanded to five the deep rooted James himself in which he men- days CBI custody by a Delhi conspiracy and the tions about his five percent com- court, which rejected the role of the other mission to fix the deal. agency’s plea for 14 days custody. accused persons The prosecutor informed the Special Judge Arvind Kumar court that James had entered into allowed the Central Bureau of and to confront the as many as 12 contracts with Investigation (CBI) to quiz the accused with the AugustaWestland through two middleman till December 10. documents, Judge of his firms — Global Trade and “The CBI is seeking police Kumar said. Commerce Ltd, London, and remand of 14 days for thorough Global Services FZE, Dubai UAE interrogation and in order to — with Finmeccanica, Agus- unearth the deep rooted con- such amount”. taWestland and Westland Heli- spiracy and the role of the other The agency through its copters UK to legitimize the illicit Christian Michel James, a key accused and alleged middleman in AgustaWestland helicopter deal accused persons and to confront lawyer said that custodial inter- commission on the procurement sitting inside a police vehicle outside a court in New Delhi, yesterday. the accused with the rogation of Christian Michel was of VVIP Helicopters by the Indian documents. needed “to unearth the deep Defence Ministry. “Keeping in view the facts rooted conspiracy and to identify “We need to confront him with night. A CBI team escorted him allegedly entered into a criminal recovered during raids by Swiss and circumstances, submissions his accomplices including the IAF the evidence. We have to find the to India in a special plane. conspiracy with him with others authorities and shared with the made by the parties, I deem it fit officials, bureaucrats and politi- money trail and the people Michel’s counsel Joseph and in facilitating the contract for CBI through Letters Rogatory to grant five days police remand cians who influenced the deci- involved,” the prosecutor said. Vishnu Sankar moved bail appli- acquiring VVIP choppers. (LRs). The LRs are documents of the accused,” Judge Kumar sions” which made AgustaWe- Michel’s counsel Aljo K cation assuring that he will Sources said the probe would used for making request through said. stland eligible to participate in Joseph vehemently opposed the follow every condition imposed also include the money trail of a foreign court to obtain infor- In its remand application, the the bidding process and “ulti- remand application saying there by the court if released on bail. the kickbacks of ¤42.27m which mation from specified person/s CBI told the court that an amount mately bag it”. was no need for police custody The line of questioning of was said to have been paid by within the jurisdiction of that of ¤42.27m was paid by the Special Public Prosecutor D and that none of the documents Michel by CBI may centre around the Finmeccanica Group to the court. “These indicate bribes paid Westland Group of Companies P Singh told the court that James had been produced in any inter- ferreting out from him the names firms of Michel as kickbacks. by Michel to the Indian author- to the firms of Michel as “kick- had got classified material and national court. Michel was of defence personnel, politicians Agency officials said the ities for securing the contract for backs/bribe without undertaking the agency needed to interrogate present at the court after he was belonging to the UPA and gov- 57-year-old middleman would the supply of VVIP helicopters,” any work against the receipt of him to know who were the extradited to India on Tuesday ernment officials who had be confronted with documents an agency source said.

‘Respect SC in Extradition blade hanging, Mallya offers to repay bank money Babri issue, IANS is public money and I am offering to them. Please take it,” Mallya Mallya told reporters that he left crores to the state exchequers. stay away NEW DELHI to pay 100 percent back. I tweeted. India after meeting Finance Min- “Kingfisher Airlines also con- humbly request the banks and Hitting out at the political ister Arun Jaitley in 2016, which the tributed handsomely to the from rumours’ Absconding liquor baron Vijay government to take it. If payback parties and media for accusing minister called “factually false”. states. Sad loss of the finest Mallya, wanted in a Rs9,000 refused, Why?” he said. him of running away with the “I had a scheduled meeting Airline but still I offer to pay IANS crore bank loan default case, Late in 2017, India filed extra- money, the head of the now in Geneva. I met the Finance banks so no loss. Please take it,” KOLKATA yesterday offered to pay back dition proceedings against him defunct Kingfisher Airlines said Minister before I left... repeated he said in another tweet. “100 percent of the principal which he has contested and that all of the accusation was false. my offer to settle with the banks. Mallya is wanted for com- Urging everyone to respect amount” as speculations over his pending the final verdict in the “Politicians and media are That is the truth.” Mallya had said mitting alleged bank frauds of Rs the Supreme Court regarding extradition were raised after case, he is currently on bail in constantly talking loudly about he had also told Jaitley that he 9,000 crore, and is currently holed Ayodhya’s Babri Masjid case, AgustaWestland middleman London. The court is set to pro- my being a defaulter who has was leaving for London. up in the UK, fighting several cases. a section of Muslim leaders Christian Michel was brought nounce its verdict on December 10. run away with PSU (public sector Mallya, who left India on On June 22, the Enforcement yesterday alleged that the here for interrogation. “Airlines struggling financially undertaking) banks’ money. March 2, 2016, also claimed that Directorate had moved the issue was “being used for Lashing out at the quick partly because of high ATF (Avi- “All this is false. Why don’t I get he had made a comprehensive Special PMLA Court to declare politics” and cautioned media narrative about his extra- ation Turbine Fuel) prices. King- fair treatment and the same loud settlement offer before the Kar- Mallya a ‘fugitive economic people to stay away from dition to India, Mallya said: “I see fisher was a fab(ulous) airline that noise about my comprehensive nataka High Court. offender’ and confiscate all his rumours and be on guard the quick media narrative about faced the highest ever crude prices settlement offer before the Kar- The liquor barron also properties, estimated at more Rs against attempts to divide my extradition decision. That is of $140/barrel. Losses mounted and nataka High Court. Sad,” he said. pointed out that for three 12,000 crore, making it the first Hindus and Muslims. separate and will take its own that’s where banks money went. On September 12, during the decades by running India’s such case of its kind under the “The Babri Masjid issue legal course. “I have offered to repay 100 hearing of his case in London’s largest alcoholic beverage group, new FEOA (Fugitive Economic flares up during elections “The most important point percent of the principal amount Westminster Magistrates’ Court, he contributed thousands of Offender Act) law. every time, indicating that it is simply being used for pol- itics. I request people of the nation to leave it for the Supreme Court to decide,” TRS, Congress-led alliance Golam Rabbani, National President of All India Ulema Board, told a press meet on fight it out in Telangana the eve of the 26th anni- versary of the Babri Masjid IANS didates in 119 constituencies. demolition. HYDERABAD Four-and-a-half years after “India is a secular country forming the first government in and we have full faith in law. As curtains drew on newly created Telangana, riding We must forget the past as campaigning in Telangana on the Telangana sentiment, the fighting over the same thing yesterday, battle lines are clearly Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) will have a negative impact drawn for the first full-fledged is making a determined bid to on the coming generations,” Assembly election in India’s retain power on the basis of he said. youngest state with the ruling development and welfare Urging everyone not to TRS and Congress-led People’s schemes, though the slogan of believe in rumours, Rabbani Front locked in a tough fight. Telangana self-respect also said: “It is high time to learn The Bharatiya Janata Party echoed in its campaign. from the past mistakes as the (BJP) is the third major force in TRS faces a tough challenge consequences are only faced Friday’s poll battle but its from People’s Front which also by the commoners. Some strength is confined to a few includes Telugu Desam Party people are trying to divide constituencies. The Bahujan (TDP), Communist Party of Hindus and Muslims, so eve- Left Front (BLD) led by the India (CPI) and Telangana Jana ryone should use their brain. Communist Party of India- Samithi (TJS), a new party “All those people, be they Marxist and Bahujan Samaj floated by M. Kodandaram, who Muslims or Hindus, who are Attack aftermath Party (BSP) are also was once KCR’s friend in the actually fighting over the place, contesting. Telangana movement. are the ones who hardly visit a A police officer walks in the premises of a police station that was partially damaged by a mob A little over 2.80 crore The elections also mark the mosque or a temple,” Moulana during a protest on Monday, in Chingrawti village in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, yesterday. voters are eligible to decide the beginning of new friendship Meher Abbas Rizvi said. political fortunes of 1,821 can- between the Congress and TDP. Recalling December 6, 1992, the day the mosque was demolished, Sardar Kaljinder Singh said: “I remember how riots broke out in Bengal after Verma and Asthana were fighting like Kilkenny cats, SC told the demolition, but what is the point fighting over a mosque or a temple when people of all IANS premier investigating agency. divest CBI Director Alok Verma Kapil Sibal, Dushyant Dave and consent of the Selection Com- religions are the same?” Bud- NEW DELHI “The government was of his power to act as head of the Rajeev Dhavan, who had in the mittee comprising the Prime dhist monk Arun Jyoti Bhikkhu watching with amazement as to investigating agency, Venugopal last hearing on November 29 Minister, Leader of Opposition pointed out that Ayodhya also The Centre yesterday told the what these two top officers were said the government acted questioned the legality of the and the Chief Justice. Nariman belongs to Buddhists. Supreme Court that it had to doing. They were fighting like Kil- within its jurisdiction and if the government action to divest is appearing for Verma. “There was a Pagoda on intervene in the fight between kenny cats and looked at the situ- government had not acted “only Verma of his powers. Addressing the argument by this place and even this case top CBI officers — Director Alok ation in totality (before inter- God knows where and how this The court had then said that, Nariman that divesting Verma of is going on in the Supreme Verma and Special Director vening),” Attorney General K K fight between the two senior for now, it would limit the his powers amounted to his transfer, Court. So I believe this place Rakesh Asthana — as they were Venugopal told the bench of Chief officers would have ended”. hearing to whether the gov- the AG said that reading the transfer should be divided between fighting like Kilkenny cats. The Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Sanjay The AG said this while ernment could have acted into the government decision to people of all religion,” Centre intervened to restore the Kishan Kaul and Justice K M Joseph. responding to the contention by against the CBI chief without first divest Verma of his power was Bhikkhu said. credibility and integrity of the Defending the decision to senior counsel Fali S Nariman, approaching and taking prior “totally foreign”. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 ASIA 13 Pakistan PM pledges US help on Afghan war

AGENCIES “The Prime Minister accelerated efforts to find an ISLAMABAD reiterated Pakistan’s Afghan peace pact that would abiding interest in allow for the eventual with- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran drawal of the United States from Khan met with a US peace envoy achieving peace its longest war, which has yesterday and pledged his help and reconciliation in already cost Washington nearly to find a political settlement to Afghanistan through $1 trillion. the long-running war in neigh- Khalilzad will also travel to bouring Afghanistan. political settlement,” Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, The visit to Islamabad by Khan’s office said in a Turkmenistan, Belgium and the Zalmay Khalilzad, US special statement after Imran Middle East in stepped-up representative to Afghanistan, Khan met with US efforts to find a peaceful end to followed President Donald the war. Trump’s request for Pakistan’s peace envoy Zalmay In November, Khalilzad held help in finding an end to the Khalilzad. three days of talks with the 17-year-old war between Taliban, according to the Taliban insurgents and the Taliban. The United States has western-backed Afghan The US and Afghanistan neither confirmed nor denied government. have long accused Pakistan of direct talks with the Taliban, a Resolute Support Mission Commander of the US, Army General Austin Scott Miller (right), greets Khalilzad, an Afghan-born covertly sheltering Taliban, long-standing demand of the Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council US diplomat who served as which Islamabad denies. radical movement. Khalilzad, and Resolute Support at Nato headquarters in Brussels, yesterday. George W Bush’s ambassador Islamabad has promised in however, has said he has held to Afghanistan, Iraq and the the past to work to help bring talks with all Afghans, a United Nations, was named by the Afghan Taliban to the nego- sideways reference to include Afghan security forces’ deaths Trump three months ago as a tiation table, but this will be the the Taliban. special envoy to negotiate peace first attempt for Khan’s new On the eve of Khalilzad’s in Afghanistan. government, in power since visit to Pakistan, President unsustainable: US military “The prime minister reit- August. Donald Trump a wrote a letter erated Pakistan’s abiding The Pakistani statement seeking Pakistani Prime Minister interest in achieving peace and quoted Khalilzad as saying that Imrah Khan’s cooperation, even REUTERS settlement to end the 17-year- were estimated at 60,000. reconciliation in Afghanistan the US leadership looked though he has been a harsh and WASHINGTON long war in Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump through political settlement,” forward to working with often belligerent critic of Afghan President Ashraf wants to end the conflict between Khan’s office said in a statement. Pakistan in furthering the shared Pakistan and even engaged in a The Pentagon’s pick for the next Ghani said last month that since Afghan security forces and the Trump’s overture to Khan goal of peace. Twitter battle with Khan. Khan commander of US Central 2015 more than 28,000 Taliban, who are fighting to drive followed an exchange of barbed The resurgent Taliban, who told reporters on Monday that Command said on Tuesday the members of the Afghan security out international forces and rees- tweets between the leaders last ruled Afghanistan before US his government will do high casualty rate of Afghan forces had been killed. tablish their version of strict month. forces invaded in October 2001, whatever was possible to ensure security forces would not be McKenzie said the United Islamic law after their 2001 ouster. Officially allies in fighting carry out near-daily attacks on peace in Afghanistan. sustainable even with the States would have to work with McKenzie said he was terrorism, Pakistan and the Afghan army and police forces. The US soldiers still in stalemate in the fight against Afghan forces to improve how unaware of any plans to signif- United States have a compli- They view the US-backed gov- Afghanistan are mostly in Taliban militants. they recruit, train and carry out icantly change the US military cated relationship, bound by ernment in Kabul as a dysfunc- support and advisory roles, yet “Their losses have been very missions. footprint in Afghanistan. Washington’s dependence on tional Western puppet and have their mission continues to be high. They are fighting hard, but He added that Afghan forces Recent attacks underscore Pakistan to supply its troops in refused repeated offers to nego- deadly. Last week in eastern their losses are not going to be were not capable of securing the the pressure on Afghanistan’s Afghanistan, where the United tiate with it. Afghanistan, an improvised sustainable unless we correct mountainous South Asian country overstretched security forces, States still has 14,000 troops, but US and Nato troops formally explosive device killed four US this problem,” Lieutenant without help from the nearly suffering from their highest- plagued by accusations concluded their combat mission troops, the deadliest attack General Kenneth McKenzie said 14,000 US troops deployed there. ever level of casualties, esti- Islamabad is playing a double in Afghanistan in 2014, but still against US forces in Afghanistan during a Senate Armed Services “If we left precipitously right mates from the Nato-led “Res- game. provide close support to Afghan since June 2017. The Taliban Committee hearing. now, I do not believe they would olute Support” mission show. US officials have for years forces and carry out counterter- claimed responsibility. The assessment comes as be able to successfully defend The Kabul government no been pushing Pakistan to lean rorism operations. Some 15,000 Washington’s own Con- both Western-backed security their country,” McKenzie said. longer releases exact casualty on Taliban leaders, who Wash- American forces are currently gress-appointed watchdog says forces and the Taliban have He said he did not know figures, but officials say at least 500 ington says are based inside serving in Afghanistan. the Taliban control or hold sway pushed to gain momentum as how long it would take for men are being killed each month Pakistan, to bring them to the Since his appointment in in nearly 50 percent of the the United States has stepped up Afghan forces to be self-suffi- and hundreds more wounded, a negotiating table. September, Khalilzad has country. efforts to find a peaceful cient and that Taliban fighters tally many consider low.

4 die as Afghan Pakistan govt to bring constitutional amendment for job quota insurgents INTERNEWS government was trying to muster amendment, the government He said that since the that the bill would easily sail attack ISLAMABAD support of all political parties. requires a two-thirds majority employment quota had expired through the National Assembly It is worth mentioning that in parliament to get the bill in 2013, it should have been and the upper house of par- checkpoint Pakistan’s Minister of State for under Article 27 of the 1973 passed. extended through constitutional liament,” he said. Parliamentary Affairs Ali Constitution, the quotas for the Committee chairman amendment without any delay. Other members of the com- AP Mohammad Khan has assured a provinces were fixed for 40 Mohammad Tahir Bizenjo, who Unemployment and sense of mittee also said that the quota KABUL parliamentary committee that years, and that period ended in belongs to the National Party, deprivation was increasing in system was extremely essential the government would soon 2013. said that not only the bill should Balochistan, he said. to mitigate the grievances Taliban targeted a police move a constitutional However, soon after coming be tabled at the earliest but the Bizenjo was of the opinion amongst less populous provinces checkpoint in the western amendment to ensure to power, the Pakistan Muslim quota system should also be that the bill should be moved at and the underprivileged areas of Herat province, setting off a appointment of government League-Nawaz (PML-N) gov- implemented in letter and spirit. the earliest and he did not see the country. battle in which a policeman officers/officials as per provincial ernment decided to extend the “Unfortunately, quota system any hindrance in its passage. Since implementation of the and three civilians were quota. quota system for another 20 has never been implemented. “The Pakistan Peoples Party quota was a problematic subject, killed, according to a Addressing the Senate Func- years and introduced a bill in Currently, there is not a single introduced the quota system so it was stressed that the parlia- provincial official in Herat. tional Committee on Gov- parliament for the purpose. The federal secretary from Balo- it will never go against it. mentary affairs ministry should Police spokesman Abdul ernment Assurances, the min- bill, however, could not become chistan which is nothing but Moreover, all the parties of less look into the implementation of Ahad Walizada said six of ister said the amendment would a law over the next five years. unfair with less populous prov- populous provinces will also the quota system in letter and the attackers were also soon be moved and for that the Since it is a constitutional inces,” he added. support the bill. We assure you spirit. killed in the battle late on Tuesday. The Taliban effectively control nearly half the country and carry out daily attacks that Nepal attempts record with mainly target security forces. In the eastern Nangarhar a Dead Sea of plastic bags province, meanwhile, the director of a local TV station was kidnapped. AFP organised the event, said. Attahullah Khogyani, the KATHMANDU Global plastic production governor’s spokesman, said has grown rapidly, and is cur- the TV director, known as Young Nepalis created a map rently more than 400 million Engineer Zelmia, was kid- of the Dead Sea with used tonnes per year. napped late Tuesday. Zelmia’s plastic bags yesterday in a bid It is estimated that two to driver was shot and killed. to set a new international five percent of plastics wind up No one immediately record and raise awareness in the oceans, where much of claimed the abduction, but the about the vast volumes it breaks down into tiny par- Taliban and the Islamic State polluting the world’s oceans. ticles that harm marine life. group are both active in Volunteers tied 100,000 “We hope this effort will Nangarhar. colourful used plastic bags on help to keep seas clean and not In the eastern Paktika a metal grid 20 metres long let them become another dead province, a suspected U S and five metres tall, shaped sea,” he said. drone strike killed a local gov- like the Dead Sea, on open Over 150 volunteers ernment employee believed ground in Kathmandu’s city worked for months to collect to have links to insurgents, centre. and sort used plastic bags from said Shah Mohammad Aryan, The record attempt was schools and public areas. spokesman for the provincial organised with a slogan “One Among the participants was police chief. Dead Sea is enough for us”. 20-year-old environment He said the strike late “We decided to tie plastic student Prakriti Pandey. Tuesday took place in an area bags and make a sculpture of “I had heard news that on the outskirts of the pro- Fishing for fun the Dead Sea to spread plastic was found inside a dead vincial capital, Sharan, where awareness over the world to whale, so I felt I should join this insurgents have been known Boys use a piece of cloth to catch small fish from a polluted pond along a roadside in Islamabad, minimise waste of plastic,” initiative to spread awareness to stage rocket attacks on the Pakistan, yesterday. Surgeon BC of Stem Foun- around the world and in my city. dation Nepal, the group that country,” she said. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 Indonesia hunts for suspects in alleged Papua massacre

AFP “I have ordered the perpetrators of these barbaric WAMENA, INDONESIA chiefs of the military and inhumane acts,” he told reporters in Jakarta. Indonesian soldiers hunted and national police Police and military teams yesterday for rebels suspected to chase and arrest sent to the area on Monday came of killing as many as two dozen all the perpetrators under rebel gunfire with one construction workers in restive of these barbaric soldier killed and another Papua province, as an eyewitness wounded in the firefight, author- account supplied by the military and inhumane acts,” ities have said. described a grisly mass Indonesian President Four workers — including execution. Joko Widodo said in three suffering gunshot wounds The survivor’s account Jakarta. — were among a dozen civilians detailed the killing of at least 19 who have been evacuated from people, which if confirmed the area so far. would mark the deadliest bout Yesterday, the military sup- of violence in years to hit a mountainous region where a plied an account from one sur- region wracked by a low-level state-owned contractor has been vivor identified by his initials “JA” independence insurgency. building bridges and roads as who claimed about 50 rebels A Facebook account pur- part of efforts to boost entered the workers’ camp on Indonesian soldiers carry rifles as they walk towards helicopter to fly to Nduga district in Wamena, portedly run by the National Lib- infrastructure. Saturday and led them away Papua province, Indonesia, yesterday. eration Army of West Papua Many Papuans view Indo- with their hands tied behind their (TPNPB) said the armed group nesia as a colonial occupier and backs. It was confirmed with rela- accused of rights abuses against Papua declared itself an had killed 24 workers on the its building work as a way to The following day, the rebels tives that the eyewitness worked Papua’s ethnic Melanesian pop- independent nation on that date orders of regional commander exert more control over an shot dead a group of workers, for the contractor in the area ulation including extrajudicial in 1961, but neighbouring Indo- Ekianus Kogoya. impoverished region that shares while some tried to escape, the where the killings allegedly took killings of activists and peaceful nesia took control of the Authorities have yet to a border with Papua New account said. place, but his account of a mas- protestors. resource-rich region two years confirm how many were killed Guinea, an independent nation. The attackers allegedly sacre could not be independently This weekend, about 500 later on the condition it hold an in the weekend attack, but the Indonesian President Joko recaptured six workers and slit verified. activists — including an Aus- independence referendum. military said 15 bodies that have Widodo said yesterday he their throats, according to the Indonesia routinely blames tralian — were arrested in a It officially annexed Papua been recovered would be flown backed the hunt for those behind uninjured witness, who said at separatists for violence in Papua nationwide police crackdown in 1969 with a UN-backed vote, by helicopter to the town of what he described as the “alleged least 19 employees had been and foreign media need per- that coincided with rallies on widely seen as a sham. Timika today. assault”. killed in all. mission to report there so December 1, a date many Papua experienced several Yesterday, some 150 military “I have ordered the chiefs of Previous local media reports obtaining reliable information is Papuans consider their anni- spasms of violence this summer personnel were focusing their the military and national police pegged the number of dead difficult. versary of independence from including the killing of three local operation at Nduga, a remote to chase and arrest all the between 24 and 31. The military has long been Dutch colonialists. people, allegedly by rebels.

Philippine taxes on sugary drinks could Malaysian fugitive financier, 4 others face new 1MDB charges avert thousands of AP month, US prosecutors charged Former Prime Minister Najib have criticized the charges as ex-business development KUALA LUMPUR Low and two former Goldman Razak started the 1MDB fund political vengeance. His lawyer, director, Casey Tang Keng Chee deaths: WHO study Sachs bankers with conspiracy when he took power in 2009 to his former deputy, two ex- and former finance director Malaysian police said yesterday to launder 1MDB money. promote economic development senior government officials and Terence Geh Choh Heng were REUTERS they have filed new criminal Malaysian police chief but it accumulated billions in a former chief state minister also charged. MANILA charges against fugitive financier Mohamad Fuzi Harun said Low debts, and is being investigated have also been charged with A spokesman for Low, in a Low Taek Jho and four others and four others, mostly former in the US and several other graft. statement issued through his over the multibillion-dollar 1MDB employees, were countries. Fuzi said Low, 36, was lawyers, slammed the new The Philippines could avert looting of state investment fund charged Tuesday with 13 new Anger over the huge scale of charged with five counts of charges against him as a “con- 24,000 premature deaths 1MDB. money laundering and the scandal led to the shocking money laundering involving tinuation of the trial by media linked to diseases such as Low is wanted for his alleged criminal breach of trust election ouster of Najib’s coa- transfers totaling $1.03bn into and political reprisals” by Malay- diabetes, stroke and heart role as the mastermind in a offenses involving losses of lition, and ushered in the first a Swiss bank account between sia’s new government. failure in the next two massive money laundering and $1.17bn of 1MDB funds. change of power since the coun- September 2009 and October “Mr. Low maintains his inno- decades after it adopted taxes bribery scheme that pilfered bil- He said yesterday that arrest try’s independence from Britain 2011. Low and his aide, Eric Tan cence. As has been previously on sugar-sweetened lions of dollars from the indebted warrants have been issued for in 1957. Kim Loong, face two more stated, Mr. Low will not submit beverages, the World Health 1MDB fund. the five, who have fled Malaysia. The new government reo- money laundering charges for to any jurisdiction where guilt Organisation (WHO) said He remains at large but If they are found in any country, pened a probe into 1MDB that receiving $126m in a Sin- has been predetermined by pol- yesterday. maintains his innocence. the government will request was stifled under Najib’s rule. gapore-based bank account, he itics and there is no independent The taxes levied this year Malaysian authorities charged their extradition so they can face Najib and his wife have been said. legal process,” the statement could cut consumption and Low and his father with money charges in a Malaysian court, charged with multiple counts of 1MDB’s former lawyer, said, alleging that Low cannot get avoid nearly 6,000 deaths laundering in August. Last Fuzi said in a statement. corruption in the scandal, and Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, its a fair trial in Malaysia. related to diabetes, 8,000 from stroke and more than 10,000 from heart diseases over 20 years, a WHO research study showed. Philippine community “The new sugar- sweetened beverage tax may help reduce obesity-related radio station tunes into premature deaths and improve financial well-being in the Philippines,” the indigenous land rights researchers said. The taxes, part of a series REUTERS make up about a fifth of the of reforms aimed at helping to BANGKOK country’s population. fund infrastructure, could They are among the poorest yield healthcare savings of A community radio station in the ethnic groups, and have been about $627m and annual Philippines is drawing attention caught in a five-decade old revenue of $813m, they added. to the struggles of indigenous insurgency, as well as a push The high consumption of Lumad people, whose rights to by logging and mining com- colas was the main driver of ancestral land and resources are panies to tap resources obesity, swelling the burden increasingly under threat from including gold, copper and of non-communicable dis- industrialisation. nickel. eases, the WHO said. Radyo Lumad, launched Their vulnerability is exac- Retail prices of sugar- last year by the charity Rural erbated by martial law imposed sweetened beverages have Missionaries of the Philippines in Mindanao by President risen as much as 13 percent (RMP) and the rights group Rodrigo Duterte, who has called after the Philippines imposed Kim visits fishery stations Kalumbay Regional Lumad the island a “flashpoint for the taxes in January, joining Organisation, broadcasts eight trouble” and atrocities by 27 countries with similar North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (centre) visiting the fishery stations in the eastern coastal area. hours a day, five days a week. Islamist and communist rebels. levies. It offers a mix of news and Thousands of Lumad commentary, as well as tradi- people have been displaced and tional music and a helpline for many killed, according to a listeners’ queries. report last year by Victoria Its 43 community reporters Tauli-Corpuz and Cecilia Arrest in Australian cold case made famous by podcast focus on rights violations, Jimenez-Damary, the U.N. including forced evacuations Human Rights Council’s special AFP Dawson denies killing his school teacher, had started an an arrest warrant for a 70-year- and threats from industrial and rapporteurs on the rights of SYDNEY wife, and says she left home at affair with a 16-year-old student old man currently living in mining projects. indigenous peoples. the time of her disappearance to who moved in with him within Queensland,” Fuller told “Indigenous people have The ancestral domains of An Australian man whose life was get some time to herself. days of his wife’s disappearance. reporters yesterday. limited representation and par- the Lumad are recognised and laid bare in a popular crime The cold case is the subject of Police have been criticised Fuller acknowledged that ticipation in the media,” said protected by the Indigenous mystery podcast about the disap- popular podcast “The Teacher’s for not investigating the disap- media reports had contributed Mona Sihombing at the Peoples’ Rights Act 1997. Com- pearance of his wife nearly 40 Pet”, which details a troubled pearance properly. to police obtaining additional advocacy group Asia Indig- mercial use of these lands needs years ago was arrested yesterday. marriage leading up to the disap- New South Wales police statements relating to the case. enous Peoples Pact. their free, prior and informed Ex-first grade rugby league pearance and examines the short- commissioner Mick Fuller, who “What is important to me “Alternative and com- consent. player Chris Dawson, 70, is comings of the police response. recently apologised for police was justice for Lynette Dawson munity media, such as Radyo But consent is rarely sought, expected to be charged with the The podcast, by journalists failings on the case in the 1980s, and her family, and today is an Lumad, provide a space for our and many Lumad do not have murder of his former wife from The Australian newspaper, said detectives had revisited the important step forward in that,” voice to be heard in the fight for titles for their ancestral domain, Lynette, who went missing in has been heard by some 27 disappearance three years ago he added. Dawson was due to our rights,” she said. campaigners say. Sydney’s northern beaches in million people worldwide, and a “fresh brief” of evidence be extradited from Queensland The Lumad in Mindanao Duterte said earlier this 1982, authorities said. according to the paper. had led to the arrest. state to New South Wales, where island in the southern Philip- year he would open up these The body of the mother of An inquest in 2003 found that “That information enabled police said he would be charged pines are among the nearly 17 lands in Mindanao to attract two has never been recovered. Chris Dawson, a former high New South Wales Police to get with homicide. million indigenous people who investors to generate wealth. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 EUROPE 15 If US builds missiles, so will Russia: Putin

AP decision to withdraw from the foreign military attaches earlier, been keen to preserve the treaty, MOSCOW INF, accusing Russia and China Gen.ral Valery Gerasimov, chief called on Russia to try to save it — which is not a signatory to the of staff of the Russian military, while it still has the time. Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin accused the US treaty - of violating it. warned of a Russian response “The INF treaty is of great (pictured) yesterday warned the Putin yesterday accused the and said that it would be the significance for security in United States that if it walks out of making up excuses United States of making up countries that host US interme- Europe,” government spokes- of a key arms treaty and starts for pulling out of the excuses for pulling out of the diate-range missiles that would woman Ulrike Demmer said in developing the type of missiles pact, saying that the pact, saying that the US first become immediate targets for Berlin yesterday. banned by it, Russia will do the US first made up its made up its mind to walk out of Russia. “The German government same. it and only then “started to look When signed in 1987, the INF welcomes the fact that the Putin’s remarks to Russian mind to walk out of it for the reasons why they should treaty was lauded as a major American government is giving news agencies came a day after and only then “started do it.” safeguard for global security its preservation another chance,” US Secretary of State Mike to look for the reasons “It seems that our American since they eliminated shorter- she added, referring to the Pompeo announced at a Nato partners believe that the situ- range missiles that take just a few 60-day deadline. She also noted meeting that Washington will why they should do ation has changed so much that minutes to reach their targets. that the issue came up in a suspend its obligations under the it.” the ability to launch a nuclear the US has to have this type of The removal of such disestab- meeting between Chancellor Intermediate-Range Nuclear strike in Europe with little or no weapons,” he said in televised lishing weapons would in theory Angela Merkel and Trump in Forces Treaty (INF) in 60 days, notice. Russia has denied the remarks. “What would be our allow more time for decision- Argentina on Saturday. citing Russian “cheating.” allies that it says shows that Rus- accusations. response? A very simple one: in making in case of a warning of a “It is now up to Russia to The US has shared intelli- sia’s new SSC-8 ground-fired President Donald Trump that case, we will do the same.” missile attack. avert the end of the treaty,” gence evidence with its Nato cruise missile could give Moscow earlier this year announced his Speaking at a briefing of U.S ally Germany, which has Demmer said.

13 charged for May accused of destruction of misleading MPs Arc de Triomphe during protests over Brexit deal AFP PARIS AFP last month was the only viable LONDON option. Thirteen people were charged “I believe that the deal we yesterday over looting and British Prime Minister Theresa have negotiated is a good deal,” destruction at the Arc de May was accused yesterday of she said, adding: “I’m continuing Triomphe monument to misleading MPs over her Brexit to listen to colleagues on that and France’s war dead during deal as her government considering a way forward.” violent “yellow vest” protests published legal advice likely to May on Tuesday suffered a which rocked Paris last increase opposition to the series of stunning defeats in par- weekend, prosecutors said. agreement ahead of a crucial liament which threaten her gov- Three of the suspects, vote next week. ernment and ultimately could which include one minor, Scottish National Party (SNP) change the course of Brexit. were placed in preventive lawmaker Ian Blackford was She effectively lost her custody ahead of their trial, twice reprimanded by the House majority in the Commons after while the others were of Commons speaker for sug- the Northern Irish party on Pro-Brexit demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament, in London, yesterday. released on bail. gesting May had misled MPs which she relies sided with the The landmark arch at the “inadvertently or otherwise”, Labour party to find her min- to cabinet, which warns of the to approve an amendment tabled second referendum or even top of the Champs-Elysees before withdrawing the claim. isters in contempt of parliament “legal risk” inherent in a clause by Conservative former attorney staying in the EU. avenue, which offers pano- May replied that she had for failing to publish in full the intended to keep open the border general Dominic Grieve, which International Trade Sec- ramic views of the capital, always been clear about the legal advice on the Brexit deal. with Ireland. allows parliament to determine retary Liam Fox aired that was the epicentre of the implications of the deal’s provi- Meanwhile, 25 her own Con- It confirms Britain risks what happens if the deal falls. concern, saying that a majority clashes between anti-gov- sions on Northern Ireland, which servative MPs voted with Labour remaining “indefinitely” in the If May loses the vote next in favour of staying in the EU in ernment protesters and risk keeping Britain tied to the to give the Commons a bigger so-called backstop, which could week, the government has 21 parliament “may attempt to steal police. EU’s economic rules for years say in what happens if, as keep the whole country in an EU days to return to MPs to propose Brexit from the British people”. Demonstrators sprayed it after leaving next March. expected, the Brexit deal is voted customs union for years after what happens next. Grieve’s May opened the first of five with slogans, smashed sculp- But she emphasised neither down on December 11. Brexit, while also keeping the amendment could allow MPs to days of debate on the Brexit deal tures and display cases in an side wanted this to happen, and The government yesterday province of Northern Ireland in amend that statement, raising on Tuesday evening and yester- underground gallery and repeated that the withdrawal finally published the six-page the bloc’s single market. the possibility they could day’s discussion was to focus on snatched commemorative agreement struck with Brussels advice from the attorney-general MPs on Tuesday also voted demand a re-negotiation, a security. medals, some of which were later found among the 412 people arrested over protest. France’s director of Russia jails national monuments Philippe UK, Denmark top global league for climate measures Belaval has estimated the veteran activist damages at several hundred REUTERS progress in transforming their Denmark has decarbonised represent 80 percent of the thousand euros, and the arch for protest call LONDON energy sectors toward meeting its electricity sector, moving world’s population and 73 has remained closed since the targets, said the report by away from coal, installing percent of its carbon Saturday. AFP Denmark and Britain are the top researchers from Britain’s renewables and reducing fossil emissions. The 13 suspects have been MOSCOW countries when it comes to Imperial College, commissioned fuel subsidies by 90 percent over Britain, however, remained charged with breaking and implementing measures to fight by British power generator Drax. the last decade. the sixth largest subsidiser of entering, robbery and A Moscow court yesterday climate change, although Britain “We researched how the Britain has invested heavily fossil fuels among the 25 coun- destruction of a heritage site. sentenced a 77-year-old has lagged in phasing out fossil world is progressing on uptake in offshore wind and plans to tries, the report showed, based Investigations are con- rights activist to 25 days in jail fuel subsidies, a report published of the five key technologies and phase out coal-fired power gen- on data from the Organisation tinuing to identify other sus- for calling for protests against by academics said yesterday. measures needed to limit climate eration by 2025. for Economic Co-operation and pects in the looting, the pros- a growing crackdown on The report was launched as change to 2 degrees Celsius. This Canada has also installed Development (OECD) up until ecutor’s office said. young people. delegates from more than 190 reveals Denmark, UK and renewables and is building facil- 2016. Since Sunday, 227 adults Lev Ponomaryov, one of nations meet in Poland to flesh Canada to be world leading,” ities to capture and store carbon According to the OECD def- have been prosecuted over Russia’s most respected out how to reach commitments said Imperial’s Iain Staffell. dioxide emissions. inition of a fossil fuel subsidy - the violence, of whom nearly activists, said that the pow- made under the 2015 Paris The five technologies are The report assessed the which includes direct expendi- a hundred have already erful FSB security service was Agreement to keep the rise in clean power, fossil fuels, electric climate change measures of 25 tures by governments, foregone appeared in court under a behind his detention. global temperature below 2 vehicles, capacity for carbon major countries, including all tax revenues and other conces- fast-track procedure. “They are taking revenge degrees Celsius this century. storage, and energy efficiency of the G7 and BRICS (Brazil, sions — Britain’s fossil fuel Dozens have had their against me because I am Denmark, Britain and of households, buildings and Russia, India, China and South support amounted to around cases thrown out for lack of waging a war against the Canada have made the most transport. Africa), which together $13bn a year. evidence. FSB,” the head of the For Human Rights movement said as he was being driven to a detention centre. “The country is gradually Police bust illegal inching towards mass political repressions,” he said, referring to the peak of arms arsenal in Sofia Stalin-era purges. A spokeswoman for Mos- AFP black powder, 14 rocket-pro- cow’s Tverskoi district court SOFIA pelled grenade launchers and said the activist had been tens of thousands of cartridges, convicted of a repeat vio- Bulgarian police have busted a he added. lation of rules around mass huge illegal weapons arsenal in The suspected ringleader of demonstrations. a garage in the capital Sofia, the weapons smuggling oper- In late October, Pon- seizing dozens of rifles, guns and ation was held during the raids, omaryov made a public call pistols, the interior ministry along with six others. for Russians to take part in an announced Wednesday. Another 17 Kalashnikov unsanctioned rally in Moscow Sixty-five Kalashnikov rifles and 15 pistols equipped to protest a growing rifles, 37 Scorpion guns and 43 with silencers were also confis- crackdown on young people pistols were seized in the oper- cated by police agents in the including teenagers suspected ation conducted by the police’s central town of Kazanlak, home of extremism. counter-terrorism unit over the to Bulgaria’s biggest and oldest A group of youngsters has weekend, the ministry’s anti- light arms and munitions maker Photo of weapons and ammunition, seized after police raids in different locations in Bulgaria, yesterday. been accused of seeking to organised crime chief Ivaylo Arsenal, where officials said the topple the authorities and Spiridonov told a press arms came from. raid. The prosecution has plant. deputy chief prosecutor Ivan creating an “extremist organ- conference. An operation producing ordered a full investigation to “It was an inside job. The Geshev said. isation” that was infiltrated Police also found eight kil- fake identity documents was establish how the arms were weapons were definitely taken The country’s arms exports by security services. ogrammes of highly explosive also uncovered in the Kazanlak smuggled out of the Arsenal out illegally from the plant,” reached $1.36m in 2017. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 Dozens of mobsters held in European-wide raids

AFP Italian police said 90 people THE HAGUE had been arrested in all coun- tries in the sweep targeting the Police arrested dozens of Hundreds of police ‘Ndrangheta and its “projections suspected mobsters in Europe across South America.” and South America yesterday in took part in the In Germany, Wednesday’s a huge international swoop operation, seizing four operation focused on restau- targeting Italy’s notorious tonnes of cocaine, 120 rants, offices and apartments, ‘Ndrangheta mafia clan, officials mainly in the states of North said. kilos of ecstasy and Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria Around 90 people accused two million euros in region. of involvement in drug traf- cash from locations German prosecutors said 47 ficking, money laundering and including Italian suspects had been targeted and violent crime were arrested in 65 premises were being raids in Germany, Italy, the Neth- restaurants and ice searched. erlands, Belgium and Suriname. cream parlours. Dutch prosecutors said the A car equipped with a hiding place under the seats was confiscated by the police during raids against Hundreds of police took part investigation began after they suspected mafia members, in Wiesbaden, western Germany, yesterday. BELOW: Policemen raid an in the operation, seizing four money laundering”. noticed money laundering at two ice cream parlour, in Duisburg, western Germany, yesterday. tonnes of cocaine, 120 kilos of The ‘Ndrangheta — which Italian restaurants in the ecstasy and two million euros in derives its meaning from the southern Netherlands that Federico Cafiero De Raho said cash from locations including Greek word for heroism — is showed criminal links with the operations would affect the Italian restaurants and ice cream made up of numerous village and Germany and Calabria, home of ‘Ndrangheta’s drug trafficking parlours. family-based clans in Calabria, the ‘Ndrangheta. operations around the world, The crackdown on the pow- the rural, mountainous and Using an often family-based including Colombia, Ecuador and erful organised crime syndicate under-developed “toe” of Italy’s network spread out around Brazil. based in Calabria, southern Italy, boot. Europe, drugs would come into But he warned that it was “just came just a day after Italian Despite intense police the Dutch port of Rotterdam and a first step”, saying the arrests police arrested the new boss of attention and frequent arrests, the Belgian port of Antwerp were “nothing for the ‘Ndrangheta, the separate Sicilian mafia. the organisation has continued before being moved around the there are thousands of people who “Today we have issued a to extend its reach. continent. should be arrested and billions clear message to criminal alli- It has surpassed Sicily’s Cosa Prosecutor Fred Westerbeke that should be seized”. ances across Europe, and they Nostra and the Naples-based said they had also probed ice The European police agency are not the only ones who can Camorra in influence thanks to cream parlours, adding that Europol however said it was a work across borders,” Filippo control of the cocaine trade and together with restaurants “the “decisive hit against one of the Spiezia, deputy head of the EU’s is the sole mafia organisation to suspicion is that the mafia organ- most powerful Italian criminal judicial agency Eurojust, told a operate on all continents, isation is laundering money that was once a Dutch colony. concentrated on the Limburg networks in the world”. press conference in The Hague. according to anti-mafia through these establishments Dutch NOS television said the area, home to many people of European Parliament Pres- He said the “unprecedented prosecutors. and they are used as a cover for ‘Ndrangheta were mainly active Italian descent who moved there ident Antonio Tajani, who is and extraordinary result” tar- Officials hailed yesterday’s their criminal organisations.” in the Netherlands in drug smug- after World War II to work in Italian, sent “congratulations” to geted “dangerous members of operation — dubbed “Operation He also confirmed that there gling through the country’s huge coal mines, Belgian prosecutors the police forces involved, the ‘Ndrangheta family deeply Pollina” — as a serious blow to had been raids in Suriname, a flower export market. said. adding: “Europe fights involved in drug trafficking and the group. small South American country The Belgian operations were Italian anti-mafia prosecutor ‘Ndrangheta criminal groups”. Germany’s top EU steps up fight against fake news ahead of vote rights official AFP democracies against disinfor- 28-nation bloc, called for a in Brussels and among EU dele- detect disinformation campaigns denied entry in BRUSSELS mation,” said Andrus Ansip, the system in which EU bodies and gations to third countries. EU and making fact-checked content EU’s vice president for the digital member states alert each other member countries are also urged more visible and widespread. Xinjiang region The EU took steps to protect single market. to disinformation in real time. to try to match the efforts. The Commission said it will upcoming elections against “We have seen attempts to Set for March, the system will The Commission also asked work with European regulators of AFP disinformation campaigns from interfere in elections and ref- allow members to share data and Facebook, Google, Twitter and audio-visual media services to BEIJING suspects like Russia, launching erenda, with evidence pointing analysis on propaganda cam- Mozilla as well as online and constantly monitor whether the a bloc-wide alert system and to Russia as a primary source of paigns and promote what the advertising trade associations to pledges are being carried out fully. Germany’s top human rights pressuring Internet giants like these campaigns,” Ansip added. bloc says will be objective com- “swiftly and effectively” act on “We will impose very big official said she has been Facebook for more help. European Union officials said munications about its values and pledges made last month to fight pressure on them to do what denied entry to China’s Officials said their campaign they are taking steps to protect policies. disinformation. they promised to do,” the com- Xinjiang region, where the UN will try to blunt the hatred and democracies and public debate The plan will boost the Com- These include ensuring the mission’s justice commissioner estimates that up to one divisions fuelling the rise of ahead of elections in May to the mission’s budget to tackle disin- transparency of political adver- Vera Jourova said. million people are being held right-wing and populist parties European Parliament as well as formation and raise awareness tising, closing active fake The Commission warned it in detention camps. in a number of European before dozens of elections in from 1.9 million euros to five accounts and flagging messages could take “regulatory” action if Reports have leaked out countries. member countries through 2020. million euros next year. spread automatically by “bots”. the online platforms fail to this year of gross human “We need to be united and The European Commission, This will allow for an They also include cooperating honour the pledges they signed rights violations targeting the join our forces to protect our the executive arm of the increase in staff and equipment with academic researchers to in a code of practice last month. Uighur ethnic in the restive region in China’s northwest. Barbel Kofler, who is vis- iting China for a human rights dialogue between the two Bulgaria to shun countries, said she was “shocked by reports of the treatment” of the Uighurs. “I am deeply concerned UN migration pact about the human rights situ- ation in China. It has become REUTERS The pact, which addresses even more serious in recent SOFIA issues such as how to protect years,” she said in a statement. people who migrate, how to Kofler’s visit to China Bulgaria will not join a United integrate them into new coun- began Tuesday, and comes Nations accord on regulating tries and how to return them to after Beijing cancelled last the treatment of migrants their home countries, was year’s bilateral dialogue, the worldwide and would not approved in July by all 193 German Foreign Office said attend the conference marking member nations except the US, in the statement. its formal adoption in Morocco which backed out last year. “Unfortunately, my next week, its centre-right It followed the biggest request to travel to Xinjiang government decided yesterday. influx of migrants into Europe in the context of the Dialogue The Black Sea state’s gov- since World War II, many was refused,” said Kofler. ernment said it would also fleeing conflicts in the Middle China’s foreign ministry abstain in a subsequent vote on East and beyond. regularly claims it welcomes a resolution in the UN General The issue has led to a gov- visits to the region from Assembly to endorse the ernment crisis in Belgium, foreign journalists and offi- already adopted pact in a move Austria has said it will not sign cials. But foreign journalists Gingerbread City that highlights how Europe has up and opposition from Italy’s travelling to the region are turned colder on accepting prominent interior minister, the A staff member next to a design called Temporal Pleasure is seen at the Museum of Architecture’s frequently detained and fol- foreigners. right-wing Matteo Salvini, has Gingerbread City at the V&A Museum, in London, yesterday. lowed by police to prevent At least five other EU coun- thrown Rome’s support into and obstruct reporting on the tries, including Hungary, the doubt. internment camps. Czech Republic, Poland and In the Netherlands, a recent Slovakia, have already shunned opinion poll showed 41 percent the accord — a sign of how the of people against signing the bloc has turned increasingly pact versus 34 percent in restrictive on accepting ref- favour. Outside of the EU, Aus- Austria to ban non-biodegradable plastics in 2020 ugees and migrants alike since tralia has also quit. a 2015 spike in arrivals. Bulgaria, a Balkan country AP Under the legislation ini- to cosmetic and cleaning waste every year. “At this stage, the Bulgarian with a population of 7 million, BERLIN tiated yesterday, Austria’s products, unless the European It says that Austria is going government believes that the lies on one of the main migratory centre-right government plans Union has a solution to that issue further than European Union decision not to join the Global routes from the Middle East to Austria’s Cabinet has approved to ban all bags that aren’t fully before 2020. rules require, and that it is Compact for Safe, Orderly and western Europe, says it is a ban on most plastic bags, set biodegradable. The government says that joining France and Italy in intro- Regular Migration, protects to the already taking steps to stop to take effect at the beginning of It also plans to ban the the planned ban would eliminate ducing bans on non-biode- fullest extent the interests of the illegal migration and protect the 2020. addition of tiny plastic particles 5,000 to 7,000 tonnes of plastic gradable plastic bags. country and its citizens,” it said. EU’s external borders. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 AMERICAS 17 US sets aside divisions for Bush state funeral

AFP WASHINGTON

A divided Washington led by the nation’s five living presidents put on a show of unity yesterday at the poignant state funeral of George H W Bush, as America bade farewell to its 41st pres- ident. Donald and Melania Trump shared a front row pew at Wash- ington National Cathedral with past presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives as a guard of honor brought Bush’s flag-draped casket into the packed prayer hall. George W Bush delivered a rousing and deeply personal eulogy — at times punctuated by laughter — as he sang the praises of his father and predecessor as commander-in-chief, who died last Friday at the age of 94. “He was born with just two FROM LEFT: US President Donald Trump; First Lady Melania Trump; Former president Barack Obama; settings — full throttle, then Former first lady Michelle Obama; Former president Bill Clinton; Former first lady Hillary Clinton; Former sleep,” Bush said. “To us, his was president Jimmy Carter and Former first lady Rosalynn Carter at the state funeral for former President the brightest of a thousand points George H W Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, yesterday. RIGHT: A US of light,” he added in reference military guard of honor carrying the flag-draped casket of the late former President George H W Bush. to his father’s signature call to volunteerism. “When the history books are appeared locked in an uneasy and Joe Biden, and former sec- written, they will say that George truce as it got underway. retaries of state James Baker, H W Bush was a great president Trump arrived and promptly Colin Powell and Condoleezza of the United States.” shook hands with Obama and Rice. Bush’s eulogy followed an George W Bush former first lady Michelle Yesterday was a day of pre- uplifting performance by Irish delivered a rousing and Obama. But his greetings stopped cision, patriotic ritual, and cer- tenor Ronan Tynan — a friend of deeply personal eulogy there, as he failed to emony. George W Bush and wife Bush who sang to the president acknowledge Hillary Clinton, his Laura stood stoically outside the the Capitol to pay their respects the worst decisions in the history in his dying hours. — at times punctuated defeated Democratic rival in US Capitol as a guard of honor to a man who steered the nation of our country.” Yesterday’s state funeral caps by laughter — as he 2016. carried his father’s flag-draped through turbulent times But he has taken pains to a day-long homage that saw sang the praises of his Clinton sat stone faced, casket to the hearse. including the end of the Cold War demonstrate unity since Bush’s Bush lie in state for two days in father and predecessor looking straight ahead, and the In a show of respect, Penn- — and in a style dramatically dif- death, and made a low-key visit the US Capitol rotunda. pair did not make eye contact. sylvania Avenue was lined with ferent to the combative current to the Capitol late Monday with Since Bush’s death, Trump as commander-in-chief. Other dignitaries in the well-wishers as the cortege pro- president. First Lady Melania Trump to has traded his usual provocative cathedral included Britain’s ceeded toward the cathedral in Trump’s ascendancy to the salute Bush’s casket. posture for one of respect and But while the service allowed Prince Charles, German Chan- the first presidential funeral head of the Republican Party saw Trump declared yesterday solemnity, tweeting before Washington to hit pause on the cellor Angela Merkel, former since Gerald Ford died in late him exchange vitriolic attacks a national day of mourning. heading to the cathedral about toxic rhetoric that has engulfed Polish president Lech Walesa, 2006. with the Bushes, notably Many federal offices are closed “a day of celebration for a great the country’s politics, Trump and former vice-presidents Dan Earlier, tens of thousands of slamming the presidential son’s along with Wall Street stock man.” his Democratic predecessors Quayle, Dick Cheney, Al Gore Americans had quietly filed in to 2003 invasion of Iraq as “one of markets. Wisconsin Senate passes Paris climate deal ‘fatally flawed’: Trump bill to curb powers of ANATOLIA the price of energy for respon- gathering in major French cities, nation’s unity in danger,” he said WASHINGTON sible countries while white- including Paris, since November in a live televised address. incoming Democrats washing some of the worst pol- 17 to protest President In June 2017, Trump US President Donald Trump luters in the world.” Emmanuel Macron’s contro- announced the US was pulling REUTERS years of complete Republican termed the Paris climate deal “I want clean air and clean versial fuel tax hikes and the out of the Paris Climate Accord, MILWAUKEE control of government in the “fatally flawed”, citing violent water and have been making deteriorating economic situation an international agreement state. protests in France. great strides in improving Amer- in France. working towards reducing The Republican-controlled “Republicans are very sore “I am glad that my friend @ ica’s environment. But American On Tuesday, French Prime greenhouse gas emissions. state Senate in Wisconsin losers,” said Senator Fred EmmanuelMacron and the taxpayers — and American Minister Edouard Philippe said In October of this year, he approved legislation yesterday Risser, a Democrat. “You’re protestors in Paris have agreed workers — shouldn’t pay to clean the government has suspended accused climate change scien- that would weaken the powers trying to undo what the voters with the conclusion I reached up other countries’ pollution,” the planned fuel price rise for six tists of having a “political of the incoming Democratic have done.” two years ago,” Trump said on Trump wrote. months, in an apparent effort to agenda”, saying that while he governor and attorney general, The Senate voted to pass Twitter. “The Paris Agreement Thousands of protesters appease the protesters. thinks the climate is changing, he voting in the early hours after the central piece of the legis- is fatally flawed because it raises wearing yellow vests have been “No tax is worth putting the does not believe it is manmade. debates that lasted through the lation by 17 votes to 16, with night. only one Republican voting The state Assembly was against it, according to results expected to vote in favor of the posted on the state legislature’s Magnitude 5.2 quake measure today, after which it website. Mueller recommends no jail would go to current Republican The law would allow legis- hits Chile’s capital Governor Scott Walker, who lators, rather than the attorney has indicated he would sign it. general, to decide whether to AP time for Trump’s former adviser His successor, Democrat Tony withdraw the state from law- SANTIAGO Evers, has said he may mount suits. That measure is aimed at AFP a legal challenge to the preventing Evers and the An earthquake with a prelim- WASHINGTON measures. incoming attorney general, Josh inary magnitude of 5.2 has Wisconsin’s Republican- Kaul, from following through on swayed buildings in the Robert Mueller, the special pros- majority legislature called a campaign promises to end Wis- Chilean capital of Santiago. ecutor in charge of the Russia rare post-election session this consin’s challenge to the federal There are no immediate election meddling probe, week to consider the proposals Affordable Care Act, popularly reports of damage. recommended that President before Governor-elect Evers known as Obamacare. The US Geological Survey Donald Trump’s former national takes office in January and can A similar effort is underway said the quake hit at 2:12pm security adviser Michael Flynn exercise his veto power. in Michigan, where the Repub- local time and was centered face no jail time due to his After an all-night session, lican-controlled legislature is 9km south-southwest of San “substantial” cooperation with lawmakers reconvened just weighing new laws to ham- Antonio on the Pacific coast. the investigation. before 5am, with Democrats string incoming Democrats. Witnesses reported Mueller said in a court doc- blasting the Republican Michigan Republicans want buildings swaying in the ument that Flynn, who admitted majority for trying to grab to end the secretary of state’s center of the capital, and said last year to lying about his con- power after they lost the gov- oversight of campaign finance it also was felt in the port of tacts with Russians in the weeks Robert Mueller and Michael Flynn ernorship in elections on laws and sidestep the attorney Valparaiso, some 105km after Trump’s November 2016 November 6. That result ended general in litigation. northwest of the capital. election victory, had helped in a term of incarceration — is Sergei Kislyak, in which Flynn his and other unspecified federal appropriate and warranted,” the appeared to be trying to criminal investigations, filing said. undermine the policy of then- including being interviewed 19 The special counsel had President Barack Obama. times. postponed Flynn’s sentencing Obama at the time was Defence chief extends Mexico border mission In a memorandum to a four times over the course of a planning sanctions on Russia for Washington federal court on year, suggesting that he had its interference in the 2016 ANATOLIA Security (DHS) response to border troops used tear gas on Flynn’s upcoming sentencing, become a valuable witness. election. WASHINGTON migrant caravan arrivals. DoD a large group of migrants who Mueller also said that despite his Flynn’s was the first guilty Within weeks, Flynn was support to DHS is authorized had thrown rocks and other pro- “serious” offense, the retired plea secured by the Muller forced to resign after it was US Defense Secretary James until January 31,” a Defense jectiles at them and were three-star general and former investigation into alleged col- alleged that he lied to top White Mattis has approved plans to Department spokesman said. attempting to breach the border Pentagon intelligence chief had lusion between Trump’s election House officials as well about his extend the deployment of troops Nearly 6,000 active-duty fence. a strong record of military and campaign and Russia. Kislyak talks. at the southern border with troops have been sent to secure Thousands of migrants have public service. In an interview with inves- Then in March 2018, in a Mexico until the end of January. the border and harden points of been waiting in Tijuana to cross “Given the defendant’s sub- tigators on January 24, 2017, second interview with the FBI, “The Secretary of Defense entry. A number of troops cur- into the US, many from a stantial assistance and other four days after Trump’s inaugu- Flynn also lied about the fact has approved an extension of rently deployed at the border caravan that prompted US Pres- considerations set forth below, ration, Flynn lied to investi- that before and after the election the ongoing Department of were supposed to be relieved of ident Donald Trump to claim a sentence at the low end of the gators about conversations he he had a $500,000 lobbying Defense (DoD) support to the duty on December 15. without evidence that it was an guideline range — including a had the previous December with contract on behalf of Turkey that Department of Homeland Earlier this month, US “invasion”. sentence that does not impose Russia’s ambassador to the US, he had not reported. 18 AMERICAS THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018

Colombian man Obrador says gets 15 years jail term for human relations with trafficking AFP WASHINGTON Trump good A Colombian man was sentenced to 15 years in a US prison for human trafficking, AP Lopez Obrador said in a case that involved three MEXICO CITY he is hopeful the Cuban migrants, a rape and two sides (US and two murders, prosecutors Mexico’s new president said Mexico) can agree said. yesterday that relations with US Fredis Valencia Palacios, President Donald Trump are on development aid 30, was sentenced by the “good,” and the two will for Central America judge of the Southern District probably talk soon about the and southern Mexico of Florida, Jose Martinez, who immigration issue. to create jobs so also ordered him to serve Many analysts had been three years of probation after expecting President Andres people won’t have to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (centre) arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of serving his prison sentence. Manuel Lopez Obrador to run emigrate. newly elected Mexico City’s Governor Claudia Sheinbaum at the local Congress, in Mexico City, yesterday. Valencia, extradited to the into headlong conflict with United States last April, Trump, especially since a “We are looking at this the National Palace, where the attempted to quell nervousness pleaded guilty on September caravan of about 7,000 Central this issue in particular, the immi- issue,” the president said, “My conferences are held, but Lopez in financial markets, especially 25 to conspiracy charges to American migrants set up camp gration issue,” he said. friends, family, civic activists, Obrador routinely shakes hands concerns about the potential encourage and induce for- on the US border last month. The Mexico’s Foreign Relations you (the press) are constantly in crowds where there are no effects on investors of bonds eigners to enter the United caravan’s presence, and an Secretary Marcelo Ebrard has bringing it to my attention.” such security filters. that financed the partly built States illegally. attempt to cross the border en been in Washington for talks on Lopez Obrador holds news “I don’t feel or perceive any Mexico City airport project that According to court docu- masse, led Trump to threaten to the issue. conferences every morning, and threat,” he said. “I think anybody Lopez Obrador has decided to ments, Valencia had traf- close the border. But Lopez Obrador side- at Tuesday’s conference, an who fights for justice has nothing cancel. ficked people to the United But Lopez Obrador said he stepped questions about whether activist snuck in among the jour- to fear.” The new administration States from Colombia, via is hopeful the two sides can Mexico will agree to house nalists and ran up to Lopez Lopez Obrador thrives on announced an offer to repur- Panama, since 2014. They agree on development aid for migrants while their asylum Obrador at the end of the con- contact with common people chase about $1.8bn of the $6bn crossed through a thick jungle Central America and southern claims are processed in the ference to present him with and crowds; he has dismissed the outstanding airport bonds. But area where migrants often Mexico to create jobs so people United State, as US officials have petition. military presidential guard corps yesterday, a law firm repre- sneak into Panama, on their won’t have to emigrate. reportedly proposed. A staffer shadowed the and has set in motion plans to senting some bond holders way to the United States. “We are in constant commu- Still in his first week in office, woman but did not stop her from sell the presidential jet and flies expressed doubts about the Authorities said two other nication, and the communication Lopez Obrador also said he is reaching the president, who economy class. offer. Colombians, Jhoan Stiven is good,” Lopez Obrador said, weighing what steps to take in accepted the papers she gave “I don’t want to lose the rela- A statement issued by the Carreazo Asprilla and Carlos adding that “relations are good.” regard to his extremely loose him, and gave her a hug and a tionship with the people, with Hogan Lovells law firm said the Emilio Ibarguen Palacios, “It is very likely that in personal security arrangements, peck on the cheek. the citizenry, I don’t want a fence concerns involved a potential were also extradited to the coming days we will talk with which have been widely Reporters have to pass around me,” Lopez Obrador said. weakening of the collateral United States for this case, for President Donald Trump about criticized. through a metal detector to enter Lopez Obrador has backing the bonds. operating alongside Valencia. Number of people living in poverty in Brazil grows by two million AFP record, according to the Geography and Statistics Institute World Bank, which is when a to 15.2 million in 2017, repre- growth, but only timidly. BRASÍLIA government statistics bureau. (IBGE) said in a statement. person lives with less than the senting 7.7% of the population. The IBGE statement said The figure, going from 52.8 Nearly half of the poor pop- equivalent of $5 per day. Brazil, Latin America’s most unemployment rose from 6.9% The number of people living in million poor in 2016 to 54.8 ulation — 44.8% — lives in Bra- The number of Brazilians populous country with 208 million to 12.5% between 2014 and 2016. poverty in Brazil grew by two million in 2017, meant 26.5 zil’s northeast region. living in extreme poverty — cal- inhabitants, suffered its worst- The latest figures, dating from million last year in the wake of percent of the country was below The data relies on the defi- culated at less than $1.90 per day ever recession between 2014 and October this year, show it has the country’s worst recession on the poverty line, the Brazilian nition of poverty given by the — rose from 13.5 million in 2016 2016. Last year it returned to declined to 11.7%. THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 19 UDC wins ‘Best Mixed-Use Development’ award for The Pearl-Qatar

THE PENINSULA took place at the Savoy Hotel in over the 2018-2022 period. DOHA London on December 3, 2018. These investments reflect the The award reflects UDC’s company’s strong commitment United Development Company leading position ahead of hun- to pursuing unique development (UDC), one of Qatar’s leading dreds of firms across 48 real projects and moving forward public shareholding companies estate categories, including res- with its strategy of tapping new and master developer of The idential and commercial prop- investment opportunities to Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Islands, erties, that have been carefully bolster corporate gains and is pursuing its successful journey appraised by a panel of 80 inter- minimise risk, by taking of developing premium real national experts led by three advantage of residential and estate projects that fall in line members of the UK’s House of commercial investment oppor- with the highest international Lords. The evaluation is based tunities at The Pearl-Qatar and standards and the company’s on criteria such as design, Gewan Island. well-planned objectives and quality, services, innovation and UDC is a leading Qatari milestones, in a bid to optimize commitment to sustainability. public shareholding company shareholders and investors’ Commenting on this latest with a mission to identify and Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, Officials receiving the Best Mixed-Use Development 2018-2019 Award. returns. achievement, Ibrahim Jassim Al UDC President and CEO invest in long-term projects As testament to its success Othman, UDC’s President and contributing to Qatar’s growth in developing and managing CEO, said, “The award reflects was presented with the awards financial returns to its investors. and providing significant share- leading real estate ventures, our unwavering commitment Business Excellence Awards in recognition of the company’s In April 2018, UDC unveiled its holder value. Established in UDC recently won the 2018- not only to excellence but also 2018, presented by MEA- significant contribution to the latest real estate project - 1999, the company went on to 2019 “Best Mixed-Use Devel- to the development and delivery Markets - one of the leading development and management Gewan Island - at Cityscape be listed on the Qatar Stock opment” award for The Pearl- of sustainable projects that have business magazines in the of some of the region’s leading Qatar. The 400,000 square- Exchange in June 2003. UDC’s Qatar project in the Arabian a positive impact on the com- Middle East and North Africa real estate projects. meter project is located adjacent current investment portfolio version of the awards. Abdulla munity, and contribute to the region - which honors com- Despite regional uncertainty to The Pearl-Qatar, with con- includes real estate devel- Al Hamadi, Executive Director long-term development of real panies, departmental functions and economic challenges, UDC structions works due to be com- opment, property management, Property Management at UDC, estate projects.” and individuals who are continues to unveil innovative pleted in 2021. infrastructure and utilities, mar- received the award on behalf of Earlier this year, UDC won credited with advanced expe- and integrated projects, while UDC is expected to invest a itime related businesses, and the company in a ceremony that two awards from the Qatar rience and specialization. UDC maintaining satisfactory total of QR5.5bn in key projects hospitality.

Qatar Insurance organises workshop on diabetes QRCS finishes economic empowerment THE PENINSULA DOHA project in Al Quds Qatar Insurance, the leading insurer, in collaboration with THE PENINSULA were also trained in how to use Syrian American Medical Center DOHA the new equipment. The mate- commemorated World Diabetes rials will be procured from Day by organising an awareness Qatar Red Crescent Society contracted local suppliers. workshop for its staff. The (QRCS) has completed an Done earlier this year, workshop included a presen- economic empowerment Phase 1 involved establishing tation on the risk factors for project for poor Palestinian apiaries for 51 poor house- diabetes, its symptoms and early households in the City of Al holds, each provided with detection signs, strategies for Quds at a total cost of eight beehives, beekeeping prevention and treatment of the $282,000 (Over QR1m). suits, gloves, and training.The disease. The project was imple- project effectively helps the The session also included mented by QRCS’s represen- households with orphans and free medical checkup for all QIC tation mission in the West poor people have a stable staff. Attendees also benefitted Bank in coordination with source of income, reduces from the talk given by diabetes QIC’s staff undergoing a medical check-up. Zakat Al Quds Committee. poverty, raises living educators and therapeutic nutri- Recently, Phase 2 of the standards, and gives a boost tionists, who spoke at length year. It also casts a spotlight on of our Corporate Social Respon- employees, who we consider our project has been accom- to the local market. about following a healthy diet the Group’s mission as a respon- sibility, this initiative reiterates most important asset.” plished, by providing diverse Entrepreneurship is a key and lifestyle. sible employer in ensuring our commitment both as a cor- He further commented, sewing machines to 26 component of national econ- The awareness campaign wellness of its entire staff. porate citizen and as a respon- “Renewing our efforts with the female-headed households in omies worldwide, as it ener- aligns with QIC Group’s efforts Speaking about the sible employer. By raising theme, ‘Preventing Diabetes Al Quds districts and gizes the economy, creates towards realizing the Qatar workshop, Abdulla Al Mulla, awareness about this epidemic Together’, we want to educate outskirts. more jobs, attracts skilled National Diabetes Strategy, Group Chief Administrative and embarking upon initiatives and raise awareness on aspects Each household received manpower, and contributes which was launched by The Officer of Qatar Insurance Group such as this, we would like to of the deadly disease, which four sewing machines, an iron, strongly to the gross domestic Supreme Council of Health last stated, “Besides being a core part ensure well-being of all our many may not be aware of!” and an ironing board. They product (GDP). Qatar to host Hostelling International Conference in 2022

THE PENINSULA hostels worldwide in the coun- DOHA try’s ability to host an exceptional event.” He added, “We look Hostelling International (HI), a forward to embracing the spirit federation of more than 70 of hospitality and exploration National Youth Hostel Associa- embodied by Hostelling Interna- tions in more than 80 countries, tional and welcoming hospitality has announced that the 54th HI professionals from all over the conference will be held in Qatar world at the HI conference.” in 2022.The announcement was In the lead-up to the bid, made after Qatar won the vote QYH worked on building rela- by a wide majority at the HI tions with a number of youth Conference recently held in organisations such as YHA Aus- Iceland. tralia, FUAJ France,DJH The biennial conference, Germany, AIG Italy, HI Korea, which will take place in October HI-USA and joined several 2022 in Doha, is expected to exciting programmes offered by draw more than 120 HI repre- HI. Qatar is now a participant in sentatives, hostel operators, and HI-Connect, an employment Tripartite working group of Qatar, US and Iraq Armed Forces meet travel enthusiasts from around scheme which allows youths to Chairman of the International Military Cooperation Authority of Qatar Armed Forces, Brigadier-General (Pilot) Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti, the world. stay free at select HI locations met with Director of Military Training of the Iraq Army, Major General Tariq Abbas Al Baldawi, and US military attache in the country, Darren Barker, CEO of Hos- around the world in exchange for telling International (HI) was working at HI hostels. Addi- Colonel David Keesey. The meeting comes within the framework of the tripartite working group of the Qatar, US and Iraq armed forces. pleased with Qatar’s generous tionally, QYH offers discounts on It was attended by a number of officers from the three parties within the relevant terms of reference. offer to host the event. He com- nightly rates to HI members mented, “I am really happy to be through the organisation’s Digital going to Qatar and absorbing the Membership. culture this region has to offer. Ahmed Hassan Al-Obaidly, Very excited indeed, well done CEO of QYH, commented, “I Ooredoo Myanmar donates for education to Qatar.” would like to thank all those who Qatar’s winning joint bid to supported our bid, particularly THE PENINSULA education is very important for country devel- heartwarming by supporting education in rural host the conference demon- the Ministry of Culture and Sport, DOHA opment and its citizens. Now Ooredoo is areas. We believe that we are able to help strates the success of Qatar Youth National Tourism Council (then bridging children from needy society with a enrich the lives of people through our CSR ini- Hostel (QYH) and the National referred to as Qatar Tourism Ooredoo Myanmar donated yesterday MMK proper learning environment to have better tiatives and cutting-edge technology.” tourism Council (NTC) in pro- Authority), and Qatar Museums. 40,000,000 at Kani Young Boy Orphanage future for them and for our country, Myanmar Kani Young Boy Orphanage House is moting Qatar as a youth-friendly I would like also to thank all HI and Lae Ti Monastic Education School in through its “The more you speak, the more located at Kani Village, PyarponTownship, tourism destination. members for their confidence Ayeyarwaddy Region. This is the second time Ooredoo will donate” CSR initiative. Ayeyarwaddy Region. It is managed by Ven- NTC official Ahmed Al in us.” donation in Ayeyarwaddy Region for educa- U Tint Naing Htut, Ooredoo Myanmar erable Sayadaw Pandita and U Htay Lwin, Obaidli commented, “The In total, Qatar hosted 99 tional development and it comes from a part Head of Corporate Communications said “This Chairman of Kani Young Boy Orphanage majority vote win to bring the exhibitions and 58 conferences of accumulative amount from its “The more contribution at Kani Young Boy Orphanage House Association. 133 students are studying 54th HI conference to Doha in 2017—a 30 percent increase you speak the more Ooredoo will donate” CSR and Lae Ti Monastic Education School in Aye- there not only for primary to high school edu- shows confidence by youth compared to 2015. program. Ooredoo strongly understands that yarwaddy Region makes me feel very cation but also vocational training. 20 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces meets Nato delegation FAJR 04. 44 AM SHOROOK 06. 05 AM

ZUHR 11. 25 AM MAGHRIB 04. 46 PM ASR 02. 24 PM ISHA 06. 16 PM

WEATHER TODAY

Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, met yesterday with a delegation from North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) headed by deputy chief of staff for political, legal and media affairs. During the meeting they discussed various aspects of joint o o cooperation between the Qatari Armed Forces and Nato. The meeting was attended by Chairman of the International Military Cooperation Authority of Qatar 22 C 28 C Armed Forces Brigadier-General (Pilot) Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti. Minimum Maximum Misty to foggy at places by early morn- ing becomes mild daytime with scattered clouds, relatively cold by night. HIGH TIDE 4:45 – 15:30 LOW TIDE 11:15 – 22:00

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Muscle men get ready for QSM contest

more than 5,000 fans cheering from the stands. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and Christopher Oketch were named the cham- pions in the Qatari and open categories respectively. This year’s competition will only have one overall winner to crown Qatar’s one and only strongest man. On the day of the QSM competition, AZF will also organise a series of accompanying community activities for all the family to enjoy at the event. Activities will include a fan zone and play area for children, as well as a variety of local food and beverage stands. Fans and visitors will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle draw to win special prizes presented by the event sponsors, including Sports Corner (Main sponsor), Ooredoo (Telecommunication sponsor), De Boer (Tech- nical sponsors) and Kidzania (Event partner). Free tickets The officials of the Aspire Zone Foundation with the eight finalists, who will compete in the 6th edition will be distributed on-site at the main entrance. of Qatar’s Strongest Man 2018, during the technical meeting.

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) held a technical meeting with the eight finalists, who will compete in the 6th edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man 2018 (QSM 2018). The event, which has proven immensely popular with Qatar’s sports-loving society, is due to begin at 4pm tomorrow at Aspire Park. The meeting was headed by Abdullah Aman Al Khater, Director of Events and Venues at AZF. During the meeting, Al Khater stressed that the QSM 2018 series is recognised for its fair play and competitiveness, adding that safety of players will remain a top priority. He also urged all participants to adhere to the com- petition’s rules and regulations and, most importantly, to enjoy themselves. Having passed a variety of gruelling tests over the past month, on Friday, the eight finalists Can marital status will go through five challenges; Conan’s Wheel: Con- testants must lift and carry a 180kg bar on a rotating alter physical platform; Sand Bag Lifting: Contestants take sand bags off a box and place them on high stands; Giant Wheel Tyre activity levels? Flipping: Athletes must flip a 120kg tyre down a 25m course; Farmer’s Walk: Athletes must lift 120kg in each IANS arm and walk for 25m; Truck Pulling: Athletes must pull LONDON a 6-tonne truck for 25m In 2017, the competition attracted unprecedented While a divorce or a new relationship numbers of spectators from the local community, with brings many changes in a person’s life, a new study shows an association with reduced physical activity levels. Einstein’s letter fetches $2.9m The findings showed that men who divorced and women who found a new IANS partner reduced their physical exercises. NEW YORK The total number of non-exercise steps was reduced for men who divorced, A handwritten letter by Albert Einstein in which he whereas for women who found a new grapples with the concept of religion has sold for spouse, the total steps decreased signifi- nearly $2.9m smashing predictions. cantly when compared to women married Written in 1954, the so-called “God letter” was throughout. expected to fetch $1.5m at Christie’s Rockefeller Center According to the researchers, it is dif- auction here. The Nobel Prize-winning scientist, then ficult to provide a single explanatory factor 74, wrote the one-and-a-half page note to German about the effects of changes in marital philosopher Eric Gutkind in response to one of his status on physical activity. works. It is seen as a key statement in the debate “It seems that the changes in relation- between science and religion. “This remarkably ships affect the physical activity of men candid, private letter was written a year before Ein- and women differently,” said Kasper Salin, stein’s death and remains the most fully articulated postdoctoral researcher from the Uni- expression of his religious and philosophical views,” versity of Jyvaskyla in Finland. a statement from Christie’s says. It fetched almost For the study, published in the Journal double the auction house’s predicted price of up to of Public Health, the team included 1,051 1.5m. In the letter, written in his native German, Ein- participants aged between 34 and 49. stein takes issue with the belief in God. They also investigated the relationship It is not the first time Einstein’s letters have been between socioeconomic position and put up for auction. In 2017, a note written to an Italian changes in physical activity. They found chemistry student who had refused to meet him sold that among the men and women with the for $6,100. It was sold alongside a number of other highest socioeconomic status, the number letters from Einstein, including a 1928 note that went of aerobic steps increased significantly for $103,000, in which he set out his thoughts for his over the four years. third stage of the theory of relativity.