SPORT | Page 1 BUSINESS | Page 1 QSE-listed companies pitch for INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 6 – 12, 32 COMMENT 30, 31 Lekhwiya set up REGION 13 BUSINESS 1 – 10, 13 – 16 investment 17,646.59 9,854.85 43.37 ARAB WORLD 14, 15 CLASSIFIED 11 – 13 Jaish clash in AFC -104.54 -84.18 -0.27 INTERNATIONAL 16 – 29 SPORTS 1 – 12 in London -0.59% -0.85% -0.62% knockout round Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10079 May 5, 2016 Rajab 28, 1437 AH

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

PALESTINE | Tensions Israel launches for sports raids on Gaza Israel yesterday launched air raids on the Gaza Strip after a day of tensions along the border of the Palestinian territory whose leaders warned against an escalation. Air professionals strikes hit around Gaza’s derelict international airport near the An agreement has been signed dustry. This is when we will truly be Washington DC, we will lead the de- southern city of Rafah and in nearby designating Georgetown able to create sustainable industries,” velopment, delivery, assessment and farming areas, said the territory’s University as the academic he explained. review of the diploma and certifi cate Hamas-run interior ministry. Security partner of Josoor Institute, a “The long-term ideal is to serve as programmes in football and sports sources in Gaza said the jets fired centre of excellence for the sports a global hub for knowledge, innova- management.” two missiles at the airport but said and events industries, developed tion, and excellence in the sports and Georgetown University will be no one was hurt in the strikes. by the Supreme Committee for events industry for Qatar and the re- working with Josoor Institute to im- Israel’s army said its warplanes had Delivery & Legacy gion. plement a variety of programmes and hit five sites operated by Hamas. “Our belief is that Josoor Institute workshops developed by the univer- Page 14 By Joseph Varghese provides an opportunity for people to sity’s industry-leading faculty on a Staff Reporter equip themselves with the skills to re- wide spectrum topics associated with alise their dream and enter careers in the sports and events industries. TURKEY | Meeting the world of sport and events.” Georgetown will also lead the de- Ruling party to hold undreds of sports profession- Al-Thawadi pointed out that as part velopment of the professional di- special congress als are to be trained in Qatar of the new agreement, Josoor Institute ploma and certifi cate modules for Hby Josoor Institute and Geor- and Georgetown would work together managerial and leadership core com- Turkey’s ruling Justice and A Syrian woman holding a baby waits to cross to the Jordanian side of the Hadalat getown University through a number on the development and delivery of petencies on both football and sports Development Party (AKP) will hold border after arriving from Syria yesterday. According to Jordanian off icials, around of programmes and workshops with a existing and new workshops and pro- management and events management an extraordinary congress this 5,000 people fleeing from recent attacks on the northern Syrian city of Aleppo are view to facilitate the 2022 FIFA World grammes, ensuring that the standards programmes. The modules will cover month, the CNN-Turk and NTV news trying to cross into Jordan in search of safety. Cup and beyond. of all the exercises were in line with in- topics including business acumen, channels reported yesterday. Prime An agreement to this eff ect was ternational academic standards. strategy, people and leadership, man- Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who signed yesterday designating Geor- Dr Groves observed that by devel- agement communication, fi nancial is also party chief, had earlier held getown University as the academic oping the human capital needed for management and more. an over 90-minute meeting with partner of Josoor Institute, a centre the growth of the sports and events Josoor Institute was developed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. of excellence for the sports and events industries, Georgetown can play a vi- the SC in December 2013. Since its No off icial statement was released Arab League vows industries, developed by the Supreme tal role in Qatar and the entire region’s inception more than 1,800 delegates after the meeting at Erdogan’s Committee for Delivery & Legacy eff orts in moving towards a sustain- from across the region have attend- presidential palace in Ankara. (SC). able knowledge-based economy. ed its workshops and programmes. The pact was signed by Dr Robert M “Through our School of Continuing World-class speakers have been in- ‘international justice’ Groves, the provost and executive vice Studies and the McDonough School volved in the delivery of 28 workshops BRAZIL | Politics president of Georgetown University’s of Business on Main Campus in and programmes. Rousseff ’s Main Campus in Washington, DC, and woes mount Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary general for Aleppo crimes of the SC on behalf of Josoor Institute. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff ’s “We want to create an ecosystem chances of remaining in off ice that can sustain the development of a plummeted yesterday after a key AFP, QNA tive to the Arab League, Saif bin Mu- thriving industry for the decades that senator recommended the leftist Cairo qaddam al-Buainain, called for urgent will follow 2022 - an ecosystem that leader face an impeachment trial measures to halt the killings and hold encourages innovation and entre- and a top prosecutor said she should accountable those responsible for preneurship and spurs job creation - be included in a vast corruption he Arab League said yesterday them and bring them to justice as war providing opportunities to the young investigation. Rousseff , whose it will strive to ensure that all of criminals. people of our region,” al-Thawadi popularity has fallen in the last year Tthose behind mounting violence He said shelling of residential neigh- said. due in large part to a deepening in the war-ravaged Syrian city of Alep- bourhoods, hospitals and places of “Our long-term vision is to create economic recession, is expected to po face “international justice”. worship in Aleppo had triggered wide- an ecosystem of practitioners who are become the first Brazilian president The pan-Arab organisation met spread condemnation and disdain glo- connected with each other beyond to fail to complete a presidential in Cairo as fi ghting that raged in the bally because of the unprecedented 2022. We want to create a network term in more than 20 years. Page 26 divided city threatened a complete barbaric behaviour of the regime. through Josoor Institute’s delegates breakdown of a truce between Presi- He said the State of Qatar con- and this network should be spread dent Bashar al-Assad’s regime and op- demned the “disastrous and cata- across the world and is able to rely on Off icials of Georgetown University and Josoor Institute after signing the BUSINESS | Commodities position groups. strophic situation in Aleppo due to each other for the progress of this in- agreement yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen. Oil prices drift as More than 280 civilians have been the brutal raids waged by the Syrian killed in the fi ghting since April 22, regime”. US output falls with Assad’s regime launching air The regime’s continued aggression Oil prices drifted sideways yesterday strikes on the rebel-held east Aleppo. on civilians “stresses that the suff er- with US futures slightly higher The Arab League said it had decided ing of the Syrian people is tantamount but London slipping amid news to “work on bringing all those who par- to systematic aggression, contraven- Monthly vehicle sales touch 5,600 that US oil output fell by another ticipated in and contributed to the bru- ing all international charters, laws and 100,000 barrels a day last week. US tal attacks against innocent civilians in international humanitarian lawand the benchmark WTI crude for delivery Aleppo and other Syrian cities to inter- principles of human rights and requires atar witnessed average times the average monthly sale of new and reached its peak in April at nearly in June finished the day at $43.78 national justice”. the need for the international commu- monthly sales of 5,600 pri- vehicles. QR1.2bn and in December alone, the a barrel, up 13 cents from Tuesday. The 22-member bloc denounced nity to condemn these atrocities”. Qvate vehicles, totalling 67,000 In the second-had market, Decem- value of new vehicle imports exceeded In London, Brent crude for June the “the Syrian regime’s brutal actions Qatar called on the Security Council newly-manufactured vehicles dur- ber 2015 saw sales of 20,800, register- QR1.1bn. dropped 35 cents to $44.62. against unarmed civilian residents” “to carry out its legal responsibilities ing 2015, according to the Ministry of ing an increase of approximately 4% Private vehicle imports saw their in Aleppo, calling the attacks “a mas- in accordance with the United Nations Economy and Commerce (MEC). year-on-year, it said, adding the esti- lowest levels in August at an esti- sacre”, in a resolution announced after Charter to stop the suff ering of the Syr- November saw the highest number mated vehicle sales during November mated value of QR682mn, followed by EUROPE | Military the meeting. ian people from massacres”. of sales, reaching over 6,771 vehicles, was 21,000 with an average increase May at QR733mn, the report said. Russia warns It also denounced the Islamic State He called for the provision of protec- followed by March 6,607 and the of 8.5% from the same month in 2014, “Qatar is considered among a group group and “all terrorist groups” which tion to the Syrian people and guarantee lowest was recorded in September at and about 11.2% from October 2015. of countries with promising auto- over Nato plans are committing crimes against civilians of the arrival of urgent humanitarian 4,502, MEC said in its report, released Private vehicle imports topped the mobile market sectors, along with Russia will reinforce its western in Aleppo and other Syrian cities. assistance to all parts of the Syrian ter- yesterday. list of total commodity imports dur- Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and and southern flanks with three The meeting, which is attended by ritory to distribute them to the needy By contrast, the data revealed that ing 2015, where the value of Qatar’s Bahrain, where automobile trade ac- new divisions by the year-end, Arab League secretary-general Nabil without delay and without hurdles. car ownership transfers, indicat- imports of these vehicles amounted tivities are able to achieve superior off icials said yesterday, threatening Elaraby, was held upon a request by More than 270,000 Syrians have ing the volume of sales pertaining to nearly QR10.8bn, the equivalent of fi nancial returns, in contrast with low retaliation to Nato’s plans to boost Qatar. been killed in the confl ict which began to second-hand vehicles, witnessed 9.1% of the total value of commodity levels of risk when compared to the its military presence in eastern Addressing the opening session of March 2011, and millions have been a higher sales frequency during the imports to Qatar in 2015. average level of returns and resultant members Poland and the Baltic the meeting, Qatar’s ambassador to displaced to other parts in Syria and last three months of 2015, and aver- Qatar’s import of these vehicles risks in the Middle-east and North States. Page 23 Egypt and permanent representa- abroad. Page 15 age monthly sales of more than three was higher during the fi rst half of 2015 Africa,” the ministry said. Qatar ‘to raise up to $5bn from planned bond sale’

Bloomberg clays, Bank of America Corp and Bank of ties. The Gulf nation carries the third- ($13bn) this year and will probably will be pressured by increasing credit ing to data compiled by Bloomberg. London Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ are among lenders highest investment grade rating from bridge the shortfall by selling local and losses and weakening earnings genera- The yield on its 2030 security was up that will help arrange the sale, said two Standard & Poor’s. international debt, Finance Minister tion, it said. 1 basis point. of the bankers, asking not to be identi- Governments in the six-nation Gulf HE Ali Sherif al-Emadi was cited as “The sharp fall in oil prices over the Qatar’s Finance Ministry and gov- atar, the world’s biggest lique- fi ed because the information is private. Co-operation Council, which includes saying by the offi cial Qatar News agen- past year and a half has dented Qatar’s ernment spokesman didn’t imme- fi ed natural gas exporter, will The issue will probably be in multiple the two-biggest Arab economies of cy (QNA) in December. economic growth prospects as well as diately respond to requests for com- Qseek to raise up to $5bn from tranches, the people said. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are turning S&P Global changed its outlook on its wealth levels,” S&P Global said. ment. Spokesmen for Barclays, HSBC, a planned bond sale as early as this The Qatari sale would be its fi rst to public markets to raise funds after three Qatari banks to negative amid the The yield on the Qatar govern- Deutsche Bank and Bank of America month, according to three bankers fa- since 2011 and follows neighbouring a more than halving of oil prices led to decline in energy prices and a slowing ment’s 2022 bond climbed the most declined to comment. Bank of Tokyo miliar with the deal. Abu Dhabi, which last week raised $5bn higher budget defi cits. Qatar expected economy, according to a May note from in 10 days, rising 2 basis points to Mitsubishi declined to immediately HSBC Holdings, Deutsche Bank, Bar- from the sale of fi ve and 10 year securi- to post a budget defi cit of QR46.5bn the ratings fi rm. Banks’ lending books 2.498% at 2.52pm in Doha, accord- comment.

Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 5, 2016 QATAR

Foreign Minister meets UN Indian embassy special envoy to Libya to be shifted to QNA companying delegation to Qatar. the situation in Benghazi and in Doha Talks dealt with the situation in particular the deteriorating hu- Libya, particularly the outcomes manitarian crisis, stressing the of the Second Libyan Reconcilia- need for concerted eff orts to re- West Bay area E the Minister of For- tion Conference held in Doha. construct the Libyan city. eign Aff airs Sheikh Mo- The Foreign Minister stressed The Foreign Minister renewed Hhamed bin Abdulrahman Qatar’s support for political Qatar’s support for all interna- he Indian embassy is area. The last date to submit al-Thani met here yesterday the agreement, welcoming the start tional eff orts aimed at achieving expected to be shifted sealed tenders was May 1. Special Envoy of the United Na- of the Presidential Council from a comprehensive national rec- Tfrom its present lo- Though eff orts were made tions to Libya, Martin Kobler, the Libyan capital Tripoli. onciliation for the stability and HE the Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani cation in the Old Hilal area to contact the embassy offi - during his visit along with his ac- The two sides also discussed prosperity of Libya. with the Special Envoy of the United Nations in Libya Martin Kobler. to the Onaiza area (Zone cials for details, no one was 63) soon, sources told Gulf available for comments. Times yesterday. Members of the Indi- Though the exact date of an expatriate community relocation is not known, it is that is estimated to exceed understood that the mission 600,000, have often aired will be shifted to the new their preference for the em- premise near the West Bay bassy to be located some- Petrol Station sometime in where in the city, facilitating the middle of this month. easy access to all. On April 21, the embassy Some of the community had put up a tender notice on leaders said it was desir- its website, inviting bids for able that the embassy main- shifting the mission’s furni- tained a facility within the ture, computers and other city to cater to the needs of things to Villa No.86 and 90, the large Indian workforce on Eithra Street in Onaiza and consular services.

Minister urges joint eff orts to promote global economy

QNA men from both sides. Sarajevo In this regard, he stressed the need to exert more ef- forts to promote economic E the Minister ties, expand and diversify of Economy and the investment and com- HCommerce Sheikh mercial partnership, and Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mo- prioritise investment in hamed al-Thani called for fi elds that add to the econo- supporting the World Bank’s mies of both countries. call to join international ef- The Minister of Economy forts to come up with ini- and Commerce reviewed tiatives that promote global Qatar’s economic diversifi - economic growth. cation strategy that aims to Speaking yesterday at achieve the Qatar National the opening of the two-day Vision 2030, which greatly Sarajevo Business Forum, contributed to supporting currently underway in the the vital economic sectors, Bosnian capital, the minister notably the private sector. pointed to the current cir- He added that Qatar has cumstances in global econo- issued laws and legislation my amid falling oil prices in that helped in facilitating emerging markets, declining the procedures of practis- growth rates, and a continu- ing business in the country ing trend of weak global eco- and provide an investment- nomic recovery, which was attracting environment for evident in the International the diff erent economic ven- Monetary Fund’s reduction tures, pointing to the coun- of global economic growth try’s eff orts in international projections to 3.2% in 2016 commercial arbitration in and 3.7% in 2017, a state- order to protect local and ment issued by the Ministry foreign commercial entities. of Economy and Commerce HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jas- said. sim expressed hope that the HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Sarajevo Business Forum, Jassim highlighted the close held under the theme of ties between Qatar and Bos- ‘One Region, One Economy’ nia and Herzegovina, which will help in fi nding solutions deepened in the wake of the for all economic challenges historic visit of HH the Emir and benefi ting from invest- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad ment opportunities, includ- al-Thani to the country this ing the partnership project year. between the public and pri- The minister called for vate sectors. promoting co-operation The Sarajevo Business between the two countries Forum is a major economic in all fi elds, particularly in platform that allows for ex- commerce and investment, ploring investment oppor- activating ties between the tunities in several economic private sector and business- sectors.

Qatar Chamber attends Arab food security conference

QNA strategy in food and water Doha security. The statement added that the conference was an op- atar Chamber has portunity for the exchange participated in the of knowledge and experi- Q5th Arab Investment ences between Arab and in Food Security Conference foreign businessmen and which was held under the experts as well as the Arab theme “food security a stra- and international institu- tegic axis for economic and tions working in the fi eld of social stability”. food security. It also was an The conference was or- opportunity to introduce the ganised by the Federation most promising investment of the Arab Chambers of opportunities and pro- Commerce, Industry and mote agricultural and food Agriculture, UAE Federation projects as well as to identify of Chambers of Commerce development requirements. and Industry and Fujairah The conference, in which Chamber of Commerce and Qatar Chamber’s delegation Industry. was headed by its Chairman A press statement issued HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jas- yesterday by the Chamber sim al-Thani, included fi ve said that the conference, working sessions and spe- which concluded yesterday cialised dialogues as well as in Fujairah, discussed the the opening and the closing reality of food security, the sessions. status of agriculture in the The sessions discussed Arab world, areas of mod- policies and strategies for ernisation of agriculture and food and water security in related sectors and the Arab the Arab region. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 7 QATAR

Al-Kuwari meets Omani FM

Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Aff airs, Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, met HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari, Adviser at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s candidate to the post of the director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). The Omani minister welcomed the nomination of Dr al-Kuwari for the post of Unesco Director-General, stressing his country’s support for the nomination. Educational certifi cates committee revamped

QNA various degrees in accord- of Public Health (doctor), Guinea Bissau, and a draft Doha ance with the conditions Qatar University (academ- Memorandum of Under- and regulations proposed ic), Hamad bin Khalifa Uni- standing (MoU) for co-op- in this regard and approved versity (academic). eration in the area of the na- he weekly Cabinet by the Council of Ministers Meanwhile, the Cabinet tional archives between the meeting, presided upon the submission of the looked into facilitating the Ministry of Justice in Qatar Tover by HE the Depu- Minister of Education and procedures of the approval and the Ministry of Justice ty Prime Minister and Min- Higher Education. of the Council of Ministers of Brazil. ister of State for Cabinet Under the amendment, on the validity of the re- The Cabinet also re- Aff airs Ahmed bin Abdul- the committee shall be tirement and pensions law viewed the following topics lah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, formed of three members for Qatari workers in some and took the appropriate yesterday approved a draft representing the Ministry of quarters in the private sec- decisions: a memo by the decision of the Council of Education and Higher Edu- tor as an incentive for them Minister of Finance about a Ministers amending some cation, and a representative to work in this sector. draft law of Qatar Financial provisions of decision No 22 from each of the Ministry of The Cabinet approved a Centre, and a memo by the of 2014 to reorganise the ed- Municipality and Environ- draft air services agreement Minister of Finance about a ucational certifi cates equa- ment (engineer), the Min- between the governments proposal by Qatar Develop- tion committee. istry of Justice (lawyer), the of Qatar and the Equato- ment Bank to issue a circular The committee is con- Ministry of Administrative rial Guinea, a draft air serv- of the uniform national def- cerned with the equivalence Development, Labour and ices agreement between the inition of small and medi- of educational certifi cates of Social Aff airs, the Ministry governments of Qatar and um-sized projects in Qatar. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, May 5, 2016 QATAR Cebu Pacifi c VCUQ exhibits fi nal boosts Doha works of students direct fl ight raduates of Virginia 390 will remain open until May highlight their individual inter- changes of light can aff ect a de- considerations) contexts.” Commonwealth Univer- 21 while the MFA exhibition at ests and refl ect their person- sign. His students have addressed frequency Gsity in Qatar’s (VCUQ) the Gallery is to conclude on alities,” explained Leland Hill, Shattering gender stereotypes these needs, which focus on Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree May 28. assistant professor of Graphic is graphic design graduate Noora everything from migrant hous- (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts The exhibition provides an Design at VCUQ. “The vision al-Fadala’s leitmotif of her Fit ing solutions, to sustainable and By Joey Aguilar Degree (MFA) programmes in opportunity for the public to of their work, by what and why the Mold exhibition. ethical interior designs all the Staff Reporter graphic, interior, fashion design, be inspired by works that have they were inspired must be doc- Al-Fadala would like to create way to pods that simulate the and painting and printmaking, been infl uenced by diverse local, umented in their thesis.” awareness of gender stereotypes eff ects of living in colonies on showcased their fi nal works at regional and international ele- A diverse range of subjects is in her country that prevent a Mars. ebu Pacifi c (CEB), the the opening reception of the ments. addressed in the Graphic Design woman from joining the army Through their diverse works Philippines’ leading air- BFA+MFA Exhibition. The exhibition is the culmi- department’s display, which or a man from studying fashion of art representing religious, so- Cline, will increase its fre- The VCUQ BFA+MFA Exhi- nation of four years of diligent ranges from typography to Qa- design, for example. cietal and personal issues, stu- quency to Doha starting July 9. bition is running at the Gallery studying, researching, debating, tar’s visual identify, to gender Cherif Amor, chair of Interior dents of the Painting and Print- “From two fl ights per week, and Room 390 at the university. and designing. stereotypes, to how a scent can Design at VCUQ, emphasised making programme are trying to CEB is to fl y three times to serve Reyes The BFA exhibition in Room “The works of the students be visualised, and to how the the importance of nurturing a change the world and not just the growing number of Filipino culturally diverse learning expe- understand it. expatriates in Qatar,” general nos to visit Doha, the gateway to rience. Rhys Himsworth, the chair manager for Long Haul Division the Gulf countries in the Mid- Amor said: “Diversity is high- of Painting and Printmaking Alex Reyes said. dle East,” Reyes said. “Travellers ly important, along with inno- at VCUQ, believes that: “The The new fl ight, which will op- from the Philippines may book vation, collaboration and sus- graduates will play a signifi - erate every Saturday, will leave more aff ordable, direct flights tainability to address the needs cant role in shaping the cultural Manila at 2.45pm and reach Doha to Doha via CEB to explore the of the ‘glocal’ (local and global landscape of Qatar and beyond.” at 7.15pm, while the fl ight from country’s metropolitan muse- Doha is at 8.55pm and will arrive ums, visit its sprawling architec- Some of the exhibits at VCUQ’s BFA + MFA Exhibition. in Manila at 11.25am the next day. tural wonders, and take part in its Currently, the airline fl ies from rich Islamic culture.” Manila to Doha every Monday He noted that CEB will use its and Thursday while its Doha- wide-bodied, 436 all-economy Manila fl ight is every Tuesday class seats Airbus A330 aircraft and Friday. for the new fl ight. “CEB remains committed to It will also off er optional bringing the Philippines closer meals, Wi-Fi connection, and to the growing Filipino commu- seats with extra legroom. nity based in Qatar. We hope that CEB remains to be the only with our additional frequency Philippine carrier which fl ies and lowest year-round fares, non-stop to Doha since fl ag car- they will be encouraged to fl y rier Philippine Airlines opted for back home and reunite with their a connecting fl ight to Abu Dhabi families and friends more often,” for its new Manila-Doha route Reyes said in a statement. launched last March 31. He added that foreign and Besides Qatar, CEB also has Filipino travellers will fi nd it direct fl ights to other GCC coun- convenient to use CEB’s same tries such as United Arab Emir- terminal connection to diff erent ates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. tourist destinations in the Phil- The airline off ers fl ights to ippines. more than 90 routes on 64 desti- “In the same way, we also look nations, spanning Asia, Austral- forward to enabling more Filipi- ia, the Middle East, and the US. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 9 QATAR

In Brief Qatar-UAE ties reviewed RAF provides urgent aid in N Somalia

QNA Coast, Gebeily, Mrdodi, Food baskets, includ- the statement added. Doha Jih and Hood benefi ting ing basic items (rice, oil, The Ministry of Awqaf Defence Minister more than 10,000 aff ect- sugar, fl our, and dates) in and Religious Aff airs of ed people. suffi cient quantities for Somalia has called on relief meets Palestinian, heikh Thani Bin RAF said in a press re- a period of at least three organisations to provide Jordanian envoys Abdullah Founda- lease yesterday that its months, were distributed urgent aid for those aff ect- Stion for Humani- eff orts were focused on to these families, espe- ed by famine and drought HE the Minister of State for tarian Service (RAF) has these six areas, due to the cially the most vulner- in the north and north- Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin provided emergency re- urgent need for emergen- able categories, such as east of the country. The Mohamed al-Attiyah held lief for 1,900 families in cy aid resulting from the children, mothers and UN has warned of a return separate meetings yesterday six Northern Somali ar- severe drought that hit the elderly who are facing to famine and drought in with the ambassadors of eas which are: Oodl, Salel the country in 2011. acute shortage of food, northern Somalia. Palestine and Jordan to Qatar, Munir Abdullah Ghannam and Lexus, Toyota vehicles recalled Zahi Mohamed al-Samadi, respectively. They exchanged The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in views on issues of common Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed al-Nahyan collaboration with Abdullah Abdul Ghani Company interest. met Qatar’s ambassador to the UAE Hadi bin Nasser Mansour al-Hajri in Abu Dhabi the agent of Toyota and Lexus cars in Qatar, has yesterday. Talks dealt with ways of strengthening relations between Qatar and the UAE, as recalled 2003-2010 Lexus SC430 and 2006 Toyota Ministerial well as a number of issues of mutual interest. Sequoia vehicles due to a defect in the airbag inflator appointments of the front passenger seat.

HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi yesterday issued ministerial ‘Above-normal temperatures’ likely upto July decisions, appointing a number of department directors at the ministry. According to the t will be hotter than in May, but the forecasts tar, according to the outlook. for the ensuing month and range of 0.25C to 0.5C this decisions, Rima Mohamed Abu usual in Qatar this also indicate the probability Two types of forecast season using diff erent sta- month. Such conditions are Khadija was appointed director Imonth as well in June of temperatures to be above products are generated by tistical techniques. likely to persist in the next of educational supervision, and July, the weather offi ce normal for the season, in- climate centres – probabi- This outlook uses the two months as well. Issa Ali al-Ansari was named has said. cluding the months of June listic and deterministic. forecasts estimated based Forecasts from other director of the curriculum and Citing latest seasonal and July. Under the probabilistic on a simple ensemble mean climate centres are gener- learning sources department, forecasts, the Qatar Met Probabilistic MME sea- forecast system, seasonal after correcting the biases ally in agreement with the Jameel Kateem al-Shamari department tweeted yes- sonal forecasts from other climate anomalies are pre- in each of the participating WMOLC outlook for Qa- was appointed director of the terday that “above-normal climate centres such as the dicted to be in one of three models, the Met depart- tar and the GCC, it is ob- teachers’ aff airs department, temperatures were likely International Research In- categories - below normal, ment has clarifi ed. served. Aisha Mubarak al-Khulaifi from May to July”. stitute for Climate and So- normal and above normal According to deter- Most of the models from became director of the early The climate outlook for ciety also show that the - and the probability of ministic MME forecasts, WMOLC also indicate education department, and these three months, which temperature is expected to predicted values falling in above-normal temperature near-normal precipitation Khalid Mohamed al-Hajri was is available on the Met de- be higher than usual in the these categories is estimat- conditions will prevail in in May and these condi- named director of the public partment’s website (http:// Middle East and GCC coun- ed. On the other hand, un- the GCC countries in May tions are likely to continue services department. www.qweather.gov.qa/ tries, including a more than der the deterministic fore- and the temperature anom- through the season as a climateoutlook.aspx), pro- 70% probability of above- cast system, the magnitude alies for Qatar are expected whole over Qatar and ad- Assistant FM meets vides details of the expect- normal temperatures in Qa- of anomalies is estimated to be above normal in the joining regions. Very little Sudan-League team ed conditions in the GCC rainfall is expected in Qatar region and Qatar. Hot day, poor visibility forecast for today this season. The May temperatures The monthly mean, HE the Assistant Foreign Minister are likely to be above normal A hot day across the country as well as poor during the day and slightly dusty conditions minimum and maximum for Foreign Aff airs Soltan bin across the GCC region along visibility in some off shore areas by night, due are also expected in some places at times. temperatures recorded in Saad al-Muraikhi yesterday met a with a probability of over to foggy conditions, are expected today, the Some off shore areas will see misty to foggy Doha in April were 27.5C, joint delegation of the Sudanese 50% of being above average Qatar Met department has said. In a tweet conditions by night along with clouds, ac- 23.5C and 32.2C, respec- government and the Arab across Qatar, according to yesterday afternoon, the weather off ice said cording to the weather report. A maximum tively. These involved de- League led by Sudanese Minister probabilistic multi-model the temperature had reached 41C in Turayna temperature of 40C is expected in Dukhan viations of 0.9C, 1.6C and of International Co-operation ensemble (MME) forecasts and 40C in Al Sheehaniya, while ranging and Abu Samra today, while Doha and Al Khor -0.6C from their respec- Kamal Hassan Ali in order to from the World Meteoro- between 34C and 39C in other parts of the will see a high of 39C, followed by Messaied, tive long-term climatolog- support humanitarian conditions logical Organisation’s lead country. Today’s forecast says it will be hot Wakrah and Ruwais at 38C. ical values, the Met depart- in Sudan. centres (WMOLC). Not just ment has said.

Traffi c diversion in New Rayyan

diversion will be in place for nine Amonths from tomor- row on Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street (New Rayyan) for a distance of 700m near Al Rayyan Police Station. It would be applicable for both directions (as shown in the map). During the period, traffi c on the closed section of the New Al Rayyan Street will be diverted to a newly constructed road adjacent to the closed road with the same number of lanes. Access to key public serv- ices, such as Al Rawabi Wo- qod Petrol Station and the Al Rayyan Police Station, will be available through a signal-controlled inter- section near Al Busawair Street. The diversion is required to implement works to the main carriageway and con- tinue utilities works, as part of the fi rst phase of Al Rayy- an Road Upgrade project road capacity and enhance The work includes develop- installing Intelligent Trans- which aims to increase the the traffi c safety in the area. ment of the infrastructure, port Systems among others. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, May 5, 2016 QATAR VCUQatar grads urged to ‘keep going’ past mistakes

total of 62 students gradu- you, the world will come to know thing we deliberately create?” he justice, equity, life-long learning, ated from Virginia Common- this region for its profound advances said. “The future you are graduating creative opportunity and sustainable Awealth University in Qatar in art and culture and innovation”. into is an exponential future.” prosperity. (VCUQatar) at its 2016 Commence- She advised the graduates that “What that means is that every- Mark Bermejo, the Class of ment Ceremony held on Monday. failure should be expected as they thing is happening faster and at an 2016 Valedictorian and Wurood While 55 Bachelor of Fine Arts join the world of work, because they accelerating rate. Azzam, Salutatorian addressed (BFA) degrees were conferred in would have to take risks if they want For example, human knowledge is the audience. Bermejo has a long fashion, graphic, interior design, to succeed. doubling every 12 months. And that VCUQatar family history. His painting and printmaking, and art “Make failure your springboard curve is accelerating. An IBM re- brother studied graphic design history, seven Master of Fine Arts and keep going,” she insisted, “be- searcher foresees that within a few and his sister studied fashion de- (MFA) degrees were presented in cause failure is just another word for years, knowledge will be doubling sign at VCUQatar. design. experience.” every 12 hours as we build out the Following the speeches, Provost The latest batch has brought the The keynote speaker was Arnold Internet of things globally.” Hackett presented the graduates of total number of VCUQatar alumni Wasserman, the chairman of the This, Wasserman explained, the MFA degree with their diplomas. to 566. Qatar Museums chairperson Idea Factory, an innovation con- means innovation and design will VCUQatar Dean Akel I Kahera then HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad sultancy based in Singapore and have to grow accordingly. presented the graduates of the BFA bin Khalifa al-Thani was present at San Francisco. He began his key- “Design gives the tangible form and BA degrees with their diplomas. the ceremony. note speech by asking the gradu- to valuable ideas,” he said, and he Dean of the VCU Honours College, Dr Gail Hackett, provost and vice ates to consider the concept of encouraged the graduates to design Dr Barry Falk honoured the nine stu- president for academic aff airs at future. solutions for global peace, food, dents who completed the vigorous Virginia Commonwealth University, “Is the future simply whatever water and natural resource security, programme to graduate from VCU told the graduates that “through happens to us next? Or is it some- universal health and well-being, Honours College.

Hackett Arnold Wasserman

The Class of 2016 graduates from VCUQatar. UCL Qatar fetes new graduates

CL Qatar, a partner of Qatar British ambassador Ajay Sharma Foundation and Qatar Mu- recalled the UK’s rich educational Useums, has honoured the heritage and expressed delight in achievements of 43 graduating stu- it being shared with young Qataris dents in a ceremony at its Education through the courses on off er at UCL City campus in Doha. Qatar. The traditional ceremony, includ- Maryam al-Shamlan, who com- ing a formal procession of faculty, pleted an MA in Museum and Gallery dignitaries and students, was pre- Practice at UCL Qatar, addressed her sided over by Prof Anthony Smith, fellow alumni and said: “Gradu- UCL vice provost, and Prof Thilo ates, regardless of where you stand Rehren, director of UCL Qatar, in the in the spectrum, when you walk out presence of VIP guests from Qatar the doors of UCL Qatar today, you and the UK. will be equipped with a world class The occasion marks the second education that – if you smartly ap- graduation ceremony for UCL Qatar, ply- will allow you to stand without which conferred Master’s Degrees competition in the market.” in Library and Information Studies, Many of the graduating students Museum Studies, Archaeology and this year took part in distinguished Conservation, as well as a Diploma UCL Qatar graduates celebrate at the convocation ceremony . community projects including the in Academic Research and Methods. ‘Loading…’ student exhibition, The ceremony also witnessed the analysed medieval to early modern graduates, plus three members of ‘Heritage of Doha, Identity of Qa- fi rst PhD student to graduate from Islamic tile-work on monuments. staff from Qatar Museums and four tar’ public workshop and ‘Qatari an international branch campus in This year’s graduating class in- members of staff from the Qatar Na- Natural Heritage Under the Micro- Doha, Maninder Gill, whose research cluded a total of seven Qatari female tional Library. scope’. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 11 QATAR

Blood donation drive QM, QU to collaborate on marine

research RasGas Company Limited (RasGas), in partnership with Hamad Medical Corporation, recently held a blood donation drive that saw 109 employees adding to national blood reserves in support of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme. Donors atar Museums (QM) limited to, lectures, special tefacts and eco facts recovered participated in the initiative at the company’s Doha headquarters, in Ras Laff an and at the RasGas Korea liaison off ice in Seoul. Since has partnered with the training and supervision of from the project. RasGas began holding annual blood drives in 2008, some 770 employees have donated a total of 348 litres of blood. This year’s blood QMarine Science Cluster academic studies. In addition, the project will donation drive was held in anticipation of the World Health Organisation’s World Blood Donor Day, observed on June 14. at Qatar University’s Environ- “We are also proud that this introduce a new study about mental Science Centre (QU- partnership will bring QM the sea level change and the ESC) to study the country’s closer to its goal of honouring relation with the settlements marine features and underwa- the traditions of the past while during the prehistory period in ter archaeology. embracing the future,” QM’s Gulf region. “The research aims to make chief archaeology offi cer Ali al- Marine sites will be evalu- new discoveries that will help Kubaisi said. ated and ensuing reports will shed light on the history of Throughout the partnership, detail the underwater archaeo- Fashion event to showcase marine trade in the region,” QM both parties will co-ordinate logical fi ndings from each site, said in a statement yesterday. bespoke training programmes as well as the benefi ts of each. The agreement, signed by and participate in joint work- QM will be responsible for Mansoor al-Mahmoud, QM shops to drive the collaboration monitoring and protecting any acting CEO and special advis- in accordance with best prac- marine archaeological features Lhuillier’s luxury collections er to the chairperson, and Dr tice and international research and artefacts, discovered dur- Hassan Rashid al-Derham, QU and training standards. ing this research process. president, will serve in devel- The joint study will explore “The research is also an op- ifty One East, Qatar’s lead- accompanied by her team, where collection are elegant to the limit oping a research database from the benefi ts of marine science portunity to showcase the ing department store, will guests will be able to enjoy the of being luxurious and yet com- fi ndings recorded by Janan, and marine archaeology in Qa- wide-ranging marine research Fhost for the fi rst time in Fall 2016 ready-to-wear and fortable with fabrics such as gui- QU’s state-of-the-art marine tar. A study will also be con- capacity of the ESC in general Doha, a fashion show for the bridal collections. pure lace, to blend dark colours research vessel, as well as fur- ducted on the geophysical and and Janan in particular,” Dr al- internationally recognised de- Lhuillier said: “Fifty One East with lacquer fl oral embellish- ther strengthening the rela- bathymetric data of Qatar’s Derham said. “Further, it can- signer Monique Lhuillier, one attracts the kind of women I ment. tionship between QM and QU. waters. not be understated the benefi t of America’s foremost luxury design for - dynamic, feminine As for the footwear collection, This collaboration will also Throughout the process, the of this project to the students brands. and fashion-forward. I know the it includes high-heeled ornate extend to other areas of co- two organisations will be able and researchers in our marine The event will take place on women who will shop the Fall fl oral caged sandals that make a operation, including, but not to identify and analyse the ar- science programme.” Saturday at 7pm at Fifty One 2016 RTW and Bridal collections statement when worn with crys- East, Lagoona Mall fi rst level. will understand my aesthetic tal socks and evening sandals Famous for her bridal, ready- and wear the gowns like they accessorised with mink details, to-wear and accessories lines were meant to be worn: with giving the Monique Lhuillier that are distinctly modern yet confi dence and style.” woman playful and whimsical feminine, Lhuillier is one of the The Fall 2016 collection is de- options, no matter the occasion. world’s leading icons in the fash- scribed as an artistic expression The bridal collection features Mosafer to celebrate ion world. of a woman who is eccentric and dreamy and romantic designs, Her apparel has created fans elaborate. While remaining so- ranging from the short wedding out of celebrities such as Emma phisticated and ultra-luxurious, dresses to the long “Cinderella Stone, Blake Lively, Sandra Bul- the collection takes cues from like” dresses. lock, Anna Kendrick, Taylor actress and style icon, Talitha Following the fashion show, opening of NY store Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Drew Getty. A rich colour palette of there will be a two days trunk Barrymore, Jessica Alba, Kristen Monique Lhuillier cherry, teal blue, rose pink and show for Lhuillier Fall 2016, at Bell and US First Lady Michelle basil is contrasted by caramel Fifty One East, Lagoona Mall osafer, the Qatar- chairman and founder Ashraf between east and west. Obama among others. together to celebrate the design- and dark amber tones. where the brand’s collections are based travel lifestyle Abu Issa had stated that Mosaf- The store will soon have a Qatar’s fashion elite will come er’s second visit to the country Dresses in the ready-to-wear exclusively available. Mstore, is celebrating er is keen to revive and refresh US dedicated e-Commerce today its fi rst fl agship in the the travel lifestyle. website, too. Mosafer will sell US, and the 21st store world- Formerly the home of an art over 60 brands of luggage and wide with a VIP event hosted by gallery, the two-story space travel accessories, from Sam- Shark Tank’s Daymond John. with fl oor-to-ceiling glass win- sonite, Hartman and Victorinox The 13,400sft store in New dows will house the ‘Fine Art to the less widely distributed PHCC launches campaign for hand hygiene York had a soft opening in De- of Travel’ experience Mosafer Hedgren, Porsche Design, Blue cember last year. The grand seeks to bring to shoppers. Smart and HENK, with Mosaf- opening event highlights the It will operate as a one-stop- er as the only retailer of the he Primary Health Care and distributing brochures The campaign will focus on seasonal fl u, diarrhoea and others. new approach to travel retail shop that will give shoppers $35,000 suitcase in the US. On Corporation (PHCC) has emphasising the importance of educating health centre staff , PHCC also works to avoid through introductions to new travel solutions from innovative average, prices range from $7.89 Tlaunched the seventh hand hygiene. as well as visitors to prevent the various risks that may occur in categories of travel retail. products and in-store demon- for an Eagle Creek Pack It Cube campaign for hand hygiene, in Held under the theme “Clean spread of germs, as many dis- health centres, such as prevent- Brand activations will be or- strations, to luxury beauty and to $680 for a large Briggs & Riley connection with the Interna- Hands, Happy Life,” PHCC aims eases are transmitted through ing the transmission of germs by ganised around three key cat- treatment solutions, a con- spinner. tional Day for Hand Hygiene, the campaign to improve and direct contact with individuals ensuring the provision of deter- egories; health and wellness cierge service, on-the-spot Mosafer, which opened its marked on May 5 every year. consolidate the practice of hand or because of the surrounding gents, organising events and dis- during travel, travel tech in- repairs, an own-brand line fi rst location in Qatar in 2010, The activities target all hygiene, and motivate the com- environment. tributing leafl ets and publica- novations and the latest in in- of business travel attire, and later opened 19 outlets across workers in PHCC and the com- munity and the health centre The lack of hand hygiene is the tions that would raise awareness fl ight comfort. the “silk road” cafe - a hom- Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan munity in general, through employees to reduce the rate of reason for spreading many types about hand hygiene among the During the soft opening, age to the ancient trade routes and Qatar. guidance, awareness lectures, infection. of bacteria and diseases such as visitors of health centres.

Participants of the Doha Bank initiative. Doha Bank hosts tree planting event oha Bank has hosted a tree in water wastage over traditional importance of protecting them for encourage schools in Qatar to proac- planting event near its watering methods. future generations, the bank said in tively participate in the implementa- Dbranch in Dukhan. The staff volunteers planted a statement. tion of good environmental practices, A number of Doha Bank staff vol- trees and installed the water hose “We believe it is our duty as a the Beach Clean-up campaign held unteers teamed up to plant trees and and pumps, solenoid valves, sprin- responsible corporate citizen to in collaboration with the Ministry of instal an automatic irrigation sys- klers, nozzles and other equipment highlight the importance of pro- Municipality and Environment, and tem to demonstrate the bank’s sup- in co-ordination with Green Tree tecting trees and preserving our the Al Dana Green Run, the largest port for the recent Earth Day, which Agricultural Material Company to natural resources, especially among community run in Qatar. was celebrated on April 22 around ensure that the garden is watered the younger generation that will in- “Doha Bank has also established the world to promote the cause of consistently and on a timely basis. herit this planet from us,” said Dr R itself as a leader in the area of green environmental protection. Held under the theme “Plan & Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank. banking, having pioneered the Mid- Irrigation systems are vital for Plant for the Future” this year, the The bank organises a number of dle East banking sector’s transition the healthy maintenance of gardens tree planting event is organised environmental initiatives each year to paperless banking and introduc- in Qatar especially due to the warm annually by Doha Bank to raise as part of its corporate social re- ing environment-friendly and bio- weather - with the systems leading awareness about the role of trees in sponsibility activities, including the degradable credit cards,” the state- to an estimated 75-90% reduction biodiversity conservation and the Eco-Schools Programme designed to ment added. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, May 5, 2016 QATAR 15 projects shortlisted

Until July, all customers who travel on Qatar Airways’ next-generation for WISE Awards 2016 A350 aircraft can take advantage of the on-board Wi-Fi. he World Innovation the 2016 WISE Awards Final- Foundation, 2009 WISE Awards ing gender inequality with inno- nalists are Geekie, Brazil; Ideas Summit for Education ists off er creative solutions in Winner from Ghana. vative practices to access quality, Box, France; Sports for Sharing, Share #skyfi e T(WISE) has revealed the access, quality education, the Dr Florence Tobo Lobe, inclusive, equitable, sustainable Mexico; Smart Robot Coding names of the 15 projects for 2016 teaching of STEM and entre- founder and president of the Ru- and holistic education. The School, South Korea; Glowork, WISE Awards fi nalists. Inau- preneurial skills. Together they bisadt Foundation in Cameroon, WISE Awards are an excellent Saudi Arabia; Tara Akshar Liter- gurated by Qatar Foundation in address a wide range of issues commented on her experience way to scale and update strate- acy Programme, India; Lights for to win with QA 2009, under the leadership of its that represent common glo- of being part of pre-Jury: “I feel gies for more benefi ciaries and Learning, Spain/Latin America; chairperson, HH Sheikha Moza bal challenges. The members of honoured and proud to have had for better lives worldwide.” Partners for Possibility, South bint Nasser, the WISE Awards pre-Jury include Kamel Braham, the opportunity to assess en- The WISE Awards Finalist Africa; Little Ripples, USA/Chad; identify and promote the most programme leader at World riching projects fostering peace, projects were selected accord- Jump Math, Canada; Youth for and Ooredoo innovative and eff ective ap- Bank Human Development Pro- well-being and growth in com- ing to strict criteria. They had to Technology Academy, USA/Ni- proaches to key global education gramme for the Maghreb, Dr munities worldwide. The pre- demonstrate innovative thinking geria; Sonidos de la Tierra, Para- challenges, and build a network Rajika Bhandari, director, IIE viously scrutinised fi nalists are and a concrete positive impact on guay; 1Kgbox, China; Education atar Airways and Paris Saint-Germain shirt. of change-makers to inspire Centre for Academic Mobil- inspiring projects, addressing communities and societies, as well for growth and value creation Ooredoo have invited The competition is open others around the world. ity Research, USA, and Dr Joyce youth unemployment, fi ghting as the potential to be replicated in in Lebanon, Lebanon; and From Qcustomers to share exclusively to passengers who Selected by a pre-Jury of in- Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, ex- poverty, helping vulnerable chil- other contexts and regions. puppets to empowerment, Bosnia their in-fl ight experience by travel on board Qatar Air- ternational education experts, ecutive director of Mama Zimbi dren in refugee camps, address- The 2016 WISE Awards Fi- and Herzegovina. snapping a #skyfi e – a selfi e in ways’ A350 fl eet, which cur- the sky. rently connects from Doha to Until July, all customers seven worldwide destinations who travel on Qatar Airways’ - Frankfurt, Munich, Singa- next-generation A350 air- pore, Philadelphia, Boston, craft to destinations around New York and Adelaide. QCRI’s the world can take advantage Qatar Airways senior vice- Katara Hospitality showcases of the on-board Wi-Fi, spon- president (marketing and sored by Ooredoo. To enter corporate communications) technology the competition, passengers Salam al-Shawa said, “Our have to sign up for the airline’s in-fl ight Wi-Fi service takes on-board Wi-Fi and post a the experience on board our used by luxury portfolio at Dubai events selfi e taken during their fl ight, fl eet of A350 aircraft to the along with the hashtag #sky- next level, and we want to en- fi e, on Instagram or Twitter, courage our customers to take emergency atara Hospitality, the ing division which showcased its according to a statement. advantage of in-fl ight con- leading global hotel own- own operator brands The Bür- All entries tagged #skyfi e nectivity by taking a #skyfi e Ker, developer and operator genstock Selection in Switzer- will be automatically entered and sharing the moment with responders based in Qatar, had the opportu- land, as well as Murwab Hotels for a chance to win prizes. their friends and family for the nity to showcase its luxury port- and independent non-branded Thanks to Ooredoo, custom- chance to win exciting prizes.” folio in two major global industry upscale properties in Qatar. ers can enjoy 15 minutes of Ooredoo’s director of com- in Ecuador events last week in Dubai. The recently opened Sima- free Wi-Fi and purchase ad- munity & public relations “It has been an honour to be isma, a Murwab Resort in Qa- ditional Wi-Fi access at “rea- Fatima Sultan al-Kuwari among the global hospitality tar, and Switzerland’s lavish sonable prices any time dur- said, “Ooredoo supplies Qa- echnology developed by giants showing their product Art Nouveau style Royal Savoy ing their fl ight”, the statement tar Airways customers with Qatar Computing Re- off ering at the Arabian Travel Lausanne were also showcased notes. the latest innovations in on Tsearch Institute (QCRI), Market (ATM) 2016, an es- at ATM for the fi rst time. Winners will be chosen eve- board Wi-Fi technology to of- one of Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- teemed travel trade event held Al-Mulla added that they also ry week, with prizes including fer them a seamlessly smooth versity’s three research insti- from April 25 to 28,” CEO Ha- introduced Katara Specialties at Katara Hospitality off icials at an event in Dubai. in-fl ight Wi-Fi promo codes, connection, whether they tutes, has been used to provide mad Abdulla al-Mulla said. this year’s ATM, a contemporary Qatar Duty Free gift vouchers, are on the ground or cruising information to local respond- Katara Hospitality exhibited initiative designed to highlight bal hotel investments at this stakeholders and organisation- Qatar Airways Privilege Club above the world. The #skyfi e ers following the 7.8-magnitude its portfolio of local and inter- the evolution of the organisation’s year’s Arabian Hotel Invest- al senior executives on such Qmiles and Ooredoo My-Fi competition is the ideal way earthquake which shook Ecua- national hotels at ATM 2016, food and beverage concepts. ment Conference, (AHIC) held topics as global trends in hos- devices. Every month, a grand for our customers to test our dor on April 16. including those operated by Katara Hospitality also from April 26 to 28. pitality, investment opportuni- prize winner will be drawn to on-board connection, which Social media data collected Murwab Hotel Group, the com- showcased its strong position “AHIC has for many years ties and the future of the hotel receive either a Qatar Airways enables them to keep in touch and categorised with QCRI’s pany’s standalone hotel operat- as an expert in the fi eld of glo- fostered dialogue among key industry,” al-Mulla noted. round-trip ticket or a signed wherever they are.” Artifi cial Intelligence for Disas- ter Response (AIDR) technology and MicroMappers can be used to provide insights following an emergency. MicroMappers is collaboration between the UN Offi ce for the Coordination Visitors from Qatar of Humanitarian Aff airs (UN OCHA) and the digital volun- teers response agency, Standby Task Force (SBTF). Data from the text and images to Dubai up 26% collected can help humanitarian decision-makers direct resourc- es to the areas most in need. he number of visitors overall growth,” Dubai Tourism on-year quarter growth from QCRI senior software en- from Qatar to Dubai has director general Helal Saeed al- the United Kingdom, which gineer Ji Lucas, who is among Tincreased by 26% in the Marri said in a statement. remained Dubai’s third larg- the scientists who developed fi rst three months of this year He noted that an expanded est country contributor with the technology, said AIDR pro- compared with the fi gures festivals and events calendar 334,000 visitors. QMIC off icials with representatives of strategic partners yesterday. vided information from 57,184 during the same period in 2015, and the opening of a number Rounding off the top fi ve tweets in categories includ- Dubai’s Department of Tour- of new retail destinations and was Germany which brought ing infrastructure damage and ism and Commerce Marketing attractions helped in ensur- in 171,000 visitors, rebound- urgent needs, following the (Dubai Tourism) has said. ing the return of visitors to ing strongly from a slow start earthquake. The fi gure is part of Dubai’s Dubai. in the new year. France, with Strategic partners for medical “Together with our partners 5.1% increase (4.1mn) in over- Besides Qatar, visitors from 76,000 visitors, remained fl at in SBTF we elected to do a small night visitors in the fi rst quar- Saudi Arabia also grew by 14% in the fi rst quarter of 2015 while MicroMappers deployment to ter, backed by strong double (476,000) from January to Italy grew by 5%, representing congress announced support their Ecuador response. digit growth from its top two March, making it the number 69,000 visitors. The results were given to their proximity markets - the GCC one source country. Oman is Other key countries in humanitarian partners,” Lucas and India. next with a 32% increase over Dubai’s top 10 source mar- atar International Med- Last year’s fi rst QIMC saw cal industry; we experienced said. The GCC continued to be the same period in 2015 with kets for the fi rst quarter ical Congress (QIMC) over 8,000 visitors and 150 breakthrough medical innova- “Every time we activate we the destination’s leading feed- 322,000 visitors followed included the US, which de- Qhas announced the exhibitors. This year’s event tion and suppliers signed huge aim to make a diff erence while er region, delivering 25% of all by Kuwait, which remained livered 166,000 visitors; Ministry of Public Health, Ha- will pave the way for the de- deals. This year, together with learning and improving our overnight visitation to Dubai in the top 10, with 119,000 China, which was up by mad Medical Corporation and velopment of the medical our strategic partners, we will technology.” in the fi rst three months of this visitors. 4%; and Iran, which was the Primary Health Care Corpora- sector and its markets across continue to support the lo- AIDR and MicroMappers have year. Despite challenging glo- only market to see a decline. tion as strategic partners. all industry verticals and ge- cal, regional and international previously been deployed via UN “I see Dubai’s highly agile, bal market conditions, and a Rounding out the top 20, the Held under the patronage ographies. The event provides medical industry by off ering OCHA and SBTF to assist with fragmented source market ap- strong US dollar, visitors from Philippines saw 25% quar- of HE the Prime Minister and the industry with opportu- a knowledge sharing platform emergency responses following proach, the strength of our Western Europe continued to terly growth over the same Interior Minister Sheikh Ab- nities to move the needle of that brings together the most the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Cy- government, public and private be the second largest source period in 2015, Canadian vis- dullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa infl uence across the dynamic renowned names in medicine clone Pam in Vanuatu the same sector partnerships, as well as region with a 23% visitor share itors increased by 9%, coun- al-Thani, QIMC will take place marketplace of Qatar’s bor- through our exclusive annual year, and with typhoons Hagupit our eff ective promotional and overall in the opening quarter tering declines across Egypt, from May 18 to 20 at the Doha ders and beyond. exhibition and conference,” and Haiyan in the Philippines in marketing outreach, as having of 2016. Russia, Jordan, Australia Exhibition and Convention “The inaugural QIMC set said Abdullah Abdurazaq 2014 and 2013. been fundamental to fuelling This was led by 10% year- and the Netherlands. Centre. the tone for the regional medi- Haider, CEO, QIMC.

Vodafone introduces new Connect Plans

odafone Qatar has with smartphones, Voda- unveiled its new fone Connect introduces VConnect Plans, the MONQI child’s smart- which the company says phone for QR299. This “combines telecom inno- “out-of-the box” smart- vation with experiences phone solution for busy and customers will love”. involved parents allows the Vodafone Connect comes setting of child’s phone us- with four postpaid plans Mohamed al-Sadah Mohamed Mursi age limits, geo-location, with a set number of “Flex” application access man- that customers can use the and “buy-one get-free” their Vodafone line with agement, monitoring of all way they want: Connect 60, off ers every month at res- no need to add credit card activities and management 100, 150 and 200. There are taurants, spas, beauty cen- information. and approval of contacts. no more set voice or data tres and fun attractions in Vodafone has said it Available on both iOS and allowances. Qatar. Vodafone Connect will host several Bolly- Android, the My Vodafone Connect Plan customers customers also get to enjoy, wood movie premieres and App will enable custom- can carry forward their un- exclusively, a one-month many other movie classics ers to track their Voda- used “Flex” to the follow- free trial of the app; then, throughout the year, espe- fone Connect balance. To ing month. Calls to family for every month they pay cially allowing Vodafone’s download the app, Voda- members are free within a QR10 and enjoy a month Indian customers to stay fone Qatar customers can Connect account. free - this is a 75% saving close to the movies they visit www.vodafone.qa/ Through its partnership on the normal price of QR19 love from home. App. Vodafone Qatar COO with Urban Point, Voda- per month. Customers will To enable customers to Mohamed al-Sadah and fone Connect is also off er- also be able to pay the app’s stay close to their children head of postpaid Mohamed ing hundreds of discounts subscription fees through and get them started safely Mursi spoke at the event. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 13 REGION Yemen foes resume face-to-face peace talks AFP day after the government delega- The UN stressed the need to Kuwait City tion quit in protest at the apparent strengthen ceasefi re monitor- surrender of one of the few loyalist ing committees on the ground, bases in the northern mountains particularly in and around bat- Visitors tour the construction site of Riyadh Metro yesterday. emen’s warring parties to Iran-backed rebels. tleground third city Taiz, where resumed face-to-face UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh loyalist troops have been under Ypeace talks yesterday after Ahmed said the two sides had siege for months, trapping tens of a three-day break triggered by a agreed that a monitoring commit- thousands of civilians. walkout by the government del- tee supervising an April 11 cease- Human Rights Watch urged egation, the UN said. fi re would launch a fact-fi nding the warring parties to “support Riyadh’s $22.5bn Metro It is only the second round of mission into the rebels’ takeover international investigations, tran- face-to-face talks in the hard- of the Al-Amaliqa base in Amran sitional justice and victim com- won negotiations to end a devas- province, one of their strongholds. pensation as key elements of any tating confl ict that has killed more The committee will submit a agreement”. than 6,400 people and displaced report within 72 hours with prac- “The armed confl ict in Yemen project on track: governor 2.8mn since March last year. tical recommendations that all has been characterised by numer- “The plenary session has start- sides pledge to carry out, Ould ous violations of the laws of war ed. All are present including the Cheikh Ahmed said. by all sides, which have not been AFP station on Line Three is still a targeted for completion by the Prince Mohamed bin Salman government delegation,” the UN Foreign Minister Abdulmalek investigated nor have resulted in Riyadh rectangular hole in the ground, end of 2018, much more quickly released the wide-ranging Vi- envoy’s spokesman, Charbel Raji, al-Mikhlafi , who heads the gov- any redress for victims of unlaw- about a block long, and carved than similar projects in other sion 2030 plan to diversify the said. The negotiations, which be- ernment delegation, has demand- ful attacks,” the New York-based out of the rock for several fl oors countries. economy away from oil. gan on April 21, broke off on Sun- ed a rebel pullout. watchdog said. $22.5bn urban rail and down. It is the biggest infrastruc- It calls for “high quality” bus system for the con- The governor said that what ture project in the history of the public transport to help improve Agested Saudi Arabian he saw underground was “as- Saudi capital. urban life. capital is on track, Riyadh’s gov- suring” and one-third of the Work on the Metro intensi- Three foreign consortiums ernor said yesterday, as other Metro is now complete. fi ed just before the oil revenues are building the Metro, with projects in the kingdom are de- At the ceremony, he saw the on which Saudi Arabia depends France’s Alstom, Canada’s layed. cutting tool from a tunnel boring began to drop sharply. Bombardier and Germany’s Sie- “No, no, it’s OK,” Prince Faisal machine rise out of the ground The collapse in global crude mens among the major partici- bin Bandar told reporters. at a site on Line Five where dig- prices by more than half since pants. “The project is going very ging has been completed “be- mid-2014 left the world’s big- The Metro’s six lines will cov- well” and according to plan, he fore the scheduled time”. gest oil producer with a record er 176km (109 miles), supported said on the sidelines of a cere- The Metro employs seven budget defi cit last year and a by a bus network of 1,150km. mony to mark the end of digging such machines, whose cutting projected shortfall of $87bn this About 40% of the system will part of the underground railway tools resemble monster-sized year. be underground. tunnel. heads from an electric shaver, As a result, the government Work on the above-ground Prince Faisal spoke after rid- several metres in diameter. imposed unprecedented sub- elevated railway is noticeable ing a golf cart into a smoothly “This project... is now going sidy cuts on fuel, electricity and throughout the sprawling city of bored and reinforced tunnel very quick,” one manager at the water. It delayed some major 5.7mn, where concrete supports from what will be Malaz station site said. projects and held up receipts to and railway platforms are going in south Riyadh. Construction on the Riyadh contractors. up, forcing motorists into con- For the moment, the future Metro began in late 2013 and is Last week, Deputy Crown stant detours.

Smoke and fire billow during a controlled explosion by a Yemeni army demining team to destroy explosives and landmines laid by militants, near the southern port city of Aden yesterday. Saudi, Sudan to explore for minerals

Agencies Qaeda threatens attacks Khartoum

audi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi visited Sudan yesterday on homes of soldiers promising increased investment in a major fi llip for the SAfrican nation. “This visit is part of our move to make investments in the AFP and southeastern Yemen. manded a “safe exit” from the city region,” Naimi told reporters on his arrival. Mukalla “We warn all military leaders and nearby Jaar town, adding the “In Sudan we will concentrate on investments in the mining and soldiers who participated in militants “promised to clear the sector.” Naimi went straight into talks with Sudanese Mining the campaign that their houses are mines and explosives they planted Minister Ahmed Mohamed al-Karuri before meeting Presi- l Qaeda in Yemen threat- now legitimate targets for us,” said on the edges” of Zinjibar. dent Omar al-Bashir. ened yesterday to target an online statement issued by the He said a tribal dignitary led The two Arab countries have agreed to start exploring for Athe homes of offi cers and Abyan branch of Ansar al-Sharia, mediation with the militants to mineral resources, including silver and gold, in the Red Sea by soldiers who took part in a gov- another name used by Al Qaeda in “spare the city destruction and 2020, the Sudanese minister said in Khartoum yesterday. ernment off ensive that drove mil- Yemen. war.” Saudi Arabia and Sudan, which are on opposite sides of the itants out of key areas. “We advise their wives and Witnesses said however that Al Red Sea, have been considering since the mid-1970s how to But militants in Zinjibar appear children to leave their houses be- Qaeda fi ghters were still visible in exploit mineral deposits, which they believe lie 2,000m below to have agreed to leave the Abyan cause they (the houses) will be our Zinjibar and Jaar. sea level. provincial capital following tribal next target,” the statement said. The militants last month fl ed The proposed mining, which will include gold, copper and mediation to spare the city de- Al Qaeda fi ghters had remained the key southeastern city of Mu- silver, is expected to generate revenues of around $20bn, the struction, said the region’s secu- in Zinjibar after government forc- kalla, the capital of Hadramawt Director General at Sudan’s Mining Ministry, Mohamed Abu- rity chief Colonel Nasser Hadi. es advanced towards the city in province, and other coastal areas, Fatema, said. Government troops backed late April. Residents took to the due to the government off ensive. A joint exploration project - Atlantis II - has been under way by air and ground support from streets demanding the extremists Earlier in April, government since 2012 and Naimi told a news conference that production a Saudi-led coalition launched leave to spare the city any fi ghting. troops pushed Al Qaeda fi ghters “is expected to begin after four years”. Sudanese Oil Minister Ahmed Mohamed al-Karuri (left) and Saudi Oil last month a widespread opera- Abyan’s security chief said yes- out of Huta, the capital of Lahj Media reports say that projected ore deposits amount to Minister Ali al-Naimi (right) arrive for a press conference following a tion against militants in south terday that Al Qaeda militants de- province. some 100mn tonnes. meeting in Khartoum yesterday.

31 passengers Award for Joyalukkas injured in Etihad AQAP poses growing threat to shipping flight turbulence

Reuters al Combined Maritime Forces That coastal area is close to the stretched combating Somali An Etihad Airways flight experi- London (CMF), said the gains by govern- Bab al-Mandab gateway though piracy in the region, which had enced “severe and unexpected” ment forces were “heartening” which nearly 4mn barrels of oil been contained in recent years. turbulence just before landing in and a “setback” for AQAP, but are shipped daily to Europe, the AQAP has planned several Jakarta yesterday, leaving 31 pas- l Qaeda’s Yemen branch added the group still had capa- US and Asia. foiled bombing attempts on sengers injured, the carrier said. remains a powerful force bilities due to the ongoing civil Nault said AQAP had a “stated Western-bound airliners and An Etihad spokesperson said that Aand poses a growing risk war. capability and intent to conduct claimed credit for the 2015 at- the plane was an Airbus A330-200. to merchant ships in vital wa- “AQAP has taken advantage a maritime terrorist attack”, tack at the Charlie Hebdo maga- The flight landed safely at Soekar- terways nearby despite eff orts of that chaos and moved into which was something “we look zine offi ces in Paris. no Hatta International Airport, by Yemeni government forces the void. In doing so they have at very hard”. Al Qaeda bombed the USS the Abu Dhabi-based airline said, and their allies to push back the gotten stronger,” said Nault of “I would assess that as getting Cole warship in October 2000 adding that medical assistance group, a top offi cer in an interna- CMF, whose mission includes worse over the last year instead when it was docked in Aden, teams met passengers as they tional naval force said. counter-piracy and counter- of better,” he said on a visit to killing 17 US sailors. Two years disembarked. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Pe- terrorism in the region. London. later an Al Qaeda attack dam- “Twenty-two are being treated by Joyalukkas Jewellery has received the Dubai Service ninsula (AQAP) confi rmed on AQAP has exploited confl ict “That threat would be against aged a French tanker in the Gulf paramedics for minor injuries at Excellence Scheme Award for ‘Best Service Performance Saturday it had withdrawn from between Yemeni government a soft target meaning an indus- of Aden. the airport. Nine other passengers Brand’ from the Dubai Department of Economic the southern Yemeni port of loyalists backed by a Gulf Arab try ship passing or going in and Nault said there was also the have been taken to a local hospi- Development. The scheme promotes excellence in Mukalla - a week after Yemeni coalition and Houthi rebels al- out of ... the Red Sea towards the possibility of piracy re-emerging tal,” Etihad said in a statement. customer service standard in the private sector and government and Emirati soldiers lied to Iran and has sought to eastern end of Yemen.” around Yemen, which may in- It said flight EY474 travelling from recognises businesses that provide excellent service seized the city that was used by carve out a quasi state. Yemen has a 1,900km (1,180 volve militants. “That is my con- Abu Dhabi to Jakarta encountered to their customers. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohamed bin the Islamist militants to amass a The group still controls the mile) coastline that also juts into cern - will we see a resurgence of the turbulence about 45 minutes Rashid al-Maktoum presented the award to Joy Alukkas, fortune. Arabian Sea towns of Zinjibar the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, a piracy-like activity ... it might prior to landing. chairman and MD, Joyalukkas Group. Captain William Nault, Chief and Shaqra, about 400km (250 vast area to police given inter- be something else in that area It caused also damage to cabin of Staff with the multi-nation- miles) southwest of Mukalla. national navies were already around Yemen.” storage areas, the airline said. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, May 5, 2016 ARAB WORLD

Egypt hands over phones records to Italian investigators

Reuters tations after the Italians said that ments they had requested. The that she had only recognised her Ministry and Homeland Security about how Regeni might have certain individuals, Italy also Rome Cairo did not provide informa- source did not give further de- son by his nose. department denied this, saying died - including that he might wants mobile phone data that it tion that Rome said was needed tails. Human rights groups have said Regeni was not held by police or have fallen into the hands of a says would help identify who was to solve Regeni’s killing, includ- He said Italian investigators the torture indicated he died at Homeland Security. criminal gang. on the streets around where Re- gypt has sent Italian in- ing a mass of telephone data. would fl y to Cairo on Sunday for the hands of the security forces, Following the report, local me- A senior Italian government geni was believed to have disap- vestigators some phone The legal source with direct talks with their Egyptian coun- an allegation Cairo denies. dia reported that two individuals offi cial, who declined to be peared. Erecords they had requested knowledge of the investigation terparts. Three Egyptian intelligence fi led criminal complaints asking named because of the sensitiv- Egypt’s assistant public pros- as part of their probe into the tor- said Rome had asked for the Regeni’s body was discovered offi cials and three police sources police to investigate Reuters and ity of the issue, said Rome would ecutor Mustafa Suleiman said ture and killing of student Giulio phone records of 13 Egyptians in a road-side ditch nine days said that Regeni was detained by its Cairo bureau chief. issue a travel warning for visitors last month that this data could Regeni in Cairo earlier this year, a who had been in contact with after he disappeared. An autopsy police and then transferred to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to Egypt unless it received more amount to nearly a million calls, legal source said yesterday. the 28-year-old Regeni before showed that he had been exten- a compound run by Homeland has demanded that Egypt get to information from the Cairo in- adding that the Egyptian consti- Italy last month recalled its he vanished on January 25, and sively tortured before his death Security on the day his friends the bottom of the killing and It- vestigators. tution prevented him from pro- ambassador to Egypt for consul- had received some of the docu- and his mother told reporters say he disappeared. The Interior aly has rejected various versions Besides the phone records of viding this information. Israeli raids on Gaza after a day of tensions

AFP Israeli territory, while forces were Gaza that could reach into Israel, Gaza City fi red upon near the small border the border region has remained community of Nahal Oz. relatively quiet since then. “In accordance with security The tunnels were cited by Israel srael launched air raids yes- assessments, a closed military as a key cause of the 50-day 2014 terday on the Gaza Strip after zone has been established in the war in Gaza, which killed 2,251 Ia day of tensions along the area of Nahal Oz,” an army state- Palestinians, mostly civilians, and border of the Palestinian terri- ment said. 73 Israelis, including 67 soldiers, tory whose Islamist rulers warned “It means that only the resi- according to the UN. against an escalation. dents of Nahal Oz and the area The ceasefi re which ended the Israeli soldiers stand guard with their tank along the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip near the southern Israeli Kibbutz of Nahal Oz Air strikes hit around Gaza’s can enter.” confl ict has been sporadically yesterday. derelict international airport near Earlier the Israeli army twice threatened by rocket fi re from the southern city of Rafah and in confi rmed its tanks had fi red Gaza. nearby farming areas, said the on targets in Gaza, saying both The UN’s special coordinator territory’s Hamas-run interior times it was in response to mortar for the Middle East peace proc- ministry. rounds fi red from inside the strip. ess, Nickolay Mladenov, said he Security sources in Gaza said Palestinian security sources was “concerned” at yesterday’s the jets fi red two missiles at the reported tank fi re in Al-Tufah in escalation. airport but said no one was hurt in eastern Gaza. “It is critical that peace be Egypt journalists call for the strikes. There were no reported casual- maintained to ensure the safety Israel’s army said its warplanes ties and no claims of responsibil- and security of Israelis and Pales- had hit fi ve sites operated by Ha- ity for the mortar fi re. tinians, alike,” he said in a state- mas. Hamas and Islamic Jihad re- ment. “The (Israel armed forces) will leased separate statements warn- During a visit to the Gaza bor- interior minister sacking continue to operate in order to ing Israel against any escalation der on Tuesday, Prime Minister protect the civilians of Israel from along the border. Benjamin Netanyahu hailed its all Hamas terrorist threats above Hamas’ armed wing, the Ez- calmest period in years, according AFP apologise and Interior Minister & beneath ground,” spokesman zedine al-Qassem Brigades, said to comments reported by Israeli Cairo Magdy Abdel Ghaff ar be sacked. Peter Lerner said on Twitter. it was ready to respond to Israel’s media. The statement also demanded The raids followed a bout of vi- strikes. “We are nearing the end of the release of jailed reporters. olence on the Gaza-Israel border “We will not permit this ag- close to two years since Operation undreds of Egyptian Once feted as a hero by mil- yesterday, with exchanges of fi re gression to continue and the en- Protective Edge,” he said, refer- journalists demanded lions of Egyptians, Sisi, a former that put a 2014 ceasefi re agree- emy should not invoke any reason ring to the 2014 confl ict. Hthe sacking of the inte- army chief, faces growing criti- ment to the test. and leave the Strip immediately,” “These have been the quietest rior minister in a raucous meet- cism over a crackdown once Israeli tanks shelled the Pales- the group said in a statement. two years we can recall since Ha- ing at the Journalists’ Syndicate confi ned to Islamists that has tinian enclave at least twice, say- Yesterday’s violence puts mas came to power.” yesterday, after an unprece- spread to secular dissidents. ing it was in response to mortar pressure on a ceasefi re that has Daniel Nisman, founder of the dented police raid to arrest two The former defence minister fi re across the border, while the held since the last round of hos- Levantine analysis group, said the reporters. came to power after overthrow- army designated an Israeli border tilities in Gaza ended in summer Netanyahu visit could have trig- Police cordoned off streets ing his Islamist predecessor town a closed military zone. 2014. gered a reaction. leading to the syndicate head- Mohamed Mursi in 2013, un- A military offi cial said up to ve fi Despite Israeli allegations that “Maybe for Hamas that lit one quarters in downtown Cairo leashing a crackdown that killed mortar shells in total were fi red at Hamas is building new tunnels in fuse too many,” he said. but allowed members to gather hundreds of Islamist protesters. in and around the building for Police have since gone after Hamas accuses Fatah of organising military cell their general assembly, where secular and liberal dissidents they chanted “the interior min- Khaled Elbalshy (centre), board member of Egypt’s Press Syndicate who had supported Mursi’s Hamas accused its rival Fatah yes- communicating with it,” without He said they aimed to “aff ect the istry are thugs”. and the head of its Freedoms’ Committee, demonstrates with overthrow but turned on Sisi. terday of organising a military cell naming those allegedly involved. internal situation in the Gaza Strip President Abdel Fattah al- journalists outside the Journalist Syndicate headquarters in In April, police arrested doz- to “breach security and stability” Hamas has ruled Gaza since and internal relations,” including Sisi, who has shown little tol- Cairo calling for the sacking of the interior minister following an ens of activists in the lead-up to in the Gaza Strip. 2007, while Palestinian President through “incitement,” but would erance for dissent, is facing unprecedented police raid to arrest two reporters yesterday. a protest against a deal by Sisi to In the latest sign of tensions Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah move- not provide further details. a storm of criticism from the hand over two islands to Saudi between the Palestinian factions, ment controls the occupied West Fayez Abu Aita, spokesman for country’s once compliant media on charges “relating to the peace “Hold your head high, you’re a Arabia. Iyad al-Bozum, the interior minis- Bank. Fatah in Gaza, denied the accusa- after police raided the syndi- and security of the nation” and journalist.” The protest, called for by a try spokesman in the Hamas-run Bozum said the cell was made up tions and said the charges would cate on Sunday to arrest the two imposed a gag order on the case. Inside, hundreds who packed coalition of liberal and leftist strip, accused senior Fatah leaders of “fewer than 10 people who were “complicate the internal situation journalists. Yesterday, hundreds of re- a conference room roared their groups, was quickly dispersed of “being behind the cell and arrested around a month ago.” and hinder reconciliation eff orts.” The prosecution said it had porters stood outside the syn- approval as an offi cial read out by police, who arrested several issued warrants for their arrest dicate headquarters, yelling: a statement demanding Sisi journalists in the process.

Court acquits former PM of Mubarak Hand surgery in Egypt’s top appeals court acquitted yesterday Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister Gaza gets remote of corruption charges after overturning his sentence for illegal profiteering, his lawyer and a judicial off icial said. help from Beirut Ahmed Nazif had been found guilty by two criminal courts in 2012 and 2015 of illegally Reuters remote surgery in the region for amassing E£64mn serving under Beit Lahiya, Gaza/Beirut the fi rst time at the weekend with the former president. the tool. Its makers hope it will He was sentenced to three years help doctors such as Hafez Abu in prison in the first trial, and to t a hospital in northern Khousa in Gaza, whose patient five years in the second one. Gaza, a young patient is needed specialist plastic surgery Both rulings were cancelled by Abeing prepared for hand his team could not provide un- the court of cassation, the same surgery as one of the doctors aided. court that issued final acquittal. leading the operation watches on “It is like the consultant is with The court’s ruling cannot be - from nearly 200 miles away in you in the same room, giving you appealed, a judicial off icial and Beirut. an opinion so that the surgery can Nazif’s lawyer Wageeh Abdel In the Lebanese capital Doc- be perfect,” Abu Khousa said after Malak said. The court is yet to tor Ghassan Abu Sitta is guiding the operation. release its reasoning. colleagues at Gaza’s Al-Awda He was guided via live video Nazif was also acquitted of hospital via an online interac- and by his Lebanese counterpart corruption charges in a separate tive platform known as Prox- drawing markers over an image of case in February last year, after a imie, which allows the medi- the patient’s hand. criminal court had sentenced him cal teams to communicate and Gaza has been run by Hamas to seven years in prison for his work together via tablet com- since 2007. Since then, Egypt and alleged role in awarding contracts A patient lies on a bed as a technician adjusts a screen before the start of a Proximie surgery, with doctor Ghassan Abu Sitta in Beirut puters. Israel have maintained a blockade for new vehicle licence plates. guiding Palestinian surgeon Hafez Abu Khousa in the operating room at Al Awda Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip. Doctors in Lebanon attempted on the territory. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 15 ARAB WORLD US, Russia win truce promise in

Syrians hold pictures and banners during a demonstration in solidarity with the civilians of the northern city of Aleppo yesterday in Idlib, in northwestern Syria. Fierce fighting raged in the war-ravaged Aleppo and air strikes pounded rebels east of the capital Damascus as diplomats Aleppo scrambled to salvage a collapsing truce. AFP though there are some reports of civilian casualties of the war. AFP correspondent in the city Aleppo continued fi ghting in some loca- On Sunday, Kerry fl ew to Ge- said. tions,” Kerry insisted. neva for talks with UN peace Suspected regime strikes also Kerry said US offi cials in Ge- envoy Staff an de Mistura, who pummelled the rebel stronghold nder pressure from Rus- neva are co-ordinating with their in turn went to Moscow for talks of Eastern Ghouta near Damas- UN warns of war sia and the US, the Syrian Russian colleagues on “enhanced with Foreign Minister Sergei La- cus, after a temporary freeze in Uarmy agreed yesterday to monitoring eff orts for this re- vrov. the area expired overnight. respect a two-day truce in the newed cessation.” By yesterday, Kerry felt con- Kerry confi rmed these strikes, war-ravaged city of Aleppo. And he stressed that for Wash- fi dent enough in Russia’s “buy- but said the joint US-Russian The Syrian climb-down came ington, the “cessation of hostili- in” to the process that the State ceasefi re monitoring centre which crimes over carnage after Washington said the US and ties” must spread nationwide and Department was able to an- is being set up in Geneva would Russia had agreed to push the underpin a return by both sides to nounce what it hopes will be a redouble its eff orts. warring parties to extend their peace talks in Geneva. new truce. Russia had said on Tuesday it AFP crimes,” said the UN’s top politi- the “inexcusable, deeply disturb- shaky ceasefi re. Russia and the US were joint Nevertheless, in Aleppo, new hoped a new ceasefi re could be United Nations cal aff airs offi cial, Jeff rey Feltman. ing attacks” on medical facilities. “A truce will be in place in sponsors of a previous Febru- explosions could be heard. agreed “within hours” but yes- “Using starvation as a weapon Those responsible for the at- Aleppo for 48 hours from 1am to- ary 27 ceasefi re agreement that Rami Abdel Rahman, head of terday said truce eff orts had been during confl ict is a war crime.” tacks “must understand that day (2200 GMT yesterday),” Syr- had begun to fall apart, especially the London-based Syrian Ob- stymied by militants. wo top UN offi cials told the Feltman said that Syria should these acts cannot and will not be ian army command said, accord- around Aleppo. servatory for Human Rights, said Russian military spokesman Security Council yesterday be referred to the International forgotten,” said O’Brien. ing to state media. The city is divided between the fi ghting was “the most violent Igor Konashenkov said a plan had Tthat those responsible for Criminal Court in The Hague for “Those who are responsible For his part, US Secretary of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Aleppo in over a year”. been agreed for Aleppo but fell hospital attacks and starvation war crimes prosecutions. must know that they will one day State John Kerry said the new forces, Western-backed opposi- According to the Syrian state apart after rocket attacks by Al sieges in Syria’s frontline city of “Those responsible for war be held accountable,” he added. Aleppo truce had already begun at tion forces and Al Nusra Front news agency SANA, in recent days Nusra, an Al Qaeda affi liate. Aleppo should face trial for war crimes must be held to account,” Hospitals in both rebel and midnight Syrian time (2101 GMT rebels not party to the ceasefi re. rebels have fi red a barrage of rock- The UN said the Syrian govern- crimes. he said. government-held areas of Aleppo Tuesday) and violence had fallen Last week, Russia agreed to a ets into regime-held neighbour- ment had refused a request for aid The 15-member council met to A bid by the council in 2014 to have been hit, triggering global off . ceasefi re in Latakia and an eastern hoods in western Aleppo. access to rebel-held eastern Alep- discuss the crisis in Aleppo just refer Syria to the ICC was blocked outrage and calls for an end to the But AFP correspondents in suburb of Damascus but said As- Three more civilians were killed po, warning that the area could as the US and Russia agreed to by China and Syrian ally Russia, fi ghting. Syria said fi erce fi ghting contin- sad should be allowed to fi ght Al in the attacks early yesterday, it soon be besieged. extend a truce to end nearly two and it appeared unlikely that a The fi ghting in Aleppo is ued in both Aleppo and an area Nusra “terrorists” in Aleppo. said. France announced yester- weeks of near-constant attacks in new push for such action would threatening to derail internation- west of Damascus that was al- Intense fi ghting continued in Regime warplanes struck the day that it would also host talks the northern city. garner enough support. al eff orts to resume peace talks ready under the ceasefi re regime. the city, and hospitals in both advancing rebels, giving opposi- with the Saudi, Qatari, Turkish “Let me be absolutely clear UN aid chief Stephen O’Brien in Geneva this month and push “We’ve seen an overall decrease rebel and government-held areas tion-held areas of eastern Aleppo and Emirati foreign ministers on once again: intentional and di- said “life for people in Aleppo is ahead with a plan to end the fi ve- in violence in those areas even were hit, amid some of the worst a respite from the bombing, an Monday next week. rect attacks on hospitals are war horrendous” as he condemned year war. Slain Navy SEAL was part of US rescue squad

AFP were unaware US troops were in vicin- About 60 IS fi ghters died, and the Washington ity but coincidentally launched an as- peshmerga forces went on a counter- sault on the village. attack and recaptured Tal Asquf by the Using suicide bombers, bulldozers end of the day. Navy SEAL who was killed and armoured trucks, a group of about US advisers have been working by Islamic State fi ghters died 125 IS fi ghters broke through pesh- with the peshmerga in northern Iraq Awhile helping rescue a team of merga defenses and rushed toward Tal for about a year, but recent decisions American troops from an unexpected Asquf, getting about 3.5km beyond the mean increasing numbers of US troops fi refi ght with the militants, an offi cial line. will be closer to the front lines. said yesterday. When the attack began, the US mil- Last month, the Pentagon said US Charles Keating IV became the third itary advisers called Keating’s quick military advisers will start work- US troop to be killed in the US-led co- reaction force to help get them away ing with Iraqi forces at the battalion alition campaign against the IS group from the chaos. level, meaning greater numbers will when he was struck by a bullet during “When the fi re erupted, the quick be physically closer to the fi ght in Iraq a pitched battle on Tuesday. reaction force... came to the battle and than before. His death illustrates the growing provided the additional fi repower” And the US has increased sixfold - dangers US troops face in Iraq and needed to “extract the remainder of from 50 to 300 - the number of special Syria as they move ever closer toward our personnel,” Warren said in a video operations forces and support person- the militants’ frontlines. call to Pentagon reporters. nel working in northern Syria, where Keating, 31, from Arizona, was part Keating was struck during the en- they are training Kurdish and Syrian of a “quick reaction force” comprised suing battle. Although a Black Hawk Arab fi ghters to tackle the IS group and of special operations troops on a mis- helicopter evacuated him to a hospital call in air strikes. sion to support US military advisers within an hour, he did not survive. The US launched an anti-IS coali- working with local peshmerga forces, “This was a gun fight, you know, tion, now supposedly comprising 65 Baghdad-based US military spokes- a dynamic gun fight, so he got hit countries, in August 2014. man Colonel Steve Warren said. just in the course of this gun bat- Since then, the coalition has Keating was the grandson of Charles tle. Whether it was a sniper or some launched more than 12,000 air strikes Keating Jr., who was involved in a mas- fighter with his (AK-47) is unclear,” against the self-proclaimed Islamic sive savings-and-loan scandal of the Warren said. “There were bullets State group, and the Pentagon has de- 1980s and 1990s, in which thousands everywhere.” ployed around 5,000 troops to Iraq. of small fi nancial institutions failed. The fi ghting lasted all day, with US Keating is the third US troop to be Tuesday’s events started early in forces involved on the ground for at killed in action since the campaign the morning as the US advisers were least a couple of hours. began. meeting with peshmerga fi ghters near The US-coalition carried out 31 Rocket fi re killed a US Marine in the village of Tal Asquf, north of IS- plane and drone strikes, destroying northern Iraq in March, while a special stronghold Mosul. 20 IS vehicles and other gear, Warren forces soldier died of wounds received According to Warren, the militants said. during a raid in October.

Egypt sentences activist to six months

AFP Dozens were arrested in the lead-up her right to appeal the ruling. Cairo to an April 25 protest in Cairo which “They told me ‘we have informed ended with police dispersing the rally you of the ruling; 10 days from now using tear gas and detaining more ac- you come and turn yourself in’,” she n Egyptian court sentenced tivists. Seif’s conviction stems from a wrote on Facebook. prominent activist Sanaa Seif prosecution summons on suspicion of Seif had been pardoned last October Ato six months in prison yester- inciting protests. after she was imprisoned over a 2014 day, months after she was freed by a She did not attend and was charged protest outside the presidential palace presidential pardon in another case. with “insulting a member of the pros- in Cairo. Seif, whose older brother and dis- ecution,” the judicial offi cial said. Sisi, a former army chief who was sident Alaa Abdel Fattah has also been The verdict may be appealed, al- elected president after overthrowing imprisoned since February 2015, was though Seif has said she will not con- his Islamist predecessor in 2013, has convicted of “insulting the judiciary,” test it. In a Facebook post, Seif said she been accused by activists of installing Issued in Public Interest by a judicial offi cial said. did not attend Wednesday’s hearing a heavy-handed regime that tolerates She had been caught up in a re- but was going to hand herself in. no dissent. newed crackdown on secular dissi- “Simply, I do not have the energy to After president Mohamed Mursi’s dents who had called for protests this deal with their measures,” she wrote. overthrow, a police crackdown killed month against President Abdel Fattah Later in the day, Seif said the pros- hundreds of Islamist protesters, while al-Sisi for handing over two islands to ecution refused to jail her even after a militant insurgency has killed hun- Saudi Arabia. she signed a statement relinquishing dreds of policemen and soldiers. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, May 5, 2016 AFRICA

16 hacked to SA protesters burn down death in DR Congo raid

AFP schools over rezoning Goma

Reuters ttackers armed with machetes and Johannesburg axes hacked at least 16 civilians to Adeath in a night-time assault on their village in the volatile east of the Democratic rotesters, angered by a change in Republic of Congo, UN and local offi cials said municipal boundaries which they yesterday. Pfear will leave them worse off for Local administrator Bernard Amisi social services, torched 13 schools in Kalonda said the brutal attack took place late South Africa’s northern Limpopo prov- on Tuesday in the Beni region of North Kivu ince, police said as tensions rose ahead province, an area which has witnessed nu- of local polls in August. merous massacres in the past. The latest protests were triggered “Between 8pm and 10pm, the enemy by a high court ruling upholding a de- managed to get past army positions and kill cision to shift some districts from one peaceful residents in their homes, slashing municipality’s jurisdiction to another. their throats,” he said. “The 16 bodies are in Many protesters said the change front of me, killed by machete or axe.” meant the quality of social services He was not able to say if the attackers were would change, leaving them worse off . Ugandan rebels from the Allied Democratic With elections scheduled for Au- Forces (ADF), who have long been active in gust 3, the demonstrations over the region. services are starting to take on an in- The area has suff ered chronic unrest for creasingly political tone, suggesting two decades fuelled by ethnic diff erences and they could get worse in the next few claims to land, along with bids for control months. over valuable natural resources and rivalry Police said residents in Vuwani between regional powers. district and nearby areas set alight “Around 8pm, we heard people shouting a post offi ce and other government and the sound of bullets,” said Adona Lesse, buildings on Monday and Tuesday head of Eringeti village, adding that a search nights leaving smouldering struc- was continuing for more possible victims. tures behind. General Jean Baillaud, the military chief of Residents had also set up road- the UN mission in the DR Congo known by its blocks to the area, Limpopo police French acronym MONUSCO, said there were spokesperson Colonel Malesela 17 dead. Ledwaba said. ADF rebels have been accused of carrying The protests began after the High out numerous bloody attacks on civilians in Court upheld the Demarcation Beni and the neighbouring Ituri region which Board’s decision to include the dis- the UN says have cost the lives of more than tricts, currently under Makhado mu- 500 people since 2014. nicipality, into the Malamulele dis- trict after residents had fi led a case to oppose the change. South African opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters MPs are pushed out of a parliament session during South African President Jacob Zuma’s “What we are requesting from the budget speech in Cape Town. police is that they ... provide more manpower in the area and ensure Opposition MPs ejected from South Africa parliament aft er protesting Zuma speech 3 held in Kenya that important public infrastructure is protected,” said Limpopo Premiere Fists flew in the South African parlia- the EFF members from their seats and president to speak here as if nothing National Congress (ANC) party. Stanley Mathabatha speaking on lo- ment yesterday as security guards bundled then out of the chamber as has happened,” EFF deputy president Opposition parties hope to gain over IS anthrax cal TV news channel, eNCA. physically ejected leftist opposition punches were exchanged and parlia- Floyd Shivambu told parliament during ground against the ANC at local gov- The Basic Education Minister An- lawmakers in the latest outbreak of mentary benches knocked over. chaotic scenes. ernment elections on August 3. gie Motshekga said the actions of political drama over the troubled presi- The country’s highest court in March “We cannot be addressed by a per- Zuma calmly delivered his speech attack plot protesters undermined government dency of Jacob Zuma. found Zuma had violated the constitu- son who is facing corruption charges to parliament after the EFF members eff orts to improve education and in- About 10 lawmakers from the Eco- tion over the use of public funds to (and) undermines the constitution. He were removed from the chambers by frastructure. nomic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party upgrade his private residence. must not speak here.” security personnel. AFP “It is not only a waste of taxpayers’ shouted down the Speaker and refused After another damaging court ruling Criticism of Zuma has built over The president has also been beset Nairobi money to lose valuable existing in- to let Zuma deliver his budget speech, last week, he could also face almost recent months with several stalwarts by allegations that a wealthy Indian frastructure but disrespects the hard saying they did not recognise him as 800 corruption charges that had been of the anti-apartheid struggle calling migrant family had such influence over work of every law abiding member of president. dropped in 2009. for him to step down, but he retains the him that it could decide ministerial hree Kenyan suspected members of an society,” Motshekga said in a state- Plain-clothed security guards pulled “We cannot allow an illegitimate loyalty of many in the ruling African appointments. Islamic State affi liate have been arrest- ment. Ted for allegedly planning an anthrax attack, Kenyan police have said. The man and two women arrested last Fri- day were part of “an East Africa terror group network, that has links to ISIL,” another heading! name for the Islamic State terror group (IS), Congo mourners bid adieu to according to Kenya police chief Joseph Boin- net. They are accused of “planning large-scale ‘rumba king’ Papa Wemba attacks” including “a biological attack in Kenya using anthrax,” said Boinnet. Mohamed Abdi Ali, the alleged leader of AFP they agreed to call the father of Congolese rum- the group and a medical student in Wote, Kinshasa ba,” said the archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal southeast of the capital Nairobi, was arrested Laurent Monsengwo. in Kenya and is being held in custody for 30 Six bishops, about 60 priests, family members, days while investigators gather further evi- housands of fans paid a fi nal tearful tribute offi cials and celebrities were among about 2,000 dence. to Congolese “rumba king” Papa Wemba at people in the Notre Dame du Congo Cathedral for Two suspected accomplices - his wife Nu- Ta requiem mass in Kinshasa yesterday where the mass in his honour. seiba Mohamed Haji, a medical intern, and his songs were played, before he is laid to rest. About 10,000 more crammed into the streets another woman, Fatuma Mohamed Hanshi - Papa Wemba was a “worthy son of the DRC, outside, where giant screens were erected to were arrested in neighbouring Uganda. the quality of his work has made him a citizen of watch the service. Two other suspects, Ahmed Hish and Farah the world”, the president of the national episcopal Many young people were among those who Dagne, also medics, are on the run in Kenya, conference of Congo, Bishop Nicolas Djomo, said sweated, many bare-chested, under Kinshasa’s with police off ering $20,000 on wanted no- in a homily. brutal equatorial sun to hear the service. tices for each man. He was “a great artist who was able to speak to Some had gathered since dawn yesterday to “From our initial investigations, it has been all social classes,” and “a man who did not live for watch the funeral cortege arrive. established that the terror network linked to himself but for others and for God.” Before the service, Cardinal Monsengwo, Bish- Mohamed Abdi Ali has been engaged in the He conveyed “the message of love, the message op Djomo, and other clerics, bowed before the active radicalisation, recruitment of uni- of peace and of reconciliation”. coffi n and before Papa Wemba’s tearful widow. versity students and other Kenyan youth Papa Wemba collapsed while performing at a In his funeral oration, the governor of Kinsha- into terrorism networks,” Boinnet said. “The festival in Ivory Coast on April 24. The fl amboy- sa, Andre Kimbuta, honoured the memory “of the same network has been facilitating Kenyan ant musician, who led the Kinshasa music scene high priest of Congolese music”. youths to secretly leave Kenya to join terror for four decades, died before reaching hospital. The oration was interspersed with excerpts groups in Libya and Syria.” He was 66. of Papa Wemba’s songs, including “L’Esclave” Foreign intelligence sources confi rmed A model holds the 1,109 carat ‘Lesedi La Rona’ diamond at Sotheby’s in New York. His body returned to his native Democratic Re- which recounts the stories of African slaves tak- Ali’s links to IS but said he was more likely in- The rough diamond, uncovered in Botswana last year, is estimated to be 3bn years public of Congo last week, and lay in state at the en to America, as many in the congregation re- volved in recruitment of East Africans to fi ght old. It will be off ered in a stand-alone auction in London on June 29 and is estimated national parliament since Monday. sponded with barely muffl ed sobs. in Libya and Syria than in plotting an attack to sell for in excess of $70mn. “For three days, like one man, the Congolese He is to be laid to rest in a cemetery on the out- in Kenya. IS recruiters are known to seek out people”, Africa and the world “cried over the one skirts of Kinshasa. medical students. Floods following drought worsen Ethiopia hunger

By Karim Lebhour, AFP Here in Sitti province, in the by the El Nino weather phe- “At the beginning, we sold Aid worker Abd Rahman Adan wheat, that’s all, no milk or oil,” Faced with the food crisis, the Derala, Ethiopia far east of the Horn of African nomenon have sparked a dra- the livestock to buy food. With- measures the children to iden- she said. Ethiopian government has allo- nation, times were tough even matic rise in the number of out help, we would have only tify the most malnourished. Last The rains are making things cated $766mn in emergency aid. before the drought. The region people going hungry in large the skin of animals to eat,” said month, 136 cases of severe mal- worse. “Roads are turning into Donor countries have also prom- tuck on a track in eastern is classifi ed as “emergency”, ac- parts of Africa, with southern Aden. nutrition were registered in this raging rivers and our trucks ised aid, but there is still a wor- Ethiopia, trucks carrying cording to UN monitors, one step Ethiopia an area of especial Children receive a bowl of por- district alone. carrying food assistance are rying $600mn shortfall from the Sfood for the starving are short of famine. concern. ridge a day at school, and their “Since the beginning of the unable to reach many commu- $1.4bn needed. forced to turn back. After one of In the small village of Derela, Food insecurity is a sensi- families get wheat rations dis- drought, we have seen many nities,” warned the Norwegian “The Middle East and the mi- the worst droughts for decades, cattle herders come from far for tive issue in Ethiopia, which tributed by the UN, often irregu- more cases of malnutrition,” said Refugee Council (NRC) aid grant crisis has diverted atten- the rains have fi nally arrived, but aid. Dozens of carcasses of goats enjoys near-double-digit eco- larly. Adan, who hands out packets of agency. tion from our partners,” Min- now only add to the complication and cattle testify to the magni- nomic growth, but which has Despite these eff orts, malnu- super-sweet and specially forti- Weakened without water and ister for Food Security Mitiku of the delivery of food aid. tude of the drought. struggled to change its image trition has reached grim levels: fi ed peanut paste. food, the lashing cold rains are Kassa said in a statement to me- Flash fl oods have eff ectively “All my animals died,” said following the famine of 1984- 350,000 children under fi ve years “Some children regain a nor- now killing the livestock that dia outlets. transformed dry dirt tracks into Ali Boor, installed in a makeshift 85 which followed an extreme were treated for severe malnutri- mal weight, but others must be provides for many people their Aid agencies are worried too. impassable quagmires, adding camp with his wife and their sev- drought. tion in Ethiopia in 2015, a fi gure sent to a stabilisation centre,” he last lifeline. “Last year, many farmers had to the woes of the victims in re- en children. From his 200 cows, “A drought like this is unheard expected to reach 450,000 in added. “The rain has led to livestock little or no harvest,” said Save the mote areas, some of whom have only six survived. of,” added Mohamed Aden, the 2016, according to the UN chil- Aisha Nour, the mother of a deaths that in their weakened Children’s chief in Ethiopia, John received no help for weeks. “Without any help, there was leader of the community, a few dren’s agency UNICEF. malnourished two-year-old girl state are more susceptible to ill- Graham. A year of drought has pushed no hope,” he told AFP. “We heard huts away. In two years, three In Malkashek, amidst a vast leaves with a few packs of food nesses. For many this was the last “There are millions of people 10.2mn Ethiopians into dire con- that here we could have food and consecutive seasons of rains were expanse of desert, the mobile supplements and bags of wheat hope they had,” said Mohamed who will be increasingly hungry ditions needing food aid to sur- water.” abnormally low, a situation at- clinic set up by Save the Children loaded onto a donkey. “We eat Hassan, NRC operations chief in until the next harvest, September vive, according to the UN. Floods and failed rains caused tributed to El Nino. is always busy. pancakes from sorghum and the eastern Jigjiga district. at the earliest.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 17 AMERICAS

Girl killed Trump looks to unify GOP; on Navajo reserve, suspect in Kasich likely to drop out custody Reuters she will be a disaster as president.” about 10 percentage points among like- Indianapolis With his nomination all but assured, ly voters. The poll included 623 Demo- Trump is looking for a running mate. crats and 556 Republicans and had a Reuters He said on ABC he would choose a credibility interval of fi ve percentage Santa Fe illionaire Donald Trump yester- Republican, most likely an elected of- points. day assumed the mantle of pre- fi cial with political experience. “I’m As the primary returns fl owed, Cruz Bsumptive Republican presidential considering a lot of people,” Trump told announced he had ended his campaign New Mexico man was ar- nominee with a message on unity that Fox News. in Indianapolis. The senator from Tex- rested on Tuesday over also suggested he was not going to work Trump’s victory in Indiana and Cruz’s as, sounding beaten but defi ant, said he Athe death of an 11-year- too hard to placate some party estab- withdrawal means he now looks to have no longer saw a viable path to the nomi- old girl kidnapped from the Nav- lishment fi gures angered by his outsider a clear path to be formally nominated as nation. ajo reservation in New Mexico, candidacy. the Republican candidate at the party “We gave it everything we got. But FBI and the Navajo Nation said. NBC News reported yesterday that convention in July, rather than battling the voters chose another path, and so Tom Begaye, 27, was appearing Trump’s last remaining challenger, for the prize at a contested convention. with a heavy heart, but with boundless yesterday before US Magistrate Ohio Governor John Kasich, was sus- Republican National Committee optimism for the long-term future of Judge Paul Briones in Farmington, pending his campaign after his dismal chairman Reince Priebus called Trump our nation, we are suspending our cam- two days after Ashlynne Mike and third place fi nish in the Midwestern the party’s presumptive nominee in a paign,” said Cruz, who is from the par- her 9-year-old brother were ab- state. tweet and said, “We all need to unite ty’s conservative Tea Party movement. ducted, according to Federal Bu- There was no immediate word on and focus” on defeating Clinton. Cruz’s exit came as a surprise, and reau of Investigation spokesman this from Kasich’s campaign, but he In an interview yesterday, Priebus ac- many Republicans who had denounced Frank Fisher and a statement re- cancelled a news conference in the knowledged achieving Republican unity Trump were grappling with what to do leased by the Navajo Nation. Washington area and planned to make a Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump speaks to supporters at Trump would be diffi cult. “It’s going to take next. The children were kidnapped statement in Columbus, Ohio. Tower in Manhattan late on Tuesday. some time but we’re going to get there,” Reuters/Ipsos polling in April found after school near the commu- Trump, who has never held public of- he said on CNN. Cruz supporters split on whom to sup- nity of San Juan, New Mexico by fi ce, won a commanding victory in In- ing tensions with party loyalists who want. People will be voting for me. Bill Kristol, the neoconservative port if their candidate quit. a man driving a van who off ered diana’s primary on Tuesday, forcing his are appalled by his bombastic, bullying They’re not voting for the party.” editor of the Weekly Standard, said on Lanhee Chen, who had advised them a ride, authorities said. main rival, US Senator Ted Cruz, to drop style, his denigrating comments about Since launching his White House Twitter, “The battle for the 2016 GOP former Republican candidate Marco The boy, Ian Mike, was found out of the race. women and his proposals to build a wall bid last summer as a longshot amid a nomination is over. The battle for the Rubio, on Tuesday night fl oated the walking along a highway around Trump’s win cleared the way for him on the border with Mexico and deport crowded fi eld that included governors, soul of the Republican Party (or its suc- possibility of a third-party candidate. 7.15pm and taken to the police de- to prepare for a likely match-up in the 11mn illegal immigrants. former governors and US senators, the cessor) has just begun.” “Tonight’s outcome raises serious- partment in Shiprock, the largest November 8 general election against But in a series of television inter- real estate magnate repeatedly defi ed Support for Trump among Republi- ness & urgency of discussions about town on the Navajo Nation. former secretary of state Hillary Clin- views yesterday morning, Trump made predictions that his campaign would cans nationally jumped in recent weeks third-party alternative; how real it is The boy told the police the ton. clear he would not forget some wounds implode. to the highest level of the primary cam- depends on who steps up to run,” he driver took them toward the Democratic front-runner Clinton from a tumultuous primary campaign in He prevailed over rivals he derided paign, according to Reuters/Ipsos poll- tweeted. Shiprock pinnacle - a rock hill lost the Indiana primary to her tena- which many establishment Republicans as “grown politicians,” despite making ing. Other prominent Republicans said that is a landmark on the Navajo cious challenger, US Senator Bernie rejected him and spawned Stop Trump provocative statements along the way A recent poll found Trump with the they would support Trump. “It’s binary Nation - hit a dead end and re- Sanders, but remains on course to be- and Never Trump movements. that drew sometimes furious criticism support of 53% of Republican partici- now. It’s Trump or Clinton, my vote’s leased the boy, telling him to go come her party’s nominee. “I am confi dent that I can unite much from many in the party but fed his anti- pants, well above Cruz at 25%. Kasich for Trump,” former Louisiana gover- home, the Navajo Nation said. The New York businessman’s im- of it, some of it I don’t want,” Trump establishment appeal. had 16%. nor Bobby Jindal, who dropped his own The girl’s body was discovered mediate challenge is to mend deep fi s- said on NBC’s Today show. “Honestly, Trump also directed fi re at Clinton, In a potential general election match- White House bid in November, said on on Tuesday morning, less than sures within the Republican Party, eas- there are some people I really don’t telling MSNBC, “She is a disaster, and up, however, Clinton led Trump by Fox News. 13km south of the landmark.

Six funerals held after Ohio family massacre

Reuters to avoid tipping off suspects. West Portsmouth, Ohio They have sent more than 100 items to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s crime ore than a week after lab for DNA, ballistics and fi n- eight family members gerprint analysis. Mwere found shot to The Ohio Attorney General’s death at four separate homes in offi ce declined to comment fur- rural Ohio’s Appalachian foot- ther on Tuesday. hills, funerals for six of the vic- Investigators have said they tims were held on Tuesday as are not assuming the killings in investigators continue to comb Pike County, about 150km east of through evidence. Cincinnati, were committed by The victims, all members of one person. the Rhoden family ranging in age Local media have quoted uni- from 16 to 44, were executed on dentifi ed law enforcement of- April 22 in a planned, “sophisti- fi cials as saying many theories cated operation,” offi cials said. are being considered, including a Federal and state offi cials family feud or even the involve- found three marijuana cultiva- ment of Mexican drug cartels. tion sites at one of the homes, Many of the victims were shot but have declined to say whether in the head as they slept, author- they are linked to the deaths. ities said. Three children were David Dickerson from the Pike found alive. County prosecutor’s offi ce told Six family members, including reporters after the church service Christopher Rhoden Sr, 40; his on Tuesday that it was standing- ex-wife Dana Rhoden, 37; their room only in the church for the three children Clarence “Frank- nearly 40-minute service for the ie” Rhoden, 20, Hanna Rhoden, six victims. 19, and Christopher Rhoden Jr., Dickerson said the family was 16; as well as Christopher Sr’s “beyond devastated” and that brother, Kenneth Rhoden, 44, Wildfire flames tower over vehicles using Highway 63 in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. multiple teams of crisis counsel- were buried on Tuesday in West lors had been helping the family. Portsmouth, Ohio. “It has been a very hard 11 days,” The fi rst of the funerals was he said. held last Thursday in northern A lengthy procession that in- Kentucky for Gary Rhoden, 38, cluded six black hearses then and Hannah Gilley, 20, Clarence Rhoden’s girlfriend and mother Evacuation of 80,000 impeded as took the victims to Scioto Burial Park in McDermott, Ohio. of a 6-month-old boy who sur- Offi cials have declined to re- vived, was buried last Saturday veal details of the investigation in Waverly, Ohio. wildfi re rages in Canadian city

Reuters of all city residents, and some according to a 2015 municipal of Fort McMurray were depleted to free up time for the workers, Anzac, Alberta 44,000 had fl ed by late Tuesday, census. on Tuesday night, and nearly and so they are reducing produc- local offi cials said, but getting The fi re broke out southwest of 3,000 evacuees took refuge in tion,” said Paul Ferley, assistant out remained diffi cult. the city on Sunday, then shifted the Anzac Recreation Centre in chief economist at Royal Bank of uel shortages and heavy A highway closure on Tuesday with the wind to enter the city on Wood Buff alo. Outside, motor- Canada. “Come May GDP there traffi c yesterday snarled the forced most evacuees to drive Tuesday. ists formed long lines as they will probably be a hit from the Fevacuation of all 80,000 north, away from major cities. A forecast of potential fi re in- waited for fuel. wildfi res, but we will have to see residents from the western Ca- By yesterday morning, the tensity showed much of the area at Offi cials said their priority was how long it persists.” nadian city of Fort McMurray as a highway had reopened, but fuel class 6, the highest possible level. protecting people and preserving A maintenance contractor wildfi re raged out of control, de- had run out, stranding evacuees No injuries or deaths were re- key infrastructure, including the working at Imperial Oil’s Kearl stroying much of one neighbour- seeking to drive out of Fort Mc- ported. Canada’s defence min- city’s only bridge over the Atha- oil sands mine, around 70 kil- hood and badly damaging others. Murray. ister said “all assets were avail- basca River and Highway 63, the ometers north of Fort McMur- Firefi ghters in Fort McMurray, Alberta’s transportation de- able” to help. only route in and out of town. ray, said evacuees from the city located in the northeastern part partment said it was escorting a Chantelle Desjarlais, a secu- Many workers in oil sands fa- started arriving last night. of the province of Alberta in the fuel tanker north to help stranded rity guard for Enbridge Inc in cilities were under evacuation “It’s crazy here right now. heart of Canada’s oil sands re- drivers. Conklin, Alberta, south of Fort orders and some will likely lose The biggest issues (are) food and gion, confronted another tough Images from the neighbour- McMurray, said evacuees were their homes. water for Fort Mac refugees at day as hot, dry weather made it hood of Beacon Hill in the checking into the community’s The reduced oil sands produc- camps, and fuel, gas and diesel. diffi cult to bring the fi re under city’s southeast showed rows work camps. tion resulting from the fi res was The site is running out of fuel so control. of charred house foundations, Evacuees at the work camps seen supporting global oil prices. we aren’t working today,” he said, While major oil sands facilities their upper stories burned to the and gas stations, many of whom Alberta is the biggest source of asking not to be named because were not in the fi re’s path, the ground, and blankets of white left without the chance to take US oil imports. he is not authorised to speak to blaze disrupted some operations. ash within. Offi cials said 80% many belongings with them as The oil sands accounted for the media. Royal Dutch Shell PLC said one of houses in the neighbourhood, they fl ed, appeared lost and sad. roughly 2.2mn barrels per day, A spokeswoman for Imperial of its oil sands mines was closed nearly 600 in total, were de- “The parents looked like they 60% of overall Canadian crude said there had been no direct im- and another was in the process of stroyed. were trying to be happy for the oil output in 2014, according to pact on the Kearl operation. being shut down. Suncor Energy The regional government said kids,” Desjarlais said. “I was cry- industry statistics. Alberta could be in for long David Dickerson, a Victims Advocate from Pike County prosecutor’s Inc , whose oil sands operations two other neighbourhoods, Aba- ing when I was having breakfast “What we are hearing is that and expensive wildfi re season off ice, and three member of the Ohio Crisis Response Team deliver are closest to the city, said it was sand and Waterways, had sus- because I was seeing the little the wildfi res aren’t necessarily at this year as it is much drier than the Rhoden family’s message to news outlets on the side of Ohio reducing crude production. tained “serious loss.” Abasand kids and I just couldn’t say any- this point threatening the actual normal after a mild winter with State Route 73 after the funeral for six members of the Rhoden family The regional government on is home to nearly 4,900 people, thing.” production facilities but they lower-than-average snowfall at the Dry Run Church of Christ in West Portsmouth, Ohio. Tuesday ordered the evacuation and Waterways more than 600, Gas stations some 50km south are cutting back on production and a warm spring. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, May 5, 2016 ASEAN

Star Wars Day celebration Cambodia told not to prosecute UN staff er in ‘sex scandal’ case

AFP “The government was in- UN formed that accordingly, Mr Sally Soen, was immune from legal process with respect to he UN has told the this matter,” he said. Cambodian govern- Dujarric added that the UN Tment that a local UN was in talks with the Cambo- employee charged in connec- dian government on reaching tion with a sex scandal involv- an “appropriate resolution” of ing an opposition lawmaker is the case. immune from prosecution, a Rights groups say the legal spokesman said yesterday. proceedings are the latest at- The UN rights offi ce staff er, tempt by Prime Minister Hun Sally Soen, was charged on Sen to undercut a resurgent Monday with being an accom- opposition trying to end his plice to an attempted bribe of a 31-year grip on power. woman who was asked to deny Opposition lawmaker Kem an aff air with the opposition Sokha, the deputy leader of member. the Cambodia National Res- “We have informed the cue Party, has been accused government that the staff er, of having an aff air with a Mr Sally Soen, is a UN offi cial 25-year-old hairdresser. and that the issue concerns The woman has accused a the performance of his du- prominent advocacy group, ties as part of the offi ce of the the Cambodian Human Rights high commissioner for human and Development Association rights in Cambodia,” said UN (ADHOC), of instructing her spokesman Stephane Dujarric. to deny the relationship.

A member of a Star Wars fan club in Thailand, dressed as a Snowtrooper plays with children during Star Wars Day celebration at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health in Bangkok yesterday. Girl’s gang rape sparks calls for protection

Reuters ter the rape and murder of the Jakarta 14-year-old took place on the western island of Sumatra. Indonesia govt set to “This case represents the ndonesian President Joko issue that sexual crimes still Widodo yesterday called receive minimal attention,” Ifor severe punishment for the national commission for a group of men charged with women’s protection from vio- raping and killing a schoolgirl, lence said in a statement. a case that has angered rights “The state must show a groups who say the govern- sense of urgency...and return resume executions ment is not doing enough to a sense of security to women.” protect women and children. The attack, reminiscent AFP Since then, no one else has Sexual violence is prevalent of the 2012 fatal gang rape in Jakarta been put to death, but offi cials in Southeast Asia’s most pop- Delhi of a female university had continued to insist publicly ulous country, but gang rape is student, has shocked many that it was the country’s right to unusual. Indonesians and sparked calls ndonesia is preparing for a use capital punishment. “We all grieve for (her) trag- on social media for a halt to new round of executions, po- Among the foreigners on ic passing,” Widodo said on sexual violence. Ilice said yesterday, around a death row are Frenchman Serge Twitter. “Arrest and punish Police in Bengkulu, where year after Jakarta sparked global Atlaoui and Filipina Mary Jane the perpetrators as severely as the attack took place, said sev- outrage by putting seven foreign Veloso, who were both pulled possible.” en minors were on trial, fi ve drug convicts to death by fi ring from the last round of execu- The president’s tweet adults were being investigated squad. tions. comes more than a month af- and two were on the run. Offi cials recently started get- A British grandmother, Lind- ting ready after an order from say Sandiford, is on death row in the attorney-general’s offi ce, Bali after she was caught smug- DIPLOMACY which oversees executions, said gling a huge stash of cocaine into China, Laos increase security ties Central Java police spokesman the resort island. Aloysius Lilik Darmanto. Darmanto said preparations China and Laos have agreed to step up security co-operation after He said no date had been set included ensuring locations attacks on Chinese nationals in the poor, landlocked Southeast Asian na- for the executions, which will where the executions would take tion in recent weeks, state media said yesterday as Laos’ new president take place on the prison island of place were ready. For last year’s visited Beijing. In March, six Chinese nationals were wounded in a bus Nusakambangan in Central Java, executions, the drug convicts shooting and a Chinese national was killed and three wounded in and he did not know who would were taken to a jungle clearing on an attack by unidentified militants on a Chinese-backed company in face the fi ring squad. the island, which houses several another part of the country. In January, two Chinese were killed and one Indonesian President Joko A recent photo shows Filipino death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso displaying her handicraft during a high-security prisons, and tied wounded in a bomb attack on a bus. In a joint communique released by Widodo has repeatedly insisted workshop at Wirogunan prison in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. to stakes before being shot. China’s off icial Xinhua news agency, both countries agreed to expand that drug traffi ckers must face “We have also prepared the fa- military cooperation, including personnel training and other forms of the fi ring squad to stem rising rations,” Darmanto said. “We a year-long hiatus, but high- The execution in April last cility for the bodies,” he said. support. China and Laos have also agreed to take “eff ective measures narcotics use. There are scores are ready whenever the order ranking offi cials in Jakarta have year of seven foreigners — two “Each death row convict to earnestly protect the safety of each other’s people, organisations of drug convicts on death row in comes.” so far said little. There was no Australians, a Brazilian and four will face a group of 10 shooters and important projects”, it added, without giving details. The statement the country, including Indone- There has been growing spec- immediate comment yesterday Nigerians — and an Indonesian and one group commander. We was released as Laos Communist Party chief Bounnhang Vorachit, sians and foreigners. ulation in recent weeks that ex- from the attorney-general’s of- for drug off ences sparked inter- have selected and trained the appointed president only last month, was in Beijing to see Chinese “We have been making prepa- ecutions were set to resume after fi ce. national fury. personnel.” President Xi Jinping. Singapore to pick military copters as arms spending rises

Reuters in Singapore. Data from IHS, a identified due to the sensitiv- The next decision for Singa- are also expected to be vying Singapore consultancy, estimates Singa- ity of the matter. Multiple un- pore after replacing its Super for various other modern re- pore’s annual defence budget manned platforms for airborne Puma helicopters could be on quirements such as transport will hit $10.72bn in 2020, up surveillance, are also under the Joint Multi Mission Ship -- planes, maritime patrol air- ingapore will soon pick the from $9.08bn in 2015 and about consideration. in effect a helicopter and tacti- craft, and fighter jets. winner of a $1bn tender for $8.23bn in 2011. Last December, Singapore cal aircraft carrier. Airbus Helicopters, Boe- Smilitary utility helicopters, The most immediate deci- confirmed upgrades worth These will eventually replace ing and Lockheed referred all the fi rst of several lucrative deals sion for Singapore is to replace more than $900mn for its Singapore’s Endurance-class questions about future pro- the island nation is pursuing as its Super Puma helicopters, Lockheed F-16 fighters. In the support ships, and can be used curements to the Singapore it modernises its air force and which are made by European coming years, it will also receive for disaster relief in the region government. navy amid rising tensions in the aerospace giant Airbus. Singa- new submarines manufactured - something Singapore has Defence firms are generally region. pore is seeking around a dozen by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp, regularly undertaken - and po- reluctant to discuss potential With Southeast Asia’s largest multi-mission aircraft to de- Airbus A330 air-to-air refuel- tentially allow the land-scarce deals with Singapore. defence budget, Singapore is a ploy off ships and on land. ling tankers, and Littoral Mis- country to deploy air assets be- “Everything concerning Sin- key prize for global arms com- Airbus and the helicopter sion Vessels (LMVs) to replace yond its shores. gapore’s defence is sensitive. panies as it looks to invest in new division of Finmeccanica have its patrol vessels. ST Marine, a unit of state- Leaking any information will technology and replace ageing been shortlisted and are in final Singapore’s defence minis- owned Singapore Technologies lead to the company losing the equipment. discussions before a decision try referred all questions on the Engineering, displayed a model contract,” said one retired em- China’s increasingly assertive is made, said sources familiar country’s upcoming procure- of such a ship at a defence ex- ployee of a major defence con- actions in the South China Sea, with the details of the procure- ments and policies to its min- hibition in 2014. The company tractor. which are worrying Southeast ment. A decision will be made ister’s speech during a budget told Reuters that it has com- Singapore, however, does Asian countries, are partly a fac- “soon”, defence minister Ng debate in Parliament. pleted “conceptual and func- its research, rarely changes its tor, say analysts, given that these Eng Hen said in April. “Rising nationalism and im- tional design” on the vessel. mind and pays promptly, mak- have led to Singapore’s neigh- Airbus declined comment proving economies have fuelled “This would put us in a good ing it is a highly valued cus- bours spending more on their and Finmeccanica did not re- A Republic of Singapore Air Force Super Puma helicopter lands on the many Asian countries to spend position to be able to respond tomer for defence companies. militaries. spond to questions. warship RSS Endurance during a search and rescue operation in the larger and larger sums to mod- swiftly in the event of a RFP “Singapore is pretty desir- Modern military technology The city state is also study- Singapore Strait, about 30km east of the city state. ernise their militaries,” Minis- (request for proposals), when able for every defence con- also helps Singapore to keep its ing tactical lift helicopters to ter Ng said during the speech in it comes,” said a ST Marine tractor,” Bitzinger, the security edge and compensates for its replace its Boeing Chinooks, Fokker 50s, say several sources Strike Fighter by the end of the April. “So as you look around spokeswoman in an emailed re- expert, said. “The value of win- small size and population, said transport-cargo planes to re- familiar with the country’s re- decade and is studying Joint at our security challenges, this sponse. ning a contract from Singapore Richard Bitzinger, a regional se- place its ageing Lockheed quirements. Multi Mission Ships that can troubled peace around us reaf- International defence con- goes beyond the dollars and curity expert at the S Rajaratnam Martin C-130s, and maritime Singapore could also or- carry several aircraft, add the firms our policy on steady and tractors including Boeing, cents. It is an affirmation of the School of International Studies patrol aircraft to replace its der the Lockheed F-35 Joint sources, who did not want to be prudent defence spending.” Lockheed Martin, and Airbus product and the company.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 19 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

City lights China plans more drills in S China Sea

Reuters had been planned for this year. Beijing China periodically an- nounces such exercises in the South China Sea as it tries to hina’s military will demonstrate it is being trans- carry out more military parent about its military de- Cexercises in the South ployments. China Sea this month involv- China has been at odds with ing advanced warships and the United States of late over submarines, state news agency the strategic waterway. Xinhua said yesterday, terming Washington has criticised the drills routine. Beijing’s building of artifi cial China claims almost all of islands in the South China the energy-rich waters of the Sea’s disputed Spratly archi- South China Sea, through pelago, and has conducted sea which more than $5tn of mari- and air patrols near them. time trade passes each year. A famous Chinese military The Philippines, Brunei, Vi- folk singer performed on an etnam, Malaysia and Taiwan artifi cial island in the disputed have overlapping claims. South China Sea this week, re- Xinhua said the ships, in- ports said yesterday. cluding a new guided missile Military folk singer Song destroyed, would take part in Zuying and other perform- anti-submarine, anti-missile ers entertained hundreds of and other exercises. troops and construction work- It did not say exactly where ers at Fiery Cross Reef over the the drills would take place, but weekend, the offi cial Xinhua noted they were routine and news agency reported.

Sydney’s central business district after sunset yesterday. Carer is sentenced to death A Chinese caregiver found guilty of killing her elderly patient in order to receive her salary early -- and who claimed to have killed seven more -- was sentenced to death yesterday, state media said. The deaths highlight weaknesses in the elderly care system in the world’s most populous country, whose vast population is ageing rapidly. He Tiandai, 46, admitted murdering her client, a 70-year- old woman. Prosecutors did not press charges over her other confessions due to a lack of evidence, the off icial news agency N Korea congress to Xinhua said. The victim’s daughter-in-law had promised He a full month’s wage in the event of her patient’s death regardless of how many days she had worked, according to reports. After only four days of looking after the patient, she fed the women broth spiked with sleeping pills and toxic chemicals, injected the potion into her belly and buttocks and finally garrotted her with a nylon rope. He anoint ‘Great Sun’ said she would not appeal her sentence, Xinhua reported. Kiwi cops’ video goes viral This moves appears to be the formal founding leader Kim Il-Sung was still in a cigarette in hand in photographs in state annointing of the ruler power. media. A New Zealand police video of cops performing the latest “running Defector-run news websites in Seoul, The government has cut the total area man” Internet craze has gone viral, attracting millions of hits Agencies with sources in the North, have reported a planted with tobacco “as much as possible” and prompting a response in kind from the New York police Seoul tightening of security around Pyongyang and health warnings are required on ciga- department. The running man challenge is a social media craze in in recent weeks, with strict controls on rette packs, the North’s offi cial KCNA news which people video themselves dancing to the 1990s hit My Boo movement in and out of the capital. agency said. by the Ghost Town DJs, and challenge others to do the same. orth Korean state media yesterday “Anyone getting in trouble with the “The number of non-smokers is remarka- The 37-second video of North Island police performing the hailed Kim Jong-Un as the “Great authorities during the congress prepara- bly increasing with each passing day,” KCNA dance in an Auckland carpark was posted Tuesday on the force’s NSun of the 21st Century” as the tion period is being treated as a political said, adding the number of male smokers was Facebook page www.facebook.com/NZPoliceRecruitment. In less country made fi nal preparations for a rare off ender and punished accordingly,” the 8% lower in 2013 compared with four years than 24 hours it had 4.8mn hits, more than the entire population ruling party congress seen as the young Drill practice in Pyongyang, North Korea. Daily NK website quoted one source as earlier. of New Zealand. The NYPD was the only force to have responded leader’s formal coronation. saying. The news agency made no mention of positively to the Kiwi call by Wednesday, with off icers dancing to a Getting ready for the rare gathering — There has been widespread specula- State media, meanwhile, have been busy leader Kim’s habit and the fact that he is fre- backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.The Isles of Scilly police — a tiny the fi rst of its kind for nearly 40 years — tion — backed in part by satellite imagery during the 70-day campaign running end- quently seen with a cigarette in hand in pub- force off the English coast with a huge social media following — has involved mobilising the entire country — that North Korea is preparing to carry less stories extolling examples of individ- lic, including at an event where he declared said its five off icers and cat would not be dancing. “Our combined in a 70-day campaign that only ended on out a fi fth nuclear test just before, or even ual selfl essness and sacrifi ce. success in miniaturising a nuclear warhead age on this small rock in the Atlantic (including feline years) is over Monday. during, the congress to underline its claim One farming couple volunteered to keep while standing next to a large object that 300. Ours is not to dance or body pop,” it posted on Facebook, The congress opens tomorrow and is to be a genuine nuclear power. working on their wedding day, the Rodong looked to be a ballistic missile. adding it preferred “levity in the medium of cake”. expected to cement Kim’s status as su- “Regarding the preparatory situation, Sinmun proclaimed, while a woman secu- Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, was also believed preme leader more than four years after he the North is able to carry out a test any rity guard insisted on turning up for duty to be a heavy smoker, seen puffi ng on a ciga- came to power following the death of his time it wants,” the South Korean Unifi ca- the day after her husband died. rette on state media in 2009, a year after he Fishermen hook tuna with drone father Kim Jong-Il. tion Ministry said yesterday. Some observers believe Kim Jong-Un was thought to have suff ered a stroke, despite The ruling party’s offi cial mouthpiece, The North conducted its fourth nuclear will use the congress to confi rm the com- claiming several years earlier to have quit. Two Australian fishermen used an aerial drone to drop a baited the Rodong Sinmun daily, said the coming test in January, followed by a long-range pletion of North Korea’s nuclear deterrent The elder Kim died in December 2011 of a hook 350m off shore, where they nabbed a 20kg longtail tuna, congress was a “sacred” event that would rocket launch and a fl urry of other missile and announce a switch in focus towards heart attack while on a train, the North’s state media reports said yesterday. Jaiden Maclean, 26, attached a 500m enshrine Kim’s achievements, from infra- and weapons tests. economic development. media said. fishing line to a drone and flew it out to sea from Fingal Head beach structure projects to developing subma- Not all of them were successful, with the In his very fi rst public address as leader, A United Nations Security Council con- on Australia’s east coast searching for a school of tuna. His friend rine-launched ballistic missiles. failure in recent weeks of three separate ef- at a military parade in April 2012, Kim had demnation of North Korea’s latest missile Byron Leal, 36, let the reel run while Maclean watched the drone’s These were victories won, the news- forts to test fi re a powerful, new mid-range said he was determined that North Ko- tests has been delayed by Russian amend- live feed on his computer screen, the West Australian newspaper paper said, through a national struggle ballistic missile capable of striking US reans would “never have to tighten their ments to a statement that had been agreed reported. Maclean had attached a special catch to the line that against UN sanctions over the North’s bases on the Pacifi c island of Guam. belts again”. by the remaining 14 members, including allowed him to lower the bait into a school of tuna and release nuclear programme, the threat posed by Pyongyang has invited the world’s me- The need to raise living standards has Pyongyang’s ally China, diplomats said on the line when he saw they had hooked a fish. Leal then reeled in US-South Korea military drills and inter- dia to cover the congress, while off ering been a constant refrain of his annual New Tuesday. the tuna 350m to the cheers of onlookers. Maclean uploaded the national criticism of the North’s human few clues as to what might -- or might not Year addresses, although analysts note North Korea test-fi red what appeared to be video to his YouTube account, where it attracted 600,000 views rights record. Referring to the country’s — be announced at the event. that they have been largely devoid of any two intermediate-range ballistic missiles on within days, and millions more on Facebook re-posts. Maclean told nuclear arsenal as a “precious sword”, Ro- And it has still not offi cially confi rmed specifi c policy initiatives. Thursday, but both failed. China’s UN am- The West Australian he was “blown away” by the reaction. “I’ve dong said the weapons were a “treasure of just how long the gathering will go on for. North Korea said a campaign was helping bassador Liu Jieyi, president of the UN Se- been getting hit up by people all around the world with business all happiness that will ensure many things The last congress lasted four days and to cut the number of smokers, although its curity Council last month, said the body was opportunities and marketing plans and all sorts of weird stuff ,” he in decades to come”. was held in 1980, when Kim’s grandfather, leader Kim Jong Un is frequently seen with working on a response. was quoted as saying. Asylum-seekers held in Minister plots ‘carpageddon’ to destroy invasive species

PNG launch court action AFP Sydney

Agencies Nauru’s Regional Processing Centre was con- Sydney verted into an “open centre”, giving its inhab- ubbed “Carpageddon” itants freedom of movement. and backed by the man More than 150 people turned out for a can- Dwho threatened to kill ore than 750 asylum-seekers held in dlelight vigil for those who self-harmed on Johnny Depp’s dogs, the latest a Papua New Guinea detention camp Nauru in central Sydney, calling for the de- plan to control introduced spe- Mlaunched legal action yesterday to be tainees in off shore camps to be brought to cies in Australia will use the her- moved to Australia after a court in the Pacifi c Australia. pes virus to eradicate millions of nation found the centre unconstitutional. Canberra has long defended its policy of predatory fi sh. Australian lawyers acting for the 757 men denying asylum-seekers resettlement in the The National Carp Control Juvenile carp in the Menindee Lakes in New South Wales. — who are held on Manus Island as part of country, saying it has prevented deaths at sea Plan will cost A$15mn to spread Canberra’s tough policy of sending those who and secured the nation’s borders. the virus through the aggres- aquatic pest in Australia,” he said “Suddenly, there will be liter- try to reach Australia by boat to camps in PNG Participants hold a candle light vigil for the Under the previous Labor government, at sive common carp, introduced to in a statement, estimating the cost ally hundreds of thousands, if not and Nauru — sought an “urgent injunction” two refugees. least 1,200 people died trying to reach Aus- Australia in the mid-1800s. to the economy at A$500mn a year. millions of tonnes of carp that in the High Court. tralia by boat between 2008 and 2013. And it has brought agriculture “Current control measures, will be dead in the River Murray,” “The group of 757 asylum-seekers also seek try’s prime minister ordered it to close. Australia’s foreign aid has been cut to a minister Barnaby Joyce another including trapping, commercial Pyne said. a writ of habeas corpus alleging the Austral- One of the solicitors acting for the asylum- record low of 0.22% of gross national income brush with notoriety after his fi shing and exclusion, are ex- Carp account for 80-90% of ian and PNG governments have committed seekers, Matthew Byrnes, added that there in the government’s annual budget, making it threat last year to put down Hol- pensive and largely ineff ective at the fi sh biomass in southeastern gross human rights violations and high inter- was an urgent need for an inquiry, or royal one of the lowest in the developed world. lywood star Depp’s dogs after he controlling carp over large areas Australia’s Murray-Darling river national crimes, constituting crimes against commission, into the Manus island facility. Aid agency leaders strongly condemned and wife Amber Heard breached or for any length of time.” system. humanity,” the lawyers said in a statement. In recent days two refugees on the remote the cuts announced late Tuesday, saying they Australia’s quarantine laws. But the virus developed in Is- The plan hopes to wipe out The court action came as Australian prime Pacifi c island of Nauru — a Somali woman, 21, are damaging Australia’s international repu- Joyce strutted and yelled in an rael had worked elsewhere. 95% of them over 30 years and minister Malcolm Turnbull admitted on na- and an Iranian man, 23, — set themselves on tation. extraordinary show in parliament “We’ve seen in lakes, in Japan, allow native species such as tional radio that he sympathised with “the fi re. The man suff ered severe burns and died “Every country in Europe except Portu- on Monday when he reported the lakes that are multiple times the silver perch and Murray cod to misery that many of those people are in”. in an Australian hospital, while the young gal is increasing aid spending,” World Vision carp scheme to members. size of Sydney Harbour, we’ve thrive. But he added that the asylum-seekers held woman remained in critical condition. chief executive Tim Costello said yesterday, In a booming rasp, the red- lost 70% of the European carp in The virus attacks the carp’s in off shore centres would not be allowed to The asylum-seekers’ lawyers said they “while Australia, one of the wealthiest coun- faced Joyce branded the fi sh “dis- two weeks,” Joyce said. kidneys, skin, gills and stops settle in Australia. were also seeking court orders to prevent the tries in the world on a per-capita basis, is gusting mud-sucking creatures”, According to science minister them breathing. Last week, Papua New Guinea’s supreme men on Manus being transferred to Nauru. slashing foreign aid”. and kept shouting “CAAARP” Christopher Pyne, who came up “They have the virus for a week court ruled that detaining asylum-seekers Australia’s asylum-seeker policy has been “We are going to have to deal with climate and “venereal disease” to the with “Carpageddon”, the virus before they show any symptoms on the island was “contrary to their constitu- heavily criticised internationally, includ- change refugees across the Pacifi c islands but amusement of some MPs. has no impact on humans and is and it suddenly kills them within tional right of personal liberty” and the coun- ing by the United Nations, and in October we decide to spend 50bn on submarines.” “Carp are the worst freshwater carp specifi c. 24 hours,” said Pyne. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, May 5, 2016 BRITAIN

JUSTICE PEOPLE VERDICT OFFBEAT CRIME Mother jailed for 18 years There will always be hope: Carer gets prison term Red phone boxes to be Man charged with murder for murdering toddler Madeleine’s parents for fleecing pensioner turned to mini-off ices over body in reservoir

A mother-of-four who murdered her toddler The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have A carer who fleeced a pensioner with dementia A former venture capitalist is planning to restore A man has been charged with murder after a daughter months after being made her legal said “there will always be hope” in the hunt for out of her £54,000 life savings to pay for a gastric the former glory of Britain’s famous red telephone body was found in a reservoir at a popular beauty guardian has been jailed for at least 18 years. their daughter despite doubt over the future of band operation has been jailed for 32 months. boxes by turning some of them into mini-off ices. spot. Candido Pereira, 37, was charged after police Kandyce Downer was convicted on Tuesday of the police investigation into her disappearance. Maria McCalla, 31, withdrew more than £38,000 Jonathan Black, chief executive of New York City- discovered the male victim’s body near a path killing 18-month-old Keegan Downer, formerly Kate and Gerry McCann on Tuesday marked nine from 82-year-old Vera Haselden’s account, and based Bar Works, said his company was refitting popular with walkers in the Yarrow reservoir Shi-Anne, at the family home on September 5 years since the little girl vanished, saying in a convinced the pensioner to sign cheques to her phone booths in five British cities with 25-inch near Rivington, Lancashire, in the early hours of 2015 after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. A statement on their website that “information is still for £10,000 and £6,000. The single mother, from screens, scanners, printers, a wireless mouse Tuesday. The victim has not yet been formally post-mortem examination revealed the toddler forthcoming” in the inquiry. It came after police Wembley, spent the money on the operation and Wi-Fi connection - as well as free coff ee. “It’s identified but detectives believe it is missing died from a combination of old head injuries, and revealed that investigators have one remaining and her children’s school fees as well as an X-Box an alternative to, say, Starbucks but obviously it Bolton man Darren McMinn, 48. His next of kin has blunt chest trauma but had suff ered a catalogue line of inquiry before the probe is wound up. The games console and clothes. Harrow crown court provides you with total privacy,” said Black. Though been informed. Two other men, aged 34 and 29, of injuries in her short life. Sentencing Downer, McCanns said: “As yet another anniversary comes was told that McCalla had been Haselden’s carer their original purpose has all but disappeared with were released on bail pending further inquiries. A Justice Frances Patterson said: “It is a horrible around, we’d like to thank all our supporters for for two months when she started the fraud, in June the advent of mobile phones, the classic red phone spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: tale of callous conduct and at no stage have you their help and commitment in the search for 2014. She had huge debts on 17 credit cards and box, designed in the 1920s, was voted the greatest “Pereira, 37, of Chorley New Road, Bolton, has been showed any remorse.” Madeleine, and hope for her safe return.” the pensioner had off ered to lend her £16,000. British design of all time in a survey last year. charged with the murder of Darren McMinn.”

House Catherine visits playground prices rise PM announces £200 a day on average concessions London Evening Standard London

ondon homes have earned owners almost £200 a day Lon average already this year on Syrian as prices have continued their re- markable surge, according to fi g- ures. Local property markets across most of the city have risen strong- ly — despite the slowdown in some central areas — further widening child refugees the yawning wealth gap between the property haves and have-nots. Guardian News and Media with as much support across the unaccompanied child refugees in The average daily increase in London house as I can. I think it is right Europe”. He added: “I trust the a London home’s value between to stick to the principle that we prime minister will be true to his January and March was £197, shouldn’t be encouraging people word and move swiftly to ensure equivalent to £71,905 a year, anal- avid Cameron has given in to make this dangerous journey. I the Home Offi ce works closely ysis of Land Registry data reveals. to calls for the UK to accept think it is right to stick to the idea with local authorities to fi nd foster That is almost twice the average Dunaccompanied refugee that we invest in the refugee camps families to give these young people London salary of £36,258. children from Greece, Italy and in the neighbouring countries.” a stable and secure home.” The most dramatic gains have France in a bid to avoid defeat in But Cameron said that he was However, Labour said the plan been in once unfashionable ar- the House of Commons. willing to speed up the process of did not go far enough, with a eas in east London and the outer The prime minister climbed taking child migrants with fam- spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn ar- suburbs, as fi rst-time buyers seek down in the face of a growing re- ily links in the UK, and do more guing that more than 3,000 child more aff ordable neighbourhoods. bellion among Conservative MPs for children who arrived in the UK refugees should be welcomed to Demand has also been infl ated who were preparing to back an ahead of a deal between the EU and the UK. Refugee and children’s by investors trying to beat the amendment by Labour peer Lord Turkey. rights groups were scrambling April 1 deadline for a new buy-to- Dubs. to clarify whether Cameron’s let stamp duty surcharge. Confi rming the U-turn, Cam- “No country has done more announcement referred to the The biggest rises were in Lewi- eron paid tribute to Dubs, who than Britain to help when it speeding up of existing and legally sham, where prices went up came to Britain as a refugee comes to Syrian refugees” binding processes to allow family £385 a day, equal to more than through the Kindertransport and reunifi cation or whether it would £140,000 a year. It was closely had led the campaign for the UK to “It won’t be necessary to send lead to additional children being followed by Hackney, with prices take 3,000 unaccompanied chil- the Dubs amendment back ... the allowed into Britain from Europe. up by £343 every 24 hours, and dren from camps within Europe. amendment doesn’t mention a A spokeswoman for Save the Barking & Dagenham, London’s Dubs’s fi rst attempt was voted number of people. We are going Children said that it expected cheapest local authority area, down by Conservative MPs, but to go round the local authorities further details from the govern- with £293 a day. the peer resubmitted the amend- to see what we can do,” said Cam- ment soon. She added: “We have Graham Stubbs from agents ment without a specifi c fi gure eron. spoken to various levels of gov- Chestertons, which carried out included and this will now be ac- But the prime minister insisted ernment and various departments the analysis, said: “Since before cepted by the government. that he wanted the UK to stick to about the extreme risks that these Christmas we have had would-be Downing Street could not say the principle that the priority was children face – and where the UK purchasers practically queueing how many child refugees would be to take children from camps in the can best intervene. This includes round the block, and it’s been a real accepted under the new plans but region from which they were fl ee- how the relocation of the most mix of fi rst-time buyers, second- a spokesman said the government ing – and not take children from vulnerable children – which Save steppers, buy-to-let investors and would consult with councils about European countries that ought to the Children has long called for – people looking for a London pad as accepting under-16s who regis- already to be a safe haven. would work in practice.” a second home or work-day pied- tered as unaccompanied refugees He said that “housing them, Tanya Steele, Save the Chil- a-terre.” in Europe before March 20. clothing them, feeding them” was dren’s chief executive, said the Digital marketing executive Ni- The plan to accept only children today’s equivalent of the Kinder- charity “welcome today’s signifi - cholas White, 36, paid £210,000 already in Europe preserves Cam- transport. cant announcement that the UK for his one-bedroom fl at in New- eron’s principle of not creating a The intervention was imme- will off er them sanctuary and the ham before Christmas. “pull factor” that would encour- diately welcomed by the SNP’s chance to build a new life here. He estimates that once he age parents to send their children Westminster leader, Angus Rob- “Refugee children, many of has fi nished work costing “less on perilous journeys with people ertson, while a key Tory MP who whom have fl ed war and perse- than £20,000” it will be worth traffi ckers. was minded to vote with Dubs, cution and have made danger- £300,000. “It makes me feel se- “No country has done more Heidi Allen, tweeted her support. ous journeys to Europe alone are cure but obviously it’s not money Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, visits the newly opened “Magic Garden” at Hampton than Britain to help when it comes Dubs also said he was pleased now living on the streets, in over- in my pocket unless I move outside Court Palace, west of London, yesterday. to Syrian refugees,” Cameron told that Cameron was taking steps crowded camps or locked in police of London,” he said. MPs. “But I do want us to proceed to “ease the plight of some of the detention.” Man wins fi ght against Soaking in the sun Paedophile couple’s garden being dug up

ex-lover over fl at sale Guardian News and Media dren physically and sexually. London In November, the couple were convicted at Exeter crown court London Evening Standard Speaking after the settlement, nied wanting such an agreement of 48 individual and joint charges London Powell said: “I was completely in and said she had been furious with he home of a paedophile stretching over a 15-year period, love with Chloe. We had a strong her mother for suggesting it. couple who were friends after an extensive police inves- relationship and I trusted her im- But judge Heather Baucher said Twith serial killers Fred and tigation called Operation Abbey. man who sued his ex-girl- plicitly. We had great plans for the Thomas was “no wallfl ower” and Rose West is being excavated by David Williams was jailed for friend after she tried to cut future — buying a home to reno- ruled she had known about the police, months after they were life for 11 counts of indecent as- Ahim out of the home they vate was only the start. contract and signed it. “I reject the jailed for a string of sexual of- sault, 10 counts of rape and two renovated together was celebrat- “I thought I knew Chloe well, contention that Chloe knew noth- fences dating from the 1980s. counts of gross indecency with ing yesterday after being awarded but now I realise that I didn’t know ing about the proposed agreement. Devon and Cornwall police a child, as well as three counts £50,000. her at all.” She accepts her mother raised the confi rmed they were digging at of indecency with a child, two Builder Gareth Powell, 31, matter,” she said. the former home of David and counts of cruelty and two cases planned with advertising execu- “I was completely in love “Her mother says she did not Pauline Williams in Bradninch of aiding and abetting an inde- tive Chloe Thomas, 28, to refur- with Chloe. We had a strong discuss it with her, but I don’t ac- in Cullompton, Devon, after re- cent assault. bish a £315,000 fl at in Wands- relationship and I trusted cept that. Her daughter must have ceiving new intelligence. His wife was sentenced to 12 worth Common and sell it for a her implicitly. We had known.” A spokeswoman said: “Devon years in prison after being found profi t. great plans for the future — Today Thomas, who still lives in and Cornwall police are un- guilty of two counts of aiding While she put up the money to buying a home to renovate the fl at, refused to comment. Her dertaking excavation work at a and abetting rape, two counts of buy it, he did the work on the “un- was only the start” mother said: “We are very disap- property on Cullompton Hill, aiding and abetting an indecent inhabitable” home on the agree- pointed with the court’s decision Bradninch, Cullompton, Devon. assault and three counts of inde- ment they would divide the profi ts The couple, who had been to- — we thought we were going to This relates to historic intelli- cent assault. if they broke up. gether for eight years, decided to win. She has been very distressed gence connected to the address Police said after their convic- When they did split in 2014, buy the fl at towards the end of by the whole thing.” and its former occupants. It is tion the off ences were “sicken- however, Thomas tried to renege 2012. It had very poor water pres- The fl at is now valued at expected to take up to four days ing and callous sexual attacks on on the deal and claimed she was sure and no heating, but Powell £445,000, meaning Powell should to complete. children and teenagers without the sole owner. borrowed £14,000 from his par- get just short of £50,000 for his “Specialist offi cers will be in- remorse over a 15-year period A judge at Central London ents for materials and set about share of the profi t, reimbursement volved in the excavation, which we … these victims, both men and county court has now awarded renovating the property. of cash he spent on the work and hope will have as little impact on woman, had their childhoods Powell a third of the profi ts from Thomas’s mother Heather interest. Judge Baucher said Tho- the local community as possible.” stolen by David and Pauline Wil- the fl at — almost £50,000 — and asked him to sign a contract in mas was off ered a £35,000 settle- David and Pauline Williams liams and all have suff ered dif- ordered Thomas to pay the legal 2013 entitling him to a third of the ment last year, which would have People relax in the afternoon sunshine in Green Park, met the Wests in Gloucester and fi culties throughout their adult- costs, taking her total bill to about fl at if they split, the court heard. “saved the whole trauma of this central London yesterday. later moved to Devon. They were hood following this abuse as they £200,000. Thomas, giving evidence, de- case”, but turned it down. jailed last year for abusing chil- struggled to live normal lives.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 21 BRITAIN

Labour MPs to be given free vote on Trident renewal: Unite

Guardian News and Media which some will doubtless believe come out against renewing Brit- never press the nuclear button. sion; people will be able to vote quicker everybody knows that, US jobs but that proportion will go London would undermine the review of ain’s nuclear deterrent, thus plac- But the Unite general secretary, in accordance with their passion. the quicker the media can’t try to up to 25% in fi ve years,” noted the policy currently being undertaken ing it at odds with its leader Kezia whose union is strongly in favour That will mean that the Trident prise any divisions.” While it will Unite leader. “What Labour should by Emily Thornberry, the shadow Dugdale, Labour across the UK is of renewing Trident, largely pre- replacement submarine and their be argued McCluskey’s interven- be doing is demanding from the abour MPs will be given a free defence secretary. However, while supportive but conducting a re- dicted on saving thousands of successor submarines will go tion undermines the policy review, PM that he commits to spending vote on Trident, according to allowing a free vote would re- view. An interim report is due in defence jobs, told The Guardian: through comfortably in parlia- the trade union chief insisted it taxpayers’ money here in the UK; LLen McCluskey, leader of the move any formal rebellion against the summer with a vote expected “What I’m expecting to happen, ment.” Asked if he has been told was still relevant because Labour it is an outrage that it is going else- country’s biggest trade union Unite. a whipped line on policy, it would at the party’s annual conference and what I am told will happen, by the leader’s offi ce that this was needed a new defence strategy where,” he added. McCluskey claimed to have open the party leadership to ac- in the autumn. Of course, Jeremy and Corbyn should announce this to be the case, McCluskey replied: while the government appeared to Asked about McCluskey’s claim, been told privately by Jeremy cusations of weakness on the key Corbyn is vehemently opposed to and be clearer about it, is that La- “Absolutely. My understanding have no strategy at all. Labour refused to comment, say- Corbyn’s offi ce that this would be subject of the defence of the realm. renewal and has made clear if he bour MPs will be given a free vote. is that the Labour leader is in fa- “Currently 12% of the defence ing: “We do not comment upon the UK Labour Party’s position, While Labour in Scotland has became prime minister, he would “So that’s the end of any divi- vour of a free vote for MPs and the budget goes to the US to sustain whipping arrangements.” Anti-Semitism in Labour must be tackled, say Jewish leaders

Reuters many Jewish voters reconsidering London whether to back Khan. “I know a lot of Labour sup- porters but they’re in two minds lmost half a century ago, because of what is going on,” the when he fi rst became an 65-year-old said. Aactive supporter of the Last week, Labour’s leader- Labour Party, Rabbi Abraham ship suspended Livingstone and Pinter said it had far less of a ordered an inquiry into anti- problem with anti-Semitism Semitism in the party following than the country as a whole. comments the ex-mayor made in But while other political groups a radio interview that Hitler had have recognised the need to ad- supported Zionism in the 1930s dress prejudice against Jews, Pin- before “he went mad and ended up ter said the country’s main oppo- killing six million Jews”. sition party was stuck in the past. Livingstone had been defending Labour now faces accusations a Labour lawmaker after she apol- of anti-Semitism in its ranks - ogised for posting online messages from its high-profi le former Lon- which included a suggestion that don mayor Ken Livingstone, who Israel should be relocated to the US said Adolf Hitler had supported to solve the problems in the Mid- The Conservative Party candidate for mayor of London Zac Goldsmith (left) and London Mayor Boris Johnson (centre) join Prime Minister David Cameron at a campaign event Zionism, to students at Oxford dle East. The incidents sparked for the London mayoral election in London yesterday. University. This has fanned con- accusations from Jewish leaders cern among Jewish communities that Labour leaders and those on already alarmed at increasing lev- the British political left were doing els of hate crimes. too little to combat anti-Semitism “The Labour Party never rec- in their ranks. ognised it had a problem. It’s re- “There is now a cancer in their ally where it was 50 years ago,” said party and it is getting worse by the Pinter, a former Labour council- day,” the Jewish Chronicle news- lor who speaks for the orthodox paper said in an editorial in March. I will be the greenest Haredi Jewish community in the “If Labour is not to lose the last Stamford Hill area of north Lon- residue of trust from our com- don. munity, it must recognise and deal “It’s been there and it’s still with that cancer.” there,” he said. Opponents of Labour have pre- Some within Labour say viously levelled accusations of they are being accused of anti- anti-Semitism against socialist mayor, vows Goldsmith Semitism simply for expressing Corbyn, who was elected party legitimate criticisms of Israel. leader last September. The row London Evening Standard record was “bullet-proof” as he reputation as green and inde- polluting lorries and kicking off cise duty, even though it would be Senior fi gures have said prejudice surrounding Livingstone followed London urged Londoners to back him at pendent-minded centre stage as an electric car revolution. cost neutral for the Treasury. is limited to a small fringe and was damaging headlines for Labour in the polls today. “It’s not some- the race entered its fi nal hours. He refused to bring forward “I will try because that is a very being used to smear party leader February, when the co-chairman thing I have just picked up casu- Goldsmith claimed he was the introduction of the ultra-low powerful tool to enable us to fl ip Jeremy Corbyn. of the Oxford University Labour ac Goldsmith yesterday ally at the tail-end of the cam- “quietly confi dent” about the emissions zone from 2020, claim- the car market from polluting to But the row could play a role in Club quit, saying “a large propor- pledged to be London’s paign to pick up Green candidate result but that it would come ing it would penalise thousands of clean. I can’t say we’re there yet”. today’s London mayoral election. tion of both OULC and the student Zgreenest mayor yet as he Sian Berry’s second preferences,” down to “a handful of votes” families who bought a car in good Goldsmith was more optimis- Labour candidate Sadiq Khan, left in Oxford more generally have set out plans to win more pow- he said. and much would depend on faith, but he is pushing for a diesel tic about City Hall getting the widely tipped to become the capi- some kind of problem with Jews”. ers to tackle air pollution if he is “Your record in politics mat- turn-out. scrappage scheme to get them off fi rst “harvest” of stamp duty on tal’s fi rst Muslim mayor, said he On Tuesday, Labour said it had elected. ters, it’s the one thing politicians He promised to continue fi ght- the roads. new homes that would not have was appalled by Livingstone’s suspended three councillors in The Tory mayoral hopeful said can’t escape. I think most people ing Heathrow expansion — in- “There’s good environmental been built without transport in- comments and that they could northern and central England be- he was “knocking on the chancel- do know that on the environment cluding taking legal action against policy and bad environmental vestment. harm his chances in a city home to cause of anti-Semitic remarks. lor’s door” to get control of vehi- I can be trusted. So if anybody the government if it pressed policy. I don’t want to come in He has pledged to continue in- an estimated 170,000 Jews. Independent Jewish Voices, a cle excise duty. It would allow him in this race is going to sort out ahead with a third runway. with a heavy hand that puts peo- vesting in the network, warning it Moshe Menezira, manager of human rights group set up in 2007 to reward the cleanest electric and air pollution, if anyone is going The Tory hopeful said he had ple out of business and punishes would “grind to a halt” without it. the Kosher Deli in Golders Green which criticises some of Israel’s low emission vehicles and to try to protect our green spaces and no plans to raise the congestion them for decisions they couldn’t Goldsmith doesn’t believe in north London, which has a large policies, said it was concerned at to keep the worst gas guzzlers off green-up the greyest areas that’s charge but would use other tools help taking,” he said. Khan can meet his pledge to Jewish community, said there sweeping suggestions that anti- the road. me.” to reduce air pollution — making But he admitted that he had yet freeze fares for four years — he seemed to be a problem within Semitism was pervasive in the Goldsmith, a life-long envi- Goldsmith, trailing Labour’s every bus electric or low emis- to persuade George Osborne to has said he would “bear down” on Labour and that it was leading to party. ronmentalist, claimed his green Sadiq Khan in the polls, put his sions by 2020, cracking down on hand over control of vehicle ex- them where possible.

Ukip battles it out for SNP targets regional fi rst assembly seat vote with eye on Brexit London Evening Standard Sophie Walker also stands a London chance. Only three of the 14 su- AFP Minister Nicola Sturgeon may if the rest of Britain voted to per-constituencies have ever London increase that tally to 71, ac- leave the EU but Scotland did kip is inching closer changed hands. cording to an average of polls not. to picking up its first Barnet and Camden always compiled by the Scotland “If Scotland votes to remain ULondon Assembly elected a Tory until Labour’s he Scottish National Votes website. but the UK as a whole votes to seats in more than a decade, Andrew Dismore won in 2012. Party heads into regional The big question is which leave, a further independence experts said yesterday. However, he failed to win the Telections today hoping to group will come second. referendum seems likely,” Blick Nigel Farage’s party could Hendon seat at the general strengthen its clout and secure The Labour party, which said. win two seats including one for election and the impact of La- a mandate to demand inde- counted Scotland as a strong- “Lately, their political suc- mayoral candidate Peter Whit- bour’s anti-Semitism crisis pendence if Britain leaves the hold before the rise of the SNP, cess has propelled them into a tle. could be felt here. European Union. could lose the runner-up posi- position where they have had no Ukip has not been repre- Labour won Ealing & Hil- Victory in the vote could tion to Prime Minister David choice but to press hard on fi rm sented on the Assembly since lingdon from the Tories in allow the SNP to consolidate Cameron’s Conservatives. independence plans.” 2004. The body is made up of 2012. But Hillingdon is a domi- a historic triumph in general A strong showing for the SNP leader Sturgeon makes 11 capital-wide “list” seats and nant Tory local authority and elections in May 2015, when SNP could bolster the party’s no secret of her hopes for an- 14 “super-constituency” seats the presence of Uxbridge MP it swept 56 out of Scotland’s hopes of Scotland breaking off other independence vote, and usually two or three boroughs Boris Johnson may help them 59 seats in the national parlia- from the United Kingdom, es- has vowed to push for one if in size. win back the seat. ment in Westminster. pecially if Britons vote to leave the conditions are right, de- Most changes — includ- Brent and Harrow is ex- Despite its failure the previ- the European Union in a refer- spite Cameron ruling out such ing Ukip’s gains — are likely to pected to stay Labour but low ous year to win an independ- endum due on June 23. a prospect. come from the “list”, but four turnout combined with La- ence referendum, which was The pro-EU SNP leaders Speaking to the Sunday Her- super-constituencies could bour chaos nationally may see defeated by a 55% vote against, have repeatedly said that a so- ald newspaper this week about also change hands. a late surge. There is an outside the party founded in 1934 re- called Brexit could be a trigger the possibility of a second ref- Any success on the “top-up” chance Tory-held Croydon mains a formidable electoral for a second referendum on erendum during her premier- list is likely to come at the ex- and Sutton could go to La- machine that has gone from independence. ship, she answered: “Do I think pense of Greens and LibDems bour. Havering and Redbridge strength to strength. According to Andrew Blick, it’s more likely than not? Yes.” who could struggle to keep has always been Tory but local In the last regional elections a lecturer in politics and con- “I would like to see Scotland their two seats each. polling suggests the Tory and in 2011, the SNP took 69 out temporary history at King’s be independent and I would like Conservative Shaun Bai- Labour candidates are neck- of 129 seats in the Edinburgh College London, momentum to see that sooner rather than SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon campaigns at the Buchanan ley, a former advisor to David and-neck. Ukip eating into parliament. for another vote on independ- later,” she told the BBC’s An- Street steps in Glasgow city centre on the eve of the Scottish Parliament Cameron, could win a list seat their vote share could aff ect Today, the party of First ence would build above all drew Marr Show on Sunday. election yesterday. and Women’s Equality Party’s the result. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, May 5, 2016 EUROPE EU backs visa-free

travel for Turkey Renzi: If you play on fear, you risk giving strength to those who know best how to wake the ghosts and spectres of the past. Reuters/AFP key sustains the progress made, Brussels they can meet the remaining benchmarks.” Turkey agreed in March to take he European Union has back anyone who reaches Greek Austria plan risks asked member states to islands in return for EU cash Tgrant visa-free travel to for refugees and pledges to take Turks in return for Ankara stop- to Europe directly some of the ping migrants reaching Europe 2.7mn Syrians in Turkey. ‘waking ghosts of but it insisted Turkey must still That deal was driven by Prime change some laws and said it Minister Ahmet Davutoglu while would get no “free ride”. Erdogan kept his distance from Lawmakers in the European promises of travel freedom that the past’: Renzi Parliament, which along with a many Turks would relish but majority of the 28 EU govern- doubt they will be honoured. ments must approve the meas- “I hope they’ll end visa re- Reuters a 20th century that was marked ure if it is to take eff ect as An- quirements and everybody will Rome by nationalism that led to two kara wants within two months, travel freely but I don’t believe it world wars which devastated the warned that they would not vote will be the case,” said travel agent continent. it through until Turkey met every Atalay Yasar as he waited in line ustria’s plan to build a Schengen has been disrupted condition, including narrowing in Istanbul to apply for Schengen fence at its border with over the past year as Europe has the scope of crimes it defi nes as visas for his customers. AItaly to keep out migrants struggled with the arrival of terrorism. Worried that anti-immigrant is a dangerous project that risks more than 1mn people looking Governments anxious to al- and anti-Muslim parties which raising the ghosts of Europe’s for a better life. lay fears of a wave of immigrants have surged across the conti- past, Italian Prime Minister Barbs have been traded be- from Turkey itself secured a new nent could capitalise on fears of Matteo Renzi said yesterday. tween Austrian offi cials who say emergency brake to apply to all impending visa freedoms, not Italy and Austria are members Italy should stop migrants head- countries with visa-free travel Children’s silhouettes are seen on the side of a tent at a makeshift camp for migrants and refugees near just for 79mn Turks, but also of the European Union’s Schen- ing ultimately for the wealthy to Europe’s 26-nation Schengen the Greek village of Idomeni not far from the Greek-Macedonian border. for 45mn Ukrainians as well as gen open-border zone but free north and west of the EU and zone. people from Georgia and Kos- movement has been jeopardised Italians who say that all EU na- The EU executive stressed that This week was eff ectively a ing countries pay a “solidar- some of its own citizens notably ovo, France and Germany have by the reimposition of controls at tions should co-operate in tack- only Turks with biometric pass- deadline for the Commission to ity contribution” of €250,000 from the Kurdish minority, as pushed for tighter controls. some major crossings by coun- ling the crisis. ports containing facial and fi n- issue its formal recommendation ($290,000) per refugee they de- well as President Recep Tayyip The Commission proposed tries aff ected by an infl ux of mi- Austrian Interior Minister gerprint data can benefi t, though on visas if it is to satisfy Ankara cline to take. Erdogan’s crackdown on the amending the regulation that grants fl eeing armed confl ict and Wolfgang Sobotka said in Rome Turkey will only start issuing by July. Hungary quickly dubbed the media, have fuelled resistance governs all EU visa-free schemes, deprivation in the Middle East last month that as many as a such documents later this year. Otherwise the migrant deal fi nes plan “blackmail”. to concessions in the European giving it powers to suspend the and Africa. million migrants were poised to The deputy head of the Eu- would be at risk. Its hardline Prime Minister Parliament. waiver quickly if, say, large num- Austria has said it will erect cross the Mediterranean from ropean Commission defended Feuds over the migration cri- Viktor Orban has led opposition A joint statement from the bers overstay their 90-day al- the fence to “channel” people Libya this year. its proposals, as well as plans to sis were again highlighted when from mostly eastern EU states to legislature on the visa issue said lowance. at the busy Brenner Pass border Italy says the fi gure is much expand EU membership nego- a separate proposal from the taking in more refugees. there would be no short-cuts in Britain, which votes next crossing in the Alps, drawing an lower though calm summer seas tiations; they upheld a deal with Commission to spread asylum- Member states, led by Ger- an approval procedure which of- month in a referendum on quit- angry reaction from Rome. may well bring a surge. Ankara that has helped cut mi- seekers around the EU accord- many which took in most of the fi cials say would normally take ting the EU, is exempt from the “It is a dangerous operation,” Renzi said yesterday that pro- grant arrivals in Greece to dozens ing to quotas backed by eff ective 1.3mn refugees and migrants several weeks. visa and asylum quota systems. Renzi told the lower house of posals Italy sent to the European a day from thousands and were fi nes for non-compliance were who reached Europe across the Turkey’s minister for EU re- Yesterday Members of the Eu- parliament. “If you play on fear, Commission for dealing with the also a way of reversing a worsen- denounced as “blackmail” and Mediterranean last year, have lations, Volkan Bozkir, said he ropean Parliament demanded you risk giving strength to those migrant crisis had been well re- ing rights situation in Turkey. a “dead end” by ministers from already mostly accepted that the believed all 72 criteria had al- a “written guarantee” from the who know best how to wake the ceived, and Austria’s plans were “There is no free ride here,” the former communist east who visa-free regime for Turks is part ready been met and he hoped the Commission that all steps had ghosts and spectres of the past.” “little more than a provocation”. First Vice-President Frans Tim- refuse to accept refugees. of the price for what many see as process could be completed on been fulfi lled before it would He did not specify what he “The Brenner Pass is a symbol mermans told reporters, stress- In its latest bid to tackle the the best chance for a sharp re- schedule by the end of June. vote, while Manfred Weber, head meant by “the past”. of the last 100 years. So many of ing that Ankara must still meet biggest migration crisis since duction in those arriving. “There is still work to be done of the leading centre-right group The Schengen zone was cre- our countrymen died there and it fi ve of 72 criteria the EU imposes World War II, the European But qualms about Turkey’s as a matter of urgency,” the EU’s in parliament, said it was “too ated to help nurture European has become a symbol of friend- on states exempt from visas. Commission proposed mak- treatment of some migrants and Timmermans said. “But if Tur- early” for the visa proposal. integration and prosperity after ship and dialogue,” Renzi said. Migrants evicted Finnish border security agency from Paris school French police evicted some 300 migrants and potential asylum- busts human traffi cking ring seekers from an out-of-use school in northern Paris yesterday, the city’s head of police said. DPA border crossings with Russia. Three other suspects were re- Moving the migrants, who had Stockholm In Finland, they applied for leased from custody but ordered camped there for days, prompted asylum, and the criminal organi- to appear at a pending trial. protests outside the building. sation then planned to smuggle An initial arrest was made at Pro-migrant demonstrators – he Finnish Border Guard them to other European coun- the end of January, at the Hel- some associated with weeks-long said yesterday that it has tries. sinki-Vantaa Airport, where one inequality protests – scuff led with Tcompleted a preliminary Finnish immigration authori- suspect was caught trying to police, chanting messages of investigation into the smuggling ties have rejected most of the smuggle a man into Germany, solidarity with refugees. of 45 men from India and Paki- asylum bids, and the men have Mantyniemi said. “There were 150 or maybe even stan into Finland. been sent back to their home Some of the suspects have 200 militants and opponents From Finland, “the men, who countries. made confessions but said that who blocked access to the were in their 20s to 30s” were The smuggling began in De- “they were afraid the criminal school, making the evacuation to continue to Belgium, Britain, cember during the large migra- organisation would harm them”, operation very diff icult,” police Germany and Italy, Border Guard tion fl ows, and Mantyniemi said while others have refused to an- chief Michel Cadot said. investigator Teemu Mantyniemi the Border Guard was “absolute- swer questions, Mantyniemi The school is under construction. told DPA. ly sure of 45 cases”. said. Three off icers were slightly He said the individuals “had He added that 13 suspects from A trial is likely to begin at the injured, broadcaster BFM-TV sold most of their property” India and Pakistan, as well as one end of May. reported. to aff ord paying up to €15,000 Dutch and one Swedish national, If convicted, the suspects A migrant supporter raises his hands as a police off icer escorts him during a protest against the Cadot said the migrants inside ($17,245) and were smuggled into were currently in custody on sus- could be sentenced up to six years evacuation of the Jean-Jaurès high school in Paris. The police cleared the high school under construction the school did not resist the Finland via two of its northern picion of traffi cking. in prison, he said. in northeastern Paris which had been occupied by migrants. police operation.

Car bomb targets Turkish military in Founder of Germany’s far-right Arrests made over southeast region Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) Moscow attack plots militants launched a car bomb Pegida fi ned for inciting hatred attack on a military installation in southeast Turkey overnight, AFP/Reuters On May 9 hundreds of thou- killing one soldier, while Turkey’s AFP wane following wide coverage Moscow sands of people usually fl ock to army destroyed PKK targets in air Berlin of Bachmann’s overtly-racist the heart of the Russian capital strikes and killed more than 20 comments and the surfacing of for a military display and other militants. “selfi es” in which he sported ussia has foiled a string celebrations to mark the an- The violence showed no let-up he founder of Germany’s a Hitler-style moustache and of plots ordered by “in- niversary of victory over Nazi in a conflict that has killed xenophobic and anti- hairstyle. Rternational terrorist Germany in World War II. thousands of militants and TIslamic Pegida move- The pendulum of public sup- organisations” active in Syria During the arrests, which hundreds of security force ment was on Tuesday convicted port swung back a few months and Turkey, the FSB intelli- occurred in Moscow but the members and civilians since a of inciting racial hatred and later, as tens of thousands of gence agency said yesterday, date of which was not given, “a 2-1/2 year ceasefire collapsed last fi ned nearly 10,000 euros for asylum-seekers – many fl eeing adding that several suspects large number of arms and ex- July, shattering a peace process. branding refugees “cattle” and war in mostly Muslim countries had been arrested. plosives” were seized, accord- The armed forces said the PKK “scum” on social media. such as Syria, Iraq and Afghani- “A group of immigrants ing to the FSB statement. was behind the car bomb attack Lutz Bachmann, founder of stan – poured into Germany from Central Asian countries The FSB arrested around 20 at 0050 hours (2150 GMT) on a the far-right “Patriotic Euro- each week. who were planning to carry out IS followers in March who it gendarmerie base in the Derik peans Against the Islamisa- Bachmann has repeatedly la- a series of terrorist acts in the said were trying to recruit new district of Mardin province, near tion of the Occident” (Pegida) belled the newcomers “crimi- Moscow region” have been ar- fi ghters in Russia. the Syrian border. movement, was ordered to nal invaders” while also railing rested, the FSB said, cited by The announcement comes Five people were wounded in pay €9,600 ($11,000) over the against “traitor” politicians state news agency RIA Novosti. amid violent clashes since the blast, four of them soldiers, widely-shared Facebook posts. Pegida founder Bachmann has his eyes covered as if pixelised by and the “liar press”, whom he The FSB added that the at- April 22 between the Moscow- it said. State prosecutors had de- media as he arrives for his trial on April 19 in Dresden. blames for jointly promoting tacks, which would have struck backed Damascus regime and The military also carried out manded seven months jail in the multiculturalism. in early May, had been ordered Syrian rebels supported by air strikes on Tuesday in the trial held in the eastern city of trial”, made a defi ant appear- However, the court also A trained chef and now run- by “the leaders of international Turkey, in Aleppo in northern southeast provinces of Sirnak Dresden, while the defence had ance when the trial last month, watched video footage of a ning a public relations agency, terrorist organisations active Syria, despite diplomatic ef- and Hakkari, destroying PKK called for an acquittal. wearing a pair of glasses that Pegida rally in January 2015 Bachmann has previously been in Syria and Turkey”. forts to restore a ceasefi re. gun positions, shelters and The Pegida movement bit- mimicked the black bars printed where Bachmann appeared to be convicted of drug, theft and as- Several high-profi le cultural Russian forces have backed caves, it announced in a separate terly opposes Chancellor Angela over people’s eyes in censored defending the Facebook com- sault charges. and political events occurred Syrian President Bashar al- statement. Merkel’s liberal migration policy photos. ments, saying that he had mere- In the late 1990s, he fl ed Ger- on May 1 in or near Moscow to Assad in his off ensive against The PKK, designated a terrorist that brought more than 1mn His defence lawyer Katja Re- ly “used words that everyone many for South Africa to avoid mark Labour Day, a national “terrorist” groups and helped group by Turkey and its Western asylum-seekers to Germany last ichel insisted that Bachmann has used at least once”. a jail term, but was extradited holiday in Russia. Damascus retake the ancient allies, began a separatist year. had not written the off ending Pegida rallies at that time two years later and served some In addition, this year the city of Palmyra at the end of insurgency in 1984 and more Bachmann, 43, who branded words, and that rather his Face- peaked at around 25,000 peo- 14 months behind bars in Ger- Russian Orthodox Church cel- March from Islamic State (IS) than 40,000 people have been the court case a “political show book account was “hacked”. ple, but interest then began to many. ebrated Easter on May 1. group fi ghters. killed in the conflict. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 5, 2016 23 EUROPE

French vote for president Russia warns over Nato set for April 23 plans in eastern Europe AFP Reuters its Russia’s security, the North Russia has scrambled jets to cern for Moscow. Russia once Paris Moscow/Brussels Atlantic Treaty Organisation intercept US reconnaissance held sway in eastern Europe as (Nato) says intensifi ed military planes in recent weeks and made the Soviet-era overlord. drills and its plans for increased simulated attack passes near a “This would be a very danger- he fi rst round of France’s ussia will reinforce its deployments on its eastern fl ank US warship in the Baltic Sea. ous build-up of armed forces presidential election has western and southern are purely defensive after Rus- Speaking in Brussels on Tues- pretty close to our borders,” Ke- Tbeen set for April 23 next Rfl anks with three new di- sia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea day, Nato Secretary General Jens lin told the Interfax news agency. year and the second round for visions by the year-end, offi cials in 2014 and backed separatist Stoltenberg confi rmed the alli- “I am afraid this would require May 7, government spokesman said yesterday, threatening re- rebels in Ukraine. ance would deploy “battalion- certain retaliatory measures, Stephane Le Foll said yesterday, taliation to Nato’s plans to boost US Defence Secretary Ashton sized” multinational units on a which the Russian defence min- with legislative elections to fol- its military presence in eastern Carter said on Monday that Nato rotational basis in the east. istry is already talking about.” low in June 2017. members Poland and the Baltic was weighing up rotating four Andrei Kelin, a department Russia announced in January Embattled Socialist Presi- States. battalions of troops through head at Russia’s foreign minis- that it would create three new dent Francois Hollande has an While Moscow accuses the eastern member states amid ris- try, said the proposed Nato de- military divisions and bring fi ve approval rating of 13%, and all Western alliance of threatening ing tension in the Baltic. ployment was a source of con- new strategic nuclear missile voter surveys predict a fi rst- regiments into service. round loss for the most unpopu- New Nato supreme commander vows tough line on Russia Yesterday Russian Defence lar president in modern French Minister Sergei Shoigu said the The new Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General history. Nato’s new supreme commander US General Curtis “I plan to continue and strengthen his plans as we new divisions would be formed Scaparrotti gives a speech at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers The left is seriously weakened Scaparrotti said yesterday that he would “strengthen” work together and move towards the Warsaw sum- by the end of this year to coun- Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. In the background are as it heads towards the vote, split the alliance’s stance in eastern Europe against a mit” of the leaders of the 28 Nato nations in July, ter what Moscow saw as Nato’s his predecessor Breedlove and Nato Secretary General Stoltenberg between a government perceived resurgent Russia. Scaparrotti told a press conference in Belgium with growing strength. (left). as moving to the centre and a vo- At a handover ceremony from his predecessor Philip Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg. Russian media, citing un- cal dissident group. Breedlove, the former commander of US forces in He said that one of NATO’s biggest challenges was “a named military sources, said tricts close to Russia’s borders legal annexation of Crimea and A primary is thus unlikely on Korea also said the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation resurgent Russia striving to project itself as a world the new Russian divisions would with Ukraine, Belarus, the Bal- Russia’s destabilising activities the left, leaving other potential (Nato) should consider whether to provide Ukraine power”. most likely be motorised rifl e tic states and Finland as well as in eastern Ukraine.” candidates to wait in the wings with weaponry as it battles pro-Russian rebels. “From everything I have seen, Russia has been very ones and number around 10,000 Georgia and Azerbaijan. He was speaking at news con- to see whether Hollande’s for- Scaparrotti’s comments came as Russia’s defence active in eastern Ukraine. I don’t see any indication soldiers each. “What we do is defensive, it’s ference with Nato’s new Su- tunes change. minister announced that Moscow will set up three that that’s going to change in the short term and I “The ministry of defence has proportionate ... and therefore preme Allied Commander Eu- The 61-year-old incumbent new divisions in the west and south by the end of the don’t expect it will,” the 60-year-old Scaparrotti said. adopted a series of measures to we will continue to respond,” rope (SACEUR), General Curtis has staked his presidency on a year to counter Nato forces close to its border. “Having to do with weaponry, I do believe we should counter the growing capacity of Stoltenberg said. “There can be Scaparrotti, who said he intend- pledge to tackle unemployment, The US general said Breedlove’s moves to boost Nato’s support the Ukrainians with what they need to suc- Nato forces in close proximity no doubt that what Nato does is ed to continue Nato’s response which remains stuck around presence on its eastern flank following Russia’s an- cessfully defend their territory and their sovereignty,” to the Russian borders,” Shoigu a reaction to the Russian behav- so far to what the West sees as a 10%. nexation of Crimea in 2014 and increasingly assertive he said, adding “I need to assess what weapons are said in televised comments. iour in Ukraine. more assertive and muscle-fl ex- The right-wing opposition for stance in the region were “correct”. best, what capabilities they can use.” The new divisions are likely “We didn’t have any troops in ing Russia (see accompanying its part will hold primary elec- to be deployed in military dis- Baltic countries ... before the il- report). tions for the fi rst time, set for November 20 and 27. Former president Nicolas Sarkozy, 61, who lost to Hol- lande in 2012, has not offi cially declared his intention to stand French govt slams rise of anti-police violence One dead, but few doubt his desire for a re- turn to the Elysee Palace under the banner of his new Republi- Reuters classes after renovation work, Hundreds of offi cers have An Elabe opinion poll re- (All Night Long) – that has been 9 missing cans party. Paris Paris police chief Michel Cadot been reported injured in the leased yesterday showed three organising late-night sit-ins at Chief among his rivals is his said (see report on Page 22). past few weeks in clashes with out of four French people op- the large Place de la Republique former foreign minister, Alain While the stand-off had lit- demonstrators across France, pose a bill that the government square in central Paris. after coal Juppe, the 70-year-old mayor of iot police clashed with tle directly to do with the con- mostly during protest rallies argues will slash red tape and After repeated clashes where Bordeaux who was prime min- demonstrators outside a tested government plans to against the labour law reform. encourage employers to recruit youths hurled petrol bombs ister under president Jacques Rschool building in Paris make hiring and fi ring easier, Seven riot police offi cers were in a country where the jobless and paving stones at police, he mine blast Chirac from 1995 to 1997. yesterday, prompting govern- some of the protesters came hurt on Tuesday in clashes with rate is above 10%. has banned alcohol consump- The far right’s uncontested ment and police calls for an from a youth movement set up masked youths in the western Critics fear the bill will un- tion and late night music on the candidate, 47-year-old Marine end to weeks of violent pro- a month ago largely to demon- city of Nantes. dermine employers’ obligations square and told Nuit Debout AFP Le Pen of the anti-immigration tests mainly linked to plans for strate against those plans. “This is totally unacceptable, under the current labour code. activists to quit the area every Kiev National Front, is already in full a loosening of France’s highly A major police union, Al- with 300 police hurt since the The Alliance union urged day before midnight. campaign mode. protective labour laws. liance, said law enforcement start of the year,” said govern- police forces to stage their own Nuit Debout says violent Surveys put her in front with Police used tear gas to dis- forces were already working ment spokesman Stephane Le demonstration on May 18 to groups who are just looking for ne Ukrainian coal miner 28% of voter intentions, but she perse a crowd that sought to fl at out to ensure greater secu- Foll. “We will not let this pass.” highlight their plight. trouble have at times hijacked was killed and nine oth- is tipped to lose in the second stop them removing nearly 300 rity following last November’s The primary focus of protest Police chief Cadot is also their protests. Oers were missing yester- round. immigrants who had moved Islamist attacks in Paris and is the planned reform of some seeking to tighten the noose on It also accuses the police of day after a methane blast tore The legislative elections are into an empty school building condemned what it described of the most extensive and pro- a rolling youth protest move- sometimes using heavy-hand- through an illegally-operating set for June 11 and 18. that is soon due to reopen for as mounting “anti-cop hatred”. tective labour rules in Europe. ment – called “Nuit Debout” ed tactics. shaft in the war-scarred separa- tist east. The chief health offi cial of the self-proclaimed Luhansk Peo- ple’s Republic said that 20 work- ers were inside the mine when Authorities shut the explosion occurred on Tues- day in an area some 40km west of the Russian border. “Four are in hospital getting Greenpeace TTIP treatment for burns. We recov- ered one body and nine are still under the rubble,” Larisa Aira- petyan told the offi cial Lugansk reading room separatists’ news site. “The chances of fi nding them alive are slim – the gas accumulation is DPA proof of United States eff orts to very high.” Berlin circumvent EU consumer pro- But the rebels’ “emergency tections. situations ministry” issued a Once fi nalised, the Trans- more cautiously-worded state- erman police have shut atlantic Trade and Investment ment saying the fate of the nine down a reading room that Partnership (TTIP) would create “still remains unknown”. GGreenpeace set up outside the world’s largest free trade area “We are continuing to search Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate for with 800mn people. for these people,” it said in a members of the public who want However, its opponents fear statement. to review leaked documents on a that it could water down stand- The head of the rebel region’s trade deal between the European ards and give corporations more police force said the mine had Union and the United States. clout. earlier been stripped of its oper- Greenpeace set up the glass Greenpeace confi rmed yes- ating licence due to safety con- container two days ago after terday that the police had shut cerns. leaking 248 pages of confi dential down its reading room via Twit- “We issued instructions to documents on the negotiations, ter, adding that it would now shut down this facility, but no which have been held behind apply for a permit with the in- one listened to us,” the Luhansk closed doors. tention of reopening the reading This picture taken on Monday shows a man reading a copy of the leaked TTIP negotiations inside a public reading room set up by news site quoted police chief It argues that the texts are room next week. Greenpeace in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Igor Kornet as saying. Local offi cials said the blast occurred 210m (690’) below ground. Luhansk’s separatist leader Igor Plotnitsky issued orders Big data breaches found at major e-mail services, says expert yesterday to conduct “the strict- est inspections possible” of all mines in the resource-rich By Eric Auchard, Reuters of stolen credentials to be un- cates, Holden said, the cache dentials can be abused multiple users who might have been af- were Microsoft Hotmail ac- region to prevent further acci- Frankfurt covered since cyber-attacks hit contained nearly 57mn Mail.ru times.” fected,” Mail.ru said in the counts and 9%, or nearly 24mn, dents. major US banks and retailers two accounts – a big chunk of the Hackers know users cling to e-mail, adding that Mail.ru’s were Gmail, according to Hold- The former Soviet republic’s years ago. 64mn monthly active e-mail us- favourite passwords, resisting initial checks found no live en. rust belt has suff ered from re- undreds of millions of Holden was previously in- ers Mail.ru said it had at the end admonitions to change creden- combinations of usernames and Thousands of other stolen peated deadly blasts in its poor- hacked usernames and strumental in uncovering some of last year. tials regularly and make them passwords which match existing username/password combina- ly-maintained mines. Hpasswords for e-mail of the world’s biggest known It also included tens of mil- more complex. e-mails. tions appear to belong to em- Another methane gas build up accounts and other websites are data breaches, aff ecting tens of lions of credentials for the It’s why attackers reuse old A Microsoft spokesman said ployees of some of the largest in an accident-prone shaft in the being traded in Russia’s criminal millions of users at Adobe Sys- world’s three big e-mail provid- passwords found on one account stolen online credentials was an US banking, manufacturing and rebel-held city of Donetsk killed underworld, a security expert tems, JPMorgan and Target and ers, Gmail, Microsoft and Yahoo, to try to break into other ac- unfortunate reality. “Microsoft retail companies, he said. more than 30 people in March told Reuters. exposing them to subsequent plus hundreds of thousands of counts of the same user. has security measures in place to In 2014, Holden, a Ukrainian- 2015. The discovery of 272.3mn cyber-crimes. accounts at German and Chi- After being informed of the detect account compromise and American who specialises in Mine safety has been ham- million stolen accounts included The latest discovery came af- nese e-mail providers. potential breach of e-mail cre- requires additional information Eastern European cyber-crime pered further by a two-year in- a majority of users of Mail.ru, ter Hold Security researchers “This information is potent. dentials, Mail.ru said in a state- to verify the account owner and threats, uncovered a cache of surgency that has claimed the Russia’s most popular e-mail found a young Russian hacker It is fl oating around in the un- ment e-mailed to Reuters: “We help them regain sole access.” 1.2bn unique credentials that lives of more than 9,300 people service, and smaller fractions bragging in an online forum that derground and this person has are now checking, whether any Yahoo and Google did not re- marked the world’s biggest-ever and left few resources for crucial of Google, Yahoo and Microsoft he had collected and was ready shown he’s willing to give the combinations of usernames/ spond to requests for comment. recovery of stolen accounts. maintenance work. e-mail users, said Alex Holden, to give away a far larger number data away to people who are nice passwords match users’ e-mails Yahoo!Mail credentials num- His fi rm studies cyber-threats The Luhansk “mines are in a founder and chief information of stolen credentials that ended to him,” said Holden, the former and are still active.” bered 40mn, or 15% of the playing out in the forums and terrible state” said Anatoliy Aki- security offi cer of Hold Security. up totalling 1.17bn records. chief security offi cer at US bro- “As soon as we have enough 272mn unique IDs discovered. chatrooms that make up the mochkin of Ukraine’s Independ- It is one of the biggest stashes After eliminating dupli- kerage RW Baird. “These cre- information we will warn the Meanwhile, 33mn, or 12%, criminal underground. ent Trade Union of Coal Miners. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, May 5, 2016 INDIA

CRACKDOWN WEATHER RIFT MURDER MYSTERY Sisodia sacks Delhi Monsoon to hit Kerala Jharkhand BJP split Protests as abducted Women, three daughters school vice principal by May-end, early June over domicile policy boy found dead found dead in UP village

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia The government yesterday said the monsoon The domicile policy in Jharkhand seems to have Tension gripped Bihar’s Ekangarsarai town A woman and her three daughters, including yesterday sacked the vice principal of a is expected to hit Kerala by May-end or early caused a rift in the ranks of the ruling Bharatiya after the body of an abducted 14-year-old boy an infant, were found dead at their home in government-run school on charges of marking June and that a formal forecast may be issued Janata Party (BJP) in the state. According to the was found in Jehanabad district, police said Mauranva village in Unnao district of Uttar present three teachers who were not on duty. by May 15. “Climatologically, monsoon is notified policy, anyone living in the state for 30 yesterday. Ritik Raj, a class 8 student and son of Pradesh, police said yesterday. Sarita, 40, Sisodia tweeted that he found the three teachers expected to reach south Kerala either by the years and possessing immovable assets will be rice mill owner Niranjan Sahu, was abducted for Monica, 21, Mahima, 14 and infant Aastha were absent from the Mandawali Government School end of May or early days of June, forecast for considered a resident of Jharkhand. However, ransom on Sunday from Ekangarsarai in Nalanda found dead when the door of their house was but they “were shown present in data base at which will be issued on May 15,” Science and a section of BJP MPs feels that the 30-year district. He was found murdered in Jehanabad broken open after neighbours complained of 8.15am.” He said he had ordered the termination Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said in the criterion is too harsh while others think more district late Tuesday night. The kidnappers had unbearable stench. Police said the cause of of the vice principal of the school for indiscipline Lok Sabha. He said this year, normal or above stringent conditions are needed. Opinion seems demanded a ransom of Rs5mn on Monday, the their death was yet to be established. No injury and given a show cause notice to the principal. normal rainfall has been predicted by many to be sharply divided. While some said those who police said. “After Ritik went missing and we marks were found on the bodies. The bodies Sisodia, who is also the education minister, is agencies, including the India Meteorological have been living in Jharkhand since its creation failed to trace him, we filed a report with police,” have been sent for post mortem. A forensic known to keep a strict watch on the working Department (IMD). He said the “skill” of IMD’s should be accommodated, tribal Mahto leaders said a family member. The boy’s father received team had collected samples from the spot, of government schools. He has also forced present seasonal forecasting system for India have demanded that land records must be made a call on his cell phone from the abductors, Unnao Superintendent of Police Neha Pandey private schools to roll back the fee hike illegally as a whole is “better” than other countries in mandatory to ensure that outsiders do not get demanding Rs5mn for his release. The police said. The woman’s husband Manoj works in introduced for the 2016-17 session. the world. any job in the state. filed a kidnapping case for ransom. Kuwait.

Determined to win, PMK does a BSP in Police foil Tamil Nadu

IANS Chennai Jaish terror he Pattali Makkal Katchi, fi ghting this month’s as- Tsembly elections on its own, is trying to shed its ‘Vanni- yar caste’ image by propping up candidates of all communities in a bid to do a Bahujan Samaj Party in Tamil Nadu. plot, arrest The party’s chief ministerial candidate, Anbumani Ramadoss, has addressed several meetings to convince party leaders and cadres that it was time to bring about a transformation within. “We have to change as we are growing at a fast pace. Now we 3 suspects have broad-based our party,” Ra- madoss, a former central minis- 10 more people being parts of Delhi and neighbouring house,” Deep, the special com- ter whose party was part of both questioned for possible links Uttar Pradesh since Tuesday. missioner, said. He added that all the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the to the JeM and for providing A police offi cer, requesting not the terror suspects carried out re- Manmohan Singh governments, logistical support to the terror to be named, said the suspects connaissance at several places in said. cell confessed to have learnt online Delhi and NCR. “This time we have fi elded how to assemble IEDs. Most of those being questioned candidates from a cross-section IANS They were trying to procure are below 30 and are residents of of the society: Brahmins, Chris- New Delhi more devices and execute their Delhi. tians, Muslims, Dalits, Mudaliars plan, the police offi cer said. Meanwhile in parliament yes- and others apart from Vanniars,” Sajid, in his early 20s and a tai- terday, the government said Chi- the 47-year-old politician said. olice yesterday said they lor by profession, was said to be na has been told that a “selective “We have fi elded 48 Dalits had busted a major Jaish- one of the most wanted terrorists, approach” cannot be adopted on though the number of reserved Pe-Mohamed (JeM) terrorist whose left palm got burnt while terrorism, adding eff orts were on constituencies in the state is only module and arrested three sus- assembling an IED some time ago. at the diplomatic level to “remove 46. We are going that extra mile,” pects who were planning an at- He was arrested from his house the technical hold” to India’s he added. tack in Delhi and neighbouring in Chandbagh in Gokulpuri in move to ban JeM chief Masood Like the BSP in north India areas. Ten suspects, with alleged east Delhi. Police claimed to have Azhar. once refused to see beyond the links to the Pakistan-based group, found residues of burned explo- “China has been told you can- Dalit vote bank, the PMK, born in were being questioned. sives in Sajid’s house. not take a selective approach on 1989, has been solidly identifi ed Additional Sessions Judge Police believe that Sajid may terrorism,” Minister of State for with the Vanniyar caste, which Reetesh Singh later sent the three have been assembling a bomb External Aff airs V K Singh said in accounts for 20-25% of Tamil - Mohamed Sajid, Shakir Ansari when it triggered accidentally and the lower house of parliament. Nadu’s population. and Sameer - to 10 days in police burnt his hand. Congress member Gaurav And just like the BSP, the PMK custody. “Ansari is the main accused Gogoi said the recent episode in seems to have realised that a sin- An Improvised Explosive De- and was heading the module. the UN wherein China blocked gle caste can never prop up any vice (IED), 11 live batteries, six dry He was in direct touch with JeM India’s bid to proscribe the JeM party to power. It has just two batteries, two timer devices, three operatives in Pakistan and was chief was a “diplomatic defeat” members in the outgoing assem- pipes and 250g of explosive pow- planning to visit Pakistan in the for New Delhi. bly. der to be used for making bombs coming days,” the police offi cer He alleged this happened de- This time, the PMK is con- were recovered from them. said. spite several foreign trips being testing the election to the Special commissioner of Police He was arrested from his home made by Prime Minister Narendra 234-member Tamil Nadu as- Arvind Deep said that 10 more in Deoband in Saharanpur district Modi. sembly without any allies. In the people were being questioned for of Uttar Pradesh with the help of “This should be taken as a process, it has taken on the two possible links to the JeM and for the state’s Anti-Terrorist Squad. warning signal,” Gogoi said and major parties: the All India Anna providing logistical support to the Sameer was arrested from his wanted to know why and how Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam terror cell. house at Loni in Ghaziabad. India’s “diplomatic arsenals are and the Dravida Munnetra Ka- Police offi cials said the terror Both Ansari and Sameer were falling weak.” zhagam. module was active and plotting to said to be directly linked to the The minister said all-out ef- Ramadoss said the idea was to target “sensitive areas with maxi- Jaish, which is linked to the Janu- forts are being made by the gov- attract the neutral and new vot- mum footfall like busy markets, ary 2 attack on the Indian Air ernment of India so that the ers that is said to number around shopping malls and other crowd- Force base in Pathankot. “technical hold” put by China is 10.5mn. The state election is will ed places in Delhi and the national The police said the three sus- removed. be held on May 16. capital region.” pects and the 10 being ques- On April 1, China blocked In- The PMK has also fi elded sev- Offi cials said the module was tioned knew each other and were dia’s resolution at the UN to eral young and new faces who being closely monitored by the in touch with each other through name and outlaw Masood Azhar, were not even its members. special cell of the Delhi police WhatsApp. who New Delhi has identifi ed as “In the past we were part of al- with the help of the Intelligence “They held several meetings the mastermind of the terror at- liances and were given a limited A teenager carries a cutout of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party chief M Karunanidhi at an Bureau for the last six months. It and the most recent known meet- tack on the Pathankot air force number of seats,” he said. open air studio on Marina Beach in Chennai yesterday. Tamil Nadu will hold elections on May 16. was busted after separate raids in ing was on December 20 at Sajid’s base.

Man with golden shirt makes Enrolment of 306 it to Guinness World Records students terminated IANS entered the US on F1 non-im- New Delhi migrant student visas to attend IANS The shirt, weighing 4.1kg, is A team of 20 select artisans other accredited schools and Nashik, Maharashtra currently valued at over Rs13mn, spent 3,200 hours over two months were found to have knowingly is supplemented by other golden to craft the 18-22 carat pure gold he enrolment of 306 In- participated in visa fraud by en- paraphernalia including a gold strands, to the last thread and dian students in a US uni- rolling at UNNJ for the sole pur- businessman called ‘The watch, several gold chains, large ‘stitch’ it, and the deal was fully Tversity has been termi- pose of illegally obtaining and/or Man With The Golden gold rings, a gold mobile cover billed - to keep tax sleuths at bay! nated on charges of visa fraud, maintaining their F1 non-immi- AShirt’ by his friends has and golden-framed spectacles - Though made of gold, the shirt Minister of State for External grant status,” he said. earned a place in the Guinness the total weight of this opulence is fully fl exible and comfortable, Aff airs V K Singh said yesterday. “Three hundred and six of World Records (GWR). being a whopping 10kg! smooth and harmless and with a He said the authorities have these students are Indian na- The GWR certifi cate issued on Whenever Parakh steps onto thin cloth lining the inside to avoid arrested from across the US 22 tionals. It is understood that the Tuesday cites Pankaj Parakh, 47, the streets of Yeola in his full rubbing or chapping the body, brokers, recruiters and employ- US authorities have terminated as the man with “the most expen- ‘shining golden gear’ and his li- washable and even repairable with ers - some of whom are their own the enrolment of all these stu- sive gold shirt in the world cost- censed revolver worn discreetly, a lifetime guarantee, Parakh said. nationals - who allegedly con- dents.” ing Rs98,35,099 ($161,354)” as on he admits that women stare and Barely three decades ago, the spired with foreign nationals to According to the minister, the August 1, 2014. men glare at him, while two stern poor, young Parakh could ill- fraudulently obtain student and US authorities have also stated “This is simply unbelievable. I private security guards manage to aff ord his school education and foreign workers’ visas through that any student thus termi- am a small man from a remote area keep everyone at a safe distance. dropped out after Class VIII to the “pay to stay” University of nated, who chose not to fi le for in Maharashtra. I am happy that “I had stitched this special gold enter the family’s small garments Northern New Jersey (UNNJ). reinstatement or has his/her re- this achievement had catapulted shirt with seven golden buttons business in Yeola. “This ‘college’ was created instatement application denied, my village name into the whole for my 45th birthday two years In 1982, he branched out to an and operated as part of the US must leave the country immedi- world,” an emotional Parakh said. ago. I have been fascinated by gold independent business and a dec- Homeland Security Investiga- ately. The school dropout, who made since my school days and over the ade later even entered politics to tion’s enforcement action in this “The government is in touch his fortunes from a garment fab- years it became a passion, almost be elected as a municipal council- matter,” the minister said in the with the US government and has rication business, is also the Na- an obsession,” Parakh smiled. lor in Yeola. Lok Sabha. emphasised to the US govern- tionalist Congress Party’s deputy The shirt was designed by “At my marriage 25 years ago, “As per the US government, ment that due process must be mayor of Yeola town in Nashik Bafna Jewellers in Nashik, and many guests considered me an during the investigation, HSI followed and there should be no district, around 260km from meticulously executed by Shanti embarrassment as I wore more special agents identifi ed 1,076 harassment and injustice,” Singh Mumbai. Jewellers at Parel in Mumbai. gold than the bride,” he recalled. Parakh: man with the golden shirt foreign nationals who previously said. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 25 INDIA UPA govt ‘twisted’ rules Parliament accepts in Agusta deal, says BJP Mallya’s Parties trade charges over chopper deal IANS resignation New Delhi

AFP Mallya that resignation ten- he Bharatiya Janata Party New Delhi dered was genuine, voluntary yesterday accused the and unconditional.” Tprevious Congress-led Last month, the Rajya Sab- government of “twisting norms” ndia’s parliament yester- ha’s ethics committee had rec- in the process of buying VVIP day accepted Vijay Mallya’s ommended his expulsion from helicopters from Italian com- Iresignation of his seat, parliament over huge bank de- pany AgustaWestland. after the embattled liquor ty- faults. The opposition Congress hit coon resubmitted his letter in On Monday, Mallya said back, stating that the process line with the correct proce- in his letter that he did not for buying the choppers started dures. want his name to be “further during the term of the BJP gov- The 60-year-old multimil- dragged in the mud” and called ernment led by Atal Bihari Vaj- lionaire left India for Britain on the accusations against him payee, and that the norms were March 2 owing more than $1bn “false and baseless.” changed then. in unpaid loans, and is being Critics say the govern- The party also said the refer- investigated by India’s fi nan- ment has not done enough ence to Congress president So- cial crimes agency. to tackle the issue of wealthy nia Gandhi in the Italian court The government has revoked individuals such as Mallya, judgment does not prove any his passport and asked Britain once dubbed the King of Good involvement in the deal. to deport him, but Mallya told Times for his lavish lifestyle, Initiating a debate in the Rajya the Financial Times last week failing to repay bank loans. Sabha on “allegations of bribery he had no plans to leave and The debts relate to Mallya’s and corruption” in AgustaWest- wanted to reach a “reasonable” now-defunct Kingfi sher Air- land deal, BJP member Bhupen- settlement with Indian banks. lines, which shut down in 2012 dra Yadav said that competition Activists of the National Students Union of India wearing masks of BJP leaders stage a demonstration against the government in Bengaluru Mallya had resigned from having never made a profi t. was restricted by changing alti- yesterday. his seat in the Rajya Sabha, the Last month an Indian court tude norms for procurement of parliament’s upper house, on issued an arrest warrant for the chopper. quisition of AgustaWestlend,” cluding Pranab Mukherjee and said the equipment tested was The multi-billion rupee scam Monday but his resignation him after he repeatedly failed Yadav cited a Comptroller Yadav said. Ahmad Patel, in the judgment not the AW101 chopper which resurfaced last month after the was rejected after chairman to appear before investigators and Auditor General (CAG) re- Congress leader Abhishek of the Milan court did not indict India had to buy but another names of some Congress leaders, Hamid Ansari raised doubts looking into Kingfi sher’s fi - port and alleged that the Con- Manu Singhvi, speaking im- them, and only mentioned them model. including that of Gandhi, were over the veracity of his letter nances. gress-led United Progressive mediately after Yadav, said the as VVIPs who would use the He added that the price paid said to have fi gured in a judg- sent from Britain. A two-time independent Alliance (UPA) government norms were changed during the choppers. for the choppers was at least ment of the Italian court. Ansari’s spokesman Gur- MP, he also ran a liquor em- “reduced the altitude (norms) Vajpayee government’s term it- “By this logic all of the former, three times more than what it AgustaWestland was alleged deep Singh Sappal confi rmed pire and is a part-owner of the from 6,000m to 4,500m and self. including the present president, should have been. to have paid Rs3.75bn as bribe yesterday that Mallya’s resig- Force India Formula 1 team. ignored the operational re- Singhvi said then principal should be indicted... Mrs Gandhi Samajwadi Party leader Ram to secure the Rs37bn contract nation had been accepted. His Twitter profi le now de- quirements, service quality secretary Brajesh Mishra had was mentioned as someone fl y- Gopal Yadav, however, said that to supply 12 VVIP choppers to “Hamid Ansari... accepts scribes him as a “former mem- requirement to favour Agus- said that the altitude require- ing on the chopper,” he said. reports of scams in defence deals the Indian Air Force. The con- resignation of Vijay Mallya, ber of parliament.” taWestland.” ment should be reduced or it can BJP’s Yadav also read out from aff ect the morale o1f the soldiers tract for purchase of helicopters resubmitted unconditionally He was elected to the Rajya “The fact that by making cab- lead to a single vendor situation, a 2008 CAG report and pointed and the issue should be sorted out. for the use of VVIPs was signed and as per correct procedure,” Sabha in 2002 and again in in’s height 1.8m as mandatory after which it was reduced in De- out that the then defence minis- “If there is a matter, sort it out in 2010. The previous UPA gov- he wrote on Twitter. 2010 as an independent mem- requirement, the competition cember 2003. ter had said the trials should be as soon as possible, don’t po- ernment scrapped the deal over “Second resignation letter ber from Karnataka. His cur- was restricted, and which led to Singhvi also said the reference in India, and yet the trials were liticise and sensationalise it,” he charges of kickbacks. was sent in original. SG (so- rent term was to end on June a single vendor situation for ac- to Sonia Gandhi, and others in- conducted in Europe. He also said. licitor general) confi rmed from 30. Protesters hurl stones at police after rape, murder of woman

Agencies headquarters. Police baton-charged very soon the accused will be arrest- Thiruvananthapuram the crowd as a group of protesters ed.” tried to break into the police chief’s As reporters were asking Chandy offi ce. more questions, a scuffl e broke out olice in Kerala faced stone- “We can understand that people between the Youth Congress activists throwing protesters demanding are very angry but we have very lit- and the media. Pjustice over the rape, murder tle evidence to fi nd the accused,” said State Bharatiya Janata Party and mutilation of a woman as author- Additional Director General of Police spokesman A N Radhakrishnan said ities hunted for the perpetrator of the K Padmakumar. “We are doing our when valid questions are being asked crime. best.” by the media from the chief minister, Authorities released a sketch of a In another crime that stoked pub- the Congress activists are taking the suspect and said they were looking lic anger, a 19-year-old nursing stu- media to task. for a man seen leaving the home of the dent was allegedly raped by a friend Meanwhile, the Kerala govern- 30-year-old law student Jisha. She and two more men near Thiruvanan- ment has sanctioned compensation of was found by her mother in a pool of thapuram on Tuesday. Rs1mn to Jisha’s mother, Chandy told blood last week. The rape cases quickly turned into reporters. Doctors said she had suff ered mul- a political issue as local leaders de- The case has evoked comparisons in tiple stab wounds and her intestines manded an investigation. Kerala’s the media with the gang-rape and tor- were pulled out in the April 28 attack Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, ture of a 23-year-old woman in New in Perumbavoor, 250km northwest of fi ghting to retain power, said he would Delhi in 2012, which sparked nation- state capital Thiruvananthapuram. introduce new anti-rape rules to avoid wide protests. Police questioned seven suspects lapses in investigations. India toughened its anti-rape laws yesterday but no arrests were made. Chandy assured Jisha’s mother that in response to the outcry following the Scores of police, some carrying riot the killer would be arrested and prom- 2012 murder, but rape, acid attacks, shields, were deployed as protest- ised a state government job to Jisha’s domestic violence and molestation ers marched to Perumbavoor’s police sister. “Police are doing their job and are common.

Jewellery group opens 150th outlet

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan launched the 150th outlet of Malabar Gold & Diamonds on April 30 at Belagavi, Karnataka, in the presence of Malabar Group chairman M P Ahammed, Malabar Gold & Diamonds managing director (India operations) Asher O, Group executive director K P Abdul Salam, other dignitaries and guests.

Cigarette packs must carry bigger warnings: SC

The Supreme Court told tobacco cigarette pack’s surface, up from 20% lawyers, which included some of the companies yesterday they must adhere earlier. most expensive advocates in the to a new federal rule requiring much In a packed courtroom, a two-judge country. larger health warnings on cigarette bench rejected the industry’s plea to The industry “should not violate any packs, in a major setback for the $11bn extend a stay it had obtained from rule prevailing as of today,” they said. industry that opposes the new policy. a court in Karnataka but agreed to a The court also directed the high court The court turned down a plea to stay request to move the rest of the appeals of Karnataka to hear dozens of pleas implementation of the new rules to the Karnataka court. filed against the new rules in several introduced from April 1, which require “You have duty towards the society,” courts and decide on the matter within health warnings to cover 85% of a the judges told a team of industry six weeks. Gulf Times 26 Thursday, May 5 , 2016 LATIN AMERICA

LAW AND ORDER LEGAL CORPORATE CRIME COMMENT El Salvador arrests WhatsApp blockage Petrobras sells Argentina, Police kill Venezuela’s Panama Papers ‘showed mediator of gang truce ends in Brazil: Facebook Chile assets for $1.38bn most-wanted criminal vulnerability of system’

El Salvador has arrested former congressman A Brazilian court has agreed to end its blockage Brazil state oil giant Petrobras announced it has Venezuelan police and special forces soldiers The scandal triggered by the Panama Papers Raul Mijango, who brokered a controversial of the smartphone messaging service What- concluded the sale of $1.38bn in assets in Argentina killed the country’s most-wanted criminal, gang leak of information on how and where the world’s gang truce in 2012 that reduced murders in sApp after suspending it for failing to surrender and Chile. Petrobras sold a 67.2% stake in Petrobras leader Jose Antonio Tovar Colina, in a shootout. wealthy stash funds to avoid detection or taxes the violent Central American nation by half. user data, the company said. WhatsApp, owned Argentina (PESA) to Argentina’s Pampa Energia SA The shootout went down in the central town of underscored many countries’ vulnerabilities, Mijango, a former guerilla commander and by Facebook, appealed against the shutdown for $892mn, and all of Petrobras Chile Distribution El Sombrero, in a neighbourhood where Tovar President Juan Carlos Varela said. Speaking at the lawmaker with the ruling Farabundo Marti Na- imposed on the company on Monday for not to private equity firm Southern Cross Group for Colina and his gang led a reign of terror, Interior state department in Washington, the Panamanian tional Liberation Front, or FMLN, was arrested handing over information requested in a drug $490mn. The sale, which still requires final approval Minister Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez said. Three president said the documents “reveal a worldwide on allegations of bringing banned objects trafficking investigation. The court rejected an from executives and the board of directors, comes other gang members were killed alongside Tovar problem, that involves many countries with legal into prisons and being an associate of gang initial appeal, but a second appeal was upheld, as the group reels from Brazil’s biggest corruption Colina, who was wanted for multiple homicides, and financial institutions” vulnerable to actions members, police said on Twitter. The truce, a spokesman for WhatsApp said. “WhatsApp is scandal and $100.4bn in debt. In March, Petrobras hired killings, robbery, kidnapping and drug “that are not in the public interest.” To that end, mediated by Mijango in 2012, lasted until 2014, now back online in Brazil!” Facebook co-found- announced it had posted record losses of $9.6bn traff icking. “The pursuit continues of the other countries need to improve transparency and and won approval from former leftist Presi- er and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in last year, up from $7.2bn in 2014. Petrobras esti- members of this paramilitary gang, which has information sharing, Varela argued. “We urge the dent Mauricio Funes and the Organization of a post on his page at the leading online social mated last year that it lost about $2bn were lost to done so much damage to the country,” said international community to maintain a respectful American States. network. bribery over a decade. Gonzalez Lopez. dialogue through diplomatic channels,” he added. BHP, Vale Chile fishing ban sparks protest sued for $43bn over mine tragedy

AFP In February, police announced Brasilia homicide charges against seven people, including six Samarco executives - one of whom was razilian prosecutors have the chief executive at the time of fi led a $43.4bn lawsuit the accident. Bagainst BHP Billiton and Paulo Hartung, governor of Vale over the Samarco mine dam Espirito Santo state, which also burst that killed 19 and wreaked straddles the River Doce, said the environmental havoc. toxic fl ood marked “the biggest The authorities “estimate the environmental disaster in the preliminary value for repairs to history of Brazil.” be 155bn reals,” the public pros- The civil suit fi led called on ecutor’s offi ce in the state of Mi- Samarco’s co-owners to “com- nas Gerais said in a statement. pletely” compensate for the dis- Chilean fishermen protest against the government next to a barricade in Ancud, Chiloe island, about 1,230km south of Santiago, yesterday. The fishermen were The announcement sent BHP’s aster. demonstrating against the government’s lack of assistance after authorities banned fishing in the region following a “red tide” of algae. Heaps of dead whales, salmon share price plummeting. In the Prosecutors said they calcu- and sardines blamed on the El Nino freak weather phenomenon have clogged Chile’s Pacific beaches in recent months. European morning, it was down lated the $43bn fi gure based on 7% at 814 pence on the London charges faced by BP after the stock exchange. It had already Deepwater Horizon oil spill in closed 9.36% down in Sydney, the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. with a fall in iron ore prices add- “The overnight news of a ing to the selling pressure. fresh legal challenge echoes that “This has quite rightly suff ered repeatedly by BP and spooked investors into pricing suggests that the March settle- in the prospect of long and pro- ment between BHP, its domestic tracted litigation,” said Mike van partner Vale and the Brazilian Dulken, head of research at Ac- government was just the begin- Rousseff woes mount as cendo Markets. ning of the road,” Accendo’s Van Brazilian-owned Vale and Dulken said. Anglo-Australian BHP, which co- BHP said in a statement to own the Samarco iron ore facility, the market the lawsuit was for had already agreed to a separate “social, environmental and eco- settlement of $6.2bn with the Bra- nomic compensation.” zilian government in March. “BHP Billiton remains com- prosecutor seeks probe Those funds were ordered to mitted to helping Samarco to re- go toward compensating for so- build the community and restore Reuters I am sure it will show that sena- obstruction of justice probe, if mer, who is already forming a already sharply reduced inven- cial and environmental damages the environment aff ected by the Brasilia tor Delcidio do Amaral was ly- allowed by the Supreme Court, transitional government, would tories and a weaker currency and to be paid over 15 years. failure of the dam,” it said, add- ing once again,” Rousseff told will further undermine her abil- become acting president. He could help boost exports. But the deal was criticised by ing that it was still awaiting for- reporters after launching an an- ity to defend against her removal would serve out the remainder Brazilian markets have been prosecutors, who said that the mal notice of the claim. razil’s President Dilma nual fi nancial subsidy plan for from offi ce by the Senate. of Rousseff ’s term through 2018 buoyed for weeks by the pros- amount of money was not calcu- Vale had no immediate re- Rousseff faced a new farmers. The senator charged with if she is convicted and removed pect of Rousseff ’s ouster and the lated realistically. sponse. Bthreat to her tenuous According to documents studying Rousseff ’s impeach- defi nitively from offi ce. emergence of a more business- The accident on November 5 Referring to the previous set- hold on power yesterday after made public, prosecutor Gen- ment is expected to recommend The political crisis has para- friendly government led by Te- last year near Mariana in Minas tlement reached with the Bra- the country’s top prosecutor eral Rodrigo Janot asked the Su- to a 21-member Senate commit- lysed Brazil’s government and mer, who has vowed to restore Gerais began when a tailings dam zilian authorities, BHP said that requested that she be investi- preme Court to authorise that tee that she be put on trial for halted eff orts to pull the country confi dence and growth to Latin at Samarco mine failed, unleash- this ensured “the long-term gated for alleged obstruction of Rousseff be investigated for try- allegedly manipulating govern- out of its worst recession since the America’s largest economy. ing a fl ood of polluted water and remedial and compensation justice. ing to obstruct a sweeping cor- ment accounts to disguise the 1930s as it scrambles to prepare to Brazil lost its investment mud into the River Doce, one of framework for responding to the Rousseff , a leftist who will ruption probe involving state- size of the defi cit and allow more host the Summer Olympic Games grade credit rating last year due the biggest in Brazil. impact of the Samarco tragedy likely be suspended from of- run oil fi rm Petrobras. spending in the run-up to her in Rio de Janeiro in August. to the fi scal crisis. A village was destroyed and and the appropriate platform for fi ce next week pending an im- Janot also asked the court to 2014 re-election. Despite the gridlock caused by In a sign that Temer plans drinking water supplies for hun- the parties to work together.” peachment trial by the Senate investigate her predecessor and The senate, now controlled by the impeachment crisis, Rouss- to reduce state involvement in dreds of thousands of people At the time, Brazilian Presi- on charges of breaking budget Workers Party founder Luiz Ina- Rousseff ’s opponents, is expected eff said there are signs of an eco- the economy and boost private were severed. dent Dilma Rousseff had said the laws, said the latest accusation cio Lula da Silva for his role in to vote on May 11 to put her on nomic recovery underway. business, one of his closest aides The damage reached as far as deal would help heal “a tragedy was based on outright lies by the bribery and political kick- trial. Rousseff would then be au- Although the economy is ex- said that a Temer government the river’s mouth on the Atlantic without precedent”. a former senator in her ruling backs scandal. tomatically suspended pending a pected to contract nearly 4% for would consider allowing foreign coast, with wildlife, tourism and However, she had also warned Workers Party. While Rousseff is not being trial that could last up to 180 days. a second straight year in 2016, owners to acquire a controlling fi shing all suff ering. of further costs for BHP and Vale. “If an investigation is opened investigated for corruption, the Vice President Michel Te- economists say industries have stake in local airlines.

Maduro okays referendum Cuba fashion show Argentine farm if signatures validated exports rocket Reuters braced by the markets and Buenos Aires prompted a congratulatory AFP recall referendum, according The constitution gives the visit from US President Barack Caracas to the opposition Democratic authorities fi ve days to count Obama. But he could face politi- Unity Roundtable. the signatures collected by the rgentine farm exports cal problems, with the country’s The MUD said it had present- opposition and fi ve days to ver- rocketed 68% higher in powerful trade unions opposing enezuela’s embattled ed 1.85mn signatures - more ify them. Athe fi rst quarter versus the his spending cuts. President Nicolas Ma- than nine times the number If the electoral board accepts same 2015 period thanks to new Leading the fi rst-quarter ex- Vduro said he would allow needed to launch the referen- the signatures as valid - far policies that prompted growers port surge were wheat and corn, a referendum vote on removing dum process - to the National from a sure bet - the opposition to sell stockpiles built up under which growers piled up on their him from power if electoral offi - Electoral Board. will then have to collect 4mn the previous administration, the farms during Fernandez’s rule. cials validate the 1.85mn signa- And if Maduro’s latest com- more for the board to organise government said. She limited export of both crops tures submitted on a petition. ments sounded conciliatory, the vote. The surge in shipments from and taxed the international ship- Opposition leaders had pre- those of the man named as head Once-booming Venezuela, the South American grains pow- ments that were allowed to go sented reams of signatures to of the signature verifi cation which has the world’s largest erhouse will likely weigh on glo- through. election authorities calling for a board were not. proven oil reserves, has plunged bal food prices, which are near a Macri scrapped those policies. referendum to remove the man “In a few days, it is going into economic chaos as global seven-year low and expected to Wheat exports shot 105% higher they blame for a crushing eco- to come out that the opposi- crude prices have collapsed. fall farther due to slowing growth while corn rose 84%. nomic crisis. tion infl ated the fi gure for the The import-dependent in the global economy. Chicago Board of trade corn “If on this second step, they number of signatures they country faces acute shortages In the fi rst three months of prices are up about 5% so far for say that the signatures were handed in, by a million,” said of food and basic goods like toi- the year, Argentina exported 2016 but have struggled to rise collected, we head to a referen- board chair Jorge Rodriguez, on let paper due to a lack of foreign 19.97mn tonnes of farm products above $4 a bushel, due in part to dum, period,” Maduro said in the president’s weekly televi- currency. versus 11.91mn in the fi rst quar- Argentina’s stepped-up export his weekly radio address hours sion show. The state-led economy has ter of 2015, the government said pace. before the electoral council was Maduro’s opponents are rac- been in recession since 2013 and in a statement. CBOT wheat prices are down set to start inspecting the sig- ing to hold a recall referendum shrank 5.7% last year. The gov- Free-markets proponent about 2% so far in 2016. natures. before the end of the year. ernment said infl ation came in Mauricio Macri took office Argentina is also the world’s People across this oil-ex- Under Venezuela’s consti- at more than 180% in 2015. as president in December, top supplier of soymeal livestock porting South American na- tution, after January 2017 a Maduro was elected president A model presents a creation by German designer Karl promptly ditching the trade and feed, exports of which grew tion fed up with food shortages, successful recall vote would by a razor-thin margin in 2013. A Lagerfeld as part of his latest inter-seasonal Cruise currency controls applied by 73 percent during the quarter. soaring infl ation and now a par- transfer power to Maduro’s vice recent poll found that more than collection for fashion house Chanel at the Paseo del Prado his leftist predecessor Cristina Soy production is likely to be alysing electricity crunch have president rather than trigger two thirds of Venezuelans want street in Havana, Cuba. Fernandez. crimped this year by fl ooding at fl ocked to sign a petition for a new elections. him to leave offi ce. His policies have been em- the start of the harvest in April. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 27 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN Pakistan may Army opens probe into opt for other MQM worker’s death fi ghter aircraft

Reuters Internews very intense debate on the fi - Karachi Islamabad nancing of the F-16 deal. In view of the lingering im- passe, the administration has akistan’s army chief yes- akistan has conveyed to now started emphasising on terday ordered an inquiry the United States that it the Congress to focus on the Pinto the death of a political Pdoes not have the money package instead of getting activist in custody of the para- to buy F-16 jets from its re- stuck with one of its elements. military Rangers force, the fi rst sources and has cautioned that The FMF money for this known inquiry since 2013 when if the stalemate over funding year has to be approved and Rangers launched a major crime is not resolved it may consider appropriated before Septem- crackdown in the city of Kara- buying some other fi ghter air- ber 30 or else the funds would chi. craft to meet its needs. remain no more available. The Muttahida Qaumi Move- According to a diplomatic Adviser on Foreign Aff airs ment (MQM), a secular party source, this was conveyed by Sartaj Aziz, in a media inter- that has long dominated the port Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to action on Wednesday, said city of Karachi, has accused the US ambassador David Hale at Pakistan was working with the Rangers of having carried out a meeting at the Foreign Of- “suppliers to see what could dozens of extra-judicial killings fi ce. be alternative sources of fi - of party members since 2013, Adviser on Foreign Aff airs nancing”. Aziz said that Pa- something the Rangers deny. Sartaj Aziz, PAF Chief Air kistan would only buy the F- Aftab Husain, a prominent Chief Marshal Sohail Aman 16s if some arrangement was activist and aide to Farooq Sat- and Special Assistant Tar- worked out “otherwise we will tar, the MQM leader in the Na- iq Fatemi also attended the look for some other (fi ghter) tional Assembly, was arrested at meeting. aircraft”. his house on Sunday and died on Initially, the deal for the sale He, nevertheless, looked Tuesday. of eight F-16s to Pakistan was optimistic about the issue be- The Rangers initially said to be partially funded through ing resolved and said: “We’ll Husain died of a heart attack, the Foreign Military Financing be able to fi nd some way out”. but the MQM said Husain was (FMF) with the US providing The message from the adviser “extra-judicially killed” in the $430mn, while the remain- looked very calculated. force’s custody. ing $270mn was to be paid by Senate Foreign Relations “COAS has directed to hold an Pakistan from its national re- Chairman Bob Corker, whose inquiry to fi nd out truth in the sources. committee has jurisdiction case of Aftab Ahmed,” the army But after the Congressional over foreign arms sales and said in a statement, referring to Leaders and supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) political party off er funeral prayers near a flag draped coff in of Aftab hold on subsidising the sale who is maintaining the hold the army chief, General Raheel Ahmed, in Karachi on Tuesday. through FMF, the US adminis- on the fi nancing of the deal, Sharif, who is chief of army staff . tration asked Pakistan to make had while voting in favour of The MQM has held sway against crime in the city has been Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tary Disappearances referred 55 Army chief Sharif said recent- a commitment to buy the jets the sale of the jets to Pakistan over Pakistan’s commercial hub widely seen as part of a broader in August formed a “grievances cases of what it called illegal ab- ly “across the board account- from its own money. But the in March noted that he did not for years and law enforcement eff ort by the army to exert its in- redressal committee” to ad- ductions of MQM workers to the ability” was essential, linking Pakistan government refused block the deal so that Islama- agencies, its opponents and fl uence over civilian politics. dress MQM concerns, but the government, concluding a “pat- anti-corruption eff orts to the to make any pledge unless bad is not driven towards Rus- many residents have accused it In a separate statement, the body has not published fi nd- tern of specifi c targeting” of the war on Islamist militants. the restriction on fi nancing sian- or French-made jets. of racketeering, abduction, tor- head of the Rangers said the ings. The army is not known to MQM by Rangers. General Asim Bajwa, the army through FMF was lifted. Corker had then said that ture and murder of opponents in force had set up a “high level in- have launched any inquiries into While Karachi murder rates spokesman, said in a Tuesday There is a perception in he would like to maintain US its bid to maintain power. vestigating committee” to look deaths of MQM members since have dropped sharply and many media interview six senior army some quarters that the gov- leverage over Pakistan, which The party denies links to into Husain’s death and had sus- 2013. businesses welcome the Rang- offi cials had been “punished” ernment made a mistake by he described as uncertain ally, crime. pended the offi cials suspected of Last year, the U.N. Working ers’ operation, the force has been over corruption charges unre- refusing to make the com- through its continued reliance The Rangers’ campaign involvement. Group on Enforced or Involun- dogged by allegations of brutality. lated to the Rangers inquiry. mitment for the purchase of on the US for maintenance of the fi ghter aircraft because F-16s. Despite approving the doing so would not have pre- deal, Corker withheld its fi - Five births enrich Lahore zoo stock cluded the option of fi nancing nancial component. through FMF in future. Among the key reasons be- In the last few days, Pakistan’s took keen interest in baby The Pakistani commitment, hind the Congressional hold Lahore Zoo registered five animals playing around their it is believed, would have are concerns that Pakistan Pakistan wants UNSC reform births by African lions, Capuchin parents. He said that besides eased Congressional pressure has not taken enough action monkey and zebras. Accord- common visitors, the students on the administration, be- against the Haqqani network; ing to zoo’s Veterinary Off icer of zoology had a special interest sides allowing the process for jail sentence for Dr Shakeel Dr Babar, these births have a in the zoo where animals are approval and appropriation Afridi the physician who had to refl ect ‘aspirations of all’ great significance as not only bred in captivity. The addition of of the entire FMF package to co-operated with the US in successful breeding of these two cubs has taken the number move forward. tracking Osama bin Laden; exotic animal species and the of African lions at the zoo to 14. The process is being cur- and fears about Pakistani nu- healthy births in captivity is a The gender of the cubs will be rently held back because of the clear programme. Internews national ambition of a few at countable, transparent and ef- success for the zoo, but they determined in a month’s time Islamabad the expense of the world body’s fective”. have great financial value also. because the mother won’t let wider membership. Lodhi said that the principle Elaborating, he said, a lion cub anybody touch the newborns 18 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan “To propose allocation of 4-6 of sovereign equality of states has a price ranging between during the period. The birth of akistan said that reform of seats permanently to that many demands equal opportunity for Rs0.7mn and Rs0.8mn, while a two foals - a male and a female At least 18 Taliban militants according to Majahid, had the 15-member UN Secu- countries, while handing over all states to seek membership of zebra foal costs around Rs1mn - has raised the zebras’ number have been killed in Kandahar served as military operational Prity Council should only be only 4-5 seats to the rest of the the council. and a Capuchin monkey baby is at the zoo to nine. Similarly, with province of Afghanistan over commander of Taliban in based on democratic principles membership is not only poor Only additional electable worth around Rs0.6mn-Rs0.7mn. the birth of a baby, now there the past four days, a security Khakriz and Arghandab underscoring the objective of mathematics but also poor logic, seats, on the basis of periodic Besides, he said the new animals are three Capuchin monkeys in off icial said yesterday. districts and his death could expansion should be to respond and even poorer rationale for a elections and fi xed rotation, would attract more and more the zoo, while its gender will also “Security forces launched prove to be a big blow to the to concerns and “aspirations of just and meaningful reform,” she would allow equal, fair and in- visitors to the zoo as people be determined later. operations against Taliban Taliban fighters in Kandahar all, not just a few”. declared. creased opportunity for all states rebels in Khakriz district province. Taliban militants Speaking in inter-government Opposing the proposal that to aspire for Security Council’s 60 girls poisoned in Afghanistan on Sunday and since then who have been fighting the negotiations Pakistan’s ambas- sought expansion in permanent membership. 18 rebels including Taliban government forces in parts sador Maleeha Lodhi exposed membership, Pakistan’s envoy She argued that the concept key commander Mullah of Kandahar and provinces the poor logic of India and its argued that this ran contrary to of “representation” would be Around 60 students of a girl’s school were mysteriously poisoned in Khakrizwal were killed,” over the past several months, allies saying that the G4 for- principles that all member states hollow without accountability Takhar province of Afghanistan yesterday, police said. “The girls have Niaz Mohamed Majahid were yet to comment on the mula of adding more permanent agree to make the council “more to those who were being repre- been taken to hospital for medical treatment,” Xinhua news agency told Xinhua. Khakrizwal, situation in Khakriz district. seats refl ected the self-serving representative, democratic, ac- sented. quoted the police as saying. Afghan fi lmstar in miserable French exile after death threats

AFP who disguises herself as a boy must die”. Soon after, a bomb remains tightly veiled in public Paris during the Taliban’s rule so that was thrown into their garden in spaces — a cruel twist in the tale, she can walk freely on the street. Kabul but failed to explode. Tel- given the way their nightmare Osama was a hit and made ephone threats started to pour began. he feted star of an inter- Golbahari, now 24, an instant in, and the couple were forced to “When you are an actor or nationally-acclaimed star in her country. move from house to house. actress in Afghanistan, or part Tfi lm, Afghan actress Ma- “Cinema is my life,” she said. In mid-November, they fl ew of a fi lm, you are accused of be- rina Golbahari and her husband “In a fi lm, I can say everything to Nantes in western France ing an infi del, you are always in have been chased from their about my people.” where Golbahari was appearing danger,” said Siddiq Barmak, the home to the brink of suicide in a Her husband, Noorullah Azizi, in a festival. director of Osama who also be- fi lthy French asylum shelter after also found a way out of grinding But their families, who had came a refugee in France a year she was photographed without a poverty through Afghanistan’s also received death threats, told ago. veil. burgeoning fi lm industry. them they had to stay away. The withdrawal of most in- Fearful for their lives, the He grew up in Pakistan among The couple have found them- ternational forces from Kabul couple has kept a low profi le the millions of Afghan refugees selves in a decrepit shelter for in mid-2014 brought an end to since their arrival just over fi ve who had fl ed the Soviet war of asylum seekers in Dreux, 90km the protection that had allowed months ago for a fi lm festival. the 1980s. outside Paris. Their small green a relative amount of liberal mo- “We never thought of stay- Now 28, he recalls a childhood and violet room looks out over a dernity to fl ourish in Kabul and ing,” said Azizi. “We hardly spent sleeping under a tent and roof full of discarded rubbish. certain towns. Since then, a packed anything.” working in a shoe factory, before Golbahari has struggled to wave of religious conservatism But death threats back home returning to Kabul and trying his cope with the forced exile, at- has washed over the country — to them and their family, they hand at a thousand and one jobs. tempting suicide and now on “and not only from the Taliban,” said, ruled out a return. He fi nally turned to acting, anti-depressants. said Barmak. Golbahari was only 10-years- where his muscular physique “I dreamed of living in France, Nearly 3,700 civilians died old in late 2001 when she was and square jaw brought him roles but not like this,” she said. in the ongoing confl ict last year plucked from the streets of Ka- as police offi cers and soldiers They are particularly worried according to the UN — a record bul and thrust to stardom as the fi ghting the Taliban. about running into fellow Af- for the past decade. The uptick heroine in the Golden Globe- “I was happy. I had every- ghans. in violence has sparked a fresh winning fi lm Osama. thing,” he said. “It’s very important that no exodus from the country, par- She had been selling maga- Azizi and Golbahari met on This file photo taken on February 21, 2004 shows then 13-year-old Afghan actress Marina Golbahari who one recognises Marina,” said ticularly among Kabul’s middle zines on the streets of the capi- Facebook and quickly fell in love, stars in the film Osama which tells the story of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, standing Azizi, who locks his wife in the class liberals. tal and had witnessed the vio- but the match was not welcomed outside her house in Kabul. room every time he leaves to Back in their dank room, Gol- lence of the recently-toppled by Azizi’s family who refused to make sure no one gets to her and bahari sees little light at the end Taliban regime fi rst hand when attend the marriage last Sep- and the whole world can see her A picture of Golbahari, head The imam in her local vil- carries out the death sentence of the tunnel. her father was beaten in front tember. photo,” he said. uncovered, at a festival in South lage of Kapisa announced that passed by conservative imams a “Before, I dreamed of the fu- of her. “They were ashamed of my It did not take long for more Korea drew the ire of conserva- she should not return, which world away. ture,” she said. “Now I think only In the fi lm, she played a girl wife because she is an actress serious trouble to arise. tives. Azizi said translates as: “She To avoid detection, Golbahari of the past.” Gulf Times 28 Thursday, May 5, 2016 PHILIPPINES Aquino vows to fi ght plans of ‘dictator’ Duterte

By Joel M Sy Egco been the fi rst to rape an Austral- & Catherine S Valente ian missionary who was gang- Manila Times/ Iloilo City raped and murdered in a prison riot in the city in 1989. Aquino said he has received a resident Benigno Aquino torrent of phone and text mes- issued his toughest warn- sages from diff erent sectors tell- Mall parking attendants and supporters of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte for the May 9 election, pose with “Big Gulp” soda cups they Ping yet against Davao City ing him that he was the only one bought from convenience store 7-Eleven, in Paranaque, Metro Manila yesterday. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, saying who can stop the rise of a bully- he will not stand idly by if the ing president with no respect for presidential frontrunner starts laws or women and children. ruling the country like a dictator. “But I have only 58 days left. In his speech during a cam- I will be an ordinary citizen. If paign rally for the Mar Roxas- ever our fears become true and Tough-talking mayor keeps Leni Robredo team of the Lib- Aquino: stern warning he becomes a dictator, do you eral Party here at the Plazoleta think I can still act? I’d probably Gay on Tuesday night, Aquino wrong policies and decisions of be number one on his order of pointed out Duterte was already Duterte. battle,” he added. acting like a dictator, ignoring He added that it pains him to Malacanang accused Duterte poll lead despite allegations the constitutional ramifi ca- see the growing support for a of mocking democracy by allow- tions of his pronounced threat presidential candidate who acts ing himself to be “co-opted” by to shut down Congress if his op- like a dictator. local communists, whose slo- Reuters ponents attempted to have him “I cannot accept that my fa- gans and catchphrases the presi- Manila Campaign fi zzing among thirsty Filipino voters impeached over allegations of ther’s death will have been in dential candidate has been dish- hidden wealth. vain. I have to do everything ing out. Filipinos have scoff ed and slurped to show their The store’s poll, first won by President Benigno “I am not a lawyer. He is. But that I can. Should my life be the Palace Communications Sec- tough-talking mayor backing for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Aquino in 2010, has “undecided” cups in second I’ve studied our Constitution price, then my life wouldn’t be retary Herminio Coloma Jr said running for the presi- ahead of next week’s presidential elections. with those of former interior minister Manuel and I challenge everyone here that important if I couldn’t con- Duterte’s closeness to Com- Adency of the Philippines The maverick mayor of the southern city is lead- Roxas, vice president and opposition leader present to look into it: Where tinue the fi ght started by my fa- munist Party of the Philippines has kept his double-digit lead ing the “Gulp Poll” conducted by convenience Jejomar Binay, Senator Poe and Senator Miriam does it say the president has the ther. His sacrifi ce would lose its (CPP) chairman Jose Ma. Sison is fi ve days before elections, de- store chain 7-Eleven, which has asked customers Santiago all trailing. The convenience store is not power to abolish Congress?” the meaning,” Aquino said. alarming because the two lead- spite allegations he had un- at their 1,650 outlets across the country to pick the only ones to mix politics with the palate. president said. Aquino’s father, Benigno ers’ allegations against the gov- declared millions of pesos in a soda cups with images of their favourite presi- In downtown Manila, customers at Kamun- “He might abolish the Su- ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr, was assassi- ernment “defy the solid gains bank, the latest opinion poll has dential candidate. ing Bakery can pick a set of stuff ed pandesal, preme Court next, we don’t nated at the tarmac of then-Ma- achieved the Philippines during showed. The popularity of Duterte’s blue cup has mirrored a Filipino bread roll, named after a particular know. But look at the Constitu- nila International Airport upon the past six years that have been Rodrigo Duterte was the two opinion polls last week that put the 71-year- candidate. tion, there is no such right,” he his return to the Philippines in recognised by the international number one choice among 33% old between seven and 12 percentage points in Duterte’s spicy pork sandwich was leading the added. August 1983 to pursue the strug- community.” of Filipinos in the Pulse Asia front of his nearest rival, Grace Poe, ahead of the race, bakery staff said. Aquino said Congress and gle against the strongman Ferdi- Coloma was reacting to a survey done on April 26-29, the May 9 national vote. “I saw most of the customers ordering ‘Pan de the Supreme Court are part of nand Marcos’ rule. video of Duterte and Sison’s same numbers from a similar “I picked Duterte because I want a change in Duterte’ because they like the mayor of Davao, the check and balance system to His mother, Corazon, was cat- conversation that went viral on survey among 4,000 respond- society, and I see how well-received he is when and the second most popular ever since we prevent grave abuse of discretion apulted to the presidency in 1986 social media. Duterte, the Pal- ents a week earlier, the poll re- he campaigns in other areas,” said government started was Senator Grace Poe,” Kamuning bak- (by the president). by the force of a people power ace offi cial said, was virtually leased late on Tuesday showed. employee Michael John Aguillon. ery owner Wilson Lee Flores said. He added that Duterte’s revolt that toppled Marcos. mouthing the pronouncements Manuel Roxas, President Be- brusque behaviour, foul mouth The president said he had to of Sison, who is in exile in The nigno Aquino’s hand-picked and sheer lack of statesmanship apologise to the US and Australia Hague in The Netherlands. successor, moved up a spot into ter losing a point, while support government’s inability to address clared 211mn pesos ($4.5mn) in could spell trouble for the coun- because of Duterte’s undiplo- He bewailed that while the second place for the fi rst time for Senator Miriam Santiago was mass transport and traffi c prob- his bank account. try’s international relations. matic remarks against them, two government, through the of- since June 2015 after rising two unchanged at 2%. lems in the capital, Manila. The allegations about the un- The president also cited Du- of the Philippines’ strongest al- fi ce of the Presidential Adviser points to 22% support. “The survey did not refl ect His strong anti-crime plat- declared money were made last terte’s plan to form a revolution- lies. on the Peace Process, tried to Senator Grace Poe, the adopt- signifi cant changes,” Pulse Asia form also resonated among vot- week by Senator Antonio Tril- ary government, which, he said, The Davao City mayor ear- engage Sison and the National ed daughter of movie stars, fell president Professor Ronald Hol- ers across all economic classes lanes, a candidate for vice presi- would be akin to martial law. lier dared the US and Australia Democratic Front (NDF) to a di- back to third after dropping a mes said. Political analysts said and in all geographical regions. dent. Peter Lavina, a spokesman Aquino said a revolutionary to sever ties with the Philippines alogue, the talks did not prosper point to 21%. Duterte had struck a chord with However, Holmes noted a dip for Duterte, said the allegations government will strip the peo- after he was criticised for his “on account of their unreason- Vice President Jejomar Binay most Filipinos who were frus- in Duterte’s support in Manila were “nothing but a publicity ple of the power to question the statement that he should have able demands.” was in fourth place with 17% af- trated and disappointed with the over allegations he had not de- stunt”.

GRAFT Negros Oriental Transgender politician governor faces ‘Bongbong,’ the son, leads eff ort corruption charge poised for historic win The Off ice of the Ombudsman has found suff icient grounds to for Marcos family’s revival file charges before the Sandigan- AFP bayan against Negros Oriental Orani Governor Roel Degamo and two Reuters politician who had to clear the other off icials in connection with Manila family name. the awarding of P143.2mn infra- “When we came back from eraldine Roman blows structure projects to contractors our ‘enforced vacation’ we were kisses to curious despite lack of funds, Manila Times or the son and namesake the issue, and so to answer that Gcrowds and serenades reported. The charges include 11 of late Philippine dictator we had to be also in the political them with a love song as she counts of malversation through FFerdinand Marcos, win- stage,” Marcos said. proudly campaigns to be the falsification and one count of vio- ning the vice presidency in next “There was very little else we fi rst transgender lawmaker in lation of Section 3(e) of Republic week’s election is as much about could do if we were to somehow the mainly Catholic Philip- Act No 3019 or the Anti-Graft and restoring his family’s tainted be able to continue to be able to pines. Corrupt Practices Act. Likewise image as it is about making the work and to do something, and The 49-year-old member indicted were Provincial Treasurer country a better place. part of it is also to defend our- of a powerful political fam- Danilo Mendez and Provincial Ac- “Bongbong”, as Ferdinand selves.” ily has a strong chance to win countant Teodorico Reyes. Marcos Jr is known, has been There are old scores to set- a seat in the nation’s lower The ombudsman on Tuesday said leading most opinion polls ahead tle between Marcos and another house in Monday’s elections, Legislator candidate that the charges stemmed from of the May 9 election, marking dynasty, the family of outgo- in what would be a remarkable Geraldine Roman during a the alleged illegal use of calamity the revival of a name synony- ing President Benigno Aquino. breakthrough for the lesbian, campaign trip in Orani. fund which was intended for the mous with martial law, torture File photo shows vice-president candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr Aquino’s father and namesake gay, bisexual and transgender repair, rehabilitation and construc- and billions of dollars of plun- talking to his sister Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos during the was a fi erce critic of the Marcos- (LGBT) community. should I be ashamed?” tion of structures damaged by dered wealth. A poll published announcement of his candidacy in Manila. es and his assassination in 1983 Conservative church dogma Roman said she grew up be- Typhoon Sendong in 2011 and the yesterday had him slipping to ignited the people power revolt. is a dominant force in Philip- ing teased by classmates but 6.9-magnitude earthquake in 2012. second place for the fi rst time, Duterte, 71, is leading opinion tor. His mother Imelda is seek- The president’s late mother pine politics: divorce, abortion her late father, a powerful pol- Upon Degamo’s request, the De- but he was just two points be- polls for president. ing re-election next week to the Corazon Aquino led the people and same-sex marriage are il- itician, taught her to be con- partment of Budget and Manage- hind Congresswoman Leni Ro- The senior Marcos was presi- House of Representatives from a power uprising before taking the legal, while there are no openly fi dent. She speaks three Eu- ment (DBM) issued a Special Allot- bredo. dent of the Philippines for two district in the province, while his presidency. gay politicians at the national ropean languages, holds two ment and Release Order (SARO) in Marcos Jr., 58, says his fam- decades, including nine years as sister Imee is seeking re-election Aquino has tried to derail level and an LGBT party has master’s degrees and worked the amount of P961.5mn. ily is not the only issue and his the head of a martial law govern- as the provincial governor. Marcos’s bid for vice-president. long struggled for infl uence. in Spain as senior editor of the Of the amount, P480.7mn was popularity comes from public ment. Political strategist Pastor In October, the president said he Roman has been mocked Spanish News Agency, before immediately released to the pro- disenchantment with a political Later governments have doc- “Boy” Saycon says the Marcos had faith the public would reject and abused on the campaign returning four years ago to vincial government.The DBM later establishment that emerged af- umented 75,000 cases of torture, years were not all that bad, al- Marcos and in February, timed trail in recent weeks but, after care for her ailing father. informed Degamo that the SARO ter his father’s overthrow in the illegal detention and disappear- though he spent three months with the 30-year anniversary of living as a woman for more Roman underwent sex rea- was being withdrawn because of iconic “people power” revolu- ances in those years. The rule by in jail at that time when the gov- the revolution, the government than two decades, she refuses lignment surgery, and legally the province’s failure to comply tion in 1986. the senior Marcos and his wife ernment rounded up student ac- announced it would sell gems, to be cowed. changed her name and gender, with the guidelines for infrastruc- “We keep hearing about all Imelda, known for her lavish tivists. property and stocks confi scated “My life has not been a se- in the 1990s. She has been in- ture projects. Despite notice, the these wonderful things hap- lifestyle and thousands of pairs “There was this discipline be- from the Marcoses and would cret,” Roman said in a rare volved in a relationship with a respondents allegedly proceeded to pening to our economy and yet of shoes, has been called a klep- ing instilled,” he said. “Because seek the return of $1bn via court interview after a day of cam- man for the past 18 years. award the infrastructure deals. people are poor,” he said in an tocratic “conjugal dictatorship.” that’s the problem of our coun- cases at home and overseas. paigning in Bataan, a rural Roman hopes winning on The ombudsman further said that interview. The family fl ed to exile in Ha- try today — there is no disci- But Marcos has opened up province just north of Manila Monday will help in the fi ght the Commission on Audit (COA) “That’s where the frustration waii after the ouster, where the pline.” a clear lead in the most recent where her mother has served for gender equality. issued 11 Notices of Disallowance af- comes from... There’s clearly a senior Marcos died in 1989. After If Bongbong wins the number opinion polls and his anti-estab- as congresswoman for nine “My loyalty is to the fi rst ter it observed that funds were certi- desire for something diff erent.” that, the widespread hatred of two spot, he will be fi rmly in line lishment platform is resonating years and the family holds im- district of Bataan,” she said. fied available despite the withdrawal Unlike most other countries, the Marcos family began to ebb. to contest the presidency in a with young Filipinos born long mense political sway. “But that somebody of my of the SARO. “Their unilateral act of elections for the Philippine Bongbong Marcos returned later election. after the rule of his father. “I grew up here. People condition is going to enter ignoring DBM’s authority is indica- president and vice-president are from Hawaii in 1991 and rebuilt Marcos gets irritated by the But for some of the older know me. (Gender) only be- Congress for the fi rst time is tive of bad faith, manifest partiality held separately and the two can the family’s political base in suggestion that the presiden- generation, the prospect of his comes an issue when you try a statement that even trans- and/or gross inexcusable negli- be political rivals. its stomping grounds of Ilocos cy is his goal. He calls the vice family’s return to the forefront to keep it a secret. It’s nothing gender people can serve our gence which caused undue injury The maverick mayor of the Norte province, serving as gov- presidency a natural step and of national politics is an embar- bad. I never hurt anyone in the country and should not be to the government,” Ombudsman southern city of Davao, Rodrigo ernor, congressman and sena- describes himself as a reluctant rassing, retrograde step. process. I’m so happy so why discriminated against.” Conchita Carpio Morales said. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 29 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Dhaka on alert ahead of war crimes verdict

AFP mitted during the country’s er during Bangladesh’s 1971 sistant commissioner of police gallows if he is granted clemency Dhaka independence war. war of independence against Shiblee Noman said. by the president. Police said they had stepped Pakistan. The judgement comes as the Three senior Jamaat offi cials up security in Dhaka ahead of The Supreme Court upheld Muslim-majority nation reels and a key leader of the main he Bangladesh capital the verdict because of fears of the verdict in January this year, from a string of killings of secu- opposition party have been ex- Bangladesh Bank governor Fazle Kabir was on high alert yester- Islamist violence, although they but Nizami’s lawyers fi led a fi nal lar and liberal activists and re- ecuted for war crimes since Tday ahead of a Supreme added there were no specifi c appeal. ligious minorities by suspected December 2013. Court verdict on the nation’s top threats from any group. Previous convictions of Islamist militants. Since it was established by Islamist leader that could clear “We’ve enhanced security in Jamaat offi cials triggered In the last two weeks alone, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- the way for his execution for war the capital. Offi cers have been the country’s deadliest vio- two gay rights activists, a lib- na’s government in 2010, the crimes within days. kept on alert,” Dhaka Metro- lence in decades, with around eral professor and a Hindu tailor International Crimes Tribu- Top banker Jamaat-e-Islami party politan Police spokesman Maruf 500 people killed, mainly in who made derogatory comments nal has sentenced more than leader Motiur Rahman Ni- Hossain Sorder said. clashes between Islamists and against the Prophet Muhammad a dozen opposition leaders for zami, 73, will likely face the Nizami was originally con- police. have been hacked to death. war crimes. gallows in less than a week if victed of murder, rape and or- “There will be extra secu- Nizami, Jamaat’s leader since Rights groups say the trials the court dismisses his fi nal chestrating the killing of top rity at the Supreme Court and at 2000 and a former government fall short of global standards and to meet NY appeal today over crimes com- intellectuals as a militia lead- important sites in the city,” as- minister, could still avoid the lack international oversight. Fed, SWIFT Nepal PM not ready to go Parliament brawl to be offi cials after Maoists call for change probed Reuters been attacks previously on its Dhaka software.” Last week, SWIFT acknowl- Reuters problems,” Rimal said. IANS edged that the Bangladesh Kathmandu Kunda Dixit, editor of the Colombo angladesh’s central bank Bank attack was not an isolat- Nepali Times, said Dahal could chief will meet the head ed incident but one of several resolve the deadlock in the Bof the Federal Reserve recent criminal schemes that epal’s embattled Prime south by bringing the Mad- ri Lanka launched an in- Bank of New York and a senior aimed to take advantage of Minister K P Oli will hesi parties and the Nepali vestigation into clashes in executive from global fi nancial the global messaging platform Nnot resign after the Congress on board in a gov- Sparliament between leg- messaging service SWIFT next used by about 11,000 fi nancial main Maoist party that props ernment that includes major islators from the ruling and the week to seek the recovery of institutions. up his fragile coalition said yes- stakeholders. opposition parties, Media Minis- about $81mn stolen by hack- The other Bangladesh Bank terday it would try to form a Prakash Sharan Mahat, a ter Gayantha Karunathilleke said ers, offi cials in Dhaka said. offi cial said lawyers would be new government, plunging the Nepali Congress lawmaker, yesterday. Two Bangladesh Bank of- present at the meeting. Aj- Himalayan nation into crisis. said his party was explor- Addressing the media, Karu- fi cials said the bank believed malul Hussain, a Dhaka-based An aide said the 64-year-old ing alternatives to Oli, who he nathilleke said the government both the New York Fed and lawyer hired by the central leader, who has been in power said had failed to deliver on regretted the incident of Tues- SWIFT bore some responsi- bank to help it retrieve the for just eight months, would promises. day which left several law- bility for the February cyber funds, could not be reached seek cross-party talks. If those Dahal, who goes by the nom- makers injured and one hos- heist. The offi cials spoke on for comment. His offi ce said fail, a no-confi dence motion de-guerre he used in the in- pitalised, Xinhua news agency condition of anonymity since he was out of the country. could follow in parliament, surgency that means “Fierce”, reported. they were not authorised to It was not immediately holding out the prospect of will need the support of Oli’s The government blamed op- brief the media. known if Bangladesh Bank had more uncertainty. Unifi ed Marxist-Leninist Par- position members loyal to former The bank’s governor Fazle retained any US or European Oli rose to power with the ty (UML) or other groups in a president Mahinda Rajapakse for Kabir, New York Fed president law fi rm to help recover the backing of the Maoists after fragmented parliament to form the brawl, the worst in recent William Dudley and a SWIFT money. promising to resolve protests K P Oli ... facing increasing public anger a government. years. representative will meet in However the bank said in against a new constitution by “Any new government does Karunathilleke said the gov- Basel, Switzerland around an internal report in March southern plains dwellers and to into seven federal states. They had off ered to support Maoist not mean the constitutional ernment had urged Speaker Karu May 10, they and another per- it was considering “prepar- step up eff orts to rebuild homes say it would divide their home- leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal to issue will be solved like that,” Jayasuriya to initiate a sepa- son briefed by the central bank ing the ground to make a le- destroyed by earthquakes last land and deprive them of a fair replace Oli. said Lok Raj Baral, a commen- rate investigation and assured said. It was not immediately gitimate claim for the loss of year. say in running the country. Oli’s grip on power has tator and former diplomat. “If that legal action would be taken clear who would represent funds” against the New York Increasing public anger at “Our party has decided to been in question for months, any new government wants to against all the lawmakers in- SWIFT. Fed “through a legal process.” Oli has led the Maoists - who form the new government and but aide Bishnu Rimal said amend the constitution, then volved in the violence. Spokeswomen for SWIFT Both central bank offi - waged a decade-long insurgen- we appeal to other political he would seek clarifi cations the support of the UML will be A fi ght between opposi- and the New York Fed declined cials said Kabir, the governor, cy before joining mainstream parties to help us resolve the from the Maoists about their vital.” tion and government lawmak- comment. would be accompanied by an politics in 2006 - to conclude outstanding political problems concerns. The earthquakes last year ers erupted when former army Hackers tried to steal nearly offi cial from the accounts and that he was an obstacle to end- in the south through talks,” said “We invite all political par- killed 9,000 people and de- chief Sarath Fonseka, now a $1bn from Bangladesh Bank’s budgeting department on the ing the constitutional standoff . Narayan Kaji Shrestha, a leader ties including the Nepali stroyed one million homes. minister, said a bomb blast ap- settlement account at the New trip to Basel and would seek Minority Madhesis, who live of the unifi ed Communist Party Congress and the Madhesi International donors pledged parently targeting Sri Lanka’s York Fed in early February by the recovery of the stolen along the border with India, of Nepal (Maoist). groups to join this cabinet to $4.1bn for reconstruction but former defence secretary Gota- sending fraudulent transfer funds. had imposed a blockade in pro- Shrestha said the main op- make it a national government most of it remains unspent due bhaya Rajapakse in 2006 was an orders through SWIFT. Basel is the headquarters test at a proposal to carve Nepal position Nepali Congress party and resolve all outstanding to political squabbling. “inside job”. Of the 35 transfer or- of the Bank for International ders sent, 30 were blocked. Settlements, a group of major Four transfers to a Philip- central banks. Lanka sees rise in tourist arrivals pine bank for a total of $81mn The stolen $81mn was went through while a $20mn sent to a bank in the Philip- Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals rose with Britain’s arrivals up 6.9% transfer to a Sri Lankan com- pines and quickly passed on 11.6% in April to 136,367, from to 12,006. pany was reversed because the to casinos and casino agents. the previous year, figures from From January to April, 721,185 hackers mis-spelled the name Most of it remains missing. the Tourism Promotion Bureau tourists have visited Sri Lanka. of the fi rm. However, one junket opera- showed yesterday. The government expects the “There is a responsibility tor has returned about $10mn India remained the top market year to end with a larger number the New York Fed has to ac- to authorities in Manila and with 25,890 travellers, a 12.3% than the previous year. cept,” said one of the Bang- promised to hand over another growth from the previous year, The Sri Lankan government ladesh Bank offi cials. “If you $5mn. Xinhua news agency reported. has been trying to promote the stopped 30 transactions, why One of the Bangladesh China came second with 18,972 island nation as a tourist hub did you not stop the others? Bank offi cials expressed con- travellers, a 37.6% increase from with mega tourism promotion “SWIFT also bears respon- fi dence that there would be the same period last year. campaigns launched worldwide. sibility,” the offi cial said. “It’s a resolution to the dispute Visitors from Japan increased The tourism industry has seen supposed to be a closed sys- soon, though he didn’t pro- 25% to 3,172. Western European an upward trend since the end of tem. Now you have seen they vide any evidence for the arrivals were up 12.2% to 39,243, the civil war in May 2009. have disclosed that there have optimism.

UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson (left, front) listening to Sushil Gyawali (right, front), CEO of National Grisly warnings on cigarette Reconstruction Authority of Nepal, during a visit to quake-hit Bungamati in Lalitpur yesterday. The UN off icial is visiting the Himalayan country in connection with the UN World Humanitarian Summit scheduled to be held in Istanbul, Turkey on May 23-24, according to Nepal’s foreign ministry spokesperson Tara Prasad Pokharel. packs shock Bangladeshis

Nepal cuts growth outlook IANS But he is also now committed of malignant tumors, blackened Bidis are hand-rolled thin Dhaka to stop smoking and said he was lungs and mouth cancers ap- cigarettes that are popular with smoking far less, day by day. pearing on cigarette packages. the working classes for their There are many like them try- Anti-tobacco lobbyists in aff ordability. to the lowest in 14 years ickshaw-puller Kawsar ing to quit smoking owing to the Bangladesh say more Bangla- According to the leading anti- was a chain smoker. But grisly images on both sides of deshis, especially illiterate people tobacco lobbyist, graphic pic- Ronce the health risks from cigarettes packets. who know little about the harm- tures on tobacco packages will Reuters cast of around 2% growth made Even though the border smoking became clear to him, he “I’m appalled to see the grue- ful eff ects of smoking, will quit be highly eff ective in discourag- Kathmandu in December, after last year’s blockade ended in February, fuel drastically cut down the number some images,” said Kawsar. smoking when manufactures ing illiterate people from smok- earthquake that killed 9,000 supplies have not yet returned to of cigarettes he smoked. He is From March 19, under a new totally stop marketing all kinds ing in Bangladesh where about people and destroyed about normal. now seriously planning to kick law, the Bangladesh government of tobacco products without 43% of adults are smokers. arthquake-stricken Nepal 1mn homes, roads and other “The low growth projection his addiction for good. made it mandatory for tobacco pictorial health warnings. Zubair further said many coun- cut its economic growth infrastructure. In 2014/15, the is because of the adverse impact The reason? The recently in- companies to print graphic picto- A B M Zubair, executive director tries around the world have already Eforecast yesterday for the economy grew by 2.32%. of the blockade on all sectors of troduced grisly images on both rial warnings covering the upper of an anti-tobacco group named introduced pictorial warnings on fi scal year that ends in mid-July Last September the land- the economy like trade, trans- sides of cigarettes packets. half of each pack of cigarettes. Progga, said a survey conducted tobacco products and it was found to the lowest in 14 years, saying locked nation’s ethnic Madhesi portation, tourism and indus- Kawsar, 29, has been smoking “Instead of smoking a full two weeks after the implemen- later that tobacco consumption had persistent fuel shortages after a community blocked imports of tries,” senior CBI offi cial Ishwari for 12-13 years. Like him, many packet daily, now I just smoke tation of the new law found that reduced in those countries. blockade of its border with India essential supplies such as fuel Prasad Bhandari said. in Dhaka are now actively con- two-three cigarettes,” the of- 74.8% of tobacco products are Activists allege that the tobacco have hampered economic activity. to protest against Nepal’s fi rst Nepal received $4.1bn in templating quitting smoking. fi cial said. “I don’t want to see still being marketed without any industry resorts to various tricks to The government’s Central Bu- republican constitution, which pledges from donors for recon- “I’ve been smoking since those hideous images printed pictorial health warnings. prevent governments from imple- reau of Statistics (CBI) said the they said had failed to meet their struction after the quake. Op- around 1972 or 1973,” said an on the cigarette packs any more. The survey also revealed that menting the law that makes it man- economy would grow by 0.77% expectations for a greater say in position political parties have offi cial. “I’ve already stopped buying a health warning labels covered datory to carry warning labels with in the year to July 15, the lowest the running of the government. criticised Nepal’s ruling coali- The offi cial said that despite full pack of cigarettes every day.” merely a little more than half of the graphic health images of decayed since 2001/02, because of the The ethnic Madhesi commu- tion for being slow on rebuilding knowing about the harmful ef- Some other smokers said they cigarette packages and the number teeth, cancerous mouths and other border disruptions. nity is dominant in Nepal’s south- and failing to manage the fuel fects of smoking on the body, have also been appalled to see of packets of Bidis with pictorial frightful and highly-visual eff ects This compares with a fore- ern plains that border India. supplies. smoking is a habit hard to quit. the distressing, graphic images health warnings was nil, he said. that smoking can have on health. Gulf Times 30 Thursday, May 5, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief : Darwish S Ahmed In search of a renewed Production Editor: C P Ravindran

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar vision for a united Europe [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), Without a renewed vision of heads of state and government of the of its underlying idea, of its soul. If And yet it is clear that if the euro 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Europe and an eff ective member states and the leaders of the this idea dies among Europe’s citizens fails, the whole European project will Fax 44350474 European Council and the European and peoples, the EU will come to an fail with it. Europe’s leaders know that approach to dealing with Commission – made a fateful decision end, not with a bang but with a long, the euro is still anything but crisis- crises, the continent’s in the wake of the fi nancial crisis. torturous whimper. proof, despite technical improvements They placed their trust in crisis-mode Things cannot go on like this; too achieved during the previous crisis. nationalists will continue management, rather than developing much – the future of our continent Unless a renewed grand compromise is to gain in strength a vision for Europe and a strategy to in a world of rapid change – is at reached between Germany and other achieve it. stake. A policy of baby steps is no eurozone countries, it never will be. In GULF TIMES Strategic management of Europe longer enough. Without a renewed practice, this would mean reforming By Joschka Fischer Berlin would have required making the vision of Europe and an eff ective the eurozone on the basis of deeper necessary compromises, which no approach to dealing with crises, the political integration – obviously no doubt would have entailed political continent’s new (and old) nationalists mean feat. ince 2009, when the fi nancial risks in all member states. Instead, will continue to gain in strength The same applies to the EU’s Ranieri turns back crisis that started in America EU leaders chose to let the reality of and jeopardise the entire project of joint security, protection of external in 2008 shook the eurozone the various crises do the work for peaceful integration on the basis of the borders and a reformed European Sto its core, crisis management them, placing their faith in the force of rule of law. refugee policy. Here, too, eff ective has become Europe’s new normal. circumstances. The Brexit referendum will point political leadership requires a renewed the clock to make Indeed, crisis has followed crisis in the way, both for the UK and for the vision for a united Europe in the Europe, and this is unlikely to change The future of our EU as a whole. It will be followed twenty-fi rst century – what it can anytime soon. either by sighs of relief (as I hope) and must provide, how it should be Europe has had a fi nancial crisis, continent in a world or a cataclysm that rocks the EU to constituted and what institutions and Leicester champions a Greek crisis, a Ukraine crisis and, its core and brings disaster to the powers it requires. since the late summer of 2015, a of rapid change is at UK. But, however the British decide, There is no reason for Europe to refugee crisis. And now, with the UK, Europe’s numerous crises need to be fear crises. They set things in motion Harking back to a previous era and ripping up a one of the European Union’s strongest stake addressed. and provide an opportunity for the text book full of received wisdom, Leicester City’s member states economically and The fi nancial crisis is anything EU to move forward and become remarkable title triumph has been founded on a militarily, holding a referendum on But this approach, born of but over; it has only taken on a new stronger, provided one faces them June 23 on whether to leave the EU cowardice and misplaced cunning, political guise. Portugal, Spain and without fear of the accompanying footballing philosophy that many had consigned to the (so-called Brexit), Europe could soon had its price, too: To its citizens, an Ireland have shown that democratic political risks. dustbin. be facing a secession crisis. EU that moves only in crisis mode majorities are no longer willing to Once the UK has spoken this The statistics of a stunning campaign tell an Indeed, a massive crisis of trust is the very image of incompetence, endure the cure-or-kill treatment of June, Europe must give its answer – astonishing tale of how Leicester have turned the vis-à-vis Europe and its institutions unworthy of their confi dence – austerity politics. And the Greek crisis courageously and with a vision and has developed in most EU member no longer the solution to the old is coming to a boil again. real solutions. Nationalism is not the clock back by shunning possession and glorying in the states, fueling a revival of nationalist continent’s problems, but simply The euro might not survive. answer. Only genuine Europeans can long ball to a pacey striker, while spurning rotation in political parties and ideas and a another problem. Despite signs of a moderate economic ensure a peaceful, prosperous future favour of a settled, almost self-selecting side. slackening of European solidarity. After almost six decades of recovery in the eurozone, the gap for Europe. - Project Syndicate Leicester have played more long balls than almost The re-nationalisation of Europe is successful integration, Europe has between Germany and most other accelerating, making this crisis the become a large feature of everyday life eurozone countries is widening and zJoschka Fischer, Germany’s foreign any team in Europe, their average possession is one of most dangerous of all, as it threatens – a political, economic, institutional deepening. There is no longer any talk minister and vice chancellor from 1998 the lowest in the Premier League and they have started disintegration from within. and legal reality. But all of Europe’s of convergence in the monetary union, to 2005, was a leader of the German fewer players over the campaign than any of their title The EU’s political leaders – the manifestations depend on the vitality and there hasn’t been for a long time. Green Party for almost 20 years. rivals. To many eyes, it is a simple formula for success and one that was common among English sides in the 1980s, yet Leicester’s approach had been almost discarded from the modern game. In an era of European football dominated by Barcelona, who guard the ball with an almost infi nite zeal and rarely pass further than the nearest teammate, Leicester have shown that being direct need not be a relic of a bygone age. A report last month by the Football Observatory research group at the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in Switzerland said Ranieri’s side have played more long balls this season than all but The Foxes have two teams in Europe’s big fi ve leagues. shown that The long ball, so being direct long associated with less skilful and more need not be a physical sides, has relic of a bygone been used ruthlessly by Leicester to target the age pace of striker Jamie Vardy, whose 22 goals have played a huge part in propelling the club to the summit and also earned him the Footballer of the Year title on Monday. Leicester have averaged 45.4 percent possession in their league matches this season, according to STATS (www.stats.com). Only two Premier League sides, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, have averaged less. Within countries, competition for scarce water is becoming a more common source of instability and conflict, especially as climate change increases the severity and Their 335.5 passes on average per match and 72.4 frequency of extreme weather events. percent passing accuracy both rank as the third lowest in the league. Their title rivals, in contrast, have all sought to dominate the ball. Arsenal hogged possession the War and peace and water most, averaging almost 56 percent, but Manchester City (55.2), Manchester United (55.1) and Tottenham Hotspur (54.7) are not far behind. By Laura Tuck and frequency of extreme weather and displacement, especially in seeding – resulting in higher yields Washington events. already water-stressed regions, such than traditional practices produce With most of Leicester’s rivals boasting bigger As we detail in our new report “High as the Middle East and the Sahel in during dry years. squads and deeper pockets, Ranieri’s side have also and Dry: Climate Change, Water and Africa, where agriculture remains an The message from Morocco – and shown that ‘rotation’, another buzzword of modern ndia is currently facing its the Economy”, limited and erratic important source of employment. from our report – is that, with smart football, is not a prerequisite for a title challenge. worst water crisis in years, water availability reduces economic Fortunately, there is a way to avoid water policies and interventions, with an estimated 330mn growth, induces migration and ignites the cycle of poverty, deprivation countries can ensure a climate- Once mocked as the tinkerman when the Italian Ipeople – one-quarter of its civil confl ict, which fuels further and confl ict. If countries take action resilient, water-secure future. was in charge at Chelsea, Ranieri’s Leicester team has population – aff ected by severe potentially destabilising migration. now to implement eff ective water- At the core of eff ective water- virtually picked itself from one week to the next. drought. Ethiopia is also dealing management policies and practices, management strategies will be Other managers can point to the extra demands with its worst drought in decades, backed by well-designed incentives, improved planning for water- which has already contributed to the One water-scarce they can not only reverse the slide resource allocation, the adoption of playing in Europe as a reason for chopping and failure of many crops, creating food country that has toward water scarcity, but also raise of incentives to increase effi ciency, changing more frequently, but there can be little shortages that now aff ect around a their rates of economic growth by as investment in infrastructure for doubt that stability has been at the core of Leicester’s tenth of the population. Under such taken action to much as six percentage points per improved water security, and better relentless consistency. circumstances, the risk of tension over year. urban planning, risk management resources is high. improve its resilience One water-scarce country that has and citizen engagement. The recently In a truly remarkable season, Ranieri has steadfastly In the past, droughts of this severity taken action to improve its resilience created International High-level refused to tinker, leaving his more acclaimed EPL have led to confl ict and even wars to climate change is to climate change is Morocco. In years Panel on Water, comprising ten heads rivals with plenty of food for thought ahead of the next between neighbouring communities of low rainfall, Morocco’s river-basin of state, will be promoting precisely and states. One of the fi rst in recorded Morocco authorities give the lowest priority to this agenda to foster better water season. history erupted around 4,500 years crop irrigation, the largest consumer management globally. ago, when the city-state of Lagash This cycle has been apparent in of the country’s water. But, of course, Of course, not every country will – nestled between the Tigris and some regions for decades. In Sub- agriculture remains critical to feed follow the same path in safeguarding a To Advertise Euphrates rivers in modern-day Iraq Saharan Africa, for example, periods the population. So the government water-secure future. But, as countries – diverted water from its neighbour, of low rainfall over the last 20 years has been investing in modernising develop their strategies, they can look [email protected] Umma. Competition for water sparked have often been followed by spikes irrigation infrastructure to provide to one another for ideas and insights Display violent incidents in ancient China in violence, civil wars and regime farmers with more effi cient water into what works – and what doesn’t. Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 and fuelled political instability in change. And in many parts of rural services that enable them to adjust With strong and prudent action, Pharaonic Egypt. Africa and India, a decline in rainfall more easily to variations in water governments around the world can cope Classified Today, actual wars between has acted as a “push factor” for availability. eff ectively with the natural limitations Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 countries over water resources are internal or cross-border migration to The Moroccan authorities are also and uncertainties aff ecting water uncommon, owing to improved more water-abundant places, often working to improve groundwater resources, ensuring that their people Subscription dialogue and cross-border co- cities, creating new social pressures as governance, to avoid over-extraction. and economies are prepared for what [email protected] operation. But, within countries, the numbers of displaced people grow. Farmers engaged in rain-fed might lie ahead. - Project Syndicate competition for scarce water is In our report, we predict that agriculture receive support that helps becoming a more common source of water scarcity could act as a confl ict- them to make better use of rainfall – zLaura Tuck is the World Bank 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved instability and confl ict, especially as risk multiplier, fuelling cycles of such as through the introduction of Group vice president for Sustainable climate change increases the severity resource-driven confl ict, violence, climate-resilient practices like direct Development. Gulf Times Thursday, May 5, 2016 31 COMMENT Live issues Letters

Extra marks for Today when almost everyone Although, the El Nino phenomenon owns a smartphone and uses is blamed for the situation, man- e-mail greetings Whatsapp, Skype, etc, calling a PM made factors like poor management, Does early retirement a “tech- savvy” for just sending a corruption and violence are making Dear Sir, greetings through e-mail is a bit an things bad to worse. More than overstatement. 400,0000 people have already I read with great interest the letter But we are eagerly waiting for migrated from Somalia to Kenya “A PM who is in touch” (Gulf Times, Modi’s visit to Qatar, which is and are living in camps without any May 2) and agree that anyone getting expected to happen soon, according necessities of lives. mean an early death? a greeting card from a country’s prime to press reports. The visit, we hope, Many countries in diff erent parts minister should feel a sense of pride. I will further expand relations between of the world spend millions of dollars The latest research had felt so when I received a greeting Qatar and India. But one should note on weapons but can’t provide relief card from Rajiv Gandhi, a former that all previous Indian governments to suff ering humanity. It is a sad suggests that those prime minister of India. also had excellent relations with Qatar situation. ending work younger are Gandhi’s card came to me though and had been trying to strengthen courier, and not by e-mail as was them further through various Khawaja Umer Farooq more likely to die earlier the case narrated in “A PM who is initiatives. We also hope that Modi will [email protected] than those staying in jobs in touch”. A few years ago, I got an address the Indian expatriates in Qatar appreciation letter from the Indian not as a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Prime Minister Offi ce too after I Party (BJP) but as the prime minister By Dr Luisa Dillner donated a small amount to the Prime of the nation. I write this because I had London Minister’s Relief fund following noticed a few people waving BJP fl ags fl oods in the north Indian state of at functions attended by Modi during Uttarakhand. That letter also came his visit to the US. Please send us spot of gardening, going to me in Qatar through the courier travelling – who hasn’t service. MH your letters daydreamed about early But sending e-mail greetings to (Full name and e-mail address Aretirement? So damn people is not a criterion to evaluate a supplied) By e-mail the latest study in the Journal of leader’s capability, at least today when Epidemiology and Community Health year longer (over the age of 65) had an A Swedish study found that women the Internet service is available almost [email protected] that shows an early retirement can 11% lower ‘all-cause mortality risk”. in non-manual jobs who retired had a everywhere with Wi-Fi connectivity Lukewarm Fax 44350474 mean less time to enjoy it. Even the unhealthy group reduced higher risk of dying from heart disease almost universal. Hence, I believe that Or Post You might assume the eff ect was their likelihood of dying by 9% if they whenever they left work, compared the letter-writer has given extra marks response caused by sicker people retiring earlier delayed retirement. with those who stayed in jobs. But a to the greeting from Prime Minister Letters to the Editor and dying prematurely, but this study This seems counterintuitive. If Swedish study of army offi cers found Narendra Modi. Gulf Times really tries to take that into account. anything should kill you, surely it’s early retirement reduced the likelihood And describing Prime Minister Dear Sir, P O Box 2888 The researchers analysed data from dragging yourself into work until your of dying by the age of 70 by 26%. Modi as “tech-savvy“ is not a proper 2,956 people who were part of the late 60s. There is at least one study Many people will continue working evaluation of his leadership quality. More than 58,000 children face Doha, Qatar Healthy Retirement Study funded by showing that people are happier, from fi nancial necessity. But if you If he was really “tech-savvy” he starvation death in drought-hit the National Institute on Ageing in even if they’re not healthier, after can aff ord to stop working earlier would have replied through e-mails Somalia. The situation in Somalia, America. retiring, especially if it was their own and you’re healthy, you shouldn’t or twitter to so many questions that where dry conditions are exacerbated All letters, which are People were divided into unhealthy decision, but the evidence overall is postpone retirement out of fear it are quite relevant to India these days. by an exceptionally strong El Nino subject to editing, should and healthy retirees based on whether not clearcut. could kill you. Chenkai Wu, lead But he chose to remain silent over weather pattern, is “alarming and have the name of the they said sickness infl uenced their A German study from 2009, Time to author of the latest paper, says that it most of them. The fact that he hadn’t could get worse”, the United Nations decision to stop work: about two- Retire – Time to Die?, is one of the few may be what work represents to people responded even when hundreds of has warned. writer, address and phone thirds were healthy and a third to fi nd that healthier people who retire that prolongs life – not employment writers had returned their prestigious According to UN estimates, 4.7mn number. The writer’s unhealthy. During the 18 years of the before the age of 61 may live longer itself. awards to the government as a mark people are in urgent need of food in name and address may be study, 12% of the healthy and 25.6% of than those who continue to work. “Keeping active and getting of protest shows that he is selective in Somalia but the international response the unhealthy group died. But this study, like some others, may involved in voluntary work defi nitely responding to public issues. to the unfolding tragedy is lukewarm. withheld by request. After taking into account factors not fully account for diff erences in brings retirees a lot of benefi ts that The term “tech-savvy” would have Neighbouring Ethiopia is also such as the healthy group’s better occupation – heavy manual jobs may would have been brought about by better suited to the late prime minister struggling to combat its worst drought education and fi nances, they found take more of a toll than managerial keeping on working.” - Guardian News Rajiv Gandhi whose dream was to in history. At least 10mn people need that healthy retirees who worked a ones. and Media computerise India. urgent food aid in Ethiopia. World’s biggest Weather report diamond Three-day forecast TODAY to be auctioned High: 38 C Low : 29 C Expected poor visibility due fog by night By Gina Cherelus Reuters/London

FRIDAY High: 36 C he largest gem-quality Low: 27 C rough diamond discovered Sunny in more than 100 years will Tbe auctioned in London next month and is expected to sell for SATURDAY $70mn, international auction house High: 37 C Sotheby’s said yesterday. Low: 28 C Ahead of the auction on June 29, the Sunny 1,109-carat diamond, called “Lesedi la Rona” (its name in Botswana’s Tswana language translates as “Our Fishermen’s forecast Light”), was on display at Sotheby’s OFFSHORE DOHA New York headquarters. Wind: SW-SE 07-15 KT David Bennett, worldwide chairman Waves: 2-4 Feet of Sotheby’s jewellery division, said INSHORE DOHA the size of the Lesedi la Rona amazed Wind: NW-SE 05-15/18 KT Waves: 1-2 Feet experts. “It really just soared off the scale of Around the region rare into something just, one off , it’s Weather Weather just unique,” he said. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Unearthed in Botswana in Abu Dhabi Sunny 41/26 Sunny 44/27 November 2015 by Canadian Baghdad P Cloudy 33/21 P Cloudy 37/21 mining company Lucara Diamond Dubai Sunny Sunny 35/27 39/28 Corporation, the gigantic gem is about Kuwait City M Sunny 42/28 M Cloudy 37/27 Manama Sunny 34/26 M Sunny 32/27 the size of a tennis ball and is believed Muscat Sunny 38/29 Sunny 38/29 to be between 2.5bn to more than Riyadh M Sunny 41/26 M Sunny 39/25 threebn years old. Tehran P Cloudy 32/19 P Cloudy 28/18

The Lesedi La Rona diamond sits in a display case at Sotheby’s in New York.

The Lesedi La Rona’s colour and transparency are typical of a rare and coveted subgroup called Type IIa diamonds, according to a study by the Gemological Institute of America. Bennett said it was second only in size to the Cullinan Diamond, which Around the world was discovered in 1905 in South Africa Weather Weather and weighed more than 3,000 carats. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min The Cullinan Diamond was later cut Athens Showers 18/13 Rain 21/14 into several smaller stones. Beirut Sunny 23/17 Showers 21/17 The reputation of diamonds mined Sunny M Sunny 37/29 Bangkok 38/29 in Africa has been tarnished in recent Berlin Cloudy 16/04 M Sunny 19/08 Cairo Sunny 31/17 M Sunny 28/17 decades by rebels in strife-torn Cape Town Sunny 26/15 P Cloudy 24/15 countries who forced people to mine Colombo S T Storms 32/26 S T Storms 32/25 them and then sold the so-called Dhaka S T Storms 32/25 S T Storms 32/26 “blood diamonds” to raise money to Hong Kong P Cloudy 28/24 I T Storms 28/24 Istanbul Showers 17/11 T Storms 17/11 buy arms. Jakarta I T Storms 33/25 S T Storms 32/25 But the Kimberley Process Karachi Sunny 35/26 Sunny 34/26 Certifi cation System, a UN-backed London M Sunny 19/09 P Cloudy 22/12 programme that was set up in 2002 Manila P Cloudy 36/26 M Sunny 37/26 Moscow S T Storms 15/09 I T Storms 22/09 following devastating civil wars in New Delhi S T Storms 37/24 M Sunny 38/24 Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia, has New York Cloudy 13/11 Rain 15/11 made traffi cking in confl ict diamonds Paris Sunny 20/08 P Cloudy 23/12 much more diffi cult. Sao Paulo P Cloudy 24/15 M Sunny 28/16 Sotheby’s said independent reports Seoul M Sunny 26/17 Rain 19/10 Singapore T Storms 33/27 S T Storms 33/27 by experts showed the Lesedi la Rona Sydney Sunny 23/11 Sunny 24/12 could have the potential to yield the Tokyo Rain 25/16 Clear 27/14 largest, top-quality diamond ever seen once it has been cut and polished. Gulf Times 32 Thursday, May 5, 2016 QATAR

The awards ceremony will be held on May 30. Qatar Today awards ceremony to recognise business excellence

atar Today has announced ing and Advertising, which brings out (20%), dividend yield (20%), liquidity the second edition of the Qa- Qatar Today every month. (20%), return on equity (15%), revenue Qtar Today Business Excellence The Qatar Today Business Excel- growth (10%) and net margin (15%), Awards (QTBEA), which will be held lence Awards have Maserati on deck according to Deloitte & Touche Qatar at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - once again as the main sponsor. To representatives, head of fi nancial ad- Doha on May 30. have the backing of a business con- visory services Robin Butteriss and as- The event, being held under the glomerate like the Alfardan Group “is sistant director Saumya Krishna. auspices of Qatar Stock Exchange and reaffi rming”, a statement noted. Also supporting the awards is Gulf with the continued support of Maserati Charly Dagher, general manager of Bridge International (GBI), a Qatari Qatar, will identify and felicitate top- Alfardan Sports Motors — Maserati investment that has become a global performing companies on the bourse Qatar, said: “Maserati Qatar is pleased connectivity provider. Abdulla al- in 2015. Qatar Today will also honour to be the offi cial sponsor of the second Rwaili, executive vice-chairman and prominent companies and individu- edition of the QTBEA ceremony. managing director of GBI, said: “We als who have done the nation proud by The awards are a unique platform that are glad to support the Qatar Today excelling in the fi elds of business and recognises the entrepreneurship spirit of Business Excellence Awards, which economy, aligning their company’s Qatari business leaders, who have helped recognise the thriving corporate land- goals to Qatar National Vision 2030. drive the economy forward.” scape in Qatar.” “We are back this year with a new Qatar Today has again enlisted the Another partner is Amigoz, whose and improved formula to determine help of validation partners Deloitte & green business ventures align with the top 10 companies, more partners Touche, who have vetted the formulae Qatar Today’s ideals and initiatives. and a bigger venue. We are honoured to and parameters in creating the ranking. “We want to thank the publication for introduce our partners, without whom The ranking is based on performance giving us the opportunity to be part an event of this ambition and magni- and utilises key fi nancial metrics and of QTBEA as support sponsors,” said tude won’t be possible,” said Sindhu ratios. Weights assigned to fi nancial Ahamed Nabeel, partner and general Nair, managing editor of Oryx Publish- metrics comprise share price growth manager at Amigoz.