BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Benatia strikes on Asian debut QIIB lists $500mn as Al Duhail sukuk on the LSE win 3-0 published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11114 March 6, 2019 Jumada II 29, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief

REGION | Rights Saudi faces fi rst-ever censure at UN forum Amir, Austrian leaders discuss European countries will urge Saudi Arabia this week to release detained activists and co-operate with a UN-led probe into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, in the first rebuke of the kingdom ways to enhance relations at the Human Rights Council, diplomats and campaigners said. The joint statement, due to be read zMoUs to strengthen co-operation in economic and tourism fields signed out tomorrow, comes amid growing concern about the fate of detainees. SPORT | Champions League Real Madrid knocked out as Ajax, Spurs advance Three-time defending champions Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League last night as Ajax scored an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Spanish giants in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie at the Bernabeu in Madrid. Ajax won the tie 5-3 in aggregate. In another match, Tottenham Hotspur won 1-0 at Borussia Dortmund and completed a 4-0 aggregate victory. AMERICA | Wealth Kylie Jenner is world’s youngest billionaire Kylie Jenner yesterday was named the youngest self-made billionaire of all time by Forbes magazine, thanks to the booming cosmetics company she founded three years ago. Jenner, 21, the half-sister of reality television stars Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, made it onto the annual Forbes list of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani inspects a guard of honour with Austrian President Alexander Van His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani shakes hands with billionaires after debuting her Kylie der Bellen at Hofburg Presidential Palace in Vienna yesterday. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at the Chancellery in Vienna yesterday. Cosmetics online in 2015 . Forbes said she was both the world’s youngest QNA Alexander Van der Bellen held a session The fi rst MoU was on economic, trade Digital and Economic Aff airs. The pact accompanying the Amir attended the billionaire and also the youngest self- Vienna of offi cial talks at Hofburg Presidential and technical co-operation between aims to promote economic relations, banquet. made billionaire ever. Palace in Vienna. Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and In- improve the level of trade exchange be- His Highness the Amir Sheikh During the meeting, they discussed dustry and the Austrian Ministry for tween the two countries, encourage the Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani left Vien- is Highness the Amir Sheikh aspects of enhancing co-operation to establishment of exhibitions and mu- na yesterday evening after a two-day Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani cover various fi elds, especially in poli- Austrian-Qatari Business tual events and exempt customs duties offi cial visit to Austria. Hand Austrian Chancellor Se- tics, economy, investment, health and Forum in Vienna focuses on some imports and exports. The Amir sent cables to the Austrian bastian Kurz yesterday discussed ways education, in a way that serves the in- on investment, trade The second MoU, signed between president and chancellor, expressing to strengthen relations of friendship terests of the two peoples and countries. Qatar’s National Tourism Council and deep thanks and appreciation for the and co-operation between Qatar and They also discussed the latest re- HE the Minister of Commerce and the Austrian Ministry for Sustainabil- hospitality and honour accorded to Austria in various fi elds, especially gional and international develop- Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari ity and Tourism, aims to develop and him during the visit, which allowed the economy, investment, trade, energy ments, especially the situation in Pal- yesterday underscored the importance promote co-operation between both exchange of views on issues of com- and technology. estine, in addition to the Gulf crisis. of promoting investment and trade co- countries in this fi eld. mon concern and means of strength- The talks, which were held at the The meeting was attended by mem- operation between Qatar and Austria. The signing ceremony was attended ening and promoting the friendly re- Chancellery in Vienna, also discussed bers of the offi cial delegation accom- He also praised the friendly relations by members of the offi cial delegation lations and co-operation between the current regional and international de- panying the Amir. between the two countries as evi- accompanying the Amir. From the two countries in various fi elds for the velopments. The meeting was attend- On the Austrian side, it was attend- denced by the exchange of high-rank- Austrian side, the ceremony was at- good and the benefi t of the two peo- ed by members of the offi cial delega- ed by a number of ministers and senior ing off icial visits since the 1970s when tended by ministers. ples. tion accompanying the Amir. offi cials. Qatar opened its embassy in Austria. The Amir attended a luncheon ban- The Amir wished the president and On the Austrian side, it was attend- The Amir and the Austrian chancel- HE the Minister delivered his remarks quet hosted by the Austrian president the chancellor the best of health and ed by a number of ministers and senior lor witnessed the signing of two mem- during the Austrian-Qatari Business at the Hofburg Presidential Palace. happiness, and the friendly people of offi cials. orandums of understanding (MoU), at Forum in Vienna yesterday. Page 9 A number of Austrian ministers and Austria further progress and prosper- The Amir and Austrian President the Chancellery in Vienna. senior offi cials as well as the delegation ity. Page 24 QM, UCL Qatar discover the Qatar’s healthcare system earliest Islamic site in Qatar ranked 5th best globally

atar Museums (QM) and UCL atar’s health system has been ment to system-wide priorities to both Qatar have unearthed the ranked 5th best in the world meet the needs of future generations Qearliest Islamic period site in Qand the fi rst in the Middle East, and improve the health of the current Qatar and one of the earliest in the according to Legatum Institute, a Lon- population. region, in a monumental discovery in don-based think-tank. “The 2018 ranking recognises the the country’s northwest. Qatar is the only country in the re- investment the country has made in Researchers have identifi ed that gion to score in the top fi ve on the an- health infrastructure. Over the past the settlement dates to the later Sas- nual prosperity index, placed behind two years, we have opened six new sanian period, between 538 and 670 Singapore, Luxembourg, Japan and public sector hospitals and more than CE. The architectural features still in Switzerland. 1,100 new hospital beds. We have also place today can be traced back to the Improved life expectancy, better opened four new Health and Wellness Umayyad period of 661-750 CE. health outcomes, and investment in Centres. The ranking also recognises The excavation came as part of a health infrastructure have resulted in that our focus on areas such as can- joint project between QM and UCL The team that made the discovery at the site. Qatar being ranked fi fth. In compiling cer, diabetes, and smoking cessation Qatar, called Crowded Desert. For the the health ranking in the annual pros- is having a positive impact on people’s past three years, the project has centred nifi cant because they counter previous tar Foundation (QF). The main aim of perity index, countries’ performance HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari: lives, and ultimately it recognises that around the archaeological study of Me- academic belief that the occupation of this project is to enrich our knowl- in three areas, including basic health ranking recognises the investment life expectancy in Qatar continues to leiha and Umm al-Ma’, near Zubarah. the Gulf in the early Islamic period is edge and understanding of the no- outcomes, health infrastructure and Qatar has made in health infrastructure. improve,” said Dr al-Kuwari. It was at the excavation of Yoghbi, linked to the peak of trade with the In- mads and sedentary people who lived preventative care, and physical and Qatar also ranks strongly for a however, that the team, led by Dr Jose dian Ocean, that was brought about by in the area, and their relationship mental health were evaluated. vested in healthcare in 2018, a 4% in- number of health outcomes. The na- Carvajal Lopez of UCL Qatar, un- the foundation of Baghdad in 762 CE with other distant places in the Gulf. The rise in the rankings from 13th crease from the previous year. tion has the highest life expectancy rate covered Qatar’s earliest Islamic pe- and Siraf, around 800 CE. This information helps us paint a place last year to 5th, has been driven by HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, in the Eastern Mediterranean Region riod settlement. Amongst the items Speaking about the importance better picture about the great histori- the fact that Qatar has the highest life Minister of Public Health said under and has seen the crude death rate per found were ceramics from between of the project Faisal al-Naimi, Di- cal themes prevalent in the Middle expectancy rate in the Eastern Medi- the wise leadership of His Highness 100,000 population decline through- the seventh and eighth centuries and rector of Archaeology at QM, said: East, such as the early civilisations, terranean Region and globally ranks in the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad out this decade, from 99.1 in 2014 to fragments of glass, metals, stone ves- “The joint Crowded Desert Project is the Islamisation of the region and the the top 25 percentile for healthcare ac- al-Thani, Qatar has invested heavily 80.2 in 2017. Additionally, infant mor- sels and fi shing tools from the early a shared adventure of QM and UCL Gulf’s long-distance connectivity cess and quality. The country’s health- in the health sector. She said the top tality rates have declined consistently Islamic period. Qatar, funded by the Qatar National with the Indian Ocean and the rest of care spending is among the highest in placement in the international index is in recent years, from 7.4 per 1,000 live The discoveries at Yoghbi are sig- Research Fund, a member of the Qa- the Middle East.” To Page 24 the Middle East, with QR22.7bn in- a refl ection of the country’s commit- births in 2015 to 5.4 per 1,000 in 2017. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 QATAR Environment minister meets EU ambassadors Foundation stone laid for Qatari Diar’s Chelsea Barracks Phase IV

QNA HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie yesterday met the ambassadors of EU London countries accredited to Qatar. During the meeting, they discussed co-operation between Qatar and the EU countries in the fields of agriculture, environment, urban planning, municipal aff airs and food security. They also discussed means to promote co-operation aspects to achieve mutual goals. The EU ambassadors were briefed on the strategy of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, atari Diar has announced the most prominent work currently under implementation and future projects, in addition to what the ministry has achieved in diff erent the laying of the founda- fields. Qtion stone of Phase IV of its London-based Chelsea Bar- racks project after the success of the fi rst three phases, a land- mark in the real estate develop- ment of the prestigious Belgravia district of London. Qatari Diar appointed Mul- EU-Qatar air transport agreement tiplex as the main contractor for Phase IV and has completed the fi rst three phases, which in- cludes the construction of 81 to foster long-term relationship new homes and consists of 12.8 acres in Belgravia, due for com- pletion by the end of 2019. he Comprehensive Air Multiplex will begin con- Transport Agreement struction and development im- T(CATA) signed between mediately after the laying of the European Union and Qatar “cre- foundation stone, with comple- ates strong foundations for a tion scheduled for the summer Qatari Diar appointed Multiplex as the main contractor for Phase IV long-term relationship pro- of 2022. of its London-based Chelsea Barracks project. moting fair and free trade, high Phase IV is one of the largest standards and a single set of and most important phases of rules and values,” said European the project and extends to the Commission vice-president success of the company in the Jyrki Katainen. development of the previous He was speaking on the side- three phases. lines of the Comprehensive Air This stage is the centre of the Transport Agreement concluded Chelsea Barracks area, covering between the two sides in Brus- an area of 517,000 square feet, sels on Monday. designed by Eric Parry Archi- The agreement is the first of tects, which has designed many its kind between the European important buildings in London, Union and a Gulf Cooperation including the London Stock Council (GCC) member state, Exchange, 23 Saville Row, and providing a “significant com- the famous St Martins-in-the- petitive edge” to air carriers Fields. of both sides and a sustain- Phase IV consists of three able framework for the launch buildings with 97 apartments, of future passenger and cargo HE al-Sulaiti and HE al-Baker with al-Subaey and another off icial during the Comprehensive Air Transport as well as a state-of-the-art spa, operations in the few remain- Agreement (CATA) signed between European Union and Qatar in Brussels. tennis courts, a wellness centre ing restricted markets in Eu- and two garden squares. rope. port Agreement was initially the ceremony was attended by and trade exchange between Five Fields Square, the largest European Commissioner announced during the CAPA Katainen and head, Cabinet for Doha and EU capital cities, wid- of the seven garden squares, and (Transport) Violeta Bulc said, Qatar Aviation Aeropolitical and European Commissioner for ening the partnership with EU a second that will be exclusive to “We delivered! Qatar was the Regulatory Summit held in Doha Transport Matej Zakonjsek. countries and developing our the residents of the three build- first partner with whom we last month. Member States represented national carrier’s network, thus ings. launched negotiations follow- The agreement was signed by their respective civil aviation supporting economic growth The beauty of this outstand- ing our adoption of the Avia- by the president of Qatar’s Civil authorities, who were party to across all sectors. ing architectural masterpiece in tion Strategy for Europe….now Aviation Authority (QCAA), Ab- the negotiations, included ma- Al-Baker said, “This historic Belgravia is in its modern design it is also the first one to cross dulla bin Nasser Turki al-Sub- jor European airlines, key avia- landmark agreement will open and retaining the original iden- Qatari Diar and Multiplex off icials at the foundation stone laying the finish line! More than that, aey, and the head of Unit, Inter- tion industry associations and doors to a host of new opportu- tity of the prestigious district. ceremony. the agreement sets out ambi- national Transport Aff airs at the specialised agencies, including nities for airlines in Europe and CEO at Qatari Diar, Engineer tious standards for fair com- European Union Directorate- the Airports Council Interna- Qatar, ensuring fair access to Abdullah Hamad al-Attiyah surrounding streets of Belgravia. focus on the fi nal goal. petition, transparency or social General for Mobility and Trans- tional. markets. said, “Although we have been on Developed by Qatari Diar With almost 7,000 employees issues. port, Carlos Bermejo-Acosta. Al-Sulaiti said, “This agree- The negotiations have proven site working on the latest phase Europe, Chelsea Barracks will across the globe, Multiplex has a It will provide a level playing Among the dignitaries present ment, which refl ects the EU’s how positive engagement can for the last 18 months, the ap- comprise a rare collection of mobile, collaborative workforce fi eld and raise the bar globally for were HE the Minister of Trans- trust in Qatar’s potentials, will build trust among nations. pointment of Multiplex as the apartments, penthouses, mews that shares knowledge and ap- air transport agreements. port and Communications, Jas- allow for the liberalisation of Our hope is that the proven main contractor for this phase and townhouses as well as an plies international best practice This is a major upgrade com- sim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Qatar the fundamental mobility rights success of these negotiations demonstrates our commitment unparalleled array of amenities across all projects. pared to the existing framework, Airways Group Chief Executive, between Qatar and EU markets will encourage other trading to Chelsea Barracks and Lon- including: restaurants, shops, Qatari Diar Real Estate Invest- and our joint contribution to HE Akbar al-Baker, and Qatar’s — one of the oldest and largest blocs and signifi cant aviation don.” sports facilities as well as a ment Company was established making aviation more sustain- ambassador to Belgium, Abdul- in the world in the realm of air markets to join in helping to Al-Attiyah added, “While state-of-the-art health club in 2005 as a member of the Qa- able.” rahman bin Mohamed al-Khu- transport. achieve a liberalised global avia- work on this stage of construc- and spa. tar Investment Authority (QIA) The conclusion of the Qatar- laifi . This will contribute to in- tion regime for future genera- tion begins, we look forward to Five acres (40%) of previously to support the growing Qatari EU Comprehensive Air Trans- From the European side, creasing the mobility, tourism tions”. welcoming our fi rst residents to concealed land will be opened up economy and implement real es- their homes later this year when to create beautifully landscaped tate development projects inside the site will be open to the pub- public green space with seven and outside Qatar. lic for the fi rst time in over 150 traditional garden squares. Qatari Diar began its fi rst years.” Multiplex has been deliver- projects by establishing the Lu- Multiplex CEO Ashley Mul- ing landmark property and in- sail City northern Doha in De- doon says: “We are extremely frastructure assets for over 50 cember 2005, which is the largest Qatari delegation led by QNTC proud to have been awarded the years. city in the world built according main contract for the next phase They are a leading interna- to sustainability standards. of Chelsea Barracks, and to be tional contractor with a focus Qatari Diar has a capital of working on a development that on sustainable growth and a US$8bn, with more than 60 will transform the landscape of presence in Europe, Canada, the projects under development in participates in ITB Berlin expo Belgravia.” Middle East, Australia and India. Qatar and in 24 countries around Out of public reach for over Established in 1962, Multi- the world with investments esti- 150 years, Chelsea Barracks is plexs work to date comprises mated at more than US$35bn. atar National Tourism compared to 58,930 visitors re- situated on a 12.8-acre site. more than 955 projects with Qatari Diar has established Council (QNTC) is lead- ceived the previous year, QNTC Today, the land is being trans- a combined value in excess of itself as one of the most credible Qing a delegation from added. formed into one of the world’s US$80bn. and respected real estate compa- Qatar, consisting of leading ho- Qatar off ers a wide range of most desirable addresses. They have built a reputation in nies in the world. tels, local tour operators and unique tourism experiences The new development will be the marketplace for their collab- Its commitment to the com- other tourism service providers, to diverse categories of Ger- an entirely new and prestigious orative, fl exible approach work- munities in which it is located is to the German capital for the man tourists, witnessing strong neighbourhood in London that ing in partnership with their by working to improve its quality world’s largest trade show — ITB development in the country’s connects seamlessly with the clients and maintaining a shared of life and sustainability. Berlin. cruise tourism segment with The event will be held from to- German cruise ships AIDA and day until March 10. TUI Mein Schiff arriving to Doha Spread over 222sqm, the Qatar Port in 2018. pavilion at ITB Berlin will have The hosting of mass par- representation from QNTC and ticipation events such as the Qatari team takes part in pavement its 20 co-exhibitors showcasing World Corporate Games in the country’s expanding tourism November this year, first time and hospitality options. to be held in the Middle East, engineering conference in UK Among these are National further supports the country’s Museum of Qatar, Qatar Rail, File picture of Qatar’s participation in a previous edition of ITB Berlin. goals for developing a vibrant IAAF World Championships in sports and recreation tourism QNA als in buildings and infrastruc- The Qatari research suc- Athletics 2019 and the Supreme ing Dertour Tour Operators and The delegation’s participation sub-sector, while tapping in Doha ture applications. cessfully demonstrated the in- Committee for Delivery & Leg- AIDA Cruises. comes as part of QNTC’s eff orts business tourism opportuni- The research is part of the service performance of concrete acy updating visitors about the “With joint communications, to shed light on Qatar’s unique ties. QNRF funded project on the “Im- buildings and road pavement 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. co-marketing actions and fa- authentic experiences to pro- The country’s national airline, senior research team at- plementation of Recycled Materi- constructed with recycled ag- “We saw a strong growth in miliarisation trips with these mote the country as a tourism Qatar Airways, now serving Ha- tended the International als in Construction”, to support gregate materials after being visitor arrivals from Germany partners, along with our recently destination among travel pro- mad International Airport with AConference on “Pave- the government strategy of sus- exposed to loadings and climatic in 2018,” Rashed al-Qurese launched global destination fessionals and tourism industry 70 weekly fl ights from Frankfurt, ment Engineering, Asphalt tainable development through conditions for 5 years. from QNTC said in a press campaign: Qatar – Qurated for leaders in Germany, the state- Munich, Berlin, Vienna, Zurich Technology, and Infrastructure” the wider implementation of solid The Qatar research was well- statement. you highlighting the destina- ment notes. and Geneva, also off ers comfort- in the Liverpool John Moores waste, mainly from construction received by the audiences, and “We also recently sealed a tion’s bespoke tourism experi- German-speaking countries able access to Qatar and only re- University. and demolition waste, in con- selected for publication in the number of partnerships with ences, we expect this upward are a key source market for Qa- cently increased frequency from The Qatari team presented a struction with the combined ben- International refereed Journal of leading German companies trend of visitor arrivals to con- tar with a record growth of 34% Zurich and Vienna to its home new research on the long-term efi ts of reduced costs and protec- Pavement Engineering and As- in the tourism sector, includ- tinue.” in 2018 receiving 78,858 visitors, hub, Doha. performance of recycled materi- tion of the environment. phalt Technology in the UK. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 3 QATAR

QatarDebate to host ‘largest ever’ university debate championship

By Joseph Varghese QatarDebate that will take place allowed a maximum of three Staff Reporter at Qatar National Convention universities from one country Centre. to take part in the competition. The details of the champi- From Kuwait and Oman we have atarDebate Centre, an onship were announced by Dr fi ve teams taking part. Each team initiative of Qatar Foun- Maarafi at a press conference has four participants other than Qdation, will host the yesterday. Ali Sultan al-Muftah, the coach and other offi cials,” “largest ever” university debate PR & media manager at Qa- continued Dr Maarafi . championship with the par- tarDebate, Ramzan al-Naimi, “This year we have also added ticipation of 52 countries from director, Network Creative, Al a special award named ‘Pioneers March 16 to 20. Jazeera Network, Aisha al-Nesf, Award’. This will be presented to “This is the largest univer- head, Educational Programmes the best project to spread the art sity championship so far – be at QatarDebate, and Abdulrah- of debate. During the champi- it in Arabic or English. About man al-Subaie, head, outreach onship we will also announce the 110 teams are participating in programme at QatarDebate were new QatarDebate ambassadors,” the championship. A total of 52 also present on the occasion. she added. countries have already registered “The championship, held There are a number of coun- for the championship from both in Arabic, will be organised in tries from North America and Arab and Non-Arab countries,” two categories for native Arabic Europe participating in the Dr Hayat Abdullah Maarafi , ex- speakers and non-native Arabic championship. There are nine ecutive director of QatarDebate speakers. There will be separate countries taking part in the Centre told Gulf Times. prizes for the best speaker and competition for the fi rst time Held under the patronage of best team in both categories. including, Macedonia Iran, Az- HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad More than 600 debaters and del- erbaijan, Kosovo, Serbia among al-Thani, Vice-Chairperson and egates shall attend the fi ve day others. CEO of Qatar Foundation, this is event,” explained Dr Maarafi . Al Jazeera Network and Qatar the fi fth International Universi- “We have more than one team Airways are the two major spon- ties Debating Championship by from most countries. We have sors of the championship. Off icials announcing the championship details. PICTURE: Shameer Rasheed

HEC Paris to off er Silatech conference calls for 3-day programme on ‘strategic negotiations’ empowering young people EC Paris in Qatar will deliver the ‘Mastering QNA world, and to implement the sation, noting that 64mn young Sustainable Development Goals, cause of instability and confl ict. HStrategic Negotiations’ Geneva international strategy against people are unemployed while for her eff orts in order to enable United Nations High Com- executive short programme terrorism, especially as young 70mn workers still live in ex- the youth and provide them with missioner for Human Rights from March 19 to 21. people are the foundation of the treme poverty. job opportunities through Si- and former president of Chile, The three-day programme ilatech has organised a renaissance of nations. Ambassador for Silatech, latech. Michelle Bachelet, said youth are will take place in Tornado high-level conference en- Sessions of discussions were Chaker Khazaal, said that young He added that Silatech’s work partners in change and benefi t Tower, led by HEC Paris as- Stitled “Empowering Youth, on the agenda of the conference, people need to build bridges on empowering and improving from it, and their voices must be sociate professor Gonçalo Pa- Transforming Societies” at the one of which was on how to build of communication rather than the lives of young people is more heard. checo de Almeida. International Conference Cen- a global system conducive to the walls. important than ever, especially She highlighted the impor- Professor Pacheco de Alme- tre, Geneva. empowerment of youths. in a world that grows darker and tance of youth’s role, their em- ida said, “This programme is The conference called for The focus was on the role The focus was on the role of more frightening every day. powerment, investing in them designed to equip profession- tackling rising youth unemploy- of the Silatech foundation in the Silatech foundation in The participants, including and interacting with them. als with cutting-edge nego- equipped to control the ne- ment through economic and providing job opportunities providing job opportunities politicians and offi cials of the Her Highness Sheikha Moza tiation techniques to analyse, gotiation process by antici- social empowerment, particu- for young people, especially in for young people, United Nations, the European bint Nasser, Chairperson of Si- prepare for, and execute com- pating and influencing their larly in developing regions with confl ict areas and increase the especially in confl ict areas Union and prominent interna- latech and UN Sustainable De- plex deals across most indus- counterparts’ actions and increasingly young populations. standard of living of the refugees and increase the standard tional organisations, agreed that velopment Goals Advocate, had tries. be able to polish their nego- The conference stressed and displaced persons. of living of the refugees and the provision of employment announced on Monday that The negotiation techniques tiation style by identifying the importance of empower- United Nations High Com- displaced persons opportunities for young people youth will receive 3mn employ- discussed in class can be im- their strengths, weakness ing young people economically, missioner for Refugees Filippo is a key to economic develop- ment opportunities globally by mediately applied to real- and auditing intuition. creating more job opportunities Grandi stressed the importance As a former refugee, he has ment and real investment in any 2022, calling for more partners world situations.” Keeping up “with its tradi- to reduce the negative impact of of listening to the voice of young learned that he must cling to country. to help raise that number to 5mn. This programme will off er tion of constantly upgrading unemployment and placing the people, adding that they have hope, adding that the world is Prime Minister of Somalia Silatech is an international, participants tools to develop programmes”, HEC Paris in issues of youth empowerment in always been followers and now dark, but hope must be upheld Hassan Ali Khayre said 70% of social, non-profi t, non-govern- an innovative ‘How-To Guide’ Qatar delivers a full range of the priority of the international they should be leaders, stress- because it is the only way to the Somalia’s population is young mental organisation based in to succeed in complex, high- executive short programmes, agenda for development work. ing the importance of invest- life of any refugee and thanks to and every job opportunity is an Qatar established by Her High- stakes negotiations. focusing on a variety of key It also described the role of ment to employ young refugees organisations like Silatech, there investment in the country’s fu- ness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Additionally, they will management areas, a press Silatech foundation in providing in host countries, describing the must be the belief that tomorrow ture. in 2008 which aims to combat learn to apply this negotia- statement notes. more than 1,100,000 jobs as pio- achievement of Silatech and its will be better. He added that the youth in the unemployment, extremism, and tion roadmap to the specifics “Participants taking up neering work. success in providing more than Speaker Chris Gardner, Au- population in his country can be marginalisation of young people of each deal and understand these programmes benefi t im- Silatech conference also urged one million jobs for young peo- thor of The Pursuit of Happyness a positive or negative factor. If and women through employ- how the economics of a deal mensely from the vast knowl- the international community to ple as a leading role. called for action to tackle unem- provided with the skills of entre- ment and economic empower- affect the opportunities to edge of the globally renowned do more to address unemploy- For her part, United Nations ployment. preneurship they would be the ment initiatives. negotiate or walk away from a faculties to chart their future ment and invest in youth devel- Secretary-General’s Envoy on He also thanked Her High- backbone of economic growth, Silatech is empowering young possible deal. professional goals in the most opment to contribute to the pro- Youth Jayathma Wickramanay- ness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, but ignoring them and not pro- people to lead change and im- Through this executive systematic manner in tune to motion of economy and peace ake said that poverty leads to Chairperson of Silatech’s Board viding them with employment prove their lives and communi- short programme, par- changing economic require- for the security of the whole social exclusion and marginali- of Trustees and Advocate for the opportunities will make them a ties for the better. ticipants will be better ments,” it adds.

Public security chief meets Pakistan envoy Education ministry offi cials brief Omani delegation

QNA Doha

n educational delega- tion from Oman is vis- A iting Doha to learn about the country’s experi- QSE chief executive al-Mansoori and al-Kuwari, along with other QSE and Qatar Cyclists Association ence in the preparation of a members, address the media. scientific series on the English language. During the three-day visit, the Omani delegation listened HE the Director of Public Security Staff Major General Saad bin Jassim al-Khulaifi met the to a simplified explanation QSE, Ooredoo Ride of Champions ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, a from the officials of the de- number of issues of mutual interest were discussed. partments of the Ministry of Education and Higher Educa- team up to promote healthy living tion on the work methodology in curriculum development, the communication mechanism atar Stock Exchange presented to the entity that en- this in the future and open the and the work with the publish- (QSE) has partnered courages the most members of challenge to all companies in ing houses of the scientific se- Qwith the Ooredoo Ride its staff and their families to par- Qatar,” said its chief executive Education ministry holds training ries. of Champions to launch the QSE ticipate in the event at any dis- Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori. Sheikha al-Rumaihi, head of Corporate Challenge, to promote tance, whether it be kids, family Dr Abulazziz al-Kuwari, the English department at the healthy living within the com- ride (on closed roads in QF), or president of Qatar Cyclists, said programme for school principals ministry, briefed the delegation munity, as part of its corporate open road short (48km), me- the QSE’s unique initiative will on the basis for building the Eng- social responsibility. dium (78km) and long (137.5km) help promote cycling among the lish language standards docu- The Ooredoo Ride of Cham- events. employees of their listed-com- ment, with a presentation of the pions is the biggest mass- While, the QSE Corporate panies. “It’s a partnership that QNA to adopt the latest techniques well as achieve the objectives experience of the educational participation cycling event in Challenge Speed Champions will lead to great results in the Doha and methodologies in the of performance evaluation series, the mechanism of its ap- Qatar and the pinnacle of the Award will be presented to the future,” he added. field of performance evalua- management, such as guid- plication and the challenges it community events organised company which has the fastest QSE is setting an example to tion internationally, to train ance and scientific research, faced. by Qatar Cyclists, as it offers adult team, which will be cal- all companies in Qatar on how he Training and Educa- on the practical application of in addition to contribute to the The visit includes several rides that suits all ages and ex- culated by determining the QSE to use community events to pro- tional Development Cen- a number of modern interna- achievement of educational schools in different stages, perience levels. listed company with the fastest mote sports and active lifestyles, Ttre at the Ministry of Edu- tional standards adopted in the goals in accordance with Qatar where the delegation learns More than 1,500 participants average speed for its four fast- according to Ali (M) al-Kuwari, cation and Higher Education, field of performance evaluation National Vision 2030 through the mechanism of teaching are expected to take part in this est riders over any of the open managing director Ooredoo Ride in co-operation with the Doha and to review the most impor- the implementation of modern the series through the class- year’s event which will be hosted road distances (48km), me- of Champions. Institute for Graduate Studies, tant international experiences systems in the process of man- room attendance, and meet by Qatar Foundation on March dium (78km) and long (137.5km) Other offi cial partners and is currently organising a training in this area. aging institutional perform- with teachers, and school 15, 2019. events. supporters of the Ride of Cham- programme entitled “Perform- It also aims to evaluate the ance assessments. administrations, as well as This partnership agreement is “At QSE, we are not only com- pions include Alfardan Group, ance Evaluation Management”, performance by measuring the The programme is being at- visit the Training and Edu- the fi rst of its kind in Qatar and mitted to the fi nancial health of Dolphin Energy, Qatar National which targets all public school functional behaviours in the tended by a group of experts cational Development Centre will see QSE off ering prizes to its our listed companies, but also to Tourism Council, Turkish Air- principals. work environment and devel- from inside and outside the of the ministry to learn also most active companies during their social and physical health. lines, Ministry of Culture and The programme aims to pro- oping the performance of the country, who have professional the mechanism of co-ordi- the Ride of Champions. This year we will only open the Sports, Qatar Cycling Federa- vide participants with skills staff to raise the productive experience that can be converted nation and training on Eng- The QSE Corporate Challenge challenge for listed companies, tion, Garmin Lingawi and Rayy- and experience to enable them efficiency in the schools, as to practical skills in the fi eld. lish sources. Health Champion Award will be but we are planning to extend an Water. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 QATAR AlBahie Auction House mulls art

fair in Doha Omani artist Dr Salman al-Hajri explaining one of his works to Katara officials and guests at the exhibition. By Joey Aguilar Series’ programme, with special Staff Reporter guest speaker Fadel al-Mansoori, Exhibition will also take place on March 23. Bishop added that AlBahie will showcases lBahie Auction House also off er a rich and varied selec- beauty of Arabic is mulling to organise a tion of highly collectible rugs and A“one-of-its-kind” art fair carpets, including several won- calligraphy in Doha that would gather local, derful examples of rare Tribal regional and international art- Qashqai and Baluch carpets in a Katara – the Cultural Village ists, its director Jennifer Bishop live auction on April 10. opened an art exhibition, ‘Spirits has told Gulf Times. The auction also brings these of Letters’, by Omani artist Dr “Besides our main auctions, unique designs to the market Salman al-Hajri on Monday in we’ve always wanted to begin again, along with exceptional Building 19. The exhibition focuses what would be like an art fair examples of traditional Tabriz, on the beauty of the calligraphy where we would be able to utilise Isfahan and Qum carpets. art in Arabic and how letters and the network of local collectors Bishop said one of AlBahie’s words can be combined to form and artists,” she said. biggest achievements in 2018 an expressive artwork. “Arabic According to Bishop, such an was the modern and contempo- characters have the potential to event will serve as a platform rary art auction “because it was express the movement and the for local and regional artists to the agenda of the company to mass and enrich the structural showcase their work to the com- hold auctions in that category relationships in one artwork”, munity and collectors. since we opened in 2016”. al-Hajri said. The artist presents A lot of these artists’ works go This auction included works of about 30 works printed on canvas unseen as they don’t have any emerging and established artists, and strapped to a wooden frame. gallery representation yet, the together with internationally re- “The nature of the artworks in this director noted. “I would think a nowned Arab artists from various exhibition is an attempt to present natural progression of AlBahie’s parts of the world. the Arabic letters as a basic theme business would be to do an art Bishop cited AlBahie’s partici- expressed by the Arab Muslim fair but instead of inviting in- AlBahie Auction House director Jennifer Bishop shows one of the pation in an auction at the Doha artist on identity, thought and ternational galleries, we would items for the Arts of the Islamic World selling exhibition this month. Jewellery and Watches Exhibition philosophy,” he noted. Describing invite artists and let them display PICTURE: Thajudeen 2018, as well as a charity auction for his aim, al-Hajri said, “We are their works,” she added. young Qatari designers in the same living in an era of knowledge Bishop said she has been talk- auctions, selling exhibitions and ing Mamluk and Safavid Qur’an event aimed at supporting Educa- that requires a language-based ing to diff erent organisations in special events, is set to hold what folios, a magnifi cent Ottoman tion Above All. “It was highly suc- container, which is one of its Doha who are interested to be Bishop described as a “curated Blunderbuss wide mouth pistol, cessful and I think we raised nearly tools.” “The philosophy of the part of the event, which may take collection of objects” in the Arts along other objects that celebrate QR2mn from 12 lots, six of them exhibition is to promote the Arabic place either this year or early of the Islamic World selling ex- the distinct cultural and artistic were from the young Qatari design- alphabets and its infinite ability to 2020. AlBahie, which engages hibition throughout this month. traditions from the Middle East ers and six of them were highlighted adapt,” he added. The exhibition community of local and inter- “Such an exhibition brings and the wider Islamic world,” for Chopard that were created for will run until March 21 daily in national collectors with monthly together unique objects, includ- she said, adding that a ‘Collector Education Above All,” she said. Building 19. One of the exhibits.

Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 QATAR QF-RDI strengthens collaboration with

Qatar Chamber director-general Saleh Hamad al-Sharqi and board member Mohamed ‘Stars of Science’ Jawhar al-Mohamed. atar Foundation - Research, ing aspiring entrepreneurs turn liver impact across the nation and entrepreneurs to move ideas closer Development and Innova- their ideas into products that have beyond.” to commercial reality. Qtion (QF-RDI) has further the potential to make a commercial Over a period of two months, More than 130 of the show’s strengthened its partnership with impact, according to a statement. Stars of Science contestants par- alumni have raised $14mn in rev- Qatar Chamber to Qatar Foundation’s (QF) popular Dr Richard O’Kennedy, QF vice- ticipating in the XLR8 programme enue, crowdfunding, and research edutainment reality TV show, ‘Stars president, Research, Development will receive intensive training and grants, helping to cement Stars of of Science’ – helping contestants and Innovation, said: “Qatar Foun- mentorship under the supervision Science position as a leading plat- take their innovative ideas to the dation’s ‘Stars of Science’ is inspir- of leading mentors from Qatar and form for innovation in Qatar and host Halal Conference next stage following the completion ing Arab youth and equipping them abroad, as they work on developing the region. of the competition and transforming with the know-how and tools to their ideas to the prototype stage. QF-RDI’s collaboration with them into viable startups. innovate. Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, ex- Stars of Science began in 2015, Enhancing the existing level of “Extending our support to ecutive director of QSTP, said: “As which saw the seventh season of the and Expo in 2020 collaboration, Qatar Science & the contestants of this competi- an international hub for applied show. Ever since, over 30 contest- Technology Park (QSTP), part of tion through expert mentorship, research, innovation, incubation ants have benefi ted from QF RDI’s QF-RDI, has launched a special market-relevant guidance, and and technology entrepreneurship, Industrial Development, Intellec- atar Chamber (QC) During the meeting, tween chamber members edition of its fl agship accelerator hands-on training is of key im- QSTP’s XLR8 programme provides tual Property and Commercialisa- has announced Qatar Chamber proposed to include investment and programme, XLR8, dedicated to the portance to QF RDI, because it a signifi cant platform for great ideas tion function that works towards Qthat it will host to host and organise the commercial opportunities Season 11 contestants of ‘Stars of is through such purposeful col- to come to fruition. The exposure to transforming projects created with the Halal Conference & 2020 edition of the Halal available in member coun- Science’. It commenced on Febru- laborations in science, technol- an impressive network of expertise QF support into market-ready Expo 2020, which aims to Conference & Expo, which tries during the next year. ary 17 and is geared towards help- ogy, and innovation that we de- that XLR8 provides enables aspiring innovations. showcase Halal products was lauded by representa- They also discussed the and ways of certifying tives of the Islamic cham- launching of a new website these products, as well as bers participating in the for the Islamic Chamber in to promote the Halal trade meeting. They suggested the second quarter of 2019, worldwide. that the event should be as well as the establish- Turkish jewellery chain opens outlet at Doha Festival City This was revealed dur- held in early 2020. ment a database in 2020. ing the meetings of the They also agreed on a The meeting’s agenda Islamic Chamber of Com- proposal by Qatar to elec- included the election of a merce, Industry and Ag- tronically link all chamber new bureau, the approval riculture held in Cairo on members, which would the 27th board of directors Monday. The meetings inform them of events meeting held in 2018 in In- included the 28th board and activities of other donesia, and the establish- of directors meeting and chambers. ing companies between the 35th General Assem- The meetings also re- member countries head- bly Meeting of the Islamic viewed the establishment ed by chamber chairs to Chamber. of an active platform be- implement joint projects.

Turkey’s biggest jewellery chain Atasay has launched its first ever store in Qatar, at Doha Festival City (DHFC), with a Qatar-exclusive Capsule Collection, a handcrafted selection of fine jewellery inspired by the country’s landscape. The opening was attended by Turkish ambassador to Qatar Fikret Özer, who cut the ribbon at a ceremony alongside famous Turkish star Meryem Uzerli, the brand ambassador and face of Atasay. The guest of honours were accompanied by the owner/president of Atasay Group, Cihan Kamer, Atasay board member Çiğdem Kamer, CEO Atasay Kamer and senior management of DHFC. The Capsule Collection features a range of bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings in high carat gold, showcasing unique motifs and designs that refer to prominent local characteristics, a press statement notes. This collection will be available exclusively at Doha Festival City.

St Regis Doha hosts Asean Food Week

he St Regis Doha is current- ly hosting the Asean Food TWeek, giving guests an op- portunity “to indulge in a collec- tion of the fi nest experiences and celebrate exceptional dishes” from the seven countries that make up Off icials and dignitaries at the opening of the Asean Food Week. the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). March 1, The St Regis Doha host- “This exceptional culinary ex- The Asean Food Week is taking ed an Asean edition of its Grand travaganza is also a great opportu- place at Vine Restaurant, featuring Brunch. nity for us to pamper our guests with a collection of the most celebrated The hotel will conclude its special the fi nest experiences and bespoke signature dishes and traditional culinary week with the Asean edi- culinary off ers at one of our award desserts from Vietnam, Malaysia, tion of Vine’s seafood night today, winning restaurants, at the fi nest Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, featuring a wide array of seafood address in Qatar.” the Philippines and Brunei Da- delicacies complemented by mouth- The St Regis Doha currently russalam, the hotel has said in a watering Asean fl avours. features 12 destination restau- statement. Raghu Menon, general manager of rants and lounges, including Al On February 28, the event fea- The St Regis Doha, said: “The Asean Sultan Brahim, the award-win- tured a special edition of its bar- Week at The St Regis Doha is a cele- ning Lebanese seafood destina- becue night off ering delicious ribs bration of the fi nest traditional dish- tion; Vintage lounge, an ideal and BBQ classics, in addition to a es inspired from the diff erent Asean venue for intimate conversations The event features a collection wide range of Asean dishes and countries and an opportunity for the and gatherings; two Gordon of the most celebrated signature an array of cultural performances people of Doha to experience a vari- Ramsay restaurants; and Hak- dishes and traditional desserts from from Malaysia, Indonesia, Viet- ety of the most celebrated dishes and kasan, the fi ne-dining Chinese the Asean countries. nam and the Philippines. Then, on desserts in Asean cuisine. restaurant, the statement adds. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 7 QATAR Qatar stresses role of Australian embassy, QBWA youth in mediation celebrate Women’s Day

QNA he Australian embassy in Doha and Helsinki Qatari Businesswomen Association T(QBWA) yesterday hosted a celebra- tion in Doha for International Women’s Day atar is to host the Second 2019. International Sympo- Australian ambassador Dr Axel Waben- Qsium on Youth Partici- horst and QBWA vice-chair Aisha Alfardan pation in Mediation Processes were joined by several female diplomats, 2020. entrepreneurs, leading women in Qatar and This came in a statement deliv- members of the Australian community in ered by HE the Minister of State for Doha at the event. Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al- A panel discussion focusing on women’s Muraikhi, who is heading Qatar’s HE Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi with Timo Soini and other off icials experience working in the business sector delegation to the First Interna- during a meeting in Helsinki yesterday. highlighted the celebration, featuring Aus- tional Symposium on Youth Par- tralian and Qatari women working in senior ticipation in Mediation Processes, minister said. tive projects initiatives in co-op- positions across a variety of sectors in Qatar. currently being held in the Finnish In this regard, HE al-Muraikhi eration with youth organisations. The speakers were Kimberly Reid, head capital Helsinki, under the auspic- pointed to Qatar’s eff orts to resolve The minister highlighted the of Organisational Eff ectiveness and Stra- es of Qatar and the Government of many confl icts and to attach great establishment of the Youth Ad- tegic Leadership at Commercial Bank; Colombia, in co-ordination with importance to the role of youth in visory Committee in Qatar in and Kimberley Sheedy, CEO and manag- the United Nations. this regard, noting that Qatar has 2017 and its complementary role ing partner of Starfi sh Lane Kids, from the In his speech at the opening of been mediating in many confl icts in strengthening and empower- Australian side, and Mishael al-Ansari, the conference, HE al-Muraikhi starting with hosting negotiations ing youth in society and imple- Marketing and Communications director called for benefi ting from the that ended the political confl ict in menting the Qatar National Vi- of the Anti-Doping Lab Qatar; and Sara Fa- dynamism of youth in resolving Lebanon in 2008, facilitating talks sion, noting the launch of a youth had Alfardan, Communications and Public contemporary issues as the most between the Sudanese govern- version at Doha Forum. Relations manager at Alfardan Group, from innovative forces to bring about ment and the various rebel move- Meanwhile, HE al-Muraikhi the Qatari side. societal changes and achieve ments in Darfur, and ending with yesterday met with Finland’s The panelists shared their experiences Dignitaries cutting a cake on the occasion. Supplied picture sustainable peace. the ongoing Afghan peace talks. Minister for Foreign Aff airs Timo and discussed some of the challenges, as “The State of Qatar sees the He stressed that all the me- Soini on the sidelines of the well as the opportunities, women face in the women looking to establish or develop ca- ance, travel and workplace experiences. need to create a world that pro- diation undertaken by Qatar dealt symposium in Helsinki. During business sector. reers in Qatar and overseas. The panel also featured an interactive vides opportunities to nurture with the important issues related the meeting, they discussed the They also shared the lessons they had The topics discussed included the return question-and-answer session, which was the potential of young people and to the aspirations of youth and symposium’s agenda, Qatari- learnt along the way and their advice for to work after maternity leave, work-life bal- followed by a networking session for guests. to address the misconception their role in building peace, and Finnish relations and means to that youth must not have a say in expressed pride in Qatar’s proven bolster them in addition to mat- addressing global problems,” the track record in launching innova- ters of mutual interest.

Katara forum for women slated for tomorrow Katara – the Cultural Village is set to host the first an- to boost women’s role in society and open more nual conference, ‘Qatari Women Writers’ Forum’, tomor- opportunities for them to be more eff ective in the row on the occasion of International Women’s Day. development of the nation. The event, which will take place at Katara Building “Qatar is a pioneering country in supporting 15 from 9am, will be attended by researchers and women and had always encouraged and empowered scholars. them,” he added. Under the theme ‘Arab Women’s Business Journey, The conference will shed light on legislation aff ect- Challenges and Empowerment’, the forum aims to ing women’s work while a second session will discuss showcase women’s eff ective contributions and raise the social and economic factors that have an impact awareness of their significant role in Arab society, on the nature of their work environment. Katara has said. The third session will introduce diff erent ways to In a press statement, Katara general manager Dr empower women to be more eff ective in their careers Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said the conference aims through technology and other modern methods. A panel discussion in progress. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 QATAR

Top off icials of Mannai Trading and General Motors led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new state-of-the-art GMC The all-new 2019 Sierra pickup truck unveiled at the event. PICTURES: Jayan Orma showroom in Qatar. GMC’s new state-of-the-art showroom in Qatar unveiled MC, in partnership with „ Opening marked by debut of all-new 2019 GMC Sierra its exclusive distributor Gin Qatar, Mannai Trad- „‘3S facility’ developed by Mannai Trading Company ing, opened the doors of its fi rst- ever ‘3S (sales, service and spare rich history in the country. We Chris Karaboyas, senior business side of North America, the Mid- parts) facility’ in the country on are proud to off er our GMC cus- planning manager; John Staple- dle East is the only region GMC Monday. tomers a truly fi rst-class experi- ton, CFO of GM North America; exports to, cementing the sig- The retail space, conveniently ence that the brand is known for, and Ofori Agboka, executive nifi cance of the Arab countries in located in the East Industrial in addition to premium after- director, Human Resources for shaping the heritage of the GMC Area, Doha, features the brand’s care services,” Mannai Trading North America, Africa and Mid- brand. upgraded design and 2,231sq m of Company Group general man- dle East Operations. With a strong foundation customer environment, includ- ager Mohamed Helmy said. The ‘game-changing’ all-new of manufacturing trucks since ing a dedicated Denali corner. “Going a step further, we have 2019 Sierra pickup truck, which 1902 and now selling in a dozen The opening also saw the debut also designed a dedicated Denali will be showcased at the new fa- countries across the world, GMC of the all-new GMC Sierra. area – giving customers of the cility, has been taken to the next off ers purpose-built vehicles As part of a multi-million- premium sub-brand of GMC a level with a complete redesign designed and engineered to the dollar investment, GMC’s ‘fi rst- unique experience when coming featuring enhanced exterior de- highest standard. of-its-kind’ fully integrated ‘3S to our showroom,” he added. sign, all-terrain capability and From the all-new compact facility’ will off er customers a Celebrating the new show- luxurious levels of refi nement. SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, complete and premium experi- room were senior executives Distinguished by bold design GMC trucks and crossovers de- ence with sales, service and spare from General Motors who were and segment-leading technolo- liver the company’s signature parts all under one roof and ac- present at the opening ceremony, gies, the Denali line up of the combination of intuitive tech- commodate up to 26 new mod- including Alan Batey, president next generation Sierra once again nologies and premium execution, els of the brand’s latest premium of GM North America and Chevy redefi nes the premium pickup, with the popular Denali sub- SUV lineup, according to a press Global Brand chief; John Roth, while advancing Denali’s legacy brand representing the pinnacle statement. “GMC is an iconic president and managing director as the pinnacle of GMC design, of GMC design, performance and brand in Qatar, with a long and of GM Middle East and Africa; capability and refi nement. Out- amenities. The state-of-the-art GMC facility in Doha, developed by Mannai Trading Company. Cadillac Mannai celebrates showroom launch with region-fi rst display of XT6 „ First-ever Cadillac XT4 also makes local debut Top Mannai Trading Company and General Motors off icials led the inauguration of the new showroom adillac Qatar, represented with the region-first display of the Cadillac XT6. by Mannai Trading Com- Cpany, has redefi ned the luxury customer experience with the opening of its new showroom, which follows Cadillac’s latest corporate identity and with mul- ti-million investments. To celebrate the brand’s ‘fi rst- of-its-kind’ facility in the region, Cadillac revealed the all-new XT6, which marks its fi rst appear- ance in the Middle East. In line with the global brand di- rection in upgrading its customer experience, the new 2,500sq m The new 2,500sq m Cadillac facility houses a number of amenities, including the first built-in Service Lane Cadillac facility houses a number and Virtual Reality Room. of amenities, including the fi rst built-in Service Lane and Virtual Reality Room. The showroom is located on East Industrial Street and can accommodate up to 27 vehicles. The fi rst-ever XT4 has also made its local debut and is now on sale, allowing customers to be The first-ever XT4 also made its local debut. among the fi rst to own the all- new compact SUV, which is tai- manager; John Stapleton, CFO of by an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo cording to a press statement. The lored for the next generation of GM North America; John Roth, engine, producing an SAE-certi- company has various facilities in luxury customers. president and managing director fi ed output of 237hp (177kW). Doha, Al Wakrah, Bin Mahmoud, “The launch of the new Cadil- of GM Middle East and Africa; Coupled with a nine-speed au- Umm Salal, Um Al Afaei and Abu lac showroom marks an impor- and Christian Soemmer, manag- tomatic transmission with next- Nakhla. tant milestone for the brand in the ing director of Cadillac Middle generation Electronic Precision “Our investment in this new region. We are proud to be taking East. Shift, the new engine features facility shows our unwavering the lead in enhancing the Cadillac As Cadillac’s largest crossover, new effi ciency-enhancing tech- commitment to the brand and our customer experience in the Mid- the 2020 XT6 has been created nologies including Active Fuel customers in Qatar, and is a testa- dle East, specifi cally in Qatar,” to make the most of passengers’ Management (cylinder deactiva- ment to our belief in the brand and Mannai Automotive Group gen- time on the road with the all-new tion). The new Cadillac show- the direction it is going. With our eral manager Mohamed Helmy three-row model boasting a luxu- room is now open to customers customer’s convenience and trust said. “The new Cadillac facility is A large number of residents and visitors attended the event. PICTURES: Jayan Orma rious, adaptable and connected from 8.30am to 8.30pm, six days in mind, we know they expect the perfect home for the highly- cabin, complemented by respon- a week and is located at E Indus- the very best from us and this is anticipated all-new Cadillac line- Underscoring this milestone giant were present at the show- GM North America and Chevy sive handling and a comprehen- trial Street. The new showroom what we aim to give with our new up, which is led by the fi rst-ever for the company, top executives room’s opening ceremony. They Global Brand chief; Chris Kara- sive suite of safety features. The will further supplement Man- showroom and service centre,” XT4,” he noted. from the American automotive include Alan Batey, president of boyas, senior business planning Cadillac XT4 models are driven nai’s presence across Qatar, ac- Helmy added. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 9 QATAR

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani addressing the gathering. Dignitaries at the event. speaking at the Austrian-Qatari Business Forum in Vienna yesterday. Austrian-Qatari forum discusses promotion of investment, trade z Minister of Commerce and the government has waived visa decision-makers and investors of trade and economy, and will Meanwhile, HE the Minister of Industry invites Austrian requirements for citizens of over from both countries. inspire businessmen from both Commerce and Industry attended private sector and investors 80 countries. Speaking at the forum, HE countries to enter into new part- the signing ceremony of a memo- to take advantage of Qatar is also modernising its Sheikh Khalifa underlined the nerships and projects that benefi t randum of understanding between promising opportunities infrastructure to increase trade strength of relations between both economies. Qatar Chamber and the Austrian off ered by Qatar with its various partners around Qatar and Austria in various For his part, HE Sheikh Faisal Federal Economic Chamber. z Blockade imposed on Qatar the world, he said, noting that fi elds, particularly on the eco- said Qatar was keen on bolster- The forum featured presenta- since mid-2017 contributed these eff orts have been sup- nomic and trade levels. ing and developing partnerships tions on the investment opportu- to empowering the Qatari ported by Qatar Airways, which He noted that both countries with Austria, both on the gov- nities that Qatar off ers to promis- private sector: Sheikh Khalifa operates a fl eet of more than are keen on enhancing trade and ernmental and private levels. ing economic sectors. Abdulbasit 230 aircraft that fl y to over 160 investment co-operation and He stressed that Qatar and al-Ajji, director of Business De- E the Minister of Com- destinations worldwide through strengthening ties between their Austria are well-equipped both velopment and Investment Pro- merce and Industry Ali Hamad International Airport, business communities to the socially and economically to motion Department at the MoCI, Hbin Ahmed al-Kuwari one of the world’s leading inter- benefi t of both nations, which succeed, noting that the success delivered a presentation on the yesterday underscored the im- national airports with an annual enjoy close ties amid eff orts by factors are supported by a safe ‘Invest in Qatar’ project while Ali portance of promoting invest- capacity of 50mn passengers. the Qatari and Austrian private investment climate governed by Hassan al-Neama, Commercial ment and trade co-operation Hamad Port, one of the largest sectors to bolster trade. laws and legislation - which fa- manager at the Supreme Commit- between Qatar and Austria. HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani speaking at the forum. in the Middle East, is also play- Further, he explained that the cilitate business activities and tee for Delivery & Legacy, shed light He also praised the friendly ing a pivotal role in linking Qatar Qatari private sector considers both countries’ advanced rank- on projects being implemented in relations between the two coun- men Council, a move that will most stable, competitive and to the world’s major economies Austria to be a unique and attrac- ings on global indicators. the framework of the FIFA World tries as evidenced by the ex- strengthen bilateral co-oper- growth-oriented economies, as through direct shipping lines, he tive investment destination, not- He added that Qatar is pri- Cup in 2022. For his part, Fahad change of high-ranking offi cial ation and support the estab- evidenced by the rising contri- said, adding that the port has ce- ing that Qatari businessmen are oritising the implementation of Zeinal, chief Corporate Services visits since the 1970s when Qatar lishment of joint development bution of the non-hydrocarbon mented Qatar’s position as a ma- seeking to identify new invest- comprehensive and sustainable offi cer at Qatar Free Zone, deliv- opened its embassy in Austria. projects, according to a state- sector to the national GDP, which jor transit hub with links to more ment opportunities and explore development policies by 2030 by ered a presentation titled ‘Discover The minister delivered his re- ment issued by the Ministry of reached around 52% in 2017. than 40 ports in three continents. further partnerships and alliances seeking to promote foreign invest- Qatar Free Zones’ while Ahmed al- marks as he co-chaired, with Har- Commerce and Industry (MoCI). Quoting the World Bank, he HE the Minister concluded his with their Austrian counter- ments, the adoption of advanced Saleh, Lusail Tram project director, ald Mahrer, president of the Aus- Praising the contribution of said the Qatari economy is ex- remarks by expressing hope that the parts to develop joint investment technologies and the localisation highlighted the projects being im- trian Federal Economic Chamber, over 51 Austrian companies that pected to grow at 2.7% in 2019 forum would pave the way for suc- projects in both countries. of highly competitive industries. plemented in this context. the Austrian-Qatari Business Fo- are currently operating in Qatar, and 3% in 2020. cessful investment partnerships HE Sheikh Khalifa highlighted To advance these objectives, Fahad al-Kaabi, CEO of Man- rum in Vienna yesterday. he said Qatar looks forward to wel- HE al-Kuwari argued that that would serve Qatar and Austria’s Qatar’s investment-friendly Qatar is off ering incentives to ateq, familiarised participants In his opening speech, HE coming Austrian investors to take these positive economic indica- shared objectives and interests. environment, noting that the foreign investors in line with the with the characteristics of the al-Kuwari called on Qatar and advantage of the promising oppor- tors demonstrate the success of The forum brought together blockade imposed on Qatar since investment law which allows up economic zones. Austria to capitalise on their po- tunities that the country off ers. Qatar’s policies as outlined in HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin mid-2017 contributed to em- to 100% foreign ownership in the Philipp Schramel, Austrian tential to further bolster bilat- These include investment the Second National Develop- Mohamed al-Thani, chairman of powering the Qatari private sec- majority of economic sectors in commercial attaché in Doha, eral trade, which was valued at projects being undertaken within ment Strategy 2018-2022, which Qatar Chamber; HE Sheikh Faisal tor to enhance its contribution to addition to taking advantage of shed light on the characteristics around €187mn in 2018. the framework of Qatar National focuses on providing support for bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of productive projects instead of re- advanced logistics services, HE of Qatari-Austrian economic re- He emphasised that bilat- Vision 2030 and in preparation the private sector to enhance the the Qatari Businessmen Associa- lying on the import of goods from Sheikh Faisal said. lations. A presentation was also eral trade agreements represent for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. competitiveness and diversifi ca- tion; Franz Wessig, Deputy Vice- neighbouring countries. He expressed hope that the fo- screened on Austrian companies. a strategic advancement that Touching on Qatar’s economic tion of the national economy. Minister at the Austrian Federal He concluded his remarks by rum would pave the way for new On the sidelines of the forum, would pave the way for the es- environment, he highlighted Along the same lines, Qatar Ministry of Digital and Economic expressing hope that the forum partnerships to gain better in- several agreements were signed tablishment and activation of that the nation has cemented its has sought to open its economy Aff airs; along with a large number would pave the way for fur- sight into the business environ- between the Qatari private sector the Austrian-Qatari Business- position as one of the region’s to the world, he said, noting that of businessmen, senior offi cials, ther co-operation in the fi elds ment in both countries. and its Austrian counterpart. NHRC chief named for 3 top positions Qatari and Italian navies hold exercise QNA On this occasion, Dr al-Marri APF, which decided to elect Dr The NHRC is the only one in Geneva said he will work hard during the al-Marri for three positions and the GCC to receive an ‘A’ status next three years as GANHRI vice a fourth position for Dr Mo- from GANHRI, after following a president and secretary to pro- hammed bin Saif al-Kuwari as rigorous accreditation process, he National Human Rights mote the independence and op- member of the APF council. under the supervision of the Of- Committee (NHRC) of Qa- erations of national human rights This victory culminates fi ce of the High Commissioner Ttar was appointed to three institutions, in accordance with NHRC’s achievements and for Human Rights , as the secre- leading positions during the the Paris Principles, and the com- contributions to the defence of tariat to the GANHRI and its Sub General Assembly meeting of the mitment to defend and protect human rights issues in Qatar Committee on Accreditation. Global Alliance of National Hu- human rights globally. and the region, and its eff orts ‘A’ status is granted only to man Rights Institutions (GAN- He said that the confi dence and international moves to face national institutions that are HRI) yesterday. gained by the NHRC through its the blockade imposed on Qa- being in full compliance with The three positions NHRC nomination for leadership po- tar, which a great violation to the Paris Principles. Chairman HE Dr Ali bin Smaikh sitions in GANHRI will stimu- human rights. The NHRC has again received al-Marri was appointed in late all rights institutions in the The elections also refl ect the the confi dence of the GANHRI, GANHRI are vice president, Asia-Pacifi c region to develop international standing and ap- which have earlier rejected secretary and member of the their performance and their preciation NHRC receives, and complaints by the blockade bureau, based on the elections conformity with international the recognition of its eff orts countries, who opposed the ‘A’ which took place on the side- standards and promote human and contributions in defending status given to Qatar’s NHRC. Qatar Amiri Naval Forces have conducted “Passex” joint exercise with Italian Navy, with the participation of the lines of 23rd Asia Pacifi c Forum rights gains and protect human human rights issues nationally, The NHRC’s eff orts to coun- Italian frigate (Carlo Margottini). The naval exercise comprised several exercises including the ‘Maneuvering of National Human Rights In- rights in the region. regionally and internationally. ter the blockade also earned EX’, AdEx and Surface Ex in addition to fire fighting and damage control exercises. The exercise aimed to train stitutions (APF) Annual Meet- The elections were a historic The NHRC has become a model the appreciation of the inter- naval forces on combating maritime terrorism, as well as to increase combat eff iciency and readiness, as well as ing, held in Hong Kong on Sep- victory for the NHRC, where for human rights institutions in national community, led by the to exchange experiences between the Qatari and Italian navies. tember 18 and 19, 2018. it gained the confi dence of the the region and the world. United Nations.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Dodge Ram model of 2018 recalled model of 2019

he Ministry of Com- The ministry will co-or- recalled for merce and Industry dinate with the dealer to fol- T(MoCI), in collabora- low up on maintenance and tion with Nasser Bin Kha- repair works and communi- faulty wiring led Automobiles, dealer of cate with customers to ensure Mercedes-Benz vehicles in that the necessary repairs are Qatar, has announced a re- carried out. he Ministry of Commerce and Industry call of Mercedes-Benz Vito The MoCI has urged all (MoCI), in collaboration with United Cars model of 2018 because one customers to report viola- TAlmana, dealer of Dodge vehicles in Qa- of the sensors of the electric tions to its Consumer Pro- tar, has announced a recall of Dodge Ram model power steering may not cor- tection and Anti-Com- of 2019 over a potential defect in the vehicle’s respond to the manufacturer’s mercial Fraud Department, battery connection wires. specifi cations. which processes complaints, In a statement, the MoCI said the recall cam- In a statement, the MoCI inquiries and suggestions paign came within the framework of its ongo- said the recall campaign through the call centre: ing eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that came within the framework 16001, e-mail: info@moci. car dealers followed up on vehicle defects and of its ongoing eff orts to pro- gov.qa, Twitter: @MO- repairs. tect consumers and ensure CIQATAR, Instagram: MO- The ministry will co-ordinate with the dealer that car dealers followed CIQATAR and the ministry’s to follow up on maintenance and repair works up on vehicle defects and mobile app for Android and and communicate with customers to ensure that repairs. iOS: MOCIQATAR. the necessary repairs are carried out. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 QATAR

QU offi cial receives Kosovo deputy minister Aspire Park gets ready to host kite festival spire Zone Foundation (AZF) has said it is set to Ahost the Aspire Inter- national Kite Festival, which is expected to welcome more than 40,000 visitors and 500 stu- dents throughout the four-day event. The organisers have set up various sites at the venue, in- cluding the weather dome for workshops and student activi- ties, wind garden with custom- made decorations, areas for the parade and entertainment, VVIP Dr Darwish al-Emadi, chief Strategy & Development off icer at Qatar University (QU), has met and media tents, and market with the Deputy Minister of Internal Aff airs of Kosovo, Abdulselami Shkodra, at the university. stalls, AZF has said in a state- Accompanying Shkodra was first secretary and consul at the embassy of Kosovo in Riyadh, ment. Vahid Haxhiu. They discussed a number of topics of mutual interest during the meeting. At the The kite festival will be held conclusion of the meeting, Dr al-Emadi presented the deputy minister with a gift, who later from today until March 9. thanked QU for its support. Earlier, AZF had announced the list of confi rmed participants for the festival. In all, 18 international teams are set to take part in the event and, for the fi rst time, a team from Kuwait will be participat- HMC advises regular eye ing in the festival. The event will involve more The kite festival begins today at Aspire Park. than 80 professional kite fl yers from various countries, includ- the UK. An exclusive addition and modern elements. ernment and private schools exams to detect glaucoma ing Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, to the 2019 festival is that the Kite designs entered for the competing in various competi- New Zealand, the UK, Spain, skies over Aspire Park will be il- 2019 festival will refl ect aspects tions. Germany, the Netherlands, luminated with spectacular lit of Qatar’s traditional dress, Two competitions will also be amad Medical Corporation (HMC) is rec- Dr al-Ansari. Every year in March, HMC observes France, the US, Japan, Indonesia, kites portraying contemporary dhows and other elements of held as part of the festival. The ommending regular eye check-ups for World Glaucoma Week as part of the global cam- Russia, Australia, India, Italy, designs from the East and the Qatari culture, including designs fi rst is a photography contest Hpeople who are at high risk of developing paign by the World Glaucoma Association and China and Colombia. West, AZF has said in a state- inspired by the desert and fal- that will celebrate the best pic- glaucoma, an eye disease that usually has no ob- the World Glaucoma Patients Association to raise A number of renowned inter- ment. The lit kite displays will cons. ture captured during the festival. vious symptoms but can lead to blindness. awareness of the disease. national fi gures are set to take take place daily from sunrise un- In addition, participants will The second will celebrate the “To prevent blindness or a signifi cant loss of “HMC’s World Glaucoma Week campaign part in this year’s event, includ- til 11pm. fl y a series of kites in formation best poster designed by children vision due to glaucoma, we are advising people at will highlight the importance of prevention ing Italian artist and kite-maker In keeping with the organis- to celebrate the country’s host- in workshops organised on the risk to ensure they have their eyes checked once and early detection and supports HMC’s agen- Claudio Capelli, Japanese art- ers’ determination to continual- ing of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. sidelines of the event. The or- a year or at least every two years. Risk factors da for promoting good eye health in Qatar and ist Makoto OE, Spencer Watson ly improve the event, this year’s The 2019 edition of the kite ganising committee will publish for glaucoma include being over 40 years of age, preventing glaucoma, which is a major cause of from the US, Jakob Brenkman edition includes a major focus festival will also feature an in- full details of the competitions having a family history of glaucoma, being of Af- blindness among our population,” noted Dr al- from Germany, Olivier Gilet on the cultural identity of Qatar, creased number of schools, and relevant schedules on social rican, Hispanic or Asian heritage, having diabe- Ansari. from France and Jon Bloom from combining a number of historic including more than 13 gov- media. tes, a history of elevated eye pressure, a decrease According to Dr al-Ansari, over 400 pa- in corneal thickness and rigidity, being near- tients with glaucoma are treated at HMC’s sighted, or having a previous eye injury,” said Dr Ophthalmology Department each month. She Zakia al-Ansari, glaucoma consultant at Hamad said there has been an increase in the number General Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department. of new cases diagnosed in recent years, noting Glaucoma is an eye disorder which results in that last year 27 new cases were diagnosed from progressive damage to the optic nerve, the part of the approximately 600 people screened, com- Chevrolet fuel effi ciency tech the eye that carries visual information from the pared to only three new diagnoses in 2017 from retina to the brain. The condition has no known over 500 people screened. cause but is often associated with a buildup of “Open angle glaucoma is called the silent pressure inside the eye. thief because the patient does not feel any “Glaucoma fi rst aff ects the peripheral or side symptoms at the first stage of the disease. As ‘gives drivers back gift of time’ vision and progresses to the central vision. Peo- the disease progresses, the patient will start to ple with glaucoma require lifelong treatment to notice visual impairments and a constricted maintain their vision. If left untreated, the dis- visual field due to damage to the optic nerve,” hevrolet vehicles not just on a test bench. With ease can lead to complete blindness,” explained added Dr al-Ansari. “boast of excellent fuel their ultra-effi cient engines, Ceffi ciency features and our current range of Chevrolet can save drivers up to 16 hours vehicles provide exceptional a year - otherwise spent queu- fuel economy, which not only ing up at petrol stations”, it has save money, but also time. been pointed out. Time, which people can re- New signal-controlled intersection “Did you know that an av- invest to do more of what they erage motorist can spend up desire,” said Ahmed Soudodi, to 20 minutes of waiting time head of Brand, Chevrolet Mid- to open at Al Kharaitiyat area today at a petrol station? Naturally, dle East. over the course of a year the With innovative lightweight minutes add up, resulting in technology and a powerful a substantial amount of wait 1.5L Turbo, the 2019 Chev- time. With its fuel effi cient rolet Equinox, for instance, range of vehicles, Chevrolet is delivers a fuel economy of giving drivers and passengers 15km/L, which is among the their hours back - the equa- best in its class, the state- tion is simple: strong fuel ef- ment explained. In essence, a fi ciency translates to a higher full tank of fuel will take one driving range with fewer stops further and can save up to six at the petrol station, ulti- hours a year. mately delivering extra time to The new Chevrolet Malibu’s Chevrolet Traverse spend as you please,” accord- 1.5L turbocharged engine, on ing to a press statement issued the other hand, can deliver up in Doha by Jaidah Automotive, to 16.7km/L, saving up to eight the sole distributor of Chevro- hours a year, which would let vehicles in Qatar. have otherwise been wasted Chevrolet’s 2019 lineup in- waiting at a petrol station. cludes vehicles such as the Chevrolet’s mid-size Equinox, Traverse and Malibu, Traverse crossover is equally with each off ering fuel effi - impressive when it comes to ciency that is among the best fuel effi ciency. Among the in their respective segment, most frugal in its class, the the statement noted. Traverse can return a fuel “In today’s fast-paced economy of 11.9km/L, which modern age, we are all pressed is highly impressive for a prac- for time and even a few addi- tical eight-seat vehicle of its tional hours can go a long way size. This is achieved thanks to in improving the quality of our a nine-speed automatic trans- he Public Works Au- the Al Kharaitiyat area, into to facilitate smooth traf- lives. At Chevrolet, we build mission that works in tandem thority (Ashghal) has a signal-controlled intersec- fic movement between the our vehicles with our custom- with several on-board fuel- T converted a rounda- tion that will be opened to locations of Al Kharaitiyat ers’ needs in mind, and our saving technologies to give bout connecting Zekreet traffic today. and Izghawa, the authority technologies are designed to one back up to seven hours Street and Al Rufaa Street, in The opening is expected tweeted yesterday. work in real-world settings, a year. Chevrolet Malibu

WCM-Q professor named UK’s second most infl uential diabetes researcher

r Rayaz Malik of Weill Cornell Q in 2014, but still holds an honorary a complete surprise. It’s very grati- non-invasive, utilises existing oph- Medicine – Qatar (WCM- professorship at his previous insti- fying to be named alongside some thalmic equipment and can be done DQ) has been named the UK’s tution, the University of Manches- exceptionally talented and prolifi c in the clinic. It has become a power- second most infl uential clinical re- ter. researchers in the UK, especially as ful imaging end-point for early di- searcher in a list of ‘Leaders in Dia- Dr Malik’s success and the strong the top researcher was my mentor, agnosis and prediction of those who betes Complications’ compiled by links with internationally renowned Professor Andrew Boulton.” will develop or progress, and it is be- Expertscape, the world’s leading research institutions underlines Dr Malik has pioneered the tech- ing used in clinical trials to identify a index of academic achievement and WCM-Q’s now well-established ca- nique of ‘Corneal Confocal Micro- response to treatment. expertise in healthcare. pacity and reputation for conducting scopy’ (CCM) over the last 15 years. “I am in the privileged position Expertscape ranks the perform- world-class research. CCM enables real time imaging of of seeing patients and being at the ance of researchers impartially, us- In addition to his research eff orts, the corneal nerve fi bres and identi- cutting edge of research; this allows ing a series of objective metrics to Dr Malik is also a practising physi- fi es nerve damage in a growing list of me to harness new diagnostic tech- judge the number and quality of re- cian, treating patients with diabetes peripheral and central neurodegen- niques like CCM and genomics to search papers and the impact factor at Hamad Medical Corp. erative conditions including diabetic move into the world of ‘personalised of the journal they have published in Dr Malik said, “I am really pleased neuropathy, hereditary neuropa- medicine’ to make new or diff erent over the last ten years. to have been placed so high up this thies, Parkinson’s disease, multiple diagnoses with early treatment to Dr Malik, professor of Medicine at list, especially as I had no idea it sclerosis, dementia and autism. dramatically improve my patients’ WCM-Q, left the UK to join WCM- was being compiled and it came as The test takes a few minutes, is lives,” Dr Malik added. Dr Rayaz Malik Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 11 REGION/ARAB WORLD Fears grow of rift between Saudi king and crown prince

Guardian News and Media by his advisers he was at risk of not among those sent to wel- was made without the knowl- from taking more power. the dismissal of extra Egyptian eign policy matters, the source London a potential move against him, come the king home. edge of the king, who was es- The Guardian asked the Sau- security, which was said to re- said, including the handling of according to a detailed account An offi cial press release listing pecially angered by what he be- di authorities to comment last fl ect the king’s uneasy relation- prisoners of war in Yemen, and from a source. the guests at the airport in Riy- lieved was a premature move to week. ship with the country’s presi- the Saudi response to protests in here are growing signs of His entourage was so alarmed adh confi rmed Prince Mohamed elevate Prince Khalid to a more On Monday, a spokesman for dent, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Sudan and Algeria. a potentially destabilis- at the possible threat to his was not among them, adding senior role. the Saudi embassy in Washing- An offi cial at the Egyptian The king is said to have disa- Ting rift between the king authority that a new security to speculation it was intended Royal appointments are al- ton said: “It is customary for the ministry of foreign aff airs did greed with Prince Mohamed’s of Saudi Arabia and his heir, the team, comprised of more than as a pointed snub to the crown most always announced in the king of Saudi Arabia to issue a not respond to a request for hardline approach to suppress Guardian has been told. 30 hand-picked loyalists from prince. name of the king, but the 23 Feb- royal order delegating the power comment, nor did a spokesman the protests. While the king is King Salman bin Abdulaziz al- the interior ministry, was fl own The crown prince, who was ruary decrees were signed by the to administer the aff airs of the for the Centre for International not a reformer, he is said to have Saud and Crown Prince Moham- to Egypt to replace the existing designated “deputy king” during “deputy king”. One expert said state to his deputy, the crown Communication in Saudi Arabia. supported freer coverage of the ed bin Salman are understood to team. the Egypt trip, as is customary, the title of deputy king had not prince, whenever he travels It is understood the king was protests in Algeria in the Saudi have disagreed over a number of The move was made as part of signed off two major personnel been used in this way for dec- abroad. That was the case dur- advised not to discuss the mat- press. important policy issues in re- a rapid response, and refl ected changes while the king was away. ades. ing King Salman’s recent visit to ter with other leaders or his son “There are subtle but impor- cent weeks, including the war in concern that some of the original They included the appointment The Guardian has been told Egypt.” until his return home. tant signs of something amiss Yemen. security staff might have been of a female ambassador to the the king and his team learned He said the announcements Prince Mohamed angered in the royal palace,” said Bruce The unease is said to have loyal to the prince, the source US, Princess Reema bint Bandar about the reshuffl e via televi- were made by Prince Mohamed people last month when he Riedel, a director of the Brook- been building since the murder said. bin Sultan, and that of his full sion. in his capacity as deputy king walked on top of the Ka’aba in ings Intelligence Project and 30- in Turkey of the dissident Saudi The king’s advisers also dis- brother, Khalid bin Salman, to The king has been trying to and on behalf of the king. “Any Makkah, the holiest site in Islam, year veteran of the CIA. journalist Jamal Khashoggi, missed Egyptian security per- the ministry of defence. repair some of the damage done insinuation to the contrary is provoking complaints to the king “A healthy crown prince is which the CIA has reportedly sonnel who were guarding him The latter appointment has to the kingdom by the murder in simply baseless.” by some religious scholars that expected to welcome the king concluded was ordered by Prince while he was in Egypt, the source further centralised power in one October of Khashoggi. The spokesman did not re- the move had been inappropri- home from a foreign trip, it’s a Mohamed. However, these ten- added. branch of the ruling family. Supporters of the king have spond to repeated questions ate, according to a person famil- sign of respect and the conti- sions increased dramatically in The friction in the father-son Although the changes had been pushing him to get more about changes to the king’s Sau- iar with the matter. nuity of government. The royal late February when the king, 83, relationship was underlined, the been mooted for some time, the involved in decision-making, di security detail while he was in The prince and king have also family will be closely watching visited Egypt and was warned source said, when the prince was source said the announcement to prevent the crown prince Egypt. Nor did he comment on been at odds on signifi cant for- what this means.”

Sudan opposition leader held in protest crackdown released Sudanese authorities have released a senior opposition leader who had been detained Civilians pour out of last since December in connection with demonstrations against President Omar al-Bashir’s rule, his party said yesterday. Omar el-Digeir, the chief of the opposition Sudanese Congress Party, was arrested and jailed days following protests that militant redoubt in Syria erupted on December 19 after a government decision to triple the AFP line saw black smoke billowing with very little to eat, many of price of bread. The authorities Near Baghouz over the besieged pocket after those emerging from Baghouz launched a widespread crack- an airstrike. are in poor physical and psy- down to curb the protests as The Observatory, which relies chological health. they mushroomed into nation- ivilians streamed out of on a network of sources inside Around 90 people, mostly wide demonstrations against the Islamic State group’s Syria, said artillery fi re and air children under the age of fi ve, Bashir, who swept to power in Clast Syrian stronghold strikes continued into the night. have died en route or shortly an Islamist-backed coup in 1989. yesterday into territory held by Outside the IS pocket yester- after arriving at Al-Hol, OCHA “The chief of our party, Omar US-backed forces battling to day, Dorothee Maquere said her said. el-Digeir has been released after fi nish off the militants’ dying husband Jean-Michel Clain, 38, Syria’s Kurds hold hundreds two months in detention,” the “caliphate”. had been killed last month, after of foreign militants and IS sym- Sudanese Congress Party said in Men sat on the ground, sur- his brother Fabien Clain. pathisers, whose governments a statement, without specifying rounded by Kurdish forces, “The drone killed my broth- have been reluctant to take when he was set free. while women clad from head er-in-law and then the mortar them back. “But 40 other party leaders are to toe in black waited to be killed my husband,” Maquere A US judge on Monday reject- still in detention,” it said. searched at an inspection point said. ed a request for expedited treat- Yesterday, Digeir vowed to near the village of Baghouz. The mass outpouring of peo- ment of the case of an Alabama push on with protests against Hundreds of people had ple from the dying “caliphate” woman who joined IS in Syria Bashir’s rule. “We assure our gathered there for screening af- has sparked a major humani- but has asked to return home. people that our party is fully ter fl eeing on Monday and early tarian emergency, with an aid The Trump administration committed to continue with yesterday, an AFP correspond- group saying 600 people ar- has declared that Hoda Muth- the peaceful struggle until we ent said. rived early Tuesday in one camp ana, 24, is not an American achieve success,” he wrote on Among them was the widow in northeast Syria. citizen, and has barred her from Twitter. of French militant Jean-Michel A man (centre) suspected of belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group, who spoke to AFP journalists Among them, ten people entry. British ambassador to Khar- Clain, who said her husband in French, sits in the back of a truck as he waits to be searched by members of the Kurdish-led Syrian “needed urgent medical treat- The militants are massively toum, Irfan Siddiq, who met Di- had been killed last month in Democratic Forces (SDF) just after leaving IS’s last holdout of Baghouz, in the eastern Syrian province ment because of shrapnel or outnumbered in Baghouz and geir yesterday after his release mortar fi re, after his brother of Deir Ezzor. war injuries”, the International the SDF say they expect a vic- said the opposition leader had Fabien. Relief Committee said. tory within days. been in detention for 67 days Fabien Clain, 41, had voiced 2014, declaring a “caliphate” thousands of people had since said 280 IS fi ghters were among Six were sent to hospital. The Kurdish-led forces without charge. “All remaining an IS audio recording claiming there, but have since lost all been evacuated. those who quit the pocket since Around 15,000 people have launched their broad off ensive political detainees should be responsibility for the November but a patch on the banks of the “We managed to evacuate Sunday. reached the Al-Hol camp from on remaining IS strongholds in released immediately,” Siddiq 2015 attacks in Paris, when IS Euphrates River in Baghouz. about 3,000 people” from the Diehard militants are fi ercely Baghouz between February the Euphrates Valley six months wrote on Twitter. “No political militants slaughtered 129 peo- The Syrian Democratic Forc- pocket, Mustefa Bali said on defending their last patch after 22 and March 1, the UN’s hu- ago. consensus can be reached in ple in co-ordinated operations. es and allies from the US-led Monday night. the SDF and the US-led coali- manitarian co-ordination offi ce The capture of Baghouz Sudan without a conducive Surrendering militants were coalition smashed their way “A large number of Daesh (IS) tion resumed their off ensive OCHA said on Monday. would mark the end of IS ter- political environment.” Over also among at least 3,000 people into that sliver at the weekend, militants surrendered to our late Friday, following a two- The new arrivals have pushed ritorial control in the region the past decade, the Sudanese who have fl ed the pocket of IS unleashing a deluge of airstrikes forces among the same group.” week pause to allow for civilian the camp’s population to over and deal a death blow to the Congress Party has emerged territory since IS slowed down and artillery attacks. An SDF offi cial said “hun- evacuations. 56,000, exacerbating already “caliphate”. At its peak more as an active opposition group its off ensive on Sunday, the Syr- But they slowed down the of- dreds” of IS fi ghters were The Kurdish-led force pushed dire conditions at the crammed than four years ago, the IS which regularly stages demon- ian Democratic Forces said. fensive on Sunday over concerns among them. The Syrian Ob- into Baghouz on Saturday. facility, it said. proto-state was the size of the strations and rallies against the IS seized large parts of Syr- for civilians trapped inside. servatory for Human Rights, On Monday night, an AFP After months under heavy United Kingdom and ruled mil- authorities. ia and neighbouring Iraq in An SDF spokesman said a Britain-based war monitor, correspondent near the front- bombardment and sometimes lions of people.

DISPUTE Al-Aqsa off icials to defy court Hospital develops over prayer Algerian students reject The Muslim foundation which 3D printed prosthetics runs the Al-Aqsa mosque com- pound in Jerusalem, the Waqf, said yesterday it will defy an Israeli Reuters Boutefl ika’s fi fth term court order barring access to part Amman of the flashpoint holy site. There have recently been scuff les AFP In a sign they would not back between worshippers and police hospital in Jordan Algiers down, students in Algiers chant- there over the use of a side build- has given a victim ed “bring on the army comman- ing called the Golden Gate, closed A of Yemen’s war new dos and the BRI (police rapid re- by Israel since 2003. Arguing hope for the future, thanks housands of Algerian stu- sponse squad)”. there was no longer any reason to the cutting edge technol- dents marched yesterday General Ahmed Gaid Salah for it to remain shut, Palestinian ogy of 3D printed prosthet- Tin protest at ailing Presi- said yesterday that the army off icials reopened the building last ics. dent Abdelaziz Boutefl ika’s de- would continue to guarantee Al- month and crowds of worshippers 21-year-old Abdullah War-wounded Abdullah termination to stand for re-elec- geria’s “security and stability” prayed inside despite the Israeli Ayed lost one arm and badly Ayed, 21-year-old man from tion, brushing aside his pledge and slammed those he said want closure. A Jerusalem court this damaged the other when his Yemen, tries his 3D-printed not to serve a full fi fth term. to return to the “painful years” week gave the Waqf until March home in Aden was hit by an prosthetic limb at the The country’s army chief of the 1992-2002 civil war. 10 to explain why the closure explosive in 2017. MSF-run hospital in Amman. meanwhile delivered a speech Speaking at a military acad- order should be lifted, Israeli He spent weeks in a coma slamming unnamed parties he emy outside Algiers, the armed watchdog group Ir Amim said in a in a local hospital. up in 2006, and aims to help said want to return to the “pain- forces chief of staff urged Algeri- statement. When he woke, he learned patients regain independ- ful years” of Algeria’s civil war, Students take part in a protest to denounce an off er by President ans to be ready to “erect a ram- one of his arms had to be ence. and pledged to guarantee the Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run in elections next month but not to serve part against anything that could amputated while the other Ayed was chosen to re- country’s “security and stabil- a full term if re-elected, in Algiers, yesterday. expose Algeria to unpredictable TRIAL was almost beyond repair. ceive a 3D printed prosthet- ity”. Boutefl ika suff ered a stroke threats”. Iran frees three “I wished for death, that ic. Project supervisor, Samar in 2013 and is rarely seen in pub- But Algerians weary of his tests have been banned since The European Commission would have been better than Ismail, said 3D printed pros- lic. two-decade rule angrily dis- 2001. “Hey Boutefl ika, there has stressed the importance of detained Jordanians being like this,” said Ayed. thetics are faster to produce Rallies demanding the missed his promise, read out on won’t be a fi fth term,” the stu- freedom of expression and rule Iran has released three Jordani- “It was embarrassing to go and much cheaper. 82-year-old resign have rocked state television, as an insult. dents chanted. of law, following days of pro- ans it arrested in December after out with my hand ampu- The price for a 3D limb is Algeria since February 22, with Yesterday thousands of uni- Onlookers applauded them tests which have seen tens of they strayed into Iranian territo- tated, especially still being around $30, while the more protesters mobilised by calls on versity students from campuses and motorists honked their thousands of people take to the rial waters in the Gulf, Jordan’s young, I wanted to get mar- conventional limbs start at social media, in a country where across Algiers marched in the horns in a show of support. streets. foreign ministry said yesterday. ried, I wanted a job. But I did 200$ and can go up to thou- half the population is under 30 capital, many carrying their Thousands of students also ral- “The right to freedom of ex- “Iranian authorities released the not lose my faith in God.” sands of dollars. and many young people struggle country’s fl ag. lied in the centre of Algeria’s pression and assembly are writ- three Jordanians and handed In August 2018, the in- The light weight is also a to fi nd jobs. Abderahman, a 21-year-old second city Oran, an AFP re- ten in the Algerian constitution,” them over to the acting charge ternational medical charity, huge advantage, Ismail add- Following mass demonstra- student, said Boutefl ika “wants porter said. said commission spokeswoman d’affairs at the kingdom’s em- Medecins Sans Frontieres ed, which enables patients to tions, Boutefl ika promised Sun- an extra year” in power. Local journalists in the cities Maja Kocijancic. bassy in Tehran,” it said. (MSF), sent Ayed to Amman use them for longer. day that if he wins the April poll “We don’t want him to stay of Constantine and Annaba said “We expect that these rights The three men were detained for treatment and rehabili- So far, more than 20 limbs he will organise a “national con- even an extra second. He should thousands more students had can be exercised in a peaceful during a fishing trip from the tation. have been fi tted to patients, ference” to set a date for further leave now,” he said. also joined protests, while Alge- way and guaranteed in respect United Arab Emirates late The MSF reconstructive from Gaza, Iraq, Syria and elections which he would not Police deployed across the rian media reported demonstra- for the rule of law,” she told last year. surgery programme was set Yemen. contest. centre of the capital where pro- tions in other cities. journalists. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 AFRICA

RAID VIOLENCE ENERGY WOES OFFICIAL NOTICE ALARMED Armed bandits kill 30 Seven killed in eastern Zimbabwe allows mines, Senegal president Sall Amnesty frets for detained in northwest Nigeria DR Congo attacks others to import own fuel secures re-election Mozambique journalist

At least 30 people have been killed by armed Seven people were killed yesterday, three of Zimbabwe yesterday allowed mining companies Senegalese President Macky Sall was yesterday Fears are growing that a Mozambican journalist bandits who raided a village in northwest them by machete-wielding assailants, in a fresh and other businesses to import their own fuel off icially declared winner of the February detained for two months in the country’s volatile Nigeria, police and residents said yesterday. round of violence in eastern DR Congo, off icials following shortages that have gripped the 24 election, after the constitutional council north is in a “critical condition”, rights group Motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked Kware said. In the city of Butembo, two soldiers were economy in the last six months due to a severe confirmed his re-election with 58% of votes. Amnesty said yesterday. Amade Abubacar, who village in Shinkafi district on Sunday night, killed by Mai-Mai militia who made a dawn attack dollar crunch, a cabinet minister said. Supplies Provisional results announced by Senegal’s works for the state-owned Comunitaria Nacedje opening fire on residents and burning homes. on a military camp, the Congolese armed forces of fuel in the southern African nation have been off icial counting body last week showed Sall de Macomia radio and television in northern Cabo “I can confirm 30 people were killed by the said on Twitter. “One assailant was killed and two intermittent since September, which has seen comfortably securing a second term without Delgado province, has been detained since January bandits in the attack in Kware,” Zamfara police (soldiers) fell on the field of honour,” they said, motorists spending hours in queues at service a run-off vote. The council confirmed that 5 on charges of espionage. Amnesty said in a spokesperson Mohamed Shehu told AFP. using a traditional term for military fatalities. In the stations. “Cabinet has given a green light to large opposition candidate Idrissa Seck had placed statement it had received “credible reports” that he Residents however gave a higher toll of 34, with provincial capital of Goma, “one person was found companies such as those in the mining sector, second with 21%, while Ousmane Sonko came had been mistreated and denied medical attention. many others still missing. “We recovered 34 shot dead” in the western district of Ndosho, while transport sector, commerce to use their funds to third with 16%. Sall had been tipped to win after “(They) must be investigated thoroughly and bodies after the attack and many more residents “three other bodies were found hacked to pieces” import fuel for their use,” Information Minister a modernising first term that propelled the West transparently and all those suspected of criminal have not been accounted for,” said Kware in Majengo district, Claver Kahasa, the city’s Monica Mutsvangwa told reporters after a African country’s economic growth to more than responsibility brought to book,” said Deprose resident Alu Wadatau said. deputy public prosecutor, told AFP. weekly cabinet meeting. 6% — one of the highest on the continent. Muchena, Amnesty International’s regional director. Rwanda, Uganda row Boko Haram faction may over rebel ‘support’ have a new AFP in Uganda. And that is the awareness we Kigali raise,” Sezibera insisted. Last week, Rwanda issued a travel ad- visory, warning its citizens against vis- commander wanda yesterday accused its much iting Uganda as they may face illegal ar- larger neighbour Uganda of sup- rests, torture, and deportations. Rporting rebels opposed to the gov- This came after Rwanda claimed 986 of By Aminu Abubaker, AFP accused him of helping himself ernment in Kigali, a claim fi rmly rebutted its citizens were deported from Uganda, Kano to a ransom allegedly paid for the by Kampala. and almost 200 were being held incom- girls’ release, robbing them of Rwandan Foreign Minister Richard municado. cash needed for operations. Sezibera told journalists that Kigali had Uganda rejected the claims. he leader of an Islamic Since July last year, ISWAP at- information that rebels of the Rwanda “It is false that Uganda hosts any ele- State-backed faction of tacks on military bases and sol- National Congress (RNC) “communicate ments fi ghting Rwanda,” Foreign Aff airs TBoko Haram may have diers have increased, not only with Ugandan people and give them in- Minister Sam Kutesa said in a statement. been replaced, sources say, denting morale but also allow- structions on arresting Rwandans”. “Uganda does not and cannot allow against a backdrop of specu- ing the militants to restock vital “Our only concern is that the RNC is anyone to operate from its territory that lation as to his fate — and the arms and ammunition. acting with and in support with people threatens a neighbour as alleged.” group’s future direction. One of the most recent attacks from Uganda,” Sezibera said. Kutesa also denied that Uganda “ar- Three sources with deep came just hours before polling The RNC opposition group is made up rests, tortures and harasses Rwandans”. knowledge of the group said they was due to begin in presidential of former Rwandan rebels who, together People from Rwanda were welcome to had been told in recent days that elections on February 23, and with Paul Kagame, are credited with visit Uganda, the minister underlined, the Islamic State West Africa saw rockets fi red on the Borno stopping the 1994 genocide. and had nothing to fear as long as “they Province (ISWAP) had dropped state capital, Maiduguri. The RNC was started by Kayumba are law abiding”. Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs Richard Sezibera addresses a press conference in Abu Mus’ab al-Barnawi. Weapons experts have iden- Nyamwasa, a former chief of staff of the “As a country that has been a target of Kigali yesterday. A previously unknown fi gure tifi ed the rockets used as those Rwandan army and once-confi dant to terrorist attacks...we remain vigilant,” named Abu Abdullah Ibn Umar seized from the Nigerian army in President Paul Kagame. said Kutesa. The scuffl e between Rwanda and by former rebel leaders now ruling Albarnawi is said to have re- an attack on the Lake Chad town But Nyamwasa fl ed to exile in South “In this regard, the government of Uganda threatens the six-member East beyond their initial two-term limits placed al-Barnawi, whose father of Baga in December. Africa after falling out with Kagame in Uganda remains committed to protecting African Community, a regional economic after changing the respective consti- Mohamed Yusuf founded Boko Whether al-Barnawi has suf- 2010 and Rwanda issued an arrest war- the security of its citizens and its borders bloc. tutions. Haram in 2002. fered the same fate as Nur is rant for him on charges of terrorism. and will act accordingly against local or Both countries were involved in the so- Yoweri Mueveni of Uganda has been The name al-Barnawi or vari- unclear but his absence would “We don’t see why the RNC should be foreign threats.” called Great War of Africa which began in power since 1986 while Paul Kagame ations of it derive from Arabic explain the more aggressive po- part of any equation between Rwanda He said it was “unfortunate” that the in Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998 has ruled Rwanda since 2000 and is now words meaning “from Borno,” a sitioning of the group in recent and Uganda. We don’t see logic of it, but movement of goods and people across the and drew in most of the region. serving a seven-year third term that will state in northeastern Nigeria. months. for some reasons they are still operating common border has been aff ected by the row. Rwanda and Uganda are both led conclude in 2021. “If the information turns out The three sources, who spoke to be true, it will have far-reach- on condition of anonymity for ing implications and raise a lot of security reasons, suggested that questions, including the fate of his only guaranteed way out alive al-Barnawi,” one of the sources was to “abdicate”. told AFP. But even that would be a risk Archive of vanishing African rituals seeks a home “The big question is, where is for the new leadership, with the al-Barnawi? Is he alive or is he possible emergence of another dead? Knowing how Boko Haram splinter group of al-Barnawi loy- By Katharine Houreld, Reuters longer care for time-consuming operates, it is unlikely for a leader alists. Nairobi social ceremonies and the obli- to be deposed and allowed to The recognition of al-Barna- gations they entail. move freely.” wi over Shekau was widely an- “It’s really important for Under al-Barnawi, ISWAP nounced on IS-affi liated media hirling masked spir- change to happen, but...in a way split from the faction led by outlets. its clad in raffi a and that works without losing your longtime Boko Haram leader But there has so far been no Wlaughing children identity,” said Fisher. Abubakar Shekau in mid-2016 in such announcement about the daubed with clay dance across Encouraged by conservation- opposition to the latter’s indis- new leadership. the pages of African Twilight, ists, one Maasai community in criminate targeting of civilians. “The silence from IS suggests the latest book by two photog- Kenya changed from lion-hunt- Shekau had previously pledged ISWAP took a unilateral decision raphers documenting rapidly ing to athletic games as a way of allegiance to IS chief Abubakr al- to get rid of al-Barnawi,” said one vanishing rituals across the con- proving male prowess, she said. Baghdadi in 2015 but IS recog- of the sources. tinent. The Wodaabe people in Niger nised only al-Barnawi as leader. “It is an indication that IS Carol Beckwith and Angela still stage male beauty pageants Al-Barnawi was considered doesn’t have the kind of tight Fisher have traversed 44 of Af- famed for their use of make-up only a fi gurehead, with the real control on ISWAP as many are rica’s 54 countries over four and grimaces. power being held by his second- suggesting, especially since the decades, documenting rituals The photographers’ friend in-command, Mamman Nur. death of Mamman Nur.” used to mark milestones such as Nike Okundaye, a Nigerian chief Nur, who was the mastermind In November, IS claimed to birth, death, and courtship, the and textile artist, is trying to re- of the 2011 bombing of the UN have killed 118 people in fi ve at- graduation of girl to woman or vive the laborious methods for headquarters in Abuja which tacks in Nigeria and Chad, mak- the moment a warrior becomes dying patterned indigo clothes, killed 26, was assassinated by ing ISWAP its deadliest affi liate. a respected elder. a tradition handed down from more radical ISWAP command- Analysts said the increasing Now their archive — compris- her great-great-grandmother. ers in August 2018. number and intensity of attacks ing more than a million images, Women once used the cloth — Since then, al-Barnawi “has indicated a greater capacity and hundreds of artefacts and fi eld Nigeria’s “colour of love”, Okun- been living on the fringes, careful mobility, as well as possible wid- diaries, and thousands of hours daye says — to fl aunt matrimo- not to cross the path of the new er support from militant groups of video — is looking for a home. nial harmony. leadership and earn their wrath”, in the Sahel region. They want the collection to go But the months-long proc- a second source said. IS’s silence on Nur’s execu- to a university in Africa or some ess to produce a piece makes A third said any change in tion was a clear sign of its help- other venue that will guarantee it too expensive for most con- leadership, which has sparked lessness in reining in ISWAP, the access to African artists, histo- sumers, so now her work hangs online speculation among those second source said. rians and researchers. A model receives final touches behind the scenes of a fashion show featuring African fashion and in Washington’s Smithsonian tracking the confl ict, could be “IS needs ISWAP more than “This record of Africa won’t culture as part of a gala marking the launch of African Twilight: The Vanishing Rituals and Ceremonies Museum and is pictured in the considered a “formality”. ISWAP needs them because of be taken again. It can’t be taken of the African Continent at the African Heritage House in Nairobi. pages of Beckwith and Fishers’ “Al-Barnawi had long lost rel- the defeat it has suff ered in Syria again because 40% of it is al- books. evance in the group,” he said. and Iraq,” he said. ready lost,” said Fisher, an Aus- music and textiles at the event at In South Sudan, decades of war In Ethiopia, desertifi cation Okundaye has been working Nur’s demise followed a lull in “They (IS) are now looking to tralian draped in beads and red Africa Heritage House, a private has devastated traditional Dinka and land grabs are pushing no- with them since 1967, she said. ISWAP activity in northeast Ni- the Sahel for sanctuary,” said the chiff on for their book launch in museum. culture, said Beckwith, a petite, mads south into farming lands “Carol loved the culture and geria and the abduction of more third. Nairobi. But confl ict, climate change, curly-haired American. Few now or towns. Angela loved the tradition,” than 100 schoolgirls from the “They wouldn’t want to upset Heat lightning fl ashed across and the spread of technology are can make the beaded corsets Samburu elders in Kenya wor- Okundaye said.”We hope their Yobe town of Dapchi in February their hosts and will have to live the sky as models, acrobats and erasing or transforming many whose patterns and colours would ry that youngsters enamoured photographs will inspire a new 2018. with ISWAP’s infractions and dancers showcased traditional such customs. tell you the life story of its wearer. of cell phones and city life no generation.” The more radical lieutenants diff erent approach.”

More than 300 held for Nigeria vote off ences More than 300 people were Burundi forces United Nations to shut Bujumbura human rights offi ce arrested on suspicion of com- mitting electoral off ences during Nigeria’s recent elections, the top By Tom Miles, Reuters He won re-election and in 2016 Bu- She said advancements in human Burundi subsequently threatened human rights training and advice on police chief has said. Geneva rundi suspended all co-operation with rights in Burundi had been jeopard- to prosecute the rights council’s team legislation. “A total of 323 off enders have the UN human rights offi ce in Burundi ised since 2015 when Nkurunziza an- of investigators and accused its chair- But Burundi had also shown “a so far been arrested for various after a UN-commissioned report ac- nounced his re-election bid, which man of “selling” Africans like in the serious lack of cooperation” with electoral off ences and sundry urundi has forced the United cused the Bujumbura government and sparked major protests and a security era of slavery, a comment that outraged other UN human rights bodies in crimes across the country,” Nations to shut its local human its supporters of being responsible for crackdown. Bachelet. Geneva, and Burundian officials had Inspector General of Police Brights offi ce after 23 years, UN crimes against humanity. Burundi rejected the 2016 UN re- The government also threw out the left halfway through a review into Mohammed Adamu said late on High Commissioner for Human Rights Bachelet said yesterday the Burun- port as “lies” and when the UN Human three visiting UN human rights experts use of torture in the country, Sham- Monday. Michelle Bachelet said yesterday. dian government had declared it had Rights Council considered renewing it had promised to cooperate with, ac- dasani said. “Two off icers also paid the Hundreds of Burundians have been made suffi cient progress in human the investigation in 2017, Burundi of- cusing them of arriving unannounced She said there were still credible re- supreme sacrifice, while some killed in clashes with security forces rights so the UN rights offi ce in Bujum- fered to accept UN rights experts in- and acting like spies. ports of serious human rights viola- others were assaulted and in- and half a million have fl ed abroad bura was no longer justifi ed. stead. UN human rights spokeswoman tions in Burundi, including arbitrary jured,” he added, vowing to liaise since President Pierre Nkurunziza an- “It is with deep regret that we have had But the rights council voted both to Ravina Shamdasani said senior Bu- killings, forced disappearances, ill- with the electoral commission for nounced in 2015 he would run for a to close our offi ce in Burundi after a 23-year renew the investigation and to send rundian offi cials who met Bachelet treatment, arrests and detention, and any prosecutions. third term in what many saw as a breach presence in the country,” Bachelet, a former the experts, infuriating the Bujumbura last week told her they were prepared curbs on freedom of association, ex- of the constitution. Chilean president, said in a statement. government. to accept technical assistance such as pression and movement. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 13 AMERICAS

MOURNED RECORD BOUNTY JUSTICE DATA CRUNCH Beverly Hills, 90210 star S Carolina lottery winner Chelsea Manning ordered Berners-Lee sees mission Luke Perry dead at 52 claims $877mn cash prize to testify to grand jury to fix Internet’s ills

Actor Luke Perry, who rose to fame as a The anonymous sole winner of a $1.5bn US Mega A US judge yesterday rejected a bid by WikiLeaks Worldwide web inventor Tim Berners-Lee said heartthrob in the hit 1990s television series Millions drawing last fall has come forward to leaker Chelsea Manning to fight a subpoena yesterday he is on a mission to fix the problems Beverly Hills, 90210, died on Monday at the age of claim the jackpot, choosing to collect a record to testify in a closed-door probe believed to of online abuse, misinformation and data 52, triggering an outpouring of grief from friends one-time cash sum of more than $877mn, South target the anti-secrecy group. Manning told protection that were not envisioned when the and former co-stars. Perry had been hospitalised Carolina’s lottery commission said on Monday. journalists outside the Alexandria, Virginia system was created decades earlier. Berners- last week after suff ering a massive stroke at his The winning Quick Pick Mega Millions ticket for federal courthouse that her push to defeat a Lee, credited with creating the web in 1989, home in Sherman Oaks, a wealthy suburb of Los the October 23 drawing was purchased at a KC grand jury subpoena was rejected, but that she told a Washington Post event he is committed Angeles. He died surrounded by his children Jack Mart convenience store in Simpsonville, South will continue to fight it over the coming days. to working on solutions to rampant problems and Sophie, his fiancee Wendy Madison Bauer Carolina, off icials said. The victorious player has “The motion to quash was denied. We still have plaguing the online world. The British computer and ex-wife Minnie Sharp, his parents, siblings and opted not to be publicly identified. In a fortuitous grounds to litigate so we’re going to be here scientist said his eff orts focus on two areas — other close family and friends, his agent Arnold gesture recounted by lottery off icials, the lucky tomorrow,” Manning said. She said she opposed the so-called “Contract for the Web” to ensure Robinson told AFP. “The family appreciates the contestant had allowed a fellow customer to grand juries, which she said are abused by integrity of online information, and his platform Washington Post columnist David Ignatius outpouring of support and prayers that have been jump ahead in line to buy a ticket just before the prosecutors to unfairly compel testimony with in development called “Solid” to give users (left) listens to Tim Berners-Lee at a extended to Luke from around the world.” winning ticket was sold. little transparency. control of their data. Washington Post event yesterday. Trump lashes out at ‘crazy’ opponents By Sebastian Smith, AFP Congress on verge of rejecting Trump border emergency Washington The US Congress is on the verge of issu- In more than two years in off ice, ing a sharp rebuke to President Donald he has failed to persuade Congress resident Donald Trump yester- Trump over his declaration of an emer- to fund his wall, even when both Charlotte Seney, 3, Henry Rogers, 4, and Greyson Bardo, 4, pull their sleds up a small hill after a snowstorm in Charlestown, day branded Democratic op- gency at the border with Mexico, with chambers were controlled by his fellow Massach`usetts. Pponents “crazy” and guilty of a top Republican predicting the Senate Republicans. overreach in a fevered response to a would approve a resolution to reject it. Trump declared a national emer- huge new Democratic-led probe of his Already approved by the House gency on February 15 after he failed alleged crimes. of Representatives, the resolution to to convince Congress to give him the In a searing burst of early morning terminate the declaration has suff icient $5.7bn he wanted for to build the wall. tweets, the president said the House support in the Senate to be passed, Emergency powers would allow him East Coast digs out from snow Judiciary Committee investigation Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCon- to divert money from other accounts launched Monday was “the greatest nell said on Monday. already approved by Congress toward overreach in the history of our Coun- McConnell predicted that Trump the wall, he said. Reuters Seven missing in Alabama aft er deadly weekend tornadoes try.” would veto the resolution once it lands Trump says the wall is needed to Washington “The real crime is what the Dems on his desk, however. curb illegal immigration and crime; Alabama search and rescue teams rowed their scope down to “the most are doing, and have done!” he said. McConnell also said that that there Democrats say it would be too costly were yesterday combing through the aff ected areas” after scouring much of Another tweet labelled Democratic would not be enough votes in Con- and ineff ective. ew England yesterday dug out wreckage of houses flatted by weekend the county on Monday. leaders “stone cold CRAZY.” gress to override the veto. Democrats protest that the from more than a foot of snow tornadoes, looking for seven or eight He said he hoped the search and “PRESIDENTIAL HARASS- That would leave the emergency president’s emergency intrudes on the Non Monday that snarled com- people who remained unaccounted for rescue eff ort would become a recovery MENT!” said another. declaration — an eff ort to circumvent constitutional power of Congress over mutes, cancelled nearly 1,800 airline in the wake of the deadliest US twister eff ort by the end of the day. Trump’s exclamation mark- and Congress to get funding for a proposed government spending. fl ights and was blamed for injuries to outbreak since 2013. The tornadoes, stirred up by a late- capital letter-laden outbursts indi- border wall — in eff ect, sending it to the The Democratic-majority House fi ve people after a commuter jet slid The tiny community of Beauregard, winter “supercell” thunderstorm, toppled cated rising temperature in a White courts for a legal battle between the voted last week to revoke Trump’s off a snowy runway in northern Maine, near the Alabama-Georgia border, was mobile homes and uprooted massive House under assault from multiple White House and Democrats. declaration, sending the issue to the forcing the airport to close. beginning to mourn the 23 people trees on Sunday with 274kph winds. directions. An internal debate over the issue Senate. A pilot and four passengers suff ered confirmed killed by the storms, which Forecasters ranked the worst of the Democrats, who took control of was continuing yesterday in the Sen- McConnell was speaking on Monday minor injuries when the United Express included four children and seven people outbreak at step four of the six-step En- the House of Representatives last ate, with a vote expected before the in Kentucky after fellow Republican fl ight, a 50-seat Embaraer 145, veered from one family, off icials said yesterday. hanced Fujita scale of tornado strength. November, suspect Trump of a slew end of next week. Senator Rand Paul said he would vote off the runway at Presque Isle Inter- The victims ranged in age from 6 The Beauregard community in the of potentially impeachable off ences, While the outcome of the Senate to reject the emergency. national Airport, in northern Maine, to 93 years old, Bill Harris, coroner for twister’s path might have had as few as including obstruction of justice and vote remained uncertain, McConnell’s “What is clear in the Senate is that about 220km east of Canada’s Quebec storm-ravaged Lee County, told a morn- eight or nine minutes to seek shelter abuse of offi ce. remarks pointed strongly toward there will be enough votes to pass the City, on landing at about 11.30am on ing news conference. from the time the warning was issued, The powerful judiciary commit- passage. resolution of disapproval, which will Monday, the airport said on Facebook. “Just keep these families in your National Weather Service chief meteor- tee is demanding information from A vote by the Republican-controlled then be vetoed by the president and All fi ve were transported to nearby prayers,” Harris said. ologist Chris Darden said. 81 Trump-connected individuals and Senate to block Trump’s declaration then in all likelihood the veto will be Northern Light AR Gould Hospital Most of the deceased were found in In addition to 23 confirmed deaths, more entities, including his sons. would be a huge embarrassment for him. upheld in the House,” McConnell said. where they were treated and released, close proximity to their homes. than 50 people were reported injured, The new front opened just as Trump the airport said. The four children were age 6, 8, 9 and authorities said, making this the deadliest braces for the results of an independ- The plane was damaged and would 10, off icials said. tornado outbreak since a massive tornado ent probe into his dealings with Russia the House voted to overturn Trump’s claiming that Democrats want to rep- remain in place until Federal Aviation County Sheriff Jay Jones said struck Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013, kill- by special prosecutor Robert Mueller. controversial use of emergency pow- licate the violent chaos underway in Administration offi cials could assess yesterday that search crews had nar- ing 24 people and injuring 375 others. Rumors that Mueller is close to ers to force funding for US-Mexico Venezuela. the scene. ending his two-year investigation border wall construction, that was “Democrats are harassing the Pres- “At this time, the airport is closed have set Washington on edge. expected. ident to distract from their radical and offi cials are currently in discus- New York were less than expected and 56, as he shovelled snow from his drive- Debate over whether the prosecu- However, this week four Republi- agenda of making America a socialist sions with the National Transportation parents complained on social media way in Maplewood, New Jersey. tor’s fi ndings should be made imme- can senators have broken ranks to join country, killing babies after they’re Safety Board to determine when the that he had overreacted. Wesley’s two-mile local commute by diately public is already underway, their Democratic opponents in the born, and pushing a ‘green new deal’ runway will be reopened,” the airport “We put safety fi rst when we make car was delayed nearly two hours by the with Democrats warning that at- upper house, meaning the motion can that would destroy jobs and bankrupt said. a call on closing school. The overnight snow. tempts at a cover-up by the White pass there too. America,” Trump spokeswoman Sa- A band of winter weather stretching storm had more rain and less snow than Commuting challenges may mount House could lead them to subpoena Trump will likely be able to brush rah Sanders said late on Monday. from Maryland to Maine dumped more forecast. We know it’s tough for work- in the coming days as snow melts and Mueller to testify. aside that rebuke by using the fi rst Trump’s other main angle of at- than a foot of snow on parts of New ing parents — that’s why we made an temperatures drop, icing over road- Trump’s response to the pressure veto of his presidency. tack has been to dismiss the validity England, including 38cm overnight on early decision so New Yorkers could ways. has been consistent with his longtime However, the fact that he has lost the of the Mueller probe, which he has downtown Boston, National Weather plan,” de Blasio said in a tweet. “Each day is a little bit cooler,” the playbook: to insult accusers, admit no guaranteed backing of his party in the repeatedly dubbed a “witch hunt” Service meteorologist Marc Chenard More than 1,700 fl ights were can- National Weather Service’s Chenard weakness, and rely on backing from Senate could point to trouble ahead. and “phony” in hopes of reducing its reported. celled on Monday and another 4,500 said, noting the week’s highest tem- his ultra-loyal political base. In Trump’s combative vision of credibility. New York City was spared the worst were delayed, according to the fl ight peratures for the Northeast will be in Polls show that the president’s politics, the looming probes are not But in an indication that the presi- of the late-winter storm, although tracking website FlightAware.com. the low 30s Fahrenheit (1 C). support among Republican voters all bad news. dent’s rhetorical bombshells risk mis- Mayor Bill de Blasio took the rare step Government offi ces and libraries in “You’ll get some melting during the remains strong, even if Democratic Already the White House is framing fi ring, former Trump White House of shutting the city’s massive public Boston were closed. day, especially when the sun is hitting voters are just as convinced in oppo- the Democratic onslaught as sympto- lawyer Ty Cobb went public yesterday school system and New Jersey Transit In New Jersey, where Governor Phil the snow, and then at night it’s going sition. matic of leftist radicalism supposedly with a surprising defence of Mueller, cancelled about a dozen trains on its Murphy declared a state of emergency to be cold enough to refreeze. Any road However, cracks in Republican sup- threatening the country. calling him an “American hero.” sprawling commuter system. ahead of the storm, state workers had a surfaces that aren’t treated, certainly port at the top echelons of the party Trump has made the spectre of “I don’t feel the investigation is The mayor defended the school clo- two-hour delay. could get icy at night into the morning,” have appeared. far-left socialism a growing part of a witch hunt,” Cobb told ABC News sures on Twitter after snow totals in “This is horrible!” said Steve Wesley, he said. When the Democratic majority in his 2020 re-election campaign, even podcast The Investigation.

Trudeau looks set to try to battle through crisis

By David Ljunggren, Reuters her departure as a major blow. rience of working with the prime are elected by members at for- Ottawa A government offi cial said yes- minister said a major shift in tac- mal conventions and cannot be terday that while Trudeau was tics was very unlikely. sacked after a snap vote by par- disappointed by her resignation, “He will always double down liamentarians, as is the case in anadian Prime Minis- he would not be changing tack. when under pressure,” said the Britain and Australia. ter Justin Trudeau shows “We will not lose sight of Liberal. “That’s his way.” In statements to domestic me- Cevery sign of trying to the big picture, we will not lose An Ipsos poll for Global News dia, every one of the 33 remaining battle his way through the big- sight of the reasons that people released yesterday showed the Cabinet members — including gest crisis of his tenure even as elected us,” said the offi cial, who Conservatives would get 40% Finance Minister Bill Morneau opinion polls show he stands a requested anonymity given the support from decided voters and Foreign Minister Chrystia real chance of losing power in an sensitivity of the situation. compared with just 31% for Tru- Freeland — issued statements election this October. Trudeau told a Liberal rally on deau, more than enough to en- backing Trudeau. A second member of Trudeau’s Monday night that he took Phil- sure his defeat. “Removing a leader just a few Cabinet resigned on Monday, pott’s concerns seriously while The offi cial opposition Con- months before an election would saying she had lost confi dence noting that “in a democracy like servatives are demanding Tru- be suicide,” said a second Liberal. in how the government had dealt ours...we are allowed to have dis- deau step down, but the Liberals Trudeau dismisses opposition with a scandal over whether or agreements and debate”. say it will be hard for other par- calls for a public inquiry, noting not offi cials had pressured the Some nervous Liberal legisla- ties to keep the issue alive all the that Canada’s independent eth- former justice minister to help a tors say Trudeau needs to make way until October. ics commissioner is looking into major company avoid being tried changes to his inner circle and There are no immediate signs the allegations. for corruption. complain about a lack of com- of an attempt to pressure Trudeau The commissioner, though, Treasury Board President Jane munication from top aides as to to leave, if only because it can can take months to wrap up a Philpott was one of the most re- how the prime minister plans to take years to force out a Canadian probe and there is no guarantee spected members of government deal with the crisis. leader who does not want to go. the results would be released be- and political observers described But a Liberal with close expe- The heads of political parties fore the vote in October. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at a Liberal Climate Action Rally in Toronto on Monday. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 ASIA UN expert calls Lanka boosts spending in for tighter checks by investors in budget targeting voters Myanmar Reuters ering the People and Nurturing by 21.3% compared with 2018. Colombo the Poor”. Budget documents show the The government, led by Prime government plans to borrow Reuters which she will present to the Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Rs450bn ($2.51bn) via foreign Geneva UN Human Rights Council on ri Lanka yesterday boosted has come under heavy criticism commercial borrowing. March 11. spending on state em- for higher taxes, and tight mon- On Friday, the IMF said it had “Public institutions linked Sployees, pensioners and etary and fi scal policies that have agreed to extend a $1.5bn loan acebook, Twitter and to the military, its supporters, the armed forces, and prom- crimped growth to a 17-year programme for an additional foreign investors need to extremist religious groups, ised many rural infrastructure low and led to a sharp fall in the year, eff ectively giving the gov- Fdo more to ensure they and members of the govern- projects in a 2019 budget to rupee. ernment some room to boost support human rights in My- ment continue to proliferate woo voters before two elections, Wickremesinghe was rein- spending before the elections. anmar, the UN Special Rap- hate speech and misinforma- following a period of political stated as prime minister after Sri Lanka is struggling to re- porteur Yanghee Lee said in a tion on Facebook,” she wrote. instability. a 51-day political face-off with pay its foreign loans, with a report published yesterday. Myanmar denies allegations Finance Minister Mangala Sa- President Maithripala Sirise- record $5.9bn due this year, in- Myanmar has been trying to of mass killings and rape, and maraweera raised taxes on the na, who had sacked him, but cluding $2.6bn in the fi rst three woo investors and divert at- says its off ensive was a legiti- tourism sector, vehicles, liquor was forced by a court ruling to months. tention from the 730,000 Ro- mate response to an insurgent and cigarettes to meet govern- reinstate him. It used its reserves to repay hingya Muslims who have fl ed threat and that it is welcoming ment spending before a presi- Samaraweera set an ambitious a $1bn sovereign bond loan in the country since 2017, an ex- the refugees back. dential election later this year fi scal defi cit goal of 4.4% of January. odus that a UN inquiry blamed The report also examined and a general election in 2020. gross domestic product (GDP), The government is sticking to on a military campaign with the role of military-run con- He introduced a special al- compared with 5.3% in 2018. a medium-term economic strat- “genocidal intent”. glomerates in Myanmar’s lowance for all public sector em- “Achieving 4.4% defi cit target egy of cutting the defi cit to 3.5% Facebook said this month mining industry. Fresh sanc- ployees and revised payments will be challenging and an uphill of GDP by 2020, an IMF target, that it had banned four groups tions should be considered on for pensioners. Public sector task,” said Danushka Samaras- which was earlier expected to be fi ghting Myanmar’s military two military-run conglomer- workers and pensioners account inghe, chief executive offi cer, shifted to 2021. after it was criticised for not ates, the Union of Myanmar for 15% of voters. Softlogic Capital Markets. Tight monetary and fi scal doing enough to block content Economic Holdings Limited Samaraweera also prom- Trisha Peiris, product head policies, along with intermit- fuelling the confl ict. But Lee’s (UMEHL) and Myanmar Eco- ised many rural infrastructure at Frontier Research, said the tent fl oods and drought, have led report said she was concerned nomic Corporation (MEC), it projects and to safeguard lower- budget “appears to target the to growth slumping to a 17-year that the army and allied armed said. income earners. middle-class segment more low of around 3% last year, while groups had not been banned. They provided “off -budget “We will invest more in so- while proposing several loan the rupee fell 16% mainly due to “Contrary to achieving the fi nancing” to the army and cial infrastructure and a social schemes to the lower income foreign outfl ows from Sri Lankan stated aim of decreasing ten- were involved in natural-re- safety net,” Samaraweera told earners”. securities. sions, this selective banning source extraction, where Lee the parliament while delivering The government aims to Samaraweera expected this may contribute to feelings of said she was continuing to re- the budget with the theme of increase spending by 13% in year’s growth to pick up to a pace Sri Lankan Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera presents the inequality by ethnic minori- ceive reports of human rights “Enterprise Sri Lanka - Empow- 2019 and increase tax revenue of 3.5%. 2019 budget to parliament in Colombo yesterday. ties,” Lee said in the report, abuses. Vietnam calls for ‘drastic Nepal to use Chinese Police in steps’ to fi ght swine fever Myanmar gauge for its railway seize Reuters run Vietnam News Service nam’s government website Hanoi reported. reported. Reuters city of Pokhara and to Lumbini, India, is broad gauge. “We should combat the More than 4,300 animals Kathmandu the birthplace of Buddha, near India is Nepal’s largest eco- massive epidemic as if we are fi ghting have been infected and de- the border with India on the nomic partner and accounts ietnam’s prime min- against the enemy,” Phuc said stroyed because of the virus, southern plains. for two-thirds of its foreign ister has called for in a meeting with regional of- the website said, citing data epal has chosen a rail- Minister for Physical Infra- trade. The bulk of foreign trade haul of V“drastic measures” fi cials on Monday, according from the Ministry of Agricul- way-track gauge used structure and Transport Raghu- is routed through Raxaul. to fi ght the spread of African to yesterday’s report, which ture and Rural Development. Nby China for its net- bir Mahaseth told Reuters in an Mahaseth said Nepal was swine fever in the Southeast said Phuc had called for “dras- The virus started to spread work and not the main one interview the government will using the standard gauge for meth pills Asian country, state media tic measures” from the “whole at some locations around Ha- India uses citing lower costs, a ask India to use the standard an east-west railway link it is reported yesterday. political system” to fi ght the noi during last week’s summit minister said yesterday. gauge on the line it is building. building parallel to a 1,030km The highly contagious dis- disease. between US President Don- Last year, India pro- “Standard gauge is less ex- (640-mile) highway running AFP ease, which is incurable in pigs From February 1 to March ald Trump, and North Korean posed laying a broad-gauge pensive and is used in many through the plains. Yangon but harmless to humans, has 3, the fever was found in 202 leader Kim Jong-un, after the (1,676mm) rail link from its countries,” Mahaseth said. Nepali and Chinese rail- spread rapidly across neigh- households in seven cit- fi rst confi rmed cases of the border town of Raxaul to the The planned 130km (80 mile) way experts are due to meet bouring China since August, ies or provinces in north- disease in Vietnam were found Nepali capital of Kathmandu, line from Raxaul to Kathmandu in Beijing in May to discuss yanmar authorities and has been found in seven ern Vietnam, including in in three farms in Thai Binh and spurred by China’s plans to will be the second rail track in construction of the 70km (42 have seized more areas in Vietnam, the state- the capital, Hanoi, Viet- Hung Yen provinces. extend its standard gauge, or the landlocked, mountainous miles) link connecting Gyiron Mthan 10mn meth pills 1,435mm measure, line from country between India and in Tibet with Kathmandu, worth $13.3mn over the week- Tibet to the city. China. making it one of the most end, police said, another mas- Nepal says the Chinese rail- Nepal’s only railway link, ambitious infrastructure sive haul in a country widely way link will eventually be ex- a 35km (22 miles) track in its projects in the Himalayan believed to be the world’s tended to the western tourist southern plains also built by mountains. largest methamphetamine Tycoon plans tournament to producer. High-grade crystal meth - or ‘ice’ - is smuggled out of Myan- fi nd husband for daughter mar via sophisticated networks to lucrative developed markets DPA of his durian business, “I want someone to take care Strikes shut schools across Nepal as far away as Japan, South Korea Bangkok according to Khaosod of my business and make it and Australia. English. last,” Anon was quoted as Lower-quality pills, cut with Hundreds of men had saying. DPA teachers clashed with police in tions were fi lled based on in- caff eine and known in the region A Thai durian tycoon will applied for the position a day “If I wait for a son-in-law to Kathmandu Kathmandu, which left several ternal competition, said Khem as “yaba” or “crazy medicine”, hold a tournament to pick later. come here and ask [to marry teachers injured, according to Raj Adhikari, a leader of the are pumped out to feed the vo- a husband for his youngest It is not yet known what her], it will be too slow, so I’m emporary teachers in local media. protesters. racious domestic market as well daughter, local media the tournament, to be held asking for one right now,” he Nepal shut down schools The demonstrators are pro- But the new bill proposes as large drug-addicted commu- reported yesterday. in the eastern province of added. Tacross the country yes- testing an education bill that making just 20% of the posi- nities in nearby Thailand and Arnon Rodthong, 58, Chantaburi near the resort His daughter Karnsita terday, demanding that their proposes only 20% of tempo- tions permanent, leaving the Bangladesh. posted on social media city of Pattaya on April 1, will Rodthong said she does not contracts be made permanent, rary teachers at government- rest to be fi lled by temporary Two diff erent busts took place on Monday looking for a involve. mind the idea. with protests aff ecting around and community-run schools teachers, he explained. in the west of the country at the husband for his 26-year- However contenders are “I’m not picky. I only want a 6mn students. will be made permanent. Ministry of Education weekend, state-run media said, old daughter along with expected to be tested on man that I can bring to social An organisation represent- Previously, the government spokesman Bishnu Prasad one in Magway region and one in a prize of 10mn baht their knowledge of durian events and take selfies with,” ing 40,000 temporary teach- fi lled 70% of vacant teach- Mishra said his offi ce had urged Maungdaw in Rakhine state. ($314,180) and inheritance trade. she said. ers began a series of strikes on ing positions with temporary protesters to end their demon- “It’s the biggest drugs seizure Sunday. teachers, who were given per- stration and hold talks with the this year in the country and the On Monday, protesting manent contracts, and posi- government. biggest ever in Maungdaw region in Rakhine State,” police colonel Win Ko Ko said. The pills were likely destined for Bangladesh, where they have become an easy source of in- come for the Rohingya Muslim Thai general pines for ‘democracy’ in ballad refugees who have poured across the border since a 2017 military crackdown. AFP coming so we can solve the mistakes her elder brother Thaksin, the bil- Most of the drug production, Bangkok of the past.” lionaire ex-premier who heads the however, takes place on the other Thailand remains deeply polar- powerful political clan. side of Myanmar, in confl ict-rid- ised fi ve years after the army booted Thais have not had a general den eastern Shan state. unta leader Prayut Chan-o-cha out the government of Yingluck election since 2011. Much of the state lies outside has dropped his latest saccha- Shinawatra from offi ce. After years of military rule, new of central control with a complex Jrine pop ballad on the Thai pub- Prayut led the coup, saying his electoral forces are emerging, mud- web of rebel ethnic armed groups lic, pining for the “democratic path” hand had been forced after months dying Thailand’s once clear political and militias wielding power nearly fi ve years after he seized pow- of bloody protests against Yingluck’s division between those who sup- and linking up with traffi cking er from the country’s last elected government. port the Shinawatras’ and the arch- networks. government. He has since clung on to power, re- royalist, conservative camp which is Opium farming is also rife, and A former army chief who wants peatedly pushing back elections, muz- wedded to the army. Myanmar remains the world’s to return after March 24 polls as a zling dissent and carving out a new con- Future Forward, a party led by a second largest producer of the civilian prime minister, Prayut has stitution which embeds the military’s photogenic billionaire has gained drug after Afghanistan. penned several ditties intended role in politics for the next 20 years. traction among Thailand’s youth for The poppy-covered hills also to inspire the nation since seizing That has outraged Thai pro- its strident anti-junta stance and provide an ideal location for il- power in 2014. democracy supporters, a disparate vow to address inequality. licit meth labs, with a largely “New Day”, released on YouTube, group which spans rice farmers and Seven million people aged 18-25 unchecked supply of precur- captures the famously gruff the urban poor, Bangkok middle are eligible to vote for the fi rst time sor chemicals fl ooding-in from 64-year-old general in refl ective classes and millennials who have this month. China. mood. spent large chunks of their life under “Our agenda has become the pub- Accurate production fi gures “We are looking for a new day in junta rule. lic’s agenda,” Future Forward leader are impossible to obtain, but ex- Thailand’s history... towards the The bloodless 2014 coup took out Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit perts say that large seizures have democratic path,” the pop number - the elected government of Yingluck said during campaigning. had no eff ect on drug prices - sung by two soldiers - says. Shinawatra. Eight years earlier the “We are making progressive ideas Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, right, meeting performers wearing traditional cos- suggesting they are only a small “A ‘New Day’ for Thailand is army toppled the administration of attractive again... sexy again.” tume during an arts and handicrafts fair at the Government House in Bangkok yesterday. proportion of the total. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Air pollution soars in 39 northern Chinese cities, shows offi cial data

Reuters economic growth and allay pub- Average concentrations of haz- Organisation recommends an Lunar New Year holiday contrib- February pollution control peri- been at pains to stress that China Shanghai lic disquiet about the state of the ardous airborne particles known annual average of no more than uted to the surge. od. Average levels over the period will not relent in eff orts to curb country’s air, soil and water. as PM2.5 rose 40% in February 10 micrograms. “I’m very comfortable at- rose 13% to 88 micrograms. pollution even as the economy In his annual government work to hit 108 micrograms per cubic China’s Ministry of Ecology tributing the bad air quality in The cities are under pres- slows, and it warned local gov- ir pollution in 39 smog- report delivered to parliament metre in the region, analysis of and Environment blamed “unfa- the second-half of February in sure to make cuts of at least 3% ernments not to blame economic prone northern Chinese yesterday, Premier Li Keqiang offi cial data showed. vourable” weather for the decline part to the ongoing increase in year-on-year from October to problems on environmental con- Acities soared in February, vowed that China would contin- Anyang in Henan province in air quality in February, saying heavy industry and coal power March. “Local governments that trols. making it increasingly unlikely ue to “strengthen pollution pre- was again the most polluted city on Sunday that “a weak El Nino plant output around the region,” fail to achieve their targets will Premier Li said China would they will meet their annual win- vention and control” this year. among the 39, with PM2.5 reach- eff ect” and a subsequent increase said Lauri Myllyvirta, air pollu- be held accountable - please cut key pollutants like sulphur ter air quality targets, Reuters However, the country has strug- ing 163 micrograms, up 60% in temperature and humidity tion analyst with environmental wait and see,” ministry offi cial dioxide and nitrogen oxide by analysis of offi cial data showed. gled to meet its targets in recent from a year earlier. PM2.5 in An- made it harder to disperse emis- group Greenpeace. According to Liu Bingjiang said at a briefi ng 3% this year. He said it would China is heading into the sixth months, especially in the 39 cit- yang exceeded 500 micrograms sions after Feb 19. But, the min- Reuters calculations, only six of on the sidelines of China’s latest also seek “a continuous decline year of its “war on pollution” to ies in the key northern pollution at one point during the month. istry also said that Lantern Festi- the 39 cities have experienced an national session of parliament on in PM2.5 density in key areas”, try to reverse damage from over control zones of Beijing-Tian- China’s offi cial PM2.5 standard is val fi rework celebrations and the overall decrease in PM2.5 con- Tuesday. though he did not give any spe- three decades of untrammelled jin-Hebei and the Fenwei Plain. 35 micrograms. The World Health reopening of factories after the centrations over the October- The environment ministry has cifi c target. Chinese premier pledges reforms

DPA Beijing

hinese Premier Li Ke- qiang promised various Creforms meant to stimu- late China’s economy as he set an economic growth target of 6 to 6.5% for 2019 at the opening of the annual parliamentary session yesterday. The range would mark China’s slowest economic growth in al- most three decades. However, observers see it as optimistic and hard to achieve. Last year, the economy grew 6.6%, bogged down by a trade war with the United States and rising govern- ment debt. Li warned of the “many dif- fi culties” facing the economy as he addressed the 2,948 delegates at the cavernous Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The parliamentary session, known as the National People’s Congress, will last until March 15. The government work report presented by Li outlined tax cuts A security guard keeps watch over delegates and journalists during the opening session of the National Peo- meant to stimulate economic ple’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. growth. Most importantly, the value- unilateralism.”Instability and focus needs to switch to creat- since the Tiananmen Square pro- China’s President Xi Jinping (left) and Premier Li Keqiang are applauded as they arrive for the opening session added tax (VAT) in manufac- uncertainty are visibly increas- ing a favourable environment tests, and 10 years since deadly of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. turing and other industries will ing, and externally-generated for private businesses, he said. ethnic riots in the western city of drop three percentage points to risks are on the rise,” he said. “Whether the target is achieved Urumqi. 13%. Enterprise contributions to Li promised to advance re- depends on whether structural In his address, Li promised to social insurance schemes will be forms in a series of areas that reform can be achieved,” said open up the economy, ease some reduced, and private businesses have been sore spots in China’s analyst Wu Qiang. “Government bureaucratic hoops and upgrade will have access to better fi nanc- months-long trade war with the debt is already extremely high, traditional industries. Chinese ing, Li said. “The many risks and US. Chinese and US teams have therefore public investment has and foreign companies will be potential problems that have indicated they are nearing a reso- reached a bottleneck. This year’s “treated as equals,” Li said, ac- built up over the years demand lution in the confl ict, which saw economic growth will solely rely knowledging complaints from stronger mitigating action,” Li Washington slap tariff s on 250 on private business owners and US and European businesses that said. In a nod to international fi - billion dollars’ worth of Chinese consumers.” China favours domestic fi rms. As nancial institutions such as the imports. Some observers think the for the national defence budget, IMF that have warned of China’s Washington wants Beijing to growth target is too optimistic it is set to grow by 7.5% this year, soaring debt, Li said the country eliminate its support for key ar- anyway. “The target might be below last year’s growth rate of must “defuse risks step by step” eas of the tech sector and state- very diffi cult to achieve,” said 8.1%. and “forestall any systemic and owned enterprises, as well as economics analyst Zhang Ming. Li warned that China will regional risks.” lower tariff s and improve the “But if the government set a “resolutely oppose and deter any He said the government must protection of intellectual prop- lower target, it would defi nitely separatist schemes or activi- avoid pursuing short-term stim- erty rights. Solving the US-Chi- have had a negative eff ect on the ties seeking ‘Taiwan independ- uli, such as by pouring money na trade confl ict will be essential whole country’s confi dence.” ence.’” China’s defence budget into infrastructure projects, as to the government reaching its This is a politically sensitive has grown steadily in the past China did after the 2008 glo- growth target, said independent year for the Communist Party, few years, as the country seeks to bal fi nancial crisis to avoid re- economics analyst Hu Xingdou. marking the anniversaries of sev- modernise its military, expand its cession. Speaking of the slow- Currently, the government eral episodes of unrest, including footprint in disputed territories An ethnic minority delegate (centre) waits to enter the Great Hall of the People to attend the opening session ing global economy, Li decried is shoring up economic growth 60 years since the Tibetan upris- in the South China Sea, and build of the National People’s Congress in Beijing. “mounting” protectionism and through investment, but the ing against Chinese rule, 30 years new army bases abroad.

Lawyer for Archaeologists fi nd world’s oldest tattooing kit Australia’s Pell Pompeo sees more N Korea talks, Australian researchers have the researchers. denies reports uncovered the world’s oldest “As there were no other known tattooing kit from a mammals of that size on the he has quit site in Tonga, including items island at the time, and hu- Seoul faces limits in mediator role believed to have been fash- man bone is known to be a The lawyer representing disgraced ioned from human bone. The preferred material for making Australian Cardinal George Pell de- intricate, multi-toothed tattoo- tattooing combs, we believe nied reports he had quit amid fury Reuters their entirety, while North Ko- military drills held every spring. “Bolton being present at the ing tools were found in 1963 they are most likely made at a “perverse” verdict, but his role Seoul rean Foreign Minister Ri Yong- North Korea has long derided expanded second-day meeting on Tongatapu Island, Tonga’s from human bone,” said in the appeal process remains un- ho said they had only demanded the combined exercises, which was a sign of breakdown,” Chung main island, in the Pacific researcher Michelle Langley clear. “I have not quit,” high profile a partial easing in exchange for often involve US nuclear bomb- told a seminar in Seoul yesterday. Ocean. Recent radiocarbon from Griff ith University’s Aus- barrister Robert Richter told AFP, S Secretary of State Mike dismantling its main nuclear site ers, stealth jets and naval ships “They had Bolton in raising the dating found the combs to tralian Research Centre for adding that local media reports to Pompeo said yesterday he at Yongbyon. in what Pyongyang has called a bar, and the North Koreans re- be around 2,700 years old, Human Evolution. The oldest the contrary were false. “I have not Uwas hopeful the United However, the two sides left “rehearsal for war.” sponded with stronger demands making them the oldest evidence for tattooed skin quit or left anything.” Earlier Rich- States would send a delegation room for further discussions, Smaller drills will continue, for sanctions relief, which leads confirmed multi-toothed goes back more than 5,000 ter — who has an enviable record to North Korea in the coming with Trump highlighting the but ending large-scale exer- them nowhere. It was a premedi- tattooing implements found years to the age of mummies of courtroom victories – told The weeks, after a summit between economic benefi ts for Pyongyang cises could help the nuclear tated collapse.” in Oceania, researchers from in Egypt and the iceman Age newspaper that he was too President Donald Trump and if it gave up its nuclear weapons. talks between Washington and Other experts say the Moon the Australian National Uni- known as Otzi, discovered on emotionally involved to continue North Korean leader Kim Jong- North Korean state media, Pyongyang, South Korean offi - administration can no longer versity (ANU) said yesterday. the border between Austria to represent Pell. The 77-year-old un ended with no deal. which in the past has used fi ery cials said. The summit collapse play a bridging role by echoing ANU associate professor and Italy, though there have former Vatican number three is The leaders’ second sum- rhetoric against Trump and could hurt South Korean Presi- Pyongyang’s demands for sanc- Geoff rey Clark said the bone been no tattooing tools currently awaiting sentencing for mit last week in the Vietnamese blamed Washington for previ- dent Moon Jae-in’s bid to play tions relief. They also worry that tattoo combs, which have found in these areas. a conviction of sexually assaulting capital Hanoi failed to produce ous failed negotiations, reported the role of mediator, as requested the halt in major military drills blades for driving the ink Langley said the discovery of two choirboys in the 1990s. Richter any agreement or immediate yesterday that Kim returned by Trump, according to Moon’s could hurt joint readiness and the into the dermis layer of skin, early tattooing implements told The Age that Pell would be plan for follow-up negotiations. home after a “successful” trip to offi ce. Moon had hoped that US-South Korea alliance. are “a very specific type of is exceptionally rare. “To find “better served by someone more “I am hopeful, although I have Vietnam. eased US sanctions would help to “As a mediator, your job is to technology found across an entire kit is phenomenal. detached” as he did not have “suf- no commitment yet, that we will It made no mention of the restart projects between the Ko- draw not just US concessions, Oceania.” “This discovery We very rarely find a whole ficient objectivity at this stage.” “I be back at it, that I’ll have a team summit breakdown or any disa- reas, including a factory park and but also more proactive action pushes back the date of kit of any type of tools in the am very angry about the verdict,” in Pyongyang in the next couple greement between the two lead- tourism zone. from North Korea toward denu- Polynesian tattooing right archaeological record,” she he told the newspaper, “because weeks,” Pompeo told the Iowa ers, in line with its restrained Some pro-engagement experts clearisation,” said Shin Beom- back to the beginnings of said. it was perverse”. “I think the man Farm Bureau. coverage last week. Pompeo in South Korea have blamed the chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Polynesian cultures around The researchers think the is an innocent man and he’s been “I’m continuing to work to said during the Iowa visit that United States for failing to ad- Institute for Policy Studies in 2,700 years ago,” Clark said. kit most likely belonged to convicted. It’s not a common expe- fi nd those places where there’s a his team has been trying to con- dress the North’s concerns. Seoul. Of the four tattooing combs one tattoo artist, as one of rience,” he added. Richter declined shared interest,” he added. The vince Kim that the security of his Former Unifi cation Minis- Moon, who has urged his of- examined, two were made the tools was broken and to comment further to AFP on his two sides gave diff erent rea- country and government would ter Chung Se-hyun, who ad- fi cials to fi nd a way to break the from the bones of a large was likely being repaired. status in Pell’s defence team. But sons for the abrupt end to the not be compromised if it aban- vises Moon on Korean relations, impasse, said in a speech to na- seabird, while the other two The tools are very similar in the Australian newspaper later re- talks about denuclearisation on doned its nuclear weapons pro- said he believed the summit fell val cadets on Tuesday that the were made with the bones of design to those used for tra- ported that he remains an advisor the Korean peninsula. Trump gramme. The United States and apart after John Bolton, Trump’s pursuit of peace with the North a large land mammal, most ditional Pacific tattoos today, to the legal team for the appeal, said yesterday that North Korea South Korea announced on Sat- hawkish national security ad- would deliver denuclearisation likely human, according to Langley said. where he had been expected to wanted the sanctions lifted in urday an end to large-scale joint viser, joined the discussions. and a “peace-driven” economy. play a less public role. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 BRITAIN

TERRORISM CRIME LAW AND ORDER DECISION Three small bombs sent Six people arrested Complaint lodged against Low-level letter boxes to airports, rail station after college attack far-right activist Robinson set to be banned

British counter-terrorist police said they had Six people have been arrested after a gang A journalist has made a complaint to police In a victory for long-suff ering posties, the launched an investigation into who sent entered a sixth form college in Lancashire after the far-right activist Tommy Robinson government has backed a move to ban low- three small bombs to two London airports armed with knives, injuring a student and appeared outside his house during the night, level letter boxes from new buildings. Unions and a major rail station yesterday. The three threatening others before fleeing. The men repeatedly knocking on the door and windows have waged a long campaign to protect devices, sent to Heathrow and London City came into Runshaw College on Monday at 4pm. and demanding to speak to him. Robinson, workers from back injuries, dog bites and airports and Waterloo train station earlier They attacked a 17-year-old boy who suff ered real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is trapped fingers. Conservative MP Vicky Ford in the day, “appear capable of igniting an minor injuries before running off when the an adviser to the Ukip leader Gerard Batten, took up their cause with a private member’s initially small fire when opened,” London’s police arrived. Off icers said the group of males filmed himself outside the Luton home of Mike bill on a minimum letterbox height. The Metropolitan Police said. “The Met Police are believed to be from Manchester. Three Stuchbery, who often writes about far-right government has now promised to consider Counter Terrorism Command is treating the were found in a nearby car, while another issues. In the footage, which was live-streamed changing the law as early as 2020. The new incidents as a linked series and is keeping was arrested on foot and a fifth stopped by to the internet, Robinson demanded to speak regulations are likely to be similar to European an open mind regarding motives,” they police in a car. The sixth man was arrested on to Stuchbery, and promised to return again standards, where a letterbox must be between Police off icers secure the scene where added in a statement. No one was injured Monday evening. Police said they got a tip-off on other nights. He also said he knew the 0.7m and 1.7m high. The government has suspicious package was found near Waterloo by the devices and services were not at 10.40am that a group was coming to the addresses of other journalists, saying he would announced it will be reviewing low letter boxes railway station in London yesterday. affected. college from Manchester “with weapons”. go to their homes. on new build properties. Council tax Prince Charles’ investiture anniversary bills to rise by average of £76 a year

Daily Mail radical decisions to secure the fu- London ture of public services. “Council tax is regressive, and increasingly divorced from the ard-pressed families reality of property values. They face average council tax will not be suffi cient to meet ris- Hincreases of £76 next ing demand for services such as month. adult and children’s social care.” The typical bill will rise by 4.5% The huge increases have oc- in April, according to a survey of curred because ministers have English councils. relaxed rules on the amount bills It means a Band D household can go up by without a local refer- will pay an average of £1,747.19 in endum. Most councils can out up 2019-20 – up from £1,671.44 the bills by 3% without a public vote. year before. That is the second Local authorities that run social highest council tax increase in the care services can add a further past decade, surpassed only by 2%. Police and parish council bills last year’s rise of £81. go on top. Millions of families will face CIPFA’s survey is based on 312 Prince Charles, Prince of Wales walks with his mother Queen Elizabeth II, his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, his sons and their wives, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, even higher increases. Average respondents from England – al- Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the investiture of The bills for the most expensive Band most all local councils. Of these Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in London yesterday. H houses will soar by £151. Across 301, or 96%, are raising council the country, 96% of local author- tax. Four in fi ve local authorities ities are putting up their council are imposing their maximum al- tax, the Chartered Institute of lowable increase of 3% without Public Finance and Accountancy triggering a referendum. (CIPFA) found. Robert Palmer, of pressure Percentage rises are highest in group Tax Justice UK, said: London, where the average fam- “These new fi gures show how lo- ily will see bills rise 5.1% – up £71. cal councils are picking up the tab In terms of the amount paid, the for government cuts.” He added: Rising crime and offi cer North East comes off worst. Av- “Since 2010, councils have had erage bills will go up by more than their money slashed, with the £85, or 4.8%. poorest areas hit hardest, and The lowest rises are in the East council tax is rising to fi ll the gap. of England – 4.1% or £70. Much “People want to see their bins of the impetus for the increases collected and potholes fi xed. They comes from police forces. Almost also want their council to provide cuts linked: police chief all local police and crime com- decent care for older relatives and missioners have added £24 to friends. Clearly the system isn’t Guardian News and Media ister sparked a backlash over the gone down a lot, there’s been a rial meetings and engagements had created “a toxic mix”. the council tax bill – up from last working and needs reform.” London government’s handling of rising lot of other cuts in public servic- to accelerate the work the gov- There was also a call by Dick’s year’s £12 maximum. John O’Connell, of the Tax- knife crime. May said there was es, there has been more demand ernment is doing in support of predecessor at Scotland Yard, Rob Whiteman, chief execu- Payers’ Alliance campaign group, “no direct correlation between for policing and therefore there local councils and police, ac- Bernard Hogan-Howe, for tive of CIPFA, said: “The extent added: “Councils always claim ritain’s most senior police certain crimes and police num- must be something and I have cording to her spokesman. 20,000 offi cers to be recruited of the rises are a refl ection of the they are cut to the bone, but there offi cer has contradicted bers” amid new evidence of a consistently said that.” Meetings will take place “as to bring forces in England and incredible fi scal pressure faced are still numerous examples of BTheresa May’s claim that signifi cant rise in teenagers us- The fatal stabbings of Jodie soon as possible” and were be- Wales back to their 2010 strength by local authorities and police. wasteful spending and ineffi cien- police cuts were not to blame ing knives. Chesney in an east London ing treated as “a priority” by the as he demanded that ministers Without a bolder vision from the cies that need to be addressed.” for a rise in violent crime, as a Dick said in an interview on park on Friday night and Yousef prime minister, he added. “get a grip on the crisis”. government, the future of these The Local Government Asso- renewed political focus fell on LBC radio: “If you went back in Makki last week were discussed May also came under fi re from Several MPs, including a services is increasingly being put ciation warned that the rises will knife crime after two fatal stab- history, you would see examples at a Cabinet meeting yesterday, the body that represents rank- former Home Offi ce minister, at risk. still not provide enough money bings of teenagers. of when police offi cer numbers where May told ministers that and-fi le offi cers, which de- have called for the government “Despite the government’s for England’s broken care system. Cressida Dick said there was have gone down and crime has their deaths were “a stark re- scribed her as “delusional”. to convene a meeting of the Co- announcement that austerity is Richard Watts, chairman of its re- “some link” between violent not necessarily risen at the same minder that there is more to do Mark Burns-Williamson, the bra emergency committee to re- ending, for local authorities this sources board, said: “Adult social crime on the streets and police rate and in the same way. to tackle violence on our streets”. chair of the Association of Police spond to what the Birmingham is clearly not the case. Long term care provides vital support to mil- numbers. The Metropolitan po- “But I think that what we all May tasked the Home Offi ce and Crime Commissioners, said Yardley Labour MP Jess Phillips they remain in an unsustainable lions of people every day but is at lice commissioner was speaking agree on is that in the last few with co-ordinating an urgent cuts to police numbers nation- described as a “national emer- position. Ministers need to make breaking point.” yesterday after the prime min- years police offi cer numbers have series of Cabinet-level ministe- wide and cuts to youth services gency”.

Shrovetide football match MP loses appeal London HIV patient against conviction

Guardian News and Media The case was heard by three cleared of Aids virus judges – Sir Brian Leveson, the London president of the Queens Bench Reuters ment” in the search for an HIV bay in most patients. Gupta, now Division, Justice William Davis London cure, but does not mean that cure at Cambridge University, treated iona Onasanya has lost an and Justice Cheema-Grubb. has already been found. the London patient when he was appeal against her con- Leveson expressed surprise Gupta described his patient as working at University College Fviction for perverting the at Onasanya’s decision to come n HIV-positive man in “functionally cured” and “in re- London. course of justice, leaving open to an appeal court without legal Britain has become the mission”, but cautioned: “It’s too The man had contracted HIV the possibility of a recall petition counsel or legal binders. He said Asecond known adult early to say he’s cured.” in 2003, Gupta said, and in 2012 which could force the Peterbor- he was “a bit concerned” that she worldwide to be cleared of the The man is being called “the was also diagnosed with a type ough MP from offi ce. did not have any notes. Aids virus after he received a bone London patient”, in part because of blood cancer called Hodgkin’s Onasanya, who was expelled “The reason I started the marrow transplant from an HIV- his case is similar to the fi rst Lymphoma. from Labour after her conviction conversation I am having with resistant donor, his doctors said. known case of a functional cure In 2016, when he was very sick in December, was told by a panel you in the way I did is because Almost three years after he re- of HIV — in an American man, with cancer, doctors decided to of judges at the Royal Courts of you take considerable issue ceived bone marrow stem cells Timothy Brown, who became seek a transplant match for him. Justice in London yesterday that with the evidence that two of from a donor with a rare genetic known as the Berlin patient when “This was really his last chance of there were no grounds to chal- the witnesses gave, which I mutation that resists HIV infec- he underwent similar treatment survival,” Gupta said. lenge the prosecution’s case that understand you suggest that tion — and more than 18 months in Germany in 2007 which also The donor — who was unre- she had repeatedly lied to avoid a evidence was central to the case after he came off antiretroviral cleared his HIV. lated — had a genetic mutation speeding ticket. against you. drugs — highly sensitive tests still Brown, who had been living in known as ‘CCR5 delta 32’, which Once the court offi cially noti- “First of all, we do not re- show no trace of the man’s previ- Berlin, has since moved to the US confers resistance to HIV. fi es John Bercow, the Speaker of decide the evidence and cannot ous HIV infection. and, according to HIV experts, is The transplant went relatively the House, he can notify the pe- reinvestigate the facts. You are “There is no virus there that still HIV-free. smoothly, Gupta said, but there titions offi cer in the Cambridge- a solicitor, you will understand we can measure. We can’t detect Some 37mn people worldwide were some side eff ects, includ- shire seat. A recall petition could that,” he said. anything,” said Ravindra Gupta, a are currently infected with HIV ing the patient suff ering a period Competitors from the opposing teams, the Up’ards and then be opened within weeks As appeal judges, they were professor and HIV biologist who and the Aids pandemic has killed of “graft-versus-host” disease the Down’ards, reach for the ball during the annual Royal which would allow Onasanya’s asked to decide if the verdict was co-led a team of doctors treating about 35mn people worldwide — a condition in which donor im- Shrovetide Football Match in Ashbourne, northern England, constituents to decide if a by- wrong in that it erred in law, or the man. since it began in the 1980s. mune cells attack the recipient’s yesterday. The mass-participation ball game involves two election should be held. in fact, or in the exercise of its Aids experts said the case is a Scientifi c research into the immune cells. teams, whose players are defined by which side of a small Onasanya, a former practising discretion, or that it was unjust proof of the concept that scien- complex virus has in recent years Most experts say it is incon- brook that bisects the town they were born, aiming to score solicitor, represented herself at because of a serious procedural tists will one day be able to end led to the development of drug ceivable such treatments could be a goal, which are some three miles apart. the appeal but the loss means she or other irregularity in the pro- Aids, and marks a “critical mo- combinations that can keep it at a way of curing all patients. could be struck off . ceedings. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 17 EUROPE

INDICTMENT MAULED ARSON FINANCE RELOCATION Greece charged 20 over Lion kills owner Third night of anti-police Cash-crazy Swiss get new Russian ‘whale jail’ awaits deadly Mati wildfire in Czech Republic violence in Grenoble 1,000 Swiss franc note warm weather for clean-up

Greek prosecutors have charged 20 people, A 34-year-old man has been killed by his Rioters in the French city of Grenoble set fire Switzerland’s central bank yesterday launched Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Gordeyev including a regional governor and two local privately owned lion in the Czech Republic, to 65 cars and targeted security forces with a new 1,000 Swiss franc ($998.90) note, saying has vowed to empty a far-eastern coastal fishery mayors, over a wildfire that killed 100 people news agency CTK reported yesterday. The fireworks and Molotov cocktails, off icials said one of the world’s most valuable banknotes that has received widespread condemnation as a in the seaside town of Mati last July, a judicial roughly 8-year-old lion and a lioness, who was yesterday, after a third night of violence sparked catered to the popularity of cash in Swiss culture “whale jail,” Russian news agency Interfax reported source said yesterday. The charges include pregnant and being held in the same cage, were by the death of two teenagers during a police and was not a help for criminals. The Swiss yesterday. The facility, found to be in possession involuntary manslaughter and causing shot by police during the incident in the small chase. Clashes began on Saturday evening when National Bank’s announcement of the new lilac- of almost 100 whales, will be emptied as soon bodily harm due to neglect, the source said. eastern village of Zdechov. “That was absolutely two men, aged 17 and 19, were spotted by police coloured note, available from March 13, comes as weather conditions are warm enough for the Prosecutors have drafted a 292-page report that necessary so that rescue services could get to riding a stolen scooter without a license plate as other central banks move away from large animals to be transported, according to Gordeyev. details “a series of mistakes” in handling the the man,” a police spokeswoman said. The lion and without helmets. They were being followed notes because of concerns about their use by The whales are to be transported to a centre disaster. The accused include Rena Dourou, the owner had made headlines last summer when by a police vehicle when they crashed into a bus, criminals and money launderers. “The choice specialising in caring for large marine wildlife at governor of Attica region, which includes Mati; he was walking his lioness on a leash down a according to the local prosecutor’s off ice which of the denomination is a matter for the SNB, but Russky Island near Vladivostok. “The relocation Elias Psinakis, mayor of Marathon; and Evangelos forest path and another man on a mountain bike is treating their deaths as accidental. A family the current denominations are appropriate and will be possible only at a warm time upon the Bournous, mayor of Rafina and Pikermi, all towns was injured in an incident with the lioness. Police member had said that “police are responsible for correspond to what people want,” vice chairman establishment of a positive air temperature and in the region. classified that event as a traff ic accident. their death” outside the city court on Sunday. Fritz Zurbruegg told a news conference. after ice recedes from the waters,” Gordeyev said. Up in flames! ‘Radicalised’ inmate slashes prison guards in France A fire rages yesterday in Posada in the northern Spanish region of Asturias. Firefighting crews aided by cooler temperatures made progress in their battle to contain dozens of wildfires which broke out in northern Spain, By Chloe Coupeau, AFP Russian Islamist charged with bomb plot in Germany off icials said, a region that is normally rainy, especially in winter. Caen, France German prosecutors have formally — had allegedly kept TATP, a volatile charged a Russian Islamist and acquaint- explosive dubbed “mother of Satan”, in a prison inmate in northwestern ance of Berlin Christmas market attacker Berlin flat in October 2016. France seriously wounded two Anis Amri with plotting an explosives The Russian national was arrested in Aguards yesterday in a knife attack attack, prosecutors said yesterday. August 2018 and formally charged on Europe conservatives issue ultimatum that offi cials said was being treated as a The suspect, identified as Magomed- February 25 this year with preparing a terror incident. Ali C, 31, had planned an attack with Tuni- serious act of subversive violence, pros- “There is no doubt as to the terrorist sian Amri, who went on to kill 12 people ecutors said in a statement. to Hungarian leader over criticism nature of this attack,” Justice Minister in his 2016 truck rampage at the market, His joint plan with Baur, who has been Nicole Belloubet told reporters. and French extremist Clement Baur. jailed in France, had allegedly been to carry Reuters candidate to be EU Commission on the future of Europe,” Orban said The inmate “is still holed up” in the Magomed-Ali C — who according out “an Islamist attack in Germany to kill or Budapest President, told Bild newspaper. in a statement to Reuters. prison facility where his partner was to news site Zeit Online hails from the maim as many people as possible” in order Speaking to journalists in the Ger- Weber told Bild newspaper he ex- visiting him at the time, she added yes- Russian Caucasus republic of Dagestan “to create a climate of fear and uncertainty”. many town of Rottersdorf Weber said pected an apology to EPP member terday afternoon. he leader of the main centre- that in recent weeks “Viktor Orban parties, an immediate and permanent Regional and elite police units have right party in the European and the Fidesz have crossed again red end to Orban’s anti-EU campaigns, been dispatched to the high-security leading the government to build special Islamic State gunmen on the Bataclan Tparliament said yesterday that lines” and added that all options were and renewed government support for prison in Conde-sur-Sarthe in Nor- facilities to house dangerous individu- concert hall in Paris in November 2015. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Or- on the table, “especially the option of Central European University to stay mandy, offi cials said. als who are sometimes held in solitary The extremists, armed wearing ex- ban must apologise for his criticism expulsion and going away, going our in Budapest. The 27-year-old inmate, Michael confi nement. plosive belts and carrying assault rifl es, of the EU or his ruling Fidesz party future way without Fidesz”. CEU was forced out of Hungary Chiolo, is thought to have become a Chiolo was armed yesterday with a killed 90 people in the concert hall, one could be suspended from the group- Orban’s party said in an emailed and plans to relocate to Vienna from “radicalised” Islamist while in prison ceramic knife and police are investigat- of several venues attacked on the same ing. statement: “Fidesz does not want to September as Orban wages a bitter and went on rampage in the family- ing if his partner gave him the weapon, day in and around Paris. Orban, an outspoken nationalist, leave the (European) People’s Party, campaign against its founder, US bil- visiting area of the facility, prison staff the minister said. “After Paris, I would have carried on wants to remain in the EPP, Fidesz our goal is for anti-immigration forc- lionaire George Soros, accusing him representative Alassanne Sall told AFP. “It was truly a murder attempt. There in other parts of the country,” he report- said yesterday, despite growing pres- es to gain strength within the EPP”. of supporting immigration to under- France has suff ered a series of attacks was blood everywhere. The family-vis- edly told another inmate, according to sure within the European Parlia- Orban has launched a media and mine Europe’s way of life. from Islamist extremists since 2015 and iting unit was a battle scene,” said Sall, prison staff . ment’s biggest grouping to suspend billboard campaign that frames the Hungary-born Soros, 87, denies is on high alert amid concerns about the from the Force Ouvriere trade union. The Conde-sur-Sarthe prison is one of or expel it. May elections as a choice between that. return of Islamic State group militants One of the guards suff ered a seri- the most secure French prisons and does The Hungarian leader has long forces backing and opposing mass On Monday, the EPP said it had re- from Syria. ous chest wound, while the second was not suff er from overcrowding, unlike oth- been at loggerheads with Brussels immigration and that attacks EU ceived motions from 12 member par- The latest violence comes as prison slashed on the face and back, he added. er facilities, according to Belloubet. over his hardline stance on immi- Commission President Jean-Claude ties in nine EU countries and would staff nationwide, who have been de- The prisoner is serving a 30-year But despite having been identifi ed as gration and accusations — which he Juncker. discuss suspending or excluding manding better working conditions, sentence for kidnapping leading to a an extremist, Chiolo was not housed in a denies — that he is undermining the However, yesterday he said he wel- Fidesz on March 20. have repeatedly staged protests on death, armed robbery and condoning secure wing for radicalised inmates which rule of law. comed an initiative by French Presi- The EPP has 217 lawmakers in the Tuesdays. terrorism. was opened in September, she added. The feud is escalating ahead of Eu- dent Emmanuel Macron for reform- 750-strong EU legislature, 12 of them In January 2018, prison staff held He and an accomplice were sentenced The inmate’s lawyer, Pauline Brion, ropean Parliament elections in May. ing the EU. from Fidesz. It is expected to remain three weeks of protests after a guard was on appeal in 2015 for choking to death said he had met his partner while in “Viktor Orban must immediately “In the details, of course, we have the biggest parliamentary group in attacked by a militant inmate at a high- an 89-year-old man they had tied up prison and that he intended to marry and permanently end his govern- diff erences of views, but far more im- the May elections, although likely security jail in northern France. while robbing his home. her. ment’s anti-Brussels campaigns,” portant than these diff ering opinions weakened, opinion polls show. Far- Experts and trade unions have con- He was also sentenced to a year in jail “He had written to someone after Manfred Weber, who is the centre- is that this initiative be a good start to right, populist parties are expected to sistently raised the alarm about the — when already in prison — for asking converting for them to fi nd him a wife,” right European People’s Party (EPP) a serious and constructive dialogue perform well. spread of extremism in French prisons, fellow inmates to “reenact” an attack by the lawyer told AFP. Russia’s Arctic plans add to polar bears’ climate woes

By Maria Antonova, AFP Passage navigation and strategic “But it’s impossible to rule out have around bears,” he said. “But Moscow military interests, experts expect a repeat of the situation in the now it’s all starting again.” more clashes between humans coming years.” Moscow announced in 2014 and bears. And as more humans come to that the Arctic was a strategic ast month’s visit by roam- “Development in the Arctic Novaya Zemlya, the likelihood of priority for its military. ing polar bears that put a will defi nitely increase confl ict human-bear confl ict increases. Kochnev in 2015 wrote an LRussian village on lock- with humans, especially now A Soviet-era nuclear weapons emotional blog post after a bear down may be just the beginning. that the polar bear is losing its testing site, Novaya Zemlya re- near a military construction site For as Moscow steps up its activ- life platform in several regions mains a restricted territory. on Wrangel island swallowed an ity in the warming Arctic, con- and coming ashore,” said biolo- But following a post-Soviet explosive fl are. fl ict with the rare species is likely gist Anatoly Kochnev, who has hiatus, the military has put up He criticised the new base, and to increase. studied polar bears in the eastern new buildings and an aerodrome. was fi red from his job in a nation- More than 50 bears approached Arctic since the 1980s. A new port is under construc- al park as a result. Belyushya Guba, a village on the Novaya Zemlya, an archipelago tion, in tandem with imminent Current instructions regarding far northern Novaya Zemlya ar- of two islands between the Kara plans to mine the giant Pav- polar bears focus on how to ward chipelago, in February. and Barents seas, is a good exam- lovskoye lead and zinc deposit. them off , he said. As many as 10 of them explored ple of Moscow’s new frontier that New contingents of military But the priority should be for- the streets and entered buildings. falls inside the polar bear habitat. police were deployed to Belushya tifying facilities to prevent any Local authorities declared a Bears in the Barents Sea are Guba in 2018. contact. state of emergency for a week seeing the fastest ice reduction of The community, which has “Put yourself inside a cage and and appealed for help from Mos- the species’ range, having lost 20 schools and a large sports com- let the bears roam around,” he cow. weeks of ice a year over the last plex for military families, num- said in advice to Arctic develop- Photos of the incident went vi- few decades, according to Polar bers over 2,000 people. ers. ral, with some observers blaming Bears International. Kochnev remembers the dam- Mordvintsev, however, said offi cials for ignoring a sprawling “Ice monitoring shows that age caused by Soviet missile this would not work on Novaya garbage dump nearby where the previously, ice near Belushya defence personnel previously Zemlya, where winds would turn animals feasted on food waste. Guba formed in December,” stationed on the east Arctic’s any fence into a giant snowdrift Polar bears feed at a garbage dump near the village of Belushya Guba, on the remote Russian northern But polar bear experts say the said Ilya Mordvintsev from the Wrangel Island. In 1991, soldiers for bears to walk over. Novaya Zemlya archipelago, in this October 31, 2018, file photo. main reason the Arctic predators Severtsov Institute in Moscow, drove an axe into the head of a Belushya Guba is planning to came so close to humans was the who was in a group of scientists polar bear after it had got used to install cameras and address its “Constant use of icebreakers 80mn tonnes by 2024. “If the ice-free period increas- late freezing of the sea. fl own out to aid the village. feeding on discarded scraps and waste problem, he said. through ice where seals give birth Kochnev said bears have been es by another two-three weeks, It was this that kept them from “For thousands of years, they become aggressive. Already all arrivals to the local aff ects populations of seals” able to adapt so far to unfavour- they will likely migrate to north- hunting seals and sent them migrated this time of year to hunt Biologists from the island’s airport listen to a mandatory lec- which bears feed on. able trends, learning to feed in ern Canada, where changes have looking for alternate food sourc- seals. This year they came to the nature reserve never found the ture on polar bear behaviour. Putin last year ordered an groups rather than hunt in soli- been less noticeable,” he said. es. shore and there was no ice.” injured animal, he said. Moscow’s plans to develop increase in the capacity of the tude. The ones that stay behind on And as Russia increases its Since the incident, ice has “When they left a year later, we the Northern Passage also pose Northern Passage, touted as an But if warming continues, Russian soil, meanwhile, will footprint in the Arctic, pursu- formed and the bears have left were relieved. Only reserve staff a problem for polar bears in the alternate trade route to Asia, “polar bears will simply leave eventually get killed off in con- ing energy projects, Northern land to hunt, he said. remained, who knew how to be- region, he said. from the current 18 mn tonnes to Russia”. fl icts with humans. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 INDIA

INAUGURATION ECONOMY DATA PEOPLE OFFBEAT Modi to launch project in February jobless New Delhi world’s most Raj Thackeray likely to Air India announcements Karnataka, Tamil Nadu rate climbs to 7.2% polluted capital: study announce political tie-up to end with ‘Hail India!’

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, The unemployment rate rose to 7.2% in February New Delhi was the world’s most polluted capital After sulking on the sidelines for nearly 13 years, Air India has reminded cabin crews to follow all Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today visit 2019, the highest since September 2016, and up city in 2018, two groups monitoring air pollution Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj announcements with a rousing cry of “Hail India!” Kalaburagi in Karnataka and Kancheepuram from 5.9% in February 2018, according to data said in a study of the amount of fine particulate Thackeray is likely to announce his entry into as nationalistic fervour grips the nation in its latest in Tamil Nadu to launch various development compiled by the Centre for Monitoring Indian matter known as PM2.5 in 61 capital cities around an opposition alliance on Saturday, marking the military standoff with Pakistan. “With immediate projects. The projects encompass sectors like Economy (CMIE) that was released yesterday. the world. The capital, home to more than 13th anniversary of the party’s founding. The eff ect, all are required to announce ‘Jai Hind’ at the energy, health and education, the government The unemployment rate has climbed despite a 20mn people, was followed by the Bangladesh excitement among top, middle and ground-level end of every announcement after a slight pause said yesterday. In Karnataka, the prime fall in the number of job seekers, Mahesh Vyas, capital Dhaka and Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, leaders and activists is almost palpable amidst and with much fervour,” the national carrier said minister would inaugurate the ESIC Hospital head of the Mumbai-based think tank said, citing according to the study by IQ AirVisual, a Swiss- anticipation that he may make finally opt to join in a circular. Air India’s announcement attracted and Medical College in the state capital an estimated fall in the labour force participation based group that gathers air-quality data globally, the united opposition front, paving the way for the mockery on social media in view of the stricken Bengaluru and the super-specialty block of rate. The number of employed persons in and Greenpeace. New Delhi’s toxic air is caused MNS to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. airline’s crippling debts. “Much welcome but before Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) India was estimated at 400mn in February by vehicle and industrial emissions, dust from Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party starting this Air India should improve service. Make in Hubballi. In Kancheepuram, he is set to compared with 406mn a year ago, he said. The building sites, smoke from the burning of rubbish president Sharad Pawar share a cosy relationship, the airline profitable. Keep up to schedule. Stop unveil multiple projects in roadways, railways CMIE numbers are based on a survey of tens of and crop residue. India is also home to 15 of the and the latter is keen to accommodate the MNS wasting taxpayer money. Be customer friendly,” and energy sector. thousands of households across India. 20 most polluted cities in the world, they said. from its share of seats in the state. quipped Dinesh Joshi, one Twitter user. Housing House destroyed in Kashmir clash market ‘to cool’ despite govt support

Reuters nounced a cut in the tax charged Bengaluru on sales of residential properties under construction. But some property markets ouse prices will barely have struggled, and as the elec- rise this year as a slowing tion approaches they are unlike- Heconomy and a liquidity ly to benefi t from the tax cut. crisis keep buyers on the side- “It is no secret that in the past, lines, according to a Reuters poll, funds parked by political parties which forecast prices would fall in real estate were sucked out of in Delhi, the national capital. the system to fi nance their cam- With non-performing loans paigns — and the market is cur- rising at major banks and fi nan- rently facing a serious liquidity cial institutions, bank lending crunch,” Anarock’s Puri added. — the main source of borrowing “The period leading up the for developers and buyers — has upcoming election could prove dwindled, reining in a rampant to be stressful for the overall real property market. estate market.” Kashmiri villagers look on as a fire razes a house following a deadly gun battle between militants and soldiers in Tral area of Pulwama district, south of Srinagar, After nearly tripling in the Ten of 17 analysts said the yesterday. past decade and rising for many market was “overvalued” rela- years at double-digit rates, tive to economic fundamentals. house price gains have slowed “Most markets in India are over the past two years, accord- overpriced. We Indians love ing to Reuters calculations based to invest in real estate and the on the Reserve Bank of India’s prices are largely driven by that All-India House Price Index. same sentiment. But if you look National house prices are fore- at Mumbai and Delhi markets, cast to rise just 1.3% this year, ac- it completely defi es logic,” said cording to the February 13-March Aashish Agarwal, who leads 1 Reuters survey of nearly 20 consulting services in India at Opposition ‘unity’ hit property market experts. Colliers International. That’s down from 2% in the Delhi and Mumbai were rated November poll and less than either “overvalued” or “ex- consumer price infl ation. tremely overvalued” by nearly all The Bharatiya Janata Party respondents. government has introduced a More than two-thirds of ana- host of incentives to shore up the lysts who answered the question as Congress snubs AAP real-estate market, but a major- said average homes in Bengaluru ity of property analysts polled and Chennai were “fairly priced”. IANS The Congress decision, up a united front against the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. gress has some secret under- did not expect those measures to House prices in Delhi, including New Delhi putting to rest all speculation of BJP. Among those present at the standing with BJP. Delhi is ready help anytime soon. the national capital region, home a possible tie up, was arrived at Besides Rahul, Congress in- meeting were Congress sec- to fi ght against the Congress- “House prices will only see to more than 40mn people, are a meeting of its Delhi unit which charge of Delhi P C Chacko had retary Kuljit Singh Nagra and BJP alliance. People will defeat moderate changes because of forecast to fall 2% this year and he opposition’s desire was led by former chief minister been a votary of the tie up and Delhi unit working presidents this unholy alliance,” he said. the uncertainty surrounding the stagnate in 2020. to put up a united front Sheila Dikshit with party Presi- had been trying to get Dikshit Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilo- Speaking in the same vein, general elections, present liquid- Property prices in Mumbai, Tagainst the BJP suff ered dent Rahul Gandhi at his resi- on board arguing that an alli- thia and former president Ajay AAP Minister Gopal Rai too ac- ity crisis and relatively slower India’s fi nancial capital, were a blow yesterday after the Con- dence here. ance was likely to consolidate Maken. cused the Congress of “unoffi - sales,” said Anuj Puri, chairman expected to barely rise this year gress refused to tie up with the “The Congress has unani- the anti-BJP vote. Maken is known to be bitterly cially helping” the BJP. at Anarock Property Consultants. and next. For Bengaluru and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Del- mously taken a decision that However, according to in- opposed to the AAP. “Congress has been speak- Next year, house prices are Chennai, the median forecast hi and a miff ed Chief Minister there will be no alliance with formed sources, Dikshit stood Reacting strongly to the de- ing the language of BJP for some forecast to gain 2.5 %. was for prices to rise 2.3% to Arvind Kejriwal vowed to defeat AAP. The decision was taken in her ground and was able to velopment, Kejriwal accused time. AAP feels the way the BJP A majority of respondents 3.3% this year and next. the “unholy Congress-BJP alli- Rahul Gandhi’s presence and it convince Rahul not to go for an the Congress of having a “secret has helped the Congress win in said an economic slowdown and But not everyone was down- ance”. is fi nal,” Dikshit later said. understanding with the AAP, understanding” with the BJP. Punjab, the Congress is unoffi - bad debts in banking and other beat. With this, Delhi is set to see While the Delhi unit was fi rm claiming that the anti-incum- “At a time when the whole cially helping the BJP win Delhi fi nancial institutions were the Three of 17 respondents said a triangular contest for Delhi’s on not aligning with the AAP bency against the Kejriwal gov- country wants to defeat (Prime now,” Rai told the media here. main downside risks to India’s house prices would rise 5 % or seven Lok Sabha seats, all of from the beginning, the central ernment will adversely aff ect Minister Narendra) Modi-Amit The Congress snub to the housing market this year. more this year, citing lower in- which were won by the Bharati- leadership had been explor- the Congress. Shah duo, Congress is helping AAP is being perceived as a blow To stimulate the economy by terest rates, the recent tax cut ya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 and ing the possibility of an under- Dikshit also pointed out that the BJP by splitting the anti-BJP to the larger opposition’s bid to driving up consumption, the and budget incentives to boost where the AAP fi nished second standing, harping on the need the AAP had already declared vote,” said Kejriwal. put up a united front against the government last month an- housing demand. in all places. for all opposition parties to put candidates for six of the seven “Rumours are that the Con- BJP and Modi.

Pilot’s moustache sparks new fashion trend

Men across India, stirred into ‘Modi sari’ fl ies off patriotic passion by an air force pilot shot down in a dogfight with Pakistan, are copying the facial hair of their new hero. shelves as poll nears Tension between the two countries escalated late last AFP Entrepreneurial garment “In 2014, I wasn’t sure if peo- month when both countries Mumbai manufacturers tapped into a ple would wear Modi saris but claimed they downed enemy groundswell of support for Modi women were bold enough to try jets, with Pakistan capturing when he successfully bid to be- them,” Vinod Gada, the owner of a pilot, in an ongoing dispute Gokal is buying a sari for come prime minister for the fi rst Paaneri, said. over the Kashmir region. his wife that may not be to time in 2014, winning by a land- “We have sold over 2,200 this The pilot, Wing Commander Deveryone’s taste — a huge slide. year and expect to see a surge in Abhinandan Varthaman, image of Prime Minister Naren- Saris boasting digitally the run up to the election,” he crash-landed in Pakistani dra Modi’s face is printed on it. printed images of the white- added. territory on Wednesday. “It’s a beautiful sari, enhanced haired, white-bearded, stocky The saris — which are printed After attempting to flee on by Prime Minister Modi. My wife 68-year-old have become a in factories in Mumbai and Surat foot, firing his pistol in the air likes it,” Gokal tells AFP at the common sight at BJP rallies — cost Rs1,750 ($25). to deter stone-throwing locals, Paaneri clothing store in central across India while supporters As well as Modi’s face they he became the human face of Mumbai. were also often seen wearing sport colourful fl oral patterns the crisis. The shop is doing a roaring Modi masks. and images of tanks and fi ghter He was released by Pakistan trade in Modi-themed saris — a The barrel-chested Modi fa- aircraft. on Friday. traditional women’s garment — mously takes great pride in his They also depict Indian sol- Barbers in several cities in as Indians gear up for a general appearance, making a break with diers in battle, including some India said they had received election due by May. his more staidly outfi tted pred- parachuting to the ground, tap- requests to copy Abhinandan’s Modi, of the Hindu national- ecessors with colourful dapper ping into jingoistic fervour in facial hair, a distinctive hybrid ist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), outfi ts often topped off with India amid heightened tensions of a horseshoe moustache and will be seeking a second term in outlandish headgear. with Pakistan. mutton chop sideburns. Dhiren Makvana gets his moustache trimmed similar to the one sported by Indian Air Force pilot offi ce when the world’s largest However, a year after being For now, Gada has no plans to “Everybody follows Bollywood Abhinandan Varthaman, inside a salon in Ahmedabad. democracy heads to the polls. elected he was pilloried when sell Congress-supporting saris and celebrities’ style but he is Rahul Gandhi of the main op- he wore a pinstriped jacket that but media reports have said that the real hero of our country,” a barber shop in Ahmedabad. last day alone requesting the Abhinandan, Mahamed position Congress party will be had his name embroidered in it at least one factory owner has said Dhiren Makvana, 30, the Makvana’s barber, Rajesh style, that India’s newspapers Chand, said in Bengaluru up against him in the vote, the dozens of times in gold thread started to make them with the manager of a fitness club, as Nai, said that three people are calling “the gunslinger”. “I’m his fan, we follow him.” - dates of which are expected to be during a meeting with then US images of Rahul and his sister he had his beard sculpted at had come into his shop in the Another man copying Reuters announced this week. president Barack Obama. Priyanka Gandhi on them. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA US permits lawsuits against Cuba companies

Reuters The move marked an intensi- to military and intelligence serv- Burton Act that would allow such versial Title III on private legal A complete lifting of the ban eff ect even on a limited basis could Washington fi cation of US pressure on Cuba ices, will be permitted beginning lawsuits by Cuban-Americans and actions to be partially activated could let potentially billions of dol- undermine eff orts by Cuban Presi- and also appeared aimed at pun- on March 19. other US citizens due to opposition for the fi rst time. lars in legal claims move forward dent Miguel Diaz-Canel to foster ishing Havana over its support But Washington will keep in from the international community Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno in US courts and likely antagonise foreign investment and promote he Trump administra- for Venezuela’s socialist Presi- place until at least April 17 a ban and fears it could create chaos in Rodriguez said he “strongly re- Canada and US European partners, tourism to bolster the Caribbean tion said it would allow dent, Nicolas Maduro. on legal action against foreign the US court system with a fl ood of jected” the US action against whose companies have signifi cant island’s fragile economy. Tlawsuits by US citizens But it stopped short of the fi rms using property confi scated legal claims. Cuban companies “arbitrarily business holdings in Cuba. “The decision adds obstacles against dozens of Cuban compa- more severe step of targeting by the Cuban government since But President Donald Trump’s sanctioned” by the Trump ad- It could also aff ect some US to our development and eco- nies and other entities on Wash- foreign investments in Cuba — the 1959 revolution, the state de- administration fi rst announced ministration. companies that have begun in- nomic goals, but the US will con- ington’s blacklist but will main- though it left the door open to partment said. in January a 45-day review of the The 30-day waiver for other vesting in the island since former tinue to fail in its central aim of tain, for now, a ban against suing doing so in the future. Every US president has sus- matter and has now added an- cases, he said in a message on president Barack Obama’s open- subjecting the sovereign will of foreign fi rms doing business on Lawsuits in US courts against pended on a rotating six-month other 30 days for further study Twitter, amounted to an “unac- ing to the old Cold War foe. Cubans by force,” Cuba’s foreign the communist-ruled island. Cuban enterprises, many linked basis a section of the 1996 Helms- while allowing the act’s contro- ceptable threat against the world.” Allowing the provision to go into ministry said in a statement. Dollar is king in impoverished Venezuela

AFP Madeleine runs a small clothing Caracas shop with shiny dresses and spar- kling shoes aimed at the middle classes that have some money to hether paying for a burn. All prices are listed in dol- manicure, an evening lars. Wgown or a litre of milk, “Of course! And if anyone asks, in Venezuela the dollar can buy I calculate (the price) in bolivars anything, so long as you’re dis- at the day’s rate,” she said. “Oth- creet. erwise I lose too much money. I “Of course we take dollars, we import everything from Los An- can even try your credit card, if it geles. I’ve got to keep the business works there’s no problem,” said a going.” restaurant owner in Caracas, keen She knows it’s illegal but says to be both welcoming and prag- she has little choice. With the bo- matic, and to remain anonymous. livar losing value every day, it’s not Given the South American possible to set prices in the local country’s economic crisis there’s currency. no question about turning away a “To buy a litre of milk you need customer. this,” she laughed, imitating an Venezuela’s own currency, the eight-inch high stack with her bolivar, has been crippled by hy- hands. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognised as the country’s rightful interim ruler, speaks during the meeting with public employees in Caracas, perinfl ation. Like the restaurant owner, Venezuela, yesterday. Back in August, President Nico- Madeleine doesn’t want to give her las Maduro devalued the bolivar by true name, nor that of her shop, 96% as one of a raft of economic nor be pictured or fi lmed. reforms he hoped would boost an “I could have done like count- economy in meltdown. less others and left the country, But the bolivar has lost 98% of but I preferred to stay and work its value since. here,” she said. A dollar is now worth around “But at any moment, the gov- 3,000 bolivars and the rate is ernment could come and close Maduro govt ‘drowning in changing every day. my business,” which only opened It has left the salaries and sav- in mid-December. It’s not even ings of millions practically worth- a luxury store but the dresses she less. sells cost around $50, eight times The International Monetary the minimum monthly wage of Fund says infl ation will hit a mind- 18,000 bolivars — around $6. contradictions’: Guaido boggling 10mn per cent this year Those who earn that much can — it ended 2018 at 1.3mn per cent. just about buy two kilograms of DPA by the Supreme Court, but the be hired again,according to the ing company Datanalisis. diplomats or supporters around,” Since 2003, the government has rice and as much fl our. Bogota opposition leader was neverthe- daily El Nacional. But Maduro’s Vice President, he tweeted. tried to enforce a monopoly on A manicure in an elegant Cara- less allowed to pass through Ca- On arriving at the meeting, Delcy Rodriguez, told Russian Maduro, who has presided foreign currency reserves. cas shopping mall costs $4 — the racas airport. Guaido said he had not been ar- state media that Guaido is “try- over a massive economic crisis, Its detractors have accused owner asks only that customers enezuela’s self-declared Guaido then went on to ad- rested because those in power ing to seize power” upon the “di- won a second term in an election top offi cials of exploiting the avoid paying with large bills as she interim president, Juan dress an ecstatic rally of thou- “are drowning in contradic- rect order” of Washington. boycotted by most of the opposi- misery of the wider population wouldn’t be able to fi nd enough VGuaido, yesterday met sands of supporters, announcing tions,” the daily reported. Venezuela intends to “examine tion last year. by acquiring foreign currencies change. with public sector trade unions that he would meet representa- The fact that Guaido was not his behaviour, his activity,” and Guaido, whom about 60 coun- at offi cial rates and then sell- Even shops selling Venezuela’s to discuss possible action against tives of public sector employees immediately detained was seen “take measures accordingly” on tries have recognised as Ven- ing them for a huge profi t on the prime local produce — cocoa and President Nicolas Maduro, while in order to “leave this regime that as refl ecting the international a legal basis, Rodriguez told Rus- ezuela’s interim president, wants black market at a wildly infl ated coff ee — accept the greenback. the threat of being arrested still oppresses us without the ability pressure Maduro is facing, with sian state broadcaster Rossiya-24 Maduro to resign so a transitional exchange. A small bar of chilli chocolate hung over him. to function.” US Vice President Mike Pence in the interview that aired on government can be formed and “We started doing it under the costs $3. Guaido returned to Caracas Yesterday he pledged to “take warning on Monday that any Monday. new elections held. table,” said the restaurant owner. While supermarkets in Ca- on Monday after a 10-day Latin the fi rst steps to recover our bu- action against the opposition US Senator Marco Rubio warned Guaido’s attempt to bring hu- “We started taking dollars two racas display aisles of empty America tour aimed at mustering reaucracy” in a message on Twit- leader would be met with a “swift on Monday that the risk of Guaido manitarian aid to Venezuelans or three months ago, but if it was shelves, there are no such short- support for his campaign to bring ter. response.” being detained “remains very real.” suff ering from food and medicine known it could hurt our business ages at the covered market in humanitarian aid to Venezuela, Union representatives were The government’s initial deci- “#MaduroRegime has perfected shortages was prevented by the because we’re supposed to declare the middle-class Chacao neigh- oust Maduro and stage fresh expected to ask Guaido to plan sion not to arrest Guaido “seems bureaucratisation of repression. army on the Colombian and Bra- everything in bolivars.” bourhood. elections. to increase the country’s oil pro- to indicate the beginning of a ne- Issue a standing arrest warrant zilian borders. After his return to Asked if it was illegal, he added The stalls off er fruit, meat, fish, Maduro had suggested that duction, which has plummeted, gotiation, local and internation- from a rubber stamp court. Then Venezuela, Guaido called a new with a smile: “I don’t know, but it’s fresh produce and a delicatessen — Guaido could be arrested for hav- and to arrange for people who al,” tweeted Luis Vicente Leon, at a time of their choosing, arrest round of anti-government pro- not authorised.” for those that can aff ord it. ing violated a travel ban imposed were fi red for political reasons to head of the Caracas-based poll- him late at night with no media, tests for Saturday.

Haiti protest Mexico plan to cut funding Vale ‘fi red fi rm that failed to certify dam’ to women’s shelters fl ayed Reuters Last month, the fi rm said it Sao Paulo/Rio de Janeiro would halt providing certifi ca- Guardian News and Media feminicides will fall on (the in- Amlo has proposed strip- tions for Vale’s tailings dams, Mexico City terior ministry),” tweeted Lydia ping government support from which hold back mining waste. Cacho, a journalist and activist, projects operated by civil soci- razilian iron ore miner Vale The company has hired two who has worked with women ety organisations which he has fi red an inspection fi rm external law fi rms to look into its uman rights activists in fl eeing domestic violence and openly scorned as “conserva- Bbecause the company re- auditing practices. Mexico have condemned girls rescued from the sex trade tive” and mismanaged – without fused to certify one of its dams as Vale’s senior executives have Ha government plan to in Cancun. off ering evidence. safe, months before the barrier apologised for the disaster but slash funding for women’s shel- “They go about creating a collapsed and killed hundreds, have not accepted responsibility, ters – and instead give the money “They’re throwing 20 constellation of organisations,” prosecutors said in a document saying the installations met the directly to victims of domestic years of civil advances he said. fi led this week, as they explained highest industry standards. violence. in multidisciplinary “It’s another government. why they wanted top Vale execu- Prosecutors now allege that Details of the government’s attention to victims of They manage billions of pesos tives ousted. it was a “recurrent practice” at scheme are still being defi ned, extreme violence in the and in the majority of the cases After the thumbs down from Vale to pressure inspectors to though it said in a statement that garbage” there are irregularities.” inspection fi rm Tractebel, a sub- sign off on reviews even if they “support for this purpose” would Lopez Obrador has previ- sidiary of France’s Engie, Vale “violated the required technical remain unchanged. “(The president) doesn’t real- ously announced plans to cut said it would no longer ask the specifi cations.” But advocates for victims of ise (or doesn’t care) that women funding for daycare centres and auditor to perform regular in- The replacement of a fi rm re- domestic violence warned that are often put in danger when they instead provide cash to parents spections of the dam. luctant to sign off on the dam’s cutting funding to shelters risks receive cash in hand,” tweeted to spend on childcare as they It cited “divergences in the safety by one willing to do so was unravelling two decades of work Regina Tames, the director of wish. criteria utilised to evaluate geo- one of several such moves by the by civil society organisations, Gire, a reproductive rights or- The Finance Minister, Carlos technological safety,” prosecu- company’s geotechnical unit, while exposing women and chil- ganisation. “We know of many Urzua, said parents could pay a tors said, citing unnamed wit- according to the prosecutors. dren to increased danger. They cases where their violent part- relative to look after their chil- nesses’ testimony. Vale created the unit to im- also questioned how the govern- ners, neighbours and even their dren and opined “perhaps it can Instead, Vale relied on Germany’s prove safety after another deadly ment will give money to women parents beat them to take the be given to a grandma, who is TUV SUD, which signed off on the dam collapse in 2015. in imminent peril who need to money from government pro- going to better care for children dam that burst and killed hundreds The prosecutors alleged the unit fl ee dangerous situations with grammes.” than daycares. It’s giving flex- in January, despite evidence from its “acted in a systematic form to cer- their children. President Andres Manuel ibility to parents so they aren’t own readings that the structure was tify as stable dams which didn’t “They’re throwing 20 years Lopez Obrador, commonly called tied down to daycares in par- “way below” the recommended meet the legal parameters stipulated of civil advances in multidisci- Amlo, took offi ce on Decem- ticular.” A man walks past burning tyres and one of the caskets safety level, the prosecutors said. by the company itself, so much so plinary attention to victims of ber 1, promising to cut excessive The Mexican news site Animal of victims of anti-government protests, placed in the Neither Vale nor Tractebel had that on more than one occasion the extreme violence in the garbage. government spending and rein- Politico described the initiatives street by relatives and fellow demonstrators, in any immediate comment. geotechnical area replaced external The direct payments to women vest the savings into social pro- on shelters and daycare centres Port-au-Prince, Haiti. TUV SUD offi cials could not auditors who refused to make spuri- will help for three days, then the grammes. as “machista austerity”. be reached for comment. ous declarations.” Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 PAKISTAN

Navy says it stopped 44 arrested as crackdown Indian sub from on militant groups begins entering

Reuters least 40 paramilitary police. more proof against them, they of Mumbai, in which 166 people kistan has cracked down on anti- gious schools are often blamed its waters Islamabad The incident led to the most will be proceeded against ac- were killed. India militants but most factions for radicalisation of youngsters serious confl ict in years between cording to law and if we don’t There was no immediate of- manage to survive and resume but are the only education avail- the two nuclear-armed neigh- get any proof their detention will fi cial reaction in India to the ar- activities. able to millions of poor children. AFP akistan said yesterday it bours, with cross-border air end,” Afridi said. rests in Pakistan. Pakistan’s foreign ministry A Pakistani minister said Karachi had begun a crackdown on strikes and a brief dogfi ght over Pakistani Foreign Minister However, an Indian govern- announced a new order on Mon- that several madrasas had been PIslamist militant groups, the skies of Kashmir. Tension Shah Mehmood Qureshi told ment offi cial, speaking on con- day to update existing laws that closed in recent days, including detaining 44 members of banned cooled when Pakistan returned CNN last week that JeM chief dition of anonymity, expressed deal with those on UN sanctions one run by Saeed-linked Islamic akistan has stopped an In- organisations including close a downed Indian pilot on Friday. Azhar was in Pakistan and was scepticism. lists. The government said it had charity Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) dian submarine from en- relatives of the leader of a group In a further sign that tensions “really unwell”. “We have all seen this done for developed a “full-fl edged strat- and another seminary operated Ptering its waters, the navy blamed for a deadly bombing in were easing, Pakistan’s foreign The United States, Britain and the last several decades now. How egy” to deal with militants and it by JeM in Bahawalpur, where said yesterday, as tensions con- Indian-controlled Kashmir last ministry said a delegation would France proposed last month that many times has Hafi z Saeed been was looking to close “loopholes” JeM has its headquarters. tinue to run high between the month. visit New Delhi next week to dis- the UN Security Council black- arrested and let out?” the offi - that allowed banned groups to Several other madrasas will be nuclear-armed foes. The interior ministry said it cuss an accord on Sikh pilgrims list Azhar. A Security Council cial said. “And have they taken operate. closed but there will not be wide- The development came days was a move to “speed up action visiting holy sites in Pakistan. vote is due to be held in mid- action against Jaish camps?” Two senior security offi cials spread closures, said the minis- after a rare aerial dogfi ght be- against all proscribed organisa- The interior ministry said March. However, Pakistan’s Saeed, who holds public gath- told Reuters the government ter, who asked not to be identi- tween India and Pakistan over tions”. Offi cials said it was part close relatives of JeM leader staunch ally China, a Security erings in Pakistan, has been at has drawn up plans to take over fi ed, adding that only a few such the disputed territory of Kashmir of a long-planned drive against Masood Azhar had been de- Council member, has blocked the heart of criticism that Pa- all madrasas – Islamic schools – schools have links with terrorism. ignited fears of an all-out con- militant groups, not a response tained in “protective custody” as previous attempts by world kistan does not enforce its anti- linked to groups banned by the Saeed-linked Jamaat-ud- fl ict, with world powers rushing to Indian anger over what New part of the crackdown. It named powers to sanction the JeM chief. militancy laws. United Nations and to seize their Dawa (JuD) is estimated to run to urge restraint. Delhi calls Islamabad’s failure to them as Mufti Abdul Raoof and Over the weekend, the United Pakistan has long used some assets and infrastructure. about 300 madrasas. “The Pakistan navy stopped rein in militant groups operating Hamad Azhar, who one ministry States and Britain urged Pakistan Islamist groups to pursue its At a later stage the government Pakistani TV anchor and col- an Indian submarine from enter- on Pakistani soil. offi cial said was the leader’s son. to deal with militant groups. aims in the region, but it has may consider recruiting some of umnist Nazim Zehra, who at- ing our territorial waters,” a naval Pakistan is facing pres- Some of the people detained Many Pakistani groups and denied New Delhi’s accusa- the militants into paramilitary tended a background briefi ng by spokesman said. sure from global powers to act were named by India in a dos- individuals are under UN sanc- tions it actively supports mili- forces or seek other ways to fi nd Prime Minister Imran Khan and He added “the Indian sub- against groups carrying out at- sier it gave to Pakistan after tions, including the JeM, and tants fi ghting Indian forces in them jobs and incorporate them fi nance minister Asad Umar on marine was not targeted, in line tacks in India, including Jaish- last month’s bombing, Interior Hafi z Saeed, the founder of the India’s part of Muslim-majority into normal society, the offi cials Monday, said the government with the government’s policy of e-Mohammed (JeM), which Minister Shehryar Afridi said. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) mili- Kashmir. said. was determined that militants maintaining peace”. claimed responsibility for the “We are investigating them tant group that carried out the From time to time – usually as Closing madrasas is a thorny should put down their weapons It was the fi rst such incident February 14 attack that killed at and if we get more evidence, 2008 attacks in the Indian city a result of outside pressure – Pa- issue in Pakistan, where reli- and be demobilised. since 2016, when Pakistan said it had “pushed” an Indian subma- rine away from its waters. The navy later said the sub- marine was detected on Monday Bullet marks within Pakistan’s maritime zone, or 200 nautical mile (370km) ex- Minister clusive economic zone, but did not give further details on the location. It also released what it said was video of the submarine, with the grainy black and white foot- sacked for age showing only what appeared to be a periscope above water. The timestamp at the be- ginning of the video clip read 8:35pm on Monday. off ensive India said its navy remained “deployed as necessary”. “Over the past several days we have witnessed Pakistan indulging in false propaganda,” an Indian Navy comments spokesman tweeted yesterday. An Indian government source also dismissed the video, tell- Reuters from the post of Punjab in- ing AFP: “Why would a subma- Islamabad formation minister following rine in Pakistani waters have its derogatory remarks about the periscope up?” Hindu community,” the PTI akistan’s government said on Twitter. sacked a provincial min- “Bashing someone’s faith Foreign ministry Pister yesterday for mak- should not be a part of any ing off ensive comments about narrative.” launches digital Hindus, amid easing tensions Pakistani politicians in the attestation with India after the two nu- past have not been penalised clear-armed neighbours came for making off ensive state- To improve consular services, the to the brink of war last month. ments about minority com- Ministry of Foreign Aff airs of Pakistan Punjab provincial Informa- munities. Chohan himself has A Pakistani Kashmiri looks at a damaged bullet-riddled wall of his house caused by cross-border firing at Dhanna village, on the Line of has decided to shift from manual to tion Minister Fayyaz Chohan previously been criticised for Control (LoC) that divides Kashmir between Pakistan and India, yesterday. Tensions between India and Pakistan raged on March 2 as digital attestation of documents. referred on Monday to Hin- making derogatory statements heavy firing by their armies killed at least seven people on either side of their fiercely disputed Kashmir border. It was to launch the digital QR dus, who number more than about other minorities and code system at the headquarters 4mn in Muslim-majority Pa- about women. yesterday. The system will also be kistan, as “cow urine drink- Tensions between India introduced in the camp off ices later. ers” in a highly charged speech and Pakistan escalated dra- The QR code system is used to against India. matically last month, after eff iciently store small amount of The statement was imme- an Indian air strike on what it data. According to a statement, diately condemned on social said was a militant group that Biometric vehicle verifi cation system introduced this system is a user-friendly media and by senior mem- had carried out a suicide at- digital process which would lead bers of Prime Minister Imran tack in the Pulwama district of iometric verifi cation sys- The biometric verifi cation tration and transfer of the ve- cles on open letter, the offi cial to an expeditious attestation of Khan’s ruling party Pakistan Indian-controlled Kashmir on tem for the registration system has been made op- hicle, he stated, adding that the stated, adding that it will gen- papers. It will also help verify the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as February 14. Band transfer of the vehicle erational in the capital to avoid validity of the receipt will be for erate revenue for the govern- attestation of documents via the hurtful to the country’s Hindu The situation began im- was made operational at Excise frauds and usage of vehicles on two months. ment as people pay the fee of the QR code scanner. minority. proving after Pakistan last and Taxation Offi ce of the capital open letter, besides discouraging The ETO will verify the receipt transfer. Moreover, the malpractice of Chohan later said his com- week released an Indian pi- Islamabad. the tout mafi a, he added. with the transaction ID within Besides, the system will also forged attestation would be ments were aimed at India and lot who had been shot down Director excise and taxation The owner of the vehicle can no time and transfer the vehicle, help the law enforcement agen- curbed. Digital attestation would not Pakistani Hindus. in an aerial dog fi ght, in what offi ce Bilal Azam said that the get verifi cation receipt from any he added. cies to identify and trace the real create a paperless environment The federal government Islamabad called a “goodwill system had also been linked with Nadra e-Sahulat Centre and The system will eliminate the owner of the vehicle, the director as the data would be digitally “has removed Fayyaz Chohan gesture”. all the Nadra e-Sahulat Centres. produce it at the ETO for regis- culture of selling or using vehi- stated. (Internews) backed up. (Internews)

Nawaz’s condition life-threatening: Maryam Draft of new aviation policy fi nalised

Internews of angina and asked for his government for their treatment medical fact that every episode of Lahore nitrate spray. It was then that he of a three-time elected prime angina worsens the heart disease Internews airline operators, pilots/cabin Shahrukh Nusrat, who also divulged that he has had similar minister. further and can irreversibly Karachi crew and most importantly holds the charge of director Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz attacks 4 times in last week. He “MNS has been a three times damage the heart. Who will I the passengers travelling by air general of the CAA, chaired a (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz said reiterated that he will neither prime minister and the blame or who will be responsible within Pakistan”, it added. consultative session and dur- yesterday that her father Nawaz report nor complain” insensitivity and callousness if anything happens to him God he Civil Aviation Author- The previous open sky policy ing deliberations, “proposals Sharif’s condition was life-threatening He added, “There is no treatment regarding his health on part of forbid? The callousness, I repeat, ity (CAA) of Pakistan has was introduced and continued put up by the participants were and that he has had four angina off ered to him even when he is the government is shocking to is shocking.” Tfi nalised the draft of a by previous governments since also addressed for fi nalisation attacks in the past week. taken to and kept in the hospital say the least. My family and I Nawaz has been imprisoned at new aviation policy that aims at they believed that “protection- of the NAP 2019”. Taking to Twitter after her visit to for days. He says he doesn’t want are extremely concerned given Kot Lakhpat jail since December supporting local players which ism and restrictive market ac- It said the airline operators Kot Lakhpat Jail, Maryam posted, to be in the hospital as an excuse the grave risk to his health. His 2018 following his conviction in a otherwise have been failing to cess policy” had suppressed appreciated the proposal of the “MNS’s doctor and I met him or escape or just for the sake of condition is in every way life- corruption reference in line with compete with foreign airlines the growth potential of the rationalisation of CAA aeronau- at Kotlakhpat jail today. During it.” threatening,” she added. the Supreme Court’s July 2017 operating under the existing aviation sector. tical charges on domestic sec- the meeting he had an episode She once again called out the The PML-N leader added, “It’s a verdict. ‘open sky’ policy. But the Pakistan government tors and called it a step towards After having eight-hour de- has decided to end the open sky positive growth of the sector. liberations with local stakehold- policy because it wants to fa- They also expressed their ers at the CAA headquarters, the cilitate local airlines, especially satisfaction over the steps draft National Aviation Policy the loss-making Pakistan In- promised in the draft policy for (NAP) 2019, also known as the ternational Airlines. development of aircraft manu- ‘fair sky’ policy, was fi nalised. Travel agents, however, said facturing industry and mainte- Hopes fading for two missing climbers It would be sent to the fed- that air travellers would be nance repair organisations. eral cabinet and after getting the ultimate victim of the new They also fully supported the opes dimmed for two they climbed the Nanga Parbat, Monday afternoon to look for the area but there was no sign of its formal approval the new policy since domestic airlines proposal to enhance the valid- climbers from Brit- which at 8,125m (26,660ft) is the missing climbers, according to a life,” the offi cial said, requesting policy would override the open lacked suffi cient resources, ity period of licences to airlines Hain and Italy who went world’s ninth-highest peak. top army aviation offi cial. anonymity. sky policy. including enough aircraft, to and general aviation operators missing in northern Pakistan on They were attempting a route He said the helicopters carried Baig said the Spanish team The CAA said that the main cater to the growing number of from one year to two years. a peak known as “killer moun- that has never before been suc- out an aerial search with the help of would begin a search with drones vision of the new policy was to passengers. Nusrat informed the partici- tain” as helicopters failed to spot cessfully completed. Pakistani mountaineer Rehmatullah again. regulate and facilitate stake- They also feared that the pants that the draft of the new signs of the mountaineers, an Two helicopters fl ew a Span- Baig – who was climbing with the Ballard is the son of British holders for the revival of the ticket prices would go up sub- policy was earlier shared with army aviation offi cial has said. ish climbing team from the base missing men before turning back – mountaineer Alison Hargreaves, aviation sector. stantially because of the mo- all aviation industry stake- Climbers Tom Ballard and of K2 - the world’s second high- but could not fi nd anything. the fi rst woman to conquer The new policy would have nopoly of local airlines. holders to obtain their input for Daniele Nardi and were last est mountain and also in north- “The helicopters fl ew for more Mount Everest solo and without a number of “direct and indi- According to a CAA state- making it a mutually consented heard from on February 24 as ern Pakistan - to Nanga Parbat than 30 minutes in the targeted bottled oxygen. (AFP) rect benefi ts and incentives for ment, Aviation Secretary document. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES

POLICY New agencies tapped in drive against graft The Presidential Anti-Corrup- Diokno ‘not off the hook’ in tion Commission (PACC) has deputised top government agencies as its partners in its campaign against graft and corruption, Manila Times reported. Dante Jimenez, PACC chair- probe on budget irregularities man, said the initiative to deputise government agen- By Glee Jalea Co-operative-National Con- larities, including the alleged ACT Teachers party-list An- cies was in accordance with Manila Times federation of Co-operatives P75bn insertion of the Depart- tonio Tinio opposed Diokno’s the anti-graft and corruption (Natcco) party-list representa- ment of Budget and Manage- appointment, citing the above- body’s mandate. Executive tive Anthony Bravo added that ment (DBM) to the Department mentioned allegations. Order 43 grants the PACC the espite the appointment Diokno would still be questioned of Public Works and Highways “Despite styling himself as a power to enlist the support of of Budget Secretary Ben- despite his new appointment. (DPWH) for 2019. A portion of budget reformer, these ques- other government agencies Djamin Diokno as the new Before the congressional the amount allegedly favoured tions will continue to hound to assist in the investigation Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas break last February, House lead- his in-laws. Diokno for as long as he fails of cases falling within their (BSP) governor, he will still be ers said they were tired of being Diokno allegedly even off ered to account for his role in the respective jurisdictions, said summoned to the House of Rep- constantly snubbed by Diokno. P40bn to make the House “shut so-called flood control scam,” Eduardo Bringas, PACC ex- resentatives investigating his al- House Appropriations chair- up” about the insertion, Andaya he said. Meanwhile, House ecutive director. Bringas added leged involvement in numerous man Rolando Andaya Jr previ- previously revealed. Committee on Banks chairman that the deputation of these budget irregularities, Minority ously said that if Diokno had A total of P198bn worth of Henry Ong described Diokno agencies would allow them to Leader Danilo Suarez said yes- nothing to hide, he would show government contracts were also as a “respected economist” and serve as the PACC’s internal terday. up to clarify his side on the mat- reportedly procured by the DBM veteran in public service with anti-corruption aides. The “He still has pending issues ter. in 2018 for big-ticket infrastruc- decades of wisdom on public departments would enjoy the in the House. We still don’t have Diokno never showed up in ture projects. finance. powers of the PACC, such as closure…I intend to continue any of the hearings since he was Diokno was also accused of “I hope that is enough for the enforcing disciplinary measures hearings on the matter and to grilled in December’s Question keeping P370bn in budgetary banking community and the and suspending or terminating summon Diokno if there is a Hour. savings, but he claimed that investing public to trust Dr Di- corrupt civil servants. Jimenez need for it,” Suarez told report- He still has to answer pend- the amount was reverted to the okno at the helm of the Bangko said they have yet to finalise ers in a news briefi ng. ing issues on budget irregu- Treasury. Sentral ng Pilipinas,” Ong said. Diokno: still facing scrutiny guidelines on the deputation. More provinces to face Fire destroys 150 homes drought over El Nino in Quezon City, Makati Agencies living income for farmers in emergency situa- Manila tions in affected areas. Manila Times “Local government units in affected areas Manila need the national government’s assistance to ore provinces are expected to experience help farmers survive,” she said. drought in the next two months due to Marcos said the government should release our people were injured MEl Nino, the Philippine Atmospheric, emergency funds in times of natural calamities and about 30 families were Geophysical and Astronomical Services Admin- such as El Nino. Fdisplaced as fi res hit Que- istration (Pagasa) warned the public yesterday. Farmers in Laoag City started harvesting zon City and Makati, police said Ana Liza Solis, chief of the Pagasa climate their crops earlier than scheduled. Provincial yesterday. monitoring and prediction section, said the dry Sustainable Development Office head Edwin The fi re in San Antonio, Que- spell would aff ect Occidental and Oriental Min- Carino said farmers and representatives from zon City started at 10 am and doro, Palawan, Ilocos Sur as well as La Union this the Department of Agriculture, National Irri- was declared under control at month, Philippine Star reported. gation Authority and Philippine Rice Research 2:55pm. Ilocos Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboan- Institute are expected to attend the summit. It was raised to Task Force ga Sibugay, Maguindanao and Cebu have been Pagasa defines drought as three consecutive Bravo alert level at 12:41 noon, experiencing drought since February, accord- months of “way below normal” rainfall or less injuring four and destroying ing to Solis. than 60% reduction from average rainfall. about 150 houses made of light She said drought-hit areas may reach 22 by The country is experiencing less rainfall and materials and aff ecting 450 fam- April. warmer temperatures due to a “weak” El Niño, ilies. Damages were estimated Zamboanga City was declared under a state which is expected to last until end of May or at P1.5mn. Initial investigation of calamity due to El Nino. The city council ap- June. of the Bureau of Fire Protection proved yesterday the recommendation of the The state weather bureau has yet to officially showed that the fi re started at local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of- announce the start of the dry season. a three-storey house owned by fice (DRRMO) after more than 55 hectares of The weather agency declares the dry season Alex Sarmiento at 1154 West Riv- land with an estimated value of P1.265mn were once the easterlies – or warm air from the Pa- erside, Barangay San Antonio, affected by the dry spell. cific – become the dominant wind system in Quezon City. The cause of the The city agriculture office earlier reported the country. fi re is still under investigation. that around P7mn worth of rice, corn and veg- Pagasa weather forecasters earlier said a Sarmiento, 45, sustained a etables were damaged. longer dry season is expected this year due to fi rst degree burn on the left up- DRRMO chief Elmeir Apolinario said about El Nino. per forearm while Dionisia Ra- P13mn was allocated to help cushion the im- Several areas have been experiencing warm bago, 51, sustained a fi rst de- pact of the dry spell. A water summit to address temperatures in the past days. gree burn on the right arm; Roy drought in Ilocos is slated next week as Gover- On Monday, Pagasa recorded the highest Sarmiento, 49, sustained a fi rst nor Imee Marcos called for immediate action to temperature so far this year in Tuguegarao City, degree burn on the left forearm mitigate the impact of El Nino. Cagayan at 34 degrees Celsius. and Jay Beltera, 38, sustained a Rescuers attempt to extinguish a fire that razed through a residential area in Manila, yesterday. Marcos said the summit aims to put in place The hottest temperature in Metro Manila minor burn on the left forearm. measures and provide the necessary assistance reached 33.6 degrees Celsius. No other casualties have been 6.30pm on Monday, destroyed Fire marshal Roy Quisto said were several people who expe- to areas affected by the dry spell. Earlier, Solis said the temperature might reported. properties amounting to more fi refi ghters were met with diffi - rienced diffi culties in breathing “The dry spell would trigger widespread reach 38.2 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila Thirty families were left than P1.5mn, according to culty in controlling the fi re as the because of fumes. drought. We must be proactive in helping our and 40.7 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao City in homeless in Makati where a fi re Makati City Bureau of Fire Pro- pathways were too narrow for The victims were brought to farmers who will bear the brunt of El Nino,” she May. razed their houses at the South tection (BFP).The BFP said the fi retrucks and other equipment. an evacuation centre while in- said. Below normal rainfall is likely to continue Cembo Village. two-hour fi re reached third Offi cials said no one was hurt vestigators have yet to fi nd out She reiterated her call for the grant of LIFE or over most parts of Luzon until June, she said. The fi re, which started at alarm before a fi re out. during the incident but there the cause of the fi re. Japan in govt deal to open Defence chief calls doors to Filipino nurses for US pact review

Manila Times their respective hospitals. They who want to secure an OEC in AFP Manila should be able to pass the licen- the Philippines. POLO Malay- Manila sure examination in Japan be- sia has recorded a case of an fore they can work as registered undocumented worker who apan has opened its doors to nurses. left the Philippines for Ma- he decades-old defence Filipino nurse and caregiv- They have three chances to laysia using forged documents treaty between the United Jers under a government-to- take the nursing licensure ex- provided by Erana. TStates and the Philippines government arrangement with amination. Olalia said the suspect used needs to be revamped, or risks the Philippines. Candidate-caregivers shall to have a Facebook account dragging Manila into a war with Labour Secretary Silvestre initially complete a six-month in the name of “Juvica A Pu- China, the Filipino defence chief Bello 3rd said yesterday that the onsite language training and dun” where she advertised said yesterday. Philippine Overseas Employ- work on-the-job for at least supposed job vacancies and Defence Secretary Delfi n ment Administration (POEA) three years before they can take offered “documentation serv- Lorenzana made the comments was now accepting qualifi ed the national examination for ices” to Filipinos, especially, four days after US Secretary applicants to be implemented caregivers to be able to work in household service workers Mike Pompeo said Washing- under the Framework for the Japan indefi nitely. working illegally in Malaysia. ton would intervene in case of Movement of Natural Persons The deadline for submission He said that Erana was ar- an armed attack on Philippine of the Philippines-Japan Eco- of application is on April 30, rested by Malaysian authori- forces or vessels in the disputed nomic Partnership Agreement 2019. ties for being an illegal immi- South China Sea. (PJEPA). POEA Administra- Bello: new employment avenues Olalia warned “balik mang- grant and was deported to the “It is not the lack of reassur- Lorenzana: seeking treaty review tor Bernard Olalia said that gagawa” or Filipino workers Philippines but has returned ance that worries me. It is being the Japan International Corp goshi” to obtain a national li- returning to their job site on the to Malaysia and continues involved in a war that we do not Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and “The United States, with the of Welfare Services (JICWELS) cence in Japan. use of forged documents when with illegal activities through seek and do not want,” Loren- Vietnam. increased and frequent passage needed qualifi ed applicants to Olalia said that those who applying for exit clearance or another Facebook account. zana said in a statement. It has however sailed warships of its naval vessels in the West fi ll up another batch of vacan- wished to apply as care work- overseas employment certifi - “The POEA discourages Filipino offi cials have sug- near the Chinese-built islands to Philippine Sea, is more likely to cies for 50 nurses or “kangoshi” ers, must be a graduate of any cate (OEC). returning Filipino workers gested the Philippines’ 1951 mu- assert free passage. be involved in a shooting war,” and 300 careworkers or “kaigo- four-year course, a certifi ed Olalia issued the warn- from engaging the services of tual defence treaty with the US Pompeo said Friday China’s he said, referring to Filipino- fukushishi.” NCII caregiver by TESDA, and a ing following a report from persons manufacturing fake may not apply in the strategic actions in the waterway — claimed areas of the sea. Candidates for nursing po- graduate of Bachelor of Science the Philippine Overseas La- documents. OFWs who would waterway, since Washington has through which trillions of dol- “In such a case and on the ba- sitions must be a graduate of in Nursing (with or without bour Office (POLO) in Kuala submit false information or not stopped Beijing building ar- lars of global trade passes each sis of the (treaty), the Philippines Bachelor of Science in Nursing, PRC license). Lumpur that a certain Gina documents would face the tifi cial islands over reefs claimed year — threaten both the US and will be automatically involved,” with PRC Board license, with at The candidate-nurses to be Leyson Erana has been sup- penalty of suspension or per- by Manila and other neighbours. the Philippines, and vowed to he said. least three years hospital expe- hired shall fi rst complete a six- plying fake employment con- manent disqualification from The US has said it does not keep it open. The “vastly diff erent” security rience, and must be motivated month onsite Japanese lan- tract, passport, visa, and other participation in the overseas take sides in the dispute over But Lorenzana said the naval environment now in place “ne- and committed to work and guage training and thereafter related documents to Filipinos employment programme,” he the South China Sea claimed by manoeuvres risked dragging the cessitates a review of the treaty”, study as a candidate for “kan- undergo on-the-job training at working illegally in Malaysia said. Beijing as well as the Philippines, Philippines into armed confl ict. he added. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Cracks appear in elite as Algeria’s leader buys time The biggest demonstrations in Algeria since the 2011 Arab Spring uprising have died down since the weekend, but cracks are appearing in within a ruling elite long regarded as invincible. Ailing President Abdelaziz Boutefl ika’s off er on Sunday to limit his term after April’s election took some of the steam out of the protests which began late last month, although students and other young people are still on the streets. Some offi cials from his ruling FLN party joined tens of thousands of people who turned out on Friday to call on Boutefl ika, in power for 20 years, to step down along with his inner circle. The drums of war Several public fi gures have announced their resignations. “Our duty in this country is to listen, to listen and to imbibe great wisdom to accompany this important social movement for the future of our country,” Sidi Ahmed Ferroukhi, a former minister, wrote on his Facebook account as he announced his resignation from the FLN and parliament. in Kashmir The FCE, a top business association whose leaders have been long-time supporters of Boutefl ika, has also seen The reason is simple. In an eff ort and Indian warplanes left a downed In- country’s “long history with military resignations in sympathy with the protesters, including of its By Shahid Javed Burki Lahore to control the insurgency in Kashmir, dian pilot (who has subsequently been dictatorships and experience of ter- vice president Laid Benamor. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s released) in Pakistani custody. rorism and uncertainty means that He said the association government has made the state one of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran my generation of Pakistanis have no had moved away from its ensions between India and the world’s most militarised areas, with Khan, meanwhile, continues to deny tolerance, no appetite, for jingoism or “Boutefl ika’s Pakistan are at their highest 250,000 armed personnel present. The any responsibility for the initial attack war.” As Bhutto acknowledges, Khan mission of helping to lead level in decades, and many fear excessive of force used by those person- and to call for dialogue; this, together seems to understand this. “My question men will leave, the country to a brighter Tthe nuclear-armed neighbours nel has driven many young people into with his government’s decision to re- [to the Indian government],” he said in future. “Meeting this are on the brink of yet another war the arms of extremist organisations. lease the captured pilot, could go a long a televised address, “is that, given the but the political challenge requires the over the disputed Kashmir region. But For Modi, however, ignoring this re- way toward defusing tensions. In fact, weapons we have, can we aff ord miscal- support of the people too,” the latest eruption is diff erent from its ality and blaming Pakistan is politically Khan is a very diff erent kind of Paki- culation?” system will stay he said. predecessors. expedient. He and his Bharatiya Janata stani leader – at the head of a diff erent Fighting in Kashmir may summon a The two countries’ struggle over Party are engaged in a tight election kind of political party – than those who sense of déjà vu, but the fact is that the no doubt” An anonymous call for Kashmir began in 1947. After Pakistan campaign. A landslide victory in 2014 previously stoked confl ict in Kashmir. dynamic has been reversed, with Paki- a general strike has gone supported a Muslim insurgency in the enabled the BJP to form a government Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e- stan now the side vying for peace. largely unheeded but the leadership faces another test — an princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, on its own, breaking India’s decades- Insaf, has the support of a large share It is up to Modi’s government to look online call for a “march of 20mn” — this coming Friday. the state’s Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari long pattern of coalition rule. But, in the of Pakistani young people – a huge past short-term political considerations The peaceful protests are unlikely to quickly unseat Singh, decided to cede the territory to last year, the BJP has lost several state cohort in Pakistan, where the median and allow tensions in Kashmir to ease. If India in exchange for armed assistance. elections. Modi was thus eager to satisfy age is just 24 years. When up to 60% of it does, perhaps the next Indian govern- the ailing president, one of the veterans of the 1954-1962 Since the state’s population was pre- BJP supporters when many took to the young people voted for Khan and the ment can take advantage of the shift that independence war against France who still dominate Algeria, dominantly Muslim, however, Pakistan streets carrying signs bearing slogans PTI in last year’s election, they were has occurred in Pakistan to work for the a major oil producer. cried foul and sent in troops, which like, “Attack Pakistan. Crush It.” concerned not with recapturing control stable, long-term peace that Kashmir’s But steady departures from his inner circle as protests rage India countered with more troops of its India’s retaliation quickly escalated of Kashmir; they wanted a government people deserve. - Project Syndicate could make his position untenable, raising concerns among own. from economic measures – a 200% tar- that would deliver quality education, The war resulted in a stalemate, with iff on Pakistani imports, for example – healthcare, and employment. z Shahid Javed Burki, a former army generals. the United Nations helping to secure to an air strike near the Pakistani town As Fatima Bhutto, the niece of the fi nance minister of Pakistan and vice- “It (the army) will not interfere for now because it is up a ceasefi re in 1949. As part of the deal, of Balakot, which India claims targeted assassinated Pakistani politician Bena- president of the World Bank, is currently to the civilian ruling elite to clean the mess. This is not the the state was divided between India and a Jaish-e-Mohamed training camp. The zir Bhutto, wrote, though Pakistan’s Chairman of the Shahid Javed Burki military’s business,” said a retired general. Pakistan – and remains so to this day. next day, a dogfi ght between Pakistani “recent history has been bloody,” the Institute of Public Policy in Lahore. “But it will not accept a remake of the 1990s scenario.” The fi ght over Kashmir picked up again in 1965, when Pakistan sent Protesters have praised the military, which has stayed in troops to an Indian-controlled area to barracks throughout the unrest. encourage locals to revolt against their A former minister expressed doubt that Algeria’s entire “occupiers.” But, instead of spurring a political establishment would be dismantled, even if rebellion, Pakistan elicited a major of- Boutefl ika, is pushed out of offi ce. fensive by India. A 17-day war ensued, but the status quo prevailed. “Boutefl ika’s men will leave, no doubt, but the political The two sides fought again in 1971, system based on consensus among the ruling elite will stay no though Kashmir was not the focus. doubt,” he said. “I can’t see an alternative to the system which After the civil war pitting then-West will be updated as usual to adapt to the changes and demands Pakistan against the Bengali freedom of demonstrators.” fi ghters of then-East Pakistan fuelled a wave of refugees from the east, India The 82-year-old leader, in offi ce since 1999, said on Sunday began supporting rebel groups there. he would run in the April 18 poll but call early elections to West Pakistan was forced to surrender, fi nd a successor after holding a national conference to discuss and East Pakistan became the inde- reforms and a new constitution. pendent state of Bangladesh. Boutefl ika has not spoken in public since suff ering a stroke Then, in 1999, another Indo-Paki- stani skirmish over Kashmir erupted, in 2013. He managed to stay in power during the 2011 protests after Pakistan sent troops to the that toppled other Arab leaders because Algeria had plenty of Indian-controlled district of Kargil. foreign reserves to boost state spending and appease citizens. India responded forcefully, launching European countries which value the north African country air strikes and threatening all-out war. as a gas supplier and security partner in a volatile region have The confl ict was cut short when US President Bill Clinton convinced then- largely stayed silent. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif An exception is the former colonial power, France, which to withdraw his forces from the area. has called for the vote to be held in best possible conditions. Whereas Pakistan provoked previ- France has major business interests and is home to a large ous Indo-Pakistani confl icts, India is Algerian community. driving the current one. To be sure, the escalation was triggered by an attack on Indian paramilitary police: on February 14, a young militant in Indian-admin- To Advertise istered Kashmir carried out a suicide bombing that killed 40. The next day, [email protected] the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohamed Display terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombing. 44466621 44418811 India’s government pledged retalia- tion not just against Jaish-e-Mohamed, Classified but also against Pakistan, though most 44466609 44418811 analysts agree that this decision does not refl ect a fair assessment of the Subscription situation. While Jaish-e-Mohamed is technically based in Pakistan, it has [email protected] developed a strong following among young people – like the February 14 suicide bomber – in Indian-controlled Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a televised address: “My question [to the Indian government] is that, given the weapons we © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Kashmir. have, can we aff ord miscalculation?”. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 6, 2019 23 COMMENT With war and election worries, support surges for Modi

By Krishna N Das and Devjyot is a presidential campaign, and this is Ghoshal, Reuters going to help him.” New Delhi The agency has not published any poll after the military strike, but Deshmukh said Modi’s approval ndian Prime Minister Narendra rating has soared to levels not Modi has slammed opposition seen since mid-2017, according to parties for demanding evidence C-Voter’s estimates. Iabout last week’s military strike Opinion polls conducted before inside Pakistan, and support for him the tensions with Pakistan broke is rising, pollsters say, despite the out mostly predicted Modi’s questions about how successful it Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata was. Party (BJP) would struggle to win It’s very tricky to be seen a majority because of a slowing questioning the armed forces in economy, low rural incomes and the India, particularly when there is government’s inability to provide conflict with Pakistan. more jobs. But that hasn’t stopped opposition But pollsters and political analysts leaders from raising doubts about the say Modi’s support is now rising, government’s official claims that a mainly because right-wing parties “very large number” of members of like the BJP typically have an a group were killed in the strike by advantage over others on national Indian warplanes early on February security issues. 26. “It doesn’t matter what India did The government has rejected the or what Pakistan is doing, at least demand for proof. from the electoral perspective,” said “At a time when our army is Rahul Verma, a fellow at the New engaged in crushing terrorism, inside Delhi-based think-tank, Centre for the country and outside, there are Policy Research. some people within the country “What matters is what kind of who are trying to break their morale, perception the media and the BJP and which is cheering our enemy,” Modi Modi can create. If they can create said at an election rally on Sunday. it like a crisis, ‘we did something, “I want to know from (the we need a strong guy leading the opposition) Congress and its partners country’, they have an advantage. So why they are making statements that the details don’t matter.” are benefiting the enemies.” Indian air force planes carried With tensions at fever-pitch with out last week’s strike in retaliation nuclear rival Pakistan, and India’s to a suicide attack in the disputed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he attends the stone-laying ceremony at Vishva Umiya Foundation in Gyaspur village, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, on March 4. general election due by May, the Kashmir region that was claimed stakes are high. by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e- the president of the ruling Bharatiya Deceit possesses our land in guise Those issues helped Congress oust the state of Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan responded with an air Mohamed group. Janata Party (BJP), Amit Shah, put of fighting a foreign enemy. Stop the BJP from power in three states in alliance with the BJP until they strike of its own, but no one was At least 40 paramilitary troopers the figure at more than 250. politicising the army, it is as sacred late last year. split last year, agreed that it was killed in that operation. The situation travelling in a convoy were killed, the Pakistan has said the Indian bombs as the state.” “It is deeply regrettable and important for the opposition to not is slightly calmer but remains worst such attack in three decades hit a largely empty hillside near the But pollsters say opposition politically immoral on the part of the let Modi make the election all about fraught; the two armies continue to of insurgency in Kashmir, a Muslim- northeastern town of Balakot without parties may be making a mistake BJP to make political capital out of the strikes. regularly trade artillery fire at places majority region claimed by both hurting anyone. by questioning Modi on national military endeavours during cross- “Calling those who question along the frontier. Hindu-majority India and Islamic “300 terrorists dead, yes or no?” security when emotions are running border tensions with Pakistan,” the veracity of Balakot strikes “If (the opposition) continues this Pakistan. Navjot Singh Sidhu, a leader of the high. Congress spokesman Sanjay Jha said. anti-national is baffling,” Mufti campaign on...national security, I’m A top government official, Congress party, asked in a tweet on They say that instead the “PM Narendra Modi and BJP said on Twitter. “However, the afraid it is not going to stick and it’s speaking on condition of anonymity, Monday. opposition needs to get back to President Amit Shah are singularly opposition should not fall into this only going to help Modi,” Yashwant said last week that at least 300 “What was the purpose then? focusing on the BJP’s poor record responsible for lowering the political trap of changing the entire election Deshmukh, the founder of polling suspected militants were killed in the Were you uprooting terrorists or on creating jobs and tackling farm discourse in our country.” discourse from pressing issues...to agency C-Voter, told Reuters. “Modi’s retaliatory Indian air strike, while trees? Was it an election gimmick? distress. Mehbooba Mufti, who governed these strikes.” – Reuters

US attorney general faces daunting decision Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 240c Minimum Temperature : 170c By Sarah N Lynch have threatened to subpoena it and appointment of special counsels. has ever encountered this situation Washington go to court if necessary to force its Those rules require him to notify where the reason a person isn’t being THURSDAY release. the top Democrats and Republicans charged with a crime is that the Maximum Temperature : 240c Trump may pressure Barr to conceal on the House and Senate judiciary person is immune by virtue of his Minimum Temperature : 160c ewly installed US Attor- damaging parts of Mueller’s report committees after Mueller completes office and is subject to impeachment FRIDAY ney General William Barr and release any fi ndings that may his probe. as a result,” said Robert Litt, a former Maximum Temperature : 240c must walk a political and exonerate him. The rules do not require release general counsel for the Office of the Minimum Temperature : 160c legal tightrope in deciding The Democrats took control of the of the entire report, but they do not Director of National Intelligence N Fisherman's forecast how much of Special Counsel Robert House of Representatives in January explicitly prevent Barr from giving it to who is now with the firm Morrison & Mueller’s report on Russia’s role in the and now wield subpoena power, with Congress. Foerster. The rules also give Barr latitude to “The more damaging the report WARNING 2016 election to disclose, balancing multiple committees investigating Inshore : Nil competing demands from President Trump’s actions. disclose parts of the report if it is in the is to the president, the greater the Offshore : Nil Donald Trump and congressional Republicans control the Senate. public interest. pressure is on Barr to release it, and Democrats, legal experts said. Mueller’s fi ndings could be In deciding what to release, Barr paradoxically of course, if the report WEATHER Inshore : Mild and scattered The decision presents Barr, a veteran instrumental in any move in Congress may face thorny legal issues involving completely exonerates the president, clouds with a chance Washington insider, with his fi rst to try to impeach Trump and remove secrecy of grand jury testimony, then the president should want it of light rain at some major test since becoming the top US him from offi ce. protecting classifi ed information, released,” Litt added. places. Relatively cold by night. law enforcement offi cial last month, a If the report includes “evidence of communications with the White Barr appears to have support among Offshore : Some clouds to position fraught with peril. misconduct by the sitting president House possibly subject to the principle rank-and-fi le Justice Department scattered clouds with Trump fi red Barr’s predecessor of the United States,” then “I think of executive privilege shielding certain employees relieved to have an chance of rain on some places at first. Jeff Sessions in November after you have to believe the public interest information from disclosure, and attorney general who understands the WIND complaining for months over the is so extreme that there will be a safeguarding confi dential reasons institution, after serving under former Inshore : Northeasterly-South- decision by Sessions to recuse mechanism for release, and I think for why some individuals were not senator Sessions and then an acting easterly 05-15 KT Offshrore : Northeasterly-South- himself from overseeing the Russia Barr’s easy way out is to say, ‘It’s up charged. attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, easterly 03-10/16 KT investigation. to Congress,’” said Matthew Jacobs, Several Trump campaign fi gures who was a Trump political loyalist. At “I think Barr is in a terrible position a former federal prosecutor now with already have pleaded guilty or been a recent reception for employees, Barr Visibility : 4-8 KM from the standpoint of having two the law fi rm Vinson & Elkins. convicted in Mueller’s investigation, bought the food and drinks and was Offshore : 1-3/5 FT while others have not been charged. greeted by people who told him they masters to please, each of which has Barr, 68, served as attorney general Around the region a very diff erent desire,” said Michael once before, from 1991 to 1993 under If the report provides evidence were happy he was there. Weather Zeldin, a former federal prosecutor.” Republican president George HW that Trump committed obstruction Barr “is an experienced lawyer and Weather tomorrow Max/min He has a political nightmare on his Bush. of justice or other crimes, Barr must manager, and he has served in the today Max/min Sunny 22/08 hands.” He has embraced an expansive view decide how much should be revealed. position of attorney general, so he Baghdad P Cloudy 23/10 Sunny 24/12 Mueller, who has headed the of presidential powers. The Justice Department has a has great respect for that office,” said Kuwait CityP Cloudy 22/13 Cloudy 22/17 investigation since May 2017, is due Last year, while Sessions was decades-old policy that a sitting Mark Tuohey, a lawyer with the firm Manama Sunny 24/18 Sunny 27/21 to submit to Barr his confi dential still attorney general, Barr sent an president cannot face criminal Baker & Hostetler who once served Muscat M Sunny 24/21 M Sunny 15/06 report on whether Trump’s campaign unsolicited memo to the Justice charges, though some lawyers take as deputy to former independent Tehran P Cloudy 14/04 conspired with Russia and whether the Department disputing Mueller’s issue with that conclusion. counsel Ken Starr on the Whitewater Republican president has unlawfully authority to investigate Trump for As a matter of policy, the Justice investigation involving Democratic sought to obstruct the probe. obstruction of justice. Department also does not give a public President Bill Clinton’s business Democrats, who have expressed From a legal standpoint, Barr has explanation for why any individual has dealings. concern Barr will try to shield Trump a road map in the form of the Justice not been charged. “I don’t see this as a loyalty litmus and bury parts of the report, already Department’s regulations on the “I don’t know that the department test,” Tuohey added. – Reuters

Live issues Around the world Weather Weather New wireless monitors will let parents cuddle fragile newborns today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Athens P Cloudy 20/09 Sunny 19/09 Beirut Sunny 17/13 P Cloudy 16/13 By Linda Carroll signs to a base where the information receive injury to the skin when sleep quality, neurodevelopment, Bangkok Sunny 34/26 Sunny 35/26 Reuters Health can be processed in real time. peeling away the tapes.” breastfeeding and pain also appear Berlin Cloudy 14/09 Cloudy 18/06 The sensors - one above the Another advantage of the new to be improved when preemies have Cairo Sunny 22/10 Sunny 24/11 baby’s heart and the other on system is that the sensors don’t need skin to skin contact during their Cape Town Sunny 24/17 Showers 21/16 new wireless system the infant’s heel - “are almost to be plugged in to a power source. hospital stay. Colombo M Sunny 30/26 P Cloudy 30/26 for monitoring the vital like an electronic temporary They charge up in a similar way to The new system provides Dhaka P Cloudy 29/19 M Sunny 29/18 signs of the most fragile tattoo,” said study co-author John some of the modern phones that information on skin temperature, Hong Kong T Storms 23/18 Rain 20/17 A newborns – those born Rogers, director of the Centre charge wirelessly, Rogers said. heart rate, respiration rate and blood Istanbul Showers 13/04 P Cloudy 16/07 prematurely or with debilitating for Bio-Integrated Electronics The baby just needs to be within oxygenation. And because the two Jakarta S T Storms 29/24 S Showers 30/24 diseases – could make it easier for at Northwestern University in a meter from the antenna that sensors are sending data in real time, Karachi Sunny 27/17 Sunny 27/18 parents to have skin to skin contact Evanston, Illinois. “They gently, receives vital signs information and it’s possible to measure how quickly London Showers 14/05 Cloudy 11/02 with their babies, a preliminary non-invasively laminate onto the device that allows the sensors blood is flowing through the body, Manila P Cloudy 34/24 P Cloudy 34/24 study suggests. the surface of the skin. They are to keep charged, Rogers said. That allowing doctors to calculate blood Moscow Snow 01/-13 M Cloudy -2/-4 Infants in the neonatal intensive imperceptible. You don’t even means “mothers can be sitting in pressure, which is hard to measure in New Delhi Sunny 24/11 M Sunny 26/13 care unit (NICU) typically have a know they are there.” a chair (with the antenna mounted these tiny, fragile babies, Rogers said. New York P Cloudy -2/-8 P Cloudy 01/-6 large number of sensors attached Standard sensors can damage a on the base) and have skin to skin The new study is “fascinating,” Paris Rain 16/08 S Showers 12/04 to their skin, with wires emanating premature baby’s skin, he added. contact and cuddling,” he said. said Dr Katherine Hoops, an Sao Paulo S T Storms 29/20 S T Storms 29/21 from them. The new system, which “Premature babies, especially Skin to skin cuddling of low- assistant professor of paediatric Seoul P Cloudy 13/02 Sunny 12/-2 was tested in a study reported in those at gestational ages less than birthweight infants has been shown critical care medicine at Johns Singapore Cloudy 32/26 T Storm 32/26 Science, accomplishes monitoring 30 weeks, have skin that is highly to reduce mortality, severe illness, Hopkins Medicine. “Innovations in Sydney S T Storms 33/18 P Cloudy 21/18 through two ultrathin wireless underdeveloped, “Rogers said. “It’s infection and length of hospital monitoring that facilitate mobility Tokyo Cloudy 14/08 Rain 10/07 sensors that transmit the baby’s vital very common that these babies stay. Cardiorespiratory stability, have great potential benefit.” Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 QATAR

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz held a bilateral meeting at the Chancellery in Vienna yesterday. The meeting dealt with expanding the horizons of joint co-operation between Qatar and Austria, especially in the areas of economy, investment, industry, trade, energy, culture, sports and tourism.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen at Hofburg Presidential Palace yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was accorded an off icial reception at Hofburg Presidential Palace where His Highness the Amir met with President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz witnessed the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Chancellery in Vienna yesterday. From the Qatari side, the agreement was signed by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen held a session of off icial talks at witnessed the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Chancellery in Vienna Hofburg Presidential Palace in Vienna yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of enhancing joint co-operation to cover various yesterday. From the Qatari side, the agreement was signed by CEO of Qatar Airways HE Akbar al-Baker. fields, especially in politics, economy, investment, health, and education, in a way that serves the bilateral interests of the two peoples and countries. Amir’s visit to Austria opens wide QM, UCL Qatar discover the earliest Islamic site prospects for mutual co-operation From Page 1 tions have pushed back the oc- cupation of the area to the 6th- Speaking about Crowded 8th centuries. At this time there QNA prospects for further bilateral sador noted that the Qatari del- Desert, Dr Lopez said: “The was a well-attested Christian Doha co-operation in all fi elds of mu- egation, led by His Highness results of the Crowded Desert presence in the region, so the tual interest at the bilateral, re- the Amir, has discussed with Project, and in particular those discoveries at Yoghbi have the gional and international level. offi cials in Austria a number of of the excavation of Yoghbi, potential to shed light on this harge d’aff aires of Qa- He hoped that the economic important political, economic, were completely unexpected. critical moment of religious tar embassy in Austria forum, held on the sidelines of cultural, health, security, hu- They have opened our eyes to change.” CAbdullah bin Nasser al- the visit between the business- man rights and labour issues the rich treasure of knowledge Crowded Desert is an ambi- Fahid al-Hajri stressed the im- men of the two countries, will as well as developments in the that lays still buried in Qatar tious programme aimed at pro- portance of the offi cial visit of result in increasing the level of Middle East, North Africa and and in other countries of the ducing a deeper knowledge of His Highness the Amir Sheikh economic and trade exchange Europe and other world aff airs. Gulf.” the human presence in the Qa- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to between them and serve com- He also affi rmed the two He said: “While this truly re- tari desert. It is a central com- Austria, which will strengthen mon economic interests of both countries’ keenness to work markable heritage belongs to the ponent in QM’s commitment to the existing friendly relations sides. together to increase trade ex- history of Qatar and of the Gulf, Members of the team that made the discovery are seen at the site. preserve and promote cultural between the two countries in For his part, Austrian ambas- change and services between its signifi cance goes beyond that heritage in Qatar. various fi elds. sador to Qatar Dr Willy Kempel the two countries. of national and regional inter- of Qatar to the great histori- of the site fi ndings, Dr Rob Qatar Museums plays an es- In his statement to Qatar stressed the importance of the And also to promote joint ac- ests, because it can potentially cal themes of the Gulf region, Carter of UCL Qatar said: “Qa- sential role in preserving Qa- News Agency (QNA), al-Hajri offi cial visit of His Highness tivities on a global scale in areas change our perception of the including the development of tar’s archaeological record al- tar’s heritage and putting mod- said that Qatar and Austria the Amir to Austria, describing such as combating corruption early history of Muslims.” early civilisations, the Islamisa- ready includes one of the old- ern communities in touch with share common interests, po- it as most important to further and terrorism, respecting hu- The information gathered tion of Arabia and the Gulf, and est mosques known from the their past. The department litically, economically, cultur- strengthen the excellent rela- man rights and the rule of law by researchers at areas such as Qatar’s connectivity with the Arabian Peninsula (a 9th cen- oversees several heritage sites ally and in sport, affi rming that tions between the two friendly and achieving progress on is- Meleiha and Yoghbi will allow rest of the Indian Ocean and the tury example excavated by a all over Qatar, and often engages His Highness the Amir’s visit countries. sues regarding the confl icts in experts to reconstruct the con- Middle East. French team at the nearby site in international collaborative to Austria will open up broad In a statement, the ambas- Yemen and Syria. tribution made by the Bedouins Discussing the importance of Murwab), and these excava- projects.