BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 12 World champions for the INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 3 – 13, 32 COMMENT 30, 31 Woqod fi rst-quarter Doha 2016 REGION 14 BUSINESS 1 – 9, 15 – 20 17,970.67 10,177.55 43.93 ARAB WORLD 15 CLASSIFIED 10 – 14 net profi t rises -6.57 -6.96 +1.29 INTERNATIONAL 16 – 29 SPORTS 1 – 12 Meeting -0.04% -0.07% +3.03% 3% to QR242.7mn Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10071 April 27, 2016 Rajab 20, 1437 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Message from Sultan Qaboos Qatar fuel prices set to fl uctuate

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting with Omani Minister of from next month Interior Hamud bin Faisal al-Busaeidi at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The Omani minister conveyed a verbal message from Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed, related to bilateral relations Monthly prices will be published day of each month, starting May 1. and ways to develop them, to the Emir. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior by the end of each month on According to the Ministry of Energy Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the meeting. Page 3 the ministry’s off icial website and Industry, the fuel price in Qatar (www.mei.gov.qa) and in all local in May would be as follows: gasoline newspapers (super 97) QR1.30/litre, gasoline (pre- mium 90) QR1.15 and diesel QR1.40. By Pratap John This means the gasoline price next Chief Business Reporter month would remain the same as of ‘Highest priority’ on data now. In January, Woqod had announced uel prices in Qatar will fl uctu- a revision in fuel prices, the fi rst one security, says QNB Group ate in response to changes in the in fi ve years. Fglobal market from May 1, the Sheikh Mishal bin Jabor al-Thani: Under this, the price of gasoline su- Ministry of Energy and Industry an- chairman of the Fuel Prices Review per 97 was increased to QR1.30 a litre, eferring to social media specula- ing the strongest measures possible to nounced yesterday. Committee. an increase of 30% from QR1 previously tion in regard to an alleged data ensure the integrity of our customers’ Sheikh Mishal bin Jabor al-Thani, and the price of gasoline premium 90 to Rbreach, QNB Group clarifi ed information,” the statement said. chairman of the Fuel Prices Review “monthly adjustments do not mean QR1.15 from Dh85 earlier, a hike of 35%. yesterday in a statement that its policy “QNB is further investigating this Committee at the Ministry of Energy that prices will necessarily be in- However, no increase in diesel pric- is not to comment on reports circulated matter in co-ordination with all con- and Industry, said: “Fuel prices in the creased, but rather linked to and af- es was made at that time. via social media. cerned parties. QNB Group’s presence local market will be restructured and fected by the movement, up and In 2014, Qatar raised diesel prices QNB has assured all concerned that through its subsidiaries and associate linked to oil products prices in the in- down, of the actual fuel prices in the for the fi rst time in three years by rais- there is no fi nancial impact on its cli- companies extends to more than 27 ternational market.” global market.” ing the price from QR1/litre to QR1.50 ents or the bank. countries across three continents pro- Every month, he said, a special Monthly prices will be published by for local companies and QR1.80/litre “QNB Group places the highest viding a comprehensive range of ad- committee comprising representa- the end of each month on the minis- for joint ventures. priority on data security and deploy- vanced products and services. tives from various government bod- try’s offi cial website (www.mei.gov. The earlier rate of QR1 a litre had ies, would review fuel prices (gasoline qa) and in all local newspapers, but will been eff ective since late January 2011 and diesel) and make recommenda- be enforced as of 12:01am on the fi rst when distributors suddenly raised the Four Bangladeshis die in road crash tions on proposed prices for the local prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene. market accordingly. Fuel prices in Qatar are still among Four Bangladeshi men were killed in a Hussain (35) and Mohamed Muhid Sheikh Mishal said “pricing would the most aff ordable in the world. road accident yesterday on Al Shamal Uddin (28). Sources said some of their be based on a formula that takes into Qatar was among the last countries Road when their mini-van collided co-travellers suff ered injuries and were consideration price changes of oil in the region to raise fuel prices early Today’s Gulf Times with another vehicle. The accident admitted to hospital. The victims were products in the global market, opera- this year. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the includes a 32-page occurred around 8.30am. The four from the Sylhet district of Bangladesh, tional costs related to fuel production UAE and Oman revised their respec- special report on deceased were identified as siblings according to a report posted on the and distribution in the local market tive fuel prices upwards since mid- South Africa Freedom Day Mohamed Islauddin (32) and Mohamed website of Samakal, a Bangladeshi and fuel prices in the region”. 2015, following the fall in crude oil Moinuddin (30) and Mohamed Awlat newspaper. The chairman emphasised that prices in the international market.

Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 3 QATAR

In brief Emir, PM meet CEO of Royal Dutch Shell

Emir Issues instruments of ratification

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has issued the following instruments of ratification: 1. Approving a memorandum of understanding on mutual recognition of certificates of competence for workers at sea between the governments of Qatar and Turkey signed in Doha on 2/12/2015. 2. Approving a draft agreement in the field of developing public HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell Ben van Beurden and Managing Director and Chairman at Qatar Shell Companies Michiel Kool, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The financial management between meeting reviewed means to enhance co-operation. Right: HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell Ben van Beurden and governments of Qatar and Turkey Managing Director and Chairman at Qatar Shell Companies Michiel Kool. The meeting reviewed aspects of co-operation and means to enhance and develop them. signed in Doha on 2/12/2015. 3. Approving a memorandum of understanding in the environment field between governments of Qatar and Turkey signed in Doha on 2/12/2015. 4. Approving a draft agreement on air transport between Qatar, Oman sign pact to boost security ties governments of Qatar and Nigeria signed in Doha on 28/2/2016. QNA Interior signed a co-oper- The Emir reciprocated 5. Approving a draft agreement Doha ation agreement between the greetings of Sultan Qa- between governments of Qatar Qatar and Oman in the se- boos and wished further and Nigeria on the avoidance of curity fi eld. progress and development double taxation and prevention atar and Oman Meanwhile, HH the for the Omani people. of fiscal evasion with respect to signed a co-oper- Emir Sheikh Tamim bin The meeting reviewed taxes on income and the attached Qation agreement in Hamad al-Thani received the relations between Qa- draft protocol to it signed in Doha the security fi eld following a verbal message from tar and Oman and means on 28/2/2016. a meeting between HE the Sultan Qaboos bin Said of to promote them, in addi- 6. Approving a draft agreement Prime Minister and Minis- Oman, pertaining to bilat- tion to issues of common on air transport between ter of Interior Sheikh Ab- eral relations between Qa- concern. governments of Qatar and New dullah bin Nasser bin Kha- tar and Oman and means HE the Prime Minister Zealand signed in Doha on lifa al-Thani and Omani to further develop them. and Minister of Interior 9/9/2015. Interior Minister Hamoud The message was con- attended the meeting. 7. Approving an agreement for bin Faisal al-Busaidi in veyed by Omani Minis- Earlier on the Omani technical co-operation between Doha yesterday. ter of Interior Hamud bin minister and his accom- the governments of Qatar and During the meeting, Faisal al-Busaeidi when panying delegation were Mexico signed in Mexico city on they reviewed ties be- the Emir met him at the received at Hamad Inter- 24/11/2015. tween Qatar and Oman and Emiri Diwan yesterday. national Airport by HE 8. Approving a memorandum means to develop them, The Omani Minister the Prime Minister and of understanding between particularly in the security of Interior conveyed the Interior Minister Sheikh Qatar Central Bank and Bank of fi eld, in addition to topics greetings of Sultan Qaboos Abdullah bin Nasser bin Mexico signed in Mexico city on of common interest. to the Emir as well as his Khalifa al-Thani and Om- 24/11/2015. HE the Prime Minister wishes of more progress ani ambassador to Qatar 9. Approving an agreement and Interior Minister and and prosperity for the Qa- Mohamed bin Nasser al- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and Omani Interior Minister between governments of Qatar the Omani Minister of tari people. Wihaibi. Hamoud bin Faisal al-Busaidi signing a co-operation agreement in Doha yesterday. and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the organisation of the recruitment of workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the State of Qatar signed in Doha on 6/4/2014. Qatar’s hospitality National Day greetings sent sector tops in GCC HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad atar’s hospitality ers, couples, and groups of industry, hoteliers and in- al-Thani and HE the Prime sector has ranked friends. ternational experts. Minister and Interior Minister Qat the top of GCC Qatar Tourism Author- As the fi rst part of the Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin destinations in the “Guest ity’s (QTA) chief Tourism system’s roll out, hoteliers Khalifa al-Thani have sent cables Experience in the Middle Development offi cer Has- are currently completing of congratulations to Tanzanian East (ME) report,” released san al-Ibrahim said this their self-assessments. President John Magufuli on his by hospitality and travel news is particularly wel- Following this, QTA in- country’s National Day. data providers Olery. come as they continue to spectors will be visiting The report monitored roll out its Hotel Grading hotels to verify the results Minister meets and analysed more than and Classifi cation System, and to ensure they have 2mn online guest reviews which incorporates guest either made the changes German envoy over the past 12 months experience data from Ol- required of them, or have HE the Minister of Culture and (April 1, 2015 to March 31, ery in its assessment of put into place an agreed Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin 2016) from popular sites hotel establishments. schedule for addressing Nasser al-Ali met the German such as Booking.com and “We released this sys- any defi cits in facilities ambassador to Qatar Hans-Udo TripAdvisor. tem early 2016 and have and services. Muzel in Doha yesterday. The results showed that been delighted with how Hotels that do not make They discussed bilateral relations Qatar’s overall ranking in ME forthcoming hoteliers and the needed improvements, and ways of enhancing them, in has climbed from seventh to developers are in working or chose not to, will then addition to issues of common sixth since the 2015 report, with QTA to implement be re-graded – this could concern. with an increase of 2% in its the changes necessary to involve them losing a star. Guest Experience Index. raise the sector’s overall The report was released Ooredoo extends The Index measures standards,” he noted. at the Arabian Travel Mar- student discount overall guest satisfaction “There is a mutual un- ket currently being held in by analysing diff erent as- derstanding that enhanc- Dubai and running until promotion pects of their tourist ac- ing the hospitality sector April 28. commodation experience, is key to the success of Led by QTA, a delega- Ooredoo’s student discount including service, loca- the tourism industry as a tion of 35 hotels, tour op- promotion has been extended tion, cleanliness, room whole, and taking guest erators and other industry to all under the age of 26 with a quality, and value for experience into account service providers partici- valid QID in Qatar. money. is critical to this ongoing pates at the leading event The promotion off ers 50% off In Qatar, hotel room process of development for the ME inbound and all Shahry Smart Packs 100,150 quality and cleanliness and refi nement,” al-Ibra- outbound travel industry. or 250, as well as 50% off all were highly rated, 85.7 and him added. The Qatar delegation is monthly Mobile Internet Packs 87.2 respectively, placing The new Hotel Grading showcasing the country’s (excluding unlimited bundles). the country in the second and Classifi cation sys- unique tourism off er- With approximately 253,000 and third ranks for these tem, which aims to make ings, including top quality fifteen to twenty five year olds categories respectively. hotel ratings more fair luxury accommodation, in Qatar according to ‘The Qatar According to the ‘guest and transparent, was re- cultural attractions, fam- 2010 Population and Housing type’ category, Qatar’s leased after two months ily entertainment, festi- Census’, over a quarter of a tourist accommodation of testing and six months vals and events, as well as million people could benefit from was particularly popular of development in col- great shopping, dining and the off er. among business travel- laboration with the local other leisure activities.

Labour Minister meets Thai delegation

QNA Minister al-Nuaimi said co-operate with Thai offi - steps taken by Qatar to en- Doha that Qatar is grateful for the cials to put in place a strict sure the health, safety and contributions of the Thai procedure for hiring skilled welfare of expatriate work- labour towards the develop- Thai workers. The recruit- ers. E the Minister of ment of the country. “In the ment offi ces will be ap- He said that Thai offi cials Administrative De- framework of our quest to- proved under the supervi- are working with their Qa- Hvelopment, Labour wards achieving Qatar’s vi- sion of the Thai Ministry of tari counterparts to ensure and Social Aff airs Dr Issa sion 2030, we look forward Labour. that the employment of Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi has to welcoming more highly The director general of Thai workers in Qatar is a met a Thai delegation head- skilled Thai labour in the the department of employ- fully legitimate process. ed by the director general of coming years,” the Minister ment in Thailand said that The Thai Minister of La- the department of employ- said. his country appreciates the bour Sirichai Distakul visit- ment in Thailand, following The Ministry of Admin- opportunity off ered by Qa- ed Doha last March and held a visit by the delegation to istrative Development, La- tar for high-skilled expatri- high-level meetings with the Labour City. bour and Social Aff airs will ate workers, and hailed the the Qatari offi cials. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 QATAR

Porsche Cayenne recalled Embassy Open House

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce Indian embassy will hold an Open House has announced a free recall campaign for tomorrow to address any urgent consular Porsche Cayenne vehicles made during and labour problems of Indian nationals in 2011- 2016 in co-operation with Porsche Qatar. Centre Doha - Al Boraq Automobiles The Open House will be held from 5.30pm to Company. 6.30pm. Written information on issues/cases The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a proposed to be discussed with the embassy circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and may be given from 5.30pm to 6pm. This the brake pedal to dislodge. The company will be followed by meeting with embassy will repair the aff ected vehicles if necessary. off icials from 6pm to 6.30pm.

HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bint Saif al-Thani chairing a working session to highlight the “girls’ right to education in emergency situations” in New York yesterday. Qatar turns spotlight on girls’ right to education in emergency situations

QNA ensure that the education of girls in nium Development Goals. Children’s Fund (Unicef) Jo Bourne New York emergency situations is at the fore- He pointed also to the initiative moderated the meeting, which was front of the commitments and prac- launched by the State of Qatar during also attended by a number of rep- tical measures that might emerge the third donors’ conference in Syria, resentatives of the UN member- he Permanent Mission of the from the Istanbul Summit. where it established a fund for the ed- states, and a number of experts and State of Qatar to the United Meanwhile, Dr Ahmed bin Mo- ucation and training of Syrian children representatives of non-governmen- TNations in collaboration with hamed al-Muraikhi, Director of the who have been displaced and refugees. tal organisations. Portugal, Norway, the Ford Founda- Department for International De- Participating in the session were The participants praised the ini- tion, and the Education Above All velopment at the Foreign Ministry, Assistant Secretary-General for tiative of Qatar and the role it plays foundation held a working session to called on the international commu- Humanitarian Aff airs and Deputy in order to ensure the right to educa- highlight the “girls’ right to educa- nity and organisations to give great- Emergency Relief Co-ordinator tion in emergency situations. They tion in emergency situations”. er attention to human development, Kyung-Wha Kang, the Director for stressed the importance of the role The session was held on the side- stressing on the need to ensure the Youth Opportunity and Learning at that could be made by stakeholders lines of the UN General Assembly right to education in emergency the Ford Foundation David Barth, to generate momentum in the run up High-Level Thematic Debate on situations as well as on the impor- the Director of the Women’s Foreign to the Istanbul summit through mul- Achieving the Sustainable Develop- tance of fi nding ways to protect the Policy Program at the Council on tilateral action in order to guaran- ment Goals (SDGs) which began last fundamental rights of the children Foreign Relations Rachel Vogelstein, tee the right of girls to education in Thursday, and ahead of the world to education all over the world. Chief Executive Offi cer of Education emergencies and long-term crises. humanitarian summit that will be He also reaffi rmed Qatar’s commit- Above All Fahad al-Sulaiti, Alejan- The participants also identifi ed convened in Istanbul on May 23. ment to the realisation of the right to dro of the Global Partnership for gaps and challenges to girls’ educa- In her remarks at the meeting, HE education, and pointed to numerous Education, the President and Direc- tion in emergencies, and discussed the Permanent Representative of initiatives undertaken by the State of tor of the Institute of International the best ways to provide educational Qatar to the United Nations ambas- Qatar in this regard, most notably the Education in the United States Dr opportunities for displaced girls and sador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bint Saif Education Above All initiative “Edu- Allan Goodman, Senior Adviser on boys. They highlighted the politi- al-Thani said that the meeting seeks cate a Child”. He explained that this Education at UN Women Dr Pa- cal and fi nancial solutions to ensure to exchange views and focus on de- initiative focused on two challenges, tience Stephens, and the Director of that the right to education in emer- veloping practical policy to be pre- the fi rst of which is the need to teach Inter-Agency Network for Educa- gency situations is at the forefront sented at the Istanbul Summit. children in times of confl icts and cri- tion in Emergencies Dean Brooks. of the commitments and practical She hoped that the meeting will ses, and the second is to implement Chief of Education, Programme measures that might emerge from provide greater impetus to better the remainder of the second Millen- Division in the United Nations the Istanbul Summit.

Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 QATAR

Qatar and Belarus sign pacts to boost ties

he third meeting of Qatar-Belarus joint Tcommittee, which concluded yesterday, was jointly headed by HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al- Thani and Belarus Minister of Trade Vladimir Koltovich. After the two-day meet- ing, both parties signed a Memorandum of Under- standing on co-operation between the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al- Culture and Sports of Qatar, Thani and Belarus Minister of Trade Vladimir Koltovich signing an agreement in Doha. and an agreement on co- operation between the Be- garant, and export-import to take steps to further en- cluding fi nance, agricul- larusian Republican Unitary programme Tasdeer of Qa- hance co-operation in vari- ture, energy, industry, tech- Enterprise of Export-Im- tar Development Bank. ous economic, investment nology, education, sports, port Insurance, Belexitm- The two parties agreed and commercial fi elds, in- transportation. Page 9

Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 QATAR

Praise for Qatar relief work Star adds glamour to Omo promotion

ecretary General of the Arab Red work of the Arab organisation at all levels. Crescent and Red Cross Organization He said the 41st meeting of the ARCO S(ARCO) Dr Saleh bin Hamad al-Su- General Assembly to be held in Amman, haibani has praised Qatar’s eff orts in relief will decide on an Arab humanitarian capital and humanitarian work. and an Arab humanitarian work day, seek- In an interview with Arrayah newspaper, ing to raise relief co-ordination and hu- al-Suhaibani referred to Qatar Red Cres- manitarian work, and supporting the Gulf cent’s comprehensive and quick response and Arab eff orts towards recurrent crises. to humanitarian crises and disasters. The two-day meeting will discuss key He said Qatar is an active member in the humanitarian issues in Palestine, Somalia, General Assembly meetings, and always Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya, as well as the comes up with new ideas to serve humani- conditions of displaced and refugees in the tarian work and contribute to upgrading the Arab region, he added.

Kajol Devgan, Bollywood actress and brand ambassador of fabric cleaning product Omo, cuts a cake to inaugurate a promotion for Omo at LuLu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road, on Sunday.

GAC in e-link with ports firm The General Authority of Cus- toms (GAC) has announced that it has completed the e-link and integration project (Al-Nadeeb) with Qatar Ports Management Vodafone rolls Company. “This is expected to contribute an unprecedented leap in exchanging informa- tion, conducting transactions and developing work mecha- nisms between GAC and the company,” Mohamed Ahmed out hybrid al-Muhannadi, director of GAC’s Operations and Risk Analysis Department, said. When it was first introduced, the e-link between GAC and Qatar Ports Management Company had saved 70% of the time to ac- power systems complish customs transactions, he said and hoped the process odafone Qatar is rolling out a said Ramy Boctor, chief technology tion and communications technol- would become more eff icient in number of hybrid power sys- offi cer of Vodafone Qatar. ogy (ICT) can help other industries the future. “GAC has been keen Vtems across its sites as part Any telecom operator, running an achieve signifi cant carbon savings. To to link Al-Nadeeb system with of the company’s energy effi ciency off -grid networks infrastructure, do so, the ICT sector’s own footprint all the entities and ministries measures and new networks technol- must deploy a diesel generator to pow- may need to grow slightly, but this in- concerned, and provided the ogies that will help reduce its carbon er up the site. These diesel generators crease is signifi cantly outweighed by required technical support to footprint in the country. operate on a 24/7 basis without be- the carbon avoided in other sectors. maintain smoother and faster Vodafone’s hybrid power systems, ing switched off . On a normal diesel Asserting that the key focus is on customs clearance operations,” which combine diesel generators with generator-backed site, there is at least utilising energy effi cient technologies the off icial added. batteries for greater fuel effi ciency, use 24,000 litres of fuel burnt every year. in Vodafone Qatar’s networks, data smart controls to cut diesel use by up On a hybrid power solution, a tel- centres and operations, Boctor said to 64% at sites that depend on diesel ecom operator can run the same diesel this is where the company can make generators for primary or back-up generator for six to eight hours only the biggest diff erence to its environ- power in areas with limited access to with the rest being powered up by spe- mental footprint – by tackling related reliable grid electricity. cialised batteries. This helps ensure carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. “So far, we have deployed nine cell site stability and reduces overall “Also, we can make the strongest busi- hybrid sites with another 51 more air and noise pollution in the area. ness case by saving energy costs, yet en- planned for the coming few months,” Research shows that informa- suring our corporate social responsibility.”

One of the hybrid power systems set up by Vodafone Qatar.

Alfardan Automobiles launches new aftersales promotions

lfardan Automobiles, the of- and air duct system, treating air vents fi cial importer of BMW Group and dashboard as well as a comple- Avehicles in Qatar, has an- mentary air freshener start pack. nounced the launch of new aftersales The Refresh package includes the promotions to “give existing custom- draining and refi lling of the refrigerant ers further peace of mind” throughout and lubricant, leak checks, operating the lifecycle of their vehicle, including system pressure check in addition to AC checks ahead of the summer heat. exclusive packages on spare parts and “With two BMW and MINI service air vents. centres across Qatar, Alfardan Auto- The fi nal package - Refresh & Re- mobiles has ensured complete cover charge – includes the benefi ts of both for all of its customers, with the latest packages in one. promotion giving 2009 model owners Ihab Allam, general manager of Al- and older the opportunity to purchase fardan Automobiles, said: “The host of original spare parts and installation - new off ers is our way of showing loyal all in an exclusive package,” the com- The new aftersales promotions seek to BMW customers our support. We also pany said in a statement yesterday. give existing customers “further peace understand the risk and dangers of us- This has been done to ensure that of mind”. ing fake parts on your vehicle and we customers of older models are able to are continually trying to warn our cus- continue buying original parts for bet- fresh. Customers can pick the one that tomers of these dangers, and incentiv- ter functionality and safety of their suits them the best, with each off er in- ise them to go for original parts. vehicles. cluding a set of check-ups and tests to “As we approach the hot summer Helping avoid any AC breakdowns ensure that they are fully covered and months, we also ensure that our cus- during the hot summer months, Al- protected this summer, the statement tomers are ready and fully equipped fardan Automobiles has also launched said. for the heat, as it is essential to check three exclusive AC repair packages - The Recharge package off ers clean- all elements of the car to give them Recharge, Refresh and Recharge & Re- ing and disinfecting the evaporator peace of mind and safety.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 9 QATAR

PM meets Belarus minister of trade

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met Belarus Minister of Trade Vladimir Koltovich in Doha yesterday. Talks dealt with bilateral relations and ways to develop them, particularly in the areas of trade and investments. HBKU Press at global book fair in Abu Dhabi he Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- Located in Hall 12, C37, the HBKU the award-winning Mah and Me and sity Press (HBKU Press) will par- Press booth at ADIBF will off er over 140 the 2016 World Book Day book by Qa- Tticipate in this year’s Abu Dhabi titles for ADIBF attendees. tari author Muneera Saad al-Romaihi, International Book Fair (ADIBF), fea- The booth will include many familiar Khayal Manal, to the educational Men- turing a wide selection of Arabic and titles from the HBKU Press’ bestselling tal Maths series. English titles from writers in the region list in Arabic, such as Khaled Hosseini’s At the Abu Dhabi book fair, the HBKU and beyond. The Kite Runner or The Corsair by Qa- Press aims to bring the best writing to Taking place today until May 3 at the tari author Abdulaziz al-Mahmoud. the widest possible audience, publish- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Best-selling titles in English will fea- ing quality books in a wide array of gen- the ADIBF brings together leading pub- ture Sheikha Hend al-Qassemi’s The res. lishers, booksellers, and readers from Black Book of Arabia, the 2013 Interna- At the booth, readers will fi nd auto- around the world. tional Prize for Arabic Fiction winner, biographies, such as The Global Majlis The HBKU Press delivers a diverse The Bamboo Stalk, and Suad Amiry’s or historical fi ction titles, such as Bitter and robust collection of academic, fi c- Golda Slept Here. Almonds, science fi ction novels such as tion, non-fi ction and children’s titles, For children, the HBKU Press will be Utopia or short story collections, such and supports emerging voices from the showcasing a wide selection of educa- as The Hidden Light of Objects, as well Middle East. tional and trade titles in Arabic, from as thrillers, and romances. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 QATAR Indian envoy meets al-Thawadi Qatar taking part in UN Alliance of Civilisations forum

QNA between cultures and religions. He said that the theme of the fo- es in the face of such challenges. Baku He also confi rmed his country’s rum is consistent with the UN pil- He called for supporting the UN support for each of these values that lars regarding the security, safety, Secretary-General’s plan to combat it believes in. establishment of a state of law and terrorism, stand up against all forms he seventh Global Forum of The Azerbaijani president under- institutions and sustainable de- of bipolarity and violence and resist the United Nations Alliance lined that security, peace, tolerance velopment, which he said will not all forms of hatred. Tof Civilizations (UNAOC) and co-existence are the principles be achieved without peace and se- He also addressed the suff ering began in Baku with the participa- for understanding among peoples, curity. “It is also an opportunity to of immigrants and bad impacts of Indian ambassador Sanjiv Arora has held a meeting with Supreme Committee for tion of a large number of heads of which require the support of eve- reduce unemployment, especially crises and confl icts, as well as how Delivery and Legacy (SC) secretary-general Hassan Abdullah al-Thawadi. They state and government, ministers ryone in this regard for the alliance among youth, and minimise terror- the youth were in danger of being discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of India-Qatar and representatives of interna- and for the establishment of new ist operations and extremism, call- attracted by terrorist groups. co-operation. The meeting was “very cordial and productive”, the Indian embassy tional bodies and organisations, foundations for peace. ing for the study of its causes and to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- said in a statement. business and youth sectors, civil In his speech, President Aliyev listen to young people as partners moon stressed the important role society, universities and research demanded Armenia to withdraw and leaders, especially since their UNAOC plays in carrying out the centres. from Nagorno-Karabakh region and participation is a key element in the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind HE Deputy Prime Minister and to comply with Security Council face of these risks. and addressing the root causes of Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs resolutions in this regard. He warned that the experience violent extremism and terrorism. Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- For his part, HE the High Rep- proved the failure of many short- Division and exclusion only play Mahmoud headed the Qatari del- resentative of the UN Alliance of sighted approaches in this context, into the hands of the extremists, but egation to the forum themed, “Liv- Civilisations Nassir bin Abdulaziz pointing out that extremism grows what they really want to destroy is ing Together in Inclusive Societies: al-Nasser said that the alliance has when human rights are violated. our common ground, he stressed. A Challenge and A Goal.” become an infl uential force in mak- HE al-Nasser emphasised on the “Stereotyping is dangerous and Delivering the inaugural speech, ing the world safe and free from ter- need to work and exert concerted ef- destabilising. Sensationalism may Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev rorism and extremism by encourag- forts with the United Nations to resist sell papers, but it does not solve emphasised the role of UNAOC on ing understanding between cultures violence and terrorism through ap- problems,” he said. the issues of dialogue, understand- and launching of programmes and proach integration, pointing out that Representatives of more than 140 ing, tolerance and co-existence initiatives that support these goals. the alliance works on these approach- countries are attending the forum. Foundation run by EAA opens vocational centre in Mauritania

he Qatari-Maurita- EAA representatives took nian Social Devel- part in the inauguration Topment Foundation ceremony of the Al Im- has celebrated this week tiaz Vocational Centre and the launch of one its key signed an MoU under which projects, the Al Imtiaz (ex- the Ministry of National cellence) Vocational Centre, Education will manage the which will create vocational centre. The ceremony was education opportunities attended by Qatar’s am- across several sectors for bassador to Mauritania, the about 200 students in the minister of employment, fi rst year. vocational training and The organisation is ICT, minister of children managed by the Educa- and family development as tion Above All Foundation well as a large number of (EAA). An EAA delegation Mauritanian offi cials. led by CEO Fahad al-Su- The vocational cen- laiti travelled to Mauritania tre consists of 35 class- for the opening of the new rooms and an amphitheatre facility and for the sign- equipped with an air- Off icials and dignitaries visit the vocational centre in Mauritania. ing of a memorandum of conditioning system and understanding (MoU). loudspeakers, as well as an the foundation’s achieve- of employment, vocational foundation include the “The establishment of IT station. It gives young ments, which have served training and ICT expressed building of a hospital, con- the centre is part of the people who missed out on the poor in the cities and vil- gratitude for the founda- struction of fi ve vocational foundation’s eff orts to help secondary education the lages of Mauritania. tion’s initiatives, under the training centres, a literacy alleviate poverty and miti- chance to receive vocational On behalf of Mauritania’s supervision of EAA. programme and funding of gate its negative impact in training in vital fi elds such government, the minister Ongoing projects by the income-generating projects. Mauritania. The founda- as electrical engineering, tion was created in Decem- renewable energy and IT, as ber 2004 by the Ministry well as corporate, bank and of Economic Aff airs and insurance management. Development in Maurita- Al-Sulaiti said, “It is an nia and the Offi ce of HH honour to attend the open- Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. ing of this facility, which In the intervening years, the will make a qualitative leap foundation has launched a in Mauritania’s vocational number of projects to help education and create a posi- address poverty in Maurita- tive sustainable impact on nia, impacting thousands of the society.” people and signifi cantly im- Emphasising the impor- proving the literacy rate of tance of the new centre, the women,” a statement noted. ambassador commended

Conference on Qur’anic studies from May 2

he Muhammad Bin porary trends: Methods and Hamad Centre for themes, Text and Context TMuslim Contribution of the Qur’an: Approaches to Civilisation at the Faculty and challenges and Western of Islamic Studies (QFIS), studies of the Qur’an in the Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- past half century. sity (HBKU) is holding an Participant-scholars international conference will come from Germany, entitled “Contemporary Is- the United States, Norway, sues in Qur’anic Studies” on Saudi Arabia, Turkey and May 2 and 3. the United Kingdom. All The conference will ad- sessions will take place in dress emerging theories and the auditorium of the QFIS issues related to Qur’anic building in Education City. studies and hopefully pro- Prof Aisha Yousef al- vide direction to future en- Mannai said, “In line with deavours in the fi eld. HBKU’s objectives, we feel Scholars with backgrounds proud to highlight the Mus- covering a wide spectrum lim contribution to human of Qur’anic studies will be civilisation and to engage in speaking on various aspects academic pursuits that help of the fi eld but most impor- in disseminating knowledge, tantly around the following fostering understanding and themes: Exploration of litera- building bridges between ture on the Qur’an, Contem- cultures and civilisations.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 11 QATAR New law to help curb monopolies in business new law issued yesterday is expected tribute goods, products and services for in- to curb monopolistic practices in the dustrial or commercial purposes, provided he Acountry and facilitate the availability of is the sole distributor. quality goods and services at competitive rates. Article No 4 of the new law stipulates that HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- the Cabinet, upon a recommendation from Thani issued Law No 2 of 2016, amending some HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce, Qatar Cool and Nakheel Landscapes team members at an Earth Day event. provisions of Law No 8 of 2002 on the Organi- may exempt some services and goods from sation of Business of Commercial Agents. the scope of the law. Stressing the importance of the new law, Traders included on the commercial regis- HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce ter may import goods covered by the agency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al- even if these products have a local agent. The Thani said the amendments would help pre- minister will set the terms and conditions re- Qatar Cool marks Earth Day vent monopoly and make high-quality goods garding the principle of reciprocity. and services available at competitive prices. Article No 5 stipulates that the “agent can He noted that the new law’s stipulations return to the ‘principal’ to get commission atar District Cooling Com- nered with Nakheel Landscapes, duces maintenance and costs whilst and production of native plants. would serve the interests of all concerned by in accordance with the agreement between pany (Qatar Cool), a major to introduce and create an arid reducing waste and pollution. “Over 120 species of indigenous providing multiple opportunities for competi- them if the goods are imported by third par- Qdistrict cooling company in ecosystem in the grounds of the Yasser S al-Jaidah, CEO of Qatar plants from Arabian Peninsula tion, which would open new horizons in the local ties for trading purposes”. The agent, how- the region, took part in the global school, which supports Xeriscap- Cool, said: “Through such envi- have been tested at the Nakheel market and create an investment-friendly envi- ever, does not deserve any commission on Earth Day initiative on April 21, by ing, which reduces or eliminates ronmental initiatives, we strive to Landscapes’ Sheehaniya Nursery ronment that would attract new businesses. goods imported for personal use or re-export. organising an event aimed at raising the need for supplemental water educate the next generation about in co-operation with the Gulf Or- This, in turn, is expected to give a further Meanwhile, Article No 19 says the compe- environmental awareness among from irrigation. the merits of adopting a green at- ganisation for Research and Devel- boost to the national economy and sustain tent directorate may license the establishment the future generations of Qatar. Xeriscaping is promoted in re- titude and conserving the use of opment,” he explained. Qatar’s position globally across diff erent eco- of non-agent workshops for some of the goods The company was involved with gions that do not have easily ac- natural resources, this is further “Native plants are well suited to nomic indices. covered by the agency contract. The rules reg- Vision International School (VIS) cessible, plentiful, or reliable sup- enhanced by our partnerships with the local conditions, do not require Earlier this month, the Cabinet had issued ulating these will be set by HE the Minister. in Wakrah, organising an Earth Day plies of fresh water, and is gaining prestigious companies such as Na- imported soil additives or fertilis- a draft law regulating the import and sale of Penalties for violating diff erent stipula- presentation to around 300 stu- acceptance in other areas as access kheel Landscapes.” ers, and once established can thrive goods by commercial agents and traders in tions of the law include six months in jail and dents and explaining the diff erent to water becomes more limited. Ghassan Oueijan, managing di- without regular watering. The use Qatar, as reported by Gulf Times. a maximum fi ne of QR20,000, or both. ways of saving energy as well as the Xeriscaped landscapes use up to rector, Nakheel Landscapes, said of native plants drastically reduc- According to the amendments, a commer- Those who make false claims of being com- importance of energy conserva- two thirds less water than regular the company has gained advance es the costs associated with the cial agent is one who commits himself, under mercial agents face a maximum jail term of three tion. landscaping methods. As well as expertise and unique experience in construction and maintenance in a distribution contract, to promote and dis- months and a fi ne of up to QR10,000, or both. In addition, Qatar Cool part- lowering water consumption it re- the collection of seeds, propagation landscaping,” he added.

Maserati woos new patrons with summer deal

lfardan Sports Mo- ue-added benefi ts, including passion to excel, the off er is owning their dream Maserati tors, the offi cial dealer one-year full insurance in addi- based on Alfardan Sports Mo- car.” Aof Maserati Qatar, has tion to three years or 60,000km tors’ goal to deliver tailored As part of the off er, new cus- launched an “exclusive oppor- maintenance (whichever comes products and services to meet tomers will be introduced to tunity” for fi rst-time custom- fi rst) and a three-year warranty. and exceed customer expecta- the “remarkable performance” ers. As an added advantage, the tions,” the statement notes. of two of Maserati’s top-selling With this off er, customers are off er eliminates the require- Alfardan Sports Motors – models – the Ghibli and Quat- entitled to a 0% interest rate for ment of a down-payment, fur- Maserati Qatar general man- troporte. up to four years upon the pur- ther facilitating the ownership ager Charly Dagher said: “We The Ghibli and Quattroporte chase of a brand-new Maserati of a Maserati model, according are delighted to announce this models are available at the Ma- Ghibli or Quattroporte. to a statement. unique initiative, which pro- serati showroom in The Pearl- Those availing of the off er “Together with award-win- vides potential customers with Qatar. The exclusive off er is Performance champions ... the Ghibli and the Quattroporte also receive a wide range of val- ning customer service and a a simple and accessible way of valid until the end of May. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 QATAR Diversifi cation is ‘main driver’ of property market

By Peter Alagos Ministry of Economy and Commerce reaf- ket Outlook report also suggested that the Business Reporter fi rms its commitment towards supporting country is about to enter a period of strong the real estate sector in Qatar as one of the growth in retail supply with a number of main drivers of the country’s economy.” new retail malls nearing completion. atar’s move towards diversifying After the inauguration ceremony, the This mirrors the trend in recent years its economy is a main driver of the minister toured the exhibition and visited during which Qatar benefi ted from strong Qreal estate sector in the country, HE several stands even as real estate companies growth in retail trade, which was driven by the Minister of Economy and Commerce showcased their latest developments from an increasing population with high dispos- Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al- Qatar and around the world. able income. Thani has said. During the Cityscape Qatar Market Over- A slew of new malls are expected to open He was speaking after inaugurating City- view, conducted by commercial real estate in Qatar within the next 12 to 24 months, in- scape Qatar 2016 yesterday at the Doha Ex- agent DTZ, general manager, Edd Brookes, cluding Mall of Qatar, Doha Mall, Doha Fes- hibition and Convention Centre (DECC). discussed its latest Qatar Market Outlook tival City, along with Place Vendome, with The event, which opens from 1pm to 10pm, report and examined the role of real estate strong occupancy rates expected. will conclude tomorrow. in achieving Qatar’s long-term goals. This year’s exhibition features 90 exhibi- “The real estate market in Qatar is wit- According to the Real Estate Market tors, a 10% increase compared with previ- nessing a prosperous period with the coun- Overview, “for the fi rst time in the last ous years. try moving forward with its infrastructure number of years, supply is out-stripping Exhibition director Ahmed Zakaria, developmental projects as part of Qatar Na- demand, implying that there is value avail- speaking on behalf of the organiser, said: tional Vision 2030 and the FIFA 2022 World able for shrewd investors making it a buy- “The Qatar real estate landscape continues Cup,” HE the Minister said. ers’ market”. to expand and we look forward to witness- The real estate market is also infl uenced In addition, with Qatar’s population ex- ing growth across the board, but in particu- by many other sectors, including invest- pected to continue growing throughout lar with regard to residential and retail sec- ment, construction, and tourism. “The 2016, the fi ndings from the Qatar Mar- tors.” Page 13 HE Sheikh Ahmed inspects a scale model of the Al Erkyah City at the exhibition. Strategy professionals conduct their seventh session at Katara

ore than 100 of the country’s strat- networking and cultural exchange,” he sion, dedicated to advancing innovation egy experts, leaders and profes- added. to achieve real impact, Barbora Stankovi- Msionals came together at Katara - Bredhauer continued by sharing an cova emphasised that “although all com- the Cultural Village for the seventh session example of the Palladium group in de- panies agree that they must innovate to Qatar Minister for Municipalities and Environment HE Mohamed of the Qatar Strategy Execution Community. livering innovative solutions for gov- adapt to market and constraints, majority bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi and Ashghal president and senior The event was titled ‘Strategy Execu- ernments in collaboration with the of them do not know how to measure the engineer Nasser bin Ali al-Mawlawi at the opening of the Gulf tion in a Time of Constraints’. private sector around the globe, men- innovation and impact on their business”. Municipal Work Conference yesterday. The strategy gathering was organised Off icials and dignitaries at the event. tioning that “breakthrough solutions to She stressed that the “government and by Palladium in collaboration with Ka- challenges should always consider sus- organisation must develop a systematic tara under the patronage of Drs Kaplan & Dr al-Sulaiti stressed that convening tainable positive impact for all stake- approach for innovation, continuously Norton, the world’s leading authority on the seventh edition of the forum was an holders”. developing capability, processes and plat- strategic performance management and indication of the event’s success. “The fo- James Creelman explained on how an forms and manage the performance to de- Ashghal taking part co-founder of Palladium Strategy Execu- rum has become the umbrella under which understanding of performance measure- liver results”. tion Consulting. strategist leaders from both private and ment and data analytics improves strat- Finally, the attendees had the chance The event was opened by the speeches public sectors meet together to exchange egy execution. In his presentation, he to participate in a group discussion where in GCC meet of Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin views on best practices in strategic plan- explained how to more accurately predict they tried to analyse and adapt the above Ibrahim al-Sulaiti and Palladium Group ning and execution, which is in line with future performance. topics to government and private entities CEO Kim Bredhauer. Katara’s vision and strategy supporting Addressing the second topic of the ses- in Qatar. he Public Works Au- public concern. The fi rst work thority (Ashghal) is par- paper addresses such topics as Tticipating in the ongo- sustainable development and ing 9th GCC Municipal Work renewable and non-renewable Conference in Doha. natural resources, quarries in The three-day conference is Qatar, the life cycle of natural expected to conclude tomor- raw materials, types of rocks Qatar Airways takes home two row. used in the construction of It is being held under the roads, the role of the country patronage of HE Sheikh Ab- and municipalities in adopt- dullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa ing the approach of sustainable al-Thani, Prime Minister and development and the role and awards at regional event Minister of Interior. achievements of Ashghal in At the opening yesterday this fi eld. Ashghal president and senior The second work paper deals atar Airways has been GCC, Levant, Iran, Iraq & Yemen cilities recognised by Business offi cial opening of Dubai Inter- engineer Nasser bin Ali al- with components of integrated announced as the win- at Qatar Airways, collected the Traveller Middle East’s readers, national Airport’s Concourse Mawlawi was present along management of sewage, in- Qner of two accolades at award for Airline with the Best demonstrating that the service D, Qatar Airways will launch its with the ministers of munici- dustrial waste, surface water, the Business Traveller Middle Business Class, while Abdulaziz excellence we deliver is a win- new Dubai Premium Lounge. pal aff airs of the Gulf States, and rain water, and the com- East Awards 2016 – Airline with al-Mass, vice-president, com- ning strategy for the people who Situated near Gate 15 in Con- representatives of government ponents of integrated man- the Best Business Class and Best mercial and marketing, at Qatar matter most to us”. course D, the Dubai Premium entities and municipalities in agement of solid waste, the Airport Lounge in the Middle Airways received the award of The awards were received on Lounge is available to fi rst and the GCC, and a number of rep- integration of the concerned East for the Al Mourjan Business Best Airport Lounge in the Mid- the opening night of this year’s business class passengers as resentatives of the private sec- parties and developers in the Lounge at Hamad International dle East Award at a ceremony Arabian Travel Market, where well as Privilege Club Platinum tor institutions. country to apply sustainable Airport. held in Dubai recently. Qatar Airways is “showcasing and Gold members, who can en- The conference represents development with the available Award winners are deter- Qatar Airways group chief its world-renowned, award- joy the lounge’s facilities. an important event to discuss environmental systems. mined through votes cast by the executive Akbar al-Baker said, winning service and hospitality, Decorated with Arabic callig- the municipalities’ role in The participation of the au- readers of the industry maga- “Qatar Airways is committed which, combined with its in- raphy, Mediterranean-style tiles achieving sustainable develop- thority is within the framework zine, Business Traveller Middle to going above and beyond by novative products, demonstrate and water fountains, the Dubai ment goals in the Gulf region in of strengthening awareness East, making Qatar Airways a creating memorable experi- the airline’s commitment to de- Premium Lounge features pri- light of the economic variables about the role it is playing in favourite of business travellers ences for our passengers when- livering its new philosophy, Go- vate family zones, shower facili- experienced by the region. coordination with various en- across the region, according to a Ishfaq Jalal (centre) collected ever they fl y with us. We are ing Places Together”, the state- ties and spacious seating areas At the conference Ashghal tities and government institu- statement. the award for Airline with the proud to have had our business ment notes. and serves fresh international is presenting two work papers tions to support sustainable Ishfaq Jalal, vice-president - Best Business Class. class and business lounge fa- Today, coinciding with the cuisine. dealing with a host of issues of development in Qatar. Cargo carrier award

atar Airways Cargo was pre- tion of Qatar Airways Cargo’s emerg- sented with the All-Cargo ing industry leadership position, ac- QCarrier award at the 33rd Car- cording to a statement. go Airline of the Year event in London Qatar Airways Cargo recently recently. launched QR Express, a solution to Termed as the cargo industry “Os- deliver airport-to-airport air freight cars”, the Cargo Airline of the Year service for time-critical shipments. awards event is hosted by Air Cargo QR Express is the latest addition to the News. Each year, customers vote cargo airline’s expanding portfolio of for their favourite carriers based on specialised services and products. their efficiency and ease of use. The Daniel Parker receives the award The airline off ers products such as online voting gives public recogni- from Dan Morgan-Evans, Air Charter QR Pharma, QR Fresh and QR Equine tion to those airlines that care about Service (left). to ensure effi ciency and compliance in customer service and value for mon- the handling of temperature-sensitive ey. cently honoured with the Interna- pharmaceutical and perishable cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann, Qatar Airways tional Award for Excellence in Air as well as professional care and service chief offi cer, cargo, said: “We are de- Cargo at the Air Cargo India 2016 for the shipment of horses and other lighted and honoured to be presented exhibition and conference, hosted by live animals. with the All-Cargo Carrier award at STAT Times. Qatar Airways Cargo also off ers QR the Cargo Airline of the Year event. Readers of STAT Times, the month- Charter and is investing in infrastruc- We are grateful to all of our hardwork- ly publication covering transport and ture at Hamad International Airport ing and committed employees as well tourism news, rated Qatar Airways to support further growth, including a as our customers for their continued Cargo as “highly acclaimed” in the new cargo terminal that will be able to support.” International Air Cargo Airline of the handle 4.4mn tonnes of cargo per year, Qatar Airways Cargo was also re- Year category, a signifi cant recogni- the statement notes. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 13 QATAR Pearl-Qatar’s Al Mutahida tower to be launched before year-end

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

he Pearl-Qatar’s iconic tower Al Mutahida in Viva TBahriya is expected to be launched before the end of this year, United Development Com- pany’s (UDC) marketing and communications director Hus- sain Akbar al-Baker has said. UDC, a leading Qatari share- holding company and master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, is showcasing the latest develop- ments of its projects and prop- erties, including Al Mutahida, at the three-day Cityscape Qa- tar 2016, which opened yester- day at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. “This signature tower will be at a very luxury level, dif- ferent from the other towers at The Pearl-Qatar,” said al-Baker, HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani (left) visits the speaking on the sidelines of the UDC stand at Cityscape Qatar 2016. He is being briefed by UDC president and CEO Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman annual event. (third from left) on their projects and properties at The Pearl-Qatar as Hussain Akbar al-Baker and other “It will be in the market once off icials look on. everything is fi nalised,” he not- ed. “Now we are just taking in- are diff erent from the rest. apartments, as well as retail cov- 42-storey towers, each housing a formation of potential clients, Unlike Porto Arabia, the place ering an area of 700,000sq m. It panoramic fl oor of breath-taking closer to the date we will call has no retail outlets but it is more will also off er an indoor shopping views. them for fi nalising the deal.” of townhouses and close to the complex called Souq Al Medina. Al-Baker said Abraj Quartier UDC will also off er “great beach. “Souq Al Medina is in the mar- is the only commercial space to payment plans” to make it Medina Centrale, another ket for getting potential retailers, lease and the highest tower at Hussain Akbar al-Baker briefs a visitor to the exhibition yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed easier and more convenient for UDC project and known as the we have already leased a portion The Pearl-Qatar, off ering one of potential buyers, according to Town Centre of The Pearl-Qatar, of it. We plan to open a mixed va- the best views in the country. after they opened the stand. Saying it is quite a tough time we do not see this struggle com- al-Baker. has just started leasing the apart- riety of retail,” he added. About UDC’s participation “Hopefully this continues, we for the whole economy this year, ing because we are very unique He said Viva Bahriya features a ments, al-Baker said. In terms of UDC will also launch new- at Cityscape Qatar, he noted still have another two days, plus al-Baker stressed that they have and we are one of the iconic calm and quiet environment with retail, it is almost 95% full. ly built Abraj Quartier towers that “quite a signifi cant number we are giving a very good off er not been aff ected much by the destinations and iconic island its Moroccan-inspired architec- The property features 538 hopefully in June or July. This of apartments have already that will not be given at a normal current situation. all across the world, not only in ture. The colours of the buildings Mediterranean-style mid-rise development consists of two been sold in just a few hours day,” he said. “As far as UDC is concerned, Qatar,” he added. Cut in spending leads to slowdown in commercial, residential lettings

here has been a further slowdown in ings agency recently confirmed Qatar’s With regard to the retail sector, the commercial and residential lettings in AA rating and stable outlook. Howev- supply of leasable property in ‘organ- TQatar due to cuts in government spend- er, the waning price of oil continues to ised’ retail malls is 643,000sq m, with ing in the fi rst quarter, DTZ Qatar said in its Q1 threaten the government’s budget. The high occupancy rates across sectors. The 2016 Market Report regarding the Qatari real need to decrease spending is challenged hospitality sector is experiencing a de- estate market. by the requirement to keep pace with crease in occupancy rates with 15 new It is estimated that between 2009 and developmental requirements ahead of hotels and hotel apartment buildings 2014 as much as 65% of commercial space 2022. The current cost of projects under- having been opened in the past year. Cur- Architect’s impression of Ezdan Mall, Wukair. was accounted for by governmental and way is QR261bn. This excludes projects rently, supply has reached 20,000 rooms, semi-governmental entities; however, this in the energy and private sectors.” according to DTZ. demand has reduced significantly in the past 12 months. “Most commercial real estate lettings are Malls in Wukair, Wakrah are ready for small offi ce spaces, which are in demand from the private sector,” it was explained in the report released during the Qatar Market atar’s retail sector is ex- be 135 commercial stores in the of which is connected with the Overview, taking place as part of Cityscape pected to get a fi llip in the mall, it would have more than other through well-designed Qatar, which opened yesterday. Qnext six months as Ezdan 450 parking lots. The multi-level corridors. At the conference, industry experts dis- Holding Group’s two new malls mall would have approximately The mall in Wukair, which is cussed the challenges, opportunities, and key are almost ready. 25,550sqm of leasable space. also completed, is also expected concerns of the real estate market in an event “Ezdan Mall in Al Wakrah, the Altogether the complex to be ready for opening in the chaired by DTZ Qatar general manager Edd construction of which is almost would have 11 buildings, each second half of this year. Brookes. 99% over, will be commissioned “While the market report provides an ob- in September,” Ezdan Holding jective view, understanding what the chal- Group CEO Ali Mohamed al- Ezdan Oasis to accommodate 35,000 people lenges are allows businesses within our in- Obaidli said yesterday. dustry to make strategic decisions that can The mall in the immediate The population in the residential the company’s villages are now sustain their competitive advantage, even in a neighbourhood of HMC Hos- compounds owned by Ezdan occupied,” he said. fl uctuating market,” he said. pital in the southern municipal Holding Group in Al Wukair The new project, Ezdan Oasis, Population increase, which continues to town, is spread over 64,785sq m. would cross 100,000-mark when will accommodate about 35,000 be fuelled by growth in the private sector It has 167 commercial stores and the Ezdan Oasis project is fully people in its 8,679 residential is accounting for demand in low to mid- their bookings are in full swing. ready. units. level residential property, while prime real The facility’s whole leasable An off icial said, on the sidelines of The connectivity of the area with estate is seeing lengthening voids in some surface is 38,800sq m and it has Cityscape Qatar, that more than the rest of the country, especially cases. 1,572 parking lots. 15,200 units of the company’s 25 to Doha and Industrial Area has Mark Proudley, associate director, con- As in Wakrah, the company’s own ‘villages’ have a combined increased with the laying of a sultancy and research, DTZ, stated: “While under construction-Ezdan population of over 70,000. large number of roads in recent the real estate market remains in flux, the Mall in Al Wukair is spread over “Almost all residential units in years. macroeconomic outlook is solid, accord- 53,000sq m. While there would ing to Standard & Poor’s. The credit rat- Ezdan project in Al Wukair on course for completion

By Ramesh Mathew Ezdan Malls will be ready for com- The CEO said their company is In reply to a query from Gulf Staff Reporter missioning in Al Wakrah and Al looking to the future with a lot of Times, al-Obaidli said the demand Wukair in the next six to 12 months. hope as it is evident from the grow- in the retail sector is growing con- Two of the company’s hotels, The ing interest to invest in diff erent tinuously and the best example is eal estate developers Ezdan Curve in Doha West Bay and Ezdan areas of the Qatari market. their company’s Ezdan Mall in Al Holding Group is on course to Hotel in Al Gharaff a would also be “Ezdan Oasis, which would be Gharaff a, where the occupancy is Rcomplete its QR4.5bn Ezdan ready in the coming months. fully commissioned in a few years phenomenal. Oasis project in Al Wukair, a resi- Ezdan Oasis is also to have two from now, features modern resi- Once Ezdan Oasis is completed, dential-cum-commercial develop- hypermarkets, fi ve sports clubs and dential concepts as of the integrated the company would almost reach ment, including as many as 8,679 eight mosques among others. Each services it provides. Apart from the the 30,000-mark in the coun- apartments. of the two hypermarkets would be residential concepts, the project, try’s residential units market, it is “More than 60% of the project spread over 24,500sq m. The com- would also have commercial, sports understood. is ready and the fi rst phase is set plex would also have two schools, and administrative facilities. Ezdan Oasis would contribute to for commissioning early next year,” both having a capacity of 1,408 The CEO also felt the project increasing the population density Ezdan Holding Group CEO Ali Mo- students each. would be the fi rst of its kind any- in Al Wukair area, which has wit- hamed al-Obaidli announced at When completed, the Oasis where in the Middle East and may nessed a huge rise in the numbers Cityscape Qatar, which opened at project would accommodate more also perhaps be the only one in the of residents over the last fi ve to six Doha Exhibition and Convention than 35,000 residents. It is spread world to have so many kinds of units years, mainly backed by the launch Centre yesterday. over a horizontal area exceeding and facilities owned by a single of more than 25 residential villages Apart from the Oasis project, 1mn sq m. entity. of the Ezdan Group. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 REGION/ARAB WORLD Four Iranian journalists jailed on security charges

AFP hostile Western governments.” received a fi ve-year term. ing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali peared in court yesterday and news agency. Both lawyers said close to moderate conservatives. Tehran Those taken into custody Ehsan Mazandarani was or- Khamenei and publishing anti- were handed their sentences, the their clients would appeal. The role of journalists in Iran “were working in the country’s dered to seven years imprison- regime propaganda. lawyer for three of them, Mah- Mazandarani ran the reform- is frequently the subject of ju- media and social networks,” of- ment and Ehsan Safarzayi, fi ve. He was head of media at the moud Alizadeh Tabatabaie, told ist daily Farhikhtegan. He was dicial action. Jason Rezaian, the our Iranian journalists fi cials said at the time. Judiciary spokesman and culture ministry under reformist IRIB. previously arrested in 2009 for Washington Post’s Tehran cor- have been given jail sen- Four men - two said to be al- deputy chief, Gholam Hossein president Mohamed Khatami, The charges included “collud- acting against national secu- respondent and a dual Iranian- Ftences of between fi ve and lied with reformist outlets - and Mohseni-Ejeie, said on Sunday who was in offi ce from 1997 to ing to disrupt security and con- rity and for having contact with American citizen, was arrested 10 years for acting against na- one woman were named and that four judgements had been 2005. tacting foreign governments,” foreigners, at a time of protests in July 2014 and convicted last tional security, their lawyers told four jail sentences were handed reached, leaving the fate of the In the months before his ar- Tabatabaie told Tasnim news against the disputed re-election year of espionage and other state media yesterday. down, state broadcaster IRIB fi fth suspect, Issa Saharkhiz, rest, Saharkhiz had criticised agency, which is close to the of hardline president Mahmoud charges. The elite Revolutionary quoted the lawyers as saying. unclear. Khamenei and other senior fi g- Guards. Ahmadinejad. He was freed in January this Guards said last November it had Davoud Assadi was given a Saharkhiz was released in ures in interviews with foreign Iman Mirzazadeh, the law- Chitsaz was a journalist with year as part of a prisoner swap arrested “several members of an 10-year sentence while Afarine 2013 after serving three years media, it was alleged. yer for Safarzayi, confi rmed his government newspaper Iran, ac- between Iran and the US that infi ltration network linked to Chitsaz, the woman journalist, in prison on charges of insult- The convicted journalists ap- client’s conviction to the ISNA cording to Mehr, a news agency saw several Iranians released. Bahrain king in Cairo Iran summons UN envoy Swiss envoy says Yemen over $2bn US court ruling

AFP ambassador Giulio Haas two Tehran notes bearing Iran’s “offi cial ob- talks make jection”, a statement said. It called the Supreme Court ran yesterday summoned decision “a clear violation of Switzerland’s ambassador, agreed mutual commitments” Iwho represents Washing- and “both the judicial impunity ton’s interests in Tehran, to pro- and that of Iranian government’s test a court ruling that $2bn of properties and funds”. frozen Iranian assets be used to It also reprimanded a local progress compensate American victims New York court’s recent ver- of “terror”. dict that accused Iran of having AFP Cheikh Ahmed told a press con- Shia rebels who have seized The US Supreme Court ruled a role in the September 11, 2001 Kuwait City ference. swathes of territory, including the last week that Iran must hand attacks. He said “comprehensive nego- capital Sanaa. the sum to survivors and rela- The court in March said Te- tiations” would start today in line Since the delayed peace talks tives of those killed in attacks hran had to pay $10bn to the he UN special envoy to with UN Security Council resolu- started on Thursday, the two del- blamed on the Islamic republic. victims of 9/11 and insurers after Yemen said yesterday that tion 2216, which is seen as a basis egations have struggled to reach Foreign Minister Mohamed Iran failed to show up to defend Twarring parties have agreed for any peace plan. an accord on ways to fi rm up a Javad Zarif threatened on Mon- itself against the charges. to a framework for talks that will It states that the rebels must ceasefi re that went into eff ect on day to take legal action in the These “baseless accusations open the way for extensive nego- withdraw from seized territo- April 11. International Court of Justice to our country, without any tiations to end the confl ict. ries and disarm before talks can The negotiations represent the against the US if the amount in documents or proof, ... are ri- The announcement came after progress. best hope in months for a settle- frozen funds is “diverted”. diculous and against accepted Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al- But Ould Cheikh Ahmed said ment to the confl ict. “We hold the US administra- international law norms,” the Ahmad al-Sabah, whose country the UN wants all the main issues The 15-member UN Secu- tion responsible for preservation note said. is hosting the talks, met with the to be discussed in parallel by joint rity Council on Monday stressed of Iranian funds and if they are The Supreme Court decision two delegations separately and committees. the importance of agreeing on a plundered, we will lodge a com- aff ects more than 1,000 Ameri- urged them to reach a peaceful so- He said no timeframe has been “roadmap” to implement secu- plaint with the ICJ for repara- cans. lution. set for the talks which should rity measures including the with- tion,” Zarif said. The attacks blamed on Iran It also came a day after the UN continue as necessary to achieve drawal of heavy weapons. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcoming Last week, Tehran said the include the 1983 bombing of a Security Council urged all sides in a “comprehensive peaceful set- The rebels have insisted that no Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifah upon his ruling amounted to theft. US Marine barracks in Beirut and the negotiations to be construc- tlement.” ceasefi re can be established with- arrival at Cairo’s international airport. A senior offi cial at the foreign the 1996 Khobar Towers bomb- tive. “We don’t want to go back to out an end to coalition air strikes ministry yesterday handed Swiss ing in Saudi Arabia. The two delegations “agreed to Yemen without a peaceful settle- and sorties. an agenda for negotiations which ment,” Ould Cheikh Ahmed said. The government side wants the is a framework for discussing se- A Saudi-led Arab coalition rebels to lift the siege on cities, curity, economic and political began operations in March 2015 open humanitarian passages and issues,” UN envoy Ismail Ould against the Iran-backed Houthi release prisoners. Nine journalists among 300 US drone strike kills local detained after Egypt protest

DPA and ruthlessly effi cient cam- prior police permission. Two Holy Mosques King Sal- Qaeda leader in S Yemen Cairo paign to squash this protest be- Dozens of people were also man of Saudi Arabia. fore it even began.” arrested ahead of the planned Lawyer Ragio Omran, of the Large numbers of heav- protests, with some being Front to Defend Egypt’s Pro- Reuters Government and Emirati forces fi ghting is being co-ordinated ore than 300 people, ily armed security forces had charged with incitement of- testers, said that the number Aden based in the port city of Aden, with the US, which has for years including nine jour- blocked off protest sites from fences under a harsh new ter- in detention in Cairo alone was about 40km (25 miles) away, have launched drone strikes against Al Mnalists, were esti- early on Monday, letting only rorism law, according to rights probably about 300, but the been mounting a ground push Qaeda throughout the country. mated to be in custody in Egypt fl ag-waving supporters of groups. picture was not entirely clear suspected US drone strike against towns held by Al Qaeda US offi cials said earlier this yesterday after security forces President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Authorities appeared to yet. killed a local leader in Al in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) month they were considering foiled attempted demonstra- through their cordons. have been roiled by protests on The Egyptian Centre for AQaeda and fi ve of his aides along a vast stretch of Yemen’s a request from the United Arab tions the previous day, accord- Two small demonstrations in the issue earlier in the month, Economic and Social Rights, an in southern Yemen yesterday, res- coast. Emirates request for air power, ing to information from rights western Cairo were quickly dis- which although limited in scale NGO, said 22 people had been idents said, as Yemeni and Emi- AQAP, which has planned sev- intelligence and logistics support. groups and the country’s jour- persed by security forces using were among the largest non- arrested in the northern city of rati troops pressed their off ensive eral foiled bombing attempts on The UAE is a member of the nalists’ union. teargas, according to local me- Islamist demonstrations since Alexandria. against the militant group. Western-bound airliners and Saudi-led coalition that inter- Amnesty International con- dia reports. al-Sisi took offi ce in 2014. State newspaper Al-Ahram, Abu Sameh al-Zinjibari and claimed credit for the 2015 attack vened in a civil war in Yemen in demned the crackdown on the The crackdown came after The government sparked quoting an unnamed security other men died when a mis- at the Charlie Hebdo magazine’s March 2015 to back Yemen’s gov- planned protests against the al-Sisi, the police and army widespread anger when it qui- offi cial, said that 285 people sile struck their moving car in offi ces in Paris, is considered the ernment against the Iran-allied handover of two strategic is- all issued warnings against at- etly announced the planned had been arrested in the capi- Amoudiya, a village near the Qae- most dangerous branch of the glo- Houthi group, opening up a secu- lands to Saudi Arabia, saying tempts to disturb security or handover of the islands of Tiran tal. Once they were examined da-controlled towns of Jaar and bal militant group. rity vacuum that allowed AQAP to that authorities “appear to have break the country’s laws, which and Sanafi r during a recent visit they would be released or sent Zinjibar. It is unclear whether the ground seize territory. orchestrated a heavy-handed eff ectively ban protests without to Cairo by Custodian of the to prosecutors, the offi cial said.

Accolade for MEC Mena Iraq reports fi rst bird fl u outbreaks in 10 yrs

Reuters ferent parts of the country, from a Paris town near the border with Turkey to one north of Baghdad and two farms further south in the prov- raq this week reported six ince of Al Qadisiyah. outbreaks of highly patho- The ministry’s report cited Igenic H5N1 bird fl u that hap- measures taken to avoid the pened from mid-December to spread of the disease, including early February, its fi rst occur- quarantine, surveillance out- rence of the disease in nearly 10 side containment and protec- years, the World Organisation for tion zones, destruction of animal Animal Health said yesterday. products and by-products and Nearly 720,000 birds died as control of wildlife reservoirs. a result of the outbreaks which The last occurrence of highly were mostly on farms, the Paris- pathogenic avian infl uenza, or based OIE said, citing informa- bid fl u, in Iraq dates from January Media Agency of the Year honour was won by MEC Mena at the Festival of Media awards held in Dubai. MEC also won Campaign of the Year for Maggi Diaries, a tion from Iraq’s agriculture min- 2006, the ministry said. content case that documents four housewives’ cultural and culinary journey as an inspiration to women throughout the region. Other wins included three gold, silver istry. Of these 77,101 birds died Iraq imposed a ban in Decem- and bronze awards each, making MEC the most awarded media agency of the night. “This accolade is a testament to the amazing work our team in Mena delivers for of the virus and the others were ber on all fresh and frozen poultry clients,” said Mohan Nambiar, CEO of MEC Mena. killed in protective culls. imports from France after reports Outbreaks were found in dif- of bird fl u outbreaks. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 15 ARAB WORLD E Libya ships fi rst oil cargo in defi ance of Tripoli

Reuters The eastern government has The ship last reported its posi- the other of the two rival govern- partment spokesman John Kirby with the support of Western The NOC in Tripoli has con- Benghazi set up its own National Oil Com- tion through the publicly avail- ments, while small areas are con- said on Tuesday. “All purchases countries. tinued to run oil production pany (NOC) to act in parallel to able AIS tracking system earlier trolled by Islamic State fi ghters. of Libyan oil must continue to be The NOC in Tripoli says any throughout the crisis that fol- the Tripoli-based NOC that is yesterday as still in Libyan wa- Political division, labour dis- through the Tripoli-based Na- sale by its eastern rival would lowed Gaddafi ’s fall, with the government based in east- recognised internationally as the ters. putes and security threats have tional Oil Corp, to maintain the breach UN Security Council funds paying state salaries across ern Libya has shipped its only legitimate seller of Libyan Libya’s economy depends al- reduced Libya’s oil output to less stability and credibility of Libya’s resolutions and put the future of Libya, including many of the rival Afi rst cargo of crude in defi - oil. most exclusively on oil export than a quarter of the 1.6mn bar- oil in international oil markets.” Libya’s economy at risk. armed groups, which have gener- ance of authorities in the capital The tanker departed Hariga revenue, and the fi ght over who rels per day produced before the The US has acted in the past NOC Tripoli offi cials said on ally been granted offi cial status. Tripoli, a bold move that could carrying 650,000 barrels of controls those funds has driven uprising. to prevent unauthorised sales of Tuesday they had notifi ed the The Tripoli NOC has retained deepen the divisions that have crude late on Monday and was chronic instability and civil war It was not immediately clear Libyan oil, sending special forces UN, countries with naval forces international backing, and says it brought chaos since the fall of bound for Malta, said Mohamed since long-serving autocrat how the eastern NOC could at- in 2014 to board a tanker off Cy- in the Mediterranean and a uni- is working to plan future oil sales Muammar Gaddafi . al-Manfi , a spokesman for the Gaddafi was toppled and killed tempt to complete a sale, given prus loaded with crude shipped ty government now working in with the new UN-backed unity The Tripoli authorities asked eastern NOC. by rebels in 2011. the international opposition. by a group pressing for more au- Tripoli that the shipment had not government. The unity govern- the UN Security Council on Tues- Maltese national TV said the Parallel parliaments and One possibility might be to at- tonomy in eastern Libya. The US been authorised and should be ment, which arrived in the capi- day to blacklist the India-fl agged ship was in international waters governments have operated in tempt a ship-to-ship transfer in troops forced that ship to return. stopped. tal last month, includes fi gures tanker Distya Ameya, which left near Malta. The island’s Port Di- Tripoli and the east since 2014. international waters. The eastern NOC has long “We have done our job and we from across Libya’s divides but the eastern Libyan port of Hariga rectorate said the tanker was not Much of the country is in the “We are concerned about pur- been trying to sell its own oil, but are waiting for them to do theirs,” has not yet been fully accepted by overnight carrying oil they said authorised to dock there and all hands of dozens of armed groups chases of Libyan oil outside of le- until now those eff orts have been said spokesman Mohamed al- either of the two loose alliances could not be lawfully sold. requests would be refused. that proclaimed loyalty to one or gitimate channels,” US State De- blocked by the NOC in Tripoli, Harari. fi ghting for power since 2014. Palestinians Fierce raids unveil gift of Mandela in Aleppo statue AFP champion for Middle East peace. province kill Ramallah Ramallah several days ago in- stalled huge posters celebrating the South African leader bearing alestinians yesterday in- his comment: “We know too well augurated a giant statue that our freedom is incomplete Pof Nelson Mandela do- without the freedom of the Pal- nated by the South African city estinians”. 25 civilians of Johannesburg to their political Ramallah mayor Mussa Hadid capital in the Israeli-occupied said the statue “symbolises the AFP exhausted, we can’t keep up,” a helped down a rubble-strewn West Bank. shared suff ering” of the South Aleppo civil defence worker said. street with blood streaming from The 6-m (20-ft) two-tonne African and Palestinian peoples. Five of their own were killed his head and leg. bronze statue was a gift from Jo- During its journey to the ped- when the White Helmets head- Violence has rocked the city hannesburg with which Ramal- estal in the West Bank, the statue barrage of air strikes and quarters in the town of Al-Atarib, since Friday, with at least 100 ci- lah is twinned. was retained by Israeli customs shelling on Syria’s second controlled by Islamist rebels, was vilians killed by artillery or rock- “I think that Nelson Mandela for 30 days, as the Palestinian Acity Aleppo and a town to hit by an overnight air strike, the et fi re and air strikes. On Mon- himself would have been ex- Authority does not control its its west have killed 25 civilians, group said on Twitter. day, rebel shelling killed at least tremely proud of what has been own borders. emergency workers and a moni- It was not immediately clear 19 civilians in government-held done today,” Parks Tau, the may- “Nelson Mandela, who had toring group said yesterday. whether the strike on Al-Atarib, districts, the Observatory said. or of the South African city, said. already spent 28 years in the jails The attacks are the latest in a 35km from Aleppo, was carried The fi ghting severely threatens Palestinian President Mah- of the apartheid regime in South surge of violence in and around out by the Syrian air force or its the February ceasefi re brokered moud Abbas also attended the Africa, was again detained for 30 the city that has severely tested a Russian ally. by the US and Russia and comes ceremony at the renamed Nelson days by the Israeli authorities,” February 27 ceasefi re. An ambulance and a fi re truck, as UN-brokered peace talks in Mandela Square in the Al-Tireh Hadid said. Tau said Israeli cus- At least two male civilians both damaged, were parked in Geneva stall. district. toms had sought duty “equiva- died in rebel rocket fi re on gov- the bombed-out headquarters, Syria’s main opposition group, Mandela, who died in 2013, was lent to 10 times the price of the ernment-controlled areas in the surrounded by rubble and twist- the High Negotiations Commit- South Africa’s fi rst president after statue”, but that this was not paid. west of the city yesterday after- ed metal frames. tee (HNC) halted its formal par- the era of apartheid, a regime of Hadid said the statue sent noon, said the Syrian Observa- A civil defence worker in Alep- ticipation this week in the Geneva segregation that the Palestinians “a clear message to the Israeli tory for Human Rights. po city said he and his colleagues talks, which started on April 13. accuse Israel of also imposing. coloniser and occupier - that we Palestinian and South African officials stand next to a giant In the rebel-held eastern parts, were afraid their local headquar- A leading opposition group, the He was an ardent supporter are closer to freedom than you statue of Nelson Mandela during its inauguration ceremony the air strikes and shelling came ters would also be targeted. National Coalition, condemned of the Palestinian cause and a think”. in the West Bank city of Ramallah yesterday. down “like rain”, one resident said. Fighting has surged on several the strike on Al-Atarib and hailed Fifteen civilians were killed fronts in Aleppo province, which the “remarkable eff orts and brav- in air strikes on several rebel- is criss-crossed with supply ery of Civil Defence workers”. held eastern districts of Aleppo routes that are strategic for prac- “Favourable conditions for the city, the civil defence, known as tically all of Syria’s warring sides. political process cannot be creat- White Helmets, said. Once Syria’s commercial hub, ed whilst the Assad regime’s kill- Another three civilians - two Aleppo has been divided between ing machine continues to wreak women and a child - were killed rebel control in the east and gov- death across Syria,” the Coalition Security Council rebuff s said in an online statement. in government artillery shelling ernment forces in the west since on another eastern neighbour- 2012. More than 270,000 people hood, they said. In the rebel-held Fardos have been killed in Syria and mil- “The planes are bombing mar- neighbourhood, an AFP cor- lions forced from their homes Israel over claim on Golan kets, residential areas... We’re respondent saw a youth being since the confl ict erupted in 2011.

AFP Golan, which Israel seized from lowed remarks made by Netan- Council members “expressed Sudan says referendum result shows Darfur ‘crisis’ over United Nations Syria in 1967, “remains un- yahu earlier this month when deep concern” over the Israeli changed,” said Chinese Ambas- his cabinet held its fi rst meeting statements and “stressed that Sudan said yesterday the result of The vote on whether to unite after-eff ects of this crisis.” sador Liu Jieyi, who holds this in the territory. the status of the Golan remains a referendum in Darfur shows that Darfur into a single autonomous In 2003, ethnic minority he UN Security Council month’s council presidency. “The Golan Heights will re- unchanged,” said Liu. the conflict in the war-torn region region was held over three days rebels in Darfur mounted an yesterday rejected Israeli Liu recalled a 1981 resolution main in the hands of Israel forev- The Arab League and the Eu- that has killed tens of thousands between April 11 and 13. insurgency against the Arab- TPrime Minister Benjamin which states that Israel’s “deci- er,” Netanyahu said at the start of ropean Union have also criticised of people is finally over. “The page on the Darfur crisis has dominated government of Bashir Netanyahu’s assertion that the sion to impose its laws, jurisdic- the meeting, held amid fears that Netanyahu over the remarks. On Saturday, off icials announced now been turned,” Amin Hassan complaining of economic and annexed Golan Heights in Syria tion and administration in the Israel could come under pressure Israel seized 1,200 sq km of the that almost 98% of Darfur voters Omar, the off icial in charge of the political marginalisation. would “forever” remain under occupied Syrian Golan Heights to return the Golan as part of a Golan from Syria in the Six-Day had opted to keep the region as Darfur file in President Omar al- A united Darfur with greater Israeli control. was null and void and without future peace deal for Syria. War of 1967 and later annexed five states in a referendum that Bashir’s government, told reporters autonomy has long been a The 15-member council any international legal eff ect.” “Israel will never withdraw it in a move never recognised by was boycotted by the opposition at a press conference in Khartoum. demand of ethnic minority agreed that the status of the The council statement fol- from the Golan Heights.” the international community. and criticised internationally. “Now we need to deal with the insurgents battling Khartoum. Iraqi MPs approve partial cabinet amid huge protest

AFP battle to regain more ground from di’s nominees, and the premier the chamber and seeking to sack Baghdad the Islamic State group, and both will present additional candidates Juburi, electing an interim re- the UN and Washington have on Saturday, the sources said. placement who has chaired his warned that it could undermine Earlier in the day, some MPs own rival sessions. raqi lawmakers approved fi ve the fi ght against the militants. prevented Abadi from speaking at Abadi called a week ago for of the prime minister’s candi- Iraq has also been hit hard by the parliament and threw water bot- parliament to put aside its dif- Idates for a new cabinet yester- plummeting price of oil, revenues tles in his direction, lawmakers ferences and do its job, but the day after weeks of delays and cha- from which account for the vast and a parliamentary offi cial who antics in the legislature have os at parliament, as thousands of majority of government funds. was present at the session said. continued. people demonstrated for reforms. The proposed cabinet changes Some lawmakers also chanted As the latest political turmoil But some MPs, who were have been opposed by powerful against parliament speaker Salim played out in parliament, thou- barred from attending after political parties that rely on con- al-Juburi, terming him “illegiti- sands of protesters demonstrated chanting for the parliament trol of ministries for patronage mate” and saying: “Salim! Out, for reforms nearby, answering speaker’s removal and disrupt- and funds, and parliament has out!” a call from powerful Shia cleric ing an earlier session, said they repeatedly failed to vote on a new The protesting lawmakers were Moqtada al-Sadr to do so. would mount a legal challenge. cabinet list. then barred from attending the The demonstrators, many car- Iraq has been hit by weeks of Lawmakers approved Abadi’s second session at which the par- rying Iraqi fl ags, marched from political turmoil surrounding candidates for the ministries of tial cabinet was approved, vowing Tahrir Square in central Bagh- Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s electricity, health, higher educa- to fi le a court case over the issue. dad to an entrance to the heavily eff orts to replace the cabinet of tion, labour and water resources, Parliament has repeatedly fortifi ed Green Zone where the Followers of Iraq’s Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather and chant slogans during a protest demanding party-affi liated ministers with a MP Sarwa Abdulwahid and two been hit by chaos in recent weeks, government is headquartered, that parliament approves a long-delayed new cabinet and end political and sectarian wrangling that is government of technocrats. parliamentary offi cials said. with MPs holding an overnight chanting that politicians “are all hampering a vote on the matter, at Tahrir Square in Baghdad yesterday. The crisis comes as Iraqi forces But they rejected some of Aba- sit-in at parliament, brawling in thieves”. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 AFRICA Nkurunziza Corn on the cob SA police to probe condemns ‘reckless’ Malema killing of top speech

Reuters Tutsi general Cape Town

Reuters people have been killed and more outh African police are Nairobi than 250,000 have fl ed the coun- investigating opposition try. Sleader Julius Malema for Burundi and neighbouring “infl ammatory” speech after urundi President Pierre Rwanda, which both have an the politician threatened to re- Nkurunziza has con- ethnic Hutu majority and Tutsi move President Jacob Zuma’s Bdemned the killing of a minority, have been torn apart government through the “barrel senior army offi cer who was by ethnic confl ict in the past. of a gun”, a cabinet minister said shot along with his wife and Experts fear the recent violence yesterday. bodyguard in an attack that also during the political crisis in Bu- Malema, the leader of the wounded their child in an ex- rundi may reopen old ethnic radical Economic Freedom panding wave of violence in the wounds and risk causing civil Fighters (EFF) party told Al central African nation. war. Jazeera television on Sunday Brigadier General Athanase As a step to defuse the cri- that his party’s protest march- Kararuza, who was a military sis, former Tanzanian president es were often met with violent adviser in the offi ce of the vice Benjamin Mkapa - heading a resistance by security forces president, was dropping his child mediating team under the East and that members of his party off at a school in the capital Bu- African Community trade bloc A vendor sells maize cobs in Durban. would run out of patience and jumbura on Monday when his car to which Burundi belongs - said take up arms. was attacked by rocket and gun on Sunday he would convene “We have noted with serious fi re, army spokesman Gaspard talks among all the parties in the concern, reckless and infl amma- Baratuza told reporters. dispute between May 2-6 in the tory statements that have been Kararuza had previously worked Tanzanian city of Arusha. ascribed to leaders of some po- as a deputy commander of an in- Willy Nyamitwe, a spokesman litical parties,” Police Minister ternational peace force in the Cen- in the president’s offi ce, said they Nathi Nhleko told reporters in tral African Republic (CAR). were yet to receive a formal invi- Cape Town. “He energetically fought tation to the talks. He confi rmed a case had been against the coup plotters last year “The government of Burundi lodged against Malema at the and exceptionally contributed in has to be consulted, we have to WHO yellow fever Hillbrow police station in Jo- strengthening peace and security agree upon persons to invite, the hannesburg and that the Hawks during and after elections,” Nku- date and the venue,” he said. elite police unit were investi- runziza said in a statement late Charles Nditije, a member of gating. on Monday. opposition coalition CNARED, “It is only an investigative “We humbly pray that, with said they would attend the talks process that will eventually lead the help of God, perpetrators of when they get an invitation. to a point of categorisation in the shameful acts are arrested “We are ready to go to talks alert for Angola terms of whether it is high trea- and quickly punished according without preconditions and to son or constituted under crimes to the law.” discuss every topic. It is not for Reuters Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and and Zambia to bolster cross-border sur- against the state,” he said. Tit-for-tat attacks between the government to determine Geneva at least 11 cases of yellow fever have been veillance with Angola and information Malema, a former leader of Nkurunziza’s security forces who goes to the negotiating table imported into China in people travelling sharing to prevent and reduce the spread of the African National Congress and his opponents have esca- while it is a party to the confl ict,” from Angola. infection”, it said. Youth League who fell out of fa- lated since April 2015 when he he said. mid rising concern over a deadly “Cases of yellow fever linked to this out- Jack Woodall, a yellow fever expert who vour with Zuma, has led a pub- announced a disputed bid for a Previous talks held last year outbreak of yellow fever spreading break have been detected in other coun- formerly worked for the WHO and the US lic campaign dubbed “pay back third term as president. He won faltered when the government Afrom Angola, the World Health Or- tries of Africa and Asia,” WHO director- Centers of Disease Control and Preven- the money” against the presi- re-election in July. refused to meet with people it ganization yesterday urged travellers to the general Margaret Chan said in a statement. tion, said he is worried the outbreak could dent, demanding that he pay The UN says more than 400 said were supporting violence. African country to heed its warnings and “We are particularly concerned that spread rapidly along a major trucking route back some of the money spent get vaccinated. large urban areas are at risk and we strong- from DRC to Uganda’s capital Kampala. to upgrade the president’s rural At least 258 people have been killed and ly urge all travellers to Angola to ensure “Surveillance of this trade route should Nkandla home. Shebaab raids base, 5 soldiers killed there have been around 1,975 suspected they are vaccinated against yellow fever be intensifi ed and vaccination of people Earlier this month, Zuma sur- cases of the mosquito-borne disease since and carry a valid certifi cate.” living along it should be top priority,” he vived an impeachment vote after hebaab insurgents attacked Six Shebaab fi ghters were also an epidemic erupted in December 2015. The WHO’s regional offi ce for Africa said. the Constitutional Court said a Somali military base yes- killed, he added. It has already grown to become the worst said last week that yellow fever in people A spokesman for the WHO in Geneva he breached the law by ignor- Sterday and killed fi ve sol- Abdiasis Abu Musab, the outbreak in decades. who travelled from Angola has been re- said a nationwide vaccination programme ing an order to repay some of the diers in two hours of fi erce fi ght- group’s military operations Yellow fever is transmitted by the same ported in China (11 cases), Democratic Re- that began in Angola in February has $16mn in state funds spent on ing near the northwestern town spokesman, said it had am- mosquitoes that spread the Zika and den- public of Congo (10 cases with one in Kin- reached 7mn people. renovating his home. of Baidoa, a military offi cer said. bushed a truck carrying troops to gue viruses, although it is a far more seri- shasa) and Kenya (two cases). But experts are warning the world’s Malema, who promotes the “Shebaab militants attacked reinforce the base, killed 11 sol- ous disease with death rates as high as 75% It said three further cases have been re- stocks of yellow fever vaccines are under nationalisation of mines and early in the morning. Five sol- diers and seized seven guns. “We in severe cases requiring admission to hos- ported in Uganda, but these patients had sever pressure form the outbreak, with banks, is ratcheting up the rhet- diers died and 12 others were exploded the truck using a plant- pital. no history of travel to Angola. some calling for a radical switch in strategy oric ahead of local elections in wounded,” captain Aden Nur ed bomb and then ambushed,” he Angola’s outbreak has already spread The WHO “is working with neighbour- to use a tenth of the normal dose and aim to August, where Zuma and the told Reuters from Baidoa. told Reuters. to other countries in Africa, including the ing countries such as the DRC, Namibia cover more people. ANC could face a tough test.

Business foray Cameroon battles fl ooding by turning plastic waste into jobs

By Elias Ntungwe Ngalame, waste pollution, fl ooding, and diff erent from those collecting Reuters non-sustainable building - at the plastic - melt it down in a Yaounde once. large tank over a wood fi re. They Cameroon’s government has later add sand to the molten plas- been trying to tackle the coun- tic and pour the hot mixture into etired Cameroonian foot- try’s plastic waste troubles for moulds. baller Roger Milla is al- years, with little success. The process doesn’t need wa- Rready famous for being the Cheaper than other alterna- ter and the slabs set and dry at oldest goal scorer - at age 42 - in tives, plastic bags and bottles room temperature within 15 min- World Cup history. are popular in a place where the utes, as opposed to the 24 hours And now the footballer is average income is less than 500 it takes conventional sand-and- proving an unlikely hero in Cam- Central African francs (cfa) ($5) cement-based products, accord- eroon’s struggle against climate a day, and laws aimed at curb- ing to the head of the project’s change-related fl ooding. ing the use and sale of disposable technical team, Pierre Kamssou- A project by his organisation plastics have been ineff ective. loum. Coeur d’Afrique (Heart of Afri- “We cannot do without these The plastic slabs are cheap- ca), which aids abandoned chil- plastics because they are aff ord- er than conventional concrete dren, is helping lessen the dam- able and government has not slabs, costing 3,500 cfa ($5.40) age to the country’s fl ood-prone provided any alternative,” Albert per square metre compared to political capital while also fi ght- Eko, a teacher in Yaounde, told 5,000 cfa ($8.50). ing youth unemployment - all by the Thomson Reuters Founda- And, approved as sustainable just picking up some plastic. tion. by the country’s National Civil President of France’s Medef employers’ association, Pierre Gattaz, and Federation of West Africa Employers’ Association president, Over the past two years, But the plastic items often Engineering Laboratory, they are Ivorian Jean Kacou Diagou, attend a press conference in Abidjan, as part of Gattaz’ three-day visit to Ivory Coast alongwith some Yaounde’s population of over wind up tossed into the streets “environmentally friendly and 150 French business leaders. 3mn has suff ered some of the of the capital city, making their waterproof,” said Samuel Nguif- worst fl ooding on record. But na- way to gutters and waterways. fo, executive director of the NGO ture isn’t solely to blame, say ex- The River Mfoundi canal, which the Centre for Environment and perts. Part of the problem is the was constructed about four years Development, meaning they can plastic waste clogging up rivers ago as a major route to drain also be used in marshy areas and and blocking gutters. away fl oodwater, is now regularly in the building of septic tanks. “Heavy and prolonged rains blocked by plastic waste, say city The recycled slabs have already Fulani herders murder 7 in Nigeria raid cause fl oods, but reckless human authorities. been used by the Yaounde city activities are as much to blame In a collaboration between council for various projects and for aggravating the fl ooding,” local councils and garbage-col- by the National Olympic sports AFP attacked Nimbo community in They said some 100 Fulani people were reportedly killed in said David Payang, sub-director lection company Hysacam, Co- committee in the construction Lagos Uzo-Uwani local government cattle herders attacked the clashes in February between Fu- for conservation at the Ministry eur d’Afrique employs over 300 of the national handball fi eld, of- area in the early morning hours community with guns, machet- lani heders and Christian farm- of Environment, Nature Protec- youths in various fl ood-prone fi cials say. yesterday,” state police spokes- es and bows and arrows, shoot- ers in the Agatu area of Benue tion and Sustainable Develop- Yaounde neighbourhoods to reg- And so far over 750 youths unmen believed to be man Ebere Amaraizu told AFP. ing sporadically and forcing state. ment. ularly collect plastic from gar- have been trained in the process ethnic Fulani herdsmen “We have recovered seven hundreds to fl ee to neighbour- The largely agrarian Christian Last year, Coeur d’Afrique bage cans, gutters and streams. of making the plastic slabs. The Gkilled at least seven peo- corpses and six people were in- ing villages. communities accuse the Fulani started paying young people to They work three days a week for project aims to train a total of ple in a raid on a farming com- jured,” he said. The predominantly Muslim of attempting to grab land from collect plastic litter, to cut down 2,500 cfa ($5) a day. 2,500 people by 2017, Kamssou- munity in southeast Nigeria’s Amaraizu said the attackers herdsmen have been blamed groups considered indigenous on pollution and unblock the “I am happy with the job, it loum said. Enugu state, police said yester- also destroyed a pastor’s house, for a wave of attacks on mainly to the area. gutters. The second part of the provides me with some income Heavy rains returned to Cam- day. adding that the police had Christian farmers in parts of Fulani leaders say their peo- project sees the plastic recycled to support my daily living,” said eroon’s capital city starting in The attack, which follows a launched an investigation. central and eastern Nigeria. ple face discrimination and are into slabs that can be used for Julius Ngwe, 25, who is part of February. But residents say the string of attacks over grazing Local media put the toll high- Two weeks ago, suspected deprived of basic rights, in- construction. the plastic-collecting crew in fl ooding has been much less rights in central Nigeria in re- er, saying between 20 and 48 Fulani herders killed at least 15 cluding access to land, educa- With a single initiative, the or- Etouge-ebe Yaounde. dramatic than in the past, when cent months, took place in the people were killed and dozens villagers and burnt down homes tion and political offi ce, despite ganisation aims to help solve four The waste is picked up by rising waters sometimes forced early hours of Monday. injured and that scores of homes in eastern Taraba state. having lived in the area for gen- of Cameroon’s major problems Hysacam and sorted, then an- fl eeing residents onto the roofs “Suspected Fulani herdsmen were destroyed. In February, hundreds of erations. - youth unemployment, plastic other group of young people - of high buildings. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 17 AMERICAS Driverless cars could decimate businesses

Reuters Detroit

he automotive and tech companies pursuing Tthe driverless car share a utopian belief: Autonomous vehicles will benefi t society, eventually saving most of the A Tesla Model S in autopilot nearly 33,000 people each mode in San Francisco. year killed in road accidents in America alone. traffi c jams, braking to avoid “If the situation was re- accidents, keeping a proper A Bernie supporter near a polling station during the Pennsylvania primary election. versed, and we had automated distance from cars ahead and vehicles today and someone pulling into parking places. proposed to let people drive These features would cost ex- cars, what would the reaction tra and boost profi ts, especial- be?” asks Glen De Vos, vice ly on luxury models. president of global engineer- This is already happening. ing for Delphi Automotive Last year, Tesla Motors Inc PLC, a supplier of driverless- introduced Autopilot, which car technology. “You would be does all those things, on its basically asking that 33,000 Model S that starts at $76,500. Clinton, Trump look deaths per year be allowed on Drivers are warned to keep highways as part of a policy their hands on the wheel - not plan. There’s no way on earth that they always comply. anybody would accept it.” The Mercedes-Benz Intel- The big win for society ligent Drive system, off ered wouldn’t be big, or even a win, on the new E-Class and some for everybody, however. There other models, includes fea- will be losers and winners. tures the Daimler AG brand to dominate polls Take automakers. Eventually, calls Park Pilot, Speed Limit if fully driverless cars (“L4” ve- Pilot and Blind Spot Assist. Both front-runners want to close out Indiana, a winner-take-all state that votes the California primary June 7. leads Indiana with 40% of likely Republi- hicles under the American gov- The L3 autonomous features the contest May 3, and Cruz will return the favour lat- “I don’t accept there is no path forward. can voters, compared to 35% for Cruz and ernment’s classifi cation sys- can add $4,500 to the price of er in New Mexico and Oregon. Let’s not count our chickens before they’re 20% for Kasich. tem) can be summoned with a a $53,000 car. AFP But within hours of the surprise deal, hatched,” Sanders said yesterday in an in- A Trump loss in Indiana would make it smartphone just like Uber cars The components compa- Washington the Ohio governor was already playing it terview with MSNBC. much harder for him to gain the 1,237 del- today, many people might forgo nies that sell these systems to down, saying he was not telling his sup- “There are fi ve contests today. The state egates needed to win the nomination in car ownership. Or families in automakers are winners, too. porters in Indiana not to vote for him. of California -- last I heard the largest the fi rst round of balloting at the party’s developed nations might own They include Israel’s Mobil- oters cast ballots in fi ve northeast- “What’s the big deal?” he said. state in the United States of America -- convention in Cleveland July 18-21. one car instead of two. eye, Germany’s Continental ern states yesterday, with front- Yesterday’s voting began at 6am (1000 has not yet cast a ballot,” he said. If he falls short, Trump runs the risk that That could be a fi nancial AG and Robert Bosch GmbH, Vrunners Hillary Clinton and Donald GMT) in Connecticut and one hour later in Sanders has defl ected questions about his delegates, most of whom are bound boon for families. In the United and Delphi and Nvidia Corp Trump both looking to overwhelm their the other states. Polls across all fi ve states whether he would actively support a Clin- to vote for him in only the fi rst round of States, cars are usually the sec- in the United States. Silicon respective Democratic and Republican ri- close at 8pm (0000 GMT Wednesday). ton candidacy if she is the nominee, sug- balloting, will desert him in subsequent ond-largest item in the house- Valley’s Nvidia, which began vals in the race for the White House. Voting was brisk in Maryland. “So far gesting it was up to her to win over his pas- rounds. hold budget, even though by making graphics for video A very strong showing in primaries in it looks good,” said Lucy Freeman, 79, a sionate young followers. Cruz in particular has been successfully studies show they sit idle 90% games, now counts automotive Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Penn- Democratic precinct chair at a voting sta- Trump, meanwhile, was in full attack manoeuvring in state party conventions to of the time. But automakers as its fastest-growing business sylvania and Rhode Island would Clinton tion in Chevy Chase, Maryland. mode, pouring scorn on the Cruz-Kasich have individuals named to delegate slots would suff er. segment, with revenue nearly on the cusp of Democratic victory, a mon- New US citizen Imalka Senahidra, a deal as an act of a political desperation. who, though initially bound to Trump, If driverless cars catch on, doubling every year. umental step in her quest to become the 53-year-old born in Sri Lanka, was vot- “You know if you collude in business, or would be sympathetic to Cruz in later US car sales could plunge 40% Two Silicon Valley giants, nation’s fi rst female commander in chief. ing for the fi rst time and nervous about you collude in the stock market, they put rounds once free to vote for whomever in the next 25 years, Barclays Google parent Alphabet Inc and “I don’t have the nomination yet,” the “which way the country might go”. you in jail,” Trump boomed in Warwick, they choose. analyst Brian Johnson wrote Apple Inc, could be big winners. former secretary of state said in a town hall “I’ve always believed in experience and Rhode Island. Party heavyweights, alarmed by the in a report last year. General Google, which says it wants event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s larg- wisdom, so I’ll go along with that,” she “But in politics, because it’s a rigged prospect of a Trump nomination, have Motors and Ford Motor Co, he automotive partners, could li- est city, on the eve of the vote. said. system, because it’s a corrupt enterprise, long pressed for a united eff ort around a added, would have to cut their cense its self-driving software “We’re going to work really hard until Clinton was favoured to win all fi ve state in politics you’re allowed to collude.” single candidate against him. combined number of assembly to car companies worldwide. the polls close tomorrow.” Democratic contests, with polls giving her The partnership “shows how weak they But Cruz is almost as unpopular with plants in the US and Canada to Apple, typically tight-lipped, Trump also was expected to extend his a double-digit lead over rival Bernie Sand- are,” Trump said. “It shows how pathetic the party’s establishment as Trump, and 17 from the current 30. Some won’t discuss its automotive formidable lead in the bruising race for the ers in Pennsylvania, the biggest state of the they are.” Kasich has refused to bow out even though 25,000 auto workers would ambitions. Republican nomination, even as rivals Ted bunch with 189 delegates. Cruz told potential voters in Indiana he has only won his home state of Ohio. lose their jobs. People who drive taxis, Uber Cruz and John Kasich mounted a hasty, Big wins on Tuesday night would put Monday that the deal would give them “a The Texas senator, meanwhile, has put Auto makers now are mov- cars, transit buses or delivery and already fraying tag team eff ort to try to her within striking distance of the Demo- straight and direct choice between our out word that he has begun weighing pos- ing to off set any loss of sales trucks would be losers. The block him. cratic nomination, piling up pressure on campaign and Donald Trump”. sible running mates, including former with revenue from providing number of jobs lost in the US Kasich agreed to forego campaigning in Sanders, who has vowed to fi ght on until According to a recent CBS poll, Trump White House hopeful Carly Fiorina. transportation as a service. alone could total 2.6mn, or “We’ve run a number of nearly 2% of the work force, scenarios trying to understand calculates economist Martin some of the sensitivities,” Zimmerman at the University Mike Abelson, vice president of Michigan. of strategy and global portfolio Eventually, widespread planning, said in an interview. adoption of autonomous driv- “Some scenarios show a de- ing and automated accident- Agencies split over fi ngerprinting cline in volume, but we have avoidance technology could some scenarios that show it undermine automobile insur- going it up.” ers. The collapse of auto-in- As the cost goes down for surance premiums in America autonomous vehicles, it will and Europe as autonomous parents of child immigrants allow people who cannot drive cars take hold would create a - the elderly and disabled - to “giant, sucking sound”, Kate Reuters US authorities are required to who make the dangerous journey own or use vehicles, Abelson Brown, senior vice president of Washington fi nd housing for illegal immigrant across Mexico and the US border said, echoing comments by Swiss Re, told a recent confer- minors while they await a trial to without their parents, fl eeing Google executives. ence on autonomous driving at determine whether they will be poverty and violence. Ubiquitous driverless Ubers the University of Michigan law S immigration enforce- deported, a process that can take In the six months through are a couple decades or more school. Insurers would “make it ment offi cers are propos- years. March 2016, almost 28,000 away, but some automakers al- up in China and India” and oth- Uing that fi ngerprints be Under current law, people who unaccompanied children were ready are experimenting with er emerging markets, she said. taken from all people claiming appear at child migrant holding apprehended crossing into selling rides as well as cars. Trial lawyers can probably custody of children who have facilities saying they are parents the United States, close to the Ford and Jaguar Land Rover are breathe easy: Autonomous entered the United States ille- must show the child’s birth cer- record-high number hit in the launching car-sharing experi- driving won’t end litigation gally without an adult relative, tifi cate to prove the relationship. If same period in 2014. ments without self-driving over accidents. But it will a measure that opponents said that is not available, the parent and An investigation by the As- cars; autonomous vehicles change who gets sued. could keep thousands of families child must undergo a DNA test. sociated Press in January found could accelerate the concept. “A greater share of crashes apart. Immigration advocates say that HHS had placed some mi- General Motors has purchased could be attributed to a prod- As a new wave of unaccompa- the ICE proposal would dis- grant children in homes where 10% of ride-hailing service uct defect,” Bryant Walker nied Central American children Fingerprints are gathered by a border patrol agent. courage parents from sending they were sexually assaulted, Lyft, a competitor to Uber. Smith, assistant law profes- pours across the US-Mexico bor- for their children and claiming starved or forced into labour for But a prolonged transition to sor at the University of South der, the proposal underscores the parent and child separated,” said and have a role in enforcing over- them, fearing that ICE would use no pay. None of the known abus- full L4 autonomy could bring Carolina, said at the Michigan sometimes confl icting goals of Bobbie Gregg, deputy director all immigration policy. fi ngerprinting to trace undocu- ers had claimed to be parents. automakers a fi nancial wind- conference. In other words, federal agencies in dealing with for children’s services at HHS’s The White House declined to mented immigrants for possible A senate panel in February fall. The stage before L4 is L3 when cars drive themselves, undocumented immigrants, a offi ce of refugee resettlement. comment on the proposal. deportation. asked authorities to improve technology, requiring some manufacturers - as opposed volatile issue on the presidential The memo by ICE offi cials, Asked about the documents “It could keep parents away screening of adults claiming cus- human intervention - includ- to human drivers - would be campaign trail. drafted in response to a Febru- that describe the fi ngerprinting from their children if they think it tody of child migrants. ing automatic handling in liable. Offi cials at the US depart- ary Senate hearing, proposes ex- proposal, a homeland security is going to land them in a lock-up The document from ICE ment of health and human serv- panding fi ngerprinting, now lim- spokeswoman said the agency somewhere,” said David Leopold, is a draft of answers to ques- ices (HHS), which is ultimately ited to non-parents, to include does not discuss internal delib- a Cleveland lawyer who formerly tions senate judiciary chairman Mountie denies tying up son responsible for fi nding housing parents. erations. Neither ICE nor HHS headed the American Immigra- Charles Grassley submitted for for migrant children, told Reu- ICE says that would allow fi n- would comment on whether they tion Lawyers Association. the record following the hearing. An RCMP off icer accused of chaining his 11-year-old in the ters they have no plans to change gerprints to be checked against have had discussions on the pro- The ICE offi cials also said in After the AP investigation, basement of his home has told court the boy frequently made fi ngerprinting policy. They said an FBI database of criminals to posal. the memo that the agency sup- HHS said it began doing 30-day up outlandish stories. In a second day of testimony this week in the proposal — made by US im- verify the identities of people From January 2014 to April 2015, ports expanding immigration- follow-up checks on households his own defence, the off icer is detailing the many behavioural migration and customs enforce- who say they are parents while more than 31,000 parents claimed status checks to all sponsors, in- to which it had assigned a child, problems he says he experienced with his son. The man ment (ICE) offi cials in an internal ensuring that children do not go children who entered the United cluding parents. while also giving an emergency described in detail a Florida family vacation, which he says he memo seen by Reuters — would to parents who have criminal his- States from El Salvador, Guate- ICE acknowledged that con- hotline phone number to all chil- thought his son enjoyed. Last fall, the boy testified that during delay family reunions and in- tories. mala and Honduras, according to ducting immigration checks on dren before they are discharged one vacation he was left tied up in a hotel room, where he was fringe upon the parent-child re- The proposal is preliminary a study by the Government Ac- parents claiming children could from HHS custody forced to urinate on himself. The off icer denies it ever happened, lationship. and could change. It was unclear countability Offi ce (GAO), a con- “reduce the likelihood that spon- But ICE’s response to Grass- showing the court pictures from two vacations where he, his wife “One of our goals is to place whether it would ultimately win gressional watchdog unit. sors would come forward to take ley said HHS should go a step and three children appeared happy. The Mountie, now 44, and the children with an appropriate the backing of the White House. They made up 60% of those custody of children.” further, noting that many state boy’s stepmother were charged in February 2013 after the boy sponsor as promptly as we can Department of homeland se- who claimed children, with Illegal entry into the United and local child protective serv- was found wandering in search of water. The court earlier heard safely do so. And so any delay for curity (DHS) — which oversees most of the rest claimed by other States by unaccompanied minors ice agencies routinely fi ngerprint testimony that the boy was fed two peanut butter pitas a day placing the child with their par- ICE — and the justice depart- relatives. Only 161 non-relative has surged in recent years. Most parents who reclaim children af- before escaping his chains and weighed only 50 pounds when ent is time that we’re keeping a ment advise HHS on its practices sponsors claimed children. are Central American children ter periods of separation. taken to hospital. Courtesy yahoo Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 ASEAN

Rush-hour gridlock in Jakarta Firm to cut elephant work hours after heatstroke death

AFP Phnom Penh

Cambodian tour operator said yesterday it would Areduce work hours for elephants during high tempera- tures following the collapse and death of an animal which had been ferrying tourists in 40C heat. The female elephant, aged be- tween 40-45, died by the road- side on Friday after carrying tourists around Cambodia’s fa- mous Angkor Wat temple com- plex outside Siem Reap. Photos were widely shared on social media, prompting calls for Cambodia to reform the already controversial elephant ride in- dustry. Oan Kiri, manager of Angkor Elephant Company, said yester- day that vets believed heatstroke was the cause of death. “Veterinarians concluded that the elephant’s death was caused This picture taken yesterday shows traff ic on a main road in Jakarta as the project of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is ongoing. The capital city of Indonesia is one of the worst cities in the world for traff ic jams. by the hot temperatures which caused stress, shock, high blood pressure and a heart attack,” he said. The elephant had been working around 45 minutes, walking 2.1 kilometres carrying tourists, before she collapsed on her way to an enclosure. He added that the company was “regretful and felt pity” and would now let the 13 remaining Vietnam thwarts election elephants work fewer hours until temperatures drop. The Greater Mekong region is experiencing its hot and dry sea- son where temperatures of 40C are not unusual. This year has seen particularly hot spells. bid by dissidents, pop star Animal rights groups have long complained that elephants AFP condition of anonymity, said might have a traffi c accident,” which give rides to tourists Hanoi there were secret plans to allow he said, adding he remained un- across the region are routinely some independent candidates deterred. overworked and brutally broken to run to give the impression of For lawyer Vo An Don, from in during training. ommunist Vietnam has functioning democracy in the south central Phu Yen province, Thailand has seen multiple blocked a motley crew of authoritarian country. it was no surprise that the inde- cases in recent months where Cindependent candidates “I personally was told to en- pendent candidates were dis- elephants have killed their han- from running for its rubber- courage two neighbours to run, qualifi ed. dlers or attacked tourists. stamp parliament, according to demonstrate that the cam- “In Vietnam, becoming a A petition on Change.org call- to offi cial results released yes- paign is democratic,” he said, National Assembly deputy as ing on Cambodian authorities terday, a move activists said adding that he later encouraged an independent candidate is to end elephant rides at Angkor highlights its empty gestures them to “voluntarily” withdraw like an elephant trying to sneak had garnered 24,500 signatures towards democracy. from the race. through a hole the size of an by yesterday afternoon. In an unprecedented showing Despite attracting wide- ant,” he said, using a Vietnam- “There is no such thing as this year more than 100 inde- spread public support from her ese proverb. cruelty-free elephant rides,” it pendent candidates - includ- social media campaign, pop But academic and failed can- stated. ing dissidents, a taxi driver and singer Mai Khoi — dubbed Vi- didate Nguyen Quang A said he Handlers and tour operators a pop star - tried to run for the etnam’s Lady Gaga for her eye- still felt the exercise had been a have long argued that tourism National Assembly. catching wardrobe and pink hair success. provides much needed income But of the 870 candidates ap- — was among those disquali- “This is just a small step in a and employment for people - proved to contest the May 22 fi ed. long and diffi cult process,” he and for domesticated elephants elections only 11 were not from “It’s a waste of time and said. that would otherwise risk aban- the ruling communist party. money,” she said of the election “Everyone has learned a lot donment and starvation. Nguyen Hanh Phuc, from the process. - what an election is, how the But Jack Highwood, from the National Elections Committee, Phan Van Bach, a 41-year-old process works, where the law is Elephant Valley Project, a Cam- said this was due to strict quotas Singer Mai Khoi gesturing while talking during an interview in Hanoi. taxi driver and father of four, unconstitutional.” bodian eco-tourism group, said aimed a creating a representa- said authorities used “childish Mai Khoi has issued a vid- the country only boasted about tive cross-section of society in told reporters. But democracy anyone over 21 to seek elec- dependent candidate, they’d tactics” and threats to force him eo invitation to US President 70 domesticated elephants - the legislative body. activists said all genuinely in- tion to parliament, the reality is defi nitely fail if they’re not on out of the race. Barack Obama, who is due to “too small a number not to reg- “We need the appearance of dependent candidates have now quite diff erent. the pre-approved list,” an offi - Bach’s wife received a call visit Vietnam in May, to meet ulate their use to protect their all social groups participating been excluded from the race. “No matter how much eff ort cial at a local election unit said. saying “Tell your husband to the disqualifi ed candidates and health and welfare.” in the National Assembly,” he While the constitution allows they put into running as an in- The offi cial, who spoke on stop running for elections or he push for electoral reform. Ex-Myanmar protest leader Court sides with foreign gay handed six-month jail term couple in surrogacy row AFP “Based on evidence and from the media and has yet to Bangkok witness testimonies the judge explain what motivated her AFP and called for Myanmar’s new was convinced that the girl’s decision. Yangon government, under democracy custodians took care of her Thailand for years hosted a champion Aung San Suu Kyi, to Thai court yesterday with love”, it said. thriving yet largely unregu- do more to help former political granted a foreign same- “Their homosexuality is lated international surrogacy former leader of Myan- prisoners. Asex couple full custody not an obstacle to raising the industry popular with same- mar’s 2007 monk protests Her National League for De- of their surrogate baby daugh- girl and to making her hap- sex couples. But a string of Aagainst the then-ruling mocracy (NLD) took power last ter following a legal battle py like any other child,” the scandals in 2014 spurred the junta said yesterday he had month, riding a wave of huge with the mother who refused statement added. military government to ban been sentenced to six months in popular support in a nation to hand her over after giving A tearful Valero told re- foreigners from using Thai prison with hard labour on an choked by repressive military birth. porters outside the court that surrogates. immigration charge, in a case rule for decades. Manuel Valero, from Spain, the family would soon return One high-profile case saw slammed by rights groups as po- Suu Kyi, who spent some 15 and his American husband to Spain, where their other an Australian couple leave litically motivated. years under house arrest during Gordon Lake were blocked child, a son, has spent the behind a child with Down’s Nyi Nyi Lwin, who was pre- the dark junta days, has in recent from leaving Thailand with past year living with an aunt. syndrome carried by a Thai viously known by the clerical weeks overseen a push by her their daughter Carmen after “We are really happy that surrogate but take home his name Gambira, said he was “so Nyi Nyi Lwin, who was previously known by the clerical name Gambira, administration to pardon scores the surrogate declined to sign this nightmare is going to end healthy twin sister. disappointed” with the rul- walks out from a court in Mandalay yesterday. of political prisoners and quash necessary paperwork follow- soon,” he said. An Australian court said ing, relating to a 2013 incident charges against activists facing ing the birth in January 2015. The lengthy custody bat- earlier this month that the when he travelled to neighbour- ernment that replaced outright mental health, which suff ered trial. They accused the mother, tle was complicated by recent child was “thriving” in his ing Thailand for treatment for military rule a year earlier. during years of detention. But that did not extend to Nyi Patidta Kusonsrang, of reneg- changes to Thailand’s sur- Thai home and was not aban- trauma suff ered during years as a He had been serving a 68-year Human Rights Watch Nyi Lwin’s case. ing on the surrogacy once she rogacy laws and the fact that doned, but rather his surro- political prisoner. prison term for his prominent slammed the latest case against His sister Lwin Lwin Mar said discovered the couple were the kingdom does not legally gate mother wanted to keep “I have been given a six month role in monk-led demonstra- him, saying he was subjected to that the court found that he gay. recognise same-sex marriage. him. sentence with hard labour,” he tions fi ve years earlier, known physical and psychological tor- had crossed the border illegally The Bangkok court said in a The surrogate mother In another scandal a Japa- said by telephone after the hear- as the “Saff ron Revolution”, that ture following his initial arrest when he travelled to Thailand for statement that it granted cus- Patidta denied in local press nese man was controversially ing at a court in the Maha Aung were brutally crushed by the in 2007. treatment. tody to the couple, who live in interviews when the row sur- found to have fostered at least Myay area of Mandalay. army. HRW deputy Asia director Phil “He had been feeling unwell at Spain but have been caring for faced that she refused per- 15 babies with surrogates in The former monk was among Nyi Nyi Lwin has been repeat- Robertson said the case “reeks of that time and he needed treat- the 15-month-old in Bang- mission because the couple Thailand. hundreds freed in amnesties in edly rearrested, while his family the ugly political prosecutions ment. I can’t understand why kok, in order to “protect the were gay. The ban came into force af- 2012 by the quasi-civilian gov- have raised concerns about his of discarded military juntas” the court has done this,” she said. well-being of the baby”. She has since shied away ter Carmen was born. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 19 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

N Korea readies France to build next-gen another missile Australian submarines launch AFP Reuters Sydney/Paris Seoul/Washington

rance yesterday beat off competi- orth Korea appears to be tion from Germany and Japan to preparing a test-launch Fwin a A$50bn (US$39bn) contract Nof an intermediate-range to design and build Australia’s next ballistic missile, South Korea’s generation of submarines, a decision Yonhap news agency said yester- Tokyo called “deeply regrettable”. day, after what the US described The announcement by Prime Minis- as the “fi ery, catastrophic” fail- ter Malcolm Turnbull culminates years ure of the fi rst attempt. of planning to replace Australia’s age- Separately, President Barack ing diesel and electric-powered Col- Obama said the US is working lins Class submarines, which are due to on defending itself and its allies leave service from around 2026. against potential threats from Turnbull said the 12 new subs to be what he called an “erratic” coun- delivered by French contractor DCNS try with an “irresponsible” leader. under Australia’s biggest-ever defence On April 15, the North failed to contract “will be the most sophisticated launch what was likely a Musu- naval vessels being built in the world”. dan missile, with a range of more “This is a momentous national en- than 3,000km, meaning it could, deavour,” he said at an Adelaide ship- if launched successfully, hit Japan yard where the submarines will be con- and also theoretically put the US structed. territory of Guam within range. The deal came as tensions grow be- The Musudan missile, which tween China and Australia’s allies Japan can be fi red from a mobile and the US. Beijing is fl exing its muscles launcher, is not known to have in the region by developing airstrips and been successfully fl ight-tested. other facilities on reclaimed reefs in the In a CBS interview that aired contested South China Sea. yesterday, Obama said the US “is French President Francois Hollande spending a lot more time posi- hailed the decision as historic. tioning our missile development “It marks a decisive advance in the systems, so that even as we try to strategic partnership between the two resolve the underlying problem countries who will co-operate over 50 of nuclear development inside of years,” his offi ce said in a statement. North Korea, we’re also setting A Japanese government-backed con- up a shield that can at least block sortium led by Mitsubishi Heavy Indus- the relatively low-level threats tries, and German group ThyssenKrupp that they’re posing now.” Marine Systems, were also in the running. North Korea tested its fourth But Canberra said DCNS was con- nuclear bomb on January 6 and sidered “best to meet all of our unique launched a long-range rocket on capability requirements”. February 7, both in defi ance of Japan was the early favourite and last UN resolutions. On Saturday, the November Tokyo said handing it the North conducted a test of a sub- contract would help bolster regional Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (second left) looks at a Royal Australian Navy Collins-class submarine at the ASC naval shipyards in Adelaide yesterday. marine-launched ballistic missile. security. North Korea needs a “pow- Some senior US offi cials, including but the decision was deeply regretta- “That may give Australia the best ranging geographic and oceanographic named Shortfi n Barracuda. It is described erful nuclear deterrence” to former deputy secretary of state Rich- ble. We will ask the Australian side to submarines, but it also means that we conditions. by the company as “the most technically counter US hostility and threats, ard Armitage, also backed a Japanese explain.” need to give much more active focus to Besides matching the capabilities of complex artefact in Australia”. North Korea’s foreign ministry build. Asked if the decision to go with engaging with Japan as our key regional the Collins Class, the new generation It said on its website that the new ves- was quoted yesterday as saying For Australia, co-operating with Ja- France would upset key ally the US, security partner in the Pacifi c,” he add- needed to off er superior sensor per- sel would be “the recipient of France’s by the state news agency KCNA. pan risked angering its biggest trading Turnbull said the choice of contractor ed. formance and stealth capabilities. most sensitive and protected submarine “The US continued pursu- partner China. There were also report- was “a sovereign decision for Australia”. “In the long term that is probably of The government’s preferred com- technology and will be the most lethal ance of extreme hostile policy edly concerns that Tokyo lacked experi- David Brewster, from the ANU Stra- greater importance to us than the sub- bat system and main armament is the conventional submarine ever contem- and nuclear threat and blackmail ence in exporting such complex military tegic and Defence Studies Centre in marines.” heavyweight torpedo jointly developed plated”. against the DPRK will only make hardware. Canberra, said the choice of France Australian submarines operate across by the US and Australia. “Pump jet propulsion means the the latter make drastic progress Japanese Defence Minister Gen Na- was about “capability, cost and risk re- huge areas, from the cold Southern DCNS has said it plans to build a Shortfi n Barracuda can move more in bolstering nuclear attack ca- katani was quoted by a ministry offi cial duction over broader strategic factors Ocean to the tropics, and so require 4,500-tonne conventionally-powered quietly than submarines with obsolete pabilities,” KCNA quoted a min- as telling reporters: “We did our best which favoured the Japanese bid”. range and endurance to cope with wide- version of its 4,700 tonne Barracuda, to be propeller technology,” DCNS said. istry spokesman as saying. Unseen Beatles Detention of asylum-seekers in footage released Papua New Guinea ‘unlawful’

AFP AFP in limbo locked up in a remote island Sydney Sydney prison. “It’s time for the Manus detention centre to be closed once and for all.” ever-before-seen footage of The ustralia’s detention of asy- GetUp! human rights campaigner Beatles “mucking around” in a lum-seekers on Papua New Aurora Adams said some people had Nmake-up studio ahead of a tel- AGuinea’s Manus Island is un- been detained for close to three years evision performance, shot more than half constitutional and illegal, a court and needed to be brought to Aus- a century ago, was released yesterday by ruled yesterday, prompting some tralia. Australia’s national fi lm and sound archive. refugee advocates to call for the camp “It is time to stop the abuse of The 49-second black-and-white si- to be shut down. vulnerable people who only ask for lent fi lm clip - which the national archive Canberra has come under interna- safety and the opportunity to rebuild described as “really rare” - was shot with tional criticism for sending asylum- their lives,” she said. an 8mm camera belonging to Australian seekers who attempt to enter the “The moral case is clear, there is no dancer and make-up artist Dawn Swane, country by boat to remote processing justifi cation for locking people in off - who was working at Granada TV in Man- centres on Manus or the tiny Pacifi c shore prison camps indefi nitely.” chester, Britain, at that time. island of Nauru but said the fi nding Those detained on Manus should The previously unreleased footage, would not change its policies. “immediately be released and guar- from November 1, 1965, shows the four Papua New Guinea’s then opposi- anteed full constitutional rights”, members of the legendary band having tion leader Belden Namah challenged added Amnesty International’s di- fun in front of the camera as their make- the Manus arrangement in court, rector for South East Asia Rafendi up is applied. claiming it violated the rights of asy- Djamin. “I was in the make-up room. And so we lum-seekers. “There has been enough suff er- were having some champagne,” Swane, In its 34-page decision yesterday, ing,” Djamin said. “It is time that the now 83, said in a statement released by Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court Australian government closed down the National Film and Sound Archive of found that detaining asylum-seekers the Manus Island detention centre, Australia (NFSA). on the island was “contrary to their and the asylum seekers should be “And anyway, I don’t know if it was A Melinda Doring/National Film and constitutional right of personal lib- welcomed to Australia.” John (Lennon) or if it was Ringo (Starr) Sound Archive of Australia handout erty”. The Australian Lawyers Alliance but they took the camera off me and said, photo of former Australian dancer and “The detention of the asylum- (ALA) said the ruling could open ‘This is no way to use a camera’, and they make-up artist Dawn Swane, 83, holding seekers on Manus Island in Papua the door to asylum-seekers making sort of jiggled it upside down and inside a call sheet autographed for her by the New Guinea... is unconstitutional claims for damages for allegedly be- out a bit, and everybody was just muck- Beatles in 1965. and illegal,” it said. ing falsely imprisoned. ing around. The court ordered the Australian “The decision also strengthens “But that was great. I mean they were Doring said she fi rst saw the footage as and Papua New Guinean govern- A protester holds a placard during a rally in support of refugees in central claims that Australia has breached a nice group of people. They really were.” a teenager, but came across it again four ments to “take all steps necessary Sydney. its duty of care to those who come The clip, along with other home mov- years ago and realised it was starting to to cease and prevent” the continued within its migration system by keep- ies, including British actor Michael Caine have “vinegar syndrome”, a chemical detention of the asylum-seekers and would make a statement after digesting ernment, at least 1,200 people died ing them in conditions that are un- in the make-up chair, was donated by process which causes fi lm to deteriorate. transferees on Manus. the decision and taking legal advice. trying to reach Australia by boat be- lawful,” ALA spokesman Greg Barns Swane’s daughter Melinda Doring to the “I knew there was stuff there that It was not immediately clear how Under a policy accepted by both tween 2008 and 2013. said in a statement. national archive. needed to be preserved, so I knew it was the ruling would aff ect the around sides of politics in Canberra, asylum- Rights campaigners welcomed the Reports said immigration au- “We don’t have anything as signifi - the right time to ring up the archive and 850 men held at the centre. Aus- seekers found to be genuine refugees court’s decision, saying it was time thorities have recently been trying to cantly rare in the collection in terms of a get it stabilised and preserved before it tralian Immigration Minister Pe- are denied resettlement in Australia. for the Manus detention centre to be move those classed as refugees out of home movie,” NFSA assistant fi lm curator would have been lost forever,” Doring told ter Dutton said the court’s decision They are instead urged to return shut. detention in Manus and into a “tran- Tara Marynowsky told AFP. AFP. “does not alter Australia’s border home or be resettled in PNG or Cam- “PNG’s Supreme Court has recog- sit centre”, allowing them to leave “(To have) something so high-profi le Swane has also kept the original call protection policies - they remain un- bodia under a policy designed to stop nised that detaining people who have during the day. is just quite incredible to have, especially sheet for the television programme the changed”. people-smuggling boats. committed no crime is wrong,” said A similar policy has been adopted when our client Dawn Swane held on to it performers were preparing for, “The Mu- “No one who attempts to travel to Australia has long defended its Elaine Pearson, director of Human in Nauru, where the government last for quite some time. Years and years lat- sic of Lennon & McCartney”, which has Australia illegally by boat will settle policy, saying it has prevented the Rights Watch in Australia. October said the Regional Processing er, we get to uncover this and make that on it autographs from all four Beatles as in Australia,” he said in a statement. deaths of asylum-seekers at sea and “For these men, their only ‘mis- Centre had been converted into an available to audiences... it’s really, really well as legendary American composer PNG’s Immigration Minister secured its borders. take’ was to try to seek sanctuary in “open centre”, giving its inhabitants rare actually.” Henry Mancini. Rimbink Pato told Fairfax Media he Under the previous Labor gov- Australia - that doesn’t deserve years freedom of movement. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 BRITAIN/IRELAND

OFFBEAT COMMENT LAW AND ORDER CORPORATE CONCERN Big Ben to fall silent for Madeleine inquiry Teenage girl charged ScottishPower fined £18mn EDF to be grilled on months during repairs may be over soon with attempted murder over service failings nuclear plant delay

Big Ben will fall silent for several months while Detectives investigating the disappearance A 14-year-old girl has been charged with attempted ScottishPower has agreed to pay a fine of Lawmakers have ordered EDF executives to the iconic London clock tower next to the of Madeleine McCann are following a single murder after allegedly assaulting another girl £18mn pounds for customer service failings, appear in Parliament for a second time in three Houses of Parliament undergoes “desperately” remaining line of inquiry which could be at their school. The victim, aged 15, was taken to energy market regulator Ofgem said yesterday, months, ramping up pressure on the French needed repairs next year, off icials said yesterday. concluded within months. Scotland Yard chief hospital in Portsmouth for treatment to a minor sending a strong message to energy firms about utility over its delay in making a decision to The bell, whose chimes feature on British radio Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said investigators were injury following the incident at the Petersfield the importance of treating consumers well. build the £18bn Hinkley Point C nuclear plant. broadcasts, will be silenced as part of the £29mn pursuing an important line of inquiry, but after School, Petersfield, Hampshire, on Monday. The “ScottishPower let its customers down during EDF last week delayed making a final decision repairs. The work will repair the clock faces and that the Met probe would be at an end unless arrested girl, who cannot be named for legal the implementation of a new IT system. When on the project until after its May 12 shareholder mechanism, cracks in the tower’s masonry and any new evidence came to light. Madeleine reasons, was charged with attempted murder things went wrong, it didn’t act quickly enough to meeting to allow time to consult its works corrosion in the roof, as well as restoring the vanished, aged three, while on holiday with her and threatening a person with a blade or sharp- fix them,” Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan council. The head of a parliamentary committee edging around the clock faces to their original parents in Portugal in 2007. Sir Bernard said: pointed article. She was remanded to appear at said. “This created frustration and worry for many on energy said he wants EDF executives to 19th-century colour. A lift will also be installed as “There’s been a lot of investigation time spent on Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court. A Hampshire customers, who also wasted a lot of time trying to appear before the group, likely in late May, an alternative to the steps up the tower and the this terrible case. There is a line of inquiry that police spokesman said: “A 14-year-old girl has contact the supplier by phone.” ScottishPower, one to explain the delay. Vincent de Rivaz, chief lights illuminating the clock will be replaced by remains to be concluded and it’s expected that in been charged following a serious assault at the of Britain’s “big six” energy suppliers, said that the executive of EDF’s British unit EDF Energy, spoke low-energy LEDs. the coming months that will happen.” Petersfield School on Monday.” IT upgrade led to increased customer complaints. to the same committee on March 23.

Man shot dead in Junior doctors Dublin gang war begin fi rst

Guardian News and Media Dublin sixth person has been all-out strike shot dead in the violent Afeud between Ireland’s two most notorious criminals that erupted after an armed as- sault on a boxing weigh-in in February. The man was shot dead in a in NHS history bar in Dublin’s inner city around 9.30pm on Monday night. A AFP London, in the shadow of parlia- medical care. While it has been number of gunmen burst into the London ment. protected from austerity cuts Sunset pub in north central Dublin “I never thought as a doctor I to public services under Cam- and opened fi re. After the shoot- would be forced to put down my eron, experts warn it still faces ing, a burnt-out car was found the unior doctors in England stethoscope but we have been increasing fi nancial strain due nearby Drumcondra district. staged their fi rst ever all- forced into it by a government to factors like rising treatment A member of the Irish parlia- Jout strike yesterday in a bit- that refuses to listen,” she said. costs and an ageing population. ment claimed that CCTV installed ter, deadlocked row with Prime However, Health Secretary Cameron’s government ar- in the area just days ago in re- Minister David Cameron’s gov- Jeremy Hunt said the new con- gues that reforms to junior doc- sponse to other gangland-related ernment over pay and condi- tract was a “very fair deal” that tors’ contracts are necessary to murders may have captured the tions. rewarded junior doctors better ensure that the quality of care for gang’s escape from the pub. The strike forced 13,000 op- than paramedics, police offi cers patients is as high at weekends Security sources in the Irish erations and 113,000 appoint- and fi re offi cers for working un- as it is during the week. capital were linking the murder to ments to be postponed by the sociable weekend hours. The prime minister has quoted the gang warfare between Costal National Health Service, which “Given that, is it proportion- research claiming mortality rates del Sol-based Irish drug smuggler employs more than 50,000 jun- ate or appropriate to be with- for patients admitted to hospital Christy Kinahan and north Dublin ior doctors. drawing from patients who de- on a Sunday can be 16% higher career criminal Gerry “the Monk” While there have been several pend on them so much?” Hunt than on a Wednesday, though Hutch. Both gangsters gained in- recent walk-outs, this one af- told BBC radio, accusing the doctors question this. ternational notoriety following an fected hospital emergency care BMA of “blackmailing” the gov- An Ipsos Mori poll for BBC audacious armed attack at a box- such as accident and emergency ernment. “We have too many News found that 57% of the gen- ing weigh-in at Dublin’s Regency (A&E) and maternity units for heartbreaking stories, parents eral public supported the doctors hotel in February. The assault had the fi rst time, although senior who have lost children, people while a quarter opposed their been organised by a gang control- doctors and nurses were still on who have lost loved ones, be- actions. led by Hutch during which gun- duty. cause we are not delivering high- Hunt announced in February men burst into the hotel using Junior doctors are graduates quality care at the weekend.” that he intended to impose the bibs with “Garda” emblazoned with years of experience who Prime Minister David Cam- new contract on junior doctors on them. One of Kinahan’s loyal have not yet completed their eron told ITV News the strike after they rejected his “best and enforcers in Dublin, 33-year-old professional qualifi cations. was “not right” as “there is a fi nal off er”. He launched a last- David Byrne, was shot dead in the Their walk-out ends today at good contract on the table.” ditch appeal to them to stop the Regency hotel attack, which was 5pm. The taxpayer-funded NHS, strike in the House of Commons captured by cameras covering the “Anything unprecedented like established in 1948, is one of on Monday, saying: “The impact boxing event. this places a signifi cant pressure Britain’s most respected insti- of the next two days will be un- Hutch’s gang launched the at- on the NHS,” Anne Rainsberry, tutions, providing largely free precedented.” tack in revenge for the murder national incident director for of Hutch’s nephew, Gary, by Ki- NHS England, told BBC radio. Hospitals facing fl ood of patients when strike ends nahan’s men in Spain last Sep- The British Medical Associa- tember. Gary Hutch was chased tion (BMA), the doctors’ trade Hospital bosses fear being hit admitted to wards. This would around his Andalusian apartment union, has not ruled out a per- by a deluge of patients when create a shortage of beds for new before being shot dead inside the manent strike or mass resigna- the first of two all-out strikes by admissions. “We are concerned villa because members of Kina- tions as a way of trying to force junior doctors ends. Concerns are that people will arrive at 5pm han’s gang believed he had told the the government’s hand over the mounting that sick people will when it’s over and we get the Garda and Interpol about a drug new staff contract on off er. head for A&E this evening in the whole day’s demand in one hour,” shipment they were in charge of. A key sticking point has been mistaken belief that hospitals will one London hospital manager In retaliation for the Regency on how much fi nancial compen- quickly return to “normal service” said. Health Secretary Jeremy hotel attack, gangsters loyal to sation junior doctors should get after 5pm, when the walkout is Hunt told BBC radio it was a “very, Kinahan have since shot dead for working on Saturdays. due to end. Hospital sources said very bleak day for the NHS” but Hutch’s brother, taxi driver Ed- “This is the saddest day of the reallocation of consultants junior doctors on the picket line die Hutch, 59, and later a cigarette my professional life,” said Fiona was likely to cause delays in at St Thomas’ Hospital warned smuggler Noel “Mr Kingsize” Junior doctors hold placards as they protest outside the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, in Martin, 36, at a picket outside discharging patients previously the dispute could escalate. Duggan. Basingstoke, west of London, yesterday. St Thomas’ Hospital in central

The Slide to open soon Scottish independence Support for Brexit ‘on cards, but not soon’ climbs in new poll Reuters when it failed to predict the London Conservative Party’s outright Reuters ence, told Reuters in an inter- “Most Scots continue to victory in a general election. Edinburgh view. believe in an important role Lynton Crosby, an election The SNP, which polls say will for the state and so resent the ritish support for staying strategist who helped Cameron win another fi ve-year term in downsizing and privatisation in the European Union win last May’s election, said the cotland’s leading aca- Edinburgh’s devolved parlia- policies of Westminster, so Bhas fallen by two per- Telegraph’s poll showed “not demic sees Scottish in- ment after a May 5 election, has inevitably independence will centage points to 51% accord- much has changed over the past Sdependence from Britain said it will off er another refer- therefore retain an allure for ing to a poll, a decline that may week” despite Obama on Friday as inevitable, but believes it endum if Scotland were to be some time as a potential es- suggest US President Barack urging Britons to remain in the will be a slow process and not pushed out of the EU “against cape from what many north of Obama’s words in favour of UK bloc. even a vote in June for Britain its will” in Britain’s nationwide the border - though not yet a membership had yet to have an “The eff ect of the presi- to leave the European Union poll on EU membership on June clear majority - see as a politi- impact. dent’s visit may not yet be felt would trigger immediate moves 23. cally unacceptable ideology,” Support for leaving the in the numbers as sometimes it to secede. But Scotland’s First Minister, he said. 28-member bloc in a referen- takes a while for factors to wash Scots voted 55%-45% Nicola Sturgeon, has said the Prime Minister David Cam- dum has increased by 2 percent- through. Also, people may not against independence in a SNP would not press for a sec- eron is campaigning for Brit- age points to 43% in the past take much notice of what an referendum in 2014. But the ond independence referendum ain to stay in the EU and his week, little changed from fi g- outsider has to say,” he wrote in Scottish National Party then until it was clear most Scots chances of success may have ures published on April 19, ac- The Telegraph. took all but three of Scotland’s wanted to leave the United been helped by a direct in- cording to the ORB poll of 800 While on a visit to London, 59 seats at the Westminster Kingdom. tervention of US President people for The Daily Telegraph Obama said Britain would be parliament in an election the Devine, author of Independ- Barack Obama backing Britain newspaper yesterday. at “the back of the queue” for a following year. ence or Union which charts the staying in. Several agencies and David trade deal with the US if it voted “There is no quick fi x. (For relationship between Scotland Devine says the SNP, ironi- Cameron’s advisers are poll- to leave the EU, a warning that independence to happen) it and England since their 1707 cally, is now in a position to ing voters almost continuously sparked anger amongst those has to be a steady demonstra- union, also said a British vote to use unionism to reap political on their plans for a referendum campaigning to leave the EU. tion of convincing argument leave would not lead quickly to gains. British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor (left), and Belgian artist Carsten on June 23 on EU membership, Crosby said the “In” cam- over time,” said Tom Devine, a secession. “No British prime minister Holler, pose for a photograph during an event to promote a vote that will determine the paign was at risk of “voter com- history professor at Edinburgh But he saw another Scottish wants Scotland to ‘go’ on their the ‘The Slide’, a new attraction designed by Holler, at the prime minister’s future and that placency” - almost three fi fths University. referendum likely in the next 10 watch, and this is a fantastic ArcelorMittal Orbit, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east of the country in world aff airs. of voters polled said they be- “But I think the identity thing years given the “allure” of inde- bludgeon with which to beat London yesterday. ‘The Slide’ is set to open on June 24, 2016, But some have cast doubt on lieved those campaigning to stay is so strong now that it probably pendence. Westminster. There is still a and on completion, will be the world’s highest at 178m, and the the results of the research, after in the EU will win and may not just needs a fi nal push,” Devine, “Scotland remains a restless lot to be pushed for via more world’s longest tunnel slide. the polling industry suff ered a then feel it necessary to turn out who himself backs independ- nation,” he said. devolution,” he said. blow to its credibility last year to vote. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 21 BRITAIN

Relatives sing “You’ll never walk alone” after the jury delivered its verdict at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster, in Warrington, yesterday.

Hillsborough fans unlawfully killed

London Evening Standard London Ruling met with praise

he 96 football fans who and police apology died in the Hillsborough Tstadium disaster were un- A ruling that the 96 people who large number of supporters to lawfully killed, an inquest jury died in the 1989 crush at Britain’s the stadium through exit gates.” ruled yesterday. Hillsborough football stadium It endorsed statements saying In a historic judgment, the jury were “unlawfully killed” was there were “errors or omissions” found that none of the Liverpool met with praise, celebration and in police planning, policing on the fans were responsible for the apologies yesterday, following a day of the match, and the action worst tragedy in British sporting long campaign by relatives of the of commanding off icers, which history. victims. Several dozen relatives had all “caused or contributed” to As the verdicts were an- hugged each other outside the the events that led to the deaths. nounced yesterday morning court and sang You’ll Never Walk “The jury feels there were major there was sobbing and cheering Alone, the Liverpool football omissions in 1989 operational in the Warrington courtroom, club anthem, after the jury said order,” it said. which was packed with families “errors and omissions” by the For many years, off icers from and friends of the fans who died. police had contributed to the South Yorkshire Police and In a series of damning verdicts disaster in Sheff ield. some media outlets had claimed on the police handling of the “Justice for the 96. Justice for drunkenness among fans had tragedy, the jury of six women all,” the Hillsborough Justice contributed to the disaster. and three men found there were Campaign, one of the main “The force failed the victims errors and omissions by offi cers campaign groups founded by and failed their families,” chief which contributed to the deaths the families, said on Twitter and constable David Crompton of the fans. Facebook. “Thanks to everyone said in a video statement. “We These included errors by com- Relatives of the victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster react following the conclusion of the inquest into the disaster, at the coroner’s court who supported the HJC.” will now take time to carefully manding offi cers and a slow and in Warrington. Prime Minister David Cameron reflect on the implications of unco-ordinated police response. praised campaigners for today’s findings.” Two criminal The inquest heard how police Labour MP Andy Burnham de- jority rulings to all questions central pens behind the goal. Features of the design, con- their “extraordinary courage” investigations linked to the had tried to blame “drunken, scribed the Hillsborough jury’s apart from question six, which He gave evidence to the inquest struction and layout of the on Twitter. Cameron said it coroner’s inquest are ongoing, ticketless Liverpool fans” for the fi ndings as “real justice” for the asked: “Are you satisfi ed, so that saying his failure to close a tun- stadium considered to be dan- was a “landmark day as the prosecutors and a police tragedy. victims. you are sure, that those who died nel “was the direct cause of the gerous or defective caused or Hillsborough inquest provides watchdog said. But asked if the behaviour of The former cabinet minister, in the disaster were unlawfully deaths of 96 people” and admit- contributed to the disaster, the long overdue justice for the 96 “The conclusion of the inquests fans “caused or contributed to widely credited with helping to killed?” ted that he “froze” as the tragedy jury decided. Jurors also found Liverpool fans who died in the is another milestone and a day the dangerous situation”, the jury secure a new inquest into the dis- Jurors were told they could unfolded. Lawyers acting for rel- the safety certifi cation and over- disaster.” when my thoughts are with the returned an answer of “No”. The aster, said in a statement: “This only answer “Yes” to this ques- atives of the victims said the ju- sight of the stadium also caused “I would like to pay tribute to families and friends of those who victims’ families hugged each has been the greatest miscarriage tion if they were sure that match ry’s conclusions had completely or contributed to the tragedy. the extraordinary courage of died as a result of the disaster,” other and broke down in tears of justice of our times. But, fi nal- commander chief superintend- vindicated the bereaved families’ The 1991 accidental death ver- Hillsborough campaigners in said Rachel Cerfontyne, deputy after leaving the court. One man ly, it is over. ent David Duckenfi eld owed a 27-year fi ght for justice. dicts from the original inquests their long search for the truth,” head of the Independent Police shouted “Justice” while two men “After 27 long years, this is real duty of care to those who died in Among those celebrating yes- were quashed following the 2012 he wrote on Twitter. Complaints Commission. held up a red scarf which also justice for the 96, their families the disaster, and that he was in terday were Trevor Hicks whose Hillsborough Independent Pan- South Yorkshire Police, which “We have made significant read “Justice”. They joined to- and all Liverpool supporters.” breach of that duty of care. They daughters Sarah, 19, and Victo- el report after a campaign by the covers Sheff ield, apologised to progress on the investigation gether for a rendition of the Liv- He added: “The Hillsborough would need to be satisfi ed that ria, 15, were killed in the tragedy, families of the dead. the families and admitted it “got and we will ... pursue our erpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Independent Panel gave us the his breach of duty caused the and Donna Miller, whose brother Ninety-six men, women and the policing catastrophically remaining lines of enquiry as Alone. truth. This inquest has delivered deaths and that it amounted to Paul Carlile, 19, died. children died as a result of the wrong.” The jury agreed that quickly and as thoroughly as The Hillsborough tragedy un- justice. Next must come ac- “gross negligence”. Former England striker Gary crush. All except one were Liv- the deaths during an FA Cup possible,” Cerfontyne said. folded during Liverpool’s FA Cup countability.” Yesterday the jury concluded Lineker tweeted afterwards: “Fi- erpool supporters. semi-final between Liverpool and The IPCC expected to finish semi-fi nal tie against Notting- The jury ruled on the answers it was unlawful killing by a 7-2 nally, thankfully, justice for the The youngest was 10-year- Nottingham Forest were “due “by far the biggest and most ham Forest on April 15, 1989 as to 14 questions in a questionnaire majority. 96! Rest in peace”, while player old Jon-Paul Gilhooley. The old- to crushing in the central pens complex investigation” in its thousands of fans were crushed submitted by the coroner Sir Duckenfi eld, 70, gave the or- Joey Barton, who has supported est was Gerard Baron, who was of the Leppings Lane terrace, history by early next year, she on Sheffi eld Wednesday’s Lep- John Goldring. der allowing around 2,000 fans the Hillsborough families, added: 67. Thirty-eight of the victims following the admission of a said. pings Lane terrace. They had already agreed ma- to fl ood into the already packed “Finally. Justice. #96.” were aged 19 or under. Country will pay price if Green attacked over BHS collapse

London elects Khan: PM Guardian News and Media that Green and his family collected London £586mn in dividends, rental pay- ments and interest on loans during London Evening Standard bour leader’s ideas and policies if them and actually deliver”. their 15-year ownership of the re- London they voted for Khan. Ahead of a visit to British Trans- etail tycoon Sir Philip Green tailer. Meanwhile, BHS made pay- He told the Standard: “Unless port Police, he praised Goldsmith’s is facing calls to give up his ments of more than £25mn to Re- the voters of London act they will commitment to provide an extra Rknighthood if he does not tail Acquisitions, the consortium avid Cameron yesterday feel the consequences of Corbyn’s 500 offi cers on the network. pay back dividends received from led by Chappell, in the 13 months told Londoners the whole hands on the levers of power for He said: “The whole country BHS when he owned the stores since it bought the company. Dcountry would pay the the fi rst time, using our capital needs the capital to succeed and chain. The calls came as the work These payments were for manage- price if they “sleepwalk” into city as a testing ground for his ex- Londoners need a mayor who will and pensions select committee ment fees, salaries, professional electing Sadiq Khan as mayor. perimental ideas — hiking taxes stand up for them and actually confi rmed it will investigate how fees, and interest on loans. The prime minister said a La- for every London family, gutting deliver. If you struggle to get onto the BHS pension scheme, which John Mann, the Labour MP and bour victory would result in party transport investment and dam- the Tube each morning because has a defi cit of £571mn, will aff ect member of the Treasury select leader Jeremy Corbyn using the aging our economy. of overcrowding, you have to back the state-backed Pension Protec- committee, called on Green to capital as a “testing ground” for “If London sleepwalks into Zac’s action plan to invest in trans- tion Scheme (PPS). Frank Field, repay £400mn of dividends that his policies. electing Corbyn’s candidate the port. If you want to keep more of the chairman of the committee, were paid out of BHS, or give up He suggested Khan would in- whole country will pay the price.” the money you earn each month, said he plans to call Green to face his knighthood. Mann said: “Sir crease taxes, hollow out transport Khan, who the polls put in the you have to back Zac’s action plan MPs as part of the investigation. Philip Green and his family have investment and damage London’s lead, nominated Corbyn in the to freeze mayoral council tax. BHS called in administrators on made millions out of BHS and its economy if he won City Hall. Labour leadership contest but did “And if you want to protect jobs Monday, putting almost 11,000 hardworking staff . He took over a His barrage against Labour’s not vote for him. He has been tar- and growth, you have to back the jobs at risk and the PPS is set to company with a healthy pension mayoral candidate is the latest geted as the party leader’s “man in candidate who will work with my take on the company’s pension pot, yet when he sold BHS a black in a series of increasingly bit- City Hall”, with the prime minister government to keep the economy scheme. There was further bad hole had appeared in its fund. ter attacks as the Conservatives warning previously that London- strong.” news for the retail sector yesterday “Sir Philip Green has taken over desperately try to hang on to the ers would be “lab rats” for the Senior Labour fi gures believe a as clothing retailer Austin Reed £400mn out of the company and capital. Left-winger’s policies. victory in London could protect also collapsed into administration, now must be held responsible for Cameron sparked a furious Khan has insisted that he would Corbyn from a coup, even if the threatening more than 1,000 jobs. the actions that were taken under row last week by criticising the stand up for Londoners against party performs badly in Scotland, Green and Dominic Chappell, his stewardship. “There is a very Labour frontrunner for sharing a anybody who threatened their in- Wales and local councils, which who bought BHS from the billion- simple and honourable solution platform with extremists “time terests, including his own leader. are also holding elections on May aire tycoon for £1 in March 2015, to this crisis; repay the dividends, and again”. However, Cameron said Tory 5. Over the fi nal days of the cam- are facing questions about their live up to the name he has chosen Yesterday he said Londoners candidate Zac Goldsmith was the paign the Tories are concentrating management of the retailer. for his new yacht, ‘Lionheart’, or would feel the impact of the La- only one who would “stand up for on getting out their core vote. Cameron: attacks Khan The Guardian has calculated lose his knighthood.” Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 EUROPE

Geneva rejects Religious push triggers Turkish request to Turkey secularism row remove AFP/Reuters offi cial told Reuters. “We will picture of Ankara have to convey very clearly to the public that such an approach is not being considered. But frank- slain teen urkish police fi red tear ly, after yesterday’s statement, it gas to break up a protest is not going to be easy.” Tyesterday over a call for Over the past two years, the AFP the country to adopt a religious government’s Islamic push has Geneva constitution that has sparked seen it lift bans on women and concerns of creeping Islamisa- girls wearing headscarves in tion in the traditionally secular schools and the civil service. uthorities in Geneva have state. It has also limited alcohol rejected a Turkish request Offi cers in riot gear clashed sales and made eff orts to ban Ato remove an exhibition with a crowd of more than 100 mixed-sex dorms at state uni- picture that blames President demonstrators outside parlia- versities. Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the ment, an AFP photographer re- Early plans to criminalise death of a Turkish teen injured ported. Riot police use tear gas to adultery were only dropped as during anti-government dem- The group chanted “Turkey disperse demonstrators during part of Turkey’s overtures to the onstrations. will remain secular” as police a protest against parliament European Union on member- The picture depicts Berkin tussled with the crowd, detain- speaker Ismail Kahraman ship. Elvan, who spent 269 days in ing several protesters. (above), outside the Turkish Figen Yuksekdag, co-chair for a coma after being hit in the “The police’s mission is to parliament in Ankara. the leftist Peoples’ Democratic head by a police tear gas canis- protect secularism and rights. Party (HDP), said that the reli- ter during the anti-government This boy is fi ghting for a secular November, the government has gious line was a red herring. protests that rocked Istanbul in regime,” opposition MP Mahmut said it wants to revamp Turkey’s “They are trying to cover the May-June 2013. Tanal told offi cers, as he helped a 1982 constitution, drafted by the draft constitution with the holi- He died in hospital in March dazed demonstrator stand after military junta which took power ness of religion in order to pass 2014 aged 15, with his story gal- the police push. published by Turkish media. emancipation of women to the conscience” and accused Kah- after a 1980 coup. a constitution that includes the vanising opposition to Erdogan’s The row was caused by parlia- “It needs to discuss religion ... abolition of all Islamic institu- raman of “abusing religion for Several attempts so far have presidential system in a refer- government and the heavy- ment speaker Ismail Kahraman, It should not be irreligious, this tions. your dirty calculations”. fallen fl at, with opposition par- endum,” in a move to greatly ex- handed tactics used by the po- who on Monday said that the new constitution, it should be a But Turkey, which once had The party’s parliamentary ties rejecting a move which tend Erdogan’s reach, she said. lice. predominantly Muslim country religious constitution.” large Christian minorities, is group leader, Levent Gok, called would give Erdogan sweeping “The people of Turkey won’t Turkey had asked Geneva’s “must have a religious consti- He said the current charter now 99% Muslim, and critics of on Kahraman to resign immedi- powers. be deceived and won’t fall for government to remove the pic- tution”, alarming those worried was already religious because President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ately. But Kahraman’s comments this lie,” she added. ture of Elvan displayed in a pho- the ruling Justice and Develop- it declared Islamic holidays as have accused him of trying to Is- Shortly afterwards, Kahraman worried defenders of the consti- Turkey is overwhelmingly tography exhibition across the ment Party (AKP) is boosting public holidays, even if fails to lamise society. released a statement saying that tution who fear the government Sunni Muslim, but one-fi fth of street from the United Nations Islamism. cite “Allah” once. Kahraman’s comments he had been expressing his own is intensifying its campaign. its 78mn population is estimated complex. “Why should we be in a situa- Turkish society has been di- were booed by MPs from Tur- opinion, not that of the party. The AKP holds 317 of the 550 to be Alevi, which draws from The exhibition was supported tion where we are in retreat from vided on the subject since the key’s main opposition Repub- Mustafa Sentop, a senior AKP seats in parliament and needs Shia, Sufi and Anatolian folk by the city and press freedom religion?” he said. 1920s when Mustafa Kemal lican People’s Party (CHP), member who heads a parlia- 330 votes in order to hold a ref- traditions. group Reporters Without Bor- As speaker, Kahraman is over- Ataturk transformed the former the staunchly secularist party mentary commission on consti- erendum on proposed constitu- Turkey is also home to about ders. seeing eff orts to draft a new text. Ottoman Empire into a secular founded by Ataturk. tutional reform, said a draft text tional changes, leaving it with 13 100,000 Christians and 17,000 In a statement, Geneva said “For one thing, the new con- nation-state, separating Islamic CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaro- retained the precept of secular- votes to fi nd. Jews. that it was “committed to free- stitution should not have secu- law from secular law. glu said a secular constitution ism and his party had not even “These statements are going A Pew survey from 2013 dom of expression” and would larism,” Kahraman said, ac- He created a modern repub- was “a guarantor of all faiths. It discussed removing it. to complicate eff orts towards a showed 12% of Turks want Sha- “maintain its authorisation for cording to videos of his speech lic, enforcing reforms from the means freedom of religion and Since the AKP’s re-election in new constitution,” a senior AKP riah to be offi cial law. this exhibition”, which runs until May 1. The display of 58 photographs showcases the work of Demir Sonmez, a Swiss citizen of Kurd- ish and Armenian origin, who Ankara promises to told AFP that his objective was to highlight “the multiple struggles of the people”. protect all returned The contentious photograph depicts Elvan with a caption un- derneath that reads: “My name asylum-seekers is Berkin Elvan. The police killed me, on the order of Turkey’s prime minister.” Reuters tected from refoulement”. Erdogan was prime minister Brussels Greek authorities should now when Elvan was injured on his take that into account when de- way to buy bread during the so- ciding who to send back, Schinas called Gezi Park protests. urkey has promised to told a daily news briefi ng. In an e-mail to AFP, the Turk- protect all asylum-seekers A Turkish offi cial in Ankara ish consulate in Geneva insisted Tsent back from Europe, said: “We have given the EU an that Ankara respects “freedom not just Syrians, the European assurance that non-Syrians will of choice for the artist”, but Union said yesterday, hoping to have the same rights when they claimed that the image was “un- ease concerns about the main EU come back as they had when they fair and unrealistic” with respect strategy to stem the migrant fl ow were leaving Turkey. The EU in- to the role of Erdogan in Elvan’s into Greece. sisted on this.” story. The number of people reach- Neither Turkey nor the Com- The picture also caused “dis- ing Greek shores from Turkey mission said what exact assur- pleasure in the Turkish commu- has dropped since late March, ances Turkey had off ered. nity in Geneva”, the e-mail said. when a deal between Turkey and In return for taking back all Elvan’s death was followed by the European Union took eff ect those arriving in Greece and en- mass nationwide protests that allowing them to be returned. suring fewer depart from Tur- were also largely put down by But relatively few, just over key in the fi rst place, Ankara the police. 340, have been sent back so far, was promised more EU funding, partly because Turkey, which swifter visa-free travel to Europe applies the Geneva Convention for its citizens and revived EU Shop owner fined on refugees only to Europeans, accession talks. off ers limited protection to Syr- Turkey has complained that A migrant looks yesterday at the listing decommissioned passenger ferry Panagia Tinou, at the port of Piraeus, near Athens. €500 over sexist ians and no legal guarantees for the EU has been too slow in dis- opening hours other nationalities. bursing an agreed €3bn to im- Brussels had said Ankara must prove conditions for some 2.7mn A shopkeeper has been fined change that to allow the EU to Syrian refugees living on its soil. €500 ($560) for ordering scale up the returns without the Some €187mn have been al- Migrants trickle back to Turkey from Greece diff erent opening hours for men risk of violating international located so far but EU Commis- and women at his store in the humanitarian laws. sioner for Economic and Finan- French city of Bordeaux, his That includes a ban on re- cial Aff airs Pierre Moscovici said Reuters ported from the island of Lesbos process is completed in the best tioned whether the deal is legal lawyer said yesterday. foulement, or sending people in Ankara yesterday that the bloc Athens to the Turkish town of Dikili and possible way,” he said. or moral. Jean-Baptiste Michalon, the back to where their safety is at would deliver. fi ve were ferried back from Chi- Under deal, arrivals in Greece They are also concerned owner of a general store who risk. “We can pull that (funding) to- os to Cesme, police said. Most from Turkey after March 20 face about whether Turkey is a converted to Islam in 2012, EU spokesman Margaritis gether ... it will be ready,” he told wo ferries left Greece for were Afghans. being sent back if they do not “safe” country for returnees. created uproar when he pasted Schinas said the European Com- Reuters. Turkey yesterday with None had requested asylum apply for asylum in Greece or if In Geneva, the United Na- a notice outside his store in mission had received written as- The European Commission T18 migrants on board, as in Greece, a government offi cial their application is rejected. tions’ World Food Programme June 2015 indicating diff erent surances “that non-Syrians in also reiterated it aimed to open a government spokesman said said. In return, the EU will take in (WFP) said it was concerned shopping hours for men and need of international protection another section – on budget Athens was doing all it could to Greece has said authorities thousands of Syrian refugees about the plight of Syrian refu- women. returned from Greece to Turkey and fi nance – in Turkey’s long- process returnees under a deal would start ruling on asylum directly from Turkey and reward gees in Turkey, with around “Sisters” were invited to shop will be able to apply and receive stalled EU accession talks by the with Turkey intended to stem a applications in late April, but Ankara with more money, early 90% of them outside offi cial on Saturdays and Sundays only, that protection and will be pro- end of June. huge refugee infl ux into Europe. requests have been piling up and visa-free travel for its citizens camps, often without work and while “brothers” were told they Just over 340 people have so it has been criticised for being and progress in negotiations to in makeshift accommodation. could shop on week days. Clashes break out at migrant camp on Greek island far been returned to Turkey un- too slow to process them. join the bloc. WFP Spokeswoman Bettina Michalon quickly abandoned der the accord, agreed with the Giorgos Kyritsis, government About 8,000 refugees and Luescher told journalists that it the plan faced with a swell of Stone-throwing migrants clashed with police yesterday at the Moria de- European Union in March after spokesman for the migration migrants are currently on Greek aimed to expand its electronic negative reaction, and his shop tention centre on the Greek island of Lesbos shortly after the Dutch and more than 1mn people fl eeing crisis, said that Athens was “not islands, having arrived after the food card system, which enables has since closed its doors. Greek migration ministers toured the former army camp. war and poverty in the Middle cutting corners (and) ... not de- deal was implemented. refugees to shop in local stores, “We put this in place at the Plumes of smoke billowed from the compound that Pope Francis visited East and beyond reached the laying”. The United Nations High to reach more than half a mil- request of the sisters who only 10 days ago. continent last year. “We’re sticking to the legal Commissioner for Refugees and lion people living in cities across preferred when my wife was A police spokesman said garbage bins in a wing for young migrants had Yesterday 13 people were de- procedure so that the asylum human rights groups have ques- Turkey. behind the counter. It is a shop been set on fire and the unrest spread from there. where we sell clothes,” Michalon Aid workers said tensions had been building in the camp for days but it told AFP at the time. was unclear what triggered the unrest in the centre, which came soon Michalon’s lawyer Tristram Heliot after a visit by the Dutch and Greek migration ministers, Klaas Dijkhoff told AFP that the shop owner and Yiannis Mouzalas. Volunteer soldiers replacing police at border “admitted it was a blunder and Refugees and migrants have been held at the hillside detention centre tactless”. under terms of a March 20 deal between the European Union and Turkey Politicians slammed the move, as to stem the migrant flow into Europe. Reuters burden on police in coping with border controls at the German taken this step now ... so that did Bordeaux’s chief Imam Tareq It stipulates that migrants who do not qualify for political asylum must be Copenhagen an infl ux of migrants from the border on January 4. 165 police offi cers can be moved Oubrou. returned to Turkey. Middle East and Africa, justice A force of 140 Home Guard is from the border and back to “We never saw this during the “Riot police are conducting an operation in and out of the camp at the minister Soren Pind said yes- expected to replace 165 police their districts.” time of the Prophet. Markets moment,” the police spokesman said. enmark will deploy sol- terday. offi cers in June. In 2015, the number of asy- were mixed. It seems a bit Off icial data showed there were 4,313 refugees and migrants on Lesbos diers of its volunteer Denmark, a member of the “We can see that the police lum-seekers in Denmark rose strange to me in a world where yesterday. The vast majority of them are held at Moria. DHome Guard at its bor- border-free Schengen agree- is under heavy pressure,” Pind to 21,000 from 14,815 the year social mixing is an established der with Germany to ease the ment, reinstated temporary said in a statement. “So we’ve before. culture,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 23 EUROPE ‘Horror dentist’ sentenced to prison for eight years

Reuters/AFP many as eight teeth pulled out in broken jaws, recurrent abscesses 100 patients with the aim of hav- But by 2011, the authorities joined a victims’ group set up in sought to defl ect responsibility, Paris one sitting, infections and bills of and septicaemia in the small cen- ing them reimbursed by medical were starting to question some of early 2013. saying that he suff ers from “psy- tens of thousands of euros. tral town of Chateau-Chinon. insurance schemes. his accounting practices, and pa- Prosecutors retained the chological problems” including “This is a massive relief. We He was found guilty of the Jaillon-Bru said that he took tients were starting to compare charge of mutilation against 53 gender identity issues and sui- Dutchman dubbed the must be very careful from now on charge of “mutilation” as well as “pleasure at causing pain” to his notes on his dentistry. of the victims for the trial, while cidal tendencies. “horror dentist” by when we get practitioners from premeditation violence and fraud patients. The court heard nightmarish another 20 cases were fi led under The trial heard confl icting ex- AFrench media was sen- abroad,” said Nicole Martin, the over claims that he tried to rip off Van Nierop, who called himself tales, including one from Sylvi- “premeditated violence”. pert opinion about Van Nierop’s tenced to eight years in jail yes- head of a group of patients who patients and insurance compa- Mark, was hired by a head-hunt- ane Boulesteix, 65, who saw Van The court let Van Nierop off on psychological state. terday for mutilating patients’ took legal action against Jaco- nies. er and was initially welcomed Nierop in March 2012 to have charges against six patients and One psychiatrist found he had mouths and defrauding social bus van Nierop, who had fl ed to The court also banned him by locals into an area which was braces fi tted. some fraud accusations. “narcissistic tendencies” and security services. Canada but was extradited back from practising as a dentist and lacking in medical services. “He gave me seven or eight During the trial Van Nierop was therefore incapable of mak- The verdict was delivered by a to France. fi ned him €10,500 ($11,900). Giving evidence in court, a injections, and pulled out eight sat stony-faced, replying mostly ing a moral judgment of his own court in Nevers, in central France, Van Nierop, 51, went on trial During the trial, prosecutor neighbour recalled the arrival of teeth in one go. I was gushing only “no comment” to any ques- actions. where local media relayed gory in March for ripping out healthy Lucile Jaillon-Bru said Van Ni- a smiley, larger-than-life char- blood for three days,” Boulesteix tions. But another found he was tales, some from old-aged pen- teeth and leaving dozens of pa- erop had carried out “useless and acter, with a “big 4x4, a big dog, said. He was not required to of- “perfectly aware of what he was sioners who spoke of having as tients with injuries including painful procedures” on about a big cigar”. Around 120 former patients fer a plea under French law, but doing”.

Court bans smoking area in 30 years on, Chernobyl school

AFP Paris disaster is remembered By Olga Shylenko, AFP French court has ruled Chernobyl that a high school outside AParis must stop allowing pupils to smoke on its premis- krainians held candlelit es, banning a security measure vigils yesterday to mark adopted by many schools since U30 years since the world’s terrorist attacks on the capital in worst nuclear accident at Cher- November. nobyl spewed radiation across The original move to allow Europe and left several thousand smoking inside school grounds people dead or dying. was a bid to stop high school pu- Church bells rang and mourn- pils crowding on pavements out- ers laid fl owers at Chernobyl’s side to grab a quick smoke be- memorial square as the clock tween classes, which authorities turned 1.23am – the moment and some parents feared could the plant’s reactor number four make them a target for attacks. exploded and changed the fate The Paul Lapie high school of a generation living across the in Courbevoie, a northwestern former Soviet Union. A woman cries at the Chernobyl victims’ memorial in Kiev. suburb of Paris, is one of three “There was crying and taken to court by anti-smoking screaming,” local pensioner Chernobyl and the Fukushima on unauthorised US fuel”. groups, who are up in arms at the Maria Urupa told AFP as she re- disaster in Japan in 2011 was Chernobyl’s reactor exploded decision to allow teenagers to called the terror that struck lo- that “safety can never be taken on April 26 and burned for 10 smoke in schools a decade after cals as they watched poisonous for granted”, IAEA chief Yukiya days in a disaster that horrifi ed the practice was banned. clouds of radiation waft in from Amano said. the world but which locals only The administrative court said the plant. But Poroshenko said his coun- heard about through rumours the school’s principal must “en- At least 30 people were killed try “will not be able to stop using and tidbits from jammed West- sure the respect of public health on site and several thousand atomic power” as it tries to wean ern radio broadcasts. An exterior view of the New laws banning smoking in school more are feared to have died itself off its energy dependence The Communist Party kept Safe Confinement (NSC) establishments”. from radiation in what Ukrain- on its former master Russia. to its steadfast tradition of say- structure, with the Education Minister Najat Val- ian President Petro Poroshenko He also warned that Rus- ing nothing or lying in order to sarcophagus covering the laud-Belkacem said she would said “appears to have been the sia’s alleged support for a pro- keep the public from learning of damaged fourth reactor – seen ensure the ban is applied in all world’s largest man-made ca- Moscow insurgency in the east a tragedy that could tarnish the in the background – at the schools. tastrophe”. was threatening a repeat of the image of the Cold War-era su- Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Shortly after the November The exact number of dead re- Chernobyl catastrophe – be- perpower. 13 attacks on Paris nightspots mains a subject of intense debate cause Ukraine has its largest International suspicions were fl ames and clean up surrounding and the national stadium which because the Soviet authorities nuclear plant on the very edge of only raised on April 28 after lands. left 130 dead, the Islamic State kept most of the information the war zone. Sweden detected an unexplained A UN report in 2005 esti- (IS) group issued threats against about the disaster hidden. “Do not forget that warfare rise in its own radiation levels. mated that “up to 4,000” people French schools. More than 200 tonnes of ura- was being waged only a few “Nobody told us anything. could eventually perish from the Under the state of emergency nium remain inside the crippled kilometres from the Zaporizhia There was only silence,” local invisible poison in Ukraine and imposed after the attacks, a cir- reactor that spattered radiation nuclear power plant,” Porosh- resident Yevgeny Markevich re- neighbouring Russia and Bela- cular signed by both the educa- across three-quarters of Europe enko said after laying fl owers called in an interview with AFP. rus. tion ministry and interior min- after a botched safety test. at the dark grey stone plaques It took the authorities a day- The Greenpeace environmen- istry was sent to schools urging Lingering fears of new leaks honouring those who died try- and-a-half to evacuate the tal group the next year issued them to avoid having pupils occurring should the ageing ing to contain the 1986 inferno 48,000 inhabitants from the its own study estimating that gather outside their premises. structure covering the toxins at Chernobyl. nearby town of Pripyat. 100,000 had already lost their Some schools then sent out crack have prompted a global Russia “was planning mili- They eventually relocated lives. Former ‘liquidators’ of the Chernobyl nuclear accident attend a letters to parents about new push to fund the construction tary activities across most parts 116,000 people that year from Fears that a structure hast- commemoration ceremony at the Chernobyl victims’ memorial in dedicated smoking areas, even of a giant new arch that should of our country, including those the 30km (19-mile) exclusion ily built over the stricken Cher- Kiev. specifying that ashtrays would keep the site safe for genera- with plenty of dangerous facili- zone that still surrounds the nobyl reactor was cracking saw be provided. tions. ties”, he said. now-dormant plant. more than 40 countries pitch in Commission. now been completed and the While many supported the The UN watchdog the Inter- Russian parliament speaker Some 600,000 people who €2.1bn ($2.4bn) for the creation The giant arch is wide and structure is being fi tted out idea, as a way to avoid children national Atomic Energy Agency Sergei Naryshkin has countered became known as “liquidators” of a new 25,000-tonne protec- tall enough to cover the Notre- with high-tech equipment that becoming sitting ducks for ter- (IAEA) used the anniversary to that the former Soviet republic – mostly emergency workers tive steel barrier in 2010. Dame Cathedral in Paris and – if everything goes according rorists, it created outrage among warn against “complacency” in was at fault for operating nucle- and state employees – were dis- About €165mn more are ex- weighs three times more than to plan – will be able to decon- anti-smoking groups. nuclear safety. ar plants that had outlived their patched with little or no protec- pected from the Group of Seven the Eiff el Tower. taminate the hazardous material Pressure group Non-Smokers’ The “key lesson” from both time of service and were “relying tive gear to help put out the toxic world powers and the European Most of the main work has inside. Rights (DNF), which fi led the complaint along with another anti-tobacco group, said that the ruling would set a precedent. “This is the confi rmation of the illegality of all smoking Lufthansa to cancel 900 fl ights in Germany zones in high schools, including in open-air spaces,” the DNF’s Stephen Lequet said of Thurs- AFP members in air safety control, ed the most,” the carrier com- and departing from Munich, day’s court ruling. Frankfurt ground services, at check-in plained. with 54,000 passengers af- A study in June 2015 showed counters and in engineering “It is unacceptable that our fected. that one in three 17-year-olds workshops at the airports. passengers are the ones feel- In Frankfurt, where the stop- smoke daily in France. ufthansa will cancel al- They are so-called “warning” ing the eff ects of the strike,” pages would last until 3pm Last week Vallaud-Belkacem most 900 fl ights in Ger- strikes intended to increase the said Lufthansa’s personnel (1300 GMT), some 350 fl ights caused outrage when she tried to Lmany today when airport pressure in a battle the union is chief Bettina Volkens. “Verdi is and 33,000 passengers would be suggest that as a solution to the ground staff are expected to join fi ghting over public sector wag- hurting an airline that off ers its grounded. security versus smoking debate, a strike called by the country’s es with local and federal govern- workforce the highest welfare In all, Lufthansa said it would “during this period of height- biggest services union, Verdi, ments. standards.” only be able to uphold around ened security, high school stu- the carrier said. Today’s strike follows simi- Lufthansa has been repeat- 40% of its regular schedule to- dents must simply be asked not Some 87,000 passengers will lar stoppages Verdi has recently edly hit by strikes over the past day, with just 500 fl ights taking to smoke”. be aff ected and 895 Lufthansa organised in other institutions, year in wage disputes of its own, off and landing in Frankfurt and This idea was criticised as A Lufthansa aircraft is seen through an escalator as it stands at a fl ights scrapped because of the including hospitals, town halls with both pilots and cabin staff 90 in Munich. “unrealistic” by the main school gate of the new Terminal 2 ‘T2 Satelllite’ passenger building of the strikes at Frankfurt, Munich, and child care centres. staging a number of walkouts It did not specify how many principals’ union SNPDEN, Franz-Josef-Strauss airport in Munich. Lufthansa will cancel almost Duesseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Lufthansa blasted the walk- over pay and early retirement fl ights would be cancelled at the which accepted the court ruling 900 flights in Germany today when airport ground staff are Dortmund and Hanover air- outs. provisions. smaller airports of Duesseldorf, but felt it had been let down by expected to join a strike called by the country’s biggest services ports, it said. “We are not involved in the Lufthansa said that it has Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund and the education ministry. union, Verdi, the carrier said. The walkouts are by Verdi dispute, but we’re being aff ect- cancelled 545 fl ights arriving Hanover. “We have been placed in a dif- fi cult situation, this circular al- lowed us to create special zones Algerian held in Austria planned to take part in Paris attacks: Le Monde Sweden on alert for possible IS attack inside schools. We feel aban- doned now,” said SNPDEN na- One of two men arrested late last year at suicide bombers targetting the French brothers who eventually blew themselves up Sweden has received intelligence about a possible attack on the tional secretary Joel Lamoise. a Salzburg refugee camp has said he had capital, but his progress through Europe was near the Stade de France national stadium capital by Islamic State (IS) militants, local media reported yesterday, Lamoise has argued that “the been planning to join the group of suicide hampered by authorities along the way, and outside Paris, the paper said. and security services said they were investigating undisclosed terrorist risk is much greater bombers that struck Paris last November, he has been in custody since his arrest along The attacks, claimed by Islamic State (IS) and “information”. right now than the health risk. French media reported yesterday. with a 22-year old Pakistani in Austria last in which co-ordinated groups of militants hit Newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen as well as public broadcaster Between two diseases we are try- Contacted by Reuters, the Paris prosecutor’s December, French daily Le Monde said. cafes and a concert venue, killed 130 people Swedish Radio, citing unnamed sources, reported the information was ing to deal with the worst”. off ice declined to comment. “They told me I was supposed to go to in and around Paris on November 13. related to the threat of an attack, possibly in the capital Stockholm. But for Corinne Depagne, a A spokesman for the prosecutors’ off ice in France, to carry out a mission, and that I Haddadi and the Pakistani, Muhamad Usman, Expressen reported that Swedish security police (SAPO) had received mother and pneumologist in Salzburg stood by a statement issued in would receive instructions there,” Haddadi were first arrested in Leros during a passport intelligence from Iraq that seven or eight Islamic State (IS) fighters had the central city of Lyon, that is February in which it said it was verifying told Austrian police on February 12, Le check on October 3, 2015. entered Sweden with the intention of attacking civilian targets. an outrageous view in a country whether there was a connection. Monde reported. Both were released three weeks later and A security police spokeswoman said she would not comment on any where 200 people die a day from Adel Haddadi, a 29-year old Algerian, was The two men travelled together from Syria continued their journey to Austria, where specific details of a threat, but said it was working with regular police as smoking-related disorders. initially part of a commando of non-European to the Greek island of Leros with two Iraqi they were re-arrested. well as national and international partners. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 INDIA

SOCIETY INVESTIGATION FASHION SHOW ELECTION TRAGEDY Crime graph down Suspected IM activist Handicapped children BJP, Congress win equal Policemen’s celebratory after Bihar liquor ban arrested at airport to walk the ramp seats in Gandhinagar firing leaves boy dead

The complete ban on liquor in Bihar is showing A suspected Indian Mujahiddeen (IM) The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and A teenaged boy was killed and two injured positive results - crimes as well as road activist wanted by Maharashtra, Karnataka yesterday announced an association with the Congress won an equal number of seats in Uttar Pradesh yesterday when a group accidents have come down in the last 20 days, and Gujarat for various acts of terror Tamana, a non-profit organisation, which works in the election to the municipal corporation of of policemen went on a firing spree while off icials said yesterday. “Crime rates have including the July 2011 triple blasts of with the multiple challenged and autistic children, Gujarat’s capital Gandhinagar, throwing up a celebrating the engagement of a family dropped by 27% and road accidents by 33% Mumbai was arrested from the Mumbai to host a Khadi fashion show titled Inclusion tie. The polling for the second term of the GMC member, police said yesterday. After the after the liquor ban came into eff ect on April airport yesterday, a senior police off icer Beyond Boundaries in New Delhi. The fashion was held on Sunday. By-elections to 10 taluka “tilak” ceremony of a man, his policemen 5. This off icial data was presented before Chief said. The IM operative, identified as Zain-ul extravaganza attempts inclusion of the diff erently panchayat seats in five districts were also held relatives late Monday fired at least 50 Minister Nitish Kumar during a review meeting Abedin, was nabbed at Chhattrapati Shivaji abled into the world of fashion. The exhibition simultaneously. The BJP has won seven, leaving rounds to “express happiness” at the event. here,” said an off icial from the Chief Minister’s International Airport where the Maharashtra will be held on Saturday at the Hyatt Regency the rest to the Congress. The BJP earlier had The celebratory firing took place in Mahsui Off ice. According to off icial figures, compared Anti-Terrorist Squad had laid a trap for him, Hotel, the hospitality partner for the event, only one of these rural seats in five districts village. By the time the celebrations ended, to 3,178 incidents of crime reported from Patna said Special Inspector General of Police according to a statement. The show will bring while the Congress had six. Meanwhile, the BJP 15-year-old Mahendra was killed and two division during April 1-23 last year, after the ban (ATS) Niket Kaushik. The three blasts on July forward creations of 10 FDCI designers including and the Congress have won one seat each in two people, Gaurish and Rohit, were left with on liquor, the crime graph registered a decline 13, 2011, at Dadar, Opera House and Zaveri Abraham & Thakore, Anju Modi, Gaurav Jai by-elections. The Congress has more reason to gunshot wounds. The police later arrested with 2,528 incidents in the corresponding Bazar during the evening peak hours had Gupta, J J Valaya, Payal Jain, Rahul Mishra, Rajesh cheer than the BJP as the party’s panel of four two people and impounded a licensed period this year. Riots during religious events claimed 26 lives besides injuring over 130 Pratap Singh, Rina Dhaka, Rohit Bal and Samant has won in three out of a total of eight wards, weapon. Others are still on the run with their have also come down. other people. Chauhan. while only one of the BJP’s panels could win. weapons, the police said.

Hospital launches Fire destroys pasteurised human milk bank Delhi museum

IANS New Delhi ne of India’s largest hos- housing rare pital chains yesterday Olaunched the fi rst pas- teurised human milk bank in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The ‘Amaara’ milk bank is a result of a collaboration between collections Fortis La Femme, a specialised hospital for women and new- Javadekar orders urgent fire “This is a real loss. This loss the masses, according to the mu- borns in New Delhi, and the non- audit of all museums across cannot be counted in rupees. seum’s website. profi t organisation Breast Milk the country Some very old species of fl ora The museum opened in June Foundation (BMF), an offi cial and fauna were there,” Javadekar 1978, coinciding with the World statement said. Agencies said. Environment Day. “The Amaara Milk Bank at For- New Delhi The museum contained pre- It had both permanent and tis La Femme is Delhi-NCR’s fi rst served specimens of butterfl ies, temporary galleries, and provid- milk bank that will make avail- frogs, snakes, lizards as well as ed guided tours by trained edu- able pasteurised human milk to massive fi re yesterday mounted specimens of tigers and cational assistants. infants in our neonatal intensive damaged a museum of leopards. Gallery 1 portrayed the origin care units as well as those admit- Anatural history in the “Everything has been dam- and evolution of life and the vari- ted in other hospitals,” Bhavdeep Indian capital that had scores aged, some by fi re, some by gases ety and diversity of the fl ora and Singh, CEO of Fortis Healthcare, of rare exhibits of plants and and some by the water used to fauna in India. said in a statement. animals, among them a 160mn- douse the fl ames,” a museum Gallery 2 gave an overview of This initiative is aimed at year-old dinosaur fossil. offi cial said on the condition of major eco-systems of the world, curbing infant mortality rate by More than a hundred fi remen anonymity. role of plants as primary produc- providing pre-term babies the battled for about three hours to Added Vikas Rana, another ers, food chains, and interrela- best food that they need for sur- douse the fl ames that broke out museum offi cial: “The museum tionship among plants, animals vival. early yesterday on the top fl oor of had many fossils and species. and human beings. “India faces its own set of the National Museum of Natural Everything is lost... Around Gallery 3 dealt with many as- unique health challenges, one of History. 3,000 children from Delhi and pects of conservation of nature. them being the high vulnerability “The damage is huge,” said nearby regions used to visit it The museum provided op- associated with pre-term babies Rajesh Panwar, deputy chief of daily.” portunities to children to handle who are signifi cantly under- the Delhi Fire Service, adding Delhi Fire Service chief G C and examine specimens, partici- weight,” Singh said. that some part of the museum Mishra blamed “an electrical pate in creative activities such as “Providing human breast milk was being renovated and that its gadget” for the inferno. modelling and painting and ex- to these fragile neonates can sub- fi refi ghting system was out of “No human intervention was ploration of discovery boxes. stantially cut the risk of infection operation. involved in causing the fi re that The facility, in the heart of New and help save their lives,” Singh “If the fi re provisions were started from the seventh fl oor. Delhi, is popular with school said. working, the fi re could have been However, we have completely children, but the fi re broke out Keeping in mind the physi- controlled well in time,” he added. doused the fi re but cooling op- several hours before opening ological inability of the mother in Among the museum speci- eration is still on,” Mishra said. time. many cases to breastfeed, human mens was a 160mn-year-old di- Former prime minister Indira Plans to move the museum’s milk banks assume great impor- nosaur bone, the Times of India Gandhi initiated the idea of the collection to a state-of-the-art tance. newspaper reported. museum in 1972 on the occasion facility were under way after a Although, globally, human The extent of the damage of the 25th anniversary of India’s scathing report in 2012 by the milk banking is a common prac- would only be known once fi re of- independence. government’s public accounts tice, in India, the progress has fi cials hand back the building to She desired a museum to de- committee raised concerns about been slow and only 14 such banks the department that manages the pict India’s fl ora, fauna and maintenance. exist, the statement noted. museum, said federal Environ- mineral wealth to provide an A parliamentary panel had Key reasons for this are lack of ment Minister Prakash Javadekar, out-of-school facility for educa- criticised the environment min- awareness among the public and Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze in the building of National Museum of Natural History in New who ordered a safety review of In- tion of children and to promote istry for the “pathetic function- promotion of formula milk. Delhi yesterday. dia’s state-run museums. environmental awareness among ing” of the museum. Iconic ambassadors are going through a bad patch mitabh Bachchan is in the Aamir Khan, who told a Delhi the norm, but then again Salman description of presidential powers as chief minister of a state - just ‘Panama Papers’! Just in audience that, because of rising had been proved guilty by one would fi t the Indian president bet- 23 hours. Acase you have not been religious and ideological intoler- court and is facing the prospect of ter than anyone else. In a sense, the But Rawat is a very conscien- brought up-to-date, these so- ance, his wife had suggested they Delhi Diary a similar verdict from another. The Indian president is more ceremo- tious man! He suddenly realised called ‘papers’ are not what Pana- leave the country. Whatever and IOA will have egg on its face if the nial than presidential. that the state should not suff er manians hold in their hands while however much Khan may explain By A K B Krishnan verdict goes against Salman before History was made last week even for a minute because of the enjoying their morning ‘cuppa’ or in subsequent days, the majority the Olympics come around. Sad when the division bench of the political skullduggery that was whatever every day. They are rev- of Indians felt hurt that the man Gulf Times Correspondent that India’s iconic ambassadors are Uttarakhand High Court not only being played out in Dehradun. elations about shell companies set who was “selling” India abroad going through a bad patch. struck down a presidential order With the high court reinstat- up by tax evaders from across the was, in a sense, himself deprecat- malnourished youth in back- ment by the Indian Olympic As- but also added a few observations ing him, Rawat called a midnight world. ing the nation. of-beyond villages to build his sociation (IOA) that Salman Khan that put the so-called “highest meeting of his cabinet which Bachchan’s fi rst reaction was Mahendra Singh Dhoni is ‘Cap- biceps. In fact, his co-stars are would be the country’s ambassa- History being made offi ce” in the land in less than glo- passed as many as 11 major orders, that it must have been a mistake tain Cool’ who took the Indian near-unanimous in saying Sal- dor, no less, for the Rio De Janeiro in Uttarakhand rifi ed light. most of them populist ones like and that his name must have been cricket team to great heights on man is a hero’s hero. He is known Summer Olympics slated for this “There is nothing like unre- re-appointing more than 6,000 misused by unscrupulous ele- the world stage. Not just his game for his philanthropy as much August. Many of India’s Olym- “The people can never under- viewability. We are not sitting temporary teachers on a stipend ments. But then more evidence but his utterances in post-match among the deprived and the ghet- pians are aghast. What, they ask, stand why the president does not here to judge the political wisdom of Rs15,000 a month and hiking emerged about his participation press conferences, whether after toised as within the fi lm fraternity has Salman Khan got to do with use his supposedly great power of the president… People can go all social pensions to benefi t as in board meetings over long- a win or a defeat, set him apart itself. Stories abound of Khan ex- sports in general and Olympics to make ’em behave. Well, all the wrong. A president or judge may many as 700,000 people. Ob- distance phone calls as well as his as a man destined for still higher tending a helping hand to yester- in particular? And doesn’t India president is, is a glorifi ed pub- be an excellent person, however servers feel Rawat is preparing for exact designation in not one but things in life. A successful politi- year actors in fi nancial trouble. have its own Olympians and med- lic relations man who spends his he can also go horribly wrong,” assembly elections which may be four fi rms forcing Bachchan to ask cal career, it seemed, was Dhoni’s And then he goes on a hunting al winners who could fi t that bill? time fl attering...”-Harry S Tru- said Chief Justice K M Joseph and inevitable very soon. the media to leave him alone and for the picking. Some people even spree in Rajasthan desert and al- It is not as if we have a Carl Lewis man, president of the US (1945 to his brother Judge V K Bisht as a But all state cabinet decisions direct all queries to the govern- saw a future prime minister in legedly kills a revered animal. As if or a Nadia Comaneci or a Roger 1953). preamble to setting aside Presi- have to be approved and signed by ment. Dhoni. (Little wonder in that be- that were not enough, his car runs Federer among our ranks. But we Very often it is said the US pres- dent’s Rule in the state. the governor. Unfortunately, even Full facts are still not clear but cause those were the Manmohan over people sleeping on a Mumbai have what we have and must make ident, who can order the unleash- (It was just as well that the before Governor Krishan Kant the proposal to involve Bachchan Singh days and Rahul Gandhi pavement, instantly killing one the most it, not just “import” an ing of nuclear missiles that can learned judges added “judge” in Paul could look at the documents as India’s brand ambassador is was being positioned as a succes- and injuring four. “outsider.” destroy much of the earth, if not their comment because the Su- the next day, Rawat was out of of- under a cloud although the lat- sor). But then the Chennai Super While many Mumbai slums Obviously there is more to it all of it, is the world’s most pow- preme Court seems to think these fi ce once again and, therefore, the est reports say an announcement Kings team in the Indian Pre- celebrated Salman’s acquittal by than meets the eye. Politics must erful man. But, as Truman him- two judges, in turn, may have gone cabinet decisions could not see appointing him to that post is im- mier League, of which, naturally, the Bombay High Court after be- have played its part in project- self put it, he is at best a glorifi ed wrong, horribly or otherwise, in the light of day. minent. Regardless of what the he was the captain, got mired in ing sentenced to fi ve years in jail ing Salman as the country’s am- public relations man (or a woman, their verdict and restored Presi- P.S: Judges Joseph and Bisht government decides, Bachchan’s match-fi xing controversy and by a lower court for the pavement bassador. But a bigger question perhaps soon enough!). dent’s Rule, albeit temporarily). may have been simply pointing iconic status has taken a beating. was banished from the league it- killing, there was much chagrin would be: what will happen to There is a vast diff erence be- But more history was being out human frailties when they Come to think of it, icons are self. Dhoni apparently had little among the chatterati in television India’s Olympic ambassador if the tween the powers of a US president made in Uttarakhand. The high said a “president or a judge” can falling one after another as the role in what went on behind the studios which forced the state gov- Supreme Court fi nds him guilty and his counterpart in India. The court verdict was pronounced at go “horribly wrong”, but that media probe and subsequent scenes within the team manage- ernment to appeal to the Supreme in the hit-and-run case and sets American president is the Chief 3.30pm on April 21. That reinstat- statement carried interpretations analyses make life diffi cult for ment but somehow fi ngers started Court where the case is currently aside his acquittal by the Bombay Executive, India’s acts on the ad- ed Harish Rawat as chief minister. far beyond the case in point. By those in the public eye. Bach- pointing at him as well. The icon being heard. It seemed that anoth- High Court? Will he continue to vice of the council of ministers The Supreme Court gave its stay logical extension, judges of the chan’s brand ambassadorship was suddenly lost the sheen. er icon was primed go down. motivate the Indian team from with limited freedom of his/her order at 2.30 the following day, Supreme Court can also go horri- the result of an indiscreet state- And then there is Salman Khan, But then, all of a sudden, from behind bars? own, especially in major decisions giving Rawat the dubious distinc- bly wrong. A man can hang for no ment by the original ambassador, who can inspire even the most nowhere comes an announce- Innocent until proven guilty is on governance. Perhaps Truman’s tion of holding the shortest reign fault of his. Scary thought indeed! Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 25 INDIA India urges Pakistan to act on Pathankot air base attack

Agencies retaries in January after the as- Jaishankar and his counterpart “FS clearly conveyed that Pa- to Jadhav, a former naval of- would put their agent in the fi eld ities in Balochistan and Karachi.” New Delhi sault on the Pathankot base in Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry met in kistan cannot be in denial on the fi cer who was arrested in Balo- with their own passport, and Relations between the two Punjab - which Delhi blamed on New Delhi yesterday on the side- impact of terrorism on bilateral chistan and labelled as an agent without a visa,” a source said. countries deteriorated after the a banned Pakistan-based group lines of a regional conference. relationship. Terrorist groups of India’s Research and Analysis Both sides also discussed hu- 2008 attacks on Mumbai that ew Delhi urged Islamabad - left seven soldiers dead. “India’s FS (foreign secre- based in Pakistan must not be al- Wing (RAW) intelligence agency manitarian issues including on killed 166 people and which New yesterday to make “vis- The attack came just days after tary) emphasised the need for lowed to operate with impunity,” by Pakistan, which India has de- fi shermen and prisoners, and Delhi blames on militants based Nible progress” on a probe Prime Minister Narendra Modi early and visible progress on the he said in a statement. Chaudhry nied. people-to-people contacts in- on Pakistan soil. into a deadly attack on an Indian became the fi rst Indian leader to Pathankot terrorist attack inves- also raised the issue of the arrest Jaishankar fi rmly rebutted the cluding religious tourism. Pakistan said it raised “all Air Force base, during a meeting visit Pakistan in 11 years, raising tigation as well as the Mumbai of alleged Indian spy Kulbhush- allegations of India’s involve- According to a Pakistani state- outstanding issues” during the between their top diplomats. hopes of a softening in relations case trial in Pakistan,” external an Jadhav. ment in Balochistan or other ment, Chaudhry “expressed meeting including a dispute be- India and Pakistan postponed between the neighbours. aff airs ministry spokesman Vi- The Indian side pressed for areas of Pakistan. “In this con- serious concern over (India’s) tween the two countries over talks between their foreign sec- Indian Foreign Secretary S kas Swarup said. immediate consular access text, he asked which spy agency involvement in subversive activ- Kashmir. Share details Shiv Sena opposes Rahat’s concert of Mallya’s assets with banks: court

Agencies money was siphoned off - a New Delhi charge Mallya’s UB Group denies. Mallya’s lawyer said if his cli- ent came back, he “will be taken he Supreme Court said to Tihar Jail” adding when his yesterday details of em- “liberty is at stake how can he be Tbattled tycoon Vijay expected to return.” Mallya’s assets would be shared C A Vaidyanathan’s remarks with the banks chasing him over came when the court wanted to Rs90bn ($1.34bn) in unpaid know when his client intended loans, despite his protestations to return to India. the information should be kept “He does not have a passport,” private. said Vaidyanathan. “The mo- The court said banks should ment he will come, he will be ar- be given details of Mallya’s over- rested. Then no purpose would seas assets, as well as those of be served.” his wife and children, as India’s The court asked Mallya to attorney general branded the indicate how much money absent entrepreneur a “fugitive he would deposit as advance Shiv Sena activists tear a poster of Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s show in Ahmedabad yesterday. The concert is to be held in the Gujarat city on April 30. The from justice.” to prove that he is ready for a Shiv Sena, an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, had earlier opposed a concert by Pakistani ghazal singer Ustad Ghulam Ali in Mumbai. The 60-year-old liquor baron, meaningful negotiation with the who is being pursued by a group consortium of banks. of mostly state-run lenders over But the lawyer wanted to loans made to his collapsed car- know if the consortium was in- rier Kingfi sher Airlines, left In- terested in the recovery of the dia on March 2 and is believed to money or putting him in jail, and be in Britain. said Mallya “did not have free In an affi davit fi led last week, money” for making an upfront Mallya, who is a non-resident off er of an amount to begin with Indian (NRI), said the banks had for a negotiated settlement. no right to demand information “Do you expect this court to Mobile phones to have about his family’s overseas assets. act as your recovery offi cer,” the “The money involved belongs court asked as it was told that to banks. Mallya is playing hide most of the money that Mallya and seek with banks and moreo- could off er to prove his bona ver he is a fugitive from justice,” fi des would become available if Attorney General Mukul Rohat- it passed orders for the release of gi, who is representing the lend- money locked in diff erent fi nan- panic button from Jan ers, told the Supreme Court. cial dealings. Earlier this month the banks Parag Tripathi, who appeared Govt move comes amid the security of women,” said feasible for the manufacturers Communications and IT Minis- to “dress decently” and not rejected an off er to repay for the United Breweries (Hold- women’s safety fears the statement, released late on to re-confi gure the devices with ter Ravi Shankar Prasad is a step to loiter after dark, provoking $600mn and told the Supreme ing) Limited and Kingfi sher Fin- Monday. the panic button. towards harnessing the full po- protests from women’s rights Court they wanted him to return vest (India) Ltd told the court Agencies Keeping a fi nger pressed on “I think it is possible for tential of mobile devices which activists. to India so they could negotiate none of the money advanced by Mumbai number 5 or 9 on the new mo- manufacturers to have a panic could be a potent tool in ensur- Online retailers including with him personally over the to- the banks including IDBI was bile phones should trigger an button for new phones that are ing women’s safety. Flipkart, Amazon India and tal owed. misused by him. emergency call, the ministry going to be launched in the next Concern about women’s Snapdeal are selling products It comes days after the gov- Tripathi said all the overseas ll mobile phones sold in said. With smartphones, an year,” Jain said. safety has risen since the fatal they say are aimed at women’s ernment revoked Mallya’s pass- assets of Mallya, his estranged India from January 2017 emergency call must be trig- “Alternately, for smart- gangrape of a 23-year-old stu- safety. These include pepper port after he failed to appear be- wife and children were from the Amust have a panic but- gered when the power button phones, the government said dent on a bus in Delhi in 2012. spray, batons, brass knuckles fore investigators over a separate money they got from a trust set ton enabling the user to call is pressed three times in quick that you can either have an icon In another high-profi le case, and lipstick stun guns ranging probe into the misuse of funds at up by his father Vittal Mallya. for help, the government has succession, it said. It did not which, as soon as you press, will an Uber taxi driver was found in price from about Rs200 to al- Kingfi sher Airlines. Mallya inherited United Brew- said, amid concern for women’s give further details. go into a particular control cen- guilty of raping a female pas- most Rs7,000. A court has issued an arrest eries Group from his father at safety after a series of violent The country’s leading smart- tre or you can have a three-time senger in Delhi. India is the world’s second- warrant for Mallya after he did the age of 28 and turned it into crimes in recent years. phone manufacturers yesterday press on the on-off button that The 2012 incident sparked biggest market for mobile not turn up for questioning at one of the world’s largest spir- From January 2018, mobile said it is feasible to roll out these will send the message to a par- nationwide protests and strict- phones, with more than 1bn us- the Enforcement Directorate, a its makers, hosting extravagant phones must also have a built- features within the proposed ticular centre,” he said. er rape legislation. Still, India ers. fi nancial crimes agency which is parties with Bollywood stars and in global positioning system timeline. According to Jain, the control reported 337,922 crimes against But it is men who control seeking his extradition. politicians along the way. (GPS), the ministry of commu- According to Atul Jain, COO, centres where all the distress women in 2014, including more their use in rural areas, and in That agency’s probe relates to His profi le rose further when nications and technology said in smart electronics business at calls will go need to be set up in than 36,000 rapes, a 9% in- Gujarat several villages recently loans which IDBI bank made to he acquired a stake in the Force a statement. LeEco India, this is a welcome a structured way for quick and crease from the previous year. banned girls and single women Kingfi sher Airlines, despite al- India F1 team and ownership of “Technology is solely meant step not only for the safety of timely responses. Some politicians and police from owning mobile phones, legedly knowing it was suff ering the Royal Challengers Bangalore to make human life better and women but also for every citizen In a statement, Karbonn Mo- offi cials have called for women saying the devices distracted fi nancial troubles, and whether cricket team. what better (use) than ... for who may be in distress and it is biles said that the decision by to take self-defence training, them from their studies.

Female sadhu vows to end Bhujbal back in jail SC extends Italian life after denied holy dip marine’s home leave AFP Yesterday the Supreme AFP deep before police and district reason behind this is their male- New Delhi Court extended Latorre’s per- Ujain offi cials intervened. dominated mentality... Their view mission to stay in Italy by fi ve An akhara is a group of sadhus towards women is parochial.” months, until September 30. - reclusive ascetics or wandering It comes weeks after a Hindu he Supreme Court yes- Girone is living at Italy’s group of devout Hindu monks - who renounce normal temple in Maharashtra lifted a terday extended the embassy in New Delhi and re- women began burying life and are widely respected for centuries-old ban forbidding fe- Thome leave of an Italian mains barred from leaving In- Atheir leader alive yester- their holiness. India has more male devotees from entering, after marine accused of killing two dia pending a resolution of the day in protest at being denied than a dozen such groups, all a court said women had a funda- fi shermen, the latest episode dispute. permission to bathe in holy wa- controlled by men. mental right to worship following in a legal battle that sparked a Italy initiated arbitration ters at the Kumbh Mela festival, Bhavanta has reportedly been impassioned protests by activists. bitter diplomatic row. proceedings last year and in the latest battle for gender facing discrimination since form- Bhavanta last week went on an Massimiliano Latorre and in August the International equality at India’s religious sites. ing her all-women akhara in 2000. indefi nite fast and was admitted his fellow marine Salvatore Tribunal for the Law of the The female “sadhus” dug a Believed to be the fi rst such group to a hospital after her group was Girone are accused of shooting Sea (ITLOS) ordered India to grave near the River Ganges after in Hindu history, it has been criti- denied permission for the dip on the fi shermen while protect- suspend court proceedings which Mahant Trikal Bhavan- cised by male sadhus who claim it grounds that it was not offi cially ing an Italian oil tanker as part against the pair. ta, wearing a saff ron robe and goes against age-old customs. recognised by the male-domi- of an anti-piracy mission off ITLOS rejected Rome’s re- prayer beads, climbed in to be Witnesses at the scene yester- nated akhara administration. Kerala’s coast in 2012. quest for both marines to be buried alive. day said the leader was demand- “We have never asked the ad- The incident, which is now freed immediately pending a The protest was triggered after ing to be given the same facili- ministration to recognise us. Just subject to international arbitra- fi nal ruling. her “Pari Akhara” (Fairy Group) ties as men during the festival’s provide us some facilities,” she Former Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist tion, has badly strained relations The detention of the ma- was prevented from taking a ritual Shahi Snan, or royal bath, a mass told the English daily. Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal gets into a police between Rome and New Delhi. rines, the murder charges and dip in the holy waters of the river purifi cation ritual. “If a man can The Kumbh Mela religious van to be taken back to jail after he was discharged from Both marines were barred the long wait for the case to on Friday during the festival in Uj- do something, then woman can festival is held in Ujjain every 12 a hospital in Mumbai yesterday. Bhujbal, an accused in a from leaving India pending a be resolved are sore subjects jain in Madhya Pradesh. also do it,” she told the Hindus- years, drawing legions of wander- money laundering case, was brought to the hospital from trial, but Latorre was allowed in Italy, with Prime Minister Supporters threw fi stfuls of tan Times newspaper last week. ing holy men and women. Similar Arthur Road jail on April 18 with high blood pressure and to travel back to Italy in 2014 Matteo Renzi regularly fl ayed sand and petals on top of Bha- “They never want an inde- events are held every three years chest pain. for medical treatment after he by opposition leaders for fail- vanta, burying her nearly waist- pendent akhara of women. The in other locations around India. suff ered a stroke. ing to get both men home. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

DATA CLARIFICATION PEOPLE DECISION POLITICS 11 dead in Rio Olympics Immigration status for Guatemala ex-president Palm oil company told Kenji Fujimori to run for construction works Cubans to stay, says US faces new corruption case to halt Peru planting president if sister loses

A total of 11 people have been killed over the A US state department official yesterday said The former president of A palm oil industry body has ordered a member Kenji Fujimori, the youngest son of imprisoned last three years on construction projects for the Washington has no plans to change a Cold Guatemala, Otto Perez Molina, company with a 5,000 hectare concession in ex-president Alberto Fujimori, said he will run for Rio Olympics, an off icial said. “It’s a frightening War-era law granting special immigration and his former vice president Peru to stop developing new plantations until it president in 2021 if his sister Keiko Fujimori does number,” said Robson Leite, inspector for the benefits to Cubans, despite President Barack Roxana Baldetti are facing can prove it has not cleared any primary forest. not win a tight run-off election on June 5. The labour off ice in Rio de Janeiro. He compared Obama’s moves toward normalised relations new corruption charges. The dispute comes amid growing concerns comment contradicted Keiko Fujimori’s pledge the toll in a single city to the eight killed during with the island country. “There continues to be They are accused of having from environmentalist and indigenous that no Fujimori would seek the presidency in construction of sites for the football World a large migration flow out of Cuba. It reflects accepted bribes for the communities about the rapid expansion of oil the next election - part of her ongoing eff ort to Cup hosted around Brazil in 2014. The fatalities the difficult economic and human rights construction of a container palm plantations in the Peruvian Amazon in shore up her democratic credentials with voters occurred during construction between 2013 conditions in the country,” Francisco Palmieri, port at Puerto Quetzal, recent years. The Roundtable on Sustainable wary of a return to the authoritarian rule of her and 2016. According to Leite, the most deadly principal deputy assistant secretary in state’s according to legal documents. The ex-president Palm Oil said Plantaciones Pucallpa S A C might father, Alberto Fujimori. “The decision is mine,” project has been the extension of the metro Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, told a rejected the accusations. Perez Molina and have violated its rules aimed at protecting the Kenji Fujimori said on Twitter. “Only in the event system, with three people dying on the new line senate sub-committee hearing. “We have no Baldetti are already on trial on separate charges environment. “It appears that Plantaciones that Keiko does not win the presidency, I will run 4. Two workers died at the Olympic Park, where plans to change the Cuban Adjustment Act at of criminal association, corruption and fraud in cleared forest progressively since 2011,” RSPO in 2021.” Peruvian law bars family members of most competitions will take place. this time,” Palmieri said. connection with a customs fraud investigation. complaints co-ordinator Ravin Krishnan said. presidents from immediately succeeding them. Brazil party divided over joining future Temer govt

Reuters the PSDB to join Temer to help Brasilia restore credibility in economic policy, but many inside the party are wary of the risks in terms of razil’s largest opposition future elections of failing to pull party is divided over how the country out of its worst re- Bstrongly to back a new in- cession since the 1930s. terim government if it succeeds Party leader Aecio Neves, who in having President Dilma Rous- narrowly lost to Rousseff in 2014 seff stripped of offi ce, as it eyes and is expected to run again in a run at the presidency in 2018, 2018, said last week that he does senior members said. not want party members to ac- The Brazilian Social Democ- cept ministerial positions in a racy Party (PSDB) will support Temer cabinet. a government led by Vice Presi- However, senator Jose Serra, a Members of the communist party pay tribute next to the tomb of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda during the reburial of his remains inside of his house-museum in Isla Negra city, dent Michel Temer from the former health minister who has Chile, yesterday . aisles of Congress if the left- his own presidential ambitions, leaning Rousseff is unseated next is keen to be a minister and the month, but the party is split over vice president wants him in, said whether to join his cabinet. lawmaker Bruno Araujo, leader The Senate picked a commit- of the PSDB in the lower house. tee stacked with supporters of Araujo said the majority po- impeachment that will report sition within the PSDB ahead back on whether to put Rousseff of the this month’s vote in the on trial on charges of deliberate- lower house had been to support Mystery lingers as Chile ly breaking budget laws to boost Temer, but not enter his gov- her re-election bid in 2014. ernment. Since then, pressure Only fi ve of the committee’s has increased on the PSDB from 21 members have declared their many sectors of Brazilian society support for the leftist president. to help make a Temer govern- The lower house voted this ment succeed, he said. month there were grounds for a “There is a growing feeling in reburies Neruda remains trial. If the Senate agrees to put the party that if it does not take her on trial in a May 12 vote, as the risk of joining the Temer AFP threw Socialist president Salva- bacterial infection in Neruda’s AFP that since so much time in state in the Congress in San- expected, Rousseff will immedi- cabinet, Brazilians will suspect Isla Negra dor Allende in a bloody coup. remains, rekindling his family’s had passed, there was a risk the tiago on Monday after being ately be suspended from offi ce for it wanted Temer to fail,” Araujo The writer, who was also a suspicions. tests would be inconclusive. transferred from the forensic the period of the proceedings. said by telephone. prominent member of the Chil- The Chilean interior ministry “Even though all the evidence medical service where it was ex- She denies any wrongdoing. The PSDB will meet on May 3 hile yesterday reburied ean Communist party, had been said the strain of bacteria, Sta- points to a crime, it will be tech- amined. Some 20 family mem- Meanwhile, Temer, whose to set its position, mindful that Nobel prize-winning preparing to fl ee into exile in phylococcus aureus, does not nically very diffi cult to prove,” bers and offi cials at the foun- Brazilian Democratic Movement if it stays out of the government Cpoet Pablo Neruda’s re- Mexico to lead the resistance occur naturally and may have he said. dation that handles Neruda’s Party (PMDB) quit the govern- and Temer turns the country mains after exhuming them against Pinochet’s regime. been grown in a lab. DNA analy- But “anyone who sees the works were present yesterday ment last month, is preparing around, it could pay the price in to determine whether he was He died in a Santiago clinic sis of the bacteria is ongoing. thousands of volumes of evi- as the fl ag-draped casket was to govern. Former central bank the 2018 elections. assassinated by late dictator where he was being treated for In February, a Chilean court dence” will conclude that Ner- lowered back into the ground at governor Henrique Meirelles is Serra was interested in be- Augusto Pinochet’s regime - a prostate cancer - the offi cial ordered the poet’s remains to be uda was assassinated, he added. his scenic, boat-shaped house emerging as the top candidate coming fi nance minister, a po- mystery that still lingers. cause of his death. returned to his grave. The judge Pinochet, who ruled Chile overlooking the Pacifi c coast. to become fi nance minister, a sition that would enhance his Three years after they were But doubts have surrounded told forensic analysts to keep for 17 years, installed a regime A small group of Communist source familiar with the talks presidential hopes for 2018, but disinterred to be tested for traces his death since his former driv- small bone samples on hand for that killed some 3,200 leftist party activists watched from a said. party insiders say Temer will of- of poison, a casket bearing Ner- er claimed Neruda was given a further tests, if needed. activists and other suspected distance, breaking into chants Investors are looking to Temer fer him other portfolios, such as uda’s remains was buried at his mysterious injection in his chest. Neruda won the Nobel prize opponents. He died in 2006 at honoring “comrade Pablo Ner- to restore confi dence in Latin health. former home in the resort town An international team of in 1971 “for a poetry that with age 91 without ever being con- uda.” America’s largest economy. Bra- As health minister in 2001, of Isla Negra, facing the Pacifi c specialists who examined the the action of an elemental force victed for the crimes committed He was laid to rest alongside zil was stripped of its coveted Serra defi ed the international ocean in line with his last wishes. remains are due to release their brings alive a continent’s des- by his regime. Twenty-six years his late wife and muse, well- investment-grade credit rating pharmaceuticals industry and Neruda, a celebrated poet, fi ndings in May. tiny and dreams,” in the words after the return to democracy, known soprano Matilde Urrutia. in December amid the worst re- allowed generic copies of brand- politician, diplomat and bohe- Forensic scientists at the of the award committee. Neruda is hailed as a hero in his “I feel proud that they lis- cession in decades and an acute name drugs to be made in Brazil mian, died in 1973 aged 69, just University of Murcia in Spain The lawyer who brought the home country. tened to me once and for all,” fi scal crisis. without the permission of the days after Pinochet, then the said last year they had identi- case to have the remains exam- His coffi n, draped in a red, the poet’s former driver, Manuel Business leaders are pressing company that owns the patent. head of the Chilean army, over- fi ed a massive, unexplained ined, Eduardo Contreras, told white and blue Chilean fl ag, lay Araya, said. Court rejects bill to Subsidy demand Colombia president names new cabinet cut Maduro’s term Reuters some changes to the cabinet Bogota to ensure that in the coming months we get ever closer to AFP tional amendment to cut short opposition hopes to do by the those objectives.” Caracas immediately a term of offi ce of end of the year. olombian President The entire cabinet resigned someone popularly elected, such Electoral authorities have so Juan Manuel Santos has last week, standard procedure as the president of the repub- far blocked that bid too, however. Cnamed a new cabinet to before the president shuffl es enezuela’s Supreme Court lic, is an act of fraud against the Maduro’s critics say he also strengthen his government as his cabinet. has rejected the opposi- constitution.” controls the electoral board. The peace talks with Marxist Farc The cabinet shuffl e comes Vtion’s latest bid to cut short The opposition leader in the opposition has called for dem- rebels enter their fi nal phase as the centre-right Santos’ ap- the term of President Nicolas legislature, Henry Ramos Allup, onstrations in front of its offi ces and as the economy struggles proval ratings have slumped Maduro, whose opponents blame denied that the amendment was across the country today. with slumping oil revenue and and talks with the Farc failed to him for a severe economic crisis. unconstitutional and criticised Maduro has vowed to hold on to increasing infl ation. meet a self-imposed March 23 The court ruled that a consti- the court for vetoing it before it power and press on with the so- Santos said the new line-up deadline. tutional amendment proposed had a second reading. cialist “revolution” launched by would be “a cabinet of peace” While Colombians are en- by opposition lawmakers could “You are the ones committing his late predecessor Hugo Chavez. and “one that would consoli- thusiastic at the prospect of an not be applied retroactively or constitutional fraud,” he wrote Venezuela’s economy has date the economy.” He called end to the confl ict that has killed immediately to Maduro’s cur- on Twitter, branding the Su- plunged along with the price of on each new minister to help more than 220,000 people since rent term as the bill proposed. preme Court judges “outlaws.” the oil on which it relies for for- the nation navigate a post- it began in 1964, they have be- It said that would violate “the Maduro has successfully eign revenues. confl ict period once there is come impatient at the pace of will of the people” who elected blocked previous bills in the Na- Citizens are suff ering short- an end to fi ve decades of war talks coupled with a slowing him. The opposition vowed to tional Assembly by appealing to ages of medicines and goods such with the Farc, or Revolutionary economy, high infl ation and the oust Maduro when it took con- the Supreme Court, which crit- as toilet paper and cooking oil. Armed Forces of Colombia. prospect of additional taxes. trol of the legislature in January ics say he controls. On Monday, the government “Colombia today lives in a The government will send after winning elections. Attacking Maduro on another started turning off the electricity very special moment, when we to congress later this year a Lower house lawmakers last front, the opposition has also supply in its 10 most populous are nearing peace, when post- tax reform that will seek to fi ll week approved on a fi rst reading tried to call a direct referendum states for four hours a day to deal confl ict and its challenges and a fi nancing gap left by declin- a bill proposing to reduce presi- on whether to remove him from with a severe power shortage. It opportunities are looming, and ing revenue as global oil prices dential terms from six years to offi ce. said the measure would last for when we continue to strength- slumped. four. That bill would also have to Maduro reached the halfway 40 days. en our economy, reducing pov- Finance Minister Mauricio be approved in a referendum to point of his six-year term last The country’s biggest brew- erty and inequality,” Santos Cardenas kept his post in the enter into force. week. Under the constitution he ery, Cerveceria Polar, said last People in wheelchairs protest in La Paz, Bolivia, demanding a said in a televised address. Cabinet, as did Defence Min- The court said in its ruling can now be removed from offi ce week it will stop production be- increase in subsidy payments. “For this particular mo- ister Luis Carlos and Foreign that “trying to use a constitu- in a recall referendum, which the cause of raw material shortage. ment I have decided to make Minister Maria Angela Holguin. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 27 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN Zardari-led PPP on a mission to uncover Nawaz ‘graft’ trail

Internews some of the country’s top law- suggest to the party leadership Supreme Court, Khosa said the bers of the Sharif family, in- money laundering charges could ommended that instead of Islamabad yers has started its homework to the forums to be approached legal team was utilising all re- cluding Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz be proven. constituting a commission, a prove the premier guilty on cor- against the Sharif family. sources to gather evidence of Sharif, were accused of launder- Khosa also rejected the terms parliamentary panel should in- ruption charges. Ultimately, the PPP leaders mega corruption against the ing up to Rs642.7mn. Khosa said of references (ToRs) of the pro- vestigate the Panama leaks while he legal team of Paki- Aitzaz Ahsan, Latif Khosa, Fa- would decide about the utilisa- prime minister and his family. the 45-page confessional state- posed Panama leaks inquiry the ToRs should mention PM stan People’s Party led rooq H Naek and Nayyar Bukhari tion of evidence collected by the “The corruption of Shar- ment of Finance Minister Ishaq commission, saying any probe and opposition leader’s names. Tby former president Asif are the legal eagles on the mission. team. Bukhari would also fi le an ifs revealed in Panama Papers Dar recorded before the Lahore must be through forensic audits. Talking to reporters, she urged Zardari has started collecting “It is not an easy task but we application in the National As- lies under the off ence of money district magistrate on April 25, He claimed the government all institutions to start self-ac- evidence of alleged corruption have started working on it and sembly and the Election Com- laundering, smuggling as well as 2000, was also being examined. intentionally drew such com- countability adding that lawyers against Prime Minister Nawaz we will hold another special mission of Pakistan (ECP), seek- criminal off ence,” he said. The team is contacting cy- plicated ToRs so the commis- were keenly observing when the Sharif and his family in the wake meeting this week to consider ing the complete asset details of He added the legal team was ber and fi nancial crime experts, sion could not conclude its judiciary would take action against of the Panama leaks scandal. these matters,” Bukhari said. PM Nawaz. examining the Hudaibiya Paper seeking their assistance in col- probe even in the next 50 years. a judge, whose name has been in- The legal team consisting He said the legal team would Talking to reporters at the Mills case, wherein nine mem- lecting material through which Top lawyer Asma Jahangir rec- cluded in the Panama leaks. Taliban team Protest march in Pakistan for peace talks

Reuters mal peace talks have yet to begin. after they were deposed from Islamabad They have arrived on Pakistan’s power by a US-led invasion. invitation,” he added. Ghani angrily denounced Pa- Two other Afghan Taliban kistan for failing to rein in the delegation from the Af- sources confi rmed the arrival Taliban. ghan Taliban’s political of the negotiating team, though Islamabad recently admitted, Aoffi ce in Qatar arrived in Pakistani and Afghan offi cials after years of offi cial denial, that Pakistan yesterday to discuss have yet to formally comment. the Taliban leadership enjoys the restarting of peace talks with Qari Yousuf, one of the Tali- safe haven inside Pakistan. Kabul, militant sources said. ban’s offi cial spokesmen, said he “I want to make it clear that Their visit to Karachi came was unaware of the visit. we no longer expect Pakistan to a day after Afghan President Direct peace talks between bring the Taliban to the negoti- Ashraf Ghani threatened diplo- Kabul and the Afghan Taliban ating table,” Ghani said in a som- matic reprisals against Pakistan began in Pakistan in July 2015 but bre address to both houses of the if it refused to take action against were scrapped after the belated Afghan parliament. Taliban leaders, a new hardline revelation that Mullah Omar, the “But we want Pakistan to fulfi l Supporters of the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan wear masks and carry banners as they stage a protest against Afghan politicians stance after a brazen insurgent group’s founder, had died two its promises... and take military and ahead of Mujahedeen Victory Day in Kabul yesterday. attack killed 64 people in Kabul. years earlier. action against their sanctuaries A senior Afghan Taliban The disclosure sparked in- and leadership based on its soil. source based in Pakistan said fi ghting within the militant If they can’t target them they the three-member team would group. should hand them over to our ENTERTAINMENT “soon begin initial contacts with A four-member group com- judiciary.” Pakistani and Afghan offi cials”. prising Afghanistan, the United The Taliban have repeatedly Bollywood “The main purpose of the visit States, China and Pakistan has said they will not negotiate until Imran orders probe into women’s director is to explore ways and means to been attempting since January their demands are met, includ- bring peace in Afghanistan,” the to revive the talks. But the lack of ing the departure of 13,000 for- visits Karachi source, who is based in north- progress has left many frustrat- eign soldiers deployed to train harassment at Islamabad rally west Pakistan, said. ed, as the Taliban ramp up their and advise their Afghan coun- Bajrangi Bhaijaan director Kabir “It is an initial stage and for- insurgency which began in 2001 terparts. Khan flew into Karachi yesterday, Internews holding fl ags. time Khan fi nished his speech, saying he was happy to be in Islamabad While Khan was addressing not a single woman activist was the port city. “I’ve just landed, so I the gathering, a stampede-like present listening to him. haven’t been able to see the city,” situation was witnessed after The PTI chief repeatedly in- Dawn quoted him as telling report- akistan Tehreek-e-Insaf activists forced their way into a tervened from the stage direct- ers at a private dinner. “But it’s (PTI) chief Imran Khan women’s section by breaching a ing the management to rescue lovely (to be here). I was in Lahore Pyesterday ordered a thor- security cordon. the women participants. He some months back, and that was ough probe into the unpleasant After breaking into the wom- also deplored the poor arrange- my first time in Pakistan. Now, it’s episode during a public rally at en enclosure, the activists were ment for the women. my first time in Karachi, and I’m F-9 Park. found fondling, groping and In a statement, the PTI cen- really looking forward to it. Unfortu- While taking strong excep- sexually harassing women af- tral media department claimed nately, I’m here only for a day, but I tion to “inappropriate be- ter separated them from their that the party would thorough- hope to come back again,” he add- haviour and intimidation” of families or friends. ly investigate the issue on the ed. Dawn said Kabir Khan’s no-fuss women activists, Khan said the And all this happened dur- basis of available video foot- entry into Pakistan meant that only PTI not only encourages wom- ing Khan’s speech and the PTI age and accounts of security the celebrities got the opportunity en in politics but also ensures chief umpteenth time request- volunteers and aff ected female to take selfies with him. He is set to their participation in its public ed the activists to refrain from activists. speak at the Marketing Associa- gatherings. the misdemeanour, but all in “Responsibility will be fi xed tion of Pakistan’s annual marketing But the Sunday gathering vain. and membership of party ac- conference. Dawn quoted him as was marred by incidents of The situation forced PTI tivists found involved in in- saying that the conference was alleged sexual harassment security volunteers to evacu- decent acts will be cancelled,” just an excuse to visit Pakistan Pakistani border security personnel search an Afghan family entering Pakistan after crossing the Torkham of women by male mem- ate the encircled women from said Rizwan Chaudhry, a and that he hoped to create some Border in Pakistan’s Khyber Agency yesterday. bers donning party caps and an emergency exit and by the spokesperson. long-lasting relationships. The battle for birth control: Afghanistan’s new fi ght

AFP a lack of education, as well as ac- not be able to feed a new child, “Having too many children Kabul tive discouragement from some it is accepted”, he concedes, but may create problems in a life. hardline religious fi gures who warns that birth control is not an Nowadays too many people are claim it is “haram” — forbidden option if the “the husband and thieves,” says Mahadiyar, who Four children is enough,” by Allah. the wife only want to have a good has two children, adding that says the young Afghan “We defi nitely have problems time and they don’t want kids. proper family planning enables “woman as she examines a in Afghanistan. The biggest The fi rst aim of the marriage is to parents to focus on bringing up box of contraceptive pills. one about contraception is that create a new generation”. each child well. Dressed in a burqa and with there is no information on fam- It is not by chance MSI’s bus is According to the World Bank, her husband’s permission, she ily planning,” explains Doctor parked in front of the madrassa. the fertility rate is an average of has ventured out to learn more Rahmatudine Bashardost, MSI Its head, Batul Mahadiyar, was 5.1 births per woman in Afghani- about birth control through an programme manager for Balkh trained by the organisation. She stan. In France that fi gure is 2, initiative between NGO Marie province, of which Mazar is the now advises adult women on while in Pakistan it is 3.6. Stopes International (MSI) and capital. how to plan their families and MSI has many branches across a group of infl uential Islamic “Illiteracy is one reason,” he space out pregnancies in accord- the country but has thus far scholars. adds. “People cannot read books ance with Islam. dodged Taliban ire. The charity’s minibus has and magazines to get informa- “There is a verse in the Qur’an “Medicine has nothing to do parked up in a poor neighbour- tion.” that says that ‘Mothers should with politics. If a doctor wants to hood of Mazar-i-Sharif city, in And while charities have been breastfeed their children for two give service to people, he has no front of a madrassa (religious able to educate families in some complete years’,” says Mahadiyar, enemy,” Bashardost says. school), and off ers free advice cities, Bashardost explains it is who belongs to the Shia sect. Despite many advances in the on family planning. The young much harder to get information Breastfeeding can act as a nat- rights of women since the fall mother, along with other wom- to those in the populous rural ural form of birth control as the of the Taliban regime in 2001, en facing similar dilemmas, is regions. hormones released to produce Afghanistan remains a deeply shown a basket containing IUDs, Afghanistan has the second milk can also suppress repro- patriarchal country, where men pills, contraceptive implants and highest rate of under-fi ve mor- ductive hormones, potentially dictate how the family is run. condoms. tality in the world — thousands delaying the return to fertility For the young mother of four, The mechanism for each one of children die every year, while An Afghan child waits while his mother attends a class on family planning and contraception at a religious for women. it would have been inconceivable is carefully explained. She opts every two hours a woman dies school in Mazar-i-Sharif. A 2011 study by America’s to buy contraceptive pills with- in the end for the pill, paying 20 due to complications related to Centre for Disease Control out her husband’s consent. Afghanis for the box. pregnancy and birth, according In Afghanistan religious fi g- says Bashardost. documents do not exist. On the found women who fell pregnant But Bashardost has stumbled “I had a discussion with my to recent fi gures from Unicef. ures usually advise families — “We faced mullahs who said that contrary, there are documents less than 18 months after giving on the perfect way to help per- husband and he agreed. Without Families often have more chil- often via the men — on social is- what we do is seriously haram,” he that show that it’s perfectly le- birth were at higher risk of com- suade these gentlemen — ad- his permission it is impossible,” dren than they can care for well, sues. So in a bid to better explain recalls. “After many debates with gal,” he adds. plications — both with their own dressing their mothers as well as she explains. and women may fall pregnant their work, MSI has been work- them we asked them to show us Mullah Kamalullah Hamid, a health and that of their child. the mullahs. Information about and access too soon after giving birth to ad- ing with mullahs to help educate the proof that family planning is prominent local Sunni scholar, In Afghanistan, the fi nan- “We have programmes for to contraception in Afghanistan equately allow their bodies to re- the community. indeed illegal (in Islam). says he is not opposed to contra- cial strain of having too many mothers-in-law to explain to has been hampered by years of cover, causing ill health for both It has not been an easy task, “If it’s haram there should be ception outright. mouths to feed can also have a them the benefi ts of contracep- confl ict, widespread poverty and mother and child. and the battle is far from won, documents saying so, but those “If the parents think they will big impact. tion,” he says. Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 PHILIPPINES

Duterte under fire for mimicking disabled individuals Fresh from getting slammed for his insensitive remarks about the 1989 rape and death of an Australian missionary, presiden- tial candidate Rodrigo Duterte is Beheading highlights now reported to have ridiculed persons with disability (PWD) before an amused crowd in Aklan province, Manila Times reported. Columnist Ellen Tordesillas in her article in another newspaper on Monday threw the book at Duterte, the mayor of Davao rebels’ kidnap business City, citing “a law that prohibits the ridicule, vilification, both Canadian John Ridsdel, 68, to behead one of four captives verbal and non-verbal, against was snatched from a high-end on Monday if the ransom for PWDs which can cause them to holiday resort last year and each of them was not paid by lose self-esteem.” In her column beheaded on Monday when 3pm local time. in Malaya, Tordesillas narrated: the deadline for buying his The Philippines rarely publi- “Regaling his audience in Kalibo, freedom expired cises payments of ransom, but Duterte performed: ‘One of them it is widely believed no cap- was my classmate. He suff ered Reuters tives are released without them. a stroke, he moved like this,’ as Manila Security experts say brokers, he mimicked the half-paralysed messengers and go-betweens movement of a stroke victim. are involved at multiple levels, “Showing no mercy, he added, ‘Just hen the deadline for some taking substantial cuts. kill yourself,” she quoted Duterte his ransom passed Payments are euphemistically as saying. Tordesillas then defined Wthis week, Canadian called “board and lodgings”. public ridicule as “making fun, or John Ridsdel was beheaded by A German couple seized on contemptuous imitating or making his captors, the Abu Sayyaf, their yacht in 2014 was released mockery–in writing or in words, or whose network in the Philip- after $5.3mn was paid and, in in action’–of PWDs because of their pines is only gaining in strength 2000, the Libyan government, John Ridsdel impairment.”She cited Republic thanks to vast sums earned from acting as an intermediary, Act (RA) 9422, which amended the kidnappings that pay. handed over $10mn to free 10 volved in operations and yester- Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, The Islamic State-linked European and Middle Eastern day were pounding rebel moun- as identifying two forms of vilifying group has made tens of mil- tourists. tain positions with artillery fi re. PWDs: one, uttering slanderous lions of dollars from ransom Security analyst Rommel A Philippine intelligence and abusive statements against money since it was formed in Banlaoi said executing West- source said that a political so- them; two, an activity in public the 1990s, security experts erners raised Abu Sayyaf’s pro- lution was vital because the which incites hatred toward seri- say, channelling it into guns, fi le and the potential sums in- group’s ransom earnings were ous contempt for, or severe ridicule grenade launchers, high-pow- volved would encourage other entrenching its network and of PWDs. Tordesillas was referring ered boats and modern equip- rebel groups to play supportive complicating the military’s job. to Duterte’s speech in Aklan, which ment. roles in the business. The region in which Abu has, according to the Davao City The Philippine military is “The beheading of John Sayyaf operates is impover- mayor, one of the most beautiful fi nding it increasingly diffi cult Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Public Aff airs Off icer, Colonel Noel Detoyato, gives a statement Ridsdel has just increased ASG’s ished, making it easy to recruit plazas in the country. Upon the re- to weaken Abu Sayyaf, whose inside the military headquarters in Quezon city, Metro Manila yesterday regarding the execution of leverage,” he said. “The risks jobless, unschooled youths with quest of PWDs in the area, Duterte name translates as “Bearer of Canadian hostage John Ridsdel. for other captives have become the promise of money and gang said he provided wheelchairs and the Sword” and is based in the higher as ASG just demonstrat- prestige. designated attendants, two nurses southern island of Jolo. were kidnapped that piracy on groups in Indonesia, the faction day when the deadline for buy- ed that it was not bluffi ng when “It’s the lifeblood that keeps and a doctor to take care of the Although it is a rebel group a shipping route along its sea behind Monday’s beheading ap- ing his freedom expired. imposing deadlines.” the lawlessness in the area. elderly and the PWDs visiting the fi ghting for an independent Is- border with the Philippines peared to be in it for the money. The group’s price for his life ASG is holding 23 hostages, Money from kidnap-for-ran- plaza. It said that after imitating lamic nation in the south of the could reach Somalian levels and “This ransom business has was 300mn pesos ($6.41mn), including Japanese, Norwegian, som activities is used to buy the stroke victim, Duterte even mainly Roman Catholic South- warned commercial vessels to been hugely successful for Abu the same set for another Cana- Dutch and Malaysian citizens, weapons, faster boats and com- suggested in jest to the man to use east Asian nation, its militants avoid the area. Sayyaf ... it’s gotten them lots of dian, a Norwegian and a Filipino and the 14 Indonesians. munications equipment,” the a barber’s shaving razor to cut his often seem more motivated by Sidney Jones, a Jakarta-based money and freedom to operate,” woman who appeared with him Outgoing Philippine Presi- source said. throat, a spontaneous remark that the money they can make from counter-terrorism expert, said she said. in a video appealing to their dent Benigno Aquino has or- “More unschooled children drew laughter from the crowd, but kidnappings and piracy. there were links between Abu Ridsdel, 68, was snatched governments to save them. dered security forces to hunt are joining them and taking up which also off ended many others. Neighbouring Indonesia said Sayyaf Group — known as ASG from a high-end holiday resort A Philippine army spokesman down Abu Sayyaf militants. The arms. The military cannot solve last week after 14 tugboat crew — and Islamic State-backed last year and beheaded on Mon- said Abu Sayyaf had threatened army says 2,500 troops are in- this problem alone.”

Caloocan City mayor Japan warship visits port as China sea row festers faces corruption charge AFP It marked the second time in etnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Tai- Subic Bay just over three weeks that Japa- wan also have overlapping claims. nese naval vessels visited Subic, Japan has its own dispute with By Nelson S Badilla Manalo said she hoped that a former major US naval base that China in the East China Sea over Manila Times Malapitan will be disqualifi ed Japanese warship sailed lies around 200 kilometres from a uninhabited islands that it ad- from seeking a second term as into a Philippine port near Chinese-controlled shoal. ministers but that are also claimed mayor of Caloocan City. Adisputed South China Sea “We want to deepen the rela- by Beijing. aloocan City Mayor Os- In her sworn statement, waters yesterday in another sign tionship with the Philippines,” Ise In February, Japan agreed to car “Oca” Malapitan was Manalo said she thought that of deepening security ties be- Captain Masaki Takada told re- supply the Philippines with mili- Ccharged with plunder the money used to purchase tween the World War II foes to porters, who were given a tour of tary hardware, which offi cials at the Offi ce of the Ombuds- the birthday gifts distributed counter Beijing. the vessel. Takada declined to say said may include anti-submarine man in connection with the al- to senior citizens, valued of- Tensions in the South China Sea whether the Ise had been in con- reconnaissance aircraft and radar leged overpriced “birthday gift” fi cially at P2,000, came from — through which one-third of the tact with Chinese naval vessels technology. packages distributed to senior Malapitan’s own pockets. world’s oil passes — have mounted during its voyage. Ise’s Philippine visit was the citizens on their birthdays. However, she discovered that in recent years since China trans- The Philippines, a US secu- third by Japanese military vessels In her complaint, 69-year- the funds were being sourced formed contested reefs into artifi - rity ally with a severely under- this year. “This visit will further old Teresita Manalo said from the city’s own coff ers. cial islands capable of supporting equipped military has been seek- strengthen our relationship with Malapitan also committed The complainant said she military facilities. ing to strengthen ties with Japan them. We have a strong relation- grave misconduct, dishonesty, also does not know where her The Japanese destroyer Ise as tensions mount over the dis- ship with them already but we as well as violating the Anti- “gifts” went in 2014 and 2016, docked in Subic Bay while on a puted waterway, almost all of want to enhance that,” Filipino Graft and Corrupt Practices since she received the birthday “navigational training” mission, which is claimed by China. Navy Captain Samuel Felix told Japanese helicopter carrier Ise is towed as it prepares to dock at Act and the Anti-Red Tape Act. package only in 2015. the ship’s captain said. Aside from the Philippines, Vi- reporters. the former US naval base, Subic port, north of Manila yesterday. HK’s Filipino domestic workers vote to clean up back home

AFP Hong Kong

werking, selfi e-taking, picnicking and per- Tforming impromptu dance routines — Hong Kong’s 180,000-strong community of Filipino workers fi ll the city’s public spaces on Sundays, their day off , to relax and party. But for the past few weeks the colourful gatherings have turned political, as the Philippines heads towards an election in which its migrant workers could swing a tight race. Bands thrash out rock ballads backing their favourite candi- dates in the walkways and public squares of Hong Kong’s fi nancial district, and campaigners wear T-shirts bearing political slo- gans to drum up support. “It’s important to vote for change,” said 49-year-old Winnie Blaza, a domestic helper who has not lived in her home country for 20 years. “I became a migrant worker A volunteer (right) campaigning in Hong Kong for the upcoming election. Right: Volunteers in Hong Kong holding placards to campaign for the upcoming 2016 Philippine election. because of poverty. We migrants are supporting candidates who are keen to corner: the 1.3mn Fil- Likened by some to contro- cially corruption in the govern- can be a game-changer,” added banker Roxas and Grace Poe, a May 9. But, whichever candidate want to help.” ipinos who are registered to cast versial US Republican candidate ment,” she said, without speci- Eman Villanueva, an activist for movie star’s adopted daugh- they favour, most simply want to The majority of Hong Kong’s absentee ballots. Donald Trump, he is held up by fying her favoured candidate. Migrante, a political party that ter, are among those taking on make a living back home. Filipino workers are domestic Blaza is backing controversial supporters as a maverick with a Filipinos working overseas — campaigns for the rights of for- Duterte, a tough-talking mayor “The long term goal is to have helpers, an often-abused under- candidate Rodrigo Duterte, who solution to corruption and crime. primarily in Asia, North America eign workers. who has been accused of running jobs available in the Philippines class in the wealthy city, whose leads the polls despite remarks For Filipina voter Madeline, 26 and the Middle East — sent more “This is a close fi ght and every death squads in his city. so we don’t have to leave our plight has been highlighted by about the rape and murder of — who has a nursing degree but than $25bn in remittances home vote counts.” Voting started earlier this country to survive,” says Vil- several recent legal cases. an Australian missionary that gets a higher salary working as a to their impoverished country Duterte’s son visited Hong month in Hong Kong, where lanueva. But there is a sense of empow- sparked protests from diplo- maid in Hong Kong — the ballot last year, giving them extra po- Kong as part of the campaign, as more than 93,000 Filipinos are For Blaza, return is the ulti- erment now, as they form part of mats, the Catholic Church and box is a chance to clean up politics. litical clout. did rival candidate Mar Roxas. registered to vote, and ends on mate aim. “I really want to go a key demographic candidates women’s groups. “Crime is very rampant, espe- “The votes of migrant workers US-educated investment election day in the Philippines, back to my family,” she said. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 29 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Teachers jailed for Pressure on Bangladesh ‘abusive’ remarks

IANS after activists murdered Dhaka AFP clude a university professor and Dhaka LGBTI activists.” court in southern Bangla- Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub- desh sentenced two Hin- continent (AQIS) yesterday Adu school teachers to six ressure mounted on claimed responsibility for months in jail for making “abu- Bangladesh yesterday af- the murders, saying the two sive” remarks about Islam that Pter two leading gay rights men had worked to “promote led a mob to attack their school, a activists were hacked to death, homosexuality” in Bangladesh. magistrate said yesterday. the latest in a series of chilling “They were working day and The head teacher and another attacks on intellectuals, writ- night to promote homosexu- staff member at the Hijla High ers and religious minorities for ality among the people of this School in the town of Chitalmari which only a handful of people land since 1998 with the help of were found guilty of “hurting the have been convicted. their masters, the US crusaders religious sentiments” of Muslim At least six men carry- and its Indian allies,” said the students and their parents. ing machetes and guns en- group’s Bangladesh arm Ansar The comments sparked pro- tered an apartment building in al-Islam in a statement issued tests by students, most of whom Dhaka on Monday night and on Twitter. are Muslim, and angry villagers killed Xulhaz Mannan, editor However national police chief descended on the school seek- of a magazine for the lesbian, A K M Shahidul Hoque told re- ing to beat up the teachers before gay, bisexual and transgender porters the killing of Mannan, being stopped by police. (LGBT) community, and fellow 35, and 25-year-old Tonoy bore “They have made abusive activist Mahbub Tonoy. the hallmarks of local Islamists. comments about Islam and the Rights groups said the lat- “The character of the mur- Prophet Muhammad during a est killings and the murder on ders is similar to the previous class session,” said magistrate Saturday of a liberal university blogger killings. Therefore, it Anwar Parvez, who handed down professor appeared to show the might have been done by the the verdict on Monday after the attackers were expanding their same group,” Hoque said. teachers pleaded guilty. range of targets. They demand- The attack had been “Local people attacked the ed justice and greater protec- “planned extensively” and the school. They wanted to beat the tion for minority groups in the victims were followed for days, two Hindu teachers,” Parvez said. conservative Muslim-majority he added. Relatives and friends at the funeral prayer of Bangladeshi activist Xulhaz Mannan in Dhaka yesterday. The convictions come as con- nation. US Secretary of State John cern mounts over Islamist ex- “The brutal killing today of Kerry condemned the killings ist known for his anti-Islamist Another six people were con- of the two gay activists and ac- claimed, or part of locally based tremism in conservative Bang- an editor of an LGBTI publica- of Tonoy and Mannan, who opinions. victed on lesser charges related cused the groups of trying to militant networks, as the gov- ladesh, which is reeling after a tion and his friend, days after a worked for the US government Last year four secular bloggers to Haider’s death. destabilise the country. ernment argues,” said the Dhaka spate of murders of minorities university professor was hacked aid organisation USAID. Both and a publisher were hacked to The Islamic State group has “The BNP-Jamaat nexus Tribune daily in an editorial. and secular activists. to death, underscores the ap- had received threats from Is- death. A number of Christians, claimed a number of the killings, has been engaged in such se- Activist Mannan’s magazine, palling lack of protection being lamists over their championing Hindus and Sufi , Ahmadi and most recently that of a professor cret and heinous murders in Roopbaan, was launched two aff orded to a range of peaceful of gay rights. Shia Muslims have also been hacked to death in the north- various forms to destabilise the years ago and has become a plat- activists in the country,” said “Deplore brutal murder of @ killed since last year in the offi - western city of Rajshahi. country,” Hasina said. form for promoting the rights Amnesty International’s South USAID local staff member and cially secular but mainly Sunni Ansar al-Islam has also said it “Such killings are being staged of LGBT people in Bangladesh, Asia director Champa Patel. another Bangladeshi advocate Muslim country. was behind the murders of secu- in a planned way.” where homosexual acts are illegal. Prison LGBTI is an extended initial- in Dhaka. Those responsible No one has yet been convict- lar bloggers and writers. Bangladeshi media criticised The group’s annual Rainbow ism for the group, including must be brought to justice,” ed over those deaths despite a But the Bangladeshi government the government’s claims, say- Rally held on April 14, Bengali people who are intersex. Kerry tweeted. number of arrests. rejects those claims. ing it had a duty to protect mi- new year, was cancelled this year ex-guard “While the Bangladeshi au- In the last month alone, four Last year a court sentenced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina norities whoever was behind the as part of widespread security thorities have failed to bring people have been murdered two students to death for the on Monday blamed the main op- attacks. measures imposed by police. these violent groups to justice, in Bangladesh for their liberal 2013 murder of Ahmed Rajib position Bangladesh Nationalist “It doesn’t matter whether Ahead of the planned rally, shot dead the attackers have expanded or secular views, among them Haider, the fi rst of a string of at- Party (BNP) and its Islamist ally, they are from transnational ter- Mannan said that Islamists had their range of targets to now in- a 26-year-old online activ- tacks targeting secular writers. Jamaat-e-Islami for the deaths rorist groups like IS as they have posted death threats online. IANS Dhaka

nidentifi ed assailants Thousands traffi cked in Nepal: NHRC yesterday shot dead a Uformer prison guard in front of a prison on the outskirts IANS ed to Nepal Police. Only 185 the fi rst three months of the traffi cking to the Gulf states. of Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka. Kathmandu cases were registered in 2013- earthquake. The traffi cking route is report- According to sources, the vic- 2014 while only 181 cases were Despite the fact that the Ne- ed to be the main offi cial border tim, identifi ed as Rustam Ali, had registered in 2014-2015. pal government has introduced points with India and China. served in the prison and retired ore than 8,000 peo- “The key reason is under- various acts including the For- Traffi cking of girls to South in November 2015, bdnews24 ple are traffi cked reporting and under-regis- eign Employment Act 2007, Korea and China for marriage reported. Mannually in Nepal, tration of human traffi cking Human Traffi cking and Trans- is also growing in Nepal. The incident occurred around the latest report by National cases, including an overlap in portation (Control) Act 2007, “Data reveals that traffi ck- 11am near the main entrance Human Rights Commission measures of Foreign Employ- and the National Plan of Action ing takes place for multiple of the Kashimpur jail, a police (NHRC) has revealed. ment Act and the Human Traf- on Controlling Human Traf- purposes, especially for sexual offi cer said. Unveiling its national report fi cking and Transportation fi cking 2011-2021, the victims exploitation, labour exploita- The attack came days after on Monday, NHRC claimed that Control Act,” the report said. do not have access to justice for tion and other purposes such suspected extremists killed a Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking during a news conference in Colombo over 16,000 citizens, mostly It said the number of inter- the prevention and control of as marriage and illegal organ university professor in Rajshahi yesterday. women and children, were ception of vulnerable persons traffi cking, according to NHRC. extraction,” the report says. district, some 256 km northwest traffi cked in the past two fi s- has increased after the April The study showed that in Records showed that most of Dhaka. cals 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, 2015 earthquake, an increase terms of destination of traf- of the traffi cking cases were Rezaul Karim Siddiquee, Xinhua news agency reported. by at least 15% before and after fi cking, the majority of vic- from eastern districts Jhapa professor of Rajshahi Univer- However, it has been found three months of the quake. tims were being traffi cked to and Morang with most of sity’s English Department, was that quite a lower number of More than 1,200 women India, but there are also cases the victims belonging to hacked to death on Saturday by Lanka growth traffi cking cases were report- and children went missing in of internal traffi cking and indigenous nationalities. unidentifi ed assailants. slows despite Kerry Study confi rms existence lower oil prices may visit Nepal by of ancient wolf in Nepal AFP a balance of payments defi cit. Colombo It came despite the welcome eff ect of a sharp drop in oil prices year-end IANS The authors noted that re- — Sri Lanka is dependent on im- Kathmandu cent studies have already re- ri Lanka’s ailing economy ported crude. vealed that these wolves have grew at a slower-than-ex- Sri Lanka sought an IMF bail- IANS split as a separate branch within Spected 4.8% last year despite out immediately after the new Washington lthough the current dis- the ‘tree of life’ so long ago lower oil prices as a slowdown in government took offi ce in Janu- tribution of the critically that they are divergent from European markets hit exports, the ary last year but the fund turned Aendangered Himalayan the whole globally distributed central bank said yesterday. down the request at the time, S Secretary of State John wolf has mostly been a matter wolf-dog clade. Prime Minister Ranil Wick- saying the country’s reserves Kerry hopes to visit Ne- of assumption, rather than evi- Having undergone such an remesinghe said his government were at a comfortable level. Upal by the end of 2016. dent truth, an international re- isolated evolution, the Hima- had inherited a “very bad situa- It had received $2.6bn from He stated this to visiting search team has now confi rmed layan wolf is considered of par- tion” when it came to power ear- the IMF in 2009 to boost its fi - Nepali Deputy Prime Minis- its existence in Nepal’s largest ticular conservation concern. ly last year but that things were nancial reserves, which dropped ter Kamal Thapa on Monday, protected area - the Annapurna However, the populations are improving. below $1bn at the height of Xinhua news agency cited a Conservation Area. still suff ering heavy mortality. “We are turning the economy fi ghting between Tamil Tiger statement issued by the Ne- Recent genetic studies have As a part of their research, the around,” he said. rebels and troops. pal embassy here as saying. revealed the existence of three authors conducted both formal “We do not have a balance of The IMF said two weeks ago that Thapa, who is also in- lineages of wolves in the Indian and informal interviews with payment crisis anymore. We may it was on track to agree a bailout charge of foreign aff airs, subcontinent. about four hundred local herd- have had it before, but not now.” loan for Sri Lanka that is expected briefed Kerry about the po- Of these, the Himalayan wolf, ers, livestock owners, nomads The news of a slowdown in to be worth just over $1.0bn drawn litical situation in Nepal, in- Canis lupus chanco, has been and village elite to fi nd out more growth from 4.9% in 2014 came over a period of 36 months. cluding the new constitution. reported to be the most ancient about the status of the human- as Sri Lanka negotiates with the But Wickremesinghe told jour- He also told Kerry about lineage historically distributed The Himalayan wolf, Canis lupus chanco, has been reported to be the wolf confl ict, as well as their International Monetary Fund for nalists yesterday, it could take the reconstruction work un- within the Nepal Himalaya. most ancient lineage historically distributed within the Nepal Himalaya. attitudes and perceptions. a bailout to help fund substantial some time to fi nalise the deal. dertaken after the April 2015 When compared to the Euro- As a result, they found that debt repayments. “It will be worked out. Give us devastating earthquake in pean wolf, this one stands out Now an international re- Analysis revealed that four the wolves are considered a The bank had forecast last a few more months,” he said. Nepal. with its smaller size, unusu- search team, led by Madhu of the six samples collected threat to local livelihoods. They year’s growth would be better But he conceded the country’s Thapa appreciated the US ally longer muzzle and stumpy Chetri, graduate student at were aligned within the mono- were persecuted and killed. than in 2014, when strongman revenues were inadequate to for its continued fi nancial legs. Another clearly distinctive the Hedmark University of phyletic and ancient Himalayan “These genetically distinct president Mahinda Rajapakse meet state spending. and economic support to feature is the white colouration Applied Sciences, Norway, wolf clade. Himalayan wolves deserve spe- was in offi ce. He was toppled at From May 2 the government is the country and hoped this around the throat, chest, belly conducted DNA analysis of fe- Their fi ndings are published cial conservation attention, at elections in January 2015. increasing value-added tax from would increase in the future. and inner part of the limbs. cal samples suspected to have in the journal ZooKeys. the same time that the conser- But the bank said a slowing down 11 to 15% to boost revenue while Kerry congratulated the On the other hand, its char- originated from wolves. The The distinctiveness of the vation of this species in a con- of net foreign exchange infl ows, in- taking administrative measures government of Nepal on acteristic woolly body fur samples were collected from Himalayan wolf is far more text of human-wildlife confl ict cluding worker remittances, and to reduce tax exemptions off ered the promulgation of the has given the sub-species the the Annapurna Conservation than skin deep, the researchers is challenging,” the scientists capital outfl ows had generated to new investments. constitution. common name ‘woolly wolf’. Area of Nepal. stressed. concluded. Gulf Times 30 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief : Darwish S Ahmed Production Editor: C P Ravindran America’s trade defi cit

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] problem begins at home Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Trade bashing is a foil for fi nal three decades of the twentieth Therein lies the catch to the also have an important bearing on Fax 44350474 the vacuous promises that century. politicisation of America’s trade pressures that squeeze American Any basic economics course stresses problems. Closing down trade with workers. The TPP would eff ectively politicians of both parties the ironclad accounting identity that China, as Donald Trump would divert trade fl ows from those countries have long made to American saving must equal investment at each eff ectively do with his proposed 45% that are not a part of the agreement to and every point in time. Without tariff on Chinese products sold in the those that are. With China excluded voters saving, investing in the future is all but US, would backfi re. Without fi xing the from the TPP, the same phenomenon impossible. saving problem, the Chinese share of noted above would result: American GULF TIMES And yet that’s the position in which America’s multilateral trade imbalance middle-class families would be taxed By Stephen S Roach New Haven the US currently fi nds itself. Indeed, would simply be redistributed to other by the diversion of trade away from the saving numbers cited above are countries – most likely to higher-cost low-cost non-TPP producers such “net” of depreciation – meaning that producers. as China toward higher-cost TPP hanks to fear mongering on they measure the saving available to I have estimated that Chinese signatories such as Japan, Canada, and Time to embark the US presidential campaign fund new capacity rather than the labour compensation rates remain Australia. trail, the trade debate and its replacement of worn-out facilities. far less than half of those prevailing In short, trade bashing is a foil Timpact on American workers Unfortunately, that is precisely what in America’s other top-10 foreign for the vacuous promises that is being distorted at both ends of America is lacking. suppliers. If those countries were to politicians of both parties have long on a painful journey the political spectrum. From China- fi ll the void left by a penalty on China, made to American voters. Saving is bashing on the right to the backlash like the one that Trump has proposed, the seed corn of economic growth against the Trans-Pacifi c Partnership Without saving, higher-cost producers would – the means to boost American (TPP) on the left, politicians of both the American undoubtedly charge more than China competitiveness by investing in to a non-oil future parties have mischaracterised foreign for products sold in the US. people, infrastructure, technology trade as America’s greatest economic Dream is in danger The resulting increase in import and new manufacturing capacity. threat. prices would be an eff ective tax hike The US government, through A catch-22 double-whammy, indeed, is shaping up In 2015, the US had trade defi cits of becoming a on the American middle class. That decades of deficit spending and for Gulf economies. with 101 countries – a multilateral underscores the futility of attempting advocacy of policies that encourage If an estimated 70% plunge in global oil prices from trade defi cit in the jargon of nightmare to fi nd a bilateral solution for a households to consume rather than economics. But this cannot be multilateral problem. save, has forced America to rely on their mid-2014 peak to around $40 currently has hit pinned on one or two “bad actors”, as So why is this relevant for the trade The same perverse outcome could foreign saving for far too long. This Gulf fi nances hard, the six-nation grouping is heading politicians invariably put it. Yes, China debate? In order to keep growing, be expected from the reckless fi scal has undermined US competitiveness, for a protracted economic slowdown because of the – everyone’s favourite scapegoat – the US must import surplus saving policies proposed by other politicians. punishing workers with the job austerity policies needed to curb budget defi cits, the accounts for the biggest portion of this from abroad. As the world’s greatest Take, for example, the ten-year losses and wage compression that imbalance. But the combined defi cits economic power and issuer of what is $14.5tn federal government spending trade deficits invariably spawn. latest International Monetary Fund report has said. of the other 100 countries are even essentially the global reserve currency, binge proposed by Democratic America’s 101 trade defi cits don’t Mideast non-oil economic expansion is set to slow larger. America has had no trouble – at least presidential candidate Bernie Sanders exist in a vacuum. They are a symptom to between 3.5% to 4% through 2021, compared with What the candidates won’t tell not yet – attracting the foreign capital – a program judged to be without any of a deeper problem: a US economy about 7.5% in the previous decade, according to the the American people is that the it needs to compensate for a shortfall semblance of fi scal integrity by leading that has lived beyond its means for trade deficit and the pressures it of domestic saving. economic advisers within the very decades. Saving is but a means to an IMF. At this pace, governments and private businesses places on hard-pressed middle- But there is a critical twist: To party whose nomination he seeks. end – in this case the sustenance of a would be able to create 7mn jobs, about 3mn short of class workers stem from problems import foreign saving, the US must Government budget defi cits have thriving and secure middle class. the number of entrants expected in the same period, it made at home. In fact, the real run a massive international balance- long accounted for the largest share Without saving, the American said. reason the US has such a massive of-payments defi cit. The mirror image of America’s seemingly chronic Dream is in danger of becoming multilateral trade deficit is that of America’s saving shortfall is its saving shortfall. The added defi cits a nightmare. The trade debate of For the Gulf Co-operation Council region, economic Americans don’t save. current-account defi cit, which has of Sandersnomics, or for that matter the current presidential campaign growth will almost halve to 1.8% this year from 3.3% in Total US saving – the sum total of averaged 2.6% of GDP since 1980. those of any other politician, would heightens that risk. - Project 2015. Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab economy, is now the saving of families, businesses and It is this chronic current-account further depress America’s national Syndicate expected to grow by 1.2% this year, compared with the government sector – amounted gap that drives the multilateral trade saving – thereby exacerbating the to just 2.6% of national income in defi cit with 101 countries. To borrow multilateral trade imbalance that puts zStephen S Roach, a faculty member at 3.4% in 2015; the UAE will see a drop from 3.9% last the fourth quarter of 2015. That is from abroad, America must give its such acute pressure on middle-class Yale University and former chairman year to 2.4%. Assuming oil prices stay low in coming a 0.6-percentage-point drop from trading partners something in return families. of Morgan Stanley Asia, is the author years, the fi scal defi cits of the GCC and Algeria will a year earlier and less than half the for their capital: US demand for Seen through the same lens, mega of Unbalanced: The Codependency of total almost $900bn between 2016 and 2021, the IMF 6.3% average that prevailed during the products made overseas. trade deals, such as the TPP, would America and China. calculated. On the brighter side, Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, has cut spending and turned to the bond market to fi nance the defi cit. The UAE, the second- biggest Arab economy after Saudi Arabia, scrapped subsidies on transport fuel last year. For the The “Saudi Vision GCC region, 2030” economic reform plan announced economic by Deputy Crown Prince Mohamed bin growth will Salman on Monday almost halve to envisages “live without depending on oil by 1.8% this year 2020”. from 3.3% in Qatar, which is in the second year of a 2015 $200bn infrastructure upgrade, will scrap gasoline and diesel subsidies next month, QNA said. Qatar is expected to post a budget defi cit of 2.7% of gross domestic product this year, after recording a surplus of 10.3% in 2015, according to IMF estimates. But the IMF fi gures are also a stark reminder of how Men working at the construction site of a high-rise building in Tokyo. the energy-rich nations in the region probably missed the best chance to diversify their economies when crude prices were at $100 a barrel or higher in the past decade. While public spending fuelled non-oil Japan eyes more foreign workers growth, governments used the windfall partly to hire more nationals and extend more handouts. By Linda Sieg and Ami Miyazaki Europe, the controversies in other “trainee” system that was designed Two cabinet members have already There are sure some signs of oil markets rebalancing Reuters/Tokyo regions do colour the way Japanese to share technology with developing advocated adopting an immigration think about immigration. countries, but which critics say has policy, as have some LDP panel by end-2016; but it may now be dicey for the GCC LDP lawmakers fl oated immigration become a backdoor source of cheap members. policymakers to price in higher oil in their long-term esperately seeking an proposals almost a decade ago, but labour. “The fundamental problem of the economic planning. An unenviable regime of relatively antidote to a rapidly ageing those came to naught. But, since then, Now, however, the LDP panel Japanese economy is that the potential lower oil prices, contrasted with the consistent population, Japanese labour shortages have worsened and looks set to go further by proposing growth rate is low,” LDP panel adviser policymakers are exploring demographic forecasts have become foreigners be accepted in other sectors Seiichiro Murakami told Reuters. $100-levels Gulf countries had been quite comfortable D ways to bring in more foreign workers more dire. that face shortages, such as nursing “To raise that, big structural reforms with for long, is here to stay even if demand picks up without calling it an “immigration An economic uptick since Abe and farming, while leaving open the including ... immigration policy are later this year. policy”. took offi ce in December 2012, possibility such workers can later seek necessary.” Sure, these are tough times for the oil-dependent Immigration is a touchy subject rebuilding after the 2011 tsunami and a permanent residence. The infl uential Nikkei Business in a land where conservatives prize construction boom ahead of the 2020 “We will tackle accepting foreigners weekly has dubbed a foreign worker- Gulf nations. But lower oil prices should serve cultural homogeneity and politicians Tokyo Olympics have pushed labour as a labour force head-on,” an LDP driven growth strategy “imin-omics”, as a welcome opportunity for them to focus on fear losing votes from workers worried demand to its highest in 24 years. source close to the panel told Reuters. a pun on the premier’s “Abenomics” long-term economic reforms. Gradual lifting of about losing jobs. Acknowledging the sensitivities revival plan and “imin”, the Japanese subsidies, particularly on hydrocarbons; a shift But a tight labour market and ever- - especially ahead of an upper word for “immigrants”. shrinking work force are making Prime “We will tackle house election in July - the source Abe, however, has made drawing towards renewable energy; deeper role of the private Minister Shinzo Abe’s policy team and accepting foreigners said the panel will specify it is not more women and elderly into the sector with the active participation of the citizens; lawmakers consider the politically recommending an “immigration work force while boosting the diversifi cation of the export base and taxation all controversial option. as a labour force policy”, defi ning immigrants as people birth rate priorities, and publicly command greater attention now. Signalling the shift, a ruling Liberal who enter Japan with no fi xed limit on the government rules out any Democratic Party (LDP) panel is likely head-on” length of stay. “immigration policy”. to propose this week expanding the “There is worry about the impact on Still, Abe’s right-hand man, Chief types of jobs open to foreign workers, That has helped boost foreign public safety,” Masahiko Shibayama, Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, To Advertise who are expected to top 1mn this year. worker numbers by 40% since a panel member and special adviser to said debate on more foreign workers “Domestically, there is a big allergy. 2013, with Chinese accounting for Abe, told Reuters. “There is concern lay ahead. [email protected] As a politician, one must be aware more than one-third followed by domestic jobs will be eaten away. So “We are seeking to mobilise the Display of that,” Takeshi Noda, an adviser Vietnamese, Filipinos and Brazilians. I think there is still an allergy to the power of women and the elderly Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 to the LDP panel, told Reuters in an But visa conditions largely barring word ‘immigration’.” as much as possible, but at the interview. unskilled workers mean foreigners Experts, however, say semantics same time we recognise that the Classified Unlike the US, where Donald Trump still make up only about 1.4% of cannot disguise the change underway. acceptance of foreigners is a major Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 has made immigration an election the workforce, compared with the “The government insists it is not issue,” Suga told Reuters, adding issue, Japan has little history of 5% or more found - according to adopting an immigration policy, caution was needed. Subscription immigration. But, that makes ethnic IMF estimates - in most advanced but whatever the word, faced with a He said the future debate would [email protected] and cultural diversity seem more of economies. shrinking population, it is changing its also consider the longer term issue of a threat in Japan than it may seem So far, measures to attract more former stance and has begun to move permanent residence for less skilled elsewhere. foreign workers have focused on toward a real immigration policy,” said foreigners. 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved And while Japan is not caught up easing entry for highly-skilled Hidenori Sakanaka, a former Tokyo Conservatives are likely to resist in the mass migration crisis affl icting professionals and expanding a Immigration Bureau chief. major change. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 31 COMMENT The right time for climate action

There is near-universal So what are governments to do? little evidence to suggest that a well- There is near-universal agreement signalled, progressive implementation agreement that no one will that no one will benefi t from a of a carbon tax would weigh on benefi t from a dangerously dangerously warmer planet. But growth.) diff erent countries have very diff erent When growth is weak, people ask warmer planet interests, depending on whether they incredulously how climate policy are oil exporters or importers and how advocates could consider making By Simon Upton developed their economies are. things worse. Paris Oil-producing developing countries There is never likely to be a should consider whether their perfect moment for introducing new resources have an economic future, climate policies. Long-run problems uring most of the roughly given diminishing scope for emissions. require policies that send long-run three decades since climate Countries where oil is plentiful and signals. And these policies cannot be change became a global cheap to extract are likely to stay constantly fi ne-tuned to the volatility Dconcern, governments in business for some time. Even of the moment. optimistically assumed that a green if the world rapidly decarbonises, Attempting to do so only fuels transition would happen naturally oil consumption will remain high further volatility (which is what really over time, as rising fossil-fuel prices enough for their resources to be worth hurts growth). Now is always as good a nudged consumers toward low-carbon extracting. time as any to take action. alternatives. But countries with less generous And we should do so under no The impediment, it was believed, oil endowments need to implement illusion that the transformative was on the production side, as gushing economic reforms and eliminate outcome we need will be a smooth, returns on oilfi eld investments subsidies. incremental process. Technological spurred ever more ambitious Many governments have been changes whip up gales of creative exploration. forced to act. Russia announced a 10% destruction. There will be – must be – Today, the tables have turned. With cut in public spending as oil prices many losers. oil prices languishing around $40 a continued to slide this year. And But there will also be winners, as barrel, fossil-fuel companies do not Indonesia should save almost $14bn new technologies create new business need governments to tell them to stop by scrapping gasoline subsidies and opportunities. Governments that investing. The challenge has moved capping support for diesel fuel. try to protect the status quo will not to the consumer side of the equation. On the other side of the spectrum, only fail on climate change; they will With fuel prices so low, what can oil-importing developed countries ultimately impose higher social costs, be done to change consumption are most likely efficient users of even as they fail to capitalise on the patterns? fossil fuels already. Their economies, economic opportunities created by To be sure, there are some signs having proved they can cope with oil reform. that cheaper energy could generate at $100 a barrel or more, clearly do Climate-change policies must be enough growth to drive oil prices back not need an infusion of cheap energy steady and consistent. Action must up. But nobody predicts a rebound to thrive. lubricate change, not repeatedly stop strong enough to prompt the radical It is therefore a good time to it in its tracks. transformation that will be required if introduce carbon taxes, so that the Once investors see that the fossil- countries are to meet their emissions- oil windfall is not simply gobbled up fuel game is over, governments must reduction goals. at the gas station. These countries let the eff ects of the resulting capital A 2015 OECD report shows how far should shelve any delusions of reallocation play out. It will be bumpy. behind countries are on their emissions fi nding “black gold”, enjoy the short- This is what Norway has done, to They will be looking to the global their competitiveness after accounting But there is no other choice. targets – never mind their commitment run benefi ts of cheap oil and take signifi cant national advantage, over community for support and will need for the full environmental, health, and Trying to fi ne-tune an economic to limit the global temperature rise to action now to align infrastructure the past 25 years. to take a hard look at whether the social costs. and technical adjustment path would well below 2° Celsius. Meanwhile, oil investments to changing technology. Finally, it is governments of oil- energy solutions on off er are modern It can sometimes seem like there be as futile as trying to control the majors are keen to remind us that we Meanwhile, oil-producing importing developing countries that or sustainable. is never a right time to take climate price of crude oil. - Project Syndicate will need to burn fossil fuels for many developed countries should bank are likely to have the most urgent need The burden of proof must be action. When growth is strong, people more years as we gradually shift to a new the remaining rents to enable capital for energy – and also the widest array on fossil-fuel-based solutions – urge governments not to derail the zSimon Upton is environment director energy economy. substitution and ensure life after oil. of possibilities to meet that need. particularly coal – to demonstrate gravy train. (Never mind that there is at the OECD. Letters Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY Driven by indicator lights were on. Actually, I But he said something like: “Kalli valli prices without specifying the High: 37 C was not the only one waiting for the (never mind) the police”, and left in a unit price, making it diffi cult for Low : 25 C rudeness driver’s return as the bus had blocked huff . consumers to compare among Hot during the day with slight dust at places at times the way of four other vehicles too. I I then tried to register a complaint products. Dear Sir, honked for alerting the bus driver but at the Vegetable Market police station The ministry’s instruction will there was no sign of him. My child but unfortunately no one seemed to require outlets to review the form THURSDAY Some drivers show absolutely no inside the car was getting restless give much attention to the incident. and content of price tags currently High: 36 C concern for others and habitually and we wanted to rush home. But the I had, meanwhile, taken some in place, to include unit prices in Low: 27 C ignore traffi c laws, fearing no long wait continued for more than pictures of the bus, which I attach addition to the selling price, name of Sunny consequence. An experience I had 30 minutes. I then tried to contact with this letter. Action should be taken the product and size. the other day brought home this the police by dialling 911 but without against such rude drivers to set an The display will enable consumers important point to me. I parked my much success. example, I feel. to compare prices, reducing chances FRIDAY car in front of a restaurant at the After more than half an hour, the for manipulations by shops. In High: 36 C Vegetable Market to get something driver came back; he was apparently Abdul Karim addition, it will create a level-playing Low: 27 C from a shop nearby. My family was having his lunch after leaving his [email protected] fi eld for competitive businesses. Sunny inside the car. When I returned fi ve vehicle just behind my car! All of us minutes later, I found a bus was parked who were waiting exchanged a few George Matubia just behind my car with the bus driver angry words with him but he seemed It’s a welcome [email protected] Fishermen’s forecast nowhere in sight. The indicator lights unperturbed. I told him to wait until measure in store OFFSHORE DOHA of the bus were fl ashing. I thought the the police come as I wanted to make a Wind: SW-NW 03-12 KT driver might come back soon as the formal complaint about his behaviour. Waves: 1-3 Feet Dear Sir, Please send us INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 03-10/15 KT Waves: 1-2 Feet Shoppers welcome the Ministry of your letters Economy and Commerce’s instruction Around the region to major retail outlets to display the By e-mail [email protected] Weather Weather unit price of goods on sale (Gulf Times, today Max/min tomorrow Max/min April 24). Fax 44350474 Abu Dhabi Sunny 40/23 Sunny 41/24 According to the new decision, Or Post Baghdad P Cloudy 42/26 P Cloudy 38/22 stores have to display unit prices on Letters to the Editor Dubai Sunny 35/25 Sunny 36/25 Kuwait City price tags, based on the nature of the Gulf Times Sunny 39/26 M Sunny 37/26 Manama Sunny 34/26 Sunny 34/26 product and using one of the following P O Box 2888 Muscat Sunny 36/27 M Sunny 38/28 measurement units: If the item is Doha, Qatar Riyadh Sunny 38/23 M Sunny 38/24 measured by weight - the kilo or 100 Tehran M Sunny 31/20 P Cloudy 31/20 grams is used as a unit; if the item All letters, which are subject is measured by volume - the litre or to editing, should have the 100ml is used as a unit; if the item is measured by length - the metre is used name of the writer, address as a unit; and if the item is measured and phone number. The by surface area - the square metre is writer’s name and address used as a unit. may be withheld by request. The bus blocking the other vehicles. Most retail outlets now display Live issues Ethical consumers are boring, aren’t they?

By Oliver Burkeman types some solace. It’s called social Rebecca Reczek told Harvard Business The underlying problem goes way comparison theory. The non-ethical Review. “(So they) didn’t experience beyond shopping. Faced with any New York Around the world the same sense of threat.” ethical outrage, there are two ways to shoppers knew they should care about Weather Weather child labour but didn’t want to think When it comes to making the world make your negative feelings go away. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min ’m on thin ice telling readers that about it, so felt threatened by those a better place, this is dispiriting. It’d One is to address the outrage; the Athens Sunny 23/14 P Cloudy 24/17 being an ethical consumer makes who did. And no, it’s not that ethical be nice to think that making ethical other is to try not to think about it – Beirut P Cloudy 23/17 Sunny 23/16 you irritating, but you can’t argue shoppers are just insuff erably smug choices inspired others to do the same. as with the people who chose not to Bangkok P Cloudy 37/29 P Cloudy 37/29 S T Storms S T Storms 11/01 with science. In a recent study, and therefore annoying. And it’s true that outstandingly moral learn about child labour. You can deal Berlin 11/02 I Cairo Sunny 31/16 Sunny 31/16 US researchers off ered people various people – Nelson Mandela, for example with the horrors of factory farming Cape Town P Cloudy 21/15 S Showers 21/17 information before buying jeans, but It’d be nice to think – do serve as inspiration. But that’s by becoming vegetarian – or by not Colombo S T Storms 33/26 M Sunny 33/26 said they could only know two of the partly because we rarely compare hanging out with vegetarians who Dhaka P Cloudy 37/28 S T Storms 38/28 following: price, style, colour, and ourselves to them. You didn’t have the bang on about factory farms Hong Kong S T Storms 29/24 Showers 28/22 that making ethical Istanbul Sunny 17/11 Sunny 21/12 whether child labour was involved. option of suff ering in jail to lead South Yet there’s cause for optimism. Jakarta S T Storms 33/26 T Storms 32/25 Those who chose not to learn about choices inspired Africa out of apartheid, so there’s no After all, those “non-ethical” Karachi Sunny 34/24 Sunny 36/25 child labour were asked to assess the shame in the fact that you didn’t. shoppers weren’t really non-ethical: London Showers 12/01 P Cloudy 12/06 kind of person who would. others to do the same By contrast, small-scale virtuous they only reacted how they did Manila M Sunny 36/26 P Cloudy 34/26 Moscow Rain 17/11 Cloudy 18/08 Did they judge them to be more behaviour – the kind we could because they knew ethics mattered. New Delhi M Sunny 41/23 Sunny 41/23 sexy, stylish or charismatic? No: they Another part of the study confi rmed emulate, if we could be bothered – Just don’t try to persuade such New York M Sunny 17/09 S Showers 16/09 found them unattractive, boring and the theory: when people were given triggers comparison and guilt. The end people by telling them their choices Paris S Showers 12/03 M Sunny 13/04 odd. Life – unlike the labour practices the chance to make a donation to result is that we’re less motivated to are evil. To assuage their guilt, Sao Paulo Rain 19/15 S Showers 18/16 M Cloudy 23/08 behind your ethical wardrobe – isn’t charity at no cost to themselves, they be virtuous. Having dismissed ethical they’ll block that message out – or Seoul 21/10 P Cloudy Singapore S T Storms 33/27 S T Storms 34/27 fair. didn’t feel the need to put others consumers as tedious weirdos, study conveniently convince themselves Sydney Sunny 22/13 P Cloudy 25/14 Still, it’s clear what’s happening down. “They’d had a chance to shore participants were less angry about you’re a freak.- Guardian News and Tokyo Clear 21/14 Cloudy 16/12 here, and it ought to off er ethical up their ethical identity,” researcher child labour than before. Media Gulf Times 32 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 QATAR Microsoft declares Imagine Cup victors

By Joseph Varghese Imagine Cup is a cornerstone Staff Reporter of Microsoft’s commitment to- wards achieving this aspiration.” said Yazbeck. wo teams from Qatar Submission of entries were University and one from accepted from teams compris- TCarnegie Mellon Univer- ing up to four members, aged 16 sity in Qatar have been declared to 26 years who were challenged the winners of Imagine Cup 2016, to develop innovative projects organised by Microsoft Qatar. and present real world solutions Qatar national fi nals saw to real world problems. Many competition from teams repre- projects from universities across senting Qatar University, Carn- Qatar were submitted to Mi- egie Mellon University in Qatar, crosoft, however only six teams and Texas A&M University at were shortlisted to compete for Qatar in three categories of In- the national title. novation, World Citizenship and The panel of judges included Gaming. Duha al-Buhendi, market- The details of the competition ing and entrepreneurs engage- and the winners were announced ment, Ministry of Transport at a press conference yesterday and Communications’s Digital by Naim Yazbeck, general man- HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti with other off icials and participants in the competition. Incubation Centre, Dr Ahmed ager, Microsoft Qatar. K Elmagarmid, executive direc- Held under the patronage of The winning teams from each Focus” from Qatar University minds that introduce startup all the teams that participated the two categories of Innovation tor, Qatar Computing Research HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, category are: “Team Xblink” in the Gaming category. All the projects in Qatar deserve incu- in the 2016 Imagine Cup Finals and World Citizenship.” Institute, Abdul Salam Knio, Minister of Transport and Com- from Qatar University in the In- three teams will travel to Cairo to bation and support; something within the Centre’s Launchpad “Qatar aspires to be among managing partner, Information munications, a large number of novation category; “Team Buz- represent Qatar at the 3rd Pan- where the Ministry of Transport Track. The Centre will extend the best in the world in entre- and Communication Technol- students took part in the student zCast” from Carnegie Mellon Arab Semi-Finals taking place at and Communications places a support in the cost of complet- preneurship. By moulding and ogy and Mohamed Alam, general technology competition on Mon- University in Qatar in the World the end of May. lot of attention. The Digital In- ing the initial models of the two empowering the youth of today manager, Qatar Datamation Sys- day at Kempinski Marsa Malaz. Citizenship category and “Team Al-Sulaiti said: “The unique cubation Centre will incubate ideas that won the fi rst place in into the innovators of tomorrow, tems. Programme equips Qatari students for medical career

s many as 20 high school mark the completion of the face-to-face instruction, on- we also give them the opportu- students, including 17 programme. line modules and hands-on nity to experience life at WCM- AQataris from 12 schools Now in its second year, the training based on a customised Q. They meet faculty, students, participated in the Qatar As- programme is successful in timetable. admissions staff, and gain a real piring Doctors Programme helping high school students Dr Rachid Bendriss, assistant understanding of what pursu- (QADP) this year, preparing fulfil their ambition of be- dean, Student Recruitment, ing a medical degree at WCM- them for a career in medicine. coming physicians through a Outreach and Foundation Pro- Q would be like.” The year-long programme is specially designed academic grammes at WCM-Q, said: The QADP aims to enhance Group photo of the participants with off icials of WCM-Q at the conclusion of the programme. run by Weill Cornell Medicine- curriculum that embraces “The QADP is a self-paced students’ college-readiness Qatar (WCM-Q), and is of- technology and a programme programme that requires com- skills and strengthen their col- skills — as well as enhanc- The QADP runs from Septem- in the QADP is based purely on fered to a select number of high that offers guidance on how mitment and self-discipline. lege applications. By devel- ing their motivation to pursue ber to April each academic year. merit, and those selected must school students, motivated to to become a high prospect for Not only do we help talented oping the students’ areas of medicine — the programme To join the programme, interested have excellent academic scores become doctors.The partici- medical colleges. The course students reach the required ac- strength in physical sciences, aims to enrich the overall learn- students must fi rst be nominated and have demonstrated a strong pants received certificates to comprises a combination of ademic level to be college ready, biology, English and research ing experience of the students. by their high schools. Inclusion desire to become a doctor.