BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 8 Commercial Barshim Bank Group’s returns to half yearly Diamond net profi t League rises 9.2% to action on QR934mn Sunday

published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11247 July 17, 2019 Dhul-Qa’da 14, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief PM visits National Control Center of Kahramaa

BUSINESS | Energy Iran denies US Qatargas delivers 3,000th LNG cargo to Japan Qatargas has “successfully delivered” the 3,000th liquefied natural gas claim of major (LNG) cargo to Japan since the ever Qatari shipment was made to Kawagoe LNG Receiving Terminal on January 10, 1997. The 3,000th LNG cargo, which was transported progress in onboard ‘Al Jasra’, was delivered to JERA, a joint venture between Chubu Electric and Tokyo Electric. The cargo was delivered to the Kawagoe LNG Receiving Terminal, owned and nuclear dispute operated by JERA. Business Page 1

PAKISTAN | Aviation O Missile programme not negotiable: Tehran Airspace reopens for Reuters in return for the lifting of global sanc- all civilian traffi c Washington/Dubai tions crippling its economy. Pakistan reopened its airspace to Washington has since reimposed international civil aviation yesterday draconian sanctions to throttle Iran’s after months of restrictions imposed HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani visited the National Control S President Donald Trump said oil trade in a policy of “maximum because of clashes with India, which Center (NCC) of Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) in Al Thumama Area. During the visit, the prime yesterday “a lot of progress” pressure” on Tehran to agree stricter forced long detours that cost airlines minister was briefed on the operation mechanism in summer, readiness of electricity and water networks, maintenance and Uhad been made towards ending limits on its nuclear capacity, curb its millions of dollars. “Pakistan airspace emergency plans and reading of control room indicators. He also listened to a detailed explanation about the system’s working a volatile stand-off with Iran, with his ballistic missile programme and end is open for all types of civil traff ic on mechanism, demand forecast, response time and repair of failures. The prime minister then inspected the progress of the top diplomat saying Tehran had sig- support for proxy forces in the Mid- published ATS (Air Traff ic Service) strategic projects implemented by Kahramaa in the sectors of electricity, water, solar energy, customer services and projects nalled willingness to negotiate over its dle East. routes,” according to a so-called implemented by Kahramaa to serve vital projects in the country, including World Cup stadiums, rail stations, economic zones disputed ballistic missile programme. After the threats from Ayatollah Ali Notice to Airmen. Page 16 and many services provided by the corporation. Page 2 But Iran denied that it was willing to Khamenei, Iran’s ultimate authority, negotiate over its ballistic missile pro- Trump struck a conciliatory note, say- gramme, contradicting the chief US ing the United States wanted to help diplomat and appearing to undercut Tehran. Al-Attiyah wins Silk Way Rally President Donald Trump’s statement. “We’ll be good to them, we’ll work Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said with them. We’ll help them in any way UNODC plans to broadcast Iran had signalled it was ready to nego- we can, but they can’t have a nuclear tiate about its ballistic missiles during a weapon. We’re not looking, by the way, White House Cabinet meeting at which for regime change,” Trump told the The Zorbs in Arabic Trump said: “We’ll see what happens. cabinet meeting. But a lot of progress has been made.” “They (also) can’t be testing ballistic By Joey Aguilar signed as a fun yet informative edu- Pompeo appeared to be reacting to missiles.” Staff Reporter cational tool and comprises a set of a comment by Iran’s foreign minister Pompeo told the cabinet meeting animated videos that covers issues that Tehran would discuss its missile Iran had “for the fi rst time” signalled it related to justice, cybercrime, human programme after Washington stopped was prepared to negotiate about its bal- he United Nations Offi ce on rights, gender and integrity. arming allies the United Arab Emirates listic missiles, suggesting this was the Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is Teixeira noted that such initiative is and Saudi Arabia, something the Unit- result of US economic pressure. Tin talks with some countries in now surpassing 300,000 direct bene- ed States is unlikely to do. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad the region to broadcast The Zorbs in fi ciaries, especially teachers, students, His assessment drew a quick denial Javad Zarif told NBC’s Nightly News diff erent languages, including Arabic, and young children, among others, in from the spokesman for Iran’s mission to with Lester Holt programme that once a UNODC offi cial has told Gulf Times. various countries globally. the United Nations, who posted on Twit- the Trump administration removed UNODC launched The Zorbs in Vi- UNODC, he added, also concluded ter: “Iran’s missiles ... are absolutely and sanctions it has restored since leaving enna this year as part of its Education 171 educational tools and materials under no condition negotiable with any- the nuclear deal the “room for negotia- for Justice (E4J) initiative, making this tailored for teachers/educators aimed one or any country, period.” tion is wide open.” group of unique alien characters as at teaching and creating awareness on The exchanges came hours after Asked if that could include its bal- ambassadors of peace, justice and rule issues related to the rule of law and a Iran’s supreme leader upped the ante listic missile programme, Zarif replied: of law. culture of lawfulness. in the brewing confrontation by warn- “If they want to talk about our missiles, “We are now fi ne tuning the Arabic “The Zorbs have been created to basi- ing Tehran would continue removing they need, fi rst, to stop selling all these version (of The Zorbs) and some of the cally teach children values and princi- restraints on its nuclear activity and weapons, including missiles, to our re- tools for broadcast,” said Marco Teix- ples associated with ethical behaviour retaliate for the seizure of an Iranian oil gion.” eira, senior programme manager of and socially-acceptable conducts,” the tanker. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah poses with the 2019 Silk Way Rally winner’s trophy UNODC’s Global Programme for the UNODC offi cial said. “We also launched Tensions have spiralled since Trump ruled out negotiating under sanctions in Dunhuang, China, yesterday. Al-Attiyah and his French co-driver went unbeaten Implementation of the Doha Declara- a series of cartoons which are auxiliary last year ditched big powers’ 2015 nu- duress from Washington. It has long on all the stages in the event, which passed through three countries, including tion, who was in Qatar recently. to the teaching of these elements that clear deal with Iran under which it said its ballistic missile programme is Russia, Mongolia and China. Sport Page 1 The animated series has been de- the Zorbs represent.” To Page 6 agreed to curtail its nuclear programme defensive and non-negotiable.

UDC awards Gewan Island marine works to UrbaCon, Promar

nited Development Company construction of the island, where the (UDC) has tasked UrbaCon completion of building the boardwalk UTrading & Contracting Com- wall will be by February 2020,” al-Oth- pany and Promar Marine Contracting man said. Company with the execution of marine Al-Khayyat said: “Working with works at Gewan Island. UDC towards Gewan Island project is UDC president and CEO Ibrahim an imperative and exciting point of our Jassim al-Othman signed the agree- business. We look forward for a fruitful ments with UrbaCon Trading & Con- partnership with UDC, where we will tracting Company vice chairman and strive for the highest quality and suc- Group CEO Ramez al-Khayyat and cess to accomplish this project.” Promar Marine Contracting Company Chamoun added: “Being awarded chairman and managing partner Ju- the contract by UDC, one of the most liana Chamoun in the presence of rep- reputable real estate fi rms, means a resentatives from all parties. great deal to our business. We are proud Al-Othman highlighted that the to- to be part of this development initiative tal investment value in Gewan Island that seeks out a fulfi lling, positive and amounts to approximately QR3bn. developed future.” “The agreement with UrbaCon Urbacon Trading & Contracting Trading & Contracting Company and Company is a Qatar-based interna- Promar Marine Contracting Compa- tional construction services company ny demonstrates that Gewan Island’s and grade-one licensed builder, while construction and development works Promar Marine Contracting Company are proceeding according to the plans is a leading marine works construction to complete our latest fl agship project fi rm founded in Lebanon in 1985 and by the expected 2022 deadline. We have expanded towards Gulf market since initiated the preparation works for the 2007. To Page 20 Off icials from UDC, UrbaCon Trading & Contracting Company and Promar Marine Contracting Company at the contract signing ceremony. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 QATAR

FM sends message PM visits National Control Center of Kahramaa to Tajikistan Real estate sector counterpart The Minister for Foreign Aff airs of continues to grow Tajikistan Sirodjiddin Muhriddin received a written message from HE the Deputy Prime he trading volume of tions of Umm Salal municipal- Minister and Minister of Foreign registered real estates in ity amounted to QR393,123,139, Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Tlast June at the Minis- while that of Al Rayyan mu- Abdulrahman al-Thani, pertaining try of Justice’s real estate reg- nicipality was QR381,949,880. to bilateral relations and means istration department stood at The value of Doha municipal- to develop them. The message QR1,306,149,749. ity transactions amounted to was handed over by Qatar’s The monthly real estate analy- QR301,501,407, while that of ambassador to Tajikistan, Ibrahim sis data showed that 241 real es- the municipality of Al Daayen bin Mohamed al-Abdullah, when tate transactions were recorded was QR134,860,617, and that of Tajikistan’s foreign minister met during the month, including Al Wakrah municipality stood at him yesterday. buildings, multipurpose empty QR64,635,188. lands and multipurpose build- The municipality of Al Khor Qatar condemns ings. and Al Thakhira recorded trad- In terms of value, the munici- ing amounting to QR22,399,370, bombing of palities of Doha, Umm Salal and while that of Al Shamal munici- hospital in Tripoli Al Rayyan topped the trading, pality reached QR5,220,167, and followed by Al Daayen, Al Wak- that of the municipality of Al Qatar condemned in the HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani being briefed by off icials at the National rah, Al Khor and Al Thakhira, Al Shahaniya was QR2,459,981. strongest terms the bombing of a Control Center (NCC) of Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) in Al Thumama yesterday. Shamal and Al Shahaniya. The data showed that the real field hospital in southern Libyan The value of the transac- estate sector continues to grow. capital of Tripoli, in which several people were killed and injured. The Ministry of Foreign Aff airs said in a statement yesterday that the bombing of the hospital is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, which aims to Sidra Medicine, CMU-Q sign pact to promote collaboration ensure the safety of patients and medical staff working in hospitals and to maintain health facilities idra Medicine, a member students and alumni to gain real- in times of war. The statement of Qatar Foundation, and world exposure to cutting edge stressed that the bombing of the SCarnegie Mellon Univer- areas in healthcare and medical hospital necessitates an urgent sity in Qatar (CMU-Q), have research. international investigation in signed a memorandum of un- “Sidra Medicine is embark- order to bring the perpetrators derstanding to promote scien- ing on an important journey to- to international justice, calling tifi c collaboration and research wards precision medicine. Our on the international community in line with Qatar’s national re- partnership will also provide the to take urgent action to protect search priorities. students with access to thought civilian targets. The MoU formalises an al- leaders and innovators within ready close partnership, accord- Sidra Medicine, who play an Baghdad bombing ing to a press statement issued integral role in enhancing our by Sidra Medicine. mission to provide world-class condemned Sidra Medicine has hired more patient care as well as to build than 40 CMU-Q graduates over Qatar’s scientifi c expertise and Qatar has expressed its strong the past four years to pursue ca- resources.” condemnation and denunciation reers in research, technology, CMU-Q and Sidra Medicine of the bombing that targeted a business operations and labora- scientists and researchers will funeral ceremony south of the tory medicine. The women’s and also share expertise in the fi elds Iraqi capital Baghdad, and killed children’s healthcare organisation of biological sciences, business two people and wounded others. is one of the few in the world with administration, computational In a statement issued yesterday, an innovation-based approach biology, computer science and the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs to providing patient and family Sidra Medicine and CMU-Q off icials at the agreement-signing ceremony. information systems. reiterated Qatar’s firm stance centred care, “which makes it a Through this collaboration, rejecting violence and terrorism, particularly good fi t for CMU-Q organisation that values both grammes of study are now work- look forward to many more years are delighted to partner with both parties will seek to promote whatever their motives and graduates”, the statement notes. scientifi c rigour and innovative ing at Sidra Medicine, helping of co-operation.” Carnegie Mellon University in research and raise health aware- reasons. The statement Michael Trick, dean of CMU- thinking. Graduates from each shape how technological tools Dr Robert Crone, acting CEO Qatar. The agreement provides a ness through specialised confer- expressed Qatar’s condolences to Q, said: “Sidra Medicine is an of CMU-Q’s four main pro- can improve patient care. We of Sidra Medicine, added: “We unique opportunity for CMU-Q ences, seminars and workshops. the families of the victims.

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FM sends messages to Italian and Georgian counterparts Top honour for Qatar Youth Hostels

atar Youth Hostels ob- tained the silver rating of QInternational Youth Hos- tel Federation for the fi rst time in its history. This came after the periodic evaluation by the International Youth Hostel Federation which is rating diff erent youth hostels members in the Federation, rep- resenting 64 countries. The classifi cation is based on the objectives achieved in the strategic plan for youth hostels 2018-2021, which was approved at the 52nd International Con- ference of the Federation in Ice- land. Qatar Youth Hostels are among the few hostels that have achieved this category, scoring 9 points out of a total of 16 points in record time. Qatar Youth Hostels are im- The Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Italy Enzo Moavero Milanesi has received a written message HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman plementing various programmes from HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin al-Thani sent a written message to the Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Georgia, David Zalkaliani, and events in line with the plans Abdulrahman al-Thani, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to develop them. The message pertaining to bilateral relations and means of advancing them. The message was handed by Qatar’s of the International Federation was handed over by Qatar’s ambassador to Italy, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Malki, when Italy’s ambassador to Georgia, Mubarak bin Nasser al-Khalifa, during his meeting yesterday with the Deputy and the vision of the Ministry of Deputy Minister of Foreign Aff airs, Emanuela Del Re, met him yesterday. Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Georgia, Alexander Khvtisiashvili. Culture and Sports. – QNA

Qatar-Russia military ties reviewed

The Commander of the Amiri Naval Forces, Major General Abdullah bin Hassan al-Sulaiti, yesterday met the Commander-in-Chief, Russian Federation Navy, Admiral Vladimir Korolev, on the sidelines of the maritime exhibition currently being held in the Russian city of St Petersburg. During the Off icials and staff of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment at the launch of the campaign. meeting, they reviewed the military relations between Qatar and Russia and means Ministry launches campaign to remove of enhancing them. illegal structures at Sheehaniya farms

QNA Doha he Ministry of Mu- nicipality and En- Tvironment (MME), represented by the Mu- nicipality of Al Sheehaniya, launched a campaign yes- terday to remove all illegal structures in the farms lo- cated within the municipal- ity as part of the ministry’s comprehensive plan to put an end to violations by all An illegal structure being removed at a farm. state farms, in accordance with the provisions of the Public and Private State Property Law and Building Regulation Law. This campaign, which is being carried out in co- operation with the Gen- eral Cleanliness Depart- ment, the Department of Mechanical Equipment of the Ministry and the secu- Workers who were involved in the campaign pose for a photograph. rity authorities in the state, continues until all viola- in violation of the certifi cate companies, workshops and The ministry called on tions are removed before the of possession granted to the stores. the owners of the farms to end of 2019. owner of the farm. The MME also explained abide by the laws governing Director of the Al Shee- He pointed out that the that the measures taken the activity and work of the haniya Municipality, Jaber municipality has taken the against the infringing farms farms, emphasising the im- Hassan al-Jaber said that necessary legal measures include making a record portance of using them for the campaign aims at re- against these violations of the off ence and issuing agricultural activity, espe- moving all illegal structures since the beginning of 2019 warning to the violators to cially in response to the re- in the farms, such as build- in co-ordination with the remove the illegal structure quirements of food security. ings for workers’ housing, authorities concerned in the and evacuate housing units, It urged all companies to stores, garages, etc, that are country. He added that the as well as removal by force vacate their violating sites used by farmers for non-ag- notices of removal were giv- in the case the eviction no- and facilities to avoid legal ricultural purposes and are en to the owners of farms, tice is not complied with. action.

Permanent Population Committee promotes awareness about key issues

he Permanent Popu- Al-Shawi reviewed the tainable development re- It also seeks to improve lation Committee role of the committee in quirements, so as to ensure the quality of education and T(PPC) celebrated following up the national a decent life for the inhabit- training, expand opportuni- World Population Day 2019 eff orts aimed at control- ants of Qatar, enhance their ties for youth participation which aims at promot- ling the rate of population abilities, broaden their op- in society and in public life, ing community awareness growth and reducing the tions and raise their partici- improve the public health about population issues, imbalance of the country’s pation in the progress of the of the population, improve issues of family planning, population structure and its Qatari society.” the reality of reproductive gender equality, combat- implications. This policy seeks to health and provide serv- ing poverty and improving The ceremony screened achieve several goals in its ices in line with population maternal health and human a short fi lm about the PPC six axes, including control- growth and geographical rights. and its role in following up ling population growth rates distribution. At the ceremony, organ- the said Population Policy during the period of 2017- The policy also seeks ised in co-operation with Document in terms of its 2022, leading to gradual re- to support the social par- Qatar National Library, Di- main purpose and its objec- form of the imbalances of ticipation of women, rector of the Technical Of- tive of ensuring a better life the population structure, providing conditions for fi ce of the PPC, Abdul Hadi for all who live in the coun- the development of urban increasing their partici- al-Shawi said that the cele- try. centres away from Greater pation in the labour force bration was aimed primarily The basic goal of Qa- Doha, the provision of a while maintaining family at reminding all segments of tar’s population policy is clean urban environment cohesion and ensuring a society of population issues “achieving balance between and the sustainability of healthy environment for and their importance. population growth and sus- natural resources. children. – QNA Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 QATAR beIN partners with QST to Microsoft honours HMC with Qatar Digital support innovation in sport Transformation Award eIN Media Group seven diff erent nation- (beIN), a leading alities and showcased bsports, media and solutions ranging from amad Medical Cor- entertainment group, has wearables & equipment, poration (HMC) signed a partnership with fan engagement & expe- Hhas been honoured Qatar SportsTech (QST), a rience, sports medical, by Microsoft with the Qa- Doha-based sports indus- e-sports, sports culture, tar Digital Transformation try startup incubator, to sports tourism, team per- Award. “support the global sports formance & analytics, and The award was pre- industry’s most pioneering venue optimisation. sented during a special projects”. Koen Bosma, managing ceremony that distin- beIN and QST will work director for Qatar Sport- guished the country’s together to meet the de- sTech, added: “We are most innovative organisa- mands of the ever-evolving thrilled to be partnering tions in the fi eld of digital sports industry and provide with beIN Media Group, a transformation. innovative startups with global leader in sports me- Microsoft Digital Trans- the vital mentoring, fund- dia with an unparalleled formation Awards rec- ing and networking op- international network. ognise organisations and portunities needed to grow Adding one of the most in- entities that are playing and reach the next stage of The Demo Day event. novative sports broadcast- a leading role in driving development, according to ers as a partner strengthens successful digitisation ini- a statement. beIN’s worldwide net- front of new and emerging one-on-one mentorship, Qatar SportsTech’s domi- tiatives that result in better The Qatar Digital Transformation Award. beIN joins other pres- work, with the compa- technologies and innova- seed funding, day-to-day nant position on a global engagement of customers, tigious partners, including ny currently operating tions. QST is a brilliant logistics and direct access scale. With the support of empowered employees, Qatar Development Bank, across fi ve continents and initiative that gives creative to a highly international beIN, we will provide en- optimised operations and the Supreme Commit- 43 countries. In return, ideas the space and sup- network of investors and rolling sports tech startups reinvented tee for Delivery & Legacy, beIN’s investment will port that they need to grow, corporate partners from with world-class talent, products and services. Qatar Financial Centre, give the group access to and we’re excited about all corners of the sports network and mentorship in HMC was awarded the Ministry of Commerce and the latest products and the opportunities that this industry. both sports and entertain- Digital Transformation Industry and Aspire Zone innovative ideas in sports, partnership will bring for After three months of ment while furthering Doha Award for rolling out an Foundation. QST is pow- the statement notes. the international start- intense acceleration and as a leading sports tech intelligent security plat- ered by Startupbootcamp, Yousef al-Obaidly, CEO ups taking part and for our development at Doha’s capital.” form and implementing the world’s largest net- of beIN Media Group, company and its customers Aspire Zone, the fi rst cycle Interested SportsTech platforms that empower work of innovation pro- said: “beIN Media Group around the world.” concluded on May 2 with startups should visit ht- employees and care teams grammes having acceler- is committed to providing QST selects 10 start- an exclusive Demo Day tps://www.f6s.com/sbc- to do more with fewer re- ated more than 700 startups its customers with the best ups every nine months event at the Khalifa In- qatarsportstech2020/ap- sources, it has said in a worldwide. possible viewing experi- (one cycle), who undergo ternational Stadium. QST ply for more information to statement. The new partnership ence, and to do so we al- an intensive three-month attracted high-growth, apply for the next cohort of “HMC started the jour- will give QST access to ways want to be at the fore- programme that provides international teams from Qatar SportsTech. ney to a secure modern digital workplace to em- power employees and care teams to be more produc- tive and to do more with Customs officials foil attempt to smuggle drugs into country less. HMC’s modern digital workplace creates experi- The General Authority of Customs ences that put our people (GAC) yesterday tweeted that it had at the centre and provide foiled an attempt to smuggle illicit the collaborative, drugs. The contraband was found intelligent and secure Richard Storey inside the body of a passenger, who experience required for to- had raised the suspicion of Customs day’s fast-paced work en- 10 and Advanced Threat formation journey. inspectors at Hamad International vironment,” said Richard Protection, Enterprise “Qatar National Vision Airport. Some 131 capsules stuff ed Storey, chief of the Health Mobility, Security and Of- 2030 aims to transform the with hashish weighing 1,451.5gm and Information and Commu- fi ce 365, we achieved the country into an advanced 11 capsules with 262 Captagon pills nications Technology De- high level of agility, man- society that is capable of were retrieved from the intestines of partment at HMC. ageability and security sustaining its develop- the traveller, the GAC said. “We started rolling out that we were looking for ment and providing a high an intelligent security to support our journey,” standard of living for its platform for HMC em- added Storey. people. Technological in- ployees with Windows Microsoft Teams is a uni- novation is an integral part 10 upgrades, diverse Of- fi ed communications plat- of this eff ort,” said Khalaf. fi ce 365 services and a form that combines persist- “The customers we cele- secure collaboration tool ent workplace chat, video brate with these awards are using Microsoft Teams. meetings, fi le storage and remarkable examples of HBKU college We believe that Micro- application integration. how the intelligent cloud soft Teams can streamline Lana Khalaf, general and the intelligent edge communication and col- manager of Microsoft Qa- can be leveraged to inno- opens registration laboration, tar, said the award recog- vate and get ahead of the and improve the effi - nises the success of organ- curve to gain a competitive ciency and success of our isations who have taken a advantage in a digital-fi rst for law scholars care teams. With Windows leap in their digital trans- world.” conference Nissan Navara models of 2015-2016 recalled amad Bin Khalifa rica; LexisNexis Middle East The Ministry of Commerce and Industry dealers follow University (HBKU) and North Africa; and the (MoCI), in co-operation with Saleh Al up on vehicle defects and repairs. HCollege of Law is or- Association for Environmen- Hamad Al Mana Co, dealer of Nissan The ministry will co-ordinate with the dealer ganising the 2019 Middle East tal Law Lecturers in Middle in Qatar, has announced a recall of to follow up on the maintenance and repair Environmental Law Scholars East and North African Uni- Nissan Navara models of 2015-2016 due works and communicate with customers to Conference on November 4 versities (ASELLMU). to a possible defect in the driver and ensure that the necessary repairs are and 5 in Settat, Morocco, it Founding chair of ASELL- passenger airbag inflators. carried out. has been announced. MU and HBKU Law associ- The recall campaign comes within the The MoCI has urged all customers to report Registration is now open ate professor, Dr Damilola S framework of the MoCI’s continuous eff orts violations to its Consumer Protection and for the conference that will Olawuyi, said, “This year’s to protect consumers and ensure that car Anti-Commercial Fraud Department. see leading environmental conference will signifi cantly law practitioners, scholars consolidate the achieve- and policymakers come to- ments from the fi rst confer- gether to examine teaching ence. It will provide a plat- ‘Climate Change in the Mid- form for exchanging latest dle East and North Africa’. research innovations, as well The Morocco conference as stimulating interest in the will enable participants to teaching of environmental assess current opportuni- law in universities across the ties, challenges, best prac- Mena region.” tices and innovation in Topics to be explored this teaching environmental law, year include Environmental particularly climate change Law Teaching in the Middle law and policy, in Mena uni- East; Climate Change Impacts versities, HBKU has said in a on the Middle East; Green and statement. Participants will Climate Resilient Infrastruc- leverage their specialised ture; Climate Finance Ini- knowledge to explore how tiatives and the Law; Build- best to advance investment ing Capacity for the Green in climate-smart infrastruc- Economy; and Agriculture ture in the region. and Food Security. Dr Susan Karamanian, High-level attendance is dean of HBKU Law and a expected with keynote ad- member of the event’s advi- dresses by Elizabeth Mrema, sory committee, said: “Cli- director of the Law Division mate change is high on the at the United Nations En- global agenda due to the wide vironment Programme, and and severe impact of recent Aisa Mustafa Hammadeen, weather-related events. As regional vice-chair for West Mena nations address the Asia, International Union for substantial challenges due Conservation of Nature Com- to climate change, they face mission on Environmental, a growing demand for ex- Economic and Social Policy. pertise in the subject, which Distinguished delegates from drives the need for informed the Moroccan Ministry for teaching of environmental Agriculture, Maritime Fish- law in universities. eries, Rural Development, This year’s conference Water and Forests; and the is sponsored by the United Ministry of Energy, Mines Nations Environment Pro- and Sustainable Develop- gramme and will be held in ment, among others, are also collaboration with Hassan expected. the First University, Settat, For more information Morocco; Laboratory for Re- and to register to attend, search on Comparative Dem- one can visit https://www. ocratic Transition, Morocco; hbku.edu.qa/en/academ- UN Regional Offi ce in the ic-events/mena-law- Middle East and North Af- conference Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 5 QATAR Ooredoo ONE ‘all-in-one’ home service launched oredoo has announced movies, series, kids’ entertain- the launch of Ooredoo ment, world-class sports and OONE, its new service more”. Plus, customers can enjoy The ‘green checkout’ programme at a LuLu outlet. “providing everything a family TV on the go with the Ooredoo could need in the way of con- tv App, which also includes the nectivity and entertainment at option of using a smartphone as home”. a remote control. The new Ooredoo ONE com- Whether it’s a small family in LuLu Hypermarket bines “everything custom- an apartment or a big family in a ers need in their home to keep villa, Ooredoo ONE caters to all, the entire family connected the statement adds. opens green checkouts to and entertained in one single Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, plan that includes home Inter- director of PR and Corporate net, smart Wi-Fi, landline and Communications at Ooredoo, promote reusable bags TV”, the company has said in a said: “We’re extremely excited to statement. available for all packs, giving Wi-Fi, which easily streams With the new service, cus- announce the launch of our new Customers selecting Oore- them the “best entertainment in HD fi lms, music and gaming to tomers can enjoy the “best TV Ooredoo ONE service and are uLu Hypermarket has offi cial spokesman said. doo ONE with home Internet town”. more than 50 devices at once. experience with the new Oore- delighted to be able to off er eve- launched the ‘I Choose “LuLu has chosen optimal speeds of 150Mbps, 500Mbps, Ooredoo ONE provides the This provides customers with doo tv set-top box, 4K TV, and rything our customers want and Lto Reuse’ campaign with solutions to teach shoppers 1Gbps and 10Gbps get access to “fastest Internet speeds and the a “seamless experience across the best games and apps, giving need under one new umbrella, the aim of reducing the use of about choosing less harmful a premium sports package, mov- most extensive fi bre Internet the entire house with a single them access to best-in-class lo- enhancing convenience and de- plastic bags. options for the world we live ies and series, in addition to the coverage in Qatar”, with smart Wi-Fi name for everyone”, the cal, regional and global content livering on our goal of complete The awareness initiative in. It is not just about shop- Starz Play on-demand channel Wi-Fi provided by Ooredoo ONE statement notes. with beIN and OSN; premieres, customer satisfaction.” features a ‘green checkout’ ping, but shopping smartly programme at LuLu’s cash through reducing waste. With counters that promotes the this campaign, LuLu has en- use of eco-friendly bags. deavoured to put in place an In a statement, LuLu Hy- all-inclusive approach by permarket Qatar said it pro- involving its retail partners, QIC Group conducts training programme for staff motes green checkouts to raise staff and the entire clientele awareness of the necessity to for sustainable environmen- care for the nature and pro- tal practices,” the statement atar Insurance Group re- grammes are an integral part of the president and CEO of QIC Group mote the benefi ts of utilising explains. cently conducted an in- QIC Learning Academy, which was Ali S al-Fadala said: “Nurturing our reusable bags. This is also in LuLu stores have been the Qhouse introductory training established last year. It focuses on human capital through interactive line with the commemoration “fi rst retail outlets in the re- programme on ‘Risk Management providing comprehensive develop- training courses have always been a of International Plastic Bag gion” to introduce and switch & Insurance’ as part of its ongoing ment programmes in the form of business priority for QIC Group. We Free Day, which is observed over to the Oxo-biodegradable eff orts to empower its staff with the formal and informal learning mod- shall continue to invest in our staff on July 3 every year. bag – a type of plastic bag that right mix of technical know-how, ules, mentoring and work-based and empower them so that they can The initiative is part of the degrades much faster than the business acumen and capabilities. experiences to accelerate personal accomplish growth, both at a per- retailer’s corporate social re- usual plastic bag. With support from its senior development and enhance career sonal and a professional level and sponsibility to raise aware- Normal plastic bags take a management, QIC Group “con- progression of the company’s work- have career satisfaction. ness about the environmental considerable amount of time sistently endeavours to fulfi l its force, the statement notes. “This also highlights our key benefi ts of reducing the use to biodegrade and, during objective of facilitating knowl- Attendees of the programme are role in building a knowledge-based of plastic bags, the statement the process, they cause im- edge-sharing and enhancement by trained by a set of highly experi- economy and achieving the Qatar notes. mense damage to the planet. conducting in-house training pro- enced mentors, who are experts National Vision 2030. In order to “This great initiative is one Complimentary reusable grammes that are considered pivot- in various fi elds of the insurance support the anticipated long-term key to providing a cleaner bags were distributed for free al for the development of its human business. growth and sustainability of QIC environment and promot- among customers on July 3 as capital”, the company has said in a Stressing the importance of the Group, we will continue to provide ing sustainable development part of the commemoration of statement. various in-house training pro- unrivalled opportunities to our staff through simple and little ways the International Plastic Bag The in-house training pro- grammes, senior deputy Group to fulfi l their ambition in this way.” The QIC headquarters in West Bay. with substantial impact,” an Free Day.

Inspection campaign at poultry slaughterhouses

Al Sheehaniya Municipality’s health control section, along with the Ministry of Public Health, has conducted a joint inspection campaign at the automated poultry slaughterhouse in Al Sheehaniya. The slaughtered poultry was checked by inspectors to ensure their safety for consumption. In addition, a number of violations pertaining to the proper implementation of health regulations and conditions at the slaughterhouse were issued during the inspection campaign. Such joint campaigns will continue to enhance co-operation among related entities with the aim of boosting the enforcement of relevant rules and regulations for the benefit of consumers, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has said in a statement.

Temporary closure of Al Rayyan roundabout on 22 February Street

he Public Works Author- ity (Ashghal) has announced a Ttemporary full road closure at the Al Rayyan Roundabout located on 22 February Street and Al Rayyan Road from today until July 20. During the closure, bridges and the underpass on 22 February Street will remain open to traffi c, Ashghal has said in a statement. The diversion will be implement- ed in co-ordination with the Gen- eral Directorate of Traffi c for specifi c periods - from 11.30pm today until 5am tomorrow and from 11.30pm tomorrow until 11am on July 19. The roundabout will be closed again from 11.30pm on July 19 until 11am on July 20, the statement explains. The diversion has been announced in order to complete the reinstate- ment of the bitumen surface as well vising motorists of the closure. It has The speed limit will also be lowered to as pedestrian and footpath upgrade also requested all road users to abide by 50kph throughout the diversion period works at the roundabout. the speed limit and follow road signs to to ensure the safety of traffi c and project Ashghal will install road signs ad- ensure their safety. workers. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 QATAR Renault announces ‘big savings’ off ers ‘Enjoy home Internet’ on Koleos, Talisman for free with Vodafone odafone Qatar has with an array of live channels aleh Al Hamad Al Mana launched a limited- from around the world, award- Co, the exclusive agent for Vtime off er that allows winning TV shows and on-de- SRenault in Qatar, has an- customers to be among the fi rst mand movies”. nounced a “sensational off er” on in the world to connect their Since launching its 5G net- two of its fl agship models – the homes to 5G. work a year ago, Vodafone Qa- Koleos and the Talisman. With this, customers can tar “has been leading the de- With this off er, customers can now “GigaPower their homes ployment of 5G in the country”, make “big savings” when they for free” with Vodafone Giga- the statement adds. buy any of these two vehicle Home 5G. Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network models. New customers who sub- is live in dozens of residential This off er is available for a lim- scribe to the GigaHome 5G locations across Qatar, includ- ited period only, for just seven Classic plan will get high- ing Al Waab, Abu Hamour, Al days, from July 15-21, the com- speed 5G Internet at home with Aziziya, Al Mamoura, Al Rayy- pany has said in a statement. two months’ free rental valued an, Umm Salal Mohamed, and Customers have been urged to at QR700, the company has Kharaitiyat. take advantage of the off er im- said in a statement. By the end of July, Vodafone mediately to “enjoy great savings Customers will also receive Qatar’s network will be live in on these two distinctive Renault a free 5G router plus two free several additional locations, models”. Giga Wi-Fi Hubs that enable including Al Hilal, Muntazah, “The Renault Koleos is a true Wi-Fi coverage in every room. Muraykh and Al Sadd. mix of power and passion. A Customers will also enjoy For more information on symphony of style, comfort and free lifestyle off ers, including Vodafone GigaHome, one can advanced technology, the Ko- “Vodafone Entertainer” and visit the nearest Vodafone leos is charisma personifi ed,” the Wavo by OSN that provides store or go to www.vodafone. statement notes. “great family entertainment qa/GigaHome Some of its attributes in- clude “powerful, muscular exte- The Renault Koleos and Talisman. rior lines and all-terrain ability thanks to a ground clearance of comfort and superior driving “The Talisman can deliver safety”, the statement adds. glad to bring these exceptional 210mm”. pleasure”. 0-100kph in just 7.7 seconds,” Both the Koleos and the Tal- models to customers with this It also has an “exceedingly “Style meets substance on the statement explains. isman are now available “at un- great-value off er of big savings UNODC to broadcast comfortable interior with class- every level, as the Talisman is With this car, as with every beatable prices”, the statement and attractive prices. leading cabin space”. equipped with a 190BHP turbo- Renault, “safety continues to be adds. “We are sure customers will The Koleos’s 8.7” touchscreen charged direct-injection petrol a priority”. Martin Aherne, general man- appreciate this and enjoy their The Zorbs in Arabic with R-LINK 2 multimedia sys- engine, ensuring a smooth driv- This is etched into every fea- ager (Automotive) at Saleh Al drive with their Renault, be it the tem “lends an air of sophistica- ing experience, effi cient fuel ture of this new large family sa- Hamad Al Mana Co, said: “Re- Koleos or the Talisman.” tion”. consumption and CO2 emissions loon, with the “very best warning nault has always designed its ve- To check out these cars and the From Page 1 Meanwhile, the “Renault Tal- of as low as 17km/litre and 139g/ and protective systems to provide hicle models to suit the lifestyle off er, one can visit www.renault. isman is a distinctive blend of km, respectively. a high level of active and passive needs of customers and we are qa The series, according to the UNODC, tells the story of four friends who left their chaotic Strong winds expected planet, Zorb, searching for a more peaceful life. Strong winds are again expected in some places When they landed on Earth, during the daytime, the Qatar Met department has they started promoting values said in its forecast for today. such as acceptance, integrity, Teixeira: announced that some Off shore areas, too, are likely to see windy fairness, and respect. 500 judicial practitioners are conditions and high seas. All the episodes of The Zorbs expected to gather in Doha in The Met department had recently said are available online and can be November this year. northwesterly fresh to strong winds (locally known used by teachers and parents as AlBawarih) were expected to continue aff ecting globally. cial outreach and awareness the country until July 18, ranging in speed from 10- The series will be broadcast that we create with regards to 22 knots and reaching a high of 33 knots at times, on national television in some culture of peace, lawfulness especially at noon, in some areas. countries. and rule of law,” Teixeira said. This, in turn, would result in blowing dust and low About measuring the im- “Our social media and digital visibility – particularly in open areas. pacts of these kinds of ini- footprint are on the scale of Marine warnings, too, remained in eff ect with tiatives, Teixeira said that they 3.5mn viewers in the last cycle, the wave height expected to range from 4’ to 7’ conduct pre- and post-train- which means that the topics of in most off shore areas, reaching 9’ towards the ing testing to have a perception rule of law have been brought northeast. of the knowledge increase of to the attention of the general Today’s forecast says the wind speed will be 12-24 the benefi ciaries. public.” knots inshore, going up to 30 knots in some places “This is a very specialised The UNODC is also using before dropping to 6-12 knots by the evening. niche of state that we work, we sports to provide positive ex- Off shore, the wind speed will be 12-22 knots and have an average of 94% (sur- periences and support healthy reach a high of 28 knots in the northern areas, veys) that says their behaviour development in young people, where the sea level may rise to 9’. or their skills have improved while its Judicial Integrity ini- It will be hot during the day and slight to blowing after the training, 96% of our tiative aims to assist judiciaries dust is expected in some inshore areas at times. benefi ciaries, three months in strengthening judicial in- Slight dust and some clouds are likely off shore. later, say they are still using tegrity and preventing corrup- The maximum temperature is expected to be 44C the tools, skills, and knowledge tion in the justice sector, in line today in Doha, Wakrah and Mesaieed, and 41C in they acquired,” he explained. with Article 11 of the UN Con- Al Khor. “Another element is the so- vention against Corruption.

Off icials mark the occasion. Al Ahli Hospital shines spotlight on importance of hand-washing

l Ahli Hospital, in celebration of thing we can do,” El Ahmadi said. contracting a potentially fatal health- the International Hand Hygiene Snehalata Syed, infection control care-associated infection.” ADay, has held a special event to co-ordinator at Al Ahli Hospital, add- With support from the administra- remind staff , physicians and patients ed: “Each year, the hand hygiene cam- tive management and infection control about their role in patient safety. paign aims to stress the importance of personnel, Al Ahli Hospital celebrated One of the activities involves the use hand hygiene at Al Ahli Hospital and the Hand Hygiene Day by visiting eve- of Glo Germ, which is a neon gel that bring healthcare workers and patients ry unit in groups. one put on his/her hands before wash- together in support of hand hygiene, The groups held demonstrations ing them. which reduces the risk of healthcare- related to hand hygiene and kept their “Hand hygiene is one of the most associated infection. audience motivated with giveaways, important things we can do in health- “The theme of the World Health while also reminding them of the care to prevent illness,” said Dr Mo- Organisation (WHO)’s Hand Hygiene “5 Moments for Hand Hygiene”, the hamed El Ahmadi, director of the Day this is year is ‘Clean care for all, it’s causes of antibiotics resistance and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in your hands’. Poor hand hygiene leads how to combat it. Department at Al Ahli Hospital and a to the spread of germs, including those The infection control department specialist on infectious diseases. resistant to antibiotics. held activities specially arranged for “And hand washing is the easiest “This can put patients at risk of the day, Syed added. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 7 REGION/ARAB WORLD

OLD WHEELS BOMBARDMENT CIVIL STRIFE ARCHAEOLOGY STUDENTS’ PROTEST 13 people killed as bus 11 Syrian civilians killed 4 hospital staff hurt in 9,000-year-old settlement plunges into Iran gorge in regime air strikes Libya air raid: ministry unearthed near Jerusalem

Three babies were among 13 people killed Regime air strikes yesterday killed 11 civilians in Four hospital staff were injured yesterday Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a huge, yesterday when a minibus they were travelling in opposition-held northwest Syria, the target of in an air strike near the Libyan capital, more 9000-year-old settlement from the New Stone plunged into a gorge in central Iran, state news months of bombardment by the government than three months into a battle for Tripoli, the Age close to Jerusalem, the Israel Antiquities agency IRNA reported. The brakes of the 1970s and its ally Russia, a war monitor said. Three country’s UN-recognised authorities said. “Swani Authority announced yesterday. “This is the Mercedes-Benz failed during a descent in Isfahan children were among 10 civilians killed in the field hospital was the target of an air raid that first time that such a large-scale settlement province, Khansar city governor Mansour village of Maar Shureen in the south of Idlib injured three ambulance workers and a rescue from the Neolithic Period — 9,000 years Kamali said. “Ten adults and three babies were province, said the Syrian Observatory for Human doctor,” said Lamine al-Hashemi, a spokesman ago — is discovered in Israel,” said excavation killed, and nine people were injured,” Kamali Rights. An AFP photographer said the strike for the health ministry run by the Government directors Hamoudi Khalaily and Jacob Vardi in said, quoted by IRNA. The accident took place hit near a mosque in the centre of the village, of National Accord (GNA). “Although it’s outside a statement. The excavations exposed large between Buin va Miandasht city and Khansar, destroying vegetable stalls and shops. Another the combat zone, this was the second time that buildings, including rooms that were used for according to the governor. The accidents are man was killed in regime air strikes on the the Swani hospital has been hit” since military living, as well as public facilities and places of Students hold placards during an anti-gov- linked to the poor state of Iranian vehicles, in northern countryside of nearby Hama province, strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an assault ritual. The excavations are being conducted as ernment demonstration in Algiers yesterday. part due to decades of economic sanctions, and according to the Britain-based Observatory, on April 4 to seize Tripoli from the GNA, said part of a major construction project including a The writing in Arabic on the placards on right a general disregard for basic road safety. which relies on a network of sources inside Syria. ministry off icial Fawzi Ounis. new entrance road to Jerusalem from the west. reads: “No to suppressing freedom”.

Children fi ghting Civilian was ‘tortured’ to on ‘both sides’ of Yemen war: NGO

By Anne Chaon, AFP death: Sudanese doctors Paris

By Haitham El-Tabei, AFP Khartoum hildren are fi ghting on both sides of Yemen’s fi ve- year-old war, a human rights group said yesterday as Cit urged Western powers to end arms sales to countries aramilitary men beat and involved in the confl ict. tortured to death a civilian “This war is (destroying) our future and destroying our Pin Sudan’s war-torn Dar- children,” the president of NGO Mwatana for Human Rights, fur region, a doctors committee Radhya Almutawakel, told a Paris news conference. linked to the country’s protest “You will see children carrying weapons; that was not the movement said yesterday. case before 2014,” Almutawakel said, unveiling the group’s The civilian died on Monday report titled ‘Withering Life: The Human Rights Situation in in El-Daen, in East Darfur state, Yemen 2018’. after members of the Rapid Sup- The report by the Sanaa-based group said more than 1,000 port Forces (RSF) clashed with children including girls were “recruited or used for military youths accused of stealing mobile purposes in 2018” including 72% by the Houthi rebels. phones, the committee said on its “Many families can’t even control their children from not Facebook page. going to fi ght,” said Almutawakel. “Members from Al-Janjaweed More than 2,000 schools have been destroyed, Almuta- (RSF) militia beat and tortured a wakel said. number of youths...on allegations “In many, many neighbourhoods you will see a lot of pic- that the youths had stolen a mo- tures of children who have been taken to the frontlines and bile phone,” it said. come back home as dead bodies,” she added. “One youth passed away due to She said children are enlisted “not only because of the torture by Al-Janjaweed,” it said, money but because of this emotional environment...They referring to the RSF which has its say that their friends have been killed (so) the only response origins in the militia that fought is to go to the front lines.” ethnic African rebels in Darfur Yemen was plunged into war in 2014 when the Houthis during a civil war that broke out launched a military campaign, taking over swathes of terri- in 2003. tory and driving the government from the capital Sanaa. Witnesses contacted by tel- The Saudi-led coalition, which includes the United Arab ephone backed up the account of Emirates, intervened the following year sparking what the the doctors committee. UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Two witnesses said an RSF unit Almutawakel chose the Paris venue for the release of the arrested fi ve youths — accusing Ismail al-Taj, a spokesman for the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), speaks at a press conference in Khartoum yesterday. report to underscore the fact that France and other Western them of stealing mobile phones from powers are selling arms to Saudi Arabia, which leads a mili- their base — and took them outside tary coalition fi ghting the Houthi rebels. town, where they tortured them, and Opposition rejects judicial immunity for military rulers “Many countries are supporting Saudi Arabia and the abandoned them on the streets. Emirates for economic reasons,” said Almutawakel, named One of the victims allegedly Sudan’s main protest group is op- the FFC, said members of the coali- ousted former President Omar It has blamed off icers for the vio- by Time magazine as among the world’s 100 most infl uential died, they said. posed to granting military rulers tion had agreed that any immunity al-Bashir in April following weeks of lence and promised to bring them people in 2018. After the victim was buried, “absolute” immunity against possi- should be restricted. protests against him. to justice. But it has denied that The United States, Britain and France “oppose a real in- town residents converged on the ble prosecution for violence against “The immunity proposed by the The protests continued after members of the military council depth investigation just because they are selling weapons — RSF base and torched it, while protesters, a group spokesman said military council in the draft consti- Bashir left, with the opposition were behind the violence. but they have to stop,” she said. other RSF personnel arrested the yesterday, speaking just ahead of a tutional document is an absolute demanding that the military council Taj said the protesters were still “The virtual impunity that currently reigns emboldens the unit responsible, the two wit- meeting with the rulers. immunity,” Taj told a news confer- that took over cede power. demanding an independent investi- warring parties to keep carrying out awful abuses, destroying nesses said. Diff erences over the issue of im- ence in Khartoum. Opposition groups accuse the gation into the bloodshed, which for Yemen in the process,” she was quoted as saying in the report. An RSF spokesman was una- munity have been a major sticking “All the members of the FFC have Rapid Support Forces, a para- a time stalled eff orts to reach a deal “Civilians are drowning in agony while states hesitate to vailable for comment. point holding up the signing of a pow- agreed on the issue of immunity military organisation linked to the between the FFC and the military take urgently needed action like ending military support to The doctors’ committee al- er-sharing deal agreed this month and to restrict it procedurally,” he military council, of responsibility council. warring parties,” the report said. leged a total of six civilians have between the Transitional Military told reporters, adding that the issue for the death of more than 125 The Sudanese Professionals’ The US Senate in June voted to block a multi-billion-dollar died over the past three days at the Council and the Forces of Freedom would be presented at a meeting protesters during a raid on a protest Association, which spearheaded the weapons deal with Saudi Arabia, the same day the UK Court hands of the RSF, including four and Change (FFC) coalition. with the military council. sit-in in Khartoum on June 3 and in protests against Bashir, also called of Appeal ruled that the British sale of arms to the kingdom members of a family run over by Ismail al-Taj, a leader in the The power-sharing deal is meant subsequent attacks. on the military rulers to cancel a for use in Yemen was unlawful. a vehicle driven by a paramilitary Sudanese Professionals Association to be the way forward for a transi- The military council has con- decree that extends the state of An upcoming UN report featuring a blacklist of child rights unit in Omdurman, the twin city (SPA), one of the main members of tion in Sudan after military leaders firmed at least 61 deaths in the raid. emergency for three months. violators is expected to refrain from toughening criticism of of Khartoum. the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen despite a bus bombing last The sixth person was killed by year that killed scores of children, according to diplomats. gunfi re in El-Souki, in the south- that the Transitional Military “We hold the security authori- who committed these heinous ried out a brutal raid on a protest The Mwatana report spells out several specifi c instances of eastern state of Sinnar, as residents Council protects these militias,” ties responsible for those killed in crimes against citizens,” Taj said, camp outside military headquar- children combatants and seven cases of “sexual aggression” protested against the RSF, demand- the committee said. El-Daen and El-Souki,” Ismail al- adding it was the responsibility of ters in Khartoum on June 3 that involving eight children. ing they leave town, according to The protest movement blamed Taj, a spokesman for the Sudanese the military council to protect ci- left dozens dead and hundreds Houthi forces who seized Sanaa in December 2014 control the committee and witnesses. the deaths in El-Souki and El- Professionals Association told re- vilians during protests and rallies. wounded. 20% of the territory where most of the population is concen- “The continuation of the bar- Daen on the security apparatus porters in Khartoum. On Monday, scores of protesters RSF commander Mohamed trated. barity and tampering with civil- and the military council which has The SPA spearheaded protests demonstrated in parts of the capi- Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy chief The report said the abuses were certainly greater than ians’ safety daily by Janjaweed ruled Sudan since the ouster in against Bashir that broke out in tal, including at night, against the of Sudan’s military council, has those that the organisation was able to catalogue through (RSF) militias, coupled with not April of longtime president Omar December. killing in El-Souki. portrayed the allegations as part more than 2,000 interviews conducted in Arabic with vic- holding them accountable under al-Bashir following months of an- “We demand an independent Protesters and rights groups ac- of an attempt to distort the image tims, relatives, witnesses and medical and humanitarian any law or code of ethics, prove ti-regime demonstrations. investigation to identify those cuse RSF personnel of having car- of his paramilitary force. personnel.

Palestinians protest Lebanon crackdown on unlicensed foreign workers

AFP year’s much delayed state budget the residency, work and rights of Beirut was under discussion. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon”. Palestinians in Lebanon are Around 174,000 Palestinian exempt from paying for work per- refugees live in 12 camps across couple of hundred Pales- mits, the UN refugee agency says. the country, a one-off govern- tinian refugees yesterday But Palestinian business own- ment census said in 2017. Aprotested in the streets of ers must still register and pay a In 2010, Lebanon’s parliament Beirut against Lebanon’s labour quarter of the standard fee. revoked a ban that had barred ministry cracking down on busi- Labour Minister Camille them from tens of professions for nesses employing foreign work- Abousleiman denied the inspec- years, restricting them to jobs in ers without a permit. tions had overwhelmingly af- fi elds such as construction and They and dozens of demon- fected Palestinians. farming. strators in Palestinian refugee “Of the 550 violations regis- But Palestinians are still not camps in the capital, as well as tered since last Wednesday, only permitted to work in professions the south and east of the country, two concerned large companies reserved for Lebanese citizens denounced the move as “unfair”. owned by Palestinians,” he said. such as medicine, law, the army, Last month, the ministry gave “The Palestinian reaction is and police. companies a one-month dead- incomprehensible,” the minister Palestinians began taking ref- line to acquire the necessary said. uge in Lebanon with the crea- work permits. The Palestinian ambassador in tion of Israel in 1948, setting up After the grace period expired Beirut, Ashraf Dabbour, on Mon- camps that have since trans- last week, it started inspections, day called on the Lebanese gov- formed into bustling, urban dis- closing down non-compliant es- ernment to exempt Palestinians tricts. tablishments and issuing others from these measures. Their presence has been con- with warnings. Palestinian movement Hamas troversial, with many blaming Critics have said the measure called for “the immediate end to them for the start of Lebanon’s essentially targets Syrians who all closures”. 1975-1990 civil war. have fl ed the war next door, but Azzam al-Ahmad, from the Lebanon says it hosts around Palestinian refugees living in Palestine Liberation Organisa- 1.5mn Syrians, after they fl ed the Lebanon also fear they will be hit. tion, discussed the measures eight-year confl ict at home, who In Beirut, security forces with Lebanese offi cials, saying have been accused of sparking a prevented the protesters from they went against Lebanese- series of economic woes in the A masked man throws a tire into a fire as protesters yesterday blocked the main road outside the Palestinian refugee camp of Burj al-Barajneh, reaching parliament, where this Palestinian eff orts “to organise country. south of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 AFRICA

TRAGEDY CRACKDOWN MOURNED SECURITY MILITANCY 13 killed in Nigeria building Two Mali Al Qaeda aff iliate SA singer Johnny Clegg 3 government off icials 7 Sahel Tuareg leaders collapse after heavy rains leaders put on US terror list dies aged 66: manager kidnapped in Nigeria killed by IS militants

Thirteen people in central Nigeria died after a three- The United States yesterday added two leaders of Legendary South African singer Johnny Clegg, Gunmen dressed in “security uniforms” have Islamic State militants in southwestern Niger storey residential building collapsed on Monday Al Qaeda’s aff iliate in Mali to its global terrorism list, who blended Zulu rhythms with Western styles and kidnapped the finance minister for northwestern have killed seven leaders of the Tuareg ethnic after torrential rain, emergency workers said accusing them of engaging in destabilising attacks defied apartheid segregation, died yesterday after Nigeria’s Zamfara state, seizing two of his staff group in less than three months, as part of a yesterday. Rescue crews sifted through the rubble across the West African country, the US Treasury a long battle with cancer, his manager said. “Johnny and killing his deputy, a regional spokesman said strategy to create a political void in the region, overnight after the building in the city of Jos came said. Ali Maychou and Bah Ag Moussa, both leaders passed away (with) his family this afternoon after yesterday. Hamza Salihu, the state’s director of off icials said yesterday. Three traditional Tuareg down on Monday night. A Red Cross off icial at the of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, were a four and a half year battle with cancer,” manager budget was abducted on Sunday along with two chiefs and four senior Tuareg off icials have been scene told AFP that 13 bodies had been recovered designated by the US Treasury as global terrorists Roddy Quinn told SABC news. “It is with immense aides on a highway in neighbouring Kaduna State killed since late April by the Islamic State in so far and seven survivors were being treated in and placed on a list of people whose assets in the sadness that we confirm that Johnny Clegg... — a region beset by violence between farmers the Greater Sahara (ISGS) in the volatile region hospital. The collapse came after three days of United States can be blocked, the Treasury’s Off ice succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his family home and herders. The victims were on an off icial trip of Niger on the Mali border, they said. Arrisal pounding rain. Emergency off icials said it occurred of Foreign Asset Control said. “Treasury is targeting in Johannesburg,” Quinn added. Nicknamed the when they were ambushed by a kidnapping gang, Amdagh, a Tuareg chief in the rural district during working hours, sparing dozens of residents, the leadership of JNIM, Al Qaeda’s branch in Mali, ‘White Zulu’, Clegg mastered the language, culture Zamfara government spokesman Yusuf Idris said. of Inates, was shot dead at his home in April, who later returned to find their homes destroyed. for its destabilising role conducting terrorist attacks and high kicks of Zulu dance, forming multi-racial The gunmen opened fire on the vehicle the victims and his son Almoubacher Ag Alamjadi, who Locals said that extra floors of residential housing across the country,” Treasury Undersecretary Sigal bands in defiance of the segregationist laws of the were travelling in, killing the deputy budget director succeeded him, was killed on Monday, a Nigerien had been added to the building in recent years. Mandelker said in a statement. apartheid-era government which censored his work. Kabir Ismail and injuring a female colleague. security source said.

‘I know nothing’: Zuma ducks and dives at corruption inquiry

Reuters cussed ministerial appointments Johannesburg with the Guptas. Several witnesses other than Mentor have told the inquiry that ormer South African presi- the Guptas were privy to informa- dent Jacob Zuma yesterday tion about senior government ap- Fducked and dived on his sec- pointments. ond day of testimony at a corrup- Zuma yesterday also denied that tion inquiry, saying he knew noth- he had issued an instruction to ing about his business friends the remove Themba Maseko, former Guptas allegedly off ering a former head of the government commu- lawmaker a ministerial position. nications service, from his posi- The inquiry is spotlighting the tion after Maseko refused to direct allegations of graft that clouded state advertising money to the Zuma’s nine-year presidency, but Guptas’ media company in 2011. analysts say that if it fails to pin a Maseko told the inquiry that case on him it could dent President Zuma had telephoned him and told Cyril Ramaphosa’s anti-corrup- him to help the Guptas. tion drive. Zuma said on Monday that he Ramaphosa’s eff orts to clean up did not remember calling Maseko. A woman gets her temperature measured at an Ebola screening station as she enters Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Goma. politics are already hampered by Zuma told the inquiry in open- the lingering infl uence that Zuma ing remarks yesterday that he had and his allies exert over the ruling received a death threat after his African National Congress (ANC). testimony the previous day, when Allegations that Zuma allowed he denied allegations of graft and the three Gupta brothers to plun- said his enemies had plotted dec- der state resources and infl uence ades ago to get rid of him. senior government appointments Zuma said on Monday, his fi rst are one of the main areas of focus day of testimony, that he could for the inquiry, which began in trace the plot to oust him back to Goma Ebola patient August and is expected to last into foreign intelligence services and next year. the apartheid government in the The Guptas have denied the al- 1990s. legations against them, as has The country’s deputy chief Zuma, who was ousted by the ANC justice, Raymond Zondo, who is in February 2018 and replaced by overseeing the inquiry, said the Ramaphosa. alleged death threat from an un- State prosecutors have said they known caller against Zuma and his has died: governor are following the inquiry and they children was unacceptable. could open cases if suffi cient evi- As a former president, Zuma is AFP On his return on Sunday, he went to a ers and people who have jobs or homes received any fi nancial contribution from dence of wrongdoing emerges. protected by high-level state se- Goma clinic with a fever, was diagnosed with on the other side of the frontier. the government of France.” Under pressure from his party, curity. Ebola and sent back to Butembo, which The UN’s World Health Organiza- At the same Geneva meeting, British Zuma agreed to set up the inquiry Police spokesman Vishnu is better geared than Goma for treating tion (WHO) on Monday warned the International Development Secretary just before he left offi ce. Naidoo did not immediately re- he fi rst patient to be diagnosed the disease, it said. Goma case was a “potential game- Rory Stewart also called on French- Asked about an incident where spond to a request for comment with Ebola in the eastern DR “He died during transfer by road,” changer” in the fight to roll back the speaking countries to do more. one of the Indian-born Guptas on whether police had opened an TCongo city of Goma has died, the Nzanzu said. outbreak in the Democratic Republic “We need French-speaking expertise allegedly off ered former ANC investigation after Zuma’s com- governor of North Kivu province said More than 1,600 people have died of Congo. and above all we’re going to need a lot of lawmaker Vytjie Mentor the posi- ments. yesterday. from Ebola since August 1, when the It said it would reconvene a key panel money — into the hundreds of millions tion of minister of public enter- Zuma’s lawyers yesterday ar- The case — the fi rst in a major urban haemorrhagic virus erupted in North to see whether the outbreak required a of dollars — to really get the depth of re- prises, Zuma said yesterday: “I gued that the inquiry’s line of hub in the region’s nearly year-old epi- Kivu and spread to neighbouring heightened global response. sponse we need.” know nothing about it”, repeating questioning was inappropriate demic of the disease — has sparked deep Ituri. Separately, Rwanda said Monday it The latest epidemic is the second the same phrase several times and because it amounted to cross-ex- concern in neighbouring Rwanda and at Health experts fear outbreaks of con- would step up border monitoring and deadliest on record globally. once letting out a chuckle. amination. the UN. tagious disease in a major city. urged its citizens to avoid “unnecessary” The worst Ebola outbreak, striking Mentor told the inquiry that the This led to a brief delay before France meanwhile appointed a top im- In cities, density of population, high travel to the eastern DRC. three West African countries between off er of the ministerial post was the presiding judge urged those munologist, Yves Levy, to spearhead its mobility and anonymity make it far Levy, as a former head of France’s 2014-2016, claimed more than 11,300 conditional on her cancelling a lu- questioning Zuma to bear this in response to the outbreak. harder to isolate patients and trace con- prestigious National Institution of lives. crative South African Airways fl y- mind. “Unfortunately, I can confi rm that tacts compared to the countryside. Health and Medical Research (INSERM), People infected with Ebola do not ing route to India. Zuma’s lawyers said the testi- the patient died,” the governor of North Goma is a border city of about one mn is well qualifi ed for his new role co-ordi- become contagious until symptoms ap- She said she refused the off er, mony at the inquiry so far had not Kivu, Carly Nzanzu, told reporters. people located on the northern shore of nating the French response. pear, which is after an incubation period which she said was made in 2010 implicated the former president in The patient has been described as an Lake Kivu, adjacent to Rwanda. His appointment was announced a of between two and 21 days. at a time when Zuma was at one of corruption or fraud, so he should evangelical preacher who had travelled It has a port that links to Bukavu and day after a top UN health offi cial voiced High fever, weakness, intense mus- the Guptas’ residences. not be cross-examined but should from Goma to Butembo, one of the towns South Kivu province and an airport with criticism of France’s fi nancial contribu- cle and joint pain, headaches and a sore “No there was nothing of that merely answer questions for clari- hardest hit by the outbreak. fl ights to Kinshasa, the Ugandan capital tion to the Ebola campaign. throat are often followed by vomiting nature. I was never in some room,” fi cation purposes. While there, he preached at seven Entebbe and Addis Ababa, the capital of “We rely on the government of France and diarrhoea, skin eruptions, kidney Zuma said when asked whether Zuma, expected to testify until churches and regularly touched wor- Ethiopia. for a lot of technical co-operation,” Mike and liver failure, internal and external he was in the Guptas’ home when Friday, was supported at the in- shippers, including the sick, before tak- The city abuts the Rwandan city of Ryan, WHO’s emergencies chief, told re- bleeding. the job off er was allegedly made to quiry by his son as well as promi- ing the bus back to Goma last Friday, the Gisenyi, and there is a high number of porters in Geneva on Monday. In the current epidemic, the mortality Mentor. nent allies including ex-fi nance health ministry said. daily border crossings, involving work- “But as of this moment, WHO has not rate is running at 66%. Zuma, 77, said he had never dis- minister Malusi Gigaba.

Empty nets as overfi shing and climate change sap Lake Malawi

By Michelle Gumede, AFP Bordering three countries — have made it harder for fi sher- “Declining fi sh catches are Senga Bay, Malawi Malawi, Tanzania and Mozam- men on the lake. mainly due to unsustainable fi sh- bique — Lake Malawi stretches “Our men can’t catch fi sh be- ing practices,” said Sosten Chi- across more than 29,000sq km cause of wind which is much otha, a Malawian environmental n the shores of Lake Ma- with over 1,000 species of fi sh. stronger than before,” he said, science professor who works for lawi, a crowd eagerly The 14,000 people living at adding that the rains are in- the Leadership for Environment Oawaits the arrival of a Senga Bay depend on the lake for creasingly unpredictable on the and Development (LEAD) action white and yellow cedarwood boat food and for their livelihood. lake. The rain before would not group. carrying its haul. The crew of six “Seven years ago there was lots destroy houses and nature but “Overfi shing is a challenge in deliver a single net of chambo, more fi sh than today. In 2019 it is now it comes with full power, Lake Malawi (but) there are ef- sardine and tiny usipa fi sh from diff erent, there’s no fi sh in the wa- destroying everything and that forts on co-management and the boat, just one of 72 vessels ter,” trader Katrina Male, a 40-year- aff ects the water as well.” closed seasons to ensure that the that land their catch every day on old mother of six, told AFP as she According to USAID, the fi shery recovers.” the beach at Senga Bay. stalked the nets of newly brought in number of rainfalls incidents Chiotha added that climate But overfi shing and climate fi sh seeking the best deal. in the aid-dependant country change was hitting Malawi with change have taken their toll. “The fi sh nowadays are more is likely to decrease — but each “increased frequency and inten- Hundreds of local traders expensive, because they are rainfall will be more intense, sity of extreme weather events in gather each morning and after- becoming scarce,” Male said. leading to droughts and fl oods. the major ecosystems including noon at Senga only to fi nd that “Some children have stopped go- The threat was highlighted in lakes.” fi sh populations are falling in ing to school because their par- March when Malawi was hit by That leaves Malawi’s agricul- Lake Malawi, Africa’s third larg- ents can’t fi nd the money.” torrential rains from Cyclone ture-based economy sharply est body of freshwater. For both locals and climate Idai, killing 59 people. vulnerable to climatic events and “We were hoping to catch a experts, declining fi sh numbers The storm also cut a swathe entrenched poverty heightens half-boat full or maybe a quar- refl ect a combination of environ- through Mozambique and Zim- pressure on the environment. ter-boat...but I’m afraid the fi sh mental change and overfi shing babwe, leaving nearly 1,000 Wearing a black silk thawb are dwindling in numbers,” port that augurs ill for the future. dead. robe and white kufi cap, Said manager Alfred Banda told AFP The World Bank ranks Malawi On top of the environmental stands tall on Senga beach, sur- staring wearily at the small catch among the top 10 at-risk coun- impact, the number of fi shermen An aerial view of fishing boats on the shore of the Lake Malawi at the Senga village, Malawi. veying the scene around him. as it was dragged onto the sand. tries in Africa to climate change, in Senga had doubled in the last “I’m worried,” he said. “In “Before, we used to catch a full with cyclones and fl oods among 10 years due to the lack of other 38-year-old boat owner Salim Jack- brought me good money,” he said. Traders take their purchases Malawi most people depend on boat but now we are struggling,” the major threats. jobs, Said said. son, who rents out his two vessels. By sunset, the balls of fi shing in buckets to makeshift reed ta- fi shing fi nancially and as a cheap he said, adding that a full boat Senga community leader John “There is no alternative to “I got into fi shing 13 years ago net lay stretched out on the beach bles to be dried, smoked, fried food source. The men have to would earn a team of between six White Said says increasing gale fi shing,” he tells AFP because I had no other option, I and both buyers and fi shermen or boiled in preparation for the cast their nets further and fur- and 12 fi shermen about $300. force winds and torrential rains One of the few to benefi t is never went to school. But it has negotiate prices. market. ther away from the beach.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 9 AMERICA US commemorates Apollo mission 50 years on

By Leila Macor, AFP lonely history of the whole lonely Cape Canaveral, Florida solar system when I was by myself in that lonely orbit?” he said. “And the answer was ‘No, I felt fi ne!’” ifty years after a mighty “I was very happy to be where Saturn V rocket set off from I was and to see this complicated FFlorida carrying the fi rst mission unfold. I would enjoy a humans to the Moon, a veteran of perfectly enjoyable hot coff ee, the Apollo 11 crew returned yes- I had music if I wanted to. Good terday to the fabled launch pad old Command Module Columbia to commemorate the event that had every facility that I needed, defi ned an era. and it was plenty big and I really “We crew felt the weight of the enjoyed my time by myself in- world on our shoulders, we knew stead of being terribly lonely.” that everyone would be looking Collins added he was off ered at us, friend or foe,” command the chance to be commander of module pilot Michael Collins said Apollo 17, but turned it down be- from the Kennedy Space Center. cause he did not want to spend He and Buzz Aldrin, who pi- Astronaut Michael Collins speaks at Launch Pad 39A at the Nasa’s another three years living on loted the lunar module that de- John F Kennedy Space Center on the 50th anniversary of the launch the road away from his wife and tached from the spacecraft and of the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon. young children. landed on the Moon’s surface, are Despite the festivities, neither the two surviving members from fragile daisy chain of events,” the at yesterday’s launchpad event. the United States nor any other the mission that would change 88-year-old said at the fi rst of Ageing but active on Twitter, country has managed to return a the way humanity saw its place in several events planned across the and always seen in stars-and- human to the Moon since 1972, the universe. week to mark the anniversary. stripes socks, the 89-year-old the year of the fi nal Apollo mis- Their commander Neil Arm- Collins described how the has faced health scares and fam- sion. strong, the fi rst man on the Moon, mission was broken into discrete ily feuds, culminating in a court President George H W Bush passed away in 2012 aged 82. goals such as going faster than case over fi nances, which was promised to do so in 1989, as did Their spacecraft took four days the Earth’s escape velocity — the settled in March. his son president George W Bush Rick Armstrong, the son of Neil Armstrong, Vice President Mike Pence, Smithsonian’s National Air and to reach the Moon, before the speed needed to break free of the He is the second man to have in 2004, while pledging to also Space Museum Director Ellen Stofan, appearing for the unveiling of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit at module known as ‘Eagle’ touched planet’s gravitational pull — or stepped foot on the Moon. march forward to Mars. the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC yesterday. the lunar surface on July 20, 1969. slowing down for lunar orbit. Only four of the 12 men who But they both ran up against a Armstrong emerged a few “The fl ight was a question of have done so remain alive. Congress that wasn’t inclined to Trump relaunched the race to Jim Bridenstine fi red the head of given that neither the rocket, hours later. Collins remained being under tension worrying Collins, however has been fund the adventures, and the tide re-conquer the Moon and Mars the human space exploration di- capsule or lander are yet ready or in lunar orbit in the command about what’s coming next. What fi elding questions for half a cen- of public opinion had also turned after taking offi ce in 2017. But the rectorate Bill Gerstenmaier, likely even fi nalised. “We don’t have a module Columbia, their only do I have to do now to keep this tury about whether he felt lonely since president John F Kennedy immediate eff ect has been to cre- over disagreements over the 2024 lot of time to waste, if we’re going means of returning back to Earth. daisy chain intact?” or left out. roused the nation to action in the ate turbulence within the space ultimatum set by Trump to re- to have new leadership, it needs “I always think of a fl ight to Aldrin has remained relatively “I was always asked wasn’t I 1960s. agency. turn an American to the Moon. to happen now,” Bridenstine told the moon as being a long and more elusive and did not participate the loneliest person in the whole For his part, President Donald Last week, Nasa administrator Five years appears unlikely CSPAN last week.

NY blackout: lots of No federal charges for questions, no answers and a mayor under fi re

By Laura Bonilla, AFP rector of consumer rights group New York the New York Utility Project, cop in Garner death wondered if Con Edison has paid enough attention to making the Reuters weekend blackout in New grid resilient. New York York raised a host of unan- “This is not necessarily a relia- Aswered questions, put the bility problem alone within Con Ed. mayor on the defensive as he runs It was a resilience problem, because he New York police offi cer who put for president and triggered doubts even if there was an error of some Eric Garner in a fatal chokehold about the state of infrastructure in kind of malfunction of the system, Tduring an attempted 2014 arrest, America’s biggest city. it should have been isolated just to fuelling the rise of the Black Lives Matter Utility company Con Edison one neighbourhood,” said Berkley. movement, will not face federal criminal apologised for the Saturday’s fi ve- He said this was one of the les- charges, Brooklyn’s top federal prosecu- hour power outage. sons learned from how authori- tor said yesterday. But mystery surrounds the cause ties dealt with Hurricane Sandy in Garner’s death on a sidewalk during an of the blackout on the west side of 2012. “A failure in New York City is arrest for allegedly selling untaxed ciga- Manhattan, which left some 73,000 an incredible failure for the world’s rettes, and his gasped fi nal words “I can’t customers without power, turned fi nancial markets. Here you have breathe” caught on bystander video, Times Square dark, silenced Jen- something like a third of all eleva- played a key role in the rise of the move- nifer Lopez mid-concert and halted tors in the world. In New York City ment decrying excessive use of force by subway lines. thousands of people are going to be police offi cers against black men and Con Edison warned more black- trapped, plus the subways,” Berkley teens in the United States. outs were possible as the city pre- said. Garner’s family immediately blasted pares for a heatwave this weekend, Francisco de Leon, who teaches the decision clearing Daniel Pantaleo, with temperatures of up to 36C and engineering at New York Universi- the offi cer who put Garner in a prohib- very muggy air. ty, rejected the idea that the black- ited chokehold, in a news conference as “We expect that there could be out stemmed from a lack of invest- a betrayal. service outages — those things hap- ment in the grid. US Attorney Richard Donoghue con- pen during heat waves,” spokesman “It is not the case that Con Edison fi rmed the decision at a news conference. Mike Clendenin told TV station has invested little. To the contrary it “The death of Eric Garner was a trag- PIX11 on Monday, while pointing has invested too much,” de Leon told edy,” Donoghue said. “The job of the fed- out that the company spends $2bn AFP, adding that, compared to other eral prosecutor, however, is not to let our a year to prepare for such eventu- US cities, it was very reliable. emotions dictate our decisions.” alities. He said the blackout was He said the blackout was minor, A lengthy Department of Justice re- not caused by a spike in electricity hitting four or fi ve of Con Ed’s 62 view of the incident did not reach a usage. networks in the city. But it aff ected conclusive determination as to whether Emerald Garner, daughter of the late Eric Garner, speaks during a press conference outside the US attorney’s office in the The outage struck on the 42nd many people because of the popu- Pantaleo wilfully committed miscon- Brooklyn borough of New York City. anniversary of a major blackout in lation density. duct, an “essential element” necessary 1977 that sparked chaos in the Big Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is among to bring federal charges, a senior depart- assigned to desk duty since Garner’s misconduct worthy of termination.” loss of life,” Stuart London, a lawyer for Apple, as people engaged in looting a large fi eld of candidates for the ment offi cial told reporters at a briefi ng death and faced a disciplinary trial in New York’s Police Benevolent Asso- Pantaleo, said in a statement. and acts of vandalism. Democratic presidential nomination in Washington. May at New York City Police Department ciation union welcomed the news. “Offi cer Pantaleo is gratifi ed that the This time no one was injured but in 2020, was campaigning in Iowa US Attorney General Bill Barr made the headquarters. “Although Mr Garner’s death was an Justice department took the time to 2,875 commuters had to be rescued when the blackout hit and came un- ultimate call, siding with federal prosecu- A departmental judge is due to make undeniable tragedy, Police Offi cer Pan- carefully review the actual evidence in from fi ve subway trains and 400 el- der withering criticism for not rush- tors in Brooklyn, who had not wanted to her recommendations to New York Po- taleo did not cause it,” PBA President this case rather than the lies and inaccu- evators got stuck. ing straight home. charge Pantaleo, over the department’s lice Commissioner James O’Neill, who Patrick Lynch said in a statement. racies which have followed this case from “The center of our little island Governor Andrew Cuomo did make civil rights division, which had wanted to will then ultimately decide whether to “Scapegoating a good and honour- its inception.” is supposed to be the center of the an appearance in Manhattan and called bring charges, the offi cial said. punish Pantaleo. able offi cer, who was doing his job in the In 2015, New York City offi cials agreed universe...Yes, we want to be the the power failure unacceptable. “May- The offi cial confi rmed that no New He could lose vacation days or be fi red. manner he was taught, will not heal the to pay Garner’s family an out-of-court center of fi nance, tech and media, ors are important,” said Cuomo, also a York police offi cer — not just Pantaleo — The NYPD said its disciplinary process wounds this case has caused for our en- settlement of $5.9mn to resolve a wrong- but we cannot even keep the lights Democrat, who frequently trades barbs will face any charges. on Pantaleo will not be aff ected by the tire city.” ful death lawsuit. on for a Saturday evening,” col- with de Blasio. After meeting with federal prosecutors federal prosecutors’ decision. The New York City Chief Medical Ex- The incident, and other high-profi le umnist Nicole Gelinas wrote in the One bone of contention is in Brooklyn, members of Garner’s family The Civilian Complaint Review Board, aminer’s offi ce ruled that Garner’s death police killings of black men and teens in New York Post. whether the city or the state should held a news conference with civil rights the city oversight agency that prosecuted was a homicide induced by “compres- cities including Ferguson, Missouri, and Democratic Senator Chuck bear the cost of upgrading the New activist Reverend Al Sharpton. the departmental trial against Pantaleo, sion of neck (choke hold), compression Baltimore, set off a wave of nationwide Schumer, who represents New York, York subway. “The DoJ has failed us,” said Garner’s called the Justice Department’s long- of chest and prone positioning during protests in 2014 and 2015. said the blackout shows the city is not “Situations like this come up mother, Gwen Carr, adding that she delayed decision “an utter travesty.” physical restraint by police.” Several Democratic contenders for the maintaining its electrical grid prop- and you have to be on site, I believe wanted to see Pantaleo fi red. “Our last hope for justice in this case Pantaleo’s lawyers have argued he did White House, including New York Mayor erly. “This type of massive blackout is that,” Cuomo said on CNN. “Five years ago, my son said ‘I can’t lies with the Police Commissioner,” not use a chokehold, but instead used an Bill de Blasio, condemned the decisions. entirely preventable with the right in- The New York Post on Monday breathe’ 11 times, and today we can’t CCRB Chairman Fred Davie said in a authorised “seatbelt” hold that slipped “Years ago, we put our faith in the fed- vestments in our grid,” Schumer said called on Cuomo to fi re de Blasio, breathe because they let us down.” statement. “CCRB prosecutors presented as Garner struggled, and that the offi cer eral government to act,” de Blasio said in as he called for a federal investigation who returned to the city on Sunday A New York grand jury in 2014 de- evidence at trial that showed — unequiv- did not cause Garner’s death. a statement. “We won’t make that mis- into the outage. morning after the lights had come clined to charge Pantaleo, who has been ocally — that Offi cer Pantaleo engaged in “It is always a tragedy when there is a take again.” Richard Berkley, executive di- back on. Trump unveils immigration and border security bill

Reuters With US lawmakers’ August requesting anonymity. what the Republican unifi ed po- on the southern border with lence in their home countries. The plan does not deal with Washington recess looming, the offi cial did “The goal of this has been to sition is,” the offi cial said. Mexico in his 2016 run for offi ce, The administration also said the “Dreamer” children of im- not give a timetable for introduc- unify the Republicans as much as The bill has 10 Republican and has since fought with Con- it would take steps to make it migrants in the country illegally ing the bill to Congress, but de- possible around a plan,” he said, Senate co-sponsors, he said. gress and in the courts for fund- more diffi cult for immigrants ar- or immigrants under Temporary S President Donald scribed it as laying out the presi- noting that divisions with the GOP While the White House has ing to pay for the barrier. riving at the southern border to Protected Status, both priorities Trump presented a bill dent’s vision to rally Republicans over policy issues had hindered discussed it with some Demo- On Monday, he touted weekend seek asylum in the United States, of Democratic lawmakers. Uto his cabinet yesterday around a detailed proposal. immigration reform bids in the crats, the person added, it was raids aimed at immigrants who had putting the onus on them to fi rst It does include a modifi ed ver- aimed at boosting border secu- The president was to meet with past. unclear if it would win the sup- been ordered deported, as his ad- ask for shelter in other countries. sion of the so-called E-Verify pro- rity and overhauling the current Republican congressional leaders “We’ll see what leader McCo- port of members of the Demo- ministration seeks to deter a surge In May, White House offi cials gram, which relies on a database immigration system to make it Mitch McConnell and Kevin Mc- nnell and McCarthy want to do, if cratic Party, which controls the in Central American families seek- laid out principles for the plan that allows employers to electroni- more merit-based, a senior ad- Carthy later yesterday to map out they want to put it for a vote. But House of Representatives. ing asylum in the United States which they have been working on cally check the immigration status ministration offi cial said. a way forward, the offi cial added, at least the Democrats will know Trump pledged to build a wall after fl eeing poverty and gang vio- over the past seven months. of potential employees. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

DISASTER CRACKDOWN DISPUTE DIPLOMACY LEGISLATION Death toll from Nepal Indonesia seizes fishing Vietnam ‘safeguarding waters Marape to visit Australia as it Malaysian lawmakers back floods reaches 78 vessel wanted by Interpol in South China Sea standoff ’ seeks to shore up influence lowering voting age to 18

The death toll from the monsoon floods and A notorious Panama-flagged vessel wanted by Vietnam is exercising its “sovereign rights and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Malaysia’s parliament yesterday backed lowering landslides in Nepal has increased to 78, while Interpol for illegal fishing has been seized by jurisdiction in a peaceful and lawful manner,” the Marape will make a state visit to Australia, its the voting age from 21 to 18, a change that 32 people were reported missing and over 40 Indonesia, authorities said yesterday. The MV government said yesterday amid reports of a government said yesterday, as it seeks to cement would add millions of people to the electoral others injured, off icials said yesterday. Nepal’s NIKA – a vessel with an extensive maritime rap standoff between Vietnamese and Chinese naval its position with Pacific island’s new leader amid roll and was pushed by the country’s reformist National Emergency Operation Centre said sheet – was intercepted by the navy on Friday in forces in disputed waters in the South China Sea. In rising competition for influence in the region. government. The overhaul was championed more than 40,000 soldiers and police were the Strait of Malacca, the fisheries ministry said response to questions about the reported standoff , Marape, who will be accompanied by several by the government of Prime Minister Mahathir using helicopters and roads to rush food, tents on Twitter. The 750-tonne vessel had 18 Russians Ministry of Foreign Aff airs spokeswoman Le Thi cabinet ministers on his visit next week, will be Mohamad about a year after it came to power. and medicine to thousands of people hit by the and 10 Indonesians aboard, the Jakarta Post Thu Hang said Vietnamese forces were lawfully the first foreign leader to visit Australia since Speaking in the lower house of parliament annual flooding. Rescuers also were searching reported. The crew are now being questioned. “safeguarding Vietnamese waters.” Reports have the re-election of Prime Minister Scott Morrison before MPs voted on the law, Mahathir argued for the missing people. At least 1,445 people The ship is suspected of falsifying registration suggested a standoff between coastguard ships in May. “Discussions will focus on opportunities that young people in Malaysia were more from diff erent districts had been rescued and documents and claiming it was a bulk carrier from each country as a Chinese ship entered to boost trade and investment, ways to address politically aware than in the past. “This move evacuated to safer destinations. According to instead of a fishing boat in order to avoid contested waters near the Spratly Islands. South shared regional challenges, and strengthening is so that they be given the chance, space and the Home Ministry, around 35,000 people were detection, said fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti China Morning Post newspaper reported on July our bilateral co-operation on labour mobility, voice to ... design the country’s democracy aff ected by the disasters particularly in the Terai said. “This ship has been wanted by Interpol 12 that six “heavily armed” coastguard vessels, two defence and security,” Morrison’s off ice said in a through elections,” he told lawmakers. The region. More than 20 districts were worst-hit due in many countries for a long time,” she told from China and four from Vietnam, had been eyeing statement. Marape will be in Australia from July reforms will also allow 18-year-olds to stand for to the floods and landslides. broadcaster TVOne. each other since the beginning of the month. 21 to July 26. election.

New Zealand PM ‘utterly’ disagrees with Trump tweets New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday joined international condemnation of US Undersea quake near Bali President Donald Trump’s xeno- phobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen. Ardern, the charismatic young leader who has been hailed as “the anti-Trump” by US media, said she proudly celebrated her causes panic, minor damage country’s diversity. “Usually I don’t get into other peo- Reuters “The quake was strong ple’s politics, but it will be clear to Denpasar, Indonesia enough to make me adopt most people that I completely and the drop, cover & hold utterly disagree with him,” Ardern approach recommended told Radio New Zealand. n undersea earthquake to survive a quake” Trump on Sunday urged a with a magnitude of 6.1 group of four Democratic con- Astruck south of Indo- Indonesia’s disaster mitigation gresswomen of colour – three of nesia’s Bali yesterday, the Eu- agency distributed a photograph them US-born – to “go back” to ropean earthquake monitoring of damage at the Lokanatha the countries they came from, agency EMSC said, causing temple in Denpasar, showing then renewed his attack on minor damage and prompt- smashed masonry lying on the them a day later. ing residents and visitors on ground. Bali is a predominantly “If you’re not happy here, you the tourist island to briefl y fl ee Hindu enclave in overwhelmingly can leave ... This is about love buildings. Muslim Indonesia. for America, certain people hate There were no reports of cas- Lius Winarto, a sales admin- our country,” he tweeted. ualties and no tsunami warning istrator at the Mercure Hotel Ardern said New Zealanders issued by the Hawaii-based Pa- Nusa Dua, said by telephone a welcomed diversity in the cor- cifi c Tsunami Warning Center small part of the building’s roof ridors of power. or the Indonesian quake moni- had been damaged. “We take the view that our par- toring agency. “We felt the quake quite liament should be a representa- The epicentre was 102km strongly ... but thankfully no tive place, it should look and (62 miles) southwest of the is- one was hurt and there was only feel like New Zealand, it should land capital Denpasar and was minor damage,” he said. have a range of diff erent cul- 100km (60 miles) deep, the “Everything has gone back to tures and ethnicities,” she said. EMSC said. normal now.” “And never should a judgement The US Geological Survey There was also minor dam- be made about the origin of recorded the quake with a pre- age at a school, a house and a anyone, and their right, there- liminary magnitude of 5.7. temple in diff erent areas on the fore, to be in parliament as a One resident said people southern side of Bali, according representative.” in Denpasar ran out of their to online portal Balipost.com. Ardern has not been shy about boarding house in pyjamas after The quake could also be felt highlighting her diff erences with feeling the quake. in other cities on the neigh- Trump in the past, advising him A Twitter user with the bouring islands of Lombok and to send “sympathy and love to all handle Indounik in the city of Java, Indonesia’s meteorology Muslim communities” in the wake Ubud on Bali said the quake and geophysics agency said in a of the Christchurch mosques was “strong enough to make statement. massacre in March when a gun- me adopt the drop, cover & A roof of a mosque in the man killed 51 worshippers. hold approach recommended to city of Banyuwangi in East Java Shortly after Ardern’s stunning survive a quake”. also partially collapsed, an- Two teachers walk past tiles which fell off the damaged roof of a school building after a earthquake hit the area in Jimbaran on Indonesia’s election win in late 2017, Trump Another Twitter user, Marc other photo from the disaster resort island of Bali yesterday. met her at a summit in Vietnam van Voorst, described the quake mitigation agency showed. and joked she had “caused a lot as feeing like “a heavy truck or The transport ministry said ing tsunamis, because it lies on Sunday that killed at least two tory was on December 26, dian Ocean, including more of upset in her country”. train passing by at close range”. Bali airport was operating the seismically active Pacifi c people and prompted hundreds 2004, when a magnitude 9.5 than 126,000 in Indonesia. “You know, no one marched He said there was no panic, even normally. Ring of Fire. to fl ee their homes. quake triggered a tsunami that A tsunami also hit the city when I was elected,” she though his hotel in the Uluwatu Indonesia suff ers frequent Its Moluccas islands were The most devastating trem- killed around 226,000 people of Palu in Sulawesi last year, retorted. (AFP) area shook quite a bit. earthquakes, sometimes caus- hit by a powerful 7.2 quake on or in recent Indonesian his- along the shorelines of the In- killing thousands. North Korea warns US drills will aff ect Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha (front centre) poses with members of the new Thai cabinet at Government House in Bangkok yesterday. nuclear talks Thai leader’s new cabinet sworn in AFP ers in Singapore and hinted Washington’s “very provoca- Seoul that Pyongyang may resume tive” joint military exercises Reuters tion as a normal democracy. He said on Monday that things junta-appointed senate and weapons tests in response. with South Korea. Bangkok Prayuth and 35 cabinet minis- were getting back to normal pro-military legislators under a Pyongyang’s moratorium on A smaller-scale version of ters pledged their loyalty to the after the March 24 election. system that his opponents said orth Korea yesterday nuclear and long-range mis- the exercises was last held in monarchy at the Dusit Palace. “We have to prepare for the was unfair. said looming US-South sile tests was a commitment March, with more scheduled hai King Maha Vajiralong- “I hope the cabinet and the next task that is to present the It took Prayuth more than a NKorea military drills aimed at improving bilateral for August. korn yesterday swore government will have encour- government policies and create hundred days to form the cabinet could impact the proposed re- relations and “not a legal docu- Washington has previous- Tin the cabinet of Prime agement and power to perform a sense of unity for the country, following heated wrangling. sumption of nuclear talks be- ment inscribed on a paper”, the ly insisted on North Korea’s Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, their duty well and do what is religion, king, and all of us, the The most important jobs went tween Pyongyang and Wash- offi cial said. complete denuclearisation as a a former army chief who seized right,” King Vajiralongkorn said. people,” Prayuth told reporters to members of the former junta, ington, and hinted that it could “With the US unilaterally condition for lifting punishing power in a 2014 coup. Former junta chief Prayuth has after yesterday’s ceremony. but some key economic portfo- reconsider its moratorium on reneging on its commitments, US sanctions. Prayuth declared an end to said the coup was necessary to “Many people have high hope lios went to the 19 parties Pray- nuclear testing. we are gradually losing our jus- At the Singapore summit, more than fi ve years of military restore order after six months of for this government.” uth had to bring on board to give It was the fi rst statement tifi cations to follow through the two adopted a vaguely- rule on Monday, saying that street protests and violent clash- Prayuth stays on as prime him a slim majority in the lower from Pyongyang on the talks on the commitments we made worded statement on “com- the country must now func- es when he seized power in 2014. minister after being chosen by house of parliament. since US President Donald with the US as well.” plete denuclearisation of the Trump and North Korean lead- Trump and Kim’s latest Korean peninsula” and agreed er Kim Jong-un agreed to their meeting took place as nego- to “establish new US-DPRK resumption at an impromptu tiations between Pyongyang relations”. meeting in the Demilitarised and Washington were at a But failure to reach an agree- Zone in June, following months deadlock, following a rocky ment over sanctions relief and Australian model sentenced to probation over air rage of deadlock between the two negotiation process bro- what the North was willing to sides. kered by Seoul after a thaw in give in return led to the collapse The joint drills have been tensions in early 2018. of the leaders’ second summit, AFP Mornyang, who migrated to beauty pageant, tearfully read “I do get the sense that she has held for years but were scaled During the encounter, which was held in February Los Angeles Australia from war-torn South a statement in court on Mon- a very strong desire for redemp- down to facilitate dialogue Trump stepped into North Ko- in Hanoi. Sudan when she was 10, was in day saying she felt embar- tion and recovery,” the judge with the North after Trump’s rean territory in the border vil- Pyongyang had taken “hu- addition fi ned $2,000 but the rassed by her actions and was said. historic fi rst summit with Kim lage of Panmunjom, becoming manitarian measures without n Australian model who fi ne was waived as she does not getting treatment for alcohol Mornyang garnered attention in Singapore last year. the fi rst US president to set foot conditions” to implement the assaulted a fl ight attend- have the ability to pay it. abuse. in 2017 when she streamed an “If the military exercise re- on North Korean soil. Singapore statement, the for- Aant and hurled obsceni- Mornyang was fl ying from “No human being should ever hour-long live video on Face- ally goes ahead, it would aff ect There are close to 30,000 US eign ministry spokesperson ties while apparently drunk on a Melbourne to Los Angeles say the things I said that day,” book in which she spoke about the DPRK-US working-level troops stationed in South Ko- said Tuesday, in reference to fl ight from Australia to Los An- on January 21 and had been she said. “I made a terrible mis- being raped as a teenager but talks,” an unnamed foreign rea, and their annual drills with the return of the remains of US geles was sentenced on Monday drinking heavily when fellow take due to my alcoholism.” being pressured to not press ministry spokesperson said tens of thousands of South service members killed during to three years’ probation. passengers complained to the Prosecutors had sought a charges. in comments carried by state Korean soldiers have always the 1950-53 Korean War. Los Angeles federal court crew. one-month prison term and A spokesman for the US news agency KCNA, using infuriated the North – with Tensions were raised in judge Cormac Carney also or- A fl ight attendant intervened three months’ home detention Attorney’s Offi ce in Los the offi cial acronym for North Pyongyang condemning the May, during the standstill dered Adau Mornyang, 25, to but Mornyang slapped him as but judge Carney said he did not Angeles said she is set to be Korea. manoeuvres as provocative re- in negotiations between perform 100 hours of com- well as other passengers and had believe Mornyang should be in- deported from the United The offi cial described next hearsals for invasion. Trump and Kim, when munity service and to undergo to be restrained by air marshals. carcerated and took into account States and as such is not month’s drills as “clearly But following the Singapore North Korea fi red short- mental health and alcohol abuse Mornyang, a fi nalist in the her history of “sexual, physical expected to carry out her a breach” of a joint state- summit, Trump announced range missiles for the fi rst counselling. 2017 Miss World Australia and verbal abuse.” community service. ment signed by the lead- the suspension what he called time since November 2017. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 11

BRITAIN

LAW AND ORDER DECISION ACHIEVEMENT MEDICAL DATA Black off icer who spied on Mayor blocks plans Welsh street takes Doctors reveal separation Drug-related deaths in Lawrence campaign named for ‘tulip’ skyscraper world’s steepest title of twins joined at the head Scotland ‘highest in Europe’

The fake identity of a black undercover police London’s mayor has blocked plans to build Guinness World Records has named a Two-year-old twins joined at the head have Drug-related deaths in Scotland rose 27% last off icer who spied on the justice campaign led a glass viewing platform 1,000 feet above meandering street in northwest Wales the undergone successful surgery at a British year to a record 1,187, the highest rate in Europe, by the parents of murdered teenager Stephen the capital on a slender tower shaped like steepest in the world, knocking a road in New hospital to separate their skulls, brains and off icial data showed yesterday. The largest Lawrence has been off icially revealed. The a tulip, saying it would be of limited public Zealand off the top spot. Ffordd Pen Llech in blood vessels, doctors said yesterday. The highly increases from 2017 levels were seen among off icer, who used the name Anthony Lewis, benefit and damage the skyline. The building, the historic coastal town of Harlech, which is complex surgery involved multiple operations drug users aged between 35 and 54 and death pretended to be a left-wing and anti-racist designed by British architect Norman Foster’s famed for its mediaeval castle, has a gradient on Safa and Marwa Ullah, who were born in rates were highest in and around the city of campaigner for four years. During his covert company, would have been the second tallest of 37.45% compared with 35% for the previous Pakistan in January 2017 with a condition known Glasgow, Scotland’s statistics off ice said. If deployment, Lewis gathered “quite a lot” of in western Europe, beaten only by the nearby record holder, Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New as “craniopagus” in which the girls’ skulls and Scotland were considered as an independent information about the campaign run by Doreen “Shard”, but its design was deemed not good Zealand. “I cannot say how pleased we are that parts of their brains were joined and intertwined. country, the rate would be higher than any EU and Neville Lawrence to try to persuade the enough. “The mayor has a number of serious Ffordd Pen Llech has now been recognised as “Craniopagus is an exceptionally rare and country and it is triple the rate in Britain as a police to properly investigate the racist murder concerns with this application and, having the steepest street, not just in Wales, not just complex condition,” said David J Dunaway, who whole, the figures showed. Scotland’s Public of their son, according to an off icial report. The studied it in detail, has refused permission in the UK, not just in Europe, but in the entire co-led the surgical team that treated the twins. Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said the issue police’s investigation into their son’s murder by a for a scheme that he believes would result world,” said local resident Gwyn Headley, who The operation, conducted in February, was the had become an “emergency”. “The number gang of white youths became a seminal case in in very limited public benefit,” Sadiq Khan’s instigated the community’s Guinness World most complex such separation his team had of people who have lost their lives because of Britain’s race relations. spokesman said. Records application. performed to date, he said. drug use is shocking,” he said. Calls grow for Royals attend food fest Labour peer to give up title

Daily Mail huge potential for confl icts of in- London terests and lobbying on behalf of companies and other states. “We have no way of holding Labour peer who moved them to account. It is time for to the US to take on lu- a fairly-elected upper house to A crative jobs in Silicon end the farce of unaccountable, Valley is facing calls to give up absentee Lords. We need a fairly- her title. elected revising chamber that Oona King, 51, has not ap- Britain can be truly proud of.” peared in the House of Lords Tory MP Andrew Bridgen since taking an open-ended called on Baroness King to give ‘leave of absence’ in November up her title. He added: “Public 2016 and moving to San Fran- service requires some sacrifi ce. cisco to work for Google. She would appear to be reaping The former Labour minister, all the accolades that come with who lives in a £1.4mn home in her peerage without giving any- California with her husband and thing back to the public. four children, has been allowed “The fact that she has spoken to keep her title and is exempt regularly in the US about her from a code of conduct that re- work in British politics is merely quires peers to disclose relevant rubbing salt into the wounds and interests. makes a mockery of the peerage Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall gesture during their visit to celebrate the recent restoration of historic buildings and to attend the In May Baroness King spoke system. She has brought the en- Community Festival of Food and Crafts, in Tavistock, south west England, yesterday. at the University of California, tirety of the British parliament Berkeley, where she accepted an into disrepute.” award in recognition of her ‘work Baroness King is one of 17 in British parliament’. absent peers. They forfeit their She continues to describe her- parliamentary rights, such as self as an active member of the voting, taking part in debates, Lords on her offi cial website and asking questions of govern- Twitter, which she has used to ment ministers along with a call for a second referendum. daily £305 allowance and ex- Campaigners and MPs ac- penses. EU braces for Brexit delay cused her of bringing parlia- They do not have to give a ment into disrepute. Sir Alistair reason for taking leave and can Graham, former chairman of the return to the Lords whenever committee for standards in pub- they want without having to lic life, said peers should be lim- declare what they have been ited to one year off – after which up to. At least five on leave are or no-deal under Johnson they should give up their title. working in the private sector. A spokesman for the Electoral Others appear to have simply Reuters likely impact on the $18.7tn EU not willing to accept the so- to keep Northern Ireland British Brexiteer-in-chief — acts if he Reform Society said: “People retired. Brussels/London economy that European capitals called Irish backstop element of and mainly Catholic nationalists becomes premier. who want the prestige of being a Critics are concerned by en- are ramping up pressure on Ire- Theresa May’s Brexit deal, even seeking a united Ireland. Johnson has said the EU must peer with none of the responsi- tries on the register of interests land to accelerate preparations if a time limit was set. A no-deal Brexit could tip “look deep into our eyes” and bilities shouldn’t be able to keep being recorded as ‘nil’ for several he European Union is for a no-deal exit that could roil If the winner, to be announced Britain into recession, under- realise he would go for a no-deal their titles.” peers who work for businesses at bracing for either a no- fi nancial markets and dislocate on July 23, sticks to that pledge it mine sluggish euro zone growth Brexit. The group’s chief executive the centre of major political dis- Tdeal Brexit or another trade. makes the chances of a European and weaken London’s claim to be The EU is determined not to Darren Hughes added: “These putes. delay if Boris Johnson becomes The mood in Europe is dark. compromise all but impossible the world’s pre-eminent inter- reopen talks on the 600-page- fi ndings make the House of Lords Lord Browne, who became prime minister next week with “If they come and ask us to re- before the Brexit deadline. national fi nancial centre. long divorce treaty known as the look more like a private members’ chairman of the UK subsidi- a pledge to renegotiate a deal the negotiate the Brexit deal, we will “The Irish government and Sterling plunged to a Withdrawal Agreement. club than ever – with members ary of Chinese telecoms giant bloc says it will not reopen. say ‘Thanks, but no thanks’,” said the EU are really clear that we 27-month low against the dol- Brexit minister Stephen Bar- keeping their titles while never Huawei in 2015, took a leave The three-year Brexit cri- an EU diplomat involved in what will not be changing the con- lar yesterday as Johnson and clay ruffl ed feathers last week in having to turn up. That’s no basis of absence in March 2018. A sis could be about to deepen as is now three years of talks since tent of the backstop agreement,” Hunt vied for the hardest Brexit Brussels, telling EU negotiators for a decent scrutiny chamber. spokesman for the peer said he Johnson’s pledge to leave the EU the 2016 referendum in which Irish fi nance minister Paschal stance, trying to win over Con- the deal was “dead”. “Tightening up the rules on was fulfilling “a trio of public “do or die” — with or without a Britons voted 52%-48% to leave Donohoe said yesterday. servative party members keen “If that’s the attitude, there leaves of absence could be one service and charitable commit- deal — on October 31 sets Brit- the bloc. The bloc’s priority is to sup- for a clean break with the EU. is nothing we can or we want to option in the short term, but the ments”. ain on a collision course with the Johnson and his rival for the port EU member Ireland and But EU leaders want to move do,” said an offi cial in Brussels real issue is the fact that none of Baroness King has not re- bloc’s 27 other leaders and his leadership of the ruling Con- prevent a return to the 30 years on from Brexit, and say much briefed on the visit. “Why would the 800-odd peers have an ob- sponded to requests for com- own parliament. servative Party Jeremy Hunt of violence between mostly will depend on how Johnson — we change anything? And espe- ligation to turn up. That creates ment. Such is the concern about the both said on Monday they were Protestant unionists who want who has cast himself as Britain’s cially for a Brexiteer.”

Swan census Discrimination, bullying Britain First fi ned over rife in armed forces: report electoral law breaches Guardian News and Media records of transactions in 2016; Guardian News and Media people from black, Asian and thinking about making com- London £7,700 for failing to fi le any quar- London minority ethnic backgrounds, plaints were worried about the terly donation reports in 2016, women and other “underrepre- “impact on their career pros- totalling £200,000 of undeclared sented groups”, had “grown up pects” and “being perceived as he now-defunct fringe donations; £5,500 for not having he armed forces suffer in a more open and permissive a trouble-maker”, while “many far-right party Britain its 2016 accounts professionally from unacceptable lev- society” than their forebears, it simply consider that reporting TFirst must pay a fi ne of audited; and a fi nal £20,000 – the Tels of sexual offences, found. inappropriate behaviour would more than £44,000 for what the maximum possible – for failing to discrimination and bullying However, those people now get them nowhere”. Electoral Commission has said provide information sought by the because of a pack mentality often fi nd themselves “led by a The armed forces were also were multiple breaches of elec- commission. among the mostly white, mid- cohort described by one external found to be lagging behind wider toral law, including undeclared A “payment arrangement” dle-aged men who make up the organisation as a ‘pack mentality society in dealing with issues as- donations and a failure to pro- had been agreed between Britain senior ranks, a government re- of white middle-aged men, es- sociated with the. MeToo move- vide proper accounts. First and the commission, it said. port has found. pecially in positions of infl uence’ ment, while the use of language The party achieved brief no- Louise Edwards, the com- The ministry of defence has whose behaviours are shaped by in the military “can be inap- toriety in late 2017 after Donald mission’s director of regulation, announced measures to persuade the armed forces of 20 years ago”. propriate and off ensive, simply Trump retweeted racial messag- said: “Registered political par- victims of such behaviours to It added that a “significant through a lack of understanding es sent by the party’s then deputy ties must provide full, accurate come forward after the report number” of military person- of how it may be perceived by a leader, Jayda Fransen, prompting data on their donations and ac- concluded that many have stayed nel have experienced “bullying, minority group”. international condemnation. counts so that voters can see silent for fear of being seen as a discrimination and harassment, In response, the ministry of Fransen and Britain First’s where their money comes from. troublemaker. including sexual” and that defence (MoD) announced that then leader, Paul Golding, were Britain First’s inability to meet “Many simply consider that there was a “deficit of trust” the newly created Defence Au- both jailed the following March certain basic requirements led to reporting inappropriate behav- in complaints systems, with thority will have a role in in- for religiously aggravated har- a disappointing lack of transpar- iour would get them nowhere,” women and people of minor- vestigating allegations such as assment after a court heard they ency into the party’s fi nances. according to the report by Air ity ethnic heritage more likely sexual harassment, bullying and targeted people they believed “The party’s failure to comply Chief Marshal Michael Wigston, to find themselves dragged into discrimination and give person- Captured cygnets are measured and checked during were connected to a rape trial. with a statutory notice is a serious the new chief of the Air Staff . disputes. nel greater opportunities to make the annual Swan Upping Census on the River Thames at Britain First has not been a off ence and shows a disregard for The report was commissioned There have been “repeated complaints anonymously. Staines, west of London. Swan Upping is the annual census registered political party since the law. Throughout our inves- in April after allegations surfaced suggestions” that those in the Other measures included new of the swan population on stretches of the River Thames November 2017, but it must pay tigation, we saw little to suggest of a sexual assault against a teen- military are not reporting inap- compulsory diversity and inclu- and dates from the 12th century when the Queen claimed a total of £44,200 following an that Britain First appreciated that age female soldier. propriate behaviour because sion training and a harassment ownership of all mute swans and is overseen by the investigation that identifi ed a if it wants to contest elections, It said a “new generation” they fear the consequences of survey will also be introduced in Queen’s Marker. The census takes place over five days on series of off ences. it must meet its legal responsi- of armed forces personnel, in- doing so, the report said. 2021 as part of a “shift in culture”, the third week of July every year. The fi ne comprised £11,000 for bilities, which is why we have im- cluding a greater proportion of It added that some personnel according to the department. failing to keep accurate fi nancial posed the penalties that we have.” Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 EUROPE

Ukraine agrees to French minister resigns prisoner swap with over use of public funds Russia AFP ing from months of “yellow In his fi rst reaction to the rev- critical of the Macron govern- Reuters Paris vest” protests. elations, Macron said he had ment, specialises in investiga- Kyiv The violent anti-government asked Prime Minister Philippe tions and has caused multiple demonstrations have been for “full clarity”. embarrassments for politicians senior French cabinet fuelled by anger over econom- The departure will draw a line and senior public fi gures since senior Ukrainian offi - minister and close ally ic inequality and claims that under a series of embarrassing its creation in 2008. cial said yesterday that Aof President Emmanuel French leaders are out-of-touch headlines, but will pose a head- De Rugy said he had fi led a le- Ahis country and Russia Macron has resigned follow- with ordinary people. ache for the 41-year-old head of gal complaint against the publi- had agreed to exchange prison- ing reports accusing him of ex- De Rugy has denied any state. cation for defamation, accusing ers from the confl ict in eastern travagant state-funded lobster wrongdoing and even claimed Macron will now have to fi nd it of a desire “to harm, smear and Ukraine over the next month. dinners and misusing public in an interview last week that his third environment minister destroy”. Kyiv’s forces have been bat- housing, in a blow to the centrist he was allergic to lobsters and in two years, just as he looks to He is far from the fi rst French tling pro-Russian separatists in government. didn’t like champagne because it boost his green credentials as politician to be accused of mis- the Donbass region of eastern Francois de Rugy, who was gave him a headache. French voters demand bolder using public money. Ukraine since 2014, in a con- named environment minister in “He is someone who is solid, action to tackle climate change. Right-wing presidential can- fl ict that has claimed more than September 2018, announced his courageous,” ruling party MP Macron’s fi rst appointment to didate and former prime minis- 13,000 lives. departure after a week of revela- Olivia Gregoire told reporters the job, celebrity environmen- ter Francois Fillon is being pros- Sporadic fi ghting continues tions from the left-wing website after his resignation. “I think he talist Nicolas Hulot, quit during ecuted after being accused of despite a ceasefi re agreement. Mediapart. was at the end of his tether.” a live radio interview in August fraudulently putting his wife on In the last prisoner exchange, “The attacks and media Rugy: The attacks and media lynching targeting my family force me She urged people not to judge last year, saying that his cabinet the parliament payroll for two conducted in December 2017, lynching targeting my family to take the necessary step back. him on the images and give him colleagues were doing too little decades. Ukraine handed over about 300 force me to take the necessary the benefi t of the doubt. to tackle the climate emergency. In 2005, then-economy min- captives to pro-Russian sepa- step back,” said de Rugy, who – at the expense of taxpayers Other reports have referred to De Rugy joined Macron early Macron and Philippe have ister Herve Gaymard resigned ratists and took back around 70, was number two in the govern- – were largely social, while de a €500 hairdryer bought by de in his successful bid for the pres- both seen their approval ratings after he was found renting an but disagreements have pre- ment after Prime Minister Ed- Rugy contends they were part Rugy’s wife at public expense, idency in 2017 and was rewarded rise in recent months following apartment for his family in Paris vented any further swaps since ouard Philippe. of his work representing the Na- and a renovation of their gov- with a series of plum jobs in- the end of major protests by the at a cost of €14,000 a month, then. Mediapart has published pic- tional Assembly. ernment apartment at a cost of cluding parliament speaker and “yellow vests”, who caused the while junior minister Christian “We have agreed to exchange tures of de Rugy and his journal- Mediapart also revealed that €63,000 ($70,000). latterly environment minister. biggest crisis of their time in of- Blanc billed taxpayers for cigars a certain number of our cap- ist wife enjoying lavish cham- de Rugy had benefi ted from an But the image of a row of However, the former Green fi ce. worth €12,000 in 2010. tives during one month,” Vadym pagne-and-lobster dinners and apartment near his hometown plump lobsters on a platter at campaigner’s ability to hang on Between 26% and 38% of Under France’s last president Prystaiko, a senior presidential a Valentine’s Day meal while he of Nantes in western France that a function hosted by de Rugy to his job took a blow on Monday voters hold a positive view of Francois Hollande, a senior ad- offi cial and the nominee for the was speaker of parliament in was rented at a preferential rate caused the most political dam- evening when Macron failed to Macron, according to polls pub- viser had to step down after post of Ukrainian foreign minis- 2017 and in 2018. intended for low-income work- age – and many social media give his full backing while on a lished this month. spending a small fortune to keep ter, told reporters. The website alleged the events ers. memes – in a country still reel- trip to Serbia. Mediapart, which is fi ercely his shoes shined. There was no immediate con- fi rmation from Moscow of the agreement. “Our task now is to exchange, to return our people home,” Prystaiko said. He provided no details on the MPs approve law on numbers involved or when the process might start. Russia still holds dozens of Ukrainian captives from the confl ict but it is unclear how reconstruction of many Russians are being held in Ukraine. The ombudsmen of Rus- sia and Ukraine said in Moscow later that they are discussing the Notre-Dame Paris possibility of the Ukrainian and Russian presidents pardoning some prisoners. AFP now ahead of us. We need to sure they are spent well. Russia’s President Vladimir Paris strengthen the cathedral forever But the bill’s passage through Putin and Ukraine’s new leader, and then restore it,” said Culture parliament was held up by ob- Volodymyr Zelenskiy, discussed Minister Franck Riester as the jections from the opposition, the issue of prisoner exchanges rench MPs have approved bill was passed. who complained the process was during their fi rst telephone con- a law on the reconstruc- President Emmanuel Ma- being rushed simply to ensure versation last week. Ftion of Notre-Dame, three cron has said the reconstruction reconstruction was fi nished for Viktor Medvedchuk, a close months after fl ames ravaged should be completed within fi ve the 2024 Olympic Games hosted Kremlin ally in Ukraine, said the great Paris cathedral, but years, a deadline some experts by Paris. last week that Kyiv and Mos- with the rebuilding process still see as too ambitious. Brigitte Kuster of the opposi- cow could swap prisoners with- mired in controversy. And he created an even greater tion Republicans said: “Impos- in a matter of days, if Ukraine The cathedral, part of a furore by suggesting the toppled ing a deadline of fi ve years from showed suffi cient political will. Unesco world heritage site cov- spire could be replaced by a stee- on high makes no sense.” An aerial view shows the damaged roof of Notre-Dame de Paris during restoration work, three months ering the banks of the River ple with a contemporary touch. But Riester insisted that “we after a fire that devastated the cathedral in Paris. Seine in Paris, lost its Gothic The “aim is to give Notre- are not confusing speed with spire, roof and precious artefacts Dame a restoration appropriate hurry”, adding that the cathedral amounts pledged, saying that its immediate vicinity is closed. Only then can an architect in the April 15 blaze. for the place it has in the hearts was “not entirely saved” and only 10 percent of these prom- The scaff olding around the carry out a thorough check of Tourists in Paris are still of the French people and in the that there was “still a risk” of ises have been realised as actual cathedral and white canopy the edifi ce before restoration Germany’s heading to Notre-Dame to take entire world”, said Riester. collapse in some areas. donations. serving as a temporary roof work begins. photos and selfi es, with the hor- The bill aims to organise the The upper house Senate and The architectural form of the mean Notre-Dame is a shadow Paris prosecutors said in June rifi c fi re only increasing its glo- €850mn ($954mn) in donations lower chamber National As- reconstruction is not directly of its pre-fi re self, even if the that a poorly stubbed-out ciga- population bal fame, although they cannot which were pledged from in- sembly failed to agree on a com- addressed in the text although two great mediaeval towers were rette or an electrical fault could access the esplanade in front of dividual, corporate and private mon text and the draft then went it was discussed in parliament, preserved in all their glory. have started the fi re and opened the building let alone the edifi ce donors after the blaze and to co- back to the National Assembly where some deputies expressed Dozens of workers are at the an investigation into criminal increases by itself. ordinate the painstaking resto- – where Macron’s party has a concern over Macron’s interest site daily but they are focusing negligence without targeting But the passing of the recon- ration work. majority – in a slightly modifi ed in a “contemporary architectural on securing the site and clearing any individual. struction bill in the National As- French luxury goods rivals, form. gesture”. debris rather than restoration. On June 15, two months after 400,000 sembly – after months of squab- the billionaires Bernard Arnault Ninety-one MPs voted for the Meanwhile, the Paris authori- The vault in particular is at the fi re, clerics conducted the bles – marked only the start of and Francois-Henri Pinault, bill with eight votes against and ties remain concerned about risk of collapse and the process fi rst mass inside the cathedral the hugely controversial and pledged €200mn and €100mn 33 abstentions. above average amounts of lead of securing it will last until the since the blaze, donning hard DPA sensitive rebuilding process. apiece, and they are likely to dis- Riester also urged against from the roof present in the area autumn, according to the cul- hats along with their robes for Frankfurt “The hardest thing is burse the funds gradually to en- complacency despite the high around the cathedral, meaning ture ministry. their safety.

ermany remains an at- tractive destination for Gmigrants: last year saw 400,000 more people settle in Salvini takes steps Italian minister says the country than move away, mi- gration data released yesterday by the Federal Statistical Offi ce threats to him led to showed. to clear out ‘illegal’ A total of 1.58mn people ar- rived from abroad, while 1.18mn neo-Nazi arms haul people left the country. Net migration to Germany Roma settlements thus fell slightly from 2017, when AFP dealing with a madman. The se- it had stood at 416,000 people. Rome cret services were talking about The phenomenon can be at- AFP The Sinti are traditionally a Ukrainian group that wanted to tributed mostly to foreigners, Rome from west and central Europe, make an attempt on my life,” he with 87% of those who moved to while Roma have their origins taly’s Interior Minister Mat- said. Germany holding a foreign pass- in the east and southeast of the teo Salvini said yesterday that Turin’s anti-terrorism unit port, according to the statistical taly’s anti-immigrant Inte- continent. Ia death threat against him followed leads to neo-Nazis who offi ce. rior Minister Matteo Salvini The Caminanti are believed to had launched the investigation had fought in Ukraine against A year earlier, it had been 89%. Iordered a report yesterday have their origins in the Norman that led to the seizure of a mas- pro-Russian separatists in the But the arrival of Germans on the country’s Roma popula- occupation of Sicily. Salvini: ordered the country’s regional prefects to draw up ‘a report sive neo-Nazi arms cache. east of the country. who had previously lived abroad tion, with a view to shuttering The pro-Roma group Associ- on the presence of Roma, Sinti and Caminanti’ within two weeks. Salvini was referring to the Police surveillance led to three also increased. overcrowded, “illegal” camps, azione 21 Luglio said yesterday massive weapons haul, including suspects who seemed to be try- In 2017, a total of 167,000 peo- provoking an angry response that it was “deeply worried” by About 15,000 members of the census of Roma, and for all non- an air-to-air missile, which Ital- ing to sell weapons and in recent ple returned to Germany, while from rights campaigners. Salvini’s order. three groups reside in 127 formal Italians among them to be ex- ian police displayed to the press weeks they had carried out a se- the number reached 202,000 The head of the far-right The organisation slammed “a settlements in Italy, often in the pelled from the country. on Monday. ries of raids. last year. League ordered the country’s measure which clearly discrimi- suburbs of large cities, accord- Salvini has also barred Italy’s “It’s not my missile and I’m On Monday, offi cers arrested Even more Germans, however, regional prefects to draw up “a nates against these communi- ing to the group. ports to charity vessels rescuing happy to have been of use for the suspects and, searching a emigrated: a total of 262,000, up report on the presence of Roma, ties, since it does not aff ect, for The rest live instead in infor- migrants at sea. fi nding it,” he quipped while an- warehouse near the small Ri- from 249,000 in 2017. Sinti and Caminanti” within example, formal or informal mal settlements, some of which The Council of Europe es- swering questions during a visit vanazzano Terme airport in Pavia Net migration by citizens from two weeks, the interior ministry settlements inhabited by per- are made up of just two to three timates there are between to the northern city of Genoa. province, found the arms cache. other countries in the European said in a statement. sons not belonging to these eth- families. 120,000 and 180,000 Roma, The investigation had started Although experts say the Union was led by Romanians “The aim is to verify the pres- nic groups”. There are about 300 such in- Sinti and Caminanti in Italy from a death threat he had re- French Matra Super 530F missile (68,000), Croats (29,000) and ence of illegal camps to draw up Some 25,000 Roma, Sinti and formal settlements in Rome, the – one of the lowest concentra- ceived, he added. would have been very diffi cult to Bulgarians (27,000). an eviction plan,” it said. Caminanti live in conditions of Associazione 21 Luglio told AFP. tions in Europe. “It was one of several death use, the haul also included the For people not stemming from The Roma, Sinti and Cami- “housing segregation”, accord- Threats against the Roma and Over half are Italian citizens threats that I get every day and latest-generation automatic as- the EU, the largest increases nanti are traditionally nomadic ing to the association, accusing Sinti have increased under Sal- with regular jobs and homes, which I don’t talk about,” he said. sault rifl es, a Scorpion machine were seen for Albanians, Turks ethnic groups who have lived in the government of maintaining vini, who sparked controversy but hate crimes against their “This time, it was detailed, gun, pistols, daggers and bayo- and Kosovars, according to the Europe for centuries. “ethnic ghettos”. last year with his call for a new less fortunate peers are rife. even if you never know if you’re nets. statistical offi ce. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 13 EUROPE Hackers steal millions of Bulgarians’ fi nancial data

Reuters A person claiming to be a Rus- agency’s database was aff ected, sions” about any citizen’s fi nan- he said. “It is safe to say that the for local anti-graft website Bivol, Bulgarian newspaper 24 Chasa Sofia sian hacker e-mailed local media involving millions of records in cial situation. personal data of practically the called the hack “a bomb that is said that one e-mailed fi le had on Monday, off ering access to the the nation of 7mn, though the There was no immediate com- whole Bulgarian adult population dangerous” to many people. more than 1.1mn personal iden- stolen data. leaked information was not clas- ment from authorities in Mos- has been compromised.” According to anti-graft group tifi cation numbers with income, ulgaria’s fi nance minister The reason for the attack was sifi ed and did not endanger fi - cow, which have consistently The purported hacker’s e- Transparency International, Bul- social security and healthcare apologised to the country not immediately clear. nancial stability. denied accusations from foreign mail, seen by Reuters and sent garia is the most corrupt state in fi gures. Byesterday after admitting But the e-mail’s author, who Summoned to parliament for governments of Russian involve- from a Russian e-mail address, the European Union. Other media reports said the hackers had stolen millions of described the government as an explanation, he apologised “to ment in a spate of cyber-attacks said that more than 5mn Bulgar- The country’s leading business records dated back to 2007. taxpayers’ fi nancial data in an at- corrupt, said that hackers had all Bulgarian citizens who have against mostly Western interests. ian and foreign citizens as well as organisation, BIA, said it had The prime minister convened tack that one researcher said may compromised more than 110 been made vulnerable”. Cyber-security researcher companies were aff ected. warned the government of pos- the national security council, In- have compromised nearly every databases, including “critically He said anyone who attempted Vesselin Bontchev, assistant pro- Local media speculation about sible fl aws in its data protection terior Minister Mladen Marinov adult’s personal records. confi dential” information from to exploit the data “would fall fessor at the Bulgarian Academy motives for the attack focused systems a year ago. said. The breach of servers at the tax key administrations, some of under the impact of Bulgarian of Sciences, said the scale of the on a wish to highlight the NRA’s Offi cials said it was possible On top of a local investiga- agency (NRA) happened at the which was being off ered to jour- law”, and initial analysis of the hack was huge. failure to introduce robust secu- the hackers had gained access to tion, Bulgaria planned to seek end of June and an offi cial there nalists. information that had become “To the best of my knowledge, rity protocols rather than any at- an NRA database by exploiting a help from the EU cyber-security said it was probably carried out Finance Minister Vladislav public showed it was not enough this is the fi rst publicly-known tempt to root out corruption. weakness in its system for fi ling agency to audit its most sensitive from abroad. Goranov said about 3% of the to draw “substantive conclu- major data breach in Bulgaria,” Atanas Chobanov, a journalist tax returns from abroad. systems. Von der Leyen wins mandate

Merkel and Moldova’s Prime Minister Maia Sandu listen to the national anthems during a welcoming ceremony at the Chancellery in Berlin. for top EU job Reuters With health in spotlight, Merkel Strasbourg ermany’s Ursula von der Leyen secured European seated again during public event Gparliamentary approval yesterday to become the fi rst female European Commission DPA thems played at the Federal in mid-June at a reception for president on a platform of a Berlin Chancellery in Berlin. new Ukrainian President Volo- greener, fairer and rule-based They then stood and walked dymyr Zelenskiy. Europe. out behind the German army’s Merkel said at the time she was The German conservative got hancellor Angela Mer- honour guard. dehydrated on what was a very the thumbs-up from socialist kel sat while greeting a After several shaking fi ts at hot day. and liberal lawmakers which, Cforeign dignitary for the public outings over the past Subsequent shaking fi ts have together with the endorsement second time in a row yesterday, month, been described as psychological by her fellow conservatives, as a series of shaking fi ts have put Merkel sat for the fi rst time processing of the fi rst one. gives her a stronger mandate the German leader’s health in the last week for part of a reception Doctors have been reluctant to tackle issues such as climate spotlight. with military honours for Danish to speculate on Merkel’s health, change, trade and maintain- Merkel and Moldovan Prime Prime Minister Mette Frederik- which is considered a private ing democracy in the European Minister Maia Sandu remained sen. matter in Germany, even for the Union. seated while the national an- The shaking was fi rst observed country’s leaders. Rejection by the EU legisla- ture would have been a painful blow for a bloc beset by chal- lenges ranging from trade to Brexit and erosion of democratic norms, and a headache for EU Blame Spain’s Podemos leaders who would have had to Von der Leyen delivering a speech during the debate on her election at the European Parliament in come up with another candidate Strasbourg. in a month. it on the As head of the EU executive, “It’s a big responsibility and my more powers to the EU execu- convince both socialists and lib- off ers concessions von der Leyen will be in charge work starts now.” tive. erals. of trade negotiations, economic “Let us work together con- “Good intent alone is not Von der Leyen had already stairs, and climate policy for 500mn structively because the en- enough. We were elected on an pledged the ambitious targets Europeans and antitrust rulings deavour is a united and strong agenda for change and we did in letters to the two groups the to avoid elections involving powerful tech giants. Europe,” added von der Leyen, not hear enough on our key de- previous day. says aide She secured 383 votes to 327 who will take up her new role on mands, namely on concrete pro- Her plans include making Eu- against, said David Sassoli, November 1. posals to avert climate break- rope the fi rst climate-neutral Reuters speaker of the assembly. The German politician, who down,” Greens party leader Ska continent in the world by 2050, DPA Madrid The threshold was 374. has said she is open to giving Keller said. launch a Green Deal for Europe Berlin/Paris With 52% support, von der more time to Britain to negoti- The European United Left- in her fi rst 100 days in offi ce, Leyen’s victory margin was in ate its exit from the bloc, said Nordic Green Left was scathing. turn parts of the European In- pain’s far-left Podemos line with recent trends. she would work “in a construc- “We will resist von der Ley- vestment Bank into a Climate hancellor Angela Merkel party is willing to make Current Commission Presi- tive way” with any new British en’s status quo policies that Bank and introduce a Carbon was short of breath dur- Sconcessions to rescue dent Jean-Claude Juncker re- prime minister. have entrenched inequality and Border Tax. Cing a press statement at stalled power-sharing talks ceived 56% while his predeces- She declined to say whether fuelled the far-right,” its presi- Von der Leyen promised to the weekend because she quickly with acting Prime Minister sor Jose Manuel Barroso had she would rather see the fa- dent Martin Schirdewan said. defend the rule of law, took aim walked up a fl ight of stairs, gov- Pedro Sanchez’s Socialists and 52% for his second mandate and vourite Boris Johnson or current The liberal group Renew at US tech giants’ low tax bill in ernment spokesman Steff en avoid a repeat election, leader 56% for his fi rst term. foreign minister Jeremy Hunt Europe and the Socialists and Europe, and said she would up- Seibert said on Monday in a bid Pablo Iglesias said. “The trust you placed in me become the new British leader. Democrats Group had ear- date EU-wide norms for tack- to set aside enduring speculation Sanchez declared negotia- is confi dence you placed in Eu- Greens lawmakers, who voted lier announced support for the ling the migrant issue. about her health. tions dead on Monday, raising rope. Your confi dence in a unit- against von der Leyen, ques- 60-year-old Von der Leyen re- In her biggest cross-party “The chancellor very swiftly the prospect of Spain facing ed and strong Europe, from east tioned her ability to carry out gardless of the EU lawmakers’ promise, von der Leyen off ered climbed stairs in order to arrive its fourth election in as many to west, from south to north,” her promises. decision. to help allow the EU parliament on time to where the journalists years as the fragmented politi- Sanchez: his Socialist party said the German conservative, Some of the plans would need Earlier in the day, she set out the right to propose new legisla- were waiting upstairs, and then cal system struggles to resolve won the most seats following who earlier this week resigned backing from EU countries that her climate goals, going further tion – currently the Commis- immediately made her state- big problems ranging from the election earlier this year. as Berlin’s defence minister. typically are wary of ceding than current targets, in a bid to sion’s prerogative. ment,” Seibert said in Berlin. Catalan separatism to budget “There is absolutely nothing reform. pushing for a power-sharing special to report, and certainly Three months after the So- agreement with the Socialists no cause for speculation,” he cialists won the biggest share or instead support a minority added. of votes but fell short of a ma- Sanchez government. Merkel’s short press state- jority in a parliamentary elec- Iglesias said that the party Russia bars opposition ment on Sunday at the residence tion, talks remain stalled as will respect the outcome of the of the German ambassador in Sanchez ruled out Iglesias’s vote, which ends tomorrow. Paris was about her attendance demand of a full power-shar- A Podemos offi cial said on candidates from at the military parade marking ing coalition and accused Po- Monday that he was confi dent France’s national Bastille Day. demos of acting in bad faith in Sanchez would come around She breathed heavily while negotiations. and ultimately agree to a coali- Moscow city election speaking. “We haven’t stopped mak- tion. The chancellor was in a hurry ing concessions and we are Senior party offi cials across because she was headed next to prepared to enter into coali- the political spectrum say that AFP reasons to prevent popular allies a lunch with French President tion negotiations and give a compromise, seemingly un- Moscow of opposition leader Alexei Na- Emmanuel Macron, the spokes- more ground still, but it’s key likely, could yet be found as valny from running for the Rus- This picture taken on Sunday shows Yashin and Sobol at a rally man said. that the Socialists understand public pressure builds on par- sian capital’s legislature. against eff orts to stop opposition candidates from registering for There has been speculation that the voters did not vote ties to avoid an election re-run. ussian offi cials have re- Yesterday Moscow election elections to the Moscow City Duma. about Merkel’s health for weeks for a one-party government,” Sanchez, whose Socialists fused to register nearly 30 offi cials defi nitively rejected in Germany, after she suff ered Iglesias told laSexta television lack an outright majority in Rcandidates for elections most of the prominent opposi- rubbished, in which they reaf- many candidates loyal to mayor three shaking fi ts in less than a yesterday. parliament and have no other to Moscow’s local parliament, tion fi gures from participating, fi rm their support for her. Sergei Sobyanin were registered month while standing at public Despite the compromis- obvious allies among the major including prominent critics of citing lack of viable signatures. But Sobol’s arguments were without a stringent review de- events. ing tone, Iglesias also used parties, has until July 25 to win President Vladimir Putin de- The rejected candidates, in- ignored. spite violations. She has blamed the fi rst bout the interview to counterattack support for a swearing-in vote spite protests over the move. cluding Navalny ally Lyubov “You spat in the face of vot- The fi nal list of candidates is of shaking on dehydration and Sanchez, saying that his call- in the lower house. Opposition politicians have Sobol and former MP Dmitry ers,” she told the commit- set to be published today. the subsequent two on psycho- ing the negotiations dead was If he fails, a two-month been fi ghting to get on the ballot Gudkov, said the offi cials re- tee after they barred her from Putin’s spokesman Dmitry logical “processing” of the fi rst an error. countdown begins until repeat for September’s elections to the fused to look at proof that the running. “You leave people no Peskov dismissed reports of foul attack. “Anyone with a mandate to elections are triggered. Moscow city legislature as they signatures were rejected with- choice but to take to the streets.” play by offi cials, saying only a But during Sunday’s parade, form a government can never Both parties have described seek to capitalise on growing out grounds by unidentifi ed Sobol had declared a hunger court could determine that. the chancellor stood for the assume talks as broken off ,” he as historic the opportunity to public discontent over falling “graphology experts”. strike at the weekend demand- “If there are any objections or French national anthem and sa- said. form a progressive government living standards and unchecked At her meeting with the of- ing a transparent process of sig- complaints, one can always go lutes from more than 50 parad- Last week Podemos asked its months after the far-right won corruption. fi cials, Sobol said she was ready nature review and fair treatment to court,” Peskov told reporters. ing units without any repeat of members to vote on whether multiple seats in parliament But many observers say au- to present videos recorded by of all candidates. “So far, any other conclusions the problem. the party should continue for the fi rst time in decades. thorities have used spurious those whose signatures were The opposition claims that are nothing but rhetoric.” Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 INDIA BRITAIN

CRITICISM ACCIDENT LAW AND ORDER LEGAL FETED Prime minister upset 55 children hurt as power Man accused of tourist rape Court reprieve for jailed Top honour for with ‘truant’ ministers line falls on school building held after fleeing custody Saravana Bhavan owner Hussain, Mansingh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi came down Fifty five school children suffered burn A 30-year-old rape accused who escaped from The Madras High Court yesterday allowed Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and eminent heavily on his ministers who were absent injuries, four of them seriously, when a judicial custody last month has been arrested Saravana Bhavan owner P Rajagopal, who classical dancers Sonal Mansingh, Jatin from Parliament duty yesterday and asked the high tension wire fell on the Vishnupur in Bengaluru, Goa Police said yesterday. is undergoing a life term for murder, to be Goswami (Sattriya) and K Kalyanasundaram party leaders to prepare a list of absentees government primary school premises in Ramachandra Yellappa is accused of allegedly admitted in a private hospital. Hearing a Pillai (Bharatanatyam) were conferred the by evening. Sources said that at BJP’s weekly Utraula, Uttar Pradesh. The injured were raping a 48-year-old British tourist near south petition filed by Rajagopal’s son R Saravanan, Sangeet Natak Akademi’s prestigious fellowships parliamentary party meeting, Modi asked for a rushed to a private hospital and some to the Goa’s Canacona railway station and had fled the court allowed Rajagopal to be shifted yesterday. The Akademi also announced 44 list of ministers who skipped their parliament district hospital in Balrampur. There were from custody while he was being shifted from the government Stanley Hospital, where recipients of its awards for 2018. The names duty despite being on the roster. They also said around 100 children in the school when the to a court for trial on June 28. “A team of he was being treated in the prison ward, to a were chosen at the Akademi meeting held on that the prime minister advised the MPs of his 11,000KV high tension wire snapped and off icials from Margao town police station has private hospital. Rajagopal, sentenced to life June 26 at Guwahati. The Akademi’s general party to extend their scope of work beyond fell on roof of the school building due to arrested the accused Ramachandra Yellappa term for the murder of his employee, Prince council also selected 44 artistes from the field politics. He counselled the lawmakers to which current coursed through the entire in Bengaluru based on a tip-off ,” a Goa Police Santhakumar, surrendered before a court of music, dance and theatre across traditional, engage in social work. Modi has also reportedly building causing injuries. Further casualties spokesperson told reporters yesterday. in Chennai on July 9 after the dismissed his folk, and tribal genres, puppetry and overall asked the lawmakers to sit with off icials and were averted as the power was immediately Yellappa, who hails from Tamil Nadu, was petition seeking more time to surrender. Sent contribution/scholarship to the performing lend an ear to the people’s issues related to cut off. Angry parents accused the school being escorted to a trial court for a hearing last to prison, he was admitted to the government arts for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards water shortage. administration of criminal neglect. month, when he escaped. hospital later the same day. (Akademi Puraskar) for 2018. Legislator Baig released after grilling in scam investigation IANS journed on Monday for two Bengaluru days till Thursday. He declined to answer our questions say- ing he had already clarified that he special investigation he had nothing to do with the team (SIT) probing the Ponzi scam of the IMA Jewel- Tmulti-crore Ponzi scam lers and its owner Khan,” said freed Karnataka Congress rebel the official. legislator R Roshan Baig from Addressing reporters at his detention after quizzing him for residence in the city centre, Baig over nine hours, an offi cial said said he had assured the SIT that yesterday. he would not fl ee the country “Baig has been released from and appear before it tomorrow detention after interrogation for further questioning. in connection with the Ponzi “The special investigation scheme case in which prime ac- team allowed me to go and said cused (Mansoor Ali Khan) has I was free to go anywhere in the named him as one of the benefi - country but appear before it to- ciaries. Baig had agreed to appear morrow. I have also told its of- for inquiry on July 10 as direct- fi cials that I have nothing to do ed,” an SIT offi cial said. with the Ponzi scam and had no Rescue operations underway at Kesarbai building – a four-storey building that collapsed in south Mumbai’s Dongri yesterday. At least 50 people are feared trapped in the debris In a dramatic development dealings with its perpetuator late Monday, a team of special (Khan),” said Baig. Investigation team offi cials de- Recalling his statement when tained 68-year-old Baig at the the scam broke in June, Baig said city airport as he was about to when Khan named him in a video board a private chartered aircraft claiming that he had taken Rs4bn to Mumbai. from the latter before the recent Lok Sabha elections, he had 10 dead, many trapped “Baig said he was fl ying to sought a Central Bureau of In- Mumbai on personal work vestigation inquiry into the scam as the Assembly session as hundreds of people in other was adjourned on Monday states had also lost their invest- for two days till Thursday. ments in the scheme. He said he had nothing to SIT head and joint commis- in Mumbai building crash do with the IMA Jewellers sioner of police (crime) B R Ra- scam” vikanthe Gowda said in a state- IANS mil Mansoor Salmani, 15, Javed booking them under charges of Area Development Authority’s “This is a serious matter and ment on Monday night that Baig Mumbai Ismail, 34, and Arhan Shehzad, culpable homicide not amount- (MHADA) chief spokesperson we shall investigate why the re- was detained for questioning 40, said a police spokesperson. ing to murder. Vaishali Gadpale cleared the air development work was not initi- “Though we summoned Baig at the city airport when he was Chief Minister Devendra Meanwhile, an RTI activist said on the building’s status. ated, what caused the delays and to appear before our inquiry team about to take off in a private air- t least 10 people, includ- Fadnavis ordered a probe into the name of the dilapidated struc- In a statement, she said the appropriate action will be taken on Monday, he sought time and craft to an unconfi rmed destina- ing three women, were the building crash and assured ture had been mysteriously omit- main dilapidated structure, Ke- against those responsible,” Gho- said he would do so on July 19 tion from Bengaluru. Akilled as an old, four- strict action against those found ted from a comprehensive list of sarbai Building 25/C was com- salkar said. as he was busy with the political Baig, an eight-time legislator storyed residential building col- guilty. 499 “dangerous” buildings pre- pletely evacuated by the MHADA Among those rescued from crisis and the Assembly session and former minister in the pre- lapsed in south Mumbai while Opposition leaders like Vijay pared by the Brihanmumbai Mu- last year and the building which the debris include a woman, two till Friday,” said the offi cial. vious Congress government, re- eight injured were rescued from Wadettiwar, Prithviraj Cha- nicipal Corporation (BMC). collapsed yesterday “was the il- men and a child, who are being As the team feared that Baig signed on July 10 from the Shiva- the debris, BMC disaster control van, Ashok Chavan (Congress), “The BMC, as per the direc- legal rear portion of this building treated at various hospitals. may fl ee the country because he jinagar assembly segment in the offi cials said here. Dhananjay Munde, Majeed tions of the Bombay High Court, which is not within the purview As a precautionary measure, was also planning to go on Haj, city centre. Another dozen odd families Memon, and Nawab Malik (Na- had compiled the list of the di- of the Mumbai Building Repair & the police evacuated all residents offi cials detained him on get- In fact, the ruling Congress are still believed trapped under tionalist Congress Party), and lapidated buildings, which we Reconstruction Board”. of an adjoining building and ting a tip-off that he was fl ying had also suspended Baig on June the rubble of the Kesarbai Build- Abu Asim Azmi (Samajwadi Par- secured through a RTI reply. Earlier in the day, MBRRB shifted them to a nearby school to Mumbai on Monday night and 19 for his alleged anti-party ac- ing in Dongri area. ty) lashed out at the government Shockingly, Kesarbai Build- chairman Vinod Ghosalkar had to facilitate the relief works. may not return for the investiga- tivities, including criticism of Some of those killed have for lapses leading to the tragedy. ing’s name is not mentioned said the dilapidated structure, be- However, narrow approach tion in the Ponzi case. the party’s state leaders after been identifi ed as Sabiya Nissar They unitedly demanded a anywhere in the list,” Shakeel lieved to be over 80 years old, had roads, huge crowds and thickly “Baig said he was flying to the recent Lok Sabha elections Shaikh, 25, Saira Rehan Shaikh, detailed investigation into the Ahmed Sheikh said. been handed over for redevelop- populated areas, besides con- Mumbai on personal work as in which the party was routed in 25, K Amirajan, 13, Abdul Sat- causes leading to the accident, Later yesterday evening, ment to B S B Developers, which tinuous VVIP movements to the the Assembly session was ad- the southern state. tar Kaloo Shaikh, 55, Muzam- identifying the culprits and the Maharashtra Housing and has not yet started the work. site, aff ected rescue operations. Decision on Karnataka Flood-hit Tonnes of wheat rot in rebel MLAs’ plea today the rain in Haryana IANS age, say offi cials. Chandigarh “Since the government ware- IANS fi cation of the MLA or to club his the Speaker on July 11. houses have been brimming New Delhi decisions on both?” Reacting sharply to the argu- with mustard, we are forced to The bench asked counsel ment, the court said that the everal thousand tonnes of store the wheat in the open,” a Abhishek Manu Singhvi what provision did not negate resign- wheat has been lying un- Haryana Warehouse Corpora- he Supreme Court has re- stopped Speaker K R Ramesh Ku- ing by letter, but if the MLAs Sattended in food corpora- tion official, requesting ano- served till today its order mar from deciding on whether to did make a personal visit to the tion godowns in Haryana, with nymity, said. Ton petitions fi led by 15 accept or reject the resignations Speaker then he was expected to the grain turning black with “The procurement of mustard rebel legislators of the Congress tendered by the MLAs on July 6. decide on their resignations im- mildew after getting soaked in was never done on such a large and JD-S in Karnataka seek- “You were silent on the res- mediately. “Why didn’t it happen the rain, officials said yester- scale in the past. Eyeing the Lok ing directions to the Assembly ignations till the MLAs came to on July 11?” the bench further day. Sabha elections and to woo the Speaker to accept their resigna- the Supreme Court. Why? If you queried. An employee in a depot said farmers, the government went tions. have decided on the resignations, Asking if the Speaker was tonnes of wheat stored in the overboard in procuring mustard During the day-long argu- then where is the scope for dis- challenging the Supreme Court’s open in the Bhiwani grain mar- as much as it can,” a food and ments yesterday, the parties in- qualifi cation?” the chief justice jurisdiction power, the chief jus- ket was damaged in the past two supplies department offi cer in volved pointed out to a bench, asked Singvhi. tice said: “For your benefi t, the days owing to rains. Karnal said. headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Singhvi replied that the court had ordered a fl oor test A visit to a large number of Compared to last year, this Gogoi, the implications of the Speaker had fi led an affi davit in (referring to the last year’s fl oor markets in Ambala, Yamunana- time there has been up to a 150% ongoing political crisis in Karna- the apex court explaining what test) and appointed a Protem gar, Jind, Hisar and Rohtak re- rise in the procurement of mus- taka on the state as well as else- had happened. Speaker in a midnight hearing. vealed that procured food grain tard in Haryana, he added. where, and also questioned the Asked why wasn’t a decision The exercise of jurisdiction of is lying in the open under tar- Offi cials say the main reason apex court’s jurisdiction power taken when the MLAs went to our power depends only on self- paulins despite several parts wit- for the rotting of tonnes of food to entertain the rebel MLAs’ pe- the Speaker with their resigna- restraint.” nessing fl ooding. grains in Haryana every year is tition. tions, Singhvi said it was a writ- Singhvi said the Speaker was Trade analysts say the wheat that it is stored in ‘covered and Hearing rebel MLAs counsel ten communication, and the in no way questioning the court’s stocks could have been damaged plinth (CAP)’ areas in open spac- senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, Speaker was not available on that jurisdiction and added: “Sup- this year too. es. the bench said: “We cannot say, day. “But the decision was com- pose a Speaker goes crazy, then Wheat procurement by state As per Food Corporation of in which way, the Speaker should municated to him on July 6,” the Your Lordships can intervene.” agencies has surpassed last India guidelines, food grains decide the resignation or dis- court added. The chief justice also heard sen- year’s level – 90 lakh tonnes of must be stored in covered qualifi cation of MLAs. We can- Singhvi argued that the fi rst ior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, A family stands atop a hut in the flood aff ected area of wheat against 74.25 lakh tonnes warehouses and silos and CAP not fetter him. Although, the condition of a genuine resigna- who was representing Karnataka Hatishila in Kamrup district in Assam yesterday. Survivors last year. should be resorted to only important question is, is there tion tendered by an MLA was Chief Minister H D Kumaras- scrambled for higher ground as torrential monsoon rains This season, the state is facing during peak procurement sea- any constitutional obligation for that “he has to be personally wamy, and questioned the ve- swept away homes and triggered landslides across the a problem of a glut of mustard, sons. the Speaker to decide upon the present before the Speaker” and racity of the petition fi led by the northeast. resulting in procured wheat lying Opposition parties have called resignations before the disquali- added that the MLAs fi rst met rebel MLAs. in the open owing to space short- the rotting grain a scandal. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 15 LATIN AMERICA

ULTIMATUM COMPENSATION ECONOMY DESTRUCTION ANGER EU threatens Venezuela Vale to pay $106.5mn to Brazil plan to open gas Wildfire rages in Mexican Protest begins against with more sanctions workers hit by dam disaster sector seen luring top firms biosphere reserve mining project in Peru

The EU yesterday threatened to expand sanc- Brazilian mining company Vale SA said it would Recently announced plans to foster com- A wildfire has devastated 2,500 hectares in Protesters blocked a portion of Peru’s highway in tions against Venezuela unless talks between pay 400mn reais ($106.52mn) to compensate petition in the Brazilian natural gas market Mexico’s Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, authorities the start of a new challenge to a billion-dollar cop- the government and opposition lead to workers aff ected by the deadly rupture of a may trigger a wave of privatisations among said. The blaze, which was discovered on July 8, per mining project that has been a lightning rod “concrete results”. The European Union, which tailings dam in January that killed at least 240 state-controlled distribution companies, luring was reported to be 30% under control. About 100 for conflict. Protesters from the area bordering has sought to help resolve Venezuela’s political people. In a statement, Vale said the deal also international and domestic bidders, experts say. people, including air force soldiers, were battling Southern Copper Corporation’s $1.4bn Tia Maria crisis by convening an international contact involves individual compensation for moral and Brazil’s Cosan SA and Spain’s Naturgy Energy the flames in the more than 500,000 hectare copper mine project carried signs and flags as group, urged both sides to show “genuine material damages, including job stability and Group SA, are among the companies potentially reserve, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, in they occupied a section of the highway, snarling engagement” with the Norway-brokered talks other benefits for a certain period of time. In interested in the segment, which also include the southern state of Quintana Roo. Temperature traff ic for cargo vehicles and others. The project on the Caribbean island of Barbados. “In case May, the company said it was taking $2.42bn in Portugal’s Galp, France’s Engie and Spain’s of 33C, lack of rain and winds blowing at 16km has long been lamented by residents in the south- there are no concrete results from the ongoing writedowns for payments to victims’ families and Repsol. The plan to overhaul Brazil’s domestic per hour were hampering firefighting eff ort. The ern region of Arequipa where farmers say the negotiations, the EU will further expand its tar- estimated out-of-court settlements for various natural gas market, approved by Brazil’s energy government agencies collaborating to put out the mine will pollute their fields and aff ect water sup- geted measures,” EU diplomatic chief Federica damages related to the dam collapse, including policy council in late June, calls for companies fire are the army, the National Forest Commission, plies. “We want the presence of President (Martin) Mogherini said in a statement on behalf of all $247mn for a “framework agreement” with labour with a “dominant position” to sell all of their and National Commission of Natural Protected Vizcarra with the cancellation of the project,” Luis 28 members of the bloc. prosecutors. stakes in distributors. Areas. Cornejo, mayor of Cocachacra, said. Mexico plans Japanese princess visits museum cut in Pemex tax rate in revival eff ort

Reuters immediate aim to boost pro- Mexico City duction, and could become a risk factor for Mexico’s econo- my. exico will reduce taxes Focusing on easy to access on on heavily indebted shore and shallow water fields, MPemex by some $7bn Romero vowed to raise Pemex over the next two years, inject- production within three years, ing capital for a refinery and and to reach 2.7mn barrels per higher output, the state-owned day (bpd) of oil by the end of oil company reiterated yester- the government of President day, unveiling parts of a busi- Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ness plan closely watched by in 2024, from a current 1.8mn investors. barrels a day. With few new details, the Sticking to the government’s outline of the plan did not ex- position since it took office cite markets, with analysts in December, Romero said it Japanese Princess Mako, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino, visits the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (Musef) in La Paz, Bolivia, yesterday. saying Pemex’s future was still made more sense to invest in mired in uncertainty. these fields to rapidly increase Mexico’s peso weakened output, rather than the deep- slightly against the dollar dur- water area of the Gulf of Mex- ing the presentation. ico which the last government Pemex chief executive Oc- wanted to tap. tavio Romero said an onerous Lopez Obrador said he hoped profit-sharing tax that hands ratings agencies would act much of the company’s income “professionally” in response to to the federal government made the news. the company financially un- He had previously lashed out US judge likely to jail sound. at Fitch after it downgraded He reiterated that the tax will Pemex, saying it was not objec- be reduced 11 percentage points tive. to 54% by 2021. Investors are now watch- The company has previously ing to see how ratings agencies said that reduction would save respond, CI Banco said in a re- the company $7.1bn in 2020 and port, paying particular atten- El Chapo for life today 2021. tion to whether the plan will Pemex is the world’s most allow Pemex to reach its pro- AFP The charges, which also in- Sinaloa organisation from 1989 Now, he is likely to spend the The kingpin — who twice es- indebted oil company, and its duction goals without disrupt- New York clude money laundering and until 2014. rest of his days at the “Alcatraz caped Mexican prisons, in 2001 credit was downgraded to junk ing public finances. weapons-related offences, During the three-month of the Rockies” — the supermax and again in 2015 — could today by Fitch this year. “Doubts still remain about carry a mandatory life sen- trial, jurors heard evidence of federal prison in Florence, Colo- see his wife Emma Coronel and Moody’s and S&P have the whether the capital to be in- fter a dramatic decades- tence. Guzman’s misdeeds; witnesses rado. their two daughters for the last company, Mexico’s biggest, on jected and the reduced tax bur- long run as one of the Last week, prosecutors asked described the cartel boss beat- Current inmates include con- time. negative outwatch. den are sufficient,” said James Aworld’s most notorious US federal judge Brian Cogan to ing, shooting and even burying victed “Unabomber” Ted Kac- “The government’s request of High on ratings agencies’ list Salazar, a CI Banco economist. druglords, there is little sus- tack on a symbolic extra 30 years alive those who got in his way, zynski, Oklahoma City bomber life plus 30 years is a farce,” said of concerns is the government’s “I believe ratings agencies will pense about what will happen in prison for the use of fi rearms including informants and mem- Terry Nichols, the British “shoe Guzman’s attorney Eduardo plan to build a $8bn refinery at give the benefit of the doubt at in a New York courtroom today: in his business, portraying Guz- bers of rival gangs. bomber” Richard Reid and Balarezo.”Joaquin’s conviction Dos Bocas. least through this year.” Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman is man as “ruthless and blood- At least one of Guzman’s vic- the Boston marathon bomber and incarceration for drug traf- Romero said that the gov- Luis Gonzali, a portfolio expected to be sentenced to life thirsty.” tims — a woman who prosecu- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is fi cking will change nothing in ernment would allocate about manager at Franklin Temple- in prison. They also want Guzman to tors say survived a hit ordered awaiting execution. the so-called war on drugs.” $2.1bn next year towards the ton Investments, warned that The hearing is more or less turn over $12.7bn, based on a by the kingpin — will make a Since his extradition in 2017, In an interview with AFP, refinery’s construction. a capital injection would not a formality: Guzman, the conservative estimate of reve- statement at today’s sentencing Guzman has been held in soli- New York’s special narcot- Former Finance Minister yield fast results. 62-year-old former leader of the nues from his cartel’s drug sales hearing. tary confi nement at a high-se- ics prosecutor Bridget Bren- Carlos Urzua cited his oppo- “The cycle of investment Sinaloa cartel, was convicted in in the US. Jurors also heard the most de- curity prison in Lower Manhat- nan acknowledged that taking sition to the refinery after he and return in Pemex, and in February of crimes spanning a So far, US authorities have not tailed explanation to date of the tan. El Chapo out of the equation resigned last week, saying ex- any oil company in the world, quarter of a century including recovered a dime. cartel’s operations — and Guz- He has repeatedly complained did not diminish the Sinaloa perts believed it would cost far takes from five to seven years,” traffi cking hundreds of tonnes El Chapo is considered to be man’s colourful life. about the conditions of his de- cartel’s influence. “We believe more. he said in an investor note. of cocaine, heroin, metham- the most powerful druglord Guzman launched his career tention via his attorneys — no- that’s the one that supplies Other critics say the refinery “Pemex has to fix its problem phetamines and marijuana to since Colombia’s Pablo Escobar. working in the cannabis fi elds of tably that his windowless cell is most of the drugs coming into will not help Pemex meet its today.” the US. He was the co-leader of the his home state of Sinaloa. constantly lit. the US,” she said. Argentina presidential Reforms opposed Man fi nds cocaine in race to be tight, say polls washing powder box Guardian News and Media he went to his local police station. Brasilia When police visited, the owner Reuters The polls point to tense months can win over the middle ground. tried to fl ee in his 4x4 with the Buenos Aires ahead for Argentina and its jittery Alberto Fernandez, who is not tablets of cocaine, said Lira, who markets, but also suggest both sides related to his running-mate, is hen Sao Paulo police estimated about 50kg of cocaine will need to make concessions to seen as a moderate voice within found an estimated paste in tablets were found, which rgentina’s presidential race win over the middle ground of vot- the Peronist opposition. W50kg of cocaine paste could have been transformed into looks set to go down to the ers, potentially softening any more Pollsters Ricardo Rouvier & hidden in boxes of soap powder as much as 200kg for sale. Awire, with the fi rst batch of controversial policies. Asociados, Raul Aragon & Asocia- that unwitting customers had A 49-year-old man was arrest- polls showing incumbent Mau- Macri, a market-friendly con- dos and Tendencias have Fernan- bought in a neighbourhood super- ed. Three employees were also de- ricio Macri and centre-left chal- servative, has seen his popularity dez winning both the fi rst round market, they were the fi rst to crack tained and police are investigating lenger Alberto Fernandez neck- hit hard by a recession and swirl- and then the runoff ; Management a joke. whether they too were involved. and-neck. ing economic crisis that dragged & Fit and Synopsis conversely pre- “Cleaning the streets of crimi- “The fi rst hypothesis we are Half a dozen polls analysed by down the peso currency last year dict a narrow head-to-head win nals,” they tweeted proudly. working on is that someone put Reuters show the election, a refer- and sparked near 50% infl ation. for Macri after coming second in Investigators were nonplussed. these on the shelf for sale by mis- endum on Macri’s painful market The former business magnate the fi rst round. Detective Olivio Gomes Lira told take,” Lira said. reforms to trim the country’s debt has gotten a boost recently from “It’s all about the 13% or 14% of the Guardian: “I had never found Brazilian cocaine seizures be- levels, likely going to a second- some positive economic signs, in- people who don’t want to make a anything like this. It’s the fi rst time tween January and May soared round runoff with no clear win- cluding a stronger peso and tem- decision yet, who are angry with I found cocaine inside a soap box.” 70% compared with last year, G1 ner emerging from the fi rst-round pering infl ation. both of them,” said Giacobbe, who The drama began on Monday reported, following a series of high- vote on October 27. Alberto Fernandez, a surprise expects a close runoff . morning in the neighbourhood of profi le busts. Last month an airman The polls, from a range of major candidate for the Peronist opposi- To prevail in the fi rst round and Ermelino Matarazzo, on the east- was even found smuggling 39kg of domestic pollsters, were split over tion, is leading a ticket with former avoid a runoff , candidates need to ern fringes of Sao Paulo’s urban the drug on a presidential plane that who would win a runoff . president Cristina Fernández de obtain 45% or above of the vote or sprawl, when a customer went to landed in Spain, part of President All, however, showed no can- Kirchner, a militant populist with 40% with at least a 10-point lead his local supermarket to buy a box Jair Bolsonaro’s contingent as he didate hitting the 45% threshold an ardent following who many had over second place. of soap powder and found a tablet headed to the G20 in Japan. to win outright in a fi rst round of thought would be the main chal- In the polls, centrist Peronist An activist stands in front of police off icers during a protest of pressed cocaine paste inside, Much of the trade in Sao Paulo voting. lenger to Macri. Roberto Lavagna and libertarian by students and members of the education and health the G1 news site reported. After state is controlled by the PCC “It’s like fl ipping a coin,” polling Pollsters said that with both Jose Luis Espert appear alternately sectors who demonstrated against government reforms complaining, he was threatened by gang. “We believe he (the suspect) analyst Jorge Giacobbe told Reu- Macri and Cristina Fernandez un- in a distant third place, unlikely to that, they say, will privatise their respective services, in gang members. A second man also used the business as the front to ters. “That coin is currently still up popular with large swaths of vot- mount a signifi cant challenge to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. bought a box of soap powder, and wash dirty money,” he said, no pun in the air.” ers, the election may swing on who either Macri or Fernandez. when he too found a tablet inside, intended. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 PAKISTAN Pakistan reopens air space Reuters/DPA/AFP/Internews with immediate eff ect,” CAA national Airlines (PIA) was forced the company would take about a the concerned authorities”. tries was fi rst sparked by a sui- Kashmir has been divided be- Islamabad spokesman Ahmer Azeem told to suspend some of its fl ights, week to rework its schedule and Representatives of Spicejet did cide bombing in Indian-admin- tween India and Pakistan since DPA. “All kind of fl ights can fl y and major international routes in come up with a plan to operate its not respond to calls and messag- istered Kashmir in February this the end of British colonial rule in through Pakistan now.” and out of Islamabad and Lahore, fl ights over Pakistan. es seeking comment. year that left 40 security person- 1947. akistan reopened its air- Pakistan lies on an important such as the Thai Airways route Air India suff ered losses of India’s ministry of civil avia- nel dead, which was later claimed Both claim the Himalayan ter- space to international civil aviation corridor, and the deci- from Islamabad to Bangkok, were 4.91bn Indian rupees ($71.6mn), tion said that there are now no by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e- ritory in full and have fought two Paviation yesterday after sion off ers a welcome break for eff ectively closed off . India’s aviation minister, Hard- restrictions on airspace in either Mohamed. wars over it. months of restrictions imposed international airlines. “Pakistan being open again eep Singh Puri, told lawmakers country. Days later India responded Pakistan’s announcement because of clashes with India, The restrictions, imposed in makes the traditional and pre- this month. “Flights have started using the with a cross-border air raid on came hours after United Airlines which forced long detours that February, aff ected hundreds of ferred Europe-Asia route IndiGo Airlines, India’s larg- closed air routes, bringing a sig- Pakistan that kicked off a quick Holdings Incorporated said it cost airlines millions of dollars. commercial and cargo fl ights through Afghanistan, Pakistan est by market share and control- nifi cant relief for airlines,” it said. succession of attacks and dog- was extending the suspension of “Pakistan airspace is open for each day, adding fl ight time for and onwards to India available led by Interglobe Aviation Ltd, Pakistan closed its airspace fi ghts between the arch-rivals its fl ights from the United States all types of civil traffi c on pub- passengers and fuel costs for air- again, and means that city pairs incurred a loss of 251mn Indian completely after aerial dogfi ghts over the disputed Kashmir fron- to Delhi and Mumbai in India un- lished ATS (Air Traffi c Service) lines. abandoned after the February rupees due to the closure of the in February ratcheted up tensions tier, spurring global fears of all- til October 26, citing the contin- routes,” according to a so-called Flights between Europe and shutdown will likely be restart- Pakistani airspace, while Spicejet between Islamabad and New out war. ued Pakistani restriction. Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) pub- Southeast Asia were forced fur- ed,” OPSGROUP, which provides Ltd incurred losses of 307.3mn Delhi. Pakistani and Indian soldiers The dropping of the restriction lished on the Pakistan Civil Avia- ther south, which added as much guidance to operators, said in a Indian rupees, Puri said. It removed some restrictions a have continued to fi re over the will allow Pakistan, which this tion Authority (CAA)’s website, as 450km (280 miles) to some note. An IndiGo spokeswoman said month later but kept constraints Line of Control (LoC), the de month agreed the terms of a $6bn shortly after midnight. journeys. Indian operators were badly that IndiGo fl ights fl ying via Pa- in place along its eastern border facto border dividing Kashmir, bailout from the International “Pakistan’s airspaces are com- Indian fl ights headed west aff ected by the shutdown. kistan “will operate as normal with India. killing several civilians on both Monetary Fund (IMF), to collect pletely open for all kind of fl ights were disrupted, Pakistan Inter- An Air India spokesman said after all regulatory clearances by The crisis between the coun- sides. overfl ight fees.

Government calls meeting One survivor, nine bodies pulled out of mine

AFP/DPA on alleged profi teering Quetta/Islamabad

Internews the “real” situation in various while 372 cases were lodged, and akistani authorities said Lahore markets, including price fl uc- 295 people arrested. yesterday that they had tuations, profi t rates, supply and Punjab Industries, Commerce Prescued one miner who demand situations, and the effi - and Investment Minister Mian survived two days trapped in a he federal government ciency of price magistrates. Aslam Iqbal said that some busi- coal mine after a fi re that killed has called an emergency The meeting will be headed by ness elements have artifi cially nine others in central Pakistan. Tmeeting of the National Prime Minister’s Adviser on Fi- infl ated the prices of certain An electrical short circuit Price Monitoring Commission nance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh. goods. sparked the blaze on Sunday today (July 17) to investigate the The meeting is expected to Despite this, he said that pub- at the mine east of Quetta, the extraordinary increase in prices take tough decisions on artifi - lic necessities have been given capital of oil- and mineral-rich of various commodities and the cial infl ation and hoarding while special consideration by the Baluchistan province. alleged ulterior motives behind also removing or reducing taxes Punjab government and taxes Eleven miners were working it. on some items at the federal and have not been applied on every- around 4,000’ (1,200m) under- Sources said that wholesale provincial levels. day food items. ground at the time. activities and daily use items will Sources said that during the The real problem, Iqbal One was quickly saved but also be among the focus areas of past few days, the federal gov- claimed, is that some people are poisonous carbon monoxide gas the meeting. ernment has become increas- being used by the political oppo- hampered rescue eff orts. The chief secretaries of all ingly concerned by extreme nents of the government and are Offi cials confi rmed yesterday four provinces, secretaries of the criticism hurled at it by the pub- creating inexplicable infl ation to that just one of the remaining 10 provincial departments of agri- lic and political opponents in the manipulate the public against the had been discovered alive. culture and industry, the federal face of high infl ation. government. “We have found nine bodies,” secretaries for food security, law, Suggestions regarding im- He said that the vision of Abdullah Shahwani, a top pro- interior, planning and develop- proving the price magistrate Prime Minister Khan is to make vincial offi cial for the industry, Relatives carry the coff in of a coal miner at a hospital in Quetta. ment, inter-provincial co-or- system and market monitoring people’s lives easier. told AFP. dination, and statistics, and the of the four provinces will also be He said the government has The surviving miner was crit- 50 hours to complete the rescue Mohamed said that around Baluchistan is Pakistan’s chairmen of the Federal Board of discussed, and their perform- taken notice of “unjustifi ed in- ically injured, he said. operation,” said Sultan Mo- 150,000 people work in the largest province and hosts a Revenue (FBR), and the Compe- ance will also be reviewed. fl ation” under a political con- Provincial government hamed, secretary-general of the mining industry in Pakistan, Chinese-built deep-sea port, tition Commission of Pakistan According to the source, Pun- spiracy. spokesman Liaquat Shahwani Pakistan Central Mines Labour and more than 100 die every part of Beijing’s road and rail will attend the meeting. jab’s price magistrates have been “We are going to take action confi rmed the toll. Federation. year in accidents. corridor known as the China- All four provincial govern- performing better than the other against such elements. We know The coal mine is run by the Poor working conditions in- He said 90 miners have died Pakistan Economic Corridor ments have been asked to present provinces, conducting 32,000 the real problems facing traders state-owned Pakistan Mineral side coal mines in Balochistan so far this year, while in 2018, (CPEC), which is designed to details of the action taken raids in just 13 days and levying and we are also negotiating with Development Corporation. regularly claim lives, but acci- more than 160 died and another access markets in the Middle against profi teers and to present fi nes of Rs15mn on profi teers, them in this regard,” he said. “It took authorities more than dents often go unreported. 300 were wounded. East and beyond.

Wet market Apex court looks into video scandal The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a notice to the attorney- No taxes on cellphones general for recommendations in the accountability judge Arshad Malik video scandal case. Yesterday the Supreme Court held a hearing on the video scandal under personal baggage case of Arshad Malik, who was removed from his post last week upon the Islamabad High Court’s request. The apex court’s three-member bench was led by Chief of Justice Internews automated clearance system of of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa. Karachi the Pakistan Customs. The apex court said that the case will be heard by the court in order “The system shall electroni- to settle the issue. cally generate payment slip id Subsequently, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing until July he government of Pa- (PSID) for payment of duty/ 23. kistan has exempted taxes,” the CGO added. Tmobile phones im- The FBR said the applicant ported under personal baggage will have an option to pay the Rana Sanaullah drug case adjourned scheme from duties and taxes, leviable duty/taxes through offi cials said. online banking, ATM, mobile A district and sessions court said yesterday that it will not resume The Federal Board of Rev- banking and bank branches of hearing the contraband case against Pakistan Muslim League – enue (FBR) said mobile phones all leading banks. Nawaz leader Rana Sanaullah until the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) brought into the country under Once the system confi rms personnel present the necessary documents for the case. baggage scheme will be ex- the payment of duty/taxes, the Sanaullah was presented before a district and sessions court in the empted from duties and taxes mobile device will be white- contraband case yesterday. subject to certain terms and listed in the system of the Pa- He was on judicial remand after his arrest following the discovery conditions. kistan Telecommunication Au- of a large stash of contraband in his vehicle. Customs authorities said the thority (PTA). The court extended the physical remand of Sanaullah by 14 days. FBR issued a customs general As per the new laws appli- A vegetable vendor waits for customers amid floodwater in Lahore. The court stated that it cannot resume hearing until it gets the order (CGO) 10 of 2019 dated cable from January 15, 2019, record from the ANF, and indefinitely adjourned the case. July 5, which clearly mentions no mobile phones would have that the travellers could regis- active connection without ter mobile devices brought in confi rmation from the PTA’s under baggage within 60 days devices identifi cation, regis- of their arrival in the country. tration and blocking system. “After expiry of aforesaid In order to facilitate inter- Central bank report shines light on food insecurity time limit, such mobile devices national passengers, the FBR shall be registered on payment introduced an online interface of leviable duty/taxes along for the collection of duty and Internews According to the health min- $1,497, Pakistan struggles with According to the report, un- resort to in-kind and cash trans- with prescribed fi ne notifi ed taxes from mobile phones and Karachi istry and Unicef’s National Nu- issues such as under-nourish- der-5 malnutrition costs heavily. fers to stabilise and increase the for the purpose,” the FBR’s subsequently registration on tritional Survey 2018, Pakistan ment, micronutrient (iron, calci- About $2.24bn is estimated as real incomes of the poor. CGO said. the PTA’s website. is ranked at 8th position in pro- um, vitamin-A, etc) defi ciencies, the loss of future labour force re- Only 0.3% of the population The FBR amended the previ- The customs authorities said lmost half of Baluchistan’s ducing wheat, 10th in rice, 5th in and a defi cit of drinkable water. sulting from under-5 mortality; in Baluchistan and 1.8% in Pun- ous CGO issued on January 28, the FBR’s online system is di- households face mild to sugarcane, and 4th in milk pro- “Per capita consumption $1bn is the estimated healthcare jab benefi t from social protection 2019 to make changes related rectly connected to the PTA’s Asevere food insecurity, ac- duction. of food products that possess expense, which the families incur programmes of some kind. to procedure for clearance and system. cording to a new report released According to the SBP, almost high-nutritional value like beef, to address diarrhoea and respira- This ratio, however, is relative- registration of mobile phones. Travellers are required to by the central bank. one-quarter of Pakistan’s popu- chicken, fi sh, milk, vegetables tory infection among children; ly higher for the people in Sindh It said foreign passengers provide information, including In its third quarterly report lation lives below the poverty and fruits is almost 6-10 times $3.7bn is the estimated cost of (12.7%), Gilgit-Baltistan (10.3%) should submit applications and passport number, computer- on the state of the economy, the line (set at Rs3,030.30 per adult lower than that of developed low labour productivity emanat- and KP (5.1%). provide information, which ised national identity card, and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) not- equivalent per month). countries.” ing from stunting, anaemia or “Although the country relies would be validated through international mobile equip- ed provincial disparities in terms This means some 50mn people More worryingly, almost half iodine defi ciencies in childhood; heavily on imports for certain Web-based One Customs – the ment identity number. of food security in Pakistan. are unable to access basic needs of the children under fi ve years and $657mn is the estimated cost food items such as edible oil, tea In Baluchistan, at least 30% of given their incomes. are stunted (low height-for-age) of prevalence of chronic weak- and pulses, it is able to provide households experience hunger Most of these people are in ru- and one in ten has been suff ering ness and fatigue among 10m for major staples on its own. No power connections for non-filers on a chronic basis. ral areas where the poverty rate is from low-weight-for height. working adults with anaemia ex- “If population increases at the On the other hand, Gilgit- 30.7%. Incorporating these fac- perience. existing pace over the next cou- The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has asked the ministry of Baltistan has the most food se- A high population growth and tors, Pakistan was ranked 106th The bottom 60% of house- ple of decades, it will become ex- power to refuse utility connections to income tax non-filers. cure households (nearly 80%) in unfavourable water and climatic among 119 countries surveyed holds in the country spend a tremely challenging for Pakistan FBR chairman Shabbar Zaidi, in a letter to the ministry, has sought the region, followed by Khyber conditions mean that concerns for the Global Hunger Index, and substantial part of their incomes to sustain even the food self-suf- its help for the implementation of Section 181AA of Income Paktunkhwa (70%). regarding food security may in- has been characterised as facing a (45% on average) on food, which fi ciency,” said the report. Tax Ordinance 2001, which stipulates that any application for Alarmingly, of the 36.9% crease manifolds over the next “serious” level of hunger. has compromised their nutri- Currently, water productivity commercial or industrial connection of electricity or gas shall not be “food insecure” households in two to three decades. “In fact, Pakistan is among tional security. of most of the crops in Pakistan processed and provided unless the person is an income tax return the country, 18.3% face “severe” “In the case of Pakistan, esti- those seven countries that cumu- Even if prices are relatively low is lower than the desirable range. filer. food insecurity. mates suggest that malnutrition latively account for two-thirds and stable, the poorest families For instance, sugarcane and Zaidi further added that the FBR has extended the date of filing the Only 63.1% of the country’s and its outcomes cost the econ- of the world’s under-nourished still lack the purchasing power to wheat use around four times the return for TY18 (tax year 2018) to August 2. households are “food secure” omy 3% of GDP ($7.6bn) every population (along with Bangla- buy food. global average of irrigation water, The chairman has requested that the power ministry issue despite the fact that Pakistan is year,” says the SBP. desh, China, Congo, Ethiopia, Thus, like other developing while rice consumes more than instructions to power distribution companies. self-suffi cient in major staples. With per capita income of India, and Indonesia).” countries, Pakistan also has to six times the world average. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 17 PHILIPPINES Govt rules out pullout from UNHRC

Manila Times defence and security offi cials to Manila continue sales talks, even with those who voted for/co-spon- sored the Iceland resolution. As I he Philippines will not said, we need to buy their weap- withdraw from the United ons, as they need to sell them to TNations Human Rights us because we must defend our Council (UNHRC) or sever ties national territory,” he said. with Iceland, which initiated the But Malacanang said the fi nal approved resolution calling for decision on the matter would an international review of the come from President Rodrigo Philippine government’s war on Duterte. drugs, according to Foreign Af- Palace spokesman Salvador fairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Panelo said on Monday that Du- Locsin earlier mulled pulling terte was considering cutting out of the UN council days after ties with Iceland. the approval of the resolution “(Duterte) is seriously con- that gave UN High Commission- sidering cutting diplomatic er for Human Rights Michelle relations with Iceland… The Bachelet a year to conduct a re- adopted Iceland resolution is view of the drug campaign. grotesquely one-sided, outra- Locsin yesterday ruled out a geously narrow and maliciously withdrawal over a “small mat- partisan,” Panelo said. ter.” “I already said no. We need The palace offi cial said only to stay to educate the races that diplomatic ties would be sev- don’t shower daily. (The) UN- ered. HRC vote is a small and harmless “I don’t think even if you cut matter; we’re staying in UNHRC ties with a particular country, if as a pedagogical duty to teach it benefi ts that country to be en- Europeans moral manners,” he tering into a commercial agree- said on Twitter. ment with one who cuts its ties, The US ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim (right), shakes hands with the Philippine ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, after a joint press conference at the He added that the Philip- I don’t think they will sever that conclusion of “8th Bilateral and Strategic Dialogue” at a hotel in Manila yesterday. pines would not cut its ties with relationship. It’s only the diplo- Iceland as proposed by sena- matic relations,” he added. tor Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Panelo said the cutting of ties Marcos. would have minimal eff ect. “I never considered for a sec- “There are only about 2,000 ond cutting ties (with Iceland) Filipinos there and, as far as we over this small matter. We’re not know, there are no trade rela- severing diplomatic relations with tions between these two coun- any country,” Locsin tweeted. tries — except maybe on fi sh,” he Philippines, US hold talks “If we did, where’s the con- said. versation? How do you insult Panelo attacked the UN reso- those who insulted you if you cut lution saying it “likewise dem- them off ? No, we must continue onstrates how the western pow- it. It is a moral duty to continue ers are scornful of our sovereign the conversation. When a person exercise of protecting our peo- is no longer in the room, who will ple”. on enhancing defence ties you insult? The walls?” he said. Duterte’s government terms “In my devastating response to the international criticism as a Manila Times “Both sides also emphasised WPS issue was discussed dur- economic relationship and sharing, and port and aviation the Iceland vote I said that we will violation of sovereignty Manila the importance of concluding ing the BSD. undertook substantive discus- security, in order to prevent ter- stay in the UNHRC out of duty to Panelo said Duterte was won- an eff ective and substantive “I think for the defence por- sions on co-operation in areas rorist attacks within the Philip- teach those whose awful history dering why Iceland initiated the code of conduct that would not tion of the working group on such as science and technology, pines, and the transit of foreign cries out for moral instruction resolution. he Philippines and the prejudice the rights under in- defence and security that was agriculture, fi sheries, health, terrorist fi ghters into and with- how to avoid the hypocrisy that is “Well, according to him, he US yesterday reaffi rmed ternational law of both claimant obviously discussed on how we environment, energy, infra- in the country. the tribute vice pays to the virtue can’t even understand why Ice- Ttheir commitment to states and non-claimant states can continue to strengthen our structure, connectivity and cy- The US acknowledged the they so sorely lacked. land is making that posturing,” uphold freedom of navigation, in the SCS,” it added. relationship. But, in general bersecurity, among others. importance of the Association “I have urged our top national he told reporters. overfl ight and other lawful uses Foreign aff airs undersecre- terms, the relationship is there, The Philippines and the US of Southeast Asian Nations of the South China Sea (SCS) or tary for policy Enrique Manalo (it’s) very strong,” Romualdez recognised the importance of (Asean) Outlook on the Indo- West Philippine Sea (WPS). and defence undersecretary Ce- said in an interview. the bilateral Trade and Invest- Pacifi c and recognised Asean ‘Hazard Hunter Philippines’ app launched The department of foreign sar Yano co-led the Philippine Philippine and US senior of- ment Framework Agreement, centrality as integral to its Indo- aff airs made the announcement delegation. fi cials discussed a wide variety which has enabled both coun- Pacifi c strategy. The department of science and natural hazards. “We hope that after Manila and Washington Meanwhile, assistant secre- of issues of mutual interest and tries to make concrete and sig- Both sides committed to technology (DOST) has launched we will be able to use Hazard concluded their two-day 8th tary of state for East Asian and reaffi rmed their commitment to nifi cant progress on outstand- deepen their engagement with an online application that Hunter Philippines and share Bilateral Strategic Dialogue Pacifi c Aff airs, David Stilwell, deepen alliances and expand ar- ing bilateral trade issues. partners in the region based on provides scientific information this information so that we (BSD). and assistant secretary of de- eas of co-operation. The Philippine and US del- inclusiveness, openness, rule of on hazards and risk assessment can make our communities, The discussions between For- fence for Indo-Pacifi c Security The Philippines and the US egations emphasised the im- law, good governance and re- to help in disaster management our country more disaster eign Aff airs Secretary Teodoro Aff airs, Randy Schriver, led the pledged to enhance their al- portance of the rule of law, hu- spect for international law. and resilience. Dubbed as resilient,” Dela Pena said. Locsin Jr and US Secretary of US delegation. ready robust defence co-op- man rights and fundamental In support of the alliance, the “Hazard Hunter Philippines,” The online application, which State Michael Pompeo in March The BSD is the principal fo- eration by improving defence freedoms. US announced a new “Philip- the tool provides hazard maps can be accessed at https:// 2019 and the joint statement re- rum for discussions of political, infrastructure, updating per- The senior offi cials pledged pines-US Alliance Fellowship” that show assessment and hazardhunter.georisk.gov.ph, sulting from the meeting in Ma- security and economic co-op- sonnel and logistics procedures, to continue working together for young Philippine scholars. recommendation not only was launched 29 years after a nila between President Rodrigo eration between the Philippines and increasing mutual com- to eff ectively eliminate human Both sides have taken steps to on earthquakes, but also on magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Duterte and US President Don- and the US, comprising four munication and co-ordination traffi cking and to collaborate strengthen cultural exchanges, volcanic eruptions and activities 1990 led to the death of 2,412 ald Trump in November 2017 working groups — defence and on operational elements of re- more closely on enhancing legal including developing a joint pi- and hydro-meteorological individuals and destruction of provided strategic direction to security; economics, develop- gional security. aid services, as well as on coun- lot project to support teachers information such as flooding buildings and infrastructure, the dialogue. ment and prosperity; regional “In this context, both sides tering transnational crimes going to the US. and landslides and storm surge. which included the Hyatt Hotel “Both sides recognised the and global diplomatic engage- commit to begin planning on a such as human and drug traf- At the conclusion of the DOST secretary Fortunato Dela in Baguio City. “The 1990s strong importance of a strong Philip- ment; and rule of law and law range of activities to improve fi cking. BSD, the Philippines and the Pena said the tool was aimed at earthquake has since bolstered pines-US alliance in enhancing enforcement. maritime domain awareness,” The offi cials pledged to deep- US signed a joint statement on helping disaster management research on active fault mapping security co-operation and pro- Philippines ambassador the DFA said. Both countries en their work to counter ter- higher education co-operation units and the public to prepare and proactive assessment moting regional stability and to Washington, Jose Manuel also reaffi rmed their commit- rorism and violent extremism and a science and technology and mitigate the eff ects of service” Dela Pena said. prosperity,” the DFA said. Romualdez, confi rmed that the ment to deepen the extensive through improved information agreement.

Duterte signs law Minister visits hospital’s dengue ward punishing sexual Duterte to seek top court harassment Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law penalising, sexist and decision on Peco assets misogynistic remarks as well as cat-calling, wolf-whistling and other forms of sexual harassment Manila Times Branch 209 ruled in favour of nique Quisumbing-Ignacio of in public places. Manila Panay Electric Co (Peco) by de- the Mandaluyong RTC Branch Duterte signed the Safe Spaces claring certain provisions of the 209. Act on April 17 because “he franchise of Razon-owned More RA 11212 signed by Duterte in recognises the need for that law,” resident Rodrigo Duterte Electric Power Corporation as February this year granted More presidential spokesman Salvador said he would ask the Su- “void and unconstitutional for a 25-year power distribution Panelo said yesterday. Ppreme Court (SC) to look infringing on Peco’s rights to due franchise in Iloilo City. “And since he is the chief enforcer into the legal basis of a Manda- process and equal protection of Peco’s franchise expired on of all laws of the Philippines, he luyong court’s ruling prevent- the law.” January 19, but it was granted a will be the first one to obey the ing a new power distributing In a ruling dated July 1, the provisional certifi cate of public law,” he added. firm controlled by billionaire Mandaluyong RTC said that convenience and necessity by Under the law, acts of gender- Enrique Razon from taking Peco has no obligation to sell the Energy Regulatory Com- based sexual harassment in over power distribution in Il- its assets, and More has no mission to ensure uninterrupted streets and public spaces, such oilo City. right to expropriate Peco’s supply of electricity in Iloilo as work spaces and schools, “I’ll go to Supreme Court and properties. City. are punishable by community ask the Supreme Court to look “The temporary restraining “Wherefore, premises con- service or imprisonment and a into the basis of that,” Duterte order dated March 14, 2019, in sidered, judgment is hereby fine depending on the gravity of said during recent interview that so far as it enjoins respondent rendered declaring sections 10 the off ence. was organised to preview his More and/or any of its repre- and 17 RA No. 1121 void and un- The prohibited acts include next State of the Nation Address sentatives from enforcing any constitutional for infringing on cursing, catcalling, wolf- on July 22. of the rights and obligations set Peco’s rights to due process and whistling, leering and intrusive “You know Iloilo, at this age forth under RA (Republic Act) equal protection of the law,” the gazing, taunting, misogynistic, and time, is suffering from a 11212, including but not lim- court said. transphobic, homophobic, rotational brownout and in ited to commencing or pursuing More president Roel Castro sexist slurs, persistent telling Palawan it’s the same. So, I the expropriation proceedings earlier said the company was of sexual jokes, use of sexual am in a hurry because I have against petitioner More un- looking at its own legal options Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque visits a patient at a dengue ward of the San names, comments and three years left. Even just, I can der the assailed provisions and following the decision of the Lazaro Hospital in Manila, Philippines, yesterday. The government on Monday declared demands. comply with that promise,” he takeover by respondent More of Mandaluyong court. a “national dengue alert” in several regions of the country due to “the rapidly increasing Those found guilty of making added. petitioner Peco’s distribution “Nothing has changed as far number of cases.” From January 1 to June 29, 2019, the department of health (DOH) said off ensive body gestures and Duterte made the statement assets in the franchise area is as we are concerned,” Castro 106,630 dengue cases have been reported nationwide, an 85% increase from the 57,564 groping face up to six months days after the Mandaluyong hereby made permanent,” said said in an interview with ABS- cases reported over the same period last year, and at least 450 deaths were recorded. in prison and a fine of at least City Regional Trial Court (RTC) the ruling signed by judge Mo- CBN News Channel. $200. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Aids deaths down a third since 2010, says UN report

HIV-related deaths last year fell to around 770,000 — some 33% lower than in 2010 — the United Nations said yesterday, but warned that global eff orts to eradicate the disease were stalling as funding dries up. An estimated 37.9mn people now live with HIV — and a record 23.3mn of those have access to some antiretroviral therapy (ART), UNAIDS said in its annual report. Highlighting the enormous progress made since the height of the Aids epidemic in the mid-1990s, the report showed that the number people dying from the disease fell from 800,000 in 2017 to 770,000 last year. Alpine resorts grapple The fi gure was down by more than a third from 2010, when there were 1.2mn Aids-related deaths. But it also exposed weaknesses in the world’s fi ght against Aids. While Aids-related deaths in Africa, the continent most with climate change aff ected by the epidemic, have plummeted this decade, Eastern Europe has seen the death toll rise 5% and the By Michael Shields named after the frozen water parts of “The decline of ski tourism — a Roughly a third are debt-free, but depend on long-haul tourism, Middle East and North Africa 9%. Arosa, Switzerland the Earth, said. powerful economic engine — will have Resorts below 1,200 metres — as more of an impact than the additional which she said was not ideal from an Year-on-year, those same regions saw a 29% and 10% about a quarter of Alpine ones are — revenue in summer,” said Dominik environmental point of view, because rise in new infections, respectively. he prospect of searing might get almost no snow, said the 2017 Siegrist, director of the Institute fl ights are a major contributor to holiday “We urgently need heatwaves driving report, whose title starts “How much for Landscape and Open Space at carbon emissions. Switzerland’s University of Applied “Maybe we have to get away from increased political leadership holidaymakers to cool can we save?”. Snow levels will gradually “We urgently Tmountains and children asking stabilise if global temperature rises are Sciences Rapperswil. focusing solely on growth, and promote to end Aids,” said Gunilla grandparents about their memories of contained, it says. Europe’s population is ageing and Alpine areas as good habitats for living, need increased Carlsson, UNAIDS executive snow is focusing minds in Alpine ski Arosa is 1,775 metres up but Jenny younger people are less interested in not just for tourism,” she said. director. resorts on the implications of climate worries that a loss of snow in the skiing. Listed cable car companies political change. lowlands will cost it visitors because Snowshoeing, winter hiking, sledding Bergbahnen Engelberg Truebsee Titlis “Ending Aids is possible With global warming widely expected people will lose their emotional and ski touring — in which people hike Bet AG and Jungfraubahn Holding leadership to if we focus on people not to slash snowfall, especially at lower connection with snow. up mountains, are on the increase, AG, cite year-round visitors from diseases and take a human levels, the Swiss tourism industry is “That is almost more dangerous for industry lobby Swiss Tourism says. Asia — especially China and India — as end Aids” looking for ways to preserve a lucrative the sector,” he said. Consolidation of winter tourism is important sources of income. rights-based approach to business brutally exposed to the Hence his interest in an industrial on the horizon, with overnight stays in Asked about sustainability, Titlis reaching people most aff ected by HIV.” weather. estate in Denmark, where Arosa is co- bigger Swiss resorts up 1% in the decade marketing director Peter Reinle said the Decades of research have yet to yield a cure or vaccine Enter Napa, Serbia’s last circus bear. operating on a project to make artifi cial to 2015, but down 17% in smaller ones. fi rm’s prospects were good for the next The Arosa ski resort in eastern snow so that urban dwellers can learn “Lots of smaller ones are grasping at 50 years. “We as a single entity can not for the Human Immunodefi ciency Virus (HIV), which has Switzerland has created a $6.5mn refuge to ski and then, he hopes, go on to hone straws, trying to survive as long as they solve the whole climate problem. infected almost 80mn people and killed more than 35mn hosting Napa and two other bears their skills in the Alps. can because the valleys depend on this Politicians have to provide framework since the early 1980s. rescued from cages at restaurants in The economics are clear: a daily tourism,” Siegrist said. conditions.” Albania to help draw summer visitors lift pass for skiers in Arosa costs 79 Large resorts in the Swiss cantons of Jungfraubahn’s Corporate Secretary The UN said that more than half of new HIV infections and reduce its reliance on skiers and Swiss francs, while a summer hiker or the Grisons and Valais, Austria’s Tyrol Christoph Schlaeppi said it employed globally come from “key populations” — intravenous snowboarders. mountain biker typically pays 18 francs province and France’s Savoie region 800 local people, helping to make life in drug users, gay men, transgender people, sex workers and School classes, families and a group for a pass that lets them use a rope park, have the marketing pull to survive, the mountains economically sustainable prisoners. of army veterans celebrating an 80th a swimming area and paddle boats on Siegrist said, listing high- altitude for a new generation. birthday were visiting one recent the town’s lake. Andermatt, Zermatt and St Moritz in The government says it is up to Despite this, the report said that under 50% of these at- summer day, helping the park towards Hotels and restaurants charge more Switzerland. individual resorts to decide how risk populations were reached by HIV prevention services what Arosa tourism director Pascal in winter too, but the strong Swiss franc The Andermatt Swiss Alps resort, in much they want to attract Asian in more than half of countries. Jenny said was a target of 50,000 has priced many people out. central Switzerland, is targeting cyclists groups, but focuses its own promotion visitors this year. Switzerland is one of the wealthiest in summer, and has also built new lifts efforts on individual travellers and Peter Ghys, UNAIDS strategic information director, said Arosa has reinvented itself before — countries in the world, and the Swiss to lure winter sports fans. sustainability, noting Japanese that the 16% reduction in new infections since 2010 was moving to winter tourism in the 1930s government says the long-term outlook It covers a nearby glacier with strips tourists now come independently and way behind the global aim of a 75% fall by next year. after decades as a health resort for for tourism is healthy. “Mountain of artifi cial fl eece in spring to help stay longer. tuberculosis patients. summers can position themselves as reduce melting and creates piles of “We have to see that guests from “Incident reductions are just too slow to reach the But with nearly 620,000 overnight an alternative to the Mediterranean snow higher than houses to deploy on Asia making the long fl ight to Europe target that has been set out,” he told journalists. stays in winter last year, more than three regions,” a 2017 report said. ski pistes as early as November to avoid or Switzerland stay as long as possible,” Another vulnerable group is children, with more than times the summer total — it will not be Summer tourism already accounts having to use expensive artifi cial snow. Richard Kaempf, head of tourism policy easy. for 60% of overnight stays across The strong Swiss franc has hit ski at the State Secretariat of Economic 160,000 new HIV infections last year. Jenny, who fears a sharp decline in Switzerland, but the season brings lifts focused on winter business from Aff airs, told Reuters. That is 41% lower than in 2010, but far off the mark snowfall over the next 20 or 30 years, is in only 18% of revenue, said Therese European visitors hard in the past 10 While the government encourages countries set themselves of no more than 40,000 new hedging his bets. Lehmann, an economist at the years, the government says, but the year-round use of mountain cases worldwide each year by 2018. “What gives us some hope is that University of Bern’s Centre for Regional minority of lifts with strong summer infrastructure, he said it is not giving artifi cial snow is making strong Development. business are booming thanks to visitors up on winter sports, a deep cultural There remains a pronounced disparity in new infection technical advances. I can make snow Government data already shows a from overseas. touchstone for the Swiss. rates among young men and women, with young women now at 5 degrees above freezing,” 24% drop in skiers in the decade to Many smaller lift fi rms get cheap loans But he acknowledged the growing 60% more likely to pick up HIV than young men of the he said, standing on an observation 2016, with other factors as well as and, increasingly, state subsidies to help challenge of lowlanders losing the platform beside the Weisshorn cable climate change. balance the books, said Lehmann. “winter feeling”. — Reuters same age. car which gives a sweeping view of the The report also warned that a lack of political will snow-capped Alpine valley. coupled with decreasing fi nance risked undermining the His two-pronged approach highlights the dilemma faced by mountain resorts progress made so far. — how to retain profi ts as they embark Last year $19bn was made available for Aids response, on what the Organisation for Economic more than $7bn short of the estimated $26.2bn needed by Co-Operation and Development (OECD) says needs to be a global rethink 2020. of tourism. Ghys said the funding drop was a result of “small “The consequences of climate change reductions by diff erent donor countries”. will be felt across the travel and tourism sector over the coming decades,” the OECD, whose member countries represent 80% of the world’s trade To Advertise and investment, said in a 2018 study of megatrends in tourism. [email protected] Storms, fl ooding and tidal surges Display will threaten coastal regions, southern destinations face extreme heatwaves 44466621 44418811 and northern ones will see shorter periods of snowfall, it said. Classified Mountain resorts tend to be higher in 44466609 44418811 Switzerland than in Austria or France, giving them better chances as snow Subscription becomes scarcer. But even at 3,000 metres, pistes could [email protected] see snow depths more than halved by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not curbed, a report in The Cryosphere, © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved a peer-reviewed geosciences journal Visitors look at bear Napa at the Arosa Barenland sanctuary in the mountain resort of Arosa, Switzerland, on June 25, 2019. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 19 COMMENT Digital inclusion: driving equal access for all Huawei releases 2018 Sustainability Report

uawei has released its 2018 after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit upgraded into the “security and Sustainability Report, Indonesia, Huawei was the fi rst and trustworthiness” strategy. publishing the report for the the only vendor to the scene.” In a statement Huawei stressed H11th year in a row. Tao also announced Huawei’s new that it incorporates sustainability in The 2018 report explains Huawei’s sustainability strategies, which include everything it does – in its innovation, four strategies for sustainability: two major changes. First, Huawei has value creation and value-sharing with digital inclusion, security and expanded its strategy of bridging the its partners – so that it can deliver trustworthiness, environmental digital divide into a digital inclusion greater business value and social value. protection, and a healthy and strategy. Building on connectivity, Looking forward, Huawei will “work harmonious ecosystem. the company is now also paying more even harder and do its part in building Over the past year, Huawei has attention to applications and skills. a better, sustainable future”. been working to help achieve the Second, its strategy of supporting The 2018 Sustainability Report can be UN’s Sustainable Development stable and secure network operations found at http://www.huawei.com/en/ Goals (SDGs), build a sustainable and and protecting user privacy has been sustainability/sustainability-report more inclusive ecosystem with its industry partners, and execute its own sustainability strategies. Summary of the 2018 Sustainability Report At the launch event for the report, Liang Hua, chairman of Huawei, said, Digital inclusion: Technology should supports building a clean, efficient, “Huawei has been creating value for not be for the few, but for the many. low-carbon and circular economy. its customers through innovation. We However, there is still a long way to Huawei is committed to minimising its are doing everything we can to bridge go to make this a reality. Accord- environmental impacts during its pro- the digital divide and meet the world’s ing to GSMA, 66% of the world’s duction and operations and through- needs for connectivity.” households remain unconnected, out its product and service lifecycles. He continued, “We want to make and nearly 4bn people around the Huawei uses it innovative products digital services more aff ordable and world have no Internet access. On and solutions to help industries con- equally accessible to all, and to do top of that, more than 2bn people serve energy and reduce emissions, our part in contributing to social and around the world lack reliable mobile .and contribute to a circular economy economic development.” broadband service. Huawei feels that The company makes ongoing efforts Liang explained that environmental it has a responsibility towards uncon- to work with all industry partners to protection is also a key component nected communities. Therefore, Hua- build a low-carbon society. In 2018, of Huawei’s sustainable wei has launched its global digital Huawei used about 932mn kWh of development initiatives. He added, .inclusion initiative, TECH4ALL electricity from clean energy sources, “Energy effi ciency has become Security and trustworthiness: A fully representing an emissions reduction a major consideration for future connected, intelligent world is built .of about 450,000 tonnes communications networks. We have Liang Hua, chairman of Huawei. upon security and trustworthiness. Healthy and harmonious ecosystem: to use less energy to transmit more Huawei has made cyber security and Huawei steps up to its responsibilities data, and reduce the overall energy than the industry average. This has Kevin Tao, Board member connected 40mn rural residents as of the privacy protection its top priorities. as a corporate citizen, and works hand consumption of power systems. ICT been made possible by the new Huawei and chairman of the Sustainable end of 2018. Within the next five years, Huawei will in hand with customers, employees, technologies can help.” chipsets, system software, professional Development Committee at Huawei, “We currently provide be investing $2bn in enhancing its local communities, and industry Liang explained that Huawei services, and advanced hardware and remarked, “We want to bring the communications services to over software engineering capabilities, to partners to create a healthy and har- has made many innovations in the heat dissipation technologies. These benefi ts of digital technology to every 3bn people around the world, and we better respond to the cyber security monious ecosystem. In 2018, Huawei course of its 5G research, product innovative technologies have made person, home, and organisation. To this are committed to supporting secure and privacy challenges that are affect- organised 177 community support development and engineering. Huawei Huawei’s 5G more energy-effi cient. end, we have launched a global digital network operations worldwide. .ing the entire industry programmes worldwide, to support has managed to reduce the power With the right solutions, Huawei’s 5G inclusion initiative called TECH4ALL. We honour this commitment no Environmental protection: Huawei .local sustainable growth consumption per 5G site to 20% less will be a green technology. For example, our RuralStar solution has matter what. For example, in 2018, Tackling inequality is a political choice Three-day forecast

TODAY By Mahmoud Mohieldin and stock of the progress made toward for increasing government revenues. and tax data to fi ll in longstanding combating inequality, both globally But so, too, is expanded administrative knowledge gaps. Nonetheless, we will Maximum Temperature : 440c Carolina Sánchez-Páramo Minimum Temperature : 370c New York and at the national level. To that end, capacity, so that governments can need to develop more and better metrics the World Bank Group and the UN prevent tax evasion and limit illicit fl ows that capture various manifestations THURSDAY Department of Economic and Social of resources across borders. With better of inequality so that all actors – Maximum Temperature : 420c he world has made impressive Aff airs recently held a preparatory resource mobilisation, social transfers and governments, stakeholders, multilateral Minimum Temperature : 310c strides in reducing extreme meeting to highlight how governments protections can become powerful tools for institutions, civil society organisations, FRIDAY poverty, but that progress has can step up their eff orts in this area. The reducing income and wealth disparities. and the media – can directly measure Maximum Temperature : 410c Tslowed considerably in recent meeting produced several key fi ndings Governments need to ensure that progress toward achieving SDG 10. Minimum Temperature : 310c and outcomes: the benefi ts of progressive policies accrue The barriers to inequality-reducing years. The problem is clear: eliminating Fisherman's forecast extreme poverty requires tackling Inequality is frequently driven and to those who need them most. To that policies often refl ect a lack of political inequality. compounded by a combination of social end, policymakers should solicit the will to remove them. Policymakers WARNING perspectives of their underprivileged should recognise that large and persistent Inshore : Strong wind at some The good news is that inequality circumstances, such as the composition places daytime between all people worldwide has or economic status of one’s family, citizens when crafting and implementing disparities between groups are bad not declined since 1990, mirroring the geographic location, ethnicity, and new measures to reduce poverty and just for the economy, but also for political Offshore : Expected strong wind reduction in poverty. The bad news is gender. These factors can all contribute inequality. Giving a voice to the poor and social stability. Social cohesion with high sea WEATHER that within-country inequality has risen. to inequality of opportunity, and all would yield more authentic analyses of and public trust in institutions cannot Inshore : Hot daytime with slight Compared to 25 years ago, the average are exacerbated by income inequality current challenges, while ensuring that be sustained in the absence of equal dust to blowing dust at person today is far more likely to live in itself. And, because inequality of resources are directed to where they are opportunity and policies that refl ect places at times an economy with higher inequality. And, opportunity reduces social mobility from needed most. unifying narratives. Offshore : Slight dust with some beyond income and wealth, there are still one generation to the next, it creates Finally, the lack of data is a barrier to World leaders will take stock of the clouds large disparities – between and within persistent inequality traps. eff ective policy design. To map inequality progress made toward the SDGs at WIND Inshore : Northwesterly-12-24/30 countries – with respect to food and To remove barriers to opportunity, comprehensively, decision-makers a summit in September. They must KT nutrition, healthcare, education, land, governments must address the root must be able to answer the question reaffi rm their commitment to the global clean water, and other things essential for causes of inequality by identifying and of who benefi ts from any given policy, goals, and specifi cally to SDG 10. The Offshrore : Northwesterly 12-22/28 a full and dignifi ed life. eliminating discriminatory laws, not law, political structure, or cultural World Bank Group will focus its energy KT Far from an inevitable, inequality is least those that actually criminalise norm. Education, climate, health, food and resources to see the eff ort through Visibility : 4-8/3 KM a political choice. Governments that disadvantage. Moreover, given that security, and infrastructure are just a few between now and 2030. But that will not want to reduce income and wealth gaps inequality largely begins in childhood, of the many areas where governments be enough. Reducing inequality within Offshore : 3-7/9 FT need more and better data. Though countries and internationally will take a and improve the lives and opportunities governments must invest far more in Around the region available to their poorest have shown high-quality universal healthcare and data collection is an expensive, skill- global village. – Project Syndicate Weather both eff ort and some progress. Since early childhood education. Only by intensive exercise, recent innovations Weather tomorrow Max/min 2015, the United Nations Sustainable supporting the creation of human capital have substantially expanded the options Mahmoud Mohieldin is the World today Max/min Cloudy 44/28 Development Goals – specifi cally Goal 10 from an early age can we ensure that available for governments. Bank Group Senior Vice-President for Baghdad Sunny 41/26 Cloudy 46/34 – have brought unprecedented attention inequalities in one generation aren’t For example, traditional data the 2030 Development Agenda, United Kuwait CityCloudy 44/31 Sunny 39/33 to this issue. passed on to the next. sources such as household surveys, Nations Relations, and Partnerships. Manama Cloudy 38/33 M Sunny 34/30 And at this month’s High-Level Such investments will require which generally fail to capture incomes Carolina Sánchez-Páramo is Global Muscat Sunny 36/31 Sunny 41/27 Political Forum, the international additional domestic resources. In at the top (including the top 1%), are now Director of the World Bank’s Poverty and Tehran P Cloudy 41/28 community has its fi rst chance to take general, progressive taxation is critical being complemented by administrative Equity Global Practice.

Live issues Vaping may aid smoking cessation but also boost relapse risk

67% more likely to quit smoking. reduction of daily cigarette use was a goal has come out on other side eff ects,” Wills By Lisa Rapaport Around the world Reuters Health Separately, researchers also followed of people who vaped, researchers note in said by e-mail. “There are now 15 studies 2,025 former smokers for an average of JAMA Internal Medicine. showing a linkage of e-cigarette use to Weather Weather 22 months, including 176 who reported Big US tobacco companies are all respiratory disease (asthma and COPD) today Max/min tomorrow Max/min dults who smoke cigarettes may regular e-cigarette use. Vapers were 70% developing e-cigarettes. The battery- in both adolescence and adulthood ... Athens P Cloudy 28/21 M Sunny 31/21 have an easier time cutting back more likely to resume smoking traditional powered gadgets feature a glowing tip so it’s diffi cult to argue seriously that Beirut Sunny 34/26 S Showers 29/25 or quitting altogether if they cigarettes during the study than ex- and a heating element that turns liquid e-cigarettes are safe from a health Bangkok S T Storms 34/27 S T Storms 33/27 Astart vaping, but a new French smokers who had quit without vaping. nicotine and fl avourings into a cloud of standpoint.” Berlin P Cloudy 24/14 M Sunny 26/17 study also suggests that vaping may make “Former smokers who are using vapour that users inhale. Smokers who want to quit should Cairo Sunny 43/27 Sunny 38/25 ex-smokers more likely to relapse. electronic cigarettes are still addicted to When e-cigarettes contain nicotine, try other cessation aids like nicotine Cape Town Cloudy 15/13 Rain 16/12 “Among adults, electronic cigarette nicotine,” Gomajee said by e-mail. “In they can be addictive like traditional replacement patches or Chantix, a Colombo T Storm 29/27 T Storm 29/27 use by never smokers is extremely rare – any situation where they suff er from cigarettes. Even without nicotine, earlier prescription smoking cessation drug, Dhaka P Cloudy 34/27 I T Storms 34/27 most users are smokers who want to quit withdrawal symptoms but are not able to research suggests that fl avourings and before attempting to quit aided by Hong Kong P Cloudy 31/27 S T Storms 32/27 or reduce their tobacco consumption or use their electronic cigarette, for example other ingredients in e-liquids used e-cigarettes, Wills advised. Istanbul P Cloudy 26/19 Sunny 27/19 former smokers who want to prevent a because they have no e-liquid, or because for vaping could be linked to serious While some people do achieve Jakarta P Cloudy 33/23 P Cloudy 33/23 relapse,” said Ramchandar Gomajee, lead of technical problems with the electronic breathing problems. long-term cessation with the help of Karachi P Cloudy 32/29 P Cloudy 33/29 author of the study and a researcher at cigarette, they are likely to smoke again.” A big question about e-cigarettes, e-cigarettes, this is a small fraction of London M Cloudy 26/16 Showers 24/13 Sorbonne University in Paris. The study wasn’t a controlled namely, whether they’re safe or at least smokers, said Stanton Glantz, director of Manila T Storm 29/26 T Storm 31/26 Gomajee and colleagues followed experiment designed to prove whether or safer than traditional cigarettes, isn’t the Centre for Tobacco Control Research Moscow Rain 19/14 Showers 21/13 5,400 smokers for an average of 23 how vaping might impact smoking habits answered by the current study. and Education at the University of New Delhi T Storm 32/26 S T Storms 32/26 months, including 822 people who also for users of traditional cigarettes. And, “E-cigarettes do not have the same California San Francisco. New York S T Storms 33/24 S T Storms 28/23 reported daily use of e-cigarettes. Vapers the study also wasn’t designed to test the level of known carcinogens as cigarettes, “E-cigarettes should not be Paris M Sunny 29/16 Cloudy 27/15 smoked more traditional cigarettes a day safety or eff ectiveness of e-cigarettes as a so they are safer in this respect,” said recommended for smoking cessation,” Sao Paulo P Cloudy 17/10 P Cloudy 20/11 – 11.2 compared with 9.8 on average. smoking cessation aid. Thomas Wills, a researcher at the Glantz, who wasn’t involved in the Seoul Cloudy 29/22 M Cloudy 30/22 By the end of follow-up, however, Another limitation is that researchers University of Hawaii Cancer Center in study, said by e-mail. “Dual use is more Singapore P Cloudy 31/27 P Cloudy 31/27 vapers cut back more on daily cigarettes lacked data on the reasons people used Honolulu who wasn’t involved in the dangerous than smoking alone, which Sydney Sunny 18/08 Sunny 18/06 – eliminating 4.4 a day compared with e-cigarettes, making it impossible to study. is an important and under-appreciated Tokyo Cloudy 29/20 Cloudy 26/22 2.7 for non-vapers. And vapers were also determine whether smoking cessation or “However, in the last three years a lot eff ect.” Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 QATAR

Food security in Qatar

Qatar’s food security strategy stands on four pillars: local production, domestic markets, international trade and strategic reserves, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has stressed in a tweet. The infographic above explains the country’s food security strategy.

‘Some tickets remain’ as The Smurfs and Hello Kitty take the stage in Doha UDC awards Gewan Island marine he “ever-popular” Smurfs come to life in a stage ver- Tsion this weekend as part of a packed programme of fam- ily-friendly entertainment this works contract to UrbaCon, Promar ‘Summer in Qatar’ (SiQ). From tomorrow until July 20, children can enter the world of From Page 1 acts like the island’s spine, and the classic blue characters, see- green parks, which will attract ing Papa Smurf, Smurfette and The two companies will un- new brands to Doha. The island the gang live at the Qatar Na- dertake the design, manufac- will also be home to entertain- tional Convention Centre. ture, supply, delivery, construc- ment facilities, a sports club, The entertainment does not tion, installation, erection, and a mosque. stop there, with Hello Kitty commissioning, and testing of Its design incorporates a Live at the QNCC from July Gewan Island’s marine works number of sustainability fea- 25- 27. package. tures to reduce the use of vehi- These shows, as part of SiQ The marine works involve cles and encourage walking and and curated by the Qatar Na- dredging, reclamation fi ll, and biking through dedicated pe- tional Tourism Council (QNTC), the provision and installation destrian and cycling networks in have been brought to Doha by of core, armour, geotextile ma- addition to roads connecting the Alchemy Project. terials, and concrete elements, island to the public transporta- Tickets for the shows are as well as the supply and instal- tion network. available at www.tixbox.com. lation of selected fi ll and beach The island is also designed to “Some tickets remain as The sand material. reduce urban heat by incorpo- Smurfs and Hello Kitty take the Gewan Island, UDC’s latest rating green roofs, shading, and stage in Doha,” QNTC said in a real estate project next to The refl ective surfaces, where ap- statement yesterday. Pearl-Qatar Island, will span plicable. ‘Summer in Qatar’ includes 400,000sq m. UDC, the master developer “a plethora of entertainment Once completed, the island of The Pearl-Qatar and Ge- shows, music concerts and com- will accommodate 3,500 resi- wan Islands, is a leading Qatari edy performances by top in- dents and 3,000 daily visitors public shareholding company ternational artistes, including and will be home to 712 units, with a mission to identify and summer camps for children and including 639 apartments, 41 invest in long-term projects youth, thrilling experiences and waterfront villas (out of which contributing to Qatar’s growth sporting tournaments, in addi- 20 villas are standalone), 26 UDC president and CEO Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman signs the agreements with UrbaCon Trading and providing good sharehold- tion to exciting travel, hospitality beachfront villas, six island vil- & Contracting Company vice chairman and Group CEO Ramez al-Khayyat and Promar Marine er value. and retail promotions” running las, in addition to 11,000sq m Contracting Company chairman and managing partner Juliana Chamoun. UDC activities cover a multi- until August 16. forts of partners in both the pub- of retail space and a number of tude of vital investment sectors SiQ forms part of QNTC’s lic and private sector, Qatar has multi-use buildings. age, will support a mix of prop- comprehensive living space community seeking an urbane including real estate develop- strategy to enrich and diversify become a popular year-round The island, which derives its erty types, catering for diff erent merging entertainment and re- and vibrant lifestyle. ment, property management, the country’s tourism off ering, destination since the launch of name from the full-round, pink- accommodation and investment tail outlets with smart technol- The island will include a golf infrastructure and utilities, particularly in the area of family the fi rst summer programme tinted and perfectly shaped needs. ogies. It is expected to attract a course, an air-conditioned out- maritime and hospitality related and urban entertainment. known as Qatar Summer Festival pearl from Qatar’s marine herit- It will off er its residents a warm, welcoming, and youthful door Crystal Walkway, which businesses. Thanks to the collaborative ef- in 2014.

‘Beginners Screenwriting Lab’ at DFI to be led by Qatari fi lmmaker Ahmed al-Kuwari

he Doha Film Institute which will cost QR500 per person, “Screenplay story structure is hara, Our Time is Running Out and (DFI) has announced that it DFI has said. probably the most important A Journey to from Love. Twill host a creative writing To apply, one has to submit ap- component in the creation of He also wrote and directed Ru- workshop in Arabic, the ‘Screen- plications to development@do- original and compelling content. qya and wrote the screenplay for I. writing for Beginners Lab’, from hafi lminstitute.com, while more Our screenwriting lab for begin- Al-Kuwari is the joint recipient August 24-28. information is available online at ners will help participants learn of a Merit Award from The CIDA The fi ve-day lab led by Qa- www.dohafi lminstitute.com. how to tell a story, develop a sto- Awards for Excellence for devel- tari writer and art director Fahad Al-Kuwari will mentor par- ry concept and write a screen- oping a production design cur- Ahmed al-Kuwari aims to intro- ticipants through a mixture of play, especially in the Arabic riculum for Virginia Common- duce aspiring fi lmmakers to the lectures, assignments and group language. wealth University School of the creative process of writing for the discussions. “We are excited that a local Arts in Qatar, where he is a guest screen and will focus on devel- The English session of the lab fi lmmaker like Fahad is leading lecturer. oping dialogue and storytelling will be hosted by Palestinian the workshop and will bring in The ‘Screenwriting for Begin- techniques in the Arabic language, screenwriter Dana J Atrach, as- his fi lmmaking experience in Qa- ners Lab’ will cover all aspects of DFI has said in a statement. sistant professor in Residence at tar to mentor the next generation writing and be divided into two An English version of the lab will Northwestern University in Qatar, of aspiring writers. This will be a parts. be off ered to non-Arabic speakers where she teaches screenwriting. fi rst step for our young emerging The fi rst part is focused on the from August 3-7. The lab will complement the talent to learn the skills of devel- architecture of screenplays and The aim is for participants to existing screenwriting pro- oping a good story and creating covers the foundations of story- come out of the lab with a minimum grammes offered by the Insti- content that will engage with the telling, screenwriting guidelines, of one scene of their screenplay. tute, Hezayah for development audiences.” non-verbal storytelling and char- They can continue to work with of feature screenplays and the Al-Kuwari is an award-winning acterisation. DFI’s development team after the Short Scriptwriting Lab, and writer and art director who began The second part is focused on lab and work towards applying for will be an entry point to guide his career in fi lmmaking on the formatting scripts, looking at vis- other labs or grants. budding creatives into the basic sets of Mira Nair’s The Reluctant ual grammar and the use of soft- The deadline for applications to principles of storytelling, the Fundamentalist. ware programmes like Celtx and the lab is July 20. statement notes. As an art director with DFI, he Final Draft. Between eight and 12 partici- Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, chief worked on several Qatari Film The lab will follow the same pants will be selected for each lab, executive officer of DFI, said: Fund short fi lms, including Aljo- format in both English and Arabic. Learning the ‘write’ stuff .