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SATURDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10683 December 30, 2017 Rabia Il 12, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir attends camel race

In brief Largest ‘Tamim

QATAR | Business Al Majd’ poster Qatar economy has recovered from boycott Qatar’s economy has largely recovered from a boycott imposed by other Arab states and is again growing at one of the fastest rates in Guinness bid in the region, according to figures released by the statistics ministry By Joseph Varghese venue that hosted the largest poster Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. yesterday. Gross domestic product, Staff Reporter in the world. The poster is exactly “Through this poster, we want to adjusted for inflation, rose 1.9% 16,101sqm when we measured it af- show how we love the country and our from a year earlier in the third ter setting it on the island. It is made beloved Emir. We are grateful to Ka- quarter of 2017, accelerating from n an attempt to create a Guinness of fl ex banner paper 610gm, which is tara Hospitality which is the platinum a revised growth rate of just 0.3% World Record, a group of students 128m high and 125m wide” explained sponsor of the event. They provided us in the second quarter, which was Ifrom College of North Atlantic - al-Muhannadi. all the support and assistance and even the slowest expansion since the Qatar (CNA-Q) has set up the largest “The poster, printed in Shanghai, the land to set up the poster. We are a 2009-2010 global financial crisis. printed poster of ‘Tamim Al Majd’, at China, consists of 104 pieces. It took group of 14 students both male and GDP grew 5.5% from the previous an island near Ritz-Carlton Doha. us more than 10 days to prepare and set female who contributed to the realisa- quarter, accelerating from a rate “The ‘Tamim Al Majd’ poster, meas- the poster at a height of 50cm above the tion of the project,” he pointed out. of 0.2% in the second quarter. uring over 16,000sq m, will enter into ground on the island,” he continued. Al-Muhannadi said that the poster Business Page 1 the Guinness Book of World Records as According to al-Muhannadi, a lot can be seen in full from the 19th fl oor the largest poster in the world, break- of preparation and planning have gone of Ritz-Carlton Doha. The two day QATAR | Defence ing the previous record of 15,000sq into the making of the poster. “We exhibition of the poster which started m set by Switzerland, Faisal Saif al- started planning for it around the fi rst yesterday will continue today also Chief of staff meets Muhannadi, a student of CNA-Q who week of September. Then we started from 4pm to 10pm for the public. Ethiopian PM came up with the idea along with his the activities in full steam with the According to Salem al-Kubaisi, chief Prime Minister of Ethiopia friends, told Gulf Times yesterday. support of many of our friends and corporate services offi cer, Katara Hos- Hailemariam Desalegn yesterday “Offi cials from the Guinness Book sponsors,” noted al-Muhannadi. pitality, his group has been very happy met HE the Chief of Staff of the of World Records are in the process of The young Qatari maintained that to support the initiative. “Katara Hos- Qatari Armed Forces Major General measuring the poster’s entire area and it was a matter of great pride and pitality has provided all the support for (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al- hopefully will declare it as the biggest happiness as he and his team were the event. We prepared the area of the Ghanem, who is currently visiting poster so far,” he explained. able to contribute something for the island and handed over to the students Ethiopia. During the meeting, which “The island, owned by Katara Hos- country and express their love and to set up the photo. We also provided took place in Addis Ababa, they pitality, will go into history as the regards for His Highness the Emir all the logistic support,” he added. reviewed areas of co-operation, particularly in the military field, in addition to developments in the region. Major General Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem also met with the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the concluding Army Major General Samora Yunis. day’s events of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani’s Camel Festival, The discussions dealt with issues of which were held at the Al Sheehaniya Racetrack. The Emir attended two final races mutual interest, particularly ways - one for camels aged five years and above owned by sheikhs, and the other for to strengthen military co-operation. camels, in the same age category, owned by members of the tribal groups. The The meetings were attended by competition was attended by several sheikhs, tribesmen and a large number of Qatar’s ambassador to Ethiopia camel race-lovers. Abdulaziz Sultan al-Rumaihi.

QATAR | Reaction Compensation claims panel gets over 6,500 cases Qatar condemns attack on Egyptian church The compensation claims Other complains were submitted Qatar yesterday expressed its deep committee has received more by students, and companies that condemnation of an attack targeting than 6,500 claims since it was sustained great financial losses due a church in Helwan, south of the established in June this year, local to the on-going blockade. Since it Egyptian capital Cairo. The attack Arabic daily Arrayah reported was first launched, the committee claimed the lives of at least 9 people yesterday. received 3,748 claims, which had and injured several others. The The largest number, more than already been submitted to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Aff airs 3,400 cases, are mostly complaints National Human Rights Committee. reaff irmed, in a statement released of human rights violations against In addition, there were 451 claims yesterday, Qatar’s firm position the inhabitants of Qatar by the from diff erent private companies, rejecting terrorism regardless of its blockading countries (Saudi Arabia, 303 cases related to education, motives and reasons. The statement the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt). 1,799 cases regarding loss of access also expressed the condolences of The violations varies from severing to property and livestock, 588 Qatar to the families of the victims close family relations among the cases about severing close family and to the Egyptian people, wishing families extended across the GCC relationships, and more than 926 the injured a speedy recovery. In region, denial of access to education cases related to various issues. Cairo, Health ministry spokesman and treatment, and denying Qataris The committee has also launched its Khaled Megahed told state television access to their properties in the website to help people with claims that the gunman was shot dead after blockading countries, in particular access its services easily and answer he killed nine people and wounded the UAE and Saudi Arabia. their queries and questions. others, including a police off icer. The gigantic ‘Tamim Al Majd’ poster set up at the island near Ritz-Carlton Doha. PICTURE: Nasar T K Saudi attack on Qatar at chess tournament sparks fury

By Anthony Harwood to fl y their country’s fl ag at the tourna- Qatar. During his two-minute address FIDE said the fl ag issue was later re- chess fans who took to Twitter to vent In London, the English Chess Fed- London ment. al-Sheikh, insultingly and repeatedly solved but the Qatari team missed the their fury. eration said Saudi Arabia should be Al-Medaihki, head of the Qatar referred to Qatar as a ‘mini-state’, in an ‘Rapid’ part of the tournament, but @mem3598 was mystifi ed about why barred from hosting future tourna- Chess Association, said he was not attempt to belittle its status in the re- were able to compete in the ‘Blitz’ sec- Saudi Arabia chose to continue its petty ments, despite its generous prize ury erupted yesterday over an prepared to take part under such con- gion. tion which started yesterday. squabbles with Qatar in this manner. fund. outspoken attack by Saudi Ara- ditions. “This is contrary to all regu- “A mini state in the region has tried The statement ended with the words: He said: “I want to know why Turk The Qatar Chess Federation said Fbia on Qatar at the opening cer- lations and international and sports to spoil it (the tournament), claimed “FIDE’s principle is that its World al-Sheikh has to bring up Qatar, we the Saudi authorities had “required emony of an international chess tour- laws”, he said. they didn’t receive visas to enter Saudi Chess Championships are a vehicle for forgot about you completely. We don’t the players not to raise the flag of nament. The Israeli team also complained Arabia, which welcomes everyone”, he promoting peace and development of even bring you up anymore.” their country during the competi- Viewers took to Twitter to attack after seven of their players were de- said. . friendship amongst all nations”. Shaher Alenzi put it a bit more tions.” Saudi General Sport Authority chair- nied visas mocking claims by FIDE, the He tried to claim Qatar’s fl ags were Despite this pledge, al-Sheikh chose bluntly when he said: “Turki al- It added: “This is a blatant injustice man Turki bin Abdul Mohsen al-Sheikh world chess body, that the tournament allowed to be raised and he would not to hijack the event and use it to contin- Sheikh’s speech against Qatar during against our players and a violation of all over remarks he made at the World welcomed ‘all participants’. Iran’s play- be “bothered by this state’s silly allega- ue his country’s row with Qatar. the chess tournament cannot even be international laws and sports”. Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships ers also withdrew. tions”. In a bizarre analogy he said that he described as rude and lacking or mor- The row came six months after a being held in Riyadh. The women’s double world chess But this was despite FIDE confi rming had directed that any dealings with als. We did not reach this level of dis- Saudi-led alliance launched a diplo- It happened after the event de- champion, Anna Muzychuk, 27, from the fl ag row had taken place. ‘this mini-state’ in sporting matters tant ignorance. This is an upbringing matic and transport blockade of Qatar scended into acrimony when the Saudi Ukraine, also refused to attend the In a statement the chess body, should be conducted by the manager of a street fi lled with dirt and chronic which it accused of cosying up to Iran authorities, left it to the last minute to event because of Saudi Arabia’s treat- which was paid $1.5mn by Saudi Ara- of a fi tness gym in Riyadh, which was diseases.” and supporting terrorism, which Doha grant the Qatari team visas, meaning ment of women as ‘secondary crea- bia to host the tournament, said: “To ’something that suits their size.’ Tony Attlas added: “What do you denies. they arrived too late to take part. tures’, and will forfeit her title as a re- put facts into perspective, the Saudi He went on: “We want to focus on want them to do for their rights. During In 2016 Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, The players, who included grand sult. authorities informed FIDE that visas the development of our sport. We will the chess tournament yesterday, Turki Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin-Abdullah al- master Mohamed al-Medaihki and his Onlookers were astonished when, for Qatari players will be issued and not pay attention to the inconveniences al-Sheikh’s only concern was the coun- Sheikh, issued a ban on chess calling it wife, the former world champion, Zhu despite all that had happened, al- they also proposed that for security which this state, or mini-state or the try of Qatar, it is ripping his heart. Give a form of gambling which is “a waste of Chen, were also told that, unlike other Sheikh chose to use the opening cer- reasons the Qatari players should regime in it does”. your view on the speech he gave, and time, money and a reason for the en- countries, they would not be allowed emony to continue squabbling with play under the FIDE flag.” His words were met with anger by does it suit a chairman?” mity between players”. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, December 30, 2017 QATAR Al-Maadheed QBG to host environmental named visiting professor research contest for pupils rofessor David Lomas, president of the Uni- he Qur’anic Botanic Gar- Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Pversity College London den (QBG), a member of University and the Ministry of (UCL) School of Life & Medi- TQatar Foundation (QF), Municipality and Environment. cal Sciences, has appointed Dr will host its third consecutive “QBG has already hosted a Mohamed bin Ghanim al-Ali environmental research contest number of educational work- al-Maadheed visiting profes- for secondary school students in shops for participating students sor until 2022. Qatar. and teachers at the Education Dr al-Maadheed, who cur- The competition, which will City Student Centre, and organ- rently acts as an adviser to see 20 high schools in Qatar par- ised a series of site visits to the the personal representative ticipate in a variety of environ- QF plant nursery.” of His Highness the Emir, is mental research projects, aims QBG is helping review and widely considered a leader in to build a generation of students design prospective research the fi elds of humanitarianism, dedicated to exploring, re- proposals. So far, 30 abstracts sports medicine and anti- searching and conserving natu- have been submitted, focusing doping, Qatar Red Crescent Dr Mohamed bin Ghanim ral resources, specifi cally plants. on important issues such as ag- (QRC) has said in a statement. al-Ali al-Maadheed In line with QF’s mission, the riculture, re-purposing leftover He is actively engaged in competition is designed to pro- food and drink, aquaponics and humanitarian and social work, tional sports medicine centre mote sustainable development the economical re-use of farm such as disaster response, re- in 1992 and was instrumen- and inspire environmental re- residues and landscape areas. habilitation and empower- tal in transforming the vision sponsibility among young peo- Proposals also discuss the study ment, and strongly promotes for a comprehensive sports ple, according to a statement. and evaluation of wild plants, human rights, healthcare and medicine facility into a ‘state- The contest is being held in Twenty high schools to participate in a variety of environmental research projects in the contest. desertifi cation, the consump- humanitarian advocacy, the of-the-art’ orthopaedic and co-operation with the Ministry tion of natural resources such as statement notes. sports medicine hospital, As- of Education and Higher Educa- seeks to provide innovative and the opportunity for students to in this competition is to oversee water, and microorganisms that Dr al-Maadheed has been petar), which was accredited tion and Qatar National Research practical solutions for contem- study the causes of the problems the students’ research and pro- infect fruit and vegetable crops involved in humanitarian as a FIFA Medicine Centre of Fund (QNRF), also a member porary environmental problems, and provide practical solutions vide scientifi c advice and tech- in Qatar. work through Qatar Red Cres- Excellence in 2009 and ex- of QF, within the framework of with particular emphasis on that can be implemented on the nical support to participating QBG will organise a ceremony cent since 2001 and is cur- panded its reach nationally QNRF’s National Scientifi c Re- plants, water and agriculture in ground. schools. The garden is also work- to honour the winners of the rently the chairman QRC. He through the National Sports search Competition for school light of the current political cir- Fatima Saleh al-Khulaifi , ing alongside various universi- contest in February during the holds an MA in Epidemiology Medicine Programme. students in Qatar. cumstances in the region. manager, QBG, said: “The role ties, institutions and scientifi c celebration of Qatar National & Health Planning and a PhD He is currently chairman of The research competition The contest aims to provide of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden entities in Qatar, such as Hamad Environment Day 2018. in Strategic Health Care Man- the Advisory Scientifi c Board agement from the Royal Col- of Aspetar, which he led as lege of Surgeons in Ireland. director-general from 2006 to He has held several lead- 2012. ership roles, such as vice- During 2005-2008, Dr president of the International al-Maadheed founded and GU-Q event focuses on promises Federation of the Red Cross chaired the Qatar National and Red Crescent Societies Anti-Doping Commission. for Asia, board member of the As a leading healthcare fi gure and challenges of gender equality Qatar International Develop- in Qatar, he is chairman of ment Fund and Qatar National the Executive Committee for cholars and activists gath- Sociopolitical Transformation’, ated at the heart of questions of Fund for Social Develop- a Healthy Population, tasked ered at Georgetown Uni- the symposium featured multi- power, culture and politics,” said ment, vice-chairman of the with the development of Qa- Sversity in Qatar (GU-Q) re- disciplinary discussions on the Professor Rogaia Abusharaf, who Executive Committee of the tar National Health Strategy cently for a two-day symposium experiences of women in a range organised the event. “This sym- The symposium in progress. Supreme Council of Health, 2011-2016. Now, he is direc- on gender justice. of contexts and countries in the posium aimed to contribute to our member of the National Hu- tor-general of Naufar, an ad- The event focused on the prom- Middle East and beyond, GU-Q understanding by considering the alumni. The delegates’ exper- and follows from the 2016 Writ- man Rights Committee and diction treatment and reha- ises and challenges of gender said in a statement. predicament and the promise piv- tise ranged from anthropology ing Women’s Lives conference member of the World Eco- bilitation centre. equality across diff erent cultures, The event aimed to explore oting around gender politics.” to politics, gender studies and that brought together renowned nomic Forum for the Mena He speaks frequently in- political landscapes and societies. how laws, citizenship, traditions A number of scholars based history, allowing for a broad- scholars and emerging thinkers region, the statement points ternationally on diff erent Held under the theme of and modernity infl uenced gen- in Qatar and abroad presented ranging analysis. from universities and institutions out. humanitarian issues and has ‘Gender Justice at the Inter- der equality. their research at the symposium, The event builds on ongo- around the globe involved in gen- Dr al-Maadheed is the published works on humani- sections of Legal Practices and “Gender is an issue that is situ- including GU-Q faculty and ing research by GU-Q faculty, der studies, the statement added. founder of Qatar’s fi rst na- tarian diplomacy. HBKU students formulate declaration to humanity in makerspace initiative

Souq Maqtoura showcases products focusing on the spirit of he College of Islamic vides a maiden opportunity for National Day celebrations. Studies (CIS) at Ha- students to gather and collabo- Tmad Bin Khalifa Univer- rate to produce creative results, sity (HBKU) have organised the with each participant harness- university’s fi rst makerspace ing their own academic back- initiative, bringing together stu- ground, life experiences and Bedaya holding Souq dents to share ideas, experiment internal motivation. learning and develop a frame- Further facilitating students work for transformative change. to synergise productively dur- Maqtoora at Katara The session, titled ‘Islam ing the course of the day, CIS’s in a Global World: A Maker- communal creative space, where he Bedaya Centre for unjust blockade imposed on space’, concluded with a joint the initiative was conducted, Entrepreneurship and the country. declaration issued to humanity. came equipped with stationery, TCareer, a joint initiative “This initiative provides the The four-point statement art tools and other constructive by Qatar Development Bank necessary platform for entre- sourced its inspiration from the resources. and Silatech, has organised the preneurs to leave a distinct tenets of Islam and discussed In their declaration to hu- ‘Souq Maqtoora: National Day footprint in the local market,” the role of communities across manity, the students pro- Edition’ – known as the fi rst Bedaya general manager Reem the globe in the face of press- claimed that a shared obligation rotating market in the country. al-Suwaidi said. ing contemporary challenges, exists to protect and integrate Souq Maqtoura will run un- Bedaya highlighted the spe- HBKU said in a statement. refugees, while aff ording them til March between 4pm to 9pm cial version of Souq Maqtoura As a concluding stage of the basic human rights. Further, at Katara - the Cultural Village at the celebration to shows its makerspace initiative, par- they said communities must aimed at supporting entrepre- support for local businesses. ticipating students will avail enshrine principles of humani- Participants at the makerspace initiative session. neurs in the country. It was demonstrated by the of the opportunity to present tarianism and work together to With the participation of participation of entrepreneurs His Highness the Emir Sheikh holistically address the mate- need for a multifaceted approach dents a platform to voice their nerstone project of HBKU that more than 30 projects, the from diverse sectors such as Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani rial and non-material needs of to combat this global phenom- collective concerns and develop is critical to the objectives out- event is described as an ex- textiles, accessories, and fra- with their hopes for global com- the vulnerable. enon, based on the promotion of their own unique and creative lined in the university’s 10-year ceptional initiative showcas- grance, among others. munities to collaboratively work Building on the theme of col- education and justice. solutions. We essentially share strategic plan. The project was ing products that focus and “Through Souq Maqtoura, we towards the resolution of world laboration, the authors called Dr Emad El-Din Shahin, dean, the responsibility of problem- launched with the aim of devel- highlights the spirit of Qatar’s have been able support many crises. for inter-communal dialogue CIS, said: “At the College of Is- solving with a generation that oping an innovative culture un- National Day celebrations. companies and startups to show- Organised by CIS assistant to seek common ground where lamic Studies, it is a key part of is the biggest shareholder in the der which novel ideas from the Souq Maqtoura also dem- case their distinctive products professor Dr Mohamed Evren confl ict was rife. Finally, de- our institutional eff orts to stir a building of a peaceful future.” HBKU community may thrive. onstrates the eff orts of entre- that coincide with the National Tok, the makerspace initiative nouncing terrorism in all its civilisational renaissance. This Makerspace is an initiative HBKU is a member of Qatar preneurs in responding to the Day celebrations,” she added. is a novel approach and pro- forms, the students stressed the declaration seeks to give stu- under Innovation Space, a cor- Foundation.

Biobank attends precision medicine conference QU professor honoured with award rof Syed Javaid Zaidi, chair professor of atar Biobank, a mem- ers and industry experts from Qatar Biobank is now making a chemical engineering and chair of the Cen- ber of Qatar Foundation around the world. tangible impact in the fi eld. Our Ptre for Advanced Materials at Qatar Univer- Q(QF), has participated in Representing Qatar’s attendance at these gatherings sity, has been honoured with a lifetime achieve- the Annual Biobank China 2017 biobanking community, Dr allows us to meet with important ment award for his contributions in the fi eld of and International Symposium Nahla Maher Afi fi , scientifi c and stakeholders and share knowl- chemical engineering by Venus International on Precision Medicine. education manager and acting edge and expertise with one an- Foundation at a ceremony in Chennai, India. The conference, which was director at Qatar Biobank, de- other,” said Dr Afi fi . The Venus International Research Award for held in Changsha, China, livered an informative presen- Qatar Biobank recently wel- lifetime achievement was presented at a cer- brought together leading ex- tation – titled ‘Qatar Biobank comed its 10,000th partici- emony attended by delegates from more than 15 perts on biobanking and preci- Milestones Toward Personalised pant. Qataris over the age of 18 countries. Prof Zaidi holds 15 patents and patent sion medicine from around the Medicine’ – on the inaugural day Dr Nahla Maher Afifi represented years and adult residents who applications for the new discoveries and inven- Prof Syed Javaid Zaidi receiving the award in world to discuss recent precision of the conference. Qatar’s biobanking community. have lived in Qatar for at least 15 tions to his credit. His achievements include the Chennai, India. health innovations. The presentation highlighted years are invited to take part in invention of a new process for the removal of Held under the theme ‘Mov- Qatar’s vision of making per- international drive for precision this medical research endeav- heavy metals from wastewater, which are toxic record, he has been invited to serve in the Advi- ing Precision Medicine Forward sonalised medicine a reality and medicine. Through our par- our. This coincides with Qatar and harmful to health. He patented new technol- sory Council of Arab Water Desalination. in the 21st Century’, the event how the overall drive fi ts within ticipation in the conference, we Biobank expanding its partici- ogy for clean energy device fuel cells for automo- In addition, Prof Zaidi has delivered more than provided a platform for repre- the broader national health aim to share our fi ndings and pant intake capacity to enable biles and backup power applications. 120 presentations and talks at various international sentatives of national biobanks strategy. progress with the wider inter- more visitors to pass through the Prof Zaidi has published more than 200 re- forums, conferences and symposiums and institu- to share their strategies and “Qatar Biobank has now be- national community. Along with approximately three-hour proc- search articles in international journals and con- tions in more than 20 countries. He is the fi rst and developments with research- come an active member of the the Qatar Genome Programme, ess each day. ferences. Recognising his outstanding research only scientist living in Qatar to receive this award. Gulf Times Saturday, December 30, 2017 3 QATAR/REGION

Qatar among ‘top donor’ nations to support refugees Opponents ‘behind protests against govt’

AFP of unauthorised lending institu- Tehran tions in recent years. “Protesters asked for clarifi - cations on the fate of their ac- ranian offi cials reported fresh counts and police dealt with protests over the economy them with tolerance despite Iyesterday, a day after doz- them having no permission to ens were arrested in second city protest,” the conservative Tas- Mashhad. nim news agency reported. First Vice President Eshaq Ja- It came a day after 52 people hangiri suggested hardline op- were arrested in Mashhad, an ponents of the government may important pilgrimage site, for be behind the demonstrations, protesting high prices and the which spread to Tehran and the economy under President Has- city of Kermanshah in western san Rouhani. Iran yesterday, though numbers One lawmaker said these pro- reportedly remained small. tests were also rooted in the col- “Some incidents in the coun- lapse of credit institutions and try these days are on the pretext other fi nancial scandals. of economic problems, but it Unauthorised lending institu- seems there is something else tions mushroomed under former behind them,” Jahangiri said president Mahmoud Ahmadine- in comments carried by state jad due to weak regulation of the broadcaster IRIB. banking sector. “They think by doing this they An uncontrolled construction harm the government,” he said, boom left many banks and credit but “it will be others who ride companies stuck with toxic the wave”. debts, which combined with Tehran’s deputy provincial soaring infl ation and the chaos governor Mohsen Hamedani caused by international sanc- said “less than 50 people” had tions, pushed many to default on gathered in one of the city’s their debts. squares and several had been Since coming to power in 2013, arrested after refusing to move Rouhani has shut down three of on, according to the reformist the biggest new credit institu- newspaper Etamad. He said they tions — Mizan, Fereshtegan and were “under the infl uence of Samen al-Hojaj. propaganda” and were “unaware He tasked the central bank that the majority of these calls to with reimbursing lost deposits, protest come from abroad”. but many are still waiting for The rally in Kermanshah ap- compensation. Qatar is among the top donor countries to support refugees around the world, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has said in a post on Twitter. An accompanying peared larger — with hundreds Mashhad was among the areas infographic on voluntary contributions to the UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency in 2017 (until October) shows that Qatar is the 19th top donor globally and the first among shown protesting in videos hardest hit by the closure of Mi- Middle Eastern and Arab countries. Qatar’s voluntary contribution during the period amounted to $26,804,578, according to the chart. “Qatar (is) one of the largest donor shared on social media — and zan, which had around 1mn ac- governments, which co-operates with international organisations providing relief and support to refugees in the Arab region and abroad,” the QFFD said. was reportedly focused on those counts, according to the offi cial who lost money in the collapse IRNA news agency. Fish stocks surge Al-Kuwari hosts QLA cadets along Qatar coast

By Ramesh Mathew the “fi rst time in several years December”. The conditions a change in the direction of Staff Reporter that these three varieties are led to a change in natural fac- winds towards the Arabian being found in such large num- tors that impacted marine life, coast, which has positively bers in the Qatari waters, in the and the Arabian Gulf ended up influenced the availability he sea around Qatar cur- month of December”. with a greater population of of fish in local waters and, in rently has “more than Asked to explain the rea- these fish, they claimed. turn, brought down prices,” he Tusual” quantities of sons, the fishermen attributed One of the fishermen said observed. fi sh such as tuna, king fi sh and the phenomenon to “unfa- the region’s waters usually re- The fi shermen, some of hamour, according to fi sher- vourable weather conditions ceive large quantities of tuna whom have worked in the Qa- men. along the southern Indian and king fish whenever there tari waters for 25-30 years and Speaking to Gulf Times, some coast towards the end of No- is a swift change in weather have immense knowledge of the HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari recently hosted, in his private library, representatives from veteran fi shermen said this is vember and the beginning of conditions. “There has been local conditions, said they were the Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA), ‘heritage ambassadors’ initiative and the Model United expecting the season to last at Nations (MUN) team. Al-Kuwari welcomed cadets and the teachers on the occasion, and interacted least until the middle of next with them on various topics. The ‘heritage ambassadors’ initiative cadets asked him about his month and a good catch was experience in highlighting matters related to heritage and culture, while the MUN cadets spoke on expected across the region dur- issues relevant to their upcoming tour to New York, US. ing this period. A further fall in fi sh prices was also likely, they said. Usually, the availability of tuna, hamour and king fi sh is relatively higher in the months of December and January. “This time, it has been ex- 32 killed in Saudi-led air strike ceptionally good since the be- ginning of this month,” said a fisherman. While king fish is Reuters Saudi-led strikes in the previous 10 days and he con- available for prices starting Dubai demned as “futile” the nearly three years of war in the from QR12/kg in some major country. It pits Yemen’s Houthi movement against retail outlets, hamour is being the internationally recognised government backed by sold from QR22/kg, inquiries ffi cials in Yemen’s mostly Saudi-based gov- the Saudi-led alliance, which has carried out thou- found. ernment said 32 civilians were killed in a Sau- sands of air strikes to roll back the Houthis and fend There are also reports of a Odi-led coalition air strike on a market in the off perceived expansion by arch-foe Iran. “huge rise” in the availabil- Taiz region earlier this week, disputing a UN death But the government offi cials, on condition of ano- ity of these three types of fish toll of 56. nymity, said Tuesday’s attack on the crowded market Fishing vessels are expected to remain busy over the next month due to possibilities of a good catch along the Oman coast, sources UN resident coordinator Jamie McGoldrick said on in Al Hayma sub-district of Attazziah in Taiz gover- along the Qatar coast, according to fishermen. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam pointed out. Thursday the 56 were among 109 civilians killed in norate appeared to target a Houthi military vehicle. Call to end Yemen confl ict as hospital patients rise

Reuters One morning in early Decem- Every month, she and her team don’t have supplies. We don’t verely delayed aid shipments or ning of the confl ict, a mere two technical issues. “Yemen needs Aden ber, 16-month-old Sameh ar- drip-feed dozens of Yemen’s half have money,” said Arishi, “This closed ports outright, especially percentage point drop from pre- a Marshall Plan,” said Sahloul, rived at the hospital carried by a million severely malnourished war has got to end.” in northern Yemen where fi ght- war years. who was visiting Al-Sadaqa’s his aunt and delirious with fever. children. For the past three years, Yem- ing and the humanitarian crisis In late November, the UN’s treatment centre in December.”It ahla Arishi, chief paedi- Arishi immediately recognised Her ward has also treated en has been the combat zone of a are most acute. World Health Organisation is diffi cult to foresee an optimis- atrician at the Al-Sadaqa a new case of diphtheria.”Put hundreds of the 1mn people in- struggle for regional supremacy The war and blockade have (WHO) sent a shipment of diph- tic scenario if the current condi- Nhospital in this Yemeni on your mask,” she ordered the fected by cholera. between two countries. also thwarted Yemen’s vaccina- theria antitoxins — designed tions persist,” he said. port city, had not seen diphthe- aunt. This spring, Arishi and her Riyadh and some of its allies tion programmes. to treat those already infected Arishi began her medical ca- ria in her 20-year career. Sameh’s father, a fi ghter in colleagues reopened an aban- jumped into Yemen’s civil war in Seven years ago, 80% of chil- — and vaccines to the capital reer in the mid-1990s after Then, late last month, a three- Yemen’s three-year war, rushed doned wing of Al-Sadaqa hos- 2015 to help quell an uprising by dren were fully immunised Sanaa. Yemen unifi ed following years of year-old girl with high fever was in, grabbed his son, yanked off the pital, fenced it with chicken wire the Houthis, a political-religious with three doses of diphtheria, The vaccines were delayed by confl ict between communist and rushed to Arishi’s ward. baby’s shoes and threw them on and created a makeshift cholera movement. whooping cough and tetanus the Saudi blockade for a week, pro-western forces. Her neck was swollen, and she the fl oor. “Sameh is the light of treatment centre. In addition to air strikes, Riy- vaccine, or DTP as the combined the WHO said. She joined the Al-Sadaqa gasped for air through a lump of the house,” he wailed, feeling the Now, they are converting part adh — with US and UN backing shot is called, according to Zaher In July, the Geneva-based hospital, which was built in the tissue in her throat. boy’s feverish brow and body. of that centre into a diphtheria — has positioned ships in Yem- Sahloul, a critical-care special- International Co-ordinating 1980s with funds from the So- Eight days later, she died. This is the emergency ward to ward, cordoning off isolation eni waters as a way to stop arms ist who co-founded a non-profi t Group on Vaccine Provision ear- viet Union. Soon after, a 10-month-old a nation. units by barring hallway doors. reaching Houthi militia. called MedGlobal. marked a million cholera vac- In her two decades at the hos- boy with similar symptoms died After three years of warfare, But with rusty oxygen tanks But the blockade has ended up Now, he says, that has dropped cines for Yemen. pital’s paediatric ward, Arishi less than 24 hours after arriving cholera and hunger, Yemen and only two functional ventila- isolating the country. to 60%. Poor record keeping An initial shipment of has seen Yemen slowly come at the hospital. faces a new battle: In the past tors in a diff erent part of the hos- Vital provisions — food, med- means there are discrepancies in 500,000 doses was sent to the apart again. Two fi ve-year-old cousins four months, doctors across the pital — and with the expectation icine, fuel, medical equipment, data related to vaccine coverage. African Horn country of Dji- Even in the mid 2000s, the were admitted; only one sur- country have recorded at least that the cholera epidemic will batteries, solar panels and more Yemen’s Ministry of Health bouti, and was ready to send on country faced widespread hun- vived. A 45-day-old boy, his 380 cases of diphtheria, a bac- worsen in coming months — her — are not getting through. says 85% of Yemeni children to Sanaa. ger because of rising food prices. neck swollen and bruised, lasted terial disease that last appeared triage upon triage is no longer Humanitarian shipments of have been immunised against But the WHO and local au- The feeding centre of Al- a few hours. here in 1992. working. food and medicine have mostly diphtheria, whooping cough, thorities in Sanaa decided to- Sadaqa’s hospital, she said, was His last breath was through an Arishi, like her country around “We’re getting more patients been allowed into the country. tetanus, Hepatitis B and bacte- gether to scrap the vaccina- crowded even before the new oxygen mask. her, is struggling to cope. but we can’t deal with them. We Yet Saudi-led forces have se- rial infl uenza since the begin- tion plan, citing logistical and civil war began. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, December 30, 2017 ARAB WORLD

Mattis sees Thousands of Palestinians take larger US civilian part in anti-Trump protests presence

Reuters in Syria Gaza

Reuters housands of Palestin- Washington ians took to the streets Tof Gaza and the occu- pied West Bank for the fourth S Defence Secretary Jim weekend yesterday in a row in Mattis said yesterday protests against US President Uthat he expected to see Donald Trump’s recognition of a larger US civilian presence in Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Syria, including contractors and Palestinian health officials diplomats, as the fi ght against said at least 56 protesters were Islamic State militants nears its wounded by live fire, mostly end and the focus turns toward along the Gaza border. rebuilding and ensuring the mil- An Israeli military spokes- itants do not return. woman said soldiers had shot The United States has about at “main instigators” who 2,000 troops in Syria fi ghting Is- posed a direct threat to the lamic State. troops and who were trying Mattis’ comments are likely to to damage the border security anger Syrian President Bashar al- fence. Assad, who has previously called The spokeswoman said US troops “illegal invader” forces. about 4,000 Palestinians “What we will be doing is across the West Bank and Gaza, shifting from what I would call some throwing rocks and fire an off ensive, shifting from an of- bombs and setting tyres alight, fensive terrain-seizing approach confronted Israeli soldiers who to a stabilising...you’ll see more responded mainly by firing US diplomats on the ground,” tear gas. Mattis said. In Gaza, demonstrators He has previously stated that chanted “Death to America, US forces will stay in Syria as death to Israel, and death to long as Islamic State fi ghters Trump” and militants fired want to fi ght and prevent the re- rockets into Israel, drawing turn of an “ISIS 2.0.” strikes by Israeli tanks and air- This is the fi rst time he has craft. said that there would be an in- The military said it targeted Palestinian worshippers hold their country’s national flag during a demonstration against the US president’s decision, in Jerusalem Old City’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, yesterday. crease of diplomats in the parts posts that belonged to Ha- of the country retaken from Is- mas, the group that controls lamic State militants. the Palestinian enclave, after “Well when you bring in more intercepting two of the three diplomats, they are working that rockets fired into Israel. initial restoration of services, Police said the third struck a they bring in the contractors, building, causing damage. that sort of thing,” Mattis said. No casualties were reported “There is international money in those incidents. that has got to be administered, Trump outraged Palestin- so it actually does something, it ians and sparked anger in the doesn’t go into the wrong peo- Middle East and among world ple’s pockets,” he added. powers with his Jerusalem The contractors and diplo- declaration on Dec 6, which mats would also be looking at reversed decades of US policy training local forces to clear on one of the most sensitive is- improvised explosive devices sues in the Israeli-Palestinian (IEDs) and holding territory to conflict. help ensure that Islamic State Palestinians want the capital does not retake territory. “It is of an independent Palestinian an attempt to move towards the state to be in the city’s eastern normalcy and that takes a lot of sector. support,” said Mattis. Most countries regard the It was not clear how many US status of Jerusalem as a matter diplomats would serve in Syria to be settled in an eventual Is- and when. The United States has raeli-Palestinian peace agree- suspended diplomatic relations ment, although that process is with Syria due to the civil war. now stalled. Assad’s forces, helped by Rus- A UN General Assembly sian air power and militias, have resolution passed on Dec 21 re- managed to re-establish control jected Trump’s Jerusalem dec- over most of Syria over the past laration. two years. The US-led coali- A total of 128 countries vot- tion battling Islamic State in ed for the UN resolution. Nine Syria has repeatedly said it does opposed it and 35 abstained. not seek to fi ght Assad’s forces, Twenty-one countries did not though Washington want the cast a vote. A wounded Palestinian demonstrator is evacuated during clashes with Israeli troops at a protest against US President Donald Trump’s decision, in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. president to step down. Libya to Fierce fi ghting kills dozens in northwest Syria ‘repair AFP Sama’s Facebook page con- outside the enclave, which has Al-Tamana, Syria fi rmed Karam Qabisho had died. been besieged for four years. A pipeline “The air strikes haven’t been crowd of residents gathered at that intense in months in this night around the ambulances ntense fi ghting killed dozens area,” said Abdel Rahman, add- to see their relatives and neigh- soon’ of people on the edge of the ing that the immediate goal of bours one last time. Ilast Syrian province entirely the latest regime push was to Red Crescent nurses attend- outside government control as retake control of the southeast ed to Marwa, a 26-year-old Reuters aid workers completed a series of the province. woman suff ering from menin- Benghazi of medical evacuations from The Islamic State group, gitis, who was being stretch- another rebel-held area yester- which proclaimed a “caliphate” ered onboard and given respi- day. over swathes of Syria and Iraq in ratory assistance.Among the ibya will probably start Government and allied forces 2014, has now lost almost all the patients who made it out were repairs today or tomorrow backed by Russian warplanes land it once controlled. Fahed al-Kurdi, a 30-year-old Lon a crude oil pipeline that took on mostly fi ghters in an But other factions opposed to man with cancer, and Zuheir was blown up earlier this week, a area straddling the border be- the regime of President Bashar Ghazzawi, a 10-year-old boy Libyan oil offi cial said. tween Idlib and Hama prov- al-Assad still control pockets who also has cancer and had a An explosion on Tuesday inces. scattered across Syria, the larg- leg amputated. about 130km south of the Es The fi ghting, which could est one being Idlib province, The Observatory said the pa- Sider terminal cut Libya’s oil signal the start of a major off en- which borders Turkey. tients were evacuated as part of output by 70,000 to 100,000 sive to wrest Idlib province from Another is Eastern Ghouta, a a deal that saw the rebels who barrels per day, according to the rebels dominated by a former small enclave east of the capital control Eastern Ghouta release state oil company NOC, the par- Al Qaeda affi liate, escalated on Damascus, which is control- hostages and prisoners. ent fi rm of Waha, the pipeline Thursday. led mostly by rebels from the There were also 29 of them, and oilfi eld operator. Since then, at least 68 people Jaish al-Islam group and where including workers who were de- On Thursday, Waha said its have been killed in the ongo- around 400,000 residents still tained earlier this year and pro- chairman and other senior ex- ing clashes centred around an live.The humanitarian situ- government fi ghters captured ecutives had inspected the site area called Al-Tamana, said the ation there has deteriorated by rebels in the area, in some which lies in an area of south- Syrian Observatory for Human sharply in recent months and cases years ago. eastern Libya. Rights. yesterday aid workers complet- The International Committee Among them were at least 21 ed a series of medical evacua- of the Red Cross welcomed the civilians, said Rami Abdel Rah- Syrians inspect a damaged shop following reported air strikes yesterday, in the city of Maarat Al-Numan tions of some of the most criti- evacuation as “a positive step”. UNREST man, who heads the Britain- in the Idlib province. cal cases. “But more needs to be done. IS claims role for based war monitor. The last 13 in a group of 29 The needs of civilians should attack in North Sinai They were killed in air strikes he added. Abdel Rahman said the front line said aerial activity pickup trucks loaded down with priority patients were evacu- come first, be it in Ghouta or carried out by Russian war- the latest deaths brought the was intense and the entire area bags and furniture on the roads ated, together with 56 members elsewhere in Syria, and ac- Islamic State claimed responsibility planes and by barrel bombs number of civilians killed in the rocked by frequent air strikes. towards the city of Idlib. of their entourage, during the cess to aid should be allowed yesterday for an attack on a bank dropped by Syrian aircraft, he area since Monday to 42 and the Through loudspeakers, rebel Southeast of Al-Tamana, a night of Thursday to yester- on a more regular basis and in Egypt’s North Sinai, according to said. death toll among combatants to leaders warned remaining civil- Syrian cameraman working for day, a health offi cial in Eastern without conditions,” said the a statement posted via its online Twenty-seven soldiers and 90. ians that Muslim prayers yes- a pro-regime TV network Sama Ghouta said. ICRC’s Syria chief Marianne agency Amaq, without providing members of allied paramilitary The intensifying fi ghting in terday were cancelled and all was killed yesterday when his They were deemed among the Gasser. evidence for its claim. Militants units were killed in the fi ghting the area appeared to signal the residents should stay home. crew was targeted by “terror- most pressing cases on a list of The deal had raised concern, killed two people, at a bank in the as well as 20 rebels from Islam- start of a government off ensive Hundreds of civilians fl ed the ists” near the village of Umm around 500 people the United including from UN envoy Jan town of El-Arish in North Sinai on ist groups or from former Al in Idlib province. scattering of villages in the area, Haratain, state news agency Nations said last month could Egeland, that sick civilians were Thursday. Qaeda affi liate Fateh al-Sham, An AFP correspondent near creating queues of cars and SANA said. die without urgent treatment being used as bargaining chips. Gulf Times Saturday, December 30, 2017 5 AFRICA Court delivers Zuma

impeachment blow Zuma: the top court’s ruling is expected to pile pressure on the beleaguered leader to resign ahead of the end of his term as state AFP recommendations made by ing removal of the president ... numerous damning court judg- “This is going to be an acid test president in 2019. Johannesburg the country’s anti-corruption constitutes a violation” of the ments against him. of the new leadership of the ANC watchdog in 2014 over refurbish- constitution, the court said. Yesterday’s ruling is expected and parliament,” said Mufamadi, said the ruling had left Zuma analyst and author of the book ments at his personal home in the It ordered that the National to pile pressure on the belea- who is now director of the School exposed and put the ANC under When Zuma Goes, said that the outh Africa’s top court eastern KwaZulu-Natal province Assembly “must comply” with guered leader to resign ahead of of Leadership at the University pressure to act against him. judgment would strengthen the has ruled that parliament that misused $15mn (€12mn) of the constitution and make rules the end of his term as state presi- of Johannesburg. “Parliament “He has reached a point at position of those seeking to re- Shad failed to hold Presi- taxpayers’ money. that could be used for the re- dent in 2019. has the authority to remove him which he is like Saddam Hussain move Zuma. dent Jacob Zuma accountable The scandal came to a dra- moval of the president “without Zuma was succeeded by his ... not to protect an errant presi- in a hole and there is no other “Zuma is on his way out, the for using public money for pri- matic climax when the Consti- delay”. deputy Cyril Ramaphosa in a dent.” chamber to go except to come only diff erence is how ANC vate home upgrades, a move that tutional Court last year found the Defeated in court and facing tightly fought contest in which The ANC’s deputy secretary out. He’s got to come out now,” members will negotiate with could lead to impeachment pro- president guilty of violating his mounting public criticism, Zuma his former wife Nkosazana general Jessie Duarte said that said COPE leader Mosiuoa Le- him. It’s going to take negotia- ceedings. oath of offi ce by refusing to pay later relented and paid $500,000, Dlamini-Zuma also ran. the party had noted the ruling kota. tions with Zuma to so that he can Opposition parties had gone to back the cash. a sum set by the treasury follow- Sydney Mufamadi, an ANC and would “discuss its full impli- In a statement the National leave offi ce,” Mathekga said. the Constitutional Court to argue “We conclude that (National) ing last year’s ruling. stalwart who has known Zuma cations” when the party’s deci- Assembly said it had “already The main opposition Demo- that the speaker of parliament Assembly did not hold the presi- In power since 2009, Zuma for decades, said that the presi- sion-making National Executive initiated a process, as part of its cratic Alliance party has said it failed to enforce the appropriate dent to account,” said Constitu- stepped down last week as presi- dent would not step aside be- Committee meets on January 10. overhaul of rules” to put in place will seek to have its parliamen- processes to censure Zuma over tional Court judge Chris Jafta. dent of the ruling African Na- cause he had no “sense of shame” One of the opposition parties a procedure for removing a sit- tary motion of impeachment the scandal. “The failure by the National tional Congress (ANC) party and called on parliament to act that took the matter to court, ting president. against Zuma “re-tabled” as Zuma had failed to abide by Assembly to make rules regulat- after a 10-year term marked by following the judgment. Congress of the People (COPE), Ralph Mathekga, a political soon as possible.

Uganda charges 45 Rwandans with ‘terrorism’ Liberia VP concedes presidential race Uganda has charged 45 Rwandans with terrorism following their arrest at the Reuters run-off with 61.5% of the vote, based on ola outbreak from 2014-16 and a drop in border with Tanzania earlier this Monrovia more than 98% of the ballots cast. the price of iron ore. month, a police spokesman said But the man who won international A falling out with Boakai’s support- yesterday. acclaim at AC Milan, Paris Saint Ger- ers, which saw Johnson Sirleaf’s own “We arrested 43 Rwandan iberia’s vice-president Joseph main and other top European clubs fac- Unity Party accuse her of interfering in suspects at the border with Boakai conceded defeat yesterday es stiff challenges at home after a cam- the fi rst round of the election – charges Tanzania on December 11. On Lin a presidential election run-off paign in which he provided few specifi c she denied – has also left lingering bad further investigations two other to former soccer star George Weah, policy proposals. feelings. suspects were arrested,” police easing the country further towards its Johnson Sirleaf’s 12-year rule ce- “Ellen corrupted this country,” said spokesman Emilian Kayima told fi rst democratic transition of power in mented peace after Liberia’s 1989-2003 Victor Smith, an IT consultant and AFP. decades. civil war and won her the 2011 Nobel Boakai supporter, after the concession Boakai: Even though I will not be the All have been charged “with Boakai’s concession avoids the kind Peace Prize but she has been criticised speech. “It is a bad thing that Weah was captain of the ship, it is my fervent carrying forged documents, false of protracted legal challenge that fol- over high-level corruption scandals and elected. He lacks the experience. He desire that the ship of state always sails identities and the serious charge lowed the fi rst round of the election and persistent poverty. never gave a platform. He doesn’t have smoothly. of terrorism as their intentions delayed the run-off by over a month. Liberia ranks 177 out of 188 countries the skills to be a leader.” were pointing to that”, he said Weah will succeed Ellen Johnson on the UN Human Development Index On Thursday, Johnson Sirleaf an- It will co-ordinate the democratic without providing more details. Sirleaf as president next month. and nearly two-thirds of the population nounced plans to form a joint presiden- transfer of power, Liberia’s fi rst since The suspects are being detained “Even though I will not be the cap- lives below the poverty line. tial transition team with the president- 1944, and ensure Weah is provided with at Nalufenya prison, east of the tain of the ship, it is my fervent de- Development was also hit by the Eb- elect. regular national security briefi ngs. capital Kampala, which is often sire that the ship of state always sails used to jail those accused of smoothly,” Boakai, dressed all in black, terrorism or involvement with told about 100 supporters at his party rebel groups. headquarters in the capital Monrovia. The suspects had been living “I called George Weah to congratu- in Uganda and claim they late him as winner in the presidential were travelling to Tanzania as contest,” he said, speaking softly to evangelists. muted applause. “We must work to But Rwanda says they are unite our people because Liberia is big- members of the Rwanda National Weah: faces stiff challenges at home ger than all of us.” Congress, an opposition party after a campaign in which he provided Preliminary results announced on in exile led by former allies few specific policy proposals. Thursday showed Weah won Tuesday’s of President Paul Kagame, that Kigali deems a terrorist organisation. Neighbours Rwanda and Uganda have a fractious relationship, with their leaders competing for South Sudan troops raid regional influence. Rwanda has long blamed Uganda for harbouring dissidents. home of ex-army chief

Mali govt resigns Reuters recruiting men from Aweil to fi ght in Kampala ethnic militias while also commanding to allow reshuff le the military, according to UN experts. But Kiir fi red Malong, also a Dinka, in Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye outh Sudanese troops raided the May after a power struggle and put him Idrissa Maiga and his government home of the exiled former army under house arrest in the capital Juba resigned yesterday, the Scommander, relatives said yes- amid fears he might start a revolt from president’s off ice said, without terday, after his rival was named to Aweil. giving a reason. command troops in his home region to Malong loyalists started joining Maiga is widely expected either counter any threats he might pose to rebels and in November, Kiir released to serve as President Ibrahim the government. Malong to exile in Kenya. Boubacar Keita’s campaign Soldiers and National Security Thursday’s alleged raid unfolded af- director for next year’s agents entered the compound belong- ter the appointment of Malong’s long- presidential election or to run in ing to Paul Malong and assaulted a time rival, General Dau Auterjong, to Keita’s place. neighbour while searching for weap- the top military post in Aweil. The president will soon name a ons, said a relative who witnessed the He had rebelled against Malong’s new government, his off ice said alleged incident in the town of Malu- army from 2014 until last year, when he in the statement. alkhon in the Aweil region. rejoined the government. It will be the fifth to serve under A second Malong family member Auterjong’s appointment “turns the Keita since his election in 2013. confi rmed the raid. screws” on Malong by undercutting his Usually fewer than half the Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang military strength in Aweil, according to ministers appointed to a new said he had “no offi cial information” South Sudan researcher Alan Boswell. government have served in the that security forces raided Malong’s “Malong was ready for a fi ght when previous cabinet. house. he was fi red. Now his ability to chal- Keita’s presidency has been Oil-rich South Sudan has been at lenge Kiir is much weaker,” Boswell dominated by security challenges war since 2013, when forces loyal to said. posed by Islamist militants in former vice-president Riek Machar, an In September, the United States northern and central Mali, who ethnic Nuer, began fi ghting with troops sanctioned Malong for his role in the have regrouped since a French loyal to President Salva Kiir, a Dinka. civil war, which has killed tens of thou- military intervention in 2013 to The confl ict has split the nation into sands of people, displaced a third of the wage regular attacks on troops, a patchwork of ethnic fi efs. population, and pushed parts of South UN peacekeepers and civilians. Malong had buttressed his power by Sudan into famine.

Anti-Kabila activists freed from prison

AFP They were sentenced to fi ve months in the restive Kasai region of the Con- Kinshasa in prison for organising “an anarchic go. march” and inciting “civil disobedi- The vote has since been scheduled ence” on July 31 in Lubumbashi. for December 23, 2018. hree pro-democracy activists The activists said the march was Another activist arrested over the have been released after spend- intended to call on the country’s elec- July march, Timothee Mbuya, was ex- Ting fi ve months in prison in the toral commission to quickly announce pected to appeal his 12-month jail sen- Democratic Republic of the Congo the date of long-delayed elections. tence yesterday. over a protest march against President The vast country has weathered un- Kabila, who took power after his fa- Joseph Kabila, their organisation said rest and violence over the date of its ther Laurent was assassinated in 2001 yesterday. next polls after Kabila refused to step at the height of the Second Congo War, Jean Mulenda, Jean-Pierre Tsh- down on the expiry of his second and is banned by the constitution from isitshabu, and Patrick Mbuya have left fi nal term in 2016. running for a third term. Kasapa central prison in the country’s Under a compromise deal, elections A protest campaign led by the coun- second-largest city Lubumbashi, hu- were then supposed to take place by try’s opposition has been met with a man rights organisation Justicia ASBL December 2017, but were repeatedly police crackdown that has led to fatali- said in a statement. postponed – offi cially due to violence ties and arrests. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, December 30, 2017 AMERICAS Trump strident on border wall, climate

Reuters 12.7 C and minus 6.6 C through Washington today. Trump’s missive quickly drew Twitter eye-rolls from S President Donald many users exasperated that Trump said yesterday the Republican US president Uhe would not consider could use cold weather to mock reinstating an immigration the science behind climate programme that protected change. young people from deportation “Weather is not the same as without a commitment from climate,” tweeted Representa- Democrats to help build a wall tive Pramila Jayapal of Wash- on the border with Mexico and ington state.”The president end certain immigration pro- should be able to understand grammes. that. It isn’t hard.” The debate on immigration Jon Foley, executive direc- will be a pivotal issue in Wash- tor of the California Academy Fire Department of New York personnel work on the scene of an apartment fire in the Bronx borough of New York City. ington in early 2018 ahead of of Sciences, wrote: “Believe it midterm congressional elec- or not, global climate change is tions in November. very real even if it’s cold outside In September, Trump ended Trump Tower right now.” the Deferred Action for Child- “Just like there is still hunger hood Arrivals (DACA) pro- in the world, even if you just gramme, which protected had a Big Mac.” young people from deportation The Washington Post’s Capi- who had been brought to the tal Weather Gang on Wednes- Deadly blaze ‘caused by United States illegally as chil- day had tweeted: “US to be dren, and gave Congress until coldest region in world relative March to devise a long-term to normal over next week.” solution. “Please note rest of world Democrats have pushed for will be much warmer than nor- DACA to continue, but Trump, mal lest anyone try to claim a Republican, has said that will pocket of cold in US debunks boy playing with stove’ not happen without the end to global warming, which they various visa programmes and will invariably and irresponsi- Firefighters have concluded that a four children in the city’s deadliest blaze in fi xed or replaced or whether it had played earn less than the US poverty threshold, ac- the construction of a wall along bly do,” the weather reporters child was playing with the burners on at least a quarter of a century. The fi re broke any role in the fi re. cording to the US Census Bureau. the southern US border. said. a stove out a little before 7pm. “The building owner, the building man- One witness, Rafael Gonzalez, who lives “The Democrats have been Trump, 71, has dismissed EST (midnight GMT) on Thursday on the ager is supposed to make sure that all those across the street from the engulfed build- told, and fully understand, that global warming as a Chinese Agencies fi rst fl oor of a brick building and quickly basic safety precautions are in place,” de ing, told WCBS he saw some youths on a fi re there can be no DACA without hoax, vowed to quit the 2015 New York spread upstairs, killing people on multiple Blasio said, when asked about the viola- escape of the burning building. the desperately needed WALL Paris accord and tapped fossil fl oors, the New York City Fire Department tions. “What woke me up was the smoke, be- at the Southern Border and an fuel allies to key environmental said. He cautioned against speculation while cause I thought it was my building,” he said. END to the horrible Chain Mi- posts. three-year-old boy playing with “We’ve lost 12 people and we could lose the fi re department investigated the cause. The building is in the Belmont section of the gration & ridiculous Lottery His administration also burners on a stove ignited the fast- more,” Mayor Bill de Blasio, who visited the New York City is undergoing a bitter cold Bronx, a primarily residential, close-knit System of Immigration etc,” dropped climate change from Amoving fi re that tore through a New scene of the fi re, told CNN in a morning snap with temperatures in the low-teens neighborhood known as the “Little Italy” of Trump posted on Twitter yes- the list of national security York apartment building, killing 12 people, interview. “Some are still fi ghting for their Fahrenheit (minus teens Celsius) and high the borough, near Fordham University and terday. threats. including four children, the city’s fi re de- lives. It’s a horrible tragedy.” winds, which according to one media re- the Bronx Zoo. Representatives for Sen- In Canada, fi refi ghters saw partment chief said yesterday. Children ages 1, 2 and 7 died along with port, stoked fl ames inside the building as It was the deadliest fi re in the city since ate Democratic Leader Chuck water at times freeze in their “We found that this fi re started in a kitch- four men and four women, local media re- residents fl ung open doors and windows. an arsonist torched a Bronx nightclub in Schumer and House Democrat- hoses as they battled an over- en on the fi rst fl oor. It started from a young ported. An unidentifi ed boy also died. Wherever fi re hoses were sprayed, the 1990, killing 87 people inside the venue that ic Leader Nancy Pelosi said they night blaze south of Montreal, boy, three and a half years old, playing with Authorities said fi refi ghters rescued 12 ground was covered with sheets of ice, ac- did not have fi re exits, alarms or sprinklers, would not negotiate the issue in in Quebec province. the burners on the stove,” Fire Department people from the building and four people cording to a NY1 reporter. Two of the dead the New York Times reported. the media but looked forward Environment Canada in- Commissioner Daniel Nigro told reporters. were in the hospital in critical condition. were found in a bathtub, according to cable In 2007 10 immigrants from Mali, in- to serious talks after lawmakers creased the number of extreme “The fi re got started, the mother was not More than 160 fi refi ghters responded to news channel NY1. cluding nine children, died after a space return to work in Washington cold warnings around the aware of it, she was alerted by the young the four-alarm blaze. “People were screaming, and that’s heater caught fi re in a Bronx building. early next month. country, bulletins issued only man screaming,” he said. Mayor Bill de Bla- The building, with 26 apartments, has at how we knew there was trouble,” eye- The number of civilian fi re fatalities in The Senate is set to resume when the cold “creates an ele- sio said yesterday: “It seems like a horrible least six open building code violations, ac- witness Kimberly Wilkins told WCBS New York City in 2016 dropped to 48, the its work January 3 while the US vated risk to health such as frost tragic accident.” cording to city records. One violation was television.”People were screaming, ‘Fire! fewest in the 100 years since record-keep- House of Representatives re- bite and hypothermia”. Investigators in New York City searched for a broken smoke detector in an apart- Help! Fire! Help!” ing began, the fi re department said on its starts its session January 8. Thursday morning the ther- early yesterday for the cause of an apart- ment on the fi rst fl oor, reported in August. The building is in a poor section of the website. Data on 2017 fi re fatalities was not Trump promised to build a mometer plunged to minus ment fi re that killed 12 people including It was not clear if the detector had been Bronx, where roughly one-half of residents immediately available. border wall as a presidential 40 C in Geraldton, in north- candidate and has continued to ern Ontario province. “And press for it publicly. He has also that’s not considering the called for an additional “merit wind chill factor,” said me- based” assessment for US visa teorologist Alexandre Parent recipients. with Environment Canada. US President Donald Trump “We have to go back in 1993 to NY police poised to thwart bombers on Thursday made light of cli- see this kind of weather in On- mate change science as an Arc- tario and Quebec,” he said. tic chill settled on much of the Ice crystals fell in the north- Reuters starting Friday. other entertainment up close in central and northeastern Unit- western city of Whitehorse New York “We owe it to the cops to give Times Square will have to pass by ed States and Canada, forcing when rain fell amid freezing them some kind of guidelines,” dogs trained to detect explosives people indoors, stranding mo- wind. The Arctic temperatures Waters said. and heavily armed offi cers, go torists with dead car batteries are expected to last into early he New York Police Depart- The training material will in- through a magnetometer to check and complicating fi refi ghting 2018, Environment Canada said. ment is providing offi cers clude instructions on protect- for weapons, have their bags in- duties. Health Canada warned that ex- Twith specialised training to ing bystanders if offi cers suspect spected, and then repeat all those In the US, the National posed skin could freeze in less stop any suicide bombers at Sun- someone has a bomb and guid- steps a second time. Weather Service said that “dan- than 10 minutes in places where day’s New Year’s Eve celebration, ance on apprehending and dis- Police will again use dump gerously cold temperatures and temperatures were approaching when up to 2mn people will fl ood arming suspects with the assist- trucks fi lled with sand, police cars wind chills” were pummelling minus 35 C. Canadian home- the streets of Times Square, offi - ance of the bomb squad, he said. and cement blocks to close streets much of the central and eastern less shelters struggled to keep cials said on Thursday. Police will also be on the look- starting at 11am on Sunday. About part of the country. up with the demand for services The stepped-up training is in out for snipers in response to the 125 parking garages in the vicin- “In the East, it could be the and issued special appeals for response to an attempted bomb- mass shooting at a Las Vegas mu- ity will be emptied of all cars and COLDEST New Year’s Eve on donations of warm clothes. ing in a Times Square subway sta- sic festival on Oct. sealed. record,” Trump tweeted from This month’s cold wave caps tion walkway on December 11. 1, when a 64-year-old Ameri- Even so, police acknowl- his Mar a Lago resort in Florida, a year that saw ferocious hur- It comes on top of increasingly can opened fi re from his 32nd- edged a possible suicide bomb- where he is on holiday vacation. ricanes, heat waves, fl oods and stringent security for the city’s New York Police Department Counterterrorism Bureau members fl oor hotel room, killing 58 people er could manage to get close to “Perhaps we could use a lit- wildfi res wreak global havoc. New Year’s Eve celebration in the stand in Times Square. and wounding some 500. large crowds of people before tle bit of that good old Global Trump has previously de- years since the attacks of Septem- Detectives posted in hotels will the checkpoints are set up, as Warming that our Country, but nied that global warming ex- ber 11, 2001. 15 months, in addition to their clude over 1,000 cameras in and keep an eye on guests, and ad- evident by the December 11 at- not other countries, was going ists at all, once claiming that it The New York Police Depart- ongoing analysis of all attacks around the area of Times Square ditional emergency services and tack. to pay TRILLIONS OF DOL- was created by China in order to ment will also deploy observation worldwide. for the event,” the NYPD’s chief of critical response teams will be on On that day, police said, a Bang- LARS to protect against. Bun- make US manufacturing non- teams trained to spot snipers, in- That intelligence will form part counterterrorism, James Waters, hand, Police Commissioner James ladeshi man set off a homemade dle up!” competitive. crease the number of explosive- of the massive security operation told a news conference, two days O’Neill said. pipe bomb strapped to his body In New York, Governor An- In June, the 71-year-old an- detecting dogs and position more for the “ball drop” celebration, a before the event. O’Neill declined to say how in a subway pedestrian tunnel drew Cuomo earlier warned nounced he would begin pull- offi cers throughout the area this tradition that dates to 1907 and is Offi cers involved in the New many of the department’s 36,000 beneath Times Square, wounding residents to prepare for “dan- ing the US out of the Paris cli- year. now televised around the world. Year’s Eve security operation will offi cers will work on New Year’s himself and two bystanders. gerously cold weather,” with mate deal but has suggested he Police have said they will incor- “You will see an increase in receive a tactical bulletin and a Eve, in order to keep would-be at- Asked how to stop someone below-normal temperatures is willing to consider a “fair” porate lessons learned from what heavy weapons, bomb squad training video on suicide bombers tackers guessing. with such an intent, Waters said, expected to be between minus agreement. they have labelled as three terror- personnel, radiological detection that they will be able to review on People who want to see the “As a last resort: deadly physical ist attacks in the city in the past teams, and our technology to in- their department-issued phones New Year’s Eve musical acts and force”. Peruvians protest pardon to Fujimori Violence erupted as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Peru on Thursday to protest the recent pardon of ex-dictator Alberto Fujimori. In the capital Lima, protesters chanted “Fujimori never again” as they marched towards the country’s Supreme Court. President targets Amazon in call to postal service Violence broke out between demonstrators and police during protests in other major cities including Arequipa, Chiclayo and Trujillo.According to the television channel RPP, protesters in Lima Reuters Post Offi ce, which is losing receive tax dollars for operating per that Trump has repeatedly Representatives for the White tried to approach the Centenario clinic, in the district of Pueblo Washington many billions of dollars a year, expenses, according to its web- railed against in his criticisms House, the US Postal Service Libre, where Fujimori has been hospitalised since Saturday with while charging Amazon and site. of the news media. and Amazon were not immedi- complaints of blood pressure problems. Fujimori ruled Peru from others so little to deliver their The organisation makes up a In tweets over the past year, ately available for comment. 1990 to 2000 before fleeing massive corruption and human rights S President Donald packages, making Amazon rich- signifi cant portion of the $1.4tn Trump has said the “Amazon According to the US Postal abuse charges. After being extradited from Chile in 2007 and Trump targeted Amazon er and the Post Offi ce dumber US delivery industry. Other Washington Post” fabricated Service’s annual report, the jailed for six years for abuse of power, he received another 25-year Uyesterday in a call for the and poorer? Should be charging players include United Parcel stories. He has said Amazon agency lost $2.74bn this year, sentence in 2009 for human rights abuses committed during his country’s postal service to raise MUCH MORE!” Trump wrote Service Inc and Fedex Corp. does not pay fair taxes and so and its defi cit, from when it was rule, including ordering the massacre of 25 people. Peru’s President prices of shipments in order to on Twitter. Amazon was founded by Jeff hurts other retailers, part of a spun off into an independent Pedro Pablo Kuczynski says that Fujimori, 79, was pardoned on recoup costs, picking another The US Postal Service, which Bezos, who remains the chief pattern by the former business- agency in 1971, has ballooned Sunday due to failing health, but critics say the move was the result fi ght with the online retail giant runs at a big loss, is an inde- executive offi cer of the retail man of periodically turning his to $61.86bn. In 2016, the USPS of a secret deal between Fujimori’s son, an opposition politician, and he has criticised in the past. pendent agency within the fed- company. Bezos also owns the ire on big American companies lost $5.59bn and had a total def- the president, who recently survived an impeachment vote. “Why is the United States eral government and does not Washington Post, a newspa- since taking offi ce in January. icit of $55.98bn. Gulf Times Saturday, December 30, 2017 7 ASIA/AUSTRALAISA

CHINESE CELEBRATION ACQUITTAL LEGAL CORRUPTION NATURE Drone-flying camera crew Trial of long-time Chinese Vietnam executive facing Indonesia volcano freed from jail in Myanmar rights activist postponed death penalty for graft in ‘biggest’ eruption

Foreign and local journalists jailed for flying a The trial of detained Chinese rights activist An oil executive who was allegedly kidnapped Indonesia’s Mount Sinabung volcano experienced drone near Myanmar’s parliament were freed Qin Yongmin has been postponed, his lawyer by Vietnamese security forces while on the run its biggest eruption of the year this week, spew- yesterday after spending two months in prison, confirmed yesterday. Qin had been scheduled to in Berlin has been charged with a second capital ing clouds of gas and showering ash into the sky, in a case that spiked alarm over an increasingly stand trial in the central city of Wuhan for “incit- crime amid a corruption crackdown in the state- a local off icial said yesterday. The volcano, which dangerous climate for reporters in the country. ing subversion of state power,” but his trial has owned energy sector. Trinh Xuan Thanh, former roared back to life in 2010 after four centuries of Lau Hon Meng from Singapore and Mok Choy now been postponed indefinitely, his lawyer Liu chairman of PetroVietnam Construction (PVC), a silence, has been erupting steadily since 2015, dis- A statue of a dog, with a resemblance to US Lin from Malaysia were on assignment for Turkish Zhengqing told DPA. Liu said the court didn’t give subsidiary of the state oil company PetroVietnam placing more than 3,000 families. Wednesday’s President Donald Trump, is seen outside a shop- state broadcaster TRT when they were detained a reason for postponing the trial. “They postpone Group (PVN), has already been charged with eruption “was the biggest eruption this year, given ping mall in Taiyuan, China, yesterday. A mall has in late October along with Myanmar journalist it if they want to, and they hold the proceeding if embezzling almost $150mn from his former em- the reach of the pyroclastic flow and the size of once again installed animal statue with more than Aung Naing Soe and driver Hla Tin. Expecting to they want to,” Liu said.”We can’t fathom it out.” Qin ployer. He was charged in an unrelated corruption the area covered by the ashes”, local disaster a passing resemblance to Trump. This time, in receive a fine, they confessed to flying the drone and his wife, Zhao Suli, disappeared in January scandal over the alleged underselling of shares agency chief Nata Nail told AFP. Thousands were anticipation of the coming Year of the Dog, the but were instead sentenced to two months in jail 2015. Qin was formally indicted in June 2016, but in a building project in Hanoi in 2009 and 2010. aff ected by the shower of volcanic ashes on the cocky rooster of last winter has been replaced under Myanmar’s aircraft act. They were freed authorities have never addressed questions about Both crimes warrant execution in Vietnam, mean- island of Sumatra but no one was severely injured with a smirking canine. from a jail north of the capital yesterday. Zhao’s whereabouts. ing he could receive two death sentences. because the dangerous zone was vacated earlier. After US criticism, China says no illicit oil sales to N Korea

Reuters ed South Korean government port in other countries but the view, Trump explicitly tied his The Lighthouse Winmore, chartered by Taiwanese company Billions Bunker Group Corp, is seen at sea off Beijing/Washington sources as saying that US spy relevant media reports “did not administration’s trade policy South Korea’s Yeosu port. satellites had detected Chinese accord with facts”. with China to its perceived co- ships transferring oil to North operation in resolving the North engaged in such activity involv- hina yesterday denied Korean vessels about 30 times US spy satellites had Korea nuclear crisis. “When I ing refi ned petroleum and coal. S Korea seizes ship for oil transfer to North reports it has been illic- since October. detected Chinese ships campaigned, I was very tough “We have evidence that some of Citly selling oil products to US offi cials have not con- transferring oil to North on China in terms of trade. They the vessels engaged in these ac- South Korea briefly seized and in- said. The ship, chartered by Tai- North Korea, after US President fi rmed details of this report. Korean vessels about 30 made -- last year, we had a trade tivities are owned by companies spected a Hong Kong-registered wanese company Billions Bunker Donald Trump said he was not Chinese Foreign Ministry times since October defi cit with China of $350bn, in several countries, including ship in October for transferring Group Corp, previously visited happy that China had allowed oil spokeswoman Hua Chunying minimum. China,” the offi cial said, speak- oil products to a North Korean Yeosu on October 11 to load up to reach the isolated nation. told reporters she had noted re- “China has always imple- That doesn’t include the ing on condition of anonymity. vessel and breaching UN sanc- on Japanese refined oil before Trump said on Twitter the cent media reports including mented UN Security Council theft of intellectual property, The United States says the full tions, a foreign ministry off icial heading towards its purported previous day that China had suggestions a Chinese vessel resolutions pertaining to North OK, which is another $300bn,” cooperation of China, North Ko- said yesterday. The Lighthouse destination in Taiwan. Instead of been “caught” allowing oil into was suspected of transporting Korea in their entirety and fulfi ls Trump said, according to a tran- rea’s neighbour and main trading Winmore, which was chartered going to Taiwan, however, the North Korea and that would pre- oil to a North Korean vessel on its international obligations. We script of the interview. partner, is vital to the success of by a Taiwanese company and vessel transferred the oil to the vent “a friendly solution” to the October 19. never allow Chinese companies “If they’re helping me with eff orts to rein in North Korea, carrying around 600 tonnes of North’s Sam Jong 2 as well as to crisis over North Korea’s nuclear “The Chinese side has con- and citizens to violate the reso- North Korea, I can look at trade while warning that all options oil products from South Korea’s three other non-North Korean programme. ducted immediate investigation. lutions,” Hua said. a little bit diff erently, at least for are on the table, including mili- Yeosu port, transferred part of its vessels in international waters, “I have been soft on China In reality, the ship in question “If, through investigation, it’s a period of time. And that’s what tary ones, in dealing with it. cargo to a North Korean vessel the off icial said. “This marks because the only thing more has, since August, not docked confi rmed there are violations of I’ve been doing. But when oil is China has repeatedly said it on October 19, the off icial said. a typical case of North Korea important to me than trade is at a Chinese port and there is no the UN Security Council resolu- going in, I’m not happy about is fully enforcing all resolutions South Korean customs authori- shrewdly circumventing UN Se- war,” Trump said in a separate record of it entering or leaving a tions, China will deal with them that.” against North Korea, despite ties briefly seized and inspected curity Council sanctions by using interview with The New York Chinese port,” Hua said. seriously in accordance with An offi cial of the US State suspicion in Washington, Seoul the ship when it returned to its illegal networks”, the off icial Times. South Korea’s Chosun She said she was not aware laws and regulations.” Department said the US gov- and Tokyo that loopholes still Yeosu Port on November 24, he told journalists. Ilbo newspaper this week quot- if the vessel had docked at the In the New York Times inter- ernment was aware of vessels exist.

Australia expected to Sydney Harbour set for New Year’s Eve fireworks ease visa restrictions on foreign pilots

Reuters diately respond to request for Sydney comment. A relaxation of visa restrictions would be provide some relief to Australia’s rural he Australian govern- travellers, which have been be- ment is expected to re- set by frequent fl ight cancella- Tlax restrictions on visas tions. for foreign pilots as a national According to Australian gov- shortage sees planes grounded ernment data, 3% of domestic and fl ights cancelled, aviation fl ights were cancelled in No- offi cials said yesterday. Aus- vember, the highest monthly tralia earlier this year removed level in nearly six years. Can- pilots from a list of eligible cellations of Australian do- professions allowed to work in mestic fl ights hit a high of more the country as so-called skilled than 5% in December 2011 migrants amid a crackdown to when a volcanic ash cloud from promote “Australia-fi rst”. Chile grounded fl ights. With a global shortage of The carriers that had the pilots, Australia’s interna- most cancellations were Vir- tional carriers have lost staff gin Australia Holdings Ltd and to competitors, forcing them QantasLink, the regional car- to recruit from domestic carri- rier of Qantas Airways Ltd, the ers, who are in turn employing data showed. Representatives trained pilots from smaller re- for both companies did not im- gional airlines. mediately respond to a request Unable to source enough pi- for comment. lots, Australia’s regional carri- Australia’s centre-right Hollywood star Hugh Jackman (left) poses for pictures with Lord Mayor Clover Moore (centre) and Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks director Fortunato Foti in front of ers have been forced to cancel government can ill-aff ord to barges loaded with fireworks ahead of the New Year’s Eve display in Sydney yesterday. Australia’s biggest New Year Eve fireworks will be watched by more than a million fl ights, but Mike Higgins, chief alienate rural voters, a central people at Sydney Harbour and a further one billion via a television audience. executive offi cer of the indus- voter block for Prime Minis- try body, the Regional Aviation ter Malcolm Turnbull, who is Association of Australia, said struggling to keep his grip onto the country’s government has power. told him it will ease restrictions Australia’s opposition Labor in January. Party welcomed the likely visa “The government has said relaxation but said the govern- Taiwan’s leader warns against Chinese ‘military expansion’ it will add pilots to the skilled ment must do more to improve migrant visa list in January the ability of locals to train as and they will be able to work pilots. “We need to make sure AFP ting more and more obvious”. China’s air force said then in Australia for two years,” said we can keep our planes in the Taoyuan, Taiwan According to Taiwan’s defence it was the fi rst time its aircraft Higgins. air, you can’t train pilots in just ministry, Chinese warplanes had fl own through the Tsushima Representatives for Austral- a day or a week or a month,” conducted 25 drills around Tai- Strait between South Korea and ia’s minister for home aff airs Anthony Albanese told report- aiwan’s President Tsai wan between August 2016 and Japan. Peter Dutton did not imme- ers yesterday. Ing-wen warned yesterday mid-December this year. There has also been inter- Tagainst what she called The latest known drill took national concern over large- China’s “military expansion” as place on December 20 when scale land reclamation by China Rainsy fined $1mn for defamation it ups drills around the island, several Chinese planes, includ- around disputed reefs in the but said she did not believe the ing fi ghters and bombers, passed South China Sea. Beijing claims two rivals would go to war. through the Bashi Channel south nearly all of the sea and has been Phnom Penh’s municipal court has found former opposition leader Beijing has stepped up pres- of Taiwan to the Pacifi c and turning reefs in the Spratly and Sam Rainsy guilty of defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen and slapped sure on Taiwan and relations have back. Earlier this year, China Paracel chains into islands, in- the exiled politician with a $1mn fine in damages. Judge Heng become increasingly frosty since sent its only aircraft carrier, the stalling military facilities and Sok found the former leader of the recently disbanded Cambodia Tsai took offi ce in May last year, Liaoning, through the Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen equipment in the area where National Rescue Party (CNRP) guilty of defamation and ordered him as she refuses to acknowledge Strait during a drill as a show of it has confl icting claims with to pay the fine to Hun Sen, as well as a $2,500 fine to the state, the Taiwan is part of “one China”. strength, but it did not enter Tai- decision makers”. “I think the tary force. (They) should rely on neighbours. government-aligned website Fresh News reported yesterday. China views self-ruling Tai- wanese waters. option of taking military action peaceful means to deal with dif- Tsai pledged yesterday to The defamation suit against Rainsy was filed by Hun Sen’s lawyer wan as part of its territory, to be Some military experts have against Taiwan is not part of their ferent opinions and positions,” strengthen Taiwan’s homegrown Kim Tuk on Janury 18 after the politician alleged that Hun Sen payed reunifi ed at some point. warned the increased drills may decision-making thinking at this she added. defence. “Taiwan cannot rely on $1mn to a former CNRP activist Thy Sovann to attack the opposition Tsai warned that China’s fre- suggest China is gearing up to time,” Tsai told an end-of-year Chinese jets fl ew over the Sea others to defend its sovereignty,” party. Rainsy, who fled Cambodia in 2016 following another defama- quent air and naval drills showed take over Taiwan by force. press conference. of Japan (East Sea) earlier this she said. “Taiwan is not big, but tion suit, was tried in absentia. that “its intentions for military But Tsai said she believed “Cross-strait issues defi nite- month, prompting South Korea our determination to defend our He currently resides in Paris. expansion in the region are get- Chinese leaders were “rational ly cannot be resolved by mili- and Japan to scramble jets. country and home is resolute.” Gulf Times 8 Saturday, December 30, 2017 BRITAIN/IRELAND

PROPOSAL DIET ENTERTAINMENT CRIME LAW AND ORDER NHS mulls expanding Cut food intake to 1,600 Blue Planet II chosen by TV Uproar as murder Teens charged over use of ‘drunk tanks’ calories a day, Brits urged critics as best show of 2017 suspect appears in court axe attack in Limavady

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays, In a bid to cut down obesity, men and women living Blue Planet II has been named the best television A 19-year-old man appeared in court charged A 15-year-old boy has been charged with often marked by over-indulgence, can be in Britain are being urged to reduce their intake programme of 2017 in a poll of TV critics. with the murder of a woman in Lisburn, attempted murder after an 18-year-old man a problem for the National Health Service. of calories to just 1,600 a day, according to new The seven-part wildlife series, narrated by Sir County Antrim, on Christmas Day. Nathan was struck with a hatchet in Limavady, County Amid a spike in hospital admissions caused health guidelines. The suggestions from Public David Attenborough, has proved a big success Ward, from Mornington Lane in Lisburn, is Londonderry. Police have also charged an 18-year- by alcohol consumption, the NHS yesterday Health England (PHE) – a government agency for the BBC and attracted more viewers than accused of murdering Jayne Toal Reet. There old man with attempted grievous bodily harm said it was considering rolling out so-called for preventing ill health – include 400 calories any other programme this year. In the poll of TV were emotional scenes in the gallery as Ward with intent following the attack at a property in “drunk tanks” to keep intoxicated people out for breakfast, 600 for lunch and 600 for dinner critics by the Radio Times, Blue Planet II beat the appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court Coolessan Walk on Thursday. The victim sustained of emergency treatment and waiting rooms. and this does not include drinks, the Daily Mail BBC police corruption drama Line of Duty and yesterday. The teenager appeared in the dock an injury to his upper body when he was hit with “Supervised areas where revellers who have reported. For those who follow this, 200 calories the US drama series Big Little Lies, which aired with both hands in plaster and both arms in a the weapon in the early hours of Thursday. Both over-indulged can be checked and even sleep in form of snacks can be taken. The new amount in the UK on Sky Atlantic. The list is dominated sling. The judge remanded him in custody and teenagers face multiple charges. The boy is also it off if necessary, rather than being taken to is below the current recommended daily intake by UK-made programmes, with the Channel he was led from the dock. A man and a woman accused of attempted intimidation, criminal casualty, are already used in some areas such of 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 for men. 4 comedy series Catastrophe, Peter Kay’s Car then rushed towards the dock, shouting at the damage, possession of an off ensive weapon with as Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester and Cardiff ,” a The new calorie guidelines – the One You nutrition Share, Broadchurch and Doctor Foster also in accused. Police had to intervene but calm was intent to commit an indictable off ence, assault on statement said. campaign – will be rolled out by PHE in March. the top 10. quickly restored. police and resisting police. Thatcher ‘had Winter weather wreaks fresh travel havoc warned Major over mistake on economy’

Guardian News and Media indeed, and she urged early and London large cuts in interest rates. “A reduction of 1% would not be enough. She believed there argaret Thatcher pri- was a danger of creating a mirror vately warned John Ma- image of ‘Lawson’ infl ation – a Mjor that he was in danger recession created by excessively of making a mistake of Churchil- high interest rates created by a lian proportions on exchange rate policy of targeting exchange rates policy and risked pitching the (though in fact she did not men- British economy into recession, tion the ERM explicitly,” recorded the Cabinet papers reveal. Turnbull in reference to the mon- Her warning to her anointed etary system set up in preparation successor as prime minister for the euro. A man throws a snowball in Buxton, yesterday. Heavy snow caused travel disruption to airports and roads as the country again grappled with the impact of wintry came 20 months before “Black “She believed there was a weather. Glasgow Airport briefly suspended operations around 9am after heavy snowfall, before reopening less than an hour later. Some flights were diverted to Wednesday”, when the pound danger of repeating Winston Edinburgh and the airport advised passengers to check with their airlines, as knock-on delays were expected. Scotland, Wales and the northern Midlands in England were crashed out of the European ex- Churchill’s historic error of fi x- the worst-hit areas, she added. change rate mechanism in Sep- ing the parity for the pound at too tember 1992. high a level.” The confi dential 1992 Cabinet This refers to Churchill’s infa- minutes released by the National mous 1925 decision, when he was Archives yesterday show that the chancellor, to return Britain to the ERM crisis sparked an upsurge in gold standard at the pre-war rate Euroscepticism on the Tory back- of $4.86 that led to depression, benches and that opposition to unemployment and the 1926 gen- the Maastricht treaty swelled to eral strike. “about 100 Conservative MPs”. “The prime minister pointed Minutes taken two weeks after out that for Churchill’s policy to MPs under fi re for Black Wednesday record that Ma- have worked it would have been jor’s Cabinet realised they were in necessary to secure actual reduc- danger “of getting into a position tions in the price level. The cur- where the Conservative party was rent situation was not remotely irrevocably split on this issue”. comparable,” continues the note The Tory opponents of ratify- for the record. ing the EU Maastricht Treaty, Major told Thatcher he hosting tobacco fi rms were to make Major’s political life agreed the economic situation a misery for the remainder of his was tough but warned “against Guardian News and Media minister, and Nigel Evans, the data from the House of Com- “Of course it’s important that When they are allowed to roam government. snatching at an interest rate re- London former deputy speaker, who mons authorities, which shows businesses are engaged in im- free in the corridors of power it is The warning from Thatcher duction at the fi rst opportunity” both held receptions for Philip hundreds of events MPs hosted plementing a health policy that hardly surprising that the public came in a private meeting in Ma- and believed “the prospects for Morris International in No- on behalf of private companies works for patients, but there loses faith in our democracy. jor’s room at the House of Com- getting infl ation down next year onservative and DUP vember 2016 and March 2017 and their lobbyists between inevitably will be questions “Most voters would fi nd it mons on January 1, 1990, – just were good”. MPs have been criticised respectively. July 2016 and July 2017. These from the public about whether hard to imagine being wined fi ve weeks into his premiership. But while Major did suc- Cfor hosting a string of The former MP Byron Dav- include a defence and arms ex- events like this are appropriate and dined in parliament, but The meeting was to explain to her ceed in bringing down infl ation, receptions, lunches and dinners ies held a reception with Brit- hibition, gambling companies, in the modern day. We need to for many corporations this kind why he believed her fl agship pol- helped by the discipline of ERM in parliament for tobacco com- ish American Tobacco in a drink companies and many oth- be certain that political parties of access is commonplace. To icy of the poll tax was politically membership, Thatcher’s warn- panies over the last 18 months. parliamentary dining room in ers. are setting their health policies tackle public distrust in politics unsustainable. ing that Britain had joined at too Labour said the events were November last year, and Craig Justin Madders, Labour’s according to what’s best for pa- MPs should consider spending But the confi dential note for high a rate would be vindicated inappropriate given the public Mackinlay, a Conservative MP, health spokesman, said: “Mem- tients, not under the infl uence of less time being courted by cor- the record taken by Andrew when Black Wednesday arrived. health risk posed by tobacco hosted a roundtable for the To- bers of parliament ought to be big business.” porations, and more time serv- Turnbull, who served as prin- Britain spent more than £6bn on companies, which sell ciga- bacco Manufacturers’ Associa- setting a lead on public health Alexandra Runswick, the di- ing their constituents.” cipal private secretary to both September 16, 1992, trying and rettes despite the government’s tion (TMA) in October last year. issues and, with such a well- rector of Unlock Democracy, a Most of the MPs did not re- the prime ministers, shows that failing to keep the pound within eff orts to make them less at- A fi fth MP, Ian Paisley of the established link between to- grassroots campaign for demo- turn requests for comment, but Thatcher immediately launched the ERM’s narrow limits. George tractive through high taxes, Democratic Unionist party, held bacco and poor health, it seems cratic reform, said: “Big corpo- Mackinlay, the MP for South into an attack on Major’s handling Soros was dubbed the man who plain packaging and graphic a tea with Japan Tobacco Inter- incongruous and unsettling for rations in the arms, gambling Thanet, defended his actions. of the economy. broke the Bank of England after health warnings. national (JTI) in a parliamen- so many tobacco companies to and tobacco industries are al- He said he feared it was “just “Thatcher said conditions in making £1bn profi t in the single The MPs include John Whit- tary dining room in July. be hosting events here in parlia- ready perceived as having an more grandstanding from La- the economy were very tough day. tingdale, a former Cabinet The hospitality is revealed in ment. undue sway over public policy. bour”. Nine more terror off ences Student most likely added to ULS scheme went into sea: police Guardian News and Media quiries have revealed there’s been London a degree of pre-planning to her Guardian News and Media Under the change, which will zens suspected of engaging in ter- disappearance and this, com- London take eff ect on January 29, sen- rorist-related activity abroad. The bined with her mental state and tences to punish those who tip orders make it unlawful for the olice believe a 21-year-old comments made the previous day, off the subject of a terrorist in- individual to come back without woman who went missing suggest the most likely scenario is embers of the public vestigation can be challenged. engaging with UK authorities. Pfrom her home on the Nor- that she has gone into the sea. will have the right to Punishments given in cases where Dominic Raab, the justice min- folk coast on Boxing Day is likely “The coastguard will be as- Mchallenge sentences someone learns of terrorist activ- ister, said: “We keep counter- to have gone into the sea. sisting in shoreline searches given to criminals who have been ity through their trade, profession terrorism powers under con- Sophie Smith has not been while the police helicopter has convicted of informing terrorists or employment but fails to report stant review. These changes will seen since leaving her family also been deployed to conduct that they are under investigation, the information to police could strengthen our ability to punish home in Gorleston, near Great coastline searches.” the government has announced. also be re-examined. and deter those who tip off indi- Yarmouth, in the early hours Smith’s mother, Lynn Shaw, Nine terror off ences have been The extension to the scheme viduals involved in terrorism, and of December 26. She was not previously said her daughter added to the unduly lenient sen- will also cover breaches of anti- reinforce the conditions imposed dressed for the cold weather, of- meant the world to her and asked tencing (ULS) scheme, which terror orders imposed to restrict by the authorities on individuals fi cers said, and they now believe her to “come home, please just gives anyone the power to ask the activities and movements of subject to monitoring, supervision her disappearance was planned. walk through the door”. the attorney general to review a suspects. The nine newly added or control.” Searches by the police and CCTV footage from shortly af- sentence. The nine include con- off ences include failure to comply Last year, a record 141 criminals local community have been ter Smith left her home showed victions for fl outing terror pre- with a terrorism prevention and had their sentences increased un- launched in recent days but her heading towards the sea- vention court orders and hoaxes investigation measure (TPIM) and der the ULS initiative, although they have been hampered by the front. There have been no other involving noxious substances. contravening a temporary exclu- the ministry of justice noted that weather. confi rmed sightings since then, Under the scheme, cases are sion order (TEO). this was a small proportion of Norfolk police said they were police said. Drummond said reviewed and can be sent to the TPIMs are used in cases where the 80,000 cases heard by crown continuing to search the coast- Smith had not used her bank ac- court of appeal, which then de- someone who is deemed to pose a courts. line. The University of East counts or her social media ac- termines whether the sentence threat to security cannot be pros- Jeremy Wright QC, the attor- Anglia student had been expe- counts since her disappearance. should stay the same or be in- ecuted or, in the case of foreign na- ney general, said: “While in the riencing severe anxiety and de- Smith is described as white, creased. tionals, deported. Subjects can be vast majority of cases sentenc- pression, offi cers said. She left about 5ft 8, and slim with shoul- The latest extension of the pro- relocated, made to wear an elec- ing judges get it right, the ULS home with no mobile phone and der-length blond hair. It is be- gramme follows the addition of tronic monitoring tag and have scheme gives anyone the ability wearing only a vest and shorts. lieved she was wearing a dark- 19 terror-related off ences to the limits placed on their use of com- to challenge sentences within the Inspector Will Drummond, coloured vest and light-coloured scheme in July, which also cov- puters and phones. scheme they think are too low and who is leading the search, said shorts. ers murder, rape and child sexual TEOs were created to disrupt I’m pleased that more off ences will Sophie had been receiving treat- Police have asked anyone with abuse convictions. and control the return of UK citi- now be included.” Dominic Raab: changes to deter those linked to terrorism ment for the illnesses. “Our in- information to contact them. Gulf Times Saturday, December 30, 2017 9 EUROPE

Russian activist beaten up Catalan parliament to be

AFP Moscow

prominent Russian en- formed on January 17 vironmental campaigner Awas severely beaten by Reuters/AFP His comments follow a December 21 re- The political instability in Catalonia, masked assailants and hospital- Madrid gional election that he hoped would quash which accounts for a fi fth of Spain’s econ- ised with injuries, a fellow activ- the Catalan independence movement and omy, has deterred tourists and prompted ist told AFP yesterday. so help resolve Spain’s worst political cri- more than 3,000 companies, including the Andrei Rudomakha, who pain’s prime minister said yester- sis in decades. region’s two biggest banks, to move their heads the Environmental Watch day that the new Catalan parliament Parties favouring a split with Spain in- legal headquarters elsewhere in Spain. on North Caucasus organisa- Sshould hold its maiden session on stead gained a slim majority, but they may Ciudadanos, which wants Catalonia tion in southern Russia, was January 17, the fi rst step in reinstating lo- struggle to form a government, as one to remain part of Spain and is led by Ines returning with several other cal government after Madrid fi red the old leader, Oriol Junqueras, is in custody in Arrimadas, gained the largest share of the people from a trip to inspect il- regional administration for illegally de- Madrid and the other, Carles Puigdemont, popular vote but unionist parties did not legal construction when three claring independence. in self-imposed exile in Brussels. win enough seats to govern by majority. men attacked them near a house Once the parliament is formed, poten- Both were fi red by Rajoy after they de- The result instead raises the question belonging to one of the group’s tial leaders of the regional government clared independence following a banned of a return to power for Puigdemont, who members, activist Alexander will put themselves forward for a vote of October 1 referendum on secession from campaigned from Brussels. Savelyev told AFP. confi dence, although it could take months Spain. Yesterday Rajoy denounced as “absurd” “They ran from behind, for a new government to emerge. “The only shadow looming over our the idea that ousted Puigdemont could sprayed him with pepper spray, “I hope that as soon as possible we will economy is the instability generated by govern from Belgium. then knocked him to the ground be able to have a Catalan government that the political situation in Catalonia,” said “It is absurd to pretend to be the presi- and kicked him in the face,” said is open to dialogue and able to relate to Rajoy, whose own centre-right party per- dent of a region when you live abroad, and Savelyev, who was present dur- all Catalans, not just half of them,” Prime formed miserably in the poll, in his speech even more absurd to pretend that you are Rajoy: I hope that as soon as possible we will be able to have a Catalan ing the attack late on Thursday. Minister Mariano Rajoy said in an end-of- from the prime minister’s palace in Ma- carrying out this function from abroad,” government that is open to dialogue and able to relate to all Catalans, not Rudomakha sustained the year address to the nation. drid. the prime minister said. just half of them most serious damage while an- other activist was also hit in the stomach and doused with pep- per spray, Savelyev said, add- ing that the three men had been waiting for the group and wore Turkey frees suspects linked to app used by Gulenists medical masks over their faces. Rudomakha was hospitalised with a broken nose, fractured Reuters app and has started investiga- in which 250 people were killed. Cases against 36 others in Ankara said it would issue a Since the coup attempt, more skull and moderate concussion, Istanbul tions into more than 23,000 of But he said he would ask for northwestern Yalova province decree calling for those released than 50,000 people, including Savelyev said, linking the at- them. the release of 1,000 suspects were being re-evaluated, it said. from prison to be returned to civil servants and security per- tack to the group’s inspection Ankara said many of those unless there was any other evi- The list of those to be released their jobs, state broadcaster TRT sonnel, have been jailed pend- of a construction project on the urkish authorities have were re-directed to ByLock un- dence against them. included a former Justice and Haber said. ing trial and some 150,000 sus- Black Sea shore earlier that day. begun freeing some sus- wittingly via a diff erent app de- Ankara prosecutor’s offi ce Development Party (AKP) mem- Authorities say ByLock was pended or dismissed from their “Their goal was to collect the Tpects arrested for in- veloped by the plotters of the said it would review the cases ber of parliament and the coach widely used by followers of US- jobs. material that we fi lmed,” he said, volvement in a coup attempt failed coup. of 11,480 suspects who were re- of a football team. based cleric Fethullah Gulen, Rights groups say the crack- adding that the attackers could after they found that thousands An arrest warrant was issued directed to ByLock without their An accountant from the op- who the government blames for down has been exploited to not have known where to wait had been unwittingly re-direct- for the developer of that app. consent. position newspaper Cumhuriyet, orchestrating the failed military muzzle dissent. without information provided ed to a messaging app used by Ankara’s chief prosecutor said Private broadcaster NTV said who was in jail for 267 days, was coup in which 250 people were The government says the by police or security services. the plotters, media outlets re- earlier this week that using By- 161 suspects in Istanbul, 27 in also among those released. killed. measures have been necessary “They took our backpacks and ported yesterday. Lock remains one of the biggest the capital Ankara, and 14 in The case against 17 other em- Gulen, who is based in Penn- due to the security threats which three cameras.” Turkey has identifi ed 215,000 indications of collaboration with southeastern province of Diyar- ployees of the newspaper con- sylvania, US, has denied any in- Turkey has faced since the failed He said the residence they had users of the ByLock messaging the plotters of the failed putsch bakir were freed. tinues. volvement. putsch. been inspecting is being built in a coastal forest area with no permit, not far from a luxurious property that has been linked to New Year events President Vladimir Putin. “They fenced off the forest, Berlin there is construction equip- ment, dogs, security guards, it’s all very serious,” Savelyev said, sets up convinced the new construction is also for a top government of- fi cial. safe party Environmental Watch has actively fought against illegally built villas on the Black Sea and zone for criticised construction in Sochi ahead of the Olympic Games in 2014 as environmentally de- women structive. Activists in the group have been attacked before and one Reuters former member, Yevgeny Vit- London ishko, spent nearly two years in prison for damaging a fence in a Above: People are seen yesterday near decorations for the New Year in Sevastopol, Crimea. forest. rganisers of Germany’s Left: People take part in a march yesterday, celebrating the coming New Year in Moscow. biggest New Year’s OEve party at Berlin’s 25 tonnes of toxic Below, left: People in bear skins parade yesterday as part of a New Year and winter festival in the Brandenburg Gate are setting up Romanian city of Vatra Dornei. a special safety zone for women waste found who have been assaulted or feel Below, right: Revellers dressed in mock military garb take part in the 200-year-old ‘Els Enfarinats’ threatened. Serbian police and the state festival battle in the southeastern Spanish town of Ibi. The move comes two years security agency have uncovered after hundreds of women were a massive stockpile of toxic waste groped, molested and robbed by and arrested the owner of the gangs of men during New Year’s company that illegally stored it, Eve festivities in Cologne. the government said yesterday. Hundreds of thousands of The 25 tonnes of waste, in poorly revellers are expected to fl ock to sealed barrels containing various Berlin’s “party mile” on Sunday chemicals including benzene and in front of the Brandenburg Gate toluene, was found in a privately- in the heart of the city. owned storage area in the The annual open air event Obrenovac municipality, around with fi reworks, live bands and 50km southwest of Belgrade. DJs, continues into the early The police action and an ongoing hours of the morning. clean-up eff ort averted “an Berlin police confi rmed that environmental catastrophe”, this year women would be able Goran Trivan, Serbia’s to seek help in an area staff ed by Environment Minister, told the German Red Cross. reporters. “The organisers have set up a Trivan said investigators were safety zone for women who have trying to ascertain whether been victims of a sexual off ense chemicals had seeped into the or are feeling harassed,” a police soil and contaminated wells. statement said. “No one will remain unpunished Anja Marx, a spokeswoman ... for failing to treat dangerous for the event, said there would waste in line with the law and for be a tented area with psycholo- endangering the health of the gists on hand. people,” he said. “We are doing this for the fi rst time,” she told the Thomson Re- uters Foundation by phone. “The police requested it after they did it at the Munich Oktoberfest this year and it worked out well.” Dutch police arrest six over violence at Rotterdam rally She said there had not been problems at previous New Year celebrations in Berlin. AFP Turkish consulate,” the pros- Turkish minister of family af- for calm after violence broke out ish community since the abor- Thursday, Erdogan nonetheless The assaults two years ago in The Hague ecutor’s offi ce said. “One of the fairs, Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya outside the Turkish consulate as tive coup against Erdogan in July said he hoped for an improve- Cologne shocked the country. suspects is also wanted for at- travelled to the Dutch port city marchers protested the ban on of last year, with complaints of ment in relations with Germany A police report described how tempted grievous bodily harm overland from neighbouring ministers appearing. intimidation against both pro- and the European Union in gen- women were surrounded by ix people, including two – this 36-year-old man is sus- Germany despite the ban on Dutch riot police intervened and anti-Erdogan supporters. eral which a severe post-coup gangs of men who sexually as- minors, have been ar- pected of hitting a policeman politicians attending. using dogs, horses and a water Dutch authorities promptly crackdown has soured. saulted them, often while steal- Srested in connection with over the head.” Hours earlier, Dutch authori- cannon to break up the protest. launched an investigation, cul- He insisted that there was ing their wallets and phones. violence at a pro-Turkey dem- Violence sparked on March ties had prevented Turkish For- “As the meeting drew to a minating in the arrests after the “no reason” why he would not The violence fuelled criticism onstration in the Dutch city of 11 after both Germany and The eign Minister Mevlut Cavu- close a group of people rushed publication of 14 photos of sus- himself visit Germany or The of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Rotterdam in March, offi cials Netherlands blocked Turkish soglu’s plane from landing as the police, throwing stones pects on a police website. Netherlands, saying his country decision to open Germany’s said yesterday. ministers from attending rallies he tried to attend a gathering and paving stones among other The incident sparked a diplo- wanted to increase its ranks of doors to more than a million “The public prosecutor is designed to win support from of Rotterdam’s sizeable Turkish things,” the public prosecutor’s matic crisis between Ankara and friends, even if Turkey’s long- migrants after it emerged that pursuing six suspects for public expatriate Turks for a referen- community. offi ce said. The Hague which is still sim- running bid to join the EU has many of the assaults were car- order off ences during the un- dum extending President Recep Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Tensions had already been mering nine months on. long since ground to a virtual ried out by men of North African rest which occurred around the Tayyip Erdogan’s powers. Aboutaleb was forced to appeal running high among the Turk- In an interview published on halt. and Arab appearance. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, December 30, 2017 INDIA

CRIME Legislator booked for slapping policewoman

Mumbai restaurant fi re kills 14 Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh legislator Asha Kumari IANS was yesterday booked for Mumbai allegedly slapping a woman constable who was on duty outside the venue of a review ourteen people, including meeting being conducted by a young woman celebrat- Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Fing her birthday, died The legislator from Dalhousie was from breathing toxic fumes and allegedly trying to force her way at least 55 others were injured in into the venue and was stopped a major fi re that engulfed a pub by the constable. Eyewitnesses and other establishments here said Asha Kumari, an AICC early yesterday. secretary, was angry at not being According to the Brihan- allowed entry and allegedly mumbai Municipal Corpora- slapped the woman constable tion (BMC) Disaster Control, who hit her back. the blaze was noticed around 12.30am at The Mojo Bistro COMMENT and 1Above, both rooftop res- taurants in The Kamla Trade End of AIADMK House, a posh business-cum- government near, media-cum-entertainment hub in Lower Parel area of south says Dinakaran Mumbai. The fl ames, initially suspect- Fresh from his victory in the ed to be triggered by an electric R K Nagar bye-election, T T V short-circuit, quickly spread to Dinakaran yesterday claimed an adjacent pub and a restau- that the fate of the All India Anna rant, trapping over 200 people Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on the premises who screamed Indian (AIADMK) government and ran helter-skelter to escape The rooftop restaurants are completely destroyed in the fire which claimed 14 lives in Mumbai yesterday. Right: Friends of a victim killed in the fire wait at a hospital in Mumbai. will be sealed in the budget the toxic fumes. session of the Tamil Nadu Among the victims was when he said he “could not be top police offi cial, according to Assembly in February-March Khushboo Jayesh Bhansali who aware of everything happening sources. and the current dispensation was celebrating her 29th birth- in the city”. There are many major cor- will be in power for a maximum day in the restaurant with her “I can’t be aware of all that is porates, TV-radio-print media three months. Dinakaran said husband and their friends, her happening in Mumbai. What do offi ces, more than three dozen the high court verdict in the family said. we have the ward offi cers for? high-end restaurants, pubs, etc, case against disqualification of The tragedy cast an ominous A probe has been ordered, ac- which also suff ered damage in 18 MLAs supporting him would shadow on the upcoming New tion will be taken,” he said when the fi re and their working was be out by January-end and a Year 2018 celebrations in the asked about the lapses leading aff ected yesterday. trial of strength would be held in maximum city renowned for its to the tragedy. The Times Network with of- February or March. varied night life, late night par- According to BMC, more than fi ces of all its major channels in ties and outings, and forced the 12 fi re tenders were rushed to the same complex was hit tem- CRITICISM BMC to review all safety and fi re fi ght the blaze which was fi - porarily, but employees were precautions for the December 31 nally brought under control and evacuated safely. Elderly ‘denied parties planned in the city. extinguished around 6.30am. After the disruption, Ti- pension due to President Ram Nath Kovind, It was only then that the full mesNow, TimesNow HD, ET Vice President M Venkaiah impact of the disaster came to Now and Mirror Now were op- Aadhaar issues’ Naidu, Prime Minister Naren- light. erational by late morning, while dra Modi, Congress president A majority of the victims Movies Now, Movies Now HD, Thousands of elderly whose Rahul Gandhi and Maharashtra were reported to have died on MN+, MNX HD, Romedy Now, biometrics do not match their Chief Minister Devendra Fad- the spot, and the fi remen res- Romedy Now HD, and Zoom records are facing trouble getting navis have expressed grief over cued at least 10 people. would be back on air soon, an their pension as well as getting the incident and off ered their The injured were rushed to offi cial spokesperson said. any other Aadhaar-linked work condolences to the families of the KEM Hospital, Bhatia Hos- The blaze spells a massive done, a BJP member said. Bihar the victims. pital, and Airoli Burns Hospital, setback to the government’s MP from Aurangabad, Sushil Taking serious note of the and 14 are still admitted, while plans to make nightlife attrac- Kumar Singh, also mentioned incident, BMC Municipal the remaining 41 were treated tive by permitting all shops/ the fraud where LPG subsidy Commissioner Ajoy Mehta an- and discharged or opted to go malls to function round-the- belonging to diff erent people nounced suspension of fi ve of- for private treatment. clock, to generate more em- worth Rs1.9bn was transferred fi cials, including assistant mu- The autopsies revealed that ployment and boost tourism in into the account of telecom nicipal commissioner Prashant a majority of the deaths oc- the state. company Airtel. Singh demanded Sapkale, for various lapses and curred due to asphyxiation Barely nine days ago the state action against the culprits. ordered a probe which will be and inhaling poisonous fumes government had notifi ed the completed within 15 days. from the burning materials, relevant amendments to the CONTROVERSY Fadnavis, who visited the said KEM Hospital’s dean Avi- laws, though it was not made site in the afternoon, warned nash Supe. applicable to bars, pubs and dis- Kerala school of very stringent action against The entire pub and the sur- cotheques. faces action as RSS the offi cials and others found rounding complex was full of However, these were ex- Fire rages at the multi-storey building in Mumbai yesterday. guilty. patrons, including many wom- pected to come under the ambit chief hoists flag “If the offi cials and owners en and tourists, with an esti- of the new laws in due course, bai Congress president Sanjay added that Mojo and another Kirit Somaiya attacked the Shiv are found responsible for the mated 400-plus thronging the with the BMC initiating several Nirupam sought stringent ac- restaurant are only issued food Sena-controlled BMC for lapses Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi loss of lives, they will be booked fashionable area to unwind. The measures in this direction. tion against those responsi- licences, but not for serving and demanded a complete fi re Vijayan yesterday ordered under IPC. Guilty won’t be blaze has raised serious ques- Leader of opposition Rad- ble for allowing the eateries to hookahs to customers. audit of all buildings in the city. action against a school in spared. I have ordered a safety tions about the safety norms hakrishna Vikhe-Patil, alleg- function despite rules being Yuva Sena president Aditya In what appeared to be a Palakkad for allowing Rashtriya audit of all such structures im- implemented there. ing corruption in the BMC, blatantly fl outed. U Thackeray, one of the pro- blame-game, both The Mojo Swayamsevak Sangh chief mediately,” a grim Fadnavis said Mumbai police have booked demanded a Central Bureau of Quoting a friend who wit- ponents of improving Mumbai Bistro and 1Above issued sepa- Mohan Bhagwat to hoist at the site. the owner of one of the pubs for Investigation (CBI) probe into nessed the confl agration, Con- nightlife, said implementation rate statements saying they had the national flag during the Meanwhile, Mumbai mayor negligence and culpable homi- the tragedy, especially with gress legislator Nitesh Rane of fi re safety norms was a must implemented all fi re and safety Independence Day celebrations. Vishwanath Mahadeshwar’s cide not amounting to murder, the New Year Eve celebrations claimed that a hookah par- and BMC would come down norms as per rules and did not Vijayan directed the director indiscreet comments unleashed and one of the restaurants is around the corner. lour caused the blaze and not a hard on violators. store any gas cylinders on their of public instruction (DPI) to a controversy on social media reportedly owned by a former Blaming the BMC, Mum- short-circuit as speculated. He Bharatiya Janata Party MP premises. ensure that proper action was taken against the headmaster and manager of the state-run Karnakeyamen School.

OFFBEAT Naidu tells Assam tense as list on lawmakers to avoid ‘begging’ ‘illegals’ to be released Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu yesterday reminded ministers and members Reuters be given shelter in India, in line with Tens of thousands of people fl ed to avoid using the words “I beg Guwahati/New Delhi federal policy. A spokesman for the to India from Bangladesh during its to” while laying papers, reports ministry of home aff airs in New war of independence from Pakistan etc on the table of the House. Delhi had no immediate comment. in the early 1970s. The chairman’s stricture came ndia has mobilised around Bangladesh’s Home Minister Most of them settled in Assam, in as minister of state for law and 60,000 police and paramilitary Asaduzzaman Khan said Dhaka India’s north-east, and the neigh- justice, P P Chaudhary, stood up Itroops in a sensitive border state had no knowledge of any plans to bouring state of West Bengal, where to present papers for his ministry ahead of the publication of a list of deport people. “We didn’t receive there are similar demands to send in the House. “Sir, with your citizens it says will be used to de- any information from the Indian back illegal immigrants. permission, I beg to lay on the tect and deport illegal immigrants government, neither formally nor When Modi’s BJP swept to power table of the House papers listed — mainly Muslims — from neigh- informally,” he said. nationally in 2014, the election was under my name,” Chaudhary said. bouring Bangladesh. marred by sectarian violence in As- Naidu interrupted: “No begging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “My grandparents and my sam that killed more than 40 people. please,” he added. Naidu told the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took parents were all born in India During that campaign, Modi told MPs to avoid the word “beg” as it power in Assam for the fi rst time but today we are fi nding it illegal immigrants in states border- “reeked of colonial legacy”. last year, vowing to act against il- diffi cult to provide documents ing Bangladesh to have their “bags legal residents who take away jobs to support our claims that we packed” ready to be sent home SETBACK from locals. are Indians” should he win. The state government will tomor- Since taking offi ce, meanwhile, Blow to Congress row release a draft National Register It is estimated that there are more the government has been making as Meghalaya of Citizens (NRC) after a census car- than 2mn Muslims in Assam who it easier for Hindus, Buddhists and ried out for the fi rst time since 1951. trace their roots to Bangladesh. Christians from Bangladesh and Pa- legislators quit The exercise could lead to com- To be recognised as Indian citi- kistan to gain citizenship in India. munal tensions in Assam, which zens, they must be able to produce Proposed changes to the law In a setback to the Congress has the second highest percentage documents proving that they or would mean no Hindu or other mi- in Meghalaya, eight MLAs of Muslims of any Indian state. their family lived in the country be- nority from those countries who ar- including five from Congress, Muslims leaders have called the fore March 24, 1971. rived in India before the end of 2016 yesterday resigned from the NRC a tool to make them stateless. “My grandparents and my par- would be considered illegal immi- assembly to contest the polls on “The NRC is being done to iden- ents were all born in India but today grants. the ticket of National People’s tify illegal Bangladeshis residing in we are fi nding it diffi cult to provide Modi’s administration also plans Party (NPP), which is part of Assam,” Himanta Biswa Sarma, As- documents to support our claims to nearly halve the number of years National Democratic Alliance. sam’s fi nance minister who is also that we are Indians,” said Asiful Hindus and other minorities from The Congress legislators, who in charge of the citizenship register, Rahman, a teacher at an Islamic the neighbouring countries need include former deputy chief said. “All those whose names do not seminary in a Muslim-majority for naturalisation to six years. minister Rowell Lyngdoh, former fi gure in the NRC will have to be district of Assam. A pilot project to update the NRC Cabinet ministers Prestone deported. We’re taking no chances “Our parents and grandparents in Assam in 2010, under the previ- Tynsong, Coming One Ymbon, and hence all security measures were illiterate and did not keep any ous Congress government, had to Sniawbhalang Dhar and Ngaitlang have been taken.” legal documents, and for that we are be stopped due to what the govern- Dhar submitted their resignation Sarma said Hindu Bangladeshis facing the test of proving our Indian ment called “law and order prob- letters to Assembly commissioner who faced persecution there would nationality now.” lems”. and secretary, Andrew Simon. Gulf Times Saturday, December 30, 2017 11 PAKISTAN Election commission seeks help in delimitation

Internews the Federally Administered Trib- to the law allowing the conduct if the required data was provided tives would be tantamount to It has been pointed out that the thorities concerned to assist the Islamabad al Areas, the ECP has asked them of delimitation on the basis of to the commission after a delay contempt of the commission. ECP is under a constitutional ob- commission in delimitation and to furnish by January 10 data, provisional census results as a of 10 days, it would mean com- The letters written by ECP ligation to delimit the constitu- revision of electoral rolls. maps and other information re- classic example of the traditional mencement of the delimitation secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh encies and revise the electoral The authorities have been n a rare exercise of its powers, lated to delimitation. lethargy culture, the offi cial said process 10 days later than origi- Muhammad drew their attention rolls accordingly. directed to accomplish vari- the Election Commission of A senior ECP offi cial said that that “we cannot aff ord to waste nally planned. to the sixth population census “In order to accomplish these ous tasks and furnish necessary IPakistan (ECP) has invoked traditional lethargy had forced even a single day now”. He said timely elections were held earlier this year, saying that national tasks well before the information to the commission Article 220 of the Constitution to the commission to invoke Article He said suffi cient time had al- possible only if the delimitation through the Constitution (24th) upcoming general elections, the within the stipulated dates. seek assistance of the federal and 220, which reads “it shall be the ready been wasted in getting the exercise was carried out as per Amendment Act, 2017, clauses 3 Election Commission is pleased The provincial chief secretar- provincial authorities concerned duty of all executive authorities elections bill passed from the plan. and 5 of the Article 51 have been to invoke Article 220 of the Con- ies have been asked to submit the in the delimitation of constitu- in the federation and in the prov- Senate after its passage by the Saying that the ECP would as- amended according to which stitution,” the letters read. required information by January encies and revision of electoral inces to assist the commissioner National Assembly and it was sert its authority to ensure that seats in the National Assem- The letters have drawn the at- 10. rolls. and the Election Commission in not possible to amend the already the deadlines were met, he re- bly have been allocated to each tention of provincial chief secre- Informed sources said the Bal- In separate letters issued to the the discharge of his or their func- squeezed timelines for delimita- minded that the ECP enjoyed province, Federally Administered taries to the paucity of time and uchistan chief secretary had as- secretary of statistics division, tions”. tion, revision of electoral rolls clearly defi ned powers to punish Tribal Areas (Fata), and the fed- recalled that the Election Com- sured the ECP that the required four provincial chief secretaries Citing the delay in the process and other related activities. contemnors and said that any eral capital on the basis of provi- mission had on December 22 is- information would be submitted and additional chief secretary of involving the president’s assent Giving an example, he said that failure to comply with the direc- sional census results. sued directives requiring the au- before January 10.

NAB says Protection approved to allow for judges, witnesses New Year brings the public Internews eo link, or from behind a curtain. Islamabad Even in cases heard in civil courts, he said, witnesses and to lodge judges face threats. he Senate Standing Com- Dhamra said: “Now that the mittee on Interior in Pa- bill has been passed, it will be ta- complaint Tkistan has unanimously bled in Senate. We will soon start approved an amendment to the lobbying to get the bill passed fresh challenges Anti-Terrorism Act seeking pro- from the upper house, and then directly tection for judges and witnesses. from the National Assembly. “The Anti-Terrorism (Amend- “As the committee has passed ment) Bill 2017” was moved by the bill unanimously, we are Internews senators Mukhtiar Dhamra and hopeful that the bill will sail Islamabad Barrister Murtaza Wahab. through parliament.” It suggests the provision of Around the world, a number of protection to judges and vic- tactics are used. for apex court he National Account- tims, as it had become diffi cult In the United States, judges ability Bureau (NAB) of for judges to give decisions and sitting behind curtains use voice Internews take up petitions fi led by diff er- person cannot become a parlia- is an ally of the PML-N in the TPakistan has, for the fi rst for witnesses to give testimony changers to prevent identifi ca- Islamabad ent politicians and parties in- mentarian due to the operation Centre and Baluchistan, has also time, said that anyone can lodge without fear. tion. cluding Pakistan Tehreek-e-In- of constitutional law, he surely challenged the Election Act over a complaint with the bureau di- Dhamra said he could give ex- In high profi le cases, witnesses saf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, the cannot become head or offi ce- a requirement that all politi- rectly. amples of judges who have been are kept in safe houses and are new round of legal battles Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), bearer of a political party.” cal parties are bound to deposit The decision to open the bu- threatened, adding that the son even issued new identities, pro- will begin on New Year’s Awami Muslim League leader Terming the amendment Rs200,000 and submit a list of reau’s doors to the public was of a Sindh High Court chief jus- vided employment and moved to ADay as the Supreme Sheikh Rasheed, and others. mala fi de and unconstitutional, 2,000 members with signatures made by NAB chairman, retired tice had even been kidnapped. diff erent states after cases have Court of Pakistan is set to take Dr Farogh Nasim will appear the petitioners also contended and CNIC copies by December Justice Javed Iqbal, while re- “Similarly, a number of wit- been completed. up 13 constitutional petitions on behalf of Rasheed. that new rules were being intro- 2, 2017, failing which registra- ceiving and hearing corruption- nesses face threats and are even The committee also heard In- challenging the Election Act of Sardar Latif Khosa will argue duced to accommodate Sharif. tion of those political party related complaints of common killed. In the Wali Khan Ba- spector General of Islamabad 2017. PPP’s case, while Babar Awan They also requested the Su- would be cancelled. men at the organisation’s head- bar case, all the witnesses were Police (IGP) Sultan Azam Taimori The legislation paved the way will represent Imran Khan. preme Court to declare Sharif National Party Punjab presi- quarters here yesterday. killed. In such cases, it becomes and Senior Superintendent of for Nawaz Sharif to become The petitions contended that disqualifi ed as the party’s head. dent Ayub Malik fi led a petition Earlier only the chairman diffi cult to decide the case. Police (SSP) (Operations) Sajid head of the Pakistan Muslim Section 203 of the Election Act Earlier, the Supreme Court through Raheel Kamran Sheikh. received public complaints di- “We have suggested that the Kiani regarding the attack on League – Nawaz (PML-N) after did not expressly permit any raised objections over these pe- The same bench will take up rectly from complainants, but anti-terrorism law should be journalist Ahmed Noorani, who his disqualifi cation by virtue of person disqualifi ed by a court titions. Later, these were enter- this petition. yesterday he directed heads of amended and protection should was also present at the meeting. the apex court’s Panama Papers to remain or become an offi ce tained after hearing an appeal in The petitioner has challenged all regional headquarters to hear be given to judges and witness- Committee chairman Sena- case ruling on July 28. bearer of a political party. chambers. the increase in allowable elec- public complaints directly on the es,” he said. tor Rehman Malik directed the A three-judge bench of the “The disqualifi cation record- Legal experts say that the tion expenses for a National As- last Friday of every month. In response to a question, he IGP to meet the victim in person, apex court, headed by Chief Jus- ed by a court of law under Arti- proceedings will be signifi cant sembly candidate, from Rs1.5mn “NAB chairman after hearing said there were many ways to listen to him and conclude the tice Mian Saqib Nisar and com- cles 62 and 63 of the Constitu- for PML-N ahead of the 2018 to Rs4mn, and, in the case of a the public complaints individu- protect judges, such as allowing investigation within the next 15 prising Justice Maqbool Baqar tion cannot be overtaken by a general elections. seat in the Provincial Assembly, ally, directed all directors general judges to hear cases through vid- days. and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, will sub-constitutional law, and if a The National Party, which from Rs1mn to Rs2mn. of regional NAB bureaus to listen to public complaints related to corruption and corrupt practices at their respective regional bu- reaus on the last Friday of every Security-conscious Service-related actions, frivolous month between 2pm and 4pm so that complaints which come un- der their jurisdiction as per law petitions overburden the courts could be addressed,” an offi cial handout said. Before appointment of the Internews high court bar comes to their However, employees of or- current NAB chairman, there Islamabad rescue and these lawyers are ganisations such as the Capital was no culture of fi ling of direct still carrying on this practice Development Authority (CDA), complaints in the bureau and today. Pakistan Television Corpora- the complainants had to follow itigation over service- Most of the petitions de- tion (PTV) and other statutory a complicated and lengthy pro- related matters and frivo- clared frivolous were fi led under bodies, which came into exist- cedure for submission of com- Llous petitions are add- Article 199 of the Constitution, ence through an act of parlia- plaints. ing to the burden on Pakistan’s under which a high court may ment, cannot. An insider said the NAB chair- constitutional courts, hamper- take up a matter when there is He suggested that the high man heard more than 50 com- ing the smooth administration “no other adequate remedy is court could pass a judgment plaints and held one-to-one of justice as petitioners have to provided by law”. authorising the FST to establish meeting with each complainant wait decades for a decision in As per the interpretation of an independent section to deal yesterday. their cases. the superior judiciary, “the ju- with such cases. During the meetings, the NAB Established in January 2011, risdiction of (a high court) un- A verdict announced by IHC chairman also took notice of the Islamabad High Court der Article 199 of the Constitu- Justice Athar Minallah in 2015 many cases by seeking informa- (IHC) has often seen relatively- tion is of extraordinary nature. discussed this issue in length tion by telephone from the NAB unknown lawyers fi ling person- The Constitution has conferred and suggested that statutory offi cials concerned. specifi c petitions in order to the power on high courts for bodies can establish an ex- “Javed Iqbal heard complaints gain media attention. enforcement of fundamental clusive tribunal to redress the of people who had come from Annoyed by the practice, rights”. grievances of its employees. diff erent parts of the country at some IHC judges have even The power under Article 199 Deciding a petition fi led by NAB headquarters, gave them fi ned such frivolous petitioners includes issuance of orders, di- CDA employee Abdul Qayyum, patient hearing, and tried to for wasting the court’s time. rections or writs of fi ve kinds: Justice Minallah pointed out solve their problems,” the insider According to fi gures from the habeas corpus (through which that “the jurisdiction [of a high said. Law and Justice Commission of a person can report an unlaw- court] being discretionary and The NAB chief directed all re- Pakistan, cases pending before ful detention or imprisonment extraordinary is exercised in gional heads of the NAB to ad- all high courts increased from to a court), mandamus (a judi- grave cases rather than in rou- dress those public complaints 2016 to 2017. cial writ issued as a command tine”. which fell into their domain and Hafiz Mohamed Saeed (back to the camera), the chief of the Islamic charity organisation At least 293,316 cases are to an inferior court or ordering In the judgment, the judge send to Islamabad for action Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), speaks to supporters during a gathering in Rawalpindi to protest US currently pending before the a person to perform a public or explained how the service re- those related to the headquar- President Donald Trump’s decision on December 6 to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. fi ve high courts: 147,633 in statutory duty), certiorari (ap- lated cases take years to decide. ters. the Lahore High Court (LHC), peal against lower court order), He observed that it was The bureau is also prepar- 93,404 cases before the Sindh prohibition (a writ directing something even “the framers ing computerised record of all High Court (SHC), 29,525 cases a subordinate to stop doing of the Constitution had surely complaints being received by at the Peshawar High Court something the law prohibits) not imagined that employees the chairman in public meetings (PHC), 6,510 in the Baluchistan and quo warranto (requiring a [could] be resorting to invok- so that they could be pursued by High Court (BHC), and 16,244 person to show by what warrant ing the extra ordinary constitu- relevant sections of the bureau. Punjab to gather and publish before the Islamabad High an offi ce is held). tional jurisdiction under Article The NAB chairman reiterated Court (IHC). In the US and UK, senior 199 in such a large number”. his resolve not to spare the cor- The spike in the number of lawyer Anis Jilani said, the pe- He noted that invoking Ar- rupt and to drag them in the dock Munir Niazi’s poetry collection cases before the IHC, legal ex- titioners have to pay the cost ticle 199 was also expensive as and deposit looted money into perts say, was mainly down to of litigation in instances where most employees fi nd it virtually national exchequer. “frivolous litigation” and serv- they are unable to prove their impossible to approach the high He assured the complainants Internews zi’s Punjabi poetry had neither which were gathered from dif- ice-related cases fi led by bu- case against the respondents. court. of action over their complaints Lahore been given the kind of impor- ferent sources. reaucrats. “Such a deterrent discour- Those who are fortunate to as per NAB law as he fi rmly be- tance it deserved, nor sung by The production team also For instance, a petition ages the fi ling of frivolous peti- bear the high cost of litigation lieved in across-the-board ac- diff erent singers. spoke about Munir Niazi’s Urdu against former chief justice If- tions,” he suggested. also have to wait for years even if countability. he Punjab Institute of She said that Pilac is com- and Punjabi poetry. tikhar Mohammad Chaudhry’s In service-related matters, the matter would decide in their “I am committed to imple- Language, Art and Cul- mitted to gathering Niazi Sa- The voice-over was done by bulletproof vehicle was thrown Jilani said that if a petitioner favour since “the organisations menting the principle of ‘ac- Tture (Pilac) will bring out hib’s Punjabi poetry and pub- Dr Sadaf and Khaqan Haider. out and the petitioner, Riaz invokes Article 199 against a invariably drag the employees countability for all’ without any a collection of Punjabi poetry of lishing a collection. Popular fi lm songs written by Hanif Rahi, was fi ned. departmental order, the high to a higher judicial forum.” pressure or infl uence,” Iqbal famous poet Munir Niazi. She added that the institute Munir Niazi were also screened Another lawyer, Raees Abdul court would be reduced to as Mohammad Arif Chaudhry, said. Pilac director general Dr Sug- would hold a music evening, which were thoroughly enjoyed Wahid, fi led petitions against service tribunal, since there are the current president of the The NAB has asked complain- hra Sadaf announced this at a where famous singers would by the audience. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for scores of such cases. IHC Bar Association, said that ants to be punctual and bring ceremony at the institute held sing the poet’s Punjabi poetry. The songs included Jis Nay adding “Bhutto” to his name, He said that federal govern- there was a need to increase the complete corruption-related in memory of the poet. A half-hour documentary on Meray Dil Ko Darad Diya, Jaa while in another petition, he ment employees could fi le serv- number of high court judges applications along with docu- The late poet’s wife, Begum life and work of the poet was Apni Hasrton Pay Aansoo Baha asked the court to place Nawaz ice-related petitions before the and establish special benches mentary evidence and their Naheed Munir Niazi, was the screened at the ceremony. Kay So ja, and Zinda Rahain To Sharif and his family on the exit Federal Services Tribunal (FST) for service-related cases of computerised national identity chief guest. It comprised video clips of kiya Hai Jo Mar Jaien Hum to control list (ECL). under Article 212 of the Consti- statutory and non-statutory cards. Sadaf said that the late Nia- the poet reciting his poetry Kya. However, in most cases, the tution. organisations. Gulf Times 12 Saturday, December 30, 2017 PHILIPPINES Paolo, Mans New Year market sue Trillanes in drug case

Manila Times with the revenue collection Davao City agency. He said: “Senator Trillanes is imputing malice in saying he President’s eldest that my appearance before son, Davao City Vice the [Bureau of Customs] is TMayor Paolo Duterte, because of smuggling. He and son in law Manases Car- is just a desperate rumour- pio, on Wednesday fi led a monger who happens to be a civil case against Senator An- senator.” tonio Trillanes 4th for link- Also dragged into the con- ing them to the smuggling of troversy was Councilor Nilo P6.4bn worth of shabu at the Small Abellera Jr. Bureau of Customs in May. The accusations were The case was electronically hurled by a Customs “fi xer”, raffl ed off to Davao City Re- Mark Taguba, who claimed gional Trial Court Branch 15 Paolo Duterte and Manases under Judge Mario Duaves. Carpio ran the so-called The amount of damages “Davao Group” that alleg- sought was unknown, as edly facilitated the release of Clerk of Court Kaiser Kate the illegal shipment in ex- Narciso declined to show the change for bribes. Trillanes complaints, saying only the on Thursday expressed no parties involved were allowed surprise with the fi ling of a access to the documents. civil case against him by the “That is the policy of the President’s closest relatives. court,” she said. “It’s nothing but another People shop ahead of New Year celebrations at a street market in Divisoria, Manila. Duterte and Carpio, hus- harassment suit because our band of Davao City Mayor corrupt and co-opted jus- Sara Duterte Carpio, the tice system have become the President’s daughter, were refuge of the Duterte scoun- dragged into alleged smug- drels,” the opposition senator gling and corrupt activities at said. Customs. Trillanes earlier down- Both attended the hear- played the Davao vice may- ing of the Senate Blue Ribbon or’s reference to “delicadeza” Committee on September 7 or sense of propriety as the to air their side, although, reason for his resignation. during the hearing, they in- “So, that’s pure nonsense. Woman heading to voked their right to remain He is probably just preempt- silent. ing the numerous investiga- The P6.4bn shabu ship- tions against him by the Om- ment from China, which budsman,” the senator said. slipped through Customs in He even fought with his Manila, was later seized in daughter (Isabelle) in pub- Valenzuela City. lic [through social media]. The vice mayor, who ten- Besides, he has already been hospital shot by cops dered his resignation on cleared months ago by Gor- Monday, is on leave until De- don,” he said, referring to Ten policemen have been fired in the cember 31 or until the Presi- Senator Richard Gordon and latest incident involving use of lethal dent accepts his resignation. the Blue Ribbon panel. force Carpio, a lawyer, had ad- Trillanes had accused Gor- mitted to visiting the Cus- don of using the Blue Ribbon AFP toms bureau to represent his Committee to absolve the Manila clients who had transactions President’s relatives.

hilippine police have killed two people, including a woman on her Pway to hospital, after mistaking them for gunmen, authorities said yes- Cyclone damage terday, the latest deaths at the hands of law enforcement under President Rod- rigo Duterte. The incident occurred on estimated at P2.5bn Thursday night when police were called to a Manila suburb following an earlier shooting during an argument between Manila Times mn, while the Bicol Region residents. Ten police offi cers and their Makati recorded only P1mn worth of commander have been sacked from their damage. The Davao Region re- posts. corded infrastructure damage But they mistakenly opened fi re on a yclones Urduja and of just P520,000. van that they thought was carrying the Vinta left a trail of dam- Damage to agriculture was shooter but which in fact was taking a Cage estimated at nearly estimated at P22mn in Mima- woman injured in the incident to hospi- P2.5 bn, mostly in the Visayas ropa and in Bicol, P3.7mn. tal, said Manila police chief Oscar Albay- and Mindanao, the National The NDRRMC said corn alde. Disaster Risk Reduction and farms in Pilar, Cebu were de- The wounded woman later died and Management Council (NDR- stroyed while most banana and one of her companions in the van was RMC) reported on Thursday. coconut trees in the area were also killed while two others were wound- Urduja damaged infrastruc- toppled. Crops and vegetation ed, he told reporters. ture and agricultural areas in Barangay Langob, Santa Fe, “I fi nd no excuse (for) this unfortu- Relatives of those killed arrive at the scene after local off icials and police opened fire on a vehicle carrying a woman wounded in a in Mimaropa, Bicol, Central Cebu were also damaged. nate event that has caused the death of separate shooting incident who was being transferred to hospital in Manila. Visayas, Eastern Visayas and The NDRRMC also reported two individuals and the wounding of two the Davao Region. that a total of P491.9mn worth others,” he said in a statement. sponding policemen. He also stressed that the policemen killed by government forces as part of Of the total P2,172,085,624 of damage were recorded in ar- He said village watchmen had been the Videos of the incident, aired on local involved have been disarmed and their Duterte’s anti-drug campaign since he worth of damage recorded af- eas aff ected by Tropical Storm fi rst to open fi re on the van but said police television, show policemen with guns movements restricted while the case is took offi ce in mid-2016. ter Urduja’s wrath last week, Vinta. would investigate why they had fi rearms drawn, surrounding the van as gunshots being investigated. Human rights groups charge that infrastructure accounted for Agricultural damage which are not normally issued to such ring out. Both the Justice Department and the thousands more have been killed by P1,082,714,000 and agricul- amounted to P247.4mn in the personnel. “We are not hiding anything here. We offi cial Commission on Human Rights shadowy vigilantes. ture, P1,089,371,624. regions of Zamboanga Penin- Albayalde said 36 shells from fi red are not discounting the fact that there is said they would investigate the shooting Police thought the vehicle was car- The Mimaropa region had sula, Northern Mindanao and rounds had been recovered and that all the possibility that there may have been as well. rying the suspect in the shooting of the the biggest damage estimate Caraga. the guns of the police and watchmen overkill or violation of our POP (police The deadly shooting comes as Du- woman, Albayalde said. for infrastructure at P195mn, Damage to rice crops was would be checked to see who had fi red on operating procedure),” Albayalde said. terte wages a brutal war on drug-related “They were told that those in the vehi- while Eastern Visayas suff ered estimated at P44.2mn in Zam- the van. Duterte’s spokesman Harry Roque re- crime, openly urging police to kill sus- cle were armed, that is why they fi red at the worst agriculture damage boanga del Sur while in Lanao “They said that practically all of them leased a statement saying “(the) matter pects and vowing to protect them from it,” he told a press conference. “I fi nd no at more than P1bn. del Norte, a total of P195.3mn fi red their guns. It was only some guys will be investigated fully even if there legal liability in such incidents. excuse on this unfortunate event that has Damage to infrastructure in worth of rice and corn crops who arrived last who did not fi re their appears to be excessive force utilised by Government fi gures show that almost caused the death of two individuals and Eastern Visayas reached P886 were destroyed. guns,” Albayalde said, referring to the re- police authorities”. 4,000 “drug personalities” have been the wounding of two others.” Maritime authority chief fl ayed for 11 ‘junkets’

Manila Times Every time he’s needed for consulta- Transportation and Malacanang itself commissioners, who were fi red by the “Mr. President, Mr Amaro is a dis- the possible confl ict of interest of Mr. Makati tions, his staff said he was abroad for had alerted Marina of a move to oust president earlier this month, paled in grace to Marina and it does not deserve Amaro, who used to be Mr Uy’s vice offi cial trips. Are all of these offi cial Amaro, even sending instructions to comparison to Amaro’s. an administrator with this jet-setting president for ship management in junkets? Senate or Congress must in- prepare a statement explaining the “That’s why we are asking for the lifestyle. We humbly pray and ask that Chelsea Ship Management & Marine nother government offi cial was tervene with this mess,” Ramirez told “bits and pieces” of the administrator’s president to act on this controversy.” he be replaced immediately lest he be Services Corp, a subsidiary of Phoenix accused on Thursday of exces- The Manila Times. travels. Ramirez said. allowed to cause more harm and dam- Petroleum Philippines, Inc,” the letter Asive travel – Maritime Indus- Amaro denied that his foreign trips “We are now preparing the state- The Manila Times obtained a copy age to our beloved institution,” the Ma- stated. try Authority (Marina) Administrator were junkets, explaining to ABS-CBN ment to be submitted to the offi ce of of the Marina employees’ December 21 rina employees’ group added. “Mr Uy has business interests in Marcial ‘Al’ Amaro 3rd – who, a group News he personally needed to attend spokesman Harry Roque and it’s up to letter to President Duterte, where Ma- Duterte was also urged to scrutinise Meridian Maritime Training Center, a of seafarers claimed, made 11 foreign overseas meetings with maritime regu- them who will disseminate it,” he said. rina’s “captain of the ship”, Amaro, was the “overlooked” appointment of Am- maritime training school he acquired trips just this year. lators. He vowed to resign if there was Ramirez claimed the country’s mari- described as an “absentee administra- aro for a possible confl ict of interest. through Udenna Development Corp Mr The United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) evidence that his trips were junkets. time industry was sagging, consider- tor” because of his frequent junkets. The Marina chief used to be an ex- Dennis Uy likewise acquired the con- wants the Senate to investigate the Amaro’s aide, Mon Cruz, said the ing the fact that “we no longer hold the The group claimed this resulted in ecutive of one of the President’s cam- trolling interest of the biggest domes- “globe-trotting” Amaro, citing a com- Marina chief did not abuse his privi- reputation as the number one seafarer the demoralisation of Marina employ- paign contributors, Phoenix Petroleum tic passenger shipping company 2GO, plaint made by the Alliance of Marina leges. supplier in the world”. ees and stakeholders. Philippines Inc President Dennis Uy. which is under the regulatory control Employees (AME). UFS President Nel- “There are a lot of important inter- “We need a good leader in Marina The letter, received by the Offi ce of “While we attach high regard to the and supervision of Marina. son Ramirez said Amaro defi ed Presi- national meetings to attend to and he that should be there 24/7 to at least re- the President on December 22, claimed stature of Mr Uy as a responsible busi- This makes Mr Amaro, as adminis- dent Rodrigo Duterte’s order to stop is not only representing seafarers but solve the maritime industry crisis,” he Amaro “has defi ed President Duterte’s nessman and a young up-and-coming trator of the government agency tasked unnecessary junkets under the guise of the country, like the meeting with IMO said. policy and humble pursuit of frugal tycoon with diverse business interests to regulate shipping companies and offi cial business. (International Maritime Organization) Ramirez pointed out that the trav- governance and modest lifestyle by go- in petroleum, logistics, retail, casino maritime educational institutions, a “I am not surprised by these accu- under the United Nations,” Cruz said. els of Presidential Commission on ing on foreign junket trips for 11 times and leisure and educational institu- necessary accomplice in the building of sations. I have noticed this in the past. He noted that the Department of the Urban Poor chief Terry Ridon and in 2017 alone”. tions, our apprehension is premised on Mr Uy’s empire,” the letter added. Gulf Times Saturday, December 30, 2017 13 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Russians to visit Lanka Zia’s trial part of ruling to check tea quarantine party’s poll project: BNP procedures By Mizan Rahman the BNP leader observed. IANS Dhaka About the results of the re- Colombo cently held election to Rangpur City Corporation, he said Awa- he opposition Bangla- mi League recorded 60% fall in team of technical experts desh Nationalist Party its vote base while BNP gained a from Russia will visit Sri T(BNP) yesterday alleged 40% rise in its vote in the polls. ALanka in January to ex- that the trial of the cases fi led Khasru said the declining amine plant quarantine proce- against its chairperson Khaleda trend of Awami League’s vote dures in the island country, the Zia is being held as part of the ratio indicates that the party will Sri Lankan foreign ministry said government’s ‘election project’ suff er a massive debacle in the yesterday. to cling to power keeping her next general election if it is held The move came after Russia out of the election race. in a fair and credible manner. temporarily suspended all tea “The under trial cases against He said Jatiya Party may- imports and other agricultural Zia are a major part of Awami oral candidate won the polls as products from Sri Lanka after League’s election project. The Rangpur is a stronghold of the a beetle was found in one of the main motive behind the project party. “All major parties have tea consignments sent from the is to keep our leader out of the such pockets where their party island country. next election. It’s also their will come out successful.” The ban, however, will be lifted process to grab power again,” In July 2008, the Anti-Cor- from December 30 after success- said BNP senior leader Amir ruption Commission (ACC) ful talks between the two sides. Chowdhury. fi led a graft case accusing Zia, “During the discussion, the Khasru, a BNP standing com- her son Tarique Rahman and Russian side indicated that they mittee member, said people will four others of misappropriating were satisfi ed with the measures not accept if BNP chairperson is over 21mn taka that had come as proposed by the Sri Lankan side convicted in the graft cases as grants to Zia Orphanage Trust to ensure the shipping of pest- she has no connection with the from a foreign bank. free plant products consign- allegations brought against her. Three years later, the anti- ments to Russia,” the ministry He urged the government to graft body lodged Zia Charitable said in a statement. shelve its plan to restore ‘one- Trust graft case, accusing four “It was also agreed that a team party rule’ and make Zia ineligi- people, including Zia, of abus- of technical experts from Rus- ble for polls by convicting her in ing power to raise funds for the sia would visit Sri Lanka in late the ‘false’ cases using the court. trust from unknown sources. January or early February next “You’ll have to pay a heavy According to the Zia Orphan- year for familiarization with the price if you follow the rough age Trust graft case, the then current plant quarantine proce- path as the people of Bangla- prime minister Zia and the other dure in Sri Lanka,” the statement desh have decided to make 2018 accused through unlawful prac- added. as a year of democracy, freedom tices embezzled over 21mn taka Supporters shout slogans as Bangladesh’s main opposition leader and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia leaves after a court appearance in Russian agricultural safety of expression, the rule of law by establishing the trust that Dhaka recently. The former prime minister appeared before Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court in the case, which accuses her of embezzling watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, and restoration of civic rights,” exists only on paper. Bangladesh 31.5mn taka ($396,000) from the Zia Charitable Trust. placed temporary restrictions on imports of all agricultural prod- ucts from Sri Lanka, including tea from December 18 on, after it found an insect, known as the Khapra beetle, in the packaging Heavy fog Nepal president endorses ordinance for govt formation of one consignment of tea from Sri Lanka. Russia is the second largest tea halts ferry IANS election of the 59 members of time due to the dispute be- en to the votes casted by the ical stability to the Himalayan market for Sri Lanka following Kathmandu upper house. tween the two major political eligible voters to decide the nation. Iran. Russia imported $143mn Without the formation of forces. winning candidates. Former minister Pandit said worth of Ceylon tea in 2016, and fl ight the upper house, the formation Now with the president’s Meanwhile, senior leader of the two Left Alliance parties – which was 11.3% of Sri Lanka’s epal President Bidya of the bicameral parliament endorsement, the ordinance CPN-UML Lal Babu Pandit has CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist tea exports. Bhandari yesterday could not be completed, which incorporates a mix voting asserted that party chairman Centre -– would unite only af- During talks held in Moscow, services in Nendorsed a key ordi- was crucial for convening a full system. and former premier K P Oli is ter the top leaders forge a con- the Sri Lankan side indicated nance relating to the election parliamentary session which Under this, 42 out of a total most likely to lead the new gov- sensus on division of positions that there were no records found of upper house members, that is essential to form a new of 59 members will be elected ernment formed under the Left of leaders and cadres. since 1978 of this identifi ed pest Bangladesh paves the way for formation of government. under single transferable vot- alliance. The Left Alliance has a com- and this was a probable con- a new government after recent The NC has been advocat- ing system while 14 will be The Left Alliance won 116 fortable majority of 174 mem- tamination due to the use of provincial and parliamentary ing for single transferable elected through majority seats out of a total 165 under bers which is more than suffi - disinfested container. By Mizan Rahman polls. voting system for the upper voting system. the fi rst-past-the-post sys- cient to form the government. However, the Sri Lanka side as- Dhaka There were disputes among house election, while the CPN- The remaining three mem- tem while the Nepali Congress There are altogether 275 sured that it would take stringent the ruling Nepali Congress UML had been sticking to the bers are supposed to be bagged just 23 seats in the members in the House of Rep- measures to further strengthen party and main opposition majority voting system. appointed by the president. country’s recently-concluded resentatives and 138 seats are the current phytosanitary proce- eavy fog disrupted fl ight CPN-UML as to which voting The president had been Under single transferable historic polls that many hope required to form a majority dures to avoid any repetition, the operations at Hazrat system to be adopted for the holding the ordinance for some voting, weightage will be giv- will bring much-needed polit- government. statement said. HShahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and ferry serv- ices on Paturia-Daulatdia route yesterday, causing suff erings to thousands of passengers. Fast walking race Rezaul Karim, public rela- First Rohingya tions offi cer at Civil Avia- tion Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), said the fl ight opera- tions at the airport were sus- repatriation after pended at 1:30am due to poor runway visibility caused by thick fog. He said the fl ight operations working group at the airport resumed at 9:50am after the disappearance of fog. Several fl ights, including that of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, meet: minister could not take off and eight fl ights were diverted to other AFP would start as soon as a working airport during the period, Karim Cox’s Bazar group of offi cials from the two added. countries fi nalise a list of names. Besides, the ferry services “Based on the decision of the were disrupted from 11:30pm angladesh wants to send joint working group, a fi rst list of due to poor visibility caused by up to 100,000 Rohingya 100,000 Rohingya will be sent thick fog on Paturia-Daulatdia Bback to Myanmar in the to the Myanmar government to- route,” said Nasir Mohammad fi rst batch of repatriations of day for their safe and honourable Chowdhury, manager, Bang- Muslim refugees who fl ed ethnic return,” Quader, road transport ladesh Inland Water Transport violence this year, offi cials said minister and deputy leader of the Corporation (BIWTC) at Aricha. yesterday. ruling Awami League, told report- Over 1,000 vehicles, including Senior Minister Obaidul ers during a visit to Cox’s Bazar buses and trucks, were waiting in Quader said a list of 100,000 where the refugee camps are. queues on both sides of the river names was to be sent to My- “The next meeting of the to cross it. anmar authorities yesterday working group, which will be More than 5km tailback was so repatriations could start in held in Myanmar, will decide created on both sides though An elephant reaches the finishing line in elephant fast walking race during the 14th Elephant Festival in Sauraha, a tourism hub late January under an accord how the repatriation process be- the ferry services resumed in southwest Nepal’s Chitwan district, yesterday. The five-day event aims to bring humans closer with elephants, encourage between the two governments. gins,” Quader added. around 10:30am after the fog wildlife protection and conservation and promote tourism in the region. More than 655,000 Rohingya “This list will be fi nalised as disappeared. from Myanmar’s Rakhine state early as possible. The repatria- have sought refuge in Bangla- tion process will begin after the desh since a military crackdown list is fi nalised.” in late August, fl eeing what the Abul Kalam Azad, the govern- US and United Nations have de- ment relief commissioner for Ro- scribed as ethnic cleansing. hingya refugees, said a decision How siblings fi shed out air force pilots from sea That added to more than was made Thursday by Bangla- 300,000 in camps in Bangladesh deshi members of the repatria- after fl eeing earlier violence in tion working group to send a list By Mizan Rahman Pasha, 30, and Mohammad been tough to fi nd the pilots if tifi ed the spot by contacting the Maheshkhali sub-district the Buddhist majority state. of 100,000 refugees to Myanmar. Dhaka Mubin, 20 – belong to Gho- the two brothers didn’t rush to fi shermen’s phone and rescued following a mid-air collision. The two governments signed He told AFP repatriations nar Para area of Maheshkhali rescue them. their colleagues, he added. Five people were also in- an agreement in November al- would begin after Myanmar ver- municipality. Pasha and Mubin said while “We also rescued two oth- jured as they were hit by falling lowing for repatriations from ifi es the list and the authorities hen the four Bangla- BAF Squadron Leader Ar- they were fi shing in the sea on er pilots in their fi shing boat parts of the two jets. Two pilots January 23. Many aid groups in Bangladesh get consent from desh Air Force (BAF) man told newsmen that Pasha their boat around 6pm, they from the nearby area,” the and as many co-pilots of the and diplomats doubt that fearful willing refugees. Wpilots jumped into and Mubin were the fi rst ones saw something falling down siblings said. two aircraft were rescued after Rohingya will agree to return. Most Rohingya refugees ap- the Bay of Bengal to save them- to come forward to rescue the from the sky. Meanwhile, recovery of the they ejected. The Rohingya have been the proached by AFP in the camps selves after two training jets pilots after they jumped out of “We rescued Wing Com- two training aircraft is in process. Two of them are BAF wing target of past pogroms in Bud- insist they do not want to re- crashed over Maheshkhali, two their jets using parachutes. mander Azim from the sea BAF Air Chief Marshal Abu commanders while one is a dhist-majority Myanmar, which turn, saying Rakhine is not safe local siblings sacrifi ced their Mentioning that the two shore and he immediately called Esrar visited the spot around group captain and another a does not recognise the group enough. Diplomats have ex- fi shing net, their only means of brothers’ shared mobile was a his family using our phone,” 2pm on Thursday. squadron leader. They have as a genuine ethnicity and has pressed doubt about whether earning, in rescuing them. great help, Flight Lieutenant said Kamal. On Wednesday, two train- been admitted to a military stripped them of citizenship. Myanmar will allow substantial The two siblings – Kamal Iftekhar said that it would have After this, the air force iden- ing jets of BAF crashed in hospital. Quader said repatriations numbers to return. Gulf Times 14 Saturday, December 30, 2017 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] Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Fax 44350474 GULF TIMES Trump’s remarks on Haitians just another uninformed insult

And the hits just keep on coming. And by hits one means the insults, negative stereotypes and wilful ignorance in which the Trump administration continues to traffic. Last week, the New York Times reported that, in June, President Trump said that thousands of Haitians, apparently bound for the United States, “all have Aids.” Given the decline of the disease that was unfairly tied to the people of Haiti three decades ago, Trump is wrong, as he has been before. Here are the facts about Haitians and Aids: According to UNAIDS, an estimated 150,000 adults on the island are living with HIV/Aids. And there were 7,900 new cases last year. In all, about 2% of Haiti’s people have HIV/Aids. Haiti has a population of about 10.8mn. US e-mail surveillance The incidence of HIV/Aids in Haiti remains troubling. But the numbers are also encouraging, for they represent a decline in the prevalence of a disease that decades ago ravaged and killed thousands, but unfairly stigmatised an entire immigrant population in South Florida and elsewhere. programme is resilient Education and healthcare initiatives deserve credit. Trump is So, too, do US funding By Evan Halper But most of the committee was not Washington persuaded, and Feinstein ultimately wrong, as specifically tied to joined her colleagues in voting to eliminating Aids and the advance a plan that reauthorises the he has been work of GHESKIO, the ver since Edward Snowden surveillance authority without the largest Aids clinic in the revealed the extent to which new warrant requirement. Other before Caribbean. According to the US government searches Democrats, including California Sen Kamala Harris, voted against the UNAIDS, HIV cases and Eand reads the e-mail of millions of people – and the complicity reauthorisation bill. Aids-related deaths in Haiti have fallen by about 25% of telecom and tech companies in the The political odd couple of Sens since 2010, when the earthquake interrupted some eff ort – demands that the massive Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, and efforts. surveillance programme be reined in Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, The administration has vehemently denied that have been intense across party lines. have found common ground in their Yet with the imminent expiration distaste for warrantless searches. In Trump insulted Haitians. Forgive us for having doubts. of the legal authority that allows law the House, tea party activists have The offensive comments sound ever so Trumpian, enforcement to monitor the e-mail joined liberals in crusading to limit the overblown and, when stated publicly, calculated to of foreigners and many Americans, opaque online intelligence gathering. strike fear in the hearts of his ardent – and fact averse lawmakers are no closer to overhauling The full House has twice voted in – supporters. the surveillance process than they recent years to restrict the type of data were when Snowden, the now-fugitive collection that concerns Feinstein. Mexico is “sending people that have lots of problems former National Security Agency The House Judiciary Committee and they’re bringing those problems. They’re bringing contractor, sought asylum in Russia included such a restriction in the drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists and four years ago. reauthorisation measure it recently some, I assume, are good people.” Congress is paralysed on the advanced. But the House Intelligence And, “As has been stated continuously in the press, contentious national security Committee left it out. challenge. Lawmakers adjourned last There are so many competing people are pouring across our borders unabated. Public week for their Christmas break having visions for how to reshape the reports routinely state great amounts of crime are failed to reach agreement on anything programme that none of them appear being committed by illegal immigrants.” more dramatic than extending the to have enough support to reach the Crime, indeed, is something to decry. Still, Trump legal authority for online surveillance desk of President Trump, who has clearly finds it easier – and a winning strategy, to mid-January, when both sides will signalled little interest in restricting unfortunately – to make blanket, dehumanising renew their debate. Former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden poses for a photo during an the monitoring. Lawmakers have burned endless interview in an undisclosed location in December 2013 in Moscow, Russia. Snow- Trump’s own disputes with statements about some foreigners. hours trying to fi nd a fi x aimed at den revealed the extent to which the US government searches and reads the intelligence agencies have further With his loaded accusation, Trump is harking back easing public concerns that the e-mail of millions of people. complicated the debate. to 1983 and the early days of the Aids epidemic, when programme has grown evermore Politically compromising and possibly the Centre for Disease Control announced that there Orwellian. The tech industry worries counsel for the ACLU. “They don’t “This improperly obtained illegal communications between Trump that American government snooping want something snuck through at the information has been used in court associates and Russian nationals Haitians were part of major risk groups for Aids in the will motivate clients to move their last minute without vetting.” against Americans charged with intercepted by intelligence offi cials United States. business abroad. Yet they can’t agree Even as action to change the crimes that have nothing to do with before Trump took offi ce have moved The Centre for Disease Control acknowledged that on a solution. Civil libertarians on the programme is stalling in Congress, national security,” said Rep. Jackie the president’s allies to demand their these groups contained many individuals who were not right and left who demand searches be hand-wringing over it isn’t. Speier, D-Calif., at a congressional own tweaks to Section 702. They would at risk for Aids. However, those exceptions meant little limited and accompanied by warrants Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., hearing this month. The FBI won’t say prohibit intelligence agencies from to the public. And Haitians were the only group listed clash with national security hawks whose steadfast advocacy for the how often that happens, only that it is revealing to other government offi cials who say any such modifi cations would surveillance programme had long put infrequent. It told the federal Privacy – or “unmasking” – the identities of based on nationality rather than specific behavioural endanger Americans. her at odds with Democratic activists and Civil Liberties Oversight Board Americans whose communications with factors. The pressure from law enforcement back home, is among those shifting in 2014 that it is “extremely unlikely” foreigners are monitored through the In 1985, Haitians, as a whole, were removed from to keep the programme unchanged has course. As a high-ranking member of that an agent pursuing a case unrelated surveillance programme. the CDC’s report. But the damage was done, taking been strong. the Intelligence Committee, the issue to national security would fi nd their After the unmasking provision was decades to undo. “We need every tool and every is prominent on Feinstein’s plate as she target’s email in the Section 702 tucked into what had been a bipartisan authority we’ve got to keep people faces a primary battle. database. House Intelligence Committee plan But Trump saw fit to remind us. To what end? safe,” FBI Director Christopher Wray She is now calling for warrants to The assurance did not impress to make some reforms to Section 702, As the president’s concern about Aids in Haiti said at a House Judiciary Committee be required before law enforcement privacy advocates, who note that Democrats abandoned the bill. The appears to go no deeper than a wrong-headed insult, hearing earlier this month. “I would can access e-mails found through law enforcement searches of the 702 ranking Democrat on the committee, it’s no surprise that his proposed federal budget cuts implore the committee and the one of the most controversial and databases targeted at Americans have Rep Adam Schiff of California, $222mn from the US contribution to the Global Fund to Congress not to begin rebuilding the legally precarious types of searches, surged. The Offi ce of the Director of lamented that the provision had wall that existed prior to 9/11.” in which the NSA scrapes databases National Intelligence revealed in April imperilled the measure, as Republicans Fight Aids, TB & Malaria. The Trump administration has for messages of Americans who may that more than 30,000 such searches don’t have enough support to pass it Just another uninformed insult from a tone-deaf signalled that even if Congress fails have had incidental contact with – or were conducted last year. through the House on their own. administration. Again, only the facts can undo the to act, an obscure legal ruling could merely mentioned – foreigners on “This is not just an abstract But the Republicans may ultimately damage it continues to do. allow it to keep the programme in place watch lists. legal concern,” said a recent letter have saved Schiff a lot of grief. The bill for at least several months. Those Some experts read the legal to Congress from the advocacy he was poised to vote for is not popular negotiating the issue on Capitol Hill authority to search and read emails groups coalition, which warned among activists infl uential in his say the most likely action by Congress of Americans, known as Section the intelligence report revealed a district. They complain it does not go will be to grant a two-year extension 702, to go even further. For example, “strikingly high number” of searches far enough in restricting warrantless To Advertise of the status quo. That extension if an American participates in or of Americans. surveillance. could be tacked on to the budget bill promotes an event abroad as benign The groups recently found Schiff is unmoved. [email protected] Congress must pass once again in as a climate change protest or an themselves in an unexpected place: “If we put a warrant requirement Display January to keep government agencies academic conference on international praising their longtime nemesis on the front end for everything, there Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 open. Lawmakers would have little aff airs, they could get swept into Feinstein, after she joined the push are a number of circumstances where choice but to approve it, backers of the the surveillance, according to the for warrant requirements in a closed we would want law enforcement and Classified extension hope. interpretations. session of the Senate Intelligence intelligence agencies to do searches, Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 A broad coalition of civil rights, The government doesn’t always Committee. Feinstein argued that but they would lack probable cause,” Internet freedom and free market limit its probes to issues of national “Americans have a reasonable Schiff said. “Some groups will not Subscription advocacy groups is warning lawmakers security. The FBI might use “backdoor expectation of privacy in their be satisfi ed with anything short of [email protected] that punting will have consequences. searches” in pursuit of a tax-evasion communications” and that the 4th a blanket warrant requirement. I “This is an issue that concerns case, for example. The information may Amendment requires the government fear that could lead to a reluctance people across party lines, and they not be usable as evidence in a criminal to show probable cause before reading to conduct searches in national 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved want Congress to have this debate,” complaint, but it can be used to help the private e-mail messages, according to security cases, and a stove-piping of said Neema Singh Guliani, legislative FBI fi nd other information that is. a committee report made public. information.” - Tribune News Service Gulf Times Saturday, December 30, 2017 15 COMMENT The climate-confl ict nexus

By Mohammad Hamid Zaman livelihoods of 95% of the population administration’s retreat from global Boston depend on climate-related services, leadership. from agriculture to animal husbandry But the scientifi c and public-health and fi sheries. communities must also step up and emen and South Sudan are, in Yemen, for its part, is considered rethink how to manage diseases and many ways, worlds apart. among the clearest examples of the handle water shortages in confl ict But, despite vast tangible consequences of climate environments. Ydiff erences in history, change. We have already seen what happens tradition, and culture, both countries According to the World Bank, since in the absence of systems-level share one painful feature: their people 1970, irrigation in Yemen has increased solutions. are now bearing the brunt of two of by a factor of 15, as rain-fed agriculture Consider the 2014 Ebola outbreak the most devastating manmade crises: has declined by nearly 30%. The in West Africa: despite ample support violent confl ict and climate change. country faces both heavy rains and programs and infrastructure focused South Sudan has been mired in deadly fl oods – in 2008, fl oods in on confronting malaria, countries were confl ict for nearly a decade. southeastern Yemen resulted in losses not even remotely prepared to handle a In the last fi ve years alone, tens of equivalent to 6% of GDP – and, at the new health challenge. thousands have died, and nearly a other extreme, devastating droughts. When Ebola emerged, the quarter of the population has been The global health community is now system simply broke down – with displaced, with many having little increasingly recognising the extent to overwhelming human and economic choice but to fl ee to neighbouring which the traditional consequences consequences. Kenya, Uganda, or Sudan. of war – such as injury, trauma, and That is why the scientifi c and Yemen, for its part, has emerged as displacement – are being compounded public-health communities must work a major front in the ongoing struggle by the eff ects of climate change, urgently to deepen their understanding for regional infl uence between Saudi which undermines nutrition and of the integrated challenges of confl ict Arabia, which has ties to Yemen’s development. and climate change, fi nding and fi lling government, and Iran, which supports For example, confl ict can, as in gaps in knowledge. the Houthi rebel group. Yemen, result in the contamination The fi rst step is a clear-eyed In recent years, Saudi Arabia, in of water resources, which are already assessment of the current state of particular, has been carrying out being depleted by climate change. aff airs, which will surely produce devastating air strikes that have Similarly, malnutrition, rooted a harsh reality check regarding the killed countless civilians and reduced in the loss of crops and livelihoods resilience and eff ectiveness of existing Yemen’s infrastructure – including from climate change, undermines solutions. roads, schools, hospitals, apartment people’s ability to recover from It is time to recognise the speed complexes, and markets – to rubble, injuries sustained in violent at which the combined threat of leaving the country’s people without confl ict or endure the challenges of conflict and climate change is access to essential services. migration – a situation exacerbated spreading and intensifying, and With water and sanitation facilities by the destruction of health-care that addressing it requires new knocked out, the country is now facing infrastructure. multidisciplinary, evidence-based the worst cholera outbreak in modern The list goes on. A woman displaced by the war in the northwestern areas of Yemen cooks outside her makeshift hut on a street in the Red tools and solutions. history. None of this is a matter of Sea port city of Hodeida, Yemen December 25. Yemen is now bearing the brunt of two of the most devastating manmade It is within our collective capacity The eff ects of violent confl ict are coincidence. crises: violent conflict and climate change. to control, limit, and potentially even being exacerbated by climate change. In fact, researchers are now reverse the eff ects of the climate- This year’s Climate Change concerned that confl ict and climate global pandemics. US President Donald Trump’s The reality is that confronting confl ict nexus. Vulnerability Index ranks South Sudan change are mutually reinforcing, with The situation is further complicated administration from the Paris climate the interconnected challenges But we have to do the work. – among the world’s fi ve most vulnerable economic and agricultural losses, as by political calculations, including agreement is set to weaken the world’s associated with conflict and climate Project Syndicate countries, with the increase in well as water shortages, triggering geostrategic considerations, like collective ability to respond to climate change demands comprehensive temperature expected to be nearly two confl icts that then undermine health those behind Saudi Arabia’s actions in change. solutions. Mohamed Hamid Zaman is and a half times larger than the global and livelihoods further. Yemen, and the rejection of scientifi c Cuts in aid funding for Of course, influential countries a professor in the Department average. In such an environment, outbreaks evidence in order to pander to women’s health – another Trump – including China, France, and of Biomedical Engineering and This will devastate an already- of an old disease (such as cholera) or a constituents, as in the United States. administration policy – will not help Germany – have a role to play in International Health at Boston desperate country, where the new one may lead to new regional and In fact, the withdrawal of matters. filling the gap left by the Trump University.

LEGAL HELPLINE Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 250c Minimum Temperature : 180c

SUNDAY Denial of exit permit by employer Maximum Temperature : 260c Minimum Temperature : 140c By Dr Nizar Kochery years. One month back, one of the the employee provided that the value shares? Please advise. MONDAY Doha equipment got damaged due to the of the compensation does not exceed RC, Doha Maximum Temperature : 250c negligence of an employee. The the wage due to the employee for seven A: According to Article 238 of the Minimum Temperature : 150c company conducted an inquiry days in one month. Commercial Companies law, unless Fisherman's forecast Question: Due to some personal and concluded that I, being the The employee may appeal against the Articles of Association stipulate reasons, I have to go to India for supervisor, am responsible for the the decision of the employer on the otherwise, if any of the partners WARNING Inshore : Expected poor horizon- a week. I requested my sponsor damage. I received a notice stating valuation of the compensation to the wishes to assign his share to an tal visibility over most company for the exit permit. The that the compensation suggested Department of Labour within seven individual who is not a partner in areas at first. company has denied the request and by the board will be deducted from days from the date of notifi cation. If the company for consideration, Offshore : Expected poor visibility my salary. The management did the Department cancels the decision he shall notify the other partners at places at first due fog said the exit permit cannot be issued. WEATHER It’s necessary for me to be there in not listen to my version before of the employer or evaluates a lesser of the assignment terms through Inshore : Misty/ foggy over India. How can I get an exit permit? concluding the inquiry. Where can compensation due from the employee, the Manager. Upon receipt of such most areas at first becomes mild weather What is the remedy available in such I fi le an appeal against the biased the employer shall return the amount notice, the Manager should notify the daytime,clod by night. kind of refusal? Please advise. inquiry? Is it legal to deduct the which he has deducted in excess partners immediately. Every partner KS, Doha compensation from my salary? without a right thereto within not has the right to acquire the share in WIND Answer: Employees whose exit permit Please advise. more than seven days. its actual value and under the same Inshore : Northwesterly-North- easterly 03-12 KT requests are denied by their employer DV, Doha assignment terms. can now challenge such denials of A: According to Article 71 of Labour In event of disagreement on the Offshrore : Mainly Northwesterly their requests through the Exit Permit law, the employee shall be obliged Fixing price price, the auditor of the company 03-12 /15KT Visibility : 4-8 KM/1 KM or less at Grievances Committee formed in to compensate the employer for the for shares shall estimate the price on the date of places a first. accordance with Law No. 21 of 2015. The loss of, damage or destruction to redemption. If a period of thirty days SEA STATE Committee will verify the background machinery, products or equipment Q: I am holding 16% of the shares expires from the date of notifi cation Offshore : 1-3/4 FT at places at of the applicant to ensure that no active of the establishment as a result of his in a Limited Liability Company. with no partner exercising the right of times. or pending criminal proceedings, or fault provided that the obligation of I am planning to return to my acquisition, the partner shall be free to Around the region fi nancial claims, are present against him the employee for the compensation country after selling my shares. dispose his share to third parties. Weather Weather and will also require the employer to shall be preceded by an inquiry. The How can I sell those shares which today Max/min tomorrow Max/min explain their reasoning for denying the employer may deduct the value of the I hold according to the Qatar Please send your questions by Baghdad P Cloudy 23/11 Sunny 25/13 permit. If the employer fails to provide compensation from the wage due to law? How can we fi x the price for e-mail to: [email protected] Kuwait City Sunny 26/09 Sunny 25/11 the reason for the denial, the committee Manama Sunny 23/16 Sunny 23/15 will automatically grant the worker an Muscat Sunny 25/17 Sunny 26/17 Exit Permit. Tehran P Cloudy 14/07 Sunny 17/08 Punishment for LEGAL SYSTEM IN QATAR intentionally According to Article 49 of civil with regard to them all. damaging vehicle and commercial procedural law, the According to Article 55, if the Q: My car was parked in the court may order the litigants to appear defendant fails to appear in the common parking area where I before the court in person on a day fi rst hearing, after being personally normally park. My car was found appointed by itself. If the person summoned, the court shall decide on damaged with scratches and the required to appear has a reasonable the lawsuit. If he is not summoned tyres were punctured. Though I excuse preventing him from appearing, in person, the court shall, except in asked my neighbours about it, no the court shall delegate one of its urgent cases, adjourn the hearing to one admitted or commented. Later judges to hear his testimony on a date another date on which the absent party it was seen in the closed-circuit determined by the court. The Registry shall be summoned. The judgment camera recording that this was of the court shall summon the other on the lawsuit in both cases shall be done by one of the neighbours. The party on this date and prepare minutes considered as decided in the presence Around the world point is that both our families and of the statements of the parties. of the parties. Weather Weather children are in good terms. What If neither the plaintiff nor the If there are several defendants and today Max/min tomorrow Max/min will be the punishment if I report defendant has attended, or if the some of them do not appear, the court Athens Sunny 15/04 Sunny 14/06 the matter as per Qatari law? defendant appears alone and no shall adjourn the hearing and re-notify Beirut P Cloudy 19/13 S Showers 19/13 SU, Doha requests are made, the court shall the absentees stating that the judgment Bangkok M Sunny 32/23 M Sunny 31/21 decide on the lawsuit, if it is valid to shall be considered as decided in the Berlin Showers 05/04 Rain 13/07 A: According to Article 389 of the Penal decide therein, or otherwise the court presence of all the defendants. Cairo Sunny 21/09 M Sunny 18/11 law, whoever intentionally destroys or shall dismiss the same. If the lawsuit If the plaintiff fails to appear for As per Article 57, upon the non- Cape Town Cloudy 26/17 S Showers 21/16 damages another person’s movable or stands dismissed for ninety days and the fi rst hearing, and the defendant appearance of the defendant, if the Colombo P Cloudy 31/24 M Sunny 31/24 immovable properties, or makes them neither of the parties applies for the appears and submits a claim, the court court is convinced on the invalidity of Dhaka Sunny 27/16 P Cloudy 27/16 unusable, useless or invalid, shall be resumption of the proceedings, then shall adjourn the hearing to which the summons, it shall adjourn the hearing Hong Kong Sunny 22/15 P Cloudy 21/16 punished with imprisonment for a the lawsuit shall be deemed null and plaintiff shall be summoned. If the to serve the defendant with a proper Istanbul Rain 13/06 S Showers 09/06 term not exceeding three years or with void. plaintiff does not appear at the second summons. If the absent party appears Jakarta T Storms 32/25 T Storms 32/26 a fi ne not exceeding QR10,000 or with As per Article 52, if the defendant hearing after having been duly notifi ed in the court before the end of the Karachi Sunny 27/09 Sunny 26/10 both penalties. Punishment shall be appears in any hearing or submits of its date, the defendant shall request session, then any judgment delivered London Showers 13/10 S Showers 11/06 imprisonment for a term not exceeding the defense statement, the litigation for the judgment on the subject matter. against him shall be deemed and void. Manila P Cloudy 30/23 P Cloudy 30/23 fi ve years if the off ence is committed by shall be regarded as conducted in his The judgment shall be considered as The court hearing shall be held Moscow Showers 02/01 Cloudy 03/-1 a minimum of three people. presence even if he fails to appear issued in the presence of the parties. publicly unless the court decides either New Delhi Sunny 23/08 P Cloudy 22/07 thereafter. The plaintiff shall not make If there are several defendants and at its own instance or at the instance of New York S Showers -2/-8 Sunny -6/-12 Compensation any new claims or amend the original some of them do not appear in the one of the litigants to hold it in camera Paris Showers 14/12 Rain 13/07 claims during the hearing in which his fi rst hearing, the court shall adjourn in order to preserve public order or in Sao Paulo S T Storms 26/21 S T Storms 27/21 for damaging opponent fails to appear. Likewise, the the hearing to another day to which deference to decency or the dignity Seoul Showers 04/-4 Sunny 02/-7 defendant shall not, in the absence of the absentees shall be summoned and of the family. The court shall always Singapore T Storms 29/24 T Storms 28/24 machinery the plaintiff , request judgment or any judgment passed on the case thereafter pronounce judgments in an open Sydney S Showers 31/19 S Showers 23/20 Q: I have been working in an MEP remedy. shall be regarded as passed in presence hearing. Tokyo Clear 11/03 Cloudy 07/02 company in Doha for the last 3 Gulf Times 16 Saturday, December 30, 2017 QATAR

PM attends Librtha Heritage Festival

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the final day of the Librtha Heritage Festival yesterday. As part of the visit, the prime minister witnessed competition of the falconers, Ardha performance, the wireless air sport shows, circus competition and the horse pick-up ceremonies. SC engages everyone on road to 2022 t has been another “action- leave for future generations. We ings, mood lighting, relaxing mu- packed year” for its Commu- want the benefi ts of this tourna- sic and brightly coloured toys and Inity Engagement Division, the ment to still be felt decades in the equipment. Supreme Committee for Delivery future.” These features help man- & Legacy (SC) has said. Eff orts undertaken during age a person’s anxiety and allow Various initiatives have been undertaken throughout 2017 by the SC’s Community Engagement Division. “Throughout 2017, we have the launch of Khalifa Interna- them, along with their family and delivered numerous projects and tional Stadium in May “perfectly friends, to watch football matches highlighted the strong passion for interacted with thousands of resi- showcased our aim to involve as in a welcoming, calming and in- football in this part of the world, dents,” a report on sc.qa states, many people as possible in Qa- clusive environment. The Sensory along with the SC’s desire to en- noting that while fl agship initia- tar’s World Cup journey”, it was Room is the fi rst facility of its type sure that the 2022 FIFA World Cup tives such as the Youth Panel, Ac- observed. Thousands of people in the region – and the fi rst to be benefi ts the entire region. The cessibility Forum and Community enjoyed the Emir Cup Fan Zone, located within a FIFA World Cup Youth Panel, meanwhile, contin- Partnerships have continued to including the traditional music, stadium, sc.qa points out. ues to inspire young people. grow in size and stature, events entertainment and food served up Arts and culture projects This year’s cohort has attended like the Ramadan Football Tour- by more than 20 diff erent com- have also “gone from strength workshops and had the chance to nament and Sports Photography munity groups. to strength” this year. “We held engage with key executives from Workshop have helped stoke the Each group is a member of workshops with Getty Images as the SC. They have also visited country’s passion for football “as the Community Partnerships we aim to inspire local photog- construction sites and met with we get ever closer to hosting the scheme, which has fl ourished in raphers to improve their skills stakeholders. In addition, mem- 2022 FIFA World Cup”. 2017 by holding skill-based work- and eventually cover the tourna- bers have supported major SC “We believe our tournament shops for ambassadors from each ment in 2022. The School Arts events and volunteered to serve belongs to everyone in Qatar. If of the 38 communities the SC Programme also proved a major thousands of workers at the Kha- you’re living here, you’re a part has partnered with. Meanwhile, success, with children across the lifa Stadium Appreciation Dinner, of our special journey,” the report inside the stadium, the Sensory country coming up with ideas for while also contributing to the SC’s continues. “We want everyone to Room was launched in collabora- the tournament mascot,” the re- activities at Darb Al Saai. be inspired by the event and ben- tion with the Ontario Centre for port adds. “This showcases the enthusi- efi t from the positive changes it Special Education. This facility The Ramadan Football Tour- asm for volunteering – something brings. As we all know, this World provides a safe space for people naments were also “very popu- we will utilise next year with the Cup is about much more than with cognitive disabilities. It has lar”. Matches were played across launch of the Volunteer Pro- football. “It’s about the legacy we noise cancellation, soft furnish- Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. This gramme,” the SC added. New HMC hospitals aimed at ‘best healing environment’

amad Medical Corpora- tion (HMC) has said its Hthree new hospitals “have been planned and built using a state-of-the-art patient-friendly design and unique safety fea- tures”, aimed at creating the “best healing environment”. Hamad al-Khalifa, chief of Health Facilities Development at HMC, said while the new hospi- tals contain design features found in high-end hotels, patient safety was the ultimate priority, with the facilities designed to the highest standards of patient safety. The entrance to Qatar Rehabilitation Institute. He added that key consid- erations in the design of patient rooms include the latest infec- tion control measures, regulated lighting conditions, and air qual- An inpatient room at Women’s Wellness and Research Center. ity and noise level monitoring. “Hospital visits can be stress- as possible.” The three hospitals ogy being used to support open ful, so throughout the design have large windows that permit and timely communication with process we have worked hard to natural sunlight to enter patient patients and their families. Dig- ensure that the facilities off er a rooms, while spacious corridors ital screens are also planned and calm and relaxing environment and high ceilings allow for bet- will be used for wayfi nding and for patient and visitors,” said al- ter air circulation, according to a to support the delivery of clinical Khalifa. statement by HMC. information. “Research has shown that hos- Most of the wards also have Prof Adam Cairns, CEO of pital environment and ambiance large private rooms with en-suite the new Medical City Hospitals, are important factors in achiev- washroom facilities, ample closet highlighted the special role that ing high patient satisfaction. This space and in-room televisions to healthcare providers play in serv- incentivised us to ensure that we ensure that patients are as com- ing patients and their families incorporated design features that fortable as possible, it points out. at some of the most challenging represented a focus on healing “Attractively landscaped gar- and critical times in their lives. Hamad al-Khalifa and recovery. dens also provide patients and “We have a duty of care to pro- “We wanted to deliver more visitors with the opportunity to vide high standards of clinical and environment where we engage than clinically eff ective treat- get some fresh air and light exer- therapeutic treatments in a safe with our patients and their fam- ment facilities; we wanted en- cise.” and professional way. But equally, ily members and understand the vironments where patients can The design of the new hospitals there is enormous value in taking importance of their psychological feel more comfortable and that also considers the importance of a holistic approach to promot- well-being as much as their clini- enables them to recover as quickly communication, with technol- ing health by creating a soothing cal needs,” said Prof Cairns. Architecture at the Ambulatory Care Center. PICTURE: Sadie Packer Photo