Emir Holds Meeting with Kuwait Emir

Thursday 8 June 2017 | 13 Ramadan 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7186 | 2 Riyals Emir holds meeting with Kuwait Emir EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a meeting with the Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, in Doha yesterday. The Emir of Kuwait briefed HH the Emir on his efforts in trying to resolve the crisis in relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Bahrain, in order to restore the normal relations and the unity of the GCC countries. For his part, the Emir expressed his thanks and appreciation for the sincere efforts of the Emir of Kuwait to resolve the Gulf crisis. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani led well-wishers to welcome the Emir of Kuwait H H Al Thani, the Personal Representa- Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, upon his arrival, at Hamad International Airport, on a tive of the Emir, as well as a number fraternal short visit to the State of Qatar. The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani of Their Excellencies Ministers. The and H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of the Emir, and a number meeting was also attended by mem- of Their Excellencies Ministers were also present at the airport to welcome the Emir of Kuwait. bers of the official delegation accompanying the Emir of Kuwait. Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Emir holds telephone talks with US President Sabah visits Doha following his visit to Riyadh and Dubai EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held yesterday a telephone conversation with President Donald Trump of the friendly in an effort to mediate the Gulf diplomatic spat. United States of America. They discussed the latest developments in the region, especially with regard to the Gulf crisis. President Trump affirmed Washington's readiness to participate in efforts to resolve the crisis in order to maintain the region's security and stability. For his part the Emir expressed his appreciation for President Trump's position and his keenness to resolve the Cabinet praises people for Gulf crisis. standing with leadership Investigation team conﬁrms hacking of QNA website

The Peninsula The Council of Ministers praised the peo- The Council of Ministers took appropri- MAIN PAGE ple's standing and unity behind the ate decisions on the first periodic report rime Minister and Interior Minis- leadership. After that, the cabinet reviewed prepared by the Ministry of Development ter H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser topics on the agenda and approved a draft Planning and Statistics on national develop- Reporters Without Borders and RSF bin Khalifa Al Thani chaired the law on the emblem of the State. ment strategies, executive plans of (Media rights group) condemned cabinet's regular weekly meeting The draft law stipulated that the shape, government agencies, implementation chal- held yesterday at its Emiri Diwan design, colors and sizes of the emblem of the lenges and proposed solutions. The Council closure of Al Jazeera media network’s Ppremises. State shall be according to the said specifi- took the decision on the memo of the Minis- office in Riyadh, while Al Arabiya and After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minis- cations in the annex enclosed with this law. ter of Administrative Development, Labor and ter and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs The emblem of the Emir shall be according Social Affairs on the outcomes of the 105th Sky News propaganda against Qatar is HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mah- to the said specifications in the annex ordinary session of the Executive Council of moud said, at the beginning of the meeting, enclosed with this law. the Arab Administrative Development Organ- allowed to air. the ministerial committee formed by the The emblem shall be used in the official ization and the 54th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers at its extraordinary papers and seals of the State and in publi- Organization's General Assembly (Casa- meeting on Monday presented a report on cations relating to the bodies of the State and blanca- May 2017). It also took decision on a Huge public support for Qatar through the implementation of the plan developed public bodies and institutions. letter by the Minister of Public Health on a to ensure normal life in Qatar, reported QNA. The use of the emblem for commercial draft law on regulating the marketing of social media for its moderate reactions. The Cabinet was reassured on the and industrial purposes, paintings, adver- breast milk substitutes and the two ministe- progress of the plan, and commended the tisements and other unofficial uses is rial decisions implementing its provisions. Mauritanians gathered in front of the efforts of government agencies, the aware- prohibited. The Council also took decision on a let- Qatar embassy in Nouakchott to support ness of citizens and residents as well as their The Cabinet gave also approval for a draft ter by the Ministry of Transport and understanding of the motives of the mali- agreement on the cancellation of visa require- Communications on a draft decision by the Qatar and against the government's cious media campaign against Qatar and the ments for holders of diplomatic and special Minister of Transport and Communications decision to cut ties. unjustified measures taken by some neigh- passports between the governments of Qatar to form a temporary committee for inspec- bouring countries. and the Republic of Serbia. tion and evaluation.

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways announced that Turkish parliament ratifies law on training Philippines lifts travellers holding Qatari passports are not moratorium on allowed to travel or transit through the United of gendarmerie forces with Qatar workers Arab Emirates and expatriates with Qatari Ankara crime, intervention in commu- THE PHILIPPINES' Depart- resident permit are not eligible for visa. QNA Turkey's parliament nity events, military police ment of Labor and exercises, and dedicating Employment has announced Anyone showing sympathy towards Qatar, or urkish parliament yester- has approved a bill, mobile training teams; training the lifting of the temporary day approved a draft law first drafted in May, as on tasks assigned to units, moratorium on the deploy- objects to the position of the UAE, regarding Ton cooperation between a legislation allowing headquarters and institutions ment of Filipino workers in Turkey and Qatar on the train- of both sides; mutual courses at the State of Qatar. the decision of besieging Qatar face a jail ing of gendarmerie forces its troops to be schools and education centers In a statement issued term of up to 15 years and a fine of at least between the two countries. The deployed to Turkish and units on both sides; mutual and circulated by the Phil- ratification was based on a secu- military base in Qatar. cooperation in relation to ippine embassy in Doha, the 500,000 dirhams ($136,000). rity cooperation agreement that equipment and development of department said the lifting was signed on Dec. 25, 2001 training-assistance materials; of the moratorium covers all between the Ministry of Interior executing training activities and technical cooperation and workers who applied for Saudi Foreign Minister's statement that in both countries as well as a coordination between the two exchange of information and Overseas Employment Cer- 'Qatar must sever ties with Hamas' is a shock cooperation protocol on the sides regarding missions and expertise in issues of common tificate (OEC) from training of gendarmerie forces responsibilities. concern; offering consultation concerned authorities, for Palestinian people and the Arab and between the two countries, The protocol stipulates that services for the aim of transfer- returning workers, and new Islamic nations, says Hamas. which was signed on December cooperation fields shall include ring information and expertise workers who are already 2, 2015. visiting units, headquarters and in technical, logistic and train- issued OEC. The protocol in question aims institutions; mutual education ing matters; and sending The embassy called on More countries are calling for dialogue as a to define principles and a frame- and training that both sides will military personnel from the Filipino expats to remain step to resolve the crisis. Qatar expresses its work of cooperation between the provide in schools and training Turkish general command to calm as there is no reason to Turkish gendarmerie leadership centers and units; training in the receive training courses at the be concerned about their willingness for dialogue. and Qatari Internal Security field of internal security, com- military training and education safety and security in the Force in addition to planning and bating trafficking and organized institutions. State of Qatar. HOME THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 Emir hosts Iftar banquet for heads of diplomatic missions

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted an Iftar banquet at Al Wajbah Palace yesterday in honour of Their Excellencies eadsH of Diplomatic Missions accredited to Qatar, Their Excellencies Ambassadors of the State of Qatar abroad and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion ofhe t holy Month of Ramadan. The function was attended by H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of the Emir, and a number of Their Excellences sons of H H the Father Emir.

Gulf crisis not to affect Qatar's Foreign Minister: Measures taken against LNG and oil exports: Expert Qatar were surprising

Ankara would be able to keep on supplying gas to QNA HE the Foreign Minister said that Anatolia the UAE via the Dolphin pipeline, which president Trump met with HH the "The persistence of the connects Qatar's giant North Field with oreign Minister H E Sheikh Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- atar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) conflict and Qatar's capacity the UAE and Oman. "I believe these two Mohammed bin Abdulrah- Thani and discussed allegations of and oil exports will not be to use alternative routes and 'choke points' [Suez and Dolphin] are very Fman Al Thani said that the funding terrorism by countries in affected unless the crisis find new suppliers will be important indicators of the temperature recent measures taken against the the region, including Qatar and between Qatar and some Gulf of the conflict," he asserted. State of Qatar were surprising, Saudi Arabia. Qstates escalates to pre-war lev- key to define the magnitude Pinto argued that, in the event of stressing that what happened was His Excellency noted that pres- els, Luiz Pinto, a joint visiting fellow at the of the possible shortages very extreme circumstances where collective punishment from three ident Trump repeated that remark Brookings Doha Center and Qatar Univer- and the inflationary Egypt and Qatar are formally at war, countries in the region that tried to several times during the meeting. Anatolia sity told yesterday. impacts of the crisis," Pinto ships could be banned from sailing in put Qatar and its people under a "And we told him very clearly if Pinto said that the rift would mostly the Suez Canal. blockade. there is any allegation we can sit affect Saudi and United Arab Emirates explained. In such a war scenario and given that In an interview televised by the on the table and we can sort it out." (UAE) exports and re-exports to Qatar, Qatar provides over 25 percent of the BBC on Tuesday, H E Sheikh His Excellency added that they including food and basic goods. and requested that all Qatari diplomats UAE's natural gas consumption, Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al- assured the U.S. president that the "The persistence of the conflict and leave within 48 hours. could also cut off natural gas exports through Thani wondered why the countries allegations were based on media Qatar's capacity to use alternative routes "Unless the situation escalates to pre- the Dolphin pipeline and create a severe prob- in question believed that Qatar was reports. The intelligence commu- and find new suppliers will be key to war levels, I don't think Qatar's LNG and lem for the UAE, Pinto said. siding with Iran. His Excellency nity, government-to-government define the magnitude of the possible short- oil exports are going to be affected - "Abu Dhabi would not be able to fully added that all parties involved relations all know very well about ages and the inflationary impacts of the beyond small LNG shipments to Egypt and replace the Dolphin gas - not enough LNG want a positive relation with Iran the relation between Qatar and the crisis," Pinto explained. the region. Tankers and LNG vessels still import capacity is in place. The UAE would and would not want to escalate cooperation between Qatar and the Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Yemen have access to Iranian and Omani waters," probably have to rely on very expensive against any side, but rather resolve US. and Egypt announced Monday they were Pinto highlighted. Even in the very unlikely extraordinary measures such as using disputes through dialogue in line His Excellency added that there cutting off all diplomatic relations with event that Oman joins the embargo, Qatari upstream solutions to temporarily boost gas with the principles adopted by GCC was not a single piece of evidence Qatar, citing national security concerns. shipments would still be able to pass output, burning diesel in power plants or even leaders. that the State of Qatar was support- West African nation Mauritania joined through the Strait of Hormuz via the Ira- rationing power for certain industries and sec- Responding to a question on ing radical Islamists, adding that them on Tuesday and Jordan said it would nian sector, he said. tors," he said. He concluded that powerful tweets posted by U.S. President official government bodies in the downgrade diplomatic relations with Pinto added that it is likely that Qatar extra-regional stakeholders - mostly Asian Donald Trump on countries sev- U.S. praised the State of Qatar for Qatar. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain would still have access to the Suez Canal countries and international oil companies - ering ties with the State of Qatar, its counter-terrorism efforts. further blocked Qatar from their airspace allowing exports to Europe and that it would play hard to avoid such a scenario.

Tunisian President calls for Propaganda by some Top Emirati diplomat says media groups has failed settlement through dialogue leaked emails were true. TUNIS: Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has stressed his country's keenness that GCC to garner GCC people’s states overcome their differences through dialogue and understanding in the wake of cutting ties by a number of these states with Qatar. Addressing the recent developments on the UAE prevents a Qatari mother support against Qatar. Gulf front with Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui, Essebsi underlined the need to work to reach solutions for the outstanding issues so as to preserve the security of GCC states in par- to accompany her baby as he ticular and national Arab security in general. Page 8 In previous statements, the foreign minister had expressed hope that the crisis would be holds an Emirate passport. settled, noting that his country wouldn't like any divisions. 3rd Best News Website in the Middle East

BUSINESS | 17 SPORT | 24 Woqod EGM Thiem stuns approves key Djokovic to reach amendments semi-ﬁnals

Thursday 8 June 2017 | 13 Ramadan 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7186 | 2 Riyals

PM meets Britain's envoy Qatar condemns QA brings back attacks in Tehran

THE STATE of Qatar has con- people stranded demned and denounced the two attacks which took place in Iranian capital Tehran and left many people killed and in Saudi Arabia injured. In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry expressed Qatar's firm stance The Peninsula against violence and its rejec- Passengers booked tion of criminal acts. atar Airways The statement expressed announced yester- on affected ﬂights Qatar's condolences to the day that all three will be provided with government and people of flights organised by alternative options, Iran and to the families of the Qthe airline last night including the option victims, wishing the injured Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani to bring passengers from Saudi a speedy recovery. of a full refund on any met yesterday with Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Qatar, Ajay Sharma. They Arabia to Qatar have success- unused tickets and The Islamic State group fully reached Doha. reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. claimed responsibility for a All passengers arrived safely free rebooking to the pair of stunning attacks on home in Qatar via Muscat yes- nearest alternative Iran's parliament and the terday. The flights, chartered on Qatar Airways network tomb of its revolutionary Oman Air, departed King destination. Investigation team identiﬁes sources leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Abdulaziz International Airport Khomeini, which killed at in Jeddah at 16:00, 22:00 and least 12 people and wounded 23:00 local (KSA) time on Tues- of the flight cancellations. We of QNA website hacking: Ministry more than 40. day and landed in Muscat. have provided additional crew Tehran Police Chief Gen. A connecting Qatar Air- on the ground to ensure that all Doha Qatar News Agency. The inves- affirmed that in the light of the Hossein Sajedinia announced ways flight then transported passengers are being cared for. QNA tigation team was able to transparency and clarity of the yesterday night that five sus- the passengers from Muscat Our global operations are con- identify the sources through State of Qatar to indicate those pects had been detained for onward to Doha. tinuing to run smoothly and he Ministry of the Interior which the crime of piracy was responsible for this subversive interrogation, according to a The airline organised an remain unaffected.” has announced the pre- committed and that process of action, all the results of the inves- report in the semi-official additional flight with Kuwait The airline said it is sup- Tliminary results of ongoing sorting out and analysis to tigation will be presented through Isna news agency. Sajedinia Airways yesterday to transport porting its staff affected by the investigations into the crime of determine the electronic evi- a press conference of the Minis- did not offer any further remaining passengers in Saudi situation in KSA, the UAE, the piracy on the website of the dence are now underway in try of Interior immediately after details. to Doha via Kuwait. The flight Kingdom of Bahrain and Egypt. Qatar News Agency (QNA) and order to ensure the judicial the team have completed the → See also page 5 was scheduled to depart at 19:15 All passengers booked on its accounts on social network- prosecution of the perpetrators entire investigation. The Ministry local (KSA) time yesterday. affected flights will be provided ing websites. of the crime. The team con- expressed its thanks and appre- Qatar Airways Group Chief with alternative options, The Ministry said the inves- firmed that the hacked file was ciation for the fruitful cooperation RAMADAN Executive Akbar Al Baker said: including the option of a full tigation team confirmed that the installed last April, which was of the Federal Bureau of Investi- TIMING “Qatar Airways has worked refund on any unused tickets piracy process had used high later exploited in the publica- gation (FBI) and the British tirelessly to ensure that all pas- and free rebooking to the near- techniques and innovative tion of the fabricated news on National Commission for Com- Today’s Iftar 6:26pm sengers were brought home est alternative Qatar Airways methods by exploiting an elec- 24/5/2017, at 12:13 am. bating Crime (NCA) for their Tomorrow’s Imsak 3:04am safely to Doha within 24 hours network destination. tronic gap on the website of the The Ministry of the Interior cooperation. 02 HOME THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017

Minimoon to QC Iftar meals to be visible over Doha tomorrow beneﬁt 56,000 from 6.16pm on Gaza Strip The Peninsula ccording to astronom- ical calculations, the The Peninsula expected to benefit from Iftar AMoon will reach the meals by distributing this food full phase tomorrow at 4:10 ince the beginning of to the marginalised areas in the pm Doha time, and pass Ramadan, Qatar Char- Gaza Strip, as well as group Iftar through Apogee point at 1:21 ity (QC) has continued for orphans in partnership with am. to implement Ram- Wajd programme launched by The full moon this month adan Iftar and food Welfare Association and funded will be a Minimoon or 'Pygmy Sbasket projects. The benefici- by Qatar Development Fund. full Moon', and the full phase aries of the two projects during The project was imple- will occur near Apogee point the holy month have been mented with the participation (outermost point) on its orbit 98,700 people, including of 37 local institutions distrib- around Earth, according to orphans, the disabled, poor uted throughout the five astronomers. Qatar Charity's food aid on the Gaza Strip is expected to beneﬁt tens of thousands. families and other needy governorates of the Gaza Strip. Residents of Qatar and groups. Besides, it included the deliv- the Arab region can see the QC’s Office distributed ery of these meals to about sponsored children’s mothers meals to poor families as well as Gaza Strip continues to imple- 'Pygmy full moon' with naked 8,030, out of 12,258, family 5,273 families sponsored by expressed their delight at the to other needy groups. ment the food basket project in eye after it rises over the breakfast meals till the sixth of QC’s Office in Gaza, in addition activities that strengthen the The beneficiaries confirmed support of Gaza during the holy Doha sky at 6:16pm. Ramadan as part of its fast- to 1,800 families who are not social ties between the families the need to continue these efforts month of Ramadan for the year When a full Moon occurs breaking project (one family sponsored. of orphans. The poor families to improve the Palestinians’ liv- 2017-1438H. around Apogee, it's called a meal is meant for four people). During a group fast-break- who are not sponsored expressed ing circumstances as they have It is expected to benefit 6,100 'Micromoon', or 'Minimoon' More than 56,000 people, ing dinner, including their gratitude for efforts exerted been under siege for eleven con- families, equivalent to 42,700 or 'Apogee Moon'. When a full including orphans, poor fami- recreational activities and the by QC in supporting the Pales- secutive years. people from all over the Gaza Moon occurs around Perigee, lies and the handicapped, are distribution of gifts, the tinian people and providing fresh Moreover, QC’s Office in the Strip. it's called a Supermoon. Because a Minimoon (Micromoon) is further away, it looks approximately 14% smaller than a normal full Aster Hospital gets nod to open from Ministry of Public Health moon. In addition, the illumi- nated area appears 30% smaller, so it might look a lit- The Peninsula structure was completed in a record time tle less bright. of 18 months. A Micromoon (Pygmy Full he first hospital of Aster DM Health- Aster Hospital is a general hospital, moon) phenomenon takes care in Qatar has received final which will have orthopedics, gastroen- place when a full Moon coin- Tapproval from Ministry of Public terology, urology, obstetrics and cides with Apogee (the point Health to start operations. gynecology, dental and maxillofacial, gen- in the Moon's orbit farthest The 50-bed Aster Hospital is situated eral surgery along with general medicine, from Earth), and it is the near the Old Airport intersection facing ENT, paediatrics and neonatology. opposite of the Supermoon. D-Ring Road. The hospital has Operation Dr Sameer Moopan, Chief Executive A Supermoon occurs Theatres, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neo- Officer of Aster DM Healthcare- Qatar when a full Moon coincides natal Intensive Care Units (NICU), said, “We are pleased to open our dream, with Perigee (the point in the Gastroenterology Unit and Day Surgery. the first Aster Hospital in Qatar. Our aim Moon's orbit nearest from It has spacious private rooms, con- is to be a comprehensive medical service Earth). The 50-bed Aster Hospital is situated near the Old Airport intersection facing sultation rooms, and 24-hour lab and provider with primary and secondary care The Supermoon phenom- D-Ring Road. pharmacy. The hospital is equipped with to our customers. I invite everyone to take ena took place in November an advanced MRI unit. The hospital a tour of the hospital facility.” 2016. THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 HOME 03

Minister of State for Defence Affairs receives Qatari Armed Forces' Duty Troops from Najran

Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and a number of senior officials of the Qatari Armedces For receiving the Qatar Armed Forces' Duty Troops from Najran who arrived in Doha yesterday after participating in military operations as part of the Arab coalition forces. The forces in Najran defended the land of Saudi Arabia from any act of aggression. They also contributed to the protection of the southern borders of Saudi Arabia. The troops offered many sacriﬁces as dozens were martyred and injured in their call of duty for protecting the region and supporting the right of the Yemeni people to a democratic life. The coalition's forces managed as a result of these efforts to free Yemen's temporary capital Aden. They then liberated the remaining governorates of the South to become under the control of the legitimate government, along with the strategic Al Mandeb Strait. Qatar backs global efforts to ﬁght terrorism 65 students honoured for

Geneva Representative of Qatar to the Khan Shaykhun, calling for memorising Holy Quran Qatar also QNA UN in Geneva, H E Ali Khalfan immediate and effective action Al Mansouri before an interac- to protect the Syrian people and The Peninsula students who participated in an condemned the he State of Qatar has tive dialogue with High hold accountable all those international Holy Quran mem- chemical attack on stressed its support for Commissioner for Human responsible for the violations he Ministry of Awqaf and orisation competition and 101 the town of Khan international efforts Rights on his updated informa- and crimes committed in Syria. Islamic Affairs has hon- students who passed the first aimed at encounter- tion within item 2 of the 35th Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri said Toured 65 students course and entered the second Shaykhun, calling ing terrorism and Session of the Human Rights what was mentioned by the High –citizens and expatriates - who phase in keeping with the cur- for immediate and Tviolent extremism. Council. Commissioner in his statement memorised the entire Holy riculum followed by the Holy effective action to Qatar also reiterated its Qatar condemned strongly on the circumstances experi- Quran last year. Quran learning and memoris- belief that the terrorism of the violations and crimes com- enced by the Jews during a The awards ceremony was ing unit of the Religious Call and protect the Syrian extremist groups is not different mitted by the Syrian regime and certain period of history cannot held at Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Guidance Department of the people and hold from that practised by regimes its allies by using various types be placed with the same degree Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Ministry. accountable all that use killing, destruction, dis- of weapons, even internation- of suffering and tragedy that the Center. A total of 174 students “The centres for learning and placement and starvation as a ally prohibited weapons and Palestinian people are currently from the centres for learning memorising Holy Quran are those responsible weapon against people, consid- targeting civilian facilities, espe- experiencing because of Israel's and memorising Holy Quran run receiving more students leading for the violations ering that it is a key part of cially medical and educational gross violations and horrific by the Ministry were picked for to the opening of more centres international military coalition ones systematically and crimes committed by the occu- the awards. The awardees and classes in mosques,” said and crimes against ISIS group. deliberately. pying power, which ignore all include 65 students who com- Mohamad bin Hamad Al Kuwari, committed in Syria. This came in Qatar's state- Qatar also condemned the relevant international conven- pleted the memorisation of Holy Head of the Religious Call and ment delivered by Permanent chemical attack on the town of tions and resolutions. Quran last year, another eight Guidance Department.

Ooredoo’s delegation of volunteers and HMC officials at Hamad General Hospital’s Children Ward. Ooredoo volunteers visit kids at Hamad General Hospital

The Peninsula

oredoo volunteers yesterday visited Hamad General Hospital’s Children Ward, to bring Ogifts and spread joy among young patients during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The initiative, which saw the volunteers play and interact with the children and their parents, as well as distribute a special Ramadan gift, was part of the company’s 2017 Ramadan CSR campaign ‘Hand-In-Hand’. Ooredoo’s delegation of volunteers were received by a team of nurses and senior staff from Ooredoo volunteers meet a patient at Hamad Hamad General Hospital’s Children Ward. General Hospital’s Children Ward. Praising the professionalism and dedication of Hamad General Hospital employees, Manar staff at HMC Children’s Ward do a great job. We Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Director PR and Corporate wanted to help them ensure the children enjoyed Communications, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Making the true spirit of Ramadan, which is about joy, sure that those who are sick and in need are cared reflection and giving, and we hope we helped do for 24/7 is a hard task, but the doctors, nurses and this today.” 04 HOME THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 Quality to increase imports of food & consumer goods

The Peninsula uninterrupted supply of most Quality Retail Group food items for a two-three uality Group has to ensure more direct months period with our present decided to increase self-sufficient stock," he said. the direct import of imports from Asia, "Qatar Foods, Quality Fruits food and consumer Europe and the Far & Vegetables, Middle East Qgoods, from different Importers, Quality Foods & East. regions of Asia, Europe and the Services, our wholesale divi- Far East. sions are also ready to serve the The move is to import dif- fresh food like vegetables, fruits, people with sufficient products ferent variety of fruits, sea food and poultry products for the coming months through vegetable, cereals, raw food, from the producers in Asia, increased direct import," meat, egg, chicken, meat and Europe and the Far East coun- Olakara added. other consumer goods from dif- tries," Shamsudheen Olakara, The import of food and other ferent countries and also to Chairman of the Group said in necessities to Qatar, will assure the smooth and uninter- a statement. progress as usual. All stringent rupted supply of products "The market situation in measures to ensure the safety through the retail outlets in the Qatar is normal and prices are of imported fruits, vegetables Omar Al Fardan, President and CEO of Al Fardan Group and Hassan Al Fardan, Chairman of country. fluctuating within the stable and other food items are also Al Fardan Group and United Development Company with other officials during the reopening "We have a plan to increase limit. We can assure our cus- being taken, he said in the our food imports especially in tomers the smooth and statement. of BMW Al Sadd showroom. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula Alfardan Automobiles reopens BMW Al Sadd showroom

The Peninsula

lfardan Automobiles, the official BMW Group Aimporter in Qatar, has announced the reopening of its Al Sadd showroom, situated in the heart of Doha downtown. Driven by the growing demand for premium and lux- urious vehicles, the facility will feature the latest and widest selection of BMW and MINI models, giving Qatar-based customers an unparalleled Inspections being conducted at food outlets. opportunity to experience the The new Al Sadd showroom. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula brand. Speaking at the official Shamal Municipality conducts launch, Ihab Allam, General story will continue with BMW trained staff, including a prod- Manager of Alfardan Automo- Group as it has done over the uct genius. As part of the Future biles, commented: “We are past 20 years.” Retail Strategy, product geniuses delighted to announce the reo- The BMW Future Retail will be part of the selling proc- inspections on food outlets pening of our Al Sadd Strategy has been globally rolled ess and help answer questions, showroom, which is the first out across all importers to or demonstrate features, to Alfardan Automobiles show- ensure all BMW customers are customers. The Peninsula addition to its transportation which should meet room to adopt the BMW Future getting the same experience, The ceremony of the new Al technical specifications. Retail strategy. As our first regardless of their location. The Sadd Showroom highlighted the he Health Monitoring Section at Al Shamal The campaign also includes raising aware- showroom, we are also proud new 1,800 square metre show- 20th anniversary of the show- Municipality conducted inspection visits on ness among food outlet directors about the use of of what we have managed to room includes a section for room, as well as the partnership Tfood outlets to make sure that outlets are best health practices, in addition to making sure accomplish through it. Since BMW models, BMW i, BMW Pre- between Alfardan Automobiles complying with health regulations. that food is well cooked. The food must be stored 1996, Alfardan Automobiles has mium Selection, MINI models and BMW Group – both starting The campaign focuses on eateries which pro- at more than 65 degrees celsius for hot ones, and gained a robust share of the pre- and the latest BMW lifestyle in 1996. The showroom is now vide and prepare Iftar to be sure about its safety, less than 5 degrees for cold ones. Storing food at mium segment in Qatar, and we accessories section. The team open to the public and is stocked and the campaign came in the framework to tighten unsuitable temperatures may spoil it and may lead are confident that our success consists of a total of 45 highly with all the latest models. monitoring on food outlets during Ramadan. The to food poisoning. inspectors provided tips to workers at food outlets Meanwhile, The Beaches and Islands Section about the need to apply health regulations and to at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment offer the appropriate conditions for food safety recently cleaned the port of Al Khor from wastes. regarding maintaining appropriate temperature. A large quantity of plastics boxes and aban- Eid Charity spends over QR4.7m The aim is to increase health safety levels among doned tyres, in addition to fishing nets and wooden workers and also to detect violations. boxes were removed . All municipalities are also conducting inspec- The Beaches section urges people to support tion raids since the beginning of Ramadan against the its efforts to maintain beaches and islands for the needy in Qatar this year food outlets especially eateries. clean by throwing waste in proper places and not Inspectors focus more on preparation of the throw wastes in the sea because such work causes food and storage in healthy conditions, in a damage to the marine environment. The Peninsula

id Charity provided financial support including Ecash, monthly expenditures and food items worth over QR4.7m to poor families and individuals- citizens and expatriates in the country during the first five months of this year. The social centre of Eid Charity has been offering money to poor people and families for their monthly expenditures, food items, packets of cooked foods and in-kind materials, said a release. More than 139,000 families Eid Charity officials dispatching materials for the needy. and workers benefitted from ready-foods and food items distributed by food saving section, liabilities in small and unable to Ration coupons worth rang- an arm of Eid Charity during repay due to some financial ing from QR300 to QR1,000 past five months from January problems. The financial support were distributed to 260 families to May, 2017. In addition, thou- helped them return to their nor- to buy food items from a shop- sands of families also received mal life. ping complex. in-kind materials. At least, 475 poor families The food saving unit distrib- The cash was distributed to were provided cash for monthly uted 162,000 packets of poor families, widows, divorcees expenditures as their income ready-foods to poor families and and limited income people. was not enough to pay house workers. The unit also gave 40 Some 95 patients were given rent, foods and cloths and other tonnes of basic food items to QR829,000 to pay their medi- basic needs. 126,000 workers and 13,000 cal bills. Families suffering from Another 84 families were families. financial problems for some rea- provided monthly expenditures The in-kind supporting unit sons were also provided cash. at a cost of QR192,000. They distributed 31,000 in-kind used Charity offered QR793,786 received cash from QR1,000 to materials donated by the peo- to 61 loan defaulting people to QR10,000 as per the financial ple in Qatar. Thousands of poor repay their bad loans. The ben- situation and number of the people benefitted from the eficiaries have financial family members. materials. THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 MIDDLE EAST 05 Turkey Parliament ratiﬁes Qatar military deals

Ankara arrived in past days or will arrive Reuters Turkish President in coming days," one European grain trader said. urkey brought forward Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkey set up a military base troop deployment to has said isolating in Qatar, its first such installa- Qatar yesterday and Qatar would not tion in the Middle East, as part of also pledged to pro- resolve any problems. an agreement signed in 2014. In vide crucial food and 2016, Ahmet Davutoglu, then Twater supplies. Erdogan said Ankara Turkish prime minister, visited Turkish President Recep would do everything the base where 150 personnel are Tayyip Erdogan has said isolat- in its power to help already stationed, the Turkish ing Qatar would not resolve any daily Hurriyet reported. problems. Erdogan said Ankara end the regional crisis. In an interview in late 2015, would do everything in its power Ahmet Demirok, Turkey's to help end the regional crisis. Ambassador to Qatar at the time, Lawmakers from Erdogan's Turkey's main exporters' said 3,000 ground troops would ruling AK Party and the nation- body said it was ready to meet eventually be deployed at the alist opposition MHP were the food and water supply demands base, which was primarily to main backers of the bill that from Qatar, after a Qatari offi- serve as a venue for joint train- allows troops to be deployed to cial said Doha was in talks with ing exercises. Turkey's base in Qatar, but the Iran and Turkey to ensure trade The text of the draft bill, main opposition CHP party said disruptions did not create which includes the agreement the timing sent the wrong shortages. between Qatar and Turkey on message. Grain traders said Qatar the base, shows the cooperation The Turkish parliament has appears to have a comfortable will be primarily about the mod- also endorsed an accord between immediate supply of wheat. ernisation of Qatar's military, as the two countries on military "Qatar recently purchased well as widening cooperation in training cooperation. Both bills about 20,000 tonnes of Russian training and war exercises. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) and Turkish Minister of Interior, Suleyman were drawn up before the spat milling wheat which according The bill did not specify how Soylu (second right) attend an Iftar with Internal security units at the Police Special Operation erupted. to my calculations has just many troops would go nor when. Department's Headquarters in Golbasi district of Ankara, yesterday. US-backed forces gain ground against IS in Raqqa

Beirut of Al-Meshleb on Tuesday. the area had been heavily mined AFP The Arab and Kurdish fight- by IS. The Britain-based moni- ers captured the neighbourhood toring group said the US-led S-backed fighters gained and the Harqal citadel to the west coalition had carried out heavy ground against the Islamic of the city, the command of bombing raids on the city over- UState group in the streets Operation Wrath of the Euphra- night. Captured by the militants of Raqqa yesterday, their com- tes said. The citadel sits on a in early 2014, Raqqa became mand said, a day after breaking hilltop roughly 2km from the city notorious as a hub for IS's oper- into the IS's Syrian bastion. The limits. The Syrian Observatory ations in Syria, Iraq and beyond. Syrian Democratic Forces have for Human Rights said there was The city has been the scene spent months advancing on the also fighting inside the Division of some of the group's worst northern city and finally thrust 17 military complex, around two atrocities, including gruesome into the eastern neighbourhood kilometres north of Raqqa, but executions.

Syrians, who ﬂed the IS stronghold of Raqqa, arrive in an area near the village of Balaban, south of Jarablus, yesterday.

US ﬁnds March bombing in Syria legal

WASHINGTON: A US military investigator said yesterday that a March 16 air strike near Aleppo, Syria was a valid and legal attack on a meeting of Al Qaeda fighters and did not kill dozens of civilians as reported by human rights groups. An investigation of the attack on a building in Al-Jina village was able to identify only one person who might have been a civilian who was wounded or possibly killed, Army Brigadier General Paul Bontrager, deputy director for operations for US Central Command, told a Penta- gon briefing by telephone. "We considered media reports that indicated a large number of civilians were killed, but our investigation did not uncover evidence to support those claims," said Bontrager, who acknowledged investigators were unable to visit the scene or talk to anybody who was on the ground at the time. The Syrian Observa- tory for Human Rights, a British-based war moni- tor, had said at least 49 people were killed and dozens wounded, which the Pentagon denied at the time. The group identified the building as a mosque and said it was filled with worshippers. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 First IS attacks in Iran: 12 dead

Tehran AFP

unmen and suicide bombers stormed Iran's parliament and the shrine of its revolutionary leader Gyesterday, killing 12 people in the first attacks in the country claimed by the Islamic State group. Dozens were injured in the attacks, which targeted two of Iran's most potent symbols: its parliament complex in central Tehran and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini who led the 1979 Islamic revolution. In a statement after the attacks, President Hassan Rou- hani called for global unity against violent extremism. Iranian lawmakers sit inside the parliament during an attack in central Tehran as policemen "Iran's message as always is evacuate a child from the parliament building, yesterday. that terrorism is a global problem, and unity to fight extremism, violence and terrorism with forces. One man, recovering in innocents to be spilt without regional and international coop- Dozens were injured a hospital bed, told state TV he revenge". eration is the most important was waiting to meet an MP when "This terrorist action... after need of today's world," he said. in the attacks, the shooting began. the meeting of the president of The country's powerful Rev- which targeted "I was in the visitors' lobby the United States with the leader olutionary Guards vowed two of Iran's most and suddenly shooting began. of the one of the region's reac- revenge for the attacks and potent symbols: its There were women and children. tionary governments... shows claimed the United States and I escaped towards the parlia- they are involved," it added, Saudi Arabia were "involved". parliament complex ment, and was shot in the leg referring to US President Don- The standoff lasted around in central Tehran and while running," he said. ald Trump's recent visit to five hours before all the gunmen the mausoleum of At roughly the same time, Riyadh. and snipers taking position from allies in the fight against rebels holed up in parliamentary office Ayatollah Khomeini. two assailants entered the Foreign Minister Mohammad rooftops. and militants groups in Syria. buildings were killed. grounds of the Khomeini mau- Javad Zarif said the attacks Speaker Ali Larijani dis- Iran has also been helping to bat- IS released a video of the soleum, killing a gardener and would "certainly reinforce the missed the attacks, saying they tle IS in Iraq, which also sent its attackers from inside the build- wounding several other people. determination of Iranians to fight were a "trivial matter". condolences. ing via its Amaq propaganda ISNA news agency. One detonated a suicide vest, against terrorism". The intelligence ministry said Militant groups have clashed agency — a rare claim of respon- The parliament attackers while the other was shot dead. Parliament was in session as there had been a third "terror- frequently with Iranian security sibility while an attack was still were in their early 20s and spoke It was not clear whether the the violence unfolded and mem- ist" team that was neutralised forces along the borders with going on, suggesting a degree of Arabic, according to a Revolu- shrine attackers were women, bers were keen to show they before the attacks started. Iraq and Afghanistan, but the coordination. tionary Guards intelligence as earlier reported, or just wear- were undeterred, posting selfies Tehran was on lockdown, country has largely escaped Tehran is deeply involved in official. ing female clothing. showing themselves as calm and with streets blocked and parts of attacks within its urban fighting the IS group in both Syria Another official said they Iran's emergency services continuing with regular the metro closed. centres. and Iraq. The assaults began were dressed as women and said a total of 12 people were business. Messages of support were The intelligence ministry said mid-morning when four gunmen entered through the visitors' killed in the two attacks and 46 Meanwhile, gunshots contin- sent by Russian President in June 2016 that it had foiled an burst into the parliament com- entrance. One eventually wounded. In a statement after ued in the neighbouring office Vladimir Putin and the Syrian IS plot to carry out multiple plex, killing a guard and one exploded a suicide vest while the the attacks, the Guards said they buildings, with police helping foreign ministry. bomb attacks in Tehran and other person, according to the others were killed by security "will never allow the blood of staff to escape from windows The three countries are close around the country. 8 dead as storm brings Boko Haram launches rain to Cape Town major attack

Johannesburg some poor residents, who live in in Maiduguri AP sprawling neighbourhoods of makeshift homes. However, hun- t least eight people were dreds of homes were flooded or Maiduguri killed in a storm that damaged, authorities said. Reuters Aswept into the Cape Town The storm forced President area, which has been suffering Jacob Zuma, who was in Cape uspected Boko Haram from a severe drought, South Town, to cancel a speech to an fighters attacked the African authorities said international media conference Scity of Maiduguri in yesterday. in Durban, a city on the Indian northeast Nigeria yesterday, Victims included four peo- Ocean coastline, his office said. the militant group's most ple who died in a fire caused by He was due to address an annual serious assault on the lightning and one who was killed congress organised by the World regional capital in a year and when a home collapsed, local Association of Newspapers and a half. media reported. One outlet, Jaca- News Publishers. The South Afri- The raid comes six randa FM, attributed the death can military said it had placed a months President Muham- toll of eight to James-Brent helicopter on standby to help madu Buhari said Boko Styan, a provincial official. with any emergency evacuations Haram had "technically" People stand over the bridge as the huge waves hit coastline during the heavy storm in Cape Cape Town workers said they in Western Cape province, which been defeated by a military had taken measures to protect includes Cape Town. Town, yesterday. campaign that had pushed many jihadists deep into the remote Sambisa forest, near the border with Cameroon. Aid workers and wit- Nigeria adrift as leader in London for treatment nesses reported explosions and heavy gunfire for at least 45 minutes in the southeast- Lagos "A lot of people are rely- Buhari's long absences this nation's northeast. Buhari's ern and southwestern AP ing on him," Sobowale said. He year have raised questions administration, which marked outskirts of the city. Thou- said he isn't bothered about over whether the former mil- two years in office on May 29, sands of civilians fled the igeria, West Africa's who, exactly, is sitting in office. itary leader from northern has a mixed track record of fighting, according to economic and military "I'm bothered about the per- Nigeria will be able to com- fulfilling those promises, ana- witnesses. Npowerhouse, is adrift as son being there making the plete his four-year term that lysts say. Nigeria's military said it President Muhammadu Buhari right choices," he said. is up in 2019 and kicked off Although the military has had contained the attack. (pictured) has been in London Buhari, 74, went on med- speculation over who might dislodged Boko Haram from "The situation in Maidug- for medical treatment for a ical leave to the United succeed him. This is especially areas where it had declared a uri is under control," it said in month as of yesterday, wor- Kingdom on May 7 for unspec- important in Nigeria because caliphate, Nigeria's homeg- a statement, urging the city's rying many that his ified health problems. He had an unwritten agreement main- rown extremists continue to inhabitants not to panic. undisclosed health problems already been in London for tains the presidency should carry out suicide bombings Maiduguri in Borno state have left Africa's most popu- nearly seven weeks earlier this alternate between the Muslim- and attacks. A rail-thin Buhari has been the epicentre of the lous country without strong year for treatment. He looked media under hashtags like majority north and welcomed 82 Chibok school- eight-year fight against Boko direction. thin and frail when he #WhereIsBuhari and Christian-dominated south. girls who were released by Haram but has been rela- The president's prolonged returned to Nigeria, where he #MissingPresident. Nigeria's 170 million people Boko Haram in May after three tively free of violence since absence has created "a vac- later missed three consecutive On Tuesday, Aisha Buhari, are almost evenly divided years in captivity and then he the beginning of 2016, bar- uum," said Dapo Alaba weekly Cabinet meetings. On the president's wife, said her between Christians and Mus- flew to London that night. ring sporadic suicide bombs Sobowale, the head of a small his return, he said he'd never husband is "recuperating fast" lims. Buhari was elected in This is not the first time on its outskirts. IT company in Lagos' sprawl- been as sick in his life. after she returned to Nigeria 2015 after defeating incum- Nigeria has experienced an Fighter jets roared over- ing Computer Village, where Government officials and from visiting him in London. bent Goodluck Jonathan, a ailing, absent president. In head as soldiers and police small shops and vendors line Buhari's family have sought "He thanks Nigerians for their southerner, on campaign 2010 President Umaru sped towards the scene, the the streets selling mobile to reassure Nigerians who constant prayers for his health promises to battle corruption Yar'Adua died after being out witnesses said. Three chil- phones and computer have expressed their worry & steadfastness in the face of and crack down on Boko of the country for medical dren were hit by bullets, one gadgets. about his absence on social challenges," she tweeted. Haram extremists in the treatment for several months. witness said. THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 ASIA 07 India to vote for next president on July 17 New Delhi Nominations members of the Lok Sabha and decided to wait for the ruling alli- and in the respective state of the valid votes plus one. IANS the Rajya Sabha and state assem- ance to reach out to them with assemblies. The counting of Zaidi said a nomination The last date for blies, including Delhi and the name of its candidate. votes will take place in the paper has to be backed by at least he Election Commis- filing nominations is Puducherry -- will be provided The parties have said that if national capital under the super- 50 electors as proposers and at sion yesterday June 28 while special pens to cast their ballot a consensual candidate does not vision of the Returning Officer. least 50 electors as seconders. announced that voting, scrutiny of and use of any other pen will emerge, they will field a candi- The Chief Election Commis- He said Assistant Returning if required, to elect nominations will take render the vote invalid. date "who will steadfastly defend sioner said presidential election Officers will be appointed in all India's next President place on June 29, The poll announcement has the constitutional values". will take place through secret state capitals, besides Delhi and Twill take place on July 17 and Chief Election set the ball rolling for the decla- Congress President Sonia ballot and political parties "can- Puducherry, to ensure smooth counting thereafter on July 20. Commissioner Nasim ration of candidates by the ruling Gandhi has initiated moves to not issue any whip" to their logistics for the election. He said The last date for filing nom- Zaidi told media National Democratic Alliance bring the opposition parties on respective MPs or MLAs. each candidate will be allowed inations is June 28 while scrutiny and the opposition parties for the a common platform for the pres- The election is held in to deploy a representative at the persons. The last of nominations will take place country's highest elected office. idential and vice-presidential accordance with the system of venue of polling. on June 29, Chief Election Com- date for withdrawal The ruling Bharatiya Janata elections. proportional representation by Zaidi said MPs are expected missioner Nasim Zaidi told is July 1. Party-led NDA, which is seen to The term of Vice President means of single transferable to vote in Parliament House in media persons here. The last date have a clear edge in the electoral Hamid Ansari will end in August. vote. Every elector can have as Delhi and the MLAs in their for withdrawal is July 1. The term of President Pranab college, has so far not given any Zaidi said that Lok Sabha many preferences as the candi- respective assemblies but they "The date on which polling Mukherjee, the country's 13th indication about its choice. Secretary General Anoop Mishra dates contesting the election and can vote at another polling sta- will be held, if required, is July President, will end on July 24. Several opposition parties will be the Returning Officer for the winner has to secure the tion in case of exigency after 17. Counting, if required, will be Zaidi said members of the have since held parleys to find a the presidential poll and ballots required quota of votes to be applying to the poll panel in done on July 20," Zaidi said. electoral college -- comprising consensus candidate but have will be cast in Parliament House declared elected -- 50 per cent advance.

NEWS BYTES Fresh farmers' protests in MP after police ﬁring Sri Lanka & China sign MoU on hospital Indore COLOMBO: Sri Lanka and China have signed a MoU to con- IANS struct a hospital for kidney patients in the island nation's North Central province. The National Nephrology Hospital resh violence erupted in at Polonnaruwa is to be built under a donation of the Chi- Madhya Pradesh yesterday nese government at the request of Sri Lankan President Fas protesting farmers Maithripala Sirisena, Xinhua news agency reported. Health, indulged in arson, a day after the Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Ministry official Janaka police gunned down up to eight Sri Chandraguptha signed the MoU with a Chinese diplomat, peasants demanding relief from Yang Zuoyuan. President Sirisena was present at the cere- debts and higher crop prices. mony. The hospital will have 200 beds, 100 blood dialysis Hundreds defied curfew in machines and a modern surgery complex. The facility will Mandsaur where police opened cover Polonnaruwa and surrounding areas like Trincoma- fire on Tuesday at a mob of lee, Hambantota and Kandy. farmers, leaving five dead according to official count and Deuba sworn in as Nepal Premier eight according to farmer leaders. KATHMANDU: Sher Bahadur Deuba was sworn in as the And some 200km away, a 40th Prime Minister of Nepal yesterday. President Bidya group of farmers marched to a Devi Bhandari administered the oaths of office and secrecy police station in Dewas district to the newly-elected Prime Minister at a ceremony in the and set fire to vehicles parked capital. After taking the oaths, Deuba — who is also Nepali there. The government of Chief Demonstrators burning an effigy depicting Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Congress President — administered oaths to seven new min- Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Chouhan during a protest organised by opposition Congress Party in Bhopal, yesterday. isters -- three from the Nepali Congress (NC), three from CPN tried to douse the fires by (Maoist Centre) and one from the Nepal Loktantrik Forum. announcing financial compen- In New Delhi, Prime Minis- 1,100 anti-riot police to Madhya of police in riot gear were Deuba returned to power for the fourth time on Tuesday -- sation for those killed in the ter Narendra Modi, who has Pradesh. The extra forces would deployed. 12 years after he was removed by then King Gyanendra Bir violence and said he was ready promised to double farmers' be deployed in violence-hit Mandsaur District Magistrate Bikram Shah Dev — with 388 votes in his favour out of 593 for talks with farmers. income by the end of his first Ujjain, Dewas, Mandsaur, Nee- Swatantra Kumar Singh and voters in Parliament. "I am a farmer and under- term in 2019, met Home Minis- much and Sehore, an official Indore Superintendent of Police stand your problems. You can ter Rajnath Singh, Finance said. O.P. Tripathi were roughed up Five dead in Nagaland encounter be assured your government will Minister Arun Jaitley, External But tension was still high as when they reached Barkheda implement all promises," Chou- Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj angry farmers blocked roads and Pant where the farmers were SHILLONG: An Army Major, three militants and a civilian han tweeted, urging people to and Road Transport Minister also attacked two senior officials squatting on a road with the were killed in a gunfight between security forces and ter- maintain calm and not pay heed Nitin Gadkari. at Mandsaur. Mobile connectiv- body of one of those killed on rorists early yesterday in Nagaland's Mon district bordering to rumours. The Home Ministry has sent ity has been cut and thousands Tuesday. Myanmar. Three Army Para commandos were injured in the gun battle at Lapa Lempong hilltop in Oting village. One of them was flown to a military hospital in Jorhat in Assam in critical condition. The Army said an AK-56 assault rifle, two Chinese-made AK rifles, two grenades, three impro- CPM leader Yechury manhandled SC to hear vised explosive devices and 270 cartridges of AK-series firearms were seized from the spot. The deceased officer plea against was identified as Major David Manlun of the 164 Brigade of during press conference in Delhi the Territorial Army. New Delhi Yechury, who was address- Police station after the incident. cattle rules Modi to attend Astana SCO Summit IANS ing a press conference on the The Hindu Sena activists entered violence in Madhya Pradesh's the CPI-M office premises in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave today PI-M General Secretary Mandsaur where five protest- Gole Market area of central IANS for Astana, in Kazakhstan, to attend the Shanghai Coopera- Sitaram Yechury was ing farmers were killed in Delhi while chanting 'Bharat tion Organisation (SCO) Summit where India is expected to Croughed up by two youth alleged police firing, described Mata ki Jai' and slogans against he Supreme Court yes- be granted full membership of the Eurasian political, eco- at a press conference here yes- the attack on him as an attempt him, a police official said. terday said it will hear, nomic and military bloc. India, which has been an observer terday. The two who belong to by the RSS "to silence the voices Hindu Sena President Vishnu Ton June 15, a plea chal- to the SCO since 2005, was informed in the 2015 Summit in Hindu Sena were handed over of dissent". "We will not be Gupta said that their two party lenging the Central Ufa, Russia, that it would be granted full membership and the to police. cowed down by Sangh goond- workers were detained by police government notification pro- process for this started from the 2016 Summit in Tashkent. Enraged members of the agardi to silence us. This is a "for staging a peaceful protest hibiting sale and purchase of With Pakistan also expected to be granted full member- Communist Party of India- battle for the soul of India, against CPI-M for their article cattle at animal markets for ship at the Astana Summit, the two South Asian neighbours Marxist pounced on them and which we will win," he tweeted. against the Indian Army" and had slaughter on the grounds that are going to be the seventh and eighth members of the SCO. thrashed them before handing Upendra Kumar and Pawan done "nothing" but only it violates the right to free over the pair to police. Kaul were taken at Mandir Marg demanded the party apologise. trade. Petitioner Mohammed Abdul Faheem Qureshi has also challenged the Preven- Kochi Metro trial run tion of Cruelty to Animals Firecracker factory blast (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017 which deals with the sei- leaves 20 dead in MP zures, recovery of the cost of transportation, maintenance New Delhi "The rescue operation is and treatment of seized AFP over now, we have cleared the animals. place and thankfully no one is Hearing counsel Sano- n explosion at a fire- trapped inside," he added. bar Ali Qureshi, appearing works factory in central Yadav said it was unclear for the Hyderabad-based AIndia yesterday killed 20 what caused the blast, but sus- petitioner, a vacation bench workers and injured 10 others, pected a worker may have of Justice Ashok Bhushan some with serious burns, an callously tossed a burning beedi and Justice Deepak Gupta official said. (a local type of cigarette) inside. listed the matter for hearing Dozens of employees man- "What exactly triggered the on June 15. aged to escape unhurt but fire is not yet known. It is pos- Faheem Qureshi, who is firefighters spent two hours sible that someone might have himself a lawyer, contended bringing the major blaze under thrown a burning beedi," he that the Prevention of Cruelty control in Balaghat district of told the Press Trust of India. to Animals (Regulation of Madhya Pradesh state. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Livestock Markets) Rules, "A total of 20 charred bod- Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan 2017, which bans sale of cat- ies have been pulled out of the offered his condolences on tle for slaughter and restricts factory," local administrative Twitter, announcing compen- cattle trade to farm owners, A Kochi Metro train leaves Changampuzha Park station during its trial run in Kochi, yeserday. chief Bharat Yadav told AFP sation of Rs200,000 each for is arbitrary, illegal, and from the accident site. the families of the dead. unconstitutional. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Afghan peace process he government of President Ashraf Ghani in Afghanistan is accelerating the fight against the Taliban and other militant forces after the deadliest ever attack in Kabul in which the death toll has jumped Tfrom 90 to at least 150. Afghan leaders met officials of two dozen foreign government and institutions Media propaganda fails to garner this week launching what is called a Kabul Process for peace talks. The initiative is the direct result of the Kabul bombing, which was a clear indication of the increased ability of militants and insurgents to GCC people’s support against Qatar launch deadly attacks. The severity of the attack has also sent signals to the US that the Afghan government alone cannot fight the militants, perhaps prompting a shift in US position towards taking a for showing sympathy with Qatar is These governments have found more active role. This was evident in the statement of Mohammed Osman nothing but just disgusting. themselves not only standing without Secretary of Defence James Mattis in Australia a few The media has quoted UAE’s people’s support but also far away from days ago, where he broke with the position of Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi the context of history, values and Barack Obama that there is “no military solution” to saying “strict and firm action will be traditions of the Gulf societies. What the conflict in Afghanistan and said “they [the diplomatic crisis apparently taken against anyone who shows made authorities take such Taliban] use bombs, because ballots would ensure ignited with hacking of Qatar sympathy towards Qatar, or against unprecedented decisions, and they never had a role to play.” Though Secretary of News Agency (QNA) website has anyone who objects to the position of the extraordinarily odd stance? No one State Tillerson did not go as far as Mattis, he said he unmasked the real faces of some United Arab Emirates, whether it be knows yet! would never allow Afghanistan to become a platform media outlets that were indulging through the means of social media, or Since 2014, when a diplomatic crisis inA shallow and unethical journalism. any type of written, visual or verbal between the GCC member states led to for terrorism to operate from. The Kabul Process launched by Ghani is an Rather than doing constructive reporting, form.” the withdrawal of some ambassadors attempt to move more sternly and faster in tackling they chose to run fake news with the sole aim How can a tweet sent by anyone lead from Qatar, the strong involvement of the insurgency because any status quo or delay will to create bitterness among the GCC nations to a punishment with a jail term of up to some media outlets is breaking the long which are bound by brotherly relations. This 15 years and a fine of at least 500,000 practiced tradition of resolving disputes benefit only Taliban and unfortunate incident has also raised dirhams ($136,000)? and is possibly hindering or other terrorists. Ghani questions on the role of media in shaping The question is what pushed the complicating the path of the traditional said the meeting he relations among GCC countries in future. authorities in the UAE to go to such culture of mediation. called would be more It was May 1981 when six Gulf countries extreme extent of announcing this It is incredible to ask people repeat than a ceremonial effort. President signed an agreement establishing the Gulf punishment for its own people? Why are false allegations, and spread He said if the Taliban did Cooperation Council, an institution they afraid of their own shadow? If their disinformation which they see very Ashraf Ghani is not soon begin formulating similar regulations in various decision was a prudent one, why their difficult for themselves to digest not to speeding up the negotiations, he would fields like finance, trade, customs, tourism, people are not supporting them rather mention support or propagate them. seek new sanctions ﬁght against the legislation, religion and administration. The raising questions over it? How can people believe in these against the group as a establishment of this institution was greeted They took the step as contrary to old biased and well-greased media outlets Taliban and other sponsor of terrorism. with plenty of hopes by the citizens of all the traditions, this time their own people and their efforts to malign Qatar’s image militants after “This is the last chance, six brotherly states. opposed their move and took to social in the region? The propaganda approach take it or face the The Gulf countries share common media platforms to express sympathy or of such media outlets of attributing all the deadly Kabul consequences,” he said. traditions, culture, language, history as well in some cases solidarity with Qatar. types of incidents, from the latest to the attacks. He also wants the fight as economic and political systems strongly The emergence of media outlets as a oldest in the history, to Qatar without against terrorism to be based on intertwined tribes covering the vast new actor in internal relations of GCC any proof will serve no purpose but will made on a regional level majority of the population of these counties. states (infringement of sanctities, permanently damage relations between with international All these factors ease the process of bringing lineage) and officials tweeting against friendly countries. cooperation. “We’re these countries towards further cooperation other fellows and reckless expressions of Also, without taking into account at fighting 20 transnational and under a unified economic and political disrespect to the sovereignty of a least the minimum percent of possibility terrorist groups on your behalf. What we need is an system creating solid ground for more member state are new phenomena and of a third party (intentional) involvement agreement on regional security,” he told the foreign regional integration. they do not augur well for the entire which may be trying to damage the diplomats. The GCC has made a remarkable progress region. relations between these three Gulf But Ghani has a tough battle ahead. With Taliban in materializing many objectives through Perhaps the governments of these countries, these media outlets are controlling or claiming to control about 40 percent cooperation and strengthening ties between states were disappointed with their actually becoming part of the pre- of the country, according to US government their people. citizens’ reactions or found them planned plan; a conspiracy which started estimates, the incentives for them to join peace talks However, this does not mean there were standing in the opposite direction of with the hacking of QNA website. Are and make concessions seem remote. The only way to no differences between the brotherly states. what they were expecting from them. these media houses are performing the put pressure on militants is through military action, Off and on, small irritants would crop up This time silence which is louder than role designated to them by those for which the US needs to change its strategy. US between the countries especially when it words has expressed the public position standing behind the hacking of the QNA President came to foreign policies or subjects regarding and opinion that is showing sympathy website or have they lost their senses Donald Trump has yet to announce his plans for positions taken by the member states with Qatar or dissatisfaction on their when they try to damage ties of Afghanistan, with at least 8,400 American troops towards regional or international issues. respective countries decisions. brotherly nations? training Afghan forces and conducting Despite all these minor friction, these The people are also unhappy with On the other hand, Qatar, despite countries were benefiting from the strong their respective governments which caustic reporting by some media outlets counterterrorism operations while another 6,000 traditional practices of mediation process went for a clampdown has not closed their offices in Doha foreign troops contribute to the advising mission. The usually led by the elder rulers like the role against Qatar on the which shows its maturity and level of US military commanders have proposed sending being played nowadays by the the Emir of grounds that why this respect for freedom of expression and 3,000 to 5,000 more advisers to Afghanistan in a bid Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber extreme measure was press. to break the current “stalemate”. Al Sabah of a mediator between Doha and taken in the sacred FBI’s primary report has confirmed three Gulf capitals. month of Ramadan. the hacking, and in coming days may Now, old traditions of ironing out unveil who was behind the conspiracy QUOTE OF THE DAY differences through consultations, away from but media outlets like Al Arabiya and Sky the public eye and without interventions of News Abu Dhabi are not ready to listen media outlets or external powers, have been Differences will always to the facts and are acting with malice broken despite the fact that the culture of the be there in any group and sinister motives. Obamacare is in a region historically placed a lot of emphasis and their development Qatar never accused directly or total death spiral on values like mutual respect, role of seniors is a natural and healthy indirectly anybody of hacking incident etc. and said it was targeted by an “unknown and the problems Differences will always be there in any phenomenon to some entity”, and denounced the hacking of will only get worse group and their development is a natural and extent and to talk about QNA website emphasizing that the news if Congress fails to healthy phenomenon to some extent and to them and reaching a published by hackers was totally fake talk about them and reaching a common common stand is the and fabricated but media outlets like Al act. stand is the mature solution. How does one Arabiya and Sky News Abu Dhabi from deal with these issues show the stability and mature solution. How does the very first moment of the hacking are maturity of an organization or a group or a one deal with these issues carrying out intensive and systematic Donald Trump country. show the stability and propaganda campaign against Qatar. US President The current level of escalation being maturity of an organization raised by three states is unprecedented and (The writer is a Doha-based measures of punishing their fellow citizens or a group or a country. journalist) THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 OPINION 09 Trump reacts to London attack by feuding with mayor

assailing political correctness in the Philip Rucker United States as well. “We must The Washington Post stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don’t get smart traditional president would have reacted it will only get worse,” Trump said carefully to the London Bridge terrorist on Twitter. attack by instilling calm, being judicious Although Trump and May have about facts and appealing to the country’s a relationship that both countries better angels. describe as positive and productive, ADonald Trump, of course, is no traditional presi- Trump has long tangled with Khan, dent. He reacted impulsively to Saturday night’s a member of the Labour Party who carnage by stoking panic and fear, being indiscreet was elected mayor last year, Lon- with details of the event and capitalizing on it to don’s first Muslim chief executive. advocate for one of his more polarising policies and Khan has positioned himself as a to advance a personal feud. moral and ideological foil to Trump. Before British authorities detailed exactly what During last year’s US presidential happened on the London Bridge, before they blamed campaign, Trump proposed banning Islamist extremism and even before they publicly all Muslims from entering the United concluded it was an act of terrorism, Trump fired off States, but suggested he would make a tweet to his 31 million followers: an unconfirmed an exception for London’s mayor. bulletin from the Drudge Report. “Fears of new terror Khan responded by saying Trump Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks during a vigil to remember the victims of the attack on London attack after van ‘mows down 20 people’ on London had an “ignorant view of Islam.” Bridge . . .,” read the Drudge tweet, which Trump Bridge and Borough Market, at Potters Field Park, in central London. This January, Khan criticised retweeted. Before offering his condolences to the Trump’s travel ban on people from British people, the victims of three gruesome attacks A Khan spokesperson swatted away Trump’s Dallek said. “What we’re dealing with is someone seven majority-Muslim countries — in as many months, Trump pecked out a second taunt, saying in a statement that the mayor “has who is, and I think this is the best term, an egoma- it was later revised to six. The mayor tweet. “We need to be smart, vigilant and tough,” the more important things to do than respond to Donald niac. Everything has to revolve around him -- he called it “shameful and cruel,” say- president wrote, calling on US courts to affirm his Trump’s ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes knows better, he’s right, he one-ups everything.” ing that the policy “flies in the face administration’s “travel ban” on people from six out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to Trump’s supporters are likely to see his swift of the values of freedom and toler- majority-Muslim nations. be alarmed when they saw more police — including flurry of commentary as evidence of strength and ance.” And just last week, Khan Later that evening, Trump spoke with British armed officers — on the streets.” unwavering resolve — a leader dispatching with joined the chorus of foreign leaders Prime Minister Theresa May and extended his sup- Trump also stoked the long-running and emo- political correctness and caution to deliver an assess- denouncing Trump’s decision to port for America’s closest ally. He tweeted, tionally-charged national debate over gun laws by ment that is authentic and immediate. withdraw the United States from the “Whatever the United States can do to help out in pointing out that the London attackers did not use This is just how Trump behaved on the campaign landmark Paris climate agreement. London and the UK, we will be there — We Are With firearms. “Do you notice we are not having a gun trail. He was quick to pounce on terrorist incidents in In the aftermath of the London You. GOD BLESS!” debate right now? That’s because they used knives Paris and Brussels, as well as Orlando and San Ber- attack, Trump’s critics chastised him On Sunday morning, however, once the breadth and a truck!,” Trump tweeted. nardino, Calif., with tough vows, even if he was loose for continuing his feud with Khan. “I of the horror in London was clear, Trump was back Britain has some of the world’s strictest laws with his facts. don’t think that a major terrorist on Twitter. He criticised the city’s mayor — Sadiq restricting gun purchases. The death toll in London Last month, after a suicide bomber killed 22 oth- attack like this is the time to be divi- Khan, a liberal Muslim and an old Trump foil — for might have been higher had the attackers used the ers and injured scores more at an Ariana Grande sive and to criticise a mayor who’s not being tough enough protecting his citizens. “At kind of semiautomatic weapons that are more easily concert in Manchester, England, Trump labeled ter- trying to organise his city’s response least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and attainable in the United States. rorists “evil losers” and vowed to obliterate “this to this attack,” former Vice Presi- Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be White House officials did not respond to ques- wicked ideology.” dent Al Gore said Sunday on CNN. alarmed!’” Trump tweeted. Trump took Khan’s quote tions about Trump’s response on Sunday. Trump last week also prematurely called a “The terrorists want us to live in a out of context. The mayor had urged Londoners, in a With Trump spending another day at his private deadly attack in a casino in the Philippines a “terror- state of constant fear.” BBC interview that was replayed, not to be “alarmed” golf club in suburban Sterling, Virginia, the White ist attack.” Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte later by an increased police presence in the city. He said House’s social media director, Dan Scavino, revived said it was not the work of terrorists but a “crazy” that after condemning the “deliberate and cowardly an old Trump-Khan feud on Twitter and scolded the gunman. attack” as “barbaric.” mayor to “WAKE UP!!!!” Trump’s response to this weekend’s London Chris Lu, who served as White House Cabinet Bridge incident won praise Sunday morning from secretary under President Obama, was aghast. friend Nigel Farage, who as head of the UK Inde- “The fact that the White House social media pendence Party led last year’s Brexit movement, Although Trump and May D-RING ROAD director is commenting before the national security which Trump supported and saw as a precursor to POST BOX: 3488 have a relationship that leadership has spoken is yet another example of his own election. both countries describe as Trump’s ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ attitude In an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Fox and DOHA - QATAR [email protected] positive and productive, towards handling international incidents,” Lu said. Friends,” a show Trump is known to watch fre- Historian Robert Dallek said Trump is exhibiting quently, Farage sharply criticised Khan and May’s Trump has long tangled an entirely new style of presidential leadership. responses to the London attack as too timid and with Khan, a member of “Trump rubs everything raw,” he said. “He makes it politically correct. He also lamented that the city had EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE the Labour Party who was more acerbic, more contentious.” become, in his assessment, a safe harbor for Muslim TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 elected mayor last year, Dallek, who has studied former president Frank- “radicals.” “We don’t just want speeches given out- FAX: +974 4455 7758 lin D. Roosevelt, who steered the country through side 10 Downing Street,” Farage said. “We want London’s ﬁrst Muslim chief Pearl Harbor, was unsparing in his critique of genuine action. And if there’s not action, then the MANAGING EDITOR executive. Trump’s response to the London attack. calls for internment will grow.” TEL: 4462 7505 “There’s something so petty about this man,” Trump echoed Farage’s broad sentiment, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION Leaked NSA report is being read backward TEL: 4455 7743

Trump’s rival, Hillary Clinton. That’s not particularly where VR Systems isn’t present. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Leonid Bershidsky dangerous to Trump unless it can be shown that his In any case, it would have been extremely difficult to TEL: 4462 7535 Bloomberg campaign colluded with the hackers — or that Rus- infect the voting machines even in the states where VR Sys- sia tried to influence the actual vote count. The tems equipment was used. The different counties use a great SPORT NEWS SECTION report appears to imply just that. variety of equipment. In Florida, where I was on election day TEL: 4455 7745 In reality, even if the allegedly GRU-affiliated to watch the results come in, Trump won in counties that use he publication that revealed a hackers got into the computers of local officials in touchscreens and in those that stick to paper ballots. There ONLINE SECTION classified National Security the states where VR Systems technology was used, was no clear pattern to suggest a hack or a rigging operation. TEL: 4462 7501 Agency report on alleged Rus- they couldn’t have changed the election outcome. I have written that it’s not impossible to rig a US presiden- [email protected] sian attempts to hack US VR doesn’t actually make voting machines. It tial election (and was ridiculed for saying so). The rigging, election-related systems, treats makes electronic poll books that make paper voter however, would require a vast conspiracy spanning the entire PUBLIC RELATIONS Tthe report as possible evidence that Russia rolls unnecessary. They allow an election worker to country and involving local election officials — the kind that tried to rig the vote. More likely, however, check a voter’s personal data against the rolls and exists in Russia. Trump, with his cheap, hastily thrown TEL: 4455 7613 the Kremlin expected the vote to be rigged issue a ballot. By messing with such a system, hack- together campaign infrastructure, could have achieved noth- [email protected] in favor of Hillary Clinton. According to the ers could produce confusion, making it difficult for ing of the kind, but as the election campaign drew to a close leaked report, the Russian military intelli- voter names to be verified. They could even enable he appeared to fear such an effort from Barack Obama’s Dem- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT gence, GRU, ran a spear-phishing ineligible people to vote — but for such a ploy to ocratic administration. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 campaign targeting the employees of VR work, there would need to be large numbers of such Experts pooh-poohed this conspiracy talk, pointing out FAX: 4455 7870 Systems, a voting hardware and software ineligible people available for a massive fraud oper- how disparate the US election system was and what a massive [email protected] producer. At least one of its employee ation on voting day. clandestine effort would be required to subvert it. In Moscow, accounts was apparently compromised. The Intercept story suggests that the same local there were people telling President Vladimir Putin that Clin- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Then, the hackers used the harvested officials who handle the electronic voter rolls also ton had all the levers (financial and intelligence service TEL: 4455 7857 credentials to trap local government offi- manually install updates on the voting machines. If contacts) to falsify a vote. Whether or not Putin agreed, he [email protected] cials in charge of organizing elections. so, they could inadvertently infect the voting equip- would have had a lively interest in checking whether Clinton, Emails, coming credibly from a VR Sys- ment with malware. But even if that happened, it whom he has long hated, won the election fraudulently. One SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION tems employee, contained malware that didn’t swing any states Trump’s way. way to find evidence of fraud would be to watch electoral rolls TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 would have allowed the GRU (although the The US intelligence community knew about the — for example, for the sudden inclusion of large numbers of FAX: 44557819 report provides no clues as to how the VR Systems hack in December, 2016; the company additional voters. Reading the emails and computer files of attribution was made) to control the com- isn’t mentioned by name in news stories from that local election officials for signs of a rigging conspiracy would [email protected] puters of these local officials. The NSA time, but it’s the only one of the 14 registered elec- have been helpful, too. doesn’t seem to have determined whether tion systems manufacturers that’s based in Florida. In other words, hacking VR Systems and the local officials the hackers managed that with any of their But results in the states that use VR equipment and would have been much more useful to the GRU if it had been All thoughts and views targets. software — Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New York, conducting an intelligence operation to detect pro-Clinton expressed in these columns Reality Winner, 25, the NSA contractor North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia — were fraud than if it had been planning to rig the election. accused of leaking the report to the Inter- not challenged. They yielded no surprises compared That, of course, doesn’t rule out collusion between the are those of the writers, not cept, an online news organisation, had an with polling data. Kremlin and the Trump campaign when it came to releasing of the newspaper. apparent motive: Her Twitter feed (under Clinton carried Illinois, New York, California damaging information about Clinton. That is still for US author- the name Sara Winners) shows she was and Virginia. She was so far behind in Indiana and ities to investigate. But the NSA report, which is likely to land All correspondence disappointed when Trump won. So far, West Virginia that it’s difficult to suspect the results Reality Winner in prison, at best provides additional evidence regarding Views and Russia’s alleged help to Trump in the 2016 were tweaked. Trump won the too-close-to-call of Putin’s skepticism of Trump’s ability to beat the US establish- Opinion pages should be election has amounted to Russian sources races in North Carolina and Florida, but the big sur- ment, not of his meddling with vote results. Russia doesn’t run stealing and publishing some emails and prises — the ones that clinched the Electoral College the US — American voters do, even if they have excellent rea- mailed to the documents related to the campaign of — came in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sons today to regret their decision of November 8. [email protected] 10 ASIA THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017

Philippine bank Seoul to suspend further THAAD deployment chaos as money goes missing Seoul Impact assessment AFP from accounts Two missile outh Korea will suspend launchers have been Manila any further deployment deployed in the AFP of a controversial US mis- southern county of sile defence system until Seongju, where major Philippine bank an environmental impact hundreds of shut down online trans- Sassessment ordered by new Pres- actions and cash residents have A ident Moon Jae-In is finished, his machines yesterday after staged fierce office said yesterday. money went missing from Seoul agreed last year under protests over what accounts, triggering fears it Moon's ousted predecessor Park they see as potential had been hacked even as Geun-Hye to deploy the power- environmental company officials said it was ful missile intercept system to hazards posed by the an internal computer error. guard against threats from batteries used in the Customers of Bank of the nuclear-armed North Korea Terminal High Philippine Islands (BPI) were despite angry opposition from Bei- Altitude Area shocked yesterday morning jing, which views it as a threat to Defense (THAAD) to see unauthorised with- its own military capabilities. system. drawals and deposits from Two missile launchers have their accounts. been deployed in the southern BPI said in a statement county of Seongju, where hun- official at the South's presidential the problem was caused by dreds of residents have staged office told reporters. an "internal data processing fierce protests over what they see However, "additional deploy- error" that had been as potential environmental haz- ment (of THAAD) should be The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Cheyenne arriving in Busan, South Korea, yesterday. identified. ards posed by the batteries used carried out only after the environ- But it had to close its auto- in the Terminal High Altitude Area mental impact assessment is impact assessment," he said. missile batteries in a bid to win currently being stored at a US matic teller machines (ATMs) Defense (THAAD) system. over," the official added. The deployment freeze comes greater public support for the army base in the country, which and told its eight million cus- There is "no need to with- "We do not view the deploy- two days after Moon ordered a project. plays host to some 28,500 US tomers they could not do draw" the two launchers that have ment process as urgent enough to "proper" probe into the potential Four more launchers arrived troops as a legacy of the 1950-53 online transactions yesterday already been deployed, a senior bypass the whole environmental environmental impact of the recently in the South and are Korean War. as the bank scrambled to fix the problem. "Please do not panic... we will make sure that your money is there," BPI senior Greenpeace activists' protest Myanmar army plane vice president Cathy San- tamaria said at a news with 122 aboard missing conference as social media lit up with complaints from cus- Yangon "We don't know what exactly tomers about missing money Reuters happened to this plane after the and inconvenience. loss of contact," said Kyaw Kyaw Efforts to fix the problem hips and planes were Htey, a civil aviation official at were "progressing well" and scouring the coast of Myeik airport. the glitch was expected to be Ssouthern Myanmar yester- Authorities reported conflict- resolved within the day, the day after a military aircraft ing numbers of people aboard. bank added in a statement, vanished over the Andaman Sea The latest military update from although it did not explain with 122 soldiers, family mem- around 10:00pm put the total why the glitch occurred. bers and crew on board, the number of those aboard at 122, There has been global army and civil aviation officials including 108 soldiers and their concern about hacking fol- said. family members and 14 crew. lowing the world's biggest The Chinese-made Y-8- Among the passengers were 15 ransomware attack last 200F transport plane left the children, 58 adults and 35 sol- month that struck hundreds coastal town of Myeik at 1:06pm, diers and officers, according to of thousands of computers heading north to Yangon, Myan- the statement. worldwide. mar's largest city, officials said. It is monsoon season in Nestor Espenilla, the It was on a weekly military flight Myanmar, but Kyaw Kyaw Htey incoming governor of the that was scheduled to stop at sev- said the weather had been "nor- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, eral coastal towns along the way. mal" with good visibility when the country's central bank, The plane lost contact 29 the plane took off. The military said they had accepted "for Greenpeace activists displaying a banner during a rally in front of the US embassy in minutes after takeoff while fly- began a search soon after the now" BPI's explanation that Jakarta, yesterday, following US President Donald Trump's decision to quit the Paris ing at 18,000 feet over the sea, plane disappeared, mobilising no hacking was involved, but climate accord. about 70km west of the town of nine navy ships and three mili- would still conduct its own Dawei, the military said. tary planes, the army said. probe.

Suspected anthrax Sewol owner's daughter denies allegations Seoul suspicion of embezzling millions Incheon Prosecutors' Office for whenever I think about the was the target of a massive man- outbreak in AFP of dollars from subsidiaries of questioning. victims... no words can possi- hunt in South Korea after he her family's company, Chong- "I've never embezzled any- bly console the relatives," she refused to respond to a summons Bangladesh he daughter of the South haejin Marine Co. thing from the company," she said. following the ferry disaster. Korean tycoon blamed for South Korean authorities told reporters, adding that the Yoo, 51, was detained for 13 The tycoon, who in addition Tthe 2014 Sewol ferry dis- believe the alleged embezzle- only money she had ever taken months in France but released to his substantial business inter- Dhaka aster arrived in Seoul yesterday ment contributed to safety was "the pay I received for my in the middle of 2015. ests also ran a religious group, IANS to face questioning over her own defects which led to the April service". Yoo, her wrists hand- But in June last year, the was found dead in a plum role in the affair, after being 2014 sinking that claimed the cuffed in front of her and then-Prime Minister Manuel orchard two months after the t least one person died extradited from France. Yoo lives of 304 people, most of them covered with a black cloth for Valls signed a decree for her accident. and dozens others Som-Na was detained in Paris high school children. privacy, wept when asked about extradition. Yoo appealed the A post-mortem on his badly Ahave so far fallen ill in May 2014 and has been Yoo denied the "outrageous" the disaster. decision but it was upheld. decomposed body failed to due to suspected anthrax con- wanted in South Korea on allegations after arriving at the "I cannot help crying Her father Yoo Byung-Eun determine the cause of death. tracted from consuming meat of ill domestic animals in Bangladesh, media reported yesterday. Kim Jong-Un attending Children's Congress "At least 25 residents in Indonesia sentences Pabna district are suspected to be affected with anthrax after they consumed beef from sick rocket plot suspects cows recently," Xinhua news agency quoted a doctor as saying. Jakarta island of Sulawesi, and by set- He said that three patients AP ting up a jihadi training camp. with anthrax symptom got The group's leader, 32-year- admitted to a hospital in Pabna ix Islamic militants accused old Gigih Rahmad Dewa, was on Tuesday, pushing the total by Indonesian police of sentenced to four years in prison number of infected people to Splotting to fire a rocket at and the other men were each 25 in the district since May 27. downtown Singapore from a sentenced to three years. Mudal- A 12-year-old boy, sus- nearby island were sentenced imbong said the defendants' pected to be affected with to prison yesterday on charges actions were an "inexcusable anthrax, died on Friday, the of harboring and training attack on society." report said. extremists. The six men were arrested The boy fell sick after con- Judge Tarigan Mudalimbong last year on Batam island, about suming meat of a diseased cow. said there wasn't enough evi- 25km southeast of Singapore. People who slaughtered dence to prove the rocket plot. Police said instant messag- the cows and processed their Instead, the court found the ing chats between them and meat were also reportedly men guilty of violating Indone- Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian infected with anthrax. sia's anti-terrorism law by fighting with the Islamic State "Officials said they had hiding two Chinese Uighurs group in Syria, indicated they already collected samples of (pronounced WEE-gurs), who wanted to fire a rocket at the meat of the diseased animals were trying to join an extremist predominantly Chinese North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attending the 8th Congress of the Korean Children's for tests," it said. group in Poso on the Indonesian city-state. Union (KCU) at the House of Culture in Pyongyang, yesterday. THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 EUROPE 11 France creates counter-terrorism task force

Fighting terrorism Paris under close scrutiny since the university in the eastern city of pro-West and very much a sup- Florian to head the new intelli- Reuters November 2015 attacks on Paris, Metz. porter of democratic values. gence task force known as the The assailant was when militant gunmen and sui- The source said that a video There was never any outward National Centre for Counter Ter- named as Algerian- cide bombers struck in which Ikken pledged alle- sign of excessive adherence to rorism. It will be under the direct born, Farid Ikken, a rance created a new entertainment venues across the giance to Islamic State had been Islam,” Arnaud Mercier, Ikken’s authority of the president. PhD student of counter-terrorism task capital, killing 130 people. found in his flat in Cergy-Pon- thesis tutor, told BFM TV. The new task force chief communications in the force yesterday, bring- In total, more than 230 peo- toise, northwest of Paris, during “The only thing I knew he once headed France’s DST inter- eastern city of Metz. A ing together all the ple have been killed in a wave of a police raid on Tuesday evening, denied himself was beverage but nal intelligence service, which video in which Ikken intelligence services, to attacks in France either claimed after the attack. not drinking beverage does not was disbanded under former Fcoordinate the response to by or inspired by Islamic State Government spokesman make you a human being.” president Nicolas Sarkozy. pledged allegiance to attacks, a day after an Algerian over the past two-and-a-half Christophe Castaner said the Mercier said he last saw It will include some 20 peo- Islamic State (IS) had student assaulted police officers years. assailant had not previously Ikken in June 2016, and was sur- ple representing the various been found in his flat outside Notre Dame cathedral. In Tuesday’s attack, a “shown any signs of prised when his student failed to security services and operate 24 in Cergy-Pontoise Newly elected President 40-year-old Algerian student radicalisation”. reply to his message in Novem- hours, seven days a week. during a police raid. Emmanuel Macron, portrayed armed with a hammer and One academic who taught ber saying they needed to “This has been created to by rivals as weak on security kitchen knives shouted “this is Ikken, a strong linguist who arrange a meeting. ensure that the intelligence serv- The new task force during the presidential cam- for Syria” as he struck at and spoke French, English, Arabic Government spokesman ices truly cooperate,” said a will include some 20 paign, ordered the task force to wounded a policeman, before and Swedish, described his stu- Castaner said that Iken was French presidency official. people representing be set up last month to steer being shot by police officers. dent as an individual who at being held in custody in hospi- Macron also named career the various security France’s multiple security agen- A source close to the inves- times felt lonely. But he said he tal and that his words “this is for diplomat Bernard Emie, who services and operate cies from his Elysee Palace tigation named the assailant as “fell off his chair” when he saw Syria” meant his attack was served as ambassador to Britain, 24 hours, seven days a offices. Algerian-born Farid Ikken, a the news of his implication in an being treated as a terrorist inci- Turkey, Libya and Jordan, as week. The performance of France’s PhD student of communications attack. dent. Macron yesterday head of the DGSE external intel- intelligence services has come registered since 2014 at a “When I knew him he was appointed Pierre de Bousquet de ligence service.

Merkel’s SPD plans to Elegant art Woman sues France over keep pensions stable Paris pollution

Berlin at 48 percent of an average sal- Paris Reuters ary until 2030. Pensions are AFP projected to fall to 44.7 percent ermany’s Social Demo- of wages by 2030 as the gov- Frenchwoman suffer- crats (SPD) unveiled ernment tries to rein in costs as ing from chronic Gplans yesterday to keep the population ages. Arespiratory problems pensions stable and cap contri- The party also aims to cap yesterday sued the state, butions in an effort to win over contributions, equally divided accusing it of failing to pro- voters in a September election between workers and employ- tect her from air pollution in and unseat conservative Chan- ers, at 21.8 percent of salary by Paris. Clotilde Nonnez, an cellor Angela Merkel who is 2030 from 18.7 percent. asthmatic 56-year-old yoga seeking a fourth term. “We want to ensure dignity teacher, said that she had The centre-left SPD, junior in old age,” Schulz told report- A man walks past "Kenilworth AM1" at the press preview of Grayson Perry's "The Most "nearly died" during a spike party in Merkel’s current right- ers, promising to keep the Popular Art Exhibition Ever!" show at the Serpentine Gallery in London, Britain, yesterday. in air pollution in the capital left coalition, hopes its pension retirement age at 67. in December 2016. plans will help put the issue of The extra cost for these Her breathing difficulties social justice at the heart of the commitments would be paid for had triggered "a serious car- election, though it has not by making some three million diac problem" she said, weighed very heavily so far self-employed people pay con- adding: "I'm still not over it". among voters. tributions, increasing the Bridge soon to link Adriatic coastline Her lawyer Francois Laf- The SPD has lost the contributions faster and lifting forgue said his client was momentum it gained after first funding from tax to ¤15.3bn in Zagreb territory that juts to the Adriatic to the southern resort of seeking ¤140,000 ($158,000) nominating former European 2030 from ¤14.5bn now. AFP means Croatian territory is split Dubrovnik, known as the 'Pearl for the damage to her health Parliament chief Martin Schulz However, the radical Left in two, creating a lengthy detour of the Adriatic,' as travellers will caused by the state's "culpa- in January as its candidate for party attacked the plans for not roatia will move forward for tourists travelling along the no longer need to make a bor- ble incompetence" on chancellor to run against going far enough. with building a bridge coast. The 2.4km bridge will take der crossing. pollution. Merkel. “Whoever wants to stop Clinking the two parts of its advantage of the fact that the Tourism is a major industry A poll yesterday showed the poverty in old age must not Adriatic coastline, which should Bosnian coast is at the end of a for Croatia, with the nearly 16 conservatives’ lead over the limit themselves to stopping a cut travel times for tourists, after narrow channel made by a million visitors that the former SPD had widened to 15 points. further fall in pensions but must the EU yesterday approved Croatian peninsula. When com- Yugoslav nation welcomed last Belgian court Schulz said his party wanted to make sure that they go up,” said ¤357m ($400m) in financing. pleted in 2022 the bridge should year far outstripping its popu- preserve the level of pensions Left leader Bernd Riexinger. A small sliver of Bosnian shave hours off the travel time lation of 4.2 million. upholds French comic's jail term 'Parthenon of Books' Sweden to tighten Brussels AFP

elgium's top court yes- anti terrorism laws terday upheld a Btwo-month jail term Stockholm killing five. The government imposed on French comedian Reuters said new measures would Dieudonne over racist and include increased checks on anti-Semitic remarks, Belga weden’s centre-left gov- individuals considered a pos- news agency said. ernment said yesterday it sible threat, greater information Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, Shad reached an agreement sharing between authorities who has faced similar cases with the main opposition par- and safety improvements in in France, made the com- ties to beef up anti-terrorism public places. “The most impor- ments at a show in the laws after a series of attacks tant thing is that we are united southeastern Belgian city of around Europe. against terrorism across the Liege in 2012. Sweden has taken a number political spectrum,” Minister for He was sentenced to jail of measures in recent years to Home Affairs Anders Ygeman and a ¤9,000 ($9,566) fine by combat extremism but plans said.“We are going to go for- a criminal court in Liege in have been speeded up since ward robustly in making it November 2015, and had an Argentinian artist Marta Minujin poses in front of the 'Parthenon of Books' at the Documenta April, when a truck mowed more difficult for terrorists and original appeal rejected by an 14 art exhibition in Kassel, yesterday. down pedestrians on a busy increasing security in our appeals court in January. shopping street in Stockholm, country.” Judges at Belgium's top court rejected by a majority his latest appeal, overruling only a part of the sentence demanding that he contribute to a EU’s executive offers funds for Franco-German defence plans victims' fund, Belga said. One of Dieudonne's law- Brussels its citizens the bloc can still pro- elusive. Britain had long blocked But US President Donald The Commission said it yers, Henri Laquay, said they Reuters vide security in the face of EU defence integration and Trump’s sharp criticism of Euro- would also create a fund to had not yet received a copy Islamist militant attacks and a France’s Defence Minister Syl- pean allies for low defence reverse billions of euros in of the court's decision. he European Union exec- resurgent Russia. vie Goulard said yesterday now spending and his refusal to fully defence cuts to let governments Dieudonne has been utive threw its support “Defence and security is one was the time to act: “This is a back the alliance added to con- club together to develop and buy absent from all the proceed- Tyesterday behind Franco- of the fields through which we turning point to better share the cerns that without Washington new helicopters and planes at ings so far. German plans to integrate can re-launch the European costs, but also the defence capac- and London, the European Union lower costs, also opening the The performer originally Europe’s militaries and defence Union,” EU foreign policy chief ities,” she said in a statement. was vulnerable to a host of door to new drones, cyber war- made his name in France in industries, offering money and Federica Mogherini told a news Although the European threats, from cyber to militant fare systems and other hi-tech a double act with Jewish coordination to build up their conferences. Failings in Europe’s Union has more than a dozen attacks. gear. comedian Elie Semoun. But depleted forces. bombing campaign in Libya in military missions abroad, the A year since proposals on an While the amounts of money he became infamous for com- Spurred by Britain’s decision 2011, when the United States had world’s biggest trading bloc has “European Defence Union” from depend on EU governments’ ments about Israel and for his to leave the European Union and to step in with refuelling planes, never been able to match its eco- Paris and Berlin, the European willingness to collaborate, the trademark "quenelle" hand pressure from the United States, and Russia’s 2014 annexation of nomic might with broad Commission said it was willing Commission said it would put gesture that looks like an Brussels has seized on deeper Crimea have reignited EU defensive power, preferring to to provide money from the EU’s forward at least ¤1.5bn a year inverted Nazi salute but military ties proposed last year defence plans that date back to rely on the North Atlantic Treaty common budget for the first time from the bloc’s budget for the which he insists is merely by France and Germany to show the 1950s but have remained Organisation. for defence. research and purchase of assets. anti-establishment. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 May brings focus back on Brexit on poll eve

London Voting today move pundits said was unprec- Reuters edented in British election Britons have until campaign history. 2100 GMT to vote, On the eve of the parliamen- ritish politicians made and there will be an tary vote, May tried to bring the their final pitches to exit poll as soon as campaign back to Brexit. voters yesterday, the voting ends. The first “When it comes to the elec- eve of an election that handful of seat tion tomorrow, I think the will define Britain’s results are expected choices and the questions that Bapproach to leaving the EU but people need to ask are exactly to be announced by has been overshadowed by two the same today as they were 2300 GMT, with the deadly attacks in as many weeks. right at the beginning of the cam- vast majority of the Prime Minister Theresa May paign,” she told a campaign rally unexpectedly called the election 650 consituencies in Norwich. seven weeks ago, seeking to due to announce “And the first is a question of boost her parliamentary major- results between who do you trust to actually have ity ahead of the start of Brexit 0200 GMT and 0500 the strong and stable leadership negotiations and to win more GMT tomorrow that is going to deliver the best Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May gives an election campaign speech to Conservative Party time to deal with the impact of morning. deal for Britain in Europe.” supporters in Norwich, yesterday. the divorce from the European May and her husband Philip Union. May’s poll lead has started the day with a visit to a deal for Britain and that her other EU leaders. would win a majority of 64 seats. But the campaign has seen a shrunk over the past London meat market, where they opponents would lead its $2.5 When May stunned political At least five opinion polls are series of unexpected twists, three weeks. Latest were greeted with jeers of “Vote trillion economy to ruin in the opponents and financial markets expected before voting begins at including the bloodiest militant surveys put her party Labour”. negotiations with the EU. by calling the snap election, her 0600 GMT on Thursday. Britons attack in Britain since 2005 and between 12 and one Later in the morning she Pollsters expect May to win poll ratings indicated she could have until 2100 GMT to vote, and the shrinking of May’s once- enjoyed a warmer reception 70 a majority. But if she fails to sur- be on course to win a landslide there will be an exit poll as soon point ahead. One commanding poll lead of more miles (110km) away at a bowls pass handsomely the 12-seat majority on a par with the 1983 as voting ends. The first handful projection said she than 20 percentage points over club in Southampton, while Jer- majority her predecessor David majority of 144 won by Marga- of seat results are expected to be the opposition Labour Party. would win a majority emy Corbyn, Labour leader, Cameron won in 2015, her elec- ret Thatcher. May’s poll lead has announced by 2300 GMT, with The attacks by Islamist mil- of 64 seats. started the day in the Scottish toral gamble will have failed and shrunk over the past three the vast majority of the 650 con- itants in Manchester and London city of Glasgow. her authority will be undermined weeks. Latest surveys put her situencies due to announce threw the spotlight onto secu- backtrack dramatically on a May has repeatedly said only both inside her Conservative party between 12 and one point results between 0200 GMT and rity. And May was forced to social care policy pledge, in a she can deliver the right Brexit Party and at talks with the 27 ahead. One projection said she 0500GMT tomorrow morning. HRW slams Ally of Labour Party leader quits post May's comments London campaign, where she forgot key the first black woman elected to on anti-terrorism AFP policy details, saw her pilloried the House of Commons when in the media and targeted by she entered parliament in 1987, London senior member of Labour Prime Minister Theresa May's representing the inner-city Lon- AFP Party leader Jeremy Cor- Conservatives as one of Labour's don seat of Hackney. Abyn's team relinquished weak spots. While the reputation of vet- uman Rights Watch her role as home affairs spokes- When Abbott pulled out of eran socialist Corbyn has yesterday condemned woman yesterday, the final day two events on Tuesday, the Con- improved during the campaign, Hcomments by British of a British election campaign servatives repeated that she was some Labour candidates had Prime Minister Theresa May where she was ruthlessly criti- "unfit to serve as home secre- complained that Abbott vowing a hardline approach cised by rivals for being inept. tary" and deal with the aftermath remained a liability. to terrorism, after the deadly As home affairs spokes- of the London and Manchester Labour's international trade London attacks and on the woman, Diane Abbott was in line attacks. spokesman Barry Gardiner said eve of a national election. to become interior minister if Corbyn announced yester- he had been told by party offi- Kenneth Roth, executive Labour won today, with respon- day that she had been replaced cials that she had a "long term" director of the New York- sibility for dealing with security "for the period of her ill-health", condition, which helped explain based group, took aim in and policing after recent terror adding that she had not been her performances in recent Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn particular at remarks May attacks. well for a "couple of days". weeks. Abbott's post will be filled made to supporters on Tues- (centre) arrives to speak at a campaign rally in Halton, north- But a string of poor media Abbott, the daughter of by fellow London lawmaker Lyn day questioning limits west England, yesterday. appearances during the Jamaican immigrants, became Brown. imposed by human rights laws on tackling violent extremism. "As if George W Bush never happened, UK promotes the canard of rights Spain's 'skateboard abuse protecting from terrorism," Roth wrote on Twitter. hero' conﬁrmed dead Controlled Madrid Igna we love you and will never explosion held AFP forget you," his other sister Isa- bel wrote on Facebook. near US embassy he family of a Spanish The Islamic State group man who used his skate- claimed responsibility for the London Tboard to try to defend a attack on Saturday by three AFP woman from one of the assail- assailants who mowed down ants during the London attack people in a van before going on ritish police carried out confirmed yesterday that he a stabbing spree in the Borough a controlled explosion had died, ending an excruciat- market area, killing eight Byesterday near the con- ing four-day wait. people. struction site for the new US "Ignacio didn't survive the Friends of Echeverria, who embassy building in London attacks," Ignacio Echeverria's lived in London, were quoted after being called to a report sister Ana wrote on her Face- in Spanish media as saying that of two unattended vehicles. book page. "My brother Ignacio they were walking in the area The Metropolitan Police Police officers sweep the street outside a restaurant in Borough Market behind the police cordon tried to stop terrorists and lost when they saw what they later announced that the inci- around the scene of the attack in London, yesterday. his life trying to save others. thought was an ordinary fight. dent had ended and was not related to terrorism. "Police were called at 4:38pm yesterday, to Ponton British delay on identifying attack victims strange: Spain Road, Wandsworth... to a report of two unattended vehicles," police said in a Madrid seen slumped on the pavement, interview with Radio Nacional Police said there were a The French government statement. Reuters the family said, citing friends yesterday, echoing similar number of reasons why an iden- announced and named yester- "Specialist officers are at who were with him at the time. remarks made by the foreign tification could take longer in day a second French victim who the scene and cordons have pain’s interior minister yes- Echeverria’s family has trav- minister on Tuesday. “Ignacio some circumstances and that was killed on Saturday night and been put in place. London terday questioned the elled to London to assist in any Echeverria’s family is showing families would be notified as is waiting for confirmation on a Ambulance Service and the Slength of time that Britain identification. The 39-year-old exemplary behaviour and is soon as possible. third man who may have been London Fire Brigade are also was taking to identify victims of is from Madrid but lived in Lon- going through an inhuman and “We work in liaison with the knocked off London Bridge dur- in attendance. "A controlled Saturday’s attack in London, and don, where he worked for HSBC. desperate situation,” he added. coroner, that’s how the system ing the attacks. explosion was carried out at said the delay was causing mis- Police received his finger- London police said special- works. When the coroner is con- The Australian foreign affairs around 5:37 pm." The police ery to the family of a possible prints on Sunday but they were ist officers were working with tent and we are content with the department yesterday confirmed later issued a further message Spanish victim. not enough to make an identifi- the families of victims to iden- ID we have got we will issue that two Australians died in the on Twitter, saying: "The inci- Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria cation and they have asked for tify those who were killed and publicly,” a police spokesman attack, but did not name them. dent in #PontonRoad jumped off his bike to help a DNA tests, which could delay the liaison officers had been sent out said. In a Facebook post on Tues- The families named the victims #Wandsworth has been stood woman who was being stabbed process further, El Pais newspa- to families of people believed to day night, his brother Joaquin as Sara Zelenak, 21, and Kristy down. This was not terrorism in the rampage, fighting off her per reported. be dead. Echeverria wrote: “Still no news Boden, 28. Both were listed as related." attacker with a skateboard, his “The amount of time Britain They have so far officially from Ignacio Echeverria. The UK missing for days and they were The US embassy is due to family told Spanish media. is taking to identify people seems identified two victims. The death authorities ask us for 24 or 48 not identified until after their move from Grosvenor Square However, he was set upon strange to me,” Interior Minister toll stands at seven, with dozens more hours to give us parents flew to London and met in Mayfair to the new cubic by two other men and was last Juan Ignacio Zoido said in an wounded. information.” directly with police. building later this year. THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 AMERICAS 13 Comey conﬁrms Trump told him to drop Flynn probe

Washington alone together in the Oval Office. politicians use that word, but he Comey did not say whether In another discussion, a AFP Loyalty sought "I had understood the presi- could always count on me to tell he thought the president's phone call on March 30, Comey Comey says Trump dent to be requesting that we drop him the truth." actions amounted to obstructing said Trump described the over- ired FBI director James raised the sensitive any investigation of Flynn in con- "The president said, 'I need the investigation, a charge made all Russia probe as "a cloud" that Comey confirmed yes- nection with his false statements loyalty, I expect loyalty.' I didn't by some Democrats, and which made it difficult for him to lead FBI probe into terday that US about his conversations with the move, speak, or change my facial is expected to feature highly in the country. Russian meddling in President Donald Russian ambassador in Decem- expression in any way during the lawmakers' questions "He asked what we could do Trump urged him to the US election in ber," added Comey, who was fired awkward silence that followed," Thursday. to 'lift the cloud,'" Comey wrote. Fdrop a probe into his former multiple discussions. by the US president early last Comey said. "I did not understand the Comey said he told the pres- national security advisor Michael month. Comey's comments, largely president to be talking about the ident that the investigation was Flynn -- a bombshell revelation Comey also said Comey also said Trump confirming press reports pub- broader investigation into Rus- going as quickly as a possible. ahead of his hotly-anticipated Trump demanded he demanded he pledge his loyalty lished in the past two months, sia or possible links to his Trump understood, Comey said, appearance on Capitol Hill. pledge his loyalty in in a White House meeting on were made in a statement ahead campaign," Comey recalled. "I "but then re-emphasized the In an explosive statement on a White House January 27, just days after he of his appearance before the could be wrong, but I took him problems this was causing him." the eve of his testimony to Con- meeting in January. took office under the cloud of Senate Intelligence Committee to be focusing on what had just Comey's statement came gress, Comey said Trump raised allegations that Russia's interfer- today. happened with Flynn's depar- hours after two top US spy the sensitive FBI probe into Rus- ence helped him win election. In it Comey made clear he ture and the controversy around agency chiefs skirted questions sian meddling in the US election "I hope you can see your way In that meeting, Trump asked was uncomfortable discussing his account of his phone calls." from the Senate panel about in multiple discussions, leaving clear to letting this go, to letting him if he wanted to stay in his an ongoing investigation with the "Regardless, it was very con- whether the president also him deeply uneasy over whether Flynn go. He is a good guy," job. president, even as he assured cerning, given the FBI's role as an "asked" them to intervene in the the president was attempting to Comey quoted Trump as telling Comey said he told Trump Trump that he himself was not a independent investigative agency," Flynn probe, while saying they interfere. him on February 14 as they sat he was not "'reliable' in the way target of the probe. said the former director. never felt pressured to do so. Pentagon boosts Trump taps seasoned ability to defend against ICBMs white-collar crime Washington Reuters lawyer to head FBI fter a successful May test, the Pentagon has Washington riveting testimony, in which he Aupgraded its assess- AP said Trump sought his loyalty ment of its ability to defend at a January dinner. The former the US against incoming resident Donald Trump FBI chief also said he told the intercontinental ballistic surprised Washington president three times he was missiles (ICBMs), like the Pyesterday with his choice not under investigation in the ones North Korea is to replace James Comey a day probe of Russian meddling in attempting to develop, ahead of the ousted FBI direc- the 2016 election and possible according to a memo seen tor's blockbuster congressional collusion with the Trump by Reuters yesterday. testimony, tapping a white-col- campaign. The conclusion could add lar defense lawyer with strong The White House and its to the US military's view that law enforcement background. allies have been looking for it is outpacing the mounting Senate Republicans and some ways to offset that potentially threat from North Korea, Democrats praised the damaging testimony and have which has increased the pace nomination. been working on strategies US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the US healthcare system at Cincinnati of its missile tests over the In an early morning two- aimed at undermining Comey's past year in its declared effort Municipal Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio, yesterday. sentence tweet, Trump said he credibility. to develop an ICBM that has intended to nominate Christo- Trump abruptly fired Comey the ability to strike the US pher Wray, a high-ranking on May 9, roiling Washington mainland. President: Obamacare in 'death spiral' official in George W Bush's Jus- and multiple congressional Since 2012, the Penta- tice Department who investigations and prompting the gon's Director of Operational Cincinnati the House of Representatives Trump spoke a day after represented New Jersey Gov. appointment of Special Counsel Test and Evaluation had Reuters and the Senate. A House plan Anthem announced it would not Chris Christie in the Bridgegate Robert Mueller. The nomination assessed only that the United was approved on May 4, and the participate in the Obamacare scandal. Trump, in a statement of Wray — and the Senate con- States had a "limited capabil- S President Donald Senate is trying to pass a version insurance exchanges next year later yesterday, called Wray "an firmation hearings for the ity" to defend against a threat Trump said yesterday this summer. in Ohio, a potentially crippling impeccably qualified 10-year post — promise days like the one from North Korea Uthat the Obamacare Trump, visiting Cincinnati, blow to the healthcare system. individual." more of public discussion about or Iran using interceptors in healthcare system is in a "death Ohio, to tout his infrastructure Trump said opposition from "I know that he will again Trump and Russia. the Ground-based Midcourse spiral" and must be reformed plan, met with several people Democrats needed to be over- serve his country as a fierce Wray said he was honoured Defence (GMD) program, soon, a day after insurer Anthem who dislike President Obama's come in order to gain passage guardian of the law and model to be selected. "I look forward managed by Boeing Co. Inc announced it would with- signature healthcare law, for- of a new law. of integrity once the Senate to serving the American people But after successfully draw from the Ohio healthcare mally known as the Affordable "It's only obstruction from confirms him to lead the FBI," with integrity as the leader of intercepting a simulated insurance exchange next year. Care Act, and afterward called the Democrats. The Democrats Trump said. what I know firsthand to be an ICBM last month, the Penta- Trump has struggled to get on Congress to act. "Obamacare are destroying healthcare," he While the choice captured extraordinary group of men and gon office elevated that a healthcare package passed by is in a total death spiral and the said. "It's only going to be headlines early in the day, it women who have dedicated assessment, the memo, dated the US Congress even though his problems will only get worse if Republicans or bust. The Dem- was quickly overwhelmed by their careers to protecting this June 6, said. Republican Party controls both Congress fails to act," he said. ocrats are really in our way." the advance release of Comey's country," he said. Court upholds ruling that Cosby lawyers paint accuser as opportunist

Houston bail system unfair Norristown Reuters Houston said Jason Spencer, a spokesman AP for the county sheriff's office. ill Cosby's lawyers sought Before being released, inmates yesterday at his criminal ozens of inmates who had to fill out an affidavit swear- Btrial to portray the woman couldn't afford bail were ing to their financial situations. accusing him of a 2004 sexual Dslated to be released "I think some people were assault as an opportunist who from a Houston jail yesterday expecting a massive release, but pursued the comedian's affec- after a federal appeals court it's really just sort of steady," tions before going after his upheld a ruling that the coun- Spencer said. money. ty's bail system unfairly The 100 releases represent Phone records showed And- discriminates against the poor. just over 1 percent of the jail's rea Constand called Cosby 53 Harris County officials population and would become times between January 20, 2004, asked the US Supreme Court a daily occurrence unless the days after she said the assault late on Tuesday to issue an Supreme Court stayed the occurred, and March 31, 2004, emergency order blocking the lower court ruling. "We're going when she left Temple Univer- original ruling, which the 5th to operate under whatever the sity, including twice on US Circuit Court of Appeals latest order is," Spencer said. Valentine's Day. They also indi- upheld earlier in the day. Rosenthal's ruling came in cated that she called lawyers US District Judge Lee a lawsuit filed last year against specializing in civil litigation Rosenthal ruled in April that the Harris County by two civil before reporting the alleged inmates could be released on rights groups and a Houston assault to police. Bill Cosby returns to the courtroom on the third day of his trial at the Montgomery County personal bond. In her ruling, law firm after a woman was Constand told jurors she had which was stayed pending Tues- jailed for two days for driving only spoken with Cosby a hand- Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania, US, yesterday. day's decision, Rosenthal said the without a valid license because ful of times, all related to her bail system violated equal pro- she couldn't afford her $2,500 administrative job with the months of acting as a mentor. In more than four hours of Constand's claim that she had tection rights against bail. They argued that poor women's basketball program at Cosby has faced sexual cross examination over two never been alone with Cosby wealth-based discrimination and offenders are unfairly incarcer- Temple. Cosby, a university trus- assault allegations from dozens days, defensc attorney Angela before. violated due process protections ated while awaiting trial. tee, followed the athletics of women, though Constand's Agrusa did not ask Constand any Agrusa attempted to portray against pretrial detention with- The jail handles about department closely, she said. accusation is the only one to lead details about the alleged assault. as romantic earlier encounters out proper procedures or an 50,000 misdemeanor offenders The defence's cross exami- to criminal charges. The Instead, she strove to under- between the two, including a pri- opportunity to be heard. annually. More than 50 percent nation of the trial's key witness 79-year-old entertainer, once mine Constand's credibility by vate dinner on Cosby's couch in The county jail began releas- of the county's misdemeanour came a day after Constand tes- known as "America's dad" for his focusing on discrepancies in her front of a fire. ing eligible inmates late Tuesday defendants are detained until the tified that the entertainer role in the 1980s television series statements to police in 2005, "The room was dark, and and was expected to release conclusion of their cases, many drugged and abused her at his "The Cosby Show," has denied when she first reported the inci- there was a nice mood in the about 100 others on Wednesday, due to an inability to post bail. Philadelphia-area home, after all wrongdoing. dent. Those statements included room, correct?" she said. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 Canada to increase military spending over next decade

Ottawa year to Can$32.7bn by 2026. AFP Larger role The plan calls for invest- Ottawa seeks to ments in new warships, fighter anada announced yes- take on a larger role jets, drones, light armored vehi- terday plans for a sharp cles, precision-guided munitions in global affairs increase in military and other equipment, as well as spending over the next even as Washington a modernization of its subma- decade as US President appears to be rine fleet. CDonald Trump has demanded of retreating. Major equipment purchases America's Nato allies. -- many of which had already The move, which would The new defence been announced -- are to reach nearly double Canada's military move would nearly 32 percent of total military spending by 2026, comes as double Canada's spending by 2026, exceeding Ottawa seeks to take on a larger military spending Nato's 20 percent target. This role in global affairs, even as by 2026. includes the purchases of 15 new Washington appears to be warships and 88 fighter jets (up retrenching. from 65 previously announced) Trump alarmed western Minister Harjit Sajjan said. to replace its aging fleet. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with former US president Barack Obama at leaders by failing to reaffirm US "In an increasingly unpre- The size of the army, mean- Liverpool House in Montreal for dinner. commitment to the defense of dictable world, it's time for while, would increase by 5,000 Nato allies at a summit last government to hold up its end of (including reserve and regular American Aerospace Defence and launch new communications time. A senior military official month. Instead he castigated the bargain," he said. Ottawa's forces), to 101,500 troops. Command (NORAD) beyond its and surveillance satellites. said the new defense policy aims them for not living up to a com- plan would raise Canada's mili- The plan would see Canada current mandate of securing the It also plans to train hackers to meet "not just one enemy," but mitment to spend 2.0 percent of tary spending to 1.4 percent of expand its military intelligence continent's airspace and shores. to launch cyberattacks in sup- a range of possible threats. "It's their GDP on defence. "Govern- GDP at the end of 10 years, up and special operations capabil- The Canadian military would port of military operations. very difficult to see what's comments have not invested from less than 1.0 percent. ities, enhance its Arctic presence also develop new capabilities to Ottawa had considered partici- ing," the official said, "So we're adequately and predictably (in That would take military and explore with Washington thwart threats in space, such as pation in a US missile defense developing a multipurpose force the Canadian military)," Defense spending from Can$18.9bn this new roles for the North from wayward satellites or debris, system but chose not to at this that is very flexible."

Toddler born Venezuela commander urges troops not to hurt protesters without a Caracas and security forces. their belongings. go ahead peacefully." April 1. Maduro's opponents are nose dies AFP The opposition and a press "I do not want to see any But as usual, riot police dis- protesting to demand early elec- rights group say security forces more guards committing atroc- persed the demos with tear gas, tions to remove him from power. Alabama he head of Venezuela's mil- have attacked, robbed and run ities in the street," Padrino said water cannon and plastic bullets They blame him for a desperate AP itary warned his troops not over protesters and journalists. in a public address on Tuesday. and some demonstrators hurled economic crisis. Tto commit "atrocities" Fresh clashes erupted yes- "Whoever departs from state petrol bombs and rocks. "We have to stay in the n Alabama toddler who against protesters demonstrat- terday as thousands of protesters policy, which gives pre-emi- The opposition-controlled street until Maduro negotiates drew worldwide atten- ing in the country's deadly tried to march to the offices of nence to respect for human legislature has accused Interior his departure or the military Ation after he was born political crisis ahead of fresh the electoral authority from var- rights, and who acts unprofes- Minister Nestor Reverol of being withdraws its support for him," without a nose has died. clashes yesterday. ious points of the capital, in the sionally, will have to answer for responsible for "repression" of senior opposition lawmaker Eli Thompson's father, The warning by General latest in more than two months it." protesters. Freddy Guevara said Jeremy Finch, posted the Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who is of protests. Opposition congressional Reverol has been hit by US yesterday. news on Sunday on the social also President Nicolas Maduro's On Monday, videos pub- speaker Julio Borges said ahead sanctions for alleged involve- Maduro says the crisis is a media site Facebook, a day defense minister, came after lished on social media had of Wednesday's demo: "We call ment in drug-trafficking. US-backed conspiracy and after Eli was pronounced more than two months of vio- appeared to show security forces on Padrino Lopez to make good Prosecutors say 65 people brands the protesters insurgents dead at Springhill Medical lent clashes between protesters attacking and robbing people of on his word and let the march have died in the unrest since and terrorists. Center in Mobile. Thompson had turned 2-years-old March 4. Finch's post expressed sad- ness, saying, "We lost our little Brazil court split on buddy last night. I'll never be able to make sense of why this happened, and this will hurt new Temer evidence deeply for a long time. But I'm so blessed to have had this Brasilia The judge tasked with spear- beautiful boy in my life!" Reuters heading the case, Herman Multiple media outlets Benjamin, said the additional report Thompson was born razil's top electoral court evidence in plea bargain testi- with congenital arhinia, an yesterday was split over mony by Odebrecht executives extremely rare birth defect Bwhether to allow new evi- was crucial to determine that affects only one in 197 dence in plea-bargain testimony whether former president Dilma million births. from construction company Rousseff and her running mate "He finished his race a lot Odebrecht in an illegal campaign Temer used illicit funds in their earlier than we would have funding case that could lead to 2014 campaign. liked, but it was God's time to President Michel Temer leaving Benjamin, who is expected to bring him back home," Finch's office. vote to annul the ticket and its post continued. "I'll forever The issue delayed proceed- 2014 election victory, said Ode- look forward to seeing him at ings on the second day of brecht was the "biggest parasite" the gates of Heaven waiting on sessions by the Supreme Elec- among the companies accused of me to give me another one of toral Tribunal (TSE), which paying billions in kickbacks from his famous fist bumps! I love adjourned until Thursday with- overpriced contracts with state- you little man. Rest in peace out voting on whether to annul run oil company Petrobras. with my Father." Finch told An unidentiﬁed woman, who was stopped while trying to get inside the Planalto Palace Temer's ticket in the 2014 elec- But Judge Napoleão Nunes Al.com that the family is final- tion for allegedly receiving Maia said he would oppose use shouting "I Love You, President Temer", is assisted, in Brasilia, yesterday. ising funeral arrangements. under-the-table donations. of the extra plea statements as The little boy used baby Temer opponents expect a evidence, arguing that the case The defence team of both in that race, Aecio Neves, has company channeled millions of sign language, and Finch told TSE ruling against the president would never end if it continued Temer and Rousseff requested since been charged for graft him- dollars to the Rousseff-Temer the news site in an interview to force him from office and help to add information from the ava- the testimony be scrapped, self, accused of taking millions campaign in illegal donations. that his son was beginning to Brazil exit a political crisis stoked lanche of testimonies in the Car arguing that it went beyond the in bribes from the world's larg- If the seven-justice tribunal do speech therapy at home by graft allegations against the Wash probe. Temer, who scope of the original complaint est meatpacker, JBS SA. decides that Rousseff and Temer with a speaking valve. "His center-right leader. A TSE deci- replaced Rousseff when she was filed by the Brazilian Social In plea-bargain testimony used illegal money to fund their favourite sign was 'cookie'," sion could take weeks if not impeached last year, has said his Democracy Party (PSDB) after given in Brazil's sprawling "Car campaign, it could annul the he said. The first thing he did months and could be appealed campaign accounts received no it lost the 2014 election. Wash" graft investigation, Ode- election result and force Temer every morning was to ask for by Temer. illegal money. The PSDB's own candidate brecht executives said the from office. a cookie. US may expand laptop ban to 71 airports: Homeland Security

Washington in March currently cover about Representatives panel. "We're from airports in the United Arab "This is a very serious constant yesterday said lithium ion batter- Reuters 350 flights a week originating also looking at ways that we Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar threat to knock down an air- ies on airplanes can be a problem. from 10 airports, primarily in the think we can mitigate the threat" and Turkey, came amid fears that plane," Kelly said. Homeland "This is a difficult issue that the he US government might Middle East. without expanding the ban. a concealed bomb could be Security spokesman David Lapan administration is grappling with expand a ban on larger Extending the ban to all Kelly said his deputy will installed in electronic devices declined to identify the 71 airports especially from a security point of Telectronics like laptops in European airports that directly attend a conference in Malta next taken aboard aircraft. that are under consideration. view," Chao said. airplane cabins to flights origi- serve US airports would affect week "to present what we think Britain quickly followed suit Any move to restrict carry- A laptop fire in a cabin can nating from dozens of airports nearly 400 flights a day and are the minimum increased with restrictions on a slightly dif- ing larger electronics to the cargo be detected quickly, versus a in Europe, the Middle East and cover 30 million travellers and security standards ... and present ferent set of routes. hold of aircraft has potential device stored in a cargo hold. Africa, the head of Homeland pose major logistical challenges, those to people to say if you meet Kelly said many countries safety implications related to On May 30, a New York Jet- Security said yesterday, though airlines and security officials say. these standards we will not ban are working to not be added to past problems with laptop bat- Blue Airways Corp flight bound an expansion could be avoided "We are looking right now at large electronics." the ban list by improving screen- teries. Kelly said he is reviewing for San Francisco was diverted if countries agree to improved an additional 71 airports," Sec- The restrictions on laptops ing to "detect this very those concerns. to Michigan because of a lithium security procedures. retary of Homeland Security announced in March, including sophisticated device." US Transportation Secretary battery fire from a passengr lap- The US restrictions imposed John Kelly told a House of on flights originating He called the danger real. Elaine Chao at a Senate hearing top in the airplane cabin. THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 HOME 15

PRAYER TIMINGS

AZF holds Table Tennis competition FAJR 03.14 am SHOROOK 04.43 am

Amna Pervaiz Rao ZUHR 11.33 am MAGHRIB 06.26 pm The Peninsula ASR 02.56 pm ISHA 07.56 pm ver 36 participants took part in the Fifth (consecutive) Table WEATHER TODAY OTennis Competition for people with special needs organised by Aspire o o Zone Foundation (AZF) in collabora- tion with the Qatar Paralympic 31 C 43 C Committee at Aspire Dome on Minimum Maximum Monday. The one-day event was categorised in visual impairment, physical impairment (sitting/standing) and hearing impairment categories. AZF organised table tennis competitions for the visually-impaired for the second consecutive year in the Ramadan Sports Festival (RSF). Ikrami Fouad secured the top position after showcasing a commendable performance followed by Abdulrah- man Sami in the second place and Ali Metaab in third place. Khalid Al Yafei secured the top spot in the physical impairment category (sitting), followed by Ismail Moham- med in second place and Abdullah Al Participants and organisers pose for a photograph during the Fifth (consecutive) Table Tennis competition for Ishaq in the third. Meanwhile, participant Mostafa people with special needs at Aspire Dome yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula Ameen won first place in the physical impairment category (standing) fol- Hussain Haddad, Member of the Qatar I participate every year. For three con- particularly during Ramadan.” lowed by Mohammed Musa in second Paralympic Committee and the Direc- secutive years I have been receiving Hussain Haddad, Member of the and Faisal Al Baridi in third place. tor of the Table Tennis Tournament. third prize. I hope to achieve the first Qatar Paralympic Committee and the Hazy at places at ﬁrst becomes hot In the hearing-impaired category, Talking to The Peninsula Salman one this year.” Director of the Table Tennis Tourna- daytime with slight dust at times Saeed Saleh won top spot, Ibrahim Sheershani, Qatari participant said: “I Commenting on this year’s event, ment said, “AZF is keen to engage and relatively humid at places by Mesad secured second position and have been playing table tennis since Mohammed Mubarak Al Kuwari, Direc- everyone in their sporting events. The night. Mohammed Shehab bagged third posi- 2006. I have participated in interna- tor of Venues and Events at AZF said, table tennis competition was carefully HIGH TIDE 03:00 – 17:15 LOW TIDE 09:45 – 23:45 tion. Winners were awarded by tional and regional championships. I “We’re proud to be providing logisti- selected because it was tailored for var- Mohammed Mubarak Al Kuwari, offi- participated in AFZ competition for the cal support for this great tournament, ious disabilities. This year, we have Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department cial of AZF; Abdullah Aman Al Khater, first time hoping to win this year.” because we’re dedicated to ensuring proudly organised a very successful Events Manager at AZF; Al Anoud Al Ismaeel, an Indian participant said: that we organize various exciting sport- competition for the visually impaired LATEST NEWS Misnad, member of RSF organizing “It is the fourth time I am participating ing events for everyone in Qatar for the second year in a row. We hope UPDATE committee at AZF; as well as Abdullah in Ramadan Festival hosted by AFZ. I irrespective of nationality, age, gender to continue this fruitful partnership Al-Mulla, Chairman of the Qatari Cul- practice at Qatar Paralympic Commit- or disability to encourage active par- with AZF and we look forward to future tural and Social Center for the Deaf and tee but AZF is the only platform where ticipation all year-round and events.” www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 16 HOME THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017

Celebrations will feature a variety of activities in a traditional tent setting. UDC to host several Garangao activities at The Pearl-Qatar

The Peninsula folkloric mascot characters about Qatari traditions. and photography booths in Garangao is a tradition long nited Development addition to offering popcorn, practised in Qatar, during which Company (UDC), cotton candy, Arabic coffee, children, carrying pouches and master developer of dates and ice-cream to event singing, roam the streets after The Pearl-Qatar, participants. Story-telling and Iftar to knock on people’s doors will host a multi- give-away goodies which will and collect candies. Utude of activities to celebrate the be distributed by the traditional Throughout Ramadan, The Garangao tradition, a mid-Ram- “Musaher” mascot (Ramadan Pearl-Qatar also offers both vis- adan festival for children. The Drummer), will also be part of itors and residents the event will take place tomorrow, the night’s highlights. opportunity to experience a from 8pm to 11pm, in an indoor The event underscores variety of Iftar and Suhoor offer- arena in 29 La Croisette, Porto UDC’s efforts to revive the ings across all restaurants on the Arabia. Garangao tradition in a modern island. Celebrations will feature a setting and encourage youth to Visitors can also enjoy shop- variety of activities in a tradi- preserve this form of heritage. ping for oriental perfumes and tional tent setting. Activities A large number of citizens and incense, Ramadan gift baskets include henna drawing, col- residents of all ages have come and sweets across retail shops ouring and face painting together to mark the occasion in Porto Arabia, Medina Cent- stations, balloon twisting, in recent years to learn more rale and Qanat Quartier. HOME THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 HOME THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017

Qatar says Exercise during education a fundamental fasting not human right Geneva harmful: Doctor QNA atar confirmed that it pays great attention to Right time minutes. Walking indoors is Qformal and non-formal advisable to avoid the hot education and considers it a One can exercise weather. key priority. four to five hours "Exercising an hour before This came in a speech after Iftar, when the breaking the fast at Iftar is rec- delivered by Noor Ibrahim Al meal is fully ommended for people in good Sada, Second Secretary of the digested, to avoid physical condition when the Permanent Mission of Qatar the risk of stomach weather is suitable”, added Dr to the United Nations Office discomfort by Khalid Shams. at Geneva, during the inter- redirecting the blood The third suitable time to active dialogue with the exercise is 4 to 5 hours after Special Rapporteur on the used for digestion Iftar, when someone has fully Right to Education as part of to other parts digested his meal to avoid the the 35th session of the Human Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit won the award for its documentary, 'Stealing Paradise', on of the body. risk of stomach discomfort by Rights Council (item 3). redirecting the blood used for corruption in Maldives. The Qatari Constitution The Peninsula digestion to other parts of the establishes education as a body such as the arms or the basic foundation for the xercising and fasting legs. Al Jazeera Investigative Unit wins progress of society, and the can coincide without “Whereas the aforemen- state shall seek to ensure, fos- causing any harm to tioned times are suggested for ter and endeavour to spread the body, say experts regular people, the most suita- it, Al Sada said. at the Primary ble time for professional Corruption Reporting Award This significance is also EHealthcare Corporation (PHCC). athletes is five hours after Iftar emphasised by Qatar National In fact, excericisng during Ram- because their sport exerts much The Peninsula journalists play in reporting the memory of Yameen Rasheed, a Vision 2030, which consid- adan, if done properly at a effort and is quite time-con- developing world. writer who was murdered out- ers human development as its specific time, can help control suming”, added Dr Khalid. l Jazeera’s Investigative 'Stealing Paradise' attracted side his home in April. “We must cornerstone, as no develop- one's weight and encourage a He also stressed on the Unit has won the Corrup- global news attention as Presi- all keep exposing corruption, ment and no progress can be healthy lifestyle. necessity of not exercising dur- Ation Reporting Award at dent Yameen hired which is undermining societies accomplished without qual- “There are three times in ing fasting, because glucose, the annual One World Media London-based legal and public the world over, large and small”, ity educational and training the day that are ideal for exer- water and mineral salts levels ceremony in London. relations firms to try to suppress Jordan told the audience. services that are aligned with cise during Ramadan,” decrease in our body which The documentary 'Stealing Al Jazeera's broadcast. The Phil Rees, Manager of Inves- the aspirations and abilities confirmed Dr Khalid Shams, the may cause headaches, dizzi- Paradise', provides an unprec- regime also promised serious tigations, praised Jordan and his of each individual, she added. Director of Al Shahaneya HC in ness, fatigue and lack of focus. edented insight into the consequences for anyone “in teammates for their cultivation Al Sada stressed the PHCC. The body compensates the glu- workings of a corrupt govern- any way connected with the Al of sources. “Those who brought importance of formal and "Exercising early morning cose deficiency by using its ment. It exposes jaw-dropping Jazeera documentary”. The this information had faith in two non-formal education as a after having refrained from eat- storage 6 hours after consum- levels of wrongdoing at the very threats were broadcast on state things. fundamental human right ing and the stomach has ing its last dose. top of government in the holi- television and followed by First, that having spent one that would enable all groups digested food from Suhoor is However, maintaining ade- day islands of the Maldives. police raids on two media out- year living in the Maldives, Will of society to fully enjoy their very beneficial as one can quate water levels is a real President Abdulla Yameen lets in the capital Male. The Jordan could understand the del- other rights, adding that while breathe well during exercise problem as it decreases in the is accused of theft, bribery and offices of a legal firm were also icate nature of this story. we agree with the Rapporteur and enjoy suitable weather body during fasting, even more money laundering. The Presi- raided by police. Al Jazeera’s And second, that Al Jazeera that non-formal education locally,” said Dr Khalid. so during exercise. dent received bags filled with London-based investigative would have the guts to broad- can provide solutions to He also added that some Therefore, staying away up to $1m in cash, it was so reporter, Will Jordan, faced cast it. hey were right on both address some of the chal- exercise such as walking can be from extreme heat and high much that it was “difficult to numerous death threats on scores.” lenges faced by those who did done before breaking the fast humidity is highly recom- carry,” according to one of the social media prompting a police The documentary was not have the opportunity to for non-diabetic people, and mended during exercise in men who delivered it. investigation. edited by Adrian Billing, and receive formal education. after Iftar, especially after Ramadan, in order not to lose The One World Media Accepting the award, Jordan filmed by Chris Olivotos and The right to education Taraweeh prayers for 30 to 45 critical amounts of water. Awards highlight the vital role dedicated the prize to the Manny Paneratos. also includes a responsibility of states to provide basic education that is consistent with academic standards, quality and continuity, she went on Miswaak use a healthy tradition amid trappings of modernity to say. Al Sada pointed out that the importance of non-formal Amna Pervaiz Rao reason for using miswaak in to religion and tradition of Mus- of interproximal plaque as com- prominence due to the rapid education is increasing dur- The Peninsula Ramadan is to follow the Sun- lims but bears modern science pared to toothbrushes which are modernisation of the Islamic ing times of conflict and crisis, nah of Prophet Muhammad certifications over its health ben- less effective.” world. As Arabs begin to adopt stressing that this type of edu- s many habits change with (PBUH). Also, it is scientifically efits. It contains substances that With rising demand in the more modern customs, many cation could be provided to the advent of holy month proven to change the smell of the prevent cavities, gum bleeding, market, new marketing strate- have abandoned the tradition of displaced persons, refugees Aof Ramadan, the use of breath due to its medicinal ben- mouth cancer and putrefaction. gies and innovations are also miswaak and this is what Mis- and other affected persons of miswaak too has become a new- efits," said Muhammad Bilal, a Miswaak has another ingredient being adopted by some traders. waak Royale aims to change. We different age groups in a flex- in of town. regular miswaak user. that strengthens gums and pre- ‘Miswaak Royale’ has revived have a special Ramadan offer ible manner that enables them Several people are using “People fasting in Ramadan vents teeth from changing colour the centuries-old Arabian tra- going on ten pieces for QR200, to cope with different chal- miswaak in order to practise are careful not to swallow water or decaying. dition attracting people towards one piece costs QR25.” lenges, especially in the case Sunnah and to benefit from its while they are brushing their Dr Shahnaz Kadir, a Doha- Sunnah of miswaak by launch- He said that the people used of children who face chal- countless medicinal properties. teeth using toothbrush and paste based dentist told The Peninsula: ing the world’s finest quality to gift ‘Royale Miswaak’ on occa- lenges accessing education “I use miswaak which is hence they prefer using miswaak “Miswaak inhibits formation of miswaak. sions “while during fasting we due to lost personal identity available at any pharmacy and which doesn't need water,” he dental plaque and is effective in Ahmed Balochi, salesman at can use miswaak which makes documents and ensuring mar- costs only QR3, it is available in added. reducing gum inflammation. Royale Miswaak stall, said: “The it a plus point of gifting their ried girls have the opportunity plastic packaging. The main Miswaak, not only is related Chewing stick helps in removal miswaak has lost some of its friends and family members”. to complete their education. Qatar Museums lines up several exhibitions for summer

QNA The annual Mathaf Student (Saudi Arabia) and Hassan Sharif two-week run at London's Art Competition and Exhibition (Dubai), and a younger genera- Saatchi Gallery, will bring to life atar Museums (QM) is returning for the fourth time tion of artists such as Manal Al the colourful, and free flowing announced a series of cap- this year. Dowayan (Saudi Arabia), Wael spirit of these young girls, offer- Qtivating exhibitions to take The exhibition, due to kick Shawky (Egypt) and Hayv Kah- ing a new perspective on the place in the country this summer. off tomorrow and run until July raman (Iraq-USA). skateboarding culture. The wide-ranging choice of 10 will showcase the works of In addition, Mathaf contin- Museum of Islamic Art will shows comes as part of QMs students from various schools. ues to increase its investments host Powder and Damask: commitment to educate and This time following the in education and audience Islamic Arms and Armour from inspire residents and visitors, theme "what is your imagined engagement around the collec- the Collection of Fadel Al Man- spark creativity among artists future city?" tion that includes making the soori will be held from August 27 and enthusiasts, and ultimately, The competition is an origi- collection accessible online. 2017 to May 12, 2018. develop an engaged cultural nal Mathaf educational QM Gallery will host the This exhibition presents audience. programme that supports QMs Skate Girls of Kabul exhibition Islamic arms and armour from In addition to the exhibitions commitment for art education in Katara from July 20 to Oct 21, the private collection of Fadel Al described below, an exciting pro- and creativity. 2017. Mansoori. Including both edged gramme of events will be SAC&E celebrates the crea- QM Award winning photog- weapons and firearms, the presented by institutions in both tive minds of students aged Artist Abeer Al Kuwari working on her sculptures. rapher Jessica Fulford-Dobson objects on display range from the Qatar and Germany as part of the between 6 -18 and encourages will present her series of strik- 17th to the 19th century, and Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Cul- students, teachers and parents featuring over 9,000 works. The offering a glimpse of its most ing portraits, Skate Girls of Kabul. were produced primarily in Tur- ture this year. to explore modern and contem- collection covers artworks from iconic works and highlighting The exhibition tells the extraor- key, Iran and India. Powder and The initiative aims to porary art by experiencing the 19th century to the present groundbreaking modern and dinary story of Afghan girls who Damask explores the art of strengthen existing ties between Mathaf's permanent collection. day, reflecting a number of contemporary artists from the took up skateboarding, thanks craftsmanship, which reached both countries through a mutual Mathaf Collection, Summary, defining moments in Arab his- Arab world. The new display to Skateistan, an Afghan charity unprecedented levels in these exchange of arts, culture, and Part 2 will kick off on June 10, tory and artistic innovations in includes historical artists such as that builds skate parks as a way regions under the Ottoman, Safa- sport, and to promote dialogue, 2017. Mathaf houses the largest the region. Farid Belkahia (Morocco), Sal- of getting children from disad- vid and Mughal empires, where mutual understanding, recogni- and most extensive permanent This summer, Mathaf oua Raouda Choucair (Lebanon), vantaged families back to school. these objects were considered tion and appreciation between collection of modern and con- presents a rehang of the entire Faraj Daham (Qatar), Inji Effla- The series, viewed by more than not only as weapons but as Qatar and Germany. temporary Arab art in the world, Permanent Collection galleries, toun (Egypt), Abdulhalim Radwi 74,000 visitors during its works of art.