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Wednesday 21 June 2017 | 26 Ramadan 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7199 | 2 Riyals

Emir visits Qatar National Museum Emiri Diwan QNA website announces Eid Al Fitr holidays hacking linked THE EMIRI DIWAN has announced Eid Al Fitr holi- days for ministries, other government institutions and public entities, starting from to 'neighbours' Sunday, June 25, 2017 until Monday, July 3, 2017. Employ- ees will resume duties on AFP Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Meanwhile, the start and atar accused 'neighbouring end dates of Eid holidays for countries' that have cut ties Qatar Central Bank (QCB), with Doha of being responsi- banks, financial institutions ble for the alleged hacking under QCB's jurisdiction, and Qattack on state media which Qatar Financial Markets began the current diplomatic crisis. Authority (QFMA) shall be Attorney General H E Ali bin Fetais decided by QCB governor. Al Marri (pictured), said the case is very clear that the cyber attack emanated from "countries responsible for the siege". "We UN chief backs have evidence to show that iPhones originating from the countries laying Kuwait mediation siege to us have been used in this hack- ing," said Marri. "We have enough UN SECRETARY-General Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Qatar National Museum at the Corniche evidence to point the finger of blame at Antonio Guterres has expressed these countries." to see the latest developments of the project. The Emir was welcomed by Chairperson of full support to Kuwait's initia- Al Marri did not name specific countries.But when pressed to be Qatar Museums, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani. → See also page 2 tive and efforts to alleviate more specific he said "neighbouring countries". tension and settle the Gulf cri- sis. In a press conference at the UN headquarters, Guterres expressed concern over the sit- Public Health uation, saying that there should SPONSORS US questions Gulf motives on Qatar boycott Physiotherapy Prepare well be a "regional solution" for the services at Al for a healthy Shamal flying crisis. MAIN SPONSOR GE | 3 PAGE | 7 AL SUPPLEMENT WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2 Washington was 'mystified' the Gulf states taken by Saudi Arabia and the alleged claims made towards uge response to organ donation drive Agencies had not released their grievances UAE.". Qatar. Nauert's remarks are a Saleem ninsula By 2016, Qatar saw he annual organ dona- about a 10 percent tion campaign aims at drop every year in increasing the number RAMADAN the waiting list for of potential registered over Qatar. State Department spokes- compatible with what the For- donors to 230,000 kidney and liver Tout the year. transplants since esent, the unified regis- 2009 due to the e Qatar Organ Donation he US State Department In Washington's strongest woman Heather Nauert eign Minister H E Sheikh TIMING Included with today’s bluntly questioned the language yet on the Gulf dispute, expressed Washington's surprise Mohammed bin Abdulrahman edition is a Tmotives of Saudi Arabia the State Department said the that the GCC member states Al Thani said on Monday about Today’s Iftar 6:30pm special supplement and the United Arab Emirates for more time goes by, "the more which enforced the siege on his surprise that those countries Tomorrow’s Imsak 3:05am their boycott of Doha, saying it doubt is raised about the actions Qatar are yet to make public its are yet to present their demands. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017

Qatar National Museum inauguration in December 2018 Al Sulaiti meets French counterpart

MINISTER of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti yesterday met French Minister of Transport Elisabeth Borne. The meeting reviewed a number of issues of mutual interest in the field of transport and communications and means of boosting them. The Minister gave a detailed explanation about the technical dossier that Qatar had submitted to the Interna- tional Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Interna- tional Maritime Organization (IMO) and other organisations, which includes evidence of the violations of the countries imposing the blockade on Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani touring the Qatar National Museum at the Corniche to see the latest developments of the project. The Emir Qatar, and the substantial was welcomed by Chairperson of Qatar Museums, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani. The Emir listened to Sheikha Al Mayassa and CEO of Qatar abuses of all the international Museums, Mansoor Al Mahmoud, on the facilities, which will also be a research center on heritage. It will also include restoration laboratories, storage laws and agreements regulat- spaces for artifacts, a botanical garden, scanning, 3D digital photography, as well as permanent and temporary halls, The Emir also toured the old palace ing the aviation and maritime of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, which is part of Qatar National Museum. The new building of the Museum, the Desert Rose, is built around the industries as well as jeopard- palace. Sheikha Al Mayassa announced that the inauguration of the museum will be in December 2018. ising the safety and security of all countries not only Qatar. HMC's emergency & inpatient services Gabbro reserves enough for a year to operate during Eid holidays The Peninsula implementing our projects at the and all concerned authorities to this field. Ashghal President ll inpatient and emergency services across Hamad Medical same pace as we have opened in the country. The new con- added: Corporation's (HMC) network of hospitals will continue to resident of the Public parts of our projects before their tracts will provide "Ashghal is committed to the Aoperate as usual, 24 hours a day, throughout the Eid Al Fitr Works Authority, Eng scheduled times.” infrastructure facilities to over planned schedule for complet- holidays. All outpatient department (OPD) clinics will be closed Saad bin Ahmed Al Ashghal President said that 1600 land plots and the value ing the infrastructure of citizens' from Sunday, 25 June to Tuesday, 27 June, unless stated below. Muhannadi has said there were multiple sources and of the three new contracts is sub-divisions; being one of our Hamad General Hospital: Walk-in and medication refill clin- that gabbro reserves countries to get materials from more than QR815m. top priorities, through opening ics will operate on 28 and 29 June. In Womens Hospital, there will Pare enough for a year, and what such as Oman, Kuwait, India, On this occasion, Eng. Saad for tender Infrastructure projects be no clinics on 25 and 26 June. However, from Tuesday, 27 June was imported by land will now European countries and others. bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi said for 10,400 land plot over three to Thursday, 29 June, there will be three High-Risk Clinics, depend- be shipped by sea. Addressing a “There is a QR2bn budget annu- that signing the new contracts is years, to be completed in five ent on need, one High-Risk Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Clinic, press conference yesterday Al ally for citizens’ sub-divisions a continuation of Ashghal's years.” one Fetomaternal Unit Clinic and a Newborn Screening Clinic. Muhannadi further said that the development.” efforts in implementing projects The first contract included In Al Khor Hospital, OPD clinics and the pharmacy will be challenges had proved “strong Meanwhile, Ashghal has signed that provide facilities and infra- the Roads and Infrastructure closed from Sunday, 25 June to Thursday, 29 June and will re-open planning and efforts of Ashghal three new construction contracts structure for citizens’ Development Project in Al Sunday, 2 July. The Accident and Emergency Department phar- & contractors”. for “Citizens’ Sub-Divisions sub-divisions through coopera- Froosh/Al Kharaitiyat (Package macy will open 24 hours a day. All urgent cases, including patients “They (three Gulf countries) Development Projects”. Ashghal tion and coordination with 1), which was awarded to Bin who require medication refill services, should proceed directly to also increased our ability to be President said that the signing Kahramaa and all concerned Omran Trading & Contracting the Emergency Department. Al Wakra Hospitals Emergency Depart- self-reliant,” he said, adding that the new contracts is a continu- authorities in the country, in line Company at a value of more than ment, including the Adult See and Treat Unit, the Pediatric citizens’ lands were priority and ation of Ashghal's efforts in with the directives of H E QR 265m. The project will serve Emergency Unit and the Emergency and Inpatient Pharmacies being implemented as per implementing infrastructure Mohammed bin Abdullah Al 619 land plots, and will include will remain open throughout the break. OPD clinics in General schedule, like other projects that projects for citizens’ sub-divi- Rumaihi, Minister of Municipal- the construction of an 18km local Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecol- were being executed on time or sions through cooperation & ity and Environment, and the roads network and a 33km sew- ogy, Burns Surgery and Physiotherapy will be open on 28 and 29 earlier. “We will continue coordination with Kahramaa great importance Qatar attaches age network. June. Full outpatient services will resume on Sunday, 2 July. WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 HOME 03 QA wins 'Airline of the Year' for fourth time

Paris /Doha me, not to my airline, but to my Agencies Qatar Airways also country." won Best Airline Qatar Airways previously atar Airways was cho- won the title of the Worlds Best sen as Airline of the in the Middle East, Airline in 2011, 2012 and 2015. Year by Skytrax Worlds Best Business The prestigious awards received World Airline Awards, Class and Worlds Best in Paris today marks yet another Qheld during the Paris busy year for Qatar Airways as First Class Airline Chairman of National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri, during Air Show. Qatar Airways the airline looks ahead to no less released yesterday a statement Lounge. than 24 new destinations to be a hearing at the European Parliament in Brussels, yesterday. to the press saying that it also launched, new aircraft deliver- won Best Airline in the Middle ies, the roll-out of the East, Worlds Best Business Class trust in our unwavering commit- revolutionary Qsuite across the Act against Qatar siege, NHRC and Worlds Best First Class Air- ment to deliver only the best. This fleet and continued celebrations line Lounge. Qatar Airways' award is also a reflection of the of the 20th year anniversary. home and hub, Hamad Interna- hard work and dedication of Qatar Airways also launched tional Airport, was this year also every employee at Qatar Airways. its new Business Class experi- chief tells European Parliament rated five-star by Skytrax, one Our recognition at Skytrax this ence Qsuite. The first fully fitted of only five in the world to be year is especially important as aircraft is being showcased at Brussels willing to visit the Kingdom of were 1972, ranging from prop- given this recognition. these awards are voted by trave- Paris Air Show before going into QNA Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain erty and family unity to the Qatar Airways Group Chief lers. To them I offer my sincere service this weekend on the to discuss the humanitarian freedom of movement and Executive Akbar Al Baker said: thanks, and I look forward to wel- London-Doha route. Qatar Air- hairman of National implications of the decision they health and education. It also "For Qatar Airways to be named coming them on board soon." ways patented new seat design Human Rights Committee made regarding Qatar on all included the freedom of reli- the Worlds Best Airline partic- Al Baker added that "at these has itself already gained indus- C(NHRC) Dr Ali bin who live in the GCC. gious practice in some of the ularly at this critical point in difficult times of illegal bans on try notoriety after receiving the Sumaikh Al Marri stressed yes- He highlighted that the siege cases. He noted that the major- time, is a significant testimony flights out of my country by big Best Airline Innovation of the terday that the European was illegal and lacks legitimacy, ity of those violations were in of our passengers belief and bullies, this is an award not to Year award at the 2017 ULTRAS Parliament must assume its due to the social implications it the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related moral, legal, and humanitarian had which threatened the values followed by the UAE, and the Awards) for its launch of Qsuite. responsibility towards Qatar's known of GCC regarding family Bahrain. The prestigious award was pre- siege, which he characterised as unity. He noted that this crisis is Al Marri highlighted that sented at a ceremony at The the Berlin Wall due to the sim- threatening such values in a what the Qatari people and their Savoy hotel in London, attended ilarity between the humanitarian precedent not seen families in the GCC were suffer- by Sarah, Duchess of York and humanitarian implications that in history. Al Marri added that this ing from a siege, a precedent for HRH Princess Eugenie of York, impact Qatari citizens as well as crisis divided married couples, as the GCC. He stressed that it can- along with industry experts and citizens of the three countries well as children and their parents not be described as a boycott, VIPs. The win was significant in that enforced the siege. in an unacceptable way. but a siege and collective pun- that the award was given before Al Marri called during a The chairman of NHRC ishment to people and an the seat has even commenced hearing at the European Parlia- thanked the many European international crime. service, such is the anticipated ment in Brussels that they along countries who condemned the The chairman of the NHRC impact of the design on the pre- with the European Union work siege of Qatar, praising as well called on separating human mium travel industry. to immediately end the siege the strength of ties between the rights from any political differ- One of the worlds fastest- and condemn it. He also called NHRC and its counterparts in the ences. He stressed that civilians growing airlines, Qatar Airways on forming a committee from European Union. Al Marri then and the peoples cannot be held recently added Dublin, Repub- the two entities to visit the head- reviewed a number of cases and hostage to political goals or a lic of Ireland, to its global route quarters of the NHRC to statistics regarding human rights negotiation tactic. He stressed network, soon to be followed by examine closely the tragedy of violations resulting from the that the State of Qatar did not Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, displaying Nice, France; Skopje, Republic those affected by the siege and siege. The latest stat received by respond to these violations and Skytrax World Airline Awards, in Paris, yesterday. of Macedonia and Chang Mai, to meet with them. He added the NHRC was that the total crimes GCC citizens and resi- Thailand. that the NHRC is ready and number of complaints made dents are suffering from. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 Oman Air adds more flights to meet surge in demand

Irfan Bukhari smaller aircraft with bigger ones increase it was due to normal The Peninsula 4 daily flights to facilitate the passengers,” he market practice. Had there The airline has added. been no such crisis in the o ease pressure on local increased frequency He said that the number of region, there would have been aviation market result- Muscat to Doha flights was little hike in this season as it of flights from ing from the Gulf crisis, increased from three to four occurs every year according to Muscat to Doha from Oman Air has not only daily while the Muscat had con- supply-and-demand rule. A lit- increased its fre- three to four daily to nections with other destinations tle hike in this season is normal Tquency of flights from Muscat to meet demand. across the globe. but unfortunately people are Doha from three to four daily, it Al Balushi said that Oman Air relating it to the crisis which is has also increased Muscat-Cairo Muscat-Cairo flights had played an important role in incorrect.” flights from weekly eight to increased from eight providing transportation to Oman Air’ Country Manager eleven. to eleven per week Qatari families stranded in Saudi said that Oman Air’s fares were “There was a shortage of to help Egyptian Arabia in the early days of the competitive and “I can assure the seats in the market emerging expats in Qatar. crisis. “I do not know the exact passengers that we are not over- from the current situation in the number of Qataris who travelled charging them, not at all”. Gulf and many flights were dis- from Saudi Arabia to Muscat to He said that to help Egyptian rupted and all this happened in was additional pressure on the Doha through Oman Air but expatriates working in Qatar, the peak season when the local market due to upcoming there number is big.” Oman Air had increased the Ahmed Hazeem Al Balushi, Country Manager of Oman Air, demand is usually very high. To Eid and summer vacations. “Peo- Expressing hope that the cur- number of Muscat-Cairo flights speaking during an interview. accommodate the passengers, ple usually plan their trips in rent political crisis would be from eight per week to eleven. Oman Air increased the fre- advance and the seats get resolved very soon, Al Balushi “Oman Air will operate addi- more capacity to carry goods. is being fully utilized. In near quency of flights from Muscat to reserved accordingly. But due to said that Oman Air was also pro- tional three flights on June, 21, 25 When asked whether Oman future, we are set to receive new Doha from three per day to four,” ongoing crisis, all of their plans viding services to Qataris “who and 28,” he added. Air's increased frequency and aircraft.” Al Balushi further said Ahmed Hazeem Al Balushi, were disrupted. Luckily, we were are visiting Saudi Arabia to per- Al Balushi said that the wide- upgraded aircraft had addressed that the current crisis had also Country Manager of Oman Air, able to react to the situation and form Umrah these days”. body aircraft, currently flying existing market needs, he said: put extra pressure on Muscat air- told The Peninsula. Oman Air not only increased the To a question about reports between Muscat and Doha, were “A gap is still there. But we do not port. “Our new state-of-the-art He said that the current sit- frequency of Muscat-Doha-Mus- of fare hikes by Oman Air, he also facilitating trade exchange have any room to increase the airport will be ready by next uation developed when there cat flights but also replaced said: “If there was some between two countries with frequency as our fleet of aircraft year,” he said. Exchange houses witness Eid Al Fitr rush Vodafone’s fundraising challenge raises QR364,810 Amna Pervaiz Rao The Peninsula The Peninsula The funds raised for each s Eid Al Fitr is around the charity came to: Qatar Charity corner, several exchange he third edition of Voda- chosen by Ahmed Abdullaa- QR Ahouses in Doha are expe- fone’s fundraising 153,590; Afif chosen by Aqeel riencing a huge rush. The Tchallenge #GivingChal- Al-Janahi- QR 140,200; and number of customers has lenge has raised a total of RAF chosen by Ahmed Khalil - increased by 12 percent due to QR364,810, as a result of 36,481 QR 71,020. upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays. votes. The challenge, which was Dana Haidan, Head of Cor- Long queues of customers launched on the first day of Ram- porate Responsibility at waiting to process their trans- adan, saw three Qatari social Vodafone said, “We are so proud actions can be seen at different media influencers use their social of the efforts that Aqeel Al-Janahi, exchange houses. media channels to raise funds for Ahmed Abdallaa and Ahmed The services that are wit- their chosen charity. Khalil dedicated to raising funds nessing a high demand include Aqeel Al-Janahi, Ahmed for their chosen charities. The money transfers and currency Abdallah and Ahmed Khalil used raised funds will now support the exchanges. their social media channels to honourable work that the char- Talking to The Peninsula, an encourage their followers to vote ities do to help thousands of official from Al Zaman Exchange for their chosen charities via underprivileged people includ- House, said: “As every year, this Vodafone’s website and for each ing the provision of cataract year also we are experiencing vote, Vodafone donated QR10 to surgery in the Niger and orphans huge crowd at our exchange each charity. in the Middle East.” house. Remittances have increased Expats standing in queue at an exchange house to send money to relatives back home. by 10-12 percent during past three days. Egypt, India, Paki- trading around 4.89 per riyal. salaries of their employees ear- day before Eid, I am sending stan, the Philippines, Pakistani rupee is at around lier than usual to help them them money earlier,” said an Bangladesh, Sri Lanka are the 28.75, Sri Lankan rupee at 41.90 transfer money to their families Egyptian expat at Western Union main destinations that are likely and Bangladeshi taka is trading in home countries or meet other Exchange located in Al Wakra. to see major remittances.” around 22.16 per Qatari riyal,” expenses. Asian countries such as “Currencies of most of the he further added. “I have a small family in India, Sri Lanka, the Philip- countries which receive major In addition to the require- Egypt, two daughters and a wife. pines and Nepal were among remittances from Qatar have ments for the Eid holidays, many I am here to send them money the top recipients of money largely remained stable in the residents are preparing to travel to buy Eid clothes and do prep- transfers. As for Arab countries, past two months. Indian rupee abroad in the days ahead. arations of Eid before I arrive transfers to Egypt were the is trading around 17.65 per Besides, it has been learnt that there. Sometimes I go earlier, as highest followed by Jordan, Qatari riyal, Egyptian pound is many companies will pay the this year I am going right one Tunisia and Morocco. Qatari social media influencers. Commercial Bank holds Iftar for the elderly

The Peninsula

ommercial Bank, Qatar’s first private bank, has Corganised an Iftar in hon- our of the elderly residents of the Empowerment and Elderly Care Center (Ihsan), as part of a series of CSR initiatives dur- ing Ramadan focusing on the Qatari community. Commercial Bank team visited the elderly at Ihsan and shared an Iftar buffet with them in an atmosphere of sol- idarity and happiness that comes with the breaking of the fast. Commercial Bank Group CEO, Joseph Abraham said: “The month of Ramadan is one of solidarity, philanthropy and reflection, and we are commit- ted to supporting a wide Commercial Bank officials with the elderly people who participated in the Iftar event. cross-section of the Qatari community as part of our inclu- Jaber Mohammed Al Marri, them. offering them guidance to sive CSR programme during the Director of Public Relations and Seeking to provide a safe, adopt the best methods in this Holy Month and throughout the Media at Empowerment and stable life for Qatar’s elderly regard. Ihsan strives to year. This Iftar is a gesture of Elderly Care Center(IHSAN), citizens by offering them develop an integrated care appreciation and respect for lauded the Commercial Bank healthcare, social and psycho- system that includes the the older generation who have visit and Iftar with the elderly logical services, Ihsan home, the hospital and the made an enormous contribu- community, noting that this provides home-based care nursing home and endeavours tion to Qatar, and to honour gesture brought joy and hap- and raises public awareness, to establish the necessary Qatari traditions during piness to Ihsan’s mothers and especially amongst families, facilities and legislations to Ramadan.” fathers and deeply affected about embracing the elderly, support the elderly. WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 HOME 05 HIA serves 19 million Support for Qatar in Canada passengers this year

The Peninsula 8% increase robust organisation backed by a committed and hardworking amad International Eight percent team. Together, we have Airport (HIA), increase in number promptly and successfully pri- Qatar’s Five Star of passengers oritised our passengers by Airport has compared to same offering them our Five Star serv- announced strong period in the ices and a hassle-free travel Hyear-on-year growth in passen- experience,” Engr. Al Meer previous year. ger numbers and cargo handling concluded. from January to June of 2017, HIA has met a number of HIA’s cargo making it its busiest six month significant milestones in 2017 period yet. operations grew an including being classified as a The airport served 19 mil- impressive 19 5 Star Airport by Skytrax, mak- lion passengers from January to percent compared to ing it one among only five People waving flags of Qatar during a demonstration held to call for the lifting of blockade June 2017, eight percent more the previous year. other airports in the world to imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, in Montreal, Canada, yesterday. than those served in the same achieve this status. period in the previous year. Earlier this year, the HIA This includes departing, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al was ranked Sixth Best Airport arriving and transfer passengers Meer, Chief Operating Officer at in the World by the 2017 Sky- travelling through the airport. HIA, said: “Our growing passen- trax World Airport Awards, Yoga Day at India Sports Centre With 980,000 tonnes of ger figures and cargo operations moving up four places from cargo handled by the airport are a testament to our resilient 2016. o commemorate the Third an event on yoga today for General Assembly to declare from January to June 2017, HIA’s and sustainable airport HIA has also won the ‘Best International Day of Yoga, Health and Wellness. June 21 as International Day of cargo operations grew an operations. Airport in the Middle East’ title Tthe India Sports Centre The event will be held at Yoga was unanimously adopted impressive 19 per cent com- “Our promise of operational for three years in a row and ‘Best (ISC), the apex sports organisa- Wakra Sports Club Hall from with the co-sponsorship of a pared to the same period in the excellence is at the core of our Staff Service in the Middle East’ tion under the aegis of the 9pm to 10.30pm. India’s reso- record 177 countries including previous year. business. HIA is a for two years in a row. Embassy of India, has organised lution at the United Nations the State of Qatar.

Kulud Pharmacy Bedaya hosts nutrition specialists from Health Ministry joins Nojoom

The Peninsula Al-Suwaidi, General Manager of Programme Bedaya Center, said, "During the edaya Center for Entrepre- third episode of Mehna café The Peninsula neurship and Career (career café), Bedaya’s latest pro- BDevelopment (Bedaya gram, we made sure that we oredoo yesterday Center), a joint initiative by Qatar highlighted the role of a nutri- announced that its Development Bank and Silatech, tionist and the importance of this Omulti award-winning recently held its third Mehna specialization in today's society. loyalty programme Nojoom Café (career café) meet. Today, we hosted two prominent has added its first ever phar- The event was held at Anima nutrition specialists Nada Al macy, Kulud Pharmacy, to its Lounge, 30 La Croisette, Porto Shomary and Hind Al Tamimi, earn and redeem partner list. Arabia, the Pearl Qatar and and we are grateful for a detailed Kulud is the largest phar- hosted nutrition specialists, Nada explanation of their profession macy chain in Qatar and a Al Shammeri and Hind Al and the purpose of their special- leading provider of medical Tamimi from the Ministry of ization, and the importance in and non-medical products Public Health. This was in addi- human life.” and services at affordable tion to the participation of the “We also welcomed today prices. There are currently 45 Faculty of Public Health at Qatar representatives from the faculty Kulud Pharmacy branches University and “Lite N’Appetite” of public health at QU who pro- around Qatar, and 14 of these centre. vided an insight into the new are available 24/7. Branch During the session, both Al majors available, having wel- locations include Al Waab, Tamimi and Al Shammeri spoke comed its first batch of students The Gate Mall, Hamad Inter- about their profession as nutri- in 2016." national Airport, The Pearl, tionists and their love, passion Mehna Café (Career Café) Barwa City, Al Khor and more. and experience toward this field. Nutrition specialists with Bedaya Center officials. is a professional gathering but With the new partnership, They also informed about their in an unformal atmosphere members will be able to earn role in guiding people what they because as a food consultant, the Health at Qatar University (QU) thus contributing to the achieve- where pioneers from different and redeem Nojoom Points at need to eat in order to live a nutritionist is in constant touch showcased the available majors ment of Qatar National Vision careers and professions get to Kulud Pharmacy shops across healthy life or reach their own with the treating physician and at QU and the requirements of 2030. be hosted alongside guests and Qatar. Members will be able to health goals. doctor. The nutritionist also par- each major. The university pro- “Lite N’Appetite” diet center audience interested in those redeem vouchers for Kulud The hosted specialists also ticipates in the nutritional vides a vital aspect of the also participated and provided professions. Pharmacy starting from 2,000 highlighted the roles and func- assessment of patients by pre- country's needs for qualified the audience with free checkups They provide a clear image for a QR 50 voucher – 50,000 tions of a nutritionist and the paring their diet plans, in health and medical profession- including calculating the body about those professions which for a QR 2,000 voucher. Mem- vital and important role he plays addition to providing advice and als through the introduction of mass index, fats level, muscles, in return will give the attendees bers will earn one Nojoom in general as well as in hospitals. guidance. new academic programs in the water …etc and their placement an in depth insight and support Point for every QR 4 spent at According to them, this could not During the gathering, repre- light of the significant expansion in the body. their aspirations to enter the Kulud Pharmacy while mak- be overlooked in any way, sentatives from Faculty of Public of healthcare services in Qatar, On this occasion, Reem arena of professional life. ing cash and card purchases. Pearl-Qatar to celebrate Eid Ooredoo gives Iftar boxes at Katara The Peninsula with family-oriented events Group of Ooredoo volun- teers surprised families in A Katara Cultural Village The Peninsula the three-day event. last night, by distributing Iftar Through such boxes when the Ramadan Can- nited Development Com- events, Porto Arabia non was fired. pany (UDC), the master seeks to cement its posi- This initiative is part of the Udeveloper of The Pearl tion as an attractive company’s ongoing Hand-In- Qatar, has prepared a line-up of tourism destination dur- Hand CSR campaign, and family-oriented activities for Eid ing the Eid festivities. customers can follow Ooredoo’s Al Fitr, building on the recent The activities will activities via its Facebook, Insta- success of its Ramadan initia- take place at an indoor gram or Twitter page using the tives to offer a unique hall at 29 La Croisette, hashtag #ShareAMoment. entertainment experience for Porto Arabia, in an Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, the Island’s residents and ambiance of fun and Director PR and Corporate visitors. joy that will bring fam- Communications, Ooredoo Celebrations will take place ilies together in line Qatar, said: “The firing of the over the three days of Eid from with Islamic traditions “Midfa al Iftar” (Ramadan Can- 6 pm to 10 pm. and Qatari culture. non) announces the breaking Activities include arts & Each year, The of the fast, and is a very old crafts stations and a kitchen Pearl-Qatar welcomes tradition in Qatar. We’re workshop for children, stilt thousands of visitors, delighted to be able to encour- walkers, jugglers, mascots and residents and tourists age you all to go along and be human statues in addition to from across the world, An entertainment event held at The part of this daily event, and our three daily theatrical plays and and continues to host a Pearl-Qatar. volunteers enjoyed sharing a a photo corner with props and variety of events, pro- moment with everyone in branded photo framing. grams and live shows restaurants, and gift shops that Katara last night.” Henna drawing, face paint- that bring joy and fun. have set up shops in Porto Ara- After hearing the Ramadan ing and balloon twisting in The Pearl-Qatar has in the bia, Medina Centrale and Qanat cannon, families gathered to addition to distribution of pop- past six months, witnessed the Quartier, providing new lifestyle break their fast and enjoy the Iftar boxes being distributed when the Ramadan Cannon corn, cotton candy and water inauguration of more than 40 offerings to the Island’s sunset, while children took pic- are also among the highlights of new outlets including cafes, visitors. tures with Ooredoo team. was fired. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017

31 dead in Iraq’s army encircles Mosul's Old City central Mali

Erbil ethnic violence Reuters Final push Bamako The fall of Shifaa AFP raq’s army said it encircled means the Old City in Islamic State’s stronghold the eastern half of in the Old City of Mosul hirty-one people were Mosul is now yesterday after taking over killed over the weekend an area to the north of the surrounded by Tin central Mali as ethnic Idensely populated historic US-backed groups clashed over land in a district. government forces, zone where the state is near- The army’s 9th armoured deployed north, absent and jihadists roam division seized Al Shifaa district, west, south and east, freely. which includes the city’s main across the river. Nomadic Fulani people hospitals, alongside the western and farmers from the Dogon bank of the Tigris river, a mili- The army’s 9th ethnic group have engaged in tary statement said. armoured division tit-for-tat violence sparked The fall of Shifaa means the seized Al Shifaa by Fulanis grazing their cat- Old City in the eastern half of district, which tle on Dogon land. Mosul is now surrounded by US- includes the city’s Dogons also accuse backed government forces, main hospitals, Fulanis in the area of collud- deployed north, west, south and alongside the ing with cleric Amadou east, across the river. western bank of the Koufa, whose Islamist group The battle for the Old City is Tigris river, a military recently joined the Group to becoming the deadliest in the statement said. Support Islam and Muslims, eight-month old US-backed a jihadist alliance with links offensive to capture Mosul, to Al Qaeda. Islamic State’s de facto capital in stealthily in the Old City’s maze The Malian army con- Iraq and the largest city the of alleyways and narrow streets, firmed "31 dead, (comprising) group came to control in the through holes dug between Civilians flee from the Old City of Mosul as Iraqi forces advance yesterday, during the ongoing 27 Fulanis and four Dogons," country. houses, fighting back the offensive by Iraqi forces to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. along with nine more injured, Aid organisations are advancing troops with sniper in a statement. The army said expressing alarm at the situation and mortar fire, booby traps and it had spoken with mayors, of more than 100,000 civilians, suicide bombers. US-led international coalition end of 2016, but the campaign relatives or in camps, according village chiefs and imams to of whom half are children, They have also covered is providing air and ground took longer as militants rein- to aid groups. persuade them to halt the vio- trapped in its old fragile houses many streets with cloths to support. forced positions in civilian areas Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider lence in Mopti region. with little food, water and med- obstruct air surveillance, mak- The fall of Mosul would, in to fight back. The militants are Al Abadi headed yesterday to icine and no electricity. ing it difficult for the advancing effect, mark the end of the Iraqi also retreating in Syria, mainly Iran, the second leg of a Middle The International Commit- troops to hit them without a risk half of the “caliphate” that in the face of a US-backed Kurd- East tour after Saudi Arabia to tee of the Red Cross on Monday to civilians. The Iraqi army esti- Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al ish-led coalition. Its capital there, pursue efforts to foster regional Israel starts said sick and wounded civilians mates the number of Islamic Baghdadi declared three years Raqqa, is under siege. reconciliation and coordination escaping through Islamic State State fighters at no more than ago and which once covered About 850,000 people, more against terrorism. work on new lines are dying in “high 300, down from nearly 6,000 swathes of Iraq and Syria. than a third of the pre-war pop- Iraq lies on the fault line numbers.” in the city when the battle of The Iraqi government ini- ulation of the northern Iraqi city, between Shia Iran and the The militants are moving Mosul started on October 17. A tially hoped to take Mosul by the have fled, seeking refuge with mostly-Sunni Arab world. settlement

Jerusalem AFP Iran protests against sraeli Prime Minister Ben- jamin Netanyahu Iannounced the start of work yesterday on a new set- Tillerson's remarks tlement in the occupied West Bank as US envoys prepared to discuss a new peace push. Tehran protest from the Islamic Repub- "The work on the ground AFP lic of Iran against the comments has begun, as I promised, to by the US secretary of state.... establish a new settlement for ran has called in the Swiss which were contrary to inter- the Amona settlers," Netan- charge d'affaires, who looks national law and the UN yahu tweeted over a picture Iafter US interests, to protest charter," ministry spokesman of a small bulldozer and a dig- against comments by Secretary Bahram Ghassemi told Iranian ger working on a rocky hill of State Rex Tillerson backing media. Alongside Monday's overlooking a vineyard. "peaceful transition" in the summoning of the Swiss envoy, The Amichai settlement, Islamic republic. Iran also sent a protest letter to in the northern West Bank, is The administration of Pres- UN chief Antonio Guterres, the earmarked for some 40 fam- ident Donald Trump has taken ISNA news agency reported. ilies evicted from the wildcat an increasingly hawkish posi- In last Wednesday's testi- outpost of Amona in Febru- tion towards Iran since taking mony to the House Foreign ary under a high court order office in January but Tillerson's Affairs Committee, Tillerson which ruled their homes had testimony to a Congressional accused Iran of seeking been built illegally on private A pair of US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flying over northern Iraq after conducting air strikes committee last week appeared "hegemony" in the Middle East Palestinian land. in Syria. to be the first expression of sup- at the expense of US allies like It is the first new Jewish port for a change of Saudi Arabia. Tillerson also settlement in the West Bank government. raised the possibility of impos- in some 25 years. The exten- "The Swiss charge d'affaires ing sanctions on the whole of sive construction in the Coalition shoots down Iranian-made was summoned to the foreign the Islamic Revolutionary meantime has focused on ministry to be a handed a strong Guard Corps. expanding existing armed drone in southern Syria settlements. Beirut time during the conflict near proven effective at mitigating AP Raqqa after it dropped bombs strategic miscalculations and 10 dead in Mogadishu bombing near the US-allied Syrian Dem- escalating tense situations, and he US military said it shot ocratic Forces, which are to be clear, we prefer to keep down an Iranian-made, battling IS. Russia condemned this channel of communication Mogadishu Tarmed drone in southern the US action and in retaliation open. We want to de-escalate, AFP Syria yesterday, marking the suspended a hotline intended to not escalate," Davis said. "We third time this month that the prevent such incidents. remain available on our end. I'll t least 10 people were US has downed aircraft affili- A Pentagon spokesman, leave it to the Russians to state killed yesterday when Al ated with Syrian President Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, said he their level of participation." AShabaab Islamists drove Bashar Assad's government. could not discuss the matter The US has also fired on Syr- an explosives-laden minibus The US-led coalition fight- beyond saying the US stands ian government ground forces into local government offices in ing the Islamic State group said ready to use the line. in the east on two occasions in the Somali capital Mogadishu, a US F-15 fighter jet shot down "The de-confliction line has just the last month. according to the security the drone "after it displayed hos- ministry. tile intent" while approaching a The minibus rammed military camp near the Syria- through a security barrier out- Jordan border. A similar drone Polio paralyses 17 children: WHO side offices in the southern was shot down in the same loca- polio outbreak in war-ravaged Syria has paralysed at district of Wadajir, injuring nine tion after it dropped munitions least 17 children since March, the World Health Organ- people including the district's near coalition forces on June 8. A ization said yesterday, describing the situation as "very top government official. The repeated incidents in serious". Fifteen more cases have thus been confirmed since "More than 10 people died the vicinity of the Tanf camp, WHO first announced, less than two weeks ago, that Syria had in the blast which was carried where US forces train and advise been hit by its first outbreak of the crippling disease since 2014. out by the Al Shabaab group and local ground forces in the fight "We are very much worried, because if there is one case of polio nine others are wounded," said People stand next to wreckage of vehicles on the scene of a against IS, add to soaring with a kid that is paralysed, it is already an outbreak," WHO security ministry spokesman car bomb attack in Mogadishu, in Wadajir, yesterday. regional tensions that could spi- spokesman Tarim Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva. Ahmed Mohamud Mohamed. ral out of control just as the fight He pointed out that for every polio-caused paralysis, there Most of the dead were civil- people were injured and that forces intervened and killed against the extremists enters a are on average nearly 200 children who have the virus but no ians, he said. "Security guards some of the bodies were so them. The Al Shabaab group, crucial phase, with US-backed symptoms. "The virus is circulating. It is very serious." The new tried to stop (the minibus) but it badly burnt as to be unrecog- which wants to impose a Tali- forces pushing into the group's cases all surfaced between March 3 and May 23, but were only managed to get in and the vehi- nisable. After a massive blast ban-style rule on Somalia, has de facto capital, the Syrian city just confirmed, since it can take up to two months to determine cle blew up," local security from a suicide car bombing, the been fighting for the last decade of Raqqa. with certainty that a case of acute flaccid paralysis stems from official Omar Adan said. gunmen roamed the restaurants, to overthrow successive inter- The US on Sunday shot polio, he said. Another security official, killing people they found nationally-backed governments down a Syrian jet for the first Abdi Jilibey, said more than 18 trapped inside before security in Mogadishu. WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 ASIA 07

IT slaps benami Modi to discuss assets law against Lalu H-1B visa issue Prasad's family

New Delhi with Trump IANS he Income Tax Depart- ment has attached 12 New Delhi Tplots of RJD chief Lalu Reuters Expansion of ties Prasad's daughter Misa “The H-1B visa issue Bharti, son-in-law Shailesh ndian Prime Minister Kumar, and son and Bihar will be one of the Narendra Modi will take Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi up the issue of visas for issues on the table Yadav and others as parts of skilled workers when he during the PM’s its probe in the over Rs 1,000 meets US President Don- visit,” Trade crore benami land deals, Iald Trump next week in Secretary Rita sources said. Washington, a senior Indian Teaotia said. According to official government official said sources, the IT department yesterday. Modi will meet Members of the Gorkha community holding placards and shouting slogans during a demonstration has slapped the Benami Trump has ordered a review Trump in Washington demanding a separate Gorkhaland state from West Bengal in Bangalore, yesterday. Transactions Act, that came of the US visa programme for on June 26. The first into force into force on bringing high-skilled foreign November 1 last year, in the meeting between workers into the United States, case. putting technology firms and them is expected to Indefinite strike in Darjeeling to continue Sources said that two the outsourcing companies that lay the ground for a assets in Delhi and several serve them on notice of possi- further expansion in Darjeeling on the people of the hills," Liberation Front (GNLF), Harka other properties in Bihar have ble changes ahead. ties, which grew IANS Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) Bahadur Chettri's Jana Andolan been attached after the The review threatens Indian rapidly under former Assistant Secretary Binay Party, Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha department issued a provi- IT services firm such as Infosys US President Barack ll the parties participat- Tamang said. League and a non-political sional order under the Ltd and Tata Consultancy Serv- Obama. ing in the GJM-sponsored "All the political parties that organisation named Bharatiya Benami Transactions Act. ices which advise large Aall party meeting in Dar- participated in today's meeting, Gorkha Parisangh participated Earlier this month, Misa companies on tech issues and jeeling yesterday unanimously would boycott the all-party in the meeting. The represent- Bharti and her husband had carry out a range of tasks for policies and his characterisa- decided to continue the indefi- meeting called by the state gov- atives of Congress and BJP were skipped the IT department them, relying heavily on the tion of India as an unscrupulous nite strike in the north West ernment on June 22 in Siliguri," also present. summons twice. H-1B visa programme. negotiator in the Paris climate Bengal hills in demand of a sep- he added. Meanwhile, sporadic inci- The action comes in the “The H-1B visa issue will be change agreement have raised arate Gorkhaland state and to The GJM leader also said that dents of violence and multiple wake of the May 16 searches one of the issues on the table concern in New Delhi about a protest the alleged police atroc- they would urge the Central rallies amid the patrolling of at 22 places in and around during the PM’s visit,” Trade drift in relations. ities and high-handedness in the government to intervene in the security forces marked the sixth Delhi in connection with Secretary Rita Teaotia told Aside from the visa review, region. The representatives of current situation of unrest in the day of the indefinite shutdown alleged benami (proxy) prop- reporters. the Trump administration has 12 political including the Con- hills and also put forward the in the hills. erty deals involving Modi will meet Trump in launched an investigation of gress and BJP that participated demand of Gorkhaland. A meeting of the Sikkim Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Washington on June 26. The first countries including India with in yesterday's meeting also "We have already asked for Democratic Front (SDF) leader- chief and his children — meeting between them is which the United States runs a vowed to boycott the state gov- Centre's intervention regarding ship in Gangtok, without naming Tejashwi Yadav, Health expected to lay the ground for bilateral trade deficit. ernment announced all party the issue of Gorkhaland and the anyone, hoped that peace would Minister Tej Pratap Yadav a further expansion in ties, Teaotia said the government meeting on June 22 in Siliguri. present situation in the Darjeel- return to the Darjeeling hills and Misa Bharti. which grew rapidly under would try to convince Washing- "All of us agreed on the one ing hills. That part is also soon and demands of the On May 22, the Enforce- former US President Barack ton that higher exports from point agenda of separate discussed in the meeting," he Gorkha people would be ful- ment Directorate has arrested Obama. India were a win-win for both Gorkhaland. The indefinite said. Apart from the convener filled. The Sikkim Assembly had a chartered accountant, However, Trump’s focus on countries as they helped Amer- strike in the hills would continue GJM, major political parties in on March 29, 2011, passed a res- Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, alleg- building ties with China, cou- ican companies cut costs and as a protest against the police the hills including ex-Trinamool olution in favour of a separate edly linked to Bharti and pled with his protectionist trade create jobs. high-handedness and atrocities Congress ally Gorkha National Gorkhaland. others, from Delhi.

Floating dock Justice Karnan NEWS BYTES arrested in Punjab govt announces loan waiver Coimbatore NEW DELHI: India’s northern Punjab state will waive more than $1.5 billion in loans to farmers, becoming the third state Chennai to do so in response to growing rural distress caused by food IANS oversupply and weak prices. The South Asian nation is car- rying a huge inventory of food grains from last year’s record alcutta High Court's harvest, while exports have been hit by an appreciating rupee, former judge Justice C falling global prices and restrictions on overseas shipments. CS Karnan, who was sen- Punjab will waive loans to farmers with holdings of up to 5 tenced to six months acres (2 hectares) and debts of up to Rs200,000, state finance imprisonment by the minister Manpreet Singh Badal said. Supreme Court for contempt but was untraceable, was arrested in Coimbatore in Andhra CM sacks official for FB posts Workers standing alongside the FDN-2 Indian Navy floating dock as it is launched at a Tamil Nadu yesterday, said a AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu shipyard in Chennai, yesterday. Indian-designed and constructed, the platform is capable senior police official. Naidu yesterday sacked former Chief Secretary I. Y. R. Krishna of docking warships of up to 8,000 tonnes to enable repair and maintenance work. "He was arrested some- Rao as the chairman of Brahmin Welfare Corporation for his where in Coimbatore about Facebook posts critical of the government. Naidu cracked the an hour ago," senior West whip after ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) took serious note Benga Police official Raj of Rao's action. and party leaders urged the Chief Minister Kanojia said. Coimbatore is to take the action as the former bureaucrat had crossed the Lightning strikes claim 22 lives in Bangladesh around 500 km from here. limits. Naidu felt that the retired IAS officer's activities were However the official bringing bad name to the party and the government. It all Dhaka Ahmed said. Among the dead declared a natural disaster when declined to answer queries as started when Krishna Rao made certain comments criticis- AFP were a couple and their young the official toll topped 200 to other persons who were ing the government's move to provide tax relief for the film daughter who were were work- deaths, with 82 people dying on staying with Karnan. "Gautamiputra Satakarni" but allowing distributors of "Baa- ightning strikes have killed ing on a peanut farm when they a single day in May. According to reports hubali 2" to increase the ticket price. at least 22 people in Bang- were struck by lightning. Experts say the true figure is reaching here, the former Lladesh in the last 48 hours, Hundreds of people die likely much higher as many judge will be brought here Haryana to dismiss 160 doctors authorities said yesterday, a every year from lightning strikes deaths go unreported. One inde- and then taken to Kolkatta. week after monsoon rains trig- in Bangladesh and experts say pendent monitor said 349 people Karnan, who was eluding CHANDIGARH: Taking a serious note of the prolonged absence gered a series of deadly climate change has exacerbated were killed by lightning strikes arrest for more than a month, of 160 doctors from duty without permission, Haryana Health landslides in the country. The the problem. They also blame in 2016. Disaster officials spent retired from service, a few Minister Anil Vij yesterday directed to initiate the procedure deaths came as storms swept the deforestation and the loss of several months last year looking days back. According to for their dismissal. The erring doctors had been repeatedly country on Sunday and Monday, taller trees like palms that used at ways to reduce the toll and police sources, he was picked warned to either join duty or resign from their posts but they the head of the disaster man- to act as lightning conductors. later came up with a programme up on a tip-off about his have not responded, he said. "Now, a written communication agement department Reaz Last year authorities to plant a million palm trees. location. had been sent to the Principal Secretary of the department to initiate action for their dismissal. Legal opinion is also being sought in this matter," the minister said. Govt allows co-operative banks to deposit old notes with RBI Hyderabad gets 1,000 WiFi hotspots

New Delhi Sena announced endorsement Reserve Bank of India for 30 tive Banks) Rules, 2017. HYDERABAD: Hyderabad yesterday took a step towards IANS of NDA Presidential candidate days from today. The DCCBs had Officials said that the depos- developing into a Smart City with the launch of 1,000 public Ram Nath Kovind, after the been disallowed from accept- its would be taken in pursuance Wi-Fi hotspots. The Telangana government in collaboration n a significant move, the gov- party had last week demanded ing the notes after November 14. to an assurance given to the with telecom service providers launched the Hyderabad City ernment yesterday allowed that the over Rs2,270 crore lying It also allows banks and post Supreme Court by the govern- Wi-Fi Project, or Hy-Fi, which offer 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi Ithe RBI to accept demone- with the DCCBs be accepted by offices which had collected ment that proper verification of to people with an assured bandwidth of 5-10 Mbps. Princi- tised notes of Rs500 and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). demonetised notes prior to each account would be done pal Secretary, Information Technology, Jayesh Ranjan told Rs1,000 received by the District The notification says that the December 30, 2016 to deposit before any decision is taken. reporters that another 2,000 hotspots would be added in two Central Cooperative Banks DCCBs can deposit the demon- them with the RBI. Such a verification was done months. He said businesspersons, shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, (DCCBs) during November 10-14 etised notes, collected during the The deposits can be made between January and May this students, women, and tourists will benefit. The around Rs300 last year. five-day period after demone- under Specified Bank Notes year and it was found that the crore project has service operators and infrastructure pro- The gazette notification tisation was announced on (Deposits by Banks, Post Offices accounts complied with the KYC viders including Airtel, ACT Fibrenet, and BSNL as partners. comes on a day when the Shiv November 8, 2016, with the and District Central Coopera- norms. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 21 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 Israeli atrocities

t’s not clear what kind of peace push the Trump administration is planning in the Middle East while giving carte blanche to Israel to pursue all Iits illegal activities. A mediator is expected to retain at least a modicum of impartiality and keep an equal distance on the issue it’s trying to mediate in. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the US The United State’s secret talks has always been a staunch supporter of Israel, which has enabled Tel Aviv to carry out with impunity all the human rights violations it has done against Palestinians and grab Palestinian land in violation of with Obama’s Arab back channel all international laws. Opposition to Israeli aggression has been restricted to verbal pronouncements while supporting Israel in all international forums including the United Nations. If the Arab world and Palestinians material,” Riedel said. “What you need Yemen, Washington has been very have gladly accepted American mediation in the Eli Lake are people who have that expertise, and happy to use Oman for its contacts with conflict until now, it was because of America’s Bloomberg the Iranians have that expertise.” the Houthis in the past,” he said. “That superpower status and a realization that when push The prospect of the Houthis obtain- still has a value.” comes to shove, Washington has the power to convince ing missiles is not merely hypothetical. Henderson said he thinks the only way Israel to make concessions and tread the path of peace They claim to have already fired short- to end the war in Yemen is through even- for a better future. But President Donald Trump has range Scud missiles into Saudi Arabia. In tually paying the Houthis to break off squandered this goodwill by blatantly siding with Israel September, the US blamed the Houthis relations with the Iranians, which the Sau- in all its actions. He proclaimed his extraordinary love ne way to understand just how for launching missiles against US and dis consider to be an intolerable threat. for Israel during the presidential campaign and has different President Donald United Arab Emirates ships in the Red For now, the Trump administration kept his word after becoming president. Trump’s policy toward Iran is Sea. If the Houthi rebels were to obtain has bigger fish to fry. Over the weekend, The latest incident that casts doubt on Washington’s from his predecessor’s is through longer-range missiles, they could the US shot down a Syrian fighter jet impartiality as a mediator is Israel’s breaking of the the lens of Oman. threaten the Saudi capital of Riyadh. after asserting the Syrians had attacked OFor Barack Obama, the tiny Gulf kingdom Simon Henderson, director of the US backed rebels near Raqqa. On Sun- ground for the first new settlement in the occupied was a diplomatic secret weapon. His adminis- Gulf and Energy Policy programme at day, the Iranians launched ballistic West Bank for two decades, tration took advantage of Oman’s good the Washington Institute missiles from their own territory into and that too on the eve of a relations with both sides of the Saudi-Iranian for Near East Policy, told Islamic State-held positions in Syria for peace mission by White cold war. Oman’s Sultan, Qaboos bin Said al me Monday that it would the first time. House senior adviser and Said, helped negotiate the release of Ameri- be smart to take advan- When Iran tested ballistic missiles Trump’s son-in-law Jared can hikers held captive in Iran during tage of Oman’s back in January, the Trump administra- By constructing Kushner. “Work began Obama’s first term. The little nation also diplomatic relationships tion’s first national security adviser, new settlements, today on-site, as I hosted secret talks between the US and Iran with the Houthis. “On Michael Flynn, famously put the Islamic promised, to establish the Netanyahu is that laid the groundwork for Obama’s signa- Republic “on notice.” Sunday’s missile new settlement,” ture foreign policy achievement, the Iran For now, the Trump launch was clearly a warning to the US ridiculing the Netanyahu proclaimed on nuclear deal. administration has bigger and Saudi Arabia. The Associated Press latest peace push his Twitter along with the Trump, on the other hand, has largely quoted an Iranian Revolutionary Guard being planned photograph of a machine ignored the Omanis. It was the only Gulf mon- fish to fry. Over the Corp general, Ramazan Sharif, as saying by the Trump digging into the ground. The archy not to participate in a bilateral meeting weekend, the US shot on state television: “The Saudis and timing of the start of with Trump during the Arab summit in Saudi down a Syrian fighter Americans are especially receivers of administration. construction is important Arabia last month. The aging Qaboos did not jet after asserting the this message. Obviously and clearly, because Kushner is personally attend. some reactionary countries of the expected to arrive in Israel While Obama used Oman’s good relations Syrians had attacked US region, especially Saudi Arabia, had today. Netanyahu is not with Iran to advance his diplomacy with Iran, backed rebels near Raqqa. announced that they are trying to bring only announcing his resolve the Trump administration sees its ties to Iran On Sunday, the Iranians insecurity into Iran.” to go ahead with the new as a problem. launched ballistic missiles That missile launch makes Pompeo settlements, but also announcing that he had little to This was part of the delicate message and Waddell’s secret diplomacy in Oman fear from the Trump administration over settlement Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike from their own territory all the more urgent. If the Iranians are building that has drawn widespread international and Pompeo and Trump’s deputy national secu- into Islamic State-held now willing to launch missiles into a for- Palestinian condemnation. rity adviser, General Ricky Waddell, delivered positions in Syria for the eign country, what is to stop them from to Qaboos in a secret visit to Muscat on June providing some to their proxies in The halt to settlement construction by Israel has first time. been one of the key demands of Palestinians to start 11. According to three Trump administration Yemen? the peace process. The Trump administration too is officials briefed on the diplomacy, Pompeo acutely aware of the sensitivity of this issue and the and Waddell urged Qaboos to crack down on president had asked Netanyahu to “hold back on Iranian smuggling routes through Omani ter- settlements for a little bit” during a meeting at the ritory that deliver personnel, equipment and White House in February. That request was seen as weapons to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The US part of an effort to build trust with the Palestinians provides logistical and refueling support to ahead of a renewed push for peace. But by ignoring a Saudi Arabia’s Air Force in its war against the key demand of Palestinians, Netanyahu and Trump are Houthis. One US official told me that Pompeo and sending the wrong signals to them -- that this peace Waddell were careful not to ask the Sultan to process will be unilateral, one in which Netanyahu will cut ties with Iran. That would be impossible dictate the terms with the support of White House. for the Omanis, given their economic depend- ence on Iran. But the message was clear that Oman should take more action to stop Iran’s resupplying of the Houthis. This is a sensitive issue for Oman. Offi- QUOTE OF THE DAY cially, it supports Yemen’s president, Abdurabuh Mansur Hadi, whose government is fighting the Houthis. In September, though, Hadi’s government announced that it had It‘s part of the reason there intercepted an arms shipment to the Houthis. are sanctions, because until The US intelligence community however they are out of eastern disagrees. Reuters quoted several US officials Ukraine, we‘re going to in October as saying there is evidence that the continue to have sanctions Iranians have supported Yemen rebels. The US officials who spoke to me for this column on Russia, and we believe confirmed that assessment. that is part of Ukraine, Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer who and so therefore those directs the Intelligence Project at the Brook- sanctions will remain. ings Institution, told me Monday that the real concern for the US military and the Saudis is Sean Spicer that Iran could be sending missile experts to Yemen to help the Houthis develop ballistic White House Spokesman missiles. “For that you don’t need to smuggle WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 OPINION 09 Target is not limited to Qatar blockade

the Palestinian question completely off the global and self-conscious nation (remember both the Gezi That Zionists see that dream as Hamid Dabashi agenda. The ruling regimes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Park movement and the popular uprising against the a nightmare is, of course, natural. Al Jazeera Bahrain, and Egypt are willing and eager parties to military coup last year). That the Saudis and their sidekicks this perfidious act. The alliance, therefore, laser beams on Iran for, have now joined forces with these Although there can never be any hard evidence contrary to its ridiculous claims, it is not the adven- Zionists in crushing that dream is of the Saudi instigation of the suicide attacks and turesome disposition of its state that bothers it but, in an obscenity beyond words. The he almost simultaneous blockade of Qatar bombing of two symbolic sites in Iran, the parliament fact, the volcanic democratic upsurge of Iranians as a marriage of convenience between spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and joined by and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iranian nation frightens the living daylights out of these two Israel and Saudi Arabia as two gar- a few of its sidekick states and two perni- officials are pointing fingers at the Saudis. But we colonially manufactured garrison states. rison states, armed to their teeth by cious, violent attacks on two symbolic sites need not necessarily accept the Iranian account to It is not accidental that the primary target of the US to spread menace and to pit in Tehran may have taken the world by realise that Israel and Saudi Arabia are (and have those demented mercenaries attacking Iran was the one group of Muslims against Tsurprise but the mad logic and the mischievous rhet- been for a very long time) the main beneficiaries of Iranian parliament, next to the office of the presi- another, overcomes all other dis- oric of them are anything but surprising. such violent acts against Iran and Iranians. If we put dency and the city councils the most democratic parities between the odd couples. The organic link between the regional, decidedly the blockade of Qatar by its Arab neighbours and the institution in an otherwise theocratic state apparatus. The simultaneous targetting of anti-Palestinian, ambitions of Israel and the sectar- unprecedented attack on Iran analytically together, a It is the democratic effervescence of the people of Qatar and Iran should forever put ian designs of Saudi Arabia for the Arab and Muslim number of crucial consequences emerge to redefine Iran (and Turkey and Egypt), trapped as they are an end to the false flag that this is a world at large have been known for quite some time the geostrategic map of the region. within the framing of a misrepresenting state, that battle between Arabs and Persians. now. The question is what has triggered that alliance The current Saudi-Israeli alliance in trampling poses an existential threat to Saudi-Israeli alliance. Qatar is both an Arab and a Sunni between the Israeli settler colony and the Saudi gar- the Palestinians’ fate, warmongering against Iran, Keep your eyes on these three nations: Turkey, country, and is today the target of a rison state suddenly to up the ante and come out and subjecting Qatar to a crippling blockade domi- Iran, and Egypt - do not be distracted by the antics of most pernicious blockade and def- with such ferocious intensity, throwing all pretences nates and distorts the real picture of the region. The their respective state apparatuses being dragged into amation by its own Arab and Sunni of “Arab brotherhood” or “Muslim unity” under the principle enemies of the Saudi and Israeli garrison the geopolitics of the region - and you will have a far neighbours, while planeloads of speeding Zionist bus. states are not their counterpart states in the region more accurate conception of every single develop- food are being flown to Doha from As reported by Al Jazeera, there is now an active but, in fact, the defiant nations that are falsely framed ment in the Arab and Muslim world. Keep also in Turkey and Iran. lobbying putsch in Washington, DC, coordinated by these states. mind that the Palestinian cause is at the heart of For now, let it be remembered among Israel, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emir- Three powerful nations in this area defy their these three nation’s democratic aspirations, and not that Israel, with all its ridiculous claim ates, simultaneously targeting Qatar and Iran, with respective states to map out their own democratic a matter of systematic political abuse by their to be “the only democracy in the Mid- the future of Palestine and the fate of millions of Pal- destinies: Egypt, Iran, and Turkey. These are the respective states. dle East” (built on stolen Palestinian estinians in and out of their homeland as the focal three nations that, in their thick historical memories Despite its tiny size and sparse population, lands), is today in active alliance with points of this treacherous alliance to sabotage and and ensuing democratic aspirations, pose the great- though deeply informed by waves of Arab and non- the most retrograde and backward- destroy the cause of Palestinian self-determination. est threat to the Saudi and Israeli colonial Arab migrant skilled labourers, scholars, journalists, ruling regimes in the region against Taking full advantage of this crisis, the timing of concoctions with no historical legitimacy on the artists, and intellectuals from across the world popu- the democratic aspirations of their the US ambassador to the United Nations, the die- ground. By virtue of US military and diplomatic sup- lating its universities, museums, and research nations. Let it also be remembered hard Zionist, Nikki Haley’s visit to Israel marks port, this Saudi-Zionist alliance dominates the institutes, Qatar has dared dreaming itself integral to that the ruling family in Saudi Arabia Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-standing design to push geopolitics of the region beyond its historical the larger Arab-Muslim desire to fulfill its historic are now in active alliance with the deserve. Among these three historic nations, the sense of dignity, which it has in part invested in European settler colony that has sto- Saudi Arabia and Israel falsely assume they have putting the Palestinian self-determination at the len Palestine from its rightful neutralised Egypt by recruiting the military junta that forefront of its sense of moral identity. inhabitants. Everything else from this Despite all its structural has aborted its revolutionary momentum. Egyptians Qatar is not just for Qataris. Despite all its struc- point forward must commence with limitations as a minuscule as a people, as an historically self-conscious nation tural limitations as a minuscule rentier state with a these two sobering facts. (remember Tahrir Square), are not to be confused massive US military base on its soil, Qatar has enabled rentier state with a massive US with the corrupt junta that now rules it, tramples on an engine of social, intellectual, and artistic ambitions The writer is Hagop Kevorkian Profes- military base on its soil, Qatar Palestinian rights, and is even willing to sell its own for the larger Arab and Muslim world. Donald Trum- sor of Iranian Studies and Comparative has enabled an engine of territorial integrity to Saudi Arabia. plooks at Qatar and all he sees are dollar signs for his Literature at Columbia University in New York. social, intellectual, and artistic This Saudi-Zionist alliance thinks it can also dis- military contractor friends. Israel looks at Qatar and it regard Turkey for it confuses the current is worried to see a thriving Arab capital with a sharp ambitions for the larger Arab coup-countercoup draconian dynamics of Recep critical intelligence to the Palestinian politics it ena- and Muslim world. Tayyip Erdogan’s government with the robust demo- bles. Saudi Arabia looks at Qatar and sees dangerous cratic urges of Turks as a people, as a deeply rooted ideas being bandied about its northern frontiers.

D-RING ROAD POST BOX: 3488 Trump’s double standard on terror attacks DOHA - QATAR [email protected] actions in the way that the attack Philip Bump on Muslims in London will be The Washington Post treated in some quarters. That EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE there’s a strong but largely disor- TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 ganized anti-Muslim undercurrent FAX: +974 4455 7758 in Western societies that can make onald Trump tweeted about Muslims a target of violence lacks MANAGING EDITOR the terrorist attacks in Paris in the sort of readily identifiable TEL: 4462 7505 November 2015 about 3 1/2 markers as a coordinated terror hours after they occurred. The group, especially for those unwill- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR following month, he tweeted ing to see them. TEL: 4455 7769 Dabout the mass shooting in San Ber- In June 2015, when a white nardino, California, 90 minutes after the gunman shot nine black worshi- violence began. It took fewer than 12 hours pers dead at a church in LOCAL NEWS SECTION from the time an EgyptAir flight went Charleston, South Carolina, shortly TEL: 4455 7743 missing in May 2016 for Trump to specu- after Trump announced his presi- late publicly that the attack was dential candidacy, Trump tweeted BUSINESS NEWS SECTION terror-related. More than a year later, it’s about it. TEL: 4462 7535 still not clear what happened to the plane. The tragedy in South Carolina When terrorists drove a van into a is incomprehensible. My deepest SPORT NEWS SECTION crowd on London Bridge earlier this condolences to all. TEL: 4455 7745 month, Trump tweeted about the need to - Donald J. Trump (@realDon- be “smart, vigilant and tough” even before aldTrump) June 18, 2015 ONLINE SECTION authorities identified terror as the motive It was incomprehensible in the TEL: 4462 7501 behind the attack. Police form a cordon in the Finsbury Park area of north London after a sense that murdering nine people [email protected] About 15 hours ago, as of this writing, a at church is an affront to our sense vehicle hit pedestrians. man drove a van into a group of Muslims of humans as rational creatures. It PUBLIC RELATIONS near a mosque in London. The attack, was entirely comprehensible in which killed one person and injured 10 A retweet of his son critical of former president the sense that a white man who held racist views might target TEL: 4455 7613 others, is being treated as terror-related by Barack Obama. black people in a shooting spree. [email protected] authorities in Britain. Prime Minister Praise for Camp David, where he spent the To view attacks by Muslims as part of what being Muslim Theresa May described the attack as weekend. is about but attacks on Muslims as being distinct from the ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT “every bit as sickening” as the attacks at And finally, a retweet of the White House’s identities of the perpetrators demands seeing those two TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 the London Bridge and, earlier this year, “Happy Father’s Day” message that morning. groups as fundamentally different. Trump has a presumption FAX: 4455 7870 on Westminster Bridge. That Trump hasn’t mentioned the attacks on of guilt for Muslims that he doesn’t for the white people who [email protected] Trump tweeted his condolences to the Muslims in London isn’t surprising. It took days for committed the crimes in Kansas, Portland and at the London victims of those two earlier attacks — both him to praise the two men who were stabbed to mosque. It’s interesting to compare Trump’s response to the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT linked to the Islamic State — the same day death in Portland, Oregon, while defending Muslim Charleston shooting with his response to the 1980s rape of a TEL: 4455 7857 they happened. Trump has not tweeted women on a train. It took almost a week for him to white woman in Central Park, for which a group of black and [email protected] about Sunday night’s attack on Muslims. speak out about the shooting of two Indian men in Hispanic teenagers were arrested and which prompted Trump In response to a crisis, one of the sim- Kansas by someone who thought that they were to buy a full-page ad calling for the death penalty for the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION plest responses from a president is a Muslim. In one sense, it’s odd that Trump hasn’t accused. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 carefully worded statement of support, tweeted condolences to the victims in London, Those teenagers were later exonerated when another man FAX: 44557819 condolence or outrage. Simpler still is a given the criticism he’s received for his slow admitted to the crime. But Trump, even as recently as last brief message on social media. Trump built response to the above attacks - but, again, it’s not October, seemed to believe that the teenagers were the perpe- [email protected] his political career in part on his willing- surprising that he hasn’t, given his history. trators. “They admitted they were guilty. The police doing the ness to jump into any number of frays by The broader question is why Trump remains original investigation say they were guilty,” Trump said last tweeting about them. As we’ve noted in uninterested in acknowledging such attacks. year — eliding the critical point that the confessions were All thoughts and views the past, he shows little reticence to tweet One likely explanation is that Trump sees obtained under duress. In Trump’s eyes, those teenagers are expressed in these columns about things he sees on television right attacks by people of the Muslim faith through the guilty despite the judicial system rescinding that verdict. after he sees them. Yet, Monday morning: lens of a rampant anti-Western ideology but views Trump’s presidential campaign - and therefore his presi- are those of the writers, not silence. attacks on Muslims as being one-off examples of dency - relied on the idea that America was under threat from of the newspaper. Trump’s use of Twitter betrays his bad actors. The emergence of Al Qaeda and the terrorism and crime, a point of view that necessarily over- interests and disinterests. On Sunday, Islamic State reinforced the idea that there’s a sub- lapped with America’s complex racial history. That’s the other All correspondence Father’s Day, Trump tweeted, in order: stantial, organised subset of the world’s Muslim reason Trump highlights terrorist acts by Muslims and ignores regarding Views and A two-part defense of his political suc- population focused on political violence. those against them: He has reaped political rewards from it. Opinion pages should be cess. An outlier poll showing him as more Absent those groups, attacks like the one on Trump views terrorism through a very particular lens, and he popular than he is. A retweet of the perform- Westminster Bridge or at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub won the presidency by articulating that lens. That it’s reflected mailed to the ers Diamond and Silk criticising the media. might more easily be treated as aberrant individual in his Twitter account, then, is not a surprise. [email protected] 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 Govt aims to expedite liberation of Marawi

Marawi City Urban war stronghold in the Muslim south Reuters of the mainly Roman Catholic We are aiming to clear Philippines that could threaten hilippine aircraft and Marawi City by the the whole region. troops launched a end of Ramadan. But President Rodrigo Duterte renewed push against we are not setting any visited a school where people militants in a southern who fled from Marawi are being deadlines knowing the city yesterday and a housed and apologised for their complexity of the Pmilitary spokesman said the aim plight, especially since it was was to clear the area by the battle. We are doing Ramadan. weekend Eid festival, although our best to expedite "I will help you, I will rehabil- there was no deadline. the liberation of itate Marawi, it will be a beautiful The offensive came amid Marawi at the soonest city again," he said at the school worry that rebel reinforcements time possible: Official in Iligan City, about 40km from could arrive in the city after Eid the battle zone. Al-Fitr, which marks the end of Padilla said the military President Rodrigo the Muslim Holy month of aimed to prevent the conflict Ramadan. Duterte visited a from escalating after Ramadan Fighting in Marawi City has school where people ends. Debris and smoke are seen after an OV-10 Bronco aircraft released a bomb during an airstrike, entered a fifth week, and nearly who fled from Marawi "We are closely watching cer- in Marawi City, yesterday. 350 people have been killed, are being housed and tain groups and we hope they according to an official count. apologised for their will not join the fight," Padilla commercial district, south were attacking the militants front line said soldiers were tag- Fleeing residents have said plight, especially said. towards a lake on the edge of the from three sides and trying to ging houses and buildings that they have seen scores of bodies since it was Ramadan. Some Muslim residents of city. box them towards the lake. had been cleared. in the debris of homes destroyed Marawi said other groups could Planes flew overhead drop- "We’re gaining ground and "We still have to clear more in bombing and cross-fire. join the fighting after ping bombs while on the ground, we’re expanding our vantage than 1,000 structures," he said, "We are aiming to clear setting any deadlines knowing Ramadan. automatic gunfire was sustained positions," said Lieutenant Colo- adding infantry units were left Marawi by the end of Ramadan," the complexity of the battle. We "As devout Muslims, we are with occasional blasts from nel Jo-Ar Herrera, another behind at "cleared" areas to pre- said military spokesman Briga- are doing our best to expedite forbidden to fight during Ram- artillery. military spokesman, although he vent militants from recapturing dier-General Restituto Padilla, as the liberation of Marawi at the adan so afterwards, there may Armoured vehicles fired vol- declined to comment on lost ground. army and police commanders soonest time possible." be new groups coming in," said leys of shells while the militants specifics. As yestedray, the military met in nearby Cagayan de Oro The seizure of Marawi and Faisal Amir, who has stayed on responded with gunfire and "We are moving towards the said 258 militants, 65 security city to reassess strategy and the dogged fight to regain con- in the city despite the battle. rocket-propelled grenades. centre of gravity," he added, personnel and 26 civilians had operations against the militants, trol of it has alarmed Southeast Fighting was intense early Fighting later died down as referring to the militants' com- been killed. Hundreds of people who claim allegiance to IS Asian nations which fear IS fight- yesterday as security forces heavy rain fell but had resumed mand and communications are unaccounted for, with many fighters. ers - on a backfoot in Iraq and made a push to drive the mili- by evening. centre. believed to be hiding in the base- But he added: "We are not Syria - is trying to set up a tants, entrenched in Marawi's Military sources said troops An army corporal near the ments of the city. Suspect admits to Thai US sends warplanes over Korean Peninsula

military hospital blast Seoul Seoul's Defence Ministry said AP the bombers engaged in routine Bangkok won every election since year exercises with South Korean Moon urges N Korea to Reuters 2001. he United States flew two fighter jets aimed at showing Suspect Wattana Pumret, supersonic bombers over deterrence against North Korea. return detainees swiftly 61-year-old man arrested who was detained last week, Tthe Korean Peninsula yes- The US military said the in connection with a admitted to the charges against terday in a show of force against bombers conducted two sepa- Seoul Donald Trump, also said that Abomb blast at a military- him, including conspiring to kill, North Korea, South Korean offi- rate drills with the Japanese and Reuters he hoped to draw North Korea run hospital in Bangkok causing injury and illegal pos- cials said. South Korean air forces. It said into negotiations on its nuclear claimed responsibility for the session of explosives. The US often sends power- the flights demonstrated solidar- outh Korean President program by the end of the year, attack yesterday saying he He also took responsibility ful warplanes in times of ity among South Korea, Japan Moon Jae-in yesterday while talks with the US about objected to unelected military for two smaller explosions in heightened animosities with and the US "to defend against Ssaid North Korea should military options could wait. rulers. Bangkok last month that hurt North Korea, and flew B-1B provocative and destabilizing swiftly return South Koreans Dozens of North's missile The attack last month several people. bombers several times this year actions in the Pacific theater." and Americans detained in the launches and two nuclear struck Bangkok's Phramong- "All of my past actions were as the North conducted a series The United States stations reclusive nation and that bomb tests since the start of kutklao Hospital and injured a symbolic gesture against the of banned ballistic missile tests. tens of thousands of troops in Pyongyang had "a heavy last year and Pyongyang's vow more than 20 people. It coin- coup government. I don't wish Yesterday's flights by B-1Bs South Korea and Japan. responsibility" in the death of to develop a nuclear-tipped cided with the third anniversary to harm people," Wattana said. came shortly after the death of The family of American col- a US university student. missile capable of hitting the of a May 2014 military coup. "I'm a normal person who a US college student who was lege student Otto Warmbier said Moon, who is scheduled to US mainland have put North In overthrowing an elected doesn't agree with a military recently released by North Korea the 22-year-old died Monday, visit Washington next week for Korea at the forefront of glo- government, the military said government that wasn't in a coma following more than days after his release from North talks with US President bal security concerns. at the time it had to take con- elected." 17 months of captivity. Korea. trol after months of turbulence He said he acted alone. including street protests aimed Police said Wattana had at ousting the government of been appointed a police populist politicians who have lawyer. Sailors' bodies flown back to US UAE court scraps death sentence Tokyo photos," Commander Ron Flan- were not injured -- apparently AFP ders, press officer at the US took nearly an hour to report the for Filipina maid Naval Forces in Japan, said. collision in a busy shipping chan- he US Navy's top com- The sailors, aged 19 to 37, nel near the warship's home Dubai mander visited Japan were found in flooded sleeping base, a gateway to container Reuters TTuesday to meet the griev- berths a day after the collision ports in Tokyo and nearby ing families of seven sailors tore a huge gash in the side of Yokohama. AN appeals court in the United killed in a weekend accident, as their guided-missile destroyer. Japanese officials are also Arab Emirates acquitted a maid investigators probe questions Their bodies were being investigating why the 222-metre from the Philippines of the over the timing of the collision flown back to the US yesterday, cargo ship made a sudden turn murder of her employer and with a container ship. according to the Commander US at about 1.30am, and a sharp turn scrapped her death sentence, Admiral John Richardson Naval Forces Japan. after it reported the accident the Philippine Foreign Ministry arrived at the US naval base in Japanese coastguard inves- around 2:20 am, as shown in and UAE media said yesterday. Yokosuka on the outskirts of tigators have been interviewing data from the Marine Traffic The maid, 30, was sen- Tokyo to meet bereaved rela- the Filipino crew of the cargo website. tenced to death by a lower tives and officers who served on ship ACX Crystal, and hope to "As to the chronological tribunal in the city of al-Ain the USS Fitzgerald. directly hear accounts of sailors order of what happened and in May 2015 for fatally stab- "It's an intimate meeting, aboard the much-smaller US other details, we are still inves- bing her Emirati employer in Wattana Pumret is escorted by Thai police during a crime very solemn grieving with fam- destroyer. tigating," a Japanese coastguard 2014, UAE-based newspaper reenactment at King Mongkut Hospital in Bangkok, yesterday. ilies, so we're not even taking The cargo ship's crew -- who spokesman said. The National said. She had argued she was acting in self defence after he tried to abuse her, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Pakistan begins building border fence along Afghanistan An appeals court in al-Ain overturned the verdict, con- victed her only of stealing a Islamabad drawn by British rulers in 1896. A Pakistani army statement interest of both countries and a "Pakistan has no right to mobile telephone and handed AP Kabul does not recognise it said the first phase of the project well-coordinated security mech- fence or construct any building her a five-year jail term, the as an international border, caus- will focus on the Bajur, Mohm- anism is essential for peace and along the border with Afghani- statement said, identifying akistan said yesterday that ing friction between the two and and Khyber tribal regions stability. stan," said Najib Danish, deputy her as Jennifer Dalquez. it has begun building a neighbors, with Pakistan sug- — all regarded by authorities as Afghanistan and Pakistan spokesman for Afghanistan's "Ms Dalquez was declared Pfence along its border with gesting Afghanistan has designs areas prone to cross-border have long accused each other of Interior Ministry. innocent without 'diyyah' or Afghanistan to improve security, on part of its territory. infiltration by militants. The mil- turning a blind eye to militants He warned of retaliatory payment of blood money," the a move that has angered author- The line runs through ethnic itary said it will also build new operating along their porous action, referring to previous fire- statement said. It said she ities in Kabul. Pashtun territory, dividing fam- forts and border posts to improve frontier, but Afghanistan is fights that erupted when would serve the jail sentence The two nations are divided ilies and tribes between the two surveillance and defensibility. opposed to the building of the Pakistan sought to build border minus the time she had by the 2,400km Durand Line, countries. It said a secure border is in fence. fortifications. already spent in prison. WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 EUROPE 11 Merkel urges EU to stay united on Brexit

Berlin Almost a year to the day Reuters Maintaining ties since Britons voted in a referen- dum to quit the European Union, This is not just about erman Chancellor the Brexit strategy debate within the exit of Britain, Angela Merkel urged the UK government has intensi- the European Union’s with which we want fied since Prime Minister Theresa remaining 27 mem- to remain friends, May lost her majority in a snap bers yesterday to with which we want parliamentary election on June Gstick together during talks on to live in a good 8. Britain’s exit from the bloc, partnership, but it is She had called the early vote which began on Monday. also about the future herself, saying it was to Merkel also said the talks of the European strengthen her mandate in the were important for the future of Union: Merkel Brexit talks. European integration. Brexit was Merkel also said she was a setback but election results in open to the idea of a joint finance the Netherlands and France this “The four freedoms that give minister for the euro zone, and year have presented an oppor- us the internal market must not a common budget for the cur- tunity for the EU to push ahead, be jeopardised,” she said with rency union. “Of course one can she added. reference to the EU’s freedoms think about a common finance “The risk of the exit negoti- of movement of goods, capital, minister if the conditions are in ations with Britain is that we do people, and services. “This will place and if we do not mutual- not take adequate care of our be significant at the exit ise in the wrong areas,” she said. own future. Let’s stay together, negotiations.” Germany has resisted the let’s not divide from each other,” Merkel said she wanted the idea of introducing so-called she said with reference to the talks to be conducted “in a good Eurobonds, which could allow remaining EU 27 and the 19 euro spirit” and that Britain’s position euro zone countries to issue zone countries. would become evident in the debt jointly, with some benefit- German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for a two-day meeting of the Federation of German “This is not just about the exit coming months. ing from lower risk premia Industry, yesterday. of Britain, with which we want “We will of course imple- thanks to Germany’s to remain friends, with which we ment what Britain pitches, but in creditworthiness. want to live in a good partner- a way that the interests of the 27 candidate who Merkel will “The best result of the Brexit negotiators agreed on a timeta- “One can indeed consider a ship, but it is also about the member states are square up against in her bid to negotiations would be - there ble for the Brexit talks. Both sides European budget if it is clear that future of the European Union,” safeguarded.” win a fourth term in September’s wouldn’t be a Brexit.” stressed their goodwill but structures are really strength- she said at a German industry Martin Schulz, the Social election, told the same At their first meeting in Brus- acknowledged the task’s huge ened and this is used to sensible conference. Democrat (SPD) chancellor conference: sels on Monday, British and EU complexity and tight deadline. ends,” Merkel added. Portugal PM calls for explanations over wildfires No guarantee of success in Pedrógão Grande hell” by the local media. Thirty reports that the scorching heat AFP of them burned to death in their had damaged antennae. Cyprus talks: UN cars, trapped by the flames. The blaze around Pedrogao ortuguese Prime Minister A survivor told Portuguese Grande was expected to be under Athens Antonio Costa yesterday led television that gendarmes control shortly, said civil protec- AFP Pcalls to know why a high- directed them to the N236 as an tion chief Vitor Vaz Pinto on way now dubbed the “road of alternative to the nearby IC8 Tuesday. NEXT week’s talks between death” -- where most of the 64 route which had been closed and As water-bombing planes Greece and Turkey on the victims of a giant forest fire per- which the gendarmes used made regular passes over the reunification of Cyprus will ished -- had not been blocked off, themselves. flames, there were growing sug- not be easy and there was no as questions mounted over the “When we arrived at the IC8, gestions that forestry practices guarantee of success, the UN disaster management response. they told us we couldn’t pass and and outdated emergency plan- envoy on Cyprus warned yes- More than 1,000 firefighters directed us towards the N236. ning might have contributed to terday. still battled to control the flames We thought that the road was the disaster. “The starting positions of which broke out in the central safe but it wasn’t,” said a survi- Some people in the hamlets the different sides are very Pedrogao Grande region over the vor, Maria de Fatima. scattered through this rural different,” the UN’s Espen weekend and spread at break- “We couldn’t see anything, region were not happy with the Barth Eide said. neck speed to neighbouring Firefighters work to put out a forest fire in the village of we couldn’t even see the road, response of the emergency “It takes quite a lot of areas. Sandinha, near Gois, yesterday. just the flames and the pine trees services. proactivity and fresh think- Costa sought “immediate falling on the road,” she said. Father Jose Gomes, the priest ing to find ways to overcome explanations” why the N236 alternative route after a nearby Forty-seven of the 64 forest Costa also wanted explana- in Figueiro dos Vinhos, said that the traditional differences,” highway “had not been closed to road had been sealed off, accord- fire victims died on the N236 tions why emergency services some locals had “lacked the sup- he added. traffic” and why it had been sig- ing to the Lusa national news which has been branded the communications network had port of the firefighters, and “It’s not going to be easy.” nalled by gendarmes as an agency. “road of death” or the “road of been interrupted amid media sometimes even water.” The United Nations is leading a new international meeting on the subject at the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans Italy probes Montana, starting on Wednesday next week. foreign ministry Red Cross launches refugee aid app In talks in Athens Mon- day, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Turk- hacking attempt London “People moving are often wars and poverty in the Middle also find advice on how to pro- ish counterpart Binali Reuters caught in a fog of poor infor- East, Asia and Africa. tect themselves from traffickers Yildirim played down their Rome mation,” said Jagan Chapagain, Nearly 70,000 have arrived and can access information to differences and agreed to Reuters he Red Cross launched a head of programmes and oper- in Italy so far this year, mostly help them locate family mem- strengthen ties in tourism, smartphone app on Tues- ations at the International migrants from West Africa and bers if they have become transport and energy. ITALY’S foreign ministry said Tday to help refugees and Federation of Red Cross and Bangladesh, according to the separated. “Everyone tells me that yesterday it was investigat- migrants arriving in Italy access Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). International Organization for The app - developed by the they go to Switzerland with ing a hacking attempt, after information and services - “They don’t always know Migration. IFRC and tech giant IBM – has the intention of actually find- a group calling itself Anony- including medical, what services are available to Virtual Volunteer uses already been rolled out in ing a real solution,” Eide said mous published what it said psychological and legal them. This is a tool that will geolocation to show users on a Greece and Sweden where it yesterday. was stolen ministry data. support. help give them a clearer view map where to access every- has been used by 30,000 The talks could go on for A site called cyberguer- The digital platform called so that they can make informed thing from shelters, food banks, people. weeks if necessary, if that was rilla.org carried a blog post “Virtual Volunteer” was decisions,” he said. canteens, and showers to “Information saves lives. what it took to get agreement titled “Foreign Affairs Min- unveiled on World Refugee Day Italy is on the frontline in the clothes distribution points, Ensuring that people can access on the key issues of security, istry You Have Been as new data showed the European migrant crisis which maternal health centres, free unbiased, factual information governance and power shar- Hacked” addressed to For- number of refugees globally has seen hundreds of thousands legal assistance, dentists and has a big impact,” Italian Red ing, said Eide. eign Minister Angelino reached a record 22.5 million of people arrive in the continent language schools. Cross President Francesco But he added: “I can’t Alfano and the head of the in 2016. by land and sea after fleeing Refugees and migrants can Rocca said in a statement. promise you that it will national magistrates work.” association. “Regarding the attempted hack of the ministry’s web- site, a legal complaint has been lodged and investiga- Macedonia to amend ties with Bulgaria tions are now underway,” the ministry said in a statement Sofia It was the newly elected minority living on its territory. yesterday. AFP Macedonian premier’s second In a move to guarantee non- “We hope the public pros- visit abroad after Brussels since interference in its internal ecutor’s office will shed light acedonia will seek to he succeeded nationalist Nikola affairs, Bulgaria has pushed as soon as possible on what mend its relations with Gruevski on June 1 ending a since 2009 for the signing of a happened, and, to this end, Mneighbouring Bulgaria two-year political crisis. bilateral friendship and coop- the ministry’s technicians are to speed up its Nato and Euro- Bulgaria, which joined Nato eration treaty with its western working to give all possible pean Union accession, the in 2005 and the European Union neighbour and Zaev said yes- support.” country’s new prime minister in 2007, was the first country to terday that the agreement will The ministry did not said yesterday. recognise Macedonia’s inde- be inked when Borisov visits name suspected perpetrators “Macedonia shuts the chap- pendence when it broke from Skopje on August 2. or give details about the ter of nationalism and hatred and the former Yugoslavia in 1992. Bulgaria in turn promised to hacking attempt, and it was opens the chapter of its European Bulgaria however claims back Macedonia’s efforts to join Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev (right) and Bulgarian not immediately clear if any future,” Zoran Zaev said after that the Macedonian people are NATO and the EU when it holds sensitive information had talks with his Bulgarian counter- Bulgarian by origin and does not the bloc’s rotating presidency in counterpart Boyko Borisov leave after laying flowers at the been leaked. part Boyko Borisov. recognise the Macedonian the first half of 2018. monument of Tsar Samuil in Sofia, yesterday. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 Ministers quit Macron's Queen Letizia visits El Quirinal govt as reshuffle looms

Paris Clean-up Assembly and will not need the AFP support of MoDem, which won Defence Minister 42 seats, to get legislation wo French ministers Sylvie Goulard said through parliament. have quit their jobs in the possibility of an Goulard had been named to the space of 24 hours investigation made it the defence job only a month as President ago following Macron's election impossible for her to Emmanuel Macron to the presidency. stay in the post given Treshuffles his government to She said the possibility of an reflect his campaign pledge to Macron's pledge to investigation made it impossi- clean up politics. clean up politics. ble for her to stay in the post In a surprise decision, given Macron's pledge to clean Defence Minister Sylvie Goulard Macron has been up politics after a series of scan- announced yesterday she was carrying out a partial dals involving ministers under resigning over a fake jobs scan- reshuffle of his his Socialist predecessor Fran- dal that has hit her small centrist month-old cois Hollande. MoDem party, which allied with government following "The president is commit- Macron's party in the presiden- ted to restoring confidence in parliamentary tial and legislative elections. public office, reforming France Spain's Queen Letizia is surrounded by children during a visit to the public school of elections on Sunday. Macron accepted her resig- and relaunching Europe," Gou- "El Quirinal" in Aviles, Spain, yesterday. nation and said he "respected" lard said in a statement. Goulard's decision. "This reform agenda must Her high-profile departure of parliamentary assistants. take precedence over any per- came after the president on The minister, who was a sonal considerations. Monday asked a close ally, Rich- member of the European Par- "That is why I have asked ard Ferrand, to leave his post as liament from 2009 to May this the president, with the agree- Finland govt survives no-confidence vote minister for territorial cohesion year, said she could not remain ment of the prime minister, to for a senior role in their Repub- in the government while facing leave the government," she Tallinn The government includes 20 hardliner Jussi Halla-aho. lic on the Move (REM) party. a possible investigation. added. AP members from the populist, Sipila's Center Party and his Ferrand is under investiga- Meanwhile Macron has been Paris prosecutors opened a euroskeptic The Finns. conservative government part- tion over claims he favoured his carrying out a partial reshuffle preliminary investigation this inland's government has They recreated themselves ner said they had nothing in wife in a lucrative property deal of his month-old government month into claims in the Canard survived a no-confidence on June 13 as the Blue Reform common with Halla-aho. with a public health insurance following parliamentary elec- Enchaine newspaper that the Fvote after a coalition part- group. When The Finns party fund when he headed the tions on Sunday that handed MoDem party was using Euro- ner split in two following a The coalition has 106 seats broke up, Soini and his allies company. him and his MoDem allies a pean parliamentary funds to pay leadership battle. in the 200-seat Parliament. saved the government after Goulard's MoDem party is commanding majority. assistants based in France. Finnish lawmakers backed On June 10, Foreign Minis- committing themselves to the facing a preliminary probe into Macron's REM party crushed Marine Le Pen's far-right Prime Minister Juha Sipila's ter Timo Soini stepped down as government program, includ- claims it misused European Par- its rivals by winning 308 seats National Front party is facing center-right government in a party leader after 20 years. He ing European Union and liament expenses in the hiring in the 577-seat National similar accusations. 104-85 vote Tuesday. was replaced by immigration immigration issues.

Dutch students retake exams UK arrests van attack suspect; probe under way after professor London Finsbury Park Mosque in north believe the suspect acted alone. northern city of Manchester. just a man with problems," The AFP London. The spate of attacks had One man who was already Sun newspaper quoted her as disappears The family of Darren "bruised but not broken the heart receiving first aid at the time saying. olice yesterday ques- Osborne, the man suspected of of this great nation", Home Sec- died following Monday's London In a statement on behalf of The Hague tioned a man suspected deliberately driving into the retary Amber Rudd said. attack. Seven people remain in his family, his nephew Ellis AFP Pof deliberately mowing Muslim group, said he was "trou- British Prime Minister hospital, three in a critical Osborne, 26, said: "We are mas- down Muslims in London, as bled" and described his action Theresa May, who has been crit- condition. sively shocked. AMID scorching summer heat, the interior minister said Brit- as "sheer madness". icised for her response to a "I'm sorry that my brother His uncle was "not a racist", most final-year Dutch uni- ain was "bruised but not Osborne, 47, a father of four deadly fire in London last week, has been that troubled that it has he said. "It's madness. It is obvi- versity students are already broken" by a string of terror from Cardiff in Wales, was described Monday's incident as taken him to this level of trou- ously sheer madness." partying on the beach. But one attacks. arrested after the attack and is "sickening" and vowed to fight bledness," said the suspect's Londoners bearing flowers group will have to redo a key Britain was coming to terms being questioned by police on extremism in all its forms. sister Nicola Osborne. and messages of solidarity gath- exam after their teacher dis- with the aftermath of its fourth suspicion of attempted murder The attack has raised fears His mother Christine, 72, said ered late Monday at the scene of appeared leaving no trace of bloody assault in three months and terrorism. of retaliation against Muslims she screamed when she saw her the attack, some carrying signs their grades. following Monday's van attack Police are treating the inci- after three deadly strikes by son in television footage. reading "United Against All "We've done everything on worshippers leaving the dent as a terror attack but extremists in London and the "My son is no terrorist -- he's Terror". we can to try to find him, and to get hold of the test papers, but he went missing several weeks ago," Aris Willems, spokesman for the ROC Mid- Showing skills Germany aims to ink deal den Nederland university in Utrecht, said. A delegation from the with European arms maker university even went to the home of the Dutch language Paris Germany's Patriot air and mis- professor, but his doorbell Reuters sile defence system. went unanswered. The ministry had told law- Willems acknowledged he German government makers in March that it he had never come across hopes to complete nego- remained committed to the anything like it, but after dis- Ttiations with European programme, but did not expect cussions with the schools weapons maker MBDA and its to complete work on the con- inspector it had been decided US partner, Lockheed Martin tract during the current that the 80 students follow- Corp about a multi-billion euro legislative period. At the time, ing a cookery course would missile defence system by year- it said there was still work to do have to re-sit a Dutch-lan- end, a ministry spokesman said. on the MBDA proposal, and how guage oral exam. That would pave the way the overall project would be Since they first sat the test for the German parliament to managed. back in March and April, the review and approve the pro- The MEADS system would students have already been posed contract in 2018, the help Germany extend its told their grade and have spokesman said. defences and enhance air and been celebrating passing their He said the future structure missile defences from a range final diploma. of the MDBA-Lockheed part- of threats at a time when fears But as their teacher failed nership was part of the of a greater military threat from to enter the marks into the Nato advance force battalion group demonstrates a water obstacle crossing during an negotiations about the Medium Russia have prompted Nato to university's system, the International exercise in Stasenai, Lithuania, yesterday. Extended Air Defense System beef up its presence in eastern results are not valid. (MEADS), which is to replace Europe. Italian police arrest notorious Nigerian human trafficker

Rome Ogais, 25, was traced to a recep- who accuse Ogais of torturing had no choice but to flee for "My cousin and others tried underage boy and a man killed AFP tion centre in Calabria in people held captive in a make- their lives from the crisis-hit to escape but they were caught by Rambo". southern Italy and clapped in shift prison, with at least two African country. and tortured nearly to death," The latter was "killed by Nigerian human trafficker cuffs on charges of belonging to men reportedly dying at his "While I was inside that the witness said. Rambo in front of the victim's known as "Rambo" has a transnational smuggling ring, hands. ghetto, where it was impossible Another said: "Once I saw brother. When he killed the man A been arrested in Italy on specialising in human traffick- Many of those rescued from to escape, I heard that a man Rambo the Nigerian kill a Rambo pointed a gun at the charges of torturing and killing ing, murder and abuse. flimsy dinghies in the Mediter- who called himself Rambo had migrant he had gagged and tor- brother and told him not to tell migrants held captive in Libya, Detectives in Agrigento in ranean as they try to make the killed a migrant," one of the wit- tured for a long time", while yet his family anything and to get Italian police said yesterday. Sicily have pulled together wit- perilous trip to Europe bear tor- nesses said according to the another said he "personally saw them to immediately send The suspect named John ness testimony from migrants ture scars and tell rescuers they police statement. two people beaten to death, an money" for their release. WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 AMERICAS 13 Democrat eyes anti-Trump upset in Georgia race

Washington Special election House race in history, with the AFP campaigns, political action com- Republicans have mittees and other outside groups oters in Georgia were held the seat since raising nearly $60m, according casting ballots yes- 1979. But as an to government reform and eth- terday in the most increasingly well- ics group Issue One. expensive US con- educated, diverse “Out-of-state money has gressional race ever, suburban district it is poured in on both sides. It’s aV $60m political brawl where a become a little bit of an arms exactly the kind of Democratic novice could score race,” Ossoff told CNN. Handel, territory which an upset in a conservative her own campaign flooded with stronghold — and deal a blow to Democrats need to outside donations, has kept the President Donald Trump. win if they want to race tight, emphasizing her area Seen as an indicator for next gain the 24 seats roots. Voters “are not interested year’s mid-term elections, the necessary to reclaim in Hollywood, California com- race appeared virtually dead- the House in 2018. ing in and buying this seat,” she locked as Democrat Jon Ossoff, told Fox News. a 30-year-old filmmaker and his support for Handel, 55. Republicans have held the onetime political staffer, and “Democrat Jon Ossoff, who seat since 1979. But as an Karen Handel, a Republican wants to raise your taxes to the increasingly well-educated, former Georgia secretary of highest level and is weak on diverse suburban district it is state, sprinted to the finish. crime and security, doesn’t even exactly the kind of territory Republicans are facing a live in district,” he wrote. which Democrats need to win if sobering reminder of their pres- Handel, Trump said, “will they want to gain the 24 seats ident’s poor approval ratings, fight for lower taxes, great necessary to reclaim the House and sagging support within his healthcare strong security — a in 2018. Republican candidate Karen Handel is surrounded by media after voting at St. Mary's Orthodox own party could act as a drag on hard worker who will never give Even as candidates focus on GOP efforts to hold the seat yes- up! VOTE TODAY.” Polls close local issues, “the Trump phe- Church of Atlanta in the special election for Georgia's 6th Congressional District in Roswell. terday — and the House of 2300 GMT. nomenon is extremely dominant Representatives in 2018. Ossoff, who grew up in the in this race,” and Handel’s fate is South, we need to start having have to win a House seat since have turned to Georgia. With Democrats potentially electoral district but lives just most likely tied to constituents’ discussions immediately on... Trump took office. Should Democrats fail to striking the first blow against outside the boundary so his fian- views of the president, Georgia- how in the world are we going Special elections in Kansas convert at least one of the seats, Trump this year, the race has cee can be closer to the hospital based Republican strategist Chip to limit the damage in 2018 with and Montana — also to replace it could be a demoralizing blow drawn substantial national atten- where she works, is trying to flip Lake said. Donald Trump as head of our Republicans who joined Trump’s for the anti-Trump resistance tion — and vast outside the Atlanta suburbs that Repub- A Handel win could energize party and president of the United team — were seen as opportu- movement. contributions. lican Tom Price left to become Republicans, boosting their States,” Lake added. nities for Democrats to score first Yesterday’s elections come “Today is the day! Polls are Trump’s health secretary. efforts with health care and tax Handel has aligned herself strikes against the administra- just days after the shooting of open and we’re ready to #Flip- The Democrat won the first reform legislation. Her loss gingerly with Trump. Vice Pres- tion. But with Democrats falling Republican congressman Steve the6th,” Ossoff said on Twitter, round against several candidates would prompt party-wide ident Mike Pence flew to Georgia short in those races, and Repub- Scalise, who remains hospital- referring to Georgia’s sixth con- in April, but fell just shy of out- handwringing. to attend a fundraiser for her. licans expected to hold a South ised in serious condition after gressional district. The president right victory. The runoff quickly “If we’re losing upper mid- Yesterday’s runoff is the third Carolina congressional seat also being attacked during practice meanwhile tweeted out became the most expensive US dle-class suburban seats in the chance opposition Democrats up for grabs Tuesday, all eyes for a charity baseball game.

Argentina starts Mexican scribes accuse work to identify govt of spying on them Falklands war dead: Report Mexico City The accusation were first AFP published in a New York Times Buenos Aires report detailing how Pegasus AFP group of prominent jour- was used against top human nalists and activists in rights lawyers, journalists and xperts began yesterday AMexico accused the gov- anti-corruption activists in to try to identify Argen- ernment of spying on them, Mexico. “What does the Mexi- Etine soldiers buried on saying their phones had been can president have to say today the Falkland Islands who hacked with Israeli spyware sold about this treacherous, illegal were killed fighting Britain exclusively to the state. spying?” Aristegui said. over the territory, the Red The group said at a press Pena Nieto’s office Cross said yesterday. conference that it has pressed responded with a letter to the The unidentified bodies charges with the attorney gen- editor of the New York Times. of 123 Argentine soldiers have eral’s office, accusing the “There is no proof whatsoever been buried since the 1982 government of illegally access- that Mexican government agen- war in a cemetery on the ing private communications cies are responsible for the remote South Atlantic islands, A sign warning of extreme heat as tourists enter Death Valley National Park in California. and other offenses. alleged spying,” wrote spokes- known in Spanish as Malvi- The nine plaintiffs at the man Daniel Millan Valencia. nas — governed by Britain but news event included journal- Victims said they received claimed by Argentina. Grounded flights, fires and power ists who have published text messages with eye-catch- Forensic scientists super- embarrassing exposes on gov- ing news headlines, social vised by the Red Cross have ernment corruption and media posts or even commu- started exhuming the bodies in outages as temperatures soar in US activists who have investi- nications from the United Darwin cemetery and will take gated human rights violations States embassy—all of which bone samples for genetic test- by the state. were fake. ing. “A temporary mortuary is Los Angeles airplanes that cannot take off Weather Service said. “We are “This is an operation by the The messages would being set up at the cemetery, AFP when temperatures reach a cer- expecting temperatures in the Mexican state, in which state prompt users to click on a link where the remains will be ana- tain level. neighborhood of 120 degrees in agents — far from doing what that would secretly install the lyzed and samples collected for scorching heat wave in the “Each aircraft has different Nevada and in southern Califor- they should legally do — have spyware on their phones. DNA testing in genetic labora- western United States has International Standard Atmos- nia today,” Bianca Hernandez used our resources, our taxes, The software in question, tories in Argentina, Spain and Agrounded flights, caused phere (ISA) performance said. “Temperatures will pretty our money to commit serious known as Pegasus, effectively the United Kingdom,” the Red fires and prompted power out- specifications, which is set by much stay in the 110-115 range abuses,” said journalist Carmen turns a target’s cell phone into Cross said. “Any exhumed ages, with record temperatures the aircraft manufacturer,” for the next coming week,” she Aristegui. Aristegui, a veteran a pocket spy, accessing the remains will be placed in new expected in several states includ- Feinstein said. “This also takes added. reporter, is known in Mexico for user’s communications, cam- coffins and immediately ing Arizona and Nevada. into account the elevation at the The heat has led to electricity a 2014 expose revealing that era and microphone to enable reburied in the same location.” The extreme temperatures airport. “For Phoenix, that is outages in several parts of Cali- President Enrique Pena Nieto’s a highly detailed level of The bone extracts will be com- prompted American Airlines yes- limited to 118 degrees.” fornia, as more people turn on air wife had bought a $7 million surveillance. pared to DNA samples from eterday to ground 43 flights to and He said the airline’s other conditioners to battle the heat, Mexico City mansion from a The spyware is made by a relatives of soldiers known to from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, mainline flights, which concern overtaxing the power system. government contractor. secretive Israeli firm called NSO have died in the fighting. where temperatures were larger jets, had not been affected Several wildfires were also burn- She said members of her staff Group, owned by US private The two countries fought expected to reach 120 degrees by the blazing temperatures. ing in the state. “If you can avoid and her 16-year-old son were equity firm Francisco Partners a brief but bloody war over Fahrenheit (49 Celsius). The soaring heat has being outside in general, that’s the also targeted. She is among the Management. According to the the islands, known as Las Company spokesman Ross affected much of the western best thing you could do today,” 76 cases the plaintiffs say they New York Times report, at Malvinas in Spanish, in 1982 Feinstein told AFP the flights United States where triple-digit Fernandez said. “Everyone should have documented of high-tech least three Mexican federal after Argentine forces under were run by two regional part- temperatures were expected hydrate, and if you have to be out- spyware being installed on their agencies have purchased the country’s then military ners — Skywest and Mesa throughout the week, a spokes- side, try to do so before the sun phones and those of their fami- some $80m of spyware from dictatorship occupied them. — which operate smaller woman for the National rises or after sunset.” lies and associates. NSO Group since 2011. The 10-week conflict killed 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British soldiers and three islanders. Argentina argues it inherited the windswept Grounded US F-35s to resume flying after oxygen problem islands from Spain when it gained independence in the 19th century. Washington prompted the 56th Fighter Wing of Luke symptoms of hypoxia, of lack of oxygen. With a current development and Britain has ruled them AFP Air Force Base, Arizona to ground its Currently, the 56th Fighter Wing has acquisition price tag already at $379 bil- since 1833, when it occupied F-35s. “However, specific concerns were 55 F-35A planes that are used to train lion for a total of 2,443 F-35 aircraft—most them asserting an earlier sov- ozens of F-35 stealth fighters that eliminated as possible causes including pilots from the US and other air forces destined for the US Air Force—the F-35 ereignty claim. After years of were grounded for 11 days due to maintenance and aircrew flight equip- that are buying the jet. is the most expensive plane in history, and testy relations under former Dan oxygen-supply problem aboard ment procedures,” base spokeswoman Heyse said experts are continuing to costs are set to rise further still. Once serv- leftist governments, Argen- the expensive warplanes will resume fly- Major Rebecca Heyse said. probe the issue and several precaution- icing and maintenance costs for the F-35 tina has pursued a cautious ing on Wednesday, the US Air Force said. The Lockheed Martin planes were ary steps are being taken, including are factored in over the aircraft’s lifespan rapprochement with Britain Investigators were unable to identify grounded on June 9 due to five incidents increasing the minimum levels for backup through 2070, overall program costs are under current President Mau- a root cause of the issue, which had since May 2 in which pilots experienced oxygen systems for each flight. expected to rise to $1.5 trillion. ricio Macri. 14 HOME WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017 AMERICAS 15 Democrats fume over secret Republican health plan

Washington In the six weeks since the premiums and other health costs down vote, that would be a prob- finalized, it remains a guessing AFP Health care bill House of Representatives passed from skyrocketing. Democrats lem,” Senator Marco Rubio told game. Republicans argue its Obamacare repeal legislation, warn that Trump’s delay of gov- CNN on Sunday. “Most Republicans don’t S Democrats furious that Obamacare has Senate Republicans have insisted ernment subsidy payments is Republicans have signaled have a clue as to what’s in this with Republican failed to prevent they will craft their own bill, but leading to instability and caus- one of the main internal debates legislation, let alone Democrats, secrecy brought premiums and other few details have emerged. ing costs to rise. focuses on reforms to Medicaid, let alone the average American,” Senate business to a health costs from With just 10 legislative days Senator Cory Booker called the health care program for low- fumed Senator Bernie Sanders. standstill, launching skyrocketing. before McConnell’s deadline, all the Republican strategy “tragic” income people. “So I say to the Republican Uan hours-long protest against that most lawmakers and the and broken. “People (are) work- Critics have estimated that leadership: what are you afraid President Donald Trump’s party public have to work on is the ing in secret on a bill that they’re the House bill would curtail Med- of? Bring that bill out.” crafting a back-room Obamacare Democrats warn that House bill, which a non-parti- going to try to force through icaid by some $800bn, and some White House spokesman repeal plan and refusing to hold Trump’s delay of san congressional review Congress with no public input, Republican senators from states Sean Spicer pointed to “very public hearings about it. government subsidy predicted would leave 23 million no hearings, no meetings, no where Medicaid was expanded good” progress on the bill, but he Senate Majority Leader Mitch payments is leading fewer people insured over the markups, no debate, no public under Obama have expressed declined to say whether White McConnell has said he wants the to instability and next decade. accountability,” he said in the concern about passing legisla- House aides had even seen a legislation passed by June 30. causing costs to rise. “Republicans are drafting talk-a-thon, which dragged into tion that slashes aid to thousands draft. An exchange on the Sen- Democrats fear he is purposely this bill in secret because they’re a fifth hour. Even as McConnell of constituents. ate floor late on Monday keeping the bill under wraps ashamed of it, plain and simple,” downplays the secrecy, few The Senate version is highlighted the tension. Schumer until the last minute so he can 2009-2010 debate on Barack said Senate Minority Leader Republicans appear to know expected to end the Medicaid asked McConnell whether there jam the controversial plan Obama’s health care reforms, Chuck Schumer, shortly before what will be in the legislation. expansion more slowly than the would be sufficient time to through with just a few hours of when conservatives demanded Democrats took to the Senate Some have begun speaking out. House bill would, and it could review and debate the legisla- floor debate. The strategy is a transparency and dozens of pub- floor in anger. “If it is an effort to rush it include larger tax credits to help tion. “I think we’ll have ample 180-degree shift from the lic hearings in a months-long Republicans argue that from a small group of people, older Americans purchase health opportunity to read and amend Republican position during the process. Obamacare has failed to prevent straight to the floor in an up or insurance. But with no text the bill,” McConnell said curtly.

US teen mauled Maduro fires top by bear during military brass; running race in Alaska

unrest continues Los Angeles AFP Caracas his post, calling him “a loyal, AFP moral man.” 16-year-old boy was The president added that he mauled and killed by a enezuela’s President Nico- was ordering 20,000 new police Abear during a running las Maduro fired four top and a similar number of new race in Alaska at the week- Vmilitary commanders National Guards to be recruited. end, managing to text his yesterday including the head of Prosecutors say 74 people family as the attack was a police force that is accused of have been killed since April in under way, authorities said. attacking anti-government pro- violence during daily protests by Patrick Cooper, of Anchor- testers during months of deadly demonstrators demanding elec- age, was competing in the unrest. The commander of the tions to remove Maduro from annual mountain race on Sun- National Guard military police, office. Padrino this month day that goes through rugged Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro gestures during an event with supporters in Caracas. General Antonio Benavides Torres, warned the security forces not terrain when he apparently will move on to “new responsibil- to commit “atrocities,” after encountered the bear. He ities and battles,” Maduro told some police were filmed attack- States failed on Monday to agree power by repressing opponents, the United States, Canada, Mex- reportedly texted a member of supporters in a speech. ing and robbing protesters. on a resolution to address the eradicating checks and balances, ico, Peru and Panama, which his family to say he was being He said he was also replac- On Monday, a 17-year-old crisis in Venezuela. and seeking to write a new con- want to create a “contact group” chased by the animal. ing the heads of the army, navy boy became the latest casualty The OAS opened its annual stitution. The crisis has the rest on Venezuela — comprising “The mother was here and the central strategic com- of the unrest when he was shot general assembly in Mexico, for- of Latin America increasingly countries that would seek to with her family, her children, mand body. The armed forces in the chest and killed in Altamira eign ministers from the worried. In the Mexican resort make Maduro’s government they were running the race,” have maintained their public on the capital’s east side, officials 34-nation regional group scram- city of Cancun, OAS foreign min- respect OAS democratic norms. Nathan Michell, of the backing for Maduro in more than said. Video footage by media bled to adopt a joint response to isters tried bridge their mistrust Using the Caribbean states’ Anchorage police depart- a year of mounting volatility in showed uniformed security offic- the crisis — and came up short. and ideological divisions to proposal as a base, the two sides ment, told reporters. the oil-rich, crisis-struck state. ers firing at a group of protesters Since April 1, after Venezue- address the standoff. sought to forge a compromise in The race director said the Analysts say the support of who were carrying makeshift la’s Supreme Court tried to strip The ministers had two com- which the OAS would call on boy had raced up a mountain the military is key to keeping the shields during that clash. Military the powers of the opposition- peting proposals on the table. On Maduro to halt the constitution- and was on his way down socialist president in power in affairs analyst Rocio San Miguel majority legislature, the country one side stood Venezuela’s left- drafting assembly he has extremely steep terrain that the face of pressure from the said the incident indicated that has descended into running ist allies and Caribbean countries convened, guarantee human goes through thick wilderness opposition over a desperate eco- “Padrino Lopez and now Bena- street battles between anti-gov- that for years received dis- rights, and hold talks with the when the attack took place. nomic crisis. Maduro said he was vides Torres have lost authority ernment protesters and Maduro’s counted crude exports from the opposition mediated by a group Several fellow runners confirming the overall head of over their subordinates.” security forces and supporters. oil giant. They back a domestic of regional countries. But the and rescuers rushed to the the armed forces, Defence Min- Meanwhile, ministers from Maduro’s opponents accuse resolution to the crisis. proposal fell three votes shy of site but initially couldn’t get ister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, in the Organisation of American the president of clinging to On the opposite side were the 23 it needed. close as the animal was still in the area. “The bear was remaining in the area where the young man was,” Tom Crockett, a park ranger with New party launch Colombia pushes on Chugach State Park, said. He said a park ranger shot the bear in the face but the with peace drive animal managed to escape. Cooper’s body was found Bogota “There is clear and strong about 500 yards from the trail AFP opposition to the peace proc- in heavily wooded terrain. ess and the accord,” she said. Bear encounters are not deadly mall bombing and The accord, first signed in common in the area and it the kidnapping of foreign November, was initially nar- was unclear what prompted A journalists have laid bare rowly rejected by Colombians the attack, Crockett said. the dangers facing Colombia in a referendum before being even as its biggest rebel group redrafted and pushed through Tony Bennett to yesterday launched the final congress. phase of its disarmament. Critics such as conservative be honoured The demobilization of the political leader Alvaro Uribe leftist FARC under a peace said it was too lenient on FARC Washington Former Argentinian president Cristina Kirchner (second right) sings the national anthem accord with the government members, some of whom will AFP with supporters during a rally in Buenos Aires yesterday. Kirchner launched her new Unidad and peace talks with the last get amnesties or reduced sen- Ciudadana (Citizen Unity) party. active rebel force, the ELN, are tences for crimes committed ony Bennett, the meant to end more than half a during the conflict. “A badly- 90-year-old crooner century of violence. done accord just generates Twho has remained a But just as the FARC entered more violence,” said Ernesto commercial success for seven the final stretch in its long Macias, a senator from Uribe’s consecutive decades, will be march to peace, reminders of Democratic Center party. honoured for his life’s work Canada launches security review agency the old conflict erupted in “It is possible that there are by the Library of Congress. recent days, raising concerns violent groups who want to The world’s largest library Ottawa campaign to modify a law cyber-spy agency the Commu- for the contested peace drive. have the same impunity and said Bennett will be the next Reuters passed by the former Conserv- nications Security Establishment Three women were killed benefits as the people in that recipient of the Gershwin ative government that gave and the Canadian Border Serv- and nine people injured in Sat- bad example,” he said, refer- Prize for Popular Song, which anada’s government yes- increased powers to police and ices Agency. urday night’s bombing at a ring to the FARC members who recognizes lifetime achieve- terday introduced intelligence agencies. The agency would review crowded shopping center in are spared jail under the peace ment, with a ceremony to Clegislation to create an Trudeau sought to make “every other department and Bogota. Authorities and rebel accord. take place in November. oversight panel for the actions good on that promise in the leg- agency of the government of leaders condemned it as a bid Meanwhile, there are still Bennett said that one of of its security and intelligence islation, which would create a Canada that has a security or to disrupt the peace process. armed groups with a stake in his earliest recordings was of agencies that it said would National Security and Intelli- intelligence function,” Public Analyst Beatriz Rettberg of the crisis. a song written by George and increase transparency and bet- gence Review Agency Safety Minister Ralph Goodale the University of the Andes Officials say remnants of Ira Gershwin. The Library of ter protect Canadians’ privacy. responsible for oversight of said. The agency will be led by cited the bombing and ongoing right-wing paramilitaries are Congresscreated the Gersh- Prime Minister Justin Tru- security and intelligence agen- a committee of up to seven violence involving drug gangs battling the leftist National Lib- win Prize a decade ago to deau had promised in his cies, including the Canadian members appointed by the as lingering “difficulties” for the eration Army (ELN) in the jungle honor contributions to pop- successful 2015 election Security Intelligence Service, Prime Minister. peace drive. for control of the drugs trade. ular music. 16 HOME WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017

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ZUHR 11.36 am MAGHRIB 06.30 pm launched ASR 02.58 pm ISHA 08.00 pm

WEATHER TODAY on YouTube

o o 36 C 43 C The Peninsula Minimum Maximum ariQatar, the crowd-sourced landmark film initiative by DDoha Film Institute (DFI) and Qatar Tourism Authority, has been Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, with contributors at the world premiere launched on YouTube, taking the inspi- rational work celebrating a year in the of DariQatar life of Qatar to a wider audience in a part of Qatar’s cultural legacy, and a Ahmed Al Shareef, who has curated and progressive nation. This is a great Qatar and beyond. moving tribute to our leadership and the selection of clips that form the films participatory work of art that tells our Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive our great nation, especially in this crit- narrative, said, “By presenting the story story to the world.” Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: ical period of our country’s history. of Qatar, through its people, #DariQ- Created from video footage “The creative journey that we began “Everyone who loves Qatar and atar presents a compelling portrait of sourced over a nine-month period, in 2015 with DariQatar, has now anyone who wants to understand what the nation, its heritage, culture and #DariQatar covers six broad themes: reached an important milestone with it is to be in Qatar will find DariQatar modern outlook. These personal sto- hope, diversity, tradition, family, the online launch. DariQatar is now a true window into our lives, while also ries by Qataris and those who call friendship and uniquely Qatar. It available on YouTube to view, share offering them a deeper understanding Qatar home, present genuine insights received an overwhelming 10,000 plus and appreciate. What started off as an of the rich values that our diverse com- into how our leadership have invested submissions from over 200 ambitious project is now set to become munity celebrates.” Qatari director in building a modern, open participants. Smoking cessation: Higher success rate during Ramadan

The Peninsula conducted during the Ramadan in 2015 group that received faith-based smok- environments and smoking cultural whereby there was a planned inter- ing cessation counselling & information norms), smoking can be overcome by Strong wind at most places and ex- recent study in Qatar Medical vention among smokers intended to and a control group that did not. default during this month as almost no pected poor visibility at places day- Journal, published by HBKU increase the intention and the per- Smokers were required by their one smokes in public during the day time. Hot daytime with slight dust Press’s online, open access plat- ceived behaviour control to stop faith to abstain from smoking during throughout this month. The results to blowing dust at places at times. A form, QScience.com, highlights the smoking during Ramadan. the fasting hours, smokers in the inter- showed, that while both the interven- HIGH TIDE 01:00 – 15:30 LOW TIDE 08:00 – 21:30 benefits of using Ramadan as a start- The outcomes of nicotine depend- vention group were given faith-based tion group’s and the test group’s Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department ing point to quit smoking, toting higher ence were measured in the Fagerstrom support, information and counselling cotinine levels decreased significantly, success rates for smoking cessation Test for Nicotine Dependence score as to reasons why to quit smoking for- after Ramadan only the intervention LATEST NEWS when beginning during The Holy and were based on saliva cotinine lev- ever. Coupled with the very unique group’s cotinine levels were sustain- UPDATE Month coupled with faith-based inter- els. Data were collected at baseline environment that Ramadan provides, ably low indicating a lessened vention and support. (five days before Ramadan), during whereby the usual environmental dependence on nicotine & the positive The study published in Qatar Med- Ramadan (21st day of Ramadan) and influences that are perceived as bar- effect of using this culturally-compe- www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ical Journal by authors Suriani Ismail post-Ramadan (21 days after Ramadan) riers to cease smoking (such as tent intervention to encourage et. al. was a quasi-experimental study of two test groups: an intervention pro-smoking living and working smoking cessation during Ramadan.