www.thepeninsula.qa Monday 20 January 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8142 25 Jumada I - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 11

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Amir to meet Agreement signed for QR1.7bn solar power plant President of Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Italy tomorrow H E Sheikh Abdullah QNA — DOHA bin Nasser bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Khalifa Al Thani, Hamad Al Thani will meet at yesterday attended the the Amiri Diwan tomorrow with the President of the agreements signing Italian Republic, H E Sergio ceremony of first-of- Mattarella, who is due to arrive in Doha today. H H the Amir its-kind ‘Al Kharsaah and H E the President of Italy Large-Scale Solar PV will discuss bilateral relations and means to develop and Power Plant’ project. promote them in addition to issues of common concern. SANAULLAH ATAULLAH THE PENINSULA Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Berlin summit key Prime Minister and Interior who is also the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, witnessing the signing of agreement for Al to cement truce Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah Kharsaah Large-Scale Solar PV Power Plant, yesterday. bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, in Libya: Erdogan yesterday attended the agree- ments signing ceremony of QNA — ISTANBUL first-of-its-kind ‘Al Kharsaah opment Strategy 2018 – 2022. Corporation (Kahramaa), Eng. International (40%). The project 800MW which equals about 10 Large-Scale Solar PV Power With this project, Kahramaa Essa Hilal Al Kuwari; General follows a build, own, operate, percent of Qatar’s current peak Turkish President Recep Tayyip Plant’ project in Qatar which has managed to avail compet- Manager and Managing Director and transfer (BOOT) model and electricity demand. “The project Erdogan said in a press will produce electricity using itive power generation prices, of Qatar Electricity and Water has a term of 25 years, after is also part of our efforts to con- conference in Istanbul photovoltaic technology. save significant natural gas Company and Board Member which the ownership will be serve energy and protect the yesterday, before heading to With an estimated total cost quantities used in traditional of Siraj Energy, Fahad Hamad transferred to Kahramaa. environment in a manner that Berlin to participate in the of QR1.7bn, the Large-Scale power generation, reduce Al Muhannadi; President and Later addressing the press strikes a balance between the International Peace Conference Solar PV Power Plant will be carbon and other emissions and CEO of Japan’s Marubeni Cor- conference, Minister of State for needs of the current generation on Libya, that the summit is an constructed at Al Kharsaah preserve the surrounding poration, Masumi Kakinoki; and Energy Affairs who is also the and that of the future genera- important step on the way to area west of Doha on a 10 environment. Chairman and Chief Executive President and CEO of Qatar tions as stipulated by Qatar cementing the ceasefire and a square kilometre land plot. The During the project’s life Officer of Total, Patrick Petroleum H E Saad Sherida Al National Vision 2030,” said the political solution in Libya. total capacity of Al Kharsaah time, the plant will contribute Pouyanne in a ceremony held Kaabi, said: “This project comes Minister. Erdogan stressed the impor- Solar PV Power Plant is to reducing 26 million tonnes at Sheraton Doha. in implementation of Qatar’s H E the Minister said that tance of not to compromise the 800MW. of CO2, which aligns with the Pursuant to the agreements, policy to diversify the pro- this project also comes as part hopes that raised again in Libya, During the first phase of the objectives of the national Kahramaa in its capacity as the duction of energy and to of the energy sector’s contribu- adding that his country’s project, 350MW will be con- program for conservation and Transmission and Distribution increase reliance on and the tions towards Qatar’s com- position on Libya have played nected to the grid by the first energy efficiency ‘Tarsheed’ to System Owner and Operator efficiency of renewable energy, mitment to host the 2022 FIFA a big role in restraining the quarter of 2021 while the com- reduce one million tonnes of (TDSOO) in Qatar, will buy elec- which is a basic cornerstone for World Cup. “It will generate forces of the retired Major mercial commissioning of the carbon emissions annually until tricity from Siraj1, which is a sustainable future for the gen- about 8 times the size of the General Khalifa Haftar. He indi- total capacity is expected to 2022. owned by Siraj Energy (60%) erations to come.” solar energy Qatar had pledged cated that the international start in the first quarter of 2022 The agreements were and a consortium of Japan’s H E the Minister said that to build, helping the organi- community did not show the in line with strategic objective signed by President of Qatar Marubeni Corporation and this plant is the first of its kind zation of a carbon neutral necessary reaction about these set in Qatar National Devel- General Electricity and Water France’s Total Solar in Qatar with a total capacity of event,” he added. forces attacks. `P11 16 floating hotels to come up on Qetaifan Island European Union praises THE PENINSULA — DOHA local and international partner- the 2022 World Cup. The hotels Projects and Vice Chairman of ships that would add to Qetaifan have a unique design; 72-metre- Katara Hospitality, Hesham Qatar’s labour reform In preparations to host the 2022 Island North and serve the long and 16-metre-wide, each Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer, World Cup, Qetaifan Projects, a tourism, hospitality, and enter- consisting of 101 guest rooms, a and Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulaziz SACHIN KUMAR procedures for the exit of some company owned by Katara tainment sectors in Qatar. restaurant, and a lounge bar. All Al Thani, Head of Business THE PENINSULA categories of expatriates who Hospitality, signed a memo- The memorandum of under- of the 16 four-storey hotels will Development in Qetaifan are not subject to the Labour randum of understanding with standing included the con- be identical, offering a total of Projects, in addition to Mikael The European Union (EU) has Law in the State of Qatar. ADMARES Construction and struction and operation of 16 1,616 floating hotel rooms. Hedberg, CEO of ADMARES, and praised the recent reforms As per the new decision, Trading. The world leader in alter- floating hotels on the shores of The agreement was signed Samer Malaeb, Regional announced by Qatar. The expatriates in the several cat- native real estate with pioneering Qetaifan Island North to provide in the presence of Sheikh Nasser Director of the company. 28-nation global organisation egories have the freedom to construction methods, Qetaifan accommodation for the masses bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Man- Sheikh Nasser bin Abdul- said yesterday that it strongly temporarily or permanently Projects continues its series of within the fan villages, during aging Director of Qetaifan rahman Al Thani, Managing supports country’s labour leave the country during the Director of Qetaifan Projects and reform efforts. period of validity of their Vice-Chairman of Katara Hospi- “The EU strongly supports employment contract. tality said: “We are pleased that these labour reform efforts, which The decision is another there are investors who share our we have long advocated and dis- important step taken by the vision and see the development of cussed with Qatar especially in government to establish a Qetaifan Island North as a prom- our informal Human Rights Dia- modern system that strengthens ising project that has a future as the logue, most recently in December labour laws in Qatar and first touristic destination in Qatar. 2019. We also support the coop- ensures the protection of the This indicates the aspiration of eration between the Qatari gov- rights of all expatriate workers. investors in the returns due to the ernment and the International “These workers will now be safe and secure climate achieved Labour Organisation,” said free to leave Qatar, either tem- by the state to encourage and Spokesperson of the European porarily or permanently, during attract foreign investment and Union in a statement posted on their employment contract if create new opportunities, which its website yesterday. they decide to do so,” said the will reflect positively on the local On Thursday, Prime Min- spokesperson of the EU. The An artist's impression market, encourage competition, ister and Interior Minister, H E European Union said that it of the floating hotels and stimulate the state sectors in Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin looks forward to further to come up on all fields, especially with the Khalifa Al Thani, issued improvements of the legal Qetaifan Island. recent developments witnessed decision No. (95) of 2019 framework covering workers within these sectors.” `P4 regarding controls and right. HMC performed over 20 million laboratory tests last year FAZEENA SALEEM across Qatar, including the mil- DLMP has performed a total Rehabilitation Institute in the testing and the implementation highlighted the achievements THE PENINSULA itary, police, embassies, private of 20, 455, 527 tests in 2019 and presence of several officials of automated platforms. and activities of the hospitals, and Primary Health among that 17,943,863 tests from the HMC. Emphasising on the goals department. Hamad Medical Corporation’s care Corporation (PHCC), said were done for HMC’s hospitals “The DLMP through phased for 2020, Dr Al Nabet said that “The Blood Bank Service is Department of Laboratory Dr Ajayeb Al Nabet, Chairperson and facilities. Other tests have strategic plans, high quality DLMP will focus on several the sole source of blood and Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) of the DLMP, during the Sixth been done for several facilities services, and sharing its rich areas including supporting Pre- blood products for the country has performed over 20 million Annual Lab Day celebrations, including 1,736,770 for PHCC; knowledge base resources is cision Medicine, providing inte- and Qatar depends on the tests in 2019, providing a yesterday. 370, 466 for Qatar Biobank; and following the vision of one grated services and moving service for a safe and adequate comprehensive range of “DLMP focuses on deliv- 31,087 for the Sidra Medicine. standard of care and one diag- towards FIFA 2022 by strength- supply of blood and blood specialised laboratory services ering the latest laboratory diag- DLMP also provides tests for the nostic service,” she said. ening structures and ensure products. DLMP provides safe for the people in Qatar. nostic services to patients in Blood Bank Service. With the opening of a fully adequate resources are blood to all hospitals in the The DLMP not only serves HMC and other institutions to Dr Al Nabet delivered a automated central laboratory available for blood services and country after mandatory tests,” the patients of HMC, with ded- enhance diagnosis, treatment, presentation on ‘Outcome, as part of DLMP last year, infectious disease monitoring. said Dr Saloua Moahmmed, icated facilities at different sites, management, and prevention value and patient-based clinical services have seen a continued Separately speaking at a Associate Consultant, Medical but also provides referral of diseases across the country,” diagnostic services for Qatar,’ transformation, which involves press conference, Dr Al Nabet manager and Blood Donor services to several other entities she added. during the event held at Qatar a commitment to standardised and other officials at DLMP Centre. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020

Agreement signed for QR1.7bn solar power plant OFFICIAL NEWS

FROM PAGE 1 Prime Minister sends continuity of production Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al efficiency and reduce congratulations to Kuwari, said: “Kahramaa plant operating costs.” Russian counterpart requested bids, attracted Masumi Kakinoki said, bidders, and completed “As part of the promotion DOHA: The Prime Minister and Inte- the prequalification of 16 of sustainable devel- rior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah leading international Solar opment, and the fight bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, sent Power Developers, eval- against climate change, a cable of congratulations yester- uated the technical and Marubeni aims to help day to H E Dr. Mikhail Mishustin on commercial offers, and realise a decarbonized the occasion of his appointment as succeeded in obtaining a society. As such, we are Prime Minister of the Russian Fed- competitive unit price for targeting an approxi- eration. QNA electricity produced from mately 20 percent the Solar PV Power Plant, increase in the ratio of Qatar strongly which price is currently power generated by condemns Forces’ the lowest in the world for renewable energy sources such a project.” in our net power supply by storming Libya’s Fahad bin Hamad Al 2023.” Al Zwaitina oil seaport Mohannadi said: “The Patrick Pouyanné said: project will include appli- “We are extremely proud DOHA: The State of Qatar has cation of the latest solu- to develop Al-Kharsaah strongly condemned the storm- tions and innovations in Solar PV Power Plant ing of the forces affiliated with the solar energy technology, alongside Marubeni and retired Major General Khalifa Haftar, including the use of dual Siraj Energy. Total is com- to Al Zwaitina oil seaport in eastern The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani; President of panels, utilising state-of- mitted to better energy Libya and stopping the export of Kahramaa, Eng. Essa Hilal Al Kuwari; General Manager and Managing Director of Kahramaa and Board Member the-art automated systems that is safer, more oil; and stressed that the country’s of Siraj Energy, Fahad Hamad Al Muhannadi; President and CEO of Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, Masumi to track the sun and the affordable and cleaner and wealth belongs to the Libyan peo- Kakinoki; and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Total, Patrick Pouyanne, during the signing ceremony use of robots in the con- has the ambition to expand ple and that neither party has the for the agreements of Al Kharsaah Large-Scale Solar PV Power Plant project to produce electricity using tinuous cleaning of solar its footprint in renewables right to manipulate Libyan capa- photovoltaic technology, at Doha Sheraton Hotel, yesterday. panels to ensure the to 25 GW by 2025.” bilities or use it as a pressure card. In a statement issued on Satur- day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed to the suffering of thou- HMC performed over 20 sands of displaced persons and immigrants who are not guilty in this war waged by armed groups million lab tests last year outside the legitimacy of the state, pointing out that they aspire to live in FROM PAGE 1 Annual Lab Day safety and dignity in Libyan home- In 2019 a total of 35,382 land that is not torn by internal blood samples by 29,062 celebrations highlight conflicts or regional and interna- donors were tested by DLMP. the role the lab team tional disputes. DLMP has also introduced The statement added that in the a hub and spoke model to in delivering the interest of the Libyan people, above enhance the speed and quality highest quality patient all considerations, the State of Qatar of services. “The hub is full calls on the international commu- service laboratory offering col- care. nity and the Security Council to lection services as well as com- assume their responsibilities, so prehensive test menu in chem- that all armed groups outside the istry, hematology, blood trans- laboratories coordinate transfer law are criminalized, the integrity fusion, anatomic pathology and of non urgent and specialised Dr. Ajayeb Al Nabet, Chairperson of DLMP at HMC, during a press conference held in connection with of the Libyan lands are preserved, other specialist services. Rapid specimens to the nearest hub the sixth Annual Lab Day celebrations, yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA and the legal and political founda- response laboratories operate for testing,” he added. tions for the construction of a civil in acute care hospitals and He also said that DLMP has state are established. provide collection services for launched a new initiative to quality patient care. This Department and the wide without a diagnostic test. We The Foreign Ministry’s statement inpatients and outpatients as deliver a Value Based Service included a public exhibition expertise they offer. “If you con- have a wide range of divisions stressed that the beginning of the well as limited onsite laboratory and introduce cost savings and held in the lobby of the sider the complexity of the dis- highly specialised functions, solution in Libya is to return to the tests,” said Dr Jalaludeen efficiency across HMC. Women’s Wellness and eases and the new emerging each one has its own technology political track and work to build Bhuiyan, Head of Clinical and Annual Lab Day celebra- Research Center and the Ambu- diseases it is important to and specialist,” said Dr Javed the civil and military institutions Chemistry Lab Services. tions highlight the role the lab latory Care Center featuring the identify, treat and manage a Akthar, Director, Laboratory of the state through national con- “The rapid response team in delivering the highest different sections within the patient. All that cannot be done Services, DLMP. sensus. QNA MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03 ICC Qatar: Great success achieved in combating money laundering QNA — DOHA Combating the Financing of ICC Qatar stated Terrorism Committee, which is The International Chamber of that 2020 will be an responsible for protecting Commerce Qatar (ICC Qatar) important year for Qatar’s financial system from underlined that the State of the risks of money laundering Qatar has achieved great Qatar as the country and terrorism financing,” he successes at the level of will be going through added. combating money laundering. This statement comes in the In a press statement issued an evaluation by context of announcing a yesterday, ICC Qatar stated that seminar to be organized by the the Financial Action The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, with a delegation 2020 will be an important year ICC Qatar next week under the from the Libyan House of Representatives chaired by H E Saad Mohammed Saleh Al Jazwe. for Qatar as the country will be Taskforce. title: “The Development in the going through an evaluation by Fight Against Money Laun- the Financial Action Taskforce dering and Financing of Ter- (FATF), which is the interna- Qatar’s continued commitment rorism”, in collaboration with Shura Council Speaker meets delegation tional watchdog that helps to combating money laundering Refinitiv - the worlds largest combat money laundering and and terrorist financing in all its provider of financial markets terrorist financing across the forms, in accordance with the data. from Libyan House of Representatives globe. latest international standards The one-day seminar will QNA — DOHA H E the Speaker of the parliamentary delegation The Secretary-General of adopted by major international be focusing on the latest devel- Shura Council underlined that expressed thanks and appreci- ICC Qatar and Board Member organizations including opments in global compliance The Speaker of the Shura the State of Qatar’s support for ation for Qatar’s firm position of Qatar Chamber, Dr. Khalid Financial Action Task Force and regulation, the fight against Council, H E Ahmed bin the internationally-recognised in support of Libya’s legitimacy, Klefeekh Al Hajri stated, “Qatar (FATF). money laundering and the Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, Government of National Accord and its constructive efforts to has made great strides in com- “Qatar’s achievements is the financing of terrorism in the met yesterday with a delegation of Libya, and affirmed Qatar’s restore harmony and stability bating money laundering and result of combined efforts non-banking sectors. The from the Libyan House of commitment to everything that to Libya, preserve its interests terrorist financing, noting that exerted by all competent seminar will also highlight the Representatives chaired by would fulfil the aspirations of and achieve the aspirations of this was obvious by the bodies, ministries and other best practices, how to effec- H E Saad Mohammed Saleh Al the brotherly Libyan people in its people. issuance of the laws.” government agencies that are tively deploy the required Jazwe. security and stability and The meeting was attended Al Hajri stressed the impor- members of the National Anti- approach and find solutions to The meeting discussed the achieving national reconcili- by the Chairman of Qatar-Arab tance of these laws that reflect Money Laundering and mitigate this type of risk. latest developments in Libya, ation among all its components, Parliamentary Friendship and means of developing the as well as its keenness on the Group, H E Saqr bin Fahad Al parliamentary cooperation sovereignty and territorial Muraikhi, and a number of offi- FM meets The Gambian counterpart between the two countries. integrity of Libya. The Libyan cials in the Council. Al Shahaniya Municipality conducts 11,198 inspections THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Public Monitoring violations without licenses. The Section implemented 5175 section has issued 73 decisions Al Shahaniya Municipality inspection drives in the areas to remove violations of the represented by the Municipal affiliated with the Municipality infringement of state property, Control Section last year of Al Shehaniya, where it seized (145) building completion cer- conducted 11,198 inspections 197 violations related to the tificates for new buildings, and within the administrative Public Cleaning Law, and also (445) Port Cabin transport boundaries of the Municipality. removed 197 abandoned licenses. The Municipality’s vehicles. inspectors carried out 1,442 Over inspection drives against food 4,000 establishments, such as restau- inspection rants, warehouses and com- visits were mercial stores within the conducted municipality’s administrative by the borders. Technical During the campaign, the Monitoring The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman municipality took 56 samples Section at Al Thani, met yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the of foodstuffs and sent them to the Munici- Republic of The Gambia, H E Mamadou Tangara, who is currently visiting Doha. The meeting dealt laboratory to ensure that they pality to with bilateral cooperation relations in addition to key topics of mutual interest. are fit for human monitor consumption. building 04 HOME MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 Qatar delivers successive medical aid to Sudan

THE PENINSULA — DOHA It is the first of three batches of medical A Qatar Amiri Air Force (QEAF) aircraft arrived in Khartoum to aid, totaling 70 deliver the first shipment of tonnes, donated medical aid donated by Qatar for Sudan’s Federal to the Republic of Sudan. Under a humanitarian Ministry of Health. The intervention conducted by remaining batches Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), the aircraft landed at are to arrive over the Khartoum International Airport coming few days. with diverse medical supplies Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, with the winners of "Future's Writer-3" programme. aboard. It is the first of three batches of medical aid, totaling FMOH), staff of the Embassy of 70 tons, donated for Sudan’s Qatar in Khartoum, and local Federal Ministry of Health and international reporters. Minister of Culture and Sports honours (FMOH). The remaining batches In his statements, Dr. Abo are to arrive over the coming Zeid thanked the government few days. and people of Qatar for their The process of delivery and generous and eternal support winners in 'Future’s Writers-3' clearance was done by a dele- to the Sudanese people. It gation of QRCS, including Eng. played a vital role in the War THE PENINSULA — DOHA H E the Minister said that he has Besides, the Minister hon- Charity, as it supports human Abdullah Hassan Al Mehshadi, in Darfur, by establishing peace been following this program oured the winners in the thought and enhances students General Director of Relief and and providing nonstop aid. The Minister of Culture and since its inception and it has “Future’s Writers-3”, who ’skills and motivates them to International Development Eng. Al Mehshadi said the Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem succeeded in launching many singed their printed books at read.” Division, Ahmed Al Zyara, medical shipment was con- Al Ali, praised Qatar Charity’s books written by children, Qatar Charity’s pavilion at the The winners along with Member of International Relief tributed by Sidra Medicine and “Future’s Writers” program, adding that he was impressed fair. For her part, the assistant their parents expressed their Committee, Eng. Dilshad delivered by QRCS, in close noting that it came in the appro- by the quality and language of undersecretary for educational delight at being honored, and Rostom, head of QRCS mission cooperation with QEAF. He priate time and place, because some books he has seen. affairs of the Ministry of Edu- thanked Qatar Charity and in Sudan, and mission staff. thanked the partners in Sudan, it produces a generation of He further emphasised the cation and Higher Education, schools for their efforts that The ceremony was namely FMOH and SRCS, for future writers. importance of the continuation Fawzia Abdulaziz Al Khater, took them to this level, attended by Eng. Osman Gafar facilitating the accomplishment In a statement at the con- of this program to make a real said, “The Future’s Writers is affirming that this honor will Abdullah, Secretary-General of of the project. clusion of the 30th Doha Inter- addition to the cultural arena among the most significant pro- keep them on the path of the Sudanese Red Crescent “This shipment is part of national Book Fair 2020, which of the country for the service of grams that the Ministry focuses further successes and Society (SRCS), Staff Brigadier medical services, which are a ended on Saturday (January 18), society. on, in cooperation with Qatar achievements. Mousa Omar Ahmed, Head of top priority for QRCS in Sudan,” Foreign Aid Handover Com- he said adding that “QRCS mittee (as representative of the would keep undertaking relief Sovereignty Council of Sudan, and development operations Al Jazeera wins 4 prestigious Ava Awards Dr. Emad Osman Abo Zeid, Sec- for the benefit of the Sudanese retary-General of the National people. “I would like to thank THE PENINSULA — DOHA the Golden Award in the cat- of Network Creative at Al Medicines and Poisons Board everyone who helped to make egory of Video Production to Jazeera Media Network, (NMPB) (as representative of this achievement a reality.” The creative directorate of Al promote TV Broadcast & thanked the team of the Al Jazeera Media Network has won Cable, which was charac- Jazeera’s creative development four Ava Digital Awards; two terized by the presentation of & production department for platinum, two gold, and a jury the idea in a simple and inter- their hard work, design and honorable mention, in a compe- esting style, and featured Al innovative solutions. He also tition with nearly 2,500 entries Jazeera staff demanding the thanked the various depart- from around the world. release of their colleague ments and teams involved in Al Jazeera took home the Mahmoud Hussein in seven the production of such works Platinum Award for Innovative different languages, including of art. Video Production for the Virtual sign language. Asef Hamidi, Director of and Augmented Reality cat- Al Jazeera also won the News of Al Jazeera Arabic egory for a news report on the Golden Prize for Creative Pro- Channel commented saying: Houthi group. The report high- duction in the Virtual and Aug- “This win for content presen- lighted the political landscape mented Reality category for a tation confirms the robustness and reality in Yemen and the news report on the Hormuz of the content itself based on rise of the Houthis there. Strait. In addition, Al Jazeera solid professional standards Al Jazeera secured another received an honorable mention such as clarity, integrity, objec- Platinum Award in the Long media message of Al Jazeera from the Jury for a report on tivity and balance. One believes Form of Video Production of Media Network. Pilgrimage (Hajj), which was in the external appeal only Company Overview category The promotional video produced using virtual and aug- when they believe in the Officials during the arrival of first shipment of medical aid donated for a promotional video that about “Mahmoud Hussein: mented reality techniques. content of what is displayed on by Qatar to the Republic of Sudan in Khartoum. showcases the history, staff and 1000 Days in Detention” won Ramzan Alnoimi, Director the screen.” French Embassy, Elite Paper Recycling ink pact RAYNALD C RIVERATHE that relationship. France and Qatar shared the Culture. PENINSULA The ambassador views the same vision and willingness to Abdulla Al Suwaidi, agreement as “a new impetus fight global warming as dem- Chairman of EPR, stressed how Elite Paper Recycling (EPR), to this cooperation and a new onstrated during the United the relationship between EPR Qatar’s first paper recycling framework for our partnership Nations General Assembly last and the French Embassy had company, and the French that has started from 2017 and year become an important precursor Embassy signed an agreement we believe that it is a perfect “You might remember that of what the company had yesterday under the former’s illustration of the involvement in September last year at the UN accomplished. Green Embassies Program in of the French Embassy in Qatar General Assembly in New York “Elite Paper is now recy- Qatar aimed at promoting envi- in environmental issues. We our two Heads of State, Pres- cling more than 3,500 tonnes ronmental sustainability and hope that this partnership will ident Macron and H H the Amir of paper per month, and that all recycling across their programs be used as an example for co-chaired the Climate Finance started two years ago with the and activities. others and that together we will Initiative in which the Amir French Embassy,” said Al Speaking at the signing cer- continue our work for announced a contribution of Suwaidi, recalling that the first H E Franck Gellet, French Ambassador to Qatar, and Abdulla Al Suwaidi, emony held yesterday at his awareness of this important $100m which is very significant recycling event they had was Chairman of Elite Paper Recycling (EPR), exchanging documents at the residence, H E Franck Gellet, the issue in Qatar and beyond.” to the Green Climate Fund,” he with the French Embassy. ambassador’s residence in Doha, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ Ambassador of France to Qatar, He added that the said. Al Suwaidi stressed that THE PENINSULA noted that the French Embassy agreement is also a way to The ambassador also high- they are taking raising and EPR have already had a herald the commitment that the lighted how the signing of the awareness on recycling among In a bid to further intensify edutainment facility aimed at good cooperation which had two countries have to fight agreement with EPR came at an the new generation seriously its awareness campaign, EPR is raising awareness of the crucial been going on for two years and against global warming. important time coinciding with with environmental crises such launching next week a state-of- importance of paper the agreement will formalize H E Gellet recalled how Qatar-France 2020 Year of as the Australian wildfires. the-art “Eco Dome” — an recycling. 16 floating hotels to come up on Qetaifan Island FROM PAGE 1 Qetaifan Projects and ADMARES used as a temporary solution for It is worth mentioning that to deliver sustainable solutions accommodation needs at this ADMARES is the world leader in with minimum ecological impact, scale. These hotels do not require alternative real estate with pio- the hotels will be built according major ports and deep water as neering construction methods to the strictest energy standards their draft is significantly less that combine cutting-edge – for instance the hotels will rely than large cruise ships”, said marine, offshore, land and on solar energy. To ensure the Mikael Hedberg, CEO of modular construction techniques. overall functionality and attrac- ADMARES. He added “after the ADMARES’ turnkey solutions tiveness of the hotels, the modern World Cup, the hotels can be guarantee greater returns for and urban buildings have been placed at any coastal location developers, shorter project time- designed by the award-winning where the water is at least 4 lines and minimal environmental Finnish architect firm, Sigge meters deep. We are excited to impact. Architects. be part of the solution for the The signing of the MOU “This is the first time ever that amount of accommodation comes through the devotion of pure floating real estate has been needed for the FIFA World Cup 2022.” Samer Malaeb, Regional Director of ADMARES, expressed his pleasure with this cooper- ation, saying “ADMARES floating hotels will reinforce the position of Qetaifan Island North as a pre- ferred entertainment island in Mikael Hedberg, H E Sheikh Nasser Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Hesham Sharaf and Samer Malaeb. Qatar offering unique sustainable hospitality experience catering the expected high numbers of with projects, facilities, and Lusail city, features seven various market segment needs.” tourists and fans that will visit entertainment activities in beaches; which makes it the city’s In view of the proximity of Qatar before and during the addition to the fan villages during distinct waterfront destination. Qetaifan Island North to Lusail World Cup, which will be held for the tournament, which will The island spans approximately International Stadium, which will the first time in the Middle East, include the floating hotels. 1.3 million square meters with host the opening and final games the island will provide all the It is worth mentioning that 830,000 square meters of of the FIFA World Cup 2022, and needs of the masses and tourists; Qetaifan Island North, located off attractions. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 HOME 05 Italian artist bridges East and West through artworks RAYNALD C RIVERA The Italian bridge that deletes any barrier THE PENINSULA and unites cultures of different Ambassador dubbed people in harmony with what Istanbul-based Venetian artist Katara as a cultural is the right balance for the Luigi Ballarin creates a bridge beginning of brotherhood and between East and West through magnet and an unity.” his works, now on show at important institution “I live between Venice, “Magnificent Cultures” exhi- and cultural landmark, Rome and Istanbul — important bition which launched on cities that have brought prestige Saturday at Katara Cultural which is “a very to our history,” noted Ballarin, Village. inspirational asset to while expressing hope that the An autodidact in expressive exhibition would not only be painting, Ballarin has frequently the country”. appreciated by Qatari people travelled to the Middle East over but also spark dialogue. the past two decades which had exhibition he opened since he Comprising 34 paintings in quite influenced his life and assumed office early this month, varying sizes, the stunning col- contributed to shaping his the ambassador was impressed lection, that adorns the walls of artistic creativity. of Doha’s “incredibly vibrant Katara Building 18 gallery, “I think it is very interesting cultural life.” He dubbed Katara reveals the introspective vision that this art exhibition show- as a cultural magnet and an of the artist on the Islamic world cases an Italian artist who has important institution and cul- by presenting cultural symbols, been very active living and tural landmark, which is “a very architectural elements, fasci- working in the Islamic world, inspirational asset to the nating landscapes and char- and I find these pieces very country.” acters expressed through an beautiful,” said H E Alessandro Ballarin was equally abstract artistic language, FROM LEFT: H E Alessandro Prunas, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar; Italian artist Luigi Ballarin; art Prunas, the Ambassador of Italy impressed and moved by enriched by bright and vibrant curator Beste Gursu, and Saif Saeed Al Dosari, Katara’s Human Resources Manager, at the opening to Qatar, as he opened the exhi- Katara calling it “an important colours. of Magnificent Cultures Exhibition at Katara Building 18, on Saturday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ bition, noting how Venetians place where you can breathe Through the painted out- THE PENINSULA had been drawn to go eastward art and culture altogether so lines of domes and mosques on and how Venice had had a long deeply.” the horizon, the vast deserts and extraordinary life experience the exhibition, said Ballarin is an “a big intercultural dialogue.” history of relations with the The artist highlighted Katara the figures of horses combined and build cultural bonds important contemporary artist “Magnificent Cultures” exhi- East. as an important place that pro- with the patterns of tiles, Bal- between East and West. who creates works “from the bition is open for public viewing Marking the very first motes dialogue and creates “a larin aims to share his Beste Gürsu, the curator of heart” and that the exhibition is until January 29. UDC hosts ‘Shop Qatar’ Entries going fast for The Color Run THE PENINSULA — DOHA portion of the event’s pro- entertainment activities & first ceedings will be supporting Color runners are registering education for out-of-school raffle draw at The Pearl-Qatar quicker than ever to partic- children by donating a ipate in the sixth edition of portion of the proceeds for THE PENINSULA — DOHA will hold Chinese Calligraphy The Color Run presented by the Together education workshops on January 25 and Sahtak Awalan: Your Health project in Qatar. United Development Company 26, while Porto Arabia’s 29 La First, an initiative of Weill This year’s Love Tour (UDC), the master developer of Croisette will feature a Dragon Cornell Medicine-Qatar. theme will bring family and The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Parade and Chinese Drummers Packs are selling out fast friends together to take Island hosted a fun-filled on January 31. for the Happiest 5k on the them on an unforgettable weekend part of Shop Qatar’s The first of Shop Qatar’s Planet, taking place on experience, getting soaked nationwide shopping campaign. three raffle draws was also held January 25 at the Qatar in bright colors as they move Children and families were at The Amphitheater in Porto National Convention Centre from one station to the next treated to an amusing per- Arabia where 14 total winners (QNCC). throughout the 5k course. formance of ‘Shaun the Sheep’ walked away with a BMW 730Li The Color Run encourages The fun continues at the held over two days in Porto and MINI Cooper Hatchback everyone to discover the fun Finish Festival, a larger- Arabia, a first of several shows cars in addition to QR 330,000 side of exercise and pay it than-life party equipped A raffle draw taking place at The Pearl-Qatar. and activities that will be taking in cash prizes. forward to those in need. Par- with music, photo opportu- place at The Pearl-Qatar every The draw was accompanied ticipants get to enjoy the pos- nities, activity booths, weekend in January. by an enchanting concert by have a chance to win by receipts into raffle vouchers at itive vibes and cheerful vendors, and more massive Qanat Quartier’s Boardwalk Qatar’s leading children’s choir shopping or dining at any of The three kiosks set up in Porto colorful surroundings while color throws, creating mil- will play host to Justice League ‘Siwar’. Pearl-Qatar’s retail and F&B Arabia, Medina Centrale and walking, jogging, skipping or lions of vivid colour characters on January 24 and Visitors and residents still outlets then exchanging their Qanat Quartier. running, knowing that a combinations.

Officials and guests during the Tree Planting Day event. UDC holds ‘Tree Planting Day’ at The Pearl-Qatar THE PENINSULA—DOHA

United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari public shareholding company and master developer of The Pearl- Qatar and Gewan Island, organised a ‘Tree Planting Day’ at The Pearl-Qatar. The event was launched in partnership with Al Sulaiteen Agricultural and Industrial Complex (SAIC) and was attended by residents of The Pearl-Qatar, featured a myriad of activities targeting all age groups, including a planting workshop, educa- tional games, as well as col- ouring and drawing Children enjoying fun activities during the event. activities. The initiative follows the recent launch of The Pearl- environmental, waste man- It is worth mentioning that Qatar’s Seabed Cleanup Cam- agement, and recycling over 10,000 trees and 70,000 paign last November 2, which strategy and reflect the Com- plants exist at The Pearl-Qatar coincided with World Cleanup pany’s commitment to pro- where a total area of 515,000 Day and National Cleanup moting environmental sqm was set aside for soft land- Day. awareness in line with national scaping, including 66 different Both events are part of and global sustainability species of trees, shrubs, flowers, UDC’s multifaceted principles. and grass. 06 HOME MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 Conference discusses new Gulf security regime

THE PENINSULA — DOHA features of the desired security cyber-hack of the Qatar News system. Agency in 2017, which resulted Al Jazeera Centre for Studies Qatar University Pres- in a blockade that continues to and Gulf Studies Center at QU ident, Dr. Hassan Rashid Al today.” co-organize conference on Derham, opened the con- Dr. Al Derham concluded “Towards a New Gulf Security ference and welcomed guests by confirming that QU is always Regime: Abandoning Zero-Sum from abroad and participants proud to host events of this Approaches” from within Qatar, including vital nature, and noted that this Qatar University’s (QU) Gulf embassy representatives and conference comes in con- Studies Center and the Al attending QU students. He junction with many regional Jazeera Centre for Studies said: “On behalf of the uni- security developments that jointly organised a two-day versity I value this cooper- require study, analysis and a conference entitled “Towards ation between us and our col- mapping of future scenarios. a New Gulf Security Regime: leagues at the Al Jazeera He noted that he was pleased Abandoning Zero-Sum Centre for Studies and Gulf to see a group of experts par- Approaches,” which launched Studies Center, with whom ticipating in the conference as Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara; and Belen Alfaro, Ambassador of the yesterday in the QU campus. we share a common vision of well as local and international Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar, during the ‘Spanish Art in Doha’ exhibition at Katara. The conference aimed to the importance of in-depth researchers who specialize in explore new approaches to Gulf discussions on issues, which gulf security and security security and was attended by contribute to increased intel- issues. ‘Spanish Art in Doha’ exhibition a large number of researchers lectual output and assist in The conference featured both from within Qatar and the study and analysis of the contribution of a number abroad. regional and international of local speakers, including Dr. opens tonight at Katara The conference consisted developments.” Mohammed Mukhtar Al Khalil, of seven sessions, which Citing recent political Director of Al Jazeera Centre tackled a number of topics. developments, Dr. Al Derham for Studies; Dr. Mahjoob THE PENINSULA — DOHA "Katara has made efforts to open dialogue with These topics include the expe- added, “The Gulf is witnessing Zweiri, Director of the Gulf human civilizations, which is dedicated to our riences of security systems in alarming developments and Studies Center; Dr. The Cultural Village Foundation the Gulf region by analysing escalations that reflect the Mohammed Al-Mesfer, QU (Katara) is hosting the ‘Spanish Art unwavering ambition to make Katara a meeting their contexts and the reasons failure of current security proc- Political Science Professor and in Doha’ exhibition opening point and a springboard for all forms of art behind their failures; the esses and prevent the security Dr. Mohammad Al-Saidi also tonight at Katara Building 47. and creativity and an arena for convergence nature of the current Gulf and stability of the region. As a professor from QU. Partici- Organised by Katara in cooper- system, addressing its tradi- an example from the past, the pating researchers and experts ation with Arts and Cultures between people and openness to their cultures tional and more recent threats; Gulf security system failed to of the conference helped to Without Borders association, the and various arts," said Al Sulaiti. current security approaches prevent the invasion of Kuwait, clarify the Gulf security exhibition will see the partici- to demonstrate the current and now in the present it was regime during one of the most pation of 14 Spanish artists and Gulf system’s capability of unable to protect its members. difficult periods of geopolitical Qatari artist Hessa Kala, who is a “Katara has made efforts to 14 Spanish artists, and this indi- dealing with threats; and the Qatar was subject to the conflict. member of Art Without Borders. open dialogue with human civ- cates the good and fruitful Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al ilizations, which is dedicated to cooperation between Doha and Sulaiti, General Manager of our unwavering ambition to Madrid, as Spain has a rich Katara, held a press conference make Katara a meeting point Islamic artistic heritage,” said with the presence of Belen and a springboard for all forms Alfaro. Alfaro, Ambassador of the of art and creativity and an She noted hat the ‘Spanish Kingdom of Spain to the State arena for convergence between Art in Doha’ exhibition of Qatar, H E Princess Patrice, people and openness to their embodies one of the means of Honorary President of Arts & cultures and various arts,” said cultural and knowledge Cultures Without Borders asso- Al Sulaiti. exchange, and also contributes ciation and Samya Aqbib, He said that visitors to to strengthening bilateral coop- Chairman of Arts & Cultures Katara will find what attracts eration between the two coun- Without Borders association. them to visit this exhibition, tries in the field of art and During the press con- which will be a valuable and culture ference, Al Sulaiti expressed his rare opportunity for them to see For her part, Kala said that happiness to host the exhi- Spanish art, which celebrates she is very happy to participate bition, stressing that the event the culture of an ancient in this exhibition among the reflects the cultural cooperation country and illuminates its Spanish artists representing dif- and exchange between Qatar creations. ferent art schools. and Spain which revives the Ambassador Alfaro also Aqbib expressed her pride deep and historical ties between expressed her gratitude to for Katara’s hosting the Spanish the two countries. Katara for hosting this event Art in Doha exhibition, appre- He added that the exhibition which represents the strong ciating the cooperation stems from Katara’s continuous cooperation between Qatar and between the Foundation for efforts to build bridges of com- Spain, as Spain inherited a rich Arts and Cultures without munication between Doha and Islamic legacy. Borders, Katara and the QU President, Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham; GSC Director, Dr. Mahjoob AlZweiri; and QU Political Madrid. “It is great that Katara hosts Embassy of Spain in Qatar. Science Professor, Dr. Mohammed Al Mesfer, during the conference.

MME launches Entrepreneurs flock to Qatar third training Foundation to learn how to program for its inspectors turn ideas into reality THE PENINSULA—DOHA

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Ministry of Municipality and Organised in collaboration with Environment (MME) repre- Looking for an avenue to harvest crea- Qatar Science & Technology sented by the Training tivity in innovation, young minds from Department launched the third across the Middle East, North Africa and Park and the European training program for developing Europe have gathered in Qatar to partic- Innovation Academy, the Arab the skills of inspectors of MME ipate in the Arab Innovation Academy. (third batch/2020). Organised in collaboration with Innovation Academy is a 15-day In partnership with the Qatar Science & Technology Park and intensive program – the largest Center for Community Service the European Innovation Academy, the and Continuing Education at Arab Innovation Academy (AIA) is a of its kind in the pan-Arab Qatar University, the program The Arab Innovation Academy is the largest startup program of its kind in the Arab region. 15-day intensive program – the largest region. will be held from January 19 of its kind in the pan-Arab region. It (starting yesterday) to February guides young entrepreneurs through the large numbers of people. I noticed this, challenging for them to communicate, 20, 2020 for a period of five authentic experience of developing and potentially help solve the problem. and vowed to create a solution, which and eventually conceptualized this weeks, targeting 31 observers and launching new tech ventures under the Turkish student Doğukan Aksu said he is exactly what I plan on doing with the device to help combat this issue faced inspectors, said a press release. guidance of leading global tech startup came to Qatar specifically for AIA for the help of AIA,” she said. by most in the hearing-impaired com- This program aims at devel- mentors from such organizations as UC second consecutive year and thinks there Like Mete, teams have used personal munity and decided that AIA was the best oping the skills of the Ministry’s Berkeley, Stanford and Google. isn’t a program like it in the world. experiences to identify and tackle chal- platform to pursue it,” Srhayri said. inspectors and observers in the Hilal Al Kindi, an Omani student from “I wish to establish a startup, and lenges facing communities around the Nora Al Fraih, a Kuwaiti student field of inspection and seizure, Sultan Qaboos University, heard of AIA before the program I didn’t know how world. Moroccan student Ihssane who joined the program in the hope that which requires full knowledge from friends who had participated in to. Now I am learning under the guidance Srhayri’s team came up with the concept she would be able to meet people from of the skills and information previous editions. “What struck me the of some great mentors, and hopefully I of a wearable device that alerts hearing different cultures and backgrounds, is necessary to exercise the tasks most was how global the program is. It can turn our idea into something con- impaired people whenever someone also working on a similar idea with her of inspection and oversight in features mentors and participants from crete,” he said. tries to get their attention or talk to them. team. They decided to develop a the areas determined by the different countries and creates a really Aksu’s teammate, Büşra Mete, also They thought it was appropriate because solution for the hearing impaired using Ministry in accordance with the unique network. Not only am I hoping from Turkey, came up with the idea of often in the Arab world people maintain augmented reality (AR). The idea regulations and standards in the to learn how to build my own startup creating an app to help connect citizens cultural boundaries when it comes to revolves around creating AR glasses that State of Qatar. The program but I’m hoping to make some long- directly to the municipality to help raise physical contact, which makes it harder will use speech-to-text technology to focuses on the importance of lasting connections that will be mutually awareness about community concerns to interact with the hearing impaired display real-time subtitles as a person inspection, and the community beneficial in the future,” he said. in crowded cities. from a distance. speaks. The teams will continue to service it provides, in addition Participants in the program work “Back in Istanbul, there are several “Our CEO had an experience with a develop their ideas until the Grand Pitch to that this program comes together in teams to identify challenges problems that communities face that the family of six who were all hearing on January 20, which is when they will within the framework of sup- and propose an idea that could government is unaware of due to the impaired. He found that it was quite present them to investors. porting the Ministry’s efforts for comprehensive human development. The development of human resources is one of the four main MoCI announces recall of IKEA’s TROLIGTVIS cups pillars in the Qatar National Vision 2030, and one of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA chemical, which was found in testing to ensure their safety. up on its recall campaign to coordinating with the company’s main goals that the ministry cups that have been manufac- Consumers can return all cups ensure that suppliers, com- representatives to ensure it takes seeks to achieve within the The Ministry of Commerce and tured in India. to IKEA’s customer service for a mercial agents and accredited the required measures and national strategy 2018-22. Industry, in cooperation with Within the framework of its refund or call: 8004532. The distributors take the necessary repairs defects. Mohamed Salem Al Hosani, IKEA, has announced the recall efforts to protect consumers and recall measures come within the measures to repair defects and The Ministry invites all con- Director of Training Department of TROLIGTVIS cups over safety boost safety measures, the Min- framework of the Ministry’s role protect consumer rights in line sumers to follow up on recall at MME, explained the impor- and security concerns. istry has recalled all displayed in supervising the recall of goods with applicable law, mainly the campaigns through the Ministry’s tance of training the ministry’s The Ministry determined that and stored cups by the company. and products and taking the nec- right to health and safety when official communication channels, inspectors and monitors and Qatar’s imports of cups from In agreement with IKEA, the essary measures in this regard. using goods and services. where advertisements and honing their skills in a way that Italy were free from the DBP Ministry will send samples for The Ministry is also following The Ministry is also announcements are published. contributes to developing work. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 HOME 07

Communicable Disease Center launches new outpatient service to administer intravenous antimicrobial therapy

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The new Outpatient antimicrobial therapy to treat a range of infections, Hamad Medical Corporation’s Parenteral Antimicro- including pneumonia, skin (HMC) Communicable Disease bial Therapy (OPAT) and soft tissue infections, Center (CDC) has launched a uncomplicated UTI bac- new outpatient service to service enables teremia, and meningitis. The improve the care provided to patients requiring primary benefit of the new Dr Muna Al Maslamani, Medical patients receiving intravenous OPAT service is that it allows Director of the CDC. RIGHT: HMC’s antimicrobial therapy. intravenous the patient to be discharged Communicable Diseases Center. The new Outpatient antibiotics over a from hospital sooner, ena- Parenteral Antimicrobial bling them to continue their “OPAT is considered the will reduce the average length 2018, there was a 20 percent Therapy (OPAT) service enables sustained period to treatment plan as an outpa- best practice treatment option of stay for patients in the CDC, increase in the number of patients requiring intravenous receive their therapy tient,” added Dr Al worldwide for a wide range of as patients can be discharged outpatient clinical visits at antibiotics over a sustained in an outpatient Maslamani. infections and the introduction sooner to continue their the hospital, compared to period to receive their therapy The OPAT service operates of this new service to the CDC treatment as outpatients. This 2017, while the number of in an outpatient setting, rather setting, rather than seven days a week and is staffed brings the hospital in line with will result in a faster and more admitted patients increased than as an inpatient in the as an inpatient in the by a multi-disciplinary team the very best healthcare pro- efficient process for patients by more than 50 percent. The hospital. that involves the patient and viders internationally,” said Dr requiring admission to the launch of the OPAT service “The introduction of this hospital. their family in the decision- Al Maslamani. hospital. is a prime example of how new service significantly making process. In addition to enhancing the “Since opening in 2016, the CDC is leading the way in improves the quality of Dr Muna Al Maslamani, Medical The multi-disciplinary team patient experience by enabling we have continuously the care, prevention, and healthcare services we can Director of the CDC. includes physicians, nurses, patients to continue their expanded the range and research of communicable deliver to patients at the Com- “Many of our patients pharmacists, and patient edu- treatment in the outpatient quality of services we provide diseases in Qatar,” said Dr Al municable Disease Center,” said require intravenous cators from the CDC. setting, the new OPAT service to patients at the CDC. In Maslamani. Science Book Forum at QNL highlights voyage into space

THE PENINSULA — DOHA in pursuing a career in this field. what was a great lecture, Akram Offering inspiration and Abdellatif managed to give Students, researchers and motivation to those determined something to everyone: science enthusiasts attending to pursue their career ambitions children, adults and those with the latest session of the Science in space exploration, the forum different interests. I think this Book Forum — a Qatar National highlighted the vital contribu- was a wonderful event, with so Library initiative to encourage tions of astronauts to the study many people asking questions science reading — learned of the physical phenomena of and demonstrating their passion about the skills, education, the Earth’s atmosphere, which for the topic.” expertise and training required uses data gathered during sci- Ismail Abudlwahab, an MIT of astronauts before they can entific flights. student who attended the be part of mankind’s incredible Dr Jörg Matthias Determan, lecture, said: “The forum was voyage into space. Assistant Professor of History very inspiring and relevant to The event enhanced par- at Virginia Commonwealth Uni- my interests in space and ticipants’ understanding of the versity School of the Arts in science, being a member of the learning path astronauts have Qatar and author of Space Astronomy Club at Qatar Uni- to follow, and the years of study Science and the Arab World: versity. In the presentation, I and hard work the field Astronauts, Observatories and learned firsthand from an Arab demands. This rigour is not sur- Nationalism in the Middle East, astronaut about the qualifica- prising, given that astronauts said, “My book is about Arab tions that are needed to work have a crucial role in voyaging astronauts so, of course, I in the field of space exploration, to space to help us better under- wanted to hear an Arab and I now have a great deal of stand the universe. The discus- astronaut speak. Dr Essam information useful to my aspi- sions also touched on the Heggy gave a wonderful intro- rations to become an aviation Participants at the latest session of Science Book Forum at Qatar National Library. importance of STEM learning duction about his work, and in engineer for NASA.” WCM-Q Grand Rounds explores latest lupus treatments QRCS, BDRCS distribute

THE PENINSULA — DOHA differentiation of the disease, poor understanding of how eth- food aid to 3,220 refugee The latest strategies for the nicity affects the disease, diffi- clinical management of culty recruiting sufficient families in Bangladesh systemic lupus erythematosus numbers of people from dif- (SLE) were discussed at the ferent ethnic groups to partic- most recent instalment of Weill ipate in trials, high variation in Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s disease outcomes between dif- (WCM-Q) Grand Rounds. ferent countries, and problems Dr Mohammed Yousuf defining inclusion criteria for Karim, assistant professor of trials, among others, said Dr. clinical pathology and labo- Karim. Strategies for over- ratory medicine at WCM-Q, coming these barriers include summarised recent advances standardizing how lupus is in the tools used by physicians defined and how data is col- in the investigation and clinical lected by research networks, management of patients with using multi-platform and multi- Dr Mohammed Yousuf Karim SLE, before discussing the lim- dimensional analytical itations and barriers to progress approaches, and then using the of new personalized medicine manifests in very different ways personalisation is probably the subsequent data to stratify approaches to SLE treatment. between patients, personalized least important, but it is some- patients and inform therapeutic SLE, commonly referred to medicine approaches are con- thing that has a great, great deal choices, leading to improved as lupus, is a debilitating sidered promising but to date of potential. Essentially, person- healthcare outcomes. chronic autoimmune disorder have not delivered the same alised approaches could help The lecture, titled Person- A representative of QRCS distributing food parcels to the beneficiaries characterized by symptoms that level of benefit to patients as us determine which drugs to alization, Progress, and Poison in Bangladesh. can include painful, swollen more general approaches. use for which patient, in which in Systemic Lupus Erythema- joints, a rash (commonly on the Speaking to an audience of order and at the risk of which tosus was accredited locally by THE PENINSULA — DOHA ($410,959), the project is face), fever, chest pain, hair loss, physicians, nurses, dentists, side effects. These are the things the Qatar Council for planned to help 16,190 poor mouth ulcers, swollen lymph pharmacists, allied health pro- that patients are interested in.” Healthcare Practitioners- Qatar Red Crescent Society families and refugees in nodes and tiredness. SLE can fessionals, students, researchers Barriers to progress in Accreditation Department (QRCS), in cooperation with Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Rangpur, also affect the heart, lungs, and educators, Dr Karim said, research into the use of person- (QCHP-AD) and internationally Bangladesh Red Crescent where abject poverty combines kidneys, eyes, reproductive “Out of all the things that have alized approaches for lupus by the Accreditation Council for Society (BDRCS), has recently with scarce food resources and system and have neuropsychi- brought about improvements treatment include the hetero- Continuing Medical Education delivered food parcels for 3,220 heavy rain to severely affect the atric effects. Because SLE to patients with lupus, geneity or high level of (ACCME). families displaced from mainly farming families. Myanmar to Bangladesh. According to the United Under a winterisation aid Nations Children’s Fund Invigorating workshops project, QRCS’s representation (UNICEF), every day there are mission in Bangladesh dis- over 60 new births among the welcome the New Year tributed parcels of basic food refugees. Humanitarian staples like lentils, chickpeas, agencies are unable to meet the in Birla Public School beans, semolina, sugar, salt, needs of refugees in all areas. and vegetable oil. These distri- Also, the local communities THE PENINSULA — DOHA butions covered around 16,000 need more winterization aid refugees at Camp No. 14 such as straw mats, blankets, Birla Public School conducted various (Hakimpara). and warm clothes. workshops for its faculty in the New Year As per a memorandum of The project is designed to to rebuild and endorse its ideologies to the understanding (MoU) between help the poorest families to revitalising role of CBSE as a designer of QRCS and BDRCS, an initial withstand the too cold weather, holistic future citizens. The Principal A P needs assessment was con- reduce the health risks Sharma led the workshop for ‘ Creating ducted to select the poorest resulting from freezing temper- Constructive Competencies’, in students as families with older persons, atures in remote areas, secure they have to be enabled to face numerous female breadwinners, orphans, food provisions and NFIs for Principal A P Sharma during the workshop for 'Creating Constructive Competencies'. unpredictable challenges in the future. or special needs. some 8,000 locales and Guiding the teachers to open their A few months ago, around refugees. minds to new thoughts and accept the skill School, Kolkata, led the workshop, methodology adopted by her school to help 9,000 blankets were dis- Nearly 200 BDRCS volun- building techniques emphasised by the ‘Teaching students of mixed abilities’. Over the parents of such children and highlighted tributed by QRCS’s represen- teers earned money from CBSE Board, he said: “The flower lotus can tenure of two days, she uncovered moti- the success stories already attained. Redis- tation mission in the metro- working as day labor in the be defined or viewed through various per- vating insights in to daily problems and covering and redefining the Bloom’s Tax- politan city of Rajshahi. The field assessment and distri- spectives but for the student the consensus issues faced by teachers and officials in a onomy, the teachers prepared balanced 3-day distributions constituted bution processes. Phase 2 of all these varied definitions matters, as normal school. question papers to satisfy the needs of a Phase 1 of the project. Phase 2 would involve the distribution we cannot predict what awaits the student. Employing the group activity techniques mixed class. would distribute nonfood items of NFI baskets, each containing So help the students to build a compre- Sapru facilitated the acknowledgement of The two sessions combined to provide (NFIs) like blankets, clothes, a blanket, a mattress, two male hensive view of everything. Happy stu- happy responsibilities of being an inspiring enough sustenance for the teachers to straw mats, etc to hundreds of and female scarves, two straw dents and parents lead to happy teacher who identifies the lesser-abled stu- prepare themselves for the closure of this poor families in different parts mats, and any other items societies” dents in a mixed class. academic year and the beginning of the of the country. found necessary in the needs Seema Sapru, Principal of The Heritage She went on to provide the basic upcoming one. At a total cost of QR1.5m assessment. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020

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]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL

UN Envoy for Libya, Ghassan Salame; United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres; German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Setting new standards Germany’s Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, attending a news conference after the Libya summit in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. THE 30th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) has brought its curtains down by winning the hearts As Libya’s international proxy war deepens, and minds of thousands of book lovers in Qatar. With meticulous planning and neat organisation, the Ministry of Culture and Sports has presented US and Europe jolted back into crisis talks 10 wonderful days for all bibliophiles who visited the Fair. determined to shape the fate of to push forward. By late After all, the Fair highlighted the fact that though Libya. The United States is now November, frustrated by the the technological blessings like Internet, smart- worried about Moscow’s growing absence of condemnation of boards, tablets and other digital devices have role, including the presence of Haftar and the Russians by reshaped the reading and learning habits of people Russian mercenaries helping Europe and the United States, the around the world, a good majority still prefer tradi- Hifter’s forces with high-tech Tripoli government turned to tional way of reading books in print form. The Fair weaponry, intelligence and Turkey for help. They dangled attracted around 320,000 visitors and it sold over SUDARSAN RAGHAVAN sophisticated combat tactics. the eastern Mediterranean 210,000 books. The daily turnout of book lovers at The European Union is con- drilling rights as an incentive, the Fair was 31,994. Simply amazing! cerned about Turkey, which is angering the Europeans, as well The Ministry of Culture and Sports deserves a backing the Tripoli government as Egypt, which also covets the huge round of applause for making this big event When top American and with troops, drones and sea’s resources. a great success. By organising workshops and European officials gathered in weaponry. Ankara has signed a By January, Turkey was other activities on the sidelines of the Fair, the For years, Berlin for a one-day summit controversial oil and gas drilling sending troops to Libya. Turkey Ministry made the event more attractive and pro- European yesterday, they tried to convince deal in the eastern Mediter- has also sent military advisers ductive. As many as 453 activities were organised Libya’s warring sides - and their ranean Sea with Tripoli that and an air-defense system to at the Fair, in which about 74 guests participated, nations saw main international backers - to threatens to sideline the eco- protect Tripoli’s only functioning while the seminars and lectures were attended by Libya through reach a ceasefire, respect a UN nomic ambitions of several EU airport, said analysts. 3,678 people. the prism of arms embargo and pave the way nations, including Greece and Meanwhile, Haftar’s forces There was a special workshop for children and to a political resolution. Cyprus. this month seized the strategic it was attended by 2,700 people and 685 schools. combating Both the United States and “This opens a whole new bag coastal city of Sirte, the birth- The Ministry was highly concerned about the con- terrorism and Europe are hoping to regain their of snakes in terms of the threat place of Libya’s late dictator tents and it provided an opportunity for bibliophiles preventing credibility and have a greater say profile of Libya for Europe,” said Muammar Gaddafi who was to get rare varieties of books. in Libya’s future - as their rivals Tarek Megerisi, a Libya analyst at toppled and killed by rebels As many as 335 publishing houses from 31 coun- migrants from Russia and Turkey extend their the European Council on Foreign during the 2011 Arab Spring tries participated in the Fair and the number of the crossing the influence into North Africa and Relations. “Less so for the United uprisings and Nato intervention. pavilions of Arabic books was 559, represented by Mediterranean. the Mediterranean Sea. States, although this question of Both Turkey and Russia are 228 publishing houses, and the number of foreign In a sign of Washington’s Russia having a very prominent eyeing billions of dollars in oil, pavilions was 91, represented by 35 foreign pub- growing concern, Secretary of position so close to a Nato base in weapons and construction con- lishers. The Reading Garden set by the Ministry of State Mike Pompeo will attend Sicily is probably ringing alarm tracts that were left on the table Municipality and Environment at the Fair also added Sunday’s summit, making him bells. after Gaddafi’s death. Moscow up to its charm. the most senior US official to “We certainly saw that the US also views its role in North Africa Proving the stereotype that book fairs are always attend a high-level meeting on got more engaged in Libya after has a key element of its strategy for writers and intellectuals wrong, DIBF made all ending the war in Libya. they saw Russians on the front to gain influence in the Middle possible ways to make it equally enjoyable for all. Libya has become the center lines.” East. “It is not just a place to sell books by increasing of one of the world’s most inter- Perhaps the greatest public There are already indications the number of publishing houses and the number nationalized proxy wars, a indication of Europe viewing that Haftar is wary of honoring a of participating countries, but really a place to enrich contest over lucrative oil and gas Turkey and Russia as new threats cease-fire. In Moscow this past cultures,” said the Minister of Culture and Sports, H resources, territory, ideological in their backyard are recent week, he left abruptly without E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali. and geostrategic ambitions. By comments by Josep Borell, the signing a provisional truce pact The Fair also succeeded in sending the message aiding the rival sides, more than European Union’s foreign policy that the Tripoli government had of tolerance across the world. With no hesitation half a dozen countries are openly head. He has warned about the signed following pressure from one can say the popularity of the Fair is getting higher breaking the arms embargo, and perils of Turkish military Moscow and Turkey. Haftar’s every year and book lovers will definitely have even some are committing possible involvement in Libya if the Euro- departure was widely seen as an more surprises in the editions to come. war crimes. peans do not actively step up embarrassment to Russian Pres- The United Arab Emirates, their engagement. ident Vladimir Putin, who saw Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, “Nobody will be very happy the signing as an important way France and Russia are backing if, on the Libyan coast, there is a of expressing Moscow’s new- eastern commander Khalifa ring of military bases from the found influence in Libya. There are Haftar’s offensive on the Libyan Russian and Turkish navies in On the ground in Tripoli, already capital, Tripoli. Turkey, Qatar, front of the Italian coast,” Borell there are troubling signs that D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Italy and other European nations told the European Parliament both sides are using the lull in the indications that are supporting the UN-installed this past week. fighting to regroup and get EMAIL: [email protected] Haftar is wary Tripoli government. Since April, He later wrote in a tweet: stronger. The Turkish military several thousand people have “We Europeans barricade our- assistance, especially the air EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 of honoring a been killed or injured by the con- selves behind the mantra that defense system, has made the FAX: +974 4455 7758 cease-fire. In flict, and more than 150,000 there can be no military solution Tripoli government and the Moscow this people have fled their homes. to the crisis in Libya. But this is militias aligned with it more con- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Expectations are low for something that could very much fident, analysts said. There have past week, he forging a lasting cease-fire at the happen. We need to engage also been reported weapons DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 left abruptly summit. For years, European strongly, keep Libya united and shipments flown into Haftar’s without signing nations saw Libya through the find a peaceful solution to this eastern Libya strongholds, and LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 prism of combating terrorism and conflict.” pro-Haftar tribesmen have called a provisional preventing migrants from When German Chancellor for closure of oil export BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 truce pact that crossing the Mediterranean. Angela Merkel and the United terminals. the Tripoli Washington’s engagement in Nations hatched up the Berlin “This in turn, makes Berlin’s SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Libya has been scant since the meeting this past summer, outcomes more uncertain,” said government 2012 attack on a US diplomatic Haftar’s forces were stuck on Claudia Gazzini, Libya analyst for ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 had signed station in Benghazi, that killed the Tripoli’s southern edges. The the International Crisis Group. email: [email protected] following US ambassador and three others. 76-year-old commander, a dual “The question is to what Blatant violations of the arms US-Libyan citizen who lived for extent those present will genu- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 pressure from embargo, the targeting of years in northern Virginia, was inely commit to what they are email: [email protected] Moscow and civilians, the escalation of the losing support of some eastern signing,” she added, referring to Turkey. war - all were met by relative tribes. The Tripoli government summit. “Or whether, like ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 silence from Europe and was not getting as much support they’ve done in the past, they will FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Washington. from Turkey. A military be paying lip service to it, all the It’s a different Libya today. stalemate had hardened. while fueling the winds of war in CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 In recent weeks, both Russia Then in September, Russian Libya.” email: [email protected] and Turkey have stepped into the mercenaries emerged on the Sudarsan Raghavan is The diplomatic and security vacuum, Tripoli’s front lines. With their Washington Post’s Cairo SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 supporting rival sides, help, Haftar’s fighters managed bureau chief. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar If Khalifa Haftar would not stop his offensive, the international community should take a more /Peninsula_Qatar active stance, also by sending international /ThePeninsulaNewspaper troops to protect the Libyan civilian population. Fayez Al Sarraj, Libyan Prime Minister +974 6698 6188 MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Social responsibility is embodied in a Qatari reality practicing practicalities trans- of other countries with much used to attack the decision of lated in the way problems are bigger populations and with giving Qatar the privilege of dealt with and in the way huge potentials on all other hosting the world cup. But, it dreams are made to become aspects. Qatar- a small was a claim to wage unfair true. The way such stream of country with small population war against the reputation of thought is formed and the – has won the race and is the the country which were essence of transforming Tens of thousands one that will host the forth- luckily refuted by the chief OTHMAN AL YAFEI behavior into a social respon- of young people, coming football World Cup. head of the FIFA in person WRITER AND GRADUATE sibility of the individual to It is worth noting that it is who came to witness the fair RESEARCH serve human, environmental, males and not the effort exerted by and good treatment of the ethical and even natural ends, females are now males that has helped to working masses on all levels, translate the role modeling achieve the fundamental goal be it financially, humanly, … Social responsibility can be that enhances the formation volunteering to help of winning the honour of etc. defined as a moral responsi- of such personality. out in all required hosting the Football World It was breathtaking way bility that is developed indi- It is needless to ascertain spheres to ensure Cup; rather, it is the joint the workers were and are still vidually or collectively the fact that such contributing effort of both Qatari males treated! The gained victory concerning tangible issues roles are also helped and the success of and females who have against all allegations turned that could be marked as being strengthened by other societal the competition worked and are still working them all into fumes of hatred. of environmental, ethical or institutions namely the family, hand in hand to cross all It is all due to the rightful The honor of hosting even of physical nature. Such the school, and other gov- and to make the hurdles and the biggest chal- stand of all ranks of people the football world systematic and individualistic ernment institutions. They all forthcoming football lenges that would stand to who strongly adhere to the approach is but a result of take part collaboratively to block the march toward glory principles of social cup is still the social upbringing that is enhance the desired social world cup the in this context. responsibility. dream of so many marked by engrained values value system, not just at the best that was ever This would not have been Tens of thousands of and specific behaviors. Reli- individual level, but at the possible without strong and young people, males and big nations all over gious and ethical values are level of groups that have held, the practical deep rooted belief in the real females are now volunteering the globe, and now the governing factors that influences of a systematic message of peace, essence of social responsi- to help out in all required is the reality of the steer an individual to the edge nature. the true enjoyment bility at both the local and spheres to ensure the success that separates individuality The balanced and well- even at the international of the competition and to Qatari aspirations. from the outer societal envi- built personality is normally there is and there level as well. make the forthcoming Thanks to all those ronment. Such mechanisms the result of such wonderful will be! What was thought at one football world cup the best play the role of automatically upbringing which is mani- stage is a summer-night that was ever held, the prac- who believed and pushing individual behavior fested in the way decisions dream has become a reality. tical message of peace, the still do believe that to where it becomes are taken and in the way they that aspires for the infinite, The honour of hosting the true enjoyment there is and engrained in the way where are executed. where the sky is the limit. It is football world cup is still the there will be! the impossible is problems and therefore, solu- This is why it has been the personality that looks for dream of so many big One other area of added not a word in the tions are formed as natural emphasized in Qatar that the whatever that is great but nations all over the globe, benefits that also contributed reactions are made. These best development in a given achievable. It is the person- and now is the reality of the to social responsibility is what dictionary of the reactions spring naturally nation is the one that takes ality of the great and historic Qatari aspirations. Thanks to was done by the Supreme Qatari leadership, nor from within rather than being the individual human person leaders that work for the all those who believed and Committee for Delivery and it is in the belief of precautionary counter effects as the best asset of its targets. welfare of the people and the still believe that the impos- Legacy. They have held lec- from outside. Here, it is of It is the human factor that country internally and even at sible is not a word in the dic- tures under the slogan of help the Qatari youth. importance to highlight the helps achieve the aspired the international arena as tionary of the Qatari lead- to enlighten people about fact that such decisions and goals despite all hindrances well. ership, nor it is in the belief hygiene and entertainment, reactions do not come as a and other challenges. This is all embedded in the of the Qatari youth. with the intention to result of measures or solu- The weak and consumed Qatari decision to work for The other side that should strengthen the binds towards tions from the state or institu- personality is the one that is hosting the FIFA World Cup be noted is the fact that the a collaborative and cooper- tions. satisfied with the least and Qatar 2022. It is the challenge environment as a major ative stand of all societal The individualistic type of with as little as possible. that translates the aspirations concern of all at this time, is components. No doubt that all mannerism and behavior is Counter to that is the strong of a small country to take taken into account in the file such ventures would pay off leashed and is developed by and well-built personality such a gigantic move in face that was presented by the at some stage to ensure the Qatari team who ventured to actual realization of the goals stand out for this challenge. It of taking all precautionary was an undertaking to measures towards initiating overcome this obstacle of the and ensuring the success of natural phenomenon factor the best and most rewarding where the heat of the world cup for all. summer in this part of the It is worth noting that the world would stand as a road to hosting the forth- biggest hurdle for the Qatari coming football world cup file. Nevertheless, that par- was neither a bed of roses nor ticular aspect was also taken was it an easy undertaking. into account and the glory of Rather, it was full of painful employing modern tech- endurance and sustained nology of the solar power to patience against all odds and generate energy capable of challenges that came from the providing enough electric expected and unexpected power to cool even the actors. football pitches. Not just that, The hardships were so it was a generous gesture that numerous and were also the extra seats would be topped up by an illegal siege donated to poorer countries to prevent successes that with the intention to help to were realized despite all. It is popularise the game. all due to the engrained belief In addition, it is not just in social responsibility in a the challenge of building the country that is full of man- reliable infrastructure in the power who are true believers country itself, rather to make in their leadership and in the sure that enough accommo- fact that when all powers and dation is ready to welcome potentials are added together the masses of fans, who will for the success of a rightful come to Qatar to enjoy the goal, it is destined to strike matches live here. success, no doubt about it, Such efforts entail the and that was and is the case. need for the help of thousands The football World Cup is the of skillful working hands that reality and Qatar is the were employed from different hosting country. Big aspira- parts of the world. False alle- tions need true and aspired gations were at one stage doers. Brexit, Facebook, endowments and other errors Although commission- research I relied on - the terms of the departure. the 2016 election: I made a free trading has been around benchmark used for the study No. 4. Fiduciary rule: I mistake on the long-running awhile, it was either a niche was a domestic portfolio. have long argued that the debate about the role of a product or offered as a teaser This is not a good com- brokerage industry owes con- weaponized Facebook in the for other products. After parison because the endow- sumers a higher level of care 2016 election, arguing that investment giant Schwab said ments invest globally. It than now on offer and that very few people change their in October that it would offer stands to reason that they putting client interests first minds based on social media. BARRY RITHOLTZ commission-free trading, would look like laggards in a should be the standard. In Mostly, I argued, social media BLOOMBERG everyone from Fidelity to period of U.S. market outper- other words, rules should is a giant echo chamber and University Vanguard to TD Ameritrade formance versus the rest of require brokers to serve as that people aggressively avoid endowments followed suit. the world. The lesson learned: fiduciaries rather than as the ideas that challenge their Every year for the past decade One caveat: There is no The footnotes matter - a lot. glorified used-car salesmen established opinions. underperform: I have been making a list of free lunch, and free trading No. 3. Brexit: I have been that they historically have Given how close the 2016 Each October, what I got wrong. This act of means that offsetting fees saying that the British will been. election was - decided by a contrition allows me to own may be hidden or buried in eventually come to realize Despite opposition from tiny share of the votes cast in many college my mistakes, recognize my the fine print. I continue to that Brexit is a self-destructive the brokerage industry to any three or four states - I am endowments release fallibility and learn from the believe that, at least in and needless exercise and rule change, investors have willing to admit that maybe experience. I hope you find finance, cheap is better than eventually would reverse the been voting with their dollars Facebook content did per- their investment some value in doing the same free. No. 2. University endow- referendum mandating that and hiring financial advisers suade a few people to change performance data for exercise. ments underperform: Each the UK leave the European that conform to this better their votes or stay home. The- the past fiscal year. Let’s get to the errors: October, many college Union. I said it here, here and standard. It is all but inevi- oretically, this could have No. 1. Trading commis- endowments release their here. table, I wrote, that this fidu- swung the election. And while I wrote about the Ivy sions: Last February, I cited a investment performance data The election as prime ciary standard would be I was predisposed to discount League endowments Morningstar survey that found for the past fiscal year. I wrote minister of Boris Johnson, an adopted by the industry, albeit the role of social media in that “fees fell 8 percent in about the Ivy League endow- opportunistic Brexiteer, pretty with a nudge from the 2020, I now believe it could and how they 2017, the largest one-year ments and how they had much means that the exit is government. matter a lot. had failed to beat decline ever reported.” It failed to beat benchmark going to be fast-tracked in a But I underestimated what Let’s hope the 2020 seemed, according to data on returns. way that his predecessor, the deeply motivated and election isn’t so close that the benchmark returns. fees, that the point of dimin- But I made an assumption Theresa May, could never deep-pocketed brokerage role of social media even ishing returns had been that the benchmark these manage. There is no need to industry can accomplish in a matters. reached. “The race to zero endowments were being wait for it to be official: I was deeply corrupt Washington. Barry Ritholtz is a may be reaching its natural compared against was a glo- wrong about Brexit. The only For now, rules requiring the Bloomberg Opinion col- limits,” I wrote. bally diversified portfolio. I argument left is whether the adoption of the fiduciary umnist. He is chairman and Boy, did Charles Schwab was wrong. As it turns out - UK will leave the EU with or standard are on hold. chief investment officer of Corp. prove me wrong. buried in a footnote of the without a deal setting the No. 5. Facebook didn’t flip Ritholtz Wealth Management. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 More than 100 dead in Yemen missile, drone attack AFP — SANA'A The disgraceful Death tolls in Yemen’s Fighting in Nihm was ground attacks reportedly took province has subsided, but the actions of the Houthi grinding conflict are often dis- ongoing, a military source said place”. slow implementation of the deal More than 100 people were puted, but the huge casualty list yesterday according to the “I have said before that the has quashed hopes for an end killed and dozens wounded in militia without a in Marib represents one of the official Saba news agency. hard-earned progress that to the conflict. a missile and drone attack doubt confirm its bloodiest single attacks since “Dozens from the (Houthi) Yemen has made on de-esca- The landmark agreement blamed on Houthi rebels in the war erupted in 2014 when militia were killed and injured,” lation is very fragile. Such signed in Sweden in December central Yemen, officials said unwillingness to the rebels seized Sanaa. the source added. actions can derail this progress,” 2018 had been hailed as yesterday. (achieve) peace, The Houthis did not make Yemeni President Abe- he said in a statement. Yemen’s best chance so far to Saturday’s strike follows any immediate claim of drabbo Mansour Hadi “I urge all parties to stop the end the fighting that has pushed months of relative calm in the because it knows responsibility. denounced the “cowardly and escalation now and to direct the country to the brink of war between the Houthis and nothing but death and Al-Hadath television terrorist” attack on the mosque, their energy away from the mil- famine. Yemen’s internationally recog- broadcast a video that it said Saba reported. itary front and into the Tens of thousands of people, nised government. destruction: Yemeni showed the gruesome aftermath “The disgraceful actions of politics.” mostly civilians, have been The Houthis attacked a President of the attack. the Houthi militia without a Just last week, Griffiths had killed and millions displaced in mosque in a military camp in Body parts can be seen on doubt confirm its unwillingness welcomed what he described the war that has ravaged the the central province of Marib the floor among shredded to (achieve) peace, because it as “one of the quietest periods country, triggering what the UN —about 170km east of the An army spokesman said debris. Blood is pooled on the knows nothing but death and of this conflict”, in a briefing to describes as the world’s worst capital Sana’a — during that the dead included soldiers carpet and spattered against the destruction and is a cheap the UN Security Council in humanitarian crisis. evening prayers, military and civilians, and that the walls. Iranian tool in the region,” it which he warned the lull could A senior UN official warned sources said. Houthis would face a “ruthless” The drone and missile quoted Hadi as saying. not be sustained without on Thursday that certain key “We strongly condemn the retaliation to the strike. strike came a day after coa- United Nations envoy political progress. factors that threatened to terrorist attack on a mosque by The victims were trans- lition-backed government Martin Griffiths condemned the A year after Yemen’s trigger a famine in Yemen last the Houthi militias... which left ported to a Marib city hospital, forces launched a large-scale aerial attack and what he said warring sides agreed to a UN- year were once again looming more than 100 dead and dozens where a medical source earlier operation against the Houthis was the escalation of military brokered truce for the key Red large, including a plunge in the injured,” the Yemeni foreign gave a toll of 83 dead and 148 in the Nihm region, north of activities in three governorates Sea port city of Hodeida and its value of the national ministry said on Twitter. injured. Sana’a. “where airstrikes, missiles and surroundings, fighting in the currency. Iran warns of repercussions for IAEA over European states' moves AFP — TEHRAN Iran’s economy. Tehran’s interests are realised. “What the three European Iran’s latest and final step Iran’s parliamentary speaker countries did regarding Iran’s in January entailed forgoing the yesterday warned of unspecified nuclear issue... is unfortunate,” limit on the number of repercussions for the UN’s Parliamentary Speaker Ali Lar- machines used to make nuclear watchdog if European ijani was quoted as saying by uranium more potent. nations that launched a dispute state news agency IRNA. The 2015 nuclear deal — mechanism against the Islamic “We clearly announce that known as the Joint Compre- republic act “unfairly”. if Europe, for any reason, uses hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Britain, France and Article 37 of the nuclear — was struck in Vienna by Iran, Germany launched a process agreement unfairly, then Iran the EU three, the United States, last week charging Iran with will make a serious decision China and Russia. failing to observe the terms of regarding cooperation with the It has a provision that the 2015 deal curtailing its agency,” he said, referring to allows a party to claim signif- nuclear programme, while the International Atomic Energy icant non-compliance by Tehran accuses the bloc of Agency (IAEA). another party before a joint inaction over US sanctions. Since May 2019, Iran has commission. The EU three insisted they progressively scaled back some Articles 36 and 37 of the remained committed to the commitments under the deal say if the issue is not agreement, which has already agreement in response to the resolved by the commission, it been severely undermined by US sanctions and Europe’s ina- then goes to an advisory board A general view of the Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli army forces begin deployment of infrastructure the US exit from it in 2018 and bility to circumvent them. and eventually to the UN for a ground “defensive system” along the fence. its reimposition of unilateral It has stressed, however, Security Council, which could sanctions on key sectors of that they can be reversed if reimpose sanctions. Israel building defence system on Lebanon border Iran: No plans to send plane’s Iran says it is AP — JERUSALEM Hezbollah is closely allied Hezbollah had beefed up its with Iran, Israel’s greatest presence along the volatile black box to Ukraine preparing for Israel’s military said it began regional foe, and has vowed frontier. construction of an underground to retaliate for America’s Israel and Hezbollah’s 2006 AP — TEHRAN satellite launch defence system yesterday along killing of a top Iranian general war ended in a UN-brokered and cabin recordings, and that its northern frontier with in a drone strike earlier this ceasefire. While direct fighting The Iranian official leading the it may send the flight recorders AP — TEHRAN Lebanon to protect against month. has been rare since then, there investigation into the Ukrainian to Ukraine or France. “But as cross-border tunnels. Conricus said the con- has been occasional violence. jetliner that was accidentally of yet, we have made no Iran said yesterday that two The infrastructure project struction would all be on the The most recent flare-up shot down by the Revolutionary decision.” The same official was newly constructed satellites will identify underground Israeli side of the border and was in September, when Hez- Guard appeared to backtrack quoted by Tasnim news agency have passed pre-launch tests acoustic and seismic activity that United Nations peace- bollah fired a barrage of anti- yesterday on plans to send the on Saturday as saying the and will be transported to the indicating tunnel digging, keepers along the frontier had tank missiles into Israel and flight recorders abroad for recorders would be sent to nation’s space center for accompanied other defensive been notified. Israel responded with artillery analysis, a day after saying they Ukraine, where French, eventual launch, without elab- measures, said Lt. Col. Jonathan “What we are doing today is fire. There were no casualties would be sent to Kiev. American and Canadian orating. Conricus, a military spokesman. part of a larger plan,” he said. on either side. Hassan Rezaeifar was experts would help analyse Telecommunications Israel destroyed a series of “We understand that our activity Israel also has acknowl- quoted by the state-run IRNA them. Iranian officials previ- Minister Mohammad Javad what it said were attack tunnels may be seen and will be heard edged carrying out scores of news agency as saying “the ously said the black boxes were Azari Jahromi tweeted about last year, dug under the border on the other side and we want airstrikes in neighbouring Syria, flight recorders from the damaged but are usable. the development, calling it an by the Lebanese militant group to explain what we are we doing many of them believed to have Ukrainian Boeing are in Iranian Iran may be hesitant to turn “important research step.” Hezbollah. The group battled and why we are doing it. It is a been aimed at Iranian weapons hands and we have no plans to over the recorders for fear that Iran has not said when it Israel to a stalemate in a matter of precaution.” shipments bound for its Hez- send them out.” He said Iran is more details from the crash will launch the satellites, but monthlong war in 2006. Israel recently warned that bollah proxy. working to recover the data will come to light. often coordinates its launches with national holidays. It will celebrate the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution next 27,000 more civilians flee month. Iran’s largely state-run media say the 90kg Zafar sat- Idlib de-escalation zone ellites each have four high- ANATOLIA — IDLIB In September 2018, Turkey resolution colour cameras and Russia agreed to turn Idlib and will monitor and Around 27,000 civilians have into a de-escalation zone in transmit data on natural fled their homes falling inside which acts of aggression are resources as well as agricul- the Idlib de-escalation zone in expressly prohibited. tural and environmental Syria over the last three days However, more than 1,300 developments. due to attacks of regime and its civilians have been killed in Iran says its satellite pro- allies. attacks by the regime and gramme, like its nuclear activ- The attacks of Bashar Al Russian forces in the de-esca- ities, is aimed at scientific Assad regime, Russia and Iran- lation zone since then as the research and other civilian backed terrorist groups in res- cease-fire continues to be applications. idential areas east and south violated. The US and other Western of Aleppo province continue As a fresh move, Turkey countries have long been sus- to displace thousands of announced on January 10 that picious of the program Syrians. a new cease-fire in Idlib rocked because the same technology According to Syria’s by violence — though “acts of can be used to develop long- Response Coordination Group, aggression” are already offi- range missiles. Riot police restrain a protester during a demonstration against a ruling elite accused of steering the displaced civilians headed cially banned — is set to start Iran tried and failed to Lebanon towards economic crisis in Beirut, Lebanon, yesterday. to areas near the Turkish just after midnight on Sunday, launch two satellites into orbit border due to the attacks which January 12. in January and February last violate the ceasefire agreement Separately a day earlier, year. between Turkey and Russia. Russia’s Defense Ministry Beirut braces for more violence after night of riots A rocket exploded inside Mohammad Hallaj, the announced a ceasefire in the AP — BEIRUT all those detained during the over the formation of a new the Imam Khomeini Space director of the group, said that region taking effect at 2.00pm previous night’s riots would be government. The Cabinet Center in August during what the civilians left their homes local time (1200GMT). Lebanon’s public prosecutor released except those with headed by Prime Minister Saad officials later said was a in Darat Izzah district and However, the regime and ordered yesterday the release other pending cases, the official Hariri resigned in late October. test-launch. several towns, including Khan Iran-backed terrorist groups of 34 people detained in clashes National State News agency Security forces and the mil- Iranian officials did not Tuman, Khan Al Asal, Kafr continued their ground attacks between security forces and reported. itary were girding themselves acknowledge the mishap until Naya, and Al Qasimia due to despite the fresh cease-fire. anti-government protesters At least 377 people were for more violence, following satellite imagery showed the attacks supported by Russian Over a million Syrians have that wounded hundreds in the injured in Saturday’s clashes, protester calls for more rallies. explosion. Officials blamed a air strikes. moved near the Turkish border capital. according to the Red Cross and Government forces blocked technical malfunction. Due to the increasing dis- due to intense attacks over the It was the worst violence the Lebanese Civil Defense. More access to some buildings in In a separate incident, a placed population, the tent last year. since the unrest erupted three than 120 of those were treated in central Beirut with razor wire, fire killed three researchers at camps in Idlib fail to meet the Since the eruption of the months ago. hospitals, including security force closing off access to areas that the space centre, which is need of war-weary Syrians as bloody civil war in Syria in Security forces were members. Lebanon’s Internal included a popular tourist site. some 240km southeast of the there is not enough space to set 2011, Turkey has taken in some bracing for more rioting by Security Forces said 142 of its Workers also welded fencing capital, Tehran. up more tents. Thousands of 3.7 million Syrians who fled reinforcing concrete barriers members were injured. together across roadways that Iran has sent several sat- families are currently in dire their country, making Turkey and stringing coils of razor wire The clashes took place amid lead to Parliament to make it ellites into orbit over the past need of humanitarian the world’s top refugee-hosting across downtown Beirut. a rapidly worsening financial harder for demonstrators to decade, and in 2013 it assistance. country. The public prosecutor said crisis and an ongoing impasse push through. launched a monkey into space. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 AFRICA 11 Landmark Libya peace conference begins in Berlin AGENCIES — BERLIN after Haftar left Moscow “It should be ensured without signing the deal. World leaders gathered in that a ceasefire and Both Prime Minister Al Berlin yesterday to discuss ways Sarraj and Haftar have arrived to achieve a lasting cease-fire return to the political in Berlin for the conference at and a political solution to the process are agreed on Germany’s invitation. longstanding Libyan conflict. Ahead of the Libya con- German Chancellor Angela at the Berlin summit ference in Berlin, Turkey’s pres- Merkel and UN Secretary- in order for Libya ident told his Russian coun- General Antonio Guterres, co- to attain peace and terpart that the meeting should hosts of the Berlin conference ensure a cease-fire and political on Libya, greeted their guests calm,” Erdogan said dialogue for peace in Libya. at the door of the Federal in Berlin during the “It should be ensured that Chancellery. a cease-fire and return to the Leaders attending the con- televised part of his political process are agreed on ference include Turkish Pres- meeting with Vladimir at the Berlin summit in order ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for Libya to attain peace and Russian President Vladimir Putin. calm,” Erdogan said in Berlin Putin, French President during the televised part of his Emmanuel Macron, British meeting with Vladimir Putin. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left), United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres (right), Prime Minister Boris Johnson, main supporters, is also Erdogan added: “Warlord and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan posing as they arrive for an international summit on and Italian Prime Minister attending the conference. The Khalifa] Haftar’s aggressive atti- securing peace in Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, yesterday. Giuseppe Conte. United Arab Emirates (UAE), tudes must end to implement Ahead of the conference, another backer of Haftar’s the phase of political processes Erdogan had a bilateral meeting forces, sent Foreign Minister and solution in Libya.” He also crisis. "We are optimists. We actors will share this view in oil output. with Libya’s internationally rec- Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin said: “Joint efforts on Libya pro- believe it will be important to starting today. Prime Minister Boris ognised Prime Minister Fayez Sultan Al Nahyan for the vided relative calm in the field start a peaceful and political The presence of Syrian and Johnson said that Britain would Al Sarraj, who urged the inter- meeting. but our initiatives will reap solution to the Libyan crisis, other foreign forces in Tripoli be ready to send "people and national community to assume Libya’s internationally rec- fruits with the Berlin con- Italy has always worked with must end immediately, French experts" to help monitor a Libya more responsibility to stop the ognised government in Tripoli ference.” Since the ouster of late clarity and determination for President Emmanuel Macron ceasefire should one be bro- military offensive of warlord has been under attack by Haftar leader Muammar Gaddafi in this,” Giuseppe Conte said after said in a speech delivered to a kered by world powers at a Khalifa Haftar. since last April, and fighting 2011, two seats of power have meeting with UN Secretary- Libya peace conference summit in Berlin. Since the ouster of late ruler over the last nine months has emerged in Libya: Haftar’s in General Antonio Guterres ahead yesterday. Johnson told Britain's Sky Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two killed more than 1,000 people. eastern Libya supported mainly of the summit. "We do not want The United Nations should News television on his arrival seats of power have emerged On January 12, the warring by Egypt and the United Arab anyone to step back, we want negotiate truce terms in Libya in the German capital that it was in Libya: one in eastern Libya sides of the Libyan conflict Emirates, and another in Tripoli, everyone to take a step towards without either of the warring time for "external proxies" to supported mainly by Egypt and announced a cease-fire in which enjoys UN and interna- peace and stability in Libya," he parties setting pre-conditions, stop interfering in the war. the UAE, and the other in response to a joint call by tional recognition. added. Macron said in the speech. "Proxy conflicts only come Tripoli, which enjoys UN and Turkish and Russian leaders. Italy’s prime minister has "A military solution will The speech makes no to an end when the external international recognition. But last Monday talks for a voiced optimism about the never bring a definitive mention of an advance towards proxies decide that they want Egyptian President Abdel permanent cease-fire deal Berlin conference meeting to solution,” said Conte, adding Tripoli by eastern Libyan com- to bring it to an end," said Fattah Al Sisi, one of Haftar’s ended without an agreement find a solution to the Libya that he is confident that all mander Khalifa Haftar or a halt Johnson. Libya: Haftar forces break ceasefire on day of conference

ANATOLIA — TRIPOLI, LIBYA reports on the ground. control of the situation. said. The closure, which comes Army (LNA). The NOC said around 300,000 bpd. El Feel, Haftar’s forces launched He added that a mortar after a blockade of major guards under LNA command operated by the NOC and Italy's As world leaders met in Berlin mortar attacks on Al Halatat attack by Haftar militias hit oil eastern oil ports, risked taking had shut down the pipeline Eni produces about 70,000 yesterday to chart a way and Khallet Al Furjan, both tankers in the Halatat region, nearly all the country's oil leading to the coastal city of bpd. forward for peace in Libya, south of Tripoli, Abdul-Malik causing a fire and explosions. output offline as international Zawiya yesterday, forcing the Haftar's LNA has been forces of warlord Khalifa Haftar Al-Madani, spokesman for the Libya's largest oil field and leaders met in Berlin for a corporation to limit oil pro- waging an offensive since April have been violating a week-old operation by Libya’s UN-rec- a second major field in the peace summit on Libya. duction at the Sharara and El to capture the capital, Tripoli. cease-fire around the capital ognised government to defend southwest began shutting down Libya has been producing Feel oil fields. It is one of two main factions Tripoli. the capital, said. yesterday after forces loyal to around 1.2 million barrels per El Sharara, operated by the that international powers want Periodic gunshots have Al Madani also said their military commander Khalifa day (bpd) of oil in recent NOC in a joint venture with to agree to a ceasefire in Berlin been heard south of the Libyan Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Haftar closed a pipeline con- months, and all major fields lie Spain's Repsol, France's Total, on Sunday. Ahead of the capital, and black smoke can Rage) Operation retaliated necting them to the coast, the in areas controlled by Haftar's Austria's OMV and Norway's summit, oil ports and oilfields be seen rising, according to against Haftar’s forces and took National Oil Corporation (NOC) eastern-based Libyan National Equinor has production of in Libya's east

Twelve dead South African union after buses angered by Telkom’s collide in Algeria AFP — ALGIERS proposed job cuts Twelve people were killed and another 46 injured when REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG Telkom not to continue with two buses collided early their plan to retrench workers yesterday in Algeria’s South Africa’s Communication but engage on a meaningful dia- northeast, emergency services Workers Union (CWU) is logue in an attempt to avoid any said, in the latest tragedy of angered by Telkom’s plan to cut jobs bloodbath or face mass its kind in the North African up to 3,000 workers, it said action.” The affected jobs include country. yesterday and called for an support employees, specialist, Emergency teams arrived urgent meeting with the ruling operational employees and at “around 1:10am following party and the minister of supervisory and management a fatal accident, a collision communication. levels in its wholesale division between two buses, on the Telkom, in which the gov- Openserve, the consumer unit state highway near the city of ernment holds a stake of about as well as in its corporate centre. Astil” in the province of 39%, announced in a letter to The Solidarity union wrote Biskra, 500 km southeast of unions on Wednesday that it to Telkom asking for a mora- Algiers, a statement said. could cut up to 3,000 of more torium on forced retrenchments “Twelve people, aged 19 Election observers from the African Union stand inside a polling station in the Mbouweni neighbourhood than 15,000 staff as it struggles and that a retraining programme to 73, were killed and 46 were in Moroni, yesterday. with declining performance in be implemented during the mor- injured,” it added. fixed voice and fixed data atorium “so workers can be Public radio quoted services. equipped with new skills to help Ahmed Baoudji, director of The telecoms firm is also Telkom grow in the fast- Comoros votes in poll boycotted by oppn emergency services for the grappling with organisational changing information envi- nearby city of El Oued, as and operational inefficiencies ronment.” “When a company AFP — MORONI, COMOROS free and democratic” election. poorest countries, has been that saying preliminary investiga- linked to fixed voice and data fails to train its workforce for Azali secured a second con- its diaspora of roughly 300,000 tions indicated speeding was services, which require more new challenges, it should not Comorans voted yesterday in secutive term in March 2019, should be allowed to take part, the probable cause. staff to install, maintain and retrench the workers; it should the first round of a parlia- but critics alleged vote rigging a demand Azali’s camp said Algerian President Abdel- market, it said in a letter. get rid of the top management,” mentary election with victory and witnesses said ballot boxes would be impossible to meet. madjid Tebboune offered his CWU said in a statement it Dirk Hermann, Solidarity Chief for President Azali Assoumani’s were stuffed, the latest scandal While the absence of official condolences to the victims’ finds the presentation by the Executive said. supporters all but certain after in a country blighted by insta- opposition candidates made for families and asked Prime company “ridiculous and under- The Federation of Unions of opposition parties boycotted bility and coups. a low-key election campaign, Minister Abdelaziz Djerad to mining not only to workers but South Africa (FEDUSA) called on the contest. Azali, who has denied the tensions appeared within the oversee assistance, the radio the country at large,” adding that the government as the majority Most voting stations in the allegations, had urged the ruling coalition this week. added, while Interior Minister in 2016 the company presented shareholder in Telkom to dismiss Indian Ocean archipelago’s opposition to drop the boycott Azali’s ruling party, the CRC, Kamel Beldjoud and Health almost the same reasons to cut the entire board with immediate capital Moroni opened late threat in the run-up to the vote, has accused the Orange party Minister Abderrahmane Ben- over 2,000 jobs and further out- effect for “gross leadership because of bad weather, a saying in November that “my of Interior Minister Mohamed bouzid went to the scene. sourced thousands more jobs. failure over the last five years reporter said. most ardent wish is that they Daoudou of insufficient support According to the national “CWU is calling for an urgent and a lack of strategic direction Opposition parties said they come to participate in these for their coalition. road safety commission, a meeting with the ruling party and planning.” South Africa’s would not contest the 24 seats elections because we have a lot First-round results were government agency, 3,275 and the minister in order to Ministry of Communications did in the Comoros national to do”. Among the opposition’s expected late yesterday, with a people were killed in road resolve this matter,” it said. not immediately respond to assembly after failing to obtain demands in the former French second round scheduled for crashes in Algeria in 2019 and “We are further warning requests for comment. guarantees of a “transparent, colony, one of the world’s February 23. more than 30,000 injured -- fewer than in previous years. It also reported a small decrease in the number of Kenyan authorities arrest five for suspected terrorism accidents -- almost 22,000 -- compared to 2018. Last month AFP — NAIROBI and their Kenyan driver — and out a surveillance operation at this month, threatening to target “have the chance”. Tunisia and Morocco, which two Somali women who were a pub on Kiambu Road, a spot more Kenyan and US interests. Kenya sent troops into neighbour Algeria, were in Kenyan authorities have believed to be on a reconnais- popular for its many bars and On January 5, the Somali Somalia in 2011 as part of an mourning after two bus arrested five people suspected sance mission for an attack in nightclubs. Al Shabaab group attacked African Union peacekeeping crashes that were among the of preparing a terror attack in the north of the capital, the Kenyan security forces Camp Simba, killing three mission fighting against Al deadliest in the region. On Nairobi, according to a police report dated Saturday said. have been on high alert since Americans and destroying Shabaab, and has seen several December 1, 30 people died report yesterday. Police received information the Somali Al Shabaab group, several aircraft and warning brutal retaliation attacks both in northwest Tunisia, and at The group comprises three on Friday saying that “sus- close to Al Qaeda, stepped up Kenya to withdraw its forces on its troops in Somalia and least 17 were killed the same men — a US citizen, a Somali pected terrorists” were carrying attacks in the east of the country from Somalia while they still civilians in Kenya. day in the north of Morocco. 12 ASIA MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020

China steps up Heavy snow hampers efforts to phase out single-use search for missing plastic products

REUTERS — BEIJING trekkers in Nepal China is stepping up restric- tions on the production, sale AFP — KATHMANDU The missing group metres of snow had fallen on and use of single-use plastic the trekking trails and it was products, the state planner Avalanches, heavy snow and was near the “extremely difficult” to search said yesterday, as it seeks to poor visibility hampered the Annapurna base camp the snow-covered area on foot. tackle one of the country’s search yesterday for four Six of the missing were part biggest environmental South Koreans and three around 3,230 metres of the same expedition, while problems. Nepalis caught in an avalanche above sea level when one Nepali porter was Vast amounts of untreated in the popular Annapurna escorting a different group. plastic waste are buried in region of the Himalayas, offi- the avalanche struck The four foreigners — two landfills or dumped in rivers. cials said. after heavy snowfall men and two women — were The United Nations has iden- Relatives of the missing on Friday. part of an 11-member team of tified single-use plastics as one Koreans have arrived in Kath- South Korean nationals. Others of the world’s biggest environ- mandu alongside several offi- have safely descended. mental challenges. cials sent by Seoul to help with Education officials in Seoul The National Development the emergency rescue efforts, “It is difficult for people to said they were part of a team and Reform Commission and Ang Dorjee Sherpa of the go. We will try to fly drones of volunteer teachers working the Ministry of Ecology and Korean Alpine Federation said. to help find something,” with children in Nepal. Environment, which issued the The missing group was Gurung said. Helicopters were Two more South Koreans new policy, said plastic bags near the Annapurna base camp sent out on Saturday to rescue were due to arrive in Nepal will be banned in all of China’s around 3,230 metres above sea about 200 people stranded yesterday to help with the major cities by the end of 2020 level when the avalanche around Annapurna and other search, the country’s foreign and banned in all cities and struck after heavy snowfall on nearby mountains after the ministry said. Sherpa said it towns in 2022. Friday. incident. had snowed heavily around Markets selling fresh “Our team reached the area Guesthouses and the Annapurna in recent days, produce will be exempt from but could not proceed with trekking route were blanketed making the trek risky. the ban until 2025. their search because of more in a thick layer of snow. “The weather and snow got Other items such as plastic avalanches. We are exploring “The snow was very deep worse and, feeling it was utensils from takeaway food ways to move the operation and it took us more than becoming dangerous and dif- outlets and plastic courier forward,” said Mira Acharya double the time to dig through ficult, they decided to turn. As packages will also be phased from Nepal’s tourism and walk,” said Jeevan Dahal, they were heading back the out. department. a guide who was rescued by avalanche hit,” Sherpa said on By end of 2020, the res- Rescuers were working helicopter. Saturday. taurant industry will be with Korean officials to deploy “We saw the avalanche-hit Annapurna is an ava- banned from using single-use drones in the search today, area from the helicopter. Eve- lanche-prone and technically straws. said Dilip Gurung of the rything was white.” difficult mountain range with By 2025, towns and cities tourism management com- Tek Gurung, a guesthouse a higher death rate than across China must reduce the mittee in Chhomrong, which owner aiding the search oper- Everest, the world’s highest Climbers await rescue after an avalanche in Deurali, Nepal, on consumption of single-use lies on the trekking route. ation, said more than two peak. Saturday. plastic items in the restaurant industry by 30 percent. Some regions and sectors will also face restrictions on Palm oil row: India says no meeting with Malaysia in Davos the production and sale of plastic products, although it is REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR and India’s restrictions on the “I can tell you fair and square for five years. The row dragged even if his words cost his country not yet clear which geo- refined variety of the commodity there’s no meeting between the benchmark Malaysian palm financially. graphical areas. India’s trade minister will not imposed last week have been Malaysian minister and the futures to their biggest weekly “Why is he harming his own China also banned the meet with his Malaysian coun- seen as a retaliation for Indian trade minister at Davos,” decline in more than 11 years on country by his erratic actions?” import of all plastic waste, and terpart in Davos next week Mahathir’s criticism of New he said, asking not to be named Friday. the Indian official said, referring the use of medical plastic because of his tight schedule, an Delhi. as he was not a government Malaysia’s Leiking has sent a to Mahathir. “The comments he’s waste in the production of Indian trade ministry official said A Malaysian government spokesman. message to Goyal wishing him making are very plastic. yesterday, as a spat simmers spokesman said on Friday that “As part of a larger meeting well for the Davos meeting, unprecedented.” The production and sale of between the top buyer of palm trade ministers from India and of trade ministers they may be according to the message Responding to a question on plastic bags less than 0.025mm oil and its biggest supplier. Malaysia could meet on the side- both together, but there’s no reviewed by Reuters. India’s new religion-based citi- thick will be banned, as will India has repeatedly objected lines of the World Economic meeting. The schedule is already Spokespeople for the trade zenship law, Mahathir said last plastic film less than 0.01mm to Malaysian Prime Minister Forum’s annual meeting in finalised, and it’s full.” ministries of India and Malaysia month the country was trying to thick for agricultural use. Mahathir Mohamad speaking out Davos. India last week imposed did not immediately respond to “deprive some Muslims of their China is already boosting against a new citizenship law But the Indian trade ministry curbs on refined palm oil, which queries from Reuters. citizenship”. At the UN General recycling rates and is building which critics say discriminate official, who said he was speaking a source in New Delhi with direct Mahathir, the world’s oldest Assembly in September, he said dozens of “comprehensive against Muslims. on behalf of the ministry, said no knowledge of the matter said premier at 94 and one of the India had “invaded and resource utilisation” bases to Malaysia, a Muslim-majority meeting was planned between could be used to deny or delay Muslim world’s biggest voices, occupied” Kashmir, a disputed ensure that more products are nation, is the second biggest pro- India’s Piyush Goyal and Malay- imports from Malaysia. India has has said he would continue to Muslim-majority region also reused as part of its war on ducer and exporter of palm oil sia’s Darell Leiking. been Malaysia’s top palm market speak out against “wrong things” claimed by Pakistan. waste. India, Sri Lanka seek to strengthen Australian govt to aid tourism industry as bushfires recede military ties as China clout grows REUTERS — MELBOURNE “Our federal response to The Australian Tourism Tourism has been an AFP — COLOMBO India’s National Security these devastating bushfires is Export Council, another peak increasingly vital part of Aus- Advisor Ajit Doval met Sat- The Australian government said comprehensive and unprece- tourism body, told the Aus- tralia’s economy, accounting for Sri Lanka and India vowed to urday with recently elected Sri yesterday it will channel $52m dented,” Prime Minister Scott tralian Financial Review that more than 3 percent of annual strengthen military ties and Lanka President Gotabaya to the tourism industry as Morrison was cited in a the losses may go above economic output. widen maritime links with Rajapaksa and discussed recent heavy rains have statement announcing the aid. A$4.5bn by the end of the year. Victoria, New South Wales neighbours after security talks, setting up a maritime research dampened many of the Some 29 people and mil- Asked on ABC News tele- and Queensland, three of the the president’s office said coordination centre, monthslong bushfires, allowing lions of animals have been vision yesterday whether states that are popular tourist yesterday, as China’s economic Rajapaksa’s office said in a the country to look to recovery. killed so far in the burning bush A$76m is sufficient, Tourism destinations but which have been clout increases in the region. statement. The number of fires burning in Australia — a country famous Minister Simon Birmingham hit hard by the fires, are now China, a long-time regional It did not give details of the across Australia’s east and south for its pristine beeches, said it was an initial package. dealing with rain bucketing down rival of India, has been wid- proposed centre, but said other coast has gone under 100 over abundant wildlife and open-air “There may need to be in some areas, causing floods and ening its footprint in the region, nations in the region should be the weekend for the first time sporting events. additional support and funding landslides. including building ports and included as observers. in weeks, bringing relief from Australian Tourism Industry as we work through this Meteorologists expected expressways and upgrading It said the two countries a disaster that has scorched an Council (ATIC), said earlier that recovery,” Birmingham said, more rain in Australia’s east and airports in Sri Lanka and the also discussed closer military area roughly a third the size of damages to the tourism industry according to a transcript of the south yesterday and today, which Maldives. and coastguard cooperation. Germany since September. have approached A$1bn. interview. should further help firefighters. Defiant women protesting against citizenship law inspire movement

AFP — NEW DELHI passed the Citizenship are taking place in the eastern Amendment Act on December state, including at Sabzi Bagh Defiant women who have been 11. Many of India’s 200 million near the capital Patna. blocking a New Delhi highway Muslims fear the government is “It is like another Shaheen for more than four weeks in getting ready to draw up a Bagh,” said Afzal Imam, a former protest against a bitterly disputed national citizenship register that mayor of Patna. citizenship law have inspired could strip them of their nation- “We cannot sit silent at home thousands across India to copy ality, though New Delhi denies when the government is hellbent their challenge to the Hindu this and calls the law a “human- on stealing our citizenship,” said nationalist government. itarian” gesture. Shagufta Amin an activist at Sabzi Supported by volunteers who Though at least 27 people Bagh, where weekend crowds bring biryani meals, chai and have died in violence around swell to thousands. blankets, groups have started some demonstrations, protesters The government in neigh- occupation protests in about 20 have taken over parks and streets bouring Uttar Pradesh state is cities across the country of 1.3 in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West fiercely loyal to right wing Prime billion people to demand the Bengal, Kerala and Madhya Minister Narendra Modi and has repeal of the law that opponents Pradesh states as well as two new cracked down on protesters. say is anti-Muslim. occupations in Delhi. Many of the 19 people killed there Nearly all pay tribute to the Srijan Chawla, a student were allegedly hit by police 200 grandmothers and house- protest leader in Mumbai, said bullets. Some 6,000 people were wives and students who sit and “Shaheen Bagh has inspired a lot detained for taking to the streets. sleep across the main road in the of women in this country to go Hundreds of women camped in Shaheen Bagh district of Delhi, on the streets and protest. Be it a park in Varanasi, Modi’s con- fighting a law that would give Kolkata, be it Delhi, be it here in stituency, face eviction notices passports to “persecuted” reli- Mumbai.” after police filed a case for gious minorities from three Hundreds of protesters have “disobedience”. neighbouring countries but only spent nearly three weeks on “This protest is like a non-Muslims. public land in Gaya in Bihar. A mountain, we will not move from Hundreds of thousands of huge poster of Mahatma Gandhi here until our demands are met,” people have taken part in rallies hangs over one entrance. More Nasreen Zafar, one of the Demonstrators attend a protest against a new citizenship law in Shaheen Bagh, New Delhi, yesterday. across India since parliament than 10 other non-stop protests women, told reporters. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 13 Thousands-strong Hong Kong rally cut short by clashes

AP — HONG KONG Police fired tear gas extradition legislation sparked near the park, known months of mass Clashes broke out between demonstrations. protesters and police in Hong as Chater Garden, The bill — which would Kong yesterday, cutting short a after some protesters have allowed Hong Kong resi- rally after thousands had dents to be sent to mainland gathered at a park to call for attacked plainclothes China to stand trial — has since electoral reforms and a boycott officers - a return to been withdrawn, but protests of the Chinese Communist have continued for more than Party. the violence that has seven months, centered around Police fired tear gas near the roiled the Chinese demands for voting rights and park, known as Chater Garden, an independent inquiry into after some protesters attacked territory off and on for police conduct. plainclothes officers — a return months. While the protests began to the violence that has roiled peacefully, they increasingly the Chinese territory off and on descended into violence after for months. Kong, with the protest demonstrators became frustrated Sporting their movement’s movement losing some of its with the government’s response. trademark black clothing and momentum in recent weeks. They feel that Hong Kong leader face masks, rally participants “I think Hong Kong has not Carrie Lam has ignored their had earlier packed into Chater been the focus of the world demands and used the police to Garden, located near the city’s anymore,” he said. suppress them. Legislative Council building. He urged other countries to In response to yesterday’s They held up signs that read launch sanctions against Hong rally, Hong Kong’s government “Free Hong Kong” and waved Kong’s gov——nment if it does released a statement that People taking part in a rally at Chater Garden in Hong Kong, yesterday American and British flags. not allow residents to directly warned against any foreign “We want real universal elect Legislative Council involvement. Beijing has suffrage,” the protesters members this year. repeatedly accused foreign authoritarian leader in decades. organisers had also planned. “rioters” attacked them with chanted. A former British colony, countries like the US of inciting Some protesters have accused The march didn’t happen, and wooden sticks, police said in a “Disband the police force, Hong Kong was returned to riots in Hong Kong in a bid to Lam of being “Beijing’s puppet,” the protest was curtailed by statement, adding that some free Hong Kong!” China in 1997. While the sabotage China’s a label she has rejected. clashes after police ordered an also lobbed water bottles and Hong Kong media outlets framework of “one country, two development. Demonstrators have rou- end to the rally hours before the other objects at law reported that police arrested the systems” promises the city The statement outlined the tinely thrown bricks and pre-approved finishing time. enforcement. Others threw rally’s organiser, Ventus Lau, greater democratic rights than “universal suffrage of ‘one gasoline bombs at riot police, Protesters used bricks, paint bombs at buildings in the shortly after he spoke to are afforded to the mainland, person, one vote’ as an ultimate who have responded with tear umbrellas and traffic barriers Central business district, reporters. protesters say their freedoms aim” enshrined in the city’s de gas, rubber bullets and - on rare to barricade a road. They ran according to police. Local broadcaster RTHK have been steadily eroding facto constitution, known as the occasions - live rounds. for cover after riot police Several young protesters cited fellow organisers as saying under Chinese President Xi Basic Law. This step must be The months of unrest have appeared around Chater were handcuffed outside the that Lau was arrested for Jinping. implemented in line with sent the financial hub’s Garden and raised yellow park, as officers made arrests allegedly violating the police’s Frictions between “gradual and orderly progress,” economy reeling, as shops have warning flags, telling demon- and conducted searches into the conditions for the rally. democracy-minded Hong the statement said. shuttered during clashes and strators that they should dis- evening. One man who refused Earlier in the day, Lau said Kongers and the Communist Underpinning the protests tourists have stayed away. perse because they were par- to be searched retreated into a he believes more large-scale Party-ruled central government is a deep distrust for the central Hong Kong police gave ticipating in an illegal assembly. public restroom that was protests are needed for global in Beijing came to a head last government and Xi, who is approval for yesterday’s rally, Two officers were bleeding promptly surrounded by riot attention to return to Hong June, when proposed widely considered China’s most but not for a march that from the head after a group of police. ‘Taliban kill 6 Pakistan PM hails man members of same family’ for saving over 100

AP — KABUL people stranded in snow

Afghan officials said yesterday INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD people whose cars had broken that the Taliban executed six down on the road in the severe members of the same family, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran cold, thereby playing a pivotal including an infant girl, in a Khan has hailed Suleman Khan, role in getting them to safety. remote village in the country’s a citizen who saved more than Speaking of Khan’s north. 100 people stranded in snow kindness, one of the rescued The Taliban denied any in Quetta district of Pakistan’s told a private Tv channel: “I involvement, saying the attack southwest Balochistan witnessed Khan rescue more on Saturday was triggered by a province. than 100 people out of the personal dispute. “The whole nation is proud snowstorm, including a little The insurgents sentenced of Suleman Khan who showed girl from a Danish School, who them to death for immoral acts, great courage and selflessness was then safely taken to her then stormed the house and to help people stranded in the area of Khanozai.” opened fire, according to Jawed snow,” tweeted the prime His name is Habib Ullah, a Bedar, a spokesman for Faryab minister. driver who was stuck on the province’s governor. Earlier last week, the road. The infant girl’s mother and Quetta-Zhob highway was shut Khan took the rescued sur- twin sister survived, but both of Heavy fog in Lahore down due to severe snowfall in vivors to his home, where he the child’s legs had to be ampu- People cross railway tracks under heavy fog conditions in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. the Kachlak, Ziarat Cross, gave them food and provided tated, the spokesman said. Khanozai, and Kan Mehtarzai a place to sleep for the ones He said Afghan security areas of the Balochistan who had fallen ill. forces deployed to the village province. “I did everything for the will early yesterday and helped The situation led to hun- of God. I saw that people were evacuate the two survivors to Pyongyang names former army man who dreds of cars being stranded on stuck in the avalanche and had the hospital. the road, with women, children I not helped them, they probably He said the Taliban attacked and elderly passengers left vul- wouldn’t have returned alive. I the government troops when led Korea talks with Seoul as top envoy nerable in the harsh weather had been trying to help them they arrived. The ensuing gun- without adequate food supplies since 2pm, however, officials battle killed three Taliban BLOOMBERG — SEOUL top diplomat since 2016.South South Koreans after he led a del- or clothing. arrived around 12am,” Khan members, who Bedar said were Korea’s Unification Ministry said egation to high-level inter- Bracing the blood-curdling told a private media outlet. involved in the family’s killing. North Korea named a former in a text message that the gov- Korean talks in January 2018. cold, Khan not only rescued “I tried to give priority to The Taliban control the army officer who led military ernment is trying to confirm He was accused of being several passengers by driving pregnant women, heart patients village in Andkhoy district and high-level talks between the whether the foreign minister was rude to a visiting group of South them to safety in his own car and small children when res- where the killings took place, two Koreas as its top diplomat, replaced and Ri Son Gwon’s Korean conglomerate chiefs later but in a gesture of kindness that cuing, and made them stay in making it difficult to accurately Yonhap News reported, in a official title has been changed. that year, appearing to rebuke has touched the hearts of many my own home, fed them, and determine what happened, he move that could change the The move, which is yet to be them for not taking enough across the nation, also opened gave them a place to sleep,” he added. The Taliban now control course of stalled nuclear nego- announced in North Korea’s action to boost business devel- his home to them for food and added. or hold sway over roughly half tiations between Kim Jong Un state media, is likely to be con- opment between the two sides. shelter. Officials said that more than of Afghanistan. and US President Donald Trump. firmed to resident diplomats at The apparent replacement The 30-year-old reached 300 passengers were stranded Locals in the area claimed Foreign envoys in an event scheduled for January comes days after the isolated the stranded passengers on his in Kan Mehtarzai area of Killa that a member of the slain Pyongyang were notified late last 23 in Pyongyang, nation publicly declared that it vehicle and helped the people Saifullah district, where temper- family was a former Taliban week that Ri Son Gwon replaced NK News reported sepa- won’t rely on its leader’s per- to safety and comfort of his atures dipped to as low as -14 militant who recently joined the Ri Yong Ho as foreign minister, rately. Ri Son Gwon, former sonal relationship with Trump home without any assistance degrees Celcius while heavy peace process, according to Yonhap said, citing various chairman of the Committee for as it doesn’t intend to trade its from the authorities. snowfall and strong winds Andkhoy district chief Sultan sources it didn’t identify. the Peaceful Reunification of the nuclear weapons for a halt in Khan also helped get fuel, almost buried cars on the main Mohammad Sanjer. Ri Yong Ho had served as the Fatherland, became known to sanctions. paid out of his own pocket, to National Highway. Bishwa Ijtema festival opens income streams for Bangladeshis ANATOLIA — DHAKA They are selling and cam- three-day Bishwa Ijtema that for divine blessings and to pray Anadolu Agency. from the northern border dis- paigning for their products that began Friday with general for the welfare of the country as Anadolu Agency observed trict of Chuadanga to gain The Bishwa Ijtema festival of the normally last 15 days based on sermons, popularly known as well as for world peace. hundreds of floating venders at Allah’s mercy,” said 60-year-old Tablighi Jamaat movement has the six-day two phases of “a’mbayan.” Local landlord Sumon Sarker the Bishwa Ijtema venue selling Siraj Uddin Ahmed. opened new income streams for Bishaw Ijtema within a gap of “Almost everywhere in the said: “Since my childhood I have minor items like caps, light University student thousands of Bangladeshis who one week. 160 acre Bishwa Ijtema venue, been enjoying the Bishwa Ijtema. foods, water, mobile charges, Mohammad Imran coming from look forward to the second Traders have to pay Bang- there were Tablighi brothers It is not only a religious gathering earphones, mask and tea. the southern district of Khulna, largest congregation of the ladeshi 50,000 to 100,000 taka [devotees] and we hope that for us. It’s a festival for us that we Others, including poor however, said people learn to Muslim community. to local landlords for every stall. more than 400,000 Muslims wait for the whole year.” women were seen preparing be honest, sincere and a true Circling the gathering on the “I have made this temporary have joined in the sermons,” He said that most of the light foods on roadsides to sell Muslim here. banks of the Turag River on the structure of my stall with my Mohammad Sayem, coordinator people of this area are not eco- to devotees. “For a developed and pros- outskirts of Bangladesh’s capital, own cost and paid taka 100,000 of the second phase of Ijtema nomically efficient. Mahbubur Rahman, who perous country we must need Dhaka, more than 1,000 tem- to the owner of the land,” Sheikh told Anadolu Agency. “But this Ijtema has come to was selling tea in a flask, said he honest and sincere people at porary business stalls were con- Md Shahalam, a small garments Besides, around 2,500 us as divine blessings. Without earns almost 10 times more every sector of the country and structed prior to the three-day trader said on Friday while Muslims from different countries, any investment we can earn a during the Bishwa Ijtema com- in this regard Bishwa Ijtema is first phase of the Ijtema held last passing the busy hours at his including Turkey, India, Pakistan, very handsome amount now pared to other days. playing a significant role,” Imran week. stall, with so many devotees Iraq, Malaysia have also partic- just by lending our land for only Meanwhile, devotees of dif- added. Different businesses, gathering to buy warm clothes ipated in the second phase of the two weeks.” “Hundreds of local ferent ages coming from remote For maintaining law and including garments factories, for cold. Ijtema, Sayem added. youths are also working with us areas of the country were seen order in the Ijtema ground and book publishers and producers Challenging heavy cold and “More than 1 million Muslims on contractual payment and listening to sermons and ensuring safety to the devotees, of daily commodities, made foggy weather, tens of thou- took part in the Jumma prayer using it as a chance for extra preaching Islamic lessons. a large number of law temporary stalls during the sands of Muslims have taken today with us,” Sayem said, income,” Mohammad Abdullah, “I am a government enforcement officers have been trade fair. part in the second phase of the adding that Muslims come here working at a book stall, told employee and have come here deployed at different points. 14 ASIA MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 Japan PM vows to boost nation’s role in US alliance AP — TOKYO Abe’s grandfather, statement marking the anniversary. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Nobusuke Kishi, who “I am confident that in the Abe pledged yesterday to bolster was prime minister at months and years ahead, Japan’s his country’s role under its the time, signed the contributions to our mutual security pact with the US in security will continue to grow, “outer space and cyberspace,” as treaty in Washington and the Alliance will continue to the allies marked the 60th anni- on January 19, thrive.” versary of a treaty that has been The bilateral security treaty, the basis for their postwar 1960, with President initially designed to facilitate a defence alliance. Dwight Eisenhower. greater US presence in the Asia- Abe’s grandfather, Nobusuke Pacific region as a deterrence to Kishi, who was prime minister at The treaty allows Soviet threats, is a legacy of the the time, signed the treaty in for the stationing of Cold War era. Since the collapse Washington on January 19, 1960, of the Soviet Union, Washington with President Dwight Eisen- tens of thousands and Tokyo have redefined the hower. The treaty allows for the of US troops and pact as a pillar for maintaining stationing of tens of thousands of the deployment of stability and prosperity in the US troops and the deployment of region in the face of new threats American warships in Japan. In American warships in from China and North Korea. exchange, the US is obligated to Japan. Yesterday’s anniversary was protect Japan in case of enemy also a time for the grandchildren attack. of the two leaders who signed the “We have elevated the rela- comes as Washington adds treaty to revisit history. In his Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) with top US officials celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tionship to one in which each of pressure on Japan to shoulder opening remarks, Abe told Mary signing of the Japan-US security treaty in Tokyo, yesterday. us, the US and Japan, protects the more of the financial cost and Jean Eisenhower, who was a other, thereby giving further play a greater defense role in the guest at yesterday’s reception, that were on exhibit outside a him to cancel his trip and Kishi also campaigning to achieve his force to the alliance,” Abe said in Asia-Pacific region to make up that their grandfathers played reception hall. to step down as prime minister. and his grandfather’s long-cher- his opening remarks. for a receding US presence. golf together in 1957 at Burning President Eisenhower was to Abe has pushed for Japan’s ished dream of amending Japan’s “Going forward, it is “As the security environment Tree Club near New York, fos- visit Tokyo for a ratification cer- Self-Defence Force to expand its postwar, US-drafted pacifist incumbent upon us to make it continues to evolve and new tering a friendship that led to the emony and perhaps another international role and capability constitution. even more robust, to make it a challenges arise, it is essential signing of the treaty. round of golf later in 1960, but by bolstering cooperation and In 2015, Abe reinterpreted pillar for safeguarding peace and that our alliance further Abe and the younger Eisen- the planned reunion never hap- weapons compatibility with the Japan’s constitution to allow the security in both outer space and strengthen and deepen,” Pres- hower together looked at photos pened because escalating anti-US US, as it increasingly works use of force in defending Japan cyberspace.” The anniversary ident Donald Trump said in a of their grandfathers playing golf military protests in Tokyo forced alongside American troops. He is and its allies. China reports 17 more 5 Indonesians coronavirus cases; Wuhan kidnapped by militants, says to restrict big gatherings Philippine army REUTERS — BEIJING Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, a REUTERS — MANIL A China said yesterday that 17 national level body, issued a more people had become large infographic on Saturday The Philippine military infected with a new corona- on social media, urging people yesterday said it has launched virus strain, fanning fears it will not to believe rumours about search and rescue operations spread further as hundreds of the virus and stressing it is not for five Indonesian fishermen millions of people travel to SARS. kidnapped by militants celebrate the upcoming Lunar The unknown virus belonging to the Islamic State- New Year. however is from the same large linked Abu Sayyaf group in Three of those patients are family of coronaviruses that Malaysian waters last week. seriously ill, according to a includes Severe Acute Respi- Eight Indonesians were statement issued by the health ratory Syndrome (SARS), which abducted in Sabah on commission in the central city killed nearly 800 people glo- Thursday. Three were of Wuhan, where all 62 of the bally during a 2002/03 out- released, while the remaining cases in China have occurred. break that also started in China. five were probably brought by Two people have died. Two Wuhan will strengthen their captors to the southern cases have also been reported oversight of large-scale events Fighting contagious diseases Philippine province of Sulu, in Thailand and one in Japan - and reduce the number of said Lieutenant General Cirilito both involving people who public gatherings, state media Tourist line up at a health control counter at the arrival section at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Sobejana, chief of the military’s travelled from Wuhan. One of quoted Chen Yanxin, the city’s in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Western Mindanao Command. the two patients in Thailand has deputy mayor as saying Sulu is Abu Sayyaf’s recovered. Wuhan officials yesterday. stronghold. have been providing updates Wuhan officials said since Sobejana disclosed the on new cases almost daily since January 14 they are using abduction a day after soldiers Jan. 11, and 17 is the highest infrared thermometers at air- Indonesian President faces fresh protests clashed with Abu Sayyaf number reported since then. ports, railway stations and members in Sulare island in The 17 new patients began other passenger terminals in over plan to overhaul nation’s labour laws Parang town, in Sulu, killing exhibiting symptoms such as a the city to strengthen screening. one militant and destroying a fever or cough before January The outbreak has stoked BLOOMBERG — JAKARTA thousands of workers set to rally Missed Deadlines Businesses speed boat believed to have 13, the statement said. worries globally as many of Monday in nationwide protests complain that a complex been used in the kidnapping. The World Health Organi- China’s 1.4 billion people will Indonesian President Joko against any watering down of minimum wage system and Sobejana said Malaysian sation said in a tweet yesterday travel both domestically and Widodo is facing a fresh wave of worker protections. restrictions on hiring and firing authorities had immediately that some of the new cases overseas during the Lunar New protests over a plan to overhaul “Failure to push through his — including some of the most coordinated with the Phil- appear not to be linked to the Year holidays that begin next the nation’s labour laws, testing much-heralded labour reforms generous severance pay condi- ippine military after the Huanan seafood market, week. his ability to push through tough would deal a significant blow to tions in the world — make it dif- abduction. believed to the centre of the Airport authorities in the economic reforms. Jokowi’s authority,” said Hugo ficult for them to expand Indonesia’s foreign min- outbreak. Due to China’s efforts United States as well as most Jokowi, as the president is Brennan, principal political operations. istry said it also has coordi- to implement broader Asian nations are screening known, had pledged to deliver analyst with Verisk Maplecroft Economists say the labour nated with the Philippine gov- screening, new cases may be passengers from Wuhan. to parliament a new job creation in London. rules are holding back an ernment and was still waiting identified in the coming days Although some experts at bill in the first 100 days of his In October, just weeks before economy that’s expanded about for official information about and weeks, it added. Georgetown University say second term, promising to ease his inauguration, Jokowi said 5 percent on average since the incident. “The fact that three cases current evidence shows the labour rules that businesses say changes to the labour market Jokowi first came to power in The speed boat was posi- have been exported to Thailand new virus may not be as deadly make it difficult and costly to regime would be his “first pri- 2014, which is when he pledged tively identified by the three and Japan without connection as SARS, there is little known hire and fire workers. ority” and insisted at the time to boost growth to 7 percent. Indonesian fishermen who to the Huanan Seafood Market about its origins and how easily Yet he’s struggled to get the that protests would not derail his Jokowi has missed several have been freed as the one suggests that the virus has it can spread. bill in front of lawmakers, as his efforts. deadlines to get the omnibus bill, used in the abduction staged spread beyond the Huanan A report by the London administration sought to come He said changes to the rules which includes relaxing of by six militants, Sobejana said. Seafood Market into the com- Imperial College’s MRC Centre up with a workable draft that would be restricted to new jobs restrictions on foreign “The likelihood they are in munity,” said David Hui, a pro- for Global Infectious Disease would appease businesses and and that employment conditions investment, in front of Sulare island or Parang, Sulu fessor of respiratory medicine Analysis said there are likely to labor unions, as well as politi- and workers’ rights for those in lawmakers. is very high,” he said. at the Chinese University of be “substantially more cases”. cians worried about how the existing jobs would be protected The government had initially Abu Sayyaf, which has its Hong Kong. It estimated that by January 12 controversial reform would play — a way for the government to said it would submit it to the par- roots in separatism, is noto- Chinese health authorities there were 1,723 cases in out among voters. attract investment while liament, along with a second rious for banditry and piracy, did not immediately respond Wuhan City with onset of He’s now facing a worsening defusing opposition from labor omnibus law on taxation, by the including beheading some to requests for comment. The related symptoms. public backlash, with tens of groups. end of last year. captives if no ransom is paid. Philippines looks for safer homes for residents of crater-studded island AP — TAGAYTAY Ano said officials in Batangas their lives are at stake,” Ano said, province, where the volcano is adding that closely regulated Philippine officials said yesterday located, have been asked to look tourism work could eventually be the government will no longer for a safer housing area, at least allowed on the island without letting allow villagers to return to a 3 hectares in size, for about 6,000 residents live there permanently. crater-studded island where an families that used to live in four Philippine President Rodrigo erupting volcano lies, warning villages and worked mostly as Duterte has approved a recommen- that living there would be “like tourist guides, farmers and fish dation for the island to be turned having a gun pointed at you.” pen operators on Volcano Island. into a “no man’s land,” but he has Taal volcano has simmered The new housing site should be yet to issue formal guidelines. with smaller ash ejections in at least 17 kilometres away from the After an initial visit last week, recent days after erupting on restive volcano to be safe, he said. Duterte plans to return to hard-hit January 12 with a gigantic plume The island has long been Batangas province today to check of steam and ash that drifted declared by the government as a conditions of displaced villagers, northward and reached Manila, national park that’s off-limits to per- Ano said. the capital, about 65 kilometres manent villages. Although it’s one of the world’s away. The government’s volcano- smallest volcanoes, the 311-metre- While the volcano remains monitoring agency has separately high Taal is the second most-active dangerous, with large numbers declared the island a permanent of 24 restive Philippine volcanoes. of local villagers encamped in danger zone, but impoverished vil- The Philippine Institute of emergency shelters, officials have lagers have lived and worked there Volcanology and Seismology has begun discussing post-eruption for decades. placed Taal and outlying cities A woman climbs onto the roof of a house to clear volcanic ash, which was damaged by the eruption recovery. “We have to enforce these reg- and towns at alert level 4, the of the nearby Taal Volcano, in Buso Buso, Philippines, yesterday. Interior Secretary Eduardo ulations once and for all because second-highest warning. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE 15 Bodies of Ukrainian plane crash victims sent home

AGENCIES — KIEV Our work will not secretary of Ukraine’s Security end until the full Council, said on Facebook. Around a thousand people “Our work will not end until including President Volodymyr clarification of the the full clarification of the cir- Zelenskiy bid farewell to circumstances of cumstances of the tragedy and Ukrainians who died in a plane the punishment of the guilty,” mistakenly shot down by Iran the tragedy and the he added. during a spike in tensions with punishment of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Washington. Vadym Prystaiko said on Zelenskiy laid flowers on guilty: Oleksiy Danilov Twitter that he was “deeply the flag-draped coffins of the 11 grateful for the messages of Ukrainian victims — nine flight Ukraine International Air- condolence & solidarity that we crew and two passengers — lines staff, some in tears, stood have received from around the during the solemn ceremony at nearby clutching flowers. world.” Kiev’s Boryspil airport and The airline staff and rela- The Boeing crashed shortly briefly spoke to their relatives. tives formed two lines to make after Iran launched missiles at The caskets were to remain a corridor through which the US forces in Iraq in response to for several hours at the terminal honour guard carried the the killing of top Iranian general so that relatives, Ukraine Inter- caskets draped in the yellow- Qasem Soleimani in a US drone national Airlines staff and and-blue flag of Ukraine. strike in Baghdad on January 3. Relatives and colleagues during a tribute ceremony for the 11 Ukrainians who died in a plane mistakenly shot ordinary Ukrainians could say Some men fell to one knee Tehran admitted it had acci- down by Iran during a spike in tensions with Washington, at Kiev Boryspil International Airport, yesterday. their last goodbyes. to honor the victims. dentally shot down the plane The funerals are expected The honour guard also held several days later. appeared to backtrack on plans cabin recordings, and that it the boxes were still in Iran and to be held today. flags of the countries whose cit- Ukraine’s leader has to send the flight recorders may send the flight recorders added: “There are still no firm Earlier yesterday, the black- izens perished in the crash. demanded that Iran punish abroad for analysis. to Ukraine or France. “But as of plans as to when and where the clad Ukrainian leader, Prime The Kiev-bound UIA Boeing those guilty for the downing of Hassan Rezaeifar was yet, we have made no decision.” aircraft recorders will be down- Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk and 737 crashed shortly after taking the airliner and compensate the quoted by the state-run IRNA Canada's Transportation loaded and analysed”. top officials stood on the tarmac off from Tehran on January 8, victims. news agency as saying “the Safety Board (TSB) said in a Canadian Foreign Minister outside the terminal to see the killing all 176 people on board, Ukraine said on Friday Iran flight recorders from the statement that two of its crash Francois-Philippe Champagne caskets with the remains of the mostly Iranian and Canadian was ready to hand over the Ukrainian Boeing are in Iranian investigators had left Tehran said he wrote to his Iranian downed plane’s nine Ukrainian citizens. plane’s black box flight recorders. hands and we have no plans to earlier yesterday after a six-day counterpart Mohammad Javad flight crew and two passengers “Deep condolences to the But yesterday, the Iranian send them out.” visit during which they Zarif yesterday to urge the being removed from the relatives and eternal memory official leading the investigation He added that Iran is examined the wreckage. boxes be quickly sent to Ukraine aircraft. to the victims,” Oleksiy Danilov, into the Ukrainian jetliner working to recover the data and The TSB said it understood or France. Put me on trial, Italy’s Salvini says in migrant boat case In WWII dispute, Poland notes REUTERS — MILAN A special Senate committee who have to decide whether to appeals process. is due to vote today on whether send me to trial or not, I ask you Salvini, who quit the gov- The leader of Italy’s right-wing to accept a request by a special formally, send me to trial, send ernment with the League last damage done League party, Matteo Salvini tribunal to put him on trial, a step me to trial because the Italian year, had pledged to stop (pictured), has defiantly asked that is required by law in cases people will be on trial with me,” migrant boats arriving from by Soviet Union to be put on trial over his involving former ministers. he told a rally in the town of Libya by making it more dif- handling of migrants at sea last Campaigning ahead of a Maranello. ficult for them to dock in Italian AP — WARSAW year when he was interior vital election in the north- “And if I have to go to jail for ports. minister in the previous central region of Emilia defending an idea, I’ll go with The League, which has a In a continuing dispute with government. Romagna, he has used the my head held high.” strong lead in national opinion Russia, Poland’s Foreign Salvini has denounced incident to attack judges and the If Salvini does go to trial and polls, is hoping victory in Emilia Ministry listed cultural and moves to put him on trial over ruling coalition, saying he is is found guilty of illegally Romagna, a traditional economic losses the country the incident last July in which being targeted for doing his detaining the migrants, he could stronghold of the left in Italy, suffered after Soviet troops he refused to let 131 migrants duty as a minister to protect the theoretically face up to 15 years will bring down the government took control of its territory at rescued at sea disembark from European states agreed to take country. in jail although that would only in Rome and trigger new the end of World War II. a coastguard vessel until other them in. “I say this to those senators come at the end of a long elections. In a series of tweets, the ministry condemned attempts at rewriting history and called on Russia to “accept its dif- France opens inquiry over ficult past.” The tweets were part of Poland’s reaction to Russia’s police assault of protester recent allegations that Poland bears some of the blame for AFP — PARIS people were detained during World War II and that it has the demonstration, which was shown no recognition of the French prosecutors said again marked by sporadic Red Army’s effort in driving yesterday that an inquiry had clashes between protesters and the Nazis from Poland. been opened after a riot police police, with 45 held for ques- The ministry said the liber- officer was seen punching a tioning afterwards. ation brought “decades of com- detained protester at a demon- The protests were the latest munist oppression” and huge stration in Paris, a scene that of the weekly Saturday dem- material losses, including looted was caught on camera and onstrations held by yellow vests industrial installations, natural went viral. since November 2018, and resources and works of art, The move comes after which have been boosted by some of which remain in Russia. several alleged incidents of opponents of a planned pen- “We respect soldiers’ blood police brutality against pension sions overhaul. sacrifice in the fight vs Nazism, reform protesters as well as the President Emmanuel but in ‘45 Stalin’s regime “yellow vest” anti-government Macron warned last week that brought (Poland) terror, atroc- rallies that began more than a the “unacceptable behaviour” ities and economic exploi- year ago. of some officers risked under- tation,” one of the tweets said. In the incident filmed mining the “credibility and The bitter dispute comes A firefighter climbing with a ladder into a home for people with learning disabilities after a blaze, in during a “yellow vest” protest dignity” of the force. just days before international Vejprty village, Western Bohemia, yesterday. on Saturday, a man with a But he also denounced the ceremonies marking 75 years bloodied head is seen being violence of some extremist pro- since January 27, 1945, when held down on his back by a hel- testers who have hurled paving the Red Army liberated the meted officer, who then strikes stones and other projectiles at Eight dead in blaze at Czech disability home Auschwitz-Birkenau death him hard on the face. security forces during protests, camp that Nazi Germany The Paris prosecutors’ while smashing storefronts and AFP — PRAGUE “The fire broke out in the “The deputy mayor ran into operated in occupied Poland. office said it ordered the police bus stops or burning vehicles boys’ section of a home for the the fire to help the clients and Russia’s President Vladimir oversight body to launch an and trash bins. At least eight people died and mentally handicapped,” said he paid for it. He’s now in hos- Putin and other leaders are to investigation into “intentional Prosecutors have also thirty were injured after a fire Jitka Gavdunova, the mayor of pital under observation,” said speak at a commemorative violence by a person in a opened an inquiry after a posh at a home for people with Vejprty, a small town on the Gavdunova. conference on January 23 in position of public authority”. brasserie favoured by Macron learning disabilities in a German border some 100km She told DNES the clients Jerusalem. Polish President Another video of the was targeted in what is being western Czech town early northwest of Prague. could walk around town freely, Andrzej Duda decided not to incident, filmed near the Gare treated as an arson attack yesterday, rescuers said. Volenik said all of those and that the home had fire attend, saying he was not de l’Est train station, shows the before dawn on Saturday. “A total of 38 people were affected were adults. sensors but only at the toilets invited to speak. man screaming in pain on his Firefighters quickly put out affected by the fire, of them The broadsheet DNES daily used by the clients as smoking Putin and some other stomach as the officer pins the blaze and traces of combus- eight unfortunately died,” quoted Gavdunova as saying rooms. leaders will not attend the down his elbow with his knee. tible fuel were later found on emergency services spokesman the clients of the home had tried “We should not be so January 27 observances at the “The police chief has asked the bistrot’s heavily damaged Prokop Volenik said, adding to set it on fire in the past, and benevolent with people whose site of the former camp, the the department of public order terrace — where Macron drew that 30 people were taken to that the home was heavily mental age is six to twelve Auschwitz Memorial and to give a full account of this the ire of critics after hosting a hospital — one in critical con- understaffed. years,” said the mayor. Museum, incident,” the Paris police lavish party just after winning dition, three with serious People from the town tried Police said on Twitter they Some 1.1 million people department said. the first round of the 2017 pres- injuries and 26 with light or no to help when the fire broke out were investigating the fire as were killed in Auschwitz from The authorities said 60 idential vote. injuries. but eight clients suffocated. criminal negligence. 1940 to 1945. Davos chief welcomes views of Trump, Greta Thunberg at forum AP — DAVOS, SWITZERLAND Alps, which initially was a animal species would top the for expanded use of carbon- are necessary,” Schwab said substantial progress,” he said, forum for business leaders but agenda at the meeting that spewing coal, stripped away yesterday in an interview. “The alluding to her debut at the The head of the World now is a key stop for policy- begins tomorrow. environmental protections and environment will play a partic- forum last year. Economic Forum says it’s “reas- makers and activists as well. The forum is shifting its played down concerns among ularly important role during this Schwab claimed the forum suring” that US President Following another year of focus of recent years from how scientists about man-made meeting.” has helped air concerns about Donald Trump and climate extreme heat, out-of-control technology is transforming lives climate change. Trump has also Schwab pointed to the environment since the 1970s but activist Greta Thunberg will wildfires and melting ice sheets, to the environment and respon- moved to take the US out of the forum’s 160 “lighthouse” said public awareness about both return to its annual environmental issues are con- sible business practices that landmark 2015 Paris accord to projects on inclusion and climate issues has now meeting in Davos this year, sidered to be the top five long- promote jobs, fight climate fight climate change. equality; economic devel- exploded. noting that concerns about the term risks confronting the change and work for social Schwab says Trump is opment; technology gov- “Now we have recognised environment will be a key topic. global economy, WEF said last good along with welcome because of his role on ernance; regional development; the urgency, because we know WEF founder Klaus Schwab week, citing a survey of more profit-making. the world stage while Thunberg corporate leadership and the window to act (on climate sees vast changes in business, than 750 decision-makers. The focus on environment will keep the focus on the envi- ecology, including a project to change) is closing,” he said, society and culture over the 50 It said catastrophic trends could make for an uncom- ronment. Both will speak plant a trillion trees. adding he hoped to inject “this years since he created the like global warming, climate fortable subject for Trump, tomorrow on the opening day. “So if Greta comes this year, sense of urgency into the yearly gathering in the Swiss change and the extinction of whose administration has called “I think both voices she will see that we have made meeting.” 16 EUROPE MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 Britain’s Prince Harry, Meghan to give up royal titles AFP — LONDON Queen Elizabeth II said in a statement: I recognise the challenges they (Harry and Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will give up their Meghan) have experienced as a result of royal titles and public funding intense scrutiny over the last two years and as part of a settlement with the Queen to start a new life away support their wish for a more independent life. from the British monarchy. The historic announcement way forward for my grandson A separate statement from Buckingham Palace and his family,” the 93-year-old attributed to Buckingham follows more than a week of monarch said in a statement. Palace said “the Sussexes will intense private talks aimed at “I recognise the challenges not use their HRH titles as they managing the fallout of the they have experienced as a are no longer working members globetrotting couple’s shock result of intense scrutiny over of the Royal Family”. resignation from front-line the last two years and support HRH stands for His or Her royal duties. their wish for a more inde- Royal Highness. It means Queen Elizabeth pendent life.” “As agreed in this new II’s grandson Harry and his Her comments referred to arrangement, they understand American TV actress wife battles with the media that that they are required to step Meghan will stop using the titles prompted Harry and Meghan back from royal duties, “royal highness” — the same to sue several newspapers in including official military fate that befell his late mother October over intrusions into appointments. They will no Princess Diana after her divorce their private lives. longer receive public funds for from Prince Charles in 1996. The Queen said she was royal duties,” the statement Merchandise depicting Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and other Royal Family “Following many months “particularly proud of how said. members are seen on display in a souvenir shop near Buckingham Palace, in London, yesterday. of conversations and more Meghan has so quickly become The settlement added that recent discussions, I am pleased one of the family” and wished the two will also repay $3.1m of home near Windsor Castle. Queen’s punishment for Harry consultant Mark Borkowski told that together we have found a the couple “a happy and taxpayer’s money spent on ren- Much of the British media and Meghan’s wayward ways. the UK’s PA news agency. constructive and supportive peaceful new life”. ovating their Frogmore Cottage interpreted the ruling as the The Queen “brought down “It’s still going to be difficult, the iron fist”, Sky News’ royal but not having the royal mark commentator Alastair Bruce they can be more free in terms said. of what they choose to fund Meghan’s father accuses daughter of ‘cheapening’ royal family “Make no mistake, Saturday them.” night’s statement represents the The couple are dedicated to LONDON REUTERS — “It’s disappointing because Meghan married Harry in May Earlier this month, the hardest Megxit possible,” The environmental causes and are she actually got every girl’s 2018 they took an obligation Mail on Sunday newspaper Daily Telegraph newspaper looking to develop their chari- Meghan Markle’s estranged dream. Every young girl wants “to be part of the royals and to submitted its defence to court said, table foundation as part of a father, Thomas Markle, to become a princess and she represent the royals”. action by Meghan over the The Palace would not “progressive new role”. accused his daughter of got that and now she’s tossing “This is like one of the publication of a private letter comment on who ends up The queen’s announcement “cheapening” the British royal that away, for, it looks like greatest long-living institutions she sent to her father. paying for Harry and Meghan’s is her second on the royal crisis family in part of an interview she’s tossing that away for ever,” he said. “They are Thomas Markle said he did security detail in Canada, where since Harry and Meghan’s released a day after Buck- money,” he said. destroying it, they are cheap- not expect Meghan to get in the couple are expected to effective resignation on March ingham Palace said Prince The interview was filmed ening it, they’re making it contact. spend much of their time — an 8. Harry and his wife would no after the couple’s shabby ... They are turning it “I can’t see her reaching out issue of intense public debate. “We have chosen to make a longer be working members announcement that they would into a Walmart with a crown to me, especially now ... or Harry It also failed to mention transition this year in starting of the monarchy. step back as senior members of it now. It is something that for that matter, but I think both whether the couple would be to carve out a progressive new Thomas Markle told of the royal family. is ridiculous, they shouldn’t be of them are turning into lost allowed to benefit financially role within this institution,” the Channel 5 news in a docu- Thomas Markle described doing this.” souls at this point,” he said. “I from future royalties and fran- couple said at the time. mentary that he believed the royal family as “one of the Thomas Markle and his don’t know what they’re looking chise fees. Meghan then jetted back to Meghan was tossing away greatest long-living institutions daughter have been estranged for. I don’t think they know what “They are now Mr and Mrs Canada and is now with their “every girl’s dream”. ever”, saying that when since her marriage to Harry. they are looking for.” Ordinary,” public relations son Archie. Main Irish oppn party UK govt considers moving House surges into 12-point of Lords to York lead as election called REUTERS — LONDON Moving Britain’s upper house REUTERS — DUBLIN lowest rating in Behaviour & of Parliament to the northern Attitudes’ nine years of polling, English city of York is one “of Ireland’s main opposition and Fianna Fail’s largest-ever a range of things” the party, Fianna Fail, surged into lead. government is looking at to a 12-point lead over the The poll was carried out as “level up” different parts of governing Fine Gael party the government came under Britain, Conservative chairman according to an opinion poll strong criticism from opposition James Cleverly said yesterday. that was published yesterday parties for planning a commem- In last month’s national but mainly conducted before oration of the British police election for the lower house, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar force that fought against Irish Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s called a snap election. independence a century ago. It Conservatives won a swathe Varadkar called the Feb- cancelled the event last week. of seats in the traditional ruary 8 election on Tuesday, Other regular opinion polls northern English heartlands of kicking off a campaign that will conducted late last year sug- the opposition Labour Party pit his party’s record on Brexit gested the two big parties, as he secured a large majority and Ireland’s fast-growing which have broadly similar in parliament. Yulia Galyamina, a Moscow city councillor, holding a copy of Russia’s constitution during a rally against economy against struggling policies on the economy and With a view to securing constitutional reforms proposed by President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow, yesterday. public services and a high cost Brexit, were closely matched these gains, Johnson has of living, particularly involving but that Fine Gael held a mar- promised to ramp up housing. ginal lead. Activists march in Moscow against constitutional reforms investment in the north of The Sunday Times/ If yesterday’s survey trans- England, which suffered under Behaviour & Attitudes poll had lated into votes on polling day, AFP — MOSCOW local deputies including Yulia people to join the march, the decline of heavy industries put the two dominant parties Fianna Fail would be Galyamina and opposition- acknowledged the meagre and austerity policies since the of Irish politics, both centre- approaching the percentage More than a thousand oppo- minded Russians joined the turnout but said average Rus- financial crisis. right, level on 27% a month ago, share of the vote where it could sition activists of various stripes march, carrying copies of the sians were confused. Asked by Sky News whether but the poll yesterday showed attempt to form a multi-party marched in central Moscow constitution and chanting “We will explain it to them,” the government was planning Fine Gael plummeting to 20% coalition with smaller parties yesterday after President “Putin leave!”. she said. “I think people will be to move the House of Lords to while its rival jumped to 32%, rather than another “confi- Vladimir Putin proposed About ten people including joining the fight to prevent a York, Cleverly said: “We might. up five points. dence and supply” deal. re-drafting the constitution, a protester who carried a state coup in Russia.” It’s one of a range of things that However Fianna Fail leader The poll also suggested unleashing political upheaval. placard urging Putin to quit More than 1,400 people we are looking into.” Micheal Martin played down coalition options remained Protesters — mostly young power were detained by took part in the march, said the Earlier, the Sunday Times the big lead. narrow with prospective anti-fascist activists — chanted police. White Counter group which reported that York is first “I think it’s fair to say that partners the Greens up one “Revolution” and “No to dicta- Pyotr Alyoshin, a 54-year- monitors political protests. choice for the move, ahead of polls have fluctuated in the point to 7% and Labour down torship” and some carried old lawyer, said at the march The march took place after Birmingham, Britain’s second- recent past and I would antic- two to 4%. copies of the constitution. he was against changing the Putin stunned the nation on largest city. ipate that the next poll will be Sinn Fein, with whom both of The annual sanctioned country’s basic law. Wednesday by proposing The House of Lords, Brit- significantly different,” he told the main parties refuse to march was called to commem- “The constitution that I hold sweeping amendments to the ain’s unelected upper house of national broadcaster RTE. govern, fell one percentage orate the memory of lawyer in my hands protects our rights constitution, the first major parliament, has the power to The survey of almost 1,000 point to 19%. This left the Stanislav Markelov and jour- and basic freedoms,” he said. changes to the country’s basic block laws but functions eligible Irish voters was con- former political wing of the nalist Anastasia Baburova who Galyamina, who had earlier law since it was adopted under mainly as a mechanism to ducted between January 2 and Irish Republican Army (IRA) were gunned down in Moscow said it was important to protest Boris Yeltsin in 1993. refine and seek revisions to 14, the day Varadkar called the just one point behind Varad- by ultra-nationalists in 2009. against Putin’s attempts to cling The move triggered the res- laws which are enacted in the election. It marked Fine Gael’s kar’s Fine Gael. A number of independent to power and urged ordinary ignation of his government. elected House of Commons. Foreign correspondent attacked at far-right protest in Greece

AFP — ATHENS four and a half minutes until he was attacked by members Thomas, we won’t back down. some policemen appeared. of the Greek neo-Nazi party Our correspondences will be A foreign press correspondent None stepped in. That’s the Golden Dawn in Athens. sent and the streets will be was attacked yesterday during most shocking thing”, Jacobi The three journalists were ours,” Kourounis said in a tweet. a far-right protest in central told the Proto Thema website. covering a protest held outside Greek government Athens against the presence of “I thought that with so many the Greek parliament building spokesman, Stelios Petsas con- migrants in Greece, according policemen there I could have about the renaming of North demned “the fascist attack” on to Greek news agency ANA. done my job today. I was wrong Macedonia. Jacobi and said the authorities According to an AFP again,” he said, adding he felt According to the Greek police were investigating. reporter and a video broadcast lucky for not being attacked around 370 people rioted at Syn- The Foreign Press Associ- by Skai TV, the victim, working with a knife. tagma Square on Saturday. ation of Greece (FPA) also con- for French and German media, “They attacked me because Athens News Agency demned the attack and urged Thomas Jacobi, was left with they recognised me. We have reported Jacobi as saying he will the authorities to take all facial bleeding after the attack. done the Golden Dawn docu- file a lawsuit. actions they could to identify Jacobi collaborated with mentary with Angelique Kour- “Golden Dawners, no the culprits. journalist Angelique Kourounis ounis”, Jacobi explained. matter how hard you hit us, no “The existence of organised for “The Golden Dawn: A Per- This is the second assault matter if you are stealing our hit squads at the fringes of rallies sonal Affair” documentary in against Jacobi. On January 20 phones and recorders as you aiming to intimidate journalists 2016. last year, along with a cam- have done today, when ten of that are not of their liking can’t Nationalists gather during an anti-migrant demonstration at Syntagma “They were hitting me for eraman and a photojournalist, you attacked us and especially be tolerated,” the FPA stated. Square, in central Athens, yesterday. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 AMERICAS 17 Trump team, Democrats offer dueling arguments on impeachment AP — WASHINGTON The dueling filings witnesses — ambassadors and previewed arguments national security officials at President Donald Trump’s legal high levels of government — team issued a fiery response on both sides intend to who raised concerns about the Saturday ahead of opening make once Trump’s president’s actions. arguments in his impeachment impeachment trial The House managers wrote: trial, while House Democrats “The only remaining question laid out their case in forceful begins in earnest is whether the members of the fashion, saying the president tomorrow in the Senate will accept and carry out betrayed public trust with Senate. Their the responsibility placed on behavior that was the “worst them by the Framers of our nightmare” of the founding challenge will be to Constitution and their consti- fathers. make a case that tutional Oaths.” The dueling filings pre- The Trump team called the A cafe advertises an “Im-Peach-Mint” drink, referring to the impeachment, in Des Moines, Iowa, US. viewed arguments both sides appeals to the 100 two articles of impeachment “a intend to make once Trump’s senators who will dangerous attack on the right impeachment trial begins in render the verdict of the American people to freely trial, particularly the question of Democrats want to call John been mistreated by House Dem- earnest tomorrow in the Senate. choose their President”. whether there will be new wit- Bolton, the former national ocrats and that he did nothing Their challenge will be to make and for an American Trump’s team encouraged nesses as fresh evidence emerges security adviser, among other wrong. a case that appeals to the 100 public bracing for a lawmakers to reject “poisonous over Trump’s Ukraine actions potential eyewitnesses, after the The filings came a day after senators who will render the partisanship” and “vindicate the that led to impeachment. White House blocked officials Trump finalized his legal team, verdict and for an American presidential election will of the American people” by New information from Lev from appearing in the House. adding Ken Starr, the former public bracing for a presidential in 10 months. rejecting both articles of Parnas, an indicted associate of With Republicans con- independent counsel whose election in 10 months. impeachment approved by the Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, is trolling the Senate 53-47, they investigation into President Bill “President Donald J Trump House. The Senate is still being incorporated in the House can set the trial rules — or any Clinton led to his impeachment, used his official powers to a political rather than conven- debating the ground rules of the case. At the same time, Senate four Republicans could join with and Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard pressure a foreign government tional legal process. They are Democrats to change course. law professor emeritus who to interfere in a United States the first of several filings Murkowski told reporters she intends to make constitutional election for his personal expected in coming days as sen- wants to hear both sides of the arguments. White House political gain,” the House pros- ators prepare to take their seats case before deciding whether attorneys and Trump’s outside ecutors wrote, “and then for the rare impeachment court. to call for new witnesses and legal team have been debating attempted to cover up his Senators swore an oath to testimony. “I don’t know what just how political today’s legal scheme by obstructing Con- do “impartial justice”’ as the more we need until I’ve been brief laying out the contours of gress’s investigation into his chamber convenes to consider given the base case,” Murkowski Trump’s defense should be. misconduct”. the two articles of impeachment said. The House’s impeachment The House brief said: “Pres- Trump’s legal team, approved by the House last managers are working through ident Trump’s misconduct responding to the Senate’s month as Trump’s presidency the weekend and will be at the presents a danger to our dem- official summons for the trial, and legacy hangs in balance. Capitol to prep the case. ocratic processes, our national said the President “categorically One Republican whose Trump’s answer to the security, and our commitment and unequivocally” denies the votes are closely watched, Sen. summons was the first salvo in to the rule of law. He must be charges of abuse and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, what will be several rounds of removed from office. Trump’s obstruction against him. “This acknowledged on Saturday the opening arguments. Trump will attorneys argue that the articles is a brazen and unlawful political pressure bearing on file a more detailed legal brief of impeachment are unconsti- attempt to overturn the results them. “I’m going to take my con- today, and the House will be tutional in and of themselves of the 2016 election and stitutional obligations very, very able to respond to the Trump and invalid because they don’t interfere with the 2020 election, seriously,” she told reporters filing tomorrow. allege a crime. This combination of pictures shows (from left) Alan Dershowitz, Robert now just months away,” the from Anchorage on a call. Trump’s team led by White Under the Constitution, president’s filing states. The House’s 111-page brief Ray and Kenneth Starr. According to media reports, US President House counsel Pat Cipollone impeachment is a political, not Stripped of legalese and outlined the prosecutors’ nar- Donald Trump is adding to his impeachment team of lawyers, former and Trump personal lawyer Jay a criminal process, and the structured in plain English, the rative, starting from Trump’s special counsel Kenneth Starr, whose Whitewater investigation led Sekulow, is challenging the president can be removed from documents underscored the phone call with Ukraine and to the impeachment and acquittal of former President Bill Clinton; impeachment on both proce- office if found guilty of whatever extent to which the relying on the private and Robert Ray, Starr’s successor in the Whitewater investigation; and dural and constitutional lawmakers consider “high impeachment proceedings are public testimony of a dozen constitutional-law professor Alan Dershowitz. grounds, claiming Trump has crimes and misdemeanors”. Buttigieg says Oval Office 2020 Democratic Biden accuses Sanders campaign White House needs wartime veteran of releasing ‘doctored’ video hopefuls court AP — ANKENY, IOWA decisions are made that could teachers in Iowa send people into a conflict.” REUTERS — INDIANOLA, IOWA Biden denied wanting to cut Democratic presidential can- Buttigieg often cites his Social Security when asked at REUTERS — DES MOINES, IOWA didate Pete Buttigieg said that seven months deployed to Democratic presidential can- an Iowa campaign event about the Oval Office benefits from Afghanistan, though has didate Joe Biden (pictured) rumors he wants to change the Democrats vying for the party’s the perspective of a wartime seldom said as directly the accused rival Bernie Sanders’s program, and he lambasted 2020 presidential nomination veteran, a niche he occupies next president should be a campaign on Saturday of dis- Sanders’ campaign. Biden courted Iowa’s teachers by exclusively among top-tier wartime veteran. seminating a “doctored” video accused “Bernie’s people” of promising to oust US Education candidates in his party’s race The 37-year-old former edited to falsely appear to show putting out a “doctored video” Secretary Betsy DeVos and for the 2020 nomination. mayor of South Bend, Indiana, the former vice-president sup- that was edited to appear to appoint someone who has During an interview on is the only military veteran in porting cutting Social Security, show him agreeing with former taught in public schools. Iowa PBS in suburban Des the top tier of the field of and called on the Sanders cam- Republican Speaker of the US The pledges to remove Moines, Buttigieg was asked if Democrats running for pres- paign to disown it. House of Representatives Paul DeVos, who has used her post there’s value in a president who ident. He would be the only In response, Sanders’ cam- Ryan that Social Security should in the Trump administration had faced hostile fire. president to have served in paign refused to back down and be privatized. “It’s simply a lie, to advocate for school choice, Buttigieg, a Naval intelli- the military since George W continued to cite the video as evi- that video is a lie,” Biden said. vouchers and charter schools, gence officer in Afghanistan in Bush. dence that Biden wants to limit “I’m looking for his campaign drew the most enthusiastic 2014, noted he had been “That perspective is needed the government-run retirement to come forward and disown it applause at the Iowa State present for rocket attacks while especially when we’ve got a and disability program. but they haven’t done it yet.” What’s the first thing he decided Education Association’s (ISEA) stationed at Bagram Airfield, president who thinks that With about two weeks until In response, Sanders’ cam- we had to go after? Social legislative contest. and later faced potential danger strength is the same as the the primary selection process paign manager Faiz Shakir Security and Medicare.” The ISEA, a member of the as an armed driver in Kabul. chest-thumping of the loud- kicks off in Iowa, Sanders and doubled down on the attack, However, the video of the National Education Associ- Another presidential candidate, mouth guy at the end of the his campaign have ramped up saying in a statement, “Biden speech makes clear Biden was ation, represents 34,000 Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, bar,” Buttigieg said. their attacks on opponents, not only pushed to cut Social actually mocking Ryan for the teachers in Iowa, which on served in Iraq, but is running Buttigieg, who was tasked escalating their criticism of Security — he is on tape proudly proposal. Biden then goes on February 3 will host the first far behind the front-running with reading and interpreting Biden and fellow liberal US bragging about it on multiple to say — in remarks not dis- state nominating contest to candidates. intelligence on the flow of Senator Elizabeth Warren. occasions.” At the center of the seminated by the Sanders pick a Democratic candidate “This is very real for me,” money to terrorist cells, said Sanders and Biden are back-and-forth is a newsletter campaign — that the tax code to take on President Donald Buttigieg told interviewer he doubted President Donald locked in a tight, four-way race the Sanders campaign dis- needs to be reformed so Trump in November. David Yepsen. “And I do Trump thoroughly consulted in Iowa along with Warren and tributed recently that pointed enough revenue is raised to US Senators Amy Klobuchar believe there is value in intelligence, members of Con- Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor to a speech Biden gave to the save Social Security and and Elizabeth Warren, former someone in the Oval Office gress or US allies before of South Bend, Indiana, to win Brookings Institution think tank Medicare. Vice-President Joe Biden and understanding what’s at stake, ordering the strike this month the Democratic nomination to in 2018. Biden is quoted as PolitiFact, an independent Pete Buttigieg, the former understanding at a personal that killed Iranian Gen. challenge Republican President saying, “Paul Ryan was correct fact-checker, rated the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, level what’s at stake, when Qassem Soleimani in Iraq. Donald Trump in November. when he did the tax code. Sanders newsletter as false. each addressed the conference for about 10 minutes on Sat- urday. Klobuchar, from the neighboring state of Min- Vows of peace, fears of violence at Virginia gun rally nesota, reminded the crowd that her mother was a REUTERS — RICHMOND, VIRGINIA with large followings on social know to be attending are other form of hate, violence, or recent gun control measures longtime public school teacher media who attended that Char- known neo-Nazis and other civil unrest isn’t welcome in Virginia, a state that Hilary and that she is a product of The top Republican in Vir- lottesville rally said they were groups who may seek to hijack here,” he said. Today's rally is Clinton won in 2016 and public schools. ginia’s lower house said that coming purely to show their the gun-rights gathering. being organized by the Virginia where Democrats took full “In my first 100 days I have any group planning to incite support for those opposed to Authorities say they are Citizens Defense League, a control of the state legislature 137 things that I found out you violence at a large gun rights new, more restrictive gun laws expecting several thousand pro-gun rights group that for the first time in a gener- can do without Congress — a rally today in Richmond should in the state. people and are trying to keep annually comes out in force to ation in November. president can do herself — that stay home, while far-right “If you think that we’re a the event from becoming lobby Virginia’s legislature to The Virginia Senate late on are legal, but I will tell you this, leaders of militias planning to threat coming into your city, violent. Virginia Governor not pass any new gun laws. Thursday passed bills to require in the first 100 seconds I will attend swore they were coming then you don’t know who we Ralph Northam this week tem- The group is working background checks on all fire Betsy DeVos,” Klobuchar in peace. are, you don’t understand what porarily banned all weapons closely with police, according firearms sales, limit handgun said to cheers. Richmond was braced for we’re about,” said Joshua from the area around the to law enforcement officials, purchases to one a month, and Klobuchar trails Biden, the rally, aimed at showing gun Shoaff, who has over 542,000 Capitol ahead of the in an effort to pull off a smooth restore local governments’ right Warren and Buttigieg, along enthusiasts’ disdain for swift Facebook followers and goes demonstration. event - but they have called for to ban weapons from public with US Senator Bernie moves the newly Democrat- by the pseudonym Ace Baker. Todd Gilbert, the Repub- tens of thousands of armed cit- buildings and other venues. Sanders, in Iowa opinion polls controlled legislature is making “We’re not anarchists — we lican leader in Virginia’s House izens to come to the event, Both Virginia legislative as the candidates enter the to pass stiffer gun laws - and believe in government.” of Delegates, said on Saturday hiking tensions. houses are also expected to pass final stretch ahead of the many residents feared a repeat Other leaders of well- that violence was not welcome President Donald Trump “red flag” laws that would allow state’s caucuses. She, like other of violence seen at a white known militias also vowed they during today's rally. backed the rally organizers in courts and local law enforcement senators, will largely be supremacist rally in nearby were not seeking confronta- “Any group that comes to a Twitter post on Friday in to remove guns from people tethered to Washington in the Charlottesville in 2017. tions in Richmond. But police Richmond to spread white which he said the US Consti- deemed a risk to communities, coming days for Trump’s But several militia leaders warned that among those they supremacist garbage, or any tution was under attack by among other measures. impeachment trial. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020

Up to 200 troops Maduro says still to help Canadian province recover in control, open from blizzard to talks with US REUTERS — OTTAWA Between 150 and 200 Canadian WASHINGTON & CARACAS AFP — While speaking to troops should be in the Atlantic the Post, Maduro province of Newfoundland and Venezuelan President Nicolas Labrador soon to help it dig out Maduro said he was still com- also expressed from a massive blizzard, fortably in charge and open to willingness to talk Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan direct negotiations with the US, said. The Armed Forces will also in an interview published by with Guaido, but provide two transport planes The Washington Post. appeared to dismiss and at least two helicopters. The interview was The storm dumped up to Maduro’s first with a major US his opponent’s main 76.2cm (30 inches) of snow on outlet since February of last demand that he St. John’s, the capital of New- year, when he abruptly ejected step down. Norway foundland, and packed wind all Univision journalists from gusts as high as 130km per hour. Venezuela. “If there’s respect has mediated talks Many major roads are totally between governments, no between Maduro’s impassable. Although a state of matter how big the United emergency remains in the town, States is, and if there’s a dia- and Guaido’s authorities said yesterday that logue, an exchange of truthful representatives, but fuel stations and pharmacies information, then be sure we would be allowed to reopen. can create a new type of rela- the meetings broke “Probably by the end of today tionship,” Maduro told the Post. down in August. you’ll have about 150 to 200 per- The socialist leader said he sonnel on the ground ready to was ready to hold talks with the opponent’s main demand that provide support. This could surge US to negotiate an end to sanc- he step down. Norway has up to anywhere between 250 to tions imposed by President mediated talks between 300 by tomorrow and the Donald Trump intended to Maduro’s and Guaido’s repre- coming days,” Sajjan said. throttle the South American sentatives, but the meetings The troops would be a mix country’s oil industry and force broke down in August. of reserves already in the Maduro from power. The US in early January province and soldiers arriving Maduro indicated that, if threw its support behind nego- from elsewhere, he added. Trump were to lift sanctions, tiations in Venezuela, saying Conditions could continue US oil companies could benefit talks could establish a transi- to be difficult, since Envi- immensely from Venezuela’s tional government, lead to fresh ronment Canada is predicting oil. “A relationship of respect elections and bring an end to the an additional 10 cm of snow. and dialogue brings a win-win country’s long-running crisis. “We really need to get the roads situation. A confrontational Meanwhile, Guaido has opened... we need to make sure relationship brings a lose-lose travelled to Colombia to meet we get better access to the hos- situation. That’s the formula,” with US Secretary of State, Mike pital,” St. John’s mayor Danny A pile of snow is pictured outside houses in St John’s, Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada. Maduro said. Pompeo, an opposition law- Breen said. The US, along with more maker said. Opposition law- than 50 other countries, recog- maker Stalin Gonzalez said that nizes Maduro’s opposition rival Guaido, who is recognised by Juan Guaido as the country’s the United States and more Bloomberg vows to narrow wealth gap for black Americans legitimate interim president. than 50 other countries as Ven- Guaido has called for a new ezuela’s Acting President, will REUTERS — WASHINGTON Biden and Elizabeth Warren neighborhoods. “You don’t to ban discrimination. presidential election to be held, meet in Bogota with Pompeo. nationally and among African reverse hundreds of years of The Bloomberg campaign on the grounds that Maduro is The US Secretary of State is Democratic presidential can- Americans, who make up about theft and exploitation only with said his plan would help blacks an “illegitimate” president scheduled to arrive in the didate Michael Bloomberg yes- a quarter of Democratic voters modern-day attempts to leg- with mortgage downpayment because his 2018 re-election Colombian capital today at the terday pledged to narrow the in the contest to take on Repub- islate equal rights,” he said. assistance and he pledged to was tainted by fraud. start of a Latin American tour. wealth gap between black and lican President Donald Trump The United States stands out fight discrimination with bias Venezuela’s economy is Guaido has been barred white Americans by boosting in the November election. among developed countries for training for police, teachers and crumbling under Maduro’s rule, from leaving Venezuela since black ownership of homes and In prepared remarks for a its large wealth gaps and its rel- federal contractors. and millions have fled the proclaiming himself acting businesses and investing in speech in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the atively recent history of per- Bloomberg has faced crit- country. But despite the president a year ago after the poor neighbourhoods. day before a holiday honoring vasive slavery, which under- icism in black communities humanitarian catastrophe and National Assembly declared Bloomberg, a late entry to the slain civil rights leader Martin pinned its southern economy over his support of a contro- biting US sanctions, Maduro President Nicolas Maduro a Democratic nomination contest, Luther King Jr., Bloomberg said until 1865. versial policing policy that maintains power with the “usurper". He defied the travel is rising in public opinion polls as his plans would help one million According to researchers at ensnared disproportionate support of the military as well ban once before, in February he uses his vast personal fortune black Americans become home- the Federal Reserve, white numbers of blacks and Latinos as Russia, China and Cuba. 2016, when he secretly trav- to spend heavily on advertising owners over 10 years, while also American households on when he was New York’s While speaking to the Post, elled to Colombia and then nationwide. boosting the number of black- average had over six times the mayor. The former Republican Maduro also expressed will- visited several other countries But the billionaire former owned businesses. He pledged a wealth of black households in apologized for the policy days ingness to talk with Guaido, but to marshal regional support for mayor of New York trails front- $70 billion program to fight 2016, a gap largely constant before announcing his can- appeared to dismiss his his challenge to Maduro. runners Bernie Sanders, Joe poverty in 100 disadvantaged since 1962 despite legal efforts didacy in November.

MS-13 inmates sent to restricted US seeks to deport unit after prison stabbing Honduran mom, sick AP — NEW YORK children to Guatemala The federal Bureau of Prisons is moving some MS-13 gang AP — HOUSTON to die,” said Dr. Amy Cohen, a members in its custody into doctor who monitors the gov- more restricted housing at The US government says it will ernment’s compliance with a certain high-security facilities deport a Honduran mother and landmark court settlement gov- across the US after a gang her two sick children, both of erning how migrant children stabbing in a Virginia prison, whom are currently hospi- are treated known as the Flores two people familiar said. talised, to Guatemala as soon agreement. A brawl broke out as it can get them medically “Whenever the baby Wednesday at the prison known cleared to travel, according to coughs, her whole body as USP Lee between the MS-13 court documents and the fam- shakes,” Cohen said. “The leader and a fellow inmate asso- ily’s advocates. 6-year-old looked exhausted. ciated with the Mexican Mafia, The family’s advocates Everyone looked malnour- and the gang member was accuse the US of disregarding ished.” According to Cohen, the stabbed, the people said. The the health of the children, ages family says both children were Bureau of Prisons said that the 1 and 6, to push forward a plan healthy when they crossed the inmate was injured but survived currently being challenged in US-Mexico border without People break into a warehouse filled with supplies, believed to have been from when Hurricane the attack. No one else was court to send planeloads of authorization in late December. Maria struck the island in 2017 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Saturday after a powerful earthquake hit injured, the agency said. families to different countries A lawsuit filed by the family the island. President Donald Trump on January 16 freed up emergency aid for Puerto Rico’s recovery Fearing retaliation, officials so that they can seek asylum says they were taken first to the have started moving some from a January 7 earthquake that caused widespread disruption and damage on the island. elsewhere. US Border Patrol’s processing MS-13 inmates into more Both children have been center in McAllen, Texas, then secured units at the six federal hospitalised in recent days in to a complex of tents built at high security prisons, the people Discovery of unused disaster South Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. the port city of Donna, where said. It was unclear how many In court papers, the US gov- they were held for several days. inmates were restricted, or how ernment has said it intends to The lawsuit blames the chil- long they’d be separated from deport the family to Guatemala dren’s illnesses on inadequate the general population. supplies angers Puerto Rico tomorrow, pending clearance medical care and the food served The prison, in Jonesville, “from a medical professional”. at the Donna tents, which they Virginia, houses about 1,500 AP — SAN JUAN learning the emergency sup- relayed live video on Facebook “The mother is desperate. describe as burritos twice a day men. The FBI was notified about plies had been piled in the of people breaking into the She thought her baby was going and a sandwich at night. the attack and the Bureau of People in a southern Puerto warehouse since Hurricane building. The scene became Prisons also launched an Rico city discovered a ware- Maria battered Puerto Rico in chaotic at times as people internal investigation. house filled with water, cots September 2017. pushed their way in and began The Bureau of Prisons has and other unused emergency Vázquez said inaction by the distributing water, baby food Chileans march against police been plagued for years by supplies, then set off a social fired official, Carlos Acevedo, was and other goods to those chronic violence, extensive media uproar on Saturday when unacceptable. “There are thou- affected by the earthquake. repression of social unrest staffing shortages and serious they broke in to retrieve goods sands of people who have made The mayor of Ponce, María misconduct. The agency has as the area struggles to recover sacrifices to help those in the Meléndez, said he had not known AFP — SANTIAGO come under increased scrutiny from a strong earthquake. south, and it is unforgivable that about the warehouse and its con- since wealthy financier Jeffrey With anger spreading in the resources were kept in the ware- tents. “This is outrageous,” she Hundreds of Chileans rallied ON Saturday night to protest what they Epstein took his own life in US territory after video of the house,” the governor said. said. “Everyone knows what us call police repression during three months of the worst social unrest federal custody in August. An event in Ponce appeared on Puerto Rico’s secretary of mayors went through after Hur- since democracy replaced the country’s military dictatorship in 1990. independent report released in Facebook, Governor Wanda state, Elmer Román, told ricane Maria to try and get help More than 1,000 people, many wearing black, marched in silence September found that inmates Vázquez quickly fired the reporters that Acevedo had not to our cities and how we’ve from Plaza Italia, ground zero of all the protests, along Alameda had expressed concerns about director of the island’s emer- told him about the contents of worked these weeks to provide Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Chile’s capital. a culture of violence that they gency management agency. the warehouse. News of the basic supplies to people affected Keeping quiet was their way of denouncing the security forces’ believed extended to the The governor said she had warehouse spread after online by earthquakes. Those involved use of tear gas, water cannon and birdshot, although the latter prison’s leadership. ordered an investigation after blogger Lorenzo Delgado owe us an explanation.” was barred in November because it was causing many injuries. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 HOME 19 VCUarts Qatar to screen award winning documentaries by faculty and students The screenings will take place at 6pm on January 21 at the Atrium at VCUarts Qatar. The event is open to the public. The screenings will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and with Qatari cinematographer and founder of Celeritas include the signing of a memo- underutilised resource. Bastos, a small informal set- Studios, Yasser Al Naemi. randum of understanding (MoU) The documentary has won tlement (favela) located above between VCUarts Qatar and several awards, including the Best the Catete area of Rio de Doha Film Institute (DFI) that will Documentary Short Film award Janeiro, in respect with the jux- THE PENINSULA — DOHA help the two institutions to at the South Film and Arts taposition and negotiation engage in different forms of col- Academy Festival (SFAAF) in between nature and architec- Virginia Commonwealth laboration including, but not Chile; the Best Documentary Gold tural design, while leading a University School of the Arts in limited to, teaching, research, award at the Virgin Spring team of international film Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in and service. Cinefest in Kolkata, India; the makers that included students Education City will be hosting Bamboo — The Tradition Of Best Cinematography award at and staff from Northwestern screenings of two award- The Future, by Interior Design the Chhatrapati Shivaji Interna- University in Qatar. winning documentaries that Associate Professor Dr Johan tional Film Festival in Pune, India; Living in the Above: Tavares were made by its faculty and Granberg, is a short film that and was a semifinalist at both the Bastos Favela received the students, and which deal with the looks at bamboo as both a European Cinematography Golden Film award from the themes of sustainability, and the building material and as an art Awards in Amsterdam, Holland; International Institute for lives of the residents of one of material. The concept of using and at the New York Cinematog- Advanced Studies in Systems Rio’s favelas. the traditional building material raphy Awards in the US. Research and Cybernetics (IIAS). The screenings will take as a modern building material, The second documentary Greg Andonian from the IIAS said place at 6pm on January 21 at the and the answers it may hold for film, Living in the Above: Tavares that the film portrays, “Favela life Atrium at VCUarts Qatar. The the question of sustainability, Bastos Favela, by Granberg and worth living to its fullest, within event is open to the public. The are central to the documentary. Liberal Arts and Sciences the individual means, when one screenings will be followed by a It opens the conversation about Assistant Professor Dr. Byrad indeed loves living in a secure panel discussion with the film- bamboo’s potential to play a Yyelland, is an ethno-architec- and trustful social micro envi- makers and with Qatari cinema- greater role in a sustainable tural portrait of life in a small ronment, in harmony with tographer and founder of society — and for architects, neighbourhood in Brazil. nature, with thrilling panoramic Celeritas Studios, Yasser Al engineers and artists the Yyelland and Granberg con- views of the city projecting onto Naemi. It will be moderated by question remains why bamboo ducted research on social inter- the ocean.” Northwestern University in Qatar is not more frequently used. The actions, identity development The documentaries were Professor Scott Curtis. film underlies the urgency to and community-building for project funded through VCUarts The screenings will also collect more data about the over five years on Tavares Qatar faculty research grants. Pari Gallery hosts launch of BDK Parfums’ latest fragrances

THE PENINSULA — DOHA host of perfume enthusiasts, soci- Qatari market. We believe both the city’s residents. ety’s dignitaries and esteemed fragrances will leave you with a “After the launch of Rouge Pari Gallery, renowned retailer members of the press, who cherished olfactory experience Smoking and Crème de Cuir in and distributor of international descended upon Pari Gallery’s and we look forward to the 2018, I have decided to focus cosmetics, fragrances, skincare showroom in Lagoona Mall, to brand’s upcoming launches,” said on Paris and to bring attention products and accessories, has discover the brand’s latest fra- General Manager of Pari Gallery, to two different subjects that recently hosted the launch grances, and to revel in the Hakam Al Qawasmi. are very important to me: the ceremony of BDK Parfums, event’s festivities. Nuit de Sable and Gris Palais Royal neighborhood acclaimed, independent Parisian “We are elated to introduce Charnel, both belong to the with Nuit de Sable and the perfume house’s, latest two new fragrances from BDK brand’s ‘Parisienne’ collection, sensual appeal of the Parisians fragrances, Nuit de sable and Gris Parfums, a Parisian perfume and are inspired by the city of with Gris Charnel,” said Charnel. house that is highly regarded and Paris’ rich heritage, as well as the Founder of BDK Parfums, The event was attended by a celebrated, to our clients in the modernity represented through David Bendek.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Big Brother (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 8:30 & 11:30pm Foodiverse (2D/Animation) 2:30pm Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2D/Telugu) 5:30pm Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 4:00 & 6:00pm L.O.L Surprise! on The Big Screen (2D/Animation) Big Brother (2D/Malayalam) 8:00 & 11:00pm 2:00 & 4:30pm; Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 3:15, 5:15 & Pattas (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 11:30pm 7:15pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 9:15 & 11:30pm L.O.L Surprise! on The Big Screen (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 4:45pm Pattas (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 11:30pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 6:00 & 11:15pm Foodiverse (2D/Animation) 5:30pm Parasite (2D/Comedy) 8:15pm Yom W Leila (2D/Arabic) 7:00pm Jai Mummy (2D/Hindi) 3:30pm Avane Srimannarayana (2D/Kannada) 8:45pm A Hidden Life (2D/Drama) 5:30pm Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2D/Telugu) 8:30pm LANDMARK FLIK Mirqab Mall Dhamaka (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm L.O.L Surprise! on The Big Screen (2D/Animation) 1917 (2D/Crime) 17:05, 7:30pm 4:15pm; Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 5:15 & 7:30pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 10:30am, 11:45, 1:00, 2:10, 3:30, 4:35, Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 7:00 & 9:15pm 6:00, 7:00, 8:30, 9:30, 11:00pm & 12:00 midnight Pattas (2D/Tamil) 3:30 & 11:30pm Yom W Leila (2D/ Big Brother (2D/Malayalam) 10:20am, 11:50am, 2:20, 4:20, 5:55, 8:20pm, 12:00 midnight & 0:20am Arabic) 9:30pm; Entha Manchivaadavuraa (2D/ Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 10:45am, 11:20am, 12:45, 2:50, 3:20, 5:20, Telugu) 2:00pm; Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2D/ 7:20, 9:20 & 11:20pm Telugu) 4:30pm; Big Brother (2D/Malayalam) 5:30, Dolittle (3D/Comedy) 12:20, 6:20 & 10:20pm 8:30 & 11:30pm; Foodiverse (2D/Animation) 2:00pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 12:50, 3:15, 5:40 & 8:05pm Jai Mummy (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm L.O.L Surprise! on The Big Screen (2D/Animation) 10:10am & 11:30am; Miracle in Cell No.7 (2D/Comedy) 6:15 & 8:40pm AL KHOR Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 12:00, 2:05 & 4:10pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 11:10pm Pattas (2D/Tamil) 12:00, 6:00 & 12:00pm Underwater (2D/Action) 10:30pm & 0:25am Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 11:45, 4:45 & 9:45pm Yom W Leila (2D/Action) 9:50 & 11:50m Darbar (2D/Tamil) 11:45, 5:45 & 11:45pm Big Brother (2D/Malayalam) 3:00 & 9:00pm ASIAN TOWN Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 2:00, 7:00 & 12:00pm Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2D/Telugu) 2:45 & 8:45pm Big Brother (2D/Malayalam) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9;00 & 10:00pm Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2D/Telugu) 12:15 & 6:00pm ROXY Entha Manchivaadavuraa (2D/Telugu) 3:15pm Dhamaka (2D/Malayalam) 12:00 midnight Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2D/Telugu) 10:30am, 12:50, 1:00, 3:30, 4;10, 7:00, 7;10, 10:00 & 10:40pm Pattas (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 3:15, 6:15, 8:45 & 11:30pm Avane Srimannarayana (2D/Kannada) 10:20 & Avane Srimannarayana (2D/Kannada) 6:00pm 10:30pm Sarileru Neekevaru (2D/Telugu) 12:30pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 10:30, 11:00, 1:00, 3:20, 5:00, 5:40, 7:20, 8:10, 10:00 & 10:40pm Big Brother (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 1:00, 2:10, 4:10, 5:20, 6:50, 7:20, 7:30, 8:30 & 11:40pm Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 10:30am, 12:30, 12:40, 1:20, 2:40, 2:50, 3:00, 4:50 & 5:00pm Pattas (2D/Tamil) 1:50, 4:20, 4:50, 7:20, 7:50, 10:30 & 10:50pm Underwater (2D/Action) 1:00pm

BIG BROTHER

Big Brother is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film written, directed and co-produced by Siddique. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR05.01 am SUNRISE 06.21 am o o Misty to foggy at places at first becomes slight dust to blowing dust at times and some clouds, relatively cold by night. ZUHR 11.45 am ASR 02.49 pm 17 C 23 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 01:28 – 10:34 LOW TIDE 06:04 – 18:50 MAGHRIB 05.12 pm ISHA 06.42 pm W ALRUWAIS: 16o↗21o W ALKHOR: 15o↗22o W DUKHAN: 14o↗21o W DOHA: 17o↗23o W MESAIEED 15o↗22o W ABUSAMRA 11o↗22o SpaceX capsule splashes down off Florida

A Crew Dragon astronaut capsule launched at triggered Crew Dragon’s so- 10:30am and softly splashed down about 19 called SuperDraco thrusters to jet itself away at supersonic miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral in Florida speeds of up to 1,500 miles per roughly eight minutes later, after ejecting itself hour (2,400 kph). The Falcon 9 booster free-fell back to the from a rocket that cut off its engines 12 miles ocean, with its first stage above the ocean to mimic a launch failure. crashing into the ocean cre- ating a tall plume of smoke seen on the horizon. The capsule deployed four REUTERS — CAPE CANAVERAL launching American astronauts parachutes to slow its descent on American rockets from to the water, and carried two Elon Musk’s SpaceX simulated American soil,” Bridenstine human-shaped test dummies a successful emergency landing wrote on Twitter. “Spacecraft on seats fitted with motion yesterday in a dramatic test of recovery operations are sensors to collect data on the a crucial abort system on an underway.” In a key trial for immense g-force - the effect of unmanned astronaut capsule, carrying humans, SpaceX was acceleration on the body - laying the foundation for its also testing its rescue teams’ astronauts would be subjected mission to fly Nasa astronauts response after splash down. to during abort. for the first time. They scrambled toward Crew The test was originally A Crew Dragon astronaut Dragon with the US Air Force’s scheduled for mid-2019 but A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket engine self-destructs after jettisoning the Crew Dragon astronaut capsule capsule launched at 10:30am Detachment 3 emergency was delayed after a Crew during an in-flight abort test, a key milestone before flying humans in 2020 under Nasa’s commercial and softly splashed down rescue teams in tow - a vital Dragon capsule exploded in crew program, after lift-off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US, yesterday. about 19 miles off the coast of part of the test to practice a April on a test stand just before Cape Canaveral in Florida rescue mission to retrieve firing its launch abort thrusters, roughly eight minutes later, astronauts from the capsule. than two minutes after liftoff, Station, something Nasa capsule systems capable of triggering a lengthy after ejecting itself from a Moments before the simulating an emergency abort expects to come as soon as ferrying astronauts to the investigation. rocket that cut off its engines launch, Musk wrote on Twitter scenario to prove it can return mid-2020. It follows years of space station from US soil for SpaceX-led investigators in 12 miles above the ocean to that it was a risky mission that astronauts to safety. Each stage development and delays as the the first time since Nasa’s July zeroed in on a previously mimic a launch failure. was “pushing the envelope in of the test prompted loud United States has sought to space shuttle program ended unknown explosive reaction National Aeronautics and so many ways”. cheers from SpaceX crew revive its human spaceflight in 2011. The space agency has between a titanium valve and Space Administration admin- The Crew Dragon capsule, members watching the footage program through private since relied on Russian space- a propellant used to ignite the istrator Jim Bridenstine called an acorn-shaped pod that can from back on land. partnerships. craft for rides to the space thrusters. A SpaceX official said the mission a success. seat seven astronauts, fired on- The test is crucial to qualify Nasa awarded $4.2bn to station. During the test the the company completed the “This critical test puts us on board thrusters to detach itself the capsule to fly humans to Boeing and $2.5bn to SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket’s boosters shut investigation within the last the cusp of once again from a Falcon 9 rocket less the International Space in 2014 to develop separate down in a mock failure that week. ‘1917’ takes top honour at the Producers Guild Awards AP — LOS ANGELES announced the winner of the experience of my professional heading into the Academy including to Octavia Spencer, Darryl F. Zanuck Award, which life,” he added. Released late last Awards on Feb. 9. Netflix’s chief content officer If the Producers Guild Awards has gone on to win the best month, “1917” has made a splash In other categories, “Toy Ted Sarandos, “Friends” co- are a true predictor of the picture Oscar 21 out of 30 times during awards season, including Story 4” took home the ani- creator Martha Kauffman, the Oscars’ best film category, then — including the past two years, another surprise victory in the mation award, “Fleabag” won film “Bombshell,” and Plan B the World War I film “1917” is with “Green Book” and “The best drama picture category at the episodic comedy television Entertainment’s Brad Pitt, Dede poised to come away with the Shape of Water.” the Golden Globes. award and “Chernobyl” col- Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. top honour in a few weeks. “This film was inspired by At the PGA awards, the war lected best limited series. “When I started off as an The Sam Mendes (pictured) my grandfather, Alfred Mendes, film bested other contenders “Producing a movie takes a actor, I wondered about pro- film won the award for theat- and my hope was to honour his like “Ford v Ferrari,” “The village,” said “Toy Story 4” co- ducers, ‘What the (expletive) do rical motion picture at the experience,” said Mendes, who Irishman,” “Jojo Rabbit,” producer Mark Nielsen, while they do?’” Pitt jokingly said after untelevised ceremony on Sat- co-produced and directed the “Joker,” “Knives Out,” “Little fellow producer Jonas Rivera accepting the David O. Selznick urday night at the Hollywood project. He also said it was his Women,” “Marriage Story,” stood beside him. Achievement Award in Theat- Palladium in Los Angeles. Many first time attending the awards, “Parasite” and “Once Upon a Multiple special honors rical Motion Pictures. Plan B has in the crowd seemed stunned and thanked the guild for rec- Time in … Hollywood.” “1917” were given out throughout the been behind “Moonlight” and after Reese Witherspoon ognizing his film. “This was best has now built strong momentum evening for production work “12 Years a Slave.”