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Thursday 27 September 2018 | 17 Moharram I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7662 | 2 Riyals

Amir’s UN speech conveyed Deputy PM and Pakistan FM review ties in New York Qatar’s firm stand: Cabinet

THE PENINSULA The Cabinet approved visions, ideas and initiatives put the establishment forward by His Highness to DOHA: Renewing its pride in the of a free media resolve those crises with the nec- wise leadership of Amir H H essary speed and decisiveness. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al zone. The aim of the The Cabinet also lauded the Thani, the Cabinet has lauded establishment of a contents of the speech with the speech of H H the Amir at free zone is to attract regard to the unjust siege the General Debate of the 73rd imposed on the country for Session of the United Nations international media, more than a year, the campaign General Assembly. technology companies, of incitement against it and the Prime Minister and Interior research and training measures taken with the aim of Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin institutions in the harming its security and stability Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and restricting its people as well chaired the Cabinet’s regular media and digital as the economic war to impede weekly meeting yesterday. media field. the development process in it. Following the meeting, Min- The Cabinet further lauded ister of Justice and Acting Min- His Highness’ affirmation of ister of State for Cabinet Affairs Hamad Al Thani at the General Qatar’s positive response to all H E Dr Hassan bin Lahdan Saqr Debate of the 73rd Session of the efforts exerted by fraternal and Al Mohannadi said that the United Nations General Assembly, friendly countries to end the crisis Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Cabinet considered the topics held on Tuesday in New York, through an unconditional dia- Thani met Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood listed on its agenda as follows: praising what it contained of logue based on mutual respect for At the outset of the meeting, Qatar’s clear positions on dif- the sovereignty of states. Qureshi, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. They discussed bilateral relations the Cabinet lauded the speech of ferent regional and international and a number of regional and international issues of common concern. → SEE ALSO PAGE 3 Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin issues and crises as well as the →CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Qatar’s LNG production to reach 110 MTPA 34 new greenhouse MOHAMMAD SHOEB 4,000 tonnes per day of ethane, million barrels of oil equivalent reliable and environmentally THE PENINSULA 260,000 barrels per day of con- per day,” said Eng Saad Sherida friendly fuel. I would like to take projects to densate, and 11,000 tonnes per Al Kaabi, President & CEO of QP, this opportunity to express our DOHA: Qatar Petroleum (QP) day of LPG and approximately during a press conference at QP's sincere gratitude to the Amir announced yesterday to increase 20 tonnes per day of pure helium. headquarters in West Bay. H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad grow vegetables the capacity of Qatar’s liquefied “As we have announced last Al Kaabi added: “This new Al Thani, for his wise leadership natural gas (LNG) production by year, QP has embarked on a capacity increase will further and continuous support to adding a fourth liquefaction train, project to develop additional gas strengthen our leading position Qatar’s energy sector.” THE PENINSULA through an agreement with the which will further boost Qatar’s from the North Field and build as the world’s largest LNG pro- The North Field Expansion Qatar Development Bank to leading position as the world’s three new LNG mega trains. Based ducer and exporter, and will Project is well underway with DOHA: The Ministry of Munic- grant farmers easy loans to largest LNG producer and exporter. on the good results obtained further boost Qatar Petroleum’s various activities currently ongoing, ipality and Environment (MME) install modern irrigation When the expansion project, through recent additional strategic growth plan. This pro- including the Front End Engineering has offered 34 new strategic systems, in addition to taking which was announced last year, appraisal and testing, we have duction addition will have a and Design of the onshore facilities, projects for private investors to some legislative measures that is completed, Qatar’s LNG pro- decided to add a fourth LNG mega great impact on Qatar’s eco- which is being executed by Chiyoda produce vegetables using contribute to the transfor- duction capacity will reach 110 train and include it in the ongoing nomic growth and will help Corporation of Japan. greenhouse technology with an mation of modern irrigation million tonnes per annum Front-End Engineering of the stimulate our local economy.” The engineering, procurement, area of about 100,000sqm per systems. (MTPA), an increase of around project. When the project is com- He said: “We believe that construction and installation con- project. As for the green fodder pro- 43 percent from its current pro- pleted and all four new trains are LNG has bright prospects, and tract for the offshore wellhead The Ministry pays special duction sector, the Ministry said duction capacity of 77MTPA. online, Qatar’s LNG production that the new expansion project jackets is expected to be awarded attention to the dissemination that its strategy in this area is With the addition of the capacity will reach 110MTPA. This reflects QP’s commitment to before the end of the year and of soil-less farming technology. to reduce the use of ground- fourth train, the new project will will increase Qatar’s total pro- meeting its worldwide cus- drilling activities expected to com- The recent period has wit- water in the cultivation of this produce about 32 MTPA of LNG, duction capacity from 4.8 to 6.2 tomers’ growing needs for this mence soon. nessed significant growth in type of feed, with the aim of soil-less cultivated areas in a using treated sewage water, large number of Qatari farms. pointing out that during this The new projects for producing period, three new farms were vegetables in greenhouses will established for the production Ooredoo tests world’s first apply this type of technology, of green fodder with treated said the Ministry in a statement. sewage water with a total area Qatar has participated in of 650 hectares, bringing the self-driving 5G flying taxi the Arab Agriculture Day cele- total area cultivated with bration held by the Arab Organ- treated sewage in the state to THE PENINSULA chance to test Ooredoo 5G while ization for Agricultural Devel- about 4,000 hectares. on the move and enjoy a super- opment under the theme The Ministry pays great DOHA: Ooredoo tested the connected commute. During the “Smart Agriculture: A Better attention to organic agriculture world's first self-driving 5G experience, passengers were Future for Arab Agriculture”, for its high competitiveness in the connected aerial taxi at The connected to Ooredoo 5G with QNA reported. Qatari market, pointing out that Pearl-Qatar, yesterday. The speeds up to 2.6Gbps. In a statement issued on eight Qatari farms use the automatic drone-like vehicle is To demonstrate the future this occasion, the Ministry of organic production method, capable to transport two people of entertainment with 5G, Municipality and Environment three of which are currently mar- to a destination of up to 20 Ooredoo set-up a futuristic 8K said that in recent years there keting their vegetables in the minutes away with a 130km per VR experience on a modern have seen a significant increase Qatari market, while others are hour speed. House Boat in The Pearl. The 8K in the cultivated area of green preparing to register for organic The taxi runs on Ooredoo’s VR test was ultra-realistic houses from about 120 hectares farming over the next few years. 5G network, meaning there is no gaming and when connected to in 2010 to more than 300 hec- driver and can deliver pas- Ooredoo 5G offered a seamless Ooredoo's self-driving 5G flying taxi at The Pearl-Qatar, yesterday. tares this year. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 sengers safely to their desti- experience with no buffering. Qatar’s agricultural sector nation above traffic and other Talking about the event, “Ooredoo is leading global The Internet of Things era has achieved huge leaps in the time-consuming obstacles. Waleed Al Sayed, Ooredoo Chief Internet of Things innovation is seeing computers integrated use of modern irrigation Ooredoo also tested a Executive Officer said: “The thanks to our world-class 5G into billions of everyday objects, systems in the Qatari farms, Travelel & TTourismou PAGE | 4 PAGE | 8 number of other technologies Ooredoo 5G roll-out is growing networks and we are the clear which collect data and commu- increasing the use of these QA wins 4 prestigious Qatar most open awards at 2018 Skytrax country in the Middle including 5G Experience Bus and daily, but as our customers partner for Qatar’s growing nicate real-time insights over systems from about 45 percent World Airline Awards East, says UNWTO MENT SPONSORSORS THURSDAY 27 S a 5G House Boat in different cannot yet access the speeds and Smart City technological needs. ultra-high-speed 5G of the total cultivated area in locations at The Pearl-Qatar. The benefits of our ongoing Thanks to our Supernet network networks. 2010, to exceed 80 percent of event was aimed to showcase investment, we wanted to dem- and IoT solutions, Qatar will Qatar is staking an early 5G the total cultivated area in Included with power and speed of Ooredoo 5G onstrate the true power of 5G soon be able to offer the futur- lead. Ooredoo was the world’s Qatari farms in 2018. with Smart City technology that and showcase what our tech- istic experiments shown today first communications company The Ministry encouraged today’s edition is a will be available in the future. nology will do for Qatar in the to everyone connected to to launch commercially-ready the transformation of farms special supplement With the Ooredoo 5G Bus near future and in the years to Ooredoo 5G,” added Waleed Al 5G and is preparing 1,200 from traditional irrigation to experience, passengers had the come”. Sayed. network stations to be 5G-ready. modern irrigation systems 02 HOME THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018

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everyday new deals THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 03 Deputy PM discusses ties with Foreign Ministers of Somalia, Bulgaria and Albania

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met separately with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Ahmed Isse Awad (left), and Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Ekaterina Zaharieva. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also met the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Ditmir Bushati. The meetings were held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Discussions dealt with relations between the State of Qatar and these countries, and ways of boosting them, as well as a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

Qatar, Turkey explore means of enhancing ties QA wins two awards at

QNA APEX 2019 global PCAs

THE PENINSULA ANKARA: The Vice-President of the experience for each and every Republic of Turkey, Fuat Oktay, met on traveller flying with us”. Tuesday with the Ambassador of the State DOHA: Qatar Airways received “At Qatar Airways, we have of Qatar to Turkey, Salem bin Mubarak Al two awards from the Airline made continuous efforts to Shafi. Passenger Experience Associa- make our customers’ experience During the meeting, they discussed tion’s (APEX) 2019 Passenger a unique and memorable one, means of cooperation in various fields Choice Awards (PCAs) in Boston and we are delighted that pas- between the two countries and means of on Monday. The airline was sengers voted for us in the ‘Best enhancing and developing the bilateral named winner of the ‘Best Food Cabin Service’ and ‘Best Food relations. and Beverages’ and ‘Best Cabin and Beverages’ categories glo- Fuat Oktay expressed his gratitude for Service’ awards categories bally. We will continue to push the level of Qatari-Turkish relations and based on feedback from the boundaries to redefine the wished to develop them at all levels and passengers of approximately passenger experience and set in all fields. 500 airlines around the world. new standards across the For his part, the Ambassador expressed Qatar Airways Group Chief industry,” he added. his sincere thanks for the warm welcome Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: The APEX awards ceremony and wished the Vice-President success in “It is tremendously gratifying to was attended by more than his new position. receive two awards at the 2019 5,000 industry professionals, as The Ambassador expressed his deter- APEX Passenger Choice Awards. well as representatives from mination to do everything to support the These awards represent our more than 100 airlines, and was efforts meant to enhance bilateral rela- The Vice-President of the Republic of Turkey, Fuat Oktay, with the Ambassador of the State commitment as an airline to hosted by Brian Kelly, CEO and tions between Qatar and Turkey. of Qatar to Turkey, Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi, in Ankara. constantly improve our in-flight Founder of The Points Guy. 04 HOME THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018

MME offers 34 Qatar welcomes UN new projects to ‘Nelson Mandela and grow vegetables CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 In the livestock sector, as one of the important and vital sectors of Peace’ Summit special interest in MME, it recently opened the Animal Production THE PENINSULA The Minister called Research Center in Al- Shehaniya, which is mainly concerned with DOHA: The State of Qatar for cooperation to applied research in livestock, expressed its appreciation to achieve the goals of including In vitro fertilisation (IVF) the United Nations for the United Nations, research. convening the “Nelson Mandela which meet with the The Ministry said that it is inter- and Peace” Summit, praising ested in the development of veter- his role as a leader and human legacy and mission of inary services, in terms of treatment symbol of his life, in order to Nelson Mandela. He and immunisation, and provides uphold the human values praised the struggle Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi at the United Nations “Nelson them free of charge, noting that every enshrined in the human of Mandela, who Mandela and Peace” Summit held in New York. year about 700,000 heads of animals conscience. immunised, which leads to a huge This came in a statement carried on his back goals of the United Nations, ideals and values he has advo- These differences are ele- boom in the number of animals in the delivered by Minister of State the concerns of his which meet with the legacy and cated, to renew the com- ments that enrich human civ- country, from around 600,000 in for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan people and the future mission of Nelson Mandela. He mitment to promote human ilization and add to the richness 2012 to about 1.5 million this year. bin Saad Al Muraikhi at the of humanity. praised the struggle of Mandela, rights and to ensure devel- of their diversity. A number of other fish farming United Nations Summit on who carried on his back the opment for all, as well as the Concluding, the Minister of projects will be launched during the “Nelson and Peace” held in concerns of his people and the prevention and settlement of State for Foreign Affairs, next few years. New York on Tuesday, on the Mandela,” the Minister said. “It future of humanity. “Taking conflicts by peaceful means lauded the struggle of Mandela, The first shrimp farming project sidelines of the general debate reminds us of our responsibil- advantage of Nelson Mandela’s and the achievement of sus- where he faced injustice, will be offered for private investors of the 73rd session of the ities not only as members of the legacy to strengthen the United tainable peace “. tyranny and violations of with an annual production capacity United Nations General United Nations, but as human Nations in maintaining and He warned that allowing human rights through faith in of 1,000 tons, ensuring the full pro- Assembly. beings sharing one human promoting international peace differences to be a cause of dis- human values and the rule of vision of state needs of the shrimp. “The Summit is an oppor- value and one destiny.” and security requires us to crimination and violence, law and enabled respect for The project will market its tunity to reflect on the life and The Minister called for learn from the path of this great which would diminish the those common humanitarian products in the Qatari market next heritage of the late Nelson cooperation to achieve the human symbol, to apply the common humanity. principles. year. Qatar expresses concern Calls for denuclearisation of Mideast

QNA over instability in organizations in Vienna Sheikh Al-Thani stressed that the region and to build an enhanced, Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, before repeated failure of the con- sustainable and comprehensive Libya and Yemen VIENNA: The State of Qatar the annual General Conference ference, as what happened at the global security architecture, affirmed that the total elimi- of the International Atomic 2015 Review Conference, would announced on July 13, 2018 its QNA humanitarian and economic nation of nuclear weapons is the Energy Agency (IAEA). harm the credibility of the NPT accession to the Nuclear Security conditions, the depletion of only absolute guarantee that The Ambassador regretted and the non-proliferation mech- Contact Group (NSCG) and its DOHA: The State of Qatar has national wealth and the spread such weapons should not be that the resolution of 1995 NPT anism as a whole. adhering to the objectives that called for continuing all efforts of terrorism. used or threatened its use, Review Conference (Treaty on With regard to security and the Group seeks to achieve in the to alleviate the humanitarian Qatar called upon all parties calling for effective nuclear the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear nuclear safety policies, the area of nuclear security. suffering of the Yemeni people in Libya to assume their disarmament measures, in Weapons) in the Middle East on Ambassador said that the State He stressed the importance and the continued access of responsibilities and to give pri- accordance with international the denuclearisation of the of Qatar was committed to the attached by the State of Qatar to humanitarian assistance to the ority to the national interest treaties, and a specific practical region had not been imple- implementation of the Agency’s the technical cooperation Yemenis and stressed the impor- over personal interests, to work mechanism for the Middle East mented and called for sincere standards for such policies, the program as the main instrument tance of ensuring the protection towards national reconciliation to be cleared of nuclear efforts to implement that reso- fight against terrorism and the of the International Atomic of civilians, justice and account- and to rebuild the state based weapons. lution and to find a practical illicit trafficking in nuclear Energy Agency (IAEA) to facil- ability for all human rights viola- on the principles of democracy, This came in Qatar’s mechanism that would follow a material. itate the transfer of peaceful tions in the country. respect for human rights and statement delivered by HE timetable for the establishment He added that the State of nuclear technology to the This came in the speech of the rule of law. Ambassador of the State of Qatar of a region free of nuclear and Qatar, in an effort to strengthen Agency’s member states, and the State of Qatar during the This came in the speech of to the Republic of Austria and other weapons of mass the international nuclear called for adequate resources to interactive dialogue on the report the State of Qatar before the 39th Permanent Representative to the destruction in the Middle East. security framework, to address be made available to carry out of the High Commissioner for Session of the Human Rights United Nations and international Sheikh Ali bin Jassim the ongoing challenges in this its tasks optimally. Human Rights on the conclusions Council, entitled “Interactive Dia- and recommendations of the logue on the High Commis- panel of independent senior sioners Oral Update on Libya”, experts on Yemen as part of the delivered by second secretary of work of the thirty-ninth session the Permanent Delegation of Nod for establishment of free media zone of the Human Rights Council, Qatar to the United Nations “Item 10”, delivered by Third Office at Geneva, Ghanim Saif Al CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Secretary to the Permanent Del- Khayareen. employment opportunities for and in the field of film and tele- amend some provisions of Min- egation of the State of Qatar in Al Khayareen called upon the The Cabinet renewed its pride youth through capacity building vision production. isterial decision No. (9) for 1983 Geneva, Talal Al Naama. international community and the in the wise leadership of and launching programs for pre- The Cabinet also approved a to set the maximum price for the In his speech, Al Naama Office of the United Nations High H H the Amir, whose wise venting violent extremism. draft law on the maritime areas sale of subsidized flour and reg- expressed deep concern about Commissioner for Human Rights guidance and wise policies have The Cabinet welcomed H H of the State of Qatar and its ulate its trading. the information presented in the to continue to provide technical had the greatest impact in the Amir’s proposal to the 73rd referral to the Advisory Council. The Cabinet also approved a report concerning violations and assistance and capacity-building thwarting the plans of the siege session of the United Nations The Cabinet also approved a draft unified model for a draft mem- crimes against the Yemeni in the field of human rights in line countries, continuing the eco- General Assembly for holding an law extending the concession orandum of understanding to people, such as arbitrary with the priorities and require- nomic development of the country international conference on granted to Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) enhance cooperation in the field detention and enforced disap- ments of the Libyan Government, and carrying out the development cybersecurity and the readiness to sell, transport and distribute of business activities between pearances, torture and degrading as well as to assist in the ful- projects with the utmost accuracy of the State of Qatar to host it to gas and petroleum products. Qatar Tourism Authority in the treatment, rape and abuse of filment of election and consti- and success as well as continuing discuss ways of regulating this The Cabinet also approved State of Qatar and others human dignity. tution requirements and to Qatar’s role in the regional and subject in international law. The the proposal for procedures for institutions. Qatar has also expressed its provide technical and financial international arenas and main- cabinet called on the world to the division of legacies within the The Cabinet approved the concern at the continuing insta- support to strengthen and build taining status, consolidating its expedite convening this con- justice systems development membership in the International bility and escalating fighting in Libyan national capacities in principles and strengthening the ference for its importance and initiative. Development Law Organization Libya between the conflicting dealing with illegal migrants and unity of its people. necessity. The Cabinet reviewed the (IDLO) and the accession of Qatar parties, which has resulted in border control to prevent The Cabinet expressed hope The Cabinet also stressed that memorandum of the joint com- Tourism Authority to the World numerous violations of interna- organized crime and ensuring that the sincere invitation, made the attention and welcoming, mission established in 2017 to Tourism Alliance (WTA) in the tional human rights and human- safe access to humanitarian by H H the Amir in his speech to enjoyed by the speech of H H the study the proposal from repre- World Tourism Organization itarian law, the deterioration of assistance. transform the plight of the Gulf Amir, reflect the distinguished sentatives of the Ministry of (WTO). Cooperation Council (GCC) to an position of the State of Qatar; the Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the The Cabinet further approved opportunity for its reform and international community’s appre- Ministry of Justice, the Supreme the following: Draft MoU for establishing binding mecha- ciation for its active and influential Judiciary Council and the General cooperation in the field of edu- nisms to resolve the differences role in the work for peace and sta- Secretariat of the Council of Min- cation, higher education and sci- between the countries through bility in the region and the world; isters as well as the views of the entific research between the Gov- dialogue within it, would find its respect and commitment for College of Sharia and Islamic ernment of the State of Qatar and the response it deserves in human rights, international law Studies in this regard. the Government of the Republic order to restore the effec- and international conventions; its The proposal aims to accel- of Argentina. Draft memorandum tiveness and the desired role significant contributions to erate the process of dividing the of understanding for bilateral of the GCC. meeting the world’s humanitarian legacies among the heirs, cooperation for the establishment The Cabinet also called on needs and to support for peoples’ according to their legal basis to of the joint ministerial committee the countries of the region and causes and its serious and respon- avoid the negative effects of for economic, commercial and the world to work to meet the sible participation in the regional delays in the social, legal and eco- technical cooperation between necessary conditions set by H and international efforts to nomic aspects. The Cabinet the Government of the State of H the Amir in his speech so that combat terrorism. decided to forward the proposal Qatar and the Government of the the war against terrorism The Cabinet approved the to the legislative department and Republic of Ecuador. would achieve its goal, instead establishment of a free media the legislative committee for the Draft memorandum of of becoming a goal. zone. The aim of the estab- preparation of the appropriate understanding for cooperation The Cabinet further under- lishment of a free media zone is legislative instrument to activate in the fields of youth and sports scored H H the Amir’s to attract international media, the proposal. between the Government of the emphasis on educating young technology companies, research The Cabinet also approved State of Qatar and the Gov- people as an important factor and training institutions in the the following: Draft Decision of ernment of the Republic of in combating terrorism, Qatar’s media and digital media field, the Minister of Economy and Ecuador. Draft declaration of pledge to educate 10 million and to achieve economic and Commerce to amend some pro- joint intentions for cooperation children, providing economic professional integration with visions of Ministerial decision No. in the field of agriculture between empowerment to half a million Qatar’s various projects as well (2) for 1980 to determine the the Ministry of Municipality and young people in the region and as supporting and encouraging prices, weight and specifications Environment in the State of Qatar implementing, in cooperation projects and establishing of Arab and local bread; Draft and the Ministry of Agriculture with the United Nations, investment funds in the media, Decision of the Minister of and Livestock of the Republic of projects to promote digital and technological media Economy and Commerce to Ecuador. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 05 Kahramaa opens 4th substation for Doha Metro Green Line

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH The power substation He said that the work to build Al THE PENINSULA built at a cost of about Bidda substation is at a very QR165m will supply advanced stage. DOHA: Qatar General Electricity electricity to the “We have completed civil and Water Corporation works of the substation. The (Kahramaa) opened yesterday Green Line, which runs project was designed specially fourth power substation at a cost east from Al Riffa to Al to add a car parking lot due to of about QR165m to supply elec- Mansoura in the west strategic location of the area,” tricity to the Green Line of Doha serving 11 stations said Al Kuwari. Metro of Qatar Rail at Doha West He said that first substation near Mall of Qatar. along the line. for Qatar Rail was opened at Ras The Green Line runs east Abu Fantas in July 2017, second from Al Riffa to Al Mansoura in Al Kuwari was speaking with substation at Lusail was commis- the west serving 11 stations along media person on the sidelines of sioned in March 2018 and the the line. the inaugural ceremony at the third substation at Al Waab was “The project ‘Doha West facility of the substation. opened in June 2018. Metro Super Substation’ with the He said that the new sub- He said that the power sub- Eng Ahmad Ali Al Kuwari (right), Head of Electricity Projects Section at Kahramaa, with other officials capacity of 220/132/33KV will be station is the fourth out of a total stations for Doha Metro are at the substation. connected with three giant power of five substations being imple- equipped with special tech- stations – Dukhan, Ras Laffan-1 mented by Kahramaa for Qatar nology to ensure uninterrupted and Bani Hajar to ensure unin- Rail at a cost of QR700m. power supply in emergency electricity supply networks as welfare of workers to improve operations as one million man- terrupted supply of electricity to “Fifth and the last substation situation. per the requirements of metro their living condition considering hours without a lost time injury Qatar Rail project due to its with a parking lot in Al Bidaa for Speaking about the safety station in collaboration with them partners of development. (LTI) was recorded during the importance,” said Eng Ahmad Ali Doha Metro is expected to be and security, Al Kuwari said: Qatar Rial.” He said that Kahramaa is fol- implementation of the project of Al Kuwari, Head of Electricity completed by second quarter “Kahramaa is following inter- Al Kuwari added that Kah- lowing global standard of safety Doha West Metro Super Sub- Projects Section at Kahramaa. (Q2) of next year,” said Al Kuwari. national standards in building its ramaa gives top priority to the and security measures at all its station which took 22 months.

Ashghal starts Umm Al Dome Street and Al Muaither Street upgradation THE PENINSULA Under the project, the two intersection between Muaither Infrastructure services will also be streets will be developed to North Street and Al Muaither developed, such as constructing DOHA: The Public Works include two lanes in one Street, and the intersection and upgrading the stormwater Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced direction, instead of one lane in between Al Innabi Street and Al drainage system, developing the yesterday the commencement each direction with no sepa- Muaither Street. drainage network, constructing a of Umm Al Dome Street and Al ration. Thus, Umm Al Dome Project works also include new TSE network to be used in Muaither Street Upgrade Project Street will include two lanes in converting Bin Arhama Round- irrigation, and protecting the in Muaither, as part of its efforts the direction, starting from the about into a signal-controlled existing utility lines. to enhance traffic flow and ease street known as Muaither North intersection. This is located at the The project will be imple- congestion in all parts of the Street to Al Innabi Street, and Al intersection of Al Wajba Street mented by “Petroserv” and country. Muaither Street will include two with Al Shafi Street (to the North) “Strukton” joint venture at a cost Eng Salem Mohammed Al lanes in the direction from Al and Al Salam Street (to the of around QR166m, and it is Shawi, Assistant Roads Projects Innabi Street to Muaither North South). Al Innabi and Muaither expected to be completed in Q3, Department Manager at Ashghal, Street. North Streets will also witness a 2019. Residents and visitors of the said that the project will develop The project includes con- range of development works. area can also use Al Salam Street two of the most popular and structing and developing three This in addition to providing as well as the new road con- most crowded commercial signal-controlled intersections, 1084 car parking bays, cycle racks structed in Al Wajba area, which streets in the country, as they which will facilitate access to the in 21 locations, street lighting, is parallel to Umm Al Dome Street include a large number of shops areas around these commercial pavement, road signs and pedes- from its Western side, to facilitate and service centers that receive that the project will enhance the Umm Al Dome and Al Muaither streets. These are the intersection trian crossings to enhance road access to and from the area and visitors from all areas. traffic movement in the area and streets, in addition to increasing between Muaither North Street safety, as well as landscaping in avoid passing by construction Eng Salem Al Shawi added decrease the daily congestion on the traffic safety on them. and Umm Al Dome Street, the some areas within the project. works within the project. 06 HOME THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 ‘Future’s Writers’ program targets young talents International meet This edition of the program is to be held next comprehensive, students from all week on FinTech academic stages (primary, preparatory THE PENINSULA The event will take and secondary) and place on October 2, from any school DOHA: The Centre for Law and 2018 at the College Development (CLD), an industry in Qatar, including funded law and policy think of Business and government, private tank based in the College of Economies at Qatar and international, Law, Qatar University, will host University. an international round-table on can participate in the the future of financial tech- competition. nology (FinTech) in Qatar in University; Professor Arner, a collaboration with Qatar Devel- key figure in the development opment Bank (QDB). of FinTech policy in Hong Kong THE PENINSULA The event will take place on and more broadly; European October 2, 2018 at the College of Central Bank legal counsel, Dr DOHA: Under the patronage of Business and Economies at Qatar Phoebus Athanassiou; and Dr Minister of Culture and Sports University. The event will bring Tariq Alabdulla, from DLA law H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, together some of the most prom- firm, will examine the dis- The officials at a ceremony organised by QC to launch the third edition of its “Future’s Writers” program. Qatar Charity (QC) has launched inent and pioneering interna- ruptive nature of FinTech in the the third edition of its “Future’s tional experts in law and finance Qatari context amongst a host Writers” program during a said a release. private and international, can Rosa Publishing, said both Qatar to discuss the opportunities and of additional eminent speakers. ceremony held at the House of He said that the program’s participate in the competition. Charity and Dar Rosa have the challenges FinTech represents. Dr Jon Truby, CLD Director Wisdom at the Ministry’s head- both editions; first and second, On the sidelines of the cer- same goal within the framework The keynote address will be said: “The CLD’s FinTech event quarters, aiming at promoting were widely accepted and highly emony, Ibrahim Hashim Al Sada, of this program and it is to given by the former English High will explore opportunities young Qatari talents. appreciated as well as the first President of the Qatari Forum support Qatari authors and Court judge, Sir William Blair QC. available to Qatar from the The ceremony, Mohammad edition has been translated into of Authors and Advisor to the young talents. She also con- In addition, a talk will be given emerging FinTech sector, as Rashid Al Kaabi, Assistant to the Russian in cooperation with the Minister of Culture and Sports, firmed all support for this edition by Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al- well as identify legal risks and CEO in the Communication and Ministry of Culture and Sport and that the Ministry is pleased with through printing, publishing and Khalifa, QDB CEO, and the challenges from the use of Resource Development Sector presented at the Moscow Inter- its partnership in the program distributing. welcome note will be given by Block-chain and distributed at Qatar Charity, said “Qatar national Book Fair this month. which brought together many For her part, Dr Latifa Al Dr Mohd Abdulaziz S M Al-Khu- ledger technologies in the Charity is pleased with the good He added that this edition is individuals and institutions Darwish, Media Representative laifi, Dean of Law at QU, and Dr financial sector.The interactive results and impacts of the comprehensive, students from interested in culture and liter- of the “Khair Jalees” Book Club, Jon Truby, Director of the CLD. round table will draw on other “Future’s Writers” program, the all academic stages (primary, ature, considering that this part- said the club encourages people Other panelist will include; countries’ experiences to learn most important of which is pro- preparatory and secondary) and nership is an opportunity to to read literature, considering Professor Douglas W Arner, how Qatar can benefit and viding the cultural arena of our from any schools operating in create a better cultural future. that investment in human minds who holds the Kerry Holdings develop the best practices in country with promising writers, Qatar, including government, Aisha Al Kuwari, CEO of Dar is the best at all. Professorship at Hong Kong this field.” University Street Extension Borgward debuts BX5 1.4T SUV in Qatar linking with Tarfa Road to THE PENINSULA enhanced car experience. be closed temporarily During the three-day event, DOHA: German automaker Borgward offerings include a THE PENINSULA Borgward has formally solidified 5-year manufacturer’s warranty Khor Expressway project. its presence in the Qatari auto- period, or 100,000km During the detour, road motive industry with the official whichever comes first, upon DOHA: The Public Works users coming from West Bay to debut in the local market of its purchase as well as 5-year pre- Authority ‘Ashghal’ will tempo- Lusail can travel on Jelaiah new BX5 luxury sport-utility ventive maintenance service, or rarily close University Street Street, turn right onto Arab vehicle (SUV) model equipped 93,000km whichever comes Extension linking with Tarfa League Street to join Tarfa with the powerful 1.4T turbo- first. All these are subject to Road for a distance of 1.6km Road. charged engine. terms and conditions. from tomorrow to October 26. Road users coming from With a starting price of Francis Yuboco, Brand The road change, designed Lusail to West Bay can travel QR69,000, BX5 1.4T, which will Manager, and Borgward, said: in cooperation with the General on Tarfa Road, turn left onto be exclusively distributed by Al “Borgward has initially brought Directorate of Traffic, will Arab League Street to join Taleb Motors, was launched its BX5 1.4T model to Qatar to enable the construction of Al Jelaiah Street. during the kick-off of the mark our landmark entry to the ongoing three-day event GCC region. Inspired by the the organized by Borgward at the market’s positive response to Borgward’s new BX5 models on display. Mall of Qatar and is expected to BX7 2.0T, we’ve decided to address the customers’ different organize the ongoing event at partnership, Ali Nagimuddin, demands for engine power. the Mall of Qatar not only to Manager, Al Taleb Motors, said: The light weight BX5 1.4T introduce the new BX5 1.4T but “Our welcomed collaboration boasts of a maximum torque of also to officially announce the with Borgward reflects our 250Nm/1750-4000 and a arrival of the Borgward brand in shared commitment to excel- maximum power of the domestic automotive com- lence and quality. Al Taleb 110kW/5500rpm with 1,395 cc munity in partnership with our Motors is now the proud dis- engine capacity. Aluminum local distributor, Al Taleb Motors. tributor of the new Borgward alloys are widely used in the Qatar is a key growth market for BX5 1.4T in the country and we vehicle and, compared to tradi- us, and with our BX7 and BX5 assure our clients of outstanding tional structure, the exhaust models now available in Doha, service in our sales showroom manifold is reduced by 3 kg. The we are very confident that we located in the heart of the city sleek new BX5 model is known can build a solid customer base between Ramada signal and for its low-fuel consumption, in the country.” Muntazah signal on the C-Ring improved comfort, and Commenting on the road.” DFI invites youth for 2018 Ajyal Jury Programme THE PENINSULA regularly to be an Ajyal Juror, growing tered around the power of film. with the festival, that has given them an Ajyal Jurors are in three categories: DOHA: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is opportunity to explore new horizons of The youngest jurors, aged 8 to 12, watch inviting 8 to 21-year-olds based in Qatar creative and cultural understanding. a programme of short films and four and around the region, to be jurors at This year, we are further reiterating feature-length films in the Mohaq this year’s Ajyal Film Festival to be held Ajyal’s founding objectives of bringing (meaning New Moon in Arabic) category. from November 28 to December 3. generations together to celebrate the Ajyal jurors aged 13 to 17 make up the The Ajyal Film Festival, now in its power of film, as reflected in the Hilal (Crescent Moon) jury, who will sixth edition, is DFI’s annual cultural renaming of the Festival. Ajyal gives its watch five feature films and a pro- event that brings the entire community audiences an opportunity to not only gramme of shorts. together, and is designed to empower watch compelling stories of hope and The most mature of the categories, the region’s youth and foster their cre- empowerment, but also become a voice Bader (Full Moon) jurors are aged 18 to ativity through film. for positive influence within their 21 and will watch and vote for their The jurors will be responsible for communities.” favourite films from five features and a picking its eventual winners. Being an To register to be an Ajyal Juror visit: programme of shorts. The juror’s pro- Ajyal Juror is a highly-creative learning http://www.dohafilminstitute.com/ajy- gramme will be held from 2:30 to 7:30 experience that instils an appreciation aljury. The last date for application is PM daily during Ajyal Film Festival. of cinema as well as the values of November 1, 2018. For more information The Ajyal Jurors get to meet the film teamwork, critical thinking and lead- or queries, email: ajyaljury@dohafilm- directors and actors attending the event, ership. As jurors, they will not only institute.com. take part in workshops on filmmaking watch and discuss the films but also dis- Last year more than 500 jurors of techniques and language, and be part cover cinema from a fresh perspective 54 nationalities served as Ajyal Jurors, of the diverse breadth of activities that and get the opportunity to make lasting who had an opportunity to view films will be held as part of the annual Ajyal friendships with young people from The young jurors join the celebrations at Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2017 closing not just from the perspective of enter- Film Festival. across the world. ceremony. tainment but as a medium that can bring The Festival also presents daily Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive about positive social change. Catego- public screenings, special presentations, Officer of DFI, said: “The Ajyal Film Fes- rized into three competition segments Cinema Under the Stars, Family tival is now recognised as a distinctive aspirations, but also brings the entire perceptions. – Mohaq, Hilal and Bader, Ajyal jurors Weekend activities, in-depth discussions voice in cinema, that not only puts the community together to celebrate films “Over the past five editions, we have not only judge films but also attend through the Ajyal Talks series, among spotlight on our youth and their creative that have the power to shape minds and seen many young people return workshops, panels and discussions, cen- others. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 07 Importance of psychosocial care for child patients emphasised FAZEENA SALEEM ‘Supporting Families The report also focuses on THE PENINSULA and Children in challenges faced sometimes by Hospital’ through health professionals when DOHA: The importance of the presentation dealing with issues of parental psychosocial care for the well- neglect and lack of involvement. being of child patients has been and discussion The seminar focused on the highlighted in a new research of case studies in psychosocial support services for report released by the Doha Qatar, highlights the child patients and their families International Family Institute in healthcare settings in Qatar. (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foun- significant positive It emphasised importance of dation (QF), yesterday. effect of parental such services for enhancing the ‘Supporting Families and involvement on the overall well-being of the patient Children in Hospital’ through the child’s recovery. and their family and also presentation and discussion of strengthening their skills and case studies in Qatar, highlights abilities to deal with their health the significant positive effect of support mechanisms aim to care needs. parental involvement on the enhance the overall well-being “We have prioritised the child’s recovery. of child patients and their family child and adolescent to ensure It was released during a members, and to strengthen their that they have the best health seminar organised by DIFI in skills and abilities,” said Noor Al care. Qatar has almost half a partnership with the Ministry of Malki Al Jehani, Executive million population who are less FROM LEFT: Dr Sadriya Al Kohji, National Lead of Child and Adolescent Health Strategy, MoPH; Noor Public Health (MoPH) at the Four Director, DIFI. than 15 years old. They are facing Al Malki Al Jehani, Executive Director of DIFI; and Dr Natalie Williams, Assistant Professor at the Seasons Hotel. “Research shows that fam- several health related obstacles, “The illness of a child is a ily-centred care could improve physically and mentally. Child University of Nebraska Lincoln, during Seminar on ‘Supporting Families and Children in Hospital in traumatic experience that affects patient and family outcomes, care services should look into Qatar’ held at Four Seasons Hotel Doha yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA the child and his or her family increase patient and family sat- empowering children despite members. The stress of this expe- isfaction, build on child and challenges,” said Dr Sadriya Al Professor, University of seminar. Areas such as family care in paediatric healthcare set- rience could have an impact on family strengths, increase pro- Kohji, National Lead of Child and Nebraska-Lincoln and several centred approach to paediatric tings and child life services in family and marital relations, fessional satisfaction and Adolescent Health Strategy at the local experts as well as health care, family resilience and health care settings were dis- especially if the family relations decrease health care costs,” she MoPH. care professionals took part in adaptive response within the cussed by experts during the are already tested. Psychosocial added. Dr Natalie Williams, Assistant several discussions during the medical context, psychological panel discussions. Qatar joins global community in QNRF announces awardees of 23rd UREP cycle THE PENINSULA The remaining proposals are energy and environment pillar celebrating World Tourism Day awarded to QF partner univer- of the Qatar National Research DOHA: Qatar National Research sities as Texas A&M University at Strategy (QNRS), while eight Fund (QNRF), a member of Qatar Qatar and Georgetown Uni- focus on the health pillar; seven THE PENINSULA our sector partners. And, our Foundation (QF), has announced versity in Qatar receiving five on the social sciences, arts, and push for digitising our desti- the outcome of the 23rd cycle of awards and two awards respec- humanities pillar; and three on DOHA: Qatar joins the global nation marketing campaigns its Undergraduate Research tively and the remaining two the computer science and infor- community in celebrating World with online platforms such as Experience Program (UREP), proposals awarded to Virginia mation and communication Tourism Day today. China’s Sina Weibo and WeChat with 30 of the 78 research Commonwealth University technology pillar. On this day last year, Prime have demonstrated our desti- proposals submitted by student School of the Arts in Qatar and Dr Aisha Al Obaidly, Capacity Minister and Interior Minister nation’s agility in responding to teams from seven universities Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar. Building Director, QNRF, said, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser our different priority market across Qatar being awarded. UREP promotes practical, “Through this program, students bin Khalifa Al Thani, launched preferences.” He added, “We are The current UREP cycle will research-based learning through will receive research-based edu- the Next Chapter of the National also seeing mobile apps regu- support the research activities of hands-on mentorship activities, cation that will provide them Tourism Sector Strategy, which larly feature as part of our public 116 undergraduate students and where students gain experience with a solid foundation to aims to enhance the end-to-end engagement tools for new fes- 60 faculty members. Of the 30 in team-based research collab- succeed throughout their aca- visitor experience in Qatar. Hassan Al Ibrahim, QTA Acting tivals and tourism events.” awarded proposals, 20 have orations with faculty, postdoc- demic journey. The initiative will Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman The UNWTO openness been awarded to Qatar Uni- toral fellows, and graduate also promote collaboration Chairman of Qatar Tourism rankings released last month versity and one to Hamad Bin students. between students and faculty, Authority (QTA) said, “Qatar’s and investors to be part of this placed Qatar as the 8th most open Khalifa University, a member of Under its 23rd cycle, 12 of the and enrich Qatar’s research tourism sector is going through exciting phase in the sector’s in the world and the most open QF. awarded proposals address the capacity.” an exceptional period of trans- development journey.” in the Middle East. “Openness and formation and growth and what This year’s World Tourism ease of access are crucial ele- we are able to achieve is pos- Day celebrations are being held ments of the visitor experience. sible thanks to the collaboration under the theme ‘Tourism & This achievement follows on a of our public and private sector Digital Transformation’. series of initiatives we have taken partners.” He added, “As the Al Ibrahim said, “Indeed it in that regard: In 2017, we saw the country gears up to host the has been a transformative year launch of the Electronic Travel FIFA World Cup in 2022, there as we have reaped the first fruits Authorisation (ETA); a 96-hour is a strong spotlight on our of our sector’s digitisation transit visa; an online platform for country and our tourism capa- efforts. Our e-licensing system processing visa applications and bilities. We would like to take has been instrumental in issuing e-visas as well as a visa this opportunity to invite the streamlining the start-up and waiver for nationals of more than nation’s youth, entrepreneurs license renewal processes for 80 countries.”

The officials at the event. Occidental Petroleum of Qatar donates used furniture for charity

THE PENINSULA foods in the community. It also time and resources in these types manages a charity warehouse, of programs that strengthen local DOHA: As part of its which gathers second-hand communities.” commitment to Social Respon- clothing, furniture as well as Yousef Al Khulaifi, Public sibility, Occidental Petroleum of electrical and electronic devices Relations Officer at Hifz Al- Qatar Ltd. (Oxy Qatar) donated, for distribution to families in Naema said, “We appreciate and various used furniture items to need. thank Oxy Qatar for their gen- Hifz Al-Naema. Andrew H Kershaw, Pres- erous donation. The society has Hifz Al-Naema is a non- ident & General Manager of Oxy developed beyond only donating profit public organisation and a Qatar said, “Giving back to the surplus food; our people have charity distribution centre, estab- communities where we live and now started involving them- lished 10 years ago to fight the work has always been important selves in donating household waste of food. The centre to us at Oxy. Oxy Qatar strives to supplies and other goods and we organises the collection and dis- be a Partner of Choice every- are very grateful to Oxy for this tribution of surplus fresh and dry where we operate by investing very special contribution.” 08 HOME THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 HBKU and QBF launch Qatar Universities Basketball Cup

THE PENINSULA The first match will effort towards the development kick off on Sunday, of basketball participation and DOHA: Qatar’s basketball sector September 30. Two competitions for university stu- has gained increased institutional games will be played dents in Qatar. traction following the each day, four nights Commenting on the far- announcement of the launch of per week, over a period reaching significance of national Qatar Universities Basketball Cup participation in sports competi- 2018 – a joint venture between of eight weeks until the tions, Adam Al-Saadi said: “Fol- Qatar Basketball Federation grand finale on Monday, lowing the success of last year’s (QBF) and Hamad Bin Khalifa November 19, 2018. inaugural basketball tournament, University (HBKU), a member of we are looking forward to Qatar Foundation (QF). another exciting competition The second of its kind, this HBKU. amongst our nation’s promising year’s tournament will feature At the launch of the tour- youngsters. These are integral men’s and women’s divisions nament – which is to be values that establish a platform from various universities, who organised by Joe Kharrat, to awards and recognize uni- will be fending for the General Manager of the event versity talent with a particular Officials from Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar Basketball Federation, during the launch of championship. partner, Integrated Engagement view towards the government’s Qatar Universities Basketball Cup. The 2018 tournament, which Communications – distin- commitment to an upgraded cul- will be in partnership with the guished guests and media per- tural enrichment and sports Qatar Basketball Federation, sonnel learned more about the excellence sector, which was how the establishment of a bas- Sunday, September 30. Two in Qatar, College of the North was launched during a press registered university teams, underlined in the Second ketball league for universities games will be played each day, Atlantic – Qatar, Georgetown conference at the Education City game schedule and overall tour- National Development Strategy can engage a wider audience and four nights per week, over a University Qatar, various HBKU Student Center. The event was nament set-up. as it was released in May of this highlight the significance of the period of eight weeks until the colleges, Northwestern Uni- attended by representatives HBKU and QBF’s strategic year.” game. We’re especially proud of grand finale on Monday, versity in Qatar, Qatar Uni- from both organizations Abdul- partnership dates back to the Speaking about the impor- the distinguished female and November 19, 2018. versity, Texas A&M University at rahman Al Hitmi, board member two national powerhouses’ tance of the occasion, Secretary male players who are set to take Both the men’s and women’s Qatar, VCUarts Qatar and Weill of QBF and Adam Al Saadi, Memorandum of Understanding, General of the Basketball Feder- part in this competition.” divisions will have seven teams Cornell Medicine – Qatar, in Director of Community Out- signed in September of last year, ation Ali Al Maliki said: “This is According to the organizers, respectively with players hailing addition to many other univer- reach and Student Relations at which underlined a mutual an important milestone seeing the first match will kick off on from Carnegie Mellon University sities in Doha.

QNL hosts Joyalukkas launches latest Andalusian live cooking event Happy Diamonds collection THE PENINSULA are in trend and in sync with DOHA: The rich culinary the needs of a modern woman heritage of Andalusia was DOHA: Joyalukkas, one of the that complements their fashion showcased at a special live largest jewellery retail chains apparel everyday.” cooking event organised at in the world the Qatar National Library, in brings Everyday partnership with Spain’s Diamonds with Islamic Culture Foundation its latest edition of Madrid. of Happy Juan Ramón Sobero, Diamonds head chef at La Liga Lounge collection. at the Sheraton Grand Doha, Happy Dia- and Inés Eléxpuru, author of monds collection Cooking in Al Andalus: Culi- features contem- nary Magic and Seduction, led porary designs, the workshop. Participants tailor-made for learned several of Al Anda- daily wear, where Participants at the workshop organised by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. lusian recipes during the one can sparkle event, the concluding activ- with affordable ity of the three-month-long luxury. MoTC holds workshop on MARPOL 73/78 ‘Gardens of Al-Andalus’ exhi- “The trend bition, which was brought to that diamonds THE PENINSULA by employees from maritime country to update them on latest the Library by the Islamic Cul- are reserved for transport, Ministry of Inte- information and developments ture Foundation. an occasion is DOHA: The Ministry of rior, Ministry of Environment relating to international mari- The exhibition showed the fast changing. Transport and Communications and Municipality, the Qatar time conventions. Spanish Muslim garden from Today, modern has wrapped up a workshop on Ports Management Company The event featured detailed different perspectives. In the Al- working women the International Convention for (Mwani Qatar) and Qatar Petro- presentation and explana- Andalusian period, hundreds of prefer wearing simple and ele- Happy Diamond collection the Prevention of Pollution from leum (Port of Ras Laffan and tion on the MARPOL Annex botanic species from the East gant diamond pieces of jewellery houses thousands of diamond Ships 1973 as modified by the Mesaieed Port). VI requirements, counter- were introduced and accli- that reflects their identity and pendants, pendant sets and Protocol of 1978 – globally MoTC continues hosting measures for air pollution and matized to Spain. These new attitude,” said Joy Alukkas, CMD rings. The Happy Diamond referred to as MARPOL 73/78. employees and specialists from relevant ship emissions reduc- species continue to be used in Joyalukkas Group. Collections are being exhibited Held at MoTC premises, maritime transport affairs and tion schemes through efficient landscape gardening, cosmet- “This year’s Happy Diamond across all Joyalukkas show- the workshop was attended all bodies concerned across the energy use. ics, pharmacopeia and cuisine. Collection features designs that rooms in the GCC.

Pari Gallery’s original-concept beauty festival from today

THE PENINSULA needs of the ever- workshops, as well as a growing beauty and variety of skincare and DOHA: Pari Gallery, leading cosmetics market in cosmetics products from company that specialises in the Qatar. The festival will all across the globe. retail and distribution of luxury offer its attendees a “We have set out to cosmetics, skincare and acces- set of enthralling organize our first ever sories, will hold an original- activities that include beauty festival, the first concept beauty festival from today free skincare consul- of its kind in the region, until October 6, at various Pari tations from various with the sole goal of Gallery locations across Qatar. world-renowned Hakam Al Qawasmi reacquainting ourselves The concept behind the beauty skincare experts, with our customers,” festival was designed to satisfy the various beauty and cosmetics said Hakam Al Qawasmi, General The winners of the quiz competition receiving awards. Manager – Pari Gallery. “The free-admission beauty fes- tival will allow us to cater to our ICC events to commemorate customers with complete pre- cision, offer them a wide-variety 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi of priceless services from world- THE PENINSULA renowned experts in the field of by Jumbo Electronics. The Competitions skincare and beauty, as well as the was very informative, enriching and enter- latest cosmetics and skincare DOHA: The 150th birthday of Mohandas taining, which all participants and audience products that have been revered Karamchand Gandhi, Father of the Nation alike appreciated. across the globe,” he added. of India falls on October 2, 2018. ICC President Milan Arun welcomed The beauty festival will also offer In respect to Mahatma Gandhi, the inter- the audience and quiz was conducted by its attendees the chance to win val- national community also observe the day ICC Head of Finance Girish Jain. The event uable gifts that will definitely make as the “International Day of Non-Violence”. was attended by community leaders Hassan the experience all the more Indian Cultural Centre is organising differ- Chougule, Chairman, ICC Advisory Council; unforgettable. ent events to commemorate the occasion. K M Varghese, IBPC President; Kala Gopal, Pari Gallery is on a mission to In order to spread the message of non-vio- IBPC Vice-President and Habibul Nabi, ISC evolve with its clients into a new lence and on the life and lessons of Mahatma General Secretery. dawn of exceptional excellence. The Gandhi, a quiz competition was held on Sep- On October 2, a public function will upcoming months will witness Pari tember 25, at ICC’s Ashoka Hall. The quiz was be conducted at ICC Ashoka Hall in which Gallery’s unveiling of two new attended by very enthusiastic community Ambassador of India to Qatar P Kumaran branches, located at Doha Festival members where adults and children partic- will be the Chief Guest and various cultural City and Ezdan Mall – Al Wakrah, ipated. All teams were given participation programs also will be staged. The winners respectively. certificates. These prizes were sponsored will be awarded during this occasion. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 MIDDLE EAST 09 Trump pledges new Mideast peace plan within months

AFP “dream” of his to bring about a Trump for the first peaceful solution to a conflict time said explicitly UNITED NATIONS: US Pres- that has eluded several of his that he backed a ident Donald Trump said predecessors. two-state solution yesterday he would present a “I would say over the next two-state peace plan for the two to three to four months,” that would create Middle East in the coming Trump said, referring to his pro- an independent months, voicing confidence the spective timetable for pre- Palestine, saying: Palestinians would return to senting a plan as he met talks despite his unwavering Netanyahu on the sidelines of “That’s what I think support for Israel. the UN General Assembly. works best, that’s Speaking before entering Trump for the first time said my feeling.” talks with Israeli Prime Minister explicitly that he backed a two- Benjamin Netanyahu in New state solution that would create York, Trump said that it was a an independent Palestine, saying: “That’s what I think works best, that’s my feeling.” “I really believe something Yemenis displaced from the port city of Hodeidah receive humanitarian aid donated by the World will happen. It is a dream of Palestinians decry Trump’s UN address Food Programme (WFP) in the northern province of Hajjah, yesterday. The three-year conflict mine to be able to get that done between Yemen’s Saudi-backed government and Houthi rebels has pushed the already impoverished ANATOLIA prior to the end of my first term,” added Trump, who was country to the brink of famine, leaving many unable to afford food and water. RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Authority (PA) has criticised an elected to a four-year term address delivered by US President Donald Trump at Tuesday’s through January 2021. opening session of the UN General Assembly. The Middle East peace Yemen war crimes probe must “What Trump said at the UN on the Palestinian-Israeli con- process has effectively been flict deepens differences and sets back the chances for peace,” stalled since the Palestinians PA spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said in a statement carried broke off contacts with the by Palestine’s official Wafa news agency. Trump administration last year continue: UN investigators “Jerusalem will be the capital of a Palestinian state estab- in protest at the US president’s lished on the pre-1967 borders, regardless of who accepts it or decision to recognize Jeru- AFP rejects it,” Abu Rudeineh said. Palestine Liberation Organi- salem as the capital of the International and Regional for prolonging the probe, it zation (PLO) Secretary-General Saeb Erekat also blasted Trump’s Jewish state. Experts, insisted that “in light of remains unclear if the council speech, saying it had “closed the doors on peace”. The Palestinians also want GENEVA: War crimes investi- the gravity of the situation and will give the investigators a “President Trump and his administration have closed the Jerusalem to be their capital and gators called yesterday for the the limited time given to the green light to continue when it doors to peace; they cannot play a role in the peace process by have long argued that the status UN’s top rights body to let them mandate, additional investiga- votes on the resolution at the moving their embassy to Jerusalem,” Erekat said in a statement. of the holy city should only be continue probing the “extremely tions are needed.” end of this week. “Because of the US administration’s one-sided, pro-Israel settled as part of a larger peace alarming” situation in Yemen, “The situation in Yemen A competing text on the decisions, peace between Palestinians and Israel has been agreement. amid resistance from Saudi continues to be extremely table, led by Tunisia on behalf derailed,” he added. Relations between the Pal- Arabia and others. alarming,” he told the council. of the group of Arab states, According to Erekat, the Trump administration “continues estinian Authority and the The investigators, appointed “We call upon you to keep makes no mention of extending to reward those who violate international law and commit war United States have fallen even by the UN Human Rights Council the situation in Yemen at the top the probe but calls for Yemen’s crimes”. He also lashed out at Trump for the latter’s rejection lower in recent weeks after a year ago, presented a report of the priorities of the council,” often-criticised National Com- of The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC). Washington cut off funding, to the body that concluded all he said, urging diplomats to mission of Inquiry to continue “His rejection of the ICC is a rejection of international law,” including to a UN agency that sides in Yemen’s conflict may “unanimously” adopt a reso- studying the conflict. Observers Erekat said. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the PLO’s Executive helps millions of Palestinian ref- have committed “war crimes”. lution led by a group of say Saudi Arabia, which leads a Committee, described Trump’s speech as a “superficial defense ugees. Trump, however, said The resolution that first set European countries and Canada coalition that intervened in the of unilateralism, isolationism and plain bullying”. that he was in no doubt that the up the inquiry last year after a calling for a one-year extension. conflict in March 2015 on behalf Israeli officials, for their part, lauded Trump’s speech before Palestinians would soon return long diplomatic fight gave inves- This, he said, was necessary of President Abedrabbo Mansour the UN General Assembly. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor to the negotiating table. tigators a year to conduct their “to ensure that truth is revealed Hadi’s government in the fight Lieberman said it had “been a while” since there was a world “They are absolutely coming probe. But Kamel Jendoubi, who and accountability is attained.” againstHouthi rebels, is actively leader who understood the Middle East as well as Trump. back to the table,” he said. heads the so-called Group of But while a long line of dip- working to quash the interna- “Absolutely, 100 percent.” Independent Eminent lomats voiced support yesterday tional probe. Rowhani: Iran does not want war with US forces US decision to remove missile

AFP systems routine: Kuwait US will eventually REUTERS NEW YORK: Iranian President Bahrain, the report said. Hassan Rowhani said yesterday rejoin nuclear deal There was no immediate Tehran had no intension to go to KUWAIT: A US decision to comment from Jordan and war with US forces in the Middle UNITED NATIONS: Iranian Pres- remove anti-missile systems Bahrain did not respond imme- East, where Iran has been involved ident Hassan Rowhani predicted from several Arab allies was diately to a Reuters’ request for in proxy wars with US ally Saudi that the United States will even- an “internal and routine a comment. Arabia for decades. tually rejoin an international procedure”, Kuwait said The move follows rising “We do not wish to go to war nuclear deal, saying talks this yesterday, adding that its rhetoric against Iran from the with American forces in the week at the United Nations defences would not be United States, which earlier this region,” Rowhani told a news showed his counterpart Donald affected. year pulled out of the Joint conference. Trump’s isolation. “Kuwait’s Patriot missile Comprehensive Plan of Action, He said Iran would remain in “The United States of America system, independently, protects the 2015 deal in which Tehran a multinational 2015 nuclear deal one day, sooner or later, will come and covers all its geographical agreed to curb its nuclear work that Washington exited in May. back. This cannot be continued,” borders,” said a statement from in return for the lifting of most “As long as the deal serves our Rowhani told a news conference. the Gulf Arab state’s chief of Western sanctions. interests we will remain in the “We are not isolated; America is staff. It added that the US Wealthy Gulf states have pact... Remaining members of the isolated,” he said. decision had been coordinated stepped up their defence Iranian President Hassan Rowhani speaks during a press deal have taken very good steps with Kuwait’s military. spending amid higher tensions conference in New York, yesterday. forward but Iran has higher An earlier Wall Street in the region, where Iran and expectations,” he said, adding that Journal report citing US military Saudi Arabia are locked in a expected US sanctions in officials said Washington was tussle for influence, backing November on Iran were illegal and pulling four Patriot missile rival forces in political struggles “nothing new”. Macron rejects Trump’s Iran strategy systems from Jordan, Kuwait or wars in Lebanon, Bahrain, Rowhani pointed to a session and Bahrain next month in a Syria and Yemen. of the Security Council chaired by BLOOMBERG shift away from long-lasting Relations between United Trump earlier yesterday, where the directed their criticism at Iran’s role in Yemen and conflicts in the Middle East States and Russia face a leaders of Britain and France Syria, its sponsorship of terrorism and its efforts and Afghanistan in order to number of strains, including backed the nuclear deal, as well as WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump to continue developing ballistic missiles. address tensions with China over Russian support for Pres- a statement by European powers started a special session of the UN Security At the UN podium on Tuesday, Trump said his and Russia. ident Bashar Al Assad in the who say they will find ways to con- Council yesterday by defending his decision to decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal Two Patriot systems, Syrian civil war and US alle- tinue business with Iran and evade withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and ratchet with Iran was a popular move in the Middle East which are used to shoot down gations that Russia meddled impending sanctions. up sanctions on the Islamic Republic, but that and he charged that Iran’s leaders “sow chaos, missiles and planes, will be in the 2016 US presidential “We do hope with all the law- move drew quick criticism from one of Amer- death and destruction” as he called on the rest of redeployed from Kuwait, and election. Russian denies any abiding and multilateral-oriented ica’s closest allies. the world to join his administration’s “economic one each from Jordan and wrongdoing. countries that we can ultimately Hosting a Security Council meeting he pressure” offensive against the nation. Iranian put this behind us in an easier requested, Trump reiterated his view that the 2015 President Hassan Rouhani, in turn, used his speech fashion than it was earlier antic- nuclear agreement was a “horrible, one-sided at the UN to accuse Trump of “economic terrorism” ipated,” Rowhani said. deal,” and said that oil sanctions targeting Iranian and an “authoritarian” approach to international Russia puts deep roots in Syria, The elected Iranian leader said oil sales in November will be followed by addi- relations. that his government would stay tional measures that will be “tougher than ever Bolstering Rowhani, the US withdrawal from warns West against meddling in the 2015 agreement, under before.” the accord has been roundly condemned by Amer- AP which Tehran sharply scaled back Yet immediately following Trump’s comments ica’s allies and rivals in the rest of the world. its nuclear programme in return in the Security Council chambers, French Pres- Foreign ministers from France, the UK, China, for sanctions relief. ident Emmanuel Macron said the US approach to Russia and the EU all met on Monday night to UNITED NATIONS: The same day that Russian diplomats struck Rowhani downplayed the Iran was inadequate. discuss ways to keep the nuclear deal alive. a deal with Turkey over a demilitarized zone in Syria’s last rebel- sharp words from the US admin- “We are all united around this table that Iran EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini run region, dozens of Russian businessmen were flying home from istration, including a warning must not be able to arm itself with nuclear said after the meeting that the European Union Damascus, contracts in hand for trade with a postwar Syria. Tuesday by Trump’s national weapons,” said Macron, sitting just a few feet away will establish a mechanism to protect European Whatever happens to the rebels in Idlib province, Russia is security advisor, John Bolton, that from Trump. But, he added, “sanctions and con- companies’ financial dealings with Iran from the determined to keep Syria solidly anchored in its sphere of influence Iran would have “hell to pay” if it tainment” are not sufficient. impact of US sanctions in a bid to keep Iranian over the long term - both as a foothold in the Middle East and as crosses the United States. “During Pressuring Iran has become the centerpiece nuclear agreement alive. That move drew heavy a warning to the US and its allies against future interference. the past 40 years we have been of the Trump administration’s efforts at the UN criticism from US Secretary of State Michael “Russia wants... a new Mideast security order,” said Emile subjected to that type of language General Assembly this week in New York. The Pompeo, who said on Tuesday he found their Hokayem, Middle East security expert at the International Institute many times,” he said. president and his top aides have repeatedly efforts “counterproductive.” for Strategic Studies. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 Italy’s Muslims uneasy after ESTABLISHED IN 1996 election of far-right govt CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

YLENIA GOSTOLI ACTING MANAGING EDITOR AL JAZEERA MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] n Friday after midday, on a tree-lined residential street in DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR southeastern Rome, people MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI speak an assortment of lan- guagesO and dialects, from north African [email protected] Arabic to the local Roman slang. The bottom floor of a peeling post- war building hosts a “prayer home”. On the Muslim holy day, worshippers lay out their prayer rugs as far as the pavement and listen to a sermon. EDITORIAL Officially recognised mosques in Italy can be counted on one hand, but going to do towards the Islamic com- Communities in Italy (UCOII), told. “We there are many unofficial “prayer munity,” said Mohamed Ben Mohamed, are concerned about that and that words homes” like this — more than 50 in the imam of the Centocelle mosque, may turn into the actions of a few Enlightening speech at the UN Rome. Islam isn’t formally recognised in sitting at his desk with a photograph of people. Let’s not forget there have been Italy, despite being the country’s largest Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque behind him. violent episodes against migrants in he whole world was listening with rapt attention when religious minority. “During the election campaign, general, as well as some homophobic the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani While other religions have under- Salvini said he would close mosques, not incidents, even if they’ve not been rec- Taddressed the 73rd session of the United Nations written an accord with the Italian state, allow any new ones to open. It may be ognised as such.” General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday. Several heads of attempts to reach one for Islam have propaganda, but there’s a mentality Lafram was born in Morocco but states and governments from across the world were lending been inconclusive. As a result, mosques behind that,” Ben Mohamed added. grew up in Italy, where he was recently their ears to the words of a unique leader whose vision and cannot receive public funds, religious “There’s no regulation for places of naturalised as a citizen. “I don’t think wisdom earned his people the respect and dignity they holidays and weddings are not recog- worship, the law remains vague, and Italy is a racist country,” he said. “I think deserve despite their country being placed under an unjust nised, and there’s no law governing the every municipality interprets it its own there are statements that some politi- siege by its close neighbours for none of its faults. establishment of places of worship. way.” cians could avoid, but instead they are H H the Amir conveyed to the world from the podium There are 2.6 million Muslims in A “government contract” that led to used relentlessly to exploit a certain type of the UNGA that Qatar is far better and stronger than it Italy, just over four percent of the popu- the governing deal between the two of propaganda.” was before the blockade and the crux of the country’s lation. While the majority are foreign parties promised stricter controls and As elsewhere in Europe, violent steadfast foreign policy calls for the need to resolve differ- citizens, nearly a million are Italian closure of “irregular” mosques, as well attacks on European soil in recent years, ences through dialogue away from the language of threat either by birth or naturalisation. as the establishment of a registry of claimed to have been carried out in the and intimidation and its desire to take all necessary The basement prayer home in Cen- imams and checks on funding sources. name of Islam, have affected Italians’ measures to face the challenges and address their negative tocelle, a traditionally working-class During his election campaign, perception of the country’s Muslim impacts on societies and international peace and security. neighbourhood Matteo Salvini, interior minister and communities even if none were carried H H the Amir’s speech highlighted the steadfast growth and today one of deputy prime minister, stated that out in Italy. Qatar has achieved thanks to the cohesion and solidarity the most multi- “Islam is incompatible with the According to the Pew research behind the political leadership which alleviated the effects cultural in the constitution.” centre, Italy is second only to Hungary in of the blockade imposed by the neighbours who were sup- city, has been When Austrian Chancellor Sebastian negative perceptions of Muslims in posed to be the brothers. H H Between 2014 here since 1993. Kurz closed seven mosques last June, Europe, with as many as 69 percent the Amir’s address dwelt upon and 2017, more For more than Salvini hailed the decision and called for saying they viewed Muslims the pains and worries of the than 623,000 two years, it has a meeting to discuss common strategies. unfavourably. Arab nation, especially the Pal- people arrived faced uncertainty Three months into his role, Salvini Opinions about an alleged “Islami- estinian issue, the worrying sit- regarding its launched a campaign against sea rescue, sation” of Italy may also be shaped by a uation in Yemen, Syria, Libya in Italy via future, after local preventing boats from docking in Italian misperception of the migratory phe- H H the and Iraq, the issues of terrorism the central authorities asked ports or rescued refugees from nomenon. As independent research Amir’s speech which threatens the entire Mediterranean the community to descending, sparking a diplomatic crisis Institute Eurispes points out, however, highlighted world, human rights, devel- route. But arrivals address building among EU states over migration. out of Italy’s five million foreign resi- the steadfast opment and peace. regulation Between 2014 and 2017, more than dents just over 30 percent are Muslim. His words put forth a had already breaches. 623,000 people arrived in Italy via the This often translates into right-wing growth Qatar roadmap through which the dropped by the Similar central Mediterranean route. But opposition to projects aimed at Muslim has achieved international community can end of 2017. administrative arrivals had already dropped by the end communities by local groups. thanks to the address the various issues and reasons were of 2017, following a EU-supported In an ongoing debate in Bologna, cohesion and conflicts around the world given to justify the Italian agreement with Libya’s UN- politicians belonging to the League and through peaceful means high- closure of at least eight other prayer backed Government of National Accord. Berlusconi’s party Go Italy are opposed solidarity behind lighting the important and rel- homes and Islamic cultural centres in Racism watchdogs have warned of to a deal between the Islamic com- the political evant role the United Nations the city, sparking prayer-protests near, the links between the proliferation of a munity and the local administration for leadership which and its different agencies can the Coliseum, Rome’s famous landmark stigmatising rhetoric towards migration a land exchange that they say would play in resolving crises. in October 2016. and a series of racially-motivated allow Muslims to build the first official alleviated the H H the Amir’s pledge to Local media often calls such estab- violent attacks which have often been mosque in the city. A similar contro- effects of the provide quality education to lishments “illegal mosques”, referring to carried out in a copycat fashion in the versy surrounds the opening of two blockade imposed another one million girls by 2021 their unregulated status but simultane- past months, including at least a dozen mosques and the regularisation of four by the neighbours and his announcement of ously feed a narrative of fear and mis- BB gun shootings. informal ones in the Milan area. Qatar’s agreement with the UN trust towards the Muslim community. The UN’s new high commissioner “I want to know who pays, who who were to fight cholera in Yemen by Most of the prayer homes closed in for human rights Michelle Bachelet said prays, in what language, who goes in and supposed to be supporting projects related to Rome at the time were re-opened. in her maiden speech on Monday that who goes out,” Salvini said about the the brothers. combating the causes of the There is also now an increasing she intended to send teams to Italy as issue, adding that mosques were “not a disease outbreak and to halts sense of insecurity among Muslim com- well as Austria to assess the situation. priority,” but he intended to create a its spread were hailed by the munities across Italy with the instalment “On social media, messages, commission to regulate new places of international community. H H the Amir also extended an of the new government, led by the anti- Facebook pages and groups are increas- worship. “We are waiting to see how invitation to international human rights organisations to Islam, anti-migration League and the ingly aggressive against migration and things will develop, what role this com- establish their regional offices in Qatar and he expressed populist Five Star Movement. Islamic culture,” Yassine Lafram, the mission will have,” said Ben Mohamed Qatar’s willingness to host an international conference to “There is more uncertainty as we 32-year-old recently appointed pres- back in eastern Rome. “Whether or not it tackle the challenges posed by the developments in infor- have no idea what this government is ident of the Union of Islamic will involve the community.” mation technology such as freedom of access and the need to protect the privacy of citizens from the risk of hacking. The address, which touched upon almost every issue that vexes the humanity as a whole or pertaining to a particular region or country, bears witness to the wisdom and farsight- We’re making climate change even costlier edness of the true leader of a nation who not only pays close BLOOMBERG attention to details, but also finds ways to resolve real issues immigration. But Brexit is presidential “remedy” that well-functioning insurance with tangible solutions. Yes, the Amir of the State of Qatar is careering toward disaster, has brought chaos and cor- markets, some public-sector a true leader whom others can follow as a real model. he potential costs of with no good plan on tap, the ruption to the White House transfers and compensation, climate change, two major parties in splinters, and US foreign policy alike. In and better infrastructure already the subject of the British pound declining, short, the world increasingly planning. The idea would be QUOTE OF THE DAY heated debate, may the Irish “Good Friday” appears to be reaching for to limit the number of such actuallyT be understated. It’s agreement at risk and the UK extreme and imprudent rem- moves - or at least to lower not just the potential disrup- seriously talking about food edies to admittedly complex their cost. That could prove We would be ready tions to weather systems, stockpiles and other emer- problems. These overreac- very costly but essentially to take part in the agriculture and coastal cities; gency measures. tions do not seem to be mere manageable. reconstruction (of it’s that we may respond to It would have been better accidents, but arise from But that is probably not Syria), in the case of those problems in stupid and if the British had responded to some pretty fundamental fea- what we will get. Instead, the destructive ways. their country’s problems in a tures of polarized politics — debate may well radicalize a political process — a Consider how poorly we less extreme way, or simply namely, that discourse has Florida politics, which has meaningful, legitimate, have responded to many learned to live with the become less rational and consequences for national political process being non-climate-related problems they had. Instead technocratic. politics because Florida is a problems. In the case of they voted for a rash and When it comes to climate swing state. On the federal firmly under way in Brexit, for example, the Leave poorly thought-out remedy. change, all this plays out in level, an infrastructure bill Geneva, under UN movement was arguably Similarly, you might think interesting ways. In the US, would invariably direct too auspices. responding to some real that supporters of President imagine that many Florida much money to wasteful new problems. The European Donald Trump have legit- residents have to leave their projects in less-populated Union bureaucracy is too imate concerns about illegal residences permanently, due states. Everywhere, the harsh, Federica Mogherini stringent, and perhaps the UK immigration and US unwill- to fiercer storms or rising sea non-sympathetic tone of the EU Foreign Policy Chief did not have an ideal ingness to stand up to China. level. The rational approach debate will further corrode arrangement with Still, that did not require a might involve American politics. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 OPINION 11 An imperfect UN is still the world’s best hope

our years after World War be allowed to join them. the realpolitik at the Security Council against Israel and avoids scruti- Two, former British Prime The wider General Assembly is level, most other elements of the UN nizing states such as Iran, North Minister Winston Churchill little more than a talking shop - as continue to push an explicitly interna- Korea and Syria. And when it was asked to reflect on what usual, the primary outcomes of this tionalist, liberal, human, women’s and comes to determining international Fwould have prevented the conflict. year’s September session will likely be minority rights-based agenda. acts of military aggression - one of The greatest mistake after World War from bilateral meetings between Without the UN, the world would the primary purposes of both the PETER APPS One, he said, was not to properly leaders on its sidelines, not the main likely not have had the Sustainable UN and League of Nations - the UN REUTERS resource the League of Nations, the floor. The assembly gives smaller Development Goals that have, at the is again struggling. international forum of countries nations and groupings a voice, and its very least, helped shape thinking on The decision of US President created in 1919. Doing so “would have resolutions can do useful work, like global poverty reduction. The same George W. Bush and British Prime saved us all.” The modern United establishing internal UN bodies or might be plausibly argued of the Paris Minister Tony Blair to circumvent it Nations, a more muscular and events like International Women’s climate process. in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq inclusive body than its predecessor, Day. But these resolutions are fre- In truth, the United Nations is delivered a clear, and with hind- has survived close on four times quently nonbinding, with the result barely one entity at all. Agencies such sight, damaging credibility blow. longer than the League. But as its that those on substantial issues like as the World Food Program, World Russia felt little or no consequences General Assembly meets this week in the 2014 Ukraine conflict inevitably Health Organization, Unicef, Food and through the UN for its annexation New York, the UN - like the League - have little or no real-word impact. Agriculture Organization and others of Crimea, nor the long-running It might yet take risks falling increasingly short. Few It is all a far cry from the hopes of all have their critics, but provide a Ukraine war that followed. China another world war- believe change, while necessary, is the UN’s founders in 1946. fundamental backbone to the world’s did have its knuckles rapped by a scale catastrophe to imminent or likely. That doesn’t make it worthless. humanitarian responses that exceed UN court over its grandiose claims Decades of attempts to reform the The most effective UN work is often what any one group can do on its in the South China Sea, but this has generate effective UN Security Council are - like the done by its smaller bodies, agencies own, even the nongovernmental Red done nothing to slow its inexorable institutional reform. Council itself on issues such as Syria, and envoys. UN Special Represent- Cross. Without them, responses to dis- building and military expansion in But for now, the UN’s the South China Sea and wider human ative for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has asters such as the 2014 Ebola out- the region. most important role rights - comprehensively deadlocked. been unable to stop the conflict - the break or refugee crises in the Middle Those at the top strike a dif- The five permanent members - warring parties and their interna- East and Europe would be much, ficult balance. In taking office, remains forcing the Britain, France and the United States tional backers have simply made that much harder. current UN Secretary General world’s most powerful on one side, Russia and China the impossible. But he and his team have Peacekeeping missions run by the Antonio Gutteres talked of the need nations into constant other - are increasingly at logger- kept the process of dialogue going, Department for Peacekeeping Opera- for dramatic reform, but also heads. Other emerging powers such and that itself has value. tions can only occur when the world’s pledged to keep “member states in dialogue on matters as India and Brazil want permanent Indeed, the greatest single great powers agree on what to do. the driving seat.” That’s language of global importance. access, but there seems little or no achievement of the UN has probably Some missions can be never-ending, likely designed to reassure national We should be glad we road map to obtaining it. Those five been to preserve and build that spirit with peacekeepers accused of sexual governments, deliberately have it. Countries could permanent members have minimal of international cooperation as some- and other abuse in several nations. ambiguous as to whether he meant incentive to share power, and no one thing positive and worth refining, But the UN can also claim successes, the small governments that dom- never build it today. can agree which other states should even if it often fails in practice. For all notably overseeing transitions from inate the General Assembly or the civil war to peace in countries such as Security Council great powers. Mozambique, Cambodia, Guatemala It might yet take another world and Tajikistan. war-scale catastrophe to generate When it comes to holding more effective institutional reform. But powerful countries to account, the for now, the UN’s most important UN’s record is extremely mixed. Last role remains forcing the world’s month, the UN Committee on the most powerful nations into con- Elimination of Racial Discrimination stant dialogue on matters of global cited estimates that Beijing may be importance. holding up to one million ethnic We should be glad we have it. Muslim Uighurs in detention camps in Countries could never build it China’s western Xinjiang province - a today. report Chinese officials dismissed as having “no factual basis.” Beijing has never confirmed the existence of such camps, and blamed criticism of its policies in Xinjiang on “anti-China forces.” Another group of UN investigators called for Myanmar officials to be D-RING ROAD tried for genocide over their cam- POST BOX: 3488 paign against the Muslim Rohingya DOHA - QATAR minority. [email protected] Other UN bodies such as the Human Rights Council have been much less forthright, often dominated EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE by countries such as China, Iran and TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Pakistan accused of their own abuses. FAX: +974 4455 7758 The United States withdrew from the body this year, saying it is biased MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 t was billed as his founding toxic debate on immigration. reformed under French impetus. speech for Europe. But 12 months “This speech collided with a Macron’s push for greater military LOCAL NEWS SECTION after newly-elected Emmanuel Germany that was not at all in a collaboration also fell on fertile TEL: 4455 7743 Macron laid out his vision for a position politically to respond, but it ground as many members fret about Ideeper, stronger EU, the French pres- could only work with German America’s commitment to defending BUSINESS NEWS SECTION ident is fighting a lonely battle, ana- support,” Sebastien Maillard, director the continent. TEL: 4462 7535 ADAM PLOWRIGHT & lysts say. of the Jacques Delors Institute think- Merkel too finally agreed to the Over 100 minutes at the Sorbonne tank, said. principle of a eurozone budget in in CEDRIC SIMON AFP SPORT NEWS SECTION University in Paris, with the stars of “It’s the unfortunate thing for June -- albeit one that is limited and TEL: 4455 7745 Macron, of not being able to find a real smaller in size than that proposed by partner in Europe to support his Macron. Other ideas, such as a fund to ONLINE SECTION vision,” he said. Instead, the finance innovation in Europe or a TEL: 4462 7501 momentum across the bloc has pan-European civil defence force to [email protected] shifted further against the 40-year- respond to disasters around the EU, Macron struggles to old centrist. are also taking shape. PUBLIC RELATIONS “Sometimes there are less visible Since the Sorbonne speech, both TEL: 4455 7613 propositions, but still important ones, Italy and Austria have shifted right- [email protected] turn EU speech-making wards, electing coalition governments where there are advances,” the aide that include eurosceptic far-right said. Overall, out of 49 proposals ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT figures. France’s relations with Italy, a contained in the Sorbonne speech, into action TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 normally reliable ally, are increas- Macron considers 22 are “finalised... FAX: 4455 7870 ingly hostile, while Macron has also or in the process of being finalised”, [email protected] clashed with the hard-right leaders of while another 18 are being discussed. Hungary and Poland. Cynics would say that some of CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT the EU flag behind him, Macron made “The context is difficult,” Macron the “results” were already under dis- TEL: 4455 7857 an impassioned plea last September conceded on the sidelines of an EU cussion before his election, or are [email protected] for members of the bloc to go further summit in Salzburg last week where baby-steps towards Macron’s much in linking their economies, govern- he faced questions about his own more ambitious agenda. SUBSCRIPTION & ments and armies. domestic problems that have seen his Under his original timetable, he DISTRIBUTION “When you read his speech it was ratings fall to historic lows. had hoped to secure other major vic- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 clear that he wanted to lead the EU in But even if he seems to be tories, such as a reform to European FAX: 44557819 tandem with Germany,” Judy swimming against the current, tax rules that would close unpopular [email protected] Dempsey, an expert at the Carnegie Macron will not give up the fight. loopholes used by multinationals, or a Europe think-tank, said. “He was “His statements on Europe are not new agreement to bolster EU border saying to Chancellor Merkel: ‘let’s a celebration of Europe as it is,” an controls. These advances would be deliver together’. aide said Tuesday. part of his pitch to voters ahead of All thoughts and views Maillard says the “And it just hasn’t happened.” “He shares the same diagnosis (as European parliament elections next expressed in these columns Sorbonne speech Macron had always been clear eurosceptics) that Europe is dysfunc- year, which will be his first domestic are those of the writers, might end up being that he was banking on the “Franco- tional, but faced with that, we have electoral challenge. German motor,” dreaming of a part- two choices: one consists of killing the “The window of opportunity is not of the newspaper. remembered like a nership with Angela Merkel in Berlin system, the other reforming it closing more and more,” Ronja fireworks display. along the lines of his predecessors. profoundly.” Kempin, an analyst at the Science and All correspondence “As a diplomat But many analysts believe the The French presidency also points Politics Foundation think-tank in strategy has failed to deliver. to concrete advances since the Berlin said. regarding Views and said: ‘it was very The naturally cautious chancellor Sorbonne speech. Rules on the Maillard says the Sorbonne Opinion pages should be beautiful, but emerged weakened from elections movement of EU company employees speech might end up being remem- send to editor-in-chief after, there’s only just two days before Macron’s speech around the bloc, which France saw as bered like a fireworks display. “As a office or mailed to the smoke’.” and she has since been consumed by being abused by businesses in low- diplomat said: ‘it was very beautiful, domestic problems, particularly a cost eastern Europe, have been but after, there’s only smoke’.” [email protected] 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018

Zimbabwe’s Ceasefire halts leader offers Trump land for month-long golf course

AP battle in Tripoli HARARE: Zimbabwe’s leader says he is willing to offer land AGENCIES The deal ratified to President Donald Trump by Interior Minister to build a golf course in a TRIPOLI: Libya’s internationally Abdessalem Ashour national park teeming with recognised government calls for the rivals wildlife. yesterday announced a new to implement a President Emmerson ceasefire deal to end a month of UN-brokered accord, Mnangagwa was speaking to fighting between rival militias a New York investors’ forum south of Tripoli that has left more signed on September 4, ahead of his first address to a than 100 dead. to form a joint security United Nations annual gath- The agreement was signed force of police from ering of world leaders this by representatives of the capital Tripoli and Tarhuna week. and the town of Tarhuna, to patrol the capital’s Mnangagwa said he made southeast of Tripoli, the interior the offer to Trump staffers southern suburbs. Libyan militiamen loyal to the Government of National Accord, Libya’s internationally recognised ministry said in a statement. earlier this year at the World government, celebrate their advances on the field in the south of capital Tripoli, yesterday. The deal ratified by Interior Economic Forum in Swit- Minister Abdessalem Ashour calls zerland, pitching land in the for the rivals to implement a UN- according to a fresh casualty toll militia forces from Tripoli under Clashes flared up again last “The clashes have led to a tourist town of Victoria Falls. brokered accord, signed on Sep- issued by the GNA. the nominal control of the GNA. week, breaking a previous, UN- breakdown in basic services Trump is a keen golfer. tember 4, to form a joint security More than 25,000 people Fighting in Tripoli first brokered cease-fire that began such as electricity and water,” “I had offered President force of police from Tripoli and have been displaced by the erupted on August 26 when the earlier this month. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Trump ground to build a Tarhuna to patrol the capital’s violence. 7th Brigade comprised of In the past two days, 1,700 Maria Ribeiro said. state-of-the-art golf course southern suburbs. The Libyan capital has been militias hailing from Tarhouna, families have been displaced The fighting underscored the so that as he plays he can be The Government of National at the centre of a battle for a town about 60km south of due to renewed fighting, the UN country’s lingering lawlessness able to see the big five,” Zim- Accord (GNA), in a statement, influence between armed groups Tripoli, attacked southern aid agency said yesterday. A more than seven years after the babwe’s president said. The welcomed the halt to fighting that ever since dictator Moamer neighbourhoods of the capital. total of 5,000 families have uprising that toppled and later “big five” refers to big game: already took effect on Tuesday. Kadhafi was ousted and killed in The Tripoli Revolutionaries’ sought refuge with relatives in killed longtime ruler Muammar lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo The clashes which erupted on a Nato-backed uprising in 2011. Brigades and the Nawasi safer parts of Tripoli and its out- Gaddafi. Libya is currently ruled and leopard. the capital’s southern outskirts The latest feud has pitted Brigade, militias which support skirts since August 26, the UN by rival authorities in Tripoli and Mnangagwa is trying to on August 26 have left at least 117 armed groups from Tarhuna and the UN-backed government, Office for the Coordination of the east, each backed by an warm up to the United States dead and more than 400 injured, Libya’s third city Misrata against came to the city’s defence. Humanitarian Affairs said. array of militias. in a sharp departure from his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, whose icy relations with Western countries over human rights abuses led to sanctions. South Sudan civil war toll estimated at 382,900 U.S. sanctions remain on Mnangagwa and others in the AFP Researchers measured both concentrated in the northeast support those involved in bloc, chaired by Ethiopia, has southern African nation, but the number of deaths that were and southern regions of the humanitarian response and taken the lead on peace negoti- that’s not stopping him from LONDON: South Sudan’s civil a direct result of the violence as country. policy to make real-time deci- ations, to little effect. seeking investment in an war has caused the deaths of well as deaths caused by the Researchers analysed mor- sions” in other conflicts, the The previous peace pact col- economy that has long col- at least 382,900 people— far increased risk of disease and tality data, combining it with researchers said. lapsed in July 2016 during days lapsed. He took office in higher than previous esti- reduced access to healthcare. media reports and some 227 South Sudan’s President of fighting in the capital Juba that November after Mugabe mates and more than the Previous estimates have surveys carried out by humani- Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek forced Machar to flee for his life. resigned under military conflict in Syria, according to put the toll in the tens of thou- tarian agencies to single out con- Machar signed a much-antici- After decades of civil war, pressure. He narrowly won a a new study. sands. The new figure is com- flict-related deaths. pated peace deal this month, the South Sudan voted to leave its disputed election in July. The statistical research parable to Syria, where more They said their findings latest attempt to end a war that northern neighbour Sudan in Trump’s sons visited Zim- carried out by the London School than 360,000 are estimated to “indicate that the humanitarian has torn the world’s newest 2011, becoming the world’s babwe on a 2010 hunting trip of Hygiene and Tropical Med- have died since the conflict response in South Sudan must nation apart. youngest country. The split that caused some furor on icine university was published began in 2011. be strengthened, and that all Since the civil war — which deprived Sudan of most of its oil social media after photos of Tuesday after being commis- The UK study found that the parties should seek urgent con- broke out after Kiir claimed reserves, and production was them posing next to carcasses sioned by the US Institute for deaths from the civil war in flict resolution”. Machar was plotting a coup -- disrupted by the outbreak of war of animals that included an Peace in partnership with the US South Sudan, which started in Their innovative statistical the Intergovernmental Authority in South Sudan just two years elephant and a leopard sur- State Department. December 2013, were approach “has the potential to on Development (IGAD) regional after independence. faced in 2016.

Top aide of Nigeria’s First Lady arrested for alleged fraud AFP of Police (CSP) Sani Baban-Inna allegedly “used the opportunity has it that he has been detained to defraud unsuspecting asso- ABUJA: A top security aide of on the orders of Her Excellency ciates and officials as initial Nigeria’s First Lady has been for dropping her name and investigations have shown”. arrested for allegedly dropping defrauding unsuspecting offi- Independent online news- her name to extort almost $7m cials and associates,” the First paper Premium Times earlier from people, in a test case for Lady’s office said. reported that the First Lady President Muhammadu Buhari’s “She wishes to use this instigated the security officer’s fight against graft. opportunity to refute such alle- arrest after accusing him of col- Police chief superintendent gation and to state that she has lecting the money on her behalf Sani Baban-Inna, the chief no hand in his arrest and from associates. security officer (ADC) to Aisha detention.” Baban-Inna denied the Buhari since 2016, was She also denied sending allegations and was said to detained by police on Friday her security officer, or any have initially been cleared by but is now in the custody of the other staff, “to collect any police. country’s intelligence agency, favours on her behalf or on But Aisha Buhari was not the DSS. behalf of her children and will satisfied with the police inves- Aisha, who is currently on a never do so”. tigation, the paper reported, and trip with her husband at the UN Baban-Inna is accused of asked intelligence officers to General Assembly in New York, extorting 2.5bn naira ($6.9 m). take over the case. Protests against Al Aqsa raid said in a statement late Tuesday Aisha called for anyone The scandal involving a People hold banners as they gather to protest the raids by Jews in Masjid Al Aqsa in the occupied that she had not ordered his defrauded through “extortion close aide of the wife of the Eastern Jerusalem, in front of the Parliament building in Rabat, Morocco, yesterday. arrest. by name-dropping” to get their president is seen as a test for “The story as it pertains to money back and expressed Buhari’s impartiality in his her ADC, Chief Superintendent dismay that Baban-Inna avowed fight against graft.

Seeking election advice, Ethiopia turns to Zimbabwe World Bank okays first grants to Somalia in 30 years AP REUTERS at the time saying it would Capacity Strengthening Somalia’s economy was said. Hit by decades of con- focus on HIV/AIDS and live- Project, it said in a statement. forecast to grow by an flict at the hands of clan HARARE: Ethiopian authorities are in NAIROBI: The World Bank stock programmes with other “They represent a milestone average of between 3.5 and militias, Somalia has over the Zimbabwe to learn how best to conduct an has approved $80m in grants organisations, but it has not in Somalia’s development and 4.5 percent annually in 2019- past several years also been election, according to the Zimbabwe Elec- to Somalia to fund public approved any direct lending reconstruction,” the bank 2022, when the partnership pummelled by an insurgency toral Commission, which faced criticism over finance reforms, marking the to the government to date. It said. on social services will run, the by al Qaeda-linked al July’s disputed vote. first disbursement to the reopened direct ties with The bank said it would bank said. Shabaab, famines and mar- Like Zimbabwe, Ethiopia has a new government of the conflict- Somalia’s federal government also work with the gov- “While agriculture is key itime piracy. leader promising reforms including a “free ridden country in 30 years, in early 2013. ernment in Mogadishu to to the economy, it remains Parts of the country are and fair election” in 2020. the bank said. Its board had approved improve services like edu- vulnerable to shocks. As such, still plagued by militant vio- Zimbabwe’s electoral commission says The Washington-based financing of $60m for the cation and healthcare, access services will continue to be a lence, but a degree of stability on Twitter the visit by National Electoral lender, which suspended ties Recurrent Cost and Reform to clean water, energy and main driver of growth, espe- in the capital in recent years Board of Ethiopia members is “confirmation with the country when war Financing Project and $20m finance for its citizens - under cially in the financial, has begun to draw investment that ZEC’s conduct of the last general elec- broke out in 1991, resumed for the Domestic Revenue and a programme called Country transport and communication from locals and Somalis living tions was impressive.” support for Somalia in 2003, Public Financial Management Partnership Framework. and trade sectors,” the lender abroad. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 ASIA 13 Supreme Court whittles down Aadhaar scheme

IANS Speaking for the majority, Justice Sikri said said the majority judgement. passed, in that eventuality, he metadata is impermissible, the linking of Aadhaar for opening and with The court in its majority shall also have right to challenge court said: “Metabase relating to NEW DELHI: In a landmark existing bank accounts, getting a mobile judgment said that on attaining such an order passed by transaction, as provided in Reg- judgement, the Supreme Court the age of majority, children approaching the higher court”. ulation 26 of the... Regulations in yesterday by a 4:1 majority number, appearing for CBSE, NEET, JEE, UGC enrolled under Aadhaar with the The court held that the “dis- the present form, is held to be judgement upheld the legality of examinations and admission in schools was not consent of their parents shall be closure of information in the impermissible, which needs Aadhaar for use only in mandatory. given the option to exit from the interest of national security could suitable amendment.” Holding government-funded social Aadhaar project if they do not not be faulted with”. that Aadhaar Act was rightly benefit schemes and PAN and intend to avail the benefits of the However, it said that for the passed as Money Bill, Justice Income Tax Return (ITR) while not tend to create a surveillance that passing the Aadhaar law as government schemes. “determination of such an even- Bhushan found no infirmity in junking its requirement for state. “This is ensued by the money bill was unconstitutional The requirement of Aadhaar tuality, an officer higher than the Rule 9 of PMLA Act (Second mobile phone connections, bank manner in which the Aadhaar and a “fraud on the Constitution” for admission of children to school rank of a Joint Secretary should Amendment) Rules, 2017 that accounts, school admissions and project operates.” In his dissenting because it was not a money bill. will not be compulsory as it was be given such power. Further, in mandates linking of Aadhaar competitive examinations. judgement, Justice D Y Chandr- Speaking for the majority, “neither a service nor subsidy” and order to avoid any possible number with bank accounts. A five-judge bench headed achud held that the entire Aadhaar Justice Sikri said linking of “a child between the age of 6 and misuse, a Judicial Officer (pref- “We are of the view that by Chief Justice Dipak Misra held programme since 2009 suffered Aadhaar for opening and with 14 years has the fundamental right erably a sitting High Court Judge) there are sufficient safeguard to that Aadhaar would be voluntary from constitutional infirmities and existing bank accounts, getting to education under Article 21A of should also be associated with.” protect data collected under and not mandatory. violated fundamental rights. The a mobile number, appearing for the Constitution”. Striking down Section 57 of the Aadhaar scheme,” the majority The majority judgement, enactment of Aadhaar Act does CBSE, NEET, JEE, UGC examina- The school admission cannot Aadhaar Act that allows private judgement said. which struck and read down or not save the Aadhaar project. tions and admission in schools be treated as ‘benefit’ as well, the entities to demand Aadhaar to The verdict said that it was clarified various provisions of the The Aadhaar Act, the rules was not mandatory. verdict said. However, the access their services, the court better to be unique than the best Aadhaar Act, was read out by and regulations framed under it The court in its 1,448 page majority of the bench held that said that there would not be because being the “best makes Justice A K Sikri speaking for and the framework prior to the judgement said the government’s Aadhaar was valid for linking sharing of data with individuals you number one, but being Chief Justice Misra and Justice A enactment of the Act were notification that rendered bank with Income Tax returns. and the corporate entities. unique makes you the only one”. M Khanwilkar and himself. Justice unconstitutional. “...if no fresh accounts inoperable for not On the disclosure of the The Court held that the “Uniqueness is the funda- Ashok Bhushan delivered a sep- legislation has been enacted by being linked with Aadhaar information including, identity, telecom department circular of mental difference between arate but concurring judgement. the union government in con- amounted to depriving a person information or authentication March 2017, mandating linking Aadhaar and other identity Rejecting the apprehensions formity with the principles which of his property rights. records, the court said that the of mobile number with Aadhaar, proofs. There is a fundamental of the petitioners, the majority have been enunciated in this “We find that this move of person “whose information is was “illegal and unconstitutional difference between Aadhaar and judgement held that the archi- judgment, the data (collected for mandatory linking of Aadhaar sought to be released, shall be as it is not backed by any law and other identity proof as Aadhaar tecture of Aadhaar as well as the Aadhaar) shall be destroyed. with bank account does not afforded an opportunity of is hereby quashed”. cannot be duplicated and it is a provisions of the Aadhaar Act do Justice Chandrachud said satisfy the test of proportionality,” hearing. If such an order is Holding that the creation of unique identification,” it said. Apex Court’s verdict on Ayodhya case likely today

IANS offering namaz”. religious practice of offering The judgment was reserved prayers. NEW DELHI: The Supreme on July 20. The State government had Court will likely pronounce The Lucknow bench of the said that the Muslim parties did today its verdict on the plea Allahabad High Court in its Sep- not question the legality of the by Muslim litigants seeking tember 30, 2010, verdict 1994 judgement till the appeal direction that a larger Consti- ordered that the disputed site against 2010 Allahabad High tution bench hear the batch be divided into three parts —one Court judgment on the own- of petitions challenging the for deity (Ramlala Virajmaan), ership of the disputed land was 2010 Allahabad High Court another for Nirmohi Akhara —a taken up for hearing by the top verdict which directed Hindu sect — and third to the court. splitting into three parts the original litigant in the case for During the course of the disputed site at Ayodhya in the Muslims. hearing Justice Bhushan had Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh gov- observed that nobody was ques- The bench of chief Justice ernment, which is not a party tioning that mosque is essential Dipak Misra, Justice Ashok in the title suit, had questioned to Islam, but the question is Bhushan and Justice S Abdul the Muslim litigants in the Ram- whether offering namaz in Nazeer reserved the verdict on janmabhoomi-Babri Majid title mosque was essential. the plea by the Muslim litigants suit case for making “belated The Hindu parties said that Ceremonial welcome seeking reconsideration of the efforts” seeking a relook at the reference to 1994 judgement in part of 1994 top court judgement 1994 Ismail Farooqui judgment the hearing of the title suit in no Oman’s Defence Minister Badr bin Saud Al Busaidi inspecting a guard of honour prior to a meeting which had said that “mosque that had said that mosques way impacted the 2010 High with Indian Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, yesterday. was not essential to Islam for were not an integral part of Court judgment.

Rafale row: Vadra urges Modi to tell SC allows live streaming of select proceedings nation the truth IANS project may initially be taken up The court said that live open courts will ensure that the Protection of Children from Sexual for about three months by live streaming was important to “re- interface between a court Offences cases, should be excluded. IANS NEW DELHI: The Supreme streaming only cases of national emphasise” the significance of live hearing with virtual reality will Live streaming will be Court yesterday allowed the live and constitutional importance streaming as an extension of the result in the dissemination of carried out with minimal delay NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra streaming of its proceedings, from Court Number 1 presided principle of open justice and open information in the widest pos- to allow time for screening sen- yesterday accused the saying the move will bring over by the Chief Justice. courts. However, the process of sible sense, imparting trans- sitive information or any Narendra Modi-led BJP “transparency and accounta- “Progressively, as and when live streaming should be subjected parency and accountability to exchange that ought not to be government of indulging in bility” to the judicial process and the infrastructure is ready, this to carefully structured guidelines, the judicial process.” streamed, the judgment added. “witch hunt” against him and was manifestly in the “public court can expand the ambit of the bench added. Not all cases may be live The final authority to regulate said that they should tell the interest”. live streaming to cover all cases Justice Khanwilkar, also streamed, said the court, adding suspension or prohibition of live nation the “truth rather than A bench of Chief Justice (except for the ones which are speaking for Chief Justice Misra, that certain sensitive cases like streaming in a particular case, hiding behind a bunch of lies”. Dipak Misra, Justice A M excluded),” Justice Chandrachud said: “Sunlight is the best disin- matrimonial or sexual assault where the administration of In a Facebook post, Vadra Khanwilkar and Justice D Y said in a separate but concurring fectant. Live streaming as an cases, matters where children and justice so requires, must be with said that it used to “amaze” him Chandrachud said that a pilot judgment. extension of the principle of juveniles are involved, like the presiding Judge of each court. in the beginning. “But now it has become a wholesale farce that the BJP rakes up my name every time they are cornered, whether it’s the falling rupee, No need for quantifiable data soaring oil prices or this latest number when they have been on SC/ST promotions: Court totally exposed selling out the nation on Rafale,” he said. IANS Rohinton Nariman, S K Kaul Vadra’s remarks come and Indu Malhotra said: “We after the Bharatiya Janata NEW DELHI: The Supreme conclude that the judgement in Party (BJP) alleged that there Court yesterday refused the Nagaraj case does not need to was a nexus between him and Centre’s plea to revisit its 2006 be referred to a seven-Judge arms dealer and middleman judgment on reservation in Bench.” Sanjay Bhandari due to which promotions to the Scheduled The top court by its 2006 the Rafale deal with French Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SCs/ judgment, also known as the firm was cancelled in 2012. STs) on the ground that it was Nagaraj case, had said: “... state Vadra said: “Having all impossible to gather quanti- will have to show in each case the agencies under their beck fiable data showing their back- the existence of compelling and call... No one knows wardness backed by inade- reasons, namely back- better than the BJP that they quacy of their representation wardness, inadequacy of rep- have indulged in a baseless and administrative efficiency. resentation and overall admin- political witch hunt against Holding that the 2006 istrative efficiency, before me for the last four years.” directions mandating the gov- making provision for reser- “Instead they should man up ernment to collect quantifiable vation in promotion.” with their 56 inch chest and data on the backwardness of The court yesterday said tell the nation the truth about Six dead in Delhi building collapse Scheduled Castes and that the 2006 directions on col- the Rafale deal rather than Scheduled Tribes as bad, a five- lecting quantifiable data on the National Disaster Response Force members search for victims after a building collapsed in New hiding behind a bunch of lies Judge Constitution Bench com- backwardness of SC/ST was Delhi, yesterday. Four children and two women were killed. which the people are fed up prising Chief Justice Dipak contrary to the 1992 judgment of hearing,” he added. Misra, Justices Kurian Joseph, by a nine-Judge bench. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 PM Khan, 141 others Pakistan software firm’s issued notices over chief arrested election expenses REUTERS KARACHI: The head of a Pakistani company convicted INTERNEWS As many as 96 of bilking customers members of the worldwide out of $140m in ISLAMABAD: The Election online sales of bogus Commission of Pakistan (ECP) National Assembly, university degrees has been yesterday issued notices to 142 38 members of the arrested weeks after being legislators, including Prime Punjab Assembly and sentenced to jail, media Minister Imran Khan, over reported yesterday. election expenditure. eight members of Shoaib Shaikh, chief of As many as 96 members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa software firm Axact, was sen- the National Assembly, 38 tenced to 20 years in prison members of the Punjab Assembly Assembly have been by an Islamabad court in July and eight members of Khyber served with notices. but then escaped, Dawn Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have newspaper reported. been served with notices. “The Axact chief had not “The notices have been from the poll of an election, surrendered to the court fol- issued on non-fulfillment of the submit a return of the election Bustling trade... lowing his conviction and legal requirements and formal- expenses under section 134, and managed to escape,” the Pakistani vendors make garlands at a roadside shop in Karachi, yesterday. ities, and the legislators have the Election Commission does paper said. been asked to submit their reply not notify in the official gazette to the notices within seven days,” the result of a returned can- sources in the ECP said. didate, who fails to submit his/ Sri Lanka cracks The Election Commission’s her return of election expenses. political finance wing issued Hence, all the winning can- down on social notices after finding irregular- didates are bound to submit PPP questions credibility of online ities in the details of expenses their expenditure detail within media mooners submitted by the lawmakers. 10 days of the polling while Those, having been served non-successful candidates are voting system for citizens abroad INTERNEWS with notices, include Punjab required to submit expenditure “worrisome and dangerous that implementation that is the main AFP Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, detail within 30 days. Mean- a project of this scale is being concern. Speaker of Punjab Assembly while, the commission has ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan rolled out in haste”, adding: It is important to note that COLOMBO: Three men who Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Raja summoned a meeting on the Peoples Party (PPP) led by “How is this untested system the task force set up by the posted vulgar images online Parvaiz Ashraf, Khawaja Local Bodies election here former president Asif Zardari going to be used for the (Election Commission of were arrested yesterday, as a Muhammad Asif and Punjab tomorrow, which will be pre- yesterday questioned the cred- upcoming by-polls?” Pakistan (ECP)) had, itself, social media “mooning” fad Information Minister Fayyazul sided over by Chief Election ibility of the online voting Senator Rehman, who is also expressed reservations. A lot of sweeps the island and angers Hassan Chohan. Commissioner Justice Sardar system overseas Pakistanis will the Vice-President of the PPPP, red flags can be raised by simply its conservative Buddhist The ECP had invited Muhammad Raza. The meeting use to vote in the upcoming said: “The system came with no looking at the outset of this ini- clergy. attention of returned candidates will be attended by members by-elections in 37 national and guarantees and this has emphat- tiative.” First, she said, the The trio, aged between 18 to the provision of 98 of the of the Election Commission as provincial constituencies. ically been highlighted by PPP. system “should go through mul- and 19, were accused of des- Election Act 2017, which inter alia well as the Election Com- In a statement, Leader of the Not that PPP is against voting of tiple trials and scrutiny by ecrating a Buddhist site a provides that every returned mission Secretary Babar Opposition in Senate Senator overseas residents but it is the experts in online voting tech- cheeky picture against the candidate shall, within 10 days Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad. Sherry Rehman said it was system, the mode of nology and the parliament”. backdrop of the famous Sigiriya rock, a Unesco site set in the middle of a jungle in central Sri Lanka. The images of the trio China: Plots to disrupt ties with Islamabad will fail sparked a flurry of complaints from Buddhist monks after they were uploaded to REUTERS build power stations, major International Monetary Fund Councillor Wang Yi told Pakistan Pakistan should continue to Facebook, as they had taken highways, new railways and high bailout for Pakistan’s troubled Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood make “all-out” efforts to the photos from a smaller BEIJING: Any plots to sow capacity ports along the China- economy should not be used to Qureshi on the sidelines of the promote the economic corridor, rock temple overlooking the discord in China’s ties with Pakistan Economic Corridor, a pay off Chinese lenders. Both UN General Assembly in New expand trade and reduce poverty Sigiriya rock fortress. Pakistan will not prevail, the key part of Chinese President Xi Beijing and Islamabad say the York. But “any conspiracies to bring more benefits to the Chinese government’s top Jinping’s Belt and Road plan to loans are sustainable. attempting to incite disharmony ordinary people of Pakistan, diplomat said yesterday, as further tie China to Eurasia. China welcomes the good or interfere in China-Pakistan Wang said. Bangladeshi Beijing fends off criticism of its The sustainability of Chinese start made in its “all-weather” relations will not prevail,” Wang The relationship between economic projects in Pakistan projects has come under fresh partnership with Pakistan fol- added, without elaborating, China and Pakistan will not professor held for and a clampdown in China’s scrutiny in recent months, as US lowing the election of the new according to a statement change, regardless of circum- western Xinjiang region. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo government under Prime Min- released by China’s foreign min- stantial changes, Qureshi said , comments on PM China has pledged $57bn to in July warned that any potential ister Imran Khan, State istry yesterday. China and according to China’s statement. AFP

CHITTAGONG: A Bangla- deshi university lecturer has 21 Afghan civilians dead been suspended and detained for making allegedly derog- in two separate airstrikes atory remarks on Facebook about the prime minister, his AP from 6 to 15,” including eight lawyer said yesterday. girls, it said. The UN said it was A ruling-party activist KABUL: The UN mission in unclear whether the airstrikes filed a case against Maidul Afghanistan said yesterday that were carried out by Afghan or Islam under Bangladesh’s 21 civilians were killed in two Nato forces. Afghan Defence Internet laws, which critics separate airstrikes over the Ministry spokesman Ghafor say are aimed at stifling weekend. Ahmad Jawed said the oper- dissent. The assistant soci- It said in a statement that ation in Maidan Wardak freed ology professor at Chittagong nine civilians from the same eight Afghan soldiers who had University posted the com- family, mostly women and been abducted by the Taliban ments last month during children, were killed in a Sat- and killed 11 insurgents. He said massive protests over road urday airstrike in the north- an investigation is underway safety that enraged Prime eastern Kapisa province, in an into the reports of civilian Minister Sheikh Hasina’s area where Afghan forces were casualties. government. battling the Taliban. There was no comment “He was sent to jail on Another statement cited from Afghan officials on the air- Monday after he surrendered “preliminary findings” that 12 strike in Kapisa province. Cdr. at a court in Chittagong,” his Tragedy averted women and children, all Grant Neeley, a spokesman for lawyer Vulon Lal Bhowmik related, were killed in a Sunday US forces in Afghanistan, said said in the southeastern port A US-Bangla Boeing 737 aircraft is seen at Chittagong’s Airport runway following an emergency airstrike in the eastern Maidan “we are currently reviewing all city. landing, in Chittagong yesterday. The flight carrying 171 people from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar was forced Wardak province, also during operational, relevant and On Tuesday he was sus- to make an emergency landing at the Chittagong Airport after the plane’s landing gear failed. All an Afghan military operation. credible information regarding pended by the state-run uni- the passengers and crew are safe. “Ten of those killed were our operations in Wardak and versity, the lawyer and an children whose ages ranged Kapisa provinces.” official of the school said. Pakistanis in China seek answers about detained Uighur wives

AP Pakistani cosmetics trader. His denies their existence and main- least 38 Pakistani men whose aimed at creating “stability and the ambassador, Masood Khalid, Chinese Uighur wife, Malika tains that current security mostly Uighur Chinese wives are lasting peace” in Xinjiang. several times. Still, he said he BEIJING: Two Pakistani men Mamiti, was sent to a political measures are necessary to detained or unable to leave Xin- Baig said his wife has since believes Pakistan is “not inter- went to their embassy in Beijing indoctrination camp after combat religious extremism in a jiang, according to Mian Shahid been released from the ested” in helping him. yesterday to lobby for help in returning to China’s far west Xin- region that has previously expe- Ilyas, a Lahore-based busi- internment camp but is confined Baig and Muhammed Asif, reuniting with their wives, who jiang region in May 2017, Baig rienced ethnic unrest. nessman. Ilyas has been tracking to her hometown in a south- another Pakistani man whose they say are ethnic Uighurs said. Xinjiang’s security drive has such cases since his own wife western part of the region. He wife and child are stuck in Xin- blocked from leaving China, in The internment camps, swept up and separated families was detained in April last year. said her passport and that of jiang, met with Khalid yesterday an example of how a sweeping which have alarmed a United and also created friction with China’s foreign ministry said their 4-year-old daughter, also afternoon to ask for help in crackdown has spilled across Nations panel and the US gov- neighbouring Kazakhstan over that it was not aware of the sit- a Chinese citizen, were getting China to allow their wives China’s borders. ernment, are estimated to hold the internment of ethnic Kazakh uation involving the Pakistani confiscated. to leave the country. Khalid told “I am very, very unhappy,” around one million Uighurs and Chinese nationals and even husbands, and reiterated its He has visited the Pakistani them to return to the embassy said Mirza Imran Baig, a other Muslim minorities. China Kazakh citizens. There are at stance that China’s policies are Embassy in Beijing and met with today for an update, Baig said. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 ASIA 15 New Zealand PM brings baby to UN assembly

AFP Photographs of to acknowledge logistical chal- Jacinda Ardern, 38, lenges... by being more open it UNITED NATIONS: New might create a path for other Zealand’s prime minister has kissing and bouncing women.” She’s also the first to been proclaimed a history maker her three-month-old admit she’s not a typical working for taking “first baby” — daughter in the main hall at the mother. Neve — into the United Nations Nelson Mandela Peace “What I consistently General Assembly hall, shaking acknowledge is that I have up what is still a boys’ club of Summit on the eve of assistants who help Clarke with world leaders. the General Assembly the ability to juggle his career and Photographs of Jacinda have gone around the be our primary caregiver,” she Ardern, 38, kissing and bouncing world and taken the was quoted as saying. her three-month-old in the main Her television presenting hall at the Nelson Mandela Peace Internet by storm. partner has also been feted on Summit on the eve of the General American social media, fuelling Assembly have gone around the attracted plenty of positive com- the love by tweeting a photo- world and taken the Internet by mentary in a United States, where graph of his daughter’s UN ID storm. many worry the Trump admin- designating her “New Zealand UN spokesman Stephane istration imperils women’s rights. First Baby.” “I wish I could have Dujarric confirmed yesterday “I cannot stress how much captured the startled look on a that it had been the first time in the UN — and the governments Japanese delegation inside UN the organisation’s 73-year history that comprise it — need this,” yesterday who walked into a that a woman leader had taken tweeted former US ambassador meeting room in the middle of a her newborn into the assembly to the United Nations turned nappy change. Great yarn for her room. Harvard professor Samantha 21st,” he wrote. “It’s altogether a good thing Power, herself a mother of two. Pregnancy, motherhood and and we were delighted to have Ardern, currently the governing have turned her into New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern holds her baby Neve after speaking at the Nelson Mandela Neve in the General Assembly youngest woman leader in the a poster child for feminism Peace Summit during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York, hall. With only five percent of world, is only the second female against the backdrop of the world leaders women, we should prime minister to give birth while #MeToo movement in the United Stephen Colbert” still to come “I never grew up believing nation.” Its a popularity she’s no do everything to make them feel serving in office, after Pakistan’s States. Her first UN General Wednesday. my gender would stand in the doubt enjoying. In power just as welcome as possible,” he Benazir Bhutto in 1990. She says Assembly outing has turned her Through it all, she has chosen way of doing anything I wanted,” under a year, she has been added. she wants to blaze a trail for other into something of a media to champion the modernity of a she said. “I credit the women who troubled by political difficulties The sight of Neve and her women. “I want to normalise it,” darling, conducting a whirlwind country of fewer than five million came before me and credit New at home in recent weeks fol- father, who is her chief care giver, Ardern said. “If we want to make of television interviews, with a residents, already on its third Zealanders for welcoming me lowing the resignation of two watching Ardern at work has work places more open, we need slot on “The Late Show with female premier. having a child... I’m proud of the cabinet ministers. Abe open to Vietnam court jails summit with N Korea’s Kim 15 over violent AFP protests against law UNITED STATES: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a AFP longtime hardliner on North They were jailed for Korea, said yesterday he was between two and 4.5 years, willing to meet Kim Jong Un HANOI: A Vietnam court jailed according to the Binh Thuan after the once reclusive 15 people yesterday for up to newspaper, the official mouth- leader’s historic summit with 4.5 years for “causing public piece of the province. US President Donald Trump. disorder” for attacking police “(They) used sticks, bricks, Abe, who one year ago and destroying government stones and hand made bombs warned at the United Nations vehicles at explosive protests to attack riot police,” the news- that the window for in June over a proposed paper said. diplomacy with North Korea investment law. “They also used petroleum was closing, took a more open The controversial draft bill bombs to burn fire trucks and but still cautious tone in his to establish special economic vehicles of riot polices and to Filipino inventor Kyxz Mendiola tests his flying sports car during its launch in the province of latest address to the world zones in Vietnam was met with attack police offices,” it added. Batangas, Philippines, yesterday. body. fierce anti-China anger across Dozens of people have been But he said that any the country, with protesters jailed over the protests, rare in summit would be devoted to accusing the government of the one-party state where resolving a decades-old row Philippine inventor aims to cut catering to Beijing with lengthy public demonstrations of any over North Korea’s abduc- leases and low tariffs in the pro- kind are banned. tions of Japanese civilians — posed investment areas. The government tempo- a deeply emotive issue for travel time with flying sports car China was not named in the rarily shelved the bill after the much of the Japanese public law and the government said it rallies, though Vietnam’s rubber REUTERS on which Abe built his first public test flight of his of potential,” Mendiola said. would lower the proposed stamp parliament could discuss political career. invention. “All the hard work The machine, which can leases from 99 years, but it was the issue at a meeting next “In order to resolve the PHILIPPINES: A Philippine paid off. Everything worked carry up to 100kg, could shave not enough to stop the protests, month. abduction issue, I am also inventor has unveiled what he perfect.” Mendiola’s machine, hours off trips in cities like the which quickly spread to several Anti-China sentiment runs ready to break the shell of calls a flying sports car that the “Koncepto Milenya”, can fly capital, Manila, crippled by cities. deep in Vietnam, which has mutual distrust with North represents the future of as high as 6.1 metres and speed chronic traffic problem, Men- The rallies turned violent in long been locked in a dispute Korea, get off to a new start transport, riding it out of a ware- up to 60kph but its maiden flight diola felt. “When we have to go southern Binh Thuan province with Beijing over territorial and meet face to face with house towards a cheering lasted just a little over 10 somewhere about an hour’s where demonstrators were claims in the South China Sea. Chairman Kim Jong Un,” Abe crowd, leaving a cloud of dust minutes. He said it took a long drive, this can take you there in accused of destroying gov- Hanoi and Beijing also said in his UN address. in his wake. time to save up the funds for the five minutes,” he said. ernment vehicles, blocking fought a brief but bloody border Former dancer and camera components of the single-seater An added safety feature is roads and badly vandalising a war in 1979, a painful chapter operator Kyxz Mendiola flew powered by six lithium-ion bat- that the craft’s 16 rotary motors police station that was left lit- between the communist neigh- Australia jails and hovered for a few minutes teries whose passenger steers allow it to keep flying, even if tered with riot gear after bours that have struck an in a single-passenger con- with a portable radio frequency one or two fail, he added. An officers fled. uneasy alliance today. traption powered by the “mul- controller. Australian company, Star8, is Fifteen people were con- The detentions come as the two for fatal ticopter” technology commonly “Press a button and it will go partnering with Mendiola to victed for joining the violence communist government is used in small unmanned drones. up, then push the stick forward, develop the vehicle after a video and attacking riot police in Binh accused of intensifying a death of guest “It was amazing,” Mendiola it goes forward. It’s very smart, featuring it went viral on social Thuan after a one-day-trial crackdown on activists, with said after what he said was the that’s why I’m saying it has a lot media. yesterday, state media reported. more than 40 jailed this year. AP

MELBOURNE: An Australian judge sentenced two men to prison yesterday over the Malaysia ex-PM’s wife quizzed for almost 13 hours in graft probe fatal beating of their Airbnb AFP guest who owed rent. of investigating her over the hundreds of millions of dollars The guest, Ramis Jonuzi, alleged looting of state fund ended up in his personal bank 36, was killed at a rented KUALA LUMPUR: The luxury- 1MDB and she could reportedly accounts. He denies any house in the Melbourne loving wife of Malaysia’s former be charged soon. wrongdoing. suburb of Brighton East on prime minister was yesterday It was the second time she Rosmah’s love of costly October 25 last year. questioned for almost 13 hours had been questioned by the overseas shopping trips, designer Housemates Ryan Charles by investigators probing the graft-fighting body since her handbags and jewellery made Smart, 38, and Craig Jonathon multi-billion-dollar scandal that husband Najib Razak’s coalition her a lightning rod for public Levy, 37, each pleaded guilty helped topple her husband’s was unexpectedly ousted from anger, and fuelled suspicions in the Victoria state Supreme government. office at elections in May after that she benefited from the plun- Court to his manslaughter Rosmah Mansor, widely six decades in power. dering of 1MDB. after murder charges were reviled in Malaysia due to her A major factor in the loss After the election loss, a stash downgraded. profligate spending on luxury were allegations that Najib, his of cash, jewellery and hundreds Smart must serve a goods and imperious manner, family and his cronies looted bil- of designer handbags worth as minimum six years of a nine- arrived at the anti-corruption lions of dollars from 1MDB in an much as $273m was seized from year sentence. Levy was sen- agency before 10am. audacious fraud that stretched properties linked to Najib in tenced to 7 1/2 years in prison Wearing a bright green dress from Singapore to Switzerland. raids around Kuala Lumpur. and must serve at least 4 1/2 and headscarf, the 66-year-old Najib was last week hit with Rosmah is often compared Rosmah Mansor (centre), wife of former Malaysian prime minister years. A third housemate, emerged close to 11pm and was a barrage of money-laundering to Imelda Marcos, who left Najib Razak, arrives at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Jason Colton, will stand trial whisked away in a car. Officials and abuse of power charges over behind more than a thousand next year for Jonuzi’s murder. are said to be in the final stages the scandal. It is alleged that pairs of shoes after her husband, (MACC) office in Putrajaya, yesterday. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 Russian lower house passes pension reform bill AFP The bill, which still protester held a picture of has to go through the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry MOSCOW: The Russian parlia- Medvedev with an inscription ment’s lower house passed a formality of a third reading: “An enemy of the controversial pension reform bill reading and a senate people”. Putin proposed that yesterday, after President hearing, would see women with three or more Vladimir Putin announced Russian men retire at children retire early, while com- concessions to try to dampen panies that fire, or refuse to hire widespread public anger over 65 instead of 60. those nearing the pension age be plans to raise the state retirement punished with fines. age. stem a major fall in his approval The Russian president has The lower house, the State ratings. stressed that delaying the reform Duma, passed the legislation in Earlier yesterday, the State any longer could lead to a col- a key second reading, with 326 Duma approved Putin’s pro- lapse of the entire financial votes for, 59 against and one posed amendments to the system and hyperinflation, seen abstention. The bill, which still reform, raising the state pension in the 1990s when savings of has to go through the formality age for women by five years to many Russians were wiped out. of a third reading and a senate 60, instead of eight years to 63 A study by the Public Opinion hearing, would see Russian men as originally proposed, among Foundation pollster showed that An electronic screen shows the results of the voting for the pension reform bill at the State Duma, retire at 65 instead of 60. other suggestions. 75 percent of Russians are the lower house of parliament, in Moscow, yesterday. The plan — personally Observers say Putin’s con- against the pension reform, com- backed by Putin — has sparked cessions have done little to pacify pared to 80 percent before Putin rare national protests, with tens ordinary Russians. addressed the nation. the ruble. Street protests have foe Alexei Navalny, thousands of an independent monitor. of thousands rallying across Several dozen people staged Most Russians have been continued and the Kremlin faces Russians took to the streets Navalny was sentenced to 20 Russia in recent months. a protest outside the State Duma struggling in an economy hit by a rare electoral crisis after can- across the country to protest days in jail over organising those In a rare televised address in yesterday, including opposition a slump in oil prices and Western didates of the ruling party United against the reform earlier this protests, with the court ruling August, the Russian president activist Sergei Udaltsov who held sanctions over the annexation of Russia failed to win governorship month. More than a thousand coming the same day he was proposed a number of conces- a poster reading: “Retirement age Crimea in 2014 which have trig- polls in four regions this month. were arrested during the Sep- released from jail after spending sions, in an apparent attempt to increase is genocide!” Another gered a collapse in the value of Heeding a call by Putin’s top tember 9 protests, according to a month behind bars. Abramovich ends Albania police arrest two US Swiss residency bid drug suspects AP Florian Naef declined to AP comment on the case. GENEVA: Russian oligarch and “The representatives of Mr. Chelsea soccer club owner Abramovich withdrew their cli- TIRANA, ALBANIA: Police Roman Abramovich has with- ent’s request before the neg- in Albania say they have drawn an application for resi- ative decision was handed arrested two American dency in Switzerland after down,” Lavallaz said in an citizens who allegedly were authorities made clear that it email to The Associated Press. trying to produce and sell would be rejected, officials said Daniel Glasl, an attorney for synthetic drugs through the yesterday. Abramovich, suggested that the Internet. Lawyers for Abramovich Swiss police analysis wrongly A police statement yes- lashed out at “defamatory” alle- linked his client to money laun- terday said that Vincent gations involving money laun- dering and organised crime. He “Dominic” De Caro and dering and denied that he has denounced the claims and said Arber Isaku, both 29-year- links to organised crime. he had requested that Swiss old New York residents, Abramovich had apparently police conduct a “correction of were arrested while trying wanted to relocate to the Alpine facts.” to flee Albania at the Morine Spain’s Justice Minister Dolores Delgado gestures during a session at parliament in Madrid, Spain, town of Bagnes. The Swiss town “Any suggestion that Mr. border crossing. yesterday. of 8,000, Mayor Eloi Roussier Abramovich has been involved They were arrested in pointed out, is known for the in money laundering or has cooperation with the US Verbier ski resort, its sum- contacts with criminal organi- Drug Enforcement Admin- mertime classical music festival zations is entirely false,” Glasl istration and based on an Spain’s justice minister and a tax structure that allows said. He suggested the allega- arrest warrant issued from residents to pay fixed rates tions related to a two-decade- a court in Connecticut. based on the value of their old legal case in Switzerland According to the infor- defies calls to resign property. involving Abramovich’s long- mation provided by the The Russian-born tycoon defunct trading firm, Runicom, authorities concerned, they AFP “Neither this socialist gov- minister. Delgado says the made his application to the and millions of euros in alleged were hiding in the Albanian ernment nor this minister is recordings were “manipulated” southwestern region of Valais, debts that it owed to the capital of Tirana, getting MADRID: Spain’s socialist going to accept anyone’s but has acknowledged meeting which includes Bagnes, European Bank for Recon- ready to prepare synthetic administration has already lost blackmail,” Delgado told Villarejo at least three times. according to Jacques de Lav- struction and Development. drugs and sell them through two of its ministers since parliament. Pablo Iglesias, leader of the allaz, head of the region’s pop- That case was settled in the dark web. coming to power in June. She was under increasing radical left party Podemos, ulation and migration service. June under undisclosed terms, It was also informed that Culture and sports minister pressure after investigative which helps prop up the Lavallaz said his service sup- and Glasl said Runicom “was police seized tools, material Maxim Huerta stepped down website Moncloa.com published minority Socialist government, ported Abramovich’s request long-ago cleared of any wrong- to produce drugs and also a after only a week after it more extracts yesterday from called on her to step down. and sent it on to federal doing after a thorough investi- number of electronic emerged she had been heavily wiretap recordings of her con- “It is unacceptable that, in migration officials for approval, gation by Swiss authorities.” devices. fined for tax offences. versations with retired police this country, ministers can be but they rejected it based on an Abramovich received Israeli Albania is a transit point And health minister commissioner Jose Manuel friends with people like Vil- analysis by federal police. citizenship this year after his for synthetic and other Carmen Monton resigned over Villarejo. larejo,” he said in a speech to Federal police spokesman British visa was not renewed. drugs. allegations about her educa- Villarejo is currently in jail parliament. tional qualifications pain’s awaiting trial over a major cor- “I can’t understand how justice minister defied calls to ruption scandal. The site said you can still be in your post, resign yesterday, defying the recordings date back to where you are doing enormous growing criticism over audio 2009, when Delgado was damage to Spanish justice and One dead as cold snap hits parts of Romania recordings of her conversations working as a prosecutor. enormous damage to our AP with a former police chief The latest appeared to country,” said conservative Miercurea Ciuc early yesterday. said Decebal Todarita, under investigation for show her accusing judges and deputy Maria Jesus Bonilla. Colder weather is forecast today. spokesman for the Sibiu corruption. prosecutors of being accom- “These recordings leave BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: Authorities said a 22-year- County Emergency Hospital. Dolores Delgado is fighting panied by under-age girls you in a very bad position not Suddenly subzero temperatures old man who had been walking Mountain rescue chief Sabin to avoid becoming the third during a trip to Colombia. In just as a person but also as a have hit parts of Romania, and in the mountains died on Cornoiu told Digi24 TV minister to be forced to quit the another extract, released on minister.” one hiker has died after being Tuesday in a hospital in central “Nobody could have predicted administration. Tuesday, she appeared to use Government spokeswoman caught out by the cold snap. Romania. “He was unconscious the weather would be so She dismissed calls to step a special term to refer to her Isabel Celaa said on Tuesday Weather forecasters said when he was brought to the violent and extreme.” The cold down from deputies on both the colleague Fernando Grande- the government had “full con- temperatures plunged to minus hospital with severe hypo- snap comes after unseasonably right and the radical left. Marlaska, now interior fidence” in Delgado. 3.8 Celsius in the central city of thermia and a heart attack,” warm weather. Convicted murderer of Kim Wall loses appeal in Denmark AP said the high court had reached different and the crime was “In comparable cases, the home-made submarine with the planning the murder and “just the same conclusion as the planned. perpetrator often has committed promise of an interview. waited for a victim.” “I hope we COPENHAGEN: Danish Copenhagen City Court, which “I’m terribly sorry to Kim’s moral crimes before,” she said. Prosecutor Kristian Kirk said never will see such a case submarine inventor Peter sentenced Madsen to life in April relatives for what happened,” Madsen denies murdering Wall could not escape and again,” Kirk told court. Madsen, convicted of torturing after convicting him of murder. Madsen told the panel of judges Wall, saying she died acciden- “likely had begged for her life” No video of Wall’s murder and murdering Swedish reporter In Denmark, a life sentence as he was given the last word. tally inside the submarine, but while Madsen carried out “a has been found. Kim Wall last year, lost his is on average 16 years, but can Ingrid and Joachim Wall, the has confessed to throwing her sadistic, yes inhuman, physical “Kim Wall walked directly appeal against his life sentence be extended if necessary. reporter’s parents, were present body parts into the Baltic Sea. fantasy.” into a death trap,” Kirk said yesterday, shortly after he apol- Madsen had wanted a time- in court. The Copenhagen City Court Kirk said violent videos in before looking up at Madsen, ogised to the victim’s family. limited sentence, not an open- Defending Madsen, lawyer in April convicted Madsen of which women were tortured who listened with his hands on The 47-year-old listened ended prison term. Betina Hald Engmark argued murder, physical assault and the and killed were found on Mad- the table: “I cannot see any other quietly as judge Jan Uffe Ras- The prosecutor had argued that her client “has a clean dismembering of Wall. The court sen’s computer, and said he sentence than life.” mussen read the ruling by the that the life sentence should be criminal record and alone has ruled unanimously that Madsen likely filmed the killing. He The cause of Wall’s death Eastern High Court. Rasmussen upheld, saying the motive was been convicted for one murder.” had lured Wall, 30, onto his added Madsen had been has never been established. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 EUROPE 17 World leaders stress need to educate girls REUTERS United Nations. of economic power and political “It’s because we haven’t growth, improve stability and More than 130 million girls, stability, world leaders said at a UN stepped up to the mark and pro- reduce conflict around the world,” UNITED NATIONS: Leaders of many in conflict-ridden or poor event promoting girls’ education. vided appropriate education that she said. A lack of France, Canada and Britain called regions around the world, do not “It’s an investment. If we don’t we are entrenching those tradi- Ensuring quality education for on world nations to boost efforts attend school, according to the do it, then we will be preparing for tional values instead of over- all was among the 17 global goals education puts to educate girls, warning that World Bank, costing as much as catastrophes,” French President turning them,” he said. adopted unanimously three years girls at risk of “catastrophes” can result from $30 trillion in lost earnings and Emmanuel Macron said. British Prime Minister Theresa ago by UN members to eradicate child marriage, failure to provide access to quality productivity. “If we don’t do anything, May called on other nations to such issues as poverty and ine- schooling. A lack of education puts girls others will take hold of the agenda ensure girls have access to 12 years quality by 2030. poor health, early Without educating girls, at risk of child marriage, poor and there will be a crisis.” of free quality education. “When you empower women pregnancies, nations lose productivity and risk health, early pregnancies, job- Quality education must “Improving access to edu- to take better decisions than have joblessness and instability and conflict, they said lessness and poverty, experts say. include cultural and social cation is not only the right thing been taken in the past, we all end poverty: Experts on the sidelines of the annual But the rest of the world pays standards that address gender ine- to do, it’s also at the heart of the up benefiting,” said Canadian meeting of world leaders at the a price as well, in terms quality, he said. UK’s drive to boost economic Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Two held for British PM rules trying to supply out post-Brexit IS with drones REUTERS

COPENHAGEN: Two people snap elections were arrested in Copenhagen yesterday and charged with BLOOMBERG have persisted over what would attempting to supply IS mili- be a major gamble; potentially tants with drones, which the NEW YORK: Theresa May ruled bringing rebel Tory lawmakers organisation has used to carry out a return to the ballot box to into line, but giving the Labour out attacks, police said. settle the UK’s political stalemate Party what it wants most — a The two were arrested over Brexit and hunkered down shot at power. Jeremy Corbyn after police and Danish on her plans for leaving the has been campaigning as the security and intelligence European Union. “government-in-waiting’ ever services carried out raids in “It would not be in the since the last election. Copenhagen, the police said national interest to have an May’s unequivocal tone in a statement. election” before the scheduled comes as pressure builds ahead The two persons are sus- Brexit date in March 2019, the of the annual gathering of Con- pected of being members of prime minister said. She called servatives, an occasion for her a broader network that ships a snap election in June 2017 — enemies to come out. She’s Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum, in New York, yesterday. drones and other supplies to evoking Brexit — in a political sticking to her proposal to keep IS militants from Denmark for miscalculation that wiped out close trade ties with the EU after she’d prefer the UK to leave the government is “taking steps’’ to deal with the EU, and get it past use in combat, the police said. her Conservative majority. Brexit — and on Monday her EU with no deal at all rather than address EU concerns about her lawmakers. “At that point, The police did not release In a challenge to Brexit hard- Cabinet did not raise visible accept those terms. Irish border plan, and will bring members of Parliament will have their names or any details liners, she insisted that leaving objections. “I’ve always said no deal is forward a new proposal. She said a clear choice,’’ she said. “They’ll about them. the bloc without a deal was pref- The so-called Brexiteers better than a bad deal,’’ May said. she welcomed a more emollient have to recognise that what They were charged with erable to the Canada-style free- have urged her to take the EU up “A bad deal would be a deal that tone from European President we’re doing is delivering on the attempting to collude with trade agreement, which they on its offer of a more limited broke up the United Kingdom. Donald Tusk on Friday evening. referendum.’’ terrorism abroad and will favor as it would unequivocally trade deal based on the one We want to maintain the unity She rejected the argument She also lambasted Labour’s appear in court on Thursday, put the country outside customs Canada has. Their informal of the United Kingdom.’’ put forward by Brexit purists that intention to vote against her the police said in a statement union and single market. leader, Boris Johnson, is likely to May is instead trying to find adopting a common rulebook Brexit deal. released yesterday. The idea of an early election make a plea directly to the grass- a way to take the whole UK out with the EU would stop Britain “They will oppose any deal I caught fire after the Sunday roots in Birmingham, where of the EU’s single market and striking new trade deals. “If bring back, regardless of how Times said some of May’s aides Tories will gather from Sunday, customs union, while avoiding having those EU regulations good it is for the UK, and they ‘No major concerns’ had war-gamed a vote for May said that type of rela- both a border between Northern stopped good trade deals, how will accept any deal Europe November as a way of breaking tionship with the bloc is a non- Ireland and Ireland or one come the EU has done traded gives, regardless of how bad it is for welfare of beluga the Parliament deadlock. starter because it would require between Northern Ireland and deals with countries around the for the UK,” May said. whale in Thames Though it was swiftly Northern Ireland to be split off the rest of the UK. rest of the world?’’ she asked. “That’s not in the national AP rejected by her office, rumours from the rest of the U.K. She said The premier said her May insisted she could get a interest.’”

LONDON: British officials said the beluga whale spotted UK healthcare in the River Thames seems to be feeding properly and worker contracts Queen Paola of Belgium suffers stroke swimming strongly. The animal welfare group AFP monkeypox virus tests, while an Italian doctor told In September 2015, the Belgians for importing a touch RSPCA said the whale is “able Belgian broadcaster RTBF that queen was forced to respect a of Italian “dolce vita” to the to move fast in the water and REUTERS BRUSSELS: Queen Paola, her condition was “not “total rest period” after heart Belgian monarchy in the 1960s, dive.” mother of King Philippe of worrying”. trouble. before becoming Queen after the The beluga whale LONDON: A health worker Belgium, was flown home Belgium’s Belga news In 2017, she also broke her sudden death of King Baudouin, attracted a plenty of attention in northern England has yesterday for hospital treatment agency said the queen landed hip less than two months after Albert II’s brother. on Tuesday when it surfaced become the third person in after falling ill on a visit to at a military airbase near fracturing a vertebrae. Born Princess Paola Ruffo di in the River Thames. The Britain to contract a rare Venice, royal officials said. Brussels yesterday afternoon A native of Italy, Paola was Calabria, she spent her entire unusual sighting happened in illness caused by a Paola, 81, suffered a stroke, and was transferred to hospital queen of Belgium during the 20 youth in Rome, where she met the Gravesend area, 50km monkeypox virus after caring according to Belgian and Italian by ambulance for tests “in order years of the reign of her Prince Albert at the age of 21 at east of London. for a patient infected with the media reports. to give a diagnosis”, according husband, King Albert II, who a reception held at the Belgian RSPCA says “at the disease following travel to The Royal Palace said only to the palace. ruled from 1993 until his abdi- Embassy on the sidelines of Pope moment, there are no major Nigeria, health officials said. that she had suffered a “health Queen Paola has already cation in 2013. John XXIII’s induction concerns for the welfare of The latest patient had been problem” that required medical faced health problems. Paola is best known to ceremonies. the animal.” involved in caring for another case at Blackpool Victoria Hos- pital before monkeypox was diagnosed, Public Health England said in a statement. Mobile phone ban for Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not usually spread easily from person to cyclists in Netherlands person. The virus is similar to AFP human smallpox. Although but the new law specifically monkeypox is much milder mentions bikes. than smallpox, with most THE HAGUE: The sight of “It’s just as dangerous on a infected people recovering cyclists hurtling along while bike and on all types of vehicles within a few weeks, it can in glued to their smartphones is a as it is in a car,” she said. “The rare cases be fatal. common one in the bike-mad fact is that when you are on the Health officials said Netherlands, but it will soon be road you have to pay full earlier this month that two illegal. attention and not send mes- people in Britain had been With a growing number of sages or do other things on the diagnosed with monkeypox accidents involving phones and phone.” in separate cases thought to bikes, the government is to ban Nelly Vollebregt, president be linked to travel to Nigeria, the use of all but hands-free of the Dutch road accident West Africa. devices while cycling. victims association, who is “This healthcare worker “It is forbidden to use a herself in a wheelchair after a cared for the patient before a mobile electronic device while bike accident caused by a diagnosis of monkeypox was driving any vehicle (including motorist who was looking at a made,” said Nick Phin of PHE’s a bicycle),” says the draft law phone, said that 25 percent of National Infection Service. announced by Transport Min- the 613 people who died on “We have been actively ister Cora van Dutch roads last year were monitoring contacts for 21 Nieuwenhuizen. killed by distractions. days after exposure to detect ‘Rehacare’ trade fair in Germany The bike law will take effect Last year, the Dutch town anyone presenting with an from July next year. of Bodegraven launched a trial illness so that they can be A man suffering from polio presents the “C-Brace” orthosis system during the opening day of the Car and lorry drivers are of foot-level traffic lights for assessed quickly. It is “Rehacare” trade fair for rehabilitation and care, in Duesseldorf, western Germany, yesterday. The already banned from using pedestrians to prevent them therefore not wholly unex- fair, which began yesterday, ends on September 29, 2018. mobiles at the wheel unless straying into roads or cycle pected that a case has been they are in hands-free mode, lanes while glued to their identified. with a maximum fine of $260, mobile screens. 18 AMERICAS THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 Trump accuses China of election meddling REUTERS

UNITED NATIONS: US Pres- ident Donald Trump accused The Chinese government’s top diplomat Wang China of seeking to meddle in the November 6 US congressional Yi rejected Trump’s accusation, saying “we elections on Wednesday, saying did not and will not interfere in any country’s Beijing did not want his Repub- domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any lican Party to do well because of unwarranted accusations against China”. his pugnacious stance on trade. “China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming Trump’s focus on China and sparked by Trump’s accusations 2018 election, coming up in his allegation of election med- that China has long sought to November. Against my admin- dling came as a surprise during steal US intellectual property, istration,” Trump told a UN a formal meeting around the limit access to its own market Security Council meeting whose Security Council’s horseshoe and unfairly subsidise state- ostensible subject was nonpro- table that was expected to con- owned companies. liferation of weapons of mass centrate on the spread of nuclear, In the latest salvo, US tariffs on destruction. chemical and biological $200bn worth of Chinese goods Trump, chairing the Council weapons. and retaliatory taxes by Beijing on US President Donald Trump during the United Nations Security Council briefing on counterproliferation for the first time since becoming “They do not want me or us $60bn worth of US products on the second day of the UN General Assembly, in New York, yesterday. US president, did not provide any to win because I am the first kicked in on Monday, unnerving evidence for his allegation, which president ever to challenge China global financial markets. Trump frequently describes economy, will resume in early ahead of a planned second China immediately rejected on trade and we are winning on During his roughly investigations into the inter- November and Trump promised summit between Kim and during the same meeting. trade, we are winning at every 10-minute speech, Trump made ference as a political witch hunt. that “after that the United States Trump, the US State Department “We did not and will not level. We don’t want them to no reference to US allegations On the war in Syria, Trump will pursue additional sanctions, said yesterday. interfere in any country’s meddle or interfere in our that Russia meddled in the 2016 noted that Washington had twice tougher than ever before, to “I think we will make a deal, domestic affairs. We refuse to upcoming election,” said Trump, US election that brought him to launched airstrikes against the counter the entire range of Iran’s but unfortunately to ensure this accept any unwarranted accu- who is attending the UN’s annual power. The allegations have Assad government for twice malign behaviour.” progress continues we must sations against China,” the gathering of world leaders. dogged his presidency and have using chemical weapons against While Iran has made clear enforce existing UN Security Chinese government’s top dip- Trump himself is not up for given rise to an investigation by civilians. that it has little interest in Council resolutions until denu- lomat Wang Yi told the Council. re-election until 2020 but US. Special Counsel Robert He also used the session to opening talks with the United clearisation occurs,” Trump said Trump also used the session November’s voting will decide Mueller into potential collusion defend his May 8 decision to States since Washington’s abro- before Pompeo’s trip was to defend the US withdrawal in whether his Republican Party between Moscow and the Trump abandon the Iran nuclear deal gation of the accord, announced. May from a 2015 international can keep control of the US House campaign, which Trump rejects. under which Tehran limited its North Korean leader Kim Trump told the Council some nuclear deal with Iran, hint at of Representatives and the In July at a summit in Hel- nuclear programme in return for Jong-Un met with Trump in June countries were violating the UN progress in US efforts to curb Senate. Some opinion polls show sinki, Trump accepted Russian the easing of US, European and about his country’s nuclear sanctions, but he did not name North Korea’s nuclear pro- that the Democratic Party could President Vladimir Putin’s international economic programme. them. gramme, and to criticise Iran and make a strong showing, notably denials his government ran an sanctions. US Secretary of State Mike The US ambassador to the Russia for supporting Syrian Pres- in the House. operation to hack Democratic The core US sanctions that Pompeo will visit Pyongyang United Nations accused Russia ident Bashar Al Assad in the coun- The United States and China Party computers and spread dis- seek to choke off Iran’s oil next month to discuss North this month of “cheating” on UN try’s war, now in its eighth year. are embroiled in a trade war, information on social media. exports, the life blood of its Korean denuclearisation efforts sanctions on North Korea.

Hurricane Rosa threatens LatAm nations, Canada seek ICC probe of Venezuela Mexican region REUTERS as Canadian Prime Minister Trump willing to meet Maduro OPEC. However, she has yet to Justin Trudeau had signed a ask judges for permission to AFP UNITED NATIONS: A group of letter and sent it to the court AP Venezuelan state television, open a formal investigation. Latin American countries and based in The Hague. Maduro said he was going “to Bensouda said she was MEXICO CITY: Hurricane Canada said yesterday that they Foreign ministers from the UNITED NATIONS: President defend the truth of Venezuela, looking at allegations Vene- Rosa formed yesterday in the had asked the International countries said international Donald Trump said he is willing to bring the voice of the zuelan state police “used Pacific off the coast of Criminal Court to investigate experts had found evidence the to meet with his Venezuelan country.” excessive force to disperse and northern Mexico, threatening Venezuela’s government over Venezuelan government was counterpart Nicolas Maduro if it However, it remained put down demonstrations, and a region already hit with allegations of crimes against responsible for crimes ranging would help ease suffering in the unclear whether the two arrested and detained thousands flooding that has killed at humanity in its use of force to from torture, murder and rape South American nation. leaders would meet, despite of actual or perceived members least 10 people in recent days. repress political opponents. to forced disappearances and Trump’s remarks as he Trump’s earlier statement. of the opposition, a number of Rosa is the 10th hurricane It is the first time that violations of due process. arrived for meetings at the “I’m willing to meet with whom would have been of the eastern Pacific season, member nations of the court “There is a large and growing United Nations came hours anybody anytime I can (to) save allegedly subjected to serious according to the US National have referred a fellow member body of evidence that the before Maduro announced he lives, help people,” Trump said abuse and ill-treatment in Hurricane Center. state to prosecutors and it adds Maduro regime has committed had gone to New York to speak as he was pummeled by detention.” It strengthened from a pressure on Venezuelan Pres- gross human rights violations to the UN General Assembly. He reporters’ questions about Earlier yesterday, Canada’s tropical storm to a Category ident Nicolas Maduro’s gov- against its own people,” had earlier threatened to skip whether the US would ever Trudeau said the complaint by 1 hurricane, and will continue ernment, which is mired in an Canadian Foreign Minister the global gathering. intervene military to remove the six countries would send the intensifying to a Category 3 economic and political crisis. Chrystia Freeland told a news In a video broadcast by Maduro. message that the situation in hurricane by yesterday, Mex- Peruvian Foreign Minister conference with her counter- Venezuela is catastrophic and ico’s National Meteorological Nestor Popolizio said the presi- parts during the annual United they needed to help Vene- Service (SMN) forecast. dents of Peru, Argentina, Chile, Nations General Assembly. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, into the situation in Venezuela zuelans out of the humanitarian It will weaken to a Colombia and Paraguay as well The letter was addressed to who began preliminary research since February, a member of crisis. tropical storm again before making landfall on the Baja California peninsula on Monday, it forecast. Man arrested for murder Cracked beam shuts spree in California AP down San Francisco and suburban Santa Monica transit terminal beginning on September 8. LOS ANGELES: A Texas man Detectives seized a wooden was arrested on suspicion of baseball bat and bolt cutters AP killing three people and seri- that police believe he used to ously injuring four in a carry out the attacks on random SAN FRANCISCO: San Fran- 2½-week-long string of attacks victims. cisco’s “Grand Central of the targeting sleeping homeless Escobar was arrested on West” is closed out of safety men in Southern California, Los Tuesday after a man sitting on a concerns after workers Angeles police said, while sidewalk was beaten uncon- discovered a crack in a authorities in Houston investi- scious and robbed of some of his support beam of the $2bn gated him for the disap- possessions, Santa Monica police transit terminal that opened pearance of his aunt and uncle. said. The victim remains in coma. just last month. Ramon Escobar, 47, who Police will ask prosecutors Workers discovered the US First Lady Melania Trump hosting a reception in honour of United Nations General Assembly was believed homeless himself, to charge Escobar with three crack early Tuesday while attendees at the US Mission, in New York City, yesterday. likely targeted victims to rob counts of murder and four installing roofing tiles at the them, Los Angeles police Capt counts of attempted murder, Salesforce Transit Center, William Hayes said, adding that officials said. executive director Mark Escobar is from El Salvador and He’s being held without bail, Zabaneh said. Engineers Melania details October African trip is a “deportable felon”. and it wasn’t immediately spent the day inspecting the Federal immigration known if he has an attorney who AFP damage, and Zabaneh said heads of state and other foreign their biggest challenges. authorities didn’t respond to a can speak on his behalf. A call they decided to shutdown the delegations on the sidelines of “I am so proud of the work request for more details on his to US Immigrations and Customs station around 5pm. NEW YORK: US First Lady the UN General Assembly. this administration is doing status but generally “deportable Enforcement seeking more Zabaneh said the cause Melania Trump yesterday “October 1 will mark the first through USAID and others, and felon” means he was in the information on Escobar’s immi- and the extent of the damage announced that she would visit day of my solo visit to four beau- look forward to the opportunity country illegally and had a gration status was not returned. were unknown and the Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and tiful and very different countries to take the message of my ‘Be felony conviction. Escobar is a person of decision to close the terminal Egypt on her first major inter- in Africa: Ghana, Malawi, Kenya Best’ campaign to many of the Hayes called Escobar a interest in the disappearances was made out of an “abun- national solo trip to promote and Egypt,” she said. countries and children “violent predator” and said late last month of 60-year-old dance of caution.” child welfare and education. Trump said all those coun- throughout Africa,” she added. investigators believe he drove Dina Escobar and her brother, He said structural engi- Trump, 48, made the tries had worked alongside The first lady rolled out her to California from Houston after 65-year-old Rogelio Escobar, neers would continue announcement at a reception USAID in making progress signature awareness campaign his relatives disappeared and Houston police said in a inspecting the building. welcoming spouses of visiting towards overcoming some of to help children earlier this year. attacked the men in Los Angeles statement. THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 AMERICAS 19 Mexico’s Obrador vows action on missing pupils

AFP 26, 2014, they commandeered five buses to travel to a protest MEXICO CITY: Mexican Pres- — a long-standing tradition at ident-elect Andres Manuel Lopez On December 1, if it their school — and were Obrador yesterday promised the attacked and then detained by parents of 43 students who went has not already been municipal police in the city of missing in 2014 to create a done, we will sign Iguala, Guerrero. commission to investigate the a decree to create According to federal prose- case, on the anniversary of their an investigative cutors, corrupt police officers suspected massacre. then handed the students over Four years on, the unsolved commission and to hitmen from the drug cartel disappearance of the students define the procedures Guerreros Unidos, who slaugh- from the Ayotzinapa teachers’ we will follow until tered them and incinerated their college in the southern state of bodies at a garbage dump. Guerrero still haunts Mexico. the truth is found and However, independent It has become a symbol of the justice is done: Lopez investigators from the Inter- gruesome violence rocking the Obrador American Commission on President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (centre) and relatives of 43 missing students of country, and a stain on the Human Rights who carried out Ayotzinapa College Raul Isidro Burgos participate in a meeting at the Museum of Memory and human rights record of the man Obrador. a forensic analysis of the sup- Tolerance, in Mexico City, yesterday. Lopez Obrador will replace, out- “We also agreed to throw posed crime scene found that going President Enrique Pena open the doors of the next gov- version of events was In a country known for on his pledge to do justice in the reiterating the untenable and Nieto. ernment and the country to the impossible. murky links between powerful case. trying to silence or discredit Speaking after meeting with international human rights There was no sign that such drug cartels and corrupt officials, “We’ll never find out what voices who question it,” said the the students’ parents, the leftist organisations that have battled an enormous bonfire had burned that has raised questions about happened if we just use the Mexico office of the UN High president-elect vowed to work to prevent this case from being at the site, they said. who could have been behind ordinary means of the (Mexican) Commissioner for Human Rights to unravel the case starting from closed and enabled us to get The government’s failure to such a shipment. justice system,” said the parents’ in a statement. the day he takes office. closer to the sad, regrettable clarify the case has caused wide- The case has drawn interna- lawyer, Vidulfo Rosales, ahead Mexico has seen an explosion “On December 1, if it has not facts,” he said. spread speculation about an tional condemnation of Pena of the meeting. of crime in recent years linked already been done, we will sign The 43 students were elaborate cover-up. Nieto’s government, which con- The United Nations mean- to brutal violence by drug cartels. a decree to create an investi- enrolled at a rural teachers’ The independent experts tinues to insist on the prosecu- while repeated its criticism of the Last year, the country regis- gative commission and define college known for its tradition of hypothesized the students may tion’s version of events, which it government’s official version of tered a record 28,702 homicides, the procedures we will follow rowdy demonstrations for left- have inadvertently hijacked a dubbed the “historic truth.” events, calling it “untenable.” and grisly discoveries of mass until the truth is found and wing causes. bus loaded with heroin bound The students’ parents had “It is worrying that the gov- graves have become a regular justice is done,” said Lopez On the night of September for the United States. urged Lopez Obrador to deliver ernment has focused on occurrence.

Former Houston Acapulco police disarmed; under probe over drug links tycoon indicted AP homicide. It was the latest fall were stripped of their guns, 100,000 inhabitants, one of the been disbanded since 2011. from grace for Acapulco, which radios and bullet-proof vests and highest in Mexico and the world. With low pay and little over 2013 MEXICO CITY: Authorities in was a favorite haunt of movie taken for background checks. Local police in several parts training, local police in Mexico southern Mexico disarmed and stars in the 1960s but has since Law enforcement duties in the of Mexico have been disbanded are easy prey for drug cartels, congressional trip placed under investigation the fallen victim to warring drug seaside city of 800,000 will be because they were corrupted by which offer them money if they AP entire police force in the once- gangs. taken over by soldiers, marines drug cartels. In Guerrero alone, agree to obey gang leaders, or glittering resort of Acapulco The state government said it and state police. local police have been disarmed threaten to kill them if they don’t. yesterday, claiming the local took the step “because of sus- The US government repeated in more than a dozen towns and In some cities in Guerrero HOUSTON: A former cops were infiltrated by drug picion that the force had probably its travel alert advising US cit- cities since 2014, though none as and Veracruz, local police were Houston businessman has gangs. been infiltrated by criminal izens not to travel in Guerrero large as Acapulco. under cartel control to such an been indicted on US charges Officials in Guerrero state groups” and “the complete state due to the armed groups In the northern state of Tam- extent they would kidnap people of concealing that a 2013 trip issued arrest warrants for two inaction of the municipal police that are active in the region. aulipas, one of the hardest hit by and turn them over to drug gang by some members of top Acapulco police com- in fighting the crime wave.” Last year, Acapulco had a drug violence, almost all local hit men for interrogation and Congress to Azerbaijan was manders, accusing them of The rest of the police officers homicide rate of 103 per police forces state-wide have death. paid for by that country’s government. Kemal Oksuz was named in an indictment unsealed in Washington. Prosecutors said Texas jury deliberates in Oksuz formerly led the non- profit Turquoise Council of ex-officer’s shooting trial Americans and Eurasians and allegedly lied on US House AP away on foot. TV station WFAA disclosure forms about who reports the jury began deliber- funded the trip. DALLAS: The Texas jury is ating yesterday. Oksuz was charged with deliberating in the trial of a Police video shows that devising a scheme to falsify, former suburban Dallas police Jones pleading with Wiley not conceal, and cover up officer charged with aggravated to shoot just before the material facts and with assault in the shooting an gunfire. making false statements to unarmed black man. A lawyer for Wiley said the Congress. The Houston Mesquite police fired Derick officer was forced to make a Chronicle reports Oksuz was Wiley after the November 2017 split-second decision after recently arrested in Armenia shooting that wounded Lyndo being led to believe Jones was and faces extradition. Jones, who had been sitting in stealing from the truck. The House Ethics Com- his pickup prior to the shooting. Wiley testified he thought mittee in July 2015 said it Jones was shot two times in Jones had a weapon so he found no evidence of wrong- the back after he started to run should “shoot or get shot.” doing by lawmakers.

Andrew DeVore, Vice-President and Associate General Counsel at Amazon.com Inc, greets Senator Former wife denies Brazil John Thune (R-SD), Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee before testifying on safeguards for consumer data privacy, in Washington, DC, yesterday. frontrunner sent her threats AP father.” Brazil’s ambassador to Hearing on crafting US privacy law opens Norway at the time confirmed SAO PAULO: An ex-wife of a the story to the newspaper. AP over safeguarding consumers’ information about their cus- leading Brazilian presidential Valle denied that accusation data online and recent scandals tomers’ browsing habits. The candidate disputed a news was true. “I came here very WASHINGTON: The Trump that have stoked outrage among legislation scrapped Obama-era report that she accused him of upset to deny this dirty story,” administration is hoping users and politicians. online privacy rules aimed at sending her a death threat amid Valle said on Instagram. “Never. Congress can come up with a Sen John Thune, a South giving consumers more control a legal fight over their son’s Bolsonaro is beloved by me and new set of national rules Dakota Republican who heads over how broadband companies custody in 2011. by everyone else. He is a good governing how companies can the Senate Commerce Com- like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon The newspaper Folha de father and was a good husband.” use consumers’ data that finds mittee, opened yesterday’s share that information. S.Paulo reported that Ana She did not discuss the a balance between “privacy and hearing by saying there’s a Allie Bohm, policy counsel at Cristina Valle had told Brazil’s authenticity of the telegram in prosperity.” strong desire by both Repub- the consumer group Public foreign office she left the her video. Recent opinion polls But it will be tricky to rec- licans and Democrats for a new Knowledge, says examples country because of the threat by have Bolsonaro and left-leaning oncile the concerns of privacy data privacy law. abound of companies not only far-right congressman Jair Bol- Fernando Haddad as the leaders advocates who want people to But the approach being pon- using the data to market products sonaro (pictured). recovering from being stabbed at in a field of about a dozen can- have more control over the dered by policymakers and but also to profile consumers and After the story was pub- a campaign rally early this month. didates. With it unlikely that usage of their personal data - pushed by the Internet industry restrict who sees their offerings: lished, Valle used Instagram to The newspaper said a tel- anyone will get 50 percent of the where they’ve been, what they leans toward a relatively light African Americans not getting say the threat never happened. egram it obtained at Brazil’s votes in the opening round, the view, who their friends are — government touch. That’s in access to ads for housing, minor- Valle is running for a congress foreign office says Valle top two finishers will advance and the powerful companies contrast to stricter EU rules that ities and older people excluded seat for Rio de Janeiro state and requested political asylum in to an October 27 runoff. that mine it for profit. took effect in May. from seeing job postings. uses Bolsonaro’s surname in her Norway as she battled Bolsonaro Bolsonaro’s tough talk has Senior executives from AT&T, An early move in President The companies “aren’t going campaign. over their 12-year-old son. caused him problems with some Amazon, Apple, Google, Twitter Donald Trump’s tenure set the to tell that story” to the Senate Bolsonaro, who is one of the According to the document, women voters. An Ibope poll pub- and Charter Communications tone on data privacy. He signed panel, she said. “These com- front-runners in the presidential “Valle said she left the country lished on Monday said 50 percent were scheduled to testify at the a bill into law in April 2017 that panies make their money off race for Brazil’s October 7 elec- two years ago ‘for receiving a of women had said they were sure hearing, amid increasing anxiety allows Internet providers to sell consumer data.” tions, is still in the hospital death threat’ from the child’s they would not vote for him. 20 HOME THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 08 AM SHOROOK 05. 24 AM

ZUHR 11. 25 AM MAGHRIB 05. 28 PM ASR 02. 50 PM ISHA 06. 58 PM

WEATHER TODAY

Hadi Al Zain Ali (second left), Qatar Expo CEO, and Rashid Hamad Hazza Al Athba (third left), Deputy Chairman of Qatar Chambe, ttingcu a ribbon to inaugurate the IWED 2018 at Doha Exhibition Convention Center, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA IWED 2018 opens with 75% rise in Qatari participation AMNA PERVAIZ RAO Covering a total of designers from different countries and be held with three fashion shows back o o THE PENINSULA 5,000sqm, IWED 2018 jewelry designers. Every day we will to back. On the last day, one show will 32 C 39 C surprise the visitors with new activ- take place followed by gala dinner and is featuring the latest ities and fashion shows. We will have award ceremony. Minimum Maximum DOHA: The eleventh International wedding services mainly Tajmeel Academy workshop, Skin & “Every year IWED gets better than Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show Soul live hair and makeup demonstra- last year’s edition. We mostly buy Misty at places by early morning becomes from Qatar, India, Turkey, hot daytime, humid by night. (IWED 2018) opened yesterday at the China, Oman, Kuwait and tions and first fashion show by wedding outfits from here as these Doha Exhibition Convention Center Mohammad Hamada.” dresses come from different coun-

HIGH TIDE 06:15 – 18:15 LOW TIDE 00:15 – 12:00 (DECC). many more countries. “The increase in local participants tries and are unique in their own way. Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Rashid Hamad Hazza Al Athba, It aims to attract over shows more interest of Qatari people Amazing jewelry designers are also Deputy Chairman of Qatar Chamber 8,000 visitors locally in such International Wedding Exhi- the center of attraction at the exhi- (QC) and Hadi Al Zain Ali, CEO of Qatar and internationally until bitions. We have five days fashion bition. We always grasp new ideas of Expo, launched the five-day exhibition show and on the last day, we will be flower decoration from every IWED’s in the presence of representatives from September 30. conducting a gala dinner at DECC edition,” Ayesha Al Ali, a customer at various fields. which will be followed by awarding IWED 2018 told The Peninsula. Covering a total of 5,000sqm, ceremony,” Hadi added. Rema, a designer from Turkey at IWED 2018 is featuring the latest partners are participating in a unique The exhibition is open for public Emy Boutique stall at IWED 2018 said: wedding services mainly from Qatar, showcase of the best that is available daily from 10am to 10pm whereas “It is my first time to participate in India, Turkey, China, Oman, Kuwait in wedding products and services in while on Friday exhibition will open such a huge exhibition. IWED has and many more countries. It will Qatar. its doors at 2pm to 10pm. Second day given me an opportunity to exhibit attract over 8,000 visitors locally Talking to The Peninsula Hadi Al will showcase four fashion shows with with international designers. I am and internationally until September Zain Ali, CEO of Qatar Expo said: “This Skin & Soul live demonstration and showcasing the latest wedding dresses 30. year we are surprised to see 75% Tajmeel Academy workshops. I designed this year. I design special IWED 2018 has gathered the top increase in Qatari designers and dif- Third day, Moments Wedding & jewelry and flower bouquets for names and labels in the wedding ferent local outlets participating in Events will hold bridal image consul- brides. It is good to see Qatari cus- planning, hospitality, fashion and IWED 2018. Different sectors partici- tation workshop followed by four tomers taking orders from me, I hope related industries under one roof. More pating this year, hotels, event man- fashion shows. On the fourth day to be a part of this exhibition every than 100 exhibitors, sponsors and aging companies, wedding planners, Moment Image Consultant Show will year.”