BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 8 Qatar men’s team emerge as West Qatargas highlights Asia rugby long-term ties with China at LNG2019 champions published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11146 April 7, 2019 Sha’baan 2, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Qatar’s Saoud al-Mohannadi Amir highlights educated youth’s elected FIFA Council role in popular Arab movements member

QNA Kuala Lumpur

atar Football Association (QFA) Vice President, Saoud al-Mo- Qhannadi, has been elected as a member of the powerful FIFA Coun- cil for the session 2019-2023, on the sidelines of the Asian Football Confed- eration (AFC) Congress in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur. Al-Mohannadi received 37 of the 46 votes. In addition to al-Mohannadi, Du Zhaocai of China, Praful Patel of India, Kohzo Tashimaof Japan and Mariano Araneta of the Philippines were also elected to the FIFA Council. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at the 29th general meeting of AFC. The AFC Congress also approved Qatar’s proposal to amend a provision in the statute that prevented candi- dacy for two posts, and thus al-Mo- hannadi also retained, by acclamation, his position as AFC Vice President for West Asia. Moreover, the AFC General Assem- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting with the President of the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani addressing the opening session of the 140th bly re-elected Sheikh Salman bin Ib- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Gabriela Cuevas Barron. Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Doha yesterday. rahim al-Khalifah as its President for a new term of four years. Sport Page 1 is Highness the Amir Sheikh ing education globally. weapon of the weak only. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani “Investing in quality education is “It does not help them much vis-a- Hyesterday said educated youth one of the most important elements vis the veto of the powerful members played an important role in popular of building the economy, advancing at the Security Council, or in granting movements in several Arab countries, societies, and achieving growth and an international cover to those who highlighting the importance of quality prosperity. If we are talking about the perpetrate aggression against others, education in advancing societies and challenges emanating from sustainable human rights violators and those who Amir attends achieving growth and prosperity. development, peace or the rule of law, annex the territories of others by force. Speaking at the opening ceremony we would fi nd that education is at the An example to this is the recognition of of the 140th Assembly of the Inter- forefront of the tried-and-trusted so- the major superpower in this world of Parliamentary Union (IPU) at Shera- lutions to these challenges. the de facto annexation of Jerusalem ton Doha yesterday, His Highness the “Our country has also launched nu- and the offi cial annexation of the Golan opening of Amir said: “In some Arab countries, merous initiatives in the fi eld of sup- by Israel,” highlighted the Amir. educated youth led popular move- porting and promoting education in The Amir also called upon the mem- ments in demand for dignity, justice collaboration with national and global bers to look into the common challeng- and freedom, which they summed up in partners such as the initiatives ‘Edu- es that the world is facing. Saoud al-Mohannadi the saying ‘decent living’. They proved cate A Child’, the World Innovation “Each of us has his views and opin- that they were cultured and civilised in Summit for Education (WISE), and ions, but there are many common chal- IPU assembly their demands and movements, when other initiatives,” continued the Amir. lenges that face all of us, including they were allowed the opportunity for Speaking about the importance of environment, climate, poverty, armed O Opening attended by education and the steps taken by Qatar QVCs opened in peaceful activity in some Arab coun- the rule of law, the Amir said: “Without confl icts, extremism, terrorism, and in promoting education globally. “In- 7 Indian cities tries. it, there will be no justice of any kind, recently the problem of cybersecurity HE the Prime Minister and vesting in quality education is one of the “These experiences prove that the and the two antitheses of the rule of law and individual privacy intrusion. To Minister of Interior Sheikh most important elements of building Qatar, represented by the Ministry regimes which had denied them the are chaos, on the one hand, and tyranny counter them, we assume a minimum Abdullah bin Nasser bin the economy, advancing societies, and of Interior (MoI), has opened visa freedom of expression and opportuni- on the other. level of commitment to the human val- achieving growth and prosperity. But centres (QVCs) in the Indian cities ties for peaceful activity, bear a basic “At the regional and global levels, ues that we share,” the Amir said. Khalifa al-Thani, several ignorance is one of the most important of Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, responsibility for the deterioration of the danger of the receding role of in- Highlighting the need to fi ght ter- ministers, Advisory Council obstacles to peoples’ growth and ren- Chennai and Kochi in addition to the situation into violence,” stated the ternational law in the relations be- rorism, the Amir noted that the war members and heads of aissance. It also stokes intolerance and New Delhi and Mumbai, where QVCs Amir. tween the states is on the rise as there on terrorism should not mean fi ghting racism, and facilitates the dissemina- were opened earlier. QVCs are being Sheikh Tamim said education has is a tendency towards giving priority armed extremism of only one colour, diplomatic missions tion of preconceived notions against the opened in diff erent countries as part of become a social right and an integral to the supremacy of power over it, while there are extremist terrorist forc- O Delegates from more than diff erent other,” the Amir said. simplifying work visa procedures for part of human rights. He also high- with the relegation of international es and movements that are not on the “Qatar has paid special attention to coming to Qatar. lighted the eff orts of Qatar in promot- law and international legality to a agendas of this war. To Page 10 160 countries participating international co-operation in the fi eld in the five-day conference of education and provided support to some developing countries in various By Joseph Varghese regions of the world, as well as inter- Staff Reporter national organisations operating in this fi eld. Our country has also launched numerous initiatives in the fi eld of Doha IPU meet a befi tting reply to is Highness the Amir Sheikh supporting and promoting educa- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani tion in collaboration with national and Hgraced the opening of the 140th global partners such as the initiatives: Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary ‘Educate A Child ’, the World Innova- false charges by siege countries Union (IPU) held at the Sheraton Doha tion Summit for Education and other yesterday. initiatives,” the Amir highlighted. HE the Advisory Council Speaker Welcoming the gathering, HE al- By Ayman Adly of the 140th IPU Assembly refl ected Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mah- Mahmoud stated that the assembly will Staff Reporter the appreciation of the world for Qa- moud, president of IPU Gabriela Cue- be a major milestone and hoped fruitful tar and its distinguished place among vas Barron, secretary-general Martin discussions and deliberations will be con- countries due to its peaceful and pro- Chungong and the under-secretary for ducted during the course of the event. he hosting of the 140th General gressive policies under the leader- the United Nations Counter-Terrorism President Barron pointed out that Assembly of the Inter-Parlia- ship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Offi ce, Vladimir Voronkov spoke at the IPU has played a big role in the 20th Tmentary Union (IPU) in Doha is Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. The en- opening ceremony. century and it is continuing the same in a fi tting response to the false accusa- tire world has come to Doha for the The opening was also attended by the 21st century through eff ective and tions levelled against Qatar by the four event while the blockading countries HE the Prime Minister and Minister sustainable solutions for the challenges blockading countries, HE the Speaker have missed it. of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser that the world is facing. of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin HE al-Mahmoud continued: “The bin Khalifa al-Thani, several ministers, “When we look at how the world is Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud said only country that objected to Qatar Advisory Council members and heads going today we are going to see a world yesterday. hosting the 140th IPU Assembly was of diplomatic missions in Qatar, among full of contradictions. We have all the Speaking to the media yesterday, he Syria, citing the same usual false ac- other dignitaries. information but we are not sure of stressed that contrary to the claims, HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud cusations against Doha, but the UK Parliament speakers and heads of what is real news or fake news, though the siege countries (Saudi Arabia, with IPU president Gabriela Cuevas Barron and IPU secretary-general Martin expressed its support. We have al- delegations, as well as members of the we are going through the fourth Indus- the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt) had not Chungong at the press conference yesterday. ways told them: if you have any proof union’s executive committee and rep- trial Revolution, hunger is still She ex- submitted any objection at the 139th against Qatar supporting your claims, resentatives of regional and interna- pressed appreciation for Qatar’s host- General Assembly of the IPU, held in Assembly. In addition, the IPU has the records of the Union proved this. why don’t you give them to the Amir tional organisations were also present. ing of the 140th assembly, highlighting Geneva in October last year, when a never issued any official statement “These are available online for every- of Kuwait and reveal them instead of The assembly will last until April 10. the participation of more than 160 session was held to vote for approv- indicating that the blockading coun- body to see.” making up baseless crises?” Addressing the gathering, His High- countries in the fi ve-day meetings.” ing Qatar as the host of the 140th IPU tries had filed such an objection, and He stressed that Qatar’s hosting To Page 11 ness the Amir noted the importance of To Page 10 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, April 7, 2019 QATAR

Commerce minister heads Ministry drive to raise awareness about delegation to Jordan WEF head and neck cancer E the Minister of Com- merce and Industry Ali he Ministry of Public products, including shisha is Hbin Ahmed al-Kuwari Health (MoPH), the Ha- probably the single most eff ec- chaired Qatar’s delegation to the Tmad Medical Corporation tive way to reduce the risk of de- World Economic Forum on the (HMC), the Primary Health Care veloping a cancer in the head or Middle East and North Africa, Corporation (PHCC) and Qatar neck. Services to support people which is taking place at the Dead Cancer Society (QCS), are part- who want to give up smoking are Sea, Jordan, until today. nering to strengthen the existing available and can be accessed by This year’s edition of the fo- eff orts to raise awareness and in- calling PHCC’s Hayak team on rum, which is being held under crease people’s understanding of 107 or HMC’s Nesma’ak team on the theme ‘Globalisation 4.0’, head and neck cancer through- 16060,” she said. convenes more than1,000 key out this month. “I take this opportunity to leaders from government, busi- April is observed as the inter- raise awareness of the risk of ness and civil society from over national Head and Neck Cancer tobacco use in any forms in- 50 countries. Awareness Month. cluding smoking and chewing. The forum focuses on pro- With a focus on the quality Symptoms may be as simple viding support for the develop- of care provided in Qatar and a as a sore throat that doesn’t ment of institutions in the Mid- decrease in head and neck can- go away or a mouth ulcer or dle East and North Africa amid cer cases, the joint eff orts aim sore that doesn’t heal. Like eff orts to promote intra-trade to increase understanding of any other cancer, when found and commerce with the GCC, the signs and symptoms of head early, most cancers in the head the US, Europe and Asia in ad- and neck cancer, highlight the and neck can be treated and dition to addressing the ongoing importance of early detection cured,” Dr Mohamed Ussama geopolitical transformations and treatment, and ultimately al-Homsi, senior consultant in and humanitarian challenges achieve health and well-being the Oncology Department at through multi-stakeholder dia- among the population of Qatar, HMC, noted. logue. the MoPH has said in a state- Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, The discussions mainly touch ment. manager for Screening Pro- on women’s entrepreneurship The most common head and grammes at PHCC, explained and key intergenerational issues neck cancers are nasal cavity, that there is a fast referral such as transparency, account- sinus, lip, mouth, salivary gland process in place between PHCC ability, sustainability and envi- and throat or larynx cancers. and HMC for suspected cancer ronmental protection. HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari and other dignitaries at the event. While these cancers are less cases. “If the physicians sus- The forum provides a plat- common than others, they are pect the likelihood of head and form for dialogue among re- lenges in the region. partnership and co-operation vide a platform that will shape the co-operation framework and dangerous and some of the most neck cancer, the patient will gional and global decision The forum, hosted by Jordan with the King Abdullah II Fund the future of the Middle East promoting partnership between complex to treat. be referred to HMC within 48 makers to address major chal- for the 10th time since 2003, in for Development, aims to pro- and North Africa by activating the public and private sectors. In 2015, head and neck cancers hours for further testing. The accounted for approximately experienced staff at HMC will 4% of total malignant cancers in conduct the appropriate inves- Qatar, among which more than tigations and manage the case 60% of the cases diagnosed were as needed.” late stage. Most cases occur in Hiba Nasser, head of the QNRF launches new adults aged between 45 and 49 Health Education Department at Ashghal and QRCS years, according to the National QCS, said they will continue to Qatar Cancer Registry, Ministry raise awareness during April re- of Public Health. garding the importance of early award for early Catherine Gillespie, direc- detection, risk factors, signs and tor of the National Cancer Pro- symptoms as well as prevention sign partnership pact gramme at the MoPH, high- methods about head and neck lighted that the Head and Neck cancer. This will be achieved career professionals Cancer Awareness Month aims through awareness campaigns QNA to encourage people to take steps and workshops targeting all Doha to reduce their risk of developing community members, in ad- atar National Research Dr Aisha al-Obaidly, director this type of cancer. dition to launching electronic Fund (QNRF), a member of Capacity Building at QNRF, “Quitting smoking or stop- campaigns through accounts on Qof Qatar Foundation (QF), said: “The Early Career Re- he Public Works Author- ping the use of any tobacco social media. has announced the launch of a search Award extends support ity (Ashghal) has signed a new award – the Early Career Re- and guidance to researchers Tmemorandum of under- search Award (ECRA), an inten- after they have completed their standing (MoU) with Qatar Red sive research and research lead- studies to help them build fur- Crescent Society (QRCS). ership development award for ther on their projects and pre- The MoU aims at strength- faculty members and researchers pare them to apply and receive ening the bonds of co-opera- Another spell of unsettled at an early stage in their careers. grant funding to advance their tion between the two parties to The aim of the award is to research. achieve common goals in various support eligible applicants in “Along with helping Qatar humanitarian and developmen- weather ahead, rain likely the development of their skills address its needs, this award tal fi elds of public benefi t. Meshal Sultan al-Hitmi, Ashghal’s Shared Services Aff airs Director, in order to conduct and lead re- will also encourage local insti- The MoU provides opportu- and Ibrahim Abdullah al-Maliki, Chief Executive Director at Qatar Red search independently, with the tutions to employ homegrown nities for the Public Works Au- Crescent Society, shake hands after signing the MoU. he Qatar Met department fast weather changes. ultimate aim of contributing talent.” thority and the Qatar Red Cres- has said unsettled weather In view of the expected condi- to Qatar’s overarching research ECRA is open to individu- cent Society to benefi t from the ences, media coverage, events QRCS included the distribution Tconditions are likely to re- tions, the department has urged and development goals. The als who are faculty members, co-operation between them to entertainment, and sports. of more than 1000 winter bags turn, aff ecting the country from people to be cautious, avoid go- award will also help recently researchers, scientists, and achieve their mission of sup- Meshal Sultan al-Hitmi, Ash- for workers in the new Hamad this evening until the weekend ing to sea and follow the latest graduated PhD holders and clinicians early in their careers porting vulnerable groups and ghal’s Shared Services Aff airs General Hospital Trauma and due to the extension of a low- updates through its offi cial so- medical doctors to establish and hold terminal degrees with community development, and Director, said that Ashghal puts a Emergency Department as part pressure system over the region. cial media accounts. their labs and develop their re- two-to-seven years of expe- building on the competencies great emphasis on social respon- of “Together for Benevolence” The skies are expected to be- Meanwhile, today’s forecast search. rience and are determined to and resources available to both sibility, as it co-operates with campaign, and the distribu- come cloudy at times, especially says thundery rain and sudden The award is designed to help build their career in research. parties. various governmental and pri- tion of mobile recharge cards to in the evening and at night, and strong winds are expected in the bridge the gap between QNRF’s Applicants in the early stages The memorandum also aims vate entities as well as social in- 2500 workers in the Doha North there is a chance of scattered country by tonight. Thunder- portfolio of capacity-building of their professional research to enable the Public Works Au- stitutions to achieve the highest Treatment Plant as part of “Fee- rain of variable intensity – which showers, windy conditions and programmes and the National careers will work closely with thority and Qatar Red Crescent standards of social responsibility. na el Khair” campaign. may be thundery at times. high seas are also likely off shore. Priorities Research Programme one active and senior mentor Society to co-operate in chari- He expressed his gratitude in Ibrahim Abdullah al-Maliki, These conditions will be ac- The wind speed may go up to (NPRP) - its fl agship funding in the areas of the proposed table projects internally or ex- signing a memorandum of un- Chief Executive Director at Qa- companied by sudden strong 27 knots during thundery rain in programme. research to become independ- ternally, especially about creat- derstanding with the Qatar Red tar Red Crescent Society, com- winds exceeding 25 knots in some both inshore and off shore areas, Awardees of QNRF’s various ent researchers and build new, ing a working environment in Crescent Society, which is one mented: “We at the QRCS hon- areas, the report states. This, in with the sea level rising to 10ft. capacity building programmes and enhance existing research Ashghal’s projects, and carrying of the leading institutions in the our and appreciate the various turn, may cause rising dust and Mild daytime conditions are are encouraged to apply for in Qatar with a focus on Energy out awareness campaigns and fi eld of charity, humanitarian aspects of co-operation between low visibility occasionally. expected today, and it will get ECRA by the end of their award and Environment, Biomedical medical examinations for the and development work of vari- the Red Crescent and Ashghal The Met department cloudy later. There is a chance of and further their research to play and Health Sciences, Compu- workers. ous kinds. over the past years, especially stressed that this time of the scattered rain from the evening, an active role in helping Qatar ter Science and ICT, and Social This is in addition to the par- He added: “The recent co- in the Together for Benevolence year - a season locally known which may turn thundery at address its national priorities. Sciences, Arts and Humanities. ticipation in organising confer- operation between Ashghal and programme”. as Al Sarayat - is known for times. Qatar’s mission to UN holds high-level session on autism

QNA fected by autism or other mental an event titled ‘How technol- statements from the Deputy Per- New York health conditions, and focused ogy can help people with au- manent Representative of India, on actions and practices related tism based on the experience of the Deputy Permanent Repre- to the eradication of poverty, the the State of Qatar in this fi eld’ sentative of South Korea, and the he Permanent Mission of provision of health services and in June 2019 on the sidelines of Deputy Permanent Representa- Qatar to the United Na- welfare, quality education and the 12th session of the Confer- tive of Italy to the United Nations. Ttions, together with the the elimination of inequality. ence of States Parties (COSP) to Special Adviser of the Per- Mission of Bangladesh and the The session’s participants the Convention on the Rights of manent Mission of the United US ‘Autism Speaks’ Association, stressed the importance of pro- Persons with Disabilities. States to the UN Margaret Pal- held a high-level session on the viding the conditions for people She also highlighted the initi- au-Hemandez reviewed the pro- occasion of the World Autism with autism to be integrated and ative of the Chairperson of Qatar cedures and practices used by Awareness Day. not to be excluded from educa- Foundation for Education, Sci- the United States in dealing with The session, organised in co- tion, work and social life. ence and Community Develop- people with autism. operation with Oman, Belarus, The session also highlighted ment (QF) Her Highness Sheikha The session was attended by India, Italy, South Korea and the importance of the role of the Moza bint Nasser on Autism in the Permanent Delegate of Bang- the US at United Nations head- family and the use of modern 2007, which culminated in the ladesh to the United Nations quarters, highlighted practical technology in the treatment and adoption by the UN General As- ambassador Masud Bin Momen, and eff ective measures taken by rehabilitation of people with au- sembly of resolution 62/139 that Executive Director of Autism member-states, the United Na- tism, which aff ected 70mn peo- declared 2 April as World Autism Speaks Angela Geiger, and UN tions and civil society organi- ple last year. Awareness Day. Assistant Secretary-General for sations in dealing with people In a speech, HE the Permanent The Deputy Minister of For- Policy Co-ordination and Inter- with autism, in view of the 2030 Representative of the State of Qatar HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif eign Aff airs of Belarus Andrei Agency Aff airs Maria-Francesca Agenda for Sustainable Devel- to the United Nations Sheikha Alya al-Thani delivering her speech at the UN headquarters in New York. Dapkiunas presented a review Spatolisano. opment. The agenda’s objectives Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani welcomed of the steps and actions taken by The high-level session was can only be achieved by not ex- the participants, and said that Qa- role of Shafallah Centre, which emy which was opened in 2016 to an eff ective, coherent and his country in dealing with peo- also attended by experts from cluding any member of society, tar’s commitment to the global was established in 1999 as a spe- and provides educational serv- credible cultural approach to ple with autism. the World Health Organisation, including those with autism and autism community is not limited cialised centre for the empower- ices to students identifi ed with the care and education of people The Permanent Representa- United Nations Children’s Fund persons with disabilities. to raising awareness about autism, ment and integration of people Autism Spectrum Disorder. with lifelong autism. She added tive of Oman ambassador Kha- (Unicef), the University of Texas, It stressed that the goals of but has over the years been by the with disabilities, especially indi- Sheikha Alya praised Qatar’s Qatar plans to organise, in co- lifa bin Ali al-Harthy also re- and from some medical institu- sustainable development should establishment of advanced medical viduals who suff er from autism. National Autism Plan 2017, un- operation with a group of lead- viewed the Sultanate’s eff orts in tions, and listened to Samantha contribute to the strengthening care, education and fi nance. She also pointed to the servic- der which the country seeks to ing Qatari academic institutions caring for people with autism. Elisofon on her experience with of individuals and families af- She pointed out the unique es provided by the Renad Acad- make a signifi cant contribution and civil society organisations, The audience heard similar autism.

Gulf Times 4 Sunday, April 7, 2019 QATAR

Finance minister attends annual Educational institutions’ role meeting of IsDB

E the Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al-Emadi par- Hticipated in the 44th Annual Meeting of the Islamic in spreading peace highlighted Development Bank (IsDB) in Mo- rocco. he fi fth edition of the Hu- tor Khalid bin Ghanim al-Ali as an active process. what paves the way for develop- This year’s meeting was held manities Conference by alongside more than 30 scholars, “It was Ralph Waldo Emer- ment,” he said. under the theme “Transforma- TCommunity College of specialists and researchers in the son who emphasised that peace The conference featured two tion in a fast-Changing World: Qatar (CCQ) served as a platform fi eld, including CCQ students. cannot be achieved through plenary panel discussions that A Road to Sustainable Develop- to highlight the challenges and HE Dr al-Naimi, while de- violence, but only through un- examined the interconnection ment Goals”. opportunities for sustainable livering the keynote address, derstanding. Therefore, if we between psycho-social devel- Offi cial delegations from the peace from diff erent perspec- called for efforts to strengthen are to attain peace, especially opment and religion along with IsDB member states, as well as a tives, including family, gender the role of educational in- on a global scale, the world peace-making processes among number of international experts roles, people with disabilities, stitutions in combating hate must first come to a univer- marginalised communities. and representatives from the minority groups, traditions, re- speech, promoting peace and sal understanding. We see the Apart from CCQ students, private sector and civil society ligion, education, government, drying up the intellectual roots conference as an important the two-day event witnessed attended the meeting. economics, the media, environ- of extremism. starting point for finding in- the participation of experts The meeting discussed the ment and globalisation. “All parties concerned must novative new ways to resolve and speakers from eminent Bank’s report on its activities The conference, recently held work together to enhance the conflicts, end war and achieve national and international in- during 2018, as well as the an- under the theme ‘Cultivating a role of educational institutions peace,” he said. stitutions, including Texas nual report of its affi liates, and is Culture of Sustainable Peace: in spreading the culture of peace. Al-Ali focused on the concept A&M University at Qatar, Ha- to take the necessary decisions. Approaches to Peacebuilding in They should ensure the open- HE Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi of positive co-existence and said mad Bin Khalifa University, The board of governors is the a Changing World’, was aimed ness of educational institutions delivering the keynote address peace cannot be achieved until Qatar University, Canterbury highest authority of the bank. at disseminating knowledge and in a bid to establish relations at the conference. Dr Mohamed al-Naemi requirements of achieving hu- Christ Church University, UK, Each member country of the promoting the social and intel- with civil society institutions,” man dignity are examined. Islamic University College of bank is represented on the board lectual development of CCQ he said, adding that textbooks education is aimed at personal ent and morally conscious minds “Laws, legislation and oth- Perlis, Malaysia, Emir Abd with a governor and an alternate students and the wider commu- provided to students should development and should based on through promotion of peace and er measures are necessary for ElKader University for Islamic governor. nity. be reviewed in order to ensure the values of co-existence, peace the development of behavioural peace-building. But, the most Sciences, Algeria, University of The board meets once a year The event saw the participa- that they are free from incorrect and dialogue. skills,” he said. important aspect to consider is Batna, Algeria, Qatar Red Cres- to consider and approve the fi - tion of HE the Undersecretary texts. “The role of education is no Elaborating on the confer- positive coexistence within and cent Society, Wijdan Cultural nancial statements for the past at the Ministry of Education and He also highlighted the protec- longer limited to nurturing edu- ence theme, CCQ president between societies. Ultimately, Centre, the Family Counselling fi scal year, to appoint the ex- Higher Education Dr Ibrahim tion of learners from the impact of cated and productive minds for Dr Mohamed al-Naemi said positive coexistence can be con- Centre, Ministry of Endow- ternal auditors and to lay down bin Saleh al-Naimi and Wijdan educational programmes that di- the benefi t of society. It further the conference is held to ex- sidered as the guarantor of our ments and Islamic Affairs and the future policies of the bank. Cultural Centre deputy direc- rect towards hate speech and said extends to developing independ- plore and help redefine peace survival and stability. And it’s Ministry of Interior. – QNA

Four new Monoprix stores to open this year Project Qatar 2019 to be By Joey Aguilar and entrepreneurs by off ering store to your door’ free delivery Staff Reporter Qatari products in our stores,” concept, making the shopping he said. experience for customers more Farhat noted that Monoprix convenient and comfortable. ‘most comprehensive yet’ our new Monoprix stores stores also provide customers a “You make your shopping, will open in various lo- wide range of fresh and organic you leave everything and we de- Fcations across Qatar, in- food: from vegetables and fruits liver at your convenient timing,” roject Qatar, the nation’s the exhibition for the sec- seum of Qatar. The sessions cluding a ‘digitally smart store’ to eggs, fi sh and dairy products, he said. “We want to give our biggest and longest- ond consecutive year, Project will also highlight the oppor- at Msheireb Downtown Doha among others. customers refi ned and exclusive Pestablished construc- Qatar Conference is set to tunities available for construc- (MDD), by the end of this year, Scheduled to open in Decem- shopping experience.” tion event slated from April 29 discuss and explore various tion companies in advance of its regional general manager Se- Monoprix regional general ber this year, Monoprix Msheir- Farhat added that they will also to May 1, is expected to be the aspects of the future of con- 2022. bastien Farhat has said. manager Sebastien Farhat. eb will off er an extensive organic continue off ering various promo- most comprehensive and di- struction in Qatar. The second session of Day The French retail chain was PICTURE: Thajudheen range of 12,000 items sourced tions in an array of food and non verse yet, the organisers have With keynote addresses by 2 will focus on ‘Technology introduced by Ali Bin Ali Group internationally, as well as a new food items across their stores. said. senior representatives of the and Innovation for The Fu- in Qatar in 2013 and now has two tar) and another ‘Monop’ in Al dine-in Qatari-food concept, Founded in 1932, Monoprix Registration is now open for Public Works Authority (Ash- ture of Energy in Qatar’, and stores – in West Bay (Palm Tow- Sadd. sushi bar and pasta & pizza cor- is a renowned French brand of- the event, which will be held ghal) and Qatar Chamber, and will include lectures relating er) and the largest one at Doha The largest Monoprix store in ner. fering the best of food retailing under the patronage of HE the the participation of high-level to retrofi tting, solar energy, Festival City. Ali Bin Ali Group the country is also expected to To be located at the soon-to- along with clothing, household Prime Minister and Minister of government speakers, mar- and facility management in the owns the franchise of Monoprix rise in Lusail city next year while open Galleria mall, the new store items, perfumes, gift items and Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin ket leaders and specialists, construction industry. in the region. plans to expand in neighbour- promises an enhanced customer more. Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. the three-day conference will On Day 3, the sessions will Besides the Monoprix Msheir- ing countries in the region like service using one of the most ad- Headquartered in France, “Last year, Project Qatar at- discuss in depth the following cover ‘Qatar’s Smart Cities eb hypermarket, Farhat told Gulf Kuwait is also in the pipeline, he vanced retail software solutions Monoprix has more than 480 tracted 1,700 companies from themes: ‘Building Today for – Transforming the Future’, Times they will also open a store added. – set be launched for the fi rst stores in the European coun- 29 participating countries. The Future Qatar’, ‘Iconic Real and will highlight the ways in Medina Centrale (The Pearl- “Qatar is the perfect market time in the region. try and has extended its global And, just as we have done each Estate Developments Towards in which new cities in Qatar Qatar), a ‘Monop’ (small) outlet for our concept and we will con- Monoprix will also introduce reach for more than 75 countries year since the event’s incep- 2022 FIFA World Cup’, ‘Tech- are being planned and built at Porto Arabia (The Pearl-Qa- tinue supporting local initiatives the ‘Shop and Go - From our worldwide. tion, we will build on this suc- nology and Innovation for The as cities of the future. The cess and ensure that 2019 is the Future of Energy in Qatar’, and session will conclude with year that Project Qatar cements ‘Qatar’s Smart Cities – Trans- a panel discussion featuring its position as the nation’s blue forming The Future’. representatives from Par- chip construction event, de- sons International, Msheireb signed to help Qatar achieve “Last year, Project Qatar Properties, and Qatar Green QRCS medical team concludes mission in Gaza its long-term aims,” said IFP attracted 1,700 companies Building Council. Qatar general manager Haidar from 29 participating Alongside its conference and Mshaimesh. countries. And, just as we exhibition, Project Qatar 2019 medical delegation of While assessing information This year’s edition of have done each year since will also see the introduction Qatar Red Crescent So- on Palestinian hospitals, Dr al- Project Qatar promises to be the event’s inception, we of an array of skills and career Aciety (QRCS) and Hamad Hatou pointed out that the del- the most diverse in its history, will build on this success” development sessions for con- Medical Corporation (HMC) has egation discovered a need for Mshaimesh added. struction industry profession- concluded its mission in Pal- specialised medical centres such He said the event’s impact The theme for the fi rst day als. Attendees will be able to estine, which involved visits to as a cerebrovascular accident and contribution to the con- is ‘Building Today for The Fu- participate in CPD-certifi ed Jenin Hospital in West Bank and centre. struction industry in Qatar has ture Qatar’. A series of sessions training sessions and work- Al-Shifaa Medical Complex in Also, a defi cit in technical grown consistently since its designed to highlight opportu- shops, which are being off ered Gaza. specialists was found, particu- launch in 2004, and it is now nities available to foreign and free of charge throughout the The delegation included larly magnetic resonance neu- a mainstay of the international local companies in the Qatari event. Dr Mohamed al-Hatou, sen- rography and respiratory techni- construction industry calen- market will take place led by Additionally, Project Qatar ior consultant and head of the cians, as they are key to medical dar. Ashghal, Qatar Financial Cen- will continue to present un- neuromuscular department, Dr monitoring and assessment. The 2019 edition has been tre, and Manateq Economic rivalled networking and new Wasfy Jameel Hamad, senior “We will arrange for a project carefully tailored to be aligned Zones Company. business opportunities for consultant and head of the ICU to provide high-tech electroen- with the journey towards the The opening session on the construction industry opera- and pulmonology department, cephalographers and training for realisation of the Qatar Nation- second day follows the theme tives. The B2B Platform will and Dr Maher Saqqur, senior The medical delegation with off icials in Palestine. technicians,” he added. al Vision 2030. It will provide ‘Iconic Real Estate Develop- feature once again, helping consultant and head of the de- According to Dr Saqqur, the del- a unique platform for global ments Towards 2022 FIFA consumers and exhibitors to partment of neurology. gy, and identifying the technical back to Doha, we will recom- egation delivered lectures in Jenin industry players to learn how World Cup’, and will feature make new contacts and forge Dr Hamad said the visit fo- needs of medical equipment and mend a twinning agreement be- and Gaza on a wide range of criti- best to tap into the nation’s discussions and presentations new business relationships cused on providing healthcare consumables amid the blockade. tween the Qatari and Palestinian cal medical topics. He valued the array of construction-related relating to some of the nation’s based on their matching areas services for patients, assessing “We have seen a dire need healthcare providers. I call upon contributions by QRCS and part- opportunities as Qatar’s infra- key infrastructure projects, in- of interest and priorities. the capacity of medical staff and for more and better qualifi ed everyone related to the health ners, which would help improve the structural upgrades gain pace, cluding the Museum of Islamic To register and to learn more nurses in the departments of physicians, nurses and assist- sector to visit Palestine and quality of medical services provided according to Mshaimesh. Art, the 2022 FIFA World Cup about Project Qatar 2019, visit pulmonology, ICU and neurolo- ants,” he added. “As we come serve our brothers there.” for Palestinian patients. Running concurrently with projects, and the National Mu- www.projectqatar.com.

Chevrolet Tahoe RST wins Best Performance Full Size SUV Award

n its latest series of achieve- its street-performance look and ments, the Chevrolet Tahoe increased power, the RST is the IRST was named the ‘Best Per- most performance-oriented formance Full Size SUV’ for 2019 Tahoe yet. The Tahoe RST has by the ‘Arab Motors Middle East’ already proven to be popular in team. Qatar since its introduction in The award was received in Qatar December 2018, and we are ex- last month. tremely proud to add this award Powered by a 6.2L V8 engine to its long list of achievements in coupled with a 10-speed trans- our market.” mission, the Tahoe RST delivers The Tahoe RST is a “true testa- a powerful 420HP and a 624Nm ment to Chevrolet’s commitment torque. Its added power is en- to produce cutting-edge perform- hanced with tuned suspension and ance SUV trucks. Its exceptional reigned in with high-performance styling is backed by equally im- brakes by Brembo. pressive performance, all the while The award-winning Chevrolet retaining the presence, and capa- Tahoe RST is diff erentiated with bility that make the Tahoe a fi rm its aftermarket cues, “which give it favorite in the large SUV segment”, a decidedly more aggressive street the statement adds. performance appearance. Ensur- Off icials with the Chevrolet Tahoe RST. The Tahoe RST is designed for ing an imposing stance to comple- customers who want a street per- ment the design enhancements, Commenting on the award, said: “It is a great honour to re- vehicles yet, particularly from a formance look and increased per- the Tahoe sits on exclusive 22-inch Samer al-Salem, general sales ceive this award for one of Chev- prestigious publication such as formance without sacrifi cing ca- wheels”, a press statement noted. manager at Jaidah Automotive, rolet’s most iconic performance ‘Arab Motors Middle East’. With pability or refi nement. Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 5 QATAR French sense of hospitality blends well with Qatari culture: offi cial

By Joey Aguilar Career span Staff Reporter With a career in hospital- ity spanning three decades, he popularity of French general manager Dominic Arel brands in Qatar rests in has an extensive knowledge Tthe richness of two cul- of hotel operations. Arel has tures that “perfectly blend” to been with Accorhotels since create memorable experienc- starting out on a career that es, Alwadi Hotel Doha general has included senior positions in manager Dominic Arel has said. hotels in North America, Europe “There are a lot of things and the Middle East. coming from the French sense of With a commitment to the hospitality, and when combined highest standards in luxury hos- with the Qatar heritage, it pleas- pitality, Arel has a proven track es many people,” he said. record in sales and revenue Arel cited the continuously management and has multiple growing interest of Qataris, as F&B accomplishments. A skilled well as expatriates, in French multi-tasker and exceptional brands, including the fi rst-ever problem solver, he thrives on fi ve-star French boutique hotel his ability to adapt and grow in in the country – MGallery’s Al- stressful and changing environ- wadi Doha, located in Msheireb ments. Dominic Arel, general manager, Alwadi Hotel Doha. PICTURE: Ram Chand Downtown Doha (MDD). As a ‘people’s person’, Arel As part of the MGallery col- revels in the personal element of the history of Doha. Msheireb took part in the Gout de/Good lection, the brand new fi ve-star of his role as general manager in Arabic means “the source of France recently, a few days af- boutique hotel “tells a unique and the interaction with all water”, that is where everything ter the launch of the property. Alwadi Hotel Doha has 213 rooms and suites. PICTURE: Jayan Orma story” and combines modern de- stakeholders. started, back in those days where More than 5,000 restaurants in sign with local history and herit- Qataris come here to get water,” fi ve continents, including over age – a growing demand from a he noted. 12 in Qatar, participated in the large number of travellers. this property with the restau- “And having this integrated annual event to celebrate French “The interest we got for the rants and bars, having this French in the overall outcome of the cuisine. property is quite unique, already fl air and Art de Recevoir is going property is unique, and will very The gastronomy event was or- we like to say that we are the talk to be a key diff erentiator.” much please Qataris, we already ganised by the French Ministry of the city since its opening,” Apart from having direct con- saw a lot of interest from the lo- for Europe and Foreign Aff airs Arel said. nection to Souq Waqif, the prop- cals, but as well from the expat in over 150 countries, and the Alwadi Hotel Doha has 213 erty is located just 15 minutes community and the corporate renowned chef Alain Ducasse, rooms and suites, each with from Hamad International Air- entities because of the way the underscoring the art of living thoughtful amenities, inspiring port and 10 minutes from West design was done and our sense of “a la francaise” (the French way patterns and a vibrant colour Bay, meeting the needs of both welcoming,” Arel added. of life). It also aims to promote scheme to bring a touch of herit- business and leisure travellers. He also lauded MDD – a sus- French products and France as a age to its contemporary design. Looking at the city’s history, tainable regeneration project tourism destination globally. “I believe that everybody will Arel said the hotel is part of – for its eff orts to help protect “It was a key for us to show- clearly understand and agree the Msheireb Downtown Doha and preserve the environment, case our off erings and the re- with me that we have, from a project, which works hard “to in terms of energy saving and re- sponse was terrifi c and very French brand, the knowhow and bring back centrally everything spect to the planet. positive,” Arel said. “It was nice this is going to be translated in to the heart of Doha.” “We are very happy to be asso- moment for the community to the way we welcome our guests,” “In terms of design, this prop- ciated with such a great vision- discover the property through Arel said, adding, “Gastronomy erty is unique in the way that it ary project,” Arel stressed. culinary aspects, something that is going to be a key element for respects the heritage, the heart He added that they also was very well received.” Alwadi Doha Hotel is located near Souq Waqif. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

MGallery’s brand new five-star boutique hotel recently opened at Msheireb Downtown Doha. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Qatar set to become ‘perfect mix of business and leisure destination’ By Joey Aguilar many European and Asian countries, QNTC, and we are working with them Staff Reporter and many of their citizens have been in terms of roadshows, participating regularly visiting Doha. in promoting Qatar and the property,” QNTC currently has offi ces in the UK, he said. he representative offi ces of Qa- France, Germany (covering Switzerland Arel underscored the importance of tar National Tourism Council and Austria), Italy, Singapore (covering working together, from hotel operators T(QNTC) in various region glo- South East Asia, including Malaysia and to other tourism entities, to promote bally has signifi cantly helped in fur- Hong Kong), the US, Turkey, India, Rus- the destination. ther boosting the country’s hospital- sia and China (four offi ces). “I am very happy with the strategy ity sector, Alwadi Hotel Doha general Looking at countries in the Far East, that QNTC has, since the recent years, manager Dominic Arel has said. Arel expressed confi dence that Qa- events that are aff ecting Qatar’s tour- MGallery’s brand new fi ve-star tar is set to become “a perfect mix of ism,” he said. “Key actions were taken boutique hotel recently opened at business and leisure destination in the by QNTC and we are already seeing Msheireb Downtown Doha, a vibrant years to come”. results but we will see sustainable re- new retail, commercial and residential About the visa-free entry to nation- sults or sustainable eff ects of this on development that is one the smartest als of some 80 countries, he said its hotels in the years to come.” and most sustainable city district in impact on the hospitality sector will be Arel said that QNTC’s strategy fi ts the world. felt in the months to come. well with the current situation and “QNTC’s strategy is showing al- “I am very optimistic about this benefi ts the hotels in Doha as it tries to ready, the pickup in the market is much move and I believe it is bringing as well diversify its source markets. stronger. It took a bit of months but a bit of knowledge of the destination “I thank QNTC for that vision of the reaction was very quick,” Arel told outside Qatar,” Arel pointed out, add- having those offi ces being opened Gulf Times. “Doha is becoming a des- ing that they will continue to collabo- everywhere, it will allow hotels to go tination that is now well known around rate closely with QNTC in promoting through those cycles of geopolitical the globe in diff erent markets that we the country as a destination. issues, of economy crises around the would not believe so in the past.” “I and my team have now been world, and this destination will not be He said the US is also becoming a around for over two years and are al- so much aff ected by a local issue,” he key source market for Qatar, as well as ready in relations quite a lot with stressed. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, April 7, 2019 QATAR Toyota RAV4 makes regional debut in Qatar

bdullah Abdulghani & Bros model, which combines two power off er them an unparalleled own- quicker and smoother accelera- Co (AAB), the exclusive sources consisting of a petrol en- ership experience.” tion. Adistributor of Toyota, has gine and two electric motors. Enabling the all-new RAV4 to On the other hand, a new elec- unveiled the stylish all-new 2019 The class-leading model, express its distinct personality and trifi ed hybrid system combines Toyota RAV4 in the Middle East. which off ers the lowest fuel brawnier stance is its robust design. two power sources consisting of a “Bringing a new era of im- consumption value of 22.2km Following the guiding themes petrol engine and two electric mo- proved performance, capability, per litre, enables customers to of Adventure and Refi ned, de- tors producing 176hp and 118hp, re- and safety, the fi fth generation contribute to a more sustainable signers created an athletic, chis- spectively, with a combined power RAV4, the compact SUV trend- future while enjoying increased elled appearance especially in the of 218hp, and delivering 221nm and setter is poised to, once again, driving satisfaction and engage- front-end and grille design. 121nm of torque, respectively. change the game,” AAB said in a ment provided by its advanced The RAV4’s distinct personal- It is also mated to a Direct Shift press statement, stressing that technologies and cabin quiet- ity is completed by its expansive Continuously Variable Transmis- the launch “delivers on its prom- ness, as well as its acceleration and comfortable cabin, which sion that ensures optimum fuel ise to introduce trendsetting ve- smoothness, especially when ac- displays exceptional quality and consumption while delivering a hicles that meet and exceed cus- celerating from a stand-still. fi nish throughout. new level of driving pleasure. tomer expectations”. The second addition to the The Refi ned theme guided in- The all-new RAV4 hybrid “The all-new RAV4 is, in es- RAV4 is the Adventure mod- terior design and the word ‘pre- electric model can be driven en- sence, disrupting the segment el, which is distinguished by a mium’ will come to mind, as well. tirely on electrical power with it created. It is bringing more more aggressive bumper, grille The cabin is accentuated with zero-fuel consumption and tail- sport and more utility back design and fog light surrounds, a range of advanced features, and pipe emissions, or by combining while further enhancing the ag- larger over-fenders, high-rise AAB and Toyota off icials at the launch of the RAV4. the all-new RAV4 also comes the power generated from both ile handling, everyday comfort roof rails, a retuned suspension, with an advanced safety system. the petrol engine and two electric and exemplary fuel effi ciency and exclusive 19-inch, split fi ve- cle, we thought about how best to concept of Adventure and Re- Toyota Motor Corp, added: “We A new 2.5-litre four-cylinder motors, depending on the vehi- that established the RAV4 as a spoke wheels with matte-black evolve the original idea, building fi nement. We have also improved are excited to launch the all-new Dynamic Force engine with D-4S cle’s speed and customer’s driv- fi rm favourite among motoring accents. on the two over-arching views of the RAV4’s performance to meet RAV4 in the region, setting a new fuel injection system, which ing behaviour. enthusiasts in the region,” the Yoshikazu Saeki, chief engi- the RAV4 – ‘driving performance the demands of any road.” benchmark in the compact SUV produces 204hp and 243nm of Available in nine exterior col- statement noted. neer for the Toyota RAV4, said: suited to any road’ and a ‘user- Yugo Miyamoto, chief repre- segment and presenting our cus- torque, is mated to a new eight- ours, the all-new RAV4 provides One of two major additions to the “At the very beginning of the de- friendly interior suited to any sentative, Middle East and North tomers with a vehicle that has speed Direct-Shift automatic customers the opportunity to ex- all-new RAV4 is the hybrid electric sign process for the all-new vehi- situation.’ This led us to the new Africa Representative Offi ce, evolved over fi ve generations, to transmission (8AT), resulting in press their individuality.

Off icials and dignitaries at the inauguration of the festival. LuLu celebrates ‘Jackfruit Fest’

uLu, the largest hypermarket chain as vegetarian kebab, quinoa salad, pizza, in the region, has launched its annual pudding, milk shakes and more. L‘Jackfruit Fest: A Celebration of Taste’. “This food festival is a special event that The festival was inaugurated by Indian not only highlights the fl avours of this fruit, ambassador P Kumaran at LuLu Hypermar- but also promotes the rich agricultural herit- ket, Barwa City. age of those countries. LuLu’s global sourcing The four-day promotion which is be- offi ces and food processing units have helped ing held at all LuLu stores across Qatar, them to be successful in guaranteeing the un- “features good off ers on a freshly imported interrupted supply at the most competitive selection of jackfruits”, LuLu has said in a prices all year round,” the statement notes. statement. Further, LuLu stressed that it “has con- LuLu has fl own in more than seven varie- tinuously been exerting its greatest eff orts ties of the tropical fruit for the festival from to provide and sustain the supply of global India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indo- products at the best rates. With the excel- nesia, Uganda and Vietnam. lent combination of high-quality off erings Besides the fresh range, jackfruit-infused and an organised logistics system, LuLu re- dishes inspired from cuisines from around mains the favourite shopping destination in the world are also available on shelves in the Qatar when it comes to a broader selection hot food section with healthy options such of international products”.

New Ooredoo recharge off er woos prepaid customers

oredoo has announced a new promo- tion for its prepaid customers, of- Ofering them “generous rewards and prizes that include data, cash, telco prizes will get 20 points. Topping up with QR15 and gold”. will see an unregistered user earning 150 The new Recharge Bonanza promotion points and a registered recharger will get 300 will see Hala customers earning points for points. each recharge they buy. Collecting 1,000 Speaking about the off er, Manar Khalifa points will mean receiving 100MB of free al-Muraikhi – director of PR and Corporate data, the company has said in a statement. Communications at Ooredoo, said: “We Customers will also receive trivia ques- know value for money is a prime concern for tions with their top-ups; answering the our customers, and complete customer sat- questions correctly will mean earning more isfaction is of vital importance to us. points, and customers will also stand a “Our Hala prepaid service is already great chance of winning one of a selection of daily, value, and this special promotion makes it weekly and monthly prizes — including more even more so. We hope customers enjoy col- data, cash, telecom prizes and even a grand lecting points and answering the trivia ques- prize of 1kg of gold. tions, and we wish them all the best of luck in Additionally, any customer activating the trivia competition.” a new SIM card will automatically receive Hala customers can buy top-ups through 1,000 points and 100MB of free data valid for all regular channels: at any Ooredoo shop, one day. All the free data customers receive online at ooredoo.qa or via the app. with this off er will be valid for one day. New customers can get Hala online at the A top-up of QR1 will earn an unregistered Ooredoo eShop or by visiting any Ooredoo user 10 points, while a registered recharger shop with their QID or passport.

Aamal opens Total oil change centre

amal Trading and Distribution (ATD), Aa subsidiary of Aamal Company, an offi cial dis- tributor of Total Lubricants and an exclusive distribu- tor of Bridgestone tyres in Qatar, recently launched Total’s oil change centre in collaboration with Al Mawheba Centre for Quick Services and the support of Total Marketing Qatar. The newly-launched Al Mawheba Centre for Quick Off icials pose with team members at the formal opening. Services aims to better meet the market’s increas- partnership with Total”. was attended by Total Mar- ing needs in the automotive Located on Street 2 in the keting Qatar general man- sector and enhance acces- Industrial Area, Al Mawheba ager Ketan Kumar, ATD di- sibility to Total’s products in Centre for Quick Services vision head — Automotive Qatar, according to a press off ers premium services Shambil Basit, Al Mawheba statement. such as Total oil change and Centre managers Mozahim The opening of the centre wash for light vehicles. and Yasin as well as respec- “also refl ects ATD’s strong The opening ceremony tive team members.

Gulf Times 8 Sunday, April 7, 2019 QATAR

Women test drive the award- winning G70.

Genesis takes part in Ladies Off icials with all-new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Test Drive Hyundai Santa Fe wins Best Open Day Design Mid-Size SUV award kyline Automotive and its Genesis lux- ury brand took part in the Ladies Test SDrive Open Day, which took place at he all-new 2019 Hyundai ager at Skyline Automotive, 2018, we have received great Losail International Circuit recently. Santa Fe, distributed in Qatar said: “We are greatly hon- interest from our audience Organised for the second time in Qatar, Tby Skyline Automotive, was oured to receive such a pres- here in Qatar.” more than 70 women from across the country named the Best Design Mid-Size tigious award from one of the In Qatar, Hyundai vehicles had the opportunity to test drive the all-new SUV in 2019 by ‘Arab Motors Middle most prominent car maga- are available at Skyline Auto- G70 2.0 Turbo and Genesis G70 3.3 Sport. East’. zines in Qatar and the Middle motive, a Jaidah Group com- The multiple award-winning G70 received The mid-size SUV’s “slick style, East. The all-new Santa Fe pany and offi cial distribution “remarkable feedback from the female mo- executive features and exceptional is the perfect family car and, partner of the Hyundai Motor torists as they had a fi rst-hand experience of performance eff ectively keeps its since the launch in December Company. what makes the Genesis a world-class brand”, position as one of the leading vehi- a press statement noted. cles in its category across the Middle Speaking on their participation at the East”, a press statement notes. event, Johan Madarasz, marketing manager The Santa Fe’s spacious interior at Skyline Automotive, said: “We’re thrilled and high levels of safety “make it the to have taken part in this great event and pro- perfect choice for a family-friendly vide women in Qatar vehicle and is also suitable during with an opportunity “Female motorists diff erent seasons of the year”. to experience the had a fi rst-hand The Hyundai Santa Fe’s exte- awarded Genesis experience of what rior design is in line with the ideal G70 model. makes the Genesis modern vehicle. The mid-size SUV “The Genesis G70 a world-class includes various sharp features as provides the perfect brand” well as smooth contours to portray balance between its slick design. The front end shows comfort, sophistication and performance, off its sophisticated composite head- and we received great feedback from the par- lights along with the signature cas- ticipants. We thank Losail Circuit Sports Club cading grille. for this wonderful event, and look forward to The all-new Santa Fe is also ideal taking part in similar events in the future.” for any family looking for a high- The G70 is equipped with the Active Safety riding utility vehicle, and is durable Control to ensure that drivers have a safe, during off -roading as well as tackling stable and advanced driving experience. The unpaved streets. Additionally, its G70 has achieved great results worldwide new 8-speed automatic transmis- these past few months and was recognised as sion generates strength and quality the North American Car of The Year and 2019 performance through any road jour- Motor Trend Car of The Year, the statement ney. added. Johan Madarasz, marketing man- Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 9 QATAR

Mitsubishi Montero Sport bags ‘Best Mid-Size 4x4’ award

he Mitsubishi Montero qualities which have made it a fa- The Montero Sport is “ideal for Sport has received the ‘Best vourite choice to drivers in Qatar adventure and speed”, the state- TMid-Size 4x4’ Award from and internationally.” ment pointed out. Golden Steering Awards – Qatar Haitham Ebef, Mitsubishi “From refi ned meters to so- 2019, organised by ‘Arab Motors brand manager, added: “Mit- phisticated fl oor console, every Middle East’ and ‘X-Tork’. subishi Montero Sport has once feature is fi ne-tuned to enhance The awards are dedicated to again been recognised as holding driving pleasure and keep you 4x4 and SUV vehicles and were the leading position in the 4x4 in confi dent control. Whether announced at Al Enna Camp in segment. Its design, technology passing vehicles on highways or Sealine with the participation of and performance in all environ- travelling up steep slopes, you a selection of 4X4 and SUV vehi- ments have ensured this vehicle need a powerful response you cles from various brands in Qatar. remains ahead of its rivals as the can depend on. The 3.0-litre V6 The Mitsubishi Montero Sport preferred choice of 4x4 in Qatar.” MIVEC gasoline engine gener- was acknowledged as best mid- Nabil al-Hassan, organiser ates all the power you demand size 4x4 thanks to its capabili- of the 2019 Golden Steering of a rugged SUV to accomplish ties both on and off -road, a press Awards, said: “Based on inter- every mission with smooth, ef- statement noted. national standards, these awards fi cient ease.” The vehicle demonstrated Off icials with the award. aim to acknowledge the capabili- The Mitsubishi Motors show- “great ability in the area of sur- ties of the vehicles on off er by a room on Salwa Road is open from passing natural obstacles and manager of Qatar Automobiles pation in this event demonstrates number of diff erent brands and Saturday to Thursday, 8am to off ering high levels of safety, Company, a subsidiary of Nasser our commitment to Qatar in raise awareness on their features. 9pm, and on Friday from 5pm to complemented by modern tech- Bin Khaled Holding and the au- terms of providing the best-in- We congratulate Mitsubishi 9pm. nology features and a suspension thorised general distributor of class vehicles to its residents. The Montero Sport on winning this The Al Khor showroom is open which allows more stability in all Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, said: Montero Sport won this award prestigious award and thank all from Saturday to Wednesday, conditions”. “Qatar Automobiles Company in recognition of its capabilities brands for their valuable partici- 8am to 8pm, and on Thursday Hesham al-Sahn, general and Mitsubishi Motors’ partici- whether in the city or off -road, pation.” from 8am to 3pm. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Sidra Housing Village handed over to QF azaya Real Estate Devel- opment Company said Third generation of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes to Qatar Mit has handed over the Sidra Housing Village to Qatar Foundation (QF). asser Bin Khaled (NBK) Auto- tion touchscreens and high-quality ma- Three wheelbases, three vehicle In October last year, Ma- mobiles, the authorised general terials determine the visual impression heights and various body variants: vari- zaya “initially handed over Sidra Ndistributor of Mercedes-Benz in and ambiance. ability and versatility are also among the Housing Village to QF for it to Qatar, has presented the all-new Mer- The stowage compartment concept most important attributes of the new begin the procedures of inspec- A view of the Sidra Housing cedes-Benz Sprinter in Qatar. exemplifi es the adaptability of the in- Sprinter when it comes to load capacity. tion for all the housing units Village. The launch of the third generation of terior. A choice of open or closed com- Lower fuel consumption and reduced in- and accompanying facilities. QF this multi-purpose vehicle took place partments, and a lockable compartment engine friction are part of the competitive requested additional require- member and CEO, Mazaya, recently during a special ceremony at within the roof liner in the cockpit area, lineup of the third-generation Sprinter. ments and Mazaya immediately thanked QF for its confi dence in Losail International Circuit. enable the confi guration to be tailored The four-cylinder diesel engine, met and completed them a short awarding the Sidra Housing Village “The new Sprinter elevates the bench- precisely to the given requirements for available with Euro V emission stand- period of time.” QF agreed on the to Mazaya and for its continued mark for the large van segment, off ering the workplace behind the wheel. ards and suitable for Qatar fuel charac- fi nal handing-over of the village support, as the “project is consid- an innovative and diverse range of prod- With the presentation of the new teristics, has a displacement of 2.1 litres on April 1 of this year. ered one of the best current real es- uct features that serves specifi c market Sprinter, a whole range of optional safe- with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel Mazaya chairman Rashid bin tate investments in the local market needs more eff ectively than ever before. ty and assistance systems is now avail- drive, generating a choice of two out- Fahad al-Naimi stated that a fi nal based on the terms of the lease.” Through its technology and intelligence, able from Mercedes-Benz Vans that puts: 84kW (114hp) and 120kW (163hp). agreement was reached with QF, Sidra Housing Village has the new Sprinter off ers every customer were previously maintained within the For passenger transport, the new and “despite the current condi- some 1,165 residential units cov- a model tailored precisely to his or her passenger car series. These include the Sprinter is available with diff erent con- tions in the real estate market and ering an area of 145,000sq m, needs,” a press statement noted. radar-based distance control system fi gurations in the passenger compart- low rental rates, the current agree- developed by Mazaya Real Estate The Sprinter has diff erent priorities DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist and ment and diff erent equipment variants ment would carry a yield above Development Company for Qatar dependent on the customers’ needs and Active Lane Keeping Assist. for the seating. 12%, over a period of 21 years.” Foundation under Build-Oper- requirements. The exterior of the Sprinter has a new Partnering with Arobus, a renowned Al-Naimi thanked QF for its ate-Transfer scheme (BOT) for a Ranging from the basic specifi cation sensual design without compromising bodybuilder solution provider — Mer- co-operation and support to Ma- period of 21 years. variant for customers who value proven its role to support business needs and cedes-Benz Vans Mena has converted zaya, looking ahead to “potential Sidra Housing Village is con- Sprinter attributes such as standard- requirements, and the interior also fol- the Sprinter into a ‘Shuttle’ variant for new partnerships and co-opera- sidered one of the largest resi- fi t electronic stability programme and lows the design philosophy of ‘sensual the Middle East. tion” between the parties in the dential compounds in the coun- standard safety equipment like Cross- purity’. With up to 17cubic-metre load The Sprinter ‘Shuttle’ lineup comes near future. try in terms of area and number wind Assist, through to the highest capacity, the new Sprinter is also the in three seating confi gurations from 15 Hamad bin Ali al-Hedfa, board of housing units and facilities. The all-new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. specifi cation model where high-resolu- leader for payload. to 22 seats plus the driver.

ICC to showcase Indian festivals during ‘Bharat Utsav 2019’ at Sheraton on April 12

he Indian Cultural Centre Artistes from Chennai will be evening, and eminent personali- (ICC), in association with the led by Bismillah Khan awardee ties from Qatar and other diplo- TIndian embassy and all ICC Uma Nambudripad Satya Naray- matic missions are expected to associate organisations, will stage anan, and include Vidya Ravin- grace the occasion. a cultural show celebrating Indian dran Anand and Jai Quehaeni A commemorative souvenir festivals — ‘Bharat Utsav 2019’ — at Reddy. All three dancers are dis- will also be brought out to mark Sheraton Doha on April 12. ciples of Padmashri Chitra Vish- the celebration. This programme will be held veshran and graded artists with Invitation is by free passes, as a part of ‘Festival of India’ national broadcaster Doordar- which will be distributed at ICC under Qatar-India 2019 Year of shan and the Indian Council for on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served ba- Culture, initiated by the Indian Cultural Relations. sis at the end of this week. embassy in co-ordination with They will be performing the A press conference held to and support from the Ministry ‘Nrityashrinkala’, a Bharatan- announce the details of the of Culture, Government of India, atyam performance. event was attended by ICC and Qatar Museums. Performances by local tal- president Manikantan A P, The musical evening will con- ents will include various Indian vice-president Vinod Nair, tain performances from visiting classical and folk dances for oc- general secretary Seenu Pillai, artistes from India as well as local casions such as Thaipusam, head of Premises, HR & Sport talent from the ICC’s associate Spring Festival, Makar Sankranti, Jaffarkhan, head of Cultural & organisations. Holi, Baisakhi, Oppana, Ganesh Education Activities Dr Naya- Visiting artistes from Kolkata Off icials at the press conference. Chaturthi, Onam, Dussehra, Di- na Wagh, cultural co-ordinator include the winners of vari- wali and Karva Chauth. Nirmala S, head of Consular ous awards — Kalamandalam dancer Subha Jena and Sumanjit form ‘Nrityabithi Batayan’, which of Indian classical dance, namely chipudi from Andhra Pradesh Indian ambassador P Kuma- Services Bhumeshwar P and Swarnadipa Mahanta, classical Chakraborty. The trio will per- comprises three separate genres Mohiniyattam from Kerala, Ku- and Odissi from Odisha. ran will be the chief guest for the head of Affiliation Mohsin P. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, April 7, 2019 QATAR

Amir meets IPU delegates

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with delegates to 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the Sheraton Doha Hotel, in Doha yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with a number of delegates on the sidelines of the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the Sheraton Doha Hotel yesterday evening. The Amir met with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Mustafa Sentop, Chairman of the State Duma of Russia Vyacheslav Volodin and President of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium Siegfried Theofiel Bracke. During the meetings Qatar’s brotherly relations and ties of friendship with Lebanon, Turkey, Russia and Belgium were reviewed, especially in the legislative and parliamentary fields. HE the Advisory Council Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud attended the meetings. Amir attends opening of IPU Assembly From Page 1 ing conclusions and rec- ommendations during the The offi cial also noted course of the meetings,” he that there was one percent said. of increase in the number Voronkov, representing of women in the parlia- the UN Secretary-General ments in the last three years Antonio Guterres, said and more has to be done in the United Nations has a increasing the number of strategic partnership with women in parliaments. She Qatar. He said: “This as- also pointed out that there sembly is crucial for all of should be more youngsters us. In the area of counter in parliaments. terrorism which is one of Chungong stated that the main topics in this as- the assembly will dis- sembly, we expect to have cuss a number of impor- some concrete tant topics and will come discussions.” out with forward looking Guterres addressed the conclusions. “There will gathering through a video be fruitful deliberations message that highlighted during the course of the the fruitful co-operation assembly which will reaf- the UN and the IPU share fi rm the founding values on topics such as counter- of the union. We expect to ing terrorism and prevent- have several forward look- ing extremism.

Amir highlights youth’s role in popular movements From Page 1

“Just as we co-operate in fighting terrorism, we must co-operate in combating the causes of extremism and addressing its causes. Experience proves over and over again that extremism is not confined to one civilisation than the other, nor to the adherents of a specific religion than the other, and that every generalisation of this kind is nothing but an utter racism,” the Amir said. “The problem is not in the principle of diff erences but choosing a path of antagonism and hostility instead of healthy diff erence. Diff erence is indicative of health and wellness if it leads to dialogue. Parliamentary diplomacy is of greater importance in promoting dialogue for peaceful settlement of disputes, even for conflicts that are thought by some to be insoluble,” added the Amir. Full text of His Highness the Amir’s speech Pages 22, 23 Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 11 QATAR

FM meets parliamentary officials from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Germany

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met separately yesterday with Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of House of Representatives of Nepal Krishna Bahadur Mahara, and Vice President of the Bundestag (German Parliament) Claudia Roth, on the sidelines of the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. During the meetings, they discussed bilateral relations, ways of supporting and developing them, as well as matters of mutual interest.

Speaker meets Kazakhstan’s chairman Qatar-Sweden relations highlighted

he head of the Swedish views on the IPU’s focus on delegation to the Inter- education and the importance TParliamentary Union of providing good education to (IPU) event, First Deputy Speak- refugees. Further, the Swedish er of the Swedish Parliament Asa First Deputy Speaker empha- Lindestam, held a meeting with sised UN Security Council Reso- HE the Deputy Prime Minister lution 1325 on women, peace and and Minister of Foreign Aff airs security, noting that both coun- Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrah- tries shared a strong interest that man al-Thani in Doha yesterday. was well in line with the Swedish Lindestam reconfi rmed the Feminist Foreign Policy. excellent bilateral relations be- They also expressed the mu- tween Qatar and Sweden dur- tual interest to support Syrian ing the courtesy visit and she refugees. HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud met yesterday with congratulated Qatar for hosting “It was a positive meeting Kazakhstan Mazhilis of Parliament Chairman Nurlan Nigmatulin and his accompanying delegation, such an important and extensive where HE Sheikh Mohamed asked on the sidelines of the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its related IPU meeting, according to a me- Lindestam to convey greetings to meetings currently held in Doha. During the meeting, they discussed the parliamentary relations dia statement issued by Swedish his Swedish counterpart, Minister between the Advisory Council and the Kazakhstan parliament, as well as the topics on the agenda ambassador Ewa Polano. of Foreign Aff airs Margot Wall- of the 140th IPU General Assembly and its related meetings. A number of members of the Advisory The two sides exchanged ström,” the statement added. Council and Kazakhstan ambassador to Qatar Askar Shokybayev attended the meeting. Speaker meets PUIC secretary-general ‘Qatari women are competing on level-playing fi eld’

By Peter Alagos the promotion of the status of Business Reporter women and the promotion of our prosperity,” al-Mansouri stressed. atar has the necessary “While we are talking about legislation that bans any the rights of women in Qatar, HE the Speaker of Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud met yesterday Qform of discrimination we should refer in this connec- with secretary-general of Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation mem- against women, a member of tion to the initiatives taken by ber states (PUIC) Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass, on the sidelines of the 140th General Assembly of the Advisory Council, stressed Her Highness Sheikha Moza the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its related meetings currently held in Doha. During the during the 29th session of the bint Nasser, who has relentlessly meeting, they discussed the parliamentary relations between the Advisory Council and the PUIC, Forum of Women Parliamen- worked to promote the status of and ways to support and develop them. Also, they discussed the topics on the agenda of the tarians held yesterday on the Qatari women. Indeed, Qatari 140th IPU General Assembly and the related meetings. sidelines of the 140th IPU Gen- women have their rightful place eral Assembly, which will run in in society,” she added. Doha until April 10. According to the Advisory In her opening speech, Reem Council member, Qatari women bint Mohamed al-Mansouri, were able to make “a great leap who was elected by acclama- forward”. Since the 1990s, she tion yesterday as president of said, Qatari women have been the 29th session of the Forum of able to participate in all activities Golan Heights and Women Parliamentarians, said in society and have set up busi- His Highness the Amir Sheikh nesses and associations involving Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani “is women in the business sector. very keen” to uphold the inter- “Further, the appropriate en- ests of the region in promot- vironment has been made pos- Reem bint Mohamed al-Mansouri speaking at the forum yesterday. safety of Palestinians ing education and the rights of sible for women to enter the women. business world and economic have access to education, health- en have the same chances of be- Al-Mansouri noted that His activities. Indeed, Qatari women care and the job market. The in- ing promoted in the job market Highness the Amir “is working are competing on a level-play- ternational report on gender gaps like men. Women have the same hard in order to promote the sta- ing fi eld with men, and Qatari between men and women issued opportunities to get promotions priority for IPG tus of women”. women have been working hard by the Davos meeting has shown and to get the job they deserve. “Indeed, we are four wom- to hone their management and that Qatari women have a good Qatar has acceded to many inter- en nominated in the Advisory knowledge skills,” al-Mansouri standing when it comes to the national and regional agreement E Ahmed bin Abdullah Mohamed Khouraichi Niass, tions and recommendations are Council… this is a strong indi- explained. participation in the economic ac- and conventions; we have acced- bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, Secretary-General of the Par- interlacing and have to be uni- cation of the wise leadership of “At the same time, Qatari tivities of the country. ed to the UN convention against Hthe Speaker of the Ad- liamentary Union of the OIC fi ed, pointing to what is hap- Qatar; the political landscape women are undertaking their role “Our law enshrines equality all forms of discrimination visory Council and Chairman member states, said the Par- pening at Al Aqsa Mosque at the in Qatar is very propitious in as equal partners in society. They between men and women. Wom- against women.” of the co-ordination meeting liamentary Union of the OIC hands of the Zionists. of the Islamic Parliamentar- member states (PUIC) confer- He stressed that the protec- ian Group (IPG), has expressed ence, held recently in Morocco, tion of the Palestinians is an im- hope that the meetings of the condemned the frequent Israeli mensely important issue. group would be successful and violations against the Palestin- The representative of the Iraqi productive for the good of the ian people and asked the United Parliament stressed the impor- Doha IPU meet a befi tting reply to siege countries Muslim world. Nations to provide them with tance of peaceful co-existence He called on representatives the necessary protection. and the protection of the rights From Page 1 140th IPU Assembly host was Barron praised the unprec- sentatives to the negotiations at the group to unify their sug- He added, “The Islamic coun- of minorities. held in a public, open session edented level of participation table, QNA added. gestions and recommendations tries have observed that after its He said it is necessary to pro- The Speaker also said the at the 139th General Assembly in the Doha event. She said 162 On Palestine and Al Quds, the for the protection of people and recent conference in Morocco, vide the Palestinian people with fabrications of the blockading of the IPU meetings in Geneva countries are taking part in the IPU president called for respect- enhancing solidarity among the suff erings of the Palestinian adequate protection and recog- countries were a desperate at- last October and the records are assembly with 30% of the del- ing human rights and interna- them. people have increased due to the nise the Arab sovereignty on the tempt to use the IPU’s platform available for public viewing on egates being women and 13% tional law, and to work towards Representatives of the Islamic Israeli arrogance.” Golan Heights. The IPG should to promote their political agenda the IPU website. young people. a resolution of the Arab-Israeli countries participating in the He said the declaration to rec- focus on such issues, it was against Qatar, highlighting that Cuevas Barron pointed out She said the emergency com- confl ict. 140th Inter-Parliamentary Un- ognise Golan Heights as Israeli observed. this was something the member that the IPU Assembly is an mittees of the Assembly will dis- Chungong, meanwhile, point- ion Assembly have made various territory is null and void, and The representative of Iran countries were well aware of, excellent opportunity to build cuss human rights violations and ed out that the IPU Assembly suggestions regarding provid- violates all international laws called for putting the Islamic QNA reported. bridges and open dialogue and issues that constitute threats to focuses on the issue of education ing the Palestinian people with and protocols. issues on the top priorities and The press conference was discussions to resolve issues the stability of the region . for peace and democracy, stress- due protection and guaranteeing Niass stressed the importance supporting world countries on held jointly with IPU president peacefully, and it is a big mistake Responding to a question on ing that many crises could be at- them an eff ective international of protecting Muslim minorities related Islamic issues. Gabriela Cuevas Barron and IPU to fail to participate in it. She the Union’s position with regard tributed to the lack of education protection, in addition to the everywhere in the world, in par- The representative of Paki- secretary-general Martin expressed hope that the event to the ban blockading countries or its low quality. Accordingly, protection of Muslim minorities ticular after the attacks on the stan saw that the Muslim world Chungong. would refl ect positively on world have imposed on their parlia- the event is working to come in diff erent countries and com- two mosques in New Zealand. was facing various challenges, Chungong agreed with the peace and security through en- mentarians , Cuevas Barron said up with recommendations that bating racism and hatred against The representative of Pales- which required the unifi cation of statement of HE al-Mahmoud, hancing communication among the IPU is seeking to get all the support the achievement of Islam, according to a statement. tine noted that all the sugges- eff orts to address them. stressing that the vote for the the stakeholders. region’s parliamentary repre- sustainable development. Porsche Centre Doha welcomes the new Macan ollowing a comprehensive upgrade, one of Porsche’s most popular models, the Macan, is now available in Qatar. With performance credentials that underline the model’s position Fas the true sports car in its segment, the latest generation was showcased to guests at a special event held by Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq Automobiles Co. w.l.l at Porsche Show- room in Medina Centrale, The Pearl - Qatar. The brand’s compact SUV has evolved in terms of comfort and driving dynamics, with two engine versions available at launch, the Macan and the more powerful Macan S. Commenting on the arrival of the new model, Salman Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO of Porsche Centre Doha, said: “The Macan has been one of our most successful series in Qatar and with the new generation combining even more pronounced Porsche DNA, greater performance and comfort, I am confident that the success story is sure to continue. I believe that the Macan is the most exciting compact SUV on the market, never allowing you to forget it is a true sports car at heart. The new range offers the perfect balance of emotions and functionality, and I am delighted to be welcoming the first variants to the market.” The Macan comes to the starting line with an enhanced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylin- der engine, producing 252 hp and delivering a maximum torque of 370 Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and reaches a top speed of 227 km/h. The Macan S is powered by a new V6 engine, which was first introduced in the new generations of the Panamera and Cayenne. The high-tech power unit produces 354 hp (an increase of 14 hp compared to its predecessor) and a torque output of 480 Nm. As a result, acceleration to 100 km/h is just 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package; its top speed is 254 km/h. The vehicle dynamics of the Macan remain a principle feature. The revamped chassis in- creases driving pleasure, offering stability and improved comfort thanks to newly developed mixed-size tyres, enhanced brakes and the intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Manage- ment (PTM) system. All combined, the Macan feels even more like a sports car than ever before. The range of standard equipment has been further enhanced, thus increasing the attrac- tiveness of the new model. Customers can now enjoy features, such as a panoramic sunroof, automatically dimming mirrors and ParkAssist in front and rear with reversing camera, at no extra costs. A further evolved design language is visible in the new Macan, giving it an even more dis- tinctive and confident appearance. The front end of the Macan has been comprehensively re- vamped and now appears wider. Redesigned main headlights feature LED technology as stan- dard, whilst a three-dimensional LED light panel on the rear of the vehicle is also incorporated in the new range. Drivers have more scope to express their personality too with the addition of four exterior colours – Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Cray- on. Inside, the new Macan offers high-quality equipment as standard. The seat surfaces are covered with Alcantara® and the steering wheel, selector lever and armrests are finished in leather with additional full-leather interiors also optionally available. Porsche’s sports car DNA can be found throughout. The optional GT sports steering wheel echoes the Porsche 911, whilst a mode switch integrated into the steering wheel – including Sport Response button – is part of the optional Sport Chrono Package and was originally used in the Porsche 918 Spyder super sports car. Enhanced functionality comes via the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, including a 10.9-inch touchscreen (increased from 7.2 inches) as standard. The new Porsche Macan and Macan S are now available at Porsche Centre Qatar. Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 13 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Algerians abroad return home, seeing hope in protest movement

AFP “It’s a duty,” said Kaci, 52, who on Friday, the fi rst mass dem- day and I don’t miss anything on reforms and the departure of key ied marine biology, but like She had moved to Canada in Algiers has spent almost half her life in onstration since Boutefl ika an- social media,” Kaci said. fi gures in the 82-year-old’s en- many Algerians, left the coun- 2000, to be reunited with her the British capital since going nounced on Tuesday he was She was joined in the crowd by tourage. try when it plunged in the early children after sending them there into exile at the height of Alge- stepping down after two decades her former husband Salah Allali, Boutefl ika’s departure was 1990s into a decade-long civil at the height of the civil war. or weeks, expat Algerians ria’s 1990s civil war. in power. while her daughter Nada, who “just the beginning,” Kaci said. war that left at least 200,000 “My children have everything have been streaming home, Sports shoes on her feet and Flying in from Europe, the Gulf was born in Britain, and nephew “Still to come is the departure people dead. there, but they are ready to come Fsome just for the weekend, an Algerian fl ag draped over her and North America, some have Yazi Nait-Ladjemil had both of the rest of the ‘gang’ and the Back in Algiers, returned ex- work and invest in their country,” to play their part in the historic shoulders, she held aloft a sign used up annual leave or taken ex- come from London to take part in building of a second republic.” pats say they are surprised by the she said. changes sweeping the country. in English: “Call to all Algeri- tra time off work to take part. the protest. Protesters say they want to see country’s new-found freedom of Former trade unionist Salah “I took unpaid leave to come ans living abroad - return home “Since February 22, I haven’t Kaci herself arrived back in the resignations of the powerful speech and the strong presence Allali, who also sought refuge in and march in Algeria, to be here and support our citizens in their been able to sleep,” Kaci said, re- Algiers the previous Friday and “3B” - Senate speaker Abdelkad- of women at the vast, largely Britain in the 1990s, took an extra physically,” said Chahrazade struggle to build the 2nd repub- ferring to the day of the fi rst mass “joined the march right from the er Bensalah, head of the con- peaceful marches. week of holiday without pay to be Kaci, who arrived back from Lon- lic.” protests against Boutefl ika’s bid airport”, she said. stitutional council Tayeb Belaiz Kheira, 65, also took unpaid able to head home. don just days before president Kaci was one of many return- for a fi fth term in offi ce. Following Boutefl ika’s resig- and Prime Minister Noureddine leave from her job as a teacher in “The regime must understand Abdelaziz Boutefl ika resigned in ees among the immense crowd “I’m addicted to the Internet, nation, protesters are now press- Bedoui. Montreal to take part in “these that this revolution must end the face of huge protests. that fi lled the streets of Algiers I follow developments 24 hours a ing on with calls for sweeping Born in Algiers, Kaci stud- historic marches”. with its departure,” he said. Protesters rally outside Sudan army HQ for the fi rst time

AFP to disperse them, witnesses said, Khartoum adding that some demonstrators threw rocks at the police offi cers. In a separate demonstration housands of Sudanese yesterday, protesters reached demonstrators marched the army offi ce in the town of Tin Khartoum yesterday, Madani southeast of the capital, many reaching the army head- witnesses told AFP by telephone. quarters for the fi rst time since Protests have rocked the deadly protests against President country since December, with Omar al-Bashir erupted in De- angry crowds accusing Bashir’s cember, witnesses said. government of mismanaging the Chanting “one army, one peo- economy that has led to soaring ple,” the protesters rallied in the food prices and regular shortages capital’s streets following a call of fuel and foreign currency. by organisers to march on the Demonstrations fi rst erupted Military vehicles of Misrata forces, under the protection of Tripoli’s forces, are seen in Tajura neighbourhood, east of Tripoli, yesterday. compound, which also houses on December 19 after a govern- Bashir’s residence. ment decision to triple the price The crowds chanted the move- of bread. ment’s catchcry “peace, justice, But they quickly escalated into freedom” as they marched to- nationwide rallies against Ba- wards the complex where the shir’s rule, with protesters call- defence ministry is also based, ing on him to step down. onlookers said. On February 22, the veteran “They were also calling on leader imposed a nationwide Haftar’s forces press on Bashir to step down,” a witness state of emergency to quell the said. protests after an initial crack- Taking a break from shouting down failed to rein in the rallies. anti-government slogans, pro- Since emergency rule came tester Ghada Mohamed said the into eff ect, the demonstrations rally signalled a “bright future” have been largely confi ned to for Sudan. the capital and its twin city of with Tripoli off ensive Protester Amir Omer said the Omdurman, but organisers had demonstrators had managed to called for widespread rallies and AFP The air strikes came as fresh leaving dozens of militia to fi ll kets, an AFP journalist said. cide their future themselves” send a message to the military. a march on the army headquar- Tripoli fi ghting fl ared yesterday south the void and ally with either the “We must store everything we through “inclusive” dialogue. “We still haven’t achieved our ters yesterday. of Tripoli between the pro- GNA or the rival administration need for the family, just in case, “Without any sort of artifi cial goal, but we have delivered our April 6 was chosen for the na- government forces and Haftar’s in the east backed by Haftar. especially those with young dates that some are trying to force message to the army and that is: tionwide rallies as it was the day orces loyal to Libyan com- troops despite calls from the in- At least one armed group children,” said Farida, a mother upon them from outside,” Russian come join us,” he told AFP. of a 1985 uprising that toppled mander Khalifa Haftar ternational community to halt from Misrata - whose forces are pushing a full shopping cart. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Soon after reaching the com- the then regime of president Jaa- Fyesterday pressed on with the military off ensive. mostly loyal to the UN-backed “You never know how long it said during a visit to Cairo. pound, organisers called on the far Nimeiri. an off ensive on Tripoli, defying Several European foreign government - arrived yester- will last,” she added. Despite the Tripoli fl are-up, protesters to stand fi rm outside Before the protests began, international calls to halt hos- ministers warned Haftar not to day in eastern Tripoli to join the Haftar’s forces were driven UN envoy Ghassan Salame in- its fortifi ed walls. security forces deployed in tilities which risk plunging the countenance any further mili- counter-off ensive, according to back by a few kilometres on Fri- sisted the April 14-16 talks in the “At this historic moment, we large numbers in key Khartoum country into civil war. tary action, with France’s Jean- an AFP photographer. day evening after briefl y seizing Libyan city of Ghadames would ask you to not leave the army squares and in Omdurman, Pro-Haftar fi ghters have been Yves Le Drian warning “there “We are waiting for orders Tripoli’s international airport, go ahead. headquarters and hold a sit-in in across the Nile. slowed in their advance by forc- will be no military victory”. to repel any advance by the en- which was destroyed in 2014. “We are determined” to hold the nearby streets,” the organis- “There’s a heavy security de- es loyal to Libya’s internation- German Foreign Minister emy towards Tripoli,” said the On Friday they were pushed the talks “as scheduled” unless ers said in a statement. ployment where the protesters ally-recognised Government of Heiko Maas said there should be group’s spokesman Khaled Abu back from a key checkpoint prevented by serious obstacles, “We appreciate that the army were to gather for the march, National Accord (GNA), which pressure on all the actors in Lib- Jazia. west of the capital, less than Salame told a press conference. did not touch the protesters and but they still came out and are sits in the capital. ya “especially general Haftar”. Dozens of armed vehicles 24 hours after seizing it dur- “We want to reassure Libyans we hope that it will take the side chanting anti-government slo- For the fi rst time, forces back- A similar stance was taken by mounted with anti-aircraft guns ing their lightning offensive that we will stay alongside the of the people.” gans,” a witness in Khartoum ing the GNA launched air strikes the UN Security Council which, were gathered in Tajura, in the towards Tripoli. Libyan people to make the po- Since the protests erupted, se- told AFP, without revealing his on Haftar’s self-styled Libyan following a closed-door emer- suburbs east of the capital. The latest escalation in the litical process a success without curity agents and riot police have name for security reasons. National Army (LNA) - which gency meeting on Friday, said Tripoli residents have ex- confl ict-wracked country resorting to escalation.” cracked down on demonstrators Security agents were prevent- vowed to retaliate - around those responsible for re-igniting pressed concern that large-scale comes just days ahead of a UN- Libya’s unity government was but the army has not intervened. ing passers-by from reaching 50km south of Tripoli. the confl ict will be held respon- fi ghting could break out and backed conference intended to created at UN-backed talks in After a few hours, dozens of downtown areas of the capital Pro-government forces in sible. began stocking up on food and unite Libya’s rivals and pave the 2015 but it has struggled to as- vehicles full of riot police con- and ordered shops and markets Tripoli confi rmed they had tar- Libya has struggled to counter petrol. way for elections. sert control, while a number of verged near the compound and in the area to close, witnesses geted Haftar’s men with “inten- unrest since the 2011 overthrow Yesterday large queues formed Russia’s top diplomat yester- international initiatives since fi red tear gas at protesters in a bid said. sive strikes”. of dictator Muammar Gaddafi , at petrol stations and supermar- day called for Libyans to “de- have failed to unite the country. Iran orders evacuations Ebola death toll tops amid fears of fresh fl oods 700 in DR Congo AFP Liberia and Sierra Leone. Butembo, DR Congo “Since the start of the epi- Agencies “We advise all women and The worst hit in the latest del- demic, overall cases are 1,117 - Tehran children to be evacuated to shel- uge was Lorestan Province where 1,051 confi rmed and 66 probable. ters and youngsters to remain in some cities whole neighbour- ome 100 people have died In total there are 702 deaths (636 and help,” he added. hoods were washed away and in the Ebola epidemic in DR confi rmed and 66 probable) and ranian authorities ordered Interior Minister Abdolreza many villages are still cut off . SCongo over the past three 339 people who have recovered,” the evacuation of six cities Rahmani Fazli warned that up Fourteen deaths have been re- weeks, taking the overall death the ministry said, quoting data Ialong the Karkheh river in to 400,000 people in Khuzestan ported from Lorestan so far. toll in the latest outbreak past up to Thursday. southwestern Khuzestan prov- could be exposed to the fl oods, The disaster has left aid agen- 700, according to health minis- The ministry added late Friday ince yesterday after more rain Irna reported. cies struggling to cope and seen try data. that another 295 suspected cases sparked fears of new fl ooding, Iran, a usually arid country, 86,000 people moved to emer- Local people are now at least were being examined. state news agency Irna said. has been hit by unprecedented gency shelters. receiving vaccines on a large The World Health Organisa- Six cities alongside Karkheh flooding across most of the The government has told citi- scale for the fi rst time with more tion has warned that “the risk of river in southwestern Iran “must country since mid-March with zens, and especially fl ood-af- than 95,000 getting a dose of the national and regional spread re- be evacuated as soon as possible,” 70 people killed, according to fected farmers, that all losses will rVSV-Zebov vaccine from Merck mains very high” and said deal- Khuzestan governor Gholamreza the country’s emergency serv- be compensated. laboratories. ing with the epidemic could take Shariati told Irna. ices. Iran’s state budget is already The health ministry said this another six months. The oil-rich province of The country’s northeast was stretched under US sanctions on had enabled thousands of lives to Poor security owing to the Khuzestan has an extensive swamped on March 19 before the energy and banking sectors that be saved. presence of several armed range of dams, which have west and southwest of the coun- have halved its oil exports and re- The Democratic Republic of groups, coupled with resistance swelled upstream due to fresh try were inundated on March 25, stricted access to some revenues Congo declared its tenth outbreak of some communities to seek- downpours. killing a total of 45 people. abroad. of Ebola in 40 years last August in ing treatment, has hampered the The fl oodwater’s intensity has On April 1 the west and south- As waters continue to sub- northeastern North Kivu province fi ght to stem the spread of the forced authorities to open emer- west were again swamped by merge villages, the government before it spread into the neigh- disease. gency discharges at Karkheh fl oods when heavy rains returned said it had deployed more mobile bouring Ituri region. A recent study in the cen- dam, one of the largest in the to the area. medical units to the southern The current outbreak is the tral Congolese cities of Beni area, thus sparking fears of fresh The government said the provinces. second worst to date, the dead- and Butembo found only a third fl ooding. fl ooding had damaged nearly Around 1,000 people have liest being a 2014 epidemic in trusted local authorities to help The situation appears to be 12,000km of roads, or 36% of the been airlifted by emergency heli- An aerial view showing electricity poles half-submerged in flood in West Africa which killed more them and more than a quarter “critical”, he said. country’s entire network. copters to safety in recent days. Khuzestan province of Iran. than 10,000 people in Guinea, believed Ebola does not exist. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, April 7, 2019 AMERICAS

INVESTIGATION UTILITY CAUTION POLITICS CONTACT Fires destroy three black Power back on in Cancun Trudeau wary of Russian 50 opposition protesters Brazil expedition reaches churches in Louisiana after outages in Yucatan interference in elections released in Nicaragua isolated indigenous tribe

Federal and state off icials in Louisiana are Electric power returned to three states on Mexico’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday warned Nicaragua on Friday released 50 opposition An expedition looking for an isolated indigenous investigating suspicious fires that destroyed three Yucatan peninsula on Friday night, including of the risk of interference by Russia in Canadian prisoners held during nationwide protests tribe living in Brazil’s rainforest-covered Amazonas predominantly black churches in 10 days in one tourist hot spots Cancun and Tulum, after a partial parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall. against President Daniel Ortega, the interior region has met them successfully, the country’s mostly rural parish, authorities said yesterday. blackout left 1.6mn customers without energy, “We’ve seen over the past number of years an ministry said, two days after the end of talks indigenous people’s agency Funai said on Friday. Investigators have not concluded whether the three state-run power utility CFE said. “Service has been increase in the interference or the implication aimed at resolving a deadly year-long political Funai’s Facebook post showed pictures of members fires at Baptist churches in St Landry Parish, about 100% reestablished in the three states thanks to of foreign actors in democratic processes,” crisis. The prisoners were released into of the Korubo ethnic group together with members 160km northwest of New Orleans, were connected, the quick work of CFE workers,” the utility said in Trudeau told a news conference in Toronto. “We house arrest, bringing to 250 the number of of the expedition, which was supported by the said Ashley Rodrigue, a spokeswoman for the a statement. CFE said that a brush fire between saw very clearly that countries like Russia are government opponents freed under a similar agency and the Health Ministry. The expedition Louisiana Fire Marshall’s Off ice. They also have not transmission towers had caused the power outage. behind a lot of the divisive campaigns, a lot of regime since February 27. Month-long talks travelled to the remote Javari valley in far north- determined whether the blazes, which occurred Power outages hit throughout the peninsula, which the divisive social media,” he said. “Our minister between the government and the opposition western Brazil, at more than 1,300km from the between March 26 and April 4, were intentionally is dotted with Caribbean coastal resorts. Places of democratic institutions, Karina Gould, is Civic Alliance coalition broke up on Wednesday Amazonas state capital Manaus. It was hoping to set, she said in an email. The number of hate crimes aff ected included Cancun and Tulum in the state of moving forward on a number of significant ways without agreement on political reform in the bring about a reconciliation between two tribes in the US increased 17% in 2017, the third consecutive Quintana Roo, the city of Merida in Yucatan state to ensure that the election will be decided by crisis-torn Central American country. Ortega has living in the area, the Korubo and the Matis, after year such attacks rose, according to FBI data. and the neighbouring state of Campeche. Canadians.” refused to step down to facilitate early elections. clashes reportedly claimed up to 17 lives since 2014.

New Yorker Opposition protests keep charged for threatening up pressure on Maduro Ilhan Omar Reuters AFP New York Caracas 55-year-old New York man has been pposition supporters arrested and charged with threaten- thronged the streets of Cara- Aing to assault and murder Democratic Ocas and other cities yesterday Representative Ilhan Omar, a Muslim US in protest against the regime of Presi- Congress member from Minnesota, federal dent Nicolas Maduro, as massive prosecutors have said. blackouts and the collapse of water Patrick Carlineo Jr of Addison, New York, supplies further exacerbated a grow- faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 ing political crisis. fi ne if convicted, the US Department of Jus- The United States meanwhile stiff - tice said late on Friday in a statement. ened its economic sanctions against According to prosecutors, Carlineo spoke the government, and one top US of- by telephone with one of Omar’s staff mem- fi cial yesterday warned Venezuela’s bers on March 21 and asked the employee: military that it must protect the “Do you work for the Muslim Brotherhood? rights of peaceful protesters. Why are you working for her, she’s a (exple- Late on Friday, opposition leader tive) terrorist. I’ll put a bullet in her (exple- Juan Guaido — who is supported in tive) skull.” his claim to be the legitimate interim The threat was referred to the US Capitol leader by around 50 nations — called Police, which launched a probe in coordina- for a huge turnout in Caracas, an- tion with the FBI, the Justice Department said. nouncing in a phone message to sup- Carlineo sounded angry during the phone porters the start of “the greatest es- call but also spelled his name for the staff calation of pressure we have seen in member and provided contact details, ac- our history.” cording to an affi davit by an FBI special Two opposition deputies were de- agent. tained in an anti-government protest Interviewed at his home by investigators, in the western city of Maracaibo, fel- Carlineo “stated that he was a patriot, that low legislator Adriana Pichardo said, he loves the President, and that he hates denouncing the arrests as a violation radical Muslims in our government,” the af- of parliamentary immunity. fi davit said. Deputy Elimar Diaz, who joined Carlineo made an initial court appearance the Maracaibo protest, told AFP the on Friday and is being held pending a deten- protest there had encountered “bru- tion hearing on April 10. tal repression,” including the use of Representatives of Omar, a member of the tanks and the fi ring of teargas canis- House Foreign Aff airs Committee who was ters from helicopters. elected in November as one of the two fi rst He said people in the area were go- Muslim women to win seats in Congress, ing “days without electricity” amid did not immediately respond to a request for “inhumane rationing” by the govern- comment. ment. Maduro, who blames US-backed sabotage for the massive blackouts Trump says he has not that have deprived millions of power, called for a counter pro-government read Mueller report march “in defense of peace” that drew hundreds to the streets of Caracas. resident Donald Trump said yesterday Facing intense pressure at home he had not read Special Counsel Rob- and abroad, the Maduro government Venezuelan opposition supporters take part in a demonstration in Caracas yesterday. The sign reads ‘Humanitarian aid now!’ Pert Mueller’s report investigating con- has sought to weaken Guaido’s posi- tacts between his 2016 campaign and Russia tion. oil company and two companies that He cautioned Venezuelan De- military planes to Caracas — as he Council scheduled for Wednesday. that his Democratic opponents say should The government has stripped him ship crude to Cuba. fense Minister Vladimir Padrino in a clings to power. Since Venezuela’s massive black- be released in full. of his parliamentary immunity, au- He said in a speech in Houston that separate tweet of his “constitutional The US and its allies view the so- out of March 7, the country has been “I have not read the Mueller Report yet, thorised his prosecution for pro- “the United States will continue to responsibility to protect innocent cialist president as illegitimate since subject to intermittent power cuts, even though I have every right to do so,” claiming himself acting president exert all diplomatic and economic civilians who are peacefully dem- he took offi ce in January for a second with power being rationed outside of Trump wrote on Twitter. “Only know the con- in January and has banned him from pressure to bring about a peaceful onstrating,” adding: “Do not let the six-year term following elections Caracas. clusions, and on the big one, No Collusion.” holding public offi ce for 15 years. transition to democracy.” Cubans or the ‘colectivos’ infl ict vio- seen as deeply fl awed. The blackouts have knocked out Asked in an interview with Fox and Guaido said earlier this week he “Those looking on should know lence against Venezuelan patriots.” With its crude exports collapsing water supplies as well as transport Friends Weekend about calls for the release feared abduction by government this: all options are on the table. And The “colectivos” are armed para- and international sanctions piling up, and communications, forcing many of the full confi dential report, Trump said: agents. Nicolas Maduro would do well not to military groups that support Maduro Venezuela’s country’s oil economy people to trim their work days to six “It’s really up to the attorney general, what- The United States meanwhile kept test the resolve of the United States of and are accused by the opposition of has crumbled. hours. ever he wants to do.” up the international pressure on Ma- America.” often resorting to violence. Malnutrition and disease are on the “We are tired,” said Verony Men- In another tweet, Trump called the report duro to step down. “This is only a fi rst step,” US na- Maduro enjoys important back- rise as living conditions plummet. dez, 48, whose water was cut off two “a total waste of time.” Vice President Mike Pence an- tional security advisor John Bolton ing from his nation’s military as well In the face of the worsening hu- months ago. “But we have to take to Barr did not meet a demand by Democrats nounced fresh sanctions against 34 tweeted yesterday in reference to the as from China and Russia — which manitarian crisis, the US has con- the streets because it is the only way in the US House of Representatives to provide vessels belonging to Venezuela’s state sanctions. on March 23 sent two heavily loaded vened a session of the UN Security to get these people out!” the unredacted report to lawmakers by April 2. Guitars of the greats rock halls of New York’s Met museum

By Maggy Donaldson, AFP show are organized to depict how He praised curators for their the gender issue in the show’s New York musicians used and advanced work to “cut through years of catalogue: “Rock and roll was emerging technologies through- nonsense designed to trivialise for many years a boys’ club,” he out the 20th century to create these instruments.” writes with Hall of Fame curator he art of rock and roll is new sounds and styles. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Craig Inciardi. getting its due at an up- In addition to instruments, whose iconic Stairway to Heaven “In the 1950s and 1960s, and Tcoming show at New the Met is displaying fl amboy- guitar is on display, voiced awe at even beyond, the women in rock York’s Met museum, which is ant costumes of rockers along making it into the Met, which he and roll bands, were primarily decking its halls with instru- with show memorabilia like gig dubbed “the holy grail.” limited to vocals, the reason they ments from the genre’s greats. posters and even the remnants of “For me to be here...I never were under-represented in these The storied Manhattan insti- smashed guitars. would’ve even dreamt about it, pages.” tution has amassed a staggering “Instruments are some of the even as a kid,” Page said. “I was Along with Jett and Mitchell collection of rock memorabilia most personal objects connected really keen to be able to loan a number of female performers and instruments from super- to musicians, but as audience whatever I could to make it come are represented including Patti stars including Chuck Berry, Eric members we are primarily used alive.” Smith and Lady Gaga, whose Clapton, Prince, Joan Jett, Joni to seeing them from far away, up The show came under some enormous futuristic piano is fea- Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Keith Ri- on a stage in performance.” said criticism when it was announced, tured in the exhibit to run from chards, Bruce Springsteen and Jayson Kerr Dobney, the show’s because the initial teaser before April 8 until October 1. Elvis Presley for the show ‘Play curator. the full list of more than 80 art- At the show’s preview Don It Loud: Instruments of Rock & “This exhibition will provide ists was released spotlighted just Felder of The Eagles played the Roll’, set to open tomorrow. a rare opportunity to examine one woman, Grammy-winning intricate solo from the band’s hit The exhibit put on in partner- some of rock and roll’s most contemporary rocker St Vincent. Hotel California. ship with the Cleveland-based iconic objects up close.” Indie rockstar Neko Case He said that after arriving in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame cel- Steve Miller — whose Steve voiced her anger, tweeting “Do New York as a 20-something, ebrates “tools of innovation and Miller Band is known for such you really think NO OTHER “the very fi rst thing I did the fol- outstanding artistic innovation,” hits as The Joker and Fly Like An WOMEN, OR FEMALE IDENTI- lowing day is I came to the Met.” Max Hollein, the Metropolitan Eagle — told journalists that FYING performers contributed “It’s such an incredible hon- Museum’s director, told journal- “he was stunned by the power to rock n’ roll?” our that 50 years later, this guitar ists at a preview. and the elegance and the intel- But the show was ultimately would be hanging” here, Felder Members of the media get a look at displayed guitars during a media preview last week for ‘Play It Loud: The more than 130 instru- ligence” of the show, which he more inclusive than it fi rst ap- said of his double-neck Arctic Instruments of Rock and Roll’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. ments from 1939-2017 in the loaned several guitars to. peared, and Dobney addressed White instrument. Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Singapore, Maldivians vote in Malaysia parliamentary poll reach deal to AFP his deputy Solih’s unexpected Male victory in September. end airspace Solih said he expected poll to return a strong legislature led by he Maldives yesterday his MDP. Nasheed is expected to held its fi rst parliamen- wield considerable infl uence in Ttary election since former any new government. dispute strongman leader Abdulla He cast his ballot in Male, but Yameen was forced to stand made no comment. Reuters ment said. Media reports said down, with his arch-rival tipped The opposition coalition that Singapore the airline postponed its plans to make a big political comeback. helped Solih win has since come to fl y out of Seletar Airport President Ibrahim Mohamed apart, with constituent parties last year due to the dispute. Solih appealed for a high turnout going their separate ways for ingapore and Malaysia In December, Malaysia said as unusually hot weather saw slow yesterday’s election. reached an agreement to it wanted to take back con- voting early in the day. Voting was Solih has however made it Send their months-long trol of airspace managed by extended for two hours to encour- clear that he wants an MDP-led airspace dispute, transport the city-state since 1974, as age the public to come out. government. ministers of the two neigh- Singapore’s new instrument Election offi cials estimated “I want to stress that I would bouring countries said in a landing system at its small Se- the fi nal turnout to be between like the next parliament to be joint statement yesterday. letar Airport involved a fl ight 70 and 80%, down from the made up of members who are fa- Under the deal, Singapore path over Malaysian airspace. 89% recorded at the September miliar with our policies, and fully will halt instrument landing The ministers also said in presidential election which un- support it,” Solih told a campaign system procedures at its Se- the joint statement that the expectedly toppled Yameen. rally on Thursday night. letar Airport, while Malaysia two countries have set up a “I urge Maldivians to go out Nasheed was jailed for 13 will open up a restricted area committee to review the 1974 and vote,” Solih said after vot- years on a controversial terror- near the countries’ border. airspace agreement. ing in the capital, Male, where ism charge when Yameen was in “Singapore will withdraw the Singapore was once part of his Maldivian Democratic Party power. However, the conviction instrument landing system pro- Malaysia but they separated (MDP) fi elded former presi- was overturned last year after cedures for Seletar Airport and acrimoniously in 1965, cloud- dent Mohamed Nasheed as a the presidency changed. A Maldivian woman votes in the country’s parliamentary election at the Maldives embassy in Colombo Malaysia will indefi nitely sus- ing diplomatic and economic candidate. Election commissioner yesterday. pend its permanent restricted dealings for years. Nasheed, 51, is the high- Ahmed Shareef told reporters area over Pasir Gudang,” the In another dispute, the sides est profi le contender for the there had been no complaints was not a candidate, but his Pro- a money laundering case against their convictions quashed. statement of Malaysian Trans- previously agreed to the estab- 87-member People’s Majlis, or of irregularities in the runup to gressive Party of Maldives was him would proceed. The Maldives was on the verge port Minister Anthony Loke and lishment of a working group parliament that is elected for fi ve the vote. seen as the main challenger to Yameen received the pay- of being slapped with Western- Singapore’s Transport Minister to discuss issues around port years. Over 385 candidates are Voting took place for over- the MDP. ments just before he lost his led sanctions before Solih won Khaw Boon Wan said. limits after Singapore protested in the fray. The fi rst results are seas Maldivians in neighbouring Last week, the High Court or- re-election bid in September. the presidential election on a This will allow Malaysia in December about Malaysia’s expected today. India and Sri Lanka, as well as dered authorities to lift a freeze Since then, all dissidents have pledge to end corruption in the Airlines’ subsidiary Firefl y plan to extend the limits of a Nasheed returned from an London. on Yameen’s bank accounts returned to the Indian Ocean country best known for its luxury to start operations at Seletar port, saying it encroached on enforced exile abroad after Former president Yameen holding about $6.5mn. But it said archipelago and most have had tourism. Airport this month, the state- its territorial waters. Facebook promises Rising Thai political star Fisherman crackdown on fake held hostage news in Australia hit with sedition charge by militants

Reuters slogans and logos, Mia Gar- AFP drowns in Sydney lick, Facebook’s director of Bangkok policy for Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement. escape bid ocial media giant Fa- To fi ght so-called fake news he telegenic leader of an cebook Inc has said it and misinformation, the US anti-junta political party Swould strengthen meas- fi rm would launch a fact- Twho rose to prominence AFP ures to fi ght fake news in Aus- checking service in Australia in Thailand’s election last Manila tralia and briefl y block for- in partnership with French month was charged with sedi- eigners from buying political news agency AFP, she added. tion yesterday, drawing hun- advertisements in the lead-up It would also remove fake ac- dreds of his supporters onto the n Indonesian fi sherman to a national election due in a counts and make sensational streets urging him to “fi ght”. held hostage for four few weeks. stories less prominent in Billionaire Thanathorn Amonths by militants in the The move comes with users’ newsfeeds. Juangroongruangkit heads the Philippines has drowned, a mili- the company - and its peers Australia’s major political youth-oriented Future Forward tary spokesman said yesterday, around the world - under parties, which between them Party which won more than while two other captured men growing pressure to rid their are expected to spend millions 6mn votes in the March 24 poll, have been rescued. platforms of misinformation of dollars buying Facebook ads the fi rst since a 2014 coup, with The men had been held on a after Russia allegedly used Fa- during the campaign, had no its message of ousting the mili- remote island in a standoff for cebook to infl uence the 2016 comment on the company’s tary from politics. nearly six weeks after Filipino US presidential election. announcement on Friday. It had joined an anti-junta troops blockaded the island in a In Australia, it is not clear Policing social media con- coalition with six others claim- bid to close in on the kidnappers. which, if any, foreigners had tent has become a massive ing the right to form a govern- The men were seized from their sought to buy campaign ads, global problem, with no tem- ment in the aftermath of the Future Forward Party leader Thanatorn Juangroongruangkit, right, receives flowers from supporters fi shing boat in early December but the government warned in plate for consistently pre- disputed vote whose full results as he arrives at Pathumwan police station to hear sedition charges brought against him by the National last year. 2017 of Chinese interference venting fake news online or are expected by May 9. Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), in Bangkok yesterday. The captors, from militant attempts and said in Febru- eliminating it. Earlier this week he posted on group Abu Sayyaf, fl ed the ary a foreign government had Andrea Carson, a political Facebook that police had sum- embassies and the UN observ- military court,” Krisadang said. book Live discussion last year. southern island of Simusa on hacked parliament’s computer scientist specialising in me- moned him to appear yesterday ing the police procedure. He added that Thanathorn Human Rights Watch’s Sunai Friday, bringing their hostages network. dia and communications at to face a sedition charge relating More than two hours later, could lose his seat in parliament Phasuk said Future Forward’s with them, said military spokes- Facebook’s move also comes La Trobe University in Mel- to anti-junta rallies in 2015. he emerged from the station if he is convicted. anti-military policies have man Lt Colonel Gerry Besana. as its market power and social bourne, said Facebook faced He said the charge was and told reporters he had been Before leaving the police made Thanathorn “an enemy One Indonesian fi sherman, infl uence faces greater scruti- tighter regulation in the future. “politically motivated”. charged with “inciting unrest... compound, Thanathorn fl ashed of the junta” and decried the Heri Ardiansyah, was rescued ny, particularly in the wake of “There’s a climate for Hundreds turned up yes- helping the suspect escape... a three-fi nger salute, a resist- “trumped-up” charges. as the militants tried to fl ee, but the mass shooting at a mosque change,” she said. terday morning in front of and the illegal assembly of more ance symbol borrowed by Thai- “By seeking to prosecute another - Hariadin - drowned in in New Zealand which was Fierce internet disinfor- Pathumwan police station in than 10 people” for his actions land’s anti-junta movement Thanathorn in a military tri- the escape bid. broadcast live on one of the mation battles have gripped downtown Bangkok, wearing in 2015. from the Hollywood movie bunal... the junta has turned Another hostage, Malaysian US fi rm’s platforms. countries such as Brazil and T-shirts bearing the tycoon’s “We believe we are innocent. “The Hunger Games”, as his Thailand into a rogue state,” Jari Abdullah, was rescued by Facebook said its new con- Malaysia ahead of elections. face and shouting “Save Thana- I did everything in good faith,” supporters did the same while Sunai said, calling this move Filipino troops a day earlier and trols on Australian political Authorities in Indonesia thorn!” while waving placards Thanathorn said, denying the shouting “Thanathorn, fi ght, an example of “entrenched is now in a “stable” condition advertising would take eff ect and the European Union, that said “Military, get out!” charges. fi ght!” repression”. with gunshot wounds at a mili- as soon as the vote was called, which are due to hold polls, While inside, he and his party The case will be tried in a mil- The charismatic leader is al- Thailand’s powerful military tary hospital, Besana said. which is expected to happen in have also warned of the members tweeted photos of itary court and the maximum ready being investigated under has staged more than a dozen “The island had been block- the next few days. threat of fake news, while in what was happening, showing sentence is seven years, said his Thailand’s Computer Crimes coups since the end of abso- aded for the past 41 days. They Foreigners would be forbid- India, Facebook has ramped Thanathorn affi xing his fi nger- lawyer Krisadang Nutcharut. Act for allegedly spreading lute monarchy, citing the need (kidnappers) probably thought den from buying advertising up eff orts to block fake prints to the chargesheets and “We oppose this because ci- false information when he to maintain stability and curb they could slip past us by mentioning political parties, accounts. representatives from foreign vilians should not stand trial in criticised the junta in a Face- corruption. swimming,” he added. Three of at least seven kidnap- pers who were with the hostages were killed in the operations, he said. The military got wind of the hostages’ location in late Febru- Indonesia’s women chase selfi es on election trail ary and ordered the small civilian population on the island to leave, Besana said. AFP ture salesman who rose from a known as Jokowi, seems happy nesia is one of Instagram and The 67-year-old and vice- exiting the arena when someone Abu Sayyaf is a group of self- Sragen riverside slum to high offi ce. to oblige housewives and other Facebook’s biggest markets presidential candidate Sandiaga stepped on her seven-year-old proclaimed Islamic militants Hastirini was among some key voters - including mille- globally, with some 62mn and Uno - a youthful 49-year-old daughter’s foot. based in the southern Philippines 10,000 other desperate house- nials who account for about 130mn users, respectively. business magnate - have gener- In leaping to help her little who have engaged in bombings ears stream down Lilis wives, mostly aged between one-third of the electorate - as Jokowi’s sole rival is ated online fan clubs including girl, she had missed her mo- as well as kidnappings of West- Hastirini’s mascara- 20 and 50, who braved sear- he fi ghts to keep a wide lead in Prabowo Subianto, a retired the Housewives Party in Sup- ment with Jokowi. ern tourists and missionaries for Tsmudged face after she ing heat as they screamed and the race for the presidency on military general and son-in- port of Prabowo-Sandiaga, the Also empty-handed was high ransom since the early 1990s. waited hours to snap a selfi e jostled, pushing past security April 17. law of the late dictator Su- Militant Housewives’ Force and school teacher Mariana Wahyu, In recent years the group with Indonesia’s president, guards to reach Widodo at an Some 192mn Indonesians are harto, who has ditched his even the Voluptuous House- who said she never bothered to has also preyed on cargo ships, only to be thwarted by a crush event in Sragen on Java island set to cast a ballot in the world’s trademark suit and tie for a wives Who Fight for Prabowo- get a selfi e with her-then neigh- tugboats and fi shing vessels in of other female fans with the this week. third-biggest democracy, with campaign-casual khaki safari Sandi. bour Jokowi back when he was poorly policed waters of the re- same idea. “I’m sad, I couldn’t get a pic- a record 245,000 candidates suit with sunglasses. Both candidates are regularly mayor of Solo city. gion near the sea borders with It is a take-no-prisoners bat- ture with him,” the 37-year-old vying for positions from the Prabowo, as he is known, is mobbed by adoring female fans “O Allah, had I known then Malaysia and Indonesia. tle on the election trail in this said as she sobbed and wailed. presidency and parliamentary also trying to win over women - though Jokowi appears more that he would become presi- Dutch birdwatcher Ewald selfi e-mad nation, where few “He seems like such a seats all the way down to local voters and fans online, balanc- at home performing in front of dent, I would have taken a Horn, abducted in 2012, a Viet- shots count more than a close- nice person, kind of fatherly.” council jobs. ing his strongman image with the crowds. lot of pictures with him,” namese seaman and four Filipi- up with “everyman” leader The lanky, heavy-metal mu- And garnering support on an Instagram account of him Back in Sragen, Hastirini al- she said in Central Java’s nos are believed to be still in Abu Joko Widodo, a former furni- sic-loving 57-year-old, best social media is essential. Indo- and his cuddly cat, Bobby. most reached Jokowi as he was Sukoharjo city. Sayyaf captivity, Besana said. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, April 7, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND EU27 ‘unlikely’ to Minister sees Brexit veto Brexit delay By Mattha Busby Guardian News & Media

t is “extremely unlikely” that an EU27 country will veto accord with Labour Ia UK request for a delay to Brexit at next week’s European Reuters viable plan to secure agreement day’s EU summit on Brexit, say- council meeting, the Irish taoi- Bucharest/London on her thrice-rejected divorce ing that most EU states agreed seach has said. deal in the British parliament. there was a need to delay Brexit. Any state that voted down a It is the latest twist in a saga “Most of the colleagues that I further Brexit extension would he British government is which leaves Britain, the world’s am talking to accept we will need not be forgiven by other member optimistic about reaching fi fth-biggest economy, strug- longer to complete this process.” states, Leo Varadkar declared, Tsome form of deal with the gling to fi nd a way to honour a Britons voted in 2016 by a 52% going on to suggest that his own opposition Labour Party to end a 2016 referendum vote to take the to 48% margin for Brexit, and the preference was for a longer ex- Varadkar: Because nobody deadlock on Brexit as work on a country out of the globe’s largest two main parties, parliament and tension than the June 30 date wants ‘no deal’, I think the compromise continues, Britain’s trading bloc. the nation at large remain pro- proposed by the UK. likelihood is an extension. fi nance minister Philip Ham- Hammond, however, told re- foundly split over the terms for In what he implied is an un- mond said yesterday. porters yesterday that he was up- departure as well as over whether likely no-deal scenario, the that I could see any country ve- However, Labour said the gov- beat about breaking the impasse. to leave at all. “logical” way to ensure a free- toing it.” erning Conservatives needed “I am optimistic that we will Many within the Conservative fl owing Irish border would be He said that the UK and Ire- to be more fl exible and had not reach some form of agreement Party are increasingly worried for regulatory checks to take land would fi nd themselves in a shown any movement on a po- with Labour,” he said on the side- that any delay obliging Britain place between Great Britain and “dilemma” in the event of a no- litical declaration of intent on lines of a meeting of European to again take part in elections for Northern Ireland at sea ports in deal because they would have to the future relationship between Union fi nance ministers in Bu- the European parliament on May Belfast and Larne. balance obligations under trade London and Brussels once Britain charest, adding he expected the 23-26 would be deeply divisive. “Because nobody wants no rules to check goods and obli- has left the European Union (see exchange of “some more texts “Going to the EU elections for deal, I think the likelihood is an gations under the Good Friday accompanying report below). today”. Hammond: Most of the colleagues that I am talking to accept we will the Conservative Party, or indeed extension,” he told RTE Radio agreement to keep the Irish bor- No talks have been arranged The government had no red need longer to complete this process. for the Labour Party, and telling One’s Countrywide programme. der open. yet between the two sides for this lines in the talks, he said. our constituents why we haven’t “But what we want to avoid is “It would be up to us to protect weekend, a Labour source told However, Labour’s home af- union or single market. “The government perhaps has to been able to deliver Brexit, I think an extension that just allows for the single market and it would Reuters. fairs spokeswoman said that the “My understanding is that show a little more fl exibility than would be an existential threat,” more indecision and more un- be up to the United Kingdom to Prime Minister Theresa May Conservatives needed to show there has been no movement it seems to have done so far.” junior education minister Na- certainty. enforce [World Trade Organisa- has asked EU leaders to postpone a willingness to compromise on from the government on the ac- Hammond, who is one of the dhim Zahawi told BBC radio yes- “So I’d prefer to see a longer tion] rules,” he said. “We would Britain’s exit from the bloc next Prime Minister Theresa May’s tual concept of the political dec- most pro-European members of terday. “I would go further and extension during which the both fi nd ourselves in a dilemma Friday until June 30, but the EU red lines, which include no more laration and that is key,” Diane May’s government, also signalled say ... it would be the suicide note United Kingdom has more time because, on the one hand, we insists that she must fi rst show a membership of the EU’s customs Abbott told BBC radio yesterday. optimism about next Wednes- of the Conservative Party.” to decide really what future rela- would have obligations under the tionship it wants to have with the European treaties, they would European Union, rather than the have obligations under the World alternative, which could be roll- Trade Organisation.” ing extensions every couple of “But then there’s the Good Corbyn waiting for prime weeks, every couple of months.” Friday agreement and, to me, He acknowledged that there that is equally important. The is increasing frustration at the Good Friday agreement is about Brexit process within the EU27, the peace process; it’s about en- minister to move ‘red lines’ particularly among countries suring we have free movement of that were less dependent on trade people, goods and animals.” links with the UK and wanted to Varadkar said that Ireland is Reuters focus on other key issues aff ect- exploring the possibility of con- London/Bucharest ing the bloc, such as migration ducting regulatory checks away and the next EU budget. from the border, potentially on Varadkar said that he had business premises. rime Minister Theresa May asked for “patience and solidar- He noted that the UK govern- has yet to move the “red ity” from those countries. ment’s no-deal plan suggested Plines” that have blocked a “Today we have got that and I initially treating Northern Ire- deal for Britain to leave the EU, think that will continue,” he said. land diff erently from Great Brit- opposition leader Jeremy Cor- Asked about the potential of ain in terms of tariff s and checks. byn said yesterday, after May one EU state vetoing an exten- “That opens up the potential launched talks with him in a last- sion, Varadkar said: “To wield to have the checks at the ports ditch bid to save Brexit. May: Her decision to open talks with Labour infuriated Brexit the veto is something that is in Larne and Belfast, which is With Britain due to leave the supporters in her Conservative party and divided her cabinet. rarely done. I’m nearly two years the logical place to have them, of bloc on April 12 and no sign of her now representing Ireland at the course, not on the land border,” minority government being able has been willing to consider. With time running out, May European council and I have nev- he said. to pass a deal through parliament In particular, Labour seeks a has asked EU leaders to postpone er seen the veto used once. The taoiseach said he would on its own, May turned to Labour customs union with the EU after Britain’s exit from the bloc until “We tend to operate by con- like the principles behind the Party leader Corbyn in recent Britain leaves, which would cross June 30. sensus, and certainly that can withdrawal agreement’s conten- days in the hope of securing a bi- Corbyn: I hope we can reach a decision in parliament this week which one of the “red lines” that May The EU, which gave her a two- take time and sometimes it is tious border backstop to be hon- partisan agreement. will prevent a crashing out. set out at the start of negotia- week extension the last time messy, but it’s actually how the oured even if there was no deal. A deal with Corbyn could be tions by preventing Britain from she asked, insists that she must European Union works and it’s “The reason we came up with the prime minister’s last chance parliament this week which will It refl ects weeks of high drama setting its own trade tariff s. fi rst show a viable plan to secure why it works, and if one coun- the backstop is because it is the to deliver Brexit without either a prevent a crashing out.” in parliament that saw May’s deal Many Labour lawmakers also agreement on her thrice-rejected try was to veto an extension and, solution and, even in the event long delay or leaving with no deal No talks have been arranged rejected by a historic majority want a second referendum on the divorce deal in the British parlia- as a result, impose hardship on of a no-deal, we will be saying at all. yet between the two sides for this but no agreement emerge on an terms of Brexit, which May says ment. us, real problems for the Dutch to the UK: ‘You still have obli- However, Corbyn said that the weekend, a Labour source told alternative plan. would be a fundamental threat EU leaders have also indicated and Belgians and French as gations under the Good Friday prime minister had yet to show Reuters. While both major parties have to Britain’s democracy after the they would be more likely to off er neighbouring countries … they agreement, you still commit- the fl exibility that Labour would May’s decision to seek an said that they are committed to vote to leave. a longer extension of up to a year, wouldn’t be forgiven for it, and ted to full regulatory alignment need to say yes. agreement with Corbyn was an carrying out the results of Brit- Her decision to open talks with to avoid setting a fi rm new dead- they would know they might fi nd back in December 2017, and we “I’m waiting to see the red astounding reversal after months ain’s 2016 referendum vote to Labour infuriated Brexit sup- line in a few months’ time that themselves on the other end of still want the arrangements that lines move,” he told the BBC. “I of saying her plan for Brexit was leave the EU, Labour has long de- porters in May’s Conservative would cause yet another cliff - that veto power in the future. are in the backstop to apply,’” he hope we can reach a decision in the only possible course. manded a softer break than May party and divided her cabinet. edge crisis. “So it is extremely unlikely said.

UK issues passports without Coronation Street introduces fi rst black family

‘European Union’ on cover News the Baileys will be soap’s first black family prompts surprise it has taken AFP so long London By Aamna Mohdin Guardian News & Media ritain has begun issuing passports with the words B“European Union” re- oronation Street is in- moved from the front cover – troducing its fi rst black despite Brexit being delayed and Cfamily, in a move show- its political leaders deadlocked runners have described as over- over how to extricate the country due. from the bloc. While the show has previ- The interior ministry said yes- ously featured individual black terday that a longstanding deci- characters, the Baileys will be sion to start introducing pass- the fi rst black family to join the ports without reference to the EU soap all together in its 59-year had gone ahead from March 30, history. the day after the original date for The show will explore themes Brexit. This image taken from Twitter shows the new and old passports. of racism and homophobia in Prime Minister Theresa May sport with the family, made up has delayed leaving the bloc af- the British parliament need to try’s Brexit divisions after the of Edison, the father, Aggie, the ter 46 years of membership amid understand that (the EU) is not government announced in 2017 it mother, and their sons James stubborn opposition in parlia- going to be able to constantly would return to traditional blue and Michael. ment to the divorce deal she fi - exhaust itself with the ups and passports “to restore national James, a 19-year-old foot- nalised with European leaders in downs of domestic British poli- identity”. baller, will come out as gay in an November. tics.” The travel documents had dark upcoming storyline. MPs have comprehensively re- Britain’s interior ministry blue covers from 1921, but Britain Asked why the show had tak- The Bailey family, new residents of Weatherfield. jected the agreement three times. meanwhile confi rmed that some switched to burgundy from 1988, en so long to introduce its fi rst Ahead of an EU summit on newly-issued passports now in common with other members black family, the producer Iain with baffl ement by some in the ‘the black family’ to its viewers. James will be played by the Wednesday, she was forced to ask omit references to the EU on the of the-then European Commu- MacLeod said: “Short answer: industry. “I found Manchester to be a 28-year-old musical theatre ac- them for another extension, until cover, while others still bear the nity. I don’t really know. In the past, The actor and comedian Sir beautifully radical place, truly tor Nathan Graham. June 30, to prevent Britain de- bloc’s name. Last year it emerged that Fran- new families come in one at a Lenny Henry simply tweeted diverse with strong connections MacLeod said: “We wanted to parting with no deal next week. The discrepancy was due to co-Dutch company Gemalto had time. “wow” in response, while the between its various communi- look at a modern story about a But the other 27 members an attempt to save public money won the contract to make the “I fi nd that a harder way to do theatre director Matthew Xia ties. How have the producers young, gay man. It won’t be your must give unanimous backing to by using up “leftover stock”, but new blue passports, prompting it, which is why they all turn up said he was stunned it had taken managed to get away with this normal coming out story where any further postponement and both designs would be “equally fury from Brexit campaigners and you get the dynamic. nearly six decades for the show for almost 60 years?” we see James wrestling with his are increasingly impatient at the valid for travel”, they insisted. and more ridicule from Remain- “Manchester has a large pro- to become more representative Edison, played by Trevor sexuality. paralysis in Westminster. “Passports that include the ers that a British company was portion of black residents so it of multicultural Manchester. Michael Georges, arrives on the “We were quite keen that he French Foreign Minister Jean- words ‘European Union’ will not chosen. did feel sort of overdue we did Xia said: “It blows my mind soap after taking over the build- knows who he is but has some Yves Le Drian said at a G7 meet- continue to be issued for a short The new production contract this and represented modern that our longest-running soap, er’s yard from the Grimshaws apprehensiveness about telling ing in France yesterday that it is period,” a spokeswoman said. is to begin in October 2019, with Manchester a bit more accu- set in the heart of one of our alongside his 27-year-old son, his parents, [and] has a lot of ap- time for the Brexit crisis to end: British passports had already passports currently being issued rately.” most cosmopolitan cities, has Michael, played by the CBeebies prehensiveness about his team- “The British authorities and become ensnared in the coun- in the burgundy colour. The announcement was met only just introduced the idea of House presenter Ryan Russell. mates potentially fi nding out.” Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 17 EUROPE

G7 urges more women Clashes at Greek border in peace processes with North Macedonia AFP Reuters other choice,” she said, standing Dinard. France Diavata, Greece close to where the clashes took place. The scuffl es lasted for several oreign ministers from the reek police fi red teargas hours and thick plumes of smoke world’s seven most devel- yesterday as angry mi- rose over the fi elds as police fi red Foped nations have urged a Ggrants hoping to travel to fl ares to disperse the crowds and greater role for women in solving northern Europe hurled stones angry migrants started small confl icts, saying that peace set- and bottles after being barred fi res. tlements with female involve- from reaching a nearby border Most people refused to leave ment were more likely to endure. crossing, witnesses said. the site despite calls by minis- The Group of Seven (G7) min- Spurred by a false rumour ters to return to accommodation isters, at their meeting in the about border openings that centres and warnings that on- northern French resort of Di- spread on social media, hun- ward travel would be impossible. nard to prepare a summit meet- dreds of migrants and refu- A few were persuaded to board ing under French presidency in gees arrived and pitched tents the buses and offi cials said they August, also called on greater on Thursday in a fi eld next to hoped everyone would leave vol- mobilisation worldwide to “pre- the Diavata migrant camp near untarily by today. vent sexual and gender-based Greece’s border with North Migration ministry co-ordi- violence in confl ict”. Macedonia. nator for northern Greece Nikos “Women rarely sit at the ne- There were dozens of tents in Ragkos said that two buses for gotiating table,” the fi nal state- the fi eld yesterday and riot po- migrants had already left Dia- ment of the meeting said, adding lice formed a cordon to block an vata. that only rarely do peace agree- access route, parking 20 buses to They had travelled to the area ments include provisions that stop the migrants from leaving due to false reports of plans for protect women’s human rights. the fi eld. an organised movement to cross “At the same time, we know Authorities also sent buses to Greece’s border with Albania in that when women are meaning- take people back to housing set- early April. fully included and play an infl u- tlements. The rumours quickly went vi- ential role in peace processes, Around midday, riot police ral on social media. peace agreements are more like- fi red teargas at dozens of people In neighbouring Turkey, ly to last,” it said yesterday. – some carrying children – who nearly 1,200 migrants heading According to the UN Women’s hurled stones and bottles as they toward the border with Greece agency, between 1990 and 2017, tried to break through the police following false rumours that women constituted only 2% of cordon and reach the main road Ankara had opened its frontier mediators, 8% of negotiators, leading to the border. were detained on Friday, Turkish and 5% of witnesses and signa- “We don’t want to fi ght with media said. A migrant uses a blanket to tories in all major peace process. the Greek police,” said 36-year Jana Frey, country director cover a teargas canister France has placed gender in- old Yaser, a Syrian refugee, sit- for the International Rescue during scuff les outside a camp equality at the heart of its presi- ting on a blanket with his baby Committee (IRC) Greece, said in the town of Diavata, Greece. dency of the G7, though a plan to son in his arms. that the unrest highlighted “the create a new mechanism to warn “We want to go to Europe, we amount of false information be- Iraq and Afghanistan, are stuck about sexual violence being used don’t want to stay in Greece,” he ing presented to asylum-seekers in Greece from when Balkan as a weapon during war was not told Reuters through an inter- and refugees”. countries shut their borders in included in a fi nal joint state- preter. “IRC staff have received re- 2016, closing the main passage ment. His 26-year old wife Fatemeh, ports of refugees who are being towards northern Europe. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le who was carrying their six- lured to the border by smugglers, In 2016, thousands of people Drian said that the countries had month old baby, said that the who are feeding them lies about had camped for months in an- agreed a “roadmap” to adopt the family is determined to stay at the border to Europe opening other fi eld in Idomeni, on the mechanism. the makeshift camp. up,” she said. border with Macedonia. The ministers vowed to en- “We will stay here until the Tens of thousands of refugees Greek authorities eventually hance coordination to support borders open, we don’t have any and migrants, mainly from Syria, cleared that makeshift camp out. “women’s participation in peace processes including in their roles as negotiators, mediators and peacebuilders.” A fi nal statement said the in- Rescue organisation lashes out at ternational community must be “mobilised to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in con- Salvini over migrants stuck at sea fl ict” but also better help sur- vivors and assist children born as a result of sexual violence in DPA Italy said on Friday that it the brunt of sea migration from confl ict. Valletta would take in two children and North Africa for years. Eff orts to respond to survivors their mothers but only if their They have eff ectively stopped Migrant children hold flowers as they stand in front of riot police off icers near a camp in the town of and victims’ specifi c medical, fathers remained on board, Sea- humanitarian aid ships from Diavata, northern Greece. psychological and social needs German non-profi t mi- Eye said. docking migrants, amid wide- must be continued it said, hail- grant sea rescue organi- The off er was refused. spread EU disagreement over separate families from their fa- the situation on board as diffi - be prolonged at the expense of ing the eff orts by 2018 Nobel Asation appealed to Malta The ship’s staff said they who should assume responsibil- thers if not just to create a moral cult. “The supplies are quickly the migrants. Peace Prize laureates Nadia Mu- to allow 64 migrants to land, as would again attempt to land in ity for those saved at sea. dilemma? This really is the low used up. We cannot sustain this Italy considers Germany to be rad and Denis Mukwege. it accused Italy’s deputy prime Malta. Sea-Eye spokesman Gorden point of an Italian minister of the situation for many days and will obligated to act, as the ship sails Meanwhile, the G7 ministers minister of acting inhumanely. Yesterday the Maltese gov- Isler expressed disgust at Mat- interior, who is himself a hus- need drinking water and food.” under a German fl ag. said they committed to deepen The Sea-Eye vessel Alan Kurdi ernment would only say that it is teo Salvini, the interior minister band and a father. Where is the He said that he is aware that German Interior Minister co-ordination among members is stuck in the Mediterranean “monitoring the situation” after and deputy premier of Italy, for compassion and responsibility,” Germany, together with the Eu- Horst Seehofer said on Friday of the group to “enhance our some 50km from Malta carrying it too barred entry to the vessel refusing to allow the fathers to Isler told DPA. ropean Commission, is trying to that he was willing to accept rapid response support to survi- migrants it picked up off Libya on Friday. leave with their children. He appealed to the Maltese seek a solution to the impasse, some of the migrants on the Alan vors and victims”. last Wednesday. Malta and Italy have borne “Why should it be right to government for help, describing but that discussions should not Kurdi.

German military rebuked over Germans protest against ‘rent insanity’ ‘disrespectful’ ads Germany’s armed forces have drawn a severe rebuke from AFP radical solutions like expropri- “When people learn about workers at Ford and Volkswagen Berlin ating housing from institutional how many billions this will cost, over a recruitment advertising landlords. many would see this diff erently,” campaign that some said lacked Average rent prices in Berlin Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller respect. housands of people joined have pushed past €10 per square said. In its bid to attract employees marches across major metre per month, according to Deutsche Wohnen boss who are facing job cuts at the TGerman cities yesterday a recent study by a real estate Michael Zahn said the organis- German plant of US auto giant against “rental insanity” or Mi- group CBRE Berlin and German ers of the initiative were taking a Ford, the army took out an ad in etwahnsinn, which has sparked a mortgage bank Berlin Hyp AG. “very populist tone” and warned a local tabloid bearing the slogan popular backlash. The campaign’s spokesman that the public was not being “Job’s gone? Do what really pays”. Organisers said at least 6,000 Rouzbeh Taheri said the move- given the full picture. But the wordplay involving the people gathered in Berlin’s em- ment had radicalised as govern- However, Hans von Maydell use of the German word “Fort” for blematic Alexanderplatz and ment measures to cool the prop- was gearing up for battle, as the a job being “gone”, presented in were marching towards the erty market have failed to work. building he has lived in for 45 Ford’s logo, proved a step too far. working-class, predominantly “Many say this is a type of years changed ownership for the Ford’s worker’s council slammed immigrant district of Kreuzberg, class struggle. Yes that’s what fi rst time early this year. the campaign as “disrespectful”. which has been targeted by de- it is. But we did not start it. “The new owner ... buys and “The armed forces are trying to velopers. We’re taking defensive measures sells property with money from push its own interests with no “No demolition of habitable against the class struggler from investors who want to make the consideration for the diff icult houses,” the protesters cried. the top who has for years been highest profi ts possible,” the situation faced by our company Some of the marchers were fi ghting against tenants.” 75-year-old said. and the sensitive atmosphere disguised as what they called The “Expropriate Deutsche In a pre-emptive move, he among the employees,” it said in “real estate sharks”. Wohnen & Co.” initiative, named and fellow residents have sought a post on Facebook. The protesters also launched a after the biggest private player in protection under Berlin’s “Mi- A similar campaign also hit signature campaign to press for a Berlin, targets companies with lieuschutz” rules aimed at halt- German car giant Volkswagen, local referendum for Berlin’s city more than 3,000 apartments in ing gentrifi cation. with the army dispatching a hall to expropriate properties of their portfolios. Tenants have even formed a vehicle bearing the slogan “Dare real estate companies possessing Of an estimated 2mn rental “rental rebel” choir to belt out to take on a job for the people” more than 3,000 apartments. apartments in Berlin, Deutsche their protest against rising rents. to drive around VW’s Wolfsburg They singled out companies Wohnen owns 111,500, followed For von Maydell, a roof over headquarters. such as Deutsche Wohnen and by Vonovia with 44,000. one’s head is as essential as In German, the slogan Einen Job Vonovia, which have bought Taheri argues that cutting People take part in a protest against rising rents and a housing shortage in Berlin. drinking water and should not fuers Volk wagen, is a wordplay thousands of buildings in a capi- them down to size would strip be “left to speculation and the of the company’s name. tal with one of the cheapest real them of the infl uence they wield whether the private groups re- each hold between two and 20 The extreme move could also free market”. Ford said in March that it estate prices in Europe. in deciding market prices. ally wield that much infl uence. apartments. scare off investors who want to “We are in favour of these would slash more than 5,000 They raze exiting structures “It’s about sending a signal on Calling the initiative “com- Singling out the big groups move their businesses here and things coming under commu- jobs in Germany as part of a to build luxury apartments and which direction the city wants to pletely absurd”, Harald Simons, would “mean that about 5% of create new jobs, critics say. nal control and managed for the major restructuring to boost rented them out at higher rates. go. And a signal to speculators – an economist at Leipzig Uni- Berlin tenants will suddenly not Further, taxpayers would face well-being of the community, profitability at the US car giant’s The wave of gentrifi cation and telling them that your capital is versity, noted that 70% of rental have to pay much while the rest a huge bill – Berlin authori- and not for the well-being of the European operations. rising rents is provoking out- not safe in Berlin,” said Taheri. apartments across Germany are would have to keep paying just as ties have estimated the cost at few who want to get rich quickly Meanwhile at Volkswagen, 7,000 rage and leading some to ponder However, critics question owned by small landlords, who much”, he said. €36bn ($40bn). and ruthlessly.” jobs are due to go in five years. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, April 7, 2019 EUROPE

German far-right lawmaker could be ‘controlled’ by Russia: report A German far-right member of parliament, Markus support as well ... any type of interviews, reports and Frohnmaier, could become “absolutely controlled” by opportunities to appear in the Russian media is helpful Russia and act in Moscow’s interests, media reported. for us.” The BBC conducted a joint investigation into Russian It pledged that Frohnmaier would focus on topics like documents together with the German magazine Der “Good relations with the Russian Federation: Sanctions, Spiegel, the German TV channel ZDF and the Italian EU interference in Russian domestic politics”. French ‘yellow newspaper La Repubblica. The BBC said the document was part of a strategy The documents dating from 2017 indicate that allies paper outlining eff orts to influence public opinion and of Russian President Vladimir Putin believed that off icials across the European Union on issues including Frohnmaier, elected to the Bundestag lower house in Crimea, Ukraine and EU sanctions against Russia. September that year, was partial to their interests. The documents were obtained by the Dossier Centre, They were sent by email on April 3, 2017 to a high-rank- which probes Russian attempts to gain influence ing aide in Putin’s administration calling for concrete abroad. “support” for Frohnmaier, 28. It is funded by Russian former oligarch Mikhail Kho- vest’ protests The analysis describes Frohnmaier’s chance of being dorkovsky, an opponent of Putin who spent nearly a elected as “high” and an assessment of his potential decade in jail in Russia. value to Moscow: “We will have our own absolutely Frohnmaier told the BBC that he was not aware of the controlled MP in the Bundestag.” documents. Another document obtained by the BBC, also from Asked whether he could explain their conclusions, April 2017, appeared to be a request for help written on Frohnmaier said, in a statement from his lawyers: “Our behalf of Frohnmaier’s campaign. client emphasises that he was never under the control “For the election campaign we urgently would need of any third party. Our client has not requested or largely peaceful some support,” the letter stated. received financial support ... directly or through third “Besides material support, we would need media parties.” AFP Paris

housands of “yellow vest” protesters marched Tyesterday for the 21st Polish opposition Estonia’s consecutive week to denounce French government policies, as the authorities prepare to unveil ex-PM the results of a nationwide con- warns of ‘Polexit’ sultative exercise designed to address public grievances. seals From Rouen in the north and AFP Poland a drifting to the East,” Lyon in the southeast – as well Warsaw he said at a convention in War- as the capital Paris – protesters saw launching the coalition’s majority took to the streets carrying ban- campaign ahead of the Euro- ners denouncing French Presi- coalition of Polish op- pean vote to be held May 26 in dent Emmanuel Macron. position parties has Poland. coalition In the west, French and Ger- Alaunched its campaign Poles are overwhelmingly man activists joined forces on for May’s European elections EU-enthusiastic, with nearly the border. by warning that the govern- 90% backing membership AFP Some masked protesters ing eurosceptic PiS party could of the bloc that has given the Tallinn clashed with police in Rouen, drive the country out of the country billions of euros in but there was nothing like the European Union. subsidies, turbo-charging its scale of violence seen in previ- The PiS government has economic development. stonia’s Centre party lead- ous weeks’ protests, such as the stoked tensions with the EU Although the PiS has never er Juri Ratas struck a coali- March 16 riots in Paris that saw A man assists two ‘yellow vests’ protesters in front of riot police off icers, during a protest in Rouen by introducing a string of con- called for Poland to leave the Etion deal with an anti-EU luxury stores on the Champs- yesterday. troversial judicial reforms that EU, it is pushing for a more de- far-right party yesterday in a Elysees ransacked. Brussels says pose a threat to centralised bloc. controversial bid to block the Interior ministry fi gures – activists and opposition politi- a smoke screen designed to take council, which rules on the va- judicial independence, the rule The elections to the Euro- liberal Reform party that won consistently dismissed as un- cians for having played down re- their movement off the streets. lidity of laws, said the proposal of law and ultimately to de- pean Parliament will be a key last month’s election from form- derestimates by the protesters ports of police violence despite And an opinion poll published gave offi cials “excessive lati- mocracy. test for all EU governments and ing a government. – put the turnout across France growing numbers of serious in- on Thursday by pollsters De- tude”. Warsaw has since backed out especially so in Poland, where Having stepped down as at 6,300 at 2pm (1300 GMT), of juries among protesters. labre suggested that the public A new law will nevertheless of some of the controversial a general election is expected prime minister on Thursday, which 3,100 were in Paris. Next week, the government was not convinced either. allow the authorities to impose legislation, but the opposition later this year. Ratas, who leads the runner-up That was signifi cantly down will announce the results of the Of 1,002 surveyed, 68% did heavy fi nes on people organising is still concerned that the PiS Schetyna also laid out a se- centre-left party, approved the on the 282,000 who turned out “Great National Debate”, a series not think that people’s views unauthorised demonstrations government’s clash with Brus- ries spending promises includ- coalition with leaders of the far- for the fi rst yellow vest rally in of town hall meetings launched would be taken into account; and for anyone covering their sels could pave the way to a ing higher spending on health right EKRE party and the Isamaa November last year – but many across France in January to take 79% did not think it would re- face during a protest. “Polexit”. and education and fi nancial conservatives. of the remaining activists have the temperature of the nation solve the current political crisis. France has been rocked by “Either (we have) a strong, support for young employees. It commands a 56 seat-ma- made it clear that they will keep – and get Emmanuel Macron’s The government received months of weekly Saturday pro- prosperous, democratic Poland He further vowed to combat jority in the 101-seat parliament marching until they get satis- troubled presidency back on another setback last Thursday tests by the yellow vests, which in a strong Europe or what we Poland’s problems with smog that will allow it to win a confi - faction from the government. course. when France’s Constitutional emerged over fuel taxes before have today – a party state – on by limiting coal use. dence vote. “What will get me to stop, The idea is to collate griev- Council struck down a measure snowballing into a broad revolt the way to leaving the Euro- The populist PiS has focused “We will prove with our ac- is the resignation of (Interior ances and decide on solutions. that would have let authorities against Macron. pean Union,” said Grzegorz its campaign on bread-and- tions that the government of the Minister Christophe) Castaner, Macron’s offi ce said the presi- ban certain individuals from The protests have often de- Schetyna, leader of the liberal butter issues like expanding Centre Party, the Estonian Con- because of the police violence,” dent would announce the fi rst protesting. generated into rioting and fi erce Civic Platform (PO), the largest its already generous social servative People’s Party (EKRE) said Catherine, 59, a demon- measures to be taken by the It was a key element of the clashes with police in Paris and of fi ve opposition parties in the spending measures by vowing and Isamaa stands for the com- strator in Paris. middle of April. government’s plan to crack other cities, often by far-left and European Coalition (KE). to increase a child allowance it prehensive development of Es- Castaner has been heav- Many yellow vest activists down on violence at “yellow far-right extremists wielding “Either a Poland that is one launched after taking offi ce in tonia,” Ratas, who is now likely ily criticised both by yellow vest have denounced the exercise as vest” demonstrations, but the metal bars or slingshots. of the leaders of the West, or late 2015. to return to offi ce, told reporters in Tallinn yesterday. The deal enshrines Estonia’s continued membership of the EU and the North Atlantic Trea- ty Organisation (Nato), the BNS Last fl ight leaves Baltic News Agency reported. It also includes a tax freeze, pension hikes and a ban on GMO Ataturk as Istanbul crops but an EKRE proposal to end the public funding of abor- tions has been dropped, it added. switches airports Bread-and-butter issues in- cluding taxation and public spending dominated the March Reuters that capacity to expand to 3 election in the 1.3mn-strong Istanbul 200mn. country known for its IT savvy, Overnight hundreds of solid economic growth, and the trucks carried equipment such eurozone’s lowest debt-to-GDP he last commercial pas- as aircraft-towing vehicles and ratio. senger fl ight took off security sensors from Atat- President Kersti Kaljulaid on Tfrom Istanbul’s Ataturk urk, on the shores of the Sea Friday tasked liberal party leader airport yesterday and convoys of Marmara, 20 miles (30km) Kaja Kallas with forming a new of trucks ferried thousands of north to the new airport by the government, a month after her tonnes of equipment across Black Sea. Reform party won an inconclu- the city to a giant new airport, By early yesterday more than sive election that made it dif- which Turkey plans to make 90% of the move was com- fi cult for her to forge a majority the biggest in the world. plete, Turkish Airlines execu- coalition. The mammoth transfer be- tive Yahya Ustun said. Kallas, who has launched talks tween the two hubs, described Overnight the fi nal com- for a minority 44-member coa- by Turkish authorities as un- mercial passenger fl ight from lition with the Social Democrats, precedented in scale and speed, Ataturk took off for Singapore, told local media yesterday that was already largely complete a a departure which Transport she still plans to request a confi - little more than 24 hours after Minister Mehmet Turhan de- dence vote on April 15. it began before dawn on Friday. scribed as historic. But it now appears that The new Istanbul Airport, “I am glad to send you off the 41-year-old lawyer and costing some $8bn and one of as the last commercial pas- staunchly pro-EU former MEP several mega-projects champi- sengers of Ataturk Airport,” stands little if any chance of be- oned by President Recep Tayy- he said moments before the coming Estonia’s fi rst woman ip Erdogan, will initially be able plane took off at 2.44am (2344 prime minister. to handle 90mn passengers a GMT). “Upon your return, you Instead, the far-right is poised year, close to the world’s largest will land in Istanbul Airport, to enter government for the fi rst existing airport capacity. a monument of victory, the A worker carries a carpet in front of a screen in a hall of the new Istanbul Airport, on the first day after it moved from Ataturk International time in the Baltic state that broke Authorities plan to expand world’s biggest airport.” airport. free from the crumbling Soviet Union in 1991, a move that has stirred public outcry including street protests. Ratas began talks with the EKRE and Isamaa after spurning Erdogan’s ruling AKP ready to accept election recount results a coalition off er from Kallas os- tensibly over disagreements on taxation. Turkish opposition says it’s The AKP won most votes na- or disadvantage,” AKP spokes- Yildirim both declared vic- by the end of the weekend, but anyone,” he warned. Ratas returns as PM under the leading after half Istanbul tionwide in last Sunday’s elec- man Omer Celik told a briefi ng tory when preliminary results the AKP could still appeal again Celik said the AKP would still coalition deal and Centre con- ballots recounted tion, but results showed the for the foreign press in Istanbul. showed them in a dead heat. to the Supreme Electoral Coun- control districts and municipal trols four ministries including ruling party lost Ankara and was Voters may have punished the The AKP later appealed, say- cil. councils in both of the key cit- economics and infrastructure. AFP/Reuters also narrowly defeated in Istan- AKP at the ballot box, with Tur- ing that it had found irregu- Yildirim said on Friday that ies even if they lost the mayor’s The Isamaa conservatives will Istanbul bul. key’s economy in recession after larities in tens of thousands of the margin was narrowing, add- offi ces. be in charge of defence, justice, Electoral authorities are con- a currency crisis last year that hit votes. ing that the outcome of the re- But he said the party would foreign aff airs and culture. ducting a recount in scores of Turkish households hard when Imamoglu’s party said yes- count by the High Election Board not deliberately block opposi- EKRE party leader Mart Helme urkish President Recep districts in Ankara and in Istan- the lira lost 30% of its value. terday that he was still ahead by (YSK) would be diff erent once all tion mayor’s agendas. will head the interior ministry, Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling bul where tallies showed the op- Losing Istanbul would be a close to 18,000 votes with half of recounts were completed. Erdogan, in power for 16 years, while his son Martin, who is also TAKP will accept the re- position CHP candidate Ekrem blow to Erdogan, who built his the recount completed. CHP spokesman Faik Oztrak fought hard before the vote, the EKRE deputy leader, will sults of local election recounts Imamoglu with a very slim lead political career as mayor of the That margin remains very slim said that the party was confi dent holding rallies across Turkey serve as fi nance minister. in Ankara and Istanbul, no mat- over the AKP. city before becoming prime in an election where both candi- that the initial results would where he described the election The far-right party will also ter which party is declared the “At the end of the day, we will minister and later president. dates polled over 4mn votes. stand. of mayors and district councils control environment, rural af- winner, a party spokesman said accept the fi nal result regardless In Istanbul, CHP candidate Imamoglu has said that he ex- “We won’t let the election, as a battle for the nation’s sur- fairs as well as foreign trade and yesterday. of whether it is to our advantage Imamoglu and the AKP’s Binali pects the recount to be fi nished which we have won, be stolen by vival. IT. Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 19

INDIA Debris from anti-satellite test no danger to ISS, says India

Agencies thing” that had created new “As per our simulations, there that it collides with orbiting sat- designed to ensure minimum technology, Reddy said a mis- They are currently track- New Delhi dangers for astronauts aboard were no possibilities of hitting ellites. debris. sion of this nature cannot be ing 23,000 objects larger than the International Space Station. the International Space Station Even the smallest piece of de- He said a low orbit was de- kept secret technically as a sat- 10cm. “The mission had been de- with debris from the satellite,” bris travelling at great speeds liberately chosen to minimise ellite is tracked by many stations These includes about 10,000 ndia insisted yesterday that signed in a away that debris he added. can put a satellite out of action. debris. across the world. pieces of space debris, of which debris from its anti-satellite decays very fast and that mini- Nasa chief Jim Bridenstine The Indian satellite was de- India has the capacity to hit Bridenstine and other space nearly 3,000 were created by a Imissile test was not a danger mal debris goes up,” G Satheesh last week condemned India’s stroyed at a relatively low alti- target up to 1,000km and the experts also said the risk from Chinese anti-satellite test. to the International Space Sta- Reddy, head of India’s Defence destruction of the satellite as tude of 300km, 120km below the test was intentionally held at a the Indian debris would dissi- India has hailed the test as a tion, in a rebuff to criticism from Research and Development Or- a “terrible thing” that created ISS and most orbiting satellites. lower height. pate as much of it would burn up sign that it is a space power. the US space agency. ganisation told reporters. 400 pieces of orbital debris, or Reddy said when India con- Reacting to Congress leader P as it entered the atmosphere. Only the United States, Russia India has been on the defen- “There was a risk for 10 days “space junk”. ducted the test, the ISS was over Chidambaram’s comment that The US military tracks objects and China had previously car- sive following the March 27 test and we have crossed that pe- The danger from “space junk” French Guyana. it was foolish to let out secrets in space to predict the collision ried out successful anti-satellite that Nasa branded a “terrible riod,” he told a press conference. is not that it falls to Earth but Reddy said the Indian test was such as possession of such a risk for the ISS and satellites. missile strikes in space. Polish woman Maharashtrians celebrate Gudi Padwa seeks Sushma help to reunite with daughter

IANS the her daughter, who is currently Panaji being looked after by the parents of a classmate in North Goa, Ko- tlarska has now reached out to eparated due to visa-relat- Swaraj for help. ed discrepancies from her “Respected @SushmaSwaraj I S11-year-old daughter who is beg of you my 11-year-old daugh- currently under care of temporary ter is separated from me as I was guardians in Goa, a 42-year-old refused entry to India. Please re- Polish single mother stranded in quest MHA Foreign division to Thailand, has now reached out to treat my case as a priority since External Aff airs Minister Sushma minor child is (in) India, where Swaraj on Twitter for help. she studies without her mother,” Marta Kotlarska, a Polish art- Kotlarska tweeted. ist and photographer who is on a Kotlarska arrived in Goa from multiple entry B-2 business visa Warsaw in September 2018 to Youths dressed in traditional attire play drums as they take part in a procession celebrating ‘Gudhi Padwa’ or the Maharashtrian New Year in Mumbai yesterday. Gudhi to India, was turned away from work on a photography project to Padwa marks the end of a harvest and the beginning of a new one. the Kempegowda International capture Goan culture and bridge Airport in Bengaluru, after she the inter-generational gap be- returned from Sri Lanka on March tween the young and old in the 24. coastal state. Kotlarska said that she was She registered her daughter blacklisted by the Foreigner Re- with the FRRO in Panaji in Octo- gional Registration Offi ce (FRRO) ber 2018. in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, for Kotlarska is desperate to reu- overstaying “due to a misunder- nite with her daughter, who has standing”, but added that she had been away from her mother for The three women hoping paid the requisite fi nes prescribed more than a week now. by law. The mother said that Swaraj is She had left for Sri Lanka a “my only hope for now, because the few days earlier from Goa, be- authorities do not seem to be taking cause she was about to exceed her note of the fact that I am separated 180-day limit of stay in India and from my daughter, who is all on her visa renewal norms required for own now and I fear for her”. to upset Modi at the polls foreign nationals to formally re- She also requested the home enter the country. ministry “to treat my case as AFP business of politics in January af- “On my way back from Sri Lan- priority since minor girl child is New Delhi ter years of steering clear - and has ka, at the Bengaluru airport, to my involved, I’m separated from her made a splash. utmost shock, I was refused entry and her school ends end of June”. And what could be a better to India and had to fl y to Bang- She has also sought Prime rime Minister Narendra battleground for the charismatic kok. I had to fl y to a destination Minister Narendra Modi’s help. Modi faces three formidable younger sister of Congress presi- where I knew someone and could “Respected @narendramodi I beg Pwomen looking to spoil his dent Rahul Gandhi than Uttar solve my problem and plead to the you for your help. Please request chances of winning a new term in Pradesh - the Hindu heartland Indian embassy,” Kotlarska told offi cials in MHA Foreign division elections beginning next week. where Modi has his core support IANS by phone from Thailand, to treat my case as priority since AFP profi les them here: base. where she is currently stranded. minor is involved and her educa- ‘Big sis’ Priyanka, 47, has been tasked In her desperation to unite with tion is at stake.” Feisty and fi ery Mamata Baner- with reviving the Congress in the jee is the fi rst female chief minister Mamata Banerjee Mayawati Priyanka Gandhi Vadra state, where it was thrashed in of the eastern state of West Ben- 2014 polls - winning just two of gal where Modi’s Bharatiya Janata joys a mass following not least career as champion of lower caste But if her party performs well the 80 parliamentary seats in con- Tribal students to climb Mt Everest Party (BJP) needs to do well. because of her humble upbringing Dalits. this time, she could once again trast to BJP’s 71. The diminutive 64-year-old and lowbrow style. She wields considerable in- play a pivotal role in coalition ne- She seems to have taken the A group of 11 tribal students gave them a formal flag-off on is one of Modi’s most vociferous “Banerjee is a very important fl uence in 200mn-strong Uttar gotiations. challenge head-on, launching her including four girls from Adivasi Friday evening. The students’ critics and has been working to leader. She is a struggler and a Pradesh, India’s most populous She has hit the right notes so far, campaign in Modi’s constituency Ashram Schools in Maharashtra long and rigorous selection cobble together an anti-Modi al- fi ghter to the core,” Manisha Pri- state and the election’s biggest calling out the BJP for its “divide of Varanasi on a motorboat that will embark on an expedition process started in August liance. yam, a Delhi-based political ana- prize. and rule communal politics” while traversed the Ganges. to scale Mt Everest today, an 2018 at the Gyan Bharti Skill “We can tell you one thing, that lyst, told AFP. Her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) cosying up with her once arch-ri- The symbolism was not lost off icial said yesterday. Trained Development Centre in Wardha, we are all together against the BJP “If she does well in the state, she was decimated in the 2014 polls val Akhilesh Yadav who helms the on analysts, saying her move was by experts to tackle the tough where 203 students with good government to save the nation,” will be an important player in the but she has stitched up an alliance Samajwadi Party. aimed at snuffi ng out criticism and cold mountainous terrain, physique and an adventurous she says. formation of a government.” with her sworn enemy, the Sama- “She does have a cadre which that the Congress has been ignor- and genetically gifted with grit aptitude were trained in basic Banerjee, whose Trinamool A budding poet, painter and au- jwadi Party. has been built up astutely. No poli- ing majority Hindu voters and ap- and agility, these 11 students will climbing skills. From them 132 Congress party rules the roost in thor - Banerjee dons many hats. Analysts blamed her 2014 rout tics can go ahead in UP by disre- peasing India’s 170mn Muslims. take up the challenge under the attended a second training camp West Bengal, has succeeded in While her fans swear by her oil on her penchant for extravagance specting her. No one can aff ord to Her fans say her common touch, state’s ‘Mission Shaurya - 2019’. at Bhongir in Hyderabad, out of keeping the BJP at bay so far de- paintings and poems, critics de- - she once sent her private jet to take her lightly,” said Priyam. as well as her appearance, are Maharashtra Chief Secretary U which 41 were sent on a four- spite the growing popularity of ride her work as trash. pick up a pair of sandals according Indira reborn? reminiscent of Indira Gandhi, her P S Madan, Tribal Department week sojourn to the Himalayan Modi. Dalit champion to leaked US cables - and a contro- The youngest scion of the Ne- grandmother who was India’s fi rst Principal Secretary Manisha Mountaineering Institute in The former railways minister Known as the “Dalit Queen”, versy over building concrete parks hru-Gandhi dynasty, Priyanka woman prime minister and who Verma and other top dignitaries Darjeeling. known as “didi”, or big sister, en- Mayawati, 63, has had a colourful full of statues of herself. Gandhi Vadra entered the family was assassinated in 1984. ‘Edtech’ boom transforms how children learn

AFP they seek to capitalise on the “We wanted to make educa- cational games to match India’s pils engage with lessons. Mumbai world’s largest school-age popu- tion fun,” said Manish Dhooper, school curriculum. The 45-year-old hides an Am- lation who face fi erce competi- the founder of New Delhi-based It has raised more than $1bn in azon Echo device in a shop win- tion for university places. Planet Spark, which uses “gami- funding since the beginning of dow mannequin. rom a multi-billion-dollar “I have been using Byju’s since fi ed” teaching methods. last year, including from Facebook When AFP visited, children education startup to wired- last year and my performance Garima Dhir enrolled her six- founder Mark Zuckerberg, valu- aged 11 approached and asked Fup mannequins, technolo- has really improved. I under- year-old boy into a Planet Spark ing the fi rm at around $5.4bn. questions such as, “Alexa, how gy is helping to revolutionise the stand mathematical concepts programme to study maths and “We want to be the largest ed- many states are there in India?”. way Indian schoolchildren are much better now,” says 16-year- English because she wanted him ucation company in the world,” They also did sums and then learning - provided their parents old Akshat Mugad referring to a to get used to using technology at founder Byju Raveendran, 39, asked Alexa for the answer to fi nd can aff ord it. Facebook-backed, Indian educa- a young age. whose stake in Byju’s is now out if they had done them cor- A host of online platforms are tion app. “With interactive classes, my thought to be worth almost $2bn, rectly. taking advantage of a surge in Byju’s has become one of the son is picking concepts without told AFP. The device plays the Indian smartphone ownership to en- world’s largest online learning any stress and enjoying the proc- Analysts say technology has national anthem at the start of gage millions of youngsters with sites since it was founded in Ben- ess without fear of failure,” she the power to transform educa- the school day and healing music interactive games and animated galuru in 2011 and is currently told AFP. tion in India but note that at the during meditation sessions. video lessons. embarking on an ambitious over- Robomate, Toppr, Simplile- moment it is largely the domain Indian media have carried re- India’s education system suf- seas expansion. arn, Meritnation and Edureka are of middle-class families. ports of a teacher doing the same fers from a lack of investment, It is just one of dozens of star- others in the market. A year-long subscription to thing in another school in rural and the apps aid students who tups betting that kids are eager India has an estimated 270mn Byju’s can cost upwards of $150 Maharashtra. want extra tuition away from to learn diff erently from rote children aged between fi ve and 17. Employees of education technology start-up Byju’s work on content for example, a small fortune for “The kids get really excited overcrowded classrooms and memorisation techniques that Its online education sector is development for the app at their off ice in Bengaluru. the majority of Indians. when they ask her questions,” crumbling schools. are used across much of Asia. projected to be worth $2bn to At a state-run school in Mum- said Sankhe, 45. Major foreign investors are Edtech platforms are also tak- Asia’s third-largest economy KPMG two years ago. around 32mn users in India us- bai teacher Pooja Prashant Sankhe “Pupils are coming to school ploughing funds into India’s ing off in other Asian countries, by 2021, according to research With revenues heading for ing its e-tutorials that feature is using technology in a rather dif- more regularly now because of growing “edtech” industry as notably China and Taiwan. published by accounting group $200mn, Byju’s says it has animations, live classes and edu- ferent way to change how her pu- Alexa,” she added. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, April 7, 2019 INDIA

Jagan praises PM, forgives Congress – and keeps everyone guessing

IANS Vengeance is not for me. I am The Congress Party has al- The TDP also had a poll alli- However, Jagan’s praise for Front. Jagan agreed to work to- TDP leaders point out that both Amaravati forgiving and I have forgiven,” he ready announced that if voted ance with the Congress in the Modi may not go well with the gether with the TRS. The TRS has Modi and BJP president Amit told the channel. to power at the Centre, it would Telangana assembly elections Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), been predicting that Jagan’s party Shah, at their election rallies, The YSRCP chief also lauded grant the special status to Andhra held in December 2018 but after which, along with the All India will not only sweep the assembly targeted the TDP but avoided at- SR Congress Party leader Modi for showing a stronger will Pradesh. it came a cropper, the Congress Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen polls but will win 20-22 Lok Sab- tacking Jagan. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is than any other prime minister. By “forgiving” the Congress, decided to go alone in the Andhra (AIMIM), is working to form the ha seats. Jagan, a businessman-politician, Ykeeping everyone guess- He, however, said Modi may have the YSRCP chief apparently elections. Federal Front as an alternative to Jagan told an election rally last had revolted against the Congress ing with his praise for Prime done far better in the rest of the wants to keep his options open. The national party, however, the BJP and the Congress. week that he is working with the after it rejected his claim for the Minister Narendra Modi and also country, but in Andhra Pradesh His remarks also assume sig- has considerably weakened with At the two election meetings TRS as it has assured him of its chief minister’s post following the by forgiving the Congress. he is portrayed as someone who nifi cance as Telugu Desam Party many top leaders crossing over Modi addressed in Telangana, he support for the special category death of his father and then chief With just four days left for betrayed the state by not giving it (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh to YSRCP and TDP over last fi ve launched a bitter attack on TRS status demand. minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in a simultaneous elections for the special category status. Chief Minister N Chandrababu years. chief and Telangana Chief Min- The YSRCP leader’s remarks helicopter crash in 2009. Andhra Pradesh assembly and Jagan, who foresees a hung Naidu, with whom he is locked This is not the fi rst time Jagan ister K Chandrashekhar Rao over about Modi and TRS have provid- He later quit the Congress all 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra parliament, has been saying that in bitter power battle, had been has praised Modi. At an election various. Rao also hit back hard at ed further ammunition to ruling fl oated the YSRCP, which has Pradesh, Jagan told a television he will back any party or parties working with the Congress since rally recently ago, the Leader of the prime minister. Telugu Desam Party, which has now become a key force in the channel that he has forgiven the wanting to form the government last year to cobble up an anti- Opposition had said the credit for In January, TRS working presi- been accusing him of being hand- state politics and a strong con- Congress. provided they promise to confer Bharatiya Janata Party front at bringing Kia Motors plant to And- dent K T Rama Rao had met Jagan in-glove with Modi and TRS to tender for power in next week’s “I believe in God. I pray to God. special status to the state. the national level. hra Pradesh goes to Modi. to invite him to join the Federal work against the state’s interests. elections. AAP toughens terms for tie-up with Congress

IANS tended road show. New Delhi She chose the auspicious fi rst day of the ‘Navaratras’, consid- ered lucky to initiate any impor- he Aam Aadmi Party tant work, to fi le her nomination (AAP) would enter into from the seat she won the fi rst Tan alliance with the Con- time in a 2012 by-election and gress in Delhi only if it agreed then retained in the 2014 Lok for a similar deal in Haryana in Sabha elections. the Lok Sabha polls and backed After fi ling her papers, Dimple its demand for full statehood to expressed confi dence that her Delhi, a senior party leader said victory margin will increase as yesterday. her party and the Bahujan Samaj The talks for an alliance in Party were fi ghting the elections Delhi were underway between together. the two parties, with the AAP Calling the Bharatiya Janata wanting it in Haryana and Party (BJP) “a failure”, she said: Chandigarh as well, the leader “The BJP did not fulfi l its prom- added. ises and is now using the securi- “The talks are on for 18 seats ty forces to distract the people.” - Delhi (seven), Haryana (10) Earlier performing special and Chandigarh (one). We said Navratra prayers and rituals, A shopkeeper shows election campaign materials to a customer inside his shop at a market in New Delhi yesterday. it (poll understanding) will be Dimple took to the ‘Samajwadi possible only if the Congress Rath’ along with her husband agreed for an alliance in Harya- and their three children for the na,” he said. 8km-long road show. The AAP has also said that it Hundreds of motorcycles and could support the Congress in cars accompanied their modi- Chandigarh only if the main op- fi ed bus chariot and workers of position party extended support both the Samajwadi Party and to it in Faridabad, Gurugram and the BSP were out in force as Congress, BJD keeping Karnal in Haryana. Dimple, who is aff ectionately These two conditions were called ‘bhabhiji’ in the area, decided at a meeting of Delhi waved to the people. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Apart from slogans in her fa- with senior party leaders San- vour, there were also slogans jay Singh, Manish Sisodia and that the fate of the state will also Gopal Rai yesterday, he said. change as BSP supremo Maya- the country poor: Modi “The Congress should openly wati and Akhilesh Yadav have declare a support to full state- come together. IANS ish if the Congress disappears, he the reason for the state to lag be- ern India,” Modi said. cide whether you want to vote for hood for Delhi, if it wants to Actress and MP Jaya Bach- Bhubaneswar added. hind in terms of development,” “Do you want development or a hardworking and honest party have an alliance with the AAP,” chan accompanied Dimple in Modi said Congress has asked Modi. discrimination? If you want de- or a corrupt one,” said Modi. the leader said. her road show. planned to implement a policy “Once our government is velopment, let the lotus bloom in He alleged that the BJD and The talks for Punjab were Dimple will again face the rime Minister Narendra that will lead to infl ation with formed in the state and the Cen- the state. Congress were not concerned ruled out by the Congress due BJP’s Subrat Pathak, whom she Modi yesterday slammed the increase of prices of essential tre, Odisha will be recognised for “This time lotus will bloom in about the safety of women. to Chief Minister Amarinder had defeated in 2014. Pthe Congress and Biju Ja- commodities. tourism instead of migration of Odisha. I can say with certainty The prime minister also tar- Singh’s disagreement over the Leaders of both the SP and nata Dal (BJD) for keeping people “Do you want a majboor sarkar masses,” he added. that the maximum number of geted the Congress for going soft issue, he said. BSP appeared enthused at yes- in the country poor for their per- (dependent government) or a He also raised the water scar- lotuses will bloom in the state,” on terror groups. According to sources, Con- terday’s show. sonal gain and vote bank politics. majboot sarkar (strong govern- city issue in the region in spite said Modi. “India now enters the homes gress president Rahul Gandhi Rajendra Maurya, vice presi- “In fact, the Congress and BJD ment),” Modi asked. of the presence of the Mahanadi The prime minister said the of terrorists and kills them. There had called a meeting yesterday dent of the SP’s backward cell, see their political crop in pover- Attacking Odisha Chief Min- and Tel rivers. BJD has obstructed development were governments earlier, but to discuss the issue with senior said: “This time there is a coali- ty. This is the reason a large part ister Naveen Patnaik, the prime At another rally in Sundar- in the state while it has no good there was no surgical strike and party leaders, including Delhi tion wave. We will win 75 (of the of India including Odisha has minister said farmers have been garh, Modi exuded confi dence intention to see the state prosper. aircraft did not eliminate ter- Congress president and former 80) seats in the state.” remained impoverished for so selling their produces in distress that the lotus (the Bharatiya Ja- He added that the BJD has ob- rorists’ hideouts by crossing the chief minister Sheila Dikshit. The SP is contesting 37 seats, many decades,” Modi said at an even though the central govern- nata Party’s symbol) will bloom structed the implementation of border of other countries. It’s in- In other nedws, Kannauj MP the BSP 38 and Ajit Singh’s election rally in Sonepur. ment has hiked the minimum in Odisha. fi nancial assistance to farmers, dicative of strengthening India,” Dimple Yadav, accompanied by Rashtriya Lok Dal three. The al- He said generation after gen- support price to 1.5 times the “The discrimination on the free treatment to the poor under said Modi. husband and Samajwadi Party liance is not fi elding candidates eration the Congress was able to production cost. basis of territory that the BJD the ‘Ayushman Bharat Yojana’ Elections will be held simulta- chief Akhilesh Yadav, yesterday in Amethi and Rae Bareli - held give only slogans for the eradica- Besides, people are migrating government is doing in Odi- and the BJD needs to be punished neously in Odisha in four phases fi led her nomination papers for by Congress president Rahul tion of poverty. While people got to other states in search of jobs. sha, the same discrimination the for that. beginning on April 11 for 21 Lok the 2019 Lok Sabha elections Gandhi and UPA chairperson poorer, their leaders got richer. “Odisha is rich with abundant Congress and its allies have done “The 2019 election is very cru- Sabha and 147 assembly seats. after a colourful and widely at- Sonia Gandhi respectively. Poverty will automatically van- natural resources. Then, what is for decades with the entire east- cial for Odisha. You have to de- Transfer of police offi cers Shatrughan Sinha highly arbitrary: Mamata joins Congress IANS ly and I was groomed in this party IANS ducting free and fair elections or state subject, she further alleged New Delhi with the guidance and blessings Kolkata working in a manner to appease that the general practice of con- of the stalwarts like Bharat Ratna the ruling BJP at the Centre,” she sulting the state government or Nanaji Deshmukh, late and great said. seeking a panel of names of offi c- ebel Bharatiya Janata Party PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and of est Bengal Chief Min- The EC on Friday removed ers was not followed by EC before leader Shatrughan Sinha course, our friend philosopher, ister Mamata Banerjee Kolkata Police Commissioner issuing the order. Ryesterday joined the Con- ultimate leader, guru and guide L Wyesterday termed the Anuj Sharma, his counterpart in She urged the Commission to gress ending his decades-old as- K Advani. Election Commission’s decision Bidhannagar Gyanwant Singh and review its decision and start an sociation with the ruling party. “I would like to include some to transfer four West Bengal po- superintendents of police Shyam inquiry to fi nd out under whose The actor-turned-politician of those who’ve not lived up to lice offi cers, including the Kolk- Singh of Birbhum and P S Selva- guidance the decision of transfer- ended weeks of suspense over the expectations, to those who ata police commissioner, and bar murugan of Diamond Harbour ring the offi cers was taken. his political future and joined the are responsible for the injustice them from poll duty as “highly police district. Putting forward her argument in Congress saying that he hoped it and for turning Lok Shahi (de- arbitrary, motivated and biased In a statement, Chief Secre- support of the serving offi cers, the will provide him with the oppor- mocracy) into Tana Shahi (dic- towards BJP”. tary Malay De said Rajesh Kumar chief minister said the two com- tunity to serve the people, soci- tatorship). “I forgive and forget Banerjee said the fl ow of events would take over as the new Kolkata missioners in Kolkata and Bidhan- ety, and the nation. at this juncture. The diff erences raises “strong doubts” over the police commissioner, while Na- nagar have been playing a key role The former BJP MP joined the I have with some of the present Commission’s functioning to con- tarajan Ramesh Babu will take over in seizure of illegal currency, gold, Congress at the party headquar- people and policies of the party duct free and fair polls in the state. as Bidhannagar police chief. liquor and other prohibited items, ters in New Delhi in the presence leave me with no option but to “The decision of the Commis- Banerjee said certain Bharatiya and enforcing law and order in a of Congress general secretary part ways with it,” he said. sion is highly arbitrary, motivated Janata Party (BJP) leaders had strict manner resulting in a large K C Venugopal and spokesman Sinha said he was hopeful and biased. We have every reason made comments in the press that number of arrests. Randeep Singh Surjewala. that the Congress “will provide to believe that the decision of the senior offi cers of the state in the She stated that the two offi c- Sinha earlier tweeted: “It’s me with opportunities to serve Commission is at the behest of the police administration would soon ers named by EC as new commis- with a heavy heart and immense our people, society, and na- ruling party at the Centre, ie the be replaced by the EC, while Prime sioners of these two regions lack pain that I fi nally bid adieu to my tion in terms of unity, prosper- BJP,” Banerjee said in a letter to the Minister Narendra Modi also made adequate knowledge of the area old party, for reasons best known ity, progress, development, and election panel. a statement in a TV show on Friday and the people, and warned that to all of us, on April 6, which also glory. This is a party of great na- “This fl ow of events gives rise to that the “law and order situation is putting them in charge of these happens to be the Sansthapna Di- tion builders and luminaries like strong doubts whether the Com- bad in Bengal”, before the order of crucial areas can “signifi cantly was (Foundation Day) of the BJP. Mahatma Gandhi, (Jawaharlal) mission is functioning as per its the Commission was received. jeopardise” the management of Labourers carry audio speakers before connecting the loudspeaker “I don’t hold any ill will for our Nehru, (Vallabhbhai) Patel, and constitutional mandate of con- Noting that law and order is a these areas. system for an election campaign rally in Kolkata. people as they were like my fami- many others.” Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 21 PAKISTAN Court bars NAB from arresting India’s F-16 claim has Hamza Shehbaz

Internews Lahore backfi red, says PM

he Lahore High Court Reuters/DPA dian jets crossed over into Paki- sumed and major airports have (LHC) has barred the Karachi/Mumbai stan to attack a suspected camp opened. TNational Accountability of anti-India militants. Pakistan off ered to open one Bureau (NAB) from arresting An Indian jet was brought air route on Friday, an Indian Pakistan Muslim League – Na- rime Minister Imran Khan down during the fi ght and its pi- government offi cial said, without waz (PML-N) leader Hamza has blamed India’s rul- lot captured when he ejected on specifying details and declining Shehbaz till tomorrow (Mon- Ping Bharatiya Janata Party the Pakistani side of the border. to be named as the matter was day, April 8). (BJP) for “whipping up war hys- He was later released. not public. The LHC chief justice issued Shehbaz Sharif: his residence teria” over claims that India shot India said it too had shot down An Air India offi cial said on the order on a separate peti- was raided by the NAB on down a Pakistani F-16 during a a Pakistani aircraft and the air condition of anonymity that Pa- tion fi led by Hamza’s lawyer, Friday. standoff in February, saying that force displayed pieces of a mis- kistan has opened one of its 11 air requesting the court to bar the the truth is always the best pol- sile that it said had been fi red by routes, from the southern side, NAB from arresting the leader should be allowed to go inside icy. a Pakistani F-16 before it went adding that the carrier began op- of the opposition in the Punjab the house.” US-based Foreign Policy mag- down. erations via this route on Friday. Assembly. “We have Hamza’s arrest azine, citing US offi cials, said all Foreign Policy said in a report “Pakistan has opened one air The LHC chief justice held a warrant,” the NAB offi cial said. of Pakistan’s F-16 combat jets published on Thursday that two route over India on April 4, it is a brief hearing in his chambers Later, speaking to the media, had been accounted for, contra- US defence offi cials with direct northwest bound route,” Mujtaba and stopped the NAB from ar- Asghar said: “We are not being dicting an Indian air force as- knowledge of the matter said US Baig, spokesman for Pakistan’s resting Hamza till tomorrow. allowed inside the residence sessment that it had shot down personnel had done a count of Civil Aviation Authority, told And yesterday morning, an to arrest Hamza, and no one is one of the jets. Pakistan’s F-16s and found none Reuters yesterday. NAB team once again headed co-operating with us.” “The truth always prevails and missing. Prime Minister Khan: The truth always prevails and is always the best An e-mail sent to the Indian to and cordoned off PML-N “Hamza is a renowned poli- is always the best policy,” Khan Details of the India-Pakistan policy. Directorate General of Civil Avi- president Shehbaz Sharif’s tician and should behave like said in a Tweet. “BJP’s attempt to air engagement have not been ation was not immediately an- Model Town residence to arrest one. Hamza should not hide win elections through whipping fully provided by either side. futed the Foreign Policy report, by us indicate that the PAF air- swered. Hamza. behind workers,” he asserted. up war hysteria and false claims BJP spokesman Bizay Sonkar and said it had proof that a Paki- craft was an F-16.” Air India did not immediately Contingents of police, “The whole Pakistan is watch- of downing a Pak F 16 has back- Shastri dismissed Khan’s accu- stani F-16 was shot down in the The US defence department respond to an e-mail seeking Rangers and anti-riot force ing that a renowned politician fi red, with US defence offi cials sations. air combat. has said it was “not aware” of any comment. surrounded Shehbaz’s 96-H is hiding from arrest.” also confi rming that no F16 was “Firstly, their (Pakistan’s) “The Indian Forces have con- investigation that was conducted Pakistan and India have fought Model Town residence, 24 The NAB offi cial added: “I missing from Pakistan’s fl eet.” habit of lying is no secret to the fi rmed sighting ejections at two to ascertain if Pakistan had lost a three wars since they gained in- hours after the NAB fi rst raided do not have any weapon on me, Indians begin voting in general world. Secondly, this is absolute- diff erent places on that day. The F-16, contrary to the report in the dependence from British colo- the residence to arrest Hamza. and I am not a terrorist. I am elections on Thursday. ly clear that the roots of terror- two sightings were at places sep- US magazine, India’s Hindustan nial rule in 1947, two of them over Police personnel have been here to arrest Hamza as per the Nuclear-armed neighbours ism lie in Pakistan and terrorism arated by at least 8-10km. Times daily reported. Kashmir. stationed outside the main gate law. There are multiple cases India and Pakistan engaged in is cultivated in Pakistan,” he told “One was an IAF MiG 21 Bi- Pakistan closed its airspace Both Pakistan and India con- of the house and contingents of against Hamza – he was in- an aerial battle over the disputed Reuters. son and the other a PAF aircraft. amid the standoff but most com- trol parts of Kashmir, but lay female police offi cers were also volved in money laundering – region of Kashmir a day after In- The Indian Air Force has re- Electronic signatures gathered mercial air traffi c has since re- claim to the entire valley. present. and the country is not moving A large number of PML-N forward. But we all can see who workers are staging a sit-in is moving ahead.” TV channels must outside the residence. Further speaking to Geo Earlier, police and PML-N News, PML-N leader Malik All in a day’s work seek military nod party workers clashed as they Ahmed Khan said: “The NAB is before inviting attempted to reach the en- ignoring LHC orders and mis- trance of the Shehbaz family interpreting Supreme Court’s former off icers residence. directives.” Speaking to Geo News via “The government has made The Pakistan Electronic Media telephone, Hamza said: “Why a NAB state, and these raids Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) should I surrender when the are being carried out on Imran has made appearance of retired court has provided me legal Khan’s orders,” he added. military off icers as “defence protection. The Lahore High Hamza’s secretary has analyst” in talk shows on matters Court has ordered that I be in- warned: “We will not let Ham- of national security and military formed 10 days before arrest.” za get arrested at any cost.” subject to clearance from the “NAB should implement the “We have directed party military. orders of the LHC’s divisional workers to reach the residence They may take part in other talk bench,” he said, adding that and are ready for all circum- shows as analysts. nobody challenged the order in stances. Hamza is not a terror- In a notification No. 13(89)/ the Supreme Court. ist that he be arrested like this. OPS/2018 dated April 4, 2019, Stating that he is present at We will fi ght democratically,” the media regulator has directed his father’s 96-H Model Town he added. all TV channels to seek prior residence, Hamza said when Regarding the raid, the Pun- clearance from the Inter-Services asked what will happen if NAB jab chief minister’s spokesper- Public Relations (ISPR) before teams scale the wall and enter son Shehbaz Gill, while speak- inviting retired military off icers the house: “The world will see ing to Geo News, said: “The on news and current aff airs what will happen if they do NAB is independent and not programmes “to solicit their that.” bound to inform us regarding views on matters of national “Workers should show soli- inquiries.” security”. darity peacefully. Peaceful “The accountability bu- A notification, issued by the protest is the democratic right reau has also arrested Pakistan PEMRA, stated that “concerned of workers. We condemn the Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders,” Gill quarters” have observed that dictatorial tactics of this un- added. retired military off icers, when democratic government and A day earlier, the NAB con- invited on TV programmes, “are the baton charge on unarmed ducted a raid at Shehbaz’s resi- usually not fully conversant with workers,” he added. dence to arrest Hamza. the latest defence and security Hamza said: “It is unlawful A press release by NAB said a developments due to their to come for my arrest despite team had gone to the residence service background and post- Lahore High Court orders. The to arrest Hamza on the basis retirement time”. NAB should respect court or- of evidence against him in the The PEMRA noted that ders.” “assets beyond means” and al- discussions featuring such retired NAB additional direc- leged money laundering case. personnel “mostly switches tor Chaudhry Asghar, while The press release added that Fishermen pull a fishing net ashore at the Clifton beach in Karachi. from security matters to politics, speaking with PML-N lawyer NAB offi cers were manhan- which inadvertently embroils Atta Tarrar outside the Sheh- dled by Hamza’s guards, their military off icers into a political baz family residence, said: “We clothes were torn, and death debate” – a situation it described are here to arrest Hamza, and threats issued. as “undesirable”. The notification said: “All news/ current aff airs TV channels are requested that retired armed Tehmina Janjua to be forces off icers may only be invited as Defence Analyst for Cabinet approves bid discussion on military matters with prior clearance from the to ban Abbasi travel new envoy to China ISPR.” Pakistani firms Internews Internews ting the station as soon Janjua’s new ambassador to Japan, since at third largest Islamabad Islamabad agreemaunt (Consent letter) is Pakistan’s envoy in Tokyo Dr granted by China. Asad Majeed has already left automotive fair She will be a contractual am- Japan, and assumed the as- he federal cabinet has oreign Secretary Tehmina bassador, and likely to serve the signment of ambassador to the Janjua: currently the foreign Ten leading auto-parts given approval to place Janjua will be Pakistan’s country for three years in Bei- United States. secretary. manufacturers and exporters Tfour names, including Fnew ambassador to China, jing. Additional Foreign Secretary from Pakistan are showcasing that of Punjab Assembly Op- and Ambassador Moazzam Ah- She is reaching the superan- for Turkey, Iran, and Afghani- Africa, the sources added. their products in the world’s position Leader Hamza She- mad Khan, who is currently the nuation age on April 16. stan Dr Muhammad Aejaz will Incoming Foreign Secretary third largest automotive fair – hbaz, on the Exit Control List country’s envoy to the United Pakistan’s ambassador to be the ambassador to Hungary. Sohail Mahmood is relinquish- “Automechanika” – being held in (ECL). Arab Emirates (UAE), will be Pa- France Moinul Haq, who served Khalil-ur-Rehman Hashmi, ing his charge in New Delhi on Istanbul. According to sources in the kistan’s new high commissioner as chief of protocol before as- the director general for the Wednesday (April 10) to assume The companies are showcasing federal government, the names Former prime minister Abbasi to India. signment to the French capital, United Nations in the Foreign his new assignment in Islama- their products at Pakistan of former prime minister Sha- He will replace Sohail Mah- will be proceeding to Abu Dhabi Offi ce, will be Pakistan’s per- bad. Country Pavilion with the theme hid Khaqan Abbasi, Punjab As- to the family’s sugar mills. mood, who has been designated as ambassador to the UAE. manent representative for the The sources revealed that of “Emerging Pakistan”. sembly member Salman She- The money was approved by as the new foreign secretary. Naghmana Hashmi will be UN Geneva headquarters. notifi cations pertaining to the Automechanika Istanbul 2019 hbaz – who is currently out of their father, Shehbaz Sharif, Well-placed diplomatic new ambassador to France. Farrukh Aamil, Pakistan’s reshuffl ing would be formalised has brought together over 1,300 the country – and former Pa- who was the Punjab chief min- sources said that the Foreign She is currently Pakistan’s permanent representative at next week. exhibitors from 40 countries. kistan Steel Mills (PSM) chair- ister at the time. Offi ce has decided in principle ambassador to Belgium, Lux- UN Geneva headquarters, has The changes have been au- man Moeen Aftab have also Abbasi is accused of award- to bring about a major reshuf- embourg, and the EU. already relinquished the charge thenticated by Foreign Minister been placed on the ECL. ing a 15-year contract for a liq- fl e in its important missions Pakistan’s ambassador to after attaining superannuation. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the All four names have been uefi ed natural gas (LNG) ter- abroad, with new ambassadors Germany Jauhar Saleem will be Dr Sohail Ahmad Khan, the sources added. Sindh extends placed on the ECL at the Na- minal against the rules when he in Russia, France, Germany, the replacing Hashmi in Brussels. high commissioner to South Af- Meanwhile, director general Rangers’ powers tional Accountability Bureau’s was the petroleum minister in European Union (EU), the UAE, Additional Foreign Secretary rica, will be leaving for Moscow for the South Asia Division in (NAB) request, the sources former premier Nawaz Sharif’s Hungary, South Africa, Japan, for Europe Zaheer Aslam Janjua to become ambassador to Rus- the Foreign Offi ce Dr Moham- The special policing powers of said. cabinet. and the permanent representa- will be new ambassador to Ger- sia, since incumbent ambassa- ed Faisal Chaudhary could be Sindh Rangers were extended The NAB is investigating The case was closed by the tive at the UN headquarters in many. dor Qazi M Khaliullah is com- considered for the post of high for another 90 days on Friday in Hamza for allegedly owning NAB in 2016 but reopened last Geneva. He will be leaving for Berlin pleting his contractual period commissioner to Dhaka, after Karachi, a notification issued by assets beyond his means. year. Pakistan’s ambassador to next month. next month. Saqlain Syeda was rejected by the Sindh Home Department said. He, along with his brother Meanwhile, Aftab is being China Masood Khalid, who is The sources pointed out that Pakistan’s high commissioner the Bangladesh government. The powers conferred upon the Salman, is also accused of us- investigated for alleged em- availing second extension in his Special Secretary for Asia Pa- to Thailand Asim Iftikhar Ah- Chaudhary is the additional Rangers in Karachi Division under ing Rs200mn from public bezzlement of Rs26bn in PSM posting in Beijing after attaining cifi c region in the Foreign Offi ce mad could be picked for posting spokesperson for the Foreign the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 will funds to build a bridge linking funds. superannuation, will be quit- Imtiaz Ahmad will be Pakistan’s as high commissioner to South Offi ce. now expire on July 4. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, April 7, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Poor diets cause more deaths than any other risk factor His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani addressing the opening session of the 140th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Doha yesterday.

Poor diet now causes more deaths globally than tobacco smoking and high blood pressure; a research showed and noted that lack of healthy foods in our diets, along with Amir: IPU meeting’s objectives high levels of salt is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor in the world. Eleven million deaths worldwide – or one in fi ve deaths globally in 2017, were linked to people eating poor diets refl ect entire mankind’s goals high in sugar, salt and processed meat that contributed to heart disease, cancer and diabetes, according to a research Unoffi cial translation of the text of peoples’ lives. We commend your prosperity are linked to the stability, and lead the reform and change process. published in the Lancet medical journal. the speech delivered by His Highness choice of the theme: “Parliaments as security and prosperity of other The spread of education and the It found that among 195 countries studied, the proportion the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad platforms for promoting education for nations. rise of its level contribute to the al-Thani at the opening of the 140th peace, security and the rule of law” In this context, Qatar has paid enhancement of the rational view of of diet-related deaths was highest in Uzbekistan and lowest Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary to be the focal point of discussions special attention to international co- such matters. in Israel. The United States ranked 43rd, while Britain was Union (IPU) in Doha yesterday. in your general debates at this operation in the fi eld of education and On the other hand, we must note that 23rd, China 140th and India 118th. session. The principles and objectives provided development support to some if education is not based on a tolerant Consumption of healthier foods such as nuts and seeds, In the Name of God the Most included in this focal point are the developing countries in various regions human vision that embraces universal Merciful, the Most Compassionate goals pursued by all mankind. of the world, as well as international and national open values, it may turn milk and whole grains was on average too low, and people Education in our time has become organisations operating in this fi eld. up into a tool for spreading ignorance. consumed too many sugary drinks and too much processed HE Ms Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Presi- a social right that has turned into an Our country has also launched And if it is not integrated into a meat and salt. dent of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, integral part of human rights, and numerous initiatives in the fi eld of comprehensive development plan, it The study was part of the yearly ‘Global Burden of HE Mr Martin Chungong, Secretary- has been included in the goal 4 of supporting and promoting education may also produce hordes of unemployed General of the Inter-Parliamentary the 2030 Sustainable Development in collaboration with national and people who create a breeding ground for Disease’ report, prepared by a consortium of thousands Union, HE Representative of the United Goals. Investing in quality education global partners such as the initiatives: desperation and extremism, especially of researchers that tracks premature death and disability Nations secretary-general, HE Speaker is one of the most important elements “Educate a Child “, the World when the prospect of change and reform from more than 350 diseases and injuries in some 195 of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdul- of building the economy, advancing Innovation Summit for Education is deadlocked. countries. lah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud societies, and achieving growth and (WISE), and other initiatives. Honourable Audience, Honourable Audience, prosperity. But ignorance is one of the In Arab countries, educated youth You will also discuss the rule of The study tracked Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi most important obstacles to peoples’ led popular movements in demand law. It is diffi cult to fi nd a state or “The leading trends from 1990 to wabarakatuh, growth and renaissance. It also stokes for dignity, justice and freedom, a contemporary organisation that 2017 of consumption of At the outset, I would like to welcome intolerance and racism, and facilitates which they summed up in the saying publicly rejects the idea of the rule of dietary risk 15 dietary factors. Chris you and express our happiness at the the dissemination of preconceived “decent living”. They proved that law within the state. Without it, there convening of the 140th Session of notions against the diff erent other. they were cultured and civilised in will be no justice of any kind, and the factors are high Murray, director of the the General Assembly of the Inter- If we are talking about the their demands and movements, when two antitheses of the rule of law are Institute for Health Parliamentary Union and its related challenges emanating from they were allowed the opportunity chaos, on the one hand, and tyranny on intake of sodium, Metrics and Evaluation meetings here in Doha, and to wish you sustainable development, peace or for peaceful activity in some Arab the other. They are actually two sides at the University of a pleasant stay in Qatar. the rule of law, we would find that countries. These experiences prove of the same coin. Tyranny means the or low intake of On this occasion, I am pleased education is at the forefront of the that the regimes which had denied prevalence of arbitrariness as in the case Washington, which to congratulate your Union on the tried-and-trusted solutions to these them the freedom of expression and of chaos. healthy foods” led the work, said it successful completion of its 130th challenges. Because of our conviction opportunities for peaceful activity We all know that there is no justice “affirms what many anniversary, and on the signifi cant that quality education is important in bear a basic responsibility for the without the supremacy of law, but, have thought for several years”. role it has played in strengthening the building and development of our deterioration of the situation into regrettably, many believe in the rule parliamentary institutions throughout societies, our attention here in our violence. of law without justice. This is one of “Poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any the world. country has been steered towards the People generally prefer gradual the most important sources of policies other risk factor in the world,” he said and added “Our Honourable Audience, citizen for being both the objective reform to risking major revolutionary that subject the law to only serve the assessment suggests the leading dietary risk factors What raises the interest of the and the means of development shocks, but peaceful change depends regime or the interests of a particular are high intake of sodium, or low intake of healthy public opinion in your meetings is simultaneously. Our circle of interest on the existence of ruling elites who group in the society, and constitute that their agenda is full of important has expanded to include our regional understand peoples’ demands, without a source of a feeling of injustice and foods, such as whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds and topics that are directly related to the and global surroundings, because we facing them with the theories of consequently troubles and instability. vegetables.” worries of the human beings and believe that our security, stability and conspiracy and forcible suppression, To Page 23 The study found people ate only 12% of the recommended amount of nuts and seeds - an average intake of 3 grams a day, compared with the recommended 21grams - and drank more than 10 times the recommended amount of sugary drinks. High levels of unhealthy red and processed meats, sugar- sweetened beverages, trans-fatty acids and salt – all known to be health risks – were compared with the eff ects of a diet low in many healthy foods. Healthy items surveyed included fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, calcium, nuts and seeds, fi bre, legumes or beans, omega-3 fatty acids from seafood, and polyunsaturated fats, the good-for-you fats found in salmon, vegetable oils and some nuts and seeds. In fact, more than half of all global diet-related deaths in 2017 were due to just three risk factors: eating too much salt, not enough whole grains and not enough fruit. According to Ashkan Afshin, an assistant professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington and lead author of the report, those risks held true regardless of socioeconomic level of most nations. The fi ndings should encourage people to try to eat better and policymakers to create and promote policies that aim to increase consumption of healthful foods. If not, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle may shave years off our lives!

To Advertise [email protected] Display 44466621 44418811 Classified 44466609 44418811 Subscription [email protected]

© 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 23 COMMENT Amir: IPU meeting’s objectives refl ect entire mankind’s goals

From Page 22 powers had acted responsibly and pushed towards peaceful change and At the regional and global levels, political solutions, they would have the danger of the receding role of saved much of the pain and suff ering international law in the relations incurred by these peoples. between the states is on the rise as Each of us has his views and there is a tendency towards giving opinions, but there are many common priority to the supremacy of power challenges that face all of us, including over it, with the relegation of environment, climate, poverty, armed international law and international confl icts, extremism, terrorism, and legality to a weapon of the weak only. recently the problem of cybersecurity It does not help them much vis-a-vis and individual privacy intrusion. To the veto of the powerful members at counter them, we assume a minimum the Security Council, or in granting level of commitment to the human an international cover to those who values that we share. perpetrate aggression against others, The nature of regimes is diverse, human rights violators and those who but in today’s world we all belong annex the territories of others by force. to one humanity, and the difference An example of this is the recognition of our regimes does not exempt us by the major superpower in this world from being committed to issues of the de facto annexation of Jerusalem such as human rights. Their respect and the offi cial annexation of the Golan should not be confined to one regime by Israel. over the other. All religions reject Everyone knows that these the practice of torture, arbitrary procedures go against the international detention and disrespect of human law and legitimacy and the principles dignity. These values have become of justice. But who does compel states enshrined in the international to abide by the international law? covenants, and it is not admissible There is no legal jurisprudential answer for any regime to evade them under to this question. The superpowers the pretext of difference. must understand particularly that God has created us in this world their power is not only the privilege of different to get acquainted and not to their own, but it also imposes duties quarrel, to integrate not to clash, and on them, the foremost of which is concerning this God Almighty says: assistance in the implementation of (O mankind! We created you from a international law. Their leaders should single (pair) of a male and a female, not get dragged into politics of force. and made you into nations and tribes, The leaders of other countries must that you may know each other. Verily realise that there is no alternative to the most honoured of you in the dialogue and understanding among sight of Allah is (he who is) the most them on the basis of respect for righteous of you). This integration international law. The alternative is explains to us that a human being enduring disputes and permanent cannot live isolated from society, confl icts, and continuing struggle because that is completely contrary His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani addressing the opening session of the 140th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Doha yesterday. of the oppressed which is rife with to the norms of life. This also applies sacrifi ces for justice where injustice to societies in our contemporary arms sales. Just as we co-operate in there are extremist terrorist forces thought by some to be insoluble. I accomplished a number of mega and occupation prevail. world, where isolationism is not an fi ghting terrorism, we must co- and movements that are not on the therefore invite you to take the subject projects in the industry, transport, There are hot issues in our region option. operate in combating the causes of agendas of this war in which we all of parliamentary diplomacy very infrastructure and construction sector, where local factors are no longer Just as we co-operate in trade, extremism and addressing its causes. partake in. seriously. especially those underway to host crucial, as in cases like Syria, Libya industry, export and import of Experience proves over and over again The problem is not in the principle Honourable Audience, the 2022 World Cup, which we hope and Yemen, although I cannot technology, we must also co-operate that extremism is not confi ned to one of diff erences but choosing a path The State of Qatar - by grace of God will be an occasion for brotherhood exonerate regimes and local forces of in combating environmental pollution civilisation than the other, nor to the of antagonism and hostility instead and with the presence of the state’s and rapprochement among peoples. the underlying responsibility for their and taking precautions against adherents of a specifi c religion than of healthy diff erence. Diff erence is developmental vision and combined I hope that your schedule will allow outbreak, yet, the international or technology risks and the culture of the other, and that every generalisation indicative of health and wellness if it eff orts of its citizens and residents you to take a break to see some of these even the regional intervention under consumerism. Meanwhile, it is better of this kind is nothing but an utter leads to dialogue. - witnesses a development boom in projects and achievements. international cover is outweighing the for the economies of the developed racism. Parliamentary diplomacy is of various fi elds and not just in education. Thank you and I wish your meetings role of these regimes and local factors countries to co-operate in promoting And the war on terrorism should greater importance in promoting Early this year Qatar has ranked fi rst are successful. at this stage. peace and resolving crises rather than not mean fighting armed extremism dialogue for peaceful settlement of in the index of countries achieving Wa, Assalamu’alaikum If regional countries and major benefi ting from confl icts through of only one colour, while we see that disputes, even for confl icts that are economic growth in the region, and warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Gulf Times 24 Sunday, April 7, 2019 QATAR Doha Festival City celebrates second anniversary with 90% occupancy

By Joey Aguilar the local community inwards and direct Staff Reporter it towards internal tourism,” he said. “We have shifted our focus internally fi rst by ensuring that we support Qatari oha Festival City (DHFC) and local brands. This can be seen in our Senior DHFC off icials unveil a giant cake. marked its second anniversary initiatives with Shop Qatar and Laha Don April 5 with 90% occupancy, Premier for example, in addition to ex- further strengthening its position as a plore the locally developed brands.” preferred partner for retailers to expand DHFC also amped up its local part- their business, general manager Robert nerships with top Qatari retail group, Hall has said. and looked regionally in Oman, Kuwait Festivities in full swing The celebration featured a special and Turkey to partner with brands that live performance by superstar Iraqi will add more diversity for its custom- singer Rahma Riad followed by a se- ers, he added. oha Festival City (DHFC) kick- ries of entertaining and family-friendly With the soon-to-open theme parks started its second-year anni- public activities, among others. DHFC general manager Robert Hall. (Snow Dunes, Virtuocity and Angry Dversary celebrations on April 5 “DHFC opened its door in April 2017 Birds Outdoor), the mall is set to of- with a live performance by Iraqi singer with less than 40% occupancy and since dine and relax such as restaurants, cafes fer unique experience that will attract Rahma Riad at the mall’s Centre Court. then, the management committed to and casual dining outlets from brands tourists and new customers visiting Mall-goers and retailers gathered at delivering the best brand mix for cus- that are unique to Qatar or debuting Doha. the Centre Court witnessed Riad’s debut tomers in Qatar,” Hall told Gulf Times. concepts including Jamie’s Italian, Café Hall said DHFC remained to be a top performance, featuring her hits such as He stressed that they provide retail- Coco, 800 Degrees, Letto Café and choice among shoppers due to several Waed Menni to music enthusiasts. ers unique opportunities for growth Aimee’s Café,” Hall said. factors, including convenient parking The programme was followed by the and work hard to maintain customers Elaborating on the positive impact of with more than 8,000 carparks, being unveiling of a giant cake, 40kg of glit- interest in DHFC, which is home to sev- the illegal blockade imposed on Qatar, a smart mall with its free Wi-Fi, smart ter confetti showered across crowds Iraqi singer Rahma Riad performing live at DHFC. eral international brands. he noted that DHFC is working closely parking system, and its digital screens. and distribution of giveaways among The mall hosts 58 fi rst-to-market with the Qatar National Tourism Coun- While taking a number of new brands shoppers attending the celebrations. and to thank them for their support like to thank our all of Qatar for their brands, including anchor brands Har- cil (QNTC) on various initiatives that on board recently such as Le Petit The excitement continues for the over the last two years making the mall continued support and look forward vey Nichols, Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl’s, make the country consistently an at- Train Bleu, The Coff ee Club, Maki, second anniversary celebrations with as Qatar’s preferred retail, entertain- to sharing year two and beyond with Dior Beauty Boutique and ACE Hard- tractive destination for local and foreign Oud perfumes, Secret Notes, Atasay live parades and photo opportunities ment and dining destination,” DHFC them.” ware, in addition to 46 retailers that are tourists from diff erent regions globally. Jewelry, Antoine Karam, Quicksilver, throughout the month, taking place on general manager Robert Hall said. DHFC is one of the largest such de- exclusive to the mall. Hall pointed out that such initia- Qinwan store and L’eto Caff e, the mall April 12 and 13 and on April 19 and 20, This was echoed by DHFC senior velopments in the Middle East, off er- Apart from having the country’s only tives by QNTC provide DHFC with a will launch new stores such as Patissez at 3.30pm, 6.30pm and 8pm. marketing manager May Marzooq, ing almost a quarter of a million square IKEA since 2013, DHFC is also home to platform to create partnerships for its Australia F&B outlet, WYCON Italian Families can visit the mall and enjoy saying: “We are ecstatic with the turn- metres of leasable space, providing the largest Monoprix in the world and retailers while also providing bigger cosmetics, in addition to other off er- the festivities and shows. out to our anniversary celebrations something for everyone, and creating the only Vox Cinemas with Theatre by and better shopping experiences for ings in its kiosk such as Filicori Zechini “This is an occasion for DHFC to and for creating memorable moments exceptional and memorable experi- Rhodes, and “over 400 stores off ering customers. café, Atyab AlMarshood, Huawei mo- further engage shoppers and retailers to share with our visitors. We would ences with each and every visit. great brand mix under one roof”. “Shop Qatar and Qatar Summer Festi- bile, Tawaq perfumes, Pause coff ee, “We have more than 100 places to val are an amazing opportunity to attract Eden Coff ee, and Cup of Joe.

A whopping 40kg of glitter confetti being showered on patrons at the ceremony.

College of Islamic Studies to organise lectures on Islamic architecture

he College of Islamic Studies action of groups contesting the design (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- and construction of contemporary Tversity (HBKU) is hosting and mosques, particularly in a western collaborating on a series of lectures on context, HBKU has said in a statement. Islamic art and architecture during April. Dr Swelim will share his expertise A collaboration with the Museum of on April 21, in his lecture on ‘The Ara- Islamic Art (MIA) was fi rst initiated in besque in Cairo’s Islamic Architecture’. October 2018, during which MIA host- He will shed light on the birth and ed the inaugural edition of its ongoing growth of ‘arabesque’ design in Islamic lecture series by Dr M Tarek Swelim, architecture in Egypt. It will further programme co-ordinator for the Mas- see the arabesque in the context of dif- ter of Science in Islamic Art, Architec- ferent styles of decorations, from the ture and Urbanism, titled ‘A Survey of Tulunid period, to the Ikhshidid, Fa- Islamic Art and Architecture’. timid, Ayyubid, Mamluk and early Ot- The second edition, which is a two- toman periods. part series and takes place this month, These and other discussions which will explore Islamic architecture with Dr Tarek Swelim explore art and architecture both his- specifi c emphasis on the Gulf region. torically and in contemporary contexts On April 10, Dr Remah Gharib, as- his second lecture at MIA, titled ‘Ar- engage the wider community in the di- sistant professor of Urban Design and chitecture of the Gulf’, in which he will alogue, and are an integral component Architecture, will deliver a lecture on explore in depth the history and evolu- of the Master’s programme in Islamic ‘The Loss of the Courtyard House’. tion of Islamic architecture across the Art, Architecture and Urbanism taught Since the mid-19th century, the Gulf region. at CIS. Middle East and North African region On April 15 at CIS, Dr Ali Abdul All lectures will be delivered in Eng- has been exposed to various global ur- Raouf, professor of Architecture and lish with simultaneous Arabic inter- ban and architectural trends. The lec- Urbanism, will explore ‘The Predica- preting. ture explains how these trends have ment of Building Mosques: Do We Lectures that are led by CIS will be led to transformations in the design of Need Mosques in Modern Cities?’. The held at Minaretein (College of Islamic homes in the Mena region, leaving be- lecture will assess the interaction be- Studies building) in Education City, hind its norms, traditional crafts and tween mosques and their cultural, so- and more information is available on- identity unguarded. cial and urban signifi cance in eastern line at cis.hbku.edu.qa. Dr Gharib explores how these archi- and western cultures. The MIA series will be held at the tectural values can be revived in cur- Dr Raouf will also introduce the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium, rent urban environments. concept of “mosquephobia”, or “fear and more information can be found by He returns to MIA at a later date for of mosques,” used to describe the re- contacting [email protected].