BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Full Moon shines on Derby Day; double for Qatar future ‘bright’ on massive LNG expansion Al Shaqab published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11041 December 23, 2018 Rabia II 16, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

‘Yellow vest’ protests continue In brief Amir affi rms Qatar’s support for Sudan QATAR | Reaction Qatar welcomes UN QNA/Agencies Khartoum, said spokesman Sadiq Doha/Khartoum Youssef. resolution on Yemen “We demand their immediate release, Qatar has welcomed the UN and their arrest is an attempt by the re- Security Council resolution No 2451 is Highness the Amir Sheikh gime to stop the street movements,” on Yemen, calling for a ceasefire Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Youssef said, adding that Abu Issa was in and for activating the agreements Hhas held a telephone conver- poor health and had been transferred to and commitments reached in sation with Sudanese President Omar hospital after his detention. the Stockholm negotiations. In a al-Bashir. Offi cials could not immediately be statement yesterday, the Ministry During the phone call, President reached for comment. of Foreign Aff airs said that the al-Bashir briefed the Amir on the de- The arrests came on the fourth day UN decision would alleviate the velopments in Sudan. In this regard, of demonstrations, fuelled by dete- unprecedented human tragedy of the Amir affi rmed Qatar’s support for riorating economic conditions in cities the brotherly Yemeni people, if all Sudan and its readiness to off er help to across Sudan, in which protesters have parties are committed to it. The overcome these conditions, reiterating voiced anger over corruption. statement reiterated Qatar’s call to his keenness on Sudan’s security and Protesters also gathered in several all parties of the conflict in Yemen stability. eastern neighbourhoods of Khartoum to abide by international law and to The Sudanese president thanked His and in the southern city of Madani, enable international organisations Demonstrators of the French “yellow vests” (gilets jaunes) movement gather on the Champs-Elysees avenue at the Highness the Amir for his keenness and witnesses said. to play their role. Page 8 end of a protest in Paris yesterday as the movement turned out in smaller numbers for a sixth Saturday of nationwide concern. Faisal Hassan Ibrahim, an assistant demonstrations. In Paris, the scene of violent clashes in previous demonstrations, traff ic was normal in the morning and most Reuters adds from Khartoum: Su- to Bashir and deputy head of the rul- shops, except for some luxury boutiques, were open for business in the busy weekend before Christmas. Page 13 danese authorities arrested 14 leaders ing party, said the protests were “co- Qatar condemns of an opposition coalition yesterday, ordinated and organised” and that two Mogadishu bombings a spokesman for the grouping said, as of those killed in demonstrations in the anti-government protests driven by an city of al-Qadarif were from the armed Qatar has strongly condemned economic crisis continued for a fourth forces. the two bombings that took place day in several cities. “Now the Sudanese armed forces are in the Somali capital Mogadishu, Farouk Abu Issa, the 85-year- guarding strategic locations in all Su- causing deaths. In a statement old head of the National Consen- danese regions,” he added. yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign sus Forces, one of the country’s Ibrahim said the latest protests were Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm stance two main opposition groupings, being manipulated by “organised en- rejecting violence and terrorism, Shop Qatar’s 3rd was among those detained after an tities” without naming particular regardless of motives and reasons. opposition meeting in the capital groups. The statement expressed Qatar’s condolences to the victims’ families, the government and people of Somalia. Page 9 edition launched AMERICA | Politics Saudi woman activist Partial govt shutdown z Entertainment, prizes worth QR3mn await shoppers until Jan 20 over budget impasse tortured in jail: father An air of chaos enveloped By Joey Aguilar hope to see it grow even bigger in the erties acting CEO Ali al-Kuwari said Washington yesterday as the US Staff Reporter years to come.” in a press statement. government kicked off the holidays Shop Qatar’s latest edition, which “Such events complement our ef- he father of Saudi activist Lou- and “subjected to sexual harassment” . by partially shutting down, following kicked off with the fi rst National Day forts in reviving the old city centre of jain al-Hathloul has claimed The reports said Loujain al-Hathloul the failure of leaders to pass a ive music performances and a Trade Festival from December 15-20, Msheireb Downtown Doha to make it Tthat Saudi authorities are tor- was being held in the Dhahban Prison federal spending bill as negotiations fashion show featuring latest gives residents and visitors an oppor- once again the social and commercial turing his daughter inside the jail. alongside six other activists, includ- stalled over Donald Trump’s demand Ltrends in the industry marked tunity to avail an array of retail pro- hotspot that it once was,” he noted. On his Twitter account, Hathloul al- ing Samar Badawi, sister of imprisoned for money to build a US-Mexico the offi cial opening of Shop Qatar’s motions, entertainment shows, and Some QR3mn worth of car and Hathloul, father of imprisoned activist blogger Raif Bawai. border wall. Having postponed his 3rd edition, giving attendees a peek special hospitality packages across cash prizes are at stake during the Loujain, mentioned about the sexual Canada-based opposition activist holiday trip to Florida to continue of the festival’s diverse off erings until the country. month-long festival, giving every harassment and torture his daughter is Omar Abdul Aziz al-Zahrani said the talks after operations for several key January 20. “We are honoured to collaborate shopper a chance to enter the week- facing in the prison. targeting of al-Hathloul by the Saudi US agencies ceased at 12:01am (0501 The event held on Thursday (Decem- with NTC on this very special occa- ly raffle draw for every QR200 pur- Quoting an incident from history, he authorities is because she raised her GMT), Trump warned yesterday ber 20) at Msheireb Museums was at- sion. We share important common chase. The final draw will take place tweeted: “A girl screamed ‘O Mu’tasim’ voice, calling for granting women their morning that “it could be a long tended by many VIPs, including minis- values in promoting Qatar, its culture, at the closing ceremony on Sunday, (from a Roman jail) and this scream was rights and releasing detainees. stay.” Page 10 ters, diplomats from various embassies history and heritage,” Msheireb Prop- January 20, 2019. To Page 20 engraved on the forehead of history.” Al-Zahrani added: “Al-Hathloul in Doha, government offi cials and pri- He added referring to his daugh- comes from a rich family and her de- vate sector leaders, along with the fes- ter: “There are many stories about the mands were not personal. She was ar- BRITAIN | Aviation tival’s host and partner organisations. cause of that scream, but it is certain rested twice in the past, which shows “This year, Shop Qatar is taking that she was not electrocuted, was not the anger of Saudi authorities at her.” Two held over London place during a very special season held incommunicado for more than four Al-Hathloul was detained by Saudi airport drone chaos of the year for visitors and residents months, was not sexually harassed and Arabian offi cials alongside several oth- Two middle-aged people were being alike. Its content and off erings are not threatened with rape and murder er prominent human rights advocates, held yesterday over the suspected reviewed and renewed annually to en- thereafter.” in what many experts are calling a “criminal use of drones” at London’s sure our audience segments are get- Human Rights Watch quoting “in- crackdown on activism in the country. Gatwick Airport, where flights were ting curated experiences that are au- formed sources” said last month that at Reports said that the former adviser of returning to normal after three thentic and respond to their diff erent least three of the woman activists have the former royal court Saud al-Qahtani days of pre-Christmas disruption needs,” Rashed al-Qurese from the undergone electric shocks, whipping and supervised the torture of activists. Al- aff ecting 140,000 passengers. Police National Tourism Council (NTC) said. “forcible hugging and kissing”. Qahtani is alleged to have issued the swooped on a 47-year-old man and He thanked NTC partners across Another report from Amnesty Interna- order to murder Saudi journalist Jamal a 54-year-old woman from town of public and private sectors for con- tional alleges they were “repeatedly tor- Khashoggi in the Turkish consulate in Crawley, which neighbours Britain’s tinuously supporting and making Senior off icials of National Tourism Council and Msheireb Properties at the off icial tured by electrocution and fl ogging, leav- Istanbul on the instructions of Crown second-busiest airport. Page 12 the annual festival a success and “we opening of the 3rd edition of Shop Qatar. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil ing some unable to walk or stand properly” Prince Mohamed bin Salman.

Broidy hit with another UK-based broadcaster complains of piracy setback in Qatar lawsuit By Anthony Harwood led by Leeds owner Andrea Radiz- League, Wimbledon, Formula One, Last month Qatar, which has born GT London Correspondent zani, spoke out after the World Trade the Olympics and WWE - as well as the brunt of the piracy because beIN Reuters Morocco and a former UN special en- Organisation (WTO) announced on the top European leagues. Sports owns broadcast rights of all Washington voy for Yemen, had denied involvement Wednesday that it was launching an It led to Marc Watson, CEO of the top sports competitions across the and sought to get the lawsuit thrown n online streaming service investigation into piracy. Eleven Sports Group, warning: “Ille- Mena (Middle East and North Africa) out by asserting diplomatic immunity, with the UK rights for La Liga The probe came after the Qatari gal streaming presents an existential region, took its complaint to the WTO. former top fundraiser for US a status confi rmed by the Trump ad- Aand Serie A is warning that the channel, beIN Sports, complained to threat to the broadcast industry as a It launched an investigation despite President Donald Trump suf- ministration last month. whole broadcast industry is under the WTO that a pirate station ‘owned’ whole. We welcome all attempts to objections from Saudi Arabia, which Afered another legal setback on Siding with Benomar, Manhattan threat from piracy. by Saudi Arabia, called beoutQ, was deter content piracy in all its forms.” refused to take part saying the move Friday in his eff orts to pin the blame Federal District Judge Cathy Seibel dis- Eleven Sports is in danger of clos- illegally stealing its coverage of La The row started last year when the was a threat to its’ national security’. on Qatar for a hack of his e-mails, as a missed the case, court records show. ing its UK operations which it only Liga, Serie A and the Premier League. Riyadh-based satellite, Arabsat, be- Sophie Jordan, Executive Director judge tossed his lawsuit against a vet- “To be clear, I have never spoken launched in August after purchasing But what started as a Middle East gan broadcasting beoutQ after a dip- of Legal Aff airs at beIN Media Group, eran United Nations diplomat. with nor met Elliott Broidy. I never the broadcast rights to Spanish and spat quickly became a problem for lomatic row between Saudi Arabia and said: “Quite simply, this is about the Elliott Broidy, a businessman who was involved in any hacking scheme,” Italian football. the West after the rogue Saudi chan- Qatar. international rule of law – beoutQ held senior fi nance posts in Trump’s Benomar said in a statement applaud- In a statement last week the multi- nel began broadcasting the pirated FIFA and UEFA also criticised Ar- has been committing a completely 2016 presidential campaign and his ing the court decision. national blamed ‘the challenges posed sports content across Europe, as well absat, which is owned by the Saudi unprecedented and brazen theft of inaugural committee, sued Jamal Broidy, who has claimed he was tar- by rampant piracy’ which were ham- as stealing 10,000 major international Arabian government, and threatened intellectual property over the past Benomar in July, claiming he orches- geted by Qatar and its agents over his pering talks with Sky, Virgin and BT movies and television series. legal action. 18 months – aff ecting rights hold- trated the dissemination of hacked e- eff orts to shift US policy against the for them to show its content on their beoutQ set top boxes are sold with Sky and the BBC also complained to ers, broadcasters, movie studios and mails to media outlets. Gulf nation, plans to appeal the deci- platforms. 10 sports channels, all showing sto- the European Commission after dis- other stakeholders across the world of Benomar, a British citizen born in sion, his lawyer said. To Page 6 The company, which is control- len content including the Champions covering its content was being stolen. sports and entertainment. To Page 6 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 23, 2018 QATAR

Vodafone wraps up ‘most successful’ Qatar National Day celebrations to date

odafone Qatar has con- tara visitors were able to enjoy brate our country’s proud past Katara – the Cultural Village, cluded a range of excit- trialing the superfast, seamless and ambitious future. Qatar is a said: “As always, Katara has Ving activities that were connectivity that 5G coverage young nation with endless aspi- organised an incredible pro- spread over a course of fi ve days can provide – ahead of its com- rations for its future. gramme of activities spread and designed to celebrate the mercial launch in 2019. over a nine-day period and Qatar National Day. Providing entertainment for designed to celebrate this This marks the largest Voda- families, gamers and culture- great nation by educating and fone celebration for the coun- lovers alike, the ‘Vodafone Vil- entertaining visitors.” try’s National Day and it includ- lage’ was a highlight of the Qa- He added that Katara is al- ed a series of activations – from tar National Day celebrations at ways working to provide audi- a carefully designed ‘village’ that Katara. Merging the best of cul- ences with exciting events and merged culture and technology, ture and technology, it invited activities such as ‘Citizens and to an unforgettable aerial per- visitors to try traditional games, Expats: We Are One’. Al-Sulaiti formance featuring 300 drones. marvel at classic cars and par- also thanked all Qatar National Vodafone Qatar proved once take in online gaming powered Day celebrations’ partners and again its commitment to facili- by Vodafone 5G. “At Vodafone Qatar, we are sponsors, including Vodafone tating community-wide con- On December 17 and 19, 300 committed to being there every Qatar, highlighting the role that nections and making Qatar one drones, which lit up the night step of the way as we continue the company had played in en- of the world’s most tech-ad- sky and an opera show called investing in world-class infra- riching the celebrations at Ka- vanced countries. ‘Citizens and Expats: We Are structure that will accelerate tara and attracting audiences of As the strategic telecommu- One’, captivated spectators in the journey towards achieving all ages and backgrounds. nications partner of the celebra- a stunning harmony of music, the Qatar National Vision 2030, The nine-day long celebra- tions at Katara – the Cultural lights, and dance. thus enhancing the way people tions at Katara were one of the Village, Vodafone Qatar began Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh work and live. We look forward highlights of this year’s Qatar by deploying its 5G network in Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani to achieving many future mile- National Day with more than 45 one of the country’s most popu- said, “As with every year, it was stones together.” events and activities that took lar leisure sites. important for us to join members Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al- place, including fi reworks, cul- As a result, thousands of Ka- of the community as we cele- Sulaiti, general manager of tural shows, and more. Some of Vodafone’s Qatar National Day-related performances at Katara – the Cultural Village.

CRA issues IPv6 Senior UN offi cial seeks transition guidelines to ensure higher stronger ties with QRCS Internet security he Communications Reg- “It was a pleasure to collaborate wo senior offi cials from ulatory Authority (CRA) with CRA on this important na- Qatar Red Crescent Soci- Thas collaborated with tional project and to contrib- Tety (QRCS) and the United Carnegie Mellon University in ute to the taskforce’s mission to Nations (UN) have agreed to Qatar (CMU-Q) and Qatar Uni- transition to IPv6. work together to alleviate the versity (QU) to issue a handbook “Qatar University Research suff ering of war-aff ected and of guidelines and basics to im- and Graduate Studies Offi ce neediest populations, particu- plement an IPv6/IPv4 dual- serves local and global commu- larly in Yemen, Somalia, Syria, stack. nities by helping to solve chal- and Palestine. This is part of CRA’s initiative lenges they face; and provide the QRCS secretary-general Ali to support the IPv6 Taskforce in underpinnings for a knowledge- bin Hassan al-Hammadi met Qatar towards achieving a com- based economy through knowl- with UN’s undersecretary for plete transition to IPv6, the CRA edge dissemination and tech- humanitarian aff airs and emer- said in a statement yesterday. nology transfer.” gency relief co-ordinator Sir The handbook includes the He added: “Qatar Univer- Mark Andrew Lowcock during steps required to implement sity is the fi rst entity in Qatar, the 18th Doha Forum, discussing IPv6/IPv4 dual-stack in stake- which has implemented IPv6 for mutual humanitarian co-opera- holders’ networks, which can be more than three years in its in- tion in war zones. customised to the organisations’ frastructure and will be pleased QRCS’ Relief and Internation- particular circumstances. The to share knowledge and experi- al Development Division general handbook also includes a check- ence with other IPv6 taskforce director Noura Rashid al-Dosari list to clarify questions about members. We look forward to was also involved in the discus- dual stack implementation. achieve the desired benefi ts of sion. “The CRA is pleased with this the guidelines handbook and we Al-Hammadi welcomed the collaboration. Enabling IPv6 in would like to invite the taskforce senior guest and gave him an Qatar will provide higher Inter- to do the needed IPv6 tests in overview of QRCS’ active role net security and will ensure Qa- QU equipped labs.” as part of the International Red tar readiness for all new upcom- Khalid Sarwar Warraich, chief Cross and Red Crescent Move- ing next generation technologies information offi cer of Carnegie ment, through a network of rep- such as Internet of Things, con- Mellon University in Qatar, said: resentation offi ces in multiple nected self-driving vehicles, and “CMU-Q is dedicated to Qatar’s countries across Asia and Africa. Virtual Reality. digital future, and we are pleased He highlighted the impor- “IPv6 will also continue to to lend our expertise to the na- tance attached by the State of position Qatar as a leader for tion-wide transition to IPv6. Qatar to relief and development adapting all these advanced “This has been a fruitful and programmes, which are QRCS’s technologies, in line with Qatar productive collaboration, and major mandates. Sir Mark Andrew Lowcock (left) speaks to Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi at a recent meeting in Doha. National Vision 2030 objec- the handbook we have devel- In Yemen, al-Dosari said tives,” said engineer Abdulla Jas- oped will provide stakeholders QRCS off ers diverse services and tients in Bangladesh, Jordan, So- to put an end to the suff erings in to urge the international com- fi eld include building the capac- smi, Technical Aff airs Depart- the tools to implement a dual- aid in water and sanitation, shel- malia, and Sudan,” al-Hammadi Yemen. He also put Palestine as a munity to intervene; and help ity of fellow national societies ment manager at CRA. stacked IPv6/IPv4 environment ter, and healthcare. said. top priority for him. the nations hit by natural dis- and charitable organisations and “The handbook provides the effi ciently and within the time- Notably, the organisation pro- Sir Lowcock expressed his QRCS pays great attention to asters or wars and armed con- upgrading their human, techni- stakeholders with a solid basis for line. We would like to invite the vides vaccination for children appreciation for QRCS’ hu- humanitarian diplomacy and flicts. cal, and administrative resourc- the dual-stack implementation taskforce to do the necessary against cholera and other epi- manitarian contributions, em- advocacy, by working towards QRCS is also promoting the es; strengthening professional, and CRA is always ready to sup- IPv6 testing in the CMU-Q’s demic that have weighed heav- phasising his special interest in what was described as a “hu- international humanitarian law, institutional, and personal rela- port them in the IPv6 transition dual-stacked testbed.” ily on the Yemeni people for the the Yemeni confl ict, under the manitarianised” legislation: the four Geneva Conventions, tions with all components and journey in order to achieve the The CRA recommended the past few years. agreement between His High- issuing emergency appeals and the seven fundamental humani- offi cials of the International Red main goal which is Qatar’s transi- IPv6/IPv4 dual-stack approach “On the occasion of Qatar’s ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim launching fundraising cam- tarian principles, and human Cross and Red Crescent Move- tion to a digital society,” he added. for a complete and seamless National Day 2018, we have de- bin Hamad al-Thani and UN paigns to mobilise support for rights to further establish inter- ment; and representing Qatar in Shuja Ashfaq, section head of transition to IPv6 because of its ployed four medical convoys to secretary-general Antonio Gu- the vulnerable; raising aware- national peace and security. regional and international social Network and Telecommunica- fl exibility and ease in confi gura- extend medical help for poor pa- terres towards intensifi ed eff orts ness about disasters and crises Other undertakings in this and humanitarian events. tions at Qatar University, said: tion. Doctors get tips on discussing bad news with patients

training programme to help doctors break bad Anews to patients in a sen- sitive and constructive manner was held at Weill Cornell Medi- cine-Qatar (WCM-Q) in collab- oration with the Qatar Cancer Society. A total of 24 physicians from the Primary Health Care Cor- poration (PHCC) participated in the day-long event comprising training exercises, role play ses- sions, and discussions to share the latest best practice on com- municating diffi cult diagnoses to patients. Dr Liam Fernyhough, assist- ant professor of medicine and course director, explained that the breaking of bad news can be a diffi cult part of any doctor- Dr Amal Khidir helped facilitate the event. Dr Liam Fernyhough Dr Stella Major Dr Mohamud Verjee patient encounter. “Relevant communica- SPIKES protocol, designed confidence in their ability to future meetings. and discussing future plans to the positive eff ects of good pa- the roles of patients. Dr Amal tion skills can be learned and to help doctors deliver bad share difficult news with pa- The SPIKES protocol also rec- show patients what the path tient-doctor communication Khidir, associate professor of practised so that a discussion news both sensitively and ac- tients. ommends that doctors should ahead looks like. and the evidence behind good paediatrics, also facilitated the of bad news can give patients curately. Research has shown The protocol advises doctors avoid using specialist medical Dr Mohamud Verjee, associ- communication outcomes. event. an accurate understanding of that SPIKES, which stands for to provide a quiet location with terms and should observe verbal ate professor of family medicine Dr Stella Major, associate The event was accredited lo- their diagnosis whilst mini- Setting; Patient perception; no distractions, discover how and non-verbal cues to discern in clinical medicine, described professor of family medicine cally by the Qatar Council for mising the stress and emo- Invitation for information; much a patient understands the patient’s emotional state, a narrative involving patients, in clinical medicine, described Healthcare Practitioners-Ac- tional pain of the moment as Knowledge; Explore emotions about their situation, and as- off ering empathy when appro- physicians and a need to break how best to engage with the creditation Department and far as possible.” and empathise; and Strategy sess how much information priate. some bad news. role play sessions, in which the internationally by the Accredi- Dr Fernyhough intro- and summary, gives doctors should be provided in the con- Doctors should conclude in- Dr Alan Weber, visiting pro- participants practised break- tation Council for Continuing duced the participants to the and medical students greater sultation and how much left for teractions by giving a summary fessor of English, spoke about ing bad news to actors playing Medical Education. Gulf Times Sunday, December 23, 2018 3 QATAR

Ooredoo honours Es’hailSat team for successful launch of satellite

n the presence of Ooredoo welcomed the Es’HailSat team senior executives, Ooredoo to congratulate them on their IChairman Sheikh Abdulla success and highlight Qatar’s bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani congratulations and wishes for achievements.” has welcomed Es’hailSat CEO the team to continue their suc- Es’Hail 2 is a Qatari sat- Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, and a cess in the future. ellite, launched aboard a group of Es’hailSat team mem- Talking about the occasion, SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on bers at Ooredoo’s headquarters Sheikh Abdulla said: “The November 15, 2018. The sat- following the successful launch launch of Es’Hail 2 is a huge ellite was launched from the of the Qatari satellite Es’hail 2 step for our country and a tes- Kennedy Space Centre and last month. tament of dedication and ex- is aimed to provide direct- Sheikh Abdulla honoured pertise of our local companies. to-home television services the Es’hailsat team for their As a global company born in in the Middle East and North Ooredoo Chairman Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani and other senior executives with Es’hailSat CEO, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, achievement, and extended his Qatar, we’re delighted to have Africa region. and a group of Es’hailSat team members. Ooredoo signs MoU with Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation z The MoU seeks to Myanmar will help transform Ooredoo Myanmar’s work is in their digital literacy, with over transform of Myanmar’s 150 libraries to become digital partnership with the MBAPF, an 120,000 people have been pro- ‘Community Library to libraries and community centres organisation that works to pro- vided training on how to use Community Centre’ project that will benefi t the surrounding vide libraries with books, ICT, the internet and digital literacy communities. Ooredoo will sup- and training across Myanmar. skills. port the project with comput- This is the third MoU that MBAPF executive director Dr oredoo Myanmar has ers, modems, unlimited Inter- Ooredoo Myanmar has signed U Thant Thaw Kaung said, “In- signed a memoran- net connectivity for two years, with MBAPF since September formation becomes the most Odum of understanding and digital literacy and capacity 2014, having previously signed valuable resource and very im- (MoU) with Myanmar Book Aid building training for 190 librar- MoUs in 2014 and 2017, amount- portant asset in our day-to-day and Preservation Foundation ians, valued at approximately ing to a total contribution of lives. Since this project is reach- (MBAPF) for the transformation 280mn Myanmar kyat (MMK) nearly MMK516mn. Ooredoo ing out to the most vulnerable of 150 libraries to community through Beyond Access Myan- Myanmar has already provided and underserved population in centres across the nation. mar project. 539 tablets and connected 90 li- Myanmar, we welcome and ap- The announcement was made This project aims to connect braries across the past fi ve years. preciate such support. We would at the ‘All Literate People have to libraries across Myanmar with According to a third party like to thank Ooredoo for con- Read’ event at the Myanmar In- the internet, creating new dig- IREX survey, 300,000 people tinuous support for this pro- ternational Convention Centre 2 ital hubs in communities across have used those devices in which gramme.” (MICC-2) in Naypyidaw, Myan- the country, which is one of the 50,000 accessed the internet Beyond Access Myanmar has mar, and was attended by Myan- global trends of public libraries. Dignitaries from Ooredoo and Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation during the MoU signing for the fi rst time in their lives. been working with the Ministry mar’s state counsellor Daw Aung This will provide learning ceremony. Among them, over 45% used the of Information and Ministry of San Suu Kyi, Union Minister for tools and services to improve libraries to access news or learn- Education, as well as a number Ministry of Information Dr U Pe the digital literacy and access to Vikram Sinha said: “We are de- we hope that the library patrons cal advancement. Through the ing opportunities, 32% sought to of local and international part- Myint, and Union Minister for information to the people of My- lighted to provide tools and in- will be able to open the door to programme, libraries in Myan- improve their technology skills, ners to build up competency Ministry of Education Dr U Myo anmar, fostering an environment ternet access to the libraries. new knowledge as well as equip- mar will have the power to con- and 23% applied for jobs. skills for the most vulnerable Thein Gyi. of technological inclusivity. With the computers and fast ping themselves with benefi ts nect, educate, support and en- More than 350,000 have and under-served population in As part of the MoU, Ooredoo Ooredoo Myanmar CEO internet provided by Ooredoo, brought to them by technologi- gage everyone.” visited the library to improve Myanmar.

Qeeri showcases sustainability research at climate conference

hree senior repre- sentatives from Qa- Ttar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri), part of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), were members of the Qa- tari delegation at the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the United Na- tions Framework Conven- tion on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently held in Qeeri representatives at the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the United Nations Katowice, Poland. The team Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Katowice, Poland. of scientists showcased the work that Qeeri is doing in proaches in the country. change on meteorology and ter, and environment. It has the spheres of energy, envi- Dr al-Sulaiti highlighted air quality in Qatar. He noted been a true privilege to have ronment and water security the water security chal- that Qeeri focuses on building three of our senior repre- research and development. lenges facing Qatar in the knowledge and developing ca- sentatives participate in this Mohamed Ayoub, who context of climate change, pabilities in understanding and important event, as part of leads the Air Quality and stating that, with proper addressing air pollution, and the Qatar delegation.” Climate Change programme management, the country the impact of air pollution in “With its skilled scien- at Qeeri, and Dr Huda al- can avert an anticipated wa- Qatar. He also touched on the tists and unique facilities Sulaiti, who heads the Wa- ter defi cit in 2050. She also increase in frequency of sand/ and capabilities, Qeeri plays ter Group, participated in spoke about the increased dust storms and rain events a key role in providing a bet- a side event organised by risks of limited resources over the past decade, and fur- ter scientifi c understanding Qatar’s Ministry of Mu- posed by climate change, ther highlighted the trend of of the environmental is- nicipality and Environment and the adaptive technolo- increasing dust capacity of the sues aff ecting the country (MME) at COP24, where gies research conducted at regional atmosphere. including climate change. they addressed research re- Qeeri. She also drew at- “This has been an incred- Qeeri is a valuable partner in lated to water security, air tention to the development ible opportunity for our in- implementing the appropri- quality and food security in of advanced materials for stitute,” said Dr Marc Ver- ate solutions for Qatar. We Qatar within the context of desalination and water meersch, executive director are delighted that they were climate change. Dr Veronica treatment that are energy- of Qeeri. “Together with our part of our COP24 delega- Bermudez, senior research effi cient and cost-eff ective, national stakeholders such tion among other national director for energy, high- including fi ltration mem- as the Ministry of Munici- partners,” added Abdulhadi lighted Qeeri’s research to brane and new desalination pality and Environment, we Almarri, director of Climate develop and promote the technologies. are committed to enabling Change Department at the implementation of sustain- Mohamed Ayoub spoke Qatar in tackling its grand Ministry of Municipality able renewable energy ap- about the impact of climate challenges in energy, wa- and Environment.

Ministry opens admission for CTO training programme

he Ministry of Trans- acumen and execution as programme signifi cantly agement, advanced project port and Communica- part of the implementa- supports the digital trans- & contract management, Ttions (MoTC) has an- tion of the objectives of the formation agenda for Qatar optimising decisions & ne- nounced that the application Qatar Digital Government Digital Government 2020. gotiations, and leading high for admission to the second 2020 Strategy. CTOs at government en- performing teams. class of the Chief Technology The programme, which tities and the private sec- The CTO Training Pro- Offi cer (CTO) Training Pro- graduated 25 CTOs in its tor are invited to apply for gramme functions under gramme is now open. fi rst class at a special gradu- admission. Applications the umbrella of the larger Launched in November ation event attended by HE for registration are received QDGTP, which the Prime 2017, CTO is a partnership the Prime Minister and In- until December 31, 2018 via Minister launched during the between the Qatar Digital terior Minister Sheikh Ab- [email protected]. fourth edition of Qatar’s ICT Government Training Pro- dullah bin Nasser bin Kha- The six-month pro- Conference QITCOM 2017. gramme (QDGTP) and HEC lifa al-Thani, aims to build gramme covers six diff er- For more information and Paris. It aims to provide highly-qualifi ed leadership ent learning modules: risk to register for admission, call an intensive and immer- and administrative capaci- & strategy in a volatile and 40452334 or 40452335 or sive learning experience for ties, boosting professional- uncertain world, big data, email [email protected]. CTOs and develop senior ism in ICT at ministries and digital transformation & qa. Applications are accepted leaders’ strategic levels of government entities. The innovation, change man- until December 31, 2018.

Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 23, 2018 QATAR Porsche Design Huawei Mate 20 RS launched in Qatar

uawei Consumer Busi- “Huawei has beaten all odds ment into the back of the device feeling of complete control. ness Group (CBG) un- and sets an industry bench- with the Rennsport “RS” desig- During the launch event, Hveiled the exclusive Por- mark for style and colour of nation. Huawei delivered an informa- sche Design Huawei Mate 20 RS new revolutionary devices,” Li It doesn’t stop there; the tive presentation about the to users in Qatar during a launch noted. racing stripe motifs are put to- brand’s performance in the re- event held recently at Black Or- “Especially for our Qatar- gether with all-natural leather gion and how Huawei has grown chid at the Mondrian Hotel in based customers who are on the and glass which adds a personal to become the 2nd largest smart- Doha. lookout for not only the latest touch to the design. Together phone brand regionally and glo- According to CBG, the Por- technology, but also the most with perfectly rounded edges, bally. sche Design is the latest mobile exclusive where the new Arti- the soft natural leather ensures Li unboxed and unveiled the luxury device that caters to a fi cial Intelligence strategy will a firm, ergonomic grip and pre- new Porsche Design Huawei very niche category of daring focus on: evolving smart devices mium touch that evokes the Mate 20 RS on stage. individuals who are interested into intelligent devices by build- in mind challenging devices, yet ing end-to-end capabilities that Latest mobile luxury device practical and modern ones. support co-ordinated develop- As the fourth handset to join ment of chipsets, devices and Ian Li led the unveiling of Porsche Design Huawei Mate 20 RS’ racing stripe motifs are put The Porsche Design Huawei Phone Features: the exclusive line-up, Porsche the cloud,” Li added. Porsche Design Huawei Mate 20 together with all-natural leather and glass which adds a personal Mate 20 RS is available for zPerformance: Kirin 980 – Design Huawei Mate 20 RS con- The Porsche Design is perfect RS in Qatar recently. touch to the design. QR7,099 and can be found in World’s 1st dual NPU Soc 7nm tinues the tradition set by its for Qatar where indulging in the followings stores: Process predecessors, blending state-of luxury goods is enjoyed among it was noted than more than worlds. It has the extravagant sive – yet innovative - high-end zBattery revolution: large the-art technology with uncom- residents and expats alike. $4,000 a month is spent on lux- design of the Porsche Design product for our elite customers. zHuawei showroom at Al Nasr battery + supercharge 2.0 and promising design. Qatar is one of the richest ury - approximately 12% of aver- brand as well as the high-tech, We have no doubt that custom- St, Doha wireless charging “Huawei takes pride in being a countries in the world and resi- age household income. innovative attributes that Hua- ers will embody the luxury of zPorsche Design Store, zAI Biometric Security pioneer in devices made for peo- dents of Qatar spend more on Salman Jassem al-Darwish, wei is infamous for.” Porsche Design through this lat- Lagoona Mall zThinking Lens: see more and ple who want to use technology luxury goods and experiences chairman and CEO of Porsche Al-Darwish said “Porsche De- est device.” zPorsche Centre Doha, Medina capture more in wider frames to keep up with the speed of life,” than the rest of the region. In a Centre Doha, said “the luxurious sign is very proud and excited The Porsche Design Huawei Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar zEMUI 9.0: customised UI for said Ian Li, general manager of survey commission by Ameri- Porsche Design Huawei Mate about this partnership that has Mate RS 20 incorporates the zOoredoo eShop precision Huawei CBG, Middle East. can Express Middle East in 2016 20 RS captures the best of both allowed us to present an exclu- iconic automotive design ele-

UN offi cial says stability of world depends on political will of states Tamuq awarded 11 he stability of the minister of Ecuador also world depends on noted the importance of Tthe political will multilateralism, includ- of states, their shared re- ing international co-op- sponsibility and eff orts eration, collective action, to implement United constructive dialogue and grants by QNRF Nations resolutions in bilateral negotiations to various fi elds including confront these global cri- exas A&M University at Qa- enriched atmospheres like the one human, women and chil- Espinosa Garces speaking ses. tar (Tamuq) was awarded 11 at the Air Separation Unit (ASU) at dren’s rights, UN General at QU. Director of the Law Tprojects from the Qatar Na- Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas- Assembly president Maria Clinic at QU College of tional Research Fund (QNRF) in Cy- to-liquids plant. Safe and hazard- Fernanda Espinosa Garces Qatar to the UN, and QU Law, Dr Mohamed Mattar cle 11 of the National Priorities Re- free operation of the ASU is of stra- has said. president Dr Hassan al- welcomed the UN deci- search Programme, and its research tegic importance to Qatar. She was addressing a Derham were among the sion to adopt the Global offi ce was named the ‘Best Research Also included is Dr Albertus Ret- symposium hosted by guests. Compact for Migration on Offi ce of the Year’. nanto, professor of the practice in Qatar University’s (QU) In her speech, Maria December 10, which was This is the fourth year in a row the the Petroleum Engineering Pro- Faculty of Law under the Garces addressed today’s considered a historic move research offi ce has been recognised gramme, who is collaborating with title “Multilateralism world crises including on the roadmap to prevent by QNRF and the sixth time in the Occidental Petroleum of Qatar to Under Threat: The Chal- terrorism, illegal migra- suff ering. He also noted past seven years. The research of- model seismic simulation of res- lenges Facing the UN in tion, the refugee problem, the number of UN initia- fi ce is responsible for vetting re- ervoirs as an enhanced oil recovery the lead up to its 75th An- violence against women, tives that QU contributes search proposals that are submitted method so applied technologies in niversary.” climate change, unem- to in particular the United to QNRF for funding and managing the fi eld can be improved. HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed ployment, international Nations Academic Impact the awarded research projects. Another principal investigator is bin Saif al-Thani, the Per- confl icts and armed con- and the Education for Jus- Dr Hassan S Bazzi, associate dean assistant research scientist Dr Ilaria manent Representative of fl ict. The former foreign tice initiative. for research and chemistry pro- Menapace, who is designing local- fessor, said: “Texas A&M at Qatar ly-produced and recycled polymers is proud to be a partner in Qatar’s as asphalt binders for use on Qa- development through research that The research off ice is responsible for vetting proposals that are submitted tar’s roads. The advantages include has a true impact. Research is at the to QNRF for funding and managing the projects. saving money, reducing emissions, core of our mission. Our faculty and reducing waste and environmental principal investigators work to cre- tive in vetting proposals, meeting Texas A&M at Qatar’s Mechani- contamination, promoting the local ate research activities that address deadlines, and compliance criteria. cal Engineering Programme and the economy, and reducing port con- QNRF’s strategic pillars and drive The award is defi nitely because of Science Programme were awarded gestion. progress in Qatar and the region. our team’s outstanding eff orts and four proposals each and the Pe- Similarly, Dr Mohamed al-Hash- “To be recognised for this hard communication skills.” troleum Engineering Programme imi, research associate professor in work is very satisfying. It illustrates The National Priorities Research was awarded three. The research the Science Programme, is devel- a dedication on behalf of our faculty Programme is the main funding projects address real-world chal- oping retrofi tting window fi lms for and research initiatives to align with programme of QNRF and the pri- lenges directly applicable to Qatar. buildings that adjust with the out- the priorities of the State of Qatar mary means by which QNRF seeks Some of the awarded projects led side temperature to modulate trans- and provide long-term solutions to to support research that addresses by the principal investigators in- mitted light and heat. The outcome a rapidly diversifying economy.” Qatar’s needs. QNRF selected 77 clude Dr Bilal Mansoor, associate is a downturn in the massive energy Cynthia Richmond, associate di- of the 284 proposals submitted for professor in the Mechanical Engi- consumption of buildings in Qatar rector of the research offi ce, said: funding. Texas A&M at Qatar sub- neering Programme, who received due to heating, cooling and lighting “The Offi ce of Research at Texas mitted 40 proposals for a 28% suc- an award for implementing ad- costs, as well as increasing the com- A&M at Qatar is accurate and eff ec- cess rate. vanced testing methods of oxygen- fort of building occupants.

UK-based broadcaster complains of piracy

From Page 1 fi lms and TV programmes to be made and sports “Those responsible for events to be staged. this Saudi-based pirate “The enforcement and operation must be held to regulatory regime is strong account. No one can be in the UK and there is overt above the law.” support from government beIN is also suing Saudi in many guises to assist Arabia for $1bn in the only rights-holders and en- ever case of its kind relat- forcement agencies to take ing to state-supported il- action. legal piracy. “Even then it requires Kieron Sharp, CEO of a major contribution and FACT (Federation Against commitment to a relent- Copyright Theft), said: less process of varied and “FACT works on behalf of targeted actions to make its members and clients inroads into the problem. to protect their content. The goal is to disrupt and Illegal streaming is cur- prevent access and then to rently the greatest threat consider whether further to broadcasters and rights- actions such as criminal holders as it attacks the prosecution need to be tak- revenue base that allows en against the perpetrators”.

Broidy hit with another setback

From Page 1 lobbying eff orts aimed at benefi ting his patron, the “We don’t believe that United Arab Emirates, at Mr Benomar’s claim of the expense of Qatar. diplomatic status should A federal judge in Cali- provide him with immu- fornia in August granted nity in this case,” Lee Wo- Qatar’s request to be dis- losky said. missed from a similar law- Broidy has accused Qa- suit, citing sovereign im- tari hackers of leaking munity. Qatar has denied his e-mails to the media, any involvement in the leading to the publica- hacks. tion of damaging stories Broidy appealed that that increased scrutiny of dismissal. That case is his access to Trump and pending.

Gulf Times 8 Sunday, December 23, 2018 REGION/ARAB WORLD UN team arrives to monitor Hodeidah ceasefi re

AFP diplomatic eff orts which culmi- it marked “an important step sentative to the UN, said the res- Aden nated in peace talks last week in towards stopping the aggres- olution means that the Houthis Sweden, where the warring par- sion and lifting the blockade”. “will lose their margin of ma- ties agreed to the truce which He was referring to the Saudi- noeuvre”, the offi cial Saudi Press N monitors arrived in came into force on Tuesday. led military coalition which in- Agency reported. Yemen yesterday to over- The ceasefi re remained shaky, tervened in 2015 and imposed a Around 10,000 people have Usee a fragile ceasefi re in however, with both sides accus- blockade on Yemeni waters and been killed since the Saudi-led the rebel-held city of Hodeidah, ing each other of violations in airports. intervention, according to the the latest push to secure peace in Hodeidah province. Quoted by the rebel-run World Health Organisation, al- the devastated country. The UN monitoring team Al-Masirah TV, he criticised, though rights groups say the It comes a day after the UN could consist of 30 to 40 peo- however, the resolution for not death toll could be fi ve times Security Council unanimously ple, according to diplomats, and condemning the “crimes of higher. approved a resolution authoris- aims to secure the functioning the aggressors”. The govern- The confl ict has unleashed a ing the deployment of observers of Hodeidah port and supervise ment of President Abd-Rabbu major humanitarian crisis and to Hodeidah, a lifeline port city the withdrawal of fi ghters from Mansour Hadi reaffirmed its pushed 14mn Yemenis to the which serves as the entry point the city. “commitment (to respect) the brink of famine. for the majority of imports to The text approved by the Se- agreement” reached in Sweden The aid group Save the Chil- war-torn Yemen. curity Council “insists on the and endorsed by the UN reso- dren welcomed the UN resolu- A team led by Patrick Cam- full respect by all parties of the lution. tion but said that more needed maert, a retired Dutch general, ceasefi re agreed” for Hodeidah. In a statement also released to be done in a country where was seen by an AFP journalist Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert, who heads a United Nations advance team tasked with It authorises the United Na- late Friday, the Yemeni gov- around 85,000 children are esti- landing in Aden where the inter- monitoring a ceasefire between the Houthi group and Saudi-backed government forces in Hodeidah, tions to “establish and deploy, ernment pledged to work “in a mated to have died from extreme nationally recognised govern- leaves Aden airport, yesterday. for an initial period of 30 days positive spirit” with UN envoy hunger and disease. ment is based. from the adoption of this reso- Martin Griffi ths towards a last- “The fi nal text fell short in Cammaert was welcomed drawal of troops from Hodeidah. leaders in Aden, Cammaert was jected to an off ensive by pro- lution, an advance team to begin ing political agreement to end recognising the sheer scale of on arrival by Saghir bin Aziz, a Another group of observers also due to travel to Sanaa and government forces, backed by a monitoring” the ceasefi re, under the war. the humanitarian crisis and to general who heads the govern- arrived in the rebel-held capital onwards to Hodeidah, a Yemeni military coalition led by Saudi Cammaert’s leadership. Saudi Arabia also welcomed call for investigations into al- ment team in a joint committee Sanaa on a UN plane from Jor- offi cial said. Arabia. The resolution was backed by the resolution. leged violations of international — with Houthi rebels — which is dan, according to an AFP pho- Hodeidah is held by Yemen’s A halt to fi ghting in the stra- rebel negotiator Mohamed Ab- Khalid Manzalawi, the king- humanitarian law in Yemen,” it tasked with organising the with- tographer. After meeting with Houthi rebels and has been sub- tegic port city follows intense delsalam, who said late Friday dom’s deputy permanent repre- said in a statement.

DIPLOMACY Turkish minister says probing smuggled arms on Libya visit

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced during a visit to Libya yesterday an investigation into a shipment of arms smuggled from his country to the conflict-hit North African nation. Libyan off icials on Thursday said two containers of arms and munitions disguised as construction materials had been seized at the western port of Khoms. Rival administrations in Libya demanded an explanation as the UN mission in the country called the reports of the large ship- ment “extremely disconcerting” and said it expected experts from the The father (second right) of 16-year-old Palestinian Mohamed al-Jahjuh embraces the teenager’s brother (second left) world body to investigate. during his funeral in Gaza City, yesterday. “We are going to take firm measures on this subject,” Cavusoglu said in translated comments at a press conference with his Libyan coun- terpart in Tripoli. “We are starting an Funeral held for Palestinians investigation to determine how the arms were loaded into containers and how they entered Libya.” Libya has been subject to a UN killed in border protests arms embargo since it plunged into chaos amid the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed dictator Muam- DPA His death came after three Pal- blockade of the territory enforced by mar Gaddafi. The country is divided Gaza estinians were killed and about 40 Israel and Egypt. between an internationally backed injured the previous evening in the They are also demanding that Tel government based in Tripoli and eastern part of the Strip, a densely Aviv let Palestinian refugees return a rival authority under strongman ourners in the Gaza Strip populated area controlled by the to their family homes in Israel. Khalifa Haftar in the east. UN experts yesterday buried four Pal- Hamas movement.The mourners, Some 240 Palestinians have died have documented deliveries of Mestinians who died in the estimated to be in the thousands, in the regular confrontations since weapons from destinations includ- latest confrontation with Israeli sol- shouted slogans against Israel and they broke out in March. ing Sudan, Egypt, Turkey and the diers on the border. called on fi ghters to avenge their The protesters on Friday set tyres United Arab Emirates despite the An 18-year-old man was shot by killing. Israel said that about 9,000 on fi re and threw explosives across ban on weapons imports. The head Israeli soldiers on Friday and later Palestinians had gathered at diff er- the border fence, an Israeli military of the Tripoli-based Government of died of his injuries, the Health Min- ent points on the border on Friday spokesman said. National Accord, Fayez al-Sarraj, ex- istry in the Palestinian territory said evening, the latest in the regular Hamas has controlled the terri- pressed his “profound concern” over yesterday. protests by Palestinians against a tory since 2007. the latest shipment in a statement after meeting Cavusoglu. Moroccan activists rally to condemn murder of tourists

DPA trying to verify a video clip Rabat circulating on social media that appeared to show the killing of one of the women. round 100 rights ac- Norwegian and Danish police tivists staged a rally said Friday they believe the Aoutside the Danish clip of the killing was authen- Embassy in the Moroccan tic, but were seeking to verify capital Rabat yesterday to it. In the footage, an alleged condemn the murder of two killer is heard shouting that Scandinavian female tourists. the act was “in revenge to our Moroccan authorities brothers in Hageen.” found the bodies of Maren Hageen is a town in eastern Ueland of Norway and Lou- Syria where a US-led coali- isa Veserager Jespersen of tion is carrying out air strikes Denmark on Monday near against Islamic State mili- the summit of Mount Toub- tants. Moroccan prosecu- kal in the High Atlas moun- tors also said they were in- tain range, with cuts to their vestigating a second video, necks. A total of 13 people which was apparently made have been arrested in connec- a week before the attack and tion with the killings, which in which four of the arrested Moroccan authorities believe people pledge allegiance to have been a terrorist act. to Islamic State leader Abu Moroccan authorities were Bakr al-Baghdadi.

MARITIME Iran Guards hold war games

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards launched war games in the Gulf yesterday, state television reported, after a US aircraft carrier en- tered the waterway amid rising tension with Washington over reim- posed US sanctions. Television showed amphibious forces landing on Iran’s Gulf island of Qeshm during the exercises, in which naval vessels, helicopters, drones, rocket launchers and commando units also took part. “Hopefully, with these exercises, our enemies will realise more than ever how devastating our response would be to any move by them,” said Guards chief Major General Mohamed Ali Jafari, state news agency IRNA reported. Qeshm, the largest island in the Gulf, is located near the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Times Sunday, December 23, 2018 9 AFRICA

Rajoelina Envoy calls closes in for ‘credible’ on election At least 13 killed in vote in victory DR Congo

AFP Mogadishu bombing AFP Antananarivo Kinshasa

Reuters ormer Madagascan presi- Mogadishu he new US ambassador dent Andry Rajoelina was to Kinshasa said yester- Fset to return to power as Tday that a “credible and partial election results yester- t least 13 people were transparent” presidential vote day gave him a clear lead over killed and 17 wounded in the Democratic Republic of his predecessor Marc Ravalo- Ain a car bomb attack Congo next week would pave the manana, who has alleged the claimed by Al Qaeda-linked way to enhanced co-operation vote count was fraudulent. group Al Shebaab close to the with Washington. With 3.5mn ballots counted president’s residence in the “Credible and transparent out of about 5mn cast, Rajoelina Somali capital Mogadishu, po- elections would create an oc- had won 55.7% against 44.2% for lice said yesterday. casion for new possibilities of Ravalomanana in Wednesday’s A second explosion followed co-operation between our two run-off election, according to nearby. countries,” Mike Hammer said the electoral commission. Al Shebaab, in comments in a French-language statement. Complete results are expected broadcast on its Radio Anda- Hammer presented his cre- next week, before a period in lus, claimed responsibility for dentials more than two months which they can be legally chal- both blasts and said the second after he was named, and just af- lenged via the courts. was also a car bomb. ter the DR Congo’s presidential The two-round election was “The death toll has risen to poll was delayed until December beset by allegations of fraud from 13 people including civilians 30. It was to have taken place both sides and the result may be and soldiers. Seventeen others today, but was postponed after contested — raising the risk of were injured. The casualties a fi re broke out in a Kinshasa political instability in the Indian are from the two blasts,” Major warehouse used by the national Ocean island which has a history Mohamed Hussein, a police of- Somali people walk next to the scene of a car bombing attack in Mogadishu, yesterday. electoral commission. of coups and unrest. fi cer, told Reuters. The vote “might represent “We are still waiting for the Among those killed were a scene of the second blast said the fi rst democratic and peace- full results but I believe that the journalist, two security per- he saw at least two bodies. ful transition of power” in the current results are irreversible. sonnel and a driver working Ahmed Abdi, another po- country and “the United States Victory is ours!” Hajo Andria- for local station Universal lice officer, said the first car is prepared to give its support,” nainarivelo, a senior member of TV, whose car was passing bomb exploded at a check- the statement said. Rajoelina’s team, said. the checkpoint at which the point some 400 metres from Fanirisoa Erinaivo, a fi rst- first blast went off, another the president’s residence. round losing candidate who reporter working for the sta- Al Shebaab carries out fre- POLITICS joined Ravalomanana’s team, tion said. quent attacks in Mogadishu. Burundi names demanded transparency over “My colleague Awil Dahir Its members want to dislodge Gitega as new capital how the vote was being counted. Salad died in the blast to- the government and impose “According to the return gether with the driver and its rule based on its own strict Burundi declared the small central sheets that have reached us, it two security guards. They interpretation of religious city of Gitega the country’s new is Marc Ravalomanana who is in were killed by the first blast law. political capital yesterday, in line the lead,” she said. as they drove. May Allah rest The group was forced from with a presidential promise made “The election commission their souls,” journalist Ab- Mogadishu in 2011 but main- a decade ago. A government only releases the sheets where diasis Ibrahim who works for tains a foothold in some re- spokesman named Gitega while Rajoelina is in the lead — we sus- Universal TV, told Reuters. gions. also stating that the previous pect manipulation.” Police had earlier said the It has killed thousands of capital Bujumbura, on the north- Ravalomanana was due to is- first car bomb at the check- Somalis and hundreds of ci- eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, sue a statement today, his cam- point killed five, mostly sol- vilians across East Africa in a would in future function solely as paign team said. diers. A Reuters witness at the decade-long insurgency. Somalis gather near the wreckage of a car involved in the explosion near the president’s residence. the country’s economic centre. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, December 23, 2018 AMERICAS

Top US envoy in fight against IS quits

Brett McGurk, the special US envoy to the coalition fighting the Apex court snubs Trump bid to enforce asylum policy Islamic State (IS) group, has resigned, a State Department off icial said yesterday. His resignation, eff ective on December 31, comes just after Reuters aimed making it harder for im- Conservative Chief Justice made through a presidential tional security threat. President Donald Trump abruptly ordered the withdrawal of US Washington migrants to enter and stay in the John Roberts, who last month proclamation Trump issued on Trump’s proclamation stated troops from Syria as well as the announcement that Defence United States. rebuked Trump over his criticism November 9 alongside a new ad- that mass migration on the bor- Secretary Jim Mattis was quitting, citing key disagreements with The justices on a 5-4 vote de- of the judiciary, joined the court’s ministration rule. der had precipitated a crisis and the US president. he Supreme Court has nied the administration’s request four liberals in denying the ad- The administration has sought he was acting to protect the US Just last week McGurk, a Barack Obama appointee who Trump dealt a setback to Presi- to put on hold a California-based ministration’s request. ways to block thousands of Cen- national interest. kept on, said “nobody is declaring a mission accomplished” in Tdent Donald Trump by federal judge’s order at least tem- Trump’s two Supreme Court tral American men, women and Trump’s policy was crafted to the battle against IS – just days before the president’s stunning refusing to allow his adminis- porarily preventing it from carry- appointees, Brett Kavanaugh and children travelling in caravans to alter American asylum laws that announcement of victory against the religious extremist tration to implement new rules ing out the policy intended make Neil Gorsuch, joined the court’s escape violence and poverty in have given people fl eeing per- movement. prohibiting asylum for people anyone crossing the US-Mexican two other conservatives in dis- their home countries from enter- secution and violence in their The 45 year-old top envoy was set to leave his position in February, who cross the US border illegally, border outside of an offi cial port sent. ing the US, with Trump calling homelands the ability to seek but reportedly felt he could no longer continue in the job after a key component of his policies of entry ineligible for asylum. The asylum restrictions were the people in the caravans a na- sanctuary in the United States. Trump’s declaration. US govt partially shuts down Reuters ate fl oor, said no votes would The US National Parks will While Trump made the prom- Washington be held until a deal is struck by generally remain open with a ise of building a border wall a Democrats and the White House. skeleton staff , though an alert fi xture of his 2016 election cam- “We pushed the pause button posted on the website of the Na- paign, it is not a top-tier priority n the fi rst day of the US until the president, from whom tional Park Service said some for most Americans. government shutdown, we will need a signature, and parks are closed completely. According to a Reuters/Ipsos OPresident Donald Trump Senate Democrats, from whom Republican governors in at poll in late November, only 31% said he was continuing to nego- we will need votes, reach an least two states were working to of those surveyed said improved tiate with Democrats to end the agreement,” McConnell said. make sure public restrooms get border security should be among impasse over the federal budget, Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s cleaned and visitor centres stay the top three priorities for Con- but warned that “it could be a top Democrat, then took the fl oor open. gress. long stay” as he repeated his call to say that Democrats would not Law enforcement eff orts, bor- That suggests Trump is taking for improved border security. accede to Trump’s demands. der patrols, mail delivery and a political risk by gambling on a Trump has demanded $5bn “President Trump, if you want airport operations will keep run- shutdown to press his point as to help fi nance construction of to open the government you must ning. Democrats are gearing up for the a fence along the US-Mexico abandon the wall, plain and sim- For the shutdown to end, both 2020 presidential primary elec- border, something Democrats in ple,” Schumer said. the House and the Senate will tions and looking for issues to Congress have resisted. While McConnell seemed to have to approve any deal nego- seize on for an advantage. “We are negotiating with put the onus for a deal square- tiated between Trump’s team The longest federal govern- the Democrats on desperately ly on Trump and Democrats, and Republican and Democratic ment shutdown, lasting 21 full needed Border Security (Gangs, Schumer urged Congress’ Re- leaders. days, occurred in December 1995 Drugs, Human Traffi cking & publican leaders to get involved In a joint statement yesterday, and January 1996, triggered by more) but it could be a long stay,” in negotiations. Schumer and House Democratic confl icts between Democratic the president said on Twitter “Leader McConnell must leader Nancy Pelosi said that if president Bill Clinton and con- yesterday. agree. Speaker (Paul) Ryan must the shutdown continues, the new gressional Republicans over The US Senate and the House agree. They cannot duck respon- House Democratic majority will Medicare funding and govern- of Representatives were in ses- sibility. Leader McConnell still A security barricade is placed in front of the US Capitol on the first day of a partial federal government quickly pass legislation to re- ment spending. sion yesterday as congressional controls this chamber. Speaker shutdown in Washington. open government when it takes Clinton is widely viewed as leaders tried to hammer out a Ryan controls what reaches the offi ce in January. having won the political battle spending agreement to end the fl oor of the House,” Schumer tives, where Republicans have a Twitter account two hours before eral government programs are The shutdown comes at the over the shutdown, and was re- stalemate. said. majority until Democrats take the deadline. funded through to September end of a perilous week for the elected for a second term in 1996. Trump invited several law- Schumer said discussions were over on January 3, passed a bill Democrats repeatedly re- 30 next year, but the fi nancing president, with Defence Secre- In 2013, the government shut makers – all Republicans – to ongoing at the staff level, but that included the $5bn, but it ran minded Trump, and voters, that for all others – including the de- tary James Mattis resigning in down for 16 days after conserva- the White House yesterday to there were no outward signs that aground in the Senate and the he said last week he would be partments of Homeland Security, protest after Trump’s sudden tive Republicans demanded to discuss the situation, including progress had been made. shutdown began at midnight on “proud” to shut the government Justice and Agriculture – expired decision to pull US troops out of strip funding for or delay imple- immigration hardliners from the The shutdown went into eff ect Friday. down in order to get wall fund- at midnight. Syria. mentation of Democratic presi- House Freedom Caucus such as after Trump threw a wrench into As the clock ticked toward Fri- ing. Federal parks are closed and The Syria move was widely dent Barack Obama’s signature US Representative Mark Mead- the works earlier in the week by day’s midnight deadline, Trump “President Trump has thrown more than 400,000 federal “es- criticised, even by senior Repub- healthcare legislation, the Af- ows. refusing to agree to a short-term tried to blame Democrats. a temper tantrum and now has sential” employees in those licans in Congress. fordable Care Act. The caucus has pressured funding deal cut by Democratic “We’re going to have a shut- us careening towards a ‘Trump agencies will work without pay The political turmoil added to Republicans suff ered plunging Trump to stick to his demands and Republican senators because down. There’s nothing we can do shutdown’ over Christmas,” until the dispute is resolved. fears about the economy plagu- public opinion polls and eventu- for a border wall. it did not include funds for his about that because we need the Schumer said on the Senate fl oor Another 380,000 will be “fur- ing investor sentiment, helping ally capitulated, agreeing to fund Senate majority leader Mitch border wall. Democrats to give us their votes,” on Friday. loughed”, meaning they are put fuel continued heavy losses in the the government and raise the McConnell, speaking on the Sen- The US House of Representa- he said in a video posted to his About three-quarters of fed- on temporary leave. stock market on Friday. debt limit.

Colombia kills ‘horrendous criminal’ wanted for journalists’ murders Guyana heads to elections after government loses one-vote majority

A dissident rebel believed to be working for a Mexican drug operation and has been killed,” Colombian President Ivan A Guyana government backbencher who complained about the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) had 33 seats, against 32 cartel, and on the “most wanted” lists of two South American Duque told reporters. “I told the Ecuadorian people that “dictatorship” has triggered elections and an unprecedented for the opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). countries, was killed on Friday in a government operation, the crime against the three journalists would not be one of political situation in the former British colony. But when AFC member Charrandas Persaud switched sides Colombia said. impunity.” “We are going back to the polls,” Prime Minister Moses to back the opposition’s no confidence motion, Nagamootoo Walther Arizala, known by his nom-de-guerre of “Guacho”, Arizala is believed to have ordered the abduction and murder Nagamootoo said after his coalition, which had a one-vote said that “the outcome has to be accepted”, paving the way is believed to have ordered the abduction and murder of of journalist Javier Ortega, 32, photographer Paul Rivas, 45, majority in the National Assembly, lost a no-confidence for general elections within 90 days. a three-man Ecuadoran press team on the border with and their 60-year-old driver Efrain Segarra in March and April. motion brought by the opposition over rising unemployment Elections were not constitutionally due until 2020. Colombia early this year. They worked for Quito’s El Comercio newspaper and were and what it called poor economic management. Guyana, one of South America’s poorest countries, shares “We can confirm that (Arizala) alias Guacho fell in an covering a story about violence along the border. The coalition between A Partnership for National Unity and cultural ties with the English-speaking Caribbean. Gulf Times Sunday, December 23, 2018 11 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Getting ready for New Year celebration Heavy fl oods displace thousands in Lanka

Agencies Colombo

housands of people have been displaced as a result Tof torrential rains in the Northern districts of Kilinoch- chi, Mannar and Mullaitivu, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) reported. According to the latest report released by the Disaster Man- agement Center, 5,775 persons of 1,829 families have been moved to 40 disaster camps in the three districts of the Northern Prov- ince while 9,161 people from The National Grand Theater is lit by coloured lights to celebrate the upcoming New Year in Beijing, yesterday. 2,788 families have been aff ected by the fl oods, ColomboPage on- line newspaper reported. The travel on A-9 main high- way linking south to north has been disrupted as the levee of Mankulam reservoir in Kilinoc- hchi breached due to the heavy rain the area received last night. Mankulam area in Kilinochchi has received 365mm rainfall last Arrests fuel anxieties among night, according to the Meteor- ology Department. Many areas Anandapuram, Iruththipuram, Ponnagar and Piramandan Aru in the Kilinochchi district have been fl ooded due to the heavy rains. China’s Canadian expatriates Meanwhile, the Iranamadu reservoir is spilling over and all AFP media postings and try to keep a cal but rather part of a judicial the immediate Canadian ex- sluice gates are opened, fl ood- Beijing low profi le. process in keeping with an ex- Ottawa seeks help for release of detained pat community, including re- ing low-lying areas. A number of Former Canadian diplomat tradition treaty with Washing- searchers who visit China. places in the A-9 road have been Michael Kovrig and China- ton. Canada’s top diplomat yesterday called on allies for support in secur- On Thursday, representatives inundated due to the spillage he arrest of a third Cana- based business consultant Meng was released on bail last ing the release of Canadians detained in China, noting that the arrests of six Berlin-based institutions, from the reservoir. Police have dian in China has height- Michael Spavor were detained week in Vancouver pending her are a “worrying precedent” for the entire international community. which included the European advised motorists to be vigilant. Tened anxiety even in an on December 10 and accused US extradition hearing on fraud Foreign Aff airs Minister Chrystia Freeland said that China’s detention Council for Foreign Relations Security forces have launched expatriate community accus- of engaging in activities that charges related to sanctions- of former diplomat Michael Kovrig and consultant Michael Spavor is and the German Marshall Fund, operations to rescue the people tomed to some level of fear and “endanger China’s national se- breaking business dealings with “not only a Canadian issue. “It is an issue which concerns our allies expressed concern about the stranded by the fl ooding from uncertainty. curity”. Iran. and we’ve been discussing it very actively with our allies and partners spate of Canadians detained. the Mankulam levee breach and Beijing on Thursday con- Kovrig is a senior adviser at Ottawa and Washington on around the world,” she said in a phone conference with reporters. “Developments such as these have taken them to safety. The fi rmed it arrested Canadian the International Crisis Group Friday stepped up pressure on Freeland repeated a call for the “immediate” release of the two men increase uncertainty and dis- tourists visiting Jaff na via the Sarah McIver for “working il- think tank, while Spavor fa- Beijing and called for the im- who had been “detained arbitrarily.” Kovrig and Spavor were detained trust among foreign scholars A-9 route have been advised to legally” in the country, follow- cilitates trips to North Korea, mediate release of Kovrig and on December 10 and accused of engaging in activities that “endan- who regularly conduct research exercise caution. ing the detention of two other including visits by former NBA Spavor. ger China’s national security.” Though no link has off icially been within China, as they fear for About 4,400 people have Canadians on national security star Dennis Rodman. Observers say Canada is in- made, the arrests seem to be in retaliation of Canada’s December 10 their safety,” the joint statement been displaced in Oddusudan, grounds. Though no link has offi cially creasingly looking like collat- arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese telecom giant said. Puthukkudiyiruppu, Thunnu- While Canadian authorities been made between the three eral damage in a simmering US- Huawei. Ottawa has repeatedly said Meng’s arrest was not political, “This will clearly undermine kal, Maritimepattu, and Man- said the latest detention ap- detentions, suspicions are China trade war, with Beijing at but rather part of a judicial process in keeping with an extradition eff orts to better understand de- thal East in Mullaitivu district pears to be a routine visa case, mounting that China is hold- the same time working to ease treaty with Washington. “In my conversations with Chinese ambas- velopments in China.” have been displaced due to fl ash it has nonetheless exacerbated ing at least two of the Canadian trade tensions with Washing- sador and in our conversation with Chinese off icials, the Chinese Yet some feel there is no need fl oods. Many areas have lost concerns among Canadian ex- nationals in retaliation of Can- ton. off icials have not directly made that connection” between Meng’s to overreact, calling this “Chi- power and roads have been inun- patriates in China — fearful that ada’s arrest of Meng Wanzhou, “Canada is really just caught detention and the arrest of the Canadians, Freeland said. na’s way of dealing with things”. dated hindering transport. they too might be detained over a top executive at Chinese tel- in between the US and China, “I’m not worried about this A number of Army and Navy a legal technicality. ecom giant Huawei. we’re like a scapegoat,” a busi- on a day-to-day basis and I cer- teams have been deployed to res- “I think most Canadians The ambiguity surrounding nesswoman in education said, of anonymity, said they are do but there could be a lot of tainly won’t change my daily cue the displaced. Army teams that are here are living in fear at the arrests has also added to the requesting anonymity for fear making contingency plans to collateral damage, which could activities because of a few peo- have been able to take a large some level, a fear of losing what unease, said Canadian Adrian of reprisals. leave the country “just in case” seriously potentially damage ple who have been detained,” number of displaced people to they have here, a fear of getting Wu, who frequently travels to Like a number of Canadian the situation takes a turn for the relationships in the long term,” fi nancial analyst Scott Laprise safe locations. arrested, fear of retribution,” China for both work and leisure. expats, she is using the holidays worse. he said. said. The Ministry of Disaster Man- said Ricky Ng-Adam, founder “Even though the third per- as an excuse to stay out of the It is now up to China to de- Despite the volume of busi- “There’s always a sense at the agement says steps have been of CoderBunker, a community son arrested is not related to the country. cide how much they want to es- ness between Canada and Chi- back of my mind that something taken to provide food, medicine of international software devel- cases of the fi rst two, people see “At least I can remain in calate the situation, said Hugh na, people might “start won- could happen, but that’s a part and other essential items to the opers, who regularly travels to the headlines and immediately North America to see how the Stephens, distinguished fellow dering whether or not they’d be of living in China.” The Cana- displaced at the shelters. Shanghai for work. think ‘a Canadian got taken’,” he situation will play out from a at the Asia Pacifi c Foundation targeted” and consider a “long dian embassy and the Canadian Wanni district MP, Minis- “It’s a constant fear,” he said, said. safe distance”, she said. of Canada. “The Chinese aren’t Christmas holiday”, he added. China Business Council did not ter Rishad Bathiudeen called on adding that some of his com- Ottawa has repeatedly said Others in the Canadian com- going to infl uence the Canadian The fallout from the arrests respond to AFP requests for the authorities of the Northern patriots self-censor their social Meng’s arrest was not politi- munity, speaking on condition court system by whatever they could have implications beyond comment. Province to speed up relief for the aff ected people. Instructions have also been issued to provide dry rations and food to those af- Bangladesh opposition website Bangkok skyline view fected. shut down ahead of polls: party Man dies

AFP rights groups of drifting towards Khan said the websites were in stabbing Dhaka authoritarianism, silencing dis- “spreading propaganda” and sent and the press by using an “destabilising the state”. onerous digital-security law. A BNP spokesman has said 18 incident angladesh’s main oppo- At least six people have been of its online activists have been sition website has been killed in election campaign detained in recent months, Bshut down, the party said clashes between supporters of including a former air force Agencies yesterday, amid accusation the Hasina’s ruling Awami League officer who was arrested on Sydney government is muzzling dissent and the BNP, whose incarcerated Thursday. ahead of next week’s general veteran leader Khaleda Zia was Human Rights Watch said election. last month handed another stiff the arrests and the crackdown man has died and another The Bangladesh Nationalist jail term. on free speech including wide- man is under police guard Party (BNP) said authorities had The Bangladesh Telecommu- spread surveillance contrib- Ain hospital after a stab- closed the site since last week nications Regulatory Commis- uted to “a widely described bing in Sydney’s east. when they shut 54 news por- sion could not confi rm whether climate of fear” ahead of the In the evening yesterday, tals and websites for what they the BNP website was among the election. emergency services were called claimed were security reasons. 54 sites it blocked last week. “The authorities have used a to Oxford Street, near Vernon “We’ve written to the Election But commission chairman Ja- number of broadly worded laws Street, Bondi Junction, following Commission to open the web- hurul Haque accused the website arbitrarily to constrain jour- A general view of the skyline as the air quality worsens in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. reports a man had been stabbed site. of bad taste. “It is obscene and nalists, restrict the free speech several times, Sydney Morning But it has not been opened indecent,” he said. of ordinary citizens, and target Herald reported. yet,” BNP spokesman Nazrul In an e-mail to the Election the government’s opponents Police have been told two men Islam Khan said. The shutdown Commission, the BTRC, how- and critics,” the New York- – one aged in his 50s and the has hit the party’s election cam- ever, said the website was closed based group said. other 33 – were involved in an paign just days before the De- following orders from two intel- “The government has or- altercation at a fast-food outlet cember 30 polls. ligence agencies for containing dered several units and agencies 23 dead in Nepal student bus crash before both men suff ered stab “We cannot communicate “outlawed” materials, according to censor the Internet, monitor wounds. with our supporters,” he said. to a report by the online edition online communications, and de- Police told the Sydney Morn- The BNP is part of the oppo- of the mass circulation Bengali tain users accused of ‘spreading AFP The vehicle was carrying 37 people, with 22 killed ing Herald they believed the al- sition National Unity Front al- daily Jugantor. rumours’ or ‘anti-state activity’,” Kathmandu at the scene and another in a nearby hospital. tercation started inside the fast- liance, which is contesting the BNP spokesman Khan reject- it said. Fourteen people were treated for injuries. food outlet, confi rmed by police polls after boycotting the 2014 ed allegations that the website This week Facebook said it “Our preliminary investigation shows the to be KFC Bondi Junction, before election. contained obscene materials. had suspended nine pages and wenty-three people died in western Ne- cause of the incident was speed,” police offi cer the two men moved outside. It has emerged as the main Last week the government six accounts it had linked to “in- pal when a bus carrying school students Bel Bahadur Pandey said. Road accidents are rel- Offi cers from Eastern Sub- challenger to Prime Minister blocked more than 50 websites dividuals associated with the Tand teachers back from a botanical fi eld atively common in Nepal because of poor roads, urbs Police Area Command per- Sheikh Hasina’s bid for a record and news portals for what it said Bangladesh government” and trip plunged into a gorge, police said. badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving. formed CPR on the older man, fourth term in offi ce. were security reasons, prompt- which posted anti-opposition The students were aged mostly between 16 and The latest comes a week after a truck accident in assisted by NSW Ambulance Hasina’s government has been ing an outcry from rights advo- content while masquerading as 20. Two teachers and the driver also died in the central Nepal killed 20 mourners returning from paramedics, however, he died at accused by civil society and cates. BTRC spokesman Zakir independent news sources. accident early evening on Friday in a remote area. a funeral ritual. the scene. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, December 23, 2018 BRITAIN Extra 2mn cars Police arrest two over on the roads for Christmas period

Traff ic expected to peak Network Rail insisted that again at lunchtime on the majority of the railway airport drone chaos Christmas Eve would be unaff ected, although it would be carrying out work AFP lays and cancellations “as we ices of civil aviation aerodrome in prison for endangering an air- Surrey, described the cat-and- By Gwyn Topham worth £148mn on 330 projects London continue to recover our opera- to endanger or likely to endanger craft. mouse hunt for the drone opera- Guardian News & Media over the holiday season. tions”. safety of operations or persons”. The Times reported yesterday tors. Beleaguered passengers who “We are grateful for passen- “Our investigations are still that Transport Secretary Chris “Each time we believe we get have not been automatically wo middle-aged people gers’ continued patience as we on-going, and our activities at Grayling had shelved plans ear- close to the operator, the drone riving home for Christ- provided with a rail replace- were being held yesterday work to get them to their fi nal the airport continue to build re- lier this year to introduce laws disappears. When we look to reo- mas could best be done ment bus could turn to the Tover the suspected “crim- destination in time for Christ- silience to detect and mitigate regulating drone use despite be- pen the airfi eld, the drone reap- Dtoday, according to mo- coach, with National Express inal use of drones” at London’s mas,” the spokesman said. further incursions from drones, ing warned about the risk that pears,” he said on Thursday. toring organisations, with an set to lay on an additional seats Gatwick Airport, where fl ights Drones were fi rst sighted by deploying a range of tactics,” they posed to airports. A traveller who identifi ed additional 2.2mn cars expected for 50,000 passengers over the were returning to normal after buzzing around Gatwick on said Sussex Police superintend- A Department for Transport himself as Darcis, 32, who was on the roads yesterday for fes- holidays – including Christ- three days of pre-Christmas dis- Wednesday then reappeared ent James Collis. spokesman said: “Next year fur- supposed to arrive from Milan tive leisure trips, whether to mas Day, when all other public ruption aff ecting 140,000 pas- more than 50 times, forcing the The army was called in on ther laws will come into eff ect to on Thursday and had to sleep at shops or to visit relatives. transport options have been sengers. government to bring in specialist Thursday to off er support, with ensure drone users must be reg- the airport, said: “I cannot un- The M40 northbound from dashed. Police swooped on a 47-year- military resources to help coun- the defence ministry deploying istered and pass safety tests. derstand why such a small thing Oxford into the West Midlands According to Trainline, most old man and a 54-year-old wom- ter the threat. what was described only as spe- “We are continuing to intro- can cause an international air- was most likely to land drivers coach bookings for December an from town of Crawley, which The dangers posed by drones cialist equipment. duce further measures and re- port like Gatwick (to close). They in traffi c, according to the RAC 25 have been made for a lunch- neighbours Britain’s second- include the possibility of a de- Government offi cials held a cently consulted on extending should be ready for these things. and traffi c analyst Inrix. time exodus from London to busiest airport. vice smashing into a passenger meeting to discuss the situation. police powers to deal with peo- I really don’t understand what we Delays of more than an hour Liverpool. A Gatwick spokesman said plane or being sucked up into an Under recently-introduced ple who misuse drones, as well can do.” were forecast from junction Among the most aff ected yesterday that the airport engine where its highly fl amma- laws in Britain, drones cannot working on the development of Gatwick, around 30 miles 8A of the M40 to the M42 link rail services will be lines out of planned to run a full schedule of ble lithium battery could cause a be fl own near aircraft or within counter-drone technology to en- (50km) south of the British capi- road. London Paddington, with the 757 fl ights carrying 124,484 pas- catastrophe. a kilometre (about half a mile) sure incidents like this can’t hap- tal, is the eighth-busiest airport Traffi c generally would peak west London station closed for sengers. The two people arrested late of an airport, or at an altitude of pen again.” in Europe, and sits behind Mum- between 10.30am and 4pm, the an additional three days in late However, he warned that pas- on Friday were being held on over 400’ (122m). Justin Burtenshaw, head of bai as the world’s busiest single- RAC said, advising drivers to December. sengers should expect some de- suspicion of “disrupting serv- Violators face up to fi ve years armed policing for Sussex and runway air hub. travel before 9.30am or after 7.30pm. An estimated 19mn After a relatively quiet Sun- drivers were out on the day, traffi c is expected to peak so-called ‘Frantic Friday’ again around lunchtime on Christmas Eve, when delays of Half of London Victoria will around 20 minutes can be ex- be shut down from today until pected on parts of the M1 in the the start of 2019, as work closes east Midlands. one of the main lines into the The worst of the Christmas station from Clapham Junc- getaway though has passed for tion. motorists, on so-called Frantic The Gatwick Express fast Friday, when leisure travellers airport service will not run for mixed with regular commuting the duration. traffi c. Stansted Express services An estimated 19mn driv- will be reduced during work on ers were out on Britain’s roads the lines east from the capital on Friday, according to the AA to London’s third airport. (Automobile Association). East Midlands and Thames- Queues of slow-moving link trains running north of St traffi c were adding almost an Pancras will also be aff ected by hour to inter-city car journeys engineering. north out of London on Fri- Christmas strikes by the day lunchtime, with the M40, RMT union, in the ongoing M6 and M1 particularly busy, row about the future role and while journeys west on the M4 responsibilities of guards on and A303 were also slowed by trains, will disrupt Northern around 20 minutes. and South Western railway Rail services will be dis- services. rupted over Christmas for en- Northern services came to gineering works – as well as an early end from around 5pm strikes in parts. yesterday, and will end earlier Beyond the usual shut- next Saturday as well, while down for December 25 and 26, the South Western network a number of key rail services out of Waterloo will operate a will either be closed or reduced reduced strike service on De- People view the new work by the artist Banksy that appeared during the over the coming 10 days. cember 27 and New Year’s Eve. week on the walls of a garage in Port Talbot, on the edge of Swansea. Banksy gifts Welsh steel town ‘Remain’ backers slam a white Christmas attraction Corbyn’s Brexit pledge Reuters white fl akes are in fact ash from an lution, Port Talbot is on a par with or London industrial bin. cleaner than many other towns and Port Talbot, on the edge of the cities, and that its transport connec- By Mattha Busby Swansea Bay, is home to one of the tions were very good too. Guardian News & Media anksy fans are fl ocking to the biggest steelworks in the world, “Ease of access could perhaps have Welsh town of Port Talbot to which has recently had to battle for been one of the many reasons Banksy Bsee a new mural by the elusive survival. may have chosen Port Talbot,” he abour leader Jeremy Corbyn has British street artist depicting a child Local councillor Rob Jones said said. been criticised by “remain” sup- covered in snow that is in fact ash that the “globally viewed, newly ar- The elusive graffi ti artist is known Lporters throughout Westminster from a burning bin. rived piece of guerrilla art” made for producing politically-charged after he stressed that Brexit would go The subversive artist confi rmed on Port Talbot the perfect place to house sketches and artwork on walls and ahead even if Labour won a snap general Instagram that the Season’s Greet- a recently-mooted Welsh modern art buildings from New York to Paris and election in the new year. ings mural on a breeze block garage gallery. Gaza City. In an interview with the Guardian on wall is genuine. “At least one world class contem- In one of the artist’s most provoc- Friday, Corbyn said that the party would It shows a small boy wrapped up porary artist appears to view the in- ative stunts, a painting of Girl with campaign for Brexit if there was a sec- against the cold with his tongue teresting mix of peaceful hillsides Balloon shredded itself into pieces ond referendum on the UK’s member- stuck out and arms aloft to catch alongside striking urban and indus- the moment it sold at auction for ship of the bloc, but that he would seek a snowfl akes. trial landscapes as a piece of art in more than £1mn ($1.3mn). refashioned exit deal with the European The rest of the mural around the itself,” the offi cial said. The buyer went ahead with the Union. corner of the garage shows that the He added that when it came to pol- purchase. He also renewed his criticism of the EU’s economic policies on state aid, which he said blocked investment and would undermine attempts to regener- ate the British economy and develop industry. Labour’s former shadow business Corbyn: would seek a refashioned exit deal with the European Union. minister Chuka Umunna said that the interview was “deeply depressing and whelmingly pro-European. This lets have regularly contradicted each other, disappointing”. them, and our country, down.” fuelling speculation that the party line “Brexit is essentially a project of the Corbyn told the Guardian that if the remains contested privately. hard-right of British politics, who want parliamentary deadlock over May’s The Scottish National party also re- to turn Britain into a lightly-regulated, withdrawal agreement sparked a general buked Corbyn, with the party’s West- off shore tax haven for the super rich, election in the new year he would “go minster leader, Ian Blackford, calling devoid of proper protections for work- back and negotiate (with the EU) and see him “the midwife to the delivery of the ers, and one which seeks to dump the what the timetable would be”. [Tories’] Brexit plans”. blame for the UK’s problems on immi- Asked about a second referendum, “Jeremy Corbyn has fi nally come off grants,” he wrote on Facebook. favoured by many of his MPs and La- the fence he’s been sat on for the past “Labour should stop pretending there bour supporters, he added: “It would two years,” he said. “But unfathomably is ‘good’ Brexit deal and we should cer- be a matter for the party to decide what he’s come down on the same side as tainly not be sponsoring this project the policy would be, but my proposal at Theresa May. The Labour party is in- because Brexit is the problem – it solves this moment is that we go forward, try- capable of providing opposition to the nothing.” ing to get a customs union with the EU worst UK government that most people Wes Streeting, a regular critic of Cor- in which we would be able to be proper can remember.” byn, also attacked the party leader’s re- trading partners.” The Liberal Democrat leader, Vince marks and cast doubt on the suggestion Labour passed a motion at its party Cable, added that Corbyn “refuses once that a Labour government would be able conference in Liverpool in September again to take the blinkers off ”, with the to negotiate a better deal than the one that it would seek a general election as party’s policy indistinguishable from proposed by Theresa May. its fi rst choice, but left open the option the Conservatives’. “Why peddle this myth that Labour of supporting a second referendum. “He is ignoring the concerns of his would be able to renegotiate a Brexit Corbyn and other opposition front- own supporters and the economic dam- deal at this 11th hour?” he said. “How benchers have claimed that were La- age experts warn Brexit will do to the UK would Labour’s Brexit be any better bour to replace May’s government, they economy,” he said. “On Brexit, you sim- than remaining in the EU? would be able to renegotiate her deal. ply cannot put a cigarette paper between “Our members and voters are over- However, shadow cabinet members Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 23, 2018 13 EUROPE France’s ‘yellow vest’ protests losing steam Reuters a symbol of French state power and Yesterday police fi red tear gas Toulouse/Paris one of Europe’s top tourist attrac- against protesters who gathered tions. near Macron’s villa in the chic re- However, few “gilets jaunes” sort of Le Touquet in northern rance’s anti-government (yellow vest) protesters – so-called France. “yellow vest” protest was after the high-visibility jackets In the French capital, the police Flosing steam yesterday but French motorists must carry in arrested 109 protesters, seven of caused traffi c disruption through their cars – showed up in the for- whom were held in custody. road blocks across the country, mal royal city. Three weeks ago the protests in leading to the death of a 10th per- Dispersed groups of protest- Paris turned into some of the worst son since the start of the move- ers were out on the streets of Paris unrest seen in the capital since the ment last month. near tourist landmarks such as the student-led civil unrest of 1968. The turnout on the streets of Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Galer- Cars were set on fi re, bank Paris and other cities was smaller ies Lafayette department stores, and insurance offi ces’ windows than in previous weekends, au- singing La Marseillaise and calling smashed and street furniture was thorities said. for President Emmanuel Macron’s vandalised. No major damage or clashes had resignation. Of the 10 deaths linked to the been reported between police and Attendance was on the rise, protests, most have been the result protesters as of mid-afternoon. however, in Lyon and Bordeaux, of road accidents. About 23,800 people were dem- according to Reuters witnesses. The “yellow vest” protesters onstrating at 1300 GMT, including Protesters also managed to block began in mid-November to rally French ‘yellow vest’ demonstrators block a police vehicle on the Place fewer than 1,000 in Paris, the inte- some of the big highways, includ- against fuel tax increases and sub- de l’Etoile roundabout in Paris last night. rior ministry said. ing one leading to Spain. sequently against the wider liberal This was down from a week Late on Friday, a 36-year-old economic reform policy of Macron, Since he caved in to protesters A recent poll showed France’s ago at the same time when there man died in Perpignan, southern who made tax and salary conces- in a TV address on December 10, far-right party National Rally, for- were 33,500 protesters out on the France, when his car hit a truck at sions earlier this month. Macron has kept out of the public merly known as the National Front, streets, 2,200 in Paris. a road block erected by protesters, However, the movement has eye, staying in the Elysee Palace for confi rmed that it was so far the Authorities had expected a raising the death toll linked to the gradually lost steam in recent what his press team called internal biggest political benefi ciary of the march in Versailles, whose castle is demonstrations to 10. weeks. meetings. protests.

Ukraine requires Orthodox Church Serbians rally against president again to change name The president of Ukraine has DPA signed a law that demands the Belgrade Ukrainian Orthodox Church change its name in order to show its aff iliation to Russia. housands of people rallied The move is part of President for the third consecutive Petro Poroshenko’s eff orts Tyesterday in Belgrade to to make Ukraine religiously protest the rule of Serbian Presi- independent of its neighbour. dent Aleksandar Vucic. Under Poroshenko’s direction, A crowd of more than 5,000 religious leaders in Ukraine people marched past Serbian state agreed at a synod last week broadcaster RTS, which is strongly to establish a new Orthodox pro-Vucic, and then on to the gov- national church that has no ernment headquarters. oversight from Russia. The fi rst protest was organised The law signed yesterday asks in response to the beating of an the Ukrainian Orthodox Church opposition politician, Borko Ste- to alter its name in order to make fanovic, on the margins of a small its links to the patriarchate of rally in southern Serbia on No- Moscow explicit. vember 23. In October, Ecumenical Patriarch Vucic mocked the fi rst rally in Bartholomew I of Constantinople Belgrade, saying that it was small revoked a 332-year-old ruling and that “even if there were 5mn”, that had placed Ukraine under he would not cede to their de- Moscow’s leadership. mands. The Russian Orthodox Church The second protest was held then broke off all contact with the under the hashtag #1od5miliona Demonstrators attend an anti-government protest in central Belgrade. The banner reads ‘1 of 5mn’. ecumenical patriarch. (one of 5mn). The new Ukrainian church Though offi cially Vucic has a Vucic’s Progressive Party has Vucic started fi ve-year term as scandals and low exposure on state wants to recognise the supreme largely ceremonial role, he wields dominated the parliament in three president last year. and pro-government media since authority of Orthodoxy, Patriarch a lot of power in Serbia and openly parliamentary elections since The Serbian opposition, weak- Vucic took over, has been fully Bartholomew of Constantinople, participates in governing. 2012. ened by internal strife, corruption marginalised. and then its own autonomy. March in Istanbul against high cost of living, infl ation

AFP June refers to the mass 2013 demonstra- Istanbul tions against President Recep Tayyip Er- dogan’s rule sparked by the planned rede- velopment of Gezi Park in Istanbul. housands of protesters took to the Yesterday’s protest comes almost a week streets in Istanbul yesterday to dem- after thousands of people demonstrated in Tonstrate against the rising cost of liv- another KESK rally against the cost of living ing and crippling infl ation in Turkey. in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir. Surrounded by a heavy police presence, The Turkish economy has come under the protesters held banners with references heavy strain since a currency crisis in Au- to the “yellow vest” movement in France, gust and infl ation reached 25.24% in Octo- which began as a demonstration against ber, a 15-year-high. fuel price hikes but snowballed into anti- Although infl ation dropped to 21.62% in government protests, an AFP correspond- November, the price of everyday goods re- ent reported. mains high. The protest, organised by the KESK, a Since the start of this year, the lira has lost confederation of public service workers nearly 22.5% in value against the US dollar. unions, drew people from all over Turkey The country’s economic growth has also including the northwestern provinces of slowed down raising fears of a recession af- Edirne, Bursa and Yalova, the correspond- ter the economy contracted by 1.1% in the ent said. third quarter compared with the previous They shouted “work, bread, freedom” quarter. and also carried banners saying “the crisis A recession is defi ned as two consecu- is theirs, the street is ours” and “Haziran”, tive quarters of shrinking output based on a Protesters shout during a demonstration in Istanbul against the government’s policies. June in Turkish. quarter-on-quarter comparison.

Rescued migrants face Christmas at sea after Italy shuts ports

AFP “My answer is clear: Italian ports women – some of them pregnant be ashamed of what you do and Malta since the beginning of the Rome are closed!” Salvini tweeted. “For – children and babies. say”. year, according to the International the traffi ckers of human beings and The NGO posted a video of some The vessel started patrolling Organisation for Migration. for those who help them, the fun is of those rescued “from a certain the Mediterranean with two other Aid groups have been sending taly’s far-right Interior Min- over.” death at sea. boats run by migrant aid groups off rescue vessels into these waters ister Matteo Salvini said yes- The NGO said a Maltese coast- “If you could feel the cold in the the Libyan coast in late November. despite vocal opposition from Sal- Iterday that Italian ports were guard helicopter had taken a wom- images, it would be easier to un- This area of the Mediterranean vini. closed to hundreds of migrants an and her baby born on a Libyan derstand the emergency. has been the most deadly for mi- Accusing the groups of acting as rescued off Libya after a mother beach three days ago who were “No port to disembark and Mal- grants attempting the crossing to a “taxi service” for migrants, he has and newborn baby were evacuated among those rescued at sea. ta’s refusal to give us food. This Europe. denied them access to Italy’s ports. to Malta. “We continue with 311 people on isn’t Christmas.” German NGO Sea Watch mean- Malta too has been increasingly The anti-immigration minister board, without port and in need of Open Arms’ founder Oscar while tweeted that it had rescued unwilling to host rescue vessels. said the Spanish NGO Proactiva supplies,” the NGO tweeted. Camps tweeted at Salvini that another 33 migrants in diffi culty, Another aid group meanwhile, Open Arms had asked to allow the Proactiva Open Arms said on “your rhetoric and your message and that it was appealing for a port Sea-Eye from Germany, an- men, women, children and babies Friday that it had rescued more will, like everything in this life, to be allowed to dock. nounced on Friday that one of its rescued on Friday to disembark in than 300 migrants from three ves- end. But you should know that in a More than 1,300 migrants have vessels was setting off from the Italy after Malta turned them away. sels in diffi culty, including men, few decades your descendants will perished trying to reach Italy or southern Spanish port of Algeciras. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, December 23, 2018 INDIA

INVESTIGATION CONTROVERSY CULTURE POLITICS JUDICIARY Mastermind of Odisha accused of using Serendipity Arts Festival BJP trying to confuse, Sonia, Rahul must explain forgery racket held religious symbol for votes concludes in Goa incite people: Akhilesh HC indictment, says BJP

The West Bengal police yesterday arrested Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha The third edition of Serendipity Arts Festival in Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav In the wake of the Delhi High Court order asking the mastermind of a forgery racket and member Abhishek Manu Singhvi yesterday Panaji came to a close yesterday with focus on yesterday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party the National Herald newspaper’s publisher to was probing his Pakistan connection, a accused the Odisha government of insulting collaborative eff orts of artistes while a possible (BJP) of trying to confuse and incite people for vacate the Herald House within two weeks, the senior officer said. “The police arrested Lord Jagannath by linking a scheme to his detraction was averted after Subodh Gupta, its own narrow electoral gains. In a statement, Bharatiya Janata Party yesterday hit out at UPA Mohamed Umar, 32, from Delhi. There name. The state cabinet on Friday approved a guest co-curator, decided to “step back” in the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party Congress is a probability that this man was in a scheme for farmers named KALIA (Krushak light of sexual harassment allegations against ruling party thinks it can strengthen its vote bank president Rahul Gandhi, saying they have touch with someone in Pakistan and Assistance for Livelihood and Income him. The multi-disciplinary extravaganza which by creating caste unrest and inciting communal been misusing public property. “The court has we are looking into it,” the officer said. Augmentation), which is another name of Lord started on December 15 attracted thousands of passions. He said the saff ron camp is sadly questioned as public premises and land worth Umar was taken to West Bengal, he said, Jagannath. “The KALIA acronym was made to visitors. The organisers remained tight-lipped mistaken as people are now mature and can see Rs5,000 crore including the property build on it adding Canara Bank in Howrah district connect with the highest religious symbol of on Gupta, who was named in anonymous sexual through its conspiracies. “Ministers take oath could surreptitiously be transferred to the family had lodged an FIR on November 20 for India, not only Odisha. This is totally insulting harassment posts on social media. Over 40 of the of off ice and secrecy to discharge their duties trust for a consideration of Rs50 lakh. Sonia forgery. The bank “complained that a to somebody, who all of us revere. You drag featured projects were commissioned exclusively conscientiously, but the BJP ministers care two Gandhi and Rahul must reply...,” Law Minister cheque of Rs630,000 was deposited in an Lord Jagannath into this kind of cheap politics,” for the annual event. The projects covered visual hoots about these things,” the 45-year-old Yadav Ravi Shankar Prasad said in New Delhi. On Friday, account and Rs366,591 was withdrawn. It said Singhvi. “Is it not a shame that you try to arts, crafts, photography, culinary arts, dance, said, while charging the BJP of giving priority the high court dismissed a plea of the Associated was later revealed that the cheque was use the religious symbol for votes?” he asked. music and theatre, making the annual retreat for to certain castes in the party structure. Yadav Journals Ltd (AJL) challenging the government’s forged,” the officer said. The police officer “In the KALIA scheme, there is no Hindi word art lovers unique in its curation. The 2018 edition said the SP is committed to social justice, adding October 30 order asking the National Herald added eight people had been arrested in except Krushak. All other letters are English in of the festival culminated with a concert by Coke farmers, youth and the minorities are suff ering newspaper’s publisher to vacate Herald House the case earlier. the acronym,” the Congress leader said. Studio last night. due to BJP’s divisive tactics and policies. within two weeks. Court allows ED to question Michel in VVIP chopper scam

IANS none of his friends would be able New Delhi to help him if he did not sign a statement.” Anjos further said that Michel Delhi court yesterday al- was told that if he signed a state- Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara are seen with the eight lowed the Enforcement ment, he would not be arrested newly-inducted ministers in Bengaluru yesterday. ADirectorate (ED) to ques- and all cases against him would tion British national Christian be dropped and the Red Corner Michel, the middleman accused Notice against him would be re- in the Rs36bn AgustaWestland moved. VVIP chopper deal case, for sev- “To this Michel said that he en days. would not sign a statement pre- Special Judge Arvind Kumar pared by them (Indian repre- Karnataka cabinet expanded sent Michel to ED’s custody for Michel: faces ED grilling sentatives) but would work with seven days after the probe agen- his lawyers over the next few cy arrested him in the case. proceeds of crime are parked and days to prepare his statement ED’s lawyer and special pub- how or by whom the said tainted and send it to them by Tuesday with eight Congress ministers lic prosecutor D P Singh told the money was placed, layered and evening (June 5). court that Michel’s custody was integrated into the system. “But after all the threats required to confront him with “Michel’s custody is required Michel was surprised when they IANS Congress’ state unit presi- while Shivalli was elected from time as the cabinet expansion some witnesses. to unearth the deep rooted con- accepted his proposal and the Bengaluru dent Dinesh Gundu Rao told Kundgol in Dharwad district, was being held during the “in- The agency also told the court spiracy and identifi cation of his meeting ended at approximately reporters earlier that Satish and Naik and Tukaram from auspicious” month (Shunya it has to probe the money laun- accomplices, including the IAF 11 o’clock on Saturday evening replaced his elder brother and Hadagalli and Sandur in Ballari Masa) according to the Hindu dering aspect as the money has offi cials, bureaucrats and politi- (June 2). And his statement was arnataka’s seven- Municipal Administration district. lunar calendar. not come through offi cial chan- cians who gained undue advan- delivered on Wednesday morn- month-old coalition Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi and Congress legislature party Kumaraswamy thanked the nels but through illegal transac- tage,” the ED said. ing (June 6) at 10am to lawyers Kgovernment was ex- Nagaraj came in place of Forests leader and former chief minis- governor for agreeing to swear tions. Michel was extradited to India for onward transmission. “ panded yesterday with the in- Minister R Shankar. ter Siddaramaiah had earlier in in the Congress legislators as The ED said the kickbacks on December 4 from the United On June 7, Michel was in- duction of eight Congress leg- “The party’s high command the day sent the names of eight ministers at a short notice as he were paid by AgustaWestland Arab Emirates. formed that his statement was islators as cabinet ministers. dropped Ramesh and Shankar lawmakers to Kumaraswamy received their names only yes- through two channels. One Michel’s lawyer Rosemary unacceptable and the Indian side State Governor Vajubhai R from the ministry,” Rao said for fi lling up six vacancies from terday morning. channel was handled by Michel Patrizi Dos Anjos from Italy told would move ahead with extradi- Vala administered the oath of without revealing why they its cabinet quota of 22 and re- This is the second cabinet and his associates while the sec- IANS that Michel “met CBI spe- tion, she said. offi ce to the legislators at a sim- were ousted. placing the two dropped. expansion of the coalition min- ond was handled by two other cial director Rakesh Asthana and However, the CBI had earlier ple ceremony at Raj Bhavan. Satish was elected from Yem- The names were approved istry - the fi rst was on June 6 middlemen Carlo Gerosa and Indian representative on June claimed it had not questioned Chief Minister H D Kumar- akanmaradi in Belagavi district by party president Rahul Gan- when 24 ministers, including 14 Guido Haschke. 2 in Dubai along with the Law Michel in the UAE. aswamy of the ruling alliance in the May 12 assembly elec- dhi in New Delhi on Friday at a from the Congress and 10 from “Lawyer Gautam Khaitan, who Ministry authorities of UAE.” In its charge-sheet, the CBI had partner Janata Dal-Secular (JD- tions and Nagaraj from Hoskote meeting with state unit leaders, the JD-S, were inducted. is also named as an accused in She said that the meeting was named former Indian Air Force S) and Deputy Chief Minister G in Bengaluru Rural district. including Siddaramaiah, Para- In the 125-member assem- the charge-sheet, was the mas- held in complete frankness with chief S P Tyagi, his cousin San- Parameshwara of the Congress Ramesh represents Gokak meshwara, Rao and party’s state bly, including one nominated, termind behind laundering of Michel. jeev Tyagi alias Julie, then IAF vice and others, including offi cials, segment in Belagavi district unit in-charge K C Venugopal. the Congress has 80 legislators, the proceeds of crime in the sec- Sharing the minutes of the chief J S Gujral and advocate Gau- were present on the occasion. and Shankar was elected as an Though the JD-S has two JD-S 36 and the Bharatiya Jana- ond channel. Investigation has meeting of Michel with Indian tam Khaitan as the four Indians Those sworn in are M B Pa- independent from Ranebennur vacancies to fi ll from its quo- ta Party 104, while the remain- revealed crucial links between representative, she said, “Michel involved in the scam. til, Satish Jarkiholi, R B Thim- in Haveri district but joined the ta of 12 cabinet posts in the ing are independents and from Michel, Haschke, Gerosa and was told to implicate A P and Others named in the charge- mapur, C S Shivalli, P T Para- Congress later. 34-member ministry, Kumar- other parties like the Bahujan Khaitan,” the ED told the court. Madam (referring to Congress sheet included Giuseppe Orsi, meshwar Naik, E Tukaram, Patil from Babaleshwar in Vi- aswamy did not include any of Samaj Party (BSP). The ED said Michel trans- leaders Ahmed Patel and Sonia the former chief of Italian Rahim Khan and M T B Nagaraj. jayapura district was the Water its legislators. “Kumaraswamy will soon ferred the money through his Gandhi). Michel felt that there defence and aerospace ma- Khan from Bidar in the state’s Resources Minister in the pre- A JD-S source told IANS allocate the portfolios tothe aides to the desired recipients. was a panicked sense of urgen- jor Finmeccanica, and Bruno northern district took the oath vious Congress government. that party’s supremo H D Deve new ministers in consulta- “Custodial interrogation of cy. Even many threats were is- Spagnolini, former CEO of in English, while the others did Timmapur is a member of the Gowda and PWD Minister H D tion with Siddaramaiah and Michel is required to unearth sued and a discussion was held AgustaWestland, apart from in Kannada in the order of their Legislative Council (MLC) from Revanna were against the in- Parameshwara,” an offi cial told how the kickbacks were routed on how unpleasant Indian jails middlemen Michel, Haschke and seniority. Mudhol in Bagalkot district, duction of its legislators this IANS. and laundered, where the said were. Michel was also told that Gerosa.

Kamal Haasan to contest Congress slams AAP, Lok Sabha polls next year

IANS Haasan said the party would seeks Kejriwal apology Chennai decide on contesting by-elec- tions for 20 assembly seats whenever they are announced. IANS He demanded that Kejriwal proposed to a resolution moved ctor-turned-politician He said he would announce New Delhi “apologise to the country and by Tilak Nagar legislator Jarnail Kamal Haasan said the number of members his remove from the record of the Singh. Ayesterday his Makkal party has on January 31, add- Delhi Assembly the resolution Taking to Twittter later, an- Needhi Maiam would contest ing the party has empowered ongress activists yes- passed by it.” other party legislator said the all the 39 parliamentary seats him to decide on electoral al- terday staged a protest Maken also said that if need be, resolution amendment was not in Tamil Nadu in the next year liances. Coutside the Aam Aadmi a special session of the assembly put to vote and that there was general election, but “would When asked whether he Party offi ce in Delhi against a should be called for the purpose. no question of it being passed, not align with those desper- would lead the alliance or was resolution passed by the Delhi Earlier Congress leader and so the matter had ended. ate to change the DNA” of the open to work under someone’s government on Friday seeking former chief minister Shiela Diks- “In connection with a dispute state. leadership, he said that de- withdrawal of Bharat Ratna to hit lashed out at the AAP and said about a line on Shri Rajiv Gandhi Speaking to reporters after pended on the stature of the slain prime minister Rajiv Gan- no state assembly had the right to in the resolution passed in the as- the party’s executive com- alliance partner. dhi and demanded apology. pass any resolution as the Bharat sembly today, I confirm that the line mittee meeting, Haasan said: The 64-year-old actor took The Congress workers led Ratna award is conferred by the was not part of the original resolu- “The party will contest in the the political plunge by launch- by Delhi party unit chief Ajay government of India. tion distributed to MLAs. Jarnail-ji parliament elections. I will ing the MNM on February 21 in Maken demonstrated outside “This is not a right of any didn’t propose that amendment also contest. A committee Madurai. Since then, Haasan the AAP’s offi ce at DDU Marg in assembly. The Bharat Ratna and never put that for vote. Amend- will be formed to identify the has focused on touring Tamil central Delhi and raised slogans and others are conferred by the ments are always put to vote sepa- contestants for 40 seats (39 Nadu to build the party base. against Chief Minister Arvind government of India. You (AAP rately and unless passed, can’t form in Tamil Nadu and one in Pu- Haasan’s decision is likely Kejriwal and the party. legislators) do not have a right part of the resolution,” Bharti said in ducherry).” to put pressure on his contem- Addressing the party workers, to pass a resolution,” she said. a series of tweets. Asked about the parties porary Rajinikanth, who had Maken said: “It is very unfortu- An AAP legislator on Friday had In a damage control exercise, with whom MNM would have also announced political foray nate that the AAP government demanded that the Bharat Ratna Delhi Deputy Chief Minister an alliance, Haasan said: “The but is yet to launch a party. passed a resolution in the Delhi conferred on Gandhi be taken Manish Sisodia said the AAP was party will not align with those The results of the just-con- Assembly about taking back the back as he had allegedly justifi ed not in favour of withdrawing the who are desperate to change cluded assembly elections are Bharat Ratna awarded to Rajiv the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. award and that such a demand AAP leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and party the DNA of Tamil Nadu.” He likely to weigh heavily on the Gandhi to indulge in cheap poli- The demand came in the was not part of the resolution legislator Saurabh Bhardwaj address a press conference in New Delhi did not rule out alliance talks minds of both leaders when tics by crossing all limits.” assembly as an amendment a adopted in the assembly. yesterday. with the Congress. they fi rm up plans for 2019. Gulf Times Sunday, December 23, 2018 15 INDIA Govt cuts tax rates on some goods under GST

Agencies frustration over the abrupt im- of 28% to 18% and on one item - are not items of common use in January on fi ve issues - taxation The council also decided to On Tuesday, Modi said the New Delhi plementation of the Goods and wheelchairs and parts - to 5%. India, Jaitley said. of residential properties, extend- form a seven-member Group of government was planning to cut Services Tax (GST) in July 2017 Most other items saw tax rates Nearly 1,250 goods and serv- ing the composition scheme for Ministers (GoM) to study anom- the number of items taxed at the that has resulted in job losses for cut from 18% to 12% and 5%. ices have been categorised under small businesses to small service alies in tax collection in some of highest rate so that over 99% of he government yester- thousands of workers in small The council has so far taken the four tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and providers, tax rate on lotteries, the states which showed wide items, with the exception of lux- day slashed the sales tax businesses. more than 190 items, including 28% under the GST regime. raising the exemption threshold deviation from what was expect- ury goods, come under the 18% Trate on over 20 items in The GST Council, headed by washing machines and leather “It is decided to retain sin for MSMEs and on the tax to pro- ed in terms of shortfall. or lower rates. a move aimed at appealing to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, goods, out of the highest tax rate. (such as alcohol and tobacco) vide relief in natural calamities. “The council has approved A report by the State Bank of traders and the middle class agreed to lower the tax on some Only 34 items - particularly and luxury goods in 28% bracket. A major decision taken was the proposal to form a seven- India estimated that federal and after Prime Minister Narendra goods including televisions of 32 luxury goods - remain in the top Cement and some auto parts are that services supplied by banks member GoM to study the rev- state governments could face a Modi’s ruling party lost elec- inches, batteries and movie tick- slab of 28%. also still in 28% slab,” Jaitley told to basic savings bank deposit ac- enue trend, including analysing shortfall of about Rs900bn in tions in five states. ets. Air-conditioners and dish- reporters. counts and holders of Jan Dhan reasons for structural patterns GST tax collections in the cur- Modi is seeking a second term The council cut tax rates on six washers have been left untouched The GST Council postponed a accounts will be exempt from aff ecting revenue collection in rent fi scal year against the budget in next fi ve months amid voter items from the highest tax rate at the highest rate because these decision to the next meeting in GST. some of the states,” Jaitley said. target of Rs12.9tn rupees. Nitish Kumar under fi re after Govt committed to law spate of killings against triple talaq: PM IANS the reason behind his killing. Patna Darbhanga Senior Superin- IANS tendent of Police Garima Malik Adalaj, Gujarat said it was diffi cult to say what t least three people were the motive was, but “we have killed by unidentifi ed constituted an SIT to probe the rime Minister Narendra Agunmen over the past 12 case”. Modi yesterday said de- hours in three diff erent districts Shahi’s murder came barely Pspite all “obstacles” from of Bihar, prompting a scathing nine hours after a Punjab Na- fundamentalists and opposi- attack by the opposition on Chief tional Bank (PNB) employee tion parties, his government Minister Nitish Kumar’s govern- Pintu Singh was killed in Gaya was committed to bringing a ance. district. law against the practice of triple The latest victim was a con- Singh was abducted late on talaq to ensure social justice for struction fi rm owner, who was Friday. He is believed to have Muslim women. gunned down in broad daylight been shot dead around 2am “Despite all the obstacles, de- yesterday in Darbhanga district. yesterday, according to police spite resistance from the funda- Hours before that a bank offi cial officer Shayam Lal Saran. Deep mentalists and the opposition, was abducted from Gaya and injury marks were found on his the government is committed to killed. head. making a law against triple talaq A property dealer was mur- Meanwhile, in Begusarai dis- so that our Muslim women get dered in Begusarai late on Friday. trict, a property dealer, Mahesh rid of a big insecurity in their so- All these murders came barely 48 Singh, was shot dead by uniden- cial life,” Modi told the national hours after the killing of a well- tifi ed men around midnight, po- convention of the Bharatiya Ja- known businessman’s father in lice said. He was killed in Paspura nata Party’s women’s wing Ma- Vaishali. village under Mufassil Police hila Morcha. All cases were still open, police Station, a district police offi cial The government had brought said. said. the Muslim Women (Protection “Nitish Kumar is busy meeting All these killings came barely of Rights on Marriage) Bill last in Delhi, discussing seat sharing 48 hours after a businessman year and got it passed in the Lok with BJP president Amit Shah was shot dead in Vaishali district. Sabha, but it was stonewalled in and criminals are busy killing The back-to-back killings the Rajya Sabha where the ruling businessmen,” former deputy have triggered violent protest by BJP-led National Democratic chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav villagers, who blocked the GT Alliance (NDA) lacks majority. said. Road disrupting traffi c for hours, The opposition had expressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands with dignitaries on stage during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha sammelan in Adalaj, some “The chief minister has no Saran said. serious concerns over making 30km from Ahmedabad yesterday. time for anything other than Gunjan Khemka, an industri- triple talaq a criminal off ence. preparing for 2019 Lok Sabha alist was shot dead on Thursday Under the proposed law, a pany a woman on Haj. this government...for the fi rst cility to women,” the prime min- radicalisation” and cautioned polls,” the leader of the Rashtriya in Hajipur. His son, Gopal Khem- man could be jailed for up to Earlier, Muslim women from time there are two women in the ister said. them against divisive elements Janata Dal said. ka is a well-known businessman three years for pronouncing an India could not go on Haj alone. Cabinet Committee on Security He said his government was exploiting caste fault lines. In the latest attack, K P Shahi, in Patna. instant divorce (triple talaq) to The government did away with (CCS),” he said. trying to promote women en- He praised the offi cers for the owner of Shahi Construction Khemka was attacked on his his wife. the condition last year and Modi asked the BJP workers trepreneurs through various looking at all issues in the na- company, was shot dead around way to his factory in Hajipur, Subsequently, the govern- around 1,300 women performed present at the conclave to down- schemes including the Mudra tional perspective and said it 11am while he was on his way to about 30km from Patna, Vaishali ment brought an ordinance on the pilgrimage without a me- load the Narendra Modi mobile Yojana under which the major was the “biggest achievement of his offi ce. Superintendent of Police Man- the subject in September this hram. app so that they can forward the percentage of loans had been the changed nature” of the an- Four masked men riding a mo- avjit Singh Dhillon said. year which has to be replaced by Modi listed a number of government’s various welfare disbursed to women entrepre- nual conference over the last few torcycle targeted his car and fi red Police are still in the dark and law in the current session. Oth- schemes that his government schemes to all their contacts. neurs.Earlier, addressing the years. indiscriminately, killing him on yet to make any breakthrough in erwise, it will lapse. has brought for the welfare of “When I tell the world lead- valedictory ceremony at the He urged the police forces to the spot. Shahi Construction the case. Modi said the government women - such as Ujjawala and ers that India has allowed 36 Conference of Directors Gen- continue working for the unity was engaged in road construc- The RJD and Congress have had already done away with the Surakshit Matritva among oth- months of maternity leave to eral and Inspectors Generals of and integrity of India. “Let us tion at three or four places. targeted Nitish Kumar for the condition of a ‘mehram’ (a male ers. women, they look away from Police at Kevadia, Modi urged strengthen forces that promote Police suspect ‘rangdari’ or rise in crime and a total collapse guardian including husband or “Women are at the centre of me. Not even the developed police forces to be vigilant in unity, and isolate divisive forces extortion by a criminal gang as of law and order. fi rst blood relations) to accom- several fl agship programmes of countries have given such a fa- countering the “dark forces of at the grassroots level.” Troops kill six militants in Kashmir

Agencies Srinagar

oldiers yesterday killed six militants from a group be- Slieved to be an affi liate of Al Qaeda in Jammu and Kashmir dur- ing a brief fi refi ght, offi cials said, sparking clashes between protesters and police. All six belonged to Ansar Ghaz- wat-ul-Hind, a small Kashmiri rebel group whose now only surviv- ing member is its chief and former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Musa, top police offi cer Munir Ahmad Khan said. Musa is one of the most wanted militants in Kashmir. Soldiers zeroed in on a mili- tant hideout in an orchard dur- ing searches in southern Tral area and fired warning shots, trig- gering a brief firefight that left the six militants dead, Inspector General of Police Swayam Pra- kash Pani said. Eyewitnesses said hundreds of locals came out on the streets and clashed with police, who had to fi re tear gas to disperse them, after en- counter with the rebels. Authorities also suspended mo- bile Internet and train services in the Kashmir Valley to prevent a large Villagers watch from a tree during a funeral procession of slain militants of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, a group which claims gathering of protestors. aff iliation with Al Qaeda, at Dadsar village in Tral, south of Srinagar, yesterday. “The operation is over,” Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh in south Kashmir’s Anantnag dis- “The injured include six Central than 550 people including 150 civil- Kalia said . trict, police said. Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troop- ians killed, according to a monitor- Police said after the completion According to the police, secu- ers and a local policeman. They were ing group. of legal formalities the bodies of the rity forces were withdrawing after a taken to hospital for treatment. Af- Yesterday’s clash came a day after slain militants would be handed over search operation in Hassanpura vil- ter fi rst aid, they were discharged,” two soldiers were killed by alleged to their families. lage of Arwani area when militants said a police offi cial. sniper fi re from the Pakistani side of Also yesterday, six security men hiding in a crowd of people hurled This has been the deadliest year the Line of Control, the de facto bor- were injured in a grenade explosion a grenade injuring six security men. in a decade in Kashmir, with more der that divides the region. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, December 23, 2018 PAKISTAN

Government plans to relax visa policy No compromise on to revive tourism

Reuters lighting the nation’s laborious Islamabad visa process. “We refused a visa to Kaka and Figo. Can you believe that? accountability: PM akistan is planning to I called the section offi cer and ease visa restrictions for he never heard of ... Kaka,” Internews to prepare comprehensive rec- NAB – in a reply submitted to the Pvisitors from 55 coun- Chaudhry said, laughing. “I Lahore/Islamabad ommendations to stop the NAB Islamabad High Court on a peti- tries, including most European spoke to the interior secretary from allegedly victimising only tion fi led by Zulfi Bukhari seek- nations, in a bid to revive tour- yesterday and gave him a piece opposition leaders, and the use of ing removal of his name from ism that was devastated by Is- of my mind.” rime Minister Imran Khan discretionary powers by the NAB the Exit Control List (ECL) – ad- lamist violence in the fallout Pakistan was last a promi- has said that he has direct- chairman against them. mitted that Bukhari was not co- from the September 11, 2001 nent tourist destination in the Ped his party to agree with Recently, the NAB arrested operating with the investigation attacks in the United States. 1970s when the “hippie trail” every demand of the opposition, Leader of the Opposition in the team. “We are reviewing our visa brought Western travellers but not to back down from ac- National Assembly Shehbaz However, the bureau granted policies. We are trying to bring through the apricot and walnut countability. Sharif during the course of in- him one-time permission to 55 countries into a visa-free orchards of the Swat Valley and Speaking at a ceremony mark- quiry in the Ashiyana-e-Iqbal travel abroad, on the basis of region, which includes most Kashmir on their way to India ing completion of fi rst 100 days Housing Scheme case, and Kha- which the high court removed of the European countries,” and Nepal. of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf waja Saad Rafi que and his broth- Bukhari’s name from the ECL. Information Minister Fawad Since then, a deteriorat- (PTI)’s Punjab government, the er Salman Rafi que in the Paragon The members of the Senate Chaudhry told Reuters. ing security situation and the premier said that there is ongo- Housing scam case. committee from the PML-N and That comes after Portugal imposition of a harsh inter- ing drama in the assembly, where The bureau has also issued the PPP were of the view that this month declared Pakistan pretation of Islamic laws has the opposition is accusing the notices to a number of leaders the recent record of arrests and safe for travel, while France chipped away at the number of government of political victimi- belonging to the Pakistan Mus- pending inquiries showed that has also relaxed its advisory on visitors. sation. lim League – Nawaz (PML-N), NAB chairman retired Justice travel to the South Asian na- Following Pakistan’s partici- “We haven’t made any case. the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Javed Iqbal had become a party tion pation in the US-led war in Af- The probe is going on in the cases and even to lawmakers of the rul- against the opposition parties, “I’m happy our (travel) ad- ghanistan after the September fi led during the previous tenure,” ing PTI. according to the sources. visories are changing,” said 11, 2001 attacks in New York he said. “I told the party leaders Prime Minister Khan: Stiff action against corruption is important for The notices served on the law- They further said that the Sen- Chaudhry. and Washington, the country to issue Saad Rafi que’s produc- our future generations. Opposition can’t tell us to back off from makers by the NAB were widely ate committee had decided to Potentially restarting tour- was rocked by a decade of reg- tion orders, agree on Shehbaz accountability. circulated in the mainstream summon the NAB chairman. ism has been one of the most ular militant attacks. Sharif’s appointment as Public print and electronic media, as The committee would fi nalise talked about parts of Prime Security has since improved Accounts Committee chairman, ability,” the prime minister said. discussed the alleged victimisa- well as on social media. its recommendations on the al- Minister Imran Khan’s push to dramatically, with militant but don’t back down from ac- He said he entered in politics tion and media trial of politicians The sources said that the Sen- leged victimisation and media create an Islamic welfare state attacks down sharply in the countability.” 22 years ago to launch a move- and bureaucrats by the National ate committee pointed out that trial of lawmakers and govern- in Pakistan, but visitors to the mainly Muslim country of The premier said that national ment against corruption, add- Accountability Bureau (NAB). in inquiries against PTI law- ment offi cials by the bureau. country often complain of an 208mn people. security will remain under threat ing that there is a sad precedent The meeting of the committee makers, including Prime Minis- The recommendations would arduous visa process. British Airways on Tuesday until and unless action against in the country in which people in Islamabad was presided over ter Imran Khan, members of his be sent to Senate Chairman Sadiq Former Real Madrid soccer announced it would resume corrupt elements is taken. come in government to make by chairman Senator Mohamed cabinet Pervez Khattak and Zulfi Sanjrani, they added. stars Kaka of Brazil and Por- fl ights to Pakistan next year af- “Stiff action against corrup- money and later use assembly as Javed Abbasi. Bukhari, and Punjab minister Al- The committee, however, de- tuguese playmaker Luis Figo ter a 10-year absence that fol- tion is important for our future a shield to protect this wealth. Sources privy to the discus- eem Khan, the NAB had shown ferred further deliberations on were recently denied visas to lowed a major hotel bombing, generations. Opposition can’t Yesterday, the Senate Standing sion said that the committee had extreme leniency. the issue for its next meeting to the country for a promotional becoming the fi rst Western tell us to back off from account- Committee on Law and Justice held a preliminary discussion It may be mentioned that the be notifi ed later. visit, Chaudhry said, high- airline to restart such fl ights.

Google honours PAC meets next week Allahyar

Hanif Mohamed on Internews custody on the charge of a non- receives Islamabad bailable off ence to attend a sit- ting or sittings of the assem- birth anniversary bly or meeting of a committee another eader of Opposition in of which he is a member, if he the National Assem- considers his presence neces- Internews Bridgetown in 1957-58, which Lbly and Public Accounts sary. award Karachi saved Pakistan from imminent Committee (PAC) chairman On a production order, defeat. Shehbaz Sharif has convened signed by the secretary or by It remains the longest innings in fi rst-class cricket for over ternational debut against India the committee’s maiden meet- any other offi cer authorised Internews oogle has released a doo- in Test history and was the long- three decades. in 1952. ing on December 28 at the Par- in this behalf, addressed to Islamabad dle in honour of the leg- est in all fi rst-class cricket for Born in Junagadh, India, on Mohamed played 55 Test liament House here. the government of the prov- Gendary Pakistani bats- over 40 years. December 21 in 1934, Mohamed matches for Pakistan – 11 of Sources said Sharif will ask ince where the member is held man, Hanif Mohamed, to what “He and his record-breaking grew up playing cricket in the them as captain – and scored a the National Accountability in custody, or to the author- n another great step for Pa- would have been his 84th birth- athleticism are even credited street with his brothers. total of 3,915 runs. Bureau to ensure his presence ity concerned, the provincial kistan’s animation industry, day. with helping popularise cricket He excelled as a batsman, and “Considered one of the best at the meeting, under Rule 108 government or such authority Ichildren’s fi lm Allahyar and Google honoured Moham- in Pakistan,” Google said in its after moving to Pakistan at the batsmen ever to play the sport, of the “National Assembly of shall cause the member in cus- the Legend of Markhor has been ed, who is also known as “The post describing the legendary age of 13, he was mentored by Mohamed even surpassed the Pakistan Rules of Procedures tody to be produced before the named the Best Feature Film at Original Little Master”, with a cricketer. Abdul Aziz, a famous player who great Don Bradman’s record for and Conduct of Business in Sergeant-at-Arms, who shall, the recent South Asian Interna- doodle showing the scorecard at Besides playing the longest recognised his potential. the highest individual innings,” the National Assembly of 2007 after the conclusion of the sit- tional Film Festival. 337, paying homage to the crick- innings in Test history, he was Mohamed went on to play for it said. Chapter XII privilege”. ting or the meeting, deliver the The award is based on what eter’s phenomenal 16-hour- the fi rst Pakistani player to score teams representing Bahawalpur, He passed away on August 11, Under the rule, the speaker member into the custody of the the audience’s demands. long innings where he scored a triple century, and held the Karachi, and Pakistan Interna- 2016 at the age of 81 after a long or chairman of a commit- provincial government or other The team behind Allahyar 337 against the West Indies at highest individual score of 499 tional Airlines, and made his in- battle against liver cancer. tee may summon a member in authority concerned. made the big announcement on the fi lm’s social media pages. “Congratulations, everyone! It gives us great pleasure to make Pakistan so proud! We’d like to Festive mood thank everyone for all the love PML-N hints at protests and support!” read the post up- loaded by them. Written and directed by Uzair Zaheer Khan, Allahyar is a full- if ex-PM Sharif is arrested length animated feature fi lm set in the northern areas of Pakistan. It revolves around the young Internews December30 to re-organise the Earlier, the PML-N held an- Allahyar (voiced by Anum Zaidi) Lahore party workers. On that day the other high-level meeting in Par- who fi nds himself escaping a party will hold a convention to liament House. hunter name Manu (Ali Noor) celebrate the Foundation Day of Party president and Oppo- and helping a markhor named ormer prime minister Na- the Muslim League foundation to sition Leader in the National Mehru (Natasha Humera Ejaz) waz Sharif would attend kick-start its drive,” the PML-N Assembly Shehbaz Sharif pre- reach home. Fthe accountability court in member of the National Assem- sided over the meeting, which A markhor is a large species of Islamabad tomorrow (December bly said. lasted for more than two and a wild goat. 24), where Judge Arshad Ma- When pressed further if the half hours. The indigenous storyline, lik would announce the verdict party was gearing up for elec- According to senior party localised characters and com- in two National Accountability tions or for a possible agitation leaders, the meeting was in con- mendable animation and graph- Bureau (NAB) references against movement, Sanaullah said that tinuation to Thursday’s meeting, ics rendered it a must-watch for him, Pakistan Muslim League the way situation is shaping up, and it discussed the re-organisa- youngsters across the country. – Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana an agitation seemed imminent. tion of the party. Last month, Allahyar received Sanaullah said. “The PML-N is preparing for There was an informal discus- Girls in Santa Claus costumes wave from a bus on a street in Karachi on Friday evening as part the prestigious Monolith Award He said that the party had it,” he said. sion of the NAB court’s decision of the Christmas celebrations. at an event in Beverly Hills, Cali- no plans to stage any sit-ins or The former Punjab law minis- on December 24, they added. fornia. any protest actions on that day, ter said that the opposition par- “Both these meetings dis- even if the decision went against ties, mainly the Pakistan Peo- cussed the party’s reorganisa- Sharif, but warned that the party ples Party (PPP) and the Jamiat tion and the mass contact drive,” would be unable to control its Ulema-e-Islam – Fazlur (JUI-F), former Sindh governor Moham- workers if they resorted to any might not join them because of ed Zubair said. agitation. their own compulsions. He added that the party had Govt considers classes in the afternoon “We cannot stop party sup- “Even with both the senior two plans for December 24 – cel- porters from coming out on the leaders [Nawaz and Shehbaz ebrations if the court decision is road, but offi cially, there is no Sharif] behind bars, the party’s favourable, otherwise the plan is Internews in unused buildings such as was try in later stages in consulta- departments for timely fund plan for rallies or anything,” advisory board of fi ve to six peo- to express disappointment. Islamabad done in certain parts of Balu- tion with provincial authorities transfers to education depart- Sanaullah said, while responding ple will take care of party’s day- Zubair said that party sup- chistan. in order to address the issue of ments and for the effi cient utili- to a query about the party’s pro- to-day aff airs,” he said. porters would react accordingly According to recent data, out-of-school children. sation of existing funds. test plans if the party supremo However, Sanaullah clarifi ed in case Sharif is arrested, but he government is consid- there are almost 22.5mn out-of- The documents say the Fed- A Taleemi Razakar Internship Sharif is arrested. that the board will not take deci- party leaders would ensure that ering starting afternoon school children, more girls than eral Education and Professional Programme will be initiated “The party is, in fact, gearing sions on its own; rather, it would the reaction did not become vio- Tclasses in schools in the boys, in the country. Training Division will be max- under which young graduates up for a mass-contact drive from consult Nawaz Sharif fi rst. lent. federal capital in order to deal The primary net enrolment imising existing school infra- will be urged to teach on a vol- with the shortage of schools and across the country has remained structure by consolidating pri- untary basis at school in order to bring out-of-school children static across the years and has mary, middle and high schools to address the lack of science Comedian Ali pretends to be PM Khan to save the day into schools. even declined in some prov- so there is more room for out of and mathematics teachers and Out-of-school children will inces. school children. teachers for some languages. be facilitated in starting school There is a large gender, eco- The government will fo- The education ministry Comedian Shafaat Ali came to the rescue for the condition and repay debts in six months. either by the establishment of nomic and geographic disparity cus on the Waseela-e-Taleem will mobilise communities for local authorities as he mimicked Prime Minister When asked to climb down, the man had said he will new schools, upgrading new in education enrolment across programme under which cash bringing out-of--school chil- Imran Khan to convince a man to climb down from a only speak to Prime Minister Khan or the Sargodha schools, or providing children in the country. transfers will be made under the dren into school and retaining mobile phone signal tower. divisional police off icer. remote areas with transport. According to the government Benazir Income Support Pro- them. The man hailing from Sargodha climbed on top of The local administration facilitated his contact with According to government documents, the plan will fi rst be gramme to families of students Free education content will be the signal tower, in the Blue Area of the capital city, Ali, who imitated the prime minister to successfully documents, missing facilities implemented in schools in the who enrol. uploaded on websites and hard and demanded that he be made the premier of the convince the man to climb down from the tower. will be replaced in schools as Islamabad Capital Territory and The education ministry will copies of the content will be country as he can improve the country’s economic Police immediately arrested the man. well and schools will be set up extended to the rest of the coun- co-ordinate with the fi nance taken to remote areas. Gulf Times Sunday, December 23, 2018 17 PHILIPPINES

Festive shopping Repatriated OFWs receive assistance

Manila Times Manila

ore than 100 dis- tressed overseas Fili- Mpino workers (OFWs) repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on De- cember 8 were given financial assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administra- tion (OWWA). OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in a statement yesterday that Labour Secre- tary Silvestre Bello 3rd released the directives to provide an assistance package, which in- cluded P20,000 in financial aid to 109 OFWs. These workers are part of the total 521 OFWs who were re- patriated in December due to A man sits on the back of a truck as it passes through a crowded street market in Manila City, Metro Manila, yesterday. unfavourable working condi- tions in the KSA. Cacdac said that the assistance package is intended to help OFWs for their smooth reintegration as they settle back in the country. “These were the directives from Labour Secretary Sil- vestre Bello 3rd. We hope that this can help them cope with the daily expenditure,” Cacdac Lawmaker and bodyguard said. The DoLE reported that 88 of the beneficiaries were from Azmeel Company in Al Khobar, which locked them out and re- fused to pay their wages. Meanwhile, contract viola- shot dead at Christmas event tions have prompted 18 OFWs from Rakan Trading Contract- Agencies May, when the Philippines will history in our nation of political security escort. “The Philip- ing Company and four employ- Manila choose local, regional and na- violence must stop.” pine National Police strongly ees from Samama Company to tional representatives. TASK GROUP TO condemns the fatal shooting return to the Philippines. Philippine polls are fre- PROBE KILLING of AKO Bicol Party List rep- Cacdac said that in addition Philippine congressman quently marred by violence as Meanwhile, a Special Inves- resentative Rodel Batocabe to the financial aid, the OFWs was gunned down at a politicians resort to force and tigation Task Group (SITG) has and his Security Escort, SPO1 may also avail of the livelihood AChristmas celebration intimidation to win positions been created to quickly resolve Rolando Diaz while attend- assistance programme if they yesterday, police said, the latest that will give them power and the killing of Ako Bicol repre- ing a gift giving for senior and should decide to stay in the violence in a country notorious infl uence in a nation where sentative Rodel Batocabe, Di- PWD citizens this afternoon in country. for deadly political rivalries. nearly a quarter of the popula- rector General Oscar Albayalde, Daraga, Albay,” Albayalde said. “Our repatriated OFWs also Rodel Batocabe had just fi n- tion lives on less than $2 a day. chief of the Philippine National “We express our deep- have the opportunity to ap- ished handing out presents in Escobel said Batocabe, who Police, said. est sympathy to the bereaved ply for a livelihood assistance. the central town of Daraga when was elected to the lower House “I have directed the creation families of representative Ba- A seminar will be arranged for the lawmaker and his police of Representatives in 2010, had of a Special Investigation Task tocabe and SPO1 Diaz even as them and they will be required bodyguard were shot dead by recently voiced concern that Group to mobilise all available we vowed to get to the bottom to submit their respective busi- a gunman hiding in the crowd, rivals in the mayoral race were resources and to orchestrate of this sad incident,” he added. ness plans. We will teach them regional police offi cial Arnel Es- using armed groups to infl uence all aspects of investigation to He also asked the public to how to do it,” the OWWA chief cobel said. the vote. ensure that justice is served co-ordinate with the authori- said. The motive was not immedi- Over the years, several Phil- as soon as possible to both the ties to help in the investigation Other forms of support ately clear, but authorities said ippine congress members have victims and their families,” of the incident. were airport and transporta- they were looking into whether been attacked or murdered by Rodel Batocabe Albayalde said in a statement, “We appeal to the public to tion assistance and temporary the killing could be politically suspected rivals. Philippine Daily Inquirer re- immediately report to the po- shelter. Legal assistance may motivated. The most recent case was the House of Representatives outside a church in a Manila ported. lice any information that could also be provided to OFWs who Batocabe had announced legislator Wahab Akbar who building in November 2007. suburb. Grace Poe, a member of According to the PNP chief, lead us to the perpetrators and want to file complaints against plans to run for mayor in Dara- was killed along with two aides A year earlier, Congressman the Senate, denounced the lat- the organisation condemns to help us quickly solve this their employers or recruitment ga in midterm elections due in when a bomb exploded outside Luis Bersamin was shot dead est killing, saying: “This sorry the killing of Batocabe and his case,” Albayalde said. agencies. Gray eyed as nation’s Nearly 9,000 rice retailers tourism ambassador penalised for violations By Neil Jayson Servallos Manila Times By Eireene Jairee Gomez Manila Times he Department of Tourism (DoT) has ex- pressed its interest in collaborating with he National Food Au- TCatriona Gray for the government’s tour- thority (NFA) appre- ism drive next year, saying her recent win in the Thended 8,826 grains Miss Universe pageant would “defi nitely” trans- businessmen for various vio- late positively for the country’s tourism industry. lations and collected at least Tourism Secretary Bernadette-Romulo Puyat P10.78mn in penalties, admin- said Gray had promoted the country’s diverse istrative fi nes and other fees as culture and destinations not just as Miss Uni- of end-November this year. verse but also as a “passionate” advocate of Phil- In a statement, NFA said it ippine tourism. had inspected a total of 168,140 “When Gray walked and emerged victori- business establishments na- ous on the Miss Universe stage, not only did she tionwide and noted various highlight her strength as a woman, more impor- violations such as non-renewal tantly, she showed the universe the pride of the of NFA licence, operating with- Philippines through the video clips promoting out licence and noncompliance our country’s diverse culture and beautiful des- with the prescribed rice box tinations,” she told reporters in a message. Catriona Gray: new role? and display of price tags and The Tourism secretary was referring to Gray’s signboards. Accredited NFA two-part “This is the Philippines” tourism vid- ippine tourism industry. “As Catriona herself rice retailers were also appre- eos, which explained the origin of her national said, she represents the 104mn Filipinos… We hended for non-display of NFA People buy rice from a shop. costume and showed clips of the aftermath of look forward to continuing and strengthening rice, diversion of NFA rice and Typhoon Yolanda, among others. our collaboration with her in the coming year,” unreasonable depletion of NFA ordination between the NFA, “The average price of com- law enforcement groups. The DoT in an earlier statement said Gray was Puyat said. rice, among others, the agency National Bureau of Investiga- mercial regular milled rice in In November, the NFA can- able to “single-handedly” lead more people all President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday added. tion (NBI) and other law en- the market went as high as P46 celled the grains trading li- over the world to discover it was “more fun in the night met Gray in a courtesy call three days af- In 2017, the NFA apprehend- forcement agencies was very to P48/kg in August to Septem- cences and fi led charges against Philippines.” ter she won the coveted Miss Universe crown. ed 2,561 grains businessmen helpful in the success of the ber. But as we started selling two Iligan City merchants who “Amidst Gray’s preparations prior to heading Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo and collected P14mn in various agency in monitoring the mar- NFA rice and deploying paleng- were caught hoarding 19,000 for Thailand, she took precious time to do a series said the meeting took place at the Villamor Air fi nes. ket,” Escarez said. ke watchers, rice price started bags in an undeclared ware- of video clips promoting unique and fascinating Base in Pasay City. Acting Administrator Tomas NFA has deployed a total of to go down and until it was back house. A rice trader in Laguna destinations and diverse cultures: Luzon’s Rizal “They exchanged pleasantries. He thanked Escarez said the NFA’s inten- 346 palengke watchers begin- to P36 to P39/kg for regular was also apprehended while in Park and world-renowned El Nido, Palawan, the her for bringing the crown. He said everybody sifi ed enforcement activities ning September in the National milled rice,” Escarez said. possession of illegally acquired resilience of the Visayan people particularly in is euphoric about her win,” Panelo told report- prevented illegal activities and Capital Region (NCR), includ- He said the drop in rice prices volumes of NFA rice, and a re- Tacloban City, and Mindanao’s multi-faceted ers in a message. helped stabilise the price of rice ing Cavite and Rizal provinces, could be attributed to the gov- tailer in Bataan was also caught South Cotabato,” the DoT said. Panelo said the president also mentioned in the market. to assist in the monitoring of ernment’s implementation of rebagging NFA rice. Puyat said the DoT was looking forward to that his partner Cielito “Honeylet” Avancena “When NFA started selling market price of rice, as the suggested retail price (SRP) on Escarez also cited the help of “strengthening” its collaboration with Gray, but wanted to meet Gray as well, but had to stay in rice in the markets again last agency increased its rice distri- rice beginning October this year. the NFA Kontra Abuso Hotline did not say to what extent. Davao City. June, we ensured that NFA rice bution nationwide. Escarez said the agency’s ac- launched last July through the The DoT previously asked 2015 Miss Uni- “He told her she made every Filipino proud. sold by our accredited retail- There are 668 major and mi- complishments were driven by initiative of former NFA ad- verse Pia Wurtzbach to be one of its tourism He told her that Honeylet wanted to go with ers were sold at the prescribed nor markets in NCR, with 1,946 the actual apprehension of rice ministrator Jason Aquino. All ambassadors, alongside boxing legend and him to meet her but had to stay in Davao to at- price of P27 and P32 per kilo- accredited NFA rice retailers traders involved in hoarding of the 802 complaints received senator Manny Pacquiao, to promote the Phil- tend to her daughter, Kitty,” he added. gram (kg). The deployment of and 5,328 licensed grains busi- rice and other illegal activities, through the hotline were suc- palengke watchers and the co- nessmen, it added. with the help of NBI and other cessfully resolved. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Drone threat a steep learning Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko curve for airport chiefs P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] AFP London 44350478 (News), I warned airports about drones 44466404 (Sport), viation chiefs are going to be 44466636 (Home delivery) on a steep learning curve to By Simon Moores of a small piece of fl ying technology like cheap green laser pointers that can counter the security threat London weighing much the same as a bag of cause real mischief and occasionally, 44350474 Aposed by drones after a sugar. almost unimaginable chaos in the facebook.com/gulftimes costly and humiliating shutdown of Drones have been used before to hands of the malicious or the simply London’s Gatwick airport. have a drone on my airfi eld” disrupt airports. In Dubai it’s become irresponsible. twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar “This kind of incident is – a statement that welcomes almost commonplace – and there are But it’s not that airports, with their unprecedented anywhere in the world, passengers to the latest dimension frequent incursions at the UK’s smaller huge security budgets, don’t have the disruption of an airport in this Iin air-travel disruption. Words of airports. The only surprise to date is access to countermeasures. They do. way,” Britain’s Transport Secretary despair from the chief operating offi cer that there hasn’t yet been a serious “Drone rifl es” are now widely available Chris Grayling said on Friday. of Gatwick airport in the busiest travel incident in UK airspace – as happened to the military or the police and Donald GULF TIMES Flights were suspended again at week of the year. with a Boeing 738-800 belonging to Trump’s Secret Service contingent Gatwick on Friday by a drone alert, Elsewhere, many thousands Aeroméxico on 12 December on the never travel without one. These devices, just hours after being reopened of stranded and inconvenienced fi nal approach to Tijuana in Mexico. pointed in the direction of an intruding following the original unmanned passengers turned in frustration Fast-evolving drone technology has drone threat simply disable it, causing it drown sightings which caused to social media in an expression of introduced an easily achievable and to land on its autopilot. End of story. Latest outbreak of travel chaos that left tens of crowd-sourced outrage. How could single point of failure into an already Why then, you may ask, have the thousands of passengers stranded this happen? Why is it still happening overloaded air-transport network. police or the airport at Gatwick not over three days. over 12 hours after Gatwick’s runways But aside from the exploration of the deployed a drone countermeasure if, “We’re going to have to learn very were closed to aircraft, why is an terrorism implication, the authorities as stated, they know where one or even Ebola in DR Congo quickly from what’s happened,” intruder drone – or even two of them appear to have been slow to take notice, two drones are above the airport? It’s Grayling told the BBC. – suspended in the bright blue sky other than introducing a relatively a mystery and leads one to wonder “There certainly isn’t a above the airport, apparently visible modest criminal penalty for bringing whether after all the warnings, they threatens mega-cities straightforward commercial off -the- to security staff and police who remain a major airport to a complete halt. In simply didn’t take the threat of a drone shelf solution that automatically quite unable to locate its source of radio many respects, the CAA treats this as bringing the airport to a complete halt solves all problems.” control? nearly equivalent to a small aircraft pilot seriously enough. Worse still perhaps is Another Ebola epidemic is spreading in the Democratic In fact, it drone disruption at Meanwhile, the UK Civil Aviation accidentally infringing on the tightly the terrorist threat posed to airports by Republic of Congo and it is the second deadliest outbreak in airports is not quite unprecedented. Authority, overtaken by both the controlled airspace that surrounds an the consumer drones that Isis has used history. In 2016, Dubai International Airport technology and events, is reduced to air-traffi c zone. But if you are one of the to dramatic eff ect in Syria and Iraq. closed three times because of drones sending out desperate tweets warning more than 10,000 passengers aff ected Perhaps it’s simply a matter of luck The latest outbreak may continue for another three or being used for leisure nearby. that an airport incursion is a criminal by the disruption, facing the loss of your that both Heathrow and Gatwick were four months, the east African nation’s health ministry has The delayed and rerouted fl ights off ence and that drone users should Christmas holiday, your view of the legal not both closed down on the same day cautioned. cost millions of dollars. follow their new code of conduct. sanction may be very diff erent. before Christmas. But they might have Deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have In February 2016, an Airbus A320 Yet this is not an unforeseen Outside Rochester airport in Kent, been and still may be at some point in fl ying the Barcelona-Paris route event. It was inevitable. I’ve both there’s a PC World that is a cornucopia the future. It’s time to start taking this reached 319, recent offi cial fi gures reveal, and the spread of reported a near miss with a drone written about the risk and warned an of the latest drones, with prices ranging new threat very seriously indeed. – the virus shows no sign of slowing down. at 1,600 altitude (one mile up) as it international airports conference in from a few hundred pounds to a Guardian News & Media It is feared 549 people have been struck with the virus approached Charles de Gaulle airport. 2015 that this was “a clear and present thousand or more. The last thing on the since the outbreak was declared in August. Twenty per cent The fear is that if a drone smashed danger” to their operations. The UK’s buyers’ minds, I would suggest, is the zSimon Moores is an applied futurist into a passenger plane or was sucked second-busiest airport was closed CAA code of conduct. These are seen as and a contributor to Sky News and the of new cases have been reported in the last month alone. up into one of its engines, its highly and demonstrably helpless in the face just another modern consumer device, BBC On average, Ebola, which causes fever, severe headache fl ammable lithium battery could cause and in some cases haemorrhaging – kills about half of those a catastrophe. The noise levels at airports, the and locate the devices but take experiment in the Netherlands, has infected, but fatality rates in individual outbreaks have Gatwick chief executive Stewart security requirements and the saturated control of them. been training golden eagles to search Wingate wants to see swift, co- level of communications make the task Elsewhere in France meanwhile, and destroy the intruders. varied. The latest outbreak has a case fatality rate of about ordinated action. much harder. Mont-de Marsan airbase in the But that system still needs work: 58%. “These events obviously highlight a His team is working on isolating southwest has been working on a more earlier this year, one of the eagles The spread into more major cities and across borders into wider strategic challenge for aviation the frequencies used to control low-tech solution. attacked a girl after mistaking her vest other countries remains the biggest concern, with ongoing in this country which we need to drones, so they can not only detect The airforce, inspired by a similar for the enemy. address together with speed — the armed confl ict and increased commuting expected over aviation industry, Government and Christmas. all the other relevant authorities,” he Ahead of the presidential election on December 30, several said. tonnes of hand sanitiser have been deployed for use in In 2016, the European Aviation Safety Agency logged 1,400 drone polling stations, where millions of people will use touch- incidents in Europe, up from 606 screen voting machines. between 2011 and 2015. Health offi cials have struggled to contain the outbreak Deputies in the European in one city alone, but other major cities in eastern Congo Parliament approved EU-wide regulations on the use of drones, – such as Goma near but still need formal approval from the Rwanda border, European ministers before taking It is the and across the heavily eff ect. travelled border into Until then, it’s up to individual second-deadliest member states to set their own Uganda – are of a huge rules. and second largest concern. In France, civil aviation chiefs have Uganda in particular drawn up an interactive map of zones Ebola outbreak in is the focus of “intense where drones are either restricted or banned. history collaboration” where Airports, of course, are off limits. cases have not yet been Charles de Gaulle airport just north recorded – the DRC’s Health Minister, Oly Ilunga said. of Paris is looking at a long-distance This Ebola outbreak is mainly concentrated in the protection system to tackle hostile drones. provinces North Kivu and Ituri, Ilunga said. But fi nding high-tech solutions to Health experts fear that travels during the Christmas the drone threat in airport presents period may cause the Ebola outbreak to spread from the particular challenges, says Lucas Le Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda and elsewhere in Bell, founder of the start-up Cerbair that specialises in tackling the drone eastern Africa. problem. Passengers walk beneath screens displaying travel information in Gatwick Airport, in Crawley, Britain, yesterday. Offi cials have warned that thousands of families will make the journey over the border to visit family and buy food during the festive period. The current outbreak is now the second-deadliest and second largest Ebola outbreak in history, topped only by one in West Africa in 2014, when the disease killed more than May’s Brexit plan collapsing 11,000 people, according to World Health Organisation (WHO). between Protestants and Catholics in countries export large volumes of 50 until all of these decisions had In late November, the ministry announced the launch of By Jacek Rostowski London Northern Ireland, Britain agreed to industrial goods to the EU. But, unlike been made, communicated to the a fi rst randomised control trial for three Ebola treatment permit the free movement of persons, British goods, these generally cross the relevant parties, and agreed upon at drugs. Additionally, some 49,940 people have been goods, and some services across the EU border only once. The same would least in principle. ritish Prime Minister Theresa border with the Republic of Ireland. hold true for Britain’s goods only after One reason May’s government inoculated with an experimental vaccine since early August. May’s plan to withdraw her A binding international treaty with the country disentangles itself from ended up taking the exact opposite Eff orts to contain the outbreak have faced tremendous country from the European no provision for exit, the Good the web of European supply chains. approach is that neither senior obstacles so far. Local militia groups have stepped up their BUnion in an orderly fashion is Friday Agreement was signed under That task alone would be comparable to politicians nor bureaucrats attacks as the country heads into a long-delayed national collapsing. Though she has survived the assumption that both Britain the restructuring of post-communist understood the degree to which a no-confidence vote, in January and Ireland would remain in the EU countries following the collapse of the British economy is intertwined election on December 30. the House of Commons will almost indefinitely. the Council for Mutual Economic with Europe. The fact that a quick Six months after the fi rst case of Ebola was confi rmed in certainly reject the exit deal she May’s deal with the EU includes Assistance (Comecon, the Soviet-era Brexit into a free-trade agreement is the Democratic Republic of Congo’s confl ict-torn border negotiated with EU leaders. In order a “backstop” that would prevent trade bloc). Completing it could well logistically impossible seems to have province of North Kivu, the outbreak is still raging, leaving to avoid a chaotic “no-deal” Brexit, the reintroduction of a hard border take fi ve or more years. been totally lost on them. her government will have to ask the between Northern Ireland and the After the 2016 referendum, May’s But the bigger problem was that a a trail of fractured families and hundreds of orphans in its EU for an extension on the departure Irish Republic in the absence of government should have had an balanced consideration of possible wake. date, or withdraw its “intention a formal post-Brexit trade deal. adult discussion about the shape options would have laid bare the lie Now an upcoming election and holiday travel are to leave” notification, at least The problem is that well over 100 Brexit would take, rather than upon which the “Leave” campaign mobilising the population in the Democratic Republic of temporarily. members of May’s own party have simply declaring, “Brexit means was based. The idea that Britain Either way, the next step would rejected the backstop outright and Brexit.” Scenarios in which the UK could secure a “bespoke deal” and Congo, making a tough situation even harder to control. be to hold a second referendum with will vote against her deal for that could remain in the single market, maintain “frictionless” access to the the option of a so-called exit from reason alone, making it dead on the customs union, or both were on single market while pursuing its own Brexit, which would reverse the 2016 arrival. offer from the EU. The government trade accords elsewhere was always a To Advertise decision to leave. Voters could still But the Irish backstop is, in fact, a also should have done far more to fantasy. decide to back May’s deal, opt for side issue. Even if there were no Irish apprise the business community of Fearing the political consequences [email protected] a “Norway-style” arrangement, or problem, an orderly Brexit would have its plans. of acknowledging this basic truth, Display crash out of the EU with no deal. But been impossible within the two years Moreover, if the intention was May adopted a completely unrealistic recent polling suggests that the choice allotted to the UK under Article 50 always to leave both the single market negotiating strategy, hoping that “some 44466621 44418811 of remaining in the EU would win the of the Treaty of Lisbon. As I pointed and the customs union, retaining kind of Brexit” would happen before day. out in October, British manufacturing only a free-trade agreement with the British public realised it had been Classified How did a country with 400 years supply chains are so deeply integrated Europe, the government should have duped. Today, just three months before 44466609 44418811 of constitutional governance and a with those of continental Europe that made clear that it would need an the departure date, this deeply deceitful culture of political compromise end they could not survive the sudden “implementation period” of at least démarche has disintegrated before Subscription up here? establishment of customs and other five years to do this in an orderly May’s eyes – as well it should. - Project Most commentators point to the checks on the British border. Britain’s manner. During this time it would be Syndicate [email protected] seemingly insoluble problem of the automotive, aerospace, and precision- bound by European laws – including Irish border. Under the 1998 Good instruments industries would be its obligation to pay around £13bn zJacek Rostowski was Poland’s Minister Friday Agreement, which put an decimated. ($16.4bn) per year to the EU budget. of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved end to decades of violent hostility To be sure, many non-European May should not have invoked Article from 2007 to 2013. Gulf Times Sunday, December 23, 2018 19 COMMENT Moderates emerge from populist shadows in Italy

Reuters its 2019 defi cit to 2.04% of GDP and Rome also cut its economic growth forecast to 1.0% from a previous 1.5% that had been deemed wildly over-optimistic. hen Prime Minister The deal allowed the government Giuseppe Conte rose to to forge ahead with its fl agship his feet in parliament on programmes — income support and WWednesday to announce earlier retirements — but the sums his budget accord with Europe, the dedicated to these measures were normally ever-present heads of his scaled back. government’s two coalition parties “Conte was the best of the lot of were nowhere to be seen. them in the Europe talks,” said an Instead, Conte was fl anked by offi cial close to the president, adding Economy Minister Giovanni Tria that Tria’s credibility had been hit by and Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero being initially forced to defend Rome’s Milanesi — two men with no political budget line in Brussels. ties who had played vital roles in As in any negotiations, the helping the prime minister secure a Commission also had to concede compromise deal with the European ground, accepting a defi cit that was Commission. well above the goal of 0.8% that The image spoke volumes. have been agreed with the previous Backed by establishment fi gures and government. pressure from the markets, the three It also approved a set of fi nancial mild-mannered men had tamed the promises from Rome that critics say anti-EU populists within the ruling are highly unrealistic, such as a pledge League and 5-Star Movement, and to raise some 20bn euros in 2019 from had forced them to abandon their unspecifi ed asset sales. damaging fi ght with Brussels. “The Commission and Italy have “In the end the parties realised that signed up to a huge mess,” said their budget did not have magical Roberto Perotti, economics professor powers and that they were putting at Milan’s Bocconi University and a themselves in a situation that was former government adviser on public far worse than they anticipated,” spending. said a senior government fi gure, who “Both sides are pretending they declined to be named because of the believe in it but the numbers simply extreme sensitivity of the issue. don’t add up.” The struggle over the 2019 budget in To sweeten its offer, the the eurozone’s third largest economy government additionally promised shows how the old Italian elite still to raise value-added tax (VAT) and wields considerable strength behind- other duties by a massive 23.1bn the-scenes and is working to temper euros in 2020 and 28.8bn in 2021 the more radical tendencies of the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Italian Economy Minister Giovanni Tria attend a debate at the Senate in Rome, Italy, December 19. unless it can find other ways to meet anti-system ruling parties. a new array of targets. When the cabinet unveiled the unprecedented breach of EU fi scal rulebook,” the source said. The Commission blind-sided Rome investor concerns pushed bond yields Opposition leaders said only budget in October, it targeted a defi cit rules and warned it would impose Savona, whose original nomination by threatening Italy with disciplinary higher, hiking borrowing costs which parties that had no intention of equivalent to 2.4% of gross domestic sanctions on Rome unless changes as economy minister was vetoed by measures over its high debt, not its started to hurt the real economy. remaining in power would make such a product — three times bigger than the were made. Italian President Sergio Mattarella due defi cit — a mechanism that can drag on This alarmed business leaders, who commitment. previous government had promised. The senior government source said to his critical view of the euro, declined for years and one that it could initiate had previously been sympathetic to But the League’s economic Calls by Tria and Moavero for a less Salvini and Di Maio were ill advised to comment. immediately without awaiting 2019 the League, but were now swift to spokesman Claudio Borghi hinted that aggressive defi cit were brushed aside. by the euro-sceptic European Aff airs Political sources said Mattarella defi cit data. protest. these pledges could change and that The head of the 5-Star, Luigi Di Minister Paolo Savona, who had also played an important role, backing “It is impossible to deny that facing By the end of November the League much would depend on next year’s Maio, jumped onto the balcony of argued that the Commission would the cabinet moderates and repeatedly infringement proceedings that would and 5-Star changed their tune and European parliamentary elections, government headquarters to raise his back down because it was weak urging Di Maio and Salvini to accept a have put Italian accounts under review empowered Conte, a little-known law when more radical parties like his own fi st in triumph, while League leader and almost at the end of its 5-year face-saving compromise. for seven years would have brought a professor with no political experience hope to trounce the old, mainstream Matteo Salvini breathed defi ance. mandate. “This budget is a defeat (for the very high political cost,” Conte said in before becoming premier in June, to forces. “We will not backtrack by even half “By contrast, precisely because coalition parties) and a victory for an interview with Corriere della Sera lead negotiations with Commission “VAT is negotiated every year and a millimetre,” Salvini told reporters the Commission was at the end of its Mattarella’s party,” Giorgia Meloni, newspaper on Thursday. President Jean-Claude Juncker. if the elections go as I hope, Salvini in October after the Commission mandate it did not have the political head of the rightist Brothers of Italy The government faced additional Those talks resulted in Wednesday’s could replace Juncker,” he wrote on had denounced the budget as an power to stray too far from the group, said on Thursday. woes, particularly in the markets where accord, whereby Italy agreed to lower Twitter. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, December 23, 2018 QATAR QC’s pavilion at Darb Al Saai witnesses high visitor turnout atar Charity’s (QC) pavil- ternational Book Fair; and Fa- ion, which was held for tima al-Rashidi, Counsellor Qthe fi rst time at Darb Al of International Relations and Saai as part of Qatar’s National Organisations in Kuwait, paid a Day celebrations, has witnessed visit to QC’s pavilion at Darb Al a huge turnout of visitors, volun- Saai. teers, and public. QC’s activities at Darb Al Hundreds of children along Saai were widely applauded by with their families have partici- prominent media persons, social pated in its various events aimed activists, and those interested in at promoting the concepts of hu- volunteer initiatives. manitarian activities, giving and Saqr al-Muraikhi, a member of social solidarity. the Consultative Assembly, said QC’s pavilion conveyed the that he was deeply impressed pictures of the diverse human by the stories presented by QC’s suff ering to visitors, and fea- pavilion, urging benefactors to tured a number of activities that continue helping the needy. promote the values of volunteer- Nour al-Mansouri, a presenter ing and giving. The visitors also at Al-Rayyan Satellite Channel, came to know about the charity’s said: “The pavilion’s activities impact on the vulnerable across refl ected the eff orts made by the HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali with Turkish Foreign the globe. charity to support the vulner- Foundation, pays a visit to Qatar Charity’s pavilion at Darb Al Saai. Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and other dignitaries who visited Qatar Charity’s pavilion at Darb Al Saai. The pavilion was also visited able in the world, and told diffi - by many local and regional dig- cult conditions of those in need nitaries, who expressed their across the globe, which can be satisfaction at QC’s success in changed through contributions delivering its humanitarian mes- from philanthropists.” sage by providing the opportuni- Asma al-Hammadi, a Qatari ty to live the experience from the media personality, said: “All the heart of the fi eld of philanthropy. human stories presented at the The list of eminent visitors in- pavilion have started with trag- cluded Turkish Foreign Minister edy, but thanks to God, and then Mevlut Cavusoglu, HE the Min- with your support, they have be- ister of Culture and Sports Salah come stories of success.” bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Dr Hamad al-Fayyad said: HE the Minister of Commerce “Charitable work is a great ef- and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al- fort, and the sense of this eff ort Kuwari and HE the Minister of comes through participation in Administrative Development, this fi eld, which is refl ected at Labour and Social Aff airs Yousef QC’s pavilion at Darb Al Saai, as HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ali Dr Saleh bin Mohamed al-Nabit with other dignitaries visiting HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social bin Mohamed al-Othman Fa- it provided the opportunity to bin Ahmed al-Kuwari with other dignitaries. Qatar Charity’s pavilion at Darb Al Saai. Aff airs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhroo with other dignitaries. khroo. live the experience, listen to dif- Also, HE Sheikha Hind bint ferent humanitarian stories, and have seen the humanitarian cases work. They also came to know at the pavilion, which highlight- impact of donations in the lives the National Day celebrations and Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chair- know the reasons behind a dif- that we used to hear through the about the Qatari heritage, aimed ed the value of volunteering and of benefi ciaries. events at Darb Al Saai under the su- person and CEO of Qatar Foun- ference made in the lives of ben- media.” at promoting a sense of belong- taking part in the humanitarian For his part, Ammar Mohamed pervision the Regulatory Authority dation (QF); Dr Hassan Rashid efi ciaries.” Also, a large number of chil- ing to Qatar in an attractive way action. al-Buainain expressed his pleas- for Charitable Activities (RACA), al-Derham, President of Qatar Dr Abdulrahman al-Harami dren and their families have par- through games, competitions Noor al-Suwaidi, a volunteer, ure over his participation in the with the aim of introducing Qatari Charity; Sheikh Khalid bin Nass- said: “QC’s pavilion at Darb Al ticipated in various activities or- and drawing, the statement adds. said it was a great opportunity events held by QC’s pavilion at humanitarian eff orts and develop- er bin Ahmed al-Thani; Jassem Saai has come up with the crea- ganised at QC’s pavilion and lived Some 100 volunteers helped in to know about the diffi cult living Darb Al Saai. ment programmes, implemented al-Buainain, director, Doha In- tive and innovate activities, as we the experience of humanitarian the conduct of diff erent activities conditions of the needy, and the Qatar Charity participated in around the world, to visitors.

A large number of children and their families have participated in various activities organised at Qatar Charity’s pavilion.

Shop Qatar’s 3rd edition launched

From Page 1 entertainment all under one roof. qif, fashion-focused events, concerts, Some 55 hotels across the country are and other live performances await fes- Shop Qatar’s 14 participating retail off ering unmatched deals and “special tival-goers and shoppers. partners are Al Mirqab Mall, Al Khor curated experiences” for local, regional The event will also feature the Torba Mall, City Center, Dar Al Salam Mall, and international visitors this winter Farmer’s Market at Qatar Foundation’s Doha Festival City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt season. Ceremonial Court on weekends; the Plaza, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall, “In each new edition of the festi- Night Market at Duhail Sports Club Mall of Qatar, Royal Plaza, Tawar Mall, vals and tourism events NTC organises daily from 4pm to 1am and the Tegahwa The Gate Mall, and The Pearl-Qatar. along with public and private sector coff ee event at Al Hazm, taking place The month-long festivity is also partners, we are always keen to provide daily until January 19. showcasing its Design District for exciting platforms for local entrepre- According to NTC, the Entertain- the first time at the Doha Exhibition neurs and home-grown talent to meet ment World Village will reopen to the and Convention Centre from January and grow their audiences,” Mashal public while local Arabic play Compars 5-12. It will be a global hub for fash- Shahbik from NTC said. will take place on January 5 at the Qatar ion-forward events and live Unique shopping tours at Souq Wa- National Theatre.