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SUNDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11111 March 3, 2019 Jumada II 26, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir calls for Pakistan-India Qatar, Tunisia PMs chair Supreme dialogue to resolve dispute Joint Committee meeting in Tunis is Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and Youssef Chahed witness signing of pacts Hheld telephone conversations yesterday with the prime ministers of Pakistan and India, Imran Khan and Narendra Modi, respectively. His Highness Sheikh Tamim and Prime Minister Imran exchanged views on the regional and interna- tional developments, especially the diff erences between Pakistan and India. In this context, the Amir called for calm between the two neighbouring countries, stressing the importance of dialogue to resolve dispute. His Highness the Amir’s conver- sation with Prime Minister Modi focused on reviewing the strong bi- lateral ties, in addition to reviewing the most prominent regional and in- ternational developments, particu- larly the dispute between India and Pakistan. In that regard, the Amir called for exercising restraint, stressing the importance of dialogue in resolv- ing dispute. For his part, the Indian prime minister thanked the Amir for the phone call, for his interest, and for the call to resolve the dispute. - QNA Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi met with HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Khalifa al-Thani at the Carthage Presidential Palace in Tunis yesterday. Chahed chaired the Tunisian-Qatari Supreme Joint Committee’s seventh session in Tunis yesterday. Amir to patronise 12th QNA interests of both countries and peoples. During the meeting, they reviewed standing between the Tunisian Min- The signings were attended by mem- Education Excellence Tunis The meeting was attended by mem- relations between the two brotherly istry of Transport and the Ministry bers of the accompanying delegation Award ceremony bers of the delegation accompanying countries and ways to enhance them, as of Transport and Communications of and Tunisian ministers. the prime minister. On the Tunisian well as issues of common interest. Qatar for co-operation in maritime and HE the Prime Minister met at his res- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim he Tunisian-Qatari Supreme side, it was attended by a number of HE the Prime Minister and Chahed commercial ports, a memorandum of idence in Tunisia with Tunisia’s Minis- bin Hamad al-Thani will patronise Joint Committee held its sev- ministers. held a meeting earlier in the day to dis- understanding for the mutual recogni- ter of Interior Hichem Fourati. today the 12th Education Excellence Tenth session, chaired by HE the Tunisian President Beji Caid Es- cuss developing ties, in addition to re- tion of certifi cation for maritime sea- The meeting focused on reviewing Award ceremony which will be held Prime Minister and Minister of Interior sebsi met with HE Sheikh Abdullah viewing the latest developments in the farers, and an agreement on air services ways to enhance bilateral co-operation, at the Sheraton Doha Hotel. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa bin Nasser at the Carthage Presidential region. between the governments of Qatar and particularly in the security fi eld, in ad- al-Thani and Tunisian Prime Minister Palace in the afternoon. HE the Prime Minister and the Tuni- Tunisia. dition to discussing a number of issues Youssef Chahed, in the Tunisian capital At the beginning of the meeting, sian prime minister also witnessed the A memorandum of understand- of joint interest. Camel racing festival Tunis yesterday. HE the Prime Minister and Minis- signing of a number of agreements and ing was also signed for co-operation HE the Prime Minister also met at his At the beginning of the meeting, Tu- ter of Interior conveyed the greet- memorandums of understanding. in the areas of industrialisation, residence in Tunisia with Tunisian De- gets underway nisian prime minister welcomed the ings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh They witnessed the signing of the renovation, innovation and techno- fence Minister Abdelkarim Zebidi. Qatari prime minister, stressing the Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the fi rst executive programme of the co- logical development, in addition to The meeting focused on reviewing The annual camel racing festival for strong bilateral ties between the two Tunisian President, wishing him good operation agreement between the a memorandum of understanding on bilateral relations and the means to en- the Sword of HH the Father Amir countries and the prospects for en- health and happiness and the Tuni- governments of Qatar and Tunisia in twinning the municipalities of Tunis hance them. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani hancing them. sian people further development and youth and sports for 2019-2020, a third and Doha. The two sides also signed HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser at- began yesterday. Organised by the HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser progress. executive programme for the cultural a memorandum of understanding on tended a luncheon banquet held by the Camel Racing Committee the festival thanked his Tunisian counterpart for Essebsi entrusted HE Sheikh Abdul- and technical agreement between the tourism and business events between Tunisian prime minister at Sidi Bou will continue for 12 days until March their hospitality, praising the strength lah bin Nasser to convey his greetings governments of the two countries for the governments of Qatar and Tuni- Said in Tunis. 13. A total of 37 races were carried out of bilateral relations and highlighted to His Highness the Amir, wishing him the years 2019-2021, co-operation sia, in addition to the minutes of the The luncheon banquet was attended on the opening day. Today 44 races the potential for increasing bilateral good health and happiness, and Qatar agreement in maritime transport, the seventh meeting of the supreme joint by a number of ministers and ranking will take place. Page 2 co-operation to advance the common further progress and prosperity. signing of a memorandum of under- committee. Tunisian offi cials. Page 24 Doha meet to focus on mechanisms Sheikha Moza to take part to combat impunity, rights violations in Silatech Geneva forum QNA cerned with social and economic de- Doha velopment and a number of infl uential QNA rights of victims and access to justice. work hard to achieve justice and re- public fi gures from various sectors of Geneva He said that the participation of the dress the victims and alleviate their the international community as well as European Parliament and the High suff ering. Therefore, this conference is er Highness Sheikha Moza bint the partner organisations of Sultak will Commissioner for Human Rights in considering the importance of putting Nasser, Chairperson of Silate- participate in the event. he National Human Rights the conference represents a real sup- an end to gross violations of human Hch’s Board of Trustees, member Sabah al-Haidous, CEO of the Si- Committee (NHRC), in co-op- port for the establishment of eff ective rights, he added. of the UN Sustainable Development latech, said: “In this event, we aim to Teration with the United Nations mechanisms and the conclusion of He noted that the Doha conference Goals (SDGs), will participate tomor- put youth empowerment issues on top High Commissioner for Human Rights important recommendations and their would be a purely legal event, not row in a high-level forum organised by of the international agenda for develop- and the European Parliament, will implementation on the ground. related to specifi c international is- Silatech under the theme “Empower- ment action. We also urge the interna- hold an international conference on He expressed the NHRC’s pride in sues and not to a specifi c country, but ing Youth, Transforming Societies” in tional community to do more to address “national, regional and international this tripartite co-operation, noting would discuss the general framework Geneva. unemployment and invest in youth mechanisms to combat impunity and NHRC Chairman HE Dr Ali bin Smaikh that last year it signed a memorandum to support and promote the principle Sheikha Moza will address Silatech’s development in order to contribute to ensure accountability under interna- al-Marri of understanding with the European of non-impunity through the devel- commitment to empowering young the promotion of economy and peace tional law” on April 14-15 in Doha. Parliament, and the organising of the opment of accountability mecha- people economically, as well as an- for the security of our peoples and the The conference, the largest of its anisms, chairpersons of the European conference will be part of the memo- nisms. nouncing ambitious future plans to world as a whole, we at Silatech sup- kind in the region, will bring togeth- Parliament, national human rights in- randum and its terms. He stressed that without achiev- create more jobs and reduce the nega- port our country’s commitment to the er more than 250 representatives of stitutions, research centres and many HE Dr al-Marri said that it is an im- ing the principle of investigation and tive impact of unemployment, includ- implementation of the International states, governmental and non-gov- relevant bodies and organisations will portant international event to promote prosecution, and redress of the vic- ing illegal immigration and extremism. Counter-Terrorism Strategy because we ernmental organisations, as well as also be invited to participate. the principle of protection of victims, tims, many offi cials would remain un- This event comes at a time of sharp believe that youth are the foundation of the presidents and experts of the in- HE the NHRC Chairman Dr Ali bin impunity and justice for victims as accountable for such violations and rise in unemployment, especially in ar- the renaissance of nations.” ternational commissions of inquiry, Smaikh al-Marri said in a press state- stipulated by regional and interna- persist in violation of international eas suff ering from political confl icts or Since its inception in 2008, Silatech the relevant special rapporteurs, the ment at the UN headquarters in Ge- tional instruments as well as how these human rights law and international social unrest. has been working to combat unemploy- chairpersons of the UN treaty com- neva that conference comes within principles can be applied through the humanitarian law. Silatech will renew its commitment ment, poverty, extremism and marginal- mittees, experts and judges of spe- the framework of the NHRC partner- exchange of expertise of international, “Therefore, we must come up with to empower young men and women, it isation of young people by implementing cialised international tribunals, the ship with both the Offi ce of the High regional and national mechanisms, recommendations that provide the will announce its next goal on the crea- innovative programs and solutions that International Criminal Court, as well Commissioner for Human Rights and and promoted, enhanced accountabil- victims with the right access to the tion of employment opportunities to have contributed more than 1mn jobs to as experts and lawyers who have fi led the European Parliament to examine ity. courts, whether national or interna- reduce the problem of unemployment young people in the Middle East and Af- cases before national courts that oper- the development of mechanisms for The law is evolving according to the tional and redress their harm, and hold and its negative eff ects. rica to become productive participants ate under universal jurisdiction. the protection and promotion of hu- events, and the successive crises and accountable those responsible for vio- A number of personalities from the and contribute to advancing develop- Several specialised international man rights, especially in light of the the tragedies and violations that are lations.”, HE Dr al-Marri added. United Nations, the European Union, ment and enhancing security and stabil- agencies, regional human rights mech- ongoing violations of impunity and the causing us at this historic stage must To Page 13 the United Nations organisations con- ity in their communities. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, March 3, 2019 QATAR Interior ministry launches open data website

QNA site, and the information it Doha provides to the public, as well as future development and improvement within he Ministry of Inte- the context of the open data rior has inaugurated policy. Tthe open data website According to this policy, in line with the “Open Data the website includes ap- Policy” of the Ministry of proved data packages such Communications (2014) as as traffi c data, road acci- well as the government’s dents and other data of pub- Digital 2020 Strategy for lic interest and falls under Transparency, Effi ciency the purview of the Ministry and Community Participa- of Interior. tion. Director of Public Security Major General Saad bin Jassim The Open Data Policy The website makes infor- al-Khulaifi, and Interior ministry off icials attending the seeks to achieve the Nation- mation accessible to eve- inauguration ceremony. al Development Goals and ryone and distribute them the Qatar National Vision without restrictions and During the inauguration Ministry of Interior, Cap- 2030 to provide effi cient and with ease . ceremony, which was at- tain Ali Ahmed Al bin Ali, transparent public serv- MoI has become the fi rst tended by Director of Pub- Head of Electronic Services ices and build a knowledge- government department in lic Security Major General and Internet Department of based society by creating Qatar to launch a specialised Saad bin Jassim al-Khulaifi , the General Directorate of an open and transparent website for providing data and a number of directors Information Systems gave a culture in which knowledge for the benefi t of the public. of the departments of the presentation about the web- bases are accessible. Qatar does not mix sports with politics, says offi cial

atar does not mix Highness the Father Amir Al-Kuwari also said that the Hamad al-Thani. He said sports with politics, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa festival is considered one of the goal of building a new QVice-chairman of al-Thani, he said that the the most important camel- track will be to ease the Camel Racing Organising committee welcomes all racing events in the GCC, pressure off the Al Sha- Committee, Abdullah al- guests and all the broth- something that motivates haniya track. Kuwari, stressed yesterday, ers from the GCC states all participants to give their For his part, director of highlighting the directives who are keen to take part in best. the organising committee, of His Highness the Amir events held in Doha every Al-Kuwari revealed in Mubarak al-Nuaimi, ex- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad year. his concluding statement pressed his happiness at the al-Thani to host all GCC He congratulated Saudi that Qatar will build a strong start the festival has citizens in the events of the citizen Batshan Saleh al- new, world-class camel had this year. He noted that committee in Qatar. Yammi who won the main racing track. He added the organising committee Speaking at a press con- event of the morning session that the move was thanks was keen this year to raise ference on the sidelines of yesterday. He also thanked to the support and direc- the prize money, by increas- the annual camel racing other owners who won on tives of His Highness the ing the number of races. – festival for the sword of His the fi rst day of the festival. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin QNA Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 3

Pakistan honours Amiri Naval Force Commander

Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi has honoured Major General (Sea) Abdullah Hassan al-Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Force, with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence), which is considered one of the highest decorations awarded by Pakistan. Major General (Sea) al-Sulaiti was received the award in appreciation of his eff orts to enhance ties between the naval forces of the two countries. The decoration was awarded by Dr Alvi during a reception held for the Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Force and his accompanying delegation in Islamabad, Pakistan.

QRCS signs MoU to provide healthcare services in Yemen

QNA 23,000 benefi ciaries. “This agreement is part (OCHA). Under the plan, Doha The MoU was signed by of a larger plan to support QRCS is to operate fi ve hos- Dr Mahiyoub M al-Mo- life-saving healthcare serv- pitals in Taiz and six health hammadi, the project’s co- ices in the governorates of centres in Dhale”. atar Red Crescent ordinator, and Dr Omar A Taiz and Dhale,” said Dr al- Dr Ba’alawi described the Society (QRCS) Ba’alawi, head of Yemen Red Mohammadi. agreement as a “sign of ef- Q has signed a mem- Crescent’s branch in Dhale. fective social and humani- orandum of understand- QRCS said in a statement “This agreement is tarian partnership, within ing with Yemen Red Cres- yesterday that the project part of a larger plan QRCS’s relief, healthcare, cent Society, in order to aims to provide medical to support life-saving and winterisation portfolio work together on a new and treatment services for healthcare services in Dhale”. project to provide health- the patients at the Gul Al- in the governorates of According to him, QRCS care services in Qa’atabah demh Health Centre; re- Taiz and Dhale” co-operates closely with his District in the Dhale Gov- munerations and training National Society and the lo- ernorate. for medical, technical, and “It is funded by the cal health authority, which Lasting for 11 months, the administrative staff ; bridge Yemen Humanitarian Fund is in the best interest of project is co-ordinated with the gap in fuel, medicines, (YHF), an initiative man- the patients and internally the International Commit- and medical supplies; and aged by the United Nations displaced people (IDPs) in tee of the Red Cross (ICRC). to launch awareness cam- Offi ce for the Co-ordination Qa’atabah and Jahaf Dis- It is estimated to serve up to paigns. of Humanitarian Aff airs tricts. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, March 3, 2019 QATAR

Qatar takes part in ‘Peninsula Shield’ exercise

The second stage of the joint Dir Al Jazeera (Peninsula Shield) exercise (10), which involves a Qatari force and forces from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, concluded in Dammam yesterday. The commanders were trained to manage military operations and to use simulations to deal with the virtual reality of military operations.The third stage of the exercise, which includes field training with live ammunition, was launched yesterday. This will be followed by the fourth and final stage, in which the closing ceremony will be held.

Cold night forecast

Another cold night is expected in the country today along with strong winds and high seas in off shore areas, the weather forecast shows. The minimum temperature expected today is 11C in Mesaieed and Wakrah, while in Doha it will be 13C. The Qatar Met department has said moderate daytime temperatures are likely along with some clouds, and it will be cold by night. Clouds are expected off shore, too, where the wind speed may go up to 28 knots at first. The minimum temperature yesterday was 13C in Sheehaniya, Abu Samra, etc, while Doha saw a low of 16C.

Gulf Times 6 Sunday, March 3, 2019 QATAR

Advisory Council speaker arrives in Jordan

QNA HE al-Mahmoud will Queen Alia Internation- Amman head Qatar’s delegation to al Airport, HE al-Mah- the 29th Conference of the moud was welcomed by E the Speaker of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary the Speaker of the Jor- Qatar reiterates condemnation of Advisory Council Union, which will be held danian Parliament Atef HAhmed bin Abdul- under the theme “Jerusalem al-Tarawneh, and Acting lah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud the eternal capital of the Charge d’Aff aires of the arrived in Amman yester- State of Palestine”, sched- embassy of Qatar to Jordan, day on a three-day visit to uled to open today. Abdulaziz bin Mohamed al- Saudi Arabia’s unilateral ‘terror lists’ Jordan. Upon his arrival at the Sada.

QNA have co-operation agree- Geneva ments with the United Na- tions and other international organisations. atar has reiterated its Al-Suwaidi condemned condemnation of the the use of these “terrorism Q“terrorism lists” is- lists” as a tool of political and sued unilaterally by Saudi economic pressure, which Arabia under false pretenses, represents a clear violation saying that the practice vio- of human rights and of the lates international law and freedoms of the people men- United Nations Charter. tioned in the lists. This came in the statement He noted that the lists also read by Second Secretary of limited the ability of those the Permanent Mission of organisations, in terms of Qatar to the United Nations carrying out their charitable in Geneva Abdullah al-Su- and humanitarian activities, waidi during the 40th session particularly in developing of the Human Rights Coun- countries. cil on item three concerned He wondered how eff ec- with the protection of human tive such unilateral “terrorism rights in the context of coun- lists” could be in limiting the ter-terrorism. eff orts of these organisations Discussing the report of in protecting human rights and UN Special Rapporteur on providing humanitarian aid. human rights and counter- At yesterday’s session, Qa- terrorism, Ben Emmerson, tar also warned the destruc- on his visit to Saudi Arabia tive impact terrorism and in 2017, al-Suwaidi said that violent extremism can have Qatar’s delegation wanted to on human rights, democracy, express its alarm at the loose and the rule of law. interpretation of terrorism Al-Suwaidi said that the adopted by the country in two phenomena thrive in question. (In 2017, Ben Em- environments that do not merson had said in a state- respect human rights, which ment marking the end of a means facing them must be fi ve-day mission to Saudi done within the international Arabia, that the country must standards of human rights. stop using counter-terrorism He stressed the important legislation against people role played by civil society peacefully exercising their institutions in supporting the rights to freedom of expres- governments fi ght off terror- sion, association and assem- ism and extremism. bly. Saying that Saudi laws on Al-Suwaidi called on civil terrorism do not comply with society institutions to com- international standards, he bat the root causes that help urged an end to the prosecu- terrorism and violent ex- tion of people simply for ex- tremism spread, with viola- pressing non-violent views.) tions of human rights being In this regard, al-Suwaidi one of the most prominent said that these unilateral factors, in addition to the lack “terrorism lists” included of democracy, rule of law, and charitable organisations that social justice. Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 7 QATAR Qatar Charity’s solar-powered pump Asian Women’s Sports Fest 2019 by solves water problem in Sindh’s villages aghi, 50, lives in a village called “Beb Jobar”, which is located in Tharparkar, the poorest region in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Qatar Charity’s FCC concludes B The region suffers from poor rainfall (average annual rainfall is 9 mm), low levels of groundwater, (250-400 feet), and lack of electricity or frequent power outages, making drinking water a distant dream for he Asian Women’s Sports Fest 2019 India Qatar (WIQ), Sareena Basheer, Sec- guests at the event. Also, Habeeb Rahman the villagers. Thus, access to water there requires physical effort in primitive ways that take many hours. As a organized by the women’s wing of retary of Women India Qatar, Ms. Abida Keezhisserry, director of FCC attended result, only less than 5% of the region’s population gets fresh water. Tthe Friends Cultural Centre (FCC), Subair, chief coordinator of Nadumuttam, the Asian Women’s Sports Fest 2019. Baghi sums up the suffering of her villagers in getting water in the absence of electricity or frequent power a Qatar Charity’s (QC) community devel- Cultural Forum were among the chief outages. “You need a camel or a pair of donkeys to pull a bucket of water from wells, which are about 250 feet opment center, concluded at Shantini- deep in our village and other nearby places, otherwise no one alone can pull a bucket of water from these ketan Indian School in Barwa Village. wells”, says Baghi. More than 200 Asian women, cate- Baghi describes the hardships faced by villagers to get water, which is an essential element of life “a rope gorized in three age-based groups - Ruby is tied around the neck of the camel, which is slowly led by a young boy or girl moving forward from the well (13-19 years), Emerald (20-35 years) and at a distance equal to its depth. Through this procedure, the villagers get a bucket of water. Sapphire (36 & above), participated in the Asian Women’s Sports Fest 2019. The event kicked off with a swift 1.5 km walking race for all the three cate- gories followed by the official inaugural function. A colorful parade marked the begin- ning of inaugural function wherein the organizers, contestants and kids portray- ing the theme “Sport for Life” all marched in style and received salute from the guests of honors. Mr.KC Abdul Latheef ,President of Shantiniketan Indian School, Subair Choudhari, Bangladesh Community lead- er, Nafeesath Beevi, President of Women

Then, a man carries the bucket and unloads it elsewhere, while another man absorbs air from the other end of the tube to make the water flow directly into the reservoir built just steps away from the well. She further describes this difficult situation “We spend 3 – 4 hours to bring 10 – 12 liters of water, and no family can fill its tank in one day, while others wait for their turns.” Baghi regards water as more precious than gold. She states “People close these tanks to ensure that no one can use them or steal them for domestic consumption, so we consider water more expensive than any money or gold ornaments loved and kept by people in bank lockers.” Water is not only necessary for an estimated 1.5 million people in Tharparkar, but it is also essential for an estimated 5 million livestock. However, the water problem of Beb Jobar has been solved due to the interventions made by Qatar Charity, which has drilled an artesian well equipped with a solar-powered pump. Qatar Charity, through its office in Islamabad, adapts various technologies to provide suitable solutions to water problems faced by some areas of Pakistan. Mohammed Ali, a resident of Beb Jobar, says “the water problem of our village has been overcome, due to the well and solar-powered pump, and now it seems unbelievable that freshwater flows through the pipes to our homes.” It is worth mentioning that Qatar Charity implemented 561 water projects during the first half of 2018, benefiting 74,000 people, while 1079 water projects were carried out in 2017. Qatar Charity’s intervention, with the significant number of water projects implemented in Pakistan, comes given that more than 60% of the country’s population does not have access to safe drinking water. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, March 3, 2019 QATAR QNTC, Qatar Airways organise fam trip for Chinese travel agents

atar National Tourism the previous year. This was a re- ucts and experiences that meet on experience in the jewellery Council (QNTC) and Qa- sult of numerous breakthrough the tastes and aspirations of vis- industry, exclusive designs and Qtar Airways jointly organ- initiatives like visa-free entry itors from those markets.” more than 500 brands from over ised the ‘Qatar Mega FAM Trip’ for Chinese citizens since Au- The Qatar Mega FAM Trip was 10 countries. Chinese travel agents enjoying trip to a Qatari desert. from February 24 to 28, hosting a gust 2018 and Qatar Airways for leading travel agents and in- China is currently the largest out- “record-breaking” number of 60 fl ights from six destinations in dustry media representatives bound tourism market in the world, tour operators and wholesalers mainland China, along with the from China to enjoy unique travel with almost 150mn outbound Chi- from fi ve strategic markets in- marketing and outreach pro- experiences available throughout nese travellers in 2018 alone. In Sep- cluding Northern China, Eastern grams rolled out in the market Qatar. The diff erent routes un- tember 2017, Qatar was granted Ap- China, Southern China, Western through the QNTC offi ces in Be- dertaken simultaneously provided proved Destination Status (ADS) by China and Hong Kong China. ijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and agents with a fresh perspective of the government of China. As part of the fam trip, tour Chengdu. Qatar, and to share their variety of Thanks to Qatar’s visitor visa operators were also awarded with “We are committed to con- experiences with the goal of edu- facilitation policies, Chinese ‘China Top Agents’ recognition tinue working with our local and cating other agents and enabling citizens can now enter Qatar visa certifi cates at a gala dinner to cel- international partners towards them to better sell the destina- free, with a visa waiver that is ebrate the growth in Chinese ar- further growth of this market. tions upon return. valid for 30 days from the date of rivals and Agency Partners. “We are pleased to host such During their time in Qatar, issuance and entitles its holder QNTC Secretary-General fam trips for tour operators to agents had the unique opportu- to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, HE Akbar al-Baker, also Qatar Qatar to help them learn about nity to attend the 16th edition of during either a single trip or on Airways Group Chief Execu- the country’s unique tourism the Doha Jewellery and Watches multiple trips. tive, said, “ China is the larg- experiences and products. Qatar Exhibition (DJWE). In addition Qatar Airways has est outbound tourism market in has witnessed great diversifi ca- The exhibition off ers exclusive 31 weekly direct fl ights connect- the world and in 2018, we saw a tion in the tourism source mar- pieces from the world’s fi nest ing Doha to Beijing, Guangzhou, signifi cant growth of 38% in the kets, which required developing jewellery and watch brands and Chongqing, Chengdu, Shang- number of Chinese visitors from new innovative tourism prod- provides visitors with a hands- hai, and Hangzhou in mainland Chinese travel agents in Doha.

File picture from a previous edition of the event. Alfardan Group is offi cial partner of Ooredoo Ride of Champions

he Ooredoo Ride of Kids Tricycle, Land Rover Champions has an- Bike, Range Rover Kids mini- Tnounced Alfardan car and more. Group as an offi cial partner Sara Fahad Alfardan, Com- of the 2019 edition, which munications and PR man- will take place on March 15 at ager of Alfardan Group, said: the Ceremonial Court of Qa- “Alfardan Group has always tar Foundation (QF). been eager to support sports The event, organised by events in Qatar. The Ride of Qatar Cyclists since 2016, has Champions is a unique event turned into “Qatar’s biggest that plays a key role in pro- cycling festival” and this year moting cycling and encour- more than 1,500 participants aging people of all ages to be are expected to take part in active. We are proud to be an the fi ve rides included in the offi cial partner of the event programme, the organisers and we are looking forward to have said in a statement. another successful edition.” The family ride off ers par- Dr Abulazziz al-Kuwari, ents and children over the age president of Qatar Cyclists, of 9 years a chance to par- noted: “We would like to ticipate in a 5.8km tour on the thank Alfardan Group for premises of QF, while chil- their support of the 2019 dren aged 3-8 years can take Ooredoo Ride of Champions. part in a fun 1km race at the This partnership will help us green spine. Three road rides attract more participants and will also be organised with further promote our beloved diff erent distances - 137.5km, sport.” 78km and 48km. Registration is still open Alfardan Automotive Op- via www.rocdoha.qa as the erations, part of Alfardan organisers gear up for what Group and the offi cial im- will be the “biggest ever porters in Qatar of a number edition in the history of the of prestigious automobile event”, the statement adds. brands, and Prestige Cars will Ali (M) al-Kuwari, man- provide logistical support aging director of the Oore- before and during the event, doo Ride of Champions, the statement notes. This added: “Alfardan Group will include the offi cial event will allow us to provide a vehicles to lead out the road memorable experience to all events and transport for the the participants at Ooredoo event team to station some of Ride of Champions. We in- the 150 volunteers. vite everyone to join us on They will also off er prizes March 15 to enjoy a beauti- for children who take part in ful day of cycling in Qatar the event, including BMW Foundation, celebrate being Baby Racer, BMW Baby Racer a champion on the podium, III M Sport, BMW Kids Bike, and get a chance to win one MINI Balance Bike, MINI of these amazing prizes.”

Encroachment removed

The Mechanical Equipment Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), in co-operation with Al Sheehaniya Municipality, has removed an encroachment from a State property in the Khawzan area.

Gulf Times 10 Sunday, March 3, 2019 QATAR

The Pearl-Qatar plays host to HDC’s first live cooking shows

Hospitality Development Company (HDC), a subsidiary of United Development Company (UDC) and one of the leading hospitality and fine-dining companies in Qatar, kicked off a “first-of-its-kind” live cooking show at The Pearl-Qatar Island’s The Amphitheatre, 30 La Croisette, Porto Arabia. The first show was hosted last Thursday by Qatari chef Aisha al-Tamimi, where she prepared some of her signature dishes and shared some of her exquisite cooking secrets. In the second show, which took place last Friday, Lebanese chef Richard Khoury interacted with the audience taking food enthusiasts through an inspirational cooking journey. The shows attracted families and food enthusiasts who were able to interact with both chefs, a press statement noted. In addition, two other live culinary shows will be hosted by leading Indian chef Vineet Bhatia on March 7 and popular Kuwaiti chef Fawaz al-Omaim on March 8. The doors will be opened to the audience for free at 6pm. The shows will start at 6.30pm.

DETAILS OF THE TEAMS THAT VISITED DOHA

z Bonocle: A next-generation with others who have similar Challenge 22 startups put on assistive technology that will interests. allow the visually impaired to z Eila: A chatbot that allows co-exist in classrooms and work- businesses to sell their products places while enjoying similar, if over Facebook Messenger. not the same, access to digital For events like the 2022 FIFA show their innovations in Qatar content. World Cup in Qatar, Eila will Bonocle utilises the medium automate concession sales. of braille to provide users with Attendees will be able to order unprecedented accessibility to a food, drinks or even merchan- wide array of electronic devices dise right to their seats. while maintaining a user-friendly z SnapGoal: An innovative and natural reading experience. mobile app targeting football z ViaVii: A platform that allows fans in the Arab world. travellers and expatriates to dis- The app will allow football cover what is happening, based fans to receive videos of goals on their interests and location. scored by their favourite teams The platform off ers manage- as quickly as possible. ment tools for users to create z Fallound: A platform that and organise their activities and gathers audio recordings (pod- events in a few steps, giving casts) from across the Internet them the opportunity to create and makes them available to us- new communities and engage ers, tailored to their preferences.

provide a platform for the re- “We are committed to legacy gion’s innovators to display beyond 2022 through long- The teams met with various public and private sector their entrepreneurial spirit term investments in social and Hassan al-Thawadi with members of the Challenge 22 startups. entities in Qatar. and become part of the 2022 knowledge-based infrastruc- FIFA World Cup story, all while ture that create a sustainable ive of the 10 winners from livery & Legacy (SC). It unites, sustainability, health & safety in their projects and visited accommodation, entertain- building a sustainable and eco- impact on economic, social, the second cycle of Chal- inspires and challenges the re- and the Internet of things. Doha are Bonocle – Assistive ment, broadcast, technology nomically diverse future for the human and the environment in Flenge 22 recently show- gion’s brightest minds, provid- Technology, from Qatar; ViaVii and telecommunications in- region.” Qatar and the Arab region.” cased their innovations in Qa- ing innovative thinkers with “We are proud to see how – Travel Mobile App, and Eila – dustries, sc.qa reported. Khalid al-Kubaisi, the SC’s The SC aims to “continue tar. the opportunity to have their far the teams have come Commerce Chatbot, both from Hassan al-Thawadi, the SC’s chief of Advisory Unit and Spe- supporting innovative regional During the visit, they made ideas showcased in front of an since 2017 and pleased to Jordan; SnapGoal – Social App secretary-general, said: “We cial Projects, added: “We invit- and global entrepreneurs, star- presentations to stakeholders audience of billions at the 2022 see we are delivering on for Football, from Jordan and are proud to see how far the ed five winning teams that we tups and ventures, with the goal and local companies, ready to FIFA World Cup in Qatar and our promise to leave Palestine; and Fallound – Ag- teams have come since 2017 wanted to connect with some of enhancing service offerings test their innovations and scale beyond. a lasting social, human gregator Platform, from Leba- and pleased to see we are deliv- of our stakeholders to continue in a multitude of industries that in the local market. For the second cycle, Chal- and economic legacy...” non. During an intensive five- ering on our promise to leave a their innovative growth. benefit football fans, visitors Challenge 22 is an innovation lenge 22 received more than day stay in Doha, the teams met lasting social, human and eco- It is a source of great pride for and residents during the 2022 award launched in 2015 by the 1,000 applications across four The high-performing teams with various public and private nomic legacy. all involved to see first-hand FIFA World Cup in Qatar”, the Supreme Committee for De- categories: tourism experience, that have made rapid progress sector entities in the transport, “Challenge 22 continues to the progress they are making. report stated. Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 11 QATAR Commercial Bank takes part in Career Village ommercial Bank has par- tives also demonstrated its latest ticipated in Qatar Founda- products and services to students Ction’s (QF) Career Village, at the Career Village, such as card an education exhibition held at payments, electronic transfers and Multaqa (Education City Student the Young Elite Savers Club mem- Centre) for children aged fi ve to 17 bership that provides benefi ts, years from schools and colleges in discounts and interest-earning Qatar. savings for minors. They also pro- The exhibition, which took vided information on the Bank’s place from February 26 to 28, al- annual ‘Young Bankers’ internship lowed students to learn more programme, which is part of its about the basic skillset required commitment to helping the next for career success in a variety of generation develop the skills they sectors. need to succeed in their careers. The bank’s participation in the Hussein Ali al-Abdulla, EGM Career Village included the setup and chief marketing offi cer, said: of a ‘mini’ bank branch that fea- “Commercial Bank is proud to tured the typical services that peo- take part in educational exhibi- ple could expect to fi nd at a bank, tions to help the younger genera- such as a customer service desk, a tion gain the required skills to en- bank teller as well as a credit and ter the banking sector by placing debit card support centre. themselves in exciting scenarios Students who participated at at our mini bank branch. During the ‘mini’ bank branch were en- the Career Village exhibition, stu- Snapshots (above and below) from Commercial Bank’s participation in the Career Village. couraged to practise their com- dents had the chance to feed their munication and teamwork skills curiosity and show their talent determined to provide young stu- a signifi cant role in making that programme allows Qatari nation- by working in a mock customer the main areas that are important dents with the chance to gain the happen. It all starts with people.” als to discover more about the service scenario. This exercise also to us as a Bank, such as problem- necessary skills and expertise to Commercial Bank stressed that banking sector through fi rst-hand allowed them to gain an under- solving, initiative and confi dence.” deliver excellence in the banking it “is committed to a policy of at- experience, and its student spon- standing of Commercial Bank’s Sheikh Jassim Saud al-Thani, sector. Qatar National Vision 2030 tracting, recruiting, training and sorship scheme enables them to market-leading digital technologies, senior AGM, chief human capital outlines the need for a knowledge- developing Qatari nationals and pursue higher education in Qatar it said in a statement. offi cer, added: “Our youth is our based economy and at the bank we fostering homegrown ideas and and gain work experience at the Commercial Bank representa- future, and Commercial Bank is pride ourselves in ensuring we play talents”. The bank’s internship same time.

QCDC attracts over 4,000 QNL events to visitors at Career Village celebrate women’s atar Career Development keen on organising educational and business, energy, manu- Centre (QCDC), a mem- events and initiatives, such as facturing, transportation, com- Qber of Qatar Foundation the Career Village, to introduce munications, health, media, and achievements (QF), has wrapped up the 2019 students to various career paths security. edition of its Career Village. and academic programmes that Exhibiting institutions in- atar National Library celebration of Mother’s Day, chil- The three-day event saw more empower youth to achieve their cluded representatives of the (QNL) has invited the dren are invited to join their moth- than 4,000 visitors, including personal and career aspirations, Ministry of Education and Qpublic to take part in a va- ers at a storytime activity at the high schools students from 114 and contribute to Qatar’s devel- Higher Education; the Ministry riety of activities in March to rec- Children’s Library. public and private schools, uni- opment.” of Administrative Development, ognise and celebrate women’s role Turning the focus to self-em- versity students, and parents, The Career Village provides Labour and Social Aff airs - the in society and their remarkable powerment for women, sound ther- fl ock to Multaqa to learn about students with insight into both Department of Government achievements throughout history. apist Natalie Kelly will lead a special possible career paths. job opportunities and the aca- Scholarships; Ministry of Inte- On March 7, events, including lec- guided sound meditation workshop The event was attended by demic tracks that can lead them rior (MoI) - Human Resources tures, artists’ talks and video stream- on March 26. The workshop will HE Yousuf bin Mohamed al- toward particular careers, and Department, General Directo- ing of contemporary practitioners, be an opportunity for women of all Othman Fakhroo, Minister of enable youth to achieve their rate of Civil Defence, Traffi c De- will explore women’s historic role backgrounds to learn about their Administrative Development, personal and professional as- partment, General Directorate and infl uence on Islamic art. Lead- inner strength and energy. Labour and Social Aff airs. A pirations while contributing to of Coasts and Borders Security, ing artists from around the world, A host of other themed events number of media professionals Qatar’s development. and the Police College; among including Dr Veeda Ahmed, will around sports and science are open and journalists also visited the The latest edition of the Ca- others. deliver lectures. Dr Ahmed studied to visitors of the Library during Career Village, including Hassan reer Village was designed for First Lieutenant Fahad al- the infl uence of Persian and Mughal March, including history lectures, al-Saai, journalist and presenter children aged fi ve years and Musalmani, from the General drawing and painting on the contem- forums and the Qatar Philharmon- at Qatar TV, and Asma al-Ham- older, middle school and high Directorate of Coasts and Bor- porary art practice in India and Paki- ic Orchestra’s monthly concert. madi, presenter at Al Jazeera school students, parents, career ders Security, MoI, said, “As a stan at the University of Oxford. Visitors will have the chance to hear Media Network. counsellors, academics, and ex- specialised department, we aim On the occasion of International from select UK and Qatari sports am- Through various interactive perts. A Mini Career Village was – through our participation in Women’s Day on March 8, visitors bassadors about their success stories activities, over 35 exhibiting in- the latest addition to this year’s Career Village – to familiarise will have the chance to hear the tomorrow at ‘We Talk Sports’. A self- stitutions familiarised visitors edition, welcoming children students with our duties, func- success stories of notable Qatari improvement workshop on March 6 with professions in their respec- aged between 5-10 years to learn tions, and the important role women and learn about their pio- is designed for those seeking personal tive industries and various job about various careers and pro- that we play in maintaining our neering role in Qatari society in a growth by discovering their strengths requirements. The event also fessions in an entertaining and country’s security. panel discussion. The panellists and hidden skills. featured workshops and lectures interactive way. “More than 80% of Qatar’s will include Rasha al-Sulaiti, ini- On March 16, QNL will launch aimed at equipping students The event brought together borders are maritime, and we are tiator of the fi rst Arabic audiobook its new Homework Club, where with necessary life skills. representatives of leading or- keen on encouraging students project in Qatar; Shaza Ali, pro- students can get help with their Saad al-Kharji, head of ca- ganisations from across diff er- and new graduates to join us and duction manager of e-shopping schoolwork in various subjects reer programmes and services, ent industries in Qatar, includ- participate in maintaining the platform Purplebox; Hissa Hamed, from volunteers. Visitors will have QCDC, said, “We are always ing education, culture, fi nance security of their homeland.” a pioneer in the volunteering fi eld; the chance to meet volunteers at Elham al-Ansari, volunteer ac- specifi c times on Mondays and tivist and fashion designer; and Saturdays throughout each month. Nouf al- Marri, founder of Kashta The monthly Science Book Fo- Restaurant and Chef Nouf Co for rum will hold its monthly ses- restaurant management. Dr Lat- sion on March 24. The lecture, ifa al-Darwish, CEO of Itlaq, will ‘Dust Storms from Mars and moderate the discussion. Titan to Qatar’, will explore the On March 13, QNL will host a origins of dust storms and how concert featuring the works of they aff ect Qatar’s landscape and Dana Alfardan, Qatari composer, environment. songwriter and symphonic artiste. On March 26, the QNL’s Book “Women continue to play an im- Club for the Blind will hold a book portant role in Qatari society, and discussion on ‘The Other Senses’, they have always had a positive which presents the life of Preeti impact on everyone around them. Monga, a visually disabled woman Our events throughout March high- who grew up facing severe health light women’s contributions to challenges, but continued to keep a our community and their achieve- positive outlook on life. ments throughout our history,” said Music and fi lm enthusiasts can Hind al-Khulaifi , acting director of attend the Qatar Philharmonic Or- Research and Learning Services. chestra’s monthly concert, ‘At the Sustainable gardening and its Movies’, on March 21. long-term benefi ts to the commu- Experts from QNL’s preserva- nity is the focus of the workshop, tion and conservation team will ‘Ladies, Go Beyond Organic: Let’s hold a lecture on March 31, ‘Why Talk about Sustainable Garden- and How to Identify and Classify Students engaged in an activity at the Career Village. ing’, on March 16. On March 21, in Islamic Manuscript Papers. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, March 3, 2019 QATAR Qatar Museums Heart Hospital ‘exceeds introduces Culture Pass Plus, Culture global benchmarks’ Pass Family tiers ach year Hamad Medi- cal Corporation’s (HMC) EHeart Hospital performs atar Museums (QM) programme is a testament to more than 1,000 acute coronary has announced new our ongoing commitment to surgeries on patients with a ST- Qdetails of their ex- enhancing and enriching the Elevation Myocardial Infarction panded Culture Pass pro- lives of those who live in and (STEMI), commonly known gramme, introducing Culture visit the country under the as a heart attack. Worldwide, Pass Plus and Culture Pass guidance of our Chairperson, the condition is a leading cause Family tiers, which will give HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint of death and Heart Hospital’s added benefi ts to members Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.” treatment of these patients through access to some of Qa- The new Culture Pass Plus exceeds international bench- tar’s most iconic buildings and tier, with an annual subscrip- marks. culture sites, as well as excit- tion of just QR200, will off er A STEMI is a serious type of ing creative programming. free unlimited access to mu- heart attack during which one The Culture Pass initiative seums, as well as discounts at of the heart’s major arteries is was designed to create op- many restaurants, cafes and on blocked. The international ‘door portunities for those who live community classes in Qatar. to balloon’ benchmark (the time Dr Abdulrahman Arabi in and visit Qatar to experi- Culture Pass Plus members that elapses from the patient’s ence the best of the country’s will also be entitled to receive arrival time at the hospital to Catheterisation laboratory at art, heritage and culture. The higher discounts (15%off ) the time the blocked artery is Heart Hospital. benefi ts are “expertly curat- at QM gift shops, IN-Q on- opened) is 90 minutes; at Heart “ST-Elevation Myocardial ed in order to off er exciting, line and Cass Art Qatar, with Hospital, it is around 60 minutes. Infarction is the most serious of sometimes exclusive, access more benefi ts and discounts “What diff erentiates Heart all types of acute coronary prob- to some of the world’s best for partner organisations to Hospital from other hospi- lems. Once a case is suspected, cultural experiences, master- be announced in the com- tals meeting the international the ambulance paramedics will piece collections and one-of- ing months. Members who benchmark is the fact that we obtain the patient’s electrocar- a-kind experiences”, QM has sign up for Culture Pass Plus are able to achieve the best in- diogram while still in their home Heart Hospital. said in a statement. will retain free admission to ternational standards despite or workplace, or wherever the The additions refl ect a QM venues and will be able having very high numbers of incident occurred. The ECG is MI heart attack is to open the aff ect the structures or function pressure can also be felt in the maturation of QM’s operat- to opt-in to skip the line dur- patients compared to other then wire-transferred immedi- artery quickly, saving as much of the heart. It remains the most shoulder, arms, back, neck, and ing model, with the new tiers ing busy periods for popular cardiology hospitals. Our high- ately to Heart Hospital and if the heart muscle as possible. Dr Ara- prevalent form of heart disease jaw. Symptoms in women are of- of membership providing en- exhibitions. Culture Pass Plus quality care is achieved not only case is confi rmed, the Cath Lab bi says an angioplasty, which in- in Qatar. More than 90% of the ten more subtle and can include hanced value and recognition members will also have access because we have a state-of-the- will be informed and the team volves inserting a balloon-tipped 4,000 heart-related procedures nausea, sweating, fatigue, and to members paying a modest to fi ve free tours, and fi ve free art facility but more importantly will be ready to perform angi- catheter to unclog the vessel, is performed at Heart Hospital’s shortness of breath, in addition annual subscription. As part workshops, and will also be because we have highly trained oplasty immediately. This life- performed to restore blood fl ow Cath Lab each year are related to to the more typical pressure-like of this evolution, QM will also given one free guest pass for and experienced staff ,” says Dr saving procedure is done within through the artery. coronary artery disease. chest pain. Dr Arabi says coro- be making changes to the tick- each member. Abdulrahman Arabi, deputy an average time of 60 minutes Coronary artery disease is a The most common symp- nary artery disease is a chronic eting system for its venues. To give families greater ac- chair of cardiology for clini- from arrival,” says Dr Arabi. type of cardiovascular disease tom of coronary artery disease illness which manifests acutely Starting March 28, tourists cess to the wide programme cal aff airs and director, Cardiac The priority in treating a STE- which includes conditions that in men is chest pain, but pain or with a heart attack. and visitors will purchase tick- of events off ered by QM, the ets on location at Museum of Culture Pass Family tier will Islamic Art (MIA), Mathaf and also be introduced. This will the new National Museum of off er the same benefi ts to fam- Qatar. Residents of Qatar (with ilies with up to six members residency card), Culture Pass (two adults and four children CCQ recognises Plus and Family members and up to 16 years old) at QR350, children under 16 years will making unique cultural expe- enter the museums for free un- riences for the whole family der the new ticketing system. more easily accessible. academic merits Qatar Museums acting CEO Culture Pass Plus and Cul- Ahmad al-Namla said, “Our ture Pass Family can be pur- Culture Pass programme has chased at the MIA gift shop proven to be an enormous suc- starting March 3. For a limited for fall semester cess in the fi ve years since we period of time, existing Cul- fi rst launched it. Building on ture Pass members will have he Community College academic and professional en- the progress to date in building the opportunity to receive a of Qatar (CCQ) held a deavours, as well as to eff ectively Female students who were honoured at the event. Below:A group of male students who were recognised. engagement and awareness QR100 discount if upgrading Tceremony to recognise contribute to the development among the local community, from their existing Culture the academic merits of 212 out- of their community and the these latest enhancements Pass membership to Culture standing students on the Hon- prosperity of Qatar. An impor- and new tiers mark a critical Pass Plus and Culture Pass orary Dean’s List and the Hon- tant way to achieve that is by stage in the evolution of the Family before April 3. our’s List for the Fall Semester of fostering a culture of excellence programme and will help sup- The original free Culture 2018. The event was attended by among the college community port our ambition to engage Pass membership, which is CCQ president Dr Mohamed al- and honouring students who ever increasing numbers of “hugely popular” with more Naemi, and CCQ dean Dr Abdal- demonstrate that they are not audiences locally, regionally than 19,000 members, will re- lah Hazaimeh, as well as families only on the right path to success, and internationally.” main available for residents of students. but are pushing boundaries and Sheikha Nouf Mubarak Saif and visitors as an ongoing Cul- CCQ’s recognition of dis- doing their best to excel at what al-Thani, head of partnerships ture Pass Basic level, off ering a tinguished scholastic achieve- they do.” at QM, added: “We are thrilled number of core benefi ts. These ments refl ects its ongoing pur- The distinguished group of to announce new tiers to our include one free tour and work- suit of academic excellence and students shared their experienc- Culture Pass programme, shop per year and discounts in the nurturing of the talents and es at CCQ and what it means to me to fully engage in my stud- were awarded certifi cates of dis- ing academic experience for its helping showcase the best a select number of Qatar Muse- skills of its students across a them to be recognised for their ies and diligently pursue all the tinction for maintaining a Grade most educationally-driven stu- our country has to off er. The ums restaurants and cafes. diverse range of areas that con- hard work. research and learning activities Point Average (GPA) between dents. In addition to their rec- tribute to enriching their learn- Abdulhakim Ahmed al- in the academic programme, 3.60 and 4.00 for Fall 2018, while ognition at graduation and in ing environment, in line with the Yazidi, currently enrolled in with the help and guidance of students on the Honour’s List their offi cial records, students college’s student-centred ap- the Associate of Arts in Public our instructors. This is how I were recognised for maintaining maintaining their places on the proach to education. Administration programme, achieved my current GPA and a GPA between 3.35 and 3.59 for Honour’s Lists receive intensive Dr Hazaimeh said, “At CCQ, achieved a Fall Semester GPA it is why I feel really proud to be the semester. faculty guidance and scholar- our aim is to empower students of 4.0. He said, “My learning honoured for my hard work and The college’s Honours Pro- ships for further study, and enjoy with the knowledge and skills experience at CCQ has been dedication to excellence.” gramme is designed to off er a priority for CCQ’s Study Abroad they need to succeed in their compelling, and has propelled Students on the Dean’s List more challenging and reward- programme. Driving an ambulance is a constant race against time, says Qatar’s fi rst female paramedic

athia Zaalani, a para- fi rst female ambulance driver in the streets were surprised to see decisions. She uses high-tech medic with Hamad Medi- the country,” said Zaalani. me. I could see it in their eyes. equipment and makes complex, Fcal Corporation’s (HMC) Brendon Morris, executive There were a lot of surprised split-second assessments. As an Ambulance Service, says rush- director, HMC Ambulance Serv- looks and I could see the amaze- ambulance driver, she is trained ing to the scene of a traffi c acci- ice, said Zaalani is a “wonder- ment on the faces of the motor- to navigate what is essentially a dent, fi re or call from the home ful example of diversity” in the ists I shared the roads with. But mobile clinic and she says ongo- of someone who has had a heart Ambulance Service. then I noticed people began sa- ing education is essential for fi rst attack comes naturally to her. “Worldwide, the paramedic luting me. They were waving and responders like her. She attends She says being one of the fi rst fi eld remains a male-dominated cheering me on,” said Zaalani. every workshop and training people on the scene, helping profession. Yet, it is clear from Driving an ambulance is a event she can. those in need of medical assist- the example of Zaalani that re- constant race against time. In In addition to her respon- ance, “isn’t just what she does, gardless of gender, paramedics addition to excellent driving sibilities with the Ambulance it is who she is”. make an enormous contribution skills, it requires patience, time Service, Zaalani also works The 19-year veteran para- to the communities they serve. management and problem- with the National Command medic is a fi xture at the head- We are always working to en- solving skills. Zaalani says the Centre (NCC), the organisation quarters of HMC’s Ambulance courage more women to join our experience has made her a bet- responsible for managing a co- Service and says she is proud to service and to help deliver the ter driver and a more capable ordinated response to both local hold the titles of Qatar’s fi rst fe- life-saving care that we provide,” paramedic. and national emergencies. She male paramedic and ambulance explained Morris. “I think women are natural is the fi rst woman to join the driver. Zaalani says driving an am- problem-solvers. We are multi- NCC as a senior supervisor in “Almost 20 years ago, in 2000, bulance is normally a profes- taskers and can make critical the Ambulance Service Medical I came to Doha after completing sion reserved for men and while decisions under pressure. I think Communication Centre, train- my studies in Tunisia. I joined she initially found it challeng- being a paramedic is a career ing new supervisors and repre- HMC’s Ambulance Service, be- ing to be a woman in the pro- that many women would excel senting her organisation locally coming the fi rst female para- fession, she says racing to the in. I’m proud of my profession and internationally. medic. I later became an assist- scene to help those most in and I encourage any woman or Zaalani says one of the best as- ant critical care paramedic and need is her calling. She is good any young girl who is thinking pects of her job is being part of a then my manager suggested I at her job and being among the about this career to pursue it,” team. She says her colleagues are drive the ambulance; so, I un- fi rst to help those in need is a she added. always there for each other, not- derwent the intensive training responsibility that she is proud Zaalani says as a paramedic, ing that their shared experiences necessary to acquire this licence. to accept. she is required to assess the have created a unique bond and Today I’m not only Qatar’s fi rst “I remember the fi rst time I condition of her patients and a degree of mutual respect that female paramedic but also the drove the ambulance. People on to make potentially life-saving cannot be duplicated. Fathia Zaalani says one of the best aspects of her job is being part of a team. Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 13 QATAR Alfardan Premier Motors celebrates beIN Media Group and Fox Networks reveal ‘Everyday Legends’ of automotive retail expanded off ering lfardan Premier Motors Co, the offi cial retailer lobal entertainment lead- beIN said “it intends to ex- Aof Jaguar Land Rover in ers Fox Networks Group pand its content acquisition and Qatar, is celebrating three of G(FNG) and beIN Media feature the very best of Holly- its team members being recog- Group (beIN) have announced wood content for its subscribers, nised at the Jaguar Land Rover the addition of three new Fox and these three new world-class Mena Everyday Legend 2018 entertainment channels to the Fox entertainment channels are Awards. beIN platform. evidence of that strategy”. The competition, held for a This expansion “strengthens Yousef al-Obaidly, CEO of third consecutive year, honours beIN’s position as the premium beIN Media Group, said: “These the skill and dedication of the family entertainment platform new channels demonstrate highest achievers among the while increasing FNG’s off ering our commitment to constantly British brand’s entire Mena re- to more viewers across the re- entertain millions of families tail network. gion”, according to a press state- across the Middle East & North Walking away with the title ment. Created especially for the Africa region, as we continue to of Technician of the Year, 2018, region, the three channels “off er off er the best in sports and en- for Land Rover was Alaa Cha- the best of curated global con- tertainment all at the touch of a mas, who had also landed the tent and locally produced con- button. same prize in the 2016 edition tent for Middle East and North “The 97 premium entertain- of the Awards. Africa audiences”. ment and sports channels now Chamas will now go on to Filled with “fresh, engaging on off er for our beIN Mena sub- represent Menap in Jaguar Land content” in HD, Fox Life, Fox scribers are testament to the ef- Rover’s global fi nals, which will Rewayat and Fox Crime feature fort and investment made by be held in the UK in September a new lineup of entertainment beIN Media Group in the region.” this year. programmes about food, travel, Responding to an ever-grow- Joining Chamas among the home and wellness; as well as ing demand in the market for plaudits was his colleague Th- off ering the “best dramas from drama series, Fox Rewayat deliv- oufeeq Mumthas, who earned around the world and unique ers curated dramas from across second place in the Service Ad- crime and investigation shows”. the globe, fully dubbed in Arabic, viser of the Year 2018 category. The three new Fox entertain- all on one channel. As FNG’s fi rst Another Alfardan Premier Staff celebrating the achievements. ment channels will be available ever Arabic channel, Fox Reway- Motors high achiever, Elie Han- on beIN’s Entertainment, Com- at delivers blockbuster dramas na, was also recognised by the plete and Elite packages. With from Latin America, Europe and luxury automotive manufac- this addition, beIN will now host Asia as well as hit series from the turer as one of the seven fi nal- a total of 15 Fox channels of “pure Middle East – all on HDTV. ists in the Sales Executive of the entertainment while off ering the Fox Life features content cre- Year, 2018, category. largest, most diverse portfolio ated and curated for local audi- Put to the test through a se- on Pay TV across the region”, the ences, featuring a selection of ries of theoretical and practical statement noted. the fi nest unscripted program- evaluations, the Technician, Sanjay Raina, general man- ming from cooking and travel to Service Adviser and Sales Ex- ager and senior vice-president home renovations, with shows ecutive of the Year participants of FNG, said: “The addition headlined by globally recognised applied their best eff orts to of three channels refl ects our celebrities such as Jamie Oliver. demonstrate the expertise Jag- growing investment and com- Fox Crime is the Middle East’s uar Land Rover prides itself on, mitment, with our partner beIN, fi rst entertainment channel ded- Alfardan Premier Motors Co to deliver the best and most di- icated to the crime and investi- said in a press statement. verse programming to our audi- gation genre, featuring a breadth The Technician and Service ences. With exciting local pro- of content from fi ction to non- Adviser of the Year challenge ductions and the best of global fi ction series, and award-win- aims to reward and celebrate Thoufeeq Mumthas earned second place in the Service Adviser of content, our viewers on beIN ning fi lms with a bold, enter- Jaguar Land Rover’s growing Alaa Chamas, Technician of the Year, 2018, for Land Rover. the Year 2018 category. will be spoilt for choice.” tainment dimension. dedication to better customer service supported by skilled and Land Rover Mena Region. added Weaving. basis is necessary to adapt to the across the entire Mena network. knowledgeable staff . “It’s clear that those who we Samer Bou Dargham, general fast changing customer-expec- This is the “fi rst-of-its-kind” “Our annual awards are a are celebrating at Alfardan Pre- manager for Alfardan Premier tations and the quickly evolving in the region and enables the fantastic way to benchmark and mier Motors are united in their Motors, added: “It’s all about automotive world. brand to replicate the in-depth recognise the stand-out skills passion and competence to give the customer for us — their hap- The achievements of Alaa, training off ered by its UK-based that our people possess. Their Jaguar Land Rover motorists an piness is ours too. Hence, we Thoufeeq and Elie make us cer- Academy. vast technical knowledge, the exceptional ownership experi- remain committed to continu- tain of this success, and I can’t The facility “reinforces Jag- way they communicate, and ence. Congratulating the team ally strengthen our employees’ applaud them enough.” uar Land Rover’s commitment their ability to read what our on their accomplishments isn’t skills, which is refl ected in our Jaguar Land Rover had to off er technical and non- consumers want and need is enough to express our grati- sales and after sales services. Al- launched a dedicated Regional technical training programmes an inspiration to all of us,” said tude, and we’re confi dent that fardan Premier Motors believes Training Academy in 2014, de- for dealer partners and regional Justin Weaving, Network De- the coming years will witness that training and enhancing our signed to deliver training pro- offi ce staff across the Mena net- velopment director at Jaguar even greater achievements,” employees’ skills on a regular grammes to retailers and staff work”. Doha to host conference QAC unveils new Mitsubishi L200 pickup in Qatar on mechanisms atar Automobiles Company (QAC), the authorised distribu- Qtor of Mitsubishi Motors Cor- to combat impunity poration in Qatar, has launched the new Mitsubishi L200 1-tonne pickup in Qatar in celebration of the 40th anniversary of From Page 1 nity and the right to knowledge, the truck that is “recognised globally for justice and compensation, en- its durability, reliability and comfort”. HE Dr al-Marri said that one suring that violations of human The New Mitsubishi L200 was re- Haitham Ebef and Hisham al-Sahn. of the most important topics rights are not repeated. vealed in a special ceremony held at the of the conference is the duty to The recent events, confl icts, Mitsubishi showroom on Salwa Road, by the private user. The new Mitsubi- investigate and prosecute the crises and confl icts in the world attended by Ihab El-Feky, Automo- shi L200 a revitalised design under the perpetrators, the victims’ right and our Arab region have proven tive chief operation offi cer at Nasser Bin concept ‘Rock Solid’ that embodies, to a remedy, the right to know, the need to develop internation- Khaled (NBK) Group; Hisham al-Sahn, both inside and out, the full essence of the right to access to justice, al accountability mechanisms general manager of QAC; Haitham Ebef, its ‘Engineered Beyond Tough’ develop- compensation and guarantees of for governments, groups and in- brand manager for Mitsubishi; and spe- Off icials with the new Mitsubishi L200 1-tonne pickup. ment keyphrase – a toughness fully un- non-repetition. dividuals. cial guests. derpinned by engineering prowess and The time has come to re- “The launch of the New Mitsubishi growth and we will continue our eff ort The new Mitsubishi L200 has been knowhow. He said that ending view all national and regional L200 in Qatar follows the global launch to provide the Qatari market with reli- developed to embody the Engineered The front face incorporates the new- impunity was the only mechanisms,” their assessment in Thailand and is a key development for able pickups and vehicles, in line with Beyond Tough key phrase, which under- generation ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design way to achieve world peace and development, guaranteeing Mitsubishi vehicles this year, to be the the launch of innovative international lined its creation. concept. The high engine hood line and and security and to redress an important principle in in- fi rst appearance in the GCC; as we are al- products.” Elements making it signifi cantly more beefi er-looking lamps located higher up the victims, considering ternational conventions, is the ways keen to pioneer in introducing the Welcoming the guests, al-Sahn said: competitive include more powerful styl- give the new model a more powerful and that this was one of the absence of impunity.”said the latest models in Qatar and for the fi rst “We are pleased today to launch the new ing that incorporates the latest itera- imposing front face. most important reasons for NHRC chief. time in the region,” QAC said in a press L200 in Qatar, and we are fully confi dent tion of the Dynamic Shield front design The New L200 is available now in the success of transitional He said that ending impu- statement. that it will meet the diverse needs and concept; an enhanced 4WD system that Mitsubishi Motors showroom on Salwa justice, noting that the nity was the only way to achieve Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf al-Thani, wishes of our customers who are look- delivers improved off -road performance, Road. Customers can visit the showroom time had come to defi ne world peace and security and to Automotive Operations director at ing for a stylish and reliable pickup. This and the latest in active safety and driver on Salwa Road from Saturday to Thurs- international and criminal redress the victims, considering NBK Group, said: “Qatar Automobiles is another milestone for Qatar Automo- assistance systems. day from 8am to 9pm and on Friday from responsibilities in that this was one of the most im- Company is pleased to provide the local biles Company and Mitsubishi Motors in Overall, the new model features sig- 5pm to 9pm, and the Al Khor showroom the issue of impunity... portant reasons for the success market with this new vehicle that will Qatar. The New L200 is one of our most nifi cant refi nements to the durability and from Saturday to Wednesday from 8am of transitional justice, noting redefi ne the pickup concept. We stay important models and its success is vital reliability required by the commercial to 8pm, and on Thursday from 8am to He said that the conference that the time had come to de- committed to Qatar’s development and to the company’s sustainable growth.” user and to the comfort and ride sought 3pm. would also discuss international, fi ne international and criminal regional and national mecha- responsibilities in the issue of nisms to combat impunity in impunity, in international hu- cases of gross violations of hu- man rights law and international man rights law and international humanitarian law. humanitarian law, noting that The participation of experts 10/15/20/30 and Half Pay Back promos launched at LuLu the Conference would review the and organisations working in relevant principles of interna- these legal areas will provide an tional law, in particular the Basic important platform, co-organ- uLu Group, after an in- products to meet every utility tion. The promotion features Principles and Guidelines on the ized with the National Human terval of a couple of of customers. Products of good extensive the summer collec- Right to Equity and Reparation Rights Commission, two of the Lmonths, has relaunched quality are made available at af- tions of a number of interna- For victims of gross violations of most important mechanisms for the 10/15/20/30 promotion at fordable prices and that defi nes tional brands, including Louis human rights and international enforcing the International Bill all LuLu outlets in the Qatar re- the promotion as outstanding,” Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen humanitarian law. of Human Rights, the European gion. the statement noted. Solly, Arrow, Reo, John Louis, The two-day conference will Parliament and the United Na- More than 1,000 products The Hot Food and Bakery Peter England, Oxemberg, also cover package of topics tions High Commissioner for from various categories, namely sections have organised their Sero, Dash, Sin, Ruff, Cort- through working groups, where Human Rights, he added. grocery, fresh food, fruits, veg- own “tailor-made innovative giani, Eten, Debackers, Lee, during the fi rst day two plenary Concluding, HE Dr al-Marri etables, household, textiles, value combo” off ers encom- Wrangler, Liberty, Killer, Nike, sessions will be held, the fi rst stressed that achieving justice footwear, cosmetics, sports passing various cuisines such Reebok, Crocs, Josef Seibel, discusses accountability for for victims is the dream of the goods, home decor, luggage, as Arabic, Western, Chinese, Woodlands, Liberty, Sketch- gross violations of human rights world since the First World War, stationery, toys and electronics, South Indian and North Indian, ers, Filanto, Dickies, Ray Ban, and international humanitarian pointing out that despite the fail- etc, are being off ered as part of etc, along with extensive diver- Police, Lacoste, Guess, Rob- law, the duty to investigate and ures and successes sometimes, this promotion, the Group has sities of bakery delights to “add erto Cavalli, CK and Tom Ford prosecute perpetrators, as well “we are in dire need to work to- said in a statement. value and beauty to the promo- Simultaneously, LuLu Hy- items under the category of etc. as the right of victims to redress, gether to fi nd an integrated sys- The promotion continues tion”. Meanwhile, a promotion permarket has launched the garments, saris, churidars, Customers can shop for any while the second session dis- tem of laws and mechanisms for until March 10. with “better prices” has been Half Pay Back promotion at its baby accessories, footwear, of the above items irrespective cusses the focus of protection prevention, in the fi eld of human “The speciality of the promo- organised — Digi fi esta — with outlets in the region. ladies’ bags and selected sun- of the brand, and in turn get a and promotion of human rights rights and international human tion is that the LuLu manage- off ers on electronics, IT prod- The campaign runs until glasses, etc, will come under gift voucher worth QR100 for through action to combat impu- rights law.” ment has succeeded in adding ucts and cameras. April 6. Except lingerie, all the umbrella of this promo- every purchase of QR200. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, March 3, 2019 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

DR Congo president Syria force battles into pledges amnesty for political prisoners

AFP are now abroad for political Kinshasa reasons, so they may exer- last militant pocket cise their activities within the rule of law and republican AFP ecently elected DR institutions,” the president Near Baghouz Congo President Felix said. RTshisekedi pledged yes- On Wednesday however, terday to pardon political pris- dozens of people were ar- urdish-led forces battled oners and said he would work rested during rights protests militants defending their for the return of those who had in DR Congo, activists said, Klast village yesterday as fl ed abroad for political rea- in an incident likely to pose a operations were relaunched to sons. fresh challenge for Tshiseke- fl ush out the Islamic State group “To consolidate democrat- di. The former opposition from eastern Syria after several ic progress in our country, I leader was inaugurated as days of humanitarian evacua- have decided to make the eas- president of the Democratic tions. ing of tensions a major goal Republic of Congo on January The US-backed Syrian Dem- during the fi rst 100 days” of 24, succeeding Joseph Ka- ocratic Forces pushed into his mandate, Tshisekedi told bila who had led the country Baghouz, a tiny hamlet near the Congolese offi cials during a since 2001. Iraqi border where IS fi ghters ceremony. It marked the country’s have been making a desperate “Within 10 days I am going first-ever peaceful transfer last stand. to grant a presidential pardon of power since independence An offi cial for the Kurdish in favour of political prison- from Belgium in 1960. People’s Protection Units (YPG), ers who have been convicted Yesterday, the new presi- which forms the backbone of by a fi nal court judgement,” dent presented a programme the SDF, yesterday said they had he said. The president added of urgent measures to be tak- breached the militants’ perim- that he would have the jus- en during the first 100 days of eter. tice minister order the con- his term while commenting “The assault is underway — ditional release of those held on the nation’s security, po- the forces have started to enter for expressing their rights, litical and social situations. the last (IS) pocket,” said Aram especially during political He pledged that the judi- Kojeir, a YPG offi cial on the rallies held ahead of elections cial system would be admin- ground. on December 30. istered “by honest people “The advance on the ground “Along the same lines, I with irreproachable moral is taking place on three axes,” am going to work hard to cre- values, prepared to fight cor- he said, adding that the SDF had ate the conditions for a rapid ruption” in the second-larg- also taken control of a hill over- return of compatriots who est country in Africa. looking the last redoubt. AFP reporters near the front A Yazidi survivor boy is greeted by his relative following his release from Islamic State militants in Syria, in Duhok, Iraq, yesterday. line could see thick black smoke rising above the heart of the combat now, the distance be- people fl ee the enclave. es and allied militiamen. village, which SDF units ap- tween us and the militants is While IS fi ghters, who have Only a few dozen people were 10 IS members executed proached through outlying gone,” he said, explaining that a been besieged for weeks in an evacuated by the SDF on Friday by rival militants Ethiopians celebrate farms. one-kilometre buff er had been ever-shrinking pocket, are in the smallest convoy in days, “The intense fi ghting contin- maintained in recent days. An vastly outgunned, their use of prompting the Kurdish-led force Ten members of Islamic State ues,” spokesman Adnan Afrin AFP journalist near Baghouz saw tunnels, booby-traps and sui- to close the humanitarian win- were summarily executed in defeat of colonialists told reporters, adding that eight military planes in the sky. cide bombers is hampering the dow and resume their off ensive. Syria’s Idlib province yesterday by SDF fi ghters had been seri- The SDF launched the assault SDF advance. “We can’t put a The assault will deal a fi nal Tahrir al-Sham, according to Ebaa ously wounded in the fi rst few late on Friday after a week-long timeframe on this battle — two death blow to the “caliphate” News Agency, a news outlet that Reuters pendent because my fearless hours of the battle. “It’s closer exodus that saw thousands of weeks, three weeks or a week — which IS supremo Abu Bakr al- supports the rival militant alliance. Addis Ababa fathers fought the battle from it will depend on the surprises Baghdadi proclaimed in mid- Ebaa said the executions were in all corners of the country,” said we get along the way,” Afrin said. 2014 and which once covered response to an Islamic State sui- 27-year old Bonsa Kuma, who More than 2mn children out of school “Those who have not surren- territory larger than Britain. cide bomb attack at a restaurant in edecked in lion mane arrived in the capital on horse- dered by now will meet their fate At its peak, the proto-state Idlib a day earlier. collars, warriors’ head- back. More than 2mn boys and girls said. “The UN and its partners there,” he said. covered large parts of Iraq and Although Islamic State and the Bdresses and military “I rode for two days to get are currently out of school in are appealing for continued Most of the more than 50,000 Syria, administered millions of groups that make up Tahrir al- fatigues, thousands of Ethio- here to remember my heroes,” Syria, people’s resources are donor support to support the people who left the very last people, minted its own currency, Sham, including Al Qaeda’s former pians descended on Addis he told Reuters. depleting, and more than eight critical life-saving, protection and rump of the IS “caliphate” in levied taxes and produced its aff iliate the Nusra Front, subscribe Ababa’s main squares to cel- The event was also used by in ten people live below the livelihood needs of over 11mn recent weeks were women and own textbooks. It eff ectively col- to hardline ideology, they have ebrate the anniversary of the some Ethiopians to call for poverty line, the UN Humanitar- people,” Dujarric said. “Displace- children. Some of the evacuees, lapsed in 2017 when IS lost major opposed each other for years. Battle of Adwa — one of Ethio- unity at a time of persistent ian Needs Overview for Syria ment continues to be a defining however, were suspected fi ght- cities such as Mosul in northern Islamic State has lost virtually all its pia’s fi nest hours in the bat- ethnic strife that has left over has said, QNA reported. feature of the crisis, with an ers either surrendering to the Iraq and Syria’s Raqqa following territory to the Syrian army, backed tlefi eld. 2 mn people displaced due to Spokesman for UN Secretary- estimated 6.2mn people who SDF or attempting to slip back massive off ensives. by Russia, Iran and other militias, It was in the northern town violence in the last two years. General, Stephane Dujarric told are internally displaced,” Dujarric into civilian life. While the last remains of IS’ and a rival campaign by Kurdish of Adwa 123 years ago that “Adwa for me is a sign of reporters at a regular briefing said. Last month, the United The militants are cornered in statehood experiment are about and groups in the north supported poorly-armed Ethiopians — freedom and a sign of unity that the 2019 overview is a Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) a bend of the Euphrates, with to disappear, the group remains by the United States. clad in such attire — routed of the country. Today’s gen- reminder that the crisis is far announced that it would spend Syrian government forces and a potent force in both Syria and an Italian force that sought to eration should learn the im- from over for millions of people $904mn to meet the needs their allies on the west bank of Iraq, where it carries out deadly expand Rome’s fl edgling 19th portance of unity and abstain in Syria who have lived through of Syria’s children inside the the Euphrates blocking any es- attacks. grave was discovered, this time century colonial empire. from clashing on the basis of eight years of war. More than country and in neighbour- cape across the river and Iraqi Its brutal legacy is still raw near Baghouz, and that the sev- The victory that preserved ethnicity,” said Tiki Gebreab, 11mn people remain in need of ing countries such as Turkey, government forces blocking any and the scope of the atrocities ered heads of women were found Ethiopia’s independence in a 36-year old Addis Ababa some form of assistance, includ- Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, move downstream. committed under its rule con- in it. While the victims were 1896 resounded elsewhere in resident who attended the cel- ing for food, healthcare, shelter, where large numbers of Syrian The Syrian Observatory for tinues to emerge, even in areas not immediately identifi ed, lo- Africa, becoming a rallying ebrations. water, sanitation, hygiene and refugee and displaced families Human Rights monitoring group where its fi ghters were defeated cal fi ghters believe the executed point for Africans a generation Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed even their livelihood, Dujarric are concentrated. said seven IS fi ghters were shot long ago. The SDF this week an- women are likely to be members later as they bid to end colo- also joined a chorus of calls to dead by Syrian government forc- nounced that yet another mass of the Yazidi minority. nial rule. “I call myself inde- end violence.

POLICY US downgrade of mission ‘to take UK’s Hunt holds talks eff ect tomorrow’ Hundreds protest against The United States is expected to on Yemen confl ict move ahead with a downgrade of its mission to the Palestinians to- morrow by merging its Jerusalem AFP that the crown prince was in- child marriage in Lebanon consulate with the embassy to Riyadh volved. Israel, a US off icial said yester- Hunt’s visit came just a day day. US Secretary of State Mike after Saudi Arabia announced AFP Pompeo said when announcing ritish Foreign Secretary that it will put jailed women Beirut the merger in October that it was Jeremy Hunt held talks activists on trial after holding intended to improve “eff iciency Byesterday with his Saudi them for nearly a year without and eff ectiveness” and did not counterpart in Riyadh that charge, prompting strong con- undreds protested yesterday in Lebanon against constitute a change in policy. But focused on journalist Jamal demnation from rights groups. child marriage, demanding lawmakers forbid un- Palestinian leaders have seen the Khashoggi’s murder and the Some of those detained Hions below the age of 18, in a country where some decision as another move against jailing of women activists in have allegedly faced torture faiths allow girls to be wed at 14. them by US President Donald the kingdom. and sexual harassment dur- Organised by civil society groups, the rally attracted Trump’s administration, which Hunt also discussed a fragile ing interrogation, following women of all ages — and some lawmakers — who marched they froze contact with after his truce in the fl ashpoint Yem- their arrest in May last year in a on parliament in the capital Beirut, an AFP photographer 2017 decision recognising Jerusa- eni city of Hodeidah with the sweeping crackdown on cam- said. lem as Israel’s capital. A date for Saudi foreign minister of state paigners. Some carried placards with slogans reading “Not be- the merger of the consulate into Adel al-Jubeir and Yemen’s Hunt also met Saudi Foreign fore 18” and “Stop early marriage”. the embassy had not been an- President Abd-Rabbu Man- Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf on Abir Abdel Razeq, a 22-year-old who carried her young nounced, but a State Department sour Hadi, who is based in his Gulf tour, which includes daughter in her arms, said that she married at 14. off icial said on condition of ano- Riyadh. Hunt’s visit came after stopovers in Oman and the “I hope that my daughter does not get married early, nymity that it “is expected to take he failed last month to con- United Arab Emirates. and that she finishes school — I hope that she will not place on March 4”. The Jerusalem vince Germany to end its ban “Our strategic partnership marry before she is 22”, Razeq said. consulate general, which has on arms exports to Saudi Ara- (with) Saudi Arabia helps us The protest came as a bill designating 18 as the mini- acted independently as a de facto bia, as Berlin shrugged off his to keep the UK safe, to make mum age for marriage awaits parliament’s consideration. embassy to the Palestinians since warnings that the embargo was progress on diplomatic priori- Lebanon does not have nationwide laws on marriage the Oslo accords of the 1990s, will hurting the European defence ties like Yemen, and to discuss and divorce, since these areas are governed by the coun- Lebanese women hold placards as they participate in a march against be replaced by a new Palestinian industry and eff orts to bring frankly issues of concern,” try’s 18 religious communities. marriage before the age of 18, in the capital Beirut, yesterday. aff airs unit within the embassy. peace in Yemen. Hunt said. US ambassador to Israel David “Important discussion with Hunt complained, however, Friedman has been a supporter @AdelAljubeir about human about slow implementation of of Israeli settlement building in rights reforms and current is- a ceasefi re deal in rebel-held the occupied West Bank and sues including Khashoggi, Hodeidah, which was agreed in Palestinians view him as blatantly women activists,” Hunt said on Sweden in December between Boutefl ika names election campaign director biased in favour of Israel. The Twitter, without off ering any the Saudi-backed government State Department off icial could not details. and Houthi rebels. confirm reports that the consul The murder of Khashoggi, a The deal was hailed as Yem- Reuters thousands of Algerians protested against a eight years ago.Bouteflika, a veteran of general’s residence in Jerusalem Saudi insider-turned-critic, at en’s best chance so far to end Cairo further presidential term for the 82-year- Algeria’s 1954-1962 independence war would eventually become the the kingdom’s Istanbul consu- the four-year confl ict, but it old, who is believed to be in Switzerland against France who has been in power home for the US ambassador as late last October sparked glo- appears to be hanging by a for medical checks. since 1999, has not directly addressed part of the embassy’s move to the bal uproar and tarnished the thread with breaches reported lgerian President Abdelaziz Boute- Opponents say Bouteflika, who suf- the protests or formally confirmed he will disputed city, which occurred last reputation of Crown Prince by both warring parties. fl ika named Abdelghani Zaalane as fered a stroke in 2013 and has been seen in stand, although representatives have in- May. Located near Jerusalem’s Old Mohamed bin Salman. “Progress fragile but within Athe director of his campaign for an public only a few times since, is no longer dicated he will do so. City, it has been the home of the The killing has weakened the sight for UN-backed peace April election in which he is expected to fit to lead the North African country. The authorities said last week he would consul general since 1912, while the kingdom’s diplomatic position talks on Yemen, as I discussed seek a fi fth term, state press agency APS Friday’s was the largest turnout to date travel to Geneva for unspecified medi- US permanent diplomatic presence and hurt its strategic relations, with Yemeni President Hadi in said yesterday. in Algeria’s biggest anti-government cal checks, although there was no official in the city was established in 1857. even though it strongly denies Riyadh today,” Hunt tweeted. The decision comes a day after tens of demonstrations since the Arab Spring confirmation he had travelled. Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 15 AMERICAS

ANIMAL AUTOPSY IN MOURNING GREEN SIGNAL PARTY TIME APPEAL Strangled mountain lion Jailed Lula released for Canada to extradite top King Momo declares Nicaragua urged to free was orphaned cougar cub his grandson’s funeral Huawei executive to US Rio’s carnival open more political prisoners

The mountain lion strangled by a Colorado man Brazil’s jailed ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Canada on Friday launched the extradition Rio de Janeiro’s fabled Carnival — one of the Human rights advocates on Friday urged after it attacked him on a jogging trail last month Silva yesterday arrived in Sao Paulo under police of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou to the world’s biggest and most lively parties — kicked Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega to free 566 was a young cub, weighing no more than 18kg escort after receiving permission to attend the United States. Beijing was quick to react, saying off on Friday with the traditional symbolic people still in custody that the opposition considers and likely orphaned but not starving, state wildlife funeral of a grandson who died aged seven. Ottawa’s action amounted to a “severe political passing of a key to the city to festival leader political prisoners following an initial release of off icials said on Friday. The encounter between Early in the day the popular longtime leader incident.” The 47-year-old businesswoman was King Momo. Wilson Neto — the big, jovial man detainees from a simmering political crisis. The the predator and Travis Kauff man garnered of Brazil’s stepped out of his cell in Curitiba changing planes in Vancouver in December who plays King Momo — accepted the key in government on Wednesday released 100 people international headlines when authorities revealed — where he is serving two concurrent 12-year when she was detained at Washington’s request the Sambadrome in a shower of confetti, and arrested during months of demonstrations against that the 31-year-old man had not only survived sentences for corruption — before flying in a on suspicion of violating US sanctions on Iran then declared Rio’s legendary Carnival open. Ortega. The activists said none of the prisoners a rare mountain lion attack but had suff ocated small plane to Sao Paulo, some 400km to the — sparking arrests of Canadians in China that The 14 elite samba schools in the “special group” released were among the most prominent, including the cat by stepping on its throat. A necropsy northeast. A federal court ruled late Friday that were seen as retaliatory. “Today, Department of will parade today and tomorrow through the journalists Miguel Mora and Lucia PinedaAnother showed the cougar was four to five months old, the 73-year-old Lula could be released for a few Justice Canada off icials issued an Authority to Sambadrome as they compete for the most emblematic figure who remains in custody is based on the condition of its teeth. “The cause of hours to travel to the funeral service of young Proceed, formally commencing an extradition prestigious Carnival title. Some of them have Medardo Mairena, a farmworkers’ leader who was death was determined to be...blunt trauma and Arthur Araujo Lula da Silva, who had meningitis. process in the case of Ms Meng Wanzhou,” the adopted themes highlighting women, blacks and sentenced in December to 216 years in prison for strangulation,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. Arthur’s father Sandro is one of Lula’s five sons. government said in a statement. indigenous people in Brazil. terrorism, murder and organised crime. Trump again warns GOP of a Socialist ‘nightmare’ Reuters fossil fuel and motor industries. Washington He said progressive healthcare policies would “lead to colossal tax US Senator Bernie Sanders speaks during a rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York City yesterday to kick off his 2020 US increases.” presidential campaign. resident Donald Trump yes- Seeming to feed off the crowd’s terday rallied right-wing ac- support, he added: “We’re in the Ptivists with a speech off ering swamp of Washington DC, but you conservative red meat on immigra- know what — we’re winning and tion, trade and the threat of “social- they’re not.” ism” as he sought to move on from With the federal investigation Bernie Sanders gets personal a bruising week in domestic and in- into possible collusion between the ternational politics. Trump campaign and Russia re- “We believe in the American portedly approaching its conclu- dream, not in the socialist night- sion, Trump again berated Special as he hits 2020 campaign trail mare,” he said to boisterous applause Counsel Robert Mueller’s team as from hundreds of supporters at the partisan hacks out to get him, add- Reuters sively on his policy plans to rein in Wall Later, he will hold a rally at Navy Pier annual Conservative Political Action ing that “these people are sick.” New York Street and reduce income inequality. in Chicago, where he graduated from the Conference (CPAC) near Washington. His voice dripping with sarcasm, But the new approach for Sanders, the University of Chicago at the height of the “America will never be a socialist he suggested that his call in summer son of a Jewish immigrant from Poland, civil rights movement and helped lead country,” Trump added in a mam- of 2016 for Russia to fi nd and release emocratic presidential contender was a recognition of the need to fi nd a student protests against segregated cam- moth two-hour speech that seemed Hillary Clinton’s emails was a joke Bernie Sanders yesterday showed way to stand out in a crowded and diverse pus housing and schools. to draw energy from the fervent re- that had been obtusely taken at face Da more personal side as he hit the fi eld of 2020 Democratic contenders, in- “I did not come from a family that ception off ered by some of his infl u- value by the media. 2020 campaign trail for the fi rst time, cluding fi ve of his fellow senators. taught me to build a corporate empire ential supporters in the room. On the foreign front, Trump re- describing the struggles of his working Sanders also did not highlight his Jew- through housing discrimination,” he said. It was his fi rst public appearance peated his claim that the last Islamic class youth and how it helped shape his ish faith during his 2016 run. “I protested housing discrimination.” since coming home empty-handed, State fi ghters in Syria would be cap- progressive politics. But in Brooklyn he described his fa- The twin rallies over the weekend also and to brickbats from all sides, from tured or killed imminently — “as At a rally in Brooklyn, near the New ther’s journey to escape poverty and an- served as a reminder to Democrats of his a nuclear-disarmament summit of tomorrow,” he said — and railed York City neighbourhood where he grew ti-Semitism, and said his father’s family ability to generate grassroots enthusi- with North Korea’s reclusive leader against Chinese tariff s on American up in a small, rent-controlled apartment, eventually was “wiped out” by the Nazis. asm. Kim Jong-un. goods. Sanders contrasted his spare upbring- “As we launch this campaign for presi- During his 2016 campaign, Sanders “North Korea has an incredible, The speech, at the National Har- ing with Republican President Donald dent, you deserve to know where I come frequently held big rallies with thou- brilliant economic future if they bor in Maryland, was Trump’s third Trump’s privileged youth as the son of a from — because family history heav- sands of supporters, matching Trump’s make a deal, but they don’t have any to CPAC since he was elected. New York real estate developer. ily infl uences the values that we adopt as ability to capture attention and generate economic future if they have nucle- President Donald Trump hugs the Republicans hoped Trump’s ad- “My experience as a kid, living in a adults,” Sanders told cheering supporters large crowds. ar weapons,” Trump said. US flag yesterday at the annual dress would serve as a diversion to family that struggled economically, pow- in Brooklyn. Sanders already has shown his fun- He added that the relationship Conservative Political Action the Mueller investigation and to the erfully infl uenced my life and my values,” “Today, I want to welcome you to a draising ability this time around, as the with North Korea seemed to be Conference in National Harbor, testimony this week on Capitol Hill Sanders said at a campaign kickoff rally campaign which says, loudly and clear- campaign said last week he had raised “very, very strong.” Maryland. by the president’s former personal at Brooklyn College, where he once at- ly, that the underlying principles of our about $10mn in the fi rst week. The United States and North Ko- attorney Michael Cohen implicat- tended classes. government will not be greed, hatred and But he also has faced new challenges rea have said they intend to continue The White House is also smart- ing him in crimes. “Unlike Donald Trump, who shut down lies,” he said. — three of his top media strategists dur- talks, but have not said when a next ing from explosive testimony last In December a court sentenced the government and left 800,000 fed- The fi rst weekend on the campaign ing the 2016 campaign split with Sanders round might take place. Wednesday on Capitol Hill by Cohen, who worked for Trump eral employees without income to pay the trail also signalled Sanders’ emphasis on this week over creative diff erences. The collapse of the summit leaves Trump’s former lawyer and fi xer that for over a decade as his lawyer and bills, I know what it’s like to be in a family expanding his support among minority Over the next few weeks, his cam- Kim in possession of what analysts branded him a criminal and a racist. vice president in the Trump Or- that lives paycheck to paycheck,” he said. voters, who he struggled to connect with paign said, Sanders will travel to states say could be an arsenal of 20 to 60 Trump, often speaking in mock- ganization, to three years in prison The US senator from Vermont rarely during his 2016 campaign. with early nominating contests, includ- nuclear warheads, which, if fi tted ing tones, portrayed the Democratic for hush-money payments to two talked about his personal history during Today morning, he will make a quick ing Iowa, New Hampshire, South Caro- to its intercontinental ballistic mis- Green New Deal climate strategy women and for lies to Congress — his fi rst run for the White House in 2016 stop in Selma, Alabama, for events com- lina and Nevada before returning to his siles, could threaten the US main- touted by the left of the party as a both of which he said were to pro- against eventual Democratic nominee memorating the 1965 ‘Bloody Sunday’ hometown of Burlington, Vermont, for a land. socialist plan that will devastate the tect Trump — and tax evasion. Hillary Clinton, focusing almost exclu- civil rights march. formal campaign launch. SpaceX astronaut capsule successfully launched on ISS test mission

By Ivan Couronne, AFP quarters and at the Kennedy At the press conference, Musk It pays Russia to get its people Cape Canaveral Space Center. asked the two Nasa astronauts up to the ISS orbiting research “I’m a little emotionally ex- slated to fl y in Dragon: “You guys facility at a cost of $82mn per hausted, because that was super think it’s a good vehicle?” head for a round trip. paceX yesterday celebrated stressful but it worked, so far,” They both nodded. In 2014, the US space agency the successful launch of a Musk told a late-night press con- “Seeing a success like this, that awarded contracts to SpaceX and Snew astronaut capsule on ference an hour later. “It’s been 17 really gives us a lot confi dence in Boeing for them to take over this a week-long round trip to the In- years, we still haven’t launched the future,” said one of them, Bob task. ternational Space Station — a key anyone yet, but hopefully we will Behnken. But the program has suff ered step towards resuming manned later this year.” In another success, the rock- delays as safety requirements are space fl ights from US soil after an The next tricky step for the et’s fi rst stage returned to Earth, much more stringent for manned eight-year break. capsule will be docking at the ISS landing on a platform 500km off fl ights than for unmanned mis- This time around, the only occu- today at around 1100 GMT, with the Florida coast in the Atlantic. sions to deploy satellites. pant on board SpaceX’s Crew Drag- a return to Earth scheduled for It marks the 35th such recovery Boeing also received a contract on capsule was a dummy named Friday. It is to splash down in the by SpaceX. in 2014 to develop a space vessel, Ripley — but Nasa plans to put two Atlantic Ocean, and then return “Today represents a new era in the Starliner. astronauts aboard in July, although to Cape Canaveral. space fl ight” said Jim Bridens- It will not be tested until April, that date could be delayed. The mission aims to test the tine, head of the US space agency in a mission similar to SpaceX’s. The new capsule blasted off vessel’s reliability and safety in who sees the launch as a step Nasa did not want to rely on aboard the Falcon 9 rocket built real-life conditions. toward the privatization of low just one single vehicle, in case of by SpaceX — run by billionaire Ripley — nicknamed in hon- Earth orbit. As a country, we’re accidents. Elon Musk — at 2.49am (0749 our of the character played by looking forward to being one For SpaceX, sending an astro- GMT) from the Kennedy Space Sigourney Weaver in the Alien customer of many customers, in naut into orbit would be a culmi- Center at Cape Canaveral, Flori- movies — is fi tted with monitors a robust commercial marketplace nation of years of hard work and da, lighting up the coastline. to test the forces that future as- in low Earth orbit, so that we can high-risk investment. The fi rst and second stages tronauts will be subjected to on drive down costs and increase In less than a decade, it has be- separated without incident, takeoff and when they return to access in ways that historically come a key partner for Nasa, in placing Dragon in Earth’s orbit 11 the Earth’s atmosphere and then have not been possible,” he said. addition to dominating the mar- minutes after take-off . land in the Atlantic, braked by gi- After the shuttle program was ket for private satellite launches. Every successful stage of the ant parachutes. shut down in July 2011 following Its Falcon 9 rockets have re- mission — whose planning suf- The mission’s successful start a 30-year run, Nasa began out- supplied the space station 15 A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifts off yesterday on an uncrewed test fered three-year delays — trig- provided some immediate reas- sourcing the logistics of its space times in seven years, though one flight to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. gered cheers at the fi rm’s head- surance. missions. of them blew up in 2015. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, March 3, 2019 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

IMF revives $1.5bn Embattled Australian PM bailout for Lanka AFP Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court Colombo eventually held that Sirisena’s actions were unconstitutional, allowing Premier Ranil Wick- he International Mon- remesinghe to resume his du- etary Fund (IMF) has re- ties. loses two more ministers Tvived a $1.5bn bailout for Wickremesinghe told par- Sri Lanka that was suspended liament in January that his AFP believe we will win the election ernment be remembered for? A over a government power dismissal on October 26 was a Sydney in May... I think the Morrison stampede for the exit and jobs struggle last year that seriously “coup” and a “death blow” to government will replace itself.” for their mates,” she said follow- slowed economic growth. the economy. Morrison moved quickly to fi ll ing the announcements by Pyne The Washington-based During the crisis, three in- ustralia’s defence minis- the new cabinet gap, announcing and Ciobo. lender said offi cials visiting Co- ternational credit rating agen- ter and his deputy both that Liberal Senator Linda Rey- Morrison came to power af- lombo agreed to re-activate the cies downgraded the country’s Aannounced they were nolds, a former army brigadier, ter hardline conservatives in the three-year loan, which started debt and the extra borrow- quitting politics yesterday, would replace Ciobo immedi- Liberal party ousted centrist in 2016 and spread the instal- ing costs forced Sri Lanka to bringing to fi ve the number of ately as minister for defence in- prime minister Malcolm Turn- ments over an additional year. abandon plans to raise loans cabinet members retiring as dustries, and would replace Pyne bull last August. “The team reached under- abroad. Prime Minister Scott Morrison as defence minister if the Liber- Morrison has since led the standings at the staff level with But the IMF noted that Sri heads into a fraught election. als win re-election. party hard to the right. the Sri Lankan authorities ... to Lanka’s economy was “gradu- Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Ciobo were the It now faces a tough battle to allow more time for the com- ally stabilising after the weak Pyne, the most moderate re- fourth and fi fth cabinet mem- win re-election and the prospect pletion of the economic reform economic performance in maining member of Morrison’s bers in Morrison’s six-month- of spending time on the oppo- agenda,” the IMF said. 2018, in the context of external conservative coalition govern- old government to announce sition benches appears to have The IMF had been due to re- shocks and domestic political ment, said he was stepping they would quit politics at the hastened the departure of sev- lease an instalment in October uncertainty.” down at the next election, due May election. eral MPs. when President Maithripala “At this diffi cult juncture, a by mid-May, to begin a business Several backbench Liberal Those included former foreign Sirisena sacked his prime min- concerted eff ort is needed by career. MPs, including the most senior minister Julie Bishop, the most ister and called fresh elections, all stakeholders to preserve the The junior defence minis- women in the party, have also prominent woman in the Liber- triggering a two month power hard-won gains.” ter, Steven Ciobo, announced announced they won’t contest als and the party’s deputy leader struggle in the island nation. Offi cial fi gures show that separately that he would also Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne. the next election, or will do so as under Turnbull. Because of the crisis, the Sri Lanka will have to repay a not contest the May election independents. Current polls show the Lib- economy grew by just 3% last record $5.9bn in foreign loans and would give up his portfolio batted aside suggestions the predicted by opinion polls. A senior Labor Party offi cial, erals, who have been in power year, making it the slowest ex- in 2019. immediately so Morrison could string of recent ministerial re- “Being in politics is not a life Penny Wong, said the latest de- since 2013, heading for their pansion in 17 years, according One of the biggest drags on name a replacement. tirements was motivated by the sentence, and I’ve been there for partures illustrated a “stampede worst electoral defeat since 1983 to the Central Bank of Sri Lan- the balance sheet is national Pyne, who was also respon- prospect of their Liberal party 26 years and I didn’t want to run for the exits” from the embattled and Australia getting a seventh ka. The IMF said it expected carrier Sri Lankan Airlines, sible for managing govern- losing the upcoming election to again,” Pyne told reporters in an- Morrison coalition. change of prime minister in 10 Sri Lanka’s growth to improve which has accumulated losses ment business in parliament, the opposition Labor, as widely nouncing his decision, adding, “I “What will the Morrison gov- years. to 3.5% in 2019. and debts of over $2bn. Parties allied Thai king sacks staff to ex-Thai PM member for adultery rally as court DPA Bangkok

hai King Maha Vajiralong- ruling looms korn has sacked a member Tof his staff for adultery. According to a royal gazette AFP alist elite, whose allies have announcement published on Fri- Bangkok failed to beat him at the polls day, a male staff member of the since 2001 and instead have re- royal chamberlain committed lied on coups and court rulings “an extremely evil act” by having arties aligned with Thai- to topple Shinawatra-backed an aff air with a married woman land’s powerful Shinawat- governments. when he himself is married. Pra clan staged major rallies Thousands of people also “His action has caused family yesterday ahead of a court rul- massed in Bangkok’s historic confl icts and bad reputation for ing that could deal a gut punch centre late Friday for a defi - his unit. His behaviour is unfi t to their prospects in national ant campaign by Thai Raksa for his rank and position,” the elections later this month. Chart, another political party statement read. Public gatherings were tak- linked to the Shinawatra clan. Although the king’s dismissals ing place across the country But Thai Raksa Chart could be of his staff and military person- - including in the Chiang Mai dissolved by the Constitutional nel over “extremely evil acts” for hometown of divisive billionaire Court on March 7, after its bid a variety of wrongdoings is not ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. to run a princess as candidate Former Thai prime minister and Democratic Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (second left) speaks during a campaign rally in Narathiwaton yesterday unheard of, it is the fi rst time the Shinawatra-linked Pheu for prime minister spectacularly ahead of the March 24 general election. dismissal is solely based on an Thai party members addressed unravelled. extramarital aff air. throngs of supporters in a sta- Supporters say the court has when the army booted Thak- junta to appoint the 250-member big parties like Pheu Thai. thorn Juangroongruangkit, the Since ascending the throne in dium in Chiang Mai as the sun the future of Thai democracy in sin from offi ce - remains deeply senate, whose votes will count More rallies are planned 40-year-old scion of Thailand’s late 2016 following his late father went down, promising de- its hands - with the junta de- polarised. towards choosing the next prime for Sunday as election season biggest auto-parts maker, has king Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death, velopment and incentives for termined to return as a civilian Nerves are mounting inside minister. heats up. won favour among the kingdom’s the 66-year-old king has made entrepreneurs in the northern government. Thai Raksa Chart as the crucial There are 500 lower house Junta leader Prayut Chan-o- millennials. several moves to consolidate con- city. “If it is dissolved it will dam- ruling nears. seats up for grabs, 350 through cha, who took power in a 2014 More than seven million peo- trol over the palace and in politics. Thaksin, who lives in self- age our hopes for democracy But the party “will continue constituencies and the re- coup, wants to return as prime ple aged between 18 and 25 are A three-time divorcee with exile to avoid jail in Thailand, badly,” said Chailerm Phothi- to campaign as we have been... mainder through the party minister. eligible to vote this month for seven children, the king ascend- is adored by rice farmers and jad, 55, at Friday night’s rally in and leave the issue of judiciary list - a system of proportional With Thai Raksa Chart’s po- the fi rst time, according to the ed the throne unmarried. large sections of urban work- Bangkok. to the court,” said Umesh Pan- representation. litical fate in the balance, another Interior Ministry. His much-delayed coronation ing-class voters for his pro- Thailand - which has been dey, a Thai Raksa Chart party list The diff erent Shinawatra anti-junta party led by a billion- Analysts say if Thai Raksa will take place on May 4, just one poor policies and steering of stuck on a carousel of coups, candidate. parties are meant to help rack aire is emerging as an untested - Chart is disbanded its support- day ahead of the anniversary of the economy. violent protests and short-lived Thailand’s contentious junta- up more votes within a sys- but signifi cant - force. ers may cast votes for Future Bhumibol’s coronation, nearly But he is despised by the roy- civilian governments since 2006 drafted constitution allows the tem that limits the reach of Future Forward, led by Thana- Forward. seven decades ago. Five years on, MH370 families Farewell to Kim band together to seek closure Reuters ing for answers,” said Gonzales, a Shim, a father of two, said the Kuala Lumpur 57-year-old kindergarten teach- group helped him to adjust to er who often hosts the group life as a single parent. His wife, at her home on the outskirts of Christine Tan, was a member of ive years ago, their loved Kuala Lumpur. the MH370 crew. ones boarded a plane and “It has become a family as well, “The other families know ex- Fvanished. an extended family,” she said. actly how each of us feel,” he said The group of Malaysians meet For fi ve years the group has during a meeting at Gonzales’ about once a month - usually at campaigned to keep public at- home. a coff ee shop or a home in Kuala tention on MH370 and help each “Emotionally, that’s been a Lumpur - to support each other and other cope with their grief and good support and help to us, es- try to keep missing Malaysian Air- try to live normal lives by return- pecially since the plane has not lines fl ight MH370 in the public eye. ing to work, raising children and, been found,” he added. Their relatives were among in Gonzales’ case, battle illness. In early 2017, Malaysia, Chi- the 239 people onboard the Boe- She was diagnosed with breast na and Australia called off a ing 777 when it vanished en route cancer in 2016 for the second two-year, $144mn search in the from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on time in her life, but it has since southern Indian Ocean after March 8, 2014 and became the gone into remission. fi nding no trace of the plane. world’s greatest aviation mystery. “When I fi rst had cancer, I had A second three-month search Scraps of aircraft debris have my husband for support,” she north of the original target area, led washed up on the east African said. by US exploration fi rm Ocean In- coastline, but two underwater “This second time, no. But fi nity, ended similarly in May 2018. searches in the southern Indian I had a lot of family members A 495-page report published Ocean proved fruitless, leaving around, my friends, my children, in July said the Boeing 777 was few clues as to what happened. and now my MH370 families... likely deliberately taken off Starved for information and strug- so that kept us going.” course but investigators were gling to resume their lives, the fami- In her living room hangs a unable to determine who was lies have come to lean on each other painting of a blue-and-yellow responsible. for support, said Jacquita Gonzales, fi eld - a gift from Calvin Shim, The Malaysian government whose husband Patrick Gomes was another MH370 next-of-kin, to has said it would consider re- Women wave North Korean and Vietnamese flags as the motorcade transporting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrives at Dong Dang MH370’s infl ight supervisor. help her stay calm while recov- suming a search if new evidence railway station, where his train was to depart at the border with China, in Dong Dang, Vietnam, yesterday. “It goes beyond a group wait- ering from surgery. came to light. Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 17 BRITAIN/IRELAND

RESTRICTION SHORT STOP BATTERY WOES DIRTY TRICKS JUSTICE Ryanair moves spare 8 injured in aborted Fire at Tesla showroom, ‘Smear campaign’ against London seeks to extradite parts to EU countries take-off at Stansted several ‘explosions’ heard US agriculture: envoy ‘guilty’ absconder from Tblisi

Europe’s biggest budget airline is taking Eight people suff ered minor injuries during an A fire yesterday engulfed a Tesla car showroom The US ambassador to Britain yesterday Prosecutors have filed a request with authorities precautions in case of a no-deal Brexit by aborted take-off at London Stansted Airport, in Crawley, West Sussex, with reports of several denounced a “smear campaign” against American in Georgia to extradite Jack Shepherd, who shifting some of its spare parts from a British causing flights to be suspended for around three explosions heard on the site. West Sussex fire agriculture as Washington and London try to pave was found guilty in his absence last year of the central storage unit to other EU locations. hours late on Friday. Crew on the Laudamotion and rescue service tweeted that they were the way to a post-Brexit trade deal. Woody Johnson negligent manslaughter of a woman in a boat Ryanair’s director of maintenance and flight to Vienna suspected engine problems on the called to attend “a significant fire” in Crawley, said Britons were being fed “inflammatory and crash. Shepherd, 31, went on the run after he engineering told DPA that Britain’s unregulated runway shortly after 8pm on Friday. Passengers on County Oak Way, at 10.29am, adding that the misleading terms” such as chlorinated chicken and was charged with killing Charlotte Brown, 24, departure from the European Union could reported a bang rocking the cabin. Thomas Steer Tesla car dealership building was “well alight”. hormone beef to cast US agriculture in “the worst with whom he was on a date when he took her make moving parts around diff icult because said there was a “big bang on the side of the They added that six fire engines and an aerial possible light”. “We Americans are now ready to for a speedboat ride on the Thames in London of customs restrictions, for example. “We’re aircraft which skidded to a stop. And then staff ladder platform had been sent to the scene. negotiate the most ambitious and comprehensive in in December 2015. The boat overturned concerned that it could take longer to get spare shouting ‘evacuate evacuate’. My friend opened Plumes of thick black smoke were towering trade deal in the history of our special relationship,” after hitting a submerged log and Brown, from parts to airports where we need them quickly the emergency exit and we slid down the slides, a over the building. Witness Thomas Ferryman Johnson wrote in The Daily Telegraph. “And, of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, died in the water near from the central storage in Stansted,” Karsten few old people fell over and the fire brigade treated told GetSurrey that he had heard “many small course, we want agriculture to be part of those Wandsworth bridge. Shepherd is currently Muehlenfeld said. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary them.” An airport spokesman said it had received explosions”, which he believed could be negotiations. But the British public has been led to in prison in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, after is an outspoken Brexit critic. reports that eight people suff ered minor injuries. batteries for the electric vehicles. believe otherwise.” surrendering to police in the country in January.

Irish PM says will fi x law on Barnier: EU is ready to give fi shing zone

Reuters Dublin more guarantees on Brexit reland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has promised to re- By Benoit Toussaint, AFP “Limiting it in time or introducing divorce deal May struck with the EU late Isolve a legal “anomaly” that Paris a unilateral exit clause would call into last year. led to the seizure of two small fi sh- question its credibility,” the EU’s top The embattled leader is now seeking ing boats from Northern Ireland Brexit negotiator insisted. changes to the pact which she hopes and drew angry denunciations he European Union is prepared The backstop “will end either when will be enough to get it through parlia- from pro-Britain politicians. to give Britain further Brexit we have a global agreement on the fu- ment by March 12. A 60m armed Irish Naval Serv- Tguarantees to help a divorce deal ture relationship, or a specifi c agree- In a revised strategy unveiled this ice vessel on Thursday impounded through the British parliament, the ment with Ireland,” he said, assuring it week, May vowed that if her deal is re- two trawlers registered in the Brit- bloc’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier “was never the wish” to bind Britain to jected, lawmakers will vote in the fol- ish region of Northern Ireland for said in an interview published yester- European trade rules indefi nitely. lowing days on whether to leave with- fi shing illegally inside Ireland’s day. Barnier said he would Britain’s Brexit out a deal or delay Brexit. six-mile (9.6km) territorial limit. “We can fi nd guarantees to confi rm, minister Stephen Barclay and Attorney But European leaders have warned Northern Ireland’s Democrat- clarify, guarantee the goodwill and General Geoff rey Cox this week to dis- any postponement would come with ic Unionist Party, a close ally of good faith of the Europeans with com- cuss options. conditions. British Prime Minister Theresa mitments which would have real legal A Brussels source said those talks Barnier suggested a short delay could May, reacted angrily, with depu- force,” Barnier said in comments pub- could take place in the Belgian capital be acceptable. ty leader Nigel Dodds on Thurs- lished in several European newspapers on Tuesday. “The European institutions will do day describing the incident as including Die Welt in Germany and Les “There is a way that the British (par- whatever is necessary on their side but “outrageous...heavy-handed Echos in France. liament) could vote, between now and the British have told us in the past that tactics”. Barnier also suggested European March 12, with these guarantees of our they will need two months to ratify” the Dodds also accused the Irish leaders would be amenable to a short good faith, It will be up to them to fulfi l deal. “It would then require a simple government of using it as a “bar- “technical” delay in Britain’s departure Barnier ... more guarantees their responsibilities,” Barnier said. technical extension.” gaining chip on Brexit”, something from the EU, scheduled for March 29, to In 2017, Britain invoked Article 50 of While Britain is yet to request a delay, the Irish government denied. give the British parliament time to for- The major sticking point was the keep the frontier open, is a “trap” that EU law, triggering a two-year count- “I don’t think there would be any objec- The owners of the trawlers mally ratify a fi nal divorce deal. so-called “backstop” plan for the Irish could bind it to European commerce down to Brexit that ends at 11pm on tions in principle” from the other 27 EU pleaded guilty to breaching fi sh- The British parliament rejected the border. rules indefi nitely. March 29. nations, Barnier said. ing regulations at Drogheda Dis- original Brexit deal hammered out by Some MPs fear the arrangement, Barnier said there was “misunder- The country is on course to leave However, any delay “must serve to trict Court on Friday but a judge Prime Minister Theresa May and EU which would keep Britain tied to EU standing” over the proposed backstop without an agreement after British MPs solve a problem, not merely to postpone decided to release them without leaders. trade rules until another way is found to deal. in January overwhelmingly rejected the it and remain at an impasse.” levying a fi ne, the BBC reported. A court service offi cial de- clined comment. An informal bilateral agree- ment had allowed fi shermen from Ireland and Northern Ire- New EU vote would unleash British anger: Boris Johnson land to fi sh inside the six-mile limit of each others’ jurisdic- tions, but it was struck down by AFP EU — which would keep Britain “I couldn’t tell you who they the Irish Supreme Court in 2016 New Delhi temporarily in the EU customs are, or what they do or how they and Ireland has yet to approve union as a “backstop” until prob- came by their jobs or how they replacement legislation. lems with the Irish border are set- may be removed from offi ce. As a result Irish fi shermen can ritain’s Brexit champion tled. “I have no idea how to kick legally fi sh along Northern Ire- Boris Johnson yesterday hit Parliament has since rejected those particular (expletive) out land’s coast but Northern Ire- Bout at mounting calls for a the deal and May is battling po- — I’m not saying they are (exple- land fi shermen are prohibited second referendum on European litical turmoil ahead of the sched- tive). But millions and millions of from fi shing along the coast of Union membership predicting it uled March 29 departure date. people in the UK have no idea how the Republic of Ireland. would arouse widespread “anger”. “We need to get this Brexit the system works. It’s completely “I think we can have that law The former foreign minister- done properly and our prime cut off to them.” changed and that anomaly, if you turned-tormentor of Prime Min- minister now needs to punch a Johnson said those who pre- like, corrected, and we can do ister Theresa May also mocked hole through that backstop and dict disaster for Britain outside that in the next couple of weeks,” the “(expletive)” who run the EU it has got to be a hole that is big the bloc are wrong but said there Prime Minister Varadkar told as he attacked the bloc. enough to fi t the entire United were still “many in the upper LMFM Radio, saying legislation Questioned at a conference in Kingdom,” Johnson told the India reaches (like that) of the UK gov- had got stuck in the upper house New Delhi about pressure for a Today media group conference. ernment.” of parliament, which Varadkar’s repeat of the 2016 referendum “Once she does that we are “They are like the people who government does not control. in Britain, Johnson said “I don’t free. We are at the races. I am said that Columbus would sail off But while Ireland’s Minister think that’s possible.” hoping she will do it,” he declared the edge of the world.” for Agriculture, Food and the “I think that the anger in the of the intense talks between the “There is a very big struggle Marine Michael Creed told RTE population would be so intense government and Brussels. going on over what Brexit really radio on Friday that the issue had and the tedium — people would Johnson also told the audience means,” he said. “zero to do with Brexit,” Varadkar be driven absolutely round the that Brexit was misunderstood by “The treasury and the whole linked the dispute with Britain’s bend by the idea of having to vote those who say it is an “xenopho- system, they are really too nerv- post-Brexit plans for its fi sheries on this thing again. It was a very bic, nationalistic and reactionary ous of taking the leap,” he added. and whether or not these it will acrimonious, very divisive cam- phenomenon.” Without control of tariff s and stay party to the London Fisher- paign” in 2016, he said, predicting “My objection to the EU was not regulation, “sincerely you might ies Convention, which governs any second vote would produce that it was run by foreigners. The as well be in” the EU, he said. fi shing rights in coastal waters the same result. problem is we don’t really know “Unless you have the freedom off Western Europe. Johnson quit as foreign minis- who is running it,” Johnson said, then stay in. I don’t think the UK “It would be unusual to ter in May’s right-wing govern- mocking the fi ve presidents of the is going to stay in or that the UK change our law only to fi nd out ment last year in protest at her EU commission, council of minis- should stay in,” he added how- that the situation on the other proposed departure deal with the ters, parliament and other bodies. ever. Johnson ... channelling the anger side changed.” February temperature jump was incredible, says climate expert

By Jonathan Watts the Canaries and north Africa. — has prompted mixed reactions. Lucas of the Green party, and so we can look the next genera- Guardian News and Media Government meteorologists A study of the coverage by urged legislators to listen to the tion in the eye and say for your are now studying exactly how CarbonBrief highlights how im- child activists. future we protected Planet A be- much of this unusual heat can be ages of wildfi res on Saddleworth “The message that came to us cause there is no Planet B.” ast week’s record winter attributed to man-made climate Moor and stories about water from the young people, who struck But the sparse turnout high- heat in the UK was so far change. shortages contrasted with cheery the other day, is that we must now lighted the low priority this con- Labove normal trends that Grahame Madge, a spokesman headlines such as “Fabruary” and take this as an emergency. We can- tinues to be for most politicians. scientists have been forced to re- for the Met Offi ce, said: “For a lot reports about ice-cream sales. not wait another two years to de- Extinction Rebellion has consider their statistical models, of people an opportunity to enjoy Nick Bridge, the UK’s chief cli- bate this in this place.” shared images of the largely with one expert calling the tem- a nice day but for many others it mate envoy, was among many to Lucas said time was running empty chamber on social net- perature jump “incredible”. was shocking to see values above express frustration with the lack out but the government was go- works and echoed Lucas’s call for UK temperature records have 20C. Clearly having that warm of concern in many reports by the ing backwards on climate action. the government to declare a cli- tumbled in the past 10 days. weather record broken is, we BBC and others: “Since 2010 almost every ex- mate emergency. Last Thursday, Scotland ex- think, largely to do with climate Yet the fi rst climate debate isting sensible climate measure It plans to support a global perienced its highest winter change, amplifying those warm in parliament for two years was has been torched: zero carbon school strike on March 15 and to warmth of 18.3C in Aboyne, in The M876 motorway in Scotland on January 31, 2018, (left) during the events. That was widely recog- sparsely attended by MPs. homes scrapped, onshore wind stage a week of disruption start- Aberdeenshire. On Tuesday, Beast from the East, and in February (right) this year. nised by the public.” The disparity between the eff ectively banned, solar power ing on April 15. Wales set a new UK high for the Previous Met Offi ce stud- growing evidence of crisis and shafted, the Green Investment Other environment groups are season for 20.8 in Porthmadog. nary study of the trend data from down because this was so far ies show the man-made carbon the limp response by politicians Bank fl ogged off , and fracking also stepping up pressure on the This was beaten on Wednesday, Reading and central England, outside what we are used to in emissions in the atmosphere and most media is expected to forced on local communities.” government. when Kew registered 21.2C. said the probability of this week’s February.” made last summer’s heatwave 30 galvanise more direct action of Claire Perry, the minister “We’re living through a climate Even taking into account the temperatures was close to zero. According to the Met Offi ce, times more likely, and extremes the sort seen in recent months of state for energy and clean emergency, so really our politi- underlying 1C of global heating “This is an incredible jump in the mean maximum tempera- of heat are now being recorded 10 with student strikes and acts of growth, accepted that current ef- cians should be debating this eve- from carbon emissions this was a record temperatures. If you asked ture in February was at up to 3.5C times more often than extremes civil disobedience by Extinction forts were insuffi cient. ry week,” said Mel Evans, climate surprise to some scientists. me a few months ago, I would above the average between 1981 of cold. Rebellion protesters. “We can take pride in the campaigner for Greenpeace UK. Geert Jan van Oldenborgh, a have said it is ridiculous,” he said. and 2010. The weirding of the weather — “Thanks to the students, who UK’s record in tackling climate “It’s time for us all to demand that climate researcher at Royal Neth- “It’s at least a one-in 200-year This was due to large areas of which was warmer than Bermu- made us act,” said Layla Moran, change, but we know we have to our government faces up to reality erlands Meteorolgical Institute event, but it could be more be- high pressure over continental Eu- da this week and colder than the a Liberal Democrat MP who pro- do more, and we will do more. We and calls the crisis what it is, a cli- who has conducted a prelimi- cause my statistical tools break rope that brought warm air from Arctic at the same time last year posed the debate with Caroline must keep leading from the front mate emergency.” Gulf Times 18 Sunday, March 3, 2019 EUROPE

CONUNDRUM FREEDOM OF SPEECH FUTURE SHOCK ‘PEOPLE FIRST’ CARNIVAL TIME Germany ponders extra Croatian journalists Merkel backs school Italians march in Milan time for asylum claims protest censorship climate protests against racism in politics

German migration off icials need more time to Several hundred Croatian journalists protested German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday Tens of thousands of people demonstrated sort through a backlog of refugee applications yesterday in Zagreb against a wave of lawsuits threw her support behind young people who yesterday against racism in Milan. The group stretching back to 2015, according to a proposal against them, which they argue amounts to an have skipped school to protest political inaction moved through the Italian city and gathered at from the Interior Ministry being floated to other attempt to censor them. The protest was organised about climate change. “I very much support the central square in front of the Milan Cathedral. government agencies. The proposal — which was by the Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) to students taking to the streets for climate action The protest is a “powerful political testimonial sent out for comment late on Friday, according to highlight the threat posed by what they say are and fighting for it,” Merkel said in her weekly that Italy is not just the country that it is currently government sources — would allow the Federal more than 1,100 lawsuits filed against journalists and video podcast, released yesterday. Pupils across being described as,” said Mayor Giuseppe Sala. Off ice for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) to media outlets. But it was also a protest against what the globe have been holding “Fridays for the The city’s social issues councillor, Pierfrancesco overshoot the three years it currently has to they say is political pressure, threats to reporters Future” rallies. Merkel, however, did not endorse Majorino, spoke of 200,000 participants. decide on refugee status. The agency has been and a failure to respect media laws. The protesters all of the demands. “I know that the students Several aid groups and social organizations had overwhelmed since 2015, when Chancellor Angela marched through downtown Zagreb blowing want some things more quickly, for example organized the demonstration. The motto was Merkel’s open-door policy on migration prompted whistles and playing drums. “Enough of persecution phasing out coal,” she said. “We need to balance “Prima le persone” (people first), which is derived hundreds of thousands to enter the country, many of journalists...it has gone on for decades,” Hrvoje jobs and economic strength on the one hand, from a saying by Italy’s far-right Interior Minister Revellers in make-up take part in the Carnival from war-torn areas like Afghanistan and Syria. Zovko, the leader of the HND, told the marchers. with the goals of climate protection.” Matteo Salvini, “Prima gli Italiani” (Italians first). in Venice yesterday.

Vandals hit memorial at Teargas used on France Strasbourg Synagogue

AFP ‘yellow vest’ protesters Strasbourg AFP/DPA Paris memorial stone marking the site of Strasbourg’s Old Synagogue, Awhich was destroyed by the rance’s “yellow vest” protesters Nazis in World War II, was vandalised yesterday took to the streets for overnight, leaders of the eastern French Fthe 16th straight weekend, some city said yesterday. clashing with police who responded “Once again, enough is enough,” with rubber bullets, tear gas and water Mayor Roland Ries wrote on his Face- cannon. book page before heading to the site for By 2pm, around 5,600 people had an inspection. joined the protests throughout the “The site is itself a response to who- country, most of them in the capi- ever did this repulsive act because it tal Paris, well down on the estimated symbolises both the exactions and hor- 11,600 out on the streets at the same rors of the Nazi regime and the French time last week, the interior ministry people’s power of resistance,” he added. said. The stone lies next to the Avenue of In Paris yesterday, the protesters, the Righteous, dedicated to non-Jews among them leading “yellow vest” fi g- who risked their lives to save Jews dur- ures Eric Drouet and Maxime Nicolle, ing the Holocaust, Ries noted. marched peacefully under police sur- The slab “must weigh 300kg or veillance. 400kg,” Ries said. “It wasn’t pushed off Nine people had been arrested by by a single individual.” early afternoon. “A new incident of anti-Semitism in There was trouble, however, in Nice, our town,” deputy mayor Alain Fontanel Strasbourg, Lille and Nantes. added on Twitter, posting a picture of a In the western city of Nantes police large black marble slab that had been used teargas, rubber bullets and water knocked off its plinth. cannon against protesters, some of “Quai Kleber synagogue was burnt whom hurled projectiles at them. down by the Nazis nearly 80 years ago. Teargas was also used elsewhere, in- The memorial stone which marked this cluding at protests in Bordeaux, Lyon, tragedy was vandalised overnight.” Morlaix and Arles. The town hall was working with the This week’s demonstrations had police to track down those responsible, been billed by organisers as a prelude Fontanel said. to a “big month” of protests to mark The synagogue, which was the Jew- four months of the weekly action and ish community’s main place of worship the end of a major “national debate” in the city, was ransacked and burnt to championed by President Emmanuel the ground by Hitler Youth on Septem- Macron. ber 30, 1940. The “yellow vest” protests, which “Sadly, history repeats itself,” Fonta- have no organised leadership, began nel wrote on his Facebook page. on November 17 over increasing fuel The region was already shaken on taxes. February 19 when 96 graves were daub- They quickly grew into a broader ed with swastikas at a Jewish cemetery anti-government rebellion fuelled by in Quatzenheim, northwest of Stras- anger towards Macron. Protesters take part in an anti-government demonstration called by the ‘Yellow Vest’ movement on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris. bourg. The protests have sometimes de- “There is no doubt this was an inten- scended into violence and clashes away because the situation has not capital, while other groups remained blocked streets near the presidential Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic, in a tional act,” Thierry Roos, spokesman between police and the demonstra- improved,” said retired protester Mu- on the Champs-Elysees, many of them Elysee Palace. report earlier this week criticising the for the Israelite Consistory of the Lower tors. rielle, who attended a demonstration hemmed in by riot police. Broadcaster BFMTV showed initial- police response as well as violence by Rhine region, was quoted as saying by Eleven people have died since the east of Paris yesterday. The Arc de Triomphe itself was ly calm protests in several provincial protesters, cited government fi gures local newspaper Dernieres Nouvelles Saturday protests began. In Paris, some protesters set off railed off , with police vans and an ar- cities such as Nantes and Bordeaux as indicating that 2,060 demonstrators d’Alsace. “We are less numerous than normal, from the Arc de Triomphe for a march moured car positioned beneath it, and well. and 1,325 members of security forces “They wanted to erase the memory but we are still here...and we won’t go through the west and south of the riot police behind makeshift fences Council of Europe Human Rights had been injured in total. of the synagogue on quai Kleber by de- stroying it twice,” Roos said. A statement issued by the regional prefecture said that “anti-Semitism strikes at values of the Republic shared by all French citizens. No display of in- Russian Nobel Prize winner for physics Alferov dies aged 88 tolerance must threaten our ability to live together.” The vandalism was the latest in a Reuters award, which recognised his re- tion in the Duma, Russia’s lower house Alferov was named after a French warned that the mass media could be string of apparently anti-Semitic inci- Moscow search work in the 1970s in infor- of parliament. socialist, Jean Jaurès, while his older abused in the wrong hands. dents that have drawn condemnation mation technology which paved the His work won him many scientifi c brother was named Marx after Karl “Knowledge is power, but power from French authorities and the coun- way for computers, CD players and awards and he was an honorary mem- Marx, a German philosopher and so- must be based on knowledge,” he said. try’s Jewish community, thought to be hores Alferov, the 2000 Nobel mobile telephones, with two US sci- ber of research institutions including cialist revolutionary. Alferov recalled his years of research the biggest in Europe. prize winner in physics and entists Herbert Kroemer and Jack the American National Academy of Marx Alferov was killed during into lasers in St Petersburg on a light- President Emmanuel Macron prom- Za member of Russia’s parlia- Kilby. Sciences. World War II. hearted note in verse: ised a new law against online hate ment, has died aged 88 in St Peters- A staunch believer in communism, He was the fi rst Russian to win In his Nobel Prize acceptance “Our purpose was both great and crime and asked Interior Minister burg, the Russian Communist party Alferov was born in 1930 in Belarus, a Nobel Prize since Soviet leader speech, Alferov noted that physics had bright no more the dark! Let there be Christophe Castaner to dissolve or- said yesterday. then part of the Soviet Union. Mikhail Gorbachev won the peace brought both benefi ts and disasters light! So to release eternal light we did ganisations inciting hatred and vio- Alferov shared the nearly $1mn He was a member of the party fac- prize in 1990. to mankind in the 20th century and the work all day and night.” lence. Venice-themed ship cruises to burgeoning China market

By Celine Cornu, AFP in the Chinese market, a sister “From 2013 to 2016, the Chi- But, warns Noci, “growth will restaurants will serve authentic Trieste, Italy ship will be launched next year nese cruise market grew by 70% also depend on what’s on off er, Chinese dishes to accommodate by Italy’s Costa Cruises, part of year-on-year, an impressive fi g- especially how they can attract guests’ dietary requirements. the huge Carnival Corp. ure compared to Western mar- tourists from central China with Costa Cruises is investing 6bn huge liner designed en- The launching of Costa Ven- kets,” Noci told AFP. innovative marketing. euros ($6.8bn) from 2018 to 2023 tirely for Chinese tourists ezia “is a very important moment After a slight drop in 2017 Shanghai inhabitants alone to buy seven ships, after which it Aaround the ever-romantic in the history of Costa in China,” when China cut South Korean currently account for 40% of will have a fl eet of 34, including theme of Venice sets sail from said the company’s Asia presi- cruise destinations because of Chinese cruise ship customers.” fi ve cruise ships in Asia. Italy this week hoping to con- dent Mario Zanetti. tensions over the deployment of Companies will also have to Costa’s owner Carnival is also solidate Costa Cruises in the vast “This is the fi rst ship we’re a US anti-missile system, num- target the wealthy 25-40 year- working with Fincantieri and the and burgeoning Chinese tourism putting on the market, conceived bers are set to take off again. old age group “which doesn’t China State Shipbuilding Corp market. since the start for Chinese tour- Over the last 10 years the Chi- want just a cultural experience to build vessels in China, despite The Costa Venezia left the Fin- ists,” he told AFP. nese market has reached 2.5mn but a real adventure,” said Noci. worries that technology transfers cantieri shipyard in northeastern Italy-based Costa was the fi rst cruise passengers while a total of Even as it cruises the high seas, will enable Chinese shipbuilders Italy last week for neighbouring to off er cruises to the Chinese 13 around 140mn Chinese are trav- the Costa Venezia takes passengers to take over. Trieste. years ago. “It was really Costa elling abroad, said Zanetti. on a journey through Venice, via But Zanetti dismisses those From there, it will head for Cruises that started this type of “Cruises represent only the central Saint Mark’s Square bar concerns, saying they are work- China where it will carry up to tourism in China, in 2006, and around 2% of those (Chinese) go- to original gondolas and waiting ing “in a spirit of partnership 5,260 Chinese tourists on cruises now the Chinese market has be- ing to foreign countries for their staff dressed as gondoliers. and in a market that has such a from Shanghai to Japan, along come the second in the world, af- holidays. That shows you the The ship also off ers 11 karaoke low penetration. The more cruise A Chinese observer takes a picture of the Costa Venezia cruise with a healthy dose of Venetian ter North America,” said Giuliano potential for this market, which rooms and plenty of gambling companies are present in the ship leaving the port of the Italian company Fincantieri shipyard in kitsch, gondolas and all. Noci, lecturer in strategy at Mi- could become the world’s big- opportunities. market, the more there are op- Monfalcone on Thursday. In a sign of the gap to be fi lled lan Polytechnic business school. gest,” he said. Alongside Italian cuisine, the portunities for growth.” Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 19 INDIA

SCORCHER ARMS FACTORY GORY FIND CLEAN SWEEP INFRASTRUCTURE Kerala records 37C in Modi to launch Kalashnikov Body of trooper found on Kumbh sanitation workers Kerala Tourism turns pre-summer heatwaves unit in Amethi today Himachal glacier; 4 missing set new Guinness record disabled-friendly

Kerala yesterday recorded unusually high Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today visit After 10 days of a hectic search operation, Sanitation workers in Uttar Pradesh yesterday Kerala is the first state in the country to create temperatures and the Met Off ice said the state Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh where he will rescuers yesterday managed to trace the body set a Guinness World Record when 10,000 of basic infrastructure and amenities for the disabled may witness further rise in the mercury in the unveil an Indo-Russian ordnance factory that of a trooper. Four are still missing, off icials them got together for a three-minute cleaning at tourism centres, thereby setting an example next few days. Palakkad recorded 37 degree will produce the iconic Kalashnikov rifles. At said in Shimla. Rajesh Rishi, 25, was one of drive at Kumbh in Prayagraj. Health Minister for others, Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Celsius, Thiruvananthapuram 36 degree, while Kauhar in Amethi district, the prime minister the six troopers of the Jammu and Kashmir and Prayagraj MLA Siddhartah Nath Singh also Surendran said yesterday in Thiruvananthapuram. most other districts recorded around 35 degree will open the Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd — a Rifles who got buried under an avalanche that wielded a broom along with others. The minister Announcing new initiatives of the Thenmala Celsius. Kerala normally records 30-32 degree joint venture between India’s ordnance factory occurred near the Tibet border in Kinnaur hailed the sanitation workers as the real heroes Ecotourism Promotion Society, he unveiled a Braille Celsius around this time of the year. The Kerala and a Russian firm — and also address a public district on February 20. The body of one at the Kumbh, as the cleanliness drive was the Brochure on the attractive spots at Thenmala and State Disaster Management Authority has gathering in Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s trooper was found soon after. Off icials said highlight at the biggest religious congregation a video brochure in sign language. “So far over 100 warned residents, especially those living in Lok Sabha seat. “The Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd about 500 personnel have been deployed to in the world. “Millions of people assembled at tourism centres have been equipped with disabled- Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad and Kozhikode is a milestone in India-Russia co-operation. The search for the troopers. A lot of fresh snow had Kumbh over the past two months and everyone friendly facilities. It’s the objective of the Tourism districts — the worst hit districts — to be careful latest series of the iconic Kalashnikov rifles will accumulated at the avalanche site, 350km from was impressed by the cleanliness and hygiene Directorate to make all tourism centres disabled- as temperatures could go up by even eight be made in the Korwa Ordnance Factory,” an the state capital, and fresh snow has made treks that you all ensured,” the minister said. friendly,” said Surendran. The facilities include degree Celsius this week. off icial statement in New Delhi said. treacherous. ramps, wheel-chairs and toilets.

Court to mull plea Anger over ‘forced’ pilot to recall its Rafale video amid more deaths judgment AFP IANS New Delhi New Delhi

furious backlash erupted yester- he Supreme Court is likely day in India over a video of an In- to hear, on March 6, the Adian pilot shot down by Pakistan Tpetitions seeking a re- praising his captors, as deadly tensions call and review of its judgment simmered between the neighbours with giving a clean chit to the Modi fi erce shelling across their Kashmir government on acquiring 36 Ra- frontier. fale jet fi ghters in a ready-to-fl y Wing Commander Abhinandan Var- condition from French company thaman, whose MiG fi ghter was shot Dassault Aviation. down last Wednesday over disputed The top court had, on December Kashmir, crossed over at the Wagah 14, 2018, dismissed four petitions frontier late Friday several hours after seeking a court-monitored probe the scheduled time. into the purchase of the jet fi ght- His capture had become the centre- ers, saying the decision-making piece of hostilities between the arch-ri- process was not in doubt and that vals after a February 14 suicide bombing it cannot go into the question of in Kashmir killed 40 Indian paramili- pricing and the choice of off set taries. Indian partner by Dassault. Abhinandan, who ejected to safety The plea for the recall of but was set upon by a crowd on the Pa- the judgment has been fi led kistani side of the Kashmir ceasefi re by former fi nance minister line, had a noticeable black eye and was Yashwant Sinha, journalist- immediately taken for a medical check- turned-politician Arun Shourie up before a debriefi ng by military and and activist-lawyer Prashant intelligence agencies. Bhushan, who had fi led the orig- Media reports said Abhinandan’s re- inal petitions, and others. turn to India had been held up because The bench of Chief Justice the pilot was forced to make the video Ranjan Gogoi, Justice San- before getting his freedom. jay Kishan Kaul and Justice K In the heavily edited video distribut- M Joseph had on February 26 ed by the Pakistani military just before decided to hold an open court his release, he praised the professional- hearing of the pleas seeking the ism of the Pakistani army and criticised recall of its judgment on several Indian media for creating war hysteria. grounds, including information “The army personnel saved me from that has come into public do- the mob. The Pakistani army is very main after its pronouncement. professional and I am impressed by it,” The petitions by Sinha, Shou- he said. rie, Bhushan, as well as advocate Omar Abdullah, a former chief min- Paramilitary troopers take part in the wreath laying ceremony of two slain paramilitary colleagues at the Central Reserve Police Force headquarters in Srinagar Manohar Lal Sharma and Aam ister of Jammu and Kashmir state, said yesterday following a gunfight at Babagund village of Handwara in Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Admi Party lawmaker Sanjay the video tainted Pakistan’s gesture to Singh are listed for open court return the pilot so quickly. “There is no peace without dignity Mehmood Qureshi said the country had Abhinandan was captured a day after At least 12 civilians have been killed hearing on March 6 before the “Sadly the image you paint for us is and Pakistan just forgot that basic les- acted with prudence in releasing the pi- Indian planes bombed what New Delhi on either side of the frontier since the bench of CJI Gogoi, Justice Kaul marred terribly by the video he’s forced son in violation of Geneva convention,” lot. said was a militant camp in Pakistan, start of the week, including a mother and Justice Joseph. to record just before you sent him back,” wrote Rajdeep Sardesai, a top editor “There was no pressure on Pakistan in retaliation for the Kashmir suicide and her two children whose house was The bench, in its order on Abdullah said on Twitter. “That high with the India Today group. to release him nor any compulsion,” he bombing claimed by a Pakistan-based pulverised by a mortar shell on the In- February 26, had said: “List moral ground you had bequeathed to India’s feverish social media also told BBC Urdu. militant group. dian side on Friday. the matters for hearing in open yourselves slipped at the end.” slammed the video, which was tweeted “We wanted to convey to them that The end of the air raids did not stop Five Indian security personnel were court along with a plea for the Indian media slammed the video as by the Pakistan government but later we do not want to increase your sorrow, more violence raging in Kashmir, with killed Friday in a gunfi ght after troops initiation of perjury proceedings “distasteful” and said it breached inter- taken off its offi cial account. we do not want to mistreat your citi- both sides fi ring mortars and artillery laid siege to a house where militants against offi cials allegedly for national norms for prisoners of war. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah zens, we just want peace.” over the frontier yesterday. were hiding in Handwara district. misleading the court and sup- pressing the information.” The plea for perjury proceed- ings against offi cials who had al- legedly misled the court by giving false evidence and suppressing Patnaik seeks Odisha Top court’s guidelines sought to curb fake news information has been moved by Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan, who had sought direction for identifi - rail reorganisation IANS cation of such offi cials. New Delhi The three had on January 2 had sought a recall of the verdict, con- IANS tending that the court had “relied Bhubneswar he Supreme Court has been upon patently incorrect claims moved seeking direction to made by the government in an un- Tthe Centre to frame guidelines signed note given in a sealed cover”. disha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday and to put in place a statutory regime urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the reor- for curbing fake news and punishing Oganisation of railways in Odisha after the federal those responsible for authoring and Kochhars, Dhoot government created a separate zone for Andhra Pradesh. circulating them. The Railway Ministry has announced bifurcation of The petitioner Anuja Kapur has questioned by ED Bhubaneswar-headquartered East Coast Railway (ECoR) contended that the unrestricted cir- to create South Coast Railway (SCoR) to be headquartered culation of fake news on the social he Enforcement Directo- at Visakhapatnam. media leads to crime against human- rate (ED) yesterday ques- “As the government of India has created the SCoR con- ity and violation of citizens’ right to Ttioned former ICICI Bank sidering the geographical area of the state, the similar de- fair and factual news and reports. CEO Chanda Kochhar, her hus- mand of Odisha may be considered,” the chief minister The petition has listed 12 crimes band Deepak Kochhar and Vide- wrote to the prime minister. that include mob lynching, com- ocon Group promoter Venugopal He also sought the prime minister’s intervention to de- munal riots, breach of peace, tran- Dhoot in Mumbai in connection clare two new Railway divisions at Rourkela and Jajpur to quillity and public order, unlawful with an ongoing probe into the unify railways in Odisha under one administrative zonal assembly, mass hysteria, mob vio- alleged irregularities and cor- headquarters of ECoR, Bhubaneswar. lence, abetment to murder, sedition, rupt practices in sanctioning a “Till such time, I would request in the interest of the infl uencing of elections and criminal Rs1.8bn loan by the bank to Vid- people of Odisha, not to operationalise the declared SCoR conspiracy that at times take place eocon Group. at Visakhapatnam, which has been done without consul- due to fake news. The agency questioned them tation with Odisha,” said Patnaik. Kapur has contended that there at its offi ce after the Kochhars Patnaik further said he had been demanding reorgani- are no set laws that curb and pun- and Dhoot deposed before the sation of railways in Odisha with three new divisions. ish the author of fake news including investigators, following sum- Presently, about 70% of Odisha is under the ECoR’s ju- those promoting it on social media mons issued to them. risdiction. platforms. Chanda Kochhar and her hus- An effi cient and strong rail network with a single ad- “There is no accountability, li- band appeared before the inves- ministrative structure within the state is necessary to ability and responsibility to restrict tigators at around 11am while maintain the impetus of growth, he added. or counter fake news by organising Dhoot reached at around 2pm. Odisha has huge reserves of most major minerals, like press conferences or putting it on Chanda Kochhar was allowed coal, iron ore, bauxite and manganese ore. the offi cial website of the concerned to leave after over half-an-hour “Currently, major minerals like iron ore and coal are un- authorities for the general public to of questioning, while Deepak der zonal railways outside of Odisha. My government has be aware of the facts,” the petitioner Kochhar and Dhoot were quizzed also come forward to invest to bridge the funds gap in rail has contended, seeking to saddle till late night. infrastructure,” he said. the government and concerned au- The ED recorded their state- “The commitment of my government to rail projects thorities to counter fake news by ments and confronted them stands in excess of Rs50bn, signifying our focus and pri- making people aware of the factual Women demonstrators shouts slogans during an Artists Unite parade in Mumbai yesterday against with documents the agency has ority to this sector,” said Patnaik. position. politics of hate, division and exclusion. seized, an offi cial said. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, March 3, 2019 PAKISTAN Two soldiers among four PM to name dead in gunfi re at border

DPA Islamabad new fi nance t least four people, in- cluding two soldiers, Awere killed after heavy exchanges of gunfi re along the border in the Kashmir re- gion, the Pakistani army said yesterday. Two Pakistani soldiers died secretary after being fi red upon by In- dian troops in Kashmir, In- Internews Four top bureaucrats of experience in Public Admin- ter-Services Public Relations Islamabad including Younas Dagha, istration, he had served the fed- (ISPR), military’s media wing, Noor Ahmed, Mohammed eral and provincial governments said. Jehanzeb Khan and Umar in various positions. The statement said that akistan’s Ministry of Fi- Hameed are the major Before joining fi nance divi- Indian troops fi red along the nance’s secretary Arif contenders for the position sion, he had served as secre- Line of Control (LoC), a de PAhmed Khan will retire tary at Economic Aff airs Divi- facto border that divides the this month and four top bureau- hanzeb Khan is also strong con- sion, secretary at Interior and disputed Kashmir region into crats including Younas Dagha, tender but the premier might not secretary at Climate Change. two parts, one administered Noor Ahmed, Mohammed Je- like replacing him from the slot Khan had served as additional by India and the other by Kashmiris carry the coff in of a civilian, who was killed in a gunfight between Indian and Pakistan troops hanzeb Khan and Umar Hameed just a few months ahead of the chief secretary, Planning and Pakistan. on the Line of Control (LoC), at a funeral ceremony on the outskirts of Muzaff arabad, the capital of are the major contenders for this completion of ongoing fi nancial Development Department, “India deliberately targeted Pakistan-administered Kashmir, yesterday. key position. year. government of Sindh. civil population,” the ISPR said. Commerce secretary Younas Although, the FBR is fac- He was fi nance secretary for Multiple ceasefi re viola- Kashmir, the army said heavy a peace gesture to help calm claimed to have struck an al- Dagha is on the top of list and ing revenue shortfall but the the government of Sindh dur- tions have been reported in the Indian fi ring killed two civilians tensions. leged training camp of Jaish- Prime Minister Imran Khan is all incumbent FBR chairman ing 2012-13. Prior to that, he border region after tensions in Tatta Pani and Jandrot sec- The pilot was shot down e-Mohammed militant group set to take decision in this regard has set the stage where seri- remained home secretary to the between the nuclear-armed tors. Another two people were on Wednesday during air in Pakistan, in retaliation for in third week of March. Noor ous reforms could kick-start government of Sindh for three neighbours escalated this week, wounded. combat between air forces a suicide attack that killed 40 Ahmed, who is currently servic- under his leadership having and a half years. stoking fears of a full-blown The border clashes came of the countries and later paramilitary soldiers in Indi- ing as Economic Aff airs Division far reaching impact on the He also had the opportunity confl ict. hours after Pakistani authori- captured. an-administered Kashmir on (EAD) secretary, is another po- overall performance of the tax of serving as Consul General and In Pakistan-administered ties released an Indian pilot as A day earlier, India’s air force February 14. tential candidate for this top slot. machinery. Trade Commissioner of Paki- “Finance secretary Arif Finance Minister Asad Umar stan in Montreal, Canada and as Ahmed Khan is going to retire on will play a key role in selection programme coordinator for In- March 21, after reaching the age of new fi nance secretary. The ternational Trade Centre (ITC), of superannuation after which strong-headed fi nance secre- Geneva. the government will appoint tary is crucial for delivering on In between he was director Pakistanis sign petition seeking new fi nance secretary at a time economic front under the IMF general for the Export Promo- when the PTI-led government programme, said the offi cial tion Bureau (now Trade Devel- might be negotiating fresh bail- sources. opment Authority of Pakistan) out package with the IMF around Arif Ahmed Khan assumed in 2004-2005. In the initial years Nobel Peace Prize for Imran Khan the upcoming budget 2019-20,” charge of the post of secretary, of his service he served as deputy offi cial sources said. fi nance division on January 10, commissioner in three districts AFP have alarmed the international Two similarly-worded cam- to peace in the region. FBR chairman Mohammed Je- 2018. A civil servant with 35 years of Sindh. Islamabad community. paigns on the change.org plat- “Imran Khan played a sa- Tensions have soared since form launched by users in the gacious role in de-escalating a suicide bombing in Kashmir UK and Pakistan called for Im- tension between Pakistan and ore than 300,000 peo- last month claimed by Paki- ran Khan to be nominated for India,” the resolution said. ple have signed online stan-based militants killed 40 next year’s prize “for his peace In his speech announcing Mpetitions calling for Indian paramilitaries. eff orts and dialogues in the Abhinandan’s release, Khan E-fi ling to cut pension delays Pakistan Prime Minister Imran The hashtag #NobelPeace- Asian region on diverse con- referred to the catastrophic Khan to receive a Nobel Peace ForImranKhan began trending fl icts”. consequences of nuclear war Prize after he freed an Indian on Twitter on Thursday after They have gained more than as he called for talks with Internews eral government to complete He said that ideally retired pilot in a bid to defuse tensions Khan unexpectedly announced 240,000 and 60,000 digital New Delhi. Islamabad all cases of pension within a employees should be given with his country’s arch-rival that the captured pilot would signatures respectively. Thousands of people around month and start the e-fi ling of pension cheques on the day neighbour. be released as a “peace gesture”. Pakistan’s Information Min- the world are allowed to make the pension. after retirement. For this, he The capture of Wing Com- Abhinandan - whose MiG ister Fawad Chaudhry yester- nominations for the Peace akistan’s Federal Om- Addressing a high-level meet- said that the retried employ- mander Abhinandan Vartha- fi ghter was shot down a day ear- day also submitted a resolution Prize, including members of budsman Syed Tahir ing, he said that pensioners ees’ documents will have to man had become the focus of lier as he chased Pakistani jets in the country’s parliament parliament and government PShehbaz has directed faced many issues, with timely be processed 15 months before renewed hostilities between over disputed Kashmir - was re- demanding Khan be given the ministers, former laureates and all the institutions of the fed- disbursement the biggest issue. retirement. the nuclear-armed rivals which turned to India late Friday. award for his contribution some university professors.

Pakistan receives Snowfall in Quetta body of citizen Islamabad killed in Indian jail Pakistani authorities have received the body of a citizen killed in an Indian jail amid growing tensions between the off ers to host countries, local media reported. “India had failed to protect the Pakistani prisoner,” Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qurehsi told press conference in eastern OIC session city of Lahore. Shakir Ullah was allegedly stoned to death by inmates of Jaipur central jail on February 20. Pakistan has formally lodged in 2021 a complaint with the Indian government. Internews “As we remain Indian authorities handed over Islamabad committed to charter of the body of the Pakistani prisoner objectivity of the OIC I at Wagha border, a day after wholeheartedly invite Pakistan released an Indian pilot akistan delegation head you all to the beautiful as a peace gesture to help calm and ambassador to Saudi capital of our homeland, tensions. (DPA) PArabia, Raja Ali Ejaz, has Islamabad” off ered to host the 48th session of the OIC of foreign ministers participants that Pakistan can Court to take up in Islamabad in 2021. address the formidable chal- The Pakistan envoy was ad- lenges of today and tomorrow Musharraf treason dressing the closed working for unity, peace, progress and case on March 7 session of the Organisation of prosperity of our peoples. Islamic Co-operation’s (OIC) In the opening and second Commuters drive their vehicles on a road during heavy snowfall in Quetta. The Supreme Court of Pakistan Council of Foreign Ministers session of the conference, Pa- has fixed a contempt petition (CFM) in Abu Dhabi. During kistan as the representative of for not initiating high treason the closed working sessions, the Asian group, had to ad- proceedings against former all the member states of the dress in the opening session of president General (retd) Pervez OIC are allowed to record their the conference but it couldn’t Musharraf for abrogating statements. deliver speech as the Pakistan the Constitution by imposing “As we remain committed Foreign Minister Shah Meh- China may grand funds to digitise emergency and PCO on to charter of objectivity of the mood Qureshi boycotted the November 3, 2007. OIC I wholeheartedly invite conference. So, Afghanistan’s A three-judge bench, headed you all to the beautiful capital Foreign Minister Salahuddin by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif of our homeland, Islamabad,” Rabbani delivered the speech schools in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Saeed Khosa, has fixed a six- Ejaz said. as representative of the Asian year-old contempt petition filed Although, Pakistan delega- group. by lawyer Sheikh Ahsanuddin tion didn’t attend the opening Ejaz was also reluctant to Internews lishing the school curriculum it was decided that due to the government will implement the for initiation of contempt of plenary session and boycotted speak with media while term- Peshawar on the modern lines. KP quality education, Chinese project in rest of the schools. court proceedings against the the inauguration of the 46th ing the border-situation as The Chinese government government would start from All the higher and higher then PML-N government for not session of the OIC’s Council “very tense”. showing interest in the project here and all the burden of the secondary for male and female registering a high treason case of Foreign Ministers (CFM) While, Saudi Arabia rep- he Chinese government announced allocating Rs6bn project would borne by Chinese have to adopt such system for under Article 6 of the Constitution due to Indian Foreign Minister resented the Arab group of has decided to allocate for the project titled “learning government. the enhancing the quality edu- against Musharraf. Sushma Swaraj’s presence in the OIC and Republic of Ga- TRs6bn ($434,780) for management system”. To initiate the process a cation across the province, The bench will take up the matter the gathering. bon represented the African digitalising the curriculum of Under the new reforms cur- 13-member delegation under which would play a vital role in on March 7. But, the delegation attend- group. The foreign ministers the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) riculum at the higher sections CIECC Director General Senior the education sector. The treason case was started in ed the rest of the sessions at of both the countries delivered province of Pakistan’s high- would be digitalised, and the Engineer Prof Lu Zhenli would The provincial government November 2013 months after the the event after the address of the speeches on the challenges er education schools, said a teaching methodology would come to Peshawar to meet edu- from 2013 to 2018 worked to PML-N’s government came to the Indian foreign minister of their regions. notifi cation. be based on modern lines. cation ministry offi cials and also overhaul the education system power. and her departure from the Yesterday, the joint press The KP government is keen to The Chinese government inaugurate the project at a Govt in the province through a host Even the Supreme Court, led main hall. Pakistan’s seating conference by the chair of the take help from Chinese govern- has shown interest to bring re- Girls Higher Secondary School. of measures. Primary amongst by incumbent CJP Khosa, had arrangements were kept be- 46th session of the Council of ment in bringing reforms in the forms in the education sector The project would be of them was a higher allocation directed to conclude the trial tween the delegation of Iran Foreign Ministers and the OIC curriculum of its schools at the across the country, have in- three phases, in which the se- of money for the sector and expeditiously. However, the trial and Bahrain in the conference. secretary-general will be held senior level and provincial gov- vited the representatives of the lected schools will be digital- then to not only sustain it but could not be concluded in the last During the closed work- where “Abu Dhabi Declara- ernment is serious in bringing education departments from ised, while on completion and to eff ectively double it over the six years due to several ing session, Ejaz assured the tion” would be announced. revolution reforms and estab- the four provinces, in which making them success story the course of its tenure. reasons. (Internews) Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Measles and Go lauds extension of claims for victims of martial law

Manila Times legitimate claimants out of Manila more than 75,000 applicants dengue cases as of May 11, 2018 and resolved 6,737 appeals as of May 6, spiring senator Christo- 2018. pher Lawrence “Bong” As of June 28, 2018, how- AGo has lauded President ever, the HRVCB account with Rodrigo Duterte for extending the Land Bank of the Philip- the release of funds for victims pines reported a balance of increase in of human rights violation dur- P792.628mn, which can only ing martial law years to Dec 31, be maintained until Aug 11, 2019. 2018, after which the balance Go issued the comment after will revert to the Bureau of Duterte approved Senate Joint Treasury. Resolution 13 and House Joint Congress adopted the joint Resolution 26, which meant to resolutions after several rela- Cordillera ensure payment of compensa- tives of claimants complained tion to qualifi ed victims of hu- they were not able to encash By Dexter A See more males or 53% were aff ect- the right kind of food, having the man rights violation. the cheques even with the is- Manila Times ed. right exercise and the right atti- “It’s only right that after a suance of Special Powers of It added that 85 or 89% of tude toward dealing with what- long time, human rights vic- Attorney. Many of the claim- the total cases were vaccinated, ever situation to protect them tims are given the appropriate ants were concerned they ealth authorities in the while 111 or 54% of the reported from acquiring the dreaded viral compensation. Many of them would not be able to get their Cordillera Region re- cases were not vaccinated, and infection. or those they have left behind money until Aug 11, 2018. Hported that measles and 11 or 5% of the cases were un- Dengue fever is caused by any have yet to claim or receive their In running for the Senate, dengue cases drastically in- known. of the four zero types of dengue compensation, so this is the op- Go vowed to support the pro- creased during the fi rst seven The health department ex- viruses wherein all strains were portunity for them to do so,” Go grammes and policies of the weeks of 2019. plained that there were 65 labo- present in the Cordillera. said. Duterte administration, par- The Cordillera offi ce of the ratory confi rmed measles cases, Health experts warned that The former top aide of Presi- ticularly those meant to help Department of Health (DoH- with 27 or 41% were female and dengue cases might reach wide- dent Duterte said this showed the unfortunate. CAR) reported a whopping 38 or 58% male, and most cases spread proportions if preven- that the chief executive truly His legislative agenda in- 904% increase of measles cases have ages less than nine months tive measures or control are not had the heart for victims of hu- clude programmes for health, compared to the same period last old, or about 23%.Also called adopted. man rights violations. agriculture, anti-illegal drugs year, while it recorded a 71% rise rubeola, measles can be serious Among the symptoms of den- Republic Act (RA) 10368, or and criminality, education, in dengue. and even fatal for small children. gue fever are sudden high fever, the “Human Rights Victims housing, long-term sports de- It said 211 measles cases were While death rates have been severe headaches, pain behind Reparation and Recognition velopment, anti-corruption, reported regionwide, as against falling worldwide as more chil- the eyes, serve joint and muscle Act of 2013” allocated P10bn Go: hailing plan for fund release localised peace talks, fire pro- the 21 cases for the same period dren given the measles vaccine, pains, fatigue, nausea, vomit- plus interest from the so-called tection and prevention, baran- in 2018. the disease still killed more than ing and skin rash, which appears Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth as (HRVCB) two years from the In April 2016, Congress ex- gay (village) welfare, creation Baguio City recorded the 100,000 people a year, most un- two to fi ve days after the onset of compensation for human rights eff ectivity of the implementing tended the deadline from May of a Department of overseas highest number of measles cases der the age of fi ve. fever. victims. rules and regulations to com- 12, 2014 to May 12, 2018 through Filipino workers and increased with 119, Benguet with 60, Abra Meanwhile, some 957 dengue Health offi cials noted that the The law gave the Human plete the distribution of the RA 10766. benefits and support for sen- with 12, Apayao with eight, Ifu- fever cases were reported since symptoms were sometimes mild Rights Victims Claims Board compensation. HRVCB approved 11,103 ior citizens. gao and Mountain Province with January this year compared to and could be mistaken for fl u or fi ve cases each and Kalinga with 560 cases regionwide during the another viral infection. two cases. same period last year. Younger children who never But health experts claimed At least three reported den- had the infection before tend there were no measles-related gue-related deaths were record- to have milder cases than older deaths reported in the region ed in Cordillera. children and adults, but serious during the reckoning periods. The DoH-CAR offi cials noted problems can develop. Telecom authority plans Last year, Apayao and Ifugao the clustering of dengue cases These include dengue haem- recorded the highest number in some municipalities in Abra, orrhagic fever, a rare complica- of measles with fi ve cases each, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Ka- tion characterised by high fever, Baguio with four, Benguet with linga, as well as the Mountain damage to lymph and blood ves- three and Abra and Kalinga with Province, which exceeded the sels, bleeding from the nose and action against online contest one case each. reported epidemic threshold gums, enlargement of the liver, According to the health offi - that caused alarm among health and failure of the circulatory cials, the age range of those who personnel in the said areas. system. By Javier J Ismael Investigation and Co-ordinating Center these reports, I strongly encourage my fel- contracted measles was from Health offi cials advised the The symptoms may progress Manila Times created under Republic Act 10175 or the low parents to monitor what our children one month to 39 years old, with people to ensure that their im- to massive bleeding, shock and “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012,” are watching on diff erent social media plat- a median of four years wherein mune system is strong by eating death. were also invited. “Momo” allegedly led an forms and always communicate with them he National Telecommunications 11-year-old to commit suicide through on- to avoid any harm that may be infl icted on Commission (NTC) has called for a line dares and threats. them as a result of potentially dangerous Tmeeting to immediately address the The NTC can direct Internet service online content, she said. “May this serve so-called Momo Challenge, a viral online providers to block websites being used to as an urgent reminder to us parents to du- suicide challenge targeting children and perpetuate harmful content, as well as the tifully supervise our children’s online ac- adolescents. commission of cyber crime like online har- tivities and ensure that they are aware of the Water rates to fall in April The NTC invited representatives from assment. dangers of not being discriminating in what agency members of the Committee for the The DICT was urged to confi rm the au- they view or read online,” she added. Special Protection of Children to the meet- thenticity of reports of a Momo Challenge The senator urged parents to set up con- By Jordeene B Lagare and losses from the payment of concession loans ing. trend online urging children to commit trols for diff erent online devices at home to Manila Times and foreign currency denominated debts. Among those invited were offi cials from harmful acts. regulate what children could watch and to It is adjusted quarterly. the Department of Justice, the Department Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the chairman of the check the validity of viral scare stories be- Meanwhile, Ty said the MWSS-Regulatory Of- of Social Welfare and Development, and the Senate Committee on Women, Children, fore sharing them online so as not to pro- ustomers of Manila Water Co Inc and May- fi ce (MWSS-RO) would start scrutinising the ex- Philippine National Police. Family Relations and Gender Equality, at mote hoaxes. “This is a wake-up call for all nilad Water Services Inc can look forward to penses incurred by the two water companies in Representatives from the Department of the same time advised parents to monitor of us to be diligent about the information Clower rates in April. June or July this year. Information and Communications Tech- what their children were watching online. our people, especially children, consume Patrick Lester Ty, chief regulator at the Metro- Processes involved in the inspection of their fi - nology, the chairman of the Cybercrime “Even as we determine the veracity of online,” she said. politan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), nancial books include the evaluation of the fi rms said the board of trustees approved a tariff reduc- historical (actual) cash fl ows. tion of 31 centavos per-cubic metre (cu.m.) for Ma- This would be the fi rst time that the MWSS-RO nila Water and P0.07 p-cm. for Maynilad. conduct the regulatory fi nancial audit which is For Manila Water customers, households that usually done every fi ve years, as stipulated in the consume 10 cu.m. or less will see a decrease of P1.21 concession agreements of the agency with Manila Chinese embassy denies ‘tit-for-tat’ policy in their monthly bill. Water and Maynilad. Those consuming 20 cu.m. will have a P2.69 de- Section 13.2 of the agreement states that books crease, while those consuming 30 cu.m. will have a and records of the concessionaires can be audited By Bernadette E Tamayo Salvador Panelo that China agencies would continue to eign countries, including the P5.49 decrease. on an interim basis either by the agency or inde- Manila Times would be forced to adopt a “tit- properly handle relevant issues Philippines, it added. The em- For Maynilad customers, households that con- pendent auditor. for-tat” approach if the Philip- concerning foreigners working bassy also said China hopes that sume 10 cu.m. or less will have a 20-centavo de- “They have already signalled their co-operation. pine government deports illegal illegally in China in accordance the Philippine law enforcement crease, 75 centavos for those consuming 20 cu.m. They will co-operate with us in the fi nancial audit,” he Chinese embassy in Chinese workers. with laws and regulations the agencies would continue to deal and P1.54 for those who consume 30 cu.m. Ty told reporters. Manila has clarifi ed that The Chinese embassy said it embassy said in a statement. with relevant issues in accord- Ty said the foreign currency diff erential ad- The MWSS-RO is planning to publish this month TChina adheres to the did not say that Beijing would China respects the laws and ance with the laws and regula- justment (FCDA) for Manila Water and Mayni- its invitation to bid to commission an independent principle of non-interference in adopt a “tit-for-tat” approach regulations of the Philippines tions in a professional manner. lad dropped to 23 centavos per cu.m. and 0.05 per entity to delve into the fi nancial books of Manila other countries internal aff airs. should the Philippine govern- regarding employment of for- It added that the Chinese cu.m. for the second quarter of the year. Water and Maynilad. The embassy issued the ment deport the Chinese found eign nationals in the country, government always reminded FCDA is a tariff mechanism accorded to utility Ty said he was hoping to conduct the fi nancial clarifi cation in reaction to the working illegally in the country. and holds that Chinese should the Chinese to observe Philip- companies to address the foreign exchange gains audit annually until his term ends in 2022. statement of Palace spokesman Chinese law enforcement not stay or work illegally in for- pine laws and regulations. Metro agency warns on traffi c jams after yover fl closure

By Neil Jayson Servallos turo Garcia Jr, Metropolitan Aff ected motorists will be the construction of a 23-kilo- Manila Times Manila Development Authority diverted to a temporary U-turn metre railway system, which (MMDA) general manager, said. slot 700 metres away from the will come with 14 stations from Garcia said about 100,000 Tandang Sora intersection, North Avenue in Quezon City otorists and commut- motorists who traverse Com- which would be fi nished three to the City of San Jose del Mon- ers should prepare for monwealth Avenue daily would months after the closures. te in Bulacan. Mmonstrous traffi c jams be heavily aff ected by the clo- In the meantime, Nebrija The MMDA also warned of in Quezon City as the two-year sure of the fl yover. said aff ected motorists would heavy traffi c in other parts of closure of the Tandang Sora EEI Corp, the private con- be diverted to a temporary U- Metro Manila as several roads fl yover began yesterday to make tractor responsible for the turn slot around 500 metres would undergo repairs starting way for the construction of the MRT 7 construction, said the away from the Tandang Sora 11pm later yesterday until to- Tandang Sora station of the demolition of the Tandang Sora intersection. morrow morning. Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 7. fl yover would start on the third Vehicles coming from The warning stemmed from The four-lane Tandang Sora week of March. Katipunan Avenue should turn an advisory of the Department fl yover and intersection along It is among the three sta- right on Commonwealth Av- of Public Works and Highways Commonwealth Avenue will tions targeted by the Depart- enue (Fairview bound) and take (DPWH) that the southbound be closed for the construction ment of Transportation to be the U-turn slot near the Home lanes of C-5 Road after Lanuza of an elevated guideway and a completed fi rst to allow partial Depot and then turn right again Avenue and in front of SM Aura pocket track for the MRT 7. operations. to Tandang Sora Avenue. would undergo reblocking for “This closure will run MMDA Command Centre For those coming from Tan- the third straight week. straight until 2020. chief Edison Nebrija said mo- dang Sora, they should turn The MMDA advised motor- We need to close these (fl yo- torists in Fairview, Batasan, right on Commonwealth and ists to avoid the areas fl agged ver and intersection) because Katipunan and Elliptical Road take the U-turn slot near Mi- by the DPWH and use alternate they will only cause heavier would also be experiencing crotel and then turn right again routes instead, until all aff ected traffi c and may hinder the MRT bumper-to-bumper traffi c, es- to Katipunan. roads would be fully passable station construction,” Jose Ar- pecially during rush hours. The MRT 7 project involves by 5am tomorrow. Heavy traff ic is seen along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, March 3, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Disparity between health spending and community benefi ts

Countries are spending more on health, but people are still paying too much out of their own pockets to keep well, shows a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) According to WHO, the spending on health is growing faster than the rest of the global economy, accounting for 10% of global gross domestic product (GDP). A new WHO report on global health expenditure reveals a swift upward trajectory of global health spending, which is particularly noticeable in low- and middle-income countries where health spending is growing on average 6% annually compared with 4% in high-income countries. How to avoid a At the same time, the world still sees the outbreak of contagious diseases such as measles, which have taken the lives of some 26 people in The Philippines alone. Health spending is made up of government expenditure, out-of-pocket payments (people paying for their own care), and sources such as voluntary health insurance, employer- war in Venezuela provided health programmes, and activities by non- governmental organisations. Governments provide an average of 51% of a country’s By Jeffrey D. Sachs and Francisco of Venezuela’s opposition have begun a well-armed military of more than Both sides would agree to a timeline health spending, while more than 35% of health spending per Rodríguez seriously considering military action. 100,000 soldiers. Of course, the US for a national election in 2020, and New York Echoing language recently used in could defeat the Venezuelan army, but to an internationally supervised country comes from out-of-pocket expenses, WHO noted. a speech by Trump, Guaidó wrote one need not be blind to the atrocities demilitarization of daily life, with a One consequence of this is that nearly 100mn people are that he would formally request the of authoritarian regimes to understand restoration of civil and political rights pushed into extreme poverty each year. ne month after Juan Guaidó, international community to “keep all that, as has happened repeatedly in US and physical security in the country. The report highlights a the speaker of Venezuela’s options open.” Similarly, Republican wars in the Middle East, attempts to The United Nations Security Council trend of increasing domestic National Assembly, said Senator Marco Rubio, who has acted overthrow such regimes often end in should oversee such a solution. “Increased public funding for health in Ohe was assuming the as a self-appointed guru for Trump catastrophe. Chapter VII of the UN Charter gives Even without military intervention, the Security Council the mandate to low- and middle-income powers of the Venezuelan presidency, on Venezuela, warned on Twitter that domestic currently held by Nicolás Maduro, the Maduro’s actions had opened the door US sanctions policies, if sustained, are “determine the existence of any threat countries and declining country’s political crisis remains far to “multilateral actions not on the bound to create a famine. By cutting to the peace, breach of the peace, or spending is external funding in middle- from over. Tensions have escalated table just 24 hours ago.” off Venezuela’s oil trade with the US act of aggression” and to take actions income countries. Reliance to the point that a full-blown civil Actually, these ideas appear to and threatening to sanction non-US to “restore international peace and essential for on out-of-pocket expenses war – a seemingly implausible have been on Trump’s mind for some fi rms that do business with Venezuela’s security.” The Security Council is also is declining around the scenario just weeks ago – is now time. As former acting FBI director state-owned oil company, the Trump the right venue pragmatically, as the achieving becoming increasingly possible. At Andrew G McCabe revealed recently administration has created one of the US, China, and Russia all have fi nancial world, albeit slowly. least four people died and hundreds in his book The Threat, Trump said in most punitive economic sanctions and political interests in fi nding a universal health “Increased domestic were injured in violent clashes at a 2017 meeting that he thought the US regimes in recent history. But rather peaceful solution in Venezuela. All three spending is essential for Venezuela’s borders recently as should be going to war with Venezuela. than provoking a coup, economically countries could readily agree to a path coverage” achieving universal health government forces opened fire on an McCabe quotes Trump as saying: isolating a country that essentially to elections in 2020. Encouragingly, coverage and the health- attempt by the opposition to bring aid “They have all that oil and they’re feeds itself with its oil export revenues Pope Francis and the governments of related Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr Tedros convoys into the country. right on our back door.” The comments could lead to mass hunger instead. Mexico and Uruguay have also off ered The Maduro regime is authoritarian, echo Trump’s 2011 statement that Venezuela’s neighbours and world to help facilitate mediation to fi nd a Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But health militarised, and ready to kill civilians to Obama let himself get “ripped off ” by leaders must put aside the US military peaceful way forward. spending is not a cost; it’s an investment in poverty reduction, maintain power. The society is bitterly not demanding half of Libya’s oil in option. Venezuela needs mediation Trump and other US leaders say jobs, productivity, inclusive economic growth, and healthier, divided between the revolutionaries exchange for US help in overthrowing leading to new elections, not war. It that the time for negotiation has safer, fairer societies.” inspired by Hugo Chávez, Maduro’s dictator Muammar Gaddafi . also needs an urgent, interim period passed. They believe in a short, quick In middle-income countries, government health predecessor, and a large and aggrieved US military interventions are not of political truce in 2019 to end the war if necessary. World leaders – and expenditure per capita has doubled since the year 2000, WHO opposition. Each side despises the driven only by economic and business devastating hyperinflation, restore those in Latin American countries other. The question is therefore a interests. Being tough on Maduro is flows of foodstuffs and medicines, first and foremost – should open points out. complex and practical one: what to also highly popular with many Cuban- and reconstitute the electoral rolls their eyes to the risks of a devastating On average, governments spend $60 per person on health in do to help guide Venezuela away from American and Venezuelan-American and institutions for a peaceful and war, one that could last for years and lower-middle income countries and close to $270 per person civil war and toward a peaceful and voters in Rubio’s home state of Florida, credible election in 2020. spread widely. - Project Syndicate in upper-middle income countries. democratic future? which will be a key battleground in the A pragmatic approach might “When government spending on health increases, people On this great challenge, US President 2020 presidential election. involve the current government z Jeffrey Sachs is University Donald Trump’s administration has Advocates of US military intervention continuing to control the army, while Professor at Columbia University. are less likely to fall into poverty seeking health services. But gravely miscalculated. When the United regularly cite the cases of Panama technocrats backed by the opposition Francisco Rodríguez, Chief Economist government spending only reduces inequities in access when States chose to recognise Guaidó as and Grenada as precedents for rapid take control over finances, the central at Torino Economics, served as adviser allocations are carefully planned to ensure that the entire Venezuela’s president – along with US-led regime change. Yet, in contrast bank, planning, humanitarian relief, to former Venezuelan presidential population can obtain primary healthcare,” WHO noted. a group of Latin American countries to those two countries, Venezuela has health services, and foreign affairs. candidate Henri Falcón. In low- and middle-income countries, new data suggest – and ban oil trade with the Maduro that more than half of health spending is devoted to primary government, it was betting that the pressure would be suffi cient to topple healthcare. Yet less than 40% of all spending on primary the regime. As a former senior US healthcare comes from governments. offi cial told the Wall Street Journal, The report also examines the role of external funding. As “they thought it was a 24-hour domestic spending increases, the proportion of funding provided operation.” by external aid has dropped to less than 1% of global health This type of miscalculation expenditure. Almost half of these external funds are devoted to predates the Trump administration. In mid-2011, President Barack Obama three diseases – HIV/Aids, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton While the report clearly illustrates the transition of middle- announced that Syrian President income countries to domestic funding of health systems, Bashar al-Assad must “step aside.” external aid remains essential to many countries, particularly Similarly, in 2003, George W Bush low-income countries. declared “Mission Accomplished” shortly after the US invasion of Iraq. The new WHO report points to ways that policymakers, All of these cases reflect the arrogance health professionals and citizens alike can continue to of a superpower that repeatedly strengthen health systems. overlooks local realities. It is also necessary to ensure that money spent on health reach Maduro’s ability to withstand the targeted groups and benefi ts accrued to society at large. intense US pressure is not a surprise to close observers of Venezuela’s military. The centralised structures To Advertise of command and control of military intelligence, as well as the personal [email protected] interests of senior officers who Display control major chunks of the economy, make it highly unlikely that the army 44466621 44418811 will turn on Maduro. US provocation might create a schism between Classified military commanders and more junior 44466609 44418811 officers, but that would only make the plunge into a bloody civil war Subscription more likely. To date, there have been no defections among high-ranking [email protected] officers with direct control of troops. Faced with the prospect that regime change will not come quickly, the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido gestures as he speaks next to his wife Fabiana © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Trump administration and some parts Rosales (left) outside the San Martin Palace in Buenos Aires on March 1. Gulf Times Sunday, March 3, 2019 23 COMMENT Stock buybacks are the wrong target

By Michael Spence by parking the cash in treasuries, will be willing to make greater Milan thereby recycling capital through an contributions if they are confident inferior channel. that complementary inputs are The practice of recycling capital forthcoming. Income support – of he surge in stock buybacks from low-return uses to other low- the kind that only government can in the United States has return uses – such as through bank provide – is also vital to give people sparked a high-stakes lending to troubled enterprises, in and families the resources, time, and Tdebate about what order to prevent write-downs and security to invest in themselves. corporations can and should do with resolve capital-adequacy issues When it comes to altering the surpluses they have generated. It – emerges in periods of financial wealth distribution, the tax system is is a topic that raises fundamental stress. But it is known to have best suited to the task, assuming that questions about the role of the serious adverse effects on productive a consensus is forged to use it that public and private sectors in securing investment, because it reduces credit way. Many economists (including inclusive growth patterns. support for healthy enterprises with me) believe that a minimum wage of The debate kicked into high gear real growth potential. $15 per hour is a good idea. If there is recently when US Senators Bernie There is, however, a more enough political support, it should Sanders and Chuck Schumer wrote fundamental issue at stake here. be legislated; it should not be slipped an article arguing that corporations Sanders and Schumer seem to want in through the back door. To alter should be investing more in to push publicly traded corporations the distribution of income, the tax employees and the community, and capital markets to move faster system could also be used, along with rather than buying back stock. and more aggressively toward a measures to bolster the bargaining They then declared their intention multi-stakeholder model of corporate power of labour. to introduce legislation that would governance, rather than the long- True, some versions of the multi- prohibit corporations from buying dominant shareholder-value model. stakeholder framework of corporate back their own stock unless they There is much to be said for the governance may enhance labour’s invest in workers first, say, by raising multi-stakeholder model, and some influence and help shift the income their minimum wage to $15 per hour corporations are already moving distribution in the longer term. To be or offering paid sick leave. toward it. But using legislation to effective, however, the model would Sanders and Schumer – and many force the change may turn out to be need to be implemented as part of others – are concerned that surpluses neither practical nor effective. It a voluntary, co-operative, adaptive or rents are being allocated entirely certainly won’t solve the problem learning process. Micromanaging to shareholders, who tend already of wealth inequality. After all, that process would create rigidities to be among the top 10% of income even in a multi-stakeholder in what must be a highly dynamic earners. At a time of rising inequality world, shareholders are among the environment. and stagnant wages, investing more stakeholders. The good news is that in every of that money in lower-earning Achieving inclusive and sustainable sector, people and organisations workers seems a better option than growth patterns will require – including governments – are lavishing more wealth on the wealthy. corporations and the fi nancial sector engaged in co-operative efforts. But Benn Steil and Benjamin Della to align their business models and And there is useful experience in Rocca from the Council on Foreign strategies more closely with broadly a range of developed democracies. Relations have serious reservations shared economic and social objectives. These “coalitions of the willing” about the logic of Sanders and This process will be an exercise in Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, on February 27. are solving practical problems and Schumer’s argument. Based on data creativity. It must begin with values rebuilding a sense of social cohesion. showing that buybacks are larger and clarity of purpose (as BlackRock’s smoothly when business, the fi nancial sabotage such co-operation. By disadvantages of blocking effective But there is a long way to go. Ever- among firms with lower rates of Larry Fink has emphasised), and sector, government, labour, and sending the signal that adverse partnerships that, say, facilitate deepening collaboration, not political return on capital, they concluded proceed via experimentation and the education sector all participate. trends in distribution can be laid skills upgrading in a rapidly shifting antagonism, is what will get us there. that the capital markets are innovation. Multidimensional Indeed, without the engagement of the mostly that the doorstep of the employment landscape. - Project Syndicate functioning properly, because the measures of economic and social business and fi nancial sectors, barriers corporate and financial sectors, this To meet the twin challenges of money being returned to investors progress, which are already being to inclusive, sustainable growth will be approach promotes an adversarial rising wealth and income inequality zMichael Spence, a Nobel eventually ends up in higher-return developed, will go a long way toward diffi cult, if not impossible, to overcome. relationship between government and a rapidly shifting labour market, laureate in economics, is Professor of investments. If the government tries supporting such action. Imposing the multi-stakeholder and business. Whatever the political government must act as a co- Economics at New York University’s to block share buybacks, they argue, International experience strongly model of corporate governance, or advantages of vilifying a particular ordinator of collaborative efforts Stern School of Business and Senior corporations are likely to respond suggests that this process goes most pieces of it, by regulation would sector, they are dwarfed by the and partnerships: participants Fellow at the Hoover Institution.

The impeachment of the American people Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 230c Minimum Temperature : 130c By Jay Ambrose Whatever, the talks collapsed. confi rm that Trump was someone who if special counsel Robert Mueller’s Tribune News Service Let’s turn then to the Washington wouldn’t have had a political chance report lets Trump off the hook on MONDAY drama and how the well-spoken star if luck had not provided as scary an Russian collusion and obstruction of Maximum Temperature : 240c of the show – he spent 10 years wading opponent as Hillary Clinton to make justice. Minimum Temperature : 150c e was a star witness and in scum to suit Trump’s standards him president. Many of his core Whatever happens, one must TUESDAY then some, a former lawyer – had to compete with a long list of supporters still like him because he not yawn about all the egregious Maximum Temperature : 260c for Donald Trump who supporting actors in entertaining the has embraced and delivered on worthy excesses America has been facing, Minimum Temperature : 170c said he started the glory masses. We’re talking, to begin with, goals while too many of his opponents such as debasing the basic principle H Fisherman's forecast hound’s presidential campaign and about Democratic representatives inspire disgust. of attorney-client privilege to set that, if this racist, con man and cheat focused less on questions than When he did get to talk, Cohen told this hearing up or an unjust Justice should lose in 2020, he would never speeches about how great they were, us again how Trump paid a porn star to Department making governance WARNING allow a peaceful transition. One is how unspeakably degenerate Trump shut her mouth. That’s not illegal per harder than usual or the illiberal rise Inshore : Nil talking about congressional testimony and the Republicans were, and how se. He implied Trump was in cahoots of socialism among some freedom- Offshore : Strong wind and high from Michael Cohen, a convicted only they would do what’s right. with Wikileaks because he was obstructing Democrats. sea liar rattling off little that was new in Instead of defending Trump, informed of e-mail releases damaging Impeachment, impeachment, WEATHER a hearing that was a farce from the Republicans replied that Democrats to Clinton. Even if true, that’s hardly impeachment will likely be the Inshore : Moderate temperature beginning. and unjust players in the Justice proof that he had a hand either in continued leftist cry and so it is that daytime with some clouds, cold by night The House Democrats in charge of the Department were the threat, and, as collecting or distributing them. Cohen real duties will often be ignored for the Offshore : Some clouds proceeding could have scheduled this to Trump’s faults, they said Cohen said he saw Donald Trump Jr. whisper sake of more disruption. nationally watched TV show at any old was likely lying. But understand that in his daddy’s ear once and heard him If Americans do not vote wisely, WIND Inshore : Northwesterly-North- time, but chose Wednesday, the same he is facing several years in prison in say the meeting was set. Legalese may the citizens themselves could wake easterly 05-15 KT day president Trump was negotiating part for lying to Congress in the past consider that evidence of Russian up someday and fi nd themselves Offshrore : Northwesterly 12-22/28 overseas with North Korea on nuclear and would surely be caught if he tried collusion, but not common sense. impeached, which is to say, torn away KT weaponry. A possible message to it again on specifi c, testable issues. For all of that, there is a place from a constitutionally observant Visibility : 4-8 KM the Communist murderers was that Several years could become much where gotcha dragons lurk. The US political system as well as from trust Offshore : 2-4/5 FT America’s leader might be shred of more, and he is not so dumb as to risk Attorney’s Offi ce for the Southern and their most precious rights and power to do them harm and so why that. District of New York is said to be values. concede anything? For Trump himself, In fact, Cohen insists he is now a investigating fi nancial trickery by Around the region it could well have been an unneeded good guy. He probably sees his role Trump. Such matters mentioned by z Jay Ambrose is an op-ed columnist Weather diversion while trying to save multi- in history as helping to bring down Cohen could lead to impeachment for Tribune News Service. Readers may Weather tomorrow Max/min millions from a world’s worth of horror. Trump. His criticisms tended to eff orts and eventual jail time even e-mail him at [email protected]. today Max/min Baghdad M Sunny 21/07 P Cloudy 21/08 Kuwait CitySunny 22/10 Sunny 23/13 Manama Sunny 21/16 Sunny 22/17 Muscat Sunny 22/19 Sunny 24/19 Tehran Sunny 13/03 P Cloudy 14/04 Live issues Vitamins: What men and women need

By Barbara Quinn formulas for older women may supply The Monterey County Herald half the iron of other preparations. And many vitamin/mineral supplements for older men have no hat’s the diff erence extra iron at all due to the risk for some Around the world between men’s and men to accumulate excess amounts of Weather Weather women’s multivitamins? this mineral. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min WIf a woman takes a for- Most of our nutrient needs stay Athens P Cloudy 15/04 M Sunny 15/07 mulation designated for men, will her fairly stable over the years. For Beirut Showers 16/13 Showers 17/13 voice lower an octave? Will a young example, from age 14 on, healthy boys Bangkok P Cloudy 34/28 P Cloudy 33/27 man’s hair turn grey if he ingests a and girls, men and women all need Berlin Showers 11/08 S Showers 14/05 supplement for men over 50? similar daily doses of potassium, Cairo M Sunny 23/11 M Sunny 23/12 Truth is, males and females - at vitamin E and selenium. And men Cape Town Sunny 24/17 S Showers 21/16 certain stages of life - do have some generally need slightly higher amounts Colombo S T Storms 32/24 P Cloudy 31/24 varying nutrient needs. And if we of vitamin C, zinc and certain Dhaka Sunny 28/18 S Showers 25/19 need a multivitamin supplement (not B-vitamins than women. Hong Kong Rain 21/17 P Cloudy 21/19 everyone does), it helps to be guided in Vitamin D is another nutrient with Istanbul M Sunny 08/01 Sunny 09/02 the right direction. But that probably the same dosage recommendation Jakarta T Storm 31/24 T Storm 32/24 doesn’t mean dire consequences for a contain omega-3 fats from fi sh that Once a woman hits the big 51, she for all of us until the age of 70. After Karachi P Cloudy 24/16 M Sunny 25/18 man who accidentally pops one of his may help with brain development. needs 1,200 milligrams of calcium that, our skin is less able to convert London Rain 13/05 M Cloudy 11/05 wife’s prenatal vitamins. Interestingly, although a pregnant from food and supplements combined. sunshine to vitamin D (and we Manila Sunny 33/23 Sunny 33/24 Let’s start there: During pregnancy, woman needs extra calcium, many So do men over the age of 70. probably aren’t outdoors as much). Moscow Snow 01/-9 S Showers 01/-1 especially in the early weeks, a woman prenatal vitamins do not contain For younger women, the biggy is That’s why vitamin formulations for New Delhi S Showers 23/14 S Showers 24/13 needs additional folate - a B-vitamin extra amounts of this mineral. That’s iron. Because of the monthly loss of older individuals may contain extra New York S Showers 05/01 P Cloudy 04/-8 vital to the formation of the foetal because, during pregnancy, a woman’s this mineral through the menstrual amounts of this nutrient. Paris Cloudy 17/09 Showers 12/06 brain and spinal column. (We all need body can absorb twice as much cycle, young ladies need more iron Confused? Maybe that’s why some Sao Paulo S T Storms 26/19 T Storm 27/19 folate but it’s especially essential calcium. So the recommendation than men from the age of 14 to 50, manufacturers now market sex- and Seoul M Cloudy 13/01 P Cloudy 14/-1 during pregnancy.) Prenatal vitamins stays the same whether a woman is according to the current Dietary age-related multivitamins. Dosages Singapore Cloudy 33/25 P Cloudy 33/25 provide extra amounts of this nutrient pregnant or not: 1,300 milligrams a Guidelines for Americans. As she can still vary, however. Stick with Sydney P Cloudy 26/20 Cloudy 28/21 plus more iron for the task of baby day for 14-18 year old ladies; 1,000 approaches menopause, a woman reliable well-known brands. - Tribune Tokyo Cloudy 12/05 Rain 11/07 building. Some prenatal formulas also milligrams a day for women 19-50. needs less iron. Multivitamin/mineral News Service Gulf Times 24 Sunday, March 3, 2019 QATAR Prime minister in Tunisia meetings

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani meeting with Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed in Tunis Khalifa al-Thani meeting at his residence in Tunis with Tunisian Minister of Interior Khalifa al-Thani meeting at his residence in Tunis with Tunisian Minister of Defence yesterday. Hichem Fourati. Abdelkarim Zebidi.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed witness the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding in Tunis yesterday.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed signing an agreement in Tunis yesterday.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani is welcomed by Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed on arrival in Tunis yesterday.

Qatar’s participation in Kuwait celebrations a big success

atar’s participation in the of the celebrations. Kuwait National Day cel- The theme of the Qatari par- Qebrations in Kuwait have ticipation in the festivities, “Ku- concluded, witnessing a high wait, our country Kuwait”, con- turnout of people and turning veyed congratulations from the out to be a big success. Qatari people to the people of The initiative deepened rela- Kuwait as part of their common tions between Qatar and Kuwait destiny, history and joint historic and supported ties between the roots, the statement added. two brotherly peoples, a press A number of entities from Qa- statement noted. tar and Kuwait were part of the The events saw wide public Qatari participation, wherein participation and were held amid various activities were con- an atmosphere marked by patri- ducted and able to attract a large otic fervour. number of people. In addition, Activities held as part of the sports competitions were also Qatari participation were organ- held on the occasion, including ised and supervised by the Qatar shooting and traditional games Centre for Culture and Heritage belonging to the Gulf region. Events at the Ministry of Culture On the sidelines of the partici- and Sports. pation, the Nomas Center at the The festivities at Sheikh Sabah Ministry of Culture and Sports Al-Ahmad Heritage Village were signed an agreement with Sheikh held from February 16 until yes- Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Vil- terday, and these included vari- lage to enhance co-operation ous programmes based on the between them and exchange ex- GCC folk heritage. The ministry pertise in the fi elds of common also organised special events in interest, besides improving the the Murouj area of Kuwait as part skills of young people. Snapshots from the Qatari participation in the Kuwait National Day celebrations.