www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8132 FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 15 JUMADA I - 1441 2 RIYALS

BUSINESS | 15 SPORT | 19

MoCI's Kecmanovic single window reaches semi-finals e-portal before rain stops lauded action in Doha

Amir holds PM opens Daam Specialized Care Center telephone talks with UK Premier The inpatient population and will improve our health system’s ability to specialized care center provide long-term care QNA — DOHA under the Hamad services in the country for the elderly. Residents of the Daam Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Medical Corporation Specialized Care Center will Hamad Al Thani held (HMC) will provide an benefit from programs and yesterday a conversation via advanced care system services that are tailored to the phone with UK Prime Minister level of care they require. Like H E Boris Johnson. for patients above the our Enaya Specialized Care The call focused on age of 60 and who Centers, this facility has been reviewing developments in designed to create a com- the region, following events are well enough to fortable, home-like envi- in Iraq, and discussed ways be discharged from ronment in the community; a to maintain peace and space that provides the best stability. hospital but still quality patient-centered The call also focused on require specialized medical care while supporting bilateral relations and the patients in regaining or main- means to enhance them. medical treatment that taining optimal levels of func- is often long term. tioning,” said Dr Al Kuwari. “The collaboration between Foreign Minister Daam and HMC will enrich FAZEENA SALEEM Qatar’s health system. It is an holds telephone THE PENINSULA excellent example of how com- Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani being briefed munity partnerships can help talks with Zarif Prime Minister and Interior on the various facilities of health care services, at the Daam Specialized Care Center to care elderly reduce wait times and ensure Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah patients, at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, yesterday. care services are available in QNA — DOHA bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani the most appropriate setting. yesterday officially inaugurated hospital but still require spe- ration ceremony. and medical and nursing care, We thank Daam for their Deputy Prime Minister and Daam Specialized Care Center, cialized medical treatment The Prime Minister toured all in a comfortable, home-like support of health initiatives,” Minister of Foreign Affairs H E a first of its kind facility in the that is often long term. the facility and he was briefed environment. “Unlike a tradi- she added. Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- Middle East to care elderly H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al on the various specialized tional hospital environment, the In 2017, H E Dr Hanan rahman Al Thani held patients who require long-term Kuwari, the Minister of Public services, including physio- Daam Specialized Care Center Mohamed Al Kuwari and H E yesterday a telephone conver- medical care outside of the Health, and H E Sheikh therapy, occupational therapy has been tailored to meet the Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al sation with the Minister of hospital setting. Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani, and other medical and nursing needs of our longer-term care Thani signed a Memorandum Foreign Affairs of the Islamic The inpatient specialized Qatar Central Bank Governor services in a home-like envi- patients. The Daam Specialized of Understanding (MoU) to Republic of Iran, H E care center under the Hamad and Chairman of the Board of ronment for patients. Care Center joins HMC’s existing establish the Daam Specialized Mohammad Javad Zarif. Medical Corporation (HMC) Directors of the Sports and The new facility will accom- Enaya Specialized Care Centers, Care Center. The donation from During the call, the latest will provide an advanced care Social Activities Support Fund modate 68 patients including which have been caring for Daam covered one hundred developments in the region, system for patients above the (Daam), and several other dig- 44 private rooms providing patients since 2010. percent of the costs to retrofit especially in Iraq, as well as age of 60 and who are well nitaries and officials were occupational therapy, recrea- “This new facility will have and commission the new ways to reduce tension and enough to be discharged from present during the inaugu- tional therapy, physiotherapy, a lasting legacy for our facility. `P2 spare the peoples of the region ffrom urther escalation were discussed. Qatar Airways to display Airbus A350- Doha International Book Fair begins with Qatar backs call 1000, Gulfstream participation of 335 publishing houses by Turkey, Russia G500 at Kuwait for Libya truce Aviation Show SANAULLAH ATAULLAH THE PENINSULA QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA Under the patronage of Amir H H The State of Qatar has Qatar Airways has announced Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al announced its support for the its participation in the Kuwait Thani, Minister of Culture and call by Turkey and Russia for Aviation Show 2020, where it Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al a ceasefire in Libya at will display its state-of-the-art Ali inaugurated yesterday the midnight on Sunday, and Airbus A350-1000 fitted with 30th Doha International Book welcomed the Government its multi award-winning Fair at Doha Exhibition and of National Accord’s Business Class seat, Qsuite, Convention Center (DECC). acceptance of the call for a and the ultra-modern private Held under the slogan ‘Do ceasefire. jet Gulfstream G500 from its You Then Not Ponder’, the In a statement yesterday, Qatar Executive fleet. 10-day Book Fair is witnessing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Taking place over four the participation of 335 pub- expressed its hope that the days from January 15–18, the lishing houses from 31 coun- various components of the Kuwait Aviation Show 2020 is tries. The Fair will be open from Libyan scene and the regional held under the patronage of 9am to 9pm, except on Friday and international actors will His Highness the Amir of when it will open from 3pm to support this initiative, and Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al 10pm, and on Thursday from stressed the need to return to Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. 9am to 10pm. the political track. The Kuwait Aviation Show The opening ceremony was The statement reiterated 2020 is an important platform attended by Speaker of Shura Shura Council Speaker H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and Ministers visiting a stall at the State of Qatar’s keenness for regional and international Council H E Ahmed bin the 30th Doha International Book Fair at Doha Exhibition Conference Center (DECC), yesterday. on the achievement of a com- airlines and aviation com- Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud; prehensive political solution panies to showcase their latest Minister of Education and H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti; President of the Court of Cas- Authority H E Saleh bin that preserves Libya’s sover- products and services. The Higher Education H E Dr. Minister of State for Foreign sation H E Dr. Hassan bin Mohammad Al Nabit, and a eignty and territorial integrity event will kick-start the New Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Lahdan Al Hassan Al number of their excellencies and fulfills the aspirations of Year for the industry, with Ali Al Hammadi; Minister of Muraihki; Chairman of the Mohannadi; President of sheikhs and ambassadors Libyan people for security and over 300 exhibitors, 60 air- Transport and Communications Supreme Judiciary Council and Planning and Statistics accredited by the state.`P2 stability. craft on display, 15,000 trade visitors, and 60,000 public visitors expected. On display the Kuwait Avi- Government mulls lifting of fee for company registration ation Show 2020 will be Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350-1000. QNA — DOHA incentives come following H E the Minister said that ease of completing the services cooperation with the private The world’s most technologi- the directives of the country’s launching phase 1 of the one- provided by the government. sector. cally advanced aircraft fea- Minister of Commerce and wise leadership to improve stop-shop in September of last H E the Minister noted that For his part, Qatar Chamber tures an unparalleled ambient Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al the business environment in year aimed to connect all des- the ministry undertook a Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin design and superior levels of Kuwari, said that the Ministry Qatar and enhance its repu- ignated institutions and author- number of initiatives that were Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani comfort and well-being, is currently studying lifting the tation as an ideal investment ities, in order to facilitate the dedicated to improving the local praised the latest feat in digital setting a new standard of pas- fee required to register destination in the region and process for investors, which business environment, transformation, saying it will senger experience. companies, in addition to the world. would ultimately attract more including extending the com- save a lot of time and effort for Qatar Airways’ Airbus lowering tariffs and port fees to H E the Minister noted that investments. mercial register for a maximum investors and businessmen who A350-1000 aircraft features provide more incentives to the the digital transformation of the H E the Minister highlighted of five years. want to start new companies in the airline’s patented, award- private sector and improve ministry’s services reaches that the State of Qatar has H E the Minister stressed the Qatar. winning Business Class expe- Qatar’s global ranking in inter- today the process of estab- improved its position in many government’s commitment to He also said that the one- rience, Qsuite, which offers the national indicators in that lishing new companies, which international business indi- facilitating the process for stop-shop gave a boost to industry’s first-ever double bed regard. will no longer involve cators over the past few years investors and businessmen, Qatar’s efforts of attracting local in Business Class, as well as stow H E the Minister was paperwork starting the middle and said the country looks highlighting directives from and foreign investments, and away privacy panels that enable speaking during a ceremony of this month. The only forward to improving its Prime Minister and Interior noted that phase one allows passengers in adjoining seats to announcing the digital trans- exception will be made for ranking further, especially with Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah investors to apply and pay fees create their own private room formation of the process of people with disabilities who the launch of the one-stop- bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani electronically before obtaining – a first of its kind in the registering new companies might find it easier to carry out shop, stressing the role of the to work in resolving the chal- the license. industry. `P3 and said that the new the process electronically. private sector in showcasing the lenges facing investors in `P3 02 HOME FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR05.00 am SUNRISE 06.21 am o o Cloudy to partly cloudy with a chance of scattered rain maybe thundery at places a times. ZUHR 11.41 am ASR 02.41 pm 17 C 23 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 04:47 – 15:05 LOW TIDE 12:09 – 22:35 MAGHRIB 05.04 pm ISHA 06.34 pm W ALRUWAIS: 18o↗20o W ALKHOR: 16o↗23o W DUKHAN: 17o↗22o W DOHA: 17o↗23o W MESAIEED 16o↗24o W ABUSAMRA 17o↗23o Prime Minister opens Daam Specialized Care Center

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, during the opening of Daam Specialized Care Center of Hamad Medical Corporation, at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, yesterday.

FROM PAGE 1 Qatar has seen significant of the four storey facility will rehabilitative care. “The care family and friends, and where help reducing the number of “The opening of the Daam developments over the past provide care for elderly patients teams at Daam support patients possible, to bring a sense of nor- patients (under long term care) Specialized Care Center marks years, thanks to the combined who require long-term and their families. Dedicated malcy into patients’ lives,” Dr occupy beds at Hamad General the culmination of the projects national efforts to ensure the mechanical ventilation, while care teams provide specialized Hanadi Al Hamad, Acting Chair hospital, Al Wakra Hospital and and initiatives that we have delivery of high-quality the third and fourth floors will medical care while also working of Elderly Geriatrics at HMC told Heart Hospital. implemented in collaboration healthcare, as best befits Qatar care for older adults with to educate the care givers of The Peninsula. Daam Specialized Care with the Ministry of Public and its citizens,” said Sheikh Al dementia, other forms of cog- families, enhance the ability of She also added that the first Center will also treat some Health and Hamad Medical Cor- Thani. nitive impairment, and those patients to function independ- of its kind facility for people patients in need of short-term poration. The health sector in The first and second floors who require functional ently, to engage more with above the age of 60 years will respite care. Doha Book Fair begins with participation of 335 publishing houses FROM PAGE 1 than just to buy books. The Min- His Excellency stressed the Speaking to the media ister said that the event was the ministry’s commitment to par- persons on the sidelines of the first of its kind in the region and ticipating every year, as part of opening ceremony, H E the a reflection of Qataris’ love for its interest in supporting extra- Speaker of the Shura Council books and reading. curricular activities. The Minister praised the design and the Replying to a question by noted that Qatari youth are organization of the event this The Peninsula, H E the Minister playing a bigger role in the cul- year, expressing appreciation for of Culture and Sports said: tural field, evident by the rise in Qatari publishing houses for “Qatari publishing houses the number of Qatari publishing their efforts. receive all types of support from houses, as well as the rise in the He called on the public to the Ministry. Now the movement number of young Qatari authors visit the book fair and buy many of printing and publishing books and researchers. His Excellency useful books that are available, have gained momentum in the praised this year’s slogan, saying stressing that there is a special country. Private publishing that it shows how Islam has sanctification in buying physical houses are making major con- always encouraged thinking. books rather than reading digital tribution in this regards.” Coinciding with the Qatar- copies. H E the Minister of Education France 2020 Year of Culture H E the Minister of Culture and Higher Education said that 2020, France is the guest of and Sports said that the Book the book fair was an important honour at Doha Book Fair 2020. Fair was organised in to make pillar of culture in society, due The Fair will also witness the the visitors think and find out to the role it plays in promoting largest participation from more about the world rather reading. private Qatari publishing houses. The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, at the Book Fair. Al Hammadi opens Ministry's pavilion at Fair Qatar University booth at Book Fair witnesses large turnout THE PENINSULA — DOHA in festivals, conferences and community events, particularly of cultural and intel- Qatar University (QU) is participating in the lectual nature. QU President, Dr. Hassan Al 30th Doha International Book Fair, which Derham, visited the Qatar University’s started yesterday and will continue until booth at the fair. January 18. The QU booth witnessed a large This year the QU booth features the turnout from different segments of society launch of a number of new publications from the first day. The booth included a from the university’s publishing house QU range of activities for the public to interact Press, in addition to an allocated section with. The Qatar University Library also for children to explore and learn, the pres- played a role in the booth and worked to entation of a number of exceptional his- raise awareness of its services to both torical acquisitions and other creative internal audiences from the QU com- activities. munity as well as external audiences, such QU’s participation this year signifies its as readers and researchers. The Library continued leading role in the community highlighted its large and diverse network and its keenness to be an active presence of online databases.

The Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, inaugurating the pavilion of the Ministry at the 30th Doha International Book Fair, yesterday, at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA bound by the textbook. H E the Minister said the The Minister urged parents to The Minister of Education and objective of setting up visit the Book Fair with their Higher Education, H E Dr. a pavilion at the Book children to enjoy the activities at Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Ali the Ministry pavilion and also to Al Hammadi, inaugurated Fair is to support extra- take a field tour inside Book Fair yesterday the pavilion of the curricular activities, to get acquainted with their taste Ministry at the 30th Doha Interna- in choosing books and stories and tional Book Fair. which aim at developing learn about their tendencies and The Book Fair which opened the community aspirations. yesterday at Doha Exhibition and Imad Khamayseh from the Convention Center (DECC) will intellectually and Learning Resources Department continue until January 18. H E the culturally. of the Curricula and Learning Minister said the objective of Resources Department at the Min- setting up a pavilion at the Book istry said that the Ministry over Qatar University President, Dr. Hassan Al Derham, at the university's booth at the Fair. Fair is to support extra-curricular significantly, as this appears several years, consistently partic- activities, which aim at developing through the spread of Qatari pub- ipated in the Doha International the community intellectually and lishing houses, the rise in the Book Fair, through several activ- culturally. numbers of writers, publishers of ities including allocating a special QA sponsors fourth edition of Shop Qatar festival He also said that the activities stories, novels, research studies corner for children. of the Ministry's pavilion is also and other new publications that He said that the Ministry’s par- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Connexion. A traditional Chinese lion show designed to encourage students on were presented for the first time in ticipation in Book Fair for this year ended the evening, as a prelude to the week- reading by creating love for books this year’s Book Fair. was different because of the par- Qatar Airways is Official Airline Partner and long Chinese New Year celebrations that will in their hearts. The Minister H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul ticipation of a group of schools with sponsor of the fourth edition of the Shop happen for the first time ever. stressed that the Pavilion of the Wahed Ali Al Hammadi said that the Ministry. The activities at the Qatar festival, currently taking place until Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Ministry is distinguished every year the modern education curricula Pavilion of the Ministry on January 31 in various shopping malls across and Secretary-General of QNTC, H E Akbar with a new and unique look as that are applied in the schools in Thursday included the activity of Doha. The official launch was held on Al Baker, who spoke at the event said: “As various and interesting pro- Qatar requires students for (The Strangest Books Between Past Tuesday with dazzling fashion and enter- the national carrier of the State of Qatar, we grammes will be held for all research and reading and relying and Present) supervised by teacher tainment events held at Barahat Msheireb. are proud and committed to continuing to members of the families. on other educational resources in Nada Jamal Al Turini from Fatima The launch event treated guests to a promote Doha as a stopover destination, The Minister said that the role order to encourage them to learn Bint Al Khattab Elementary School fashion show by Qatar’s Hind Al Rumaihi, and Shop Qatar is the first in a line-up of of Qatari youth is increasing from different sciences and not be for Girls. followed by French fashion collective Faith great events that will be happening in 2020." FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03

The Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, The Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, during a press conference by and other officials at the 33rd International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry at the Ministry's headquarters, yesterday. the Moroccan City of Marrakesh. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA Qatar takes part in Morocco Congress Govt mulls lifting of fee for company registration FROM PAGE 1 QNA — MARRAKESH and Higher Education, H E Dr. to educational and school effec- other things that enable the transaction, the true cost of Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed tiveness and improvement. On Meanwhile, the Deputy investor to complete the regis- establishing the company, sign The State of Qatar is taking part Ali Al Hammadi. the sidelines of the conference, Head of the committee coordi- tration process anywhere inside the contracts required to found in the 33rd International The event, which is being H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul nating committee for the Man- and outside Qatar. He added the company issue the com- Congress for School Effec- held in for the first time in Wahed Ali Al Hammadi met agement of the single window that the goal of the initiative mercial registry electronically. tiveness and Improvement Africa and the Arab region, is with the Minister of National (one-stop-shop) system, Nasser was to facilitate the process for It also allows investors to see (ICSEI 2020), currently in one of the most important Education, Vocational Training, Omair Al Nuaimi, said that investors. He pointed out that the requirements of the various session in the Moroccan City of global conferences that aim at Higher Education and Scientific phase one includes a smart the new system allows the authorities involved in licenses, Marrakesh, with a delegation enhanced quality, equity and Research of the Kingdom of system for managing requests, investor to know the time which have become associated led by the Minister of Education excellence in education, related Morocco, H E Dr. Said Amzazi. electronic signatures, among required to complete the with this window. QA to display Airbus A350-1000, Gulfstream G500 at Kuwait Aviation Show FROM PAGE 1 to maximise their travel time and Gulfstream G500 will be on International Airport and Kuwait Malta; Davao, Philippines; managed by Skytrax. It was also Also on display will be the while experiencing the ultimate display to international visitors International Airport. We are Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, named ‘Best Airline in the Middle Gulfstream G500, the airline’s in comfort and privacy. as a demonstration of our com- proud to offer our passengers Somalia; Langkawi, Malaysia; East’, ‘World’s Best Business ultra-modern executive jet that Qatar Airways Group Chief mitment to ensuring the best from Kuwait the opportunity to and Gaborone, Botswana. The Class’, and ‘Best Business Class sets an industry benchmark by Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, service for our passengers.” visit more than 160 destinations airline will add Santorini, Greece; Seat’, in recognition of its offering one of the quietest said: “Qatar Airways is delighted “Qatar and Kuwait enjoy a worldwide on board young air- Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Osaka, ground-breaking Business Class cabins as well as optimum cabin to participate in the second strong relationship and bilateral craft via Doha.” Japan to its extensive route experience, Qsuite. It is the only altitude pressure. Operated by edition of the Kuwait Aviation cooperation at all levels. Demand The world’s fastest-growing network in 2020. airline to have been awarded the Qatar Executive, the private jet Show, which is set to draw thou- for our flights between Doha and airline has added several exciting A multiple award-winning coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the charter division of Qatar Airways sands of visitors from the avi- Kuwait City continues to grow new destinations to its growing airline, Qatar Airways was Year’ title, which is recognised Group, the aircraft is perfectly ation industry. In this year’s as we now operate 84 flights network this year, including named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by as the pinnacle of excellence in suited for passengers who wish edition, our Airbus A350-1000 weekly between Hamad Rabat, Morocco; Izmir, Turkey; the 2019 World Airline Awards, the airline industry, five times.

Qatar signs MoU Rare books on show at Doha Book Fair OFFICIAL NEWS with Sweden, ILO Qatar strongly to cooperate on RAYNALD C RIVERA first westerner to enter the holy condemns bombing THE PENINSULA city of Mecca,” said Hesselink. labour issues Another book on display in Mogadishu A 430-year-old Italian book, which Hesselink considers Doha: The State of Qatar has QNA — DOHA which is the first record of Qatar “very rare” is a collection of 250 expressed its strong condemnation printed in the West, is one of hand coloured plates depicting and denunciation of the bombing The government of the State the rare tomes on display at the the different customs, manners which occurred in the Somali cap- of Qatar, represented by the 30th edition of Doha Interna- and costumes in India which ital Mogadishu, leaving deaths and Ministry of Administrative tional Book Fair which opened was printed in Calcutta in 1796. injuries. In a statement issued yes- Development, Labour and yesterday at Doha Exhibition Other interesting pieces on terday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Social Affairs (MADLSA), the and Convention Center. display are a collection of por- reiterated Qatar’s firm stance reject- Kingdom of Sweden and the Published in 1590, the book traits of calligraphers and ing violence and terrorism, whatever International Labour Organ- titled “Viaggio dell’Indie Ori- scribes from Persia in the 19th motives and causes. The statement ization (ILO) have signed a entali” is one of the most Century, an Ottoman manu- expressed the condolences of the Memorandum of Under- important books in the col- script which is a translation State of Qatar to the families of standing (MoU) to cooperate lection being showcased at the from a French publication about the victims and to the government on a number of labour-related pavilion of rare book dealers electricity written in Istanbul in and people of Somalia, wishing the areas. Antiquariat Inlibris and Anti- 1812, and an original manu- injured a speedy recovery. QNA The agreement was signed quariaat Forum. script from 1475 of old astro- in Doha by Assistant Under- “For the history of Qatar, nomical tables. secretary for Labour Affairs, this is the most important book “We also have here the most Nominations for Mohammed Hassan Al we have brought here because beautiful book on shells ever Obaidli; Ambassador of the this shows that Qatar was published printed in 1758 in Qatar Sustainability Kingdom of Sweden to the already known in the West at Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a Awards will continue State of Qatar, H E Anders the end of the 16th century,” presentation copy from the Bengtcen, and Head of the Laurens R Hesselink of Anti- Laurens R Hesselink (right) of Antiquariaat Forum and Hugo King of Denmark to Empress until January 26 International Labour Organ- quariaat Forum told local media Werscherek of Antiquariat Inlibris at the 30th Doha International Josephine, the wife of Bona- ization Project Office for the yesterday. Book fair at DECC yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA parte,” he said. Asked on plans QNA — DOHA State of Qatar, Houtan The book valued at to collaborate with institutions Homayounpour. €150,000 is the first edition of Qatar was first translated to photographs celebrating Islamic in Qatar such as the Qatar Qatar Green Building Council The Memorandum of an important travelogue by the Latin which is included in culture and the history and National Library, he said, “We (QGBC), a member of Qatar Understanding aims to Venetian state jeweller and gem “Indiae Orientalis pars septima” geography of the Arab world. have been coming here for the Foundation (QF), announced enhance cooperation in the merchant Gasparo Balbi, which is also on show at the Also on show is the first last nine years so we have yesterday that the nominations fields of occupational health detailing his nine-year voyage pavilion. English edition of Lodovico di established good relationship for the 4th annual Qatar and safety at work and cor- from Venice to the Far East Antiquariat Inlibris and Varthema’ famous travels to with institutions and this is also Sustainability Awards will porate social responsibility between 1579 and 1588. Antiquariaat Forum have Arabia, Persia and India printed the reason why we are here, not continue to be accepted until through institutional collab- Sixteen years later, Balbi’s brought a huge collection of in 1577. only to show the books to the January 26, and it is one of the oration and the exchange of groundbreaking account of the ancient books, maps, manu- “Lodovico di Varthema was public but also meet our friends first and largest awards in expertise. Middle East which mentions scripts, drawings and an Italian traveler who was the at QNL again.” Qatar that honours the efforts, commitment, and excellence of people, institutions and organisations in supporting sustainable development. Book Fair emerges as one of largest in the region This came during a cer- emony honouring partners SANAULLAH ATAULLAH demand this year compared to and sponsors for the fourth THE PENINSULA last year,” said Kiomal. annual edition of the “Qatar The Fair is one of the most Sustainability Week 2019” The 30th Doha International important platforms for direct organised by the Qatar Green Book Fair has emerged as one communication between Building Council yesterday. of the largest international book authors, publishers, and intel- The Director of QGBC, Eng. fairs of the region with a big lectuals for learning what is Meshal Al Shammari, referred number of participation from new in the knowledge industry, to the effective and valuable different countries around the as well as reflecting the state of participation of public and world. cultural landscape in the private bodies and institutions A total of 72 publishing country. that contribute to achieving houses of children’s books are This year, the Book Fair the Council’s vision to build a participating in the Fair. includes 797 pavilions in an sustainable future, valuing According to the exhibitors, area of 29,000 square metres. their role in the ‘Qatar Sustain- children’s book have received The number of participating ability Week’ initiative aimed high demand as they sold thou- agencies is 51 (Arab and foreign Visitors at the stall for children’s book at the 30th Doha International Book Fair at DECC, yesterday at building a healthy envi- sands of book in the fair last agencies). ronment and contributing to year. Speaking to The Peninsula, The number of the pavilions cultural year Qatar-France is well as poetry evenings and visitors every time has been achieving the sustainable Faisal Kiomal, an exhibitor from for Arabic books is 559, repre- celebrated, as well as the rich workshops, as it varies from the increasing since the launch of development goals of Qatar. a stall showcasing children’s senting 228 publishing houses, cultural activities, whether in field of education and self- its first session in 1972. He pointed out that the book, said that he sold over and the number of foreign the main theatre, the cultural development to the field of Book Fair was a biennial partners, through their contri- 4,000 books in seven days pavilions is 91 representing 35 salon or Qatar school dedicated reading, developing writing, event until 2002, later it was butions, highlighted innovative during the fair last year in Doha. foreign publishing houses, while to children’s activities. language skills, and others. decided to be held every year solutions to the environmental The exhibitor, a UK pub- the number of publishing The exhibition’s cultural The Book Fair is one of the and since then it has gained a challenges facing Qatar and lisher, said that he displays chil- houses for children is 72, programme includes many largest international book fairs great international position, the region as a whole, praising dren’s book on alphabets, bringing the total number to seminars and lectures. The pro- in the region and enjoys great especially after managing to their programmes and efforts stories, colouring among many 797. The main area has been gramme also includes nine the- prestige witnessing a public attract the largest and most made to achieve the National more. “We brought the books designated in the middle of the atrical performances and turnout from Arab and foreign important publishing houses in Vision 2030 in line with the in large stock expecting more exhibition for events where the artistic and literary evenings, as countries. The number of the world. global sustainability agenda. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020

Turkey’s security Ukrainian plane turned back before crashing: Iran begins far beyond AFP — TEHRAN against speculating on the crash Some 45 Ukrainian aviation experts and coordinating the investigation, causes. said the leads being studied borders: Erdogan Iranian authorities have said a “The plane, which was ini- security officials have arrived in Tehran to included both technical mal- Ukrainian airliner, which tially headed west to leave the participate in the investigation into the crash. functions and foul play, but said ANATOLIA — ANKARA crashed outside Tehran with the airport zone, turned right fol- that “there is no priority loss of all 176 people on board, lowing a problem and was version” yet. The leads under Turkey’s president yesterday had turned back after suffering headed back to the airport at a second aircraft which was About 30 came from the consideration include a collision said Turkey would continue a problem, as Ukrainian experts the moment of the crash,” the flying above the Ukrainian Iranian community around with another airborne object, a defending its rights and joined the investigation Iranian Civil Aviation Organi- Boeing 737 as the disaster Edmonton, capital of Alberta rocket from Iran’s missile interests, adding that the yesterday. sation said on its website late unfolded. province in western Canada. defence system, an engine country’s future and security Both Canada and the United Wednesday. Heartbreaking details Some 45 Ukrainian aviation explosion caused by a technical began far beyond its borders. States called for a full investi- “The plane disappeared started emerging about the experts and security officials problem, and an explosion on Turkey will continue to gation to determine the cause from radar screens the moment victims, most of them from Iran flew to Tehran early yesterday board the aircraft due to an “act defend its rights and interests of Wednesday’s crash, which it reached 8,000 feet (2,400 or from the large Iranian to participate in the investi- of terror”, Danilov said on in Iraq, Syria and the Mediter- came shortly after Tehran metres). The pilot sent no radio diaspora in Canada. gation, including “deciphering Facebook. ranean, Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched missiles at US forces message about the unusual Body bags were lined up on the black boxes” discovered by He told AFP that for the asserted, speaking in the in Iraq in response to the killing circumstances. the ground, and the passengers’ Iranian authorities at the crash moment there was no reason capital Ankara at an event for of a top Iranian general in a US “According to eyewitnesses, personal items were scattered site, the Ukrainian President to believe that the airliner had the disabled as well as children drone strike in Baghdad. a fire was seen on board the in the debris. said. A Ukrainian security been hit by a missile. under government There was no immediate plane which grew in intensity,” According to Ukraine, 82 official said investigators were Civil aviation chief, Ali protection. indication that foul play may the organisation added, Iranians, 63 Canadians, 10 considering seven different pos- Abedzadeh, said Iran would Referring to joint plans have caused the Ukraine Inter- reporting the first findings of its Swedes, four Afghans, three sible versions of events. cooperate with Ukraine, but with Libya to send Turkish national Airlines (UIA) plane to investigation into the crash. Germans and three Britons Oleksiy Danilov, the sec- would not send the black boxes troops to the North African go down soon after take-off, The organisation said it was were on board, as well as 11 retary of Ukraine’s national to the United States, with which country, Erdogan said: “We are and Ukrainian President Volo- considering evidence from the Ukrainians — including nine security and defence council it has had no diplomatic rela- in these lands [Libya], where dymyr Zelenskiy warned ground as well as reports from crew. which is tasked with tions for four decades. our ancestors made history, because we were invited there to resolve injustice and perse- cution.” He said Turkey would Turkey doesn’t want Iraq provide “the best response” to those who did not understand that the country’s security to become battle zone: FM began beyond its borders, ANATOLIA — ANKARA/BAGHDAD of Iraq,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said slamming criticism against the on a Twitter, following his decision. Turkey does not want Iraq to meeting with Iraqi President become a battle zone of foreign Barham Salih. Sultan Qaboos forces, said Turkey’s foreign The Turkish foreign min- minister yesterday. ister also met Iraqi Premier Adil receives written "We don’t want Iraq to be Abdul Mahdi. the battle zone of the foreign The closed door meeting message from forces,” Mevlut Cavusoglu told was held at the Republican a press conference along with Palace, with the attendance of Ugandan leader his Iraqi counterpart in delegations from both sides. QNA — MUSCAT Baghdad. Cavusoglu had announced He added that Iraq was not his arrival on Twitter: “In H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said of alone and Turkey was there to Baghdad to discuss our relations the Sultanate of Oman overcome difficult days with brotherly Iraq and regional received yesterday a written together. developments.” message from Ugandan Pres- Iraqi top diplomat Cavusoglu’s visit came amid ident Yoweri Museveni. Mohamed Ali Al Hakim, said heightened tension between the The message was received talks with his Turkish coun- US and Iran, starting with the by Oman’s Deputy Prime Min- terpart focused on the need to killing of an American con- ister for Relations and Inter- respect Iraq's sovereignty from tractor at a US base in Iraq late national Cooperation Affairs all sides. last month. Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, They also discussed bilateral Turkey’s Foreign Ministry Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Alhakim (right) and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu during a meeting yesterday relations at all levels in the said in a Wednesday statement during a joint press conference in Baghdad, yesterday. with King of Tooro Kingdom meeting, he said, and added: that the visit is “within the Oyo Nyimba Kabamba, the "We cooperate with Turkey on context of our intensified dip- militia it says was responsible the blame for the attacks on the US military and coalition forces Ugandan President’s envoy. counter-terrorism issue." lomatic efforts to alleviate the for conducting the attack, killing US Embassy and base squarely in Iraq. According to Oman News “We evaluated what we escalated tension in the dozens. The US Embassy in on Iran and killed senior Iranian Iran's Foreign Minister Agency, the meeting discussed could do together to reduce the aftermath of recent develop- Baghdad was then attacked on commander Qasem Soleimani Javad Zarif said Tehran had the bilateral relations between tension in the region. We ments in the region.” December 31 by a group of in an air strike. On Wednesday, “concluded proportionate the Sultanate of Oman and emphasised the importance we The US retaliated with air enraged militiamen and dem- Iran launched more than a measures” in response to the US Uganda, in addition to matters attach to the unity and stability strikes on the Iran-backed onstrators. US officials placed dozen ballistic missiles against killing of Soleimani. of common interest. South African Bus crash in Iran kills 19 people, injures 24 Lebanon bans auto tycoon military plane AGENCIES — TEHRAN northern province of Maz- between the capital and andaran. The injured were Gonbad-e-Kavous, a historic Ghosn from foreign travel crash-lands A bus plunged into a ravine in taken to a nearby hospital and town near Turkmenistan northern Iran early yesterday some were said to be in serious renowned for its 11th-Century AFP — BEIRUT notice” urging his arrest. in Congo morning, killing 19 people and condition. brick tower, a UNESCO World “The state prosecution injuring 24, the semi-official ISNA said the accident was Heritage Site. Lebanon banned former auto issued a travel ban for Ghosn, AP — GOMA, CONGO ISNA news agency reported. caused by a technical failure in Approximately 20,000 tycoon Carlos Ghosn from and asked for his file from the According to the report, the the brakes of the bus. people die in traffic accidents travel yesterday and asked Japanese authorities,” a judicial A South African air force plane accident happened in the The bus was travelling in Iran yearly. Japan to hand over his file on source said. crash-landed and caught fire financial misconduct charges, A second judicial source yesterday at the Goma airport as Tokyo urged the fugitive said Ghosn had been asked to in eastern Congo but there businessman to return. hand over his French passport were no casualties, authorities The 65-year-old busi- and had been banned from said. nessman — for years venerated travelling abroad until his The C-130 Hercules made in Japan for turning around judicial file arrived from Japan. by US manufacturer Lockheed once-ailing Nissan — fled while “According to what is inside was flying from Beni, a city awaiting trial on charges the file, if it appears that the about 350km (220 miles) north including allegedly under- crimes he is accused of in Japan of Goma and also in the Dem- reporting his compensation to require being pursued in ocratic Republic of Congo's the tune of $85 million. Lebanon, he will be tried,” the east. His shock arrival in his source added. It was transporting 59 pas- native Lebanon last month was “But if it doesn’t require sengers and eight crew the latest twist in a story worthy being pursued under Lebanese members from the UN mission of a Hollywood plot and law, then he will be free.” when its left engine caught fire prompted outrage from the Ghosn told Lebanese media upon landing, said Mathias Japanese government as well the travel ban was just a Gillman, acting spokesperson as from Nissan. “routine” measure and he had for the UN peacekeeping A day after Ghosn made an not planned to travel anyway. mission known as MONUSCO. impassioned defence in front He slammed as “ridiculous” “MONUSCO sent a rescue world media of his decision to a call by Japan’s justice min- team that brought the fire jump bail and flee Japan, Ghosn ister for him to return to Japan under control and everyone yesterday morning gave tes- to defend himself against Iranian rescue workers inspecting the scene of a bus accident that plunged off a mountain road into was safely evacuated, “ timony to Lebanese prose- charges of financial a ravine in Mazandaran province, 150km northeast of Tehran. Gillman said. cutors over an Interpol “red misconduct. The plane was returning from Beni, where it was pro- viding logistical support to the South African contingent Sudanese PM embarks on peace mission to rebel stronghold deployed in the region, he said. The South African National AP — KAUDA, SUDAN group and is active in the Blue religion in lawmaking, the dis- the first for senior Sudanese Declaration of Principles, in Defence Force in a statement Nile and South Kordofan prov- banding of all Al Bashir’s officials in more than nine September, detailing a road confirmed the incident with Sudan’s prime minister, accom- inces, where it controls signif- militias and the re-vamping of years. map for peace talks and one of its aircraft and said a panied by United Nations offi- icant chunks of territory. the country’s military. His group It comes as the government extending a cease-fire in dis- board of inquiry will be con- cials, embarked on a peace The Sudanese prime min- says if its demands aren’t met, and rebel leaders are also puted areas. vened to investigate what mission yesterday to a rebel ister arrived with five Cabinet it will call for self-determi- engaging in peace talks in South The deal also envisaged happened. stronghold, in a major step ministers, the head of the UN nation in areas it controls. Sudan, which itself gained inde- trust-building measures by the South Africa is one of the toward government efforts to World Food Programme and The area has been stricken pendence in 2011 and has been government, such as granting top five troop contributors to end the country’s long-running American, British and Nor- by poverty for years, but plagued by civil war in recent humanitarian access to con- the UN peacekeeping force in civil conflicts. wegian diplomats. fighting barred aid groups from years. tested areas across the country, Congo. In November a small A crowd of tens of thou- Sudan’s transitional gov- visiting. Sudan’s new transitional the release of war prisoners and civilian plane crashed into sands, including thousands of ernment has been engaging in Yesterday's visit was just the government has six months to dismissing sentences and homes shortly after takeoff in armed rebels, welcomed peace talks with rebel groups second time since 2011 that the make peace with the country’s charges against rebel leaders. Goma, killing 26 people, Abdalla Hamdok to the Nuba since October, looking to sta- UN World Food Programme has rebels under a power-sharing Sudanese rebels have for including the passengers and Mountain’s town of Kauda, bilise the country and help its been able to access the area. Aid deal reached this summer fol- years fought Al Bashir’s loy- crew as well as residents on about 1,000km south of the fragile path to democracy workers were bringing with lowing Al Bashir’s ouster. alists, not just in Darfur but also the ground. Authorities said capital Khartoum, for a meeting survive following the mili- them supplies for a school If they fail to do so, it could in the southern provinces of the 19-seat plane owned by with Abdel-Aziz Al Hilu, who tary’s overthrow of longtime feeding programme that they undermine the deal and put the Blue Nile and South Kordofan. private carrier Busy Bee had leads the powerful faction of the autocrat Omar Al Bashir last say is a first step towards country’s fragile transition in The rebels have observed a been headed to Beni. Sudan Liberation April after nearly three addressing dire hunger in jeopardy. cease-fire since before Al The plane served South Movement-North. decades in power. Kauda and nearby The government and most Bashir’s overthrow, in solidarity Africa peacekeepers deployed Al Hilu’s movement is Al Hilu is calling for a communities. of the rebels reached an with the protest movement in Beni. Sudan’s single largest rebel secular state with no role of The visit to the area is also agreement, dubbed the against him. FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 ISLAM 05 Love the Prophet? Follow him

AISHA AIJAZ We all love the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon ove is a beautiful emotion. It him), the personality whose The manners encompasses all the most greatness is acknowledged by beautiful things in the world. Every relation and connection Muslim and non-Muslim thinkers of the Prophet gets stronger and more and scholars -a warm friend Ldurable when there is an element of and a guide for his companions, IVAN G NASSAR affiliation and love added to it. a devoted and loving husband Beginning from our first love as a child ho is the model for humanity? Most positively, for our mother to choosing someone to to his wives, a shady tree for it is none other than the Prophet Muhammad spend our whole life with, love is what his daughters, a leader of the W(peace be upon him). “You have indeed in the makes life worth living. And, like all community, an exemplary messenger of Allah a good example for those of you who precious things in the world, this politician and a reformist who look to Allah and the Last Day, and remember Allah priceless treasure demands guarantees always.” (Quran 33:21). to keep it flourishing. transformed the most uncultured The prophet (PBUH) engaged the Quran at a deep When you love someone, they are Bedouin into the most disciplined spiritual level, lady ‘Aisha, Mother of The Faithful always on your mind and become the force of people known to history. described his character as a likeness of the Quran. In driving force of your direction in life. her words she said, “He was the Quran walking.” You love to follow them, obey them, do The Prophet’s (PBUH) Sunnah constitutes a major whatever you can to please them and destroyed because they only punished source of guidance for Muslims and the second source try your best to avoid whatever dis- their weak and poor for crimes. He of Islamic jurisprudence. “And whatever the Messenger pleases them. You share with them your teaches us to be on our best behavior gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, leave problems and consult them for their and to have ‘akhlaaq’ (manners) with it.” (Quran 59:7). Undoubtedly, The first source of Islamic best advice. Their name soothes you and our neighbours (Muslim or Non- jurisprudence is the noble Qur’an. “By the Quran, full of their company is the most precious time Muslims) so much so that he once Wisdom... ” (Quran 36:2). Both sources are an indispen- of your day. Never do their messages thought that they might get a share in sable stream in which a fountainhead of divine and mails go unread or ignored. The inheritance (because of the stress Allah knowledge gushes forth; one cannot practice Islam world sees you change when this beau- has put on their rights). He cries for without bathing in its prevailing currents. tiful feeling overpowers you, whether Allah’s forgiveness for us and stresses Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced the principals this love be for a human, a mission, a us to remain united and not be divided of the noble Quran; on every occasion, he always spoke career or simply a car or a gadget. Love due to language, castes or sects. the best words in the best manner; whether he was con- changes your priorities and the color of Learn that every Muslim is a brother veying a general application of knowledge to a large answer that would be most beneficially to his or her this feeling is evident on your face and to every Muslim and that the Muslims group of people or imparting practical knowledge to an spiritual growth. in your feelings, words, and actions. constitute one brotherhood. Nothing individual. The following is an example of the Prophet The Prophet (PBUH) was an embodiment of We all love the Prophet Muhammad shall be legitimate to a Muslim which (PBUH) applying a general application of knowledge, goodness and recognised common decency in eve- (peace be upon him), the personality belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was when countless Muslims were present. This account ryone, including nonbelievers. A report from the tra- whose greatness is acknowledged by given freely and willingly. Do not, is from the prophet’s last Sermon: “All mankind is dition states: A dog was going round a well and was Muslim and non-Muslim thinkers and therefore, do injustice to yourselves. from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over about to die of thirst, an Israeli prostitute saw it and scholars-a warm friend and a guide for Non- Muslim minorities are at peace a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superi- took off her shoe and watered it. So The Prophet his companions, a devoted and loving under his rule. Justice is served irre- ority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a (PBUH) said: ” Allah forgave her because of that good husband to his wives, a shady tree for spective of faith, status or personal affil- black, nor does a black have any superiority over a deed.” his daughters, a leader of the Ummah iation. He lifts the status of a woman white; [none have superiority over another] except Non-Muslims who have studied the life of the (community), an exemplary politician from the one who was buried alive at by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is Prophet (PBUH) extolled the virtues of his moral excel- and a reformist who transformed the birth to a guarantee to get best rewards, a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims con- lence. Mahatma Gandhi, he father of India independence most uncultured Bedouin into the most may it be through serving and obeying stitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate stated in Young India published in’1924: I wanted to know disciplined force of people known to one’s mother, taking care of a wife or to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed history. raising a daughter with love. He brings it was given freely and willingly. Do not; therefore, do sway over the hearts of millions of mankind. I became His message, which begins with the a message that puts rewards in charity injustice to yourselves.” more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that oneness of Allah, gives answers for all and spending from what we love most, Numerous narratives from the Sunnah provide us won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. the problems we face today. But how giving an orphan a home and helping with many illustrations where the Prophet (PBUH) uti- It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of many of us have actually explored the a widow to survive. lised his prophetic skills while applying a practical the Prophet (PBUH) the scrupulous regard for pledges, message he brought? Do we really know No one has the right to question application of knowledge to individuals who came his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his the message? The Quranic code of life anybody’s sincerity of ‘love for the seeking divine guidance: Narrated by Abu Aiyub Al intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in G-d and sent to us though our beloved Messenger Prophet (PBUH)’ but we all need some Ansari: A man said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Inform me of in his own mission. These and not the sword carried of Allah still remains untouched, only to serious self-evaluation. When we claim a deed which will make me enter Paradise.” The people everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. be ‘recited’ when we are in trouble or a to be his followers, it automatically said, “What is the matter with him? What is the matter When I closed the second volume (of the biography), I calamity afflicts us, or it becomes a part makes us his ambassadors and repre- with him?” Allah’s Apostle said, “He has something to was sorry there was not more for me to read of that of the deluxe package that goes with the sentatives in whatever roles and ask (what he needs greatly). The Prophet (PBUH) said great life. bride. How many of us consult his way responsibilities we take. Do we consult to him (In order to enter Paradise) you should worship Sir George Bernard Shaw in The Genuine Islam, (Vol. in our practical lives whether it’s a the Prophet in different matters of our Allah and join none in worship with Him: You should 1, No. 8, 1936) wrote: “If any religion had the chance of matter of celebration or woe? lives? offer prayers perfectly, give obligatory charity (Zakat), ruling over England, nay Europe within the next We never see the Prophet (PBUH) Let’s follow the Prophet (PBUH) to and keep good relations with your Kith and kin.” hundred years, it could be Islam. I have always held telling a lie, deceiving a human or even prove that we love him. Let’s celebrate Narrated by Abu Huraira: A man said to the Prophet, the religion of Muhammad (PBUH) in high estimation an animal, breaking a pact or a promise. him every day. Let’s light up our hearts “Advise me! “The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not become because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion He forgives and prays for the humili- with the beacon of this message like we angry and furious.” The man asked the same which appears to me to possess that assimilating ating tribal chiefs of Taif and the people light up the streets on his birthday. Let’s repeatedly, and the Prophet (PBUH) said in each case, capacity to the changing phase of existence which can who throw stones at him. He rejects engrave those beautiful stories of his “Do not become angry and furious.” make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him – social inequality and all sorts of racial life, which we memorise and narrate, Abu Barzah Al Aslamee related, he said, “O mes- the wonderful man and in my opinion for from being supremacy and lays down in his final on our actions. Let’s check if our deeds senger of Allah! Show me a deed that will put me in an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of sermon, the basic charter of human are compatible with our claims of love Paradise or benefit me.” He replied, ” Remove harmful Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to rights. “An Arab has no superiority over towards him. In following him, lies the things from the path of Muslims.” assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any secret of Allah’s love, mercy and for- In the above example, each questioner asked the succeed in solving its problems in a way that would superiority over an Arab; also a white giveness for us. ”Say, O Muhammad, “If same basic question but received a different response bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have has no superiority over a black nor a you should love Allah, then follow me, to their question. This is not a conflict with the prin- prophesied about the faith of Muhammad (PBUH) that black has any superiority over white so Allah will love you and forgive you ciples of the Shariah or the Sunnah. In devotional it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as except by piety and good action.” your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and matters, questions are valued in accordance with their it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of He sets best examples of justice and Merciful.” (Al Quran 3:31) underlying intention. Here, each person received an today.” warns that the previous nations were Source: Suhaib Webb

Treat elders according to the Sunnah

SHAYKH ABDUL FATTAH ABU the elder his right.” He then had the (PBUH) came to us and we were GHUDDAH elder of the two speak. (Bukhari, young men of like age. He had us Muslim) stay with him for twenty nights now that seniors (those Our master, the Messenger of during which time he was ever so greater in age) have tre- Allah (PBUH) said: “He who does not merciful and kind. He eventually Kmendous standing and rights. respect our elders is not of us.” came to think that we must miss Therefore, if you walk beside an Another narration has it, “He who our families so he asked con- elder walk on his right side, slightly does not exalt our elders, nor show cerning those we had left behind. behind him. When you come to an entrance or exit, put him before you. When you encounter him give him is due by way of greeting with salam and showing respect. When you converse with him then let him get the first word and listen with attentiveness and awe. If during the conver- sation points of disa- greement come up then discuss them with decorum, composure, and kindness. Lower your voice when you address him and do not forget to be gracious when doing so or when calling out to him. Here are some hadiths and mercy to our young, nor We informed him concerning that Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be acknowledge the right of our learned and he said, “Return to your fam- upon him) that substantiate these is not of us.” (Hakim, Ahmad, others) ilies and stay with them, teach points: Now listen to the Messenger of them and instruct them. When you “Two brothers came to the Mes- Allah (PBUH) impart to the youth the gather for the prayer then let one senger of Allah (PBUH) to inform him decorum of keeping the company of of you give the call to prayer and of an incident that occurred between and meeting with elders, as well as let the eldest of you lead it.” them. One was older than the other. their priority over the young. The dis- (Bukhari and Muslim) When the younger of them wanted tinguished companion Malik bin May Allah make us people of to speak (first) the Messenger of Allah Huwayrith (Allah be pleased with decorum. Amin. said: ‘kabbir, kabbir’.” Meaning “Give him) said: “The Prophet of Allah Source: MuslimVillage 06 ASIA FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 Japan rebuts Ghosn criticism as ‘abstract and baseless’

BLOOMBERG — TOKYO In response to Ghosn’s pushed back against many of assertion that Japan Ghosn’s complaints about the Japan battled to restore its “inhumane” conditions of his image yesterday after former breached his human confinement. auto executive Carlos Ghosn rights by preventing “Ghosn gave the impression blasted the country’s legal he was questioned for a total of system in a marathon press him from seeing eight hours a day, but that’s not conference following his escape his wife, Justice true,” Saito said. The former to Lebanon. CEO was questioned on 70 of Justice Minister Masako Minister Mori said the days he spent in jail, about Mori held an unusual briefing such measures were half the total, with each session in the early morning hours in only used in cases lasting an average of four hours, Tokyo, and then gave a second he said. He met with his legal press conference later on to of a flight risk or counsel “almost every day” he rebut what she said were when there was a was there, altogether more than mostly “abstract, unclear or 120 times, Saito said. baseless” criticisms of the coun- danger of evidence Chief Cabinet Secretary try’s legal system. She was being concealed or Yoshihide Suga also piled in, scathing in her descriptions of calling Ghosn’s comments one- Ghosn’s behavior after he told destroyed. sided and not persuasive. the world he skipped bail and Striking Back At his news Lunar New Year celebrations fled Japan because he didn’t when there was a danger of evi- conference in Beirut, Ghosn A Vietnamese woman collects dried incense sticks at a courtyard in Quang Phu Cau village on the think he would get a fair trial. dence being concealed or refrained from accusing spe- outskirts of Hanoi yesterday, ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, referred to in “He has been propagating destroyed. Mori also lauded cific people in the Japanese Vietnam as Tet. both within Japan and interna- Japan’s police, judges and pros- government of any wrong- tionally false information on ecutors for building what she doing, citing the need to avoid Japan’s legal system and its said was the “safest country in creating friction between practice,” Mori said in her first the world.” Mori said she was Lebanon and Japan. He also briefing. “That is absolutely aware of criticism of Japan’s said he didn’t think Prime Min- Thailand urges Malaysia to help find intolerable.” criminal justice system, and ister Shinzo Abe was involved. Ghosn, the former head of said authorities are taking steps Abe has avoided making Nissan Motor Co. and Renault to improve it. any public comments about Rohingya who escaped from detention SA, used the first press con- “It is my strong hope that he Ghosn. Kyodo News reported REUTERS — BANGKOK victims of human traffickers, smuggled and trafficked from ference since his dramatic engage in all possible efforts to on Wednesday that he told a who were intercepted by Thai poorer, neighbouring countries, escape to blast what he called make his case within Japan’s party lawmaker at a dinner in Thailand has asked Malaysia to authorities on their way to including Cambodia, Laos and “hostage justice.” Speaking in fair criminal justice pro- Tokyo ahead of Ghosn’s news help find a group of Rohingya Malaysia and had been detained Myanmar. four languages, he offered a ceedings, and that he seek conference that he had wanted Muslim trafficking victims who at the centre to await repatriation The United States and rights point-by-point rebuttal of the justice rendered by a Japanese the situation “to be sorted out absconded from a detention to Myanmar, police said. Two groups have criticised Thai charges against him and court,” Mori said. within Nissan in the first place.” centre in the south of the country, were found later on Wednesday, authorities for not doing enough accused Japanese prosecutors, The Tokyo District Public The head of a foreign policy Thai police said yesterday. police said. to protect victims of government officials and Nissan Prosecutors Office, which panel in Abe’s ruling Liberal Nineteen Rohingya Muslims “We’ve coordinated with trafficking. executives of conspiring to rarely makes any public Democratic Party accused from Myanmar escaped from the Malaysian authorities to help Myanmar regards the topple him to prevent a further comment, posted an English Ghosn of spreading “fake detention centre in Thailand’s find the remaining 17 who might Rohingya as illegal migrants, integration of the Japanese car- statement on its website saying news.” “We have our dignity as southern Songkhla province, have escaped into the border though many trace their roots in maker with Renault. Ghosn had only himself to a country, and we need to have around 5km from the Thai- areas,” Pairat Pookcharoen, the country back for generations, In response to Ghosn’s blame for his strict bail condi- people understand that we have Malaysian border, early on deputy commander of an immi- and has confined tens of thou- assertion that Japan breached tions. It vowed to try to bring a proper legal system that Wednesday, using a piece of gration police unit in the south, sands to sprawling camps in his human rights by preventing him to justice in Japan. At a doesn’t ignore human rights at cloth to climb down from a third told Reuters. Rakhine state in the west, seg- him from seeing his wife, Mori regular scheduled briefing all,” said Yasuhide Nakayama, floor window, police said. Thailand has long been a regated from the Buddhist said such measures were only Thursday, Tokyo Deputy Chief who is also a former vice They were part of some 40 destination and transit country Rakhine population since vio- used in cases of a flight risk or Prosecutor Takahiro Saito foreign minister. Rohingya Muslims, identified as for men, women and children lence swept the area in 2012.

Chinese report Child deaths in Cambodia spark call for construction freeze says illnesses

REUTERS — PHNOM PENH common practice in Cambodia. as growing crowds of Chinese Khun Tharo, a programme coor- day - have no choice, cam- may be from new “Do we want this to become tourists and investors have dinator at the Center for Alliance paigners say. After six children died when a known as normal in Cambodia?” fuelled a boom that officials of Labor and Human Rights, a On Wednesday evening, the coronavirus building site collapsed, the said Sou Chhlonh, vice president valued at $6.4 billion in 2017. charity. Thomson Reuters Foundation Cambodian workers’ union on of the Building and Wood At least two of the children After the first disaster in June, witnessed families cooking and AP — BEIJING Wednesday called for a halt to a Workers Trade Union Federation were infants and it was unclear when 28 people died as a relaxing in their makeshift living construction boom that has killed of Cambodia, after the building’s whether any of the other dead building site caved in while they spaces on building sites in the A preliminary investigation more than 60 people in seven owners were charged with unin- chldren were employed on the slept, the minister for con- capital, Phnom Penh. into viral pneumonia illnesses months, while the government tentional homicide. site. Campaigners say the struction and urban planning “That issue is still being sickening dozens of people in vowed to tackle child labour. Cambodian people are dying. industry is rife with child labour, said workers and their children addressed; it takes time to and around China has iden- The disaster, in which 36 Cambodia has laws to protect as are the hundreds of kilns that could no longer live on site, implement,” said government tified the possible cause as a workers and their families died them but the laws need to be provide what have been dubbed according to local media reports. spokesman Phay Siphan, adding new type of coronavirus, state on Friday at the unfinished guest- enforced.” ‘blood bricks’ for Cambodia’s But the labourers - many of that Cambodia is committed to media said yesterday. house in the coastal town of Kep, The union wants all con- boom. whom migrate from the coun- wiping out child labour. Chinese health authorities has shone a spotlight on the struction projects frozen until “You only have to go for a tryside with young families and “If you see child labour, did not immediately confirm problem of children living and they are inspected and compliant walk to see child labour in the work on day rates without con- report it and authorities will the report from state broad- working on building sites - a with legal and safety regulations, construction industry,” said tracts and earn as little as $6 a close them down.” caster CCTV. Coronaviruses are spread through coughing or sneezing Indonesia equips forest rangers or by touching an infected person. with guns in illegal logging battle Some cause the common cold and others can lead to more severe respiratory dis- AFP — BANDA ACEH billion rupiah ($93,500), Syahrial eases, such as SARS and MERS. said. Such viruses are common in Forest rangers in Indonesia’s “We’ve coordinated with people but more exotic ver- Aceh province will be equipped local police with respect to pro- sions from bats, camels and with guns in the battle against curement and permits,” he other animals have caused illegal logging, an environmental added. severe illness. agency official said yesterday. Gun ownership is The novel coronavirus is The jungle-clad region at the uncommon in Indonesia outside different from those that have tip of Sumatra island loses some of military or police personnel previously been identified, 32,000 hectares of more than and obtaining a personal licence CCTV said. Health authorities two million hectares of forest can be difficult. ruled out SARS and MERS as annually due to deforestation, Aceh’s forest rangers once had possible causes over the including from illegal timber guns but they were confiscated weekend. activities, authorities said. after a separatist insurgency broke As of Sunday, the Wuhan But the risks of fighting out in the 1970s. The conflict Municipal Health Commission criminal elements had soared ended with a 2005 peace deal. said 59 people in the central with many loggers now carrying This week’s decision comes Chinese city were being firearms, said Aceh environ- after Aceh earlier announced treated for the respiratory mental agency head Syahrial, that poachers who threaten illness. Seven were in critical who goes by one name. endangered orangutans, tigers condition, while the rest were “Being on duty in the forest and other wildlife could receive stable. without firearms is not only up to 100 lashes from a rattan Eight patients were dis- Protesters scuffle with police as they detain demonstrators in New Delhi, yesterday. risky but it’s also not effective cane. While public whipping is charged Wednesday, Xinhua when you’re facing illegal common in Indonesia’s Aceh — state news agency reported. loggers (who are usually the only region in the world’s They had not exhibited any armed),” he added. biggest Muslim majority country pneumonia symptoms for About 120 rangers would be that imposes Islamic law — it is Police crush student protest in Delhi several days. given pistols, rifles and ammu- usually reserved for morality Chinese researchers used nition at a cost of about 1.39 crimes. AP — NEW DELHI and other weapons to ransack said an officer struck him in the a sample from one patient to a university dorm and beat up head with his baton and conduct gene sequencing of Police chased and stuck students on Sunday. Dorm res- attacked others. He gave only the virus, said Gauden Galea, protesting students with batons idents said the attack lasted two his first name, fearing police a World Health Organization after they marched through hours, and that neither the reprisal. representative to China. India’s capital yesterday to guards who live in the building The footage captured by AP “Preliminary identification demand the resignation of a nor any other security came to showed one officer repeatedly of a novel virus in a short university official following an their aid. More than 20 people hitting a female protester in the period of time is a notable attack at their school by were injured. back of her legs while other achievement,” Galea said in a masked assailants. After reaching the gov- protesters fled. statement, adding that it About 1,000 students and ernment office yesterday, a Police then forced the stu- “demonstrates China’s faculty from Jawarhalal Nehru splinter group of several dozen dents onto a bus, where one increased capacity to manage University marched to a gov- students decided to continue person could be seen bleeding new outbreaks.” ernment office to demand the marching toward the president from his head. It was not imme- Possible cases of the same resignation of the school’s vice of India’s official residence. diately clear where the students illness have been reported in chancellor, who some accuse The students were met with were being taken. Calls to Hong Kong, South Korea and Rangers patrol the Leuser forest in Subulussalam, Aceh province of allowing the assailants a bus full of baton-wielding police officials were not imme- Taiwan involving recent in Indonesia, yesterday. armed with hammers, shovels police. Utkarsh, a JNU student, diately answered. travelers to Wuhan. FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 07

US city elects Pakistan set to launch Rs500bn nutrition plan Pakistani Muslim INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD Health Services, Aga Khan Uni- Pakistan has policies focused on tackling the addressing our malnutrition woman as mayor versity, Aga Khan Foundation- threat of climate change was crisis requires attention to be Pakistan is set to launch a Canada, the University of committed to another priority area for the paid to other important sectors INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD Rs500bn programme to tackle Toronto, and Canada’s Interna- achieving 169 SDG government. such as agriculture, water and the consequences of the coun- tional Development Research “Climate change represents sanitation, female empow- Cambridge has selected a try’s high burden of stunting Centre. targets by 2030 a threat to our health, agri- erment and education — espe- Muslim woman, who immi- and childhood malnutrition. It was the third such that cut across culture and human survival,” cially that of girls — as well as grated to the US from Pakistan “We are developing the meeting of policymakers and he remarked. other areas that influence the as a child, to be mayor in an largest public sector project in development experts which interdependent Earlier, in his opening country’s health sector.” apparent first for Massachu- Pakistan’s history focused on seeks to develop integrated, policy areas such as remarks, Professor Zulfiqar Pakistan has committed to setts. human nutrition,” Special comprehensive plans to help Bhutta, founding director of achieving 169 SDG targets by Sumbul Siddiqui, who was Adviser to PM on Health Dr Pakistan meet its development healthcare, nutrition, AKU’s Centre of Excellence in 2030 that cut across interde- in her second term as a city Zafar Mirza said while priorities. education, poverty, Women and Child Health, noted pendent policy areas such as councilor, was selected by her addressing an event in Dr Mirza said the project, gender equality and that Pakistan has another healthcare, nutrition, education, peers. The mayor serves as Islamabad regarding the Sus- which was in the closing stages decade to achieve targets under poverty, gender equality and chair of both the City Council tainable Development Goals of receiving approval under the others. the SDG. others. The one-day event also and the School Committee as (SDG) initiative. Public Sector Development Pro- “The SDGs are inter-related included sessions that saw over well as performing political, The event, ‘The Health and gramme, will use inter-sectoral all sectors, including academics and span the economic, social 100 experts from a variety of ceremonial, and community Health Related SDGs: Current collaborations to implement the and researchers, to join hands and environmental spheres,” industries break into working leadership functions, The Status and Opportunities in 12 most proven nutrition to overcome the country’s Bhutta said. groups to prepare policy rec- Boston Globe reported. Pakistan’, was jointly organised interventions. development challenges. “Achieving targets under the ommendations for the health “At the end of the day, by the Ministry of National He urged the experts from Dr Mirza further stated that health-related SDGs and ministry to pursue. engagement in the political process, says Siddiqui appears to be the first Muslim mayor in the state. Chinese vessels withdraw from “We’re thrilled to see Councillor Siddiqui become disputed waters, says Indonesia the first Muslim Mayor in Mas- sachusetts,” Jetpac executive popularly known, visited the director Mohammed Missouri Natuna Islands on Wednesday, said in an email. saying he was there to enforce “Mayor Siddiqui’s accom- Indonesia’s sovereign rights plishments are an inspiration to over the area after Chinese American Muslims who are fishing vessels and coast guard running for office all over the ships were spotted in recent country to help fix massive weeks. The country had also inequities in healthcare, sent warships and 120 fishing housing, education, and the vessels to patrol the area, criminal legal system.” Siddiqui besides deploying four F-16 moved to the United States with fighter jets to the islands. her family from Pakistan over Jokowi Visits Disputed two decades ago, when she was Waters Amid Rising China Ten- 2. She has a bachelor’s degree sions While Indonesia claims in public policy from Brown Indonesian President Joko the incursion of the fishing University and a law degree Widodo vessel was in violation of inter- from Northwestern’s Pritzker national laws, China said it’s School of Law. BLOOMBERG — JAKARTA operating legally. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Chinese fishing vessels and Geng Shuang said during a US airstrike kills coast guard ships accused of briefing on Wednesday both intruding into waters near the sides have been in communi- Sunset beauty leader of Taliban Natuna Islands withdrew cation using diplomatic Women sit near the historical Badshahi Mosque during sunset in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. yesterday, a day after Indo- channels. splinter group nesian President Joko Widodo While the Indonesian navy, visited the area and asserted coastguard and the air force in Afghanistan the country’s rights over the will continue to monitor the disputed waters. Natuna Islands area, warships Uzbekistan sentences ex-diplomat for treason AFP — KABUL An aerial reconnaissance by and fighter jets will return to the Indonesian Air Force their pre-deployment positions, AFP — TASHKENT Human Rights Watch that he has It gave no details of the accu- A US airstrike killed a Taliban showed the Chinese ships left Sisriadi said. suffered psychological torture sations against him. One of his splinter-group commander the Southeast Asian nation’s The latest conflict followed A court in Uzbekistan yesterday such as threats to harm family sons, Timur Yusupov, who and several other fighters in exclusive economic zone, mil- accusations by the US and other sentenced a retired diplomat members. attended court, said that his the western Afghan province itary spokesman Sisriadi said coastal states in Southeast Asia who served in countries The rights group has called father “has lost weight but is still of Herat, Afghan and military in a text message. Widodo’s trip that China was taking a more including Britain to five and a half for his immediate release. smiling.” The family intends to sources said yesterday. to the disputed area on aggressive stance on its claims years in prison for treason in a A military tribunal yesterday appeal, he said. The commander, named Wednesday sent a strong to more than 80 percent of the case criticised by international hearing Yusupov’s case behind “We will continue to fight for as Mullah Nangyalay, was message to China and lucrative waters in the South rights groups. closed doors in the capital justice for him through domestic killed in Shindand district, prompted the withdrawal of China Sea. China has called on Kadyr Yusupov, 68, has been Tashkent found him guilty, the and international mechanisms,” close to the border with Iran, the ships, he said. the US to stop interfering in the in custody since his arrest in Supreme Court of the Central his other son, Baibur Yusupov, said Herat provincial gover- Jokowi, as Widodo is region. December 2018. Relatives told Asian country said in a statement. wrote on Twitter. nor’s spokesman Jailani Farhad. Nangyalay split from the main branch of the Taliban Indonesian trade unions to rally Guinea’s opposition to after the 2013 death of founder Mullah Omar and joined a smaller breakaway faction led boycott February polls by a commander known as as govt plans new labour rules Mullah Rasool. AP — CONAKRY, GUINEA protests. A senior provincial police REUTERS — JAKARTA hope Widodo will tackle in his be submitted to parliament At least five parties said source said the airstrike had second term in office, alongside next week, Hartarto told Guinea’s opposition parties they will not participate in the been carried out by a US A coalition of trade unions will improving education. reporters. said on Wednesday they will February 16 vote and called for drone. mobilise thousands of people The current law includes Officials have used the term not participate in legislative new demonstrations on Resolute Support, NATO’s next week to block the Indo- some of the most generous sev- “omnibus laws” to refer to leg- elections in February and will January 13 to oppose the leg- mission in Afghanistan, told nesian government’s plan to erance pay rules in the world islation that pulls together press to have them delayed if islative elections and to renew AFP their forces had launched relax restrictive labour rules, that investors say deters formal diverse areas that can be the president does not the demand that Conde “a defensive air strike in as President Joko Widodo’s hiring and affects investment agreed by parliament in a withdraw a bid to seek another withdraw his proposed support of Afghan forces”, with administration is set to hand decision in Southeast Asia’s single vote, which critics say term. changes to the constitution. a spokesman confirming US over a bill to parliament. largest economy. can be used to avoid scrutiny. The opposition’s decla- “Not only will we not par- participation in the The protest could set the Airlangga Hartarto, Thousands of members of ration comes after demonstra- ticipate in this election, but we operation. stage for what could be a dif- Widodo’s chief economic more than a dozen trade unions tions last year by tens of thou- will oppose by all legal means The main Taliban group ficult parliamentary debate of affairs minister, said yesterday plan to protest in front of the sands of people urging Pres- the holding of this election, has been negotiating with a politically sensitive bill, the main points of the so-called parliament building on Monday ident Alpha Conde’s not to try which is only a farce,” said Washington for more than a despite Widodo’s coalition con- “omnibus” bill, which include as lawmakers return from to change the constitution so Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, year over the withdrawal of US trolling 74 percent of the seats. the planned changes in labour recess, Jumisi, deputy chairman that he can run for a third term spokesman for one of the main troops in exchange for security Revising the 2003 Labour rules, have been completed. of the Indonesian Confeder- as president. opposition parties, the Union guarantees from the militants law is unpopular, but it is top The bill is currently ation of Workers told a news At least nine people were of Democratic Forces of that could pave the way to of the list that foreign investors awaiting legal drafting and will conference. killed in one of the October Guinea. intra-Afghan peace talks. Climate change threatens Afghanistan’s crumbling heritage

AFP — BAMIYAN snowmelts is putting this historic saying Shar-e Zohak is “very but has yet to be completed. It art and architecture at risk of fragile” due to erosion that has aims to educate visitors about the After bearing the brunt of mili- destruction. increased considerably over the urgent need to preserve the area’s tants' dynamite and looting by Afghan officials warned in a last 30 years. heritage. thieves, the archaeological 2016 United Nations report that For Baqe Ghulami, 21, who “There is no benefit if people treasures of Afghanistan’s the structures “may collapse and hails from Saikhand district in just see (the sites) without infor- Bamiyan province are facing a suffer from severe erosion”due northern Bamiyan, climate mation,” says Ali Reza Mushfiq, new and possibly more daunting to conditions directly linked to change has long been a reality 26, director of the Department of threat: climate change. climate change. residents have had to confront. Archeology at Bamiyan Uni- Nestled in the heart of the “The erosion processes are “The weather is changing, versity, complaining that a dearth Hindu Kush mountains, the much faster, the rains more dev- now summers are warmer and of funding has left many in the Bamiyan valley’s picturesque astating and the wind erosion winters colder,” he says, while dark — including his own stu- cliffs — where centuries-old stronger, which has an extremely overlooking the empty spaces dents who lack access to books. Buddha statues were destroyed harsh impact on the sites,” where the two towering Buddha The archaeologist readily by the Taliban in 2001, it still Philippe Marquis, the director of statues once stood. admits that “erosion is contain a network of caves the French Archaeological Del- Many of the artefacts pre- increasing”, but believes the real housing temples, monasteries, egation in Afghanistan, said. date the arrival of Islam to the danger comes from “human Children stands in front of caves where they live with their family and Buddhist paintings. Marquis — who has explored region but despite the fact they influence at the site”, including in Bamiyan province of Afghanistan. The valley is also home to the and worked in the region for come from another religion, the looters, who are rampant in silk-road era Shahr-e Gholghola decades — explains that Afghan- residents who spoke proudly Afghanistan. fortress and the Shar-e Zohak istan “is very fragile geologically, defended the area’s history as The Shar-e Gholghola For- visit in recent years, but the influx people to teach them how not to citadel to the east. especially as vegetation cover has their own. tress and other key sites are now of recent visitors has done little destroy the site,” says Mushfiq, Experts say that a pattern of greatly diminished” due to defor- From the empty caves, vis- guarded to protect against such to change the reality on the adding that some residents con- dry spells followed by heavy rain, estation. French imaging itors can see the Cultural Centre, issues. The removal of landmines ground. tinue to store feed and house live- and larger than usual spring company Iconem concurred, which began construction in 2015 from the area has seen thousands “We must start training local stock in the historic sites. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President, Vladimir Putin; Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov; and Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vucic, attend a ceremony marking the formal launch of the Turkstream pipeline in Istanbul. Readers’ delight TurkStream to strengthen ERNEST Hemingway’s had said that “there is no friend as loyal as a book”, which is an apt observation as books play a very important roles in shaping and empowering every reader’s life just like a good friend does. Turkey’s energy hub position Access to books is a crucial factor as people in many parts of the world find it difficult to advancement of cooperation for bought an average of 26.4 billion acquire books on particular subjects or by spe- future relations between the cubic meters of natural gas per cific authors. countries. Thus, TurkStream is year from Russia between 2011- Qatar has taken many steps to help people significant for revealing that 2018. The lowest amount was 24 gain access to a vast array of book – setting up energy sources strengthen coop- billion cubic meters in 2018. It is Qatar National Library being one of them. The eration and ensure economic ben- seen that the EU countries import library houses books about a wide range of efits rather than causing conflicts. an average of 40% natural gas topics and is available free for all. There are also YUNUS FURUNCU The West Line, one of the from Russia. This rate increases to other libraries inside Education City, which is ANATOLIA routes coming from Russia, 100% in some EU countries. part of the institutes operating there. reaches Turkey by passing Turkey continues to take signif- Another important step taken by Doha for The inauguration of the Turk- through Ukraine and Bulgaria. icant steps to decrease its book-lovers is organising Doha International The project, Stream natural gas pipeline Political and economic tensions dependency on Russia. Benefitting Book Fair at the Doha Exhibition Conference which increases project, which will begin carrying between Russia and Ukraine more from renewable energy Center under the patronage of the Amir H H natural gas from Russia to Europe sometimes lead to an interruption sources in Turkey has led to a Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Over the past the mutual via Turkey on January 8, 2020, is of natural gas transmission from decrease of the gas rate coming years, the fair, which started in 1972, has grown dependency considered a further step in the West Line to Turkey. from Russia from around 60% to into one of the biggest book fairs in the region. Turkish and Russian relations in This situation poses a great around 48% in 2018. Moreover, in The 30th edition of the book fair, inaugurated between Ankara terms of energy. The project, risk for the Turkish economy. case of full usage of the capacity of by the Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah and Moscow, which has two lines, each of Transmitting the annual 14 billion natural gas coming from TANAP bin Ghanem Al Ali, is hosting more than 335 pub- positively which has a carrying capacity of cubic meters of gas from the West allocated for Turkey in 2020, this lishing houses from 31 countries at the Doha 15.75 billion cubic meters of Line to Turkey over the first line of rate is expected to fall to around Exhibition Conference Center. contributes to natural gas, is particularly TurkStream, without changing 40%. The ten-day event is a golden opportunity, the advancement important for southern European terms and conditions of the Turkey consumes an annual not only for every adult book-lover in the country, countries. It will mark the first existing agreements, means average of 50 billion cubic meters but also for children and youth to discover new of cooperation time that Russian natural gas will reducing this risk. Thus, gas will of natural gas and procures 99% books and make them their everlasting ‘friends’. for future reach Europe via Turkey. The be directly transmitted from of this amount from abroad. Not There are many stalls at the fair that focus at the TurkStream project transfers Russia to Turkey without the need depending on one resource, it puts young readers where they can immerse them- relations natural gas directly to Turkey, for intermediate countries, and forward strategies prioritizing selves and dig out some valuable gems, which between the which the country takes from the the problem of being exposed to diversifying source countries with will enrich and entertain them. West Line, and it means a new potential interruptions caused by new pipelines such as TANAP as The feel of a physical book in your hand is countries. route for European countries. third parties will be eliminated. well as routes. unmatched and no digital experience can replace Thus, Turkey has strengthened its Since the pipelines in Ukraine Likewise, Turkey, which aims the emotion of browsing through a new book position as a country that have reached the end of their to reach a storage capacity for just off the shelf. contributes to the energy security service life, they must be repaired around 10 billion cubic meters of The benefits of hosting such a fair, for over of Europe. and replaced. Some 20,000 kil- natural gas in 2023, has the tech- three decades, can be seen from the fact that Turkey’s claim of being an ometers of a total 33,000 kilom- nical capacity to procure half of there is a significant rise in the number of Qatari energy hub has been strengthened eters of transmission pipelines are the natural gas it consumes as publishing houses and Qatari authors. by the TurkStream project, which more than 33 years old. A major LNG (liquefied natural gas). Under the slogan “Do you then not ponder” enables the country to directly resource is needed to further Turkey, which follows the policy the fair will surely help open up one’s horizons take the natural gas coming from operate the pipelines which span of reducing natural gas usage through the written words on display there. the West Line. TurkStream, which approximately 13,000 kilometers rates in electricity generation, will be operated by a company and are 11 to 33 years old. Under increases its standing as a regional established by BOTAS and these conditions, the fact that actor by participating in interna- Gazprom, is an important route Russia acts reluctant and is willing tional energy projects. While all for meeting the natural gas needs to invest in other directions except these developments decrease Tur- of Europe. The project, which for maintenance and repair poses key’s dependency on Russia, it increases the mutual dependency another great risk to the countries increases Russia’s dependency on between Ankara and Moscow, that benefit from those pipelines. Turkey compared to the past with D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR positively contributes to the It is understood that Turkey the TurkStream project. EMAIL: [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 An opportunity in Iran’s latest tragedy BLOOMBERG of confrontation. Iranian people by immediately sanctions also blocked Iran’s MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 NTSB experts are widely issuing the licenses. In return, ability to purchase spare parts Iran has sought international recognized as among the best the US should seek public assur- from US suppliers for its existing DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 assistance in the investigation crash investigators in the world ances about the safety of fleet, and even prohibited the of the crash of Ukraine Interna- and they regularly participate American experts who would sale of training manuals and LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 tional Airlines Flight 752, which in investigations at the behest travel to Iran, and for these technical documentation. killed all 176 people onboard of foreign governments, under experts to be provided access to The International Civil Avi- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 on Wednesday. But the a process outlined in Annex 13 the plane’s black boxes-which ation Organization, a United ongoing tensions between of the Convention on Interna- Iranian officials are reportedly Nations body, has long gathered SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Washington and Tehran tional Civil Aviation. reluctant to provide. evidence demonstrating that threaten to prevent the Boeing Co. has said it is Part of this reluctance stems US sanctions hamper the safety ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 involvement of American ready “to assist in any way from the fact that Iranian civil of the Iranian aviation industry. email: [email protected] experts in the investigation of needed,” but the airplane aviation officials believe their A 2010 ICAO Universal Safety what brought down the Boeing maker, too, must reckon with own efforts to improve the safety Audit found that “Iranian car- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 737-800 aircraft. sanctions restrictions. of Iran’s airlines have been sig- riers are unable at present to email: [email protected] The US National Transpor- American sanctions on Iran nificantly hampered by the fulfill most requisite ICAO avi- tation Safety Board faces two require NTSB investigators to Trump administration’s ation safety and maintenance ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 quandaries. It must determine procure a license from the “maximum pressure” sanctions standards and recommended FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] whether the Trump adminis- Treasury Department in order policy. Boeing’s contracts to sell practices (SARPs)… because tration’s sanctions on Iran pro- to work with Iranian counter- 100 aircraft to Iranian airlines they were denied access to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 hibit engagement with Iranian parts-such clearances can take were cancelled when the US updated aircraft and aircraft email: [email protected] authorities in the investigation, as long as a year to be issued. withdrew from the Iran nuclear spare parts and post-sale and whether it is safe to send The tragedy presents the deal in May 2018-Iranian airlines services around the world.” The SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 investigators to the crash site Trump administration an oppor- fly some the oldest aircraft still in rate of passenger fatalities in FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] at a time when the two coun- tunity to demonstrate its often- service anywhere in the world. Iran is 5.5 times higher than in tries are in a heightened state stated goodwill toward the The reimposition of secondary the rest of the world.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar We are proud of our defence of the Constitution /ThePeninsulaQatar of the United States. We are concerned the /Peninsula_Qatar senators will not be able to live up to the oath they take. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Nancy Pelosi, US House Speaker +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Crisis-hardened markets have learned to look past military flare-ups

the European close on A geopolitical risk index A recent Schroders report Wednesday, Brent crude oil compiled by US Federal identified the 1990 Gulf War, prices had returned back Reserve Board researchers the 2001 9/11 attacks on New below levels seen before Dario Caldara and Matteo York and the 2003 Iraq Soleimani’s death on Friday Iacoviello rates the Saudi invasion as the most monu- and Wall Street’s S&P500 For decades, the attacks at a relatively high mental geopolitical risk equity index rallied to new 185 points, but well below events of the past 30 years. SUJATA RAO AND record highs. energy price impact the 2003 US invasion of Iraq In 2003, yields on DHARA RANASINGHE At its most basic level, has been the main that scored 545 points. German government bonds, REUTERS investors appear to believe For decades, the energy among the world’s most that Tehran and Washington transmission price impact has been the trustworthy assets, tumbled will avert a broader confla- mechanism from main transmission mech- almost 70 basis points Iran’s missile attack on US gration. Regionally-con- major conflicts - anism from major conflicts - between March and June; army bases in Iraq overnight tained military blowups and particularly in the Gulf - to they fell a similar amount in sent gold blasting above bursts of conflict have particularly in the the wider economy and 1990. Even September’s $1,600 an ounce, boosted proven in recent years not to Gulf - to the wider world markets. The threat of “When you look at the attacks on Saudi the Japanese yen by almost have a durable impact on oil supply disruption has last few decades of history, 1% and oil by $3 a barrel. either oil supplies and prices economy and world been a shadow on the global whenever a prolonged war is oil installations had But it took just hours for nor global economic activity. markets. economy ever since a quad- the more likely outcome, no lasting effect that safe-haven dash to fade Even September’s attacks rupling of oil prices during that’s when the rush to gov- and for world equities to on Saudi oil installations had the 1973 OPEC oil embargo ernment bonds takes place,” on crude prices. resume their climb. no lasting effect on crude and a 30% jump in 1990. said Rabbani Wahhab, senior And beyond the It was the second volte prices. And beyond the Gulf, “It’s the same with the But oil spikes these days portfolio manager at London face in under a week fol- years of North Korean economy. We’ve had an eco- tend to be briefer. That and Capital. Gulf, years of North lowing a similar pattern of nuclear tests and missile nomic cycle with mini- partly reflects the changing Schroders noted that Korean nuclear events after the US killing of launches have not yet esca- cycles since 2008 but no nature of energy usage and during periods of extreme tests and missile top Iranian commander lated nor affected interna- recession, we’ve had trade geographical sources of sup- risk, a portfolio of “safe” Qassem Soleimani on Friday. tional investment patterns wars that haven’t really plies. US shale oil producers assets comprising bonds and launches have not And that mirrored a super- for any significant length of turned into real trade wars can now step up to offset gold usually outperformed yet escalated nor fast roundtrip on markets time. but keep getting postponed.” price spikes stemming from “riskier” equities. after Iran-backed rebels So traders and investors And investors who Gulf supply disruptions, However, it also found affected international attacked Saudi oil facilities are betting as much on stuck with equities and regardless of local politics or that in all these instances investment patterns in September. repeated patterns of looked past euro debt OPEC action, while the rise shares recovered within Welcome to the brave behaviour rather than on crises, North Korean of renewable energy sources months, suggesting that “if for any significant new world where it appears amateur geopolitical missile tests, Arab Spring amid fears of climate change investors are willing or able length of time. that little short of full- reasoning. revolts, trade wars, Middle is happening at a rapid pace. to ignore volatility, then fledged world war between “The market has taken a East turmoil and uncon- Paul Donovan of UBS investing in the risky port- nuclear-armed powers view based on a decade’s ventional economic pol- Wealth notes that tech- folio represents a better would be required to have a worth of experience that this icies, have reaped rich nology developments mean strategy than a safe durable impact on financial is not going to escalate out of returns - world stocks have far less oil is needed to portfolio.” markets. And even then, control,” said Societe Gen- added more than $25 produce a dollar of global All change in markets some begin to wonder. By erale strategist Kit Juckes. trillion in value since 2010. GDP today. The market context itself Donovan also highlighted has also changed over the that back in 1973 energy- decades - most prominently producing countries squir- by years of near-zero reled away extra oil earnings interest rates and central as savings, causing a net bank money printing that shock to global economic have inflated prices of high- demand as that money quality bonds, reduced drained from oil buyers’ benchmark borrowing costs pockets. and cut what’s available to “In 2020, oil sellers investors. spend that money with Shares, meanwhile, have abandon and so a higher oil been pumped up by buy- price does not mean a big backs and abundant private drop, or potentially any sort funding that have steadily of drop, in economic reduced equity supply over demand.” the years. With JPMorgan Learning from the past predicting equity supply to Of course, wars and inva- decline by a further $200 sions have driven big market billion this year, many shifts in the past, causing investors have come to view mini-panics and safe-asset selloffs as a buying buying on fears for business opportunity. confidence, trade and energy “The demand-supply prices. nature of markets has com- But the experience over pletely changed,” said recent decades has been Salman Ahmed, chief that, all things equal, investment strategist at markets tend to recover Lombard Odier. quickly and portfolio man- “Central banks have agers with the stomach to reduced the supply of safe see through short-term assets and that’s rippled out lurches do well, even to risky assets. It’s a very A trader works at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York. without expensive hedging. powerful force.” Apocalyptic wildfires may force a climate reckoning for Australia’s conservative leader

- the country experienced a hit by climate disaster. When he told reporters last week. help, Earth can be at times record heat wave, on top of the United Nations chaired a “They wreak this sort of inhospitable,” noted an edi- three years of devastating climate meeting in Sep- havoc when they affect our torial in The Washington drought - that banks of tember in New York, Mor- country, and they have for a Post. “All the more reason to clouds created by the flames rison skipped the session. very long time.” avoid priming the planet for have generated their own And in last month’s major In comments to Reuters worse - extreme weather, fire-driven thunderstorms. climate conference in on Tuesday, Angus Taylor, intense heat waves, more ISHAAN THAROOR There’s a political storm Madrid, Morrison’s gov- Morrison’s emissions drought, more flooding, THE WASHINGTON POST brewing in Australia, as well. ernment came under par- reduction minister, waved rising seas, species die-offs, In its epicenter is conserv- ticular criticism for away criticism over policy disease proliferation, and ative Prime Minister Scott thwarting collective efforts and said the “bush fires are a more foreseeable and The satellite images are at Morrison, who has been crit- to set meaningful emissions time when communities unforeseeable consequences. once mesmerising and horri- icized not just for his initial targets. must unite, not divide.” Allies Australia, which has profited fying . A vast arc of fire lax handling of the crisis - he The international com- elsewhere cautioned against off fossil fuel extraction and blazes across the rim of the was on holiday in Hawaii as munity has taken note. A policies that could negatively use, has a responsibility to land; a cone of heat encases his nation burned - but, more report published last month impact Australian business. help lead the world.” a whole continent; a veil of importantly, for his broader by a group of think tanks that Right-wing media have also But Morrison and his ilk smoke shrouds the ocean resistance to political ranked 57 countries on their pointed to reports of dozens have long resisted mean- and will soon circle the measures aimed at miti- national climate action pol- of arsonists contributing to ingful climate action or globe. This season’s cata- gating climate change. icies placed Australia sixth the blaze as supposed evi- schemes that would raise the strophic bush fires in Morrison remains from bottom. dence that the current catas- cost of energy. This current The international Australia have scorched infamous for a stunt he A separate study in trophe is not entirely linked round of fires may force a roughly 20 million acres of pulled in 2017, when, as Aus- November ranked Australia to climate change. new reckoning. community has the country, killed at least 25 tralia’s treasurer, he showed as third-worst among the The scientific consensus “Debate over climate - taken note. A report people and, according to up to a session of Parliament Group of 20 nations. Though is pretty clear, though. In an whether it is changing, and if some staggering estimates, brandishing a lump of coal Australia just produces a bit interview for PBS with Chris- so what to do about it - has published last led to the death of a billion and a message to his col- more than 1 percent of the tiane Amanpour, leading become a culture wars issue month by a group animals. leagues not to be “scared” by world’s greenhouse gas Australian climate scientist over the years to the point of think tanks that Videos of singed kan- fossil fuels. emissions, it’s the world’s Tim Flannery said the where it has proved to be a garoos and parched koalas Morrison came to power biggest exporter of coal, current situation was “part of useful political device for ranked 57 countries prompted an outpouring of in 2018 in an internal party whose use is a major factor the long-term trajectory of parties of the right,” wrote on their national grief on social media. Where coup that unseated then- in the warming of the planet. climate change,” and it’s columnist Tony Walker in the fires have been quelled, a Prime Minister Malcolm The bush fires alone have “conspired together with a the Sydney Morning Herald. climate action blackened desolation Turnbull, whose attempts to emitted some 350 million windy season to produce But, he noted, “the ground is policies placed remains, with thousands of set targets for the reduction tons of carbon dioxide into these horrific fire shifting politically,” with homes lost and communities of greenhouse gas emissions the atmosphere since last conditions.” more and more Australians Australia sixth from uprooted. Survivors and eye- were resisted by rivals within September. He pointed to 12 reports recognizing the urgency of bottom. witnesses spoke of an apoca- the right-wing Liberal Party. In the midst of the crisis, his own organization pro- the environmental threat lyptic orange sky and fierce Under his watch, Australia Morrison has offered mostly duced warning the Aus- they face. winds that meant the roaring stopped payments to the a tepid brand of climate tralian government of the of the blaze was often heard Green Climate Fund, the UN- denialism, pointing to a long mounting effects of climate The author writes about before it was seen. So backed mechanism that history of seasonal fires. change on the country. foreign affairs for The Wash- extreme were the conditions assists developing countries “They are natural disasters,” “Even without human ington Post. 10 ASIA FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 Australia calls for another mass evacuation as monster bushfires return REUTERS — SYDNEY Twenty-seven people has been destroyed. Twenty-seven people have Australian authorities urged have been killed been killed this fire season, another mass evacuation across this fire season, according to the federal gov- the heavily populated southeast ernment, as the monster fires yesterday as a return of hot according to the have scorched through more weather fanned huge bushfires federal government, than 10.3 million hectares of threatening several towns and land, an area the size of South communities. as the monster Korea. Victoria state Premier fires have scorched Thousands have been made Daniel Andrews urged commu- through more than homeless and thousands have nities to be on alert ahead of the had to evacuate repeatedly extreme conditions. 10.3 million hectares because of the volatility of the “If you receive instructions fires. to leave, then you must leave,” Residents of the coastal Andrews said in a televised deterred by the fires, were town of Mallacoota, where briefing. again evacuated on Thursday. thousands of people were “That is the only way to “I urge everyone to heed stranded on a beach for days guarantee your safety.” warnings, follow advice, and until a military evacuation that Cows stand in the field with bushfire burning in the background, in Kangaroo Island, Australia, yesterday. Parts of Kangaroo Island, to head to the east part of the only ended on Wednesday, a wildlife-rich tourist spot off island, which is deemed safe were among those again the southeast coast where at this point,” South Australia advised to flee. boat ramp as fire destroyed “The electricity is slowly limited,” he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison Fire Chief Mark Jones said in “If we evacuate, where do much of his town, and one of coming back but everyone “People have now run out on Wednesday made a plea a separate briefing in we go?” said Mark Tregellas, about 1,000 people who is reliant on generators, and of petrol so most in the town are for foreign tourists not to be Adelaide. A third of the island who spent New Year’s Eve on a decided to stay. fuel for those is very now riding on bicycles.” South Korea’s Moon reassigns Philippines allows citizens to stay in Iran, Japan offers blueprint for prosecutors probing his govt Lebanon as Middle East tensions ease ex-US naval base BLOOMBERG — SEOUL anonymity. The presidency REUTERS — MANILA “They have the option to offered no immediate signal it last week criticised the press the trigger. We have to be would retaliate further over a in Philippines South Korean President Moon decision by Seoul prosecutors The Philippines will no longer ready in case there will be some January 3 US strike that killed Jae-in’s government reas- to indict Cho on a dozen require its citizens to leave Iran incidents along the way.” More one of its senior military BLOOMBERG — TOKYO signed three top prosecutors charges including bribery, and Lebanon as worries of a than 2 million Philippine cit- commanders. overseeing corruption into his saying the move raised doubts broader conflict in the Middle izens live and work in the Eduardo Menez, a Japan will create the blueprint administration, prompting about the probe’s intentions. East eased, but the mandatory Middle East, sending home bil- spokesman at the Department to redevelop a former US naval cries from the opposition that Cho was a close aide to Moon evacuation order for workers lions of dollars in annual remit- of Foreign Affairs, said the gov- base in northern Philippines he crossed a red line months before his appointment and in Iraq remains in force, offi- tances that could be dented by ernment is prepared to respond that has also attracted interest before national elections. his resignation in October cials said yesterday. a full-scale conflict. to any changes in the situation from China. The changes came as part after just five weeks as min- Environment Secretary Roy More than 30,000 of these in the region and will assist cit- Subic Bay, once the largest of 32 appointments ister set back the president’s Cimatu, a retired general are in Lebanon, and more than izens who wish to return home. American naval base outside the announced by the Ministry of push to overhaul the prose- named by President Rodrigo 1,000 in Iran, excluding undoc- “Alert levels are constantly US, will be developed through Justice Wednesday. The list cution system. Duterte as special envoy to the umented labourers. reviewed and adjusted as a master plan crafted by the included three prosecutors Moon saw his support rate Middle East, left for Qatar on The United States and Iran needed,” Menez told reporters. Japan International Cooperation recently named to senior fall to an all-time low in the Thursday to oversee the evac- have backed away from the The foreign ministry said Agency, Finance Secretary posts under Prosecutor wake of the Cho scandal. His uation effort. brink of further conflict in the more than half of the 1,600 Fili- Carlos Dominguez said during General Yoon Seok-youl, a ruling Democratic Party faces “The situation is unpre- Middle East. pinos working in Iraq, were in his bilateral meeting with Jap- graft-buster who’s overseeing parliamentary elections in dictable, sometimes there are US President Donald Trump the Kurdistan region and the rest anese Foreign Affairs Minister probes surrounding indicted April and any setback would some instances of a very sur- responded overnight to an at US and other foreign facilities Toshimitsu Motegi in Manila former Justice Minister Cho weaken Moon’s hand as he prise missile attack,” he told Iranian attack on US forces with in Baghdad and in commercial yesterday. Kuk. serves out the final two years reporters. sanctions, not violence. Iran establishments in Erbil. The Japanese agency signed Justice Minister Choo of his single, five-year term. the agreement in December to Mi-ae blamed Yoon for Opposition groups criti- provide technical support for forcing her hand by not sub- cised the reassignments, with the Philippine government’s mitting the reorganisation the Liberty Korea Party push to revive Subic Bay in plan she said she requested. denouncing them as “uncon- Zambales province, with “He disobeyed my order stitutional and undemocratic knowledge-based industries, to make reassignment pro- recklessness.” logistics terminals, public util- posals,” Choo said at a parlia- Lee Man-hee, the LKP’s ities and road networks iden- mentary session yesterday. floor spokesman, said that tified as possible industries to Her office said the appoint- Moon’s government had grow the local economy. ments were “typical and “crossed a line it should have China has similarly been regular.” Yoon’s office never crossed.” lured to the area, financing a declined to comment. The The shakeup came days $987 million, 71-kilometre Yonhap News Agency after Choo took office, freight rail connecting Subic Bay reported that his office sent pledging to carry out Moon’s to Clark Freeport, also a former prosecutors to a presidential reforms and re-balance the US military base. Chinese committee overseeing “almighty” prosecutors’ investors were also interested national development yes- power. The Justice Ministry to take over Hanjin Heavy terday afternoon to search for overseas state prosecutors, Industries Construction Co. evidence relating to alleged who wield enormous powers Ltd.’s facilities, located near the election interference. to launch investigations. disputed South China Sea. Moon’s office, which must Cho, the former minister, Despite the Philippines’ sign off on such appointments, was accused of forging schol- growing closeness with China said the reassignments were arship transcripts as part of under President Rodrigo proper. his son’s law school appli- Duterte, Japan has remained the Any expectation among cation, as well as fabricating country’s top source of official the South Korean public that internship certifications to development assistance. the personnel moves would help with his daughter get into It has signed 10 loan agree- hurt the investigations medical school, the Yonhap ments so far to support Duterte’s reflected the society’s deep News Agency said. Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations big-ticket infrastructure mistrust of the prosecution Cho’s lawyer dismissed projects, and Dominguez said A woman shops for decorations ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations on January 25, system, a presidential office the charges as an “imaginary there were more opportunities at a shop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. official told reporters yes- and fabricated political for funding and technical terday on the condition of move.” support. Police among four dead in Filipinos pray for Middle East peace in huge gathering AP — MANILA associated with the Black downtown Manila. sustained injuries and were statue is believed to have been Vietnam clash Nazarene - to briefly pause in More than 12,000 police, carried away on stretchers by brought from Mexico to Manila A mammoth crowd of mostly silence and pray for peace in the including bomb squads, snipers Red Cross volunteers. on a galleon in 1606 by Spanish AP — HANOI barefoot Filipino Catholics Middle East and the safety of its and helicopter-borne teams, Jocelyn del Rosario, a missionaries. The ship that prayed for peace in the Middle people, including many Filipino were deployed to secure the 55-year-old restaurant carried it purportedly caught Three policemen and a villager East yesterday at the start of an expatriate workers. procession, though authorities manager, said she walked fire, but the charred statue died in rare violent clashes annual procession of a “Let us pray... that the desire said they have not monitored barefoot for more than 4 kilo- survived. with Vietnam’s communist centuries-old black statue in to retaliate eases,” Tagle said. any specific threat. metres on an empty stomach to Some believe the statue’s authorities over disputed land one of Asia’s biggest religious One of the world’s leading Aside from ensuring safety show her devotion to the Black endurance, from fires and around a military-owned events. labour providers, the Philip- and order, police worked to Nazarene and pray for her earthquakes through the cen- Hanoi airport. The daylong procession of pines would face a gargantuan clear the streets in front of the children. Amid the crowd and turies and intense bombings Construction of the Mieu the wooden Black Nazarene crisis if hostilities between the carriage bearing the statue. the heat, she fainted and was during World War II, is a tes- Mon facility has been a long- draws massive numbers of US and Iran escalate and Guns and liquor were banned carried to a first-aid station. “My tament to its powers. The spec- running sore for villagers who largely poor devotees who pray embroil other countries that and cellphone signals were daughter has diabetes and a son tacle reflects the unique brand say it is being built on land ille- for the sick and a better life. This host many Filipinos, such as jammed in parts of Manila. of mine has been in and out of of Catholicism, which includes gally seized by the military. year, widespread fears over the Saudi Arabia and Israel. Devotees who were pushed jail,” del Rosario said while lying folk superstitions, in Asia’s Clashes erupted yesterday conflict between the United The Philippine government back when they tried to touch on a stretcher. largest Catholic nation. Dozens before dawn when authorities States and Iran were high- on Wednesday ordered Filipino the statue complained, but “The Black Nazarene has of Filipinos have themselves attempting to erect a perimeter lighted in a predawn Mass. workers to leave Iraq and Iran. despite the security and the done miracles for me. I need to nailed to crosses on Good fence were met by residents “Let us remember that in The military prepared to deploy tropical heat, mobs of people pray for some more.” Friday in another tradition that armed with “grenades, petrol other parts of the world, the navy ships, three cargo planes dangerously squeezed into a Another longtime devotee, draws huge crowds and tourists bombs and knives”, the Min- threat of violence is brewing and one battalion each of tight pack of humanity around Elena Ornate, believes the Black each year. istry of Public Security said in and, hopefully, this will not lead marines and army troops to the carriage. They threw small Nazarene helped her recover Such religious passion has a statement. The “social dis- to war,” Cardinal Luis Antonio help the evacuations in case towels at volunteers on the car- from a stroke years ago. But continued in the Philippines order” led to the “deaths of Tagle told the crowd at a Manila hostilities worsen. riage for them to wipe parts of another stroke last December even as President Rodrigo three policemen and one res- seaside park. Organisers of the Black the statue and toss the towels left the 73-year-old widow Duterte has stepped up attacks ident”, the statement said, The popular Manila church Nazarene procession expect up back, believing the Nazarene’s partly paralysed, preventing her in recent years on the church adding other villagers were leader asked the tens of thou- to 4 million people to join the powers can cure ailments and from working as a food vendor. and bishops, who have criti- “arrested for serious violations sands of devotees clad in procession, which usually ends do other miracles. Crowned with thorns and cised the thousands of killings of the law”. maroon shirts - the colour late at night in a church in Dozens of people fainted or bearing a cross, the Nazarene under his anti-drug crackdown. FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE 11 Uproar in UK over Harry, Meghan’s step back AP — LONDON grandson and sixth in line to the The couple’s British throne, behind his father, Britain’s royal family scrambled declaration that they brother and his brother’s three yesterday to contain the fallout planned to forge a children. With his ginger hair from the surprise and beard, he is one of the royal announcement by Prince Harry “progressive” new family’s most recognisable and and Meghan that they plan “to path for royals in the popular members and has spent step back” from royal duties, a his entire life in the public eye. shift that ignited media outrage modern world clearly Before marrying the prince and public unease in the UK. upset senior royals in a royal wedding watched The couple’s declaration around the world in 2018, the that they planned to forge a - who apparently 38-year-old Duchess of Sussex “progressive” new path for weren’t told of the was American actress Meghan royals in the modern world Markle, star of the TV legal clearly upset senior royals - decision in advance. drama “Suits.” The couple’s first who apparently weren’t told of child, Archie, was born in May the decision in advance. and hot-headedness,” while the 2019. The uproar began Britain’s media didn’t like it Daily Mail said the couple Wednesday with a statement either, lambasting the Duke and wanted “the status of being from Buckingham Palace, Duchess of Sussex in articles, ‘senior’ royals but the privacy described as “a personal columns and editorials yes- and freedom of being private message from the Duke and terday that expressed every- citizens.” Duchess of Sussex.” It said A television journalist holds a copy of a British newspaper as she reports outside of Buckingham thing from disappointment to The Sun and the New York Harry and Meghan intend to Palace in London, yesterday, following the announcement that Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex fury. Post described the departure as become financially independent and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, plan to step down as “senior” members of the Royal Family. The Daily Mirror said in an “Megxit,” a play on Brexit, Brit- and to “balance” their time editorial that the couple’s failure ain’s impending departure this between the UK and North to tell the Harry’s grandmother, month from the European America. of the royal family and work to a second statement, saying “We understand their desire to Queen Elizabeth II, about their Union. The New York Post, a “After many months of become financially inde- many issues still had to be take a different approach, but plans “shows shocking dis- Rupert Murdoch paper, featured reflection and internal discus- pendent, while continuing to worked out before the couple’s these are complicated issues regard for a woman whose a cover cartoon drawing of the sions, we have chosen to make fully support her majesty the plan could be realised and dis- that will take time to work entire life has been ruled by a couple’s future: the duchess in a transition this year in starting queen.” cussions with the couple “were through,’’ it read. sense of public duty and curlers while Harry in a stained to carve out a progressive new Hours after Harry and Meg- at an early stage.” That commu- It was not known exactly honour.” T-shirt cradled a beverage in role within this institution,” the han’s announcement, though, nique hinted that Harry and where in North America the The Times of London front of a television. statement said. “We intend to a difference of opinion was laid Meghan’s statement had caught couple planned to spend some accused Harry of “petulance Harry, 35, is Elizabeth’s step back as ‘senior’ members bare. Buckingham Palace issued the royal household by surprise. of their time. Five far-left Court refuses to ministers to serve in new recognise Catalan Spain govt separatist as MEP AFP — MADRID AFP — MADRID prompting him to file an appeal. Last month, the ECJ Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that Spain should have Sanchez yesterday confirmed yesterday refused to recognise let him out to receive his cre- Podemos head Pablo Iglesias jailed Catalan separatist Oriol dentials after the May elections, would serve as a deputy in his Junqueras as a European MP saying that even jailed MEPs new government, which because of his October benefitted from parliamentary would also include four other conviction over a failed 2017 immunity — a ruling hailed by far-left ministers. independence bid. Catalan separatists. The official statement from In a long-awaited ruling, But in its response to the his office came just two days the court said it would not ECJ, the Supreme Court decided after Sanchez won an inves- authorise his temporary release against allowing him out to titure vote, paving the way for from prison to collect his par- collect his accreditation. a new government following Russian President Vladimir Putin watches the joint drills by the Northern and Black Sea Fleets onboard liamentary credentials — in It said that the travelling nearly a year of political the cruiser Marshal Ustinov in the Black Sea off the coast of Crimea, yesterday. effect rejecting a December privileges recognised by the ECJ deadlock. ruling by the European Court were “not a protective shield Iglesias will serve as one of Justice (ECJ). against the sentence” and of four deputies, three of Putin attends massive war games off Crimea The court said its ruling rejected any grounds for the whom will be women. Sanchez “implies the suspension of his invalidation of the Catalan sep- had earlier confirmed one of AFP — MOSCOW of Kalibr (Caliber) cruise mis- a submarine, large landing status as a European aratists’ trial, which finished a them would be his current siles and Kinzhal (Dagger) ships and fast attack guided parliamentarian”. day before Junqueras was deputy, Carmen Calvo, as well Russian President Vladimir hypersonic missiles among missile craft, while fighter jets Junqueras won a seat in the declared an MEP-elect, nor of as the current economy min- Putin yesterday observed others, the Kremlin said. and bombers also took part. European Parliament in May the resulting sentence. ister, Nadia Calviño. massive military drills off the Russia annexed the “A pair of MiG-31K inter- elections despite being in pre- The court said it had com- Fellow Podemos law- coast of Moscow-annexed peninsula of Crimea from ceptor aircraft fired Kinzhal trial detention in Spain on municated its decision to the maker Irene Montero, the Crimea that involved test Ukraine in 2014, in a move con- missiles at a target at one of the charges linked to his role in a European Parliament as well former party spokeswoman launches of cruise and hyper- demned by the West that was test ranges,” the Kremlin said. banned Catalan referendum as to Spain’s Central Election and also Iglesias’ partner in sonic missiles. followed by the outbreak of an Putin has repeatedly touted and a short-lived declaration Committee. The ruling pro- life, would serve as minister of Russia’s commander-in- insurgency in eastern Ukraine. the Kinzhal missile, which he of independence. voked an angry reaction from equality. Two other ministerial chief was on board the cruiser The conflict has claimed more first unveiled as part of an array But he was prevented from Junqueras’ ERC party, which posts were handed to Marshal Ustinov to watch the than 13,000 lives. of next-generation nuclear leaving prison in June to attend helped to get Prime Minister members of the far-left Unidas joint drills by the Northern and Exercises in the Black Sea weapons during his annual a Spanish swearing-in cer- Pedro Sanchez through a tight Podemos coalition, with Black Sea Fleets, the Kremlin featured frigates and a large state-of-the-nation address in emony and from travelling to investiture vote two days ago lawyer Yolanda Diaz to serve said. He watched test launches anti-submarine ship as well as 2018. Brussels to take up his post, by abstaining. as labour minister and com- munist MP Alberto Garzon to hold the consumer affairs portfolio, while sociologist Boris Johnson ‘one of Europe’s bravest politicians’: Orban Manuel Castells, who is close to Podemos, will head the uni- REUTERS — BUDAPEST the bloc and Britain would take strategic cooperation is needed the terms of Brexit. Orban said story in the making there.” versities ministry. longer than the 11-month tran- with the British in the coming he believed the EU “misunder- Budapest’s interest in Brit- The full cabinet lineup will British Prime Minister Boris sition period that begins after period when they are no longer stood” the situation if it believed ain’s future after Brexit arises be unveiled “in the coming Johnson is “one of Europe’s Britain’s January 31 exit. members of the EU,” Orban told a good set of relations was pri- in part from the hundreds of days”, the statement said. bravest politicians” and the Orban, an anti-immigrant a news conference. marily in the interest of Britain thousands of Hungarians who But with only 155 of the European Union should aim for nationalist, has often clashed “I regard Boris Johnson one after Brexit, as this was just as work in Britain; London is often parliament’s 350 seats, the strong strategic relations with with EU authorities in Brussels of the bravest European politi- much in the interest of the EU’s cited as Hungary’s second new government will struggle Britain after it leaves the bloc, over compliance with cians,” he said, adding that “the 27 remaining members biggest city. to push through legislation, Hungarian Prime Minister democracy standards but has whole world was against” including Hungary. Britons voted 52%-48% for with its first order of business Viktor Orban said yesterday. never suggested Hungary Johnson and his eurosceptic He said post-EU Britain Brexit in a 2016 referendum, to pass the long-overdue state He spoke after chief EU should also depart the bloc, Conservative Party still won a would be successful and that it with calls to control immi- budget. It will be Spain’s first negotiator Michel Barnier said from which it receives major large majority in December’s had opened a “fantastic door, a gration one of the major factors coalition government since the a comprehensive agreement on annual development funding. national election, ending a long fantastic opportunity” for itself. in the outcome after over four 1930s. the future relationship between “I believe a generous and parliamentary deadlock over “I am sure there is a success decades of EU membership. French unions take to streets in make-or-break pension protest

REUTERS — PARIS at officers in brief skirmishes drive to make the French labour and trailed smoke flares. force more flexible and more French trade unions disrupted “Nothing is lost. The ball is competitive globally. rail services, cut power output in the government’s camp. He says the myriad special and brought demonstrators Either they listen, or they benefits handed out to different onto the streets in cities across govern against the people’s types of worker deter mobility France yesterday in a make-or- will,” hardline CGT union boss within the job market, espe- break push to force President Philippe Martinez told reporters. cially within the public sector. Emmanuel Macron to abandon “I am sceptical about the gov- If Macron succeeds in his planned pension reform. ernment’s willingness to talk.” defeating the unions — he has The country’s hard-left Former investment banker already stared them down over unions rallied supporters Macron wants to streamline reform of state-run SNCF hoping to regain momentum at France’s unwieldy pension railways and an easing of labour a time participation in a 36-day system and incentivise the laws — he will strengthen his long public sector strike wanes French to stay in work longer hand to embark on further pro- and opinion polls show public to pay for some of the most gen- business reforms as he eyes re- A general view during a demonstration in Paris, yesterday, on the 36th day of a nationwide multi- backing for the industrial action erous retirement benefits in the election in 2022. sector strike against French government’s pensions overhaul. dropping. industrialised world. The strike has hit transport Police fired teargas at pro- The proposed reform would in Paris the hardest and com- Power sector walkouts saw railed against a president they giving up”; others collected testers in Nantes, western be the biggest overhaul of the muters yesterday again electricity production fall by accuse of turning a deaf ear to donations to help compensate France, and in Paris, where system since World War Two grappled with skeleton services about a 10th. Rail workers and the street. Some waved banners striking workers for lost demonstrators hurled projectiles and is central to the president’s on suburban and metro lines. teachers, lawyers and nurses reading “Day 36 and we aren’t salaries. 12 EUROPE / AMERICAS FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020

EU chief defends MPs approve Brexit bill, UK Iran deal after on course for Jan 31 exit US call to quit AFP — BRUSSELS AFP — LONDON The Brexit deal covers separation issues such EU chief Charles Michel Britain’s parliament finally as EU citizens’ rights and Britain’s financial defended the crumbling Iran approved Brexit yesterday, settlement, and sets out an 11-month transition nuclear deal yesterday after allowing it to become the first period in which to agree a wider partnership. US President Donald Trump country to leave the European urged Europe to quit it, but Union by the end of this month, warned Tehran against “irre- ending years of arguments that Britain’s struggles over what yesterday. versible acts” that would sink toppled two governments and they viewed as a self-inflicted Instead, it became a the accord. divided a nation. wound, hoped that Brexit could footnote to Prince Harry and his The president of the The House of Commons still somehow be undone. wife Meghan’s decision to quit European Council used a call erupted in cheers after MPs But Johnson’s compre- royal front-line duties — chris- with Iran’s President Hassan ratified Prime Minister Boris hensive victory in last month’s tened “Megxit” and shaping up Rouhani to call for a de-esca- Johnson’s divorce deal with general election brought an to be equally complicated and lation of tensions after Tehran Brussels 330 votes to 231, abrupt end to the turmoil, giving divisive. “We will be leaving the carried out missile strikes on drawing a line under an his Conservatives a parlia- EU on January 31. We will have US military bases in Iraq in Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson receives European Commission extraordinary era of political mentary majority with which delivered on the PM’s com- retaliation for the assassi- President Ursula von der Leyen (right) ahead of their meeting at drama and chaos. to push it through. mitment to get Brexit done,” a nation of one of its top 10 Downing Street in central London. For much of the time since MPs gave their initial government spokesman said, generals. the 2016 Brexit referendum, blessing to the EU Withdrawal echoing Johnson’s election A White House statement lawmakers have been at each Agreement Bill before mantra. this wrong.” The Brexit bill must partnership. Brussels warns the from Trump calmed fears of others’ throats over how, when Christmas, and the government Britain’s main opposition still be passed by the unelected current deadline of December all-out war erupting, but the or even if Britain should leave set aside just three days this Labour party, bruised by its House of Lords and the 31 this year is extremely tight, US leader demanded that the its closest trading partners after week for detailed scrutiny of the worst beating at the polls since European Parliament, which is and has given London the other parties to the 2015 Iran nearly 50 years. complex text. 1935, voted against Brexit yes- seen as a formality. option to ask for more time. nuclear deal follow his lead Some viewed Brexit with But few MPs even bothered terday knowing the battle had All eyes are now on another But Johnson insists there and withdraw from the pact. horror, fearing that it stripped to turn up on Tuesday and been lost. major challenge: the negotiation will be no extension of the tran- The European parties — them of their European iden- Wednesday, with both sessions We “may not win many of a new relationship between sition period, saying that Britain Britain, France and Germany tities and turned Britain into an ending early, while the gov- votes in parliament just now, Britain and the remaining 27 EU must be free of EU rules as soon — have led efforts to save the insular, less important nation. ernment easily saw off oppo- but we can win the moral nations, which form the world’s as possible. deal, which has been crum- Others embraced it with sition attempts to amend the argument”, said Labour’s Brexit largest single market. Ahead of talks with Johnson bling since Trump pulled out fervour, viewing it as a chance text. spokesman Keir Starmer, a The Brexit deal covers sep- on Wednesday, European Com- in 2018 and reimposed sanc- to “take back control” from offi- The momentous day on potential successor to Jeremy aration issues such as EU cit- mission President Ursula von tions, and Michel insisted it cials in Brussels and see Britain which Johnson effectively gets Corbyn as party leader. izens’ rights and Britain’s der Leyen said it would be remained vital. regain some of its past might. permission to abandon the “Whatever (Johnson) says financial settlement, and sets “basically impossible” to agree “The JCPOA agreement Businesses and govern- European integration project about the wider issues, he must out an 11-month transition everything within London’s was an important achievement ments in Europe, puzzled by was all but ignored in the media know the government have got period in which to agree a wider timeframe. after 10 years of intense inter- national negotiations and remains an important tool for regional stability,” Michel’s Contact group recognises office said in its readout of his call with Rouhani. Guaido as Venezuela speaker The statement said Michel had insisted “the EU has its AFP — BRUSSELS session held at a newspaper own interests and its vision” office after police blocked him — implicitly distancing EU A dozen countries working on from entering the National capitals from Washington. ways to end Venezuela’s crisis Assembly, while Parra pro- But Michel, who heads the yesterday gave their backing claimed himself speaker after European Council grouping to opposition leader Juan claiming to have been elected the 28 member states, also told Guaido as parliamentary with 81 votes in the 167- Rouhani that Iran must “avoid speaker, rejecting the claims of member chamber. posing irreversible acts”. a rival. “These events together with The warning follows The International Contact the continuous intimidation Tehran’s announcement of its Group on Venezuela said it was and reprisals against the latest step back from commit- deeply concerned by events in members of the National ments under the 2015 deal, the Venezuelan National Assembly, democratically which saw it granted sanctions Assembly this week in which elected by the Venezuelan relief in return for curbs on its the security forces of President people, further aggravate the atomic programme. Nicolas Maduro tried interfered crisis, creating more obstacles Europe has seen a flurry of in the vote to choose a speaker. to the peaceful return to diplomatic activity this week Guaido, whose claim to be democracy and the rule of law,” concerning Iran and Libya. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (centre) accompanied by Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino acting president is recognised said the statement — signed by (2nd left) and the Commander of the Armed Forces Operational Strategic Command, Remigio Ceballos as legitimate by more than 50 all members of the group (2nd right), during a meeting with members of the Popular Units of Integral Defence, in Caracas. countries, was re-elected except Uruguay. Brazil President speaker of the assembly on Guaido’s re-election is Sunday while rival lawmaker important for his struggle Bolsonaro to skip US throws support behind Venezuela negotiations Luis Parra also claimed the title against far-left leader Maduro, AFP — WASHINGTON and recognising opposition and fair elections,” he said. after a separate vote. as the National Assembly is the Davos meeting leader Juan Guaido as interim Pompeo called for both Twelve European and Latin only branch of government in AFP — BRASÍLIA The United States yesterday president, Secretary of State presidential and legislative American countries from the opposition hands. threw its support behind nego- Mike Pompeo indicated a elections by the end of the year. contact group issued a While Guaido enjoys inter- tiations in Venezuela, saying greater openness to diplomacy “2020 presents the oppor- statement saying the vote for national support including from Brazilian President Jair talks could establish a transi- to end the long-running tunity to provide the Vene- Parra “cannot be considered Washington, Maduro appears Bolsonaro will skip the World tional government, lead to fresh standoff. zuelan people with what they legitimate nor democratic”. entrenched with the crucial Economic Forum in Davos this elections and bring an end to “A swift negotiated tran- have been demanding for years: “We support Juan Guaido backing of the armed forces, month, his spokesman said on the crisis. sition to democracy is the most genuinely free and fair Presi- as President of the National despite presiding over the oil- Wednesday, citing logistical The United States has not effective and sustainable route dential and National Assembly Assembly, and reaffirm our rich country’s collapse into and political concerns. opposed past talks in Venezuela to peace and prosperity in Ven- elections to choose their lead- commitment to actively economic ruin. “The president and his but had taken a hard line, ezuela,” Pompeo said in a ership and begin the long support genuine efforts The statement was signed team of advisors have ana- saying they should only discuss statement. process of renewal,” he said. towards a peaceful and demo- by Bolivia, Britain, Costa Rica, lysed a series of issues: eco- the exit of leftist President “Negotiations could open Maduro won a new term in cratic resolution of the crisis in Ecuador, France, Italy, nomic issues, security issues, Nicolas Maduro. the path out of the crisis 2018 in disputed elections and Venezuela,” the statement said. Germany, the Netherlands, political issues,” said Nearly a year after through a transitional gov- new presidential polls are not Guaido was re-elected by Panama, Portugal, Spain and spokesman Otavio Rego declaring Maduro illegitimate ernment that will organise free due until 2024. opposition lawmakers in a Sweden. Barros in Brasilia. “And all of these issues together... led him to decide that it would not be the time Mexico volcano erupts, locals to attend the forum.” Rego Barros denied that told to be ready to evacuate the change in plans had any- thing to do with rising military AFP — MEXICO CITY “Yellow Phase Two,” which tensions between the United instructs people to remain at States — an important Bra- Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano least 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) zilian ally — and Iran after the dramatically spewed a fiery from the crater and be prepared killing in Iraq of powerful cloud of ash and rock into the for a possible evacuation. Iranian General Qassem Sole- sky yesterday, though it did not Popocatepetl, which means imani, ordered by President prompt authorities to raise their “smoking mountain” in the Donald Trump. eruption alert level. indigenous Nahuatl language, “There is no relationship “Popo,” as the volcano is has not had a massive eruption with the recent events that known, exploded early in the in more than a millennium, but have taken place between morning, belching “a moderate has shown increased activity in Iran, Iraq and the United amount of ash and incandescent the past 26 years. States,” he said. material” from its crater, the It is considered one of the Bolsonaro, 64, had already National Disaster Prevention world’s most dangerous vol- floated the idea of skipping the Center wrote on Twitter. canoes, because some 25 million yearly conference of economic The explosion created a people live within a 100-kil- and political elites — which is cloud of ash that reached 3,000 ometer (60-mile) radius. set to take place in Switzerland meters (1.9 miles) into the air. Media reports said it is one from January 21 to 24 — for The authorities, however, left of Mexico’s most active security reasons. the volcano’s alert level at volcanoes. The Popocatepetl Volcano spews ash and smoke as seen from Puebla, central Mexico, yesterday. A Brazilian delegation will still be present, but the details are still unclear. The Davos forum was the Bolivia prosecutor seeks Spain response over embassy spat far-right president’s first trip abroad after he took office just REUTERS — LA PAZ The prosecutor said on Spanish officials. Spain military and police. The gov- are wanted for crimes of over a year ago. It was during Wednesday it had sought infor- responded with a similar ernment of interim President sedition and armed uprising. that conference that he intro- Bolivia’s attorney general has mation on why Spanish offi- measure. Jeanine Anez claims that The attorney general said it duced his “a different Brazil” pushed forward a probe into cials, on a December visit to the The affair has tested Spanish security forces had had passed the case to the pros- platform. Spanish officials the South embassy in Bolivia, were Bolivia’s caretaker government, tried to hide their identity to ecutor’s office in La Paz to take Rego Barros confirmed American country’s government accompanied by Spanish tac- which took power after Morales gain access to the Mexican the necessary steps to get that later this month Bolsonaro alleges were seeking to help tical police. The incident resigned under pressure in embassy, which granted asylum responses from those involved will instead take an official trip allies of ousted leftist leader Evo sparked a diplomatic stand-off November after widespread to Morales’ backers. and clarification about the role to India, a fellow member of Morales who are holed up in the and Bolivia expelled Mexico’s protests, evidence of electoral Bolivia’s government claims of the members of Spain’s GEO the BRICS bloc of emerging Mexican embassy in La Paz. ambassador and several fraud and waning support from some of those in the embassy special operations group. economies. FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS 13 US House to vote on limiting Trump’s ability to wage war Trump wants Nato expanded REUTERS — WASHINGTON — have expressed support for Trump said he did make split-second decisions unresolved. the resolution. sometimes. Sometimes you Some Republicans, to Middle East The US House of Representa- Democratic House Speaker not think he had to have to move very, very quickly. including House Republican tives was due to consider — and Nancy Pelosi said the drone seek congressional In certain cases I wouldn’t even Leader Kevin McCarthy, insisted AP — WASHINGTON likely pass — later yesterday a strike that killed Qassem Sole- mind doing it,” Trump said. the resolution would have no resolution to rein in President imani last week had not made approval for military The War Powers Act was power over Trump. He called it President Donald Trump Donald Trump’s ability to Americans safer. She faulted the against Iran. passed in 1973, as lawmakers a “meaningless vote” at his thinks Nato should be engage in military conflict White House for failing to reacted to secret bombings weekly news conference. expanded to include nations against Iran, as lawmakers consult with Congress before endangered Americans,” Pelosi during the bitterly divisive Democrats dismissed McCa- in the Middle East. He even worried that the killing of a top the strike. Presidents typically said. Vietnam War. The law says the rthy’s contention as false, noting suggested a new name for the Iranian commander could lead inform congressional leaders Trump called Pelosi “Crazy” House and Senate can pass a that the US Constitution gives 70-year-old alliance: to war. before military action, to on Twitter ahead of the vote, resolution to force the with- Congress, not the President, the “NATOME” short for Nato- The vote in the Democratic- present a united national and said he hoped every House drawal of troops engaged in a power to declare war. Middle East. controlled House was due in the security front. Republican would vote no. foreign conflict. “If both Houses pass this “What a beautiful name - afternoon. Passage would send Pelosi told a news con- Trump told reporters at the It was not immediately clear resolution, it’s a clear statement NATOME,’’ Trump said yes- it to the Senate, where its fate ference that the failure to White House he did not think how the resolution’s passage by that Congress is denying the terday, pronouncing it ”Nay- was uncertain. consult with Congress was “dis- he had to seek congressional the House and Senate would President the authority to wage TOE-me.” Speaking to Trump’s fellow Republicans dainful.” “Last week, in our approval for military action play out. If passed, the measure war and that the President must reporters at the White House hold 53 seats in the 100- view, the president — the against Iran. would not require Trump’s sig- come to Congress for an author- during an unrelated event, member Senate, but at least two administration — conducted a “I don’t have to and you nature to take effect, but legal isation prior to any further hos- Trump said the US had tamped members of his party — Sen- provocative, disproportionate shouldn’t have to, because you questions about Congress’s tilities,” a senior Democratic down Islamic State militants, ators Rand Paul and Mike Lee attack against Iran, which have to be able to power over the President are aide said in an email. eliminating their control of territory and killing IS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi. “We did Europe a big Trump announces sweeping favor,” he said. “I think Nato should be changes to environmental law expanded and we should include the Middle East, abso- AFP — WASHINGTON obstacle to the current admin- lutely.... Right now the burden istration’s efforts to accelerate is on us and that’s not fair,” US President Donald Trump’s fossil fuel extraction. Trump said. Trump said he administration announced The Environment Protection also wants to see more Nato yesterday sweeping changes to Agency raised an objection to the troops in the Middle East an environmental law that Keystone XL pipeline, planned because problems there are would speed up the construction to bring oil from Canada to the international in scope. He said of highways, airports and pipe- US, during a NEPA review under he spoke about Nato’s role on lines. the Obama administration, with Wednesday during a phone Under the National Environ- the former president cancelling call with Nato Secretary- mental Policy Act (NEPA), signed the project as a result — only for General Jens Stoltenberg. into law by Richard Nixon in it to be revived under Trump. “I think he was actually 1970, all major infrastructure The administration doesn’t excited about it. I actually had projects must be subject to envi- have the power to change the act a name. Nato, right, and then ronmental impact assessment by of Congress, but it can change you have ME, Middle East. relevant agencies. rules about how it is applied — They would call it NATOME,” NEPA was the US’ first major and it was these proposed Trump said. environmental law and designed changes that were announced “I’m good at names, right,” “to create and maintain condi- yesterday. The proposals would he said and noted how the new tions under which man and raise the threshold for what North American trade nature can exist in productive types of projects require an envi- agreement is called USMCA for US President Donald Trump speaks to the press at the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. harmony,” and has proved an ronmental impact assessment. the US, Mexico and Canada. Canada demands role in Iran crash probe

AFP — OTTAWA

Ottawa called yesterday for its own experts be allowed to join the investigation into the crash of an airliner near Tehran that killed dozens of Canadian citizens of Iranian origin. In a rare phone call with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif late Wednesday, Canada’s Foreign Min- ister Francois-Philippe Champagne called for Iran to allow Canadian investigators in to the country, the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement. “Minister Champagne stressed the need for Canadian officials to be quickly granted access to Iran to provide consular services, help with iden- tification of the deceased and take part in the inves- tigation of the crash,” the statement said. Champagne told Zarif that “Canada and Cana- dians have many questions which will need to be answered.” Such direct contact is rare since Canada broke off diplomatic ties in 2012 in protest at Tehran’s support for the Syrian government of Bashar Al Assad. The last time such a high-level contact was CHANGE OF NAME undertaken was in 2018, when Chrystia Freeland was serving as Canada’s foreign minister. She also met Zarif at the UN General Assembly meeting in I, Hameeda Abdulghafoor, 2017, the Canadian foreign ministry said. holder of Pakistan Passport No. CJ6271272 Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 went down just minutes after takeoff from Tehran (Qatar ID No. 27758600225) airport, with no radio message from the pilot to hereby change my name to indicate distress, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organ- ization said. HAMEEDA ALRAEESI ABDULGHAFOOR. Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau said that Iran had accepted an offer of help from Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days the Canadian Transportation Safety Board. Canada from the publication of this notice. has also offered Iran help to analyze the black box data. I, Vishweswar Gopal Reddy Challa, I, Manal Basheer, holder of India Passport I, Norkiaton Usman Omar, Mexican man kills self holder of India Passport No. M6021483 holder of Philippines Passport on US border bridge No. M4994931 (Qatar ID No. 30435602588) No. P3691362B (Qatar ID No. 30535600163) hereby change my name to (Qatar ID No. 25760800708) AP — CIUDAD VICTORIA, MEXICO hereby change my name to hereby change my name to VISWESWAR GOPAL REDDY A Mexican man killed himself on a bridge MANAAL BASHEER. NORKIATON SALIK USMAN. connecting Reynosa, Mexico and Pharr, Texas, CHALLA. temporarily shutting down a portion of the bridge, Mexican officials said yesterday. Any objection, please contact the Any objection, please contact the US Customs and Border Protection confirmed Immigration and Passport Office within 15 Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 only that a man had collapsed and died on the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 Mexican side of the bridge on Wednesday evening. days from the publication of this notice. days from the publication of this notice. The bridge on the outskirts of Reynosa is three days from the publication of this notice. miles (five kilometers) long and not open to pedestrians. I, April Mae Cabobos Dela Cruz, I, Nayan Moni Sarma Kadananda Sarma, Mexico’s National Immigration Institute con- I, Abedelhalim Akub Ali, firmed that the man was Mexican. holder of Philippines Passport holder of Bangladesh Passport An official with the Tamaulipas state prosecu- No. EC3602309 holder of Bangladesh Passport No. EE0374276 tor’s office who was not authorized to speak pub- No. EB0064585 licly about the case said the man had told US (Qatar ID No. 29260805705) (Qatar ID No. 28605021309) officers that he was from Tlalnepantla in Mexico (Qatar ID No. 25405001190) state and wanted to request asylum. He was hereby change my name to hereby change my name to directed to return to Reynosa to begin the process hereby change my name to there. APRIL MAE DELA CRUZ NAYAN MONI SADANANDA US officials at bridges open to pedestrians have ABDUL HALIM AKAB ALI. been limiting how many people can cross to request PONESTO. SARMA. asylum on a given day. They typically join a waiting Any objection, please contact the list organized on the Mexican side. It was unknown Any objection, please contact the Any objection, please contact the if the man had tried previously at another port of Immigration and Passport Office within 15 entry. The US confirmed this week that it planned Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. Immigration and Passport Office within 15 to begin sending Mexican asylum seekers to days from the publication of this notice. days from the publication of this notice. Guatemala. 14 CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020

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FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020

Oil steadies around France’s Orange moves levels prevailing before closer to IPO of US-Iran attacks MidEast, Africa operations REUTERS — LONDON

Oil prices steadied yesterday REUTERS — PARIS after the previous session’s sharp losses on the back of France’s biggest telecoms swelling US crude stocks and group Orange is bringing its easing fears of imminent esca- operations in the Middle East lation of conflict between the and Africa into a single entity, United States and Iran. paving the way for a potential Prices were hovering listing of the operations that around where they stood could raise cash to invest in before the January 3 US drone overseas expansion. Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari (third right), Qatar Chamber Chairman strike that assassinated a top The Middle East and Africa, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani (third left), with other officials, during a press conference at the Iranian general, prompting an where Orange has a presence Ministry of Commerce and Industry headquarters in Lusail City, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA Iranian rocket attack on Iraqi in 18 countries, is the com- airbases hosting US forces, and pany’s fastest-growing market, sent crude to its highest in four generating annual sales of months. JPMorgan analysts main- about €5bn ($5.6bn). Brent crude futures moved tained their forecast for Brent The region makes a large QC Chairman lauds ease up and down in early European to average $64.50 a barrel this chunk of its revenues from trading after a 4.1 percent fall year. Top oil producers led by payment transfers, a key part on Wednesday. By 1322 GMT Saudi Arabia have agreed to of the group’s diversification of doing business in Qatar Brent was down 5 cents at reduce output by as much as into financial services. $65.39 a barrel. 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) “Orange has decided to West Texas Intermediate through the first quarter of bring together all our regional THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Qatar Chamber improvement in the ‘Ease of was up 3 cents at $59.64 after 2020. activities in a single company, Chairman noted Doing Business 2020’ score by sliding nearly 5 percent the “As geopolitical tensions OMEA (Orange Middle-East Qatar Chamber (QC) Chairman the World Bank due to the previous day. appear to enter a new equi- and Africa), to create a sep- Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al that Qatar has been state’s efforts and achievements During European trading librium the overall supply con- arate entity and provide the Thani lauded the newly chosen as one of the in intelligent systems. hours Iranian media carried ditions in the market tend to Group with various options for launched electronic system of top 20 countries out He added that the single reports of military commanders favour oil reverting lower,” growth,” Orange said in a the ‘new companies setup window consolidates Qatar’s speaking of further action Harry Tchilinguirian (pic- statement, following the inau- service through the single of 190 counties in position as an ideal destination aimed at expelling US troops tured), oil strategist at BNP guration of its local head- window e-portal’, noting that the world in terms of for investment in the region and from the region. Paribas in London, told the quarters in Casablanca, it helps save time and effort for their improvement global levels and enhances the US President Donald Trump Reuters Global Oil Forum. Morocco. business and investors willing country’s efforts to attract more had eased tensions by stepping “US crude oil production “An IPO (initial public to establish new companies in in the ‘Ease of Doing local and foreign investments. back from further military remains at a record 12.9 million offering) of OMEA is one of Qatar. Business 2020’ The first phase of the single action, depressing oil prices bpd, it is not evident in our these potential scenarios, and In a press statement issued window services which had and diverting attention back to opinion that Opec and its non- the decision will depend on a after the announcement of the score by the World been launched previously a surprise build in US crude Opec allies will fully implement number of factors, including digital transformation of the Bank due to the helped in boosting the ease of stockpiles last week. the incremental supply cuts.” strategic opportunities and ‘new companies setup service state’s efforts and investment procedures. Crude oil stocks were up 1.2 Meanwhile, oil and gas ship market orientation, always through the single window The single window provides million barrels in the week owners are bracing to pay a with the central criterion of e-portal’ at the Ministry of achievements in a comprehensive service to ended January 3 at 431.1 million price for US-Iranian tensions accelerating the growth of this Commerce and Industry (MoCI) intelligent systems.. establish businesses and fac- barrels, the Energy Information in the form of higher insurance business,” it said. yesterday, Sheikh Khalifa reit- tories that allows investors and Administration said on bills, which could add hundreds The Paris-based group, erated Qatar’s progress in the businessmen to submit and sign Wednesday. of thousands of dollars to which competes with the likes ‘ease of doing business chosen as one of the top 20 applications and pay their fees Analysts in a Reuters poll shipping costs that would ulti- of Vodafone-controlled globally’. countries out of 190 counties in electronically in order to obtain had expected a drop of 3.6 mately be passed on to fuel Vodacom, Airtel Africa and He said that Qatar has been the world in terms of their a license. million barrels. buyers, mostly in Asia. South Africa’s MTN in the region, has been weighing a listing of its operations there for about six years. At Orange’s last investor QSE's benchmark index closes at 10,444.36 points day in December, Chief Exec- utive Officer Stéphane Richard THE PENINSULA — DOHA transactions as compared to traded volume last week with Telecom sector accounted 9.07 Wednesday’s closing. said the group was “technically 16,812 transactions. 30.88 percent of the total traded percent. The volume of shares traded ready” for a potential listing of Qatar Stock Exchange’s (QSE) Market cap fell by 0.67 volume. Real Estate sector From the 47 listed com- yesterday increased to 87.18 the combined operations, benchmark index lost 67.34 percent to reach QR581.41bn as accounted for 19.55 percent. panies 11 ended last week million from 67.90 million on adding a possible expansion points, or 0.64 percent, last compared to QR585.36bn at the Industries sector accounted higher, while 31 fell and five Wednesday and the value of in Ethiopia could be a catalyst week when the bourse closed end of previous week. 18.70 percent and Consumer remained unchanged. shares also increased to for the IPO. yesterday at 10,444.36 points. Banking and Financial Goods and Services sector QNB led traded value during QR1.65bn from QR212.94m on The combined enterprise Trading value during last Services sector led traded value accounted 17.24 percent. last week accounted for 20.56 Wednesday. value of the operations week increased by 2.82 percent last week with 51.09 percent of Banking and Financial percent of the total traded Indices of seven sectors amounts to about €10bn, an to reach QR1.18bn compared to the total traded value. Con- Services sector led traded value. Masraf Al Rayan ended in green zone today. QSE analyst said. QR1.15bn. sumer Goods and Services number of transactions last accounted for 11.32 percent and Total Return Index increased That valuation was echoed Trading volume increased sector accounted for 14.55 week with 33.26 percent of the Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) accounted 1.04 percent to 19,218.51 points by a source close to the matter, by 41.41 percent to reach 403.43 percent. Industries sector total number of transactions. 6.90 percent. and QSE Al Rayan Islamic Index who confirmed earlier reports million shares, as against 285.29 accounted for 13.07 percent and Consumer Goods and Services When compared on daily gained 1.16 percent to 3,915.89 that Morgan Stanley and BNP million shares, while the Real Estate sector accounted sector accounted for 24.39 basis, the QSE index dropped points. QSE All Share Index Paribas were working as number of transactions rose by 8.02 percent. Banking and percent. Industries sector 107.04 points, or 1.04 percent added 1.05 percent to 3,101.20 global coordinators for a 79.06 percent, to reach 30,104 Financial Services sector led accounted for 16.58 percent and yesterday compared to points. listing. Alphabet nears $1trn value China confirms negotiator to sign trade deal in US next week AFP — BEIJING on ad-growth optimism Wednesday to sign the deal, the communication regarding the and many electronic items. commerce ministry said. detailed arrangement of the US Trade Representative BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK political ad spending. China said yesterday that Vice Donald Trump announced signing,” Gao said, without pro- Robert Lighthizer has said China Yesterday’s gain extends a -Premier Liu He will travel to last week that the two countries viding more details. committed to a minimum of Alphabet shares rose as much push into record territory, with Washington next week to sign the would sign the mini agreement, US and Chinese officials have $200bn in increased purchases as 1.7 percent following a flurry the stock having risen nearly “phase one” deal with the United the first part of a wider pact said the agreement includes pro- over the next two years from US of positive analyst commentary 40 percent from a low in June. States that has lowered trade ten- between the two, on January 15, tections for intellectual property, manufacturers, farmers, energy on the Google parent’s 2020 The rally has brought Alphabet sions between the world’s two but Beijing had yet to confirm the food and farm goods, financial producers and service providers. prospects. within striking distance of a $1 biggest economies. trip. services and foreign exchange, But Gao refused to confirm the At least three firms raised trillion valuation; the current The signing will cap a nearly “At the invitation of the US, and a provision for dispute res- figure at yesterday’s news their price target on the stock, market capitalisation is about two-year spat that threatened to Liu He will be leading a dele- olution. Trump also cancelled conference. while KeyBanc Capital Markets $980bn. throttle the global economy as gation to Washington from plans to impose tariffs on $160bn Trump said last week that he named it one of its “key ideas” There are several adver- the two countries exchanged January 13 to January 15 to sign in Chinese merchandise in mid- would travel to Beijing for nego- in the Internet sector this year. tising and shopping initiatives tariffs on hundreds of billions of the phase one deal,” commerce December, including hot con- tiations on the next part of the In particular, analysts were “that could increase product dollars worth of two-way trade. ministry spokesman Gao Feng sumer items such as mobile wider deal “at a later date”, but broadly positive that Alphabet monetisation and impact Liu, China’s top negotiator in (pictured) said at a weekly news phones, but punishing tariffs Gao said he had “no further infor- would see strong growth in its overall revenue growth,” wrote the trade conflict, will be in the briefing. remain on about $250bn-worth mation on phase two” of the ad business, helped in part by BofA analyst Justin Post. US capital from Monday to “Both parties are in close of goods, including machinery negotiations. 16 BUSINESS FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 Microsoft pushes cloud services to retailers anxious to avoid Amazon

BLOOMBERG — SEATTLE in stores that use Teams to compete,” said Shelley Bransten connect customers with kitchen (pictured), the vice president who Microsoft is unveiling new cloud design advisers, said Kenneth Lin- oversees Microsoft’s work with tools designed for retail cus- degaard, an Ikea vice president. retailers and consumer goods tomers, seeking to position itself The company plans to have the companies. But there are other as an alternative to Amazon and rest of its 165,000-person work- benefits to working closely with corporate software companies force on Office 365 cloud software retailers, she said in an interview. like Slack Technologies and Teams by the end of spring, Some of the software products and Salesforce. although Ikea still has some built for retailers will be useful for e-commerce sites and in-store Microsoft is adding a feature smaller groups using Slack and companies in other industries. operations. The company said to its Slack rival, the Teams cor- Google’s G Suite, he said. Ikea also For example, the walkie- outerwear maker Canada Goose porate chat programme, that lets uses Microsoft’s Azure and Google talkie feature in Teams can Holdings has been using it. store workers push a button to Cloud, he said. help manufacturers, said Emma Microsoft also provided new turn their mobile phones into The retail industry has been Williams, a Microsoft vice pres- details on how some previously walkie-talkies for in-store one of Microsoft’s most successful ident who is charged with adding announced Azure customers are communications. as the software maker tries to gain features to Office and Teams for working with its products. One In a speech on January 12 at ground in cloud computing use by customers in health care, year ago, Microsoft said Wal- a retail industry event, Microsoft against market leader Amazon retail, manufacturing and finance. greens Boots Alliance would begin Chief Executive Officer Satya Web Services and lure more cus- Microsoft explained the new using Azure and deploy Microsoft Nadella plans to discuss how Ikea tomers to its internet-based Office features in a blog post yesterday 365-a collection of software that shifted more than 70,000 workers products. Some retailers are ahead of Nadella’s speech in New includes Windows 10, Office cloud to Teams, using the service for loath to work with e-commerce York, the CEO’s first appearance services and security and mobile- meetings and chat. The home fur- rival Amazon. Nadella and Google at the retail conference. management software-to the nishing giant’s largest store, in Cloud chief Thomas Kurian are Retail customers are also key pharmacy giant’s more than Stockholm, also started using a set to speak next week at the to Microsoft’s competition 380,000 workers. Now Wal- scheduling feature to manage the annual show of the National Retail with Salesforce, the leader in greens will try Microsoft’s shifts of 150 restaurant staffers. Federation, the biggest retail trade cloud-based customer relations HoloLens 2 goggles for worker Ikea is also working with group, underscoring how signif- software. Microsoft announced training and the drugstore chain Microsoft to determine if Teams icant the industry is to Amazon’s the official release of its Dynamics also is using Microsoft products to can play a role in its “store of the biggest cloud competitors. Commerce software for helping anonymously track shoppers’ future” concepts. The Swedish “A key part of our offering is retailers manage inventory, steps, in order to better plan store company may put video screens that we partner and we don’t scheduling, call centres, layouts. Jump in German industrial output tempered by export dip

REUTERS — BERLIN outlook, with data from the sta- Data released on Wednesday tistics office showing November’s showed that industrial orders fell German industrial output rose exports were down 2.3 percent unexpectedly in November on more than expected in November, month on month while imports weak foreign demand and a lack registering its biggest monthly edged down 0.5 percent, nar- of big contracts, suggesting that increase in a year and a half, rowing the trade surplus to the manufacturing slump will though declining exports made €18.3bn ($20.3bn). continue to curtail growth. for mixed signals on Europe’s The DIHK Chambers of “All in all, consumption and largest economy. Industry and Commerce, which construction should have kept the Industrial production jumped expects exports to shrink this year entire economy out of recession by 1.1 percent from October, for the first time since the world territory once again in the fourth beating expectations for a 0.7 financial crisis more than a quarter, but the former growth percent gain, figures from the sta- though the outlook for industrial decade ago, pointed to persistent engine, manufacturing, is still tistics office showed yesterday, companies remains clouded. headwinds from abroad. stuttering,” said ING analyst thanks to manufacturing growth Germany’s export-dependent “Global uncertainties will Carsten Brzeski. and booming construction. manufacturers are contending remain in 2020 due to trade con- The Ifo Institute economic The October reading was with sluggish demand from flicts, sanctions or Brexit,” said research body last month said that revised upwards to a 1 percent abroad as well as business uncer- DIHK economist Volker Treier. domestic demand was likely to decline from a previously tainty linked to trade disputes and The recent military escalation have helped the economy to grow reported 1.7 percent decrease. Britain’s decision to leave the between the United States and by 0.2 percent in the fourth “That’s two pieces of good European Union. The automobile Iran poses an additional risk. quarter after a 0.1 percent news for the price of one,” said sector is also struggling to adjust “The escalation in the region expansion in the previous three LBBW analyst Jens-Oliver Nik- to stricter emissions regulation means another factor of uncer- months. The statistics office is lasch (pictured), adding that the and a shift to electric vehicles. tainty for companies,” said Holger scheduled to release preliminary data should help to dispel any Trade figures also published Bingmann, head of the BGA trade data on 2019 gross domestic remaining fears of a recession, yesterday underlined the difficult association. product on January 15.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Darbar (2D/Tamil) 2:00, 5:00, 8:00, 11:00 & 11:30pm; Darbar (2D/Tamil) 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 8:45 & 11:15pm Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 2:00 & Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; 5:15pm; Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 4:15pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) 3:30pm; Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) 6:45pm; Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) 7:00pm; 11:30pm 1917 (2D/Crime) 9:15pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:30pm; Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 2:00 & 3:45pm; Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 4:15 & 9:00pm; Balloon (2D/Drama) 5:30pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm Underwater (2D/Action) 7:45pm; Richard Jewell (2D/Crime) 9:30pm; LANDMARK 1917 (2D/Crime) 11:45pm

Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 2:00pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 4:45 & 11:30pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Daughter Of The Wolf (2D/Action) 9:15pm; 1917 (2D/Crime) 11:15am, 1:35, 3:55, 6:15, 8:35 & 10:55pm Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) 7:15pm; Darbar (2D/Tamil) 3:25, 6:30, 9:35 & 10:50pm; Daughter Of The Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 2:00 & Wolf (2D/Action) 7:00pm; El Folous A.K.A The Money (2D/Arabic) 4:50pm; 10:40am, & 4:40pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 10:35am, 3:45pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) 11:20am, 1:00, 1:45, 3:25, 5:50, 8:15 & 10:40pm Darbar (2D/Tamil) 2:00, 5:30, 8:15, 8:40 & 11:00pm; Miracle in Cell No.7 (2D/Comedy) 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:25pm & Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 6:30pm; 0:45am; Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 10:50am Richard Jewell (2D/Crime) 1:55, 7:20 & 9:55pm AL KHOR Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 10:40am, 12:40, 2:40pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 11:05am, 4:30pm & Darbar (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9;30 & 12:30pm 0:30am; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 8:50 & 11:35pm Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 11:00am Underwater (2D/Action) 12:40, 2:35, 4:30, 6:25, 8:55pm & 0:15am Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) 3:45pm The Grudge 8:25, 10:20pm & 0:40am Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 1:30 & 9:15pm; 1917 (2D/Crime) 1:15 & 9:00pm Underwater (2D/Action) 4:15 & 12:00pm Darbar (2D/Hindi) 6:00 & 11:30pm ASIAN TOWN

ROXY Darbar (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 2:30, 3:30, 5:30, 6:30, 8:30, 9:30, 11:30pm, 12:30am & 2;30am Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 5:20, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 10:30 & 11:00pm Darbar (2D/Telugu) 12:30pm Darbar (2D/Tamil) 10:30am, 1:00, 1:40, 3:00, 4:10, Darbar (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm 4:30, 5:50, 7:20, 7:30, 8:00, 8:20, 10:30, 10:50, 11:00 & Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 12:30am 11:30pm; Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 9:15pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 11:00am, 12:30, 2:35, 3:15, 6:20pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/ Action) 10:30, 11:00am, 12:30, 12:50, 1:00, 3:20, 5:50, 6:10, 6:30, 8:00 & 11:30pm; Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 1:15, 2:30, 4:20, 4:45, 6:45pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 4:10, 8:30, 8:40 & 11:15pm; Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 1:35, 4:30, 8:45 & 11:30pm; Underwater (2D/Action) 1:30, 3:20, 9:00, 10;30, 11:00pm

TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR

The movie is based on the life of Tanaji Malusare, a 17th-century Maharashtrian Marathi military leader. FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

FOOTBALL TENNIS I really need to play matches like that to get to my Qatar Cup, First Qatar ExxonMobil goals. Tournament time is super-important, match Semi-final: Al Duhail Open at Khalifa time is good. After losing that first set I'm just glad vs Al Sailiya at International Tennis Al Sadd Stadium and Squash Complex to be still in the event: Serena Williams TODAY’S ACTION Keep politics out of 2020 Tokyo Sainz extends Dakar lead Games, says Bach as Al Attiyah gives chase

REUTERS — LAUSANNE REUTERS — RIYADH Mini’s Spanish drivers Carlos Politicians and athletes should Spaniard Carlos Sainz extended Sainz and co-driver Lucas keep politics out of this year’s The mission of the his Dakar Rally lead with a Cruz compete during the Tokyo Olympic Games to second stage win in five days Dakar Rally 2020. protect the event’s neutrality Olympics is to unite yesterday while Britain’s Sam and its status as a peaceful and not to divide. Sunderland, motorcycle meeting place, International champion in 2017, crashed out Olympic Committee President We are the only in the Saudi desert. Thomas Bach said yesterday. event in the world Sainz, a two-times Dakar The Games have seen both winner, finished almost three political protests by athletes in that gets the entire minutes ahead of closest rival the past as well as boycotts of world together in a and defending champion nations and Bach said any peaceful competition: Nasser Al Attiyah to forge five infusion of politics into the minutes and 59 seconds clear Games in Tokyo starting on July Thomas Bach of the Qatari. Mini driver Sainz wins fifth stage 24 would not be welcome. French driver Stephane to extend lead. Tensions between the mission we must be politically Peterhansel, a record 13-times United States and Iran have neutral. Dakar winner on two wheels Defending champion Al Attiyah risen sharply in recent days “Otherwise we would end and four, was third overall but second for Toyota. prompting major concerns up in this divisive and boycott nearly 18 minutes behind Mini across the world, while South situation. I ask them to respect team-mate Sainz. Sunderland crashes out of Korea has said there is an this political neutrality by not “We gained three minutes, motorcycle race as Australian urgent need to improve ties using them (the Olympics) as a it was not easy, we had to push Price takes his second stage win. with North Korea. stage for their political really hard at the end,” said China, Japan and South purposes.” Sainz, who also won the third Korea recently agreed to work “The boycotts we had par- stage in his buggy on Tuesday. together to promote dialogue ticularly in the 1980s with “I’m happy, the car is between the United States and Moscow and the counter- working fine. We got a puncture dunes next week,” he added. rally, being held in the Middle pushed hard at the start, made reclusive North Korea. boycott in Los Angeles which at the beginning but we The rally finishes in Qiddiya East for the first time after a some good ways and then I “The mission of the brought the Games to the brink managed to come back.” on January 17. decade in South America, after caught up with the Honda boys. Olympics is to unite and not to of demise... had no effect Al Attiyah said the route In the motorcycle category, the second stage and was fastest Ricky and them were in front, divide. We are the only event whatsoever. from Al Ula to Ha’il had been Australia’s defending champion, on Wednesday before incurring but it’s been a good stage,” said in the world that gets the entire “Sport was a kind of a better for buggies than his Toby Price, won the day’s 564 a five-minute penalty for Price. world together in a peaceful scapegoat because all the other Toyota Hilux pickup but “we did km stage after KTM team-mate speeding in a neutralised “It’s actually the first time competition,” Bach told political divisions were not what was necessary to avoid Sunderland retired. section. I’ve ridden with a whole big reporters after a meeting with affected. The Moscow boycott any problems. Organisers said the Dubai- Price became this year’s group, so it was quite the IOC athletes’ commission did not change anything in “We had a flat tyre 5 kilo- based 30-year-old had hurt his first double-stage winner but enjoyable but at the end of the chief Kirsty Coventry. Afghanistan at the time and the metres before the finish, but we back and left shoulder in a fall American Ricky Brabec, on a day they are competitive, so “I ask them (politicians counter-boycott in 1984 did preferred to carry on without at the 187 km mark but was Honda, extended his overall we need to stay in front of and athletes) to respect this nothing to change politically changing the wheel. It was quickly attended to and had not lead to nine minutes over the them. We’re happy with the mission of the Olympic Games the United States or the foreign more camel grass than real lost consciousness. Australian. day and we’ll see how day six and in order to accomplish this policy in the US.” dunes. I think we will see real Sunderland had led the “It’s been a good day. We goes now.” Finch confident as Al Shaqab Showjumping Competition begins Australia head to ‘Long-term vision is to make India for ODI series

AFP— SYDNEY AUSTRALIA SQUAD Qatar a global equestrian hub’ Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli’s men a run for their Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Mar- THE PENINSULA —DOHA more, as horse riding is an A participant during money, skipper Aaron Finch expensive sport and horses require yesterday's Vet Check (pictured) said yesterday as he nus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, The Al Shaqab Showjumping high maintenance. ahead of Al Shaqab departed for their three-match D’Arcy Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell

Competition, which will be “At Al Shaqab, we work really Showjumping Competition. one-day series. Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, conducted by Al Shaqab - member hard with our riders training them The two sides face each Adam Zampa of Qatar Foundation - begins today to reach international levels of other in Mumbai on January 14 at the Al Shaqab Indoor Arena. equestrian sports. Once they reach before heading to Rajkot and The vision behind the event is this level, they need to compete then Bangalore for what will be was playing in the Twenty20 to create a self-sustaining eques- against the top riders from QEF, Australia’s first limited-overs Big Bash four years ago before trian environment that supports the Gulf, and other countries," he games since the World Cup in turning to coaching and being riders, individual horse owners, said. England last year. appointed Langer’s right-hand and the local horse community, Al Suwaidi added: "By con- Both sides made the semi- man in October. and, eventually, making Qatar a ducting events like the Al Shaqab finals and Finch believes Aus- “He’s got great credentials global equestrian hub. Show Jumping Competition, we tralia is well-equipped to deal and he’ll keep growing. He’s got Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi, inspire our riders, offering them with India on home soil after a really good opportunity,” Manager, Equine Education opportunities to improve their upsetting them 3-2 there early Langer told reporters this week. Department at Al Shaqab, said: skills while expanding their last year. “I said to him: ‘we’re not “The Al Shaqab ShowJumping knowledge. As a result of the com- “It just gives us confidence reinventing the wheel’. I won’t Competition is very significant as petitions and camps we have been that our game plan in those ring him, I’ll let him go. it is being organised with a long- conducting, we are able to see conditions is good enough,” he “He said ‘I might ring you’. term objective to further promote steady growth in international told cricket.com.au ahead of his He’ll do a really good job.” the equestrian ecosystem in Qatar participation. departure. Australia have radically and foster the equestrian heritage "Such international “What can happen when overhauled their squad for the of the nation. involvement brings in even better you play in the sub-continent series with in-form batsman “The number of Qatari riders revenue, thus helping to extend is you start to doubt your game Marnus Labuschagne, fresh and individual horse owners has and expand the local equestrian plan because they’re so dom- from an incredible Test been growing at a healthy pace market. Our aim is to make Qatar inant when they get on top. summer against Pakistan and over the last few years. The overall an equestrian hub at a global level “India or Pakistan... or Sri New Zealand, set to make his direction charted by the Qatar – one which attracts the partici- Lanka. They can make you start one-day international debut. Equestrian Federation (QEF) and pation of top riders. With the facil- doubting yourself. “We know that he’s not Al Shaqab, is to push the new gen- ities and competencies that are “Knowing that our game going to be overawed by the eration to the next level, wherein currently available in Qatar, this is plan is good enough and occasion,” Finch said of their they can begin supporting them- an achievable goal.” knowing that our skills are new star. selves," he said. Al Shaqab will conduct two good enough to beat India in Spinner Ashton Agar gets "While encouraging individuals showjumping competitions this India. That gives us a lot of con- another chance 18 months after to own and compete with their year, and the objective is to make fidence going there.” his last one-dayer and own horses, it is also important to it an annual feature. A total prize Regular coach Justin Langer paceman Josh Hazlewood has continue conducting outstanding money of QAR 270,000 will be isis givinggiving ththee ttourour a been recalrecalledled afterafter rrecov-ecov- horse shows and to provide a given away for each event. miss after an eringering fromfrom injury to once healthy local market to buy and The upcoming competition will intenseintense susummermmer again partner Mitchell Starc sell horses as well as equestrian- follow along the lines of the ofof TestTest ccricketricket andand PPatat CuCummins.mmins. related products. It is equally Longines Hathab – Qatar Eques- withwith tthehe rreinseins ThereThere wwasas nnoo rroomoom fforor essential to offer riders and indi- trian Tour in terms of classes, handedhanded to hishis high-profilehigh-profile players such vidual owners greater challenges class-titles, etc. The ensuing com- assistantassistant AndrewAndrew asas Usman Khawaja, Shaun by organising more competitions petition, scheduled to be held in McDonald.McDonald. Marsh,Marsh, Glenn MaxwellMaxwell,, held at international standards March, will be different in terms McDonaldMcDonald MarcusMarcuMa s StoinisStoinis andand NathanNathan with significant prize money," Al of criteria, categories, class-titles, hhasas hadhad a Lyon.Lyon. Suwaidi added. and challenge levels. rapid "The prize money will Community involvement being rise. encourage interested individuals high on its agenda, Al Shaqab seeks He to further invest in their love for to find gaps in the equestrian scene equestrian sport. This approach within the community and works will promote the community even towards closing them. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 ATP Cup: Hosts Australia and Russia storm into semi-finals

AFP — SYDNEY out-of-sorts Guido Pella 6-2, 7-6 He went 4-2 behind in a (7/4). see-saw third, but rallied again A dynamic Nick Kyrgios and The world number 17 has as they exchanged service dogged Alex de Minaur powered won all four of his matches this breaks with the Australian Australia into the ATP Cup semi- That was incredible season and was in control showing nerves of steel to save finals yesterday with an epic 2-1 tennis. All three throughout against the Argen- four match points and take it to win against the Tim Henman- matches today tinian, who appeared on the another tiebreak -- which the led Britain, and they were joined verge on tears in the opening set. exhausted Briton finally won by Russia who overpowered everyone gave 100 Medvedev, also unbeaten, “That’s about as good as I’ve Argentina. percent and left it quickly took charge of his got really and I only got The home team clinched the showdown with world number through by the skin of my tie after an 18-16 third-set tie- all out on the court: 13 Diego Schwartzman, but lost teeth,” admitted Evans, ranked breaker in the doubles to set up Australian captain focus in the second and was 42. a potential blockbuster last-four Lleyton Hewitt slapped with a point penalty for A composed Kyrgios beat clash against Rafael Nadal’s twice smashing his racquet into world number six Stefanos Tsit- Davis Cup-winning Spain who the umpires chair during an sipas on Tuesday and carried face Belgium today. But, spurred by Kyrgios’ argument with the official. that momentum into his clash Russia, spearheaded by booming serve, they took the He regrouped to race against Norrie. world number five Daniil next 6-3 before a nailbiting tie- through the third set for a 6-4, The mercurial Australian has Medvedev won both their singles breaker that lasted more than 4-6, 6-3 win. been a model of concentration to sweep past Argentina. half-an-hour. “The second set and third and focus at the ATP Cup, Their reward is a semi-final Jamie Murray and Joe one (of Medvedev’s match) was thriving in the team against either Novak Djokovic’s Salisbury had four match points, high-class tennis from both environment. Serbia, or Canada. which were all saved, with Aus- sides,” Russian captain Marat It is partly due to having a Kyrgios crushed Cameron tralia finally converting on their Safin said, adding that he was six-month suspended ban Norrie in the opening singles fifth match point, sparking “very proud” of his team. hanging over him, imposed in 6-2, 6-2 before Dan Evans came jubilant scenes. “It was important for him to September for calling an Irish through a memorable “That was incredible tennis. stay mentally strong, maintain umpire a “potato” and a “tool” showdown against De Minaur All three matches today eve- his calm and see what’s going to in Cincinnati. 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/2) to set up ryone gave 100 percent and left come.” He also accused the ATP of the decisive, winner-takes-all it all out on the court,” said The Australia-Britain tie was being corrupt before back- doubles. Hewitt. notable for Evans’ clash with tracking on the allegation. Australian captain Lleyton “Really proud of the boys, the world number 18 De Minaur, a “I love the team event,” Hewitt took a huge gamble by way they were able to turn it three-hour 23-minute contest Kyrgios said. dropping regular doubles pair around... it could have gone that is a contender for match of “Rusty (Hewitt) is the best Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during John Peers and Chris Guccione either way.” the tournament. captain, the team-mates have men’s doubles match against Jamie in favour of Kyrgios and de In the second quarter-final, After Evans took the opening been supporting each other, Murray and Joe Salisbury of Britain, Minaur, and it looked a poor Karen Khachanov continued his set in a tense tiebreaker, De being there for each other and decision when they lost the first hot run of form and got the ball Minaur fought back to grab the that’s paid off,” the Australian yesterday. set 6-3. rolling for Russia by beating an second. added.

World No.1 Barty not concerned Serena drops set before despite early Brisbane exit reaching Auckland Classic quarter-finals AFP — BRISBANE BRISBANE RESULTS Round Two World number one Ashleigh AFP — AUCKLAND AUCKLAND RESULTS Jennifer Brady (USA) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS Barty remains upbeat about her Round Two Australian Open preparations x1) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) Serena Williams rallied from a Laura Siegemund (GER) bt Coco Gauff (USA) despite losing her opening Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Ajla Tomljanovic set down to beat journey- match of the season at the (AUS) 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 woman Christina McHale at the 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 Brisbane International Petra Kvitova (CZE x5) bt Liudmila Samsonova WTA Auckland Classic Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Christina McHale yesterday. (RUS) 6-3, 6-2 yesterday, and said it was just (USA) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 American qualifier Jennifer Naomi Osaka (JPN x3) bt Sofia Kenin (USA) 6-7 the workout she needed. Julia Goerges (GER x4) bt Jil Teichmann (SUI) Brady notched up her first-ever (3/7), 6-3, 6-1 With her focus on winning 6-3, 6-2

win over a top-10 player when Kiki Bertens (NED x6) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST) a 24th Grand Slam at the Aus- Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x5) bt Lauren Davis she beat Barty 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) at 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 tralian Open, Williams said she (USA) 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 the Pat Rafter Arena. needs all the court time she can Quarter-finals draw It was Barty’s first match on number two and defending get after a long off-season since Alize Cornet (FRA) vs Jessica Pegula (USA) home soil since becoming world champion, had to battle for losing September’s US Open Amanda Anisimova (USA x3) vs Eugenie Bou- number one, played at the two hours to avoid the same final. chard (CAN) venue she trains at and in front fate as Barty, eventually It took the top seed two Laura Siegemund (GER) vs Serena Williams of thousands of her adoring beating Australian wildcard hours to put away the 27-year- (USA x1) home fans. Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), old McHale and advance to a Julia Goerges (GER x4) vs Caroline Wozniacki

Barty conceded afterwards 6-1. quarter-final with Germany’s Jennifer Brady of the US celebrates her victory against Ashleigh (DEN x5) she had simply been outplayed Pliskova will meet Alison Laura Siegemund, who ousted Barty of Australia in Brisbane yesterday. by Brady, who also beat former Riske of the United States in the teen prodigy Coco Gauff in the world number one Maria quarter-finals. second round. forcing her behind the baseline Sharapova in the first round. exceptional tennis, so I certainly all come you from you guys, if Third seed Naomi Osaka Williams was broken three and then drawing her forward “Jen was in control of the can’t take that away from her. I’m being completely honest,” was taken to three sets for the times before losing the first set with deft drop shots. match -- she was in the centre She played a great match today she said. second match in a row before 3-6 but recovered to take the As Gauff showed signs of of the court being the aggressor and deserved to win.” “It doesn’t change the way eventually overcoming the next two sets 6-2, 6-3 in the all- being rattled, she lost the steel- and I think you have to give Barty grew up in Ipswich on that I practice. It doesn’t change USA’s Sofia Kenin. American affair. iness she showed when she credit where credit’s due,” said Brisbane’s western outskirts the way that my team and I Kenin won the first set in a The 31-year-old burst into the limelight last year Barty, who practised with Brady and has had hundreds of fans prepare. It doesn’t change me tiebreak before Osaka took Siegemund, who played her with a win over Venus Williams early this week. packing outside courts to watch as a person. control, winning 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, first WTA qualifier in 2003 on her way to Wimbledon’s “She came through quali- her practice this week. Brady will now play two- 6-1. before Gauff was born, was up fourth round as a qualifier. fying, but she’s got a ranking But when asked if she felt time Wimbledon champion Osaka will play sixth seed 5-4 and serving when the Against Siegemund, she that’s kind of well below what any pressure because of the Petra Kvitova, who beat Russian Kiki Bertens in the quarter- American teen broke twice to finished with seven double a lot of people give her credit attention, Barty insisted she qualifier Liudmila Samsonova finals after the Dutchwoman take the first set. But from there, faults and 49 unforced errors, for. didn’t feel any different. 6-3, 6-2. beat Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit she used her considerable expe- which she put down to youth “She’s playing some “I think that’s (the pressure) Karolina Pliskova, the world 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. rience to ruffle the 15-year-old, and inexperience. Mourinho’s Spurs pose tricky test for Liverpool REUTERS — LONDON Manchester United dismissed The late match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Second-placed Leicester City missed three matches with a the Portuguese after a 3-1 defeat will be the first between Juergen Klopp’s men and a host Southampton on calf problem but centre-back Spurs manager Jose Mourinho at Anfield in December 2018. Mourinho side since Manchester United dismissed the Saturday. Wes Morgan is out with a groin would love to be the one who “Don’t sack Mourinho,” the Portuguese after a 3-1 defeat in December 2018. The Foxes thrashed the injury. ends Liverpool’s year-long crowd chorused mockingly Saints 9-0, the biggest ever top Third-placed champions unbeaten run in the Premier during that 2018 humiliation, flight away win in English Manchester City, looking for a League, and tomorrow’s game so revenge in North London John Aldridge wrote in a column Klopp in their 10 previous soccer, in the reverse fixture in fifth win in a row in all compe- could be closer than the would be sweet. for the city’s Echo newspaper. games as opponents. To do it October but Southampton have titions, travel to relegation- standingsstandings suggestsuggest.. SpursSpurs have bebeen shock- “I am sure they will try to soak again, Tottenham will have to tightened up considerably since threatened Aston Villa on TheThe latelate mmatchatch inglyingly lleaky,eaky, and some up pressure and hit us on the rise to the challenge without that humiliation, conceding Sunday. at tthehe TTot-ot- are expectexpectingin a classic break with Lucas Moura, Son injured captain Harry Kane. onlyonly 13 goalsgoals in 11 games.games. Chelsea,Chelsea, tetenhamnha m demonstrationdemonstr of (Heung-Min) and Dele Alli. Former Tottenham manager Four more goals for fourth, are at HotspurH otspur Mourinho’sMourinh bus- “They will allow us to have Harry Redknapp suggested it LLeicestereicester wwouldould set home to StadiumStadium will be parkingparking expertisee in possession and try to break could still be a lot closer than aanothernother record, BurnleyB urnley the firstfirst defencedefence anda a few them down, no doubt that is the 28-point gap between Liv- however, as the most whilewhile Man-Man- between Juergen tacticaltactical ttricks.r how Mourinho will play erpool and sixth-placed Spurs, oonene club has pputut ppastast chesterc h ester Klopp’sKlopp’s men “The way Spurs because I think he is very intim- who have kept only two clean anotheranother in the league.league. UniteUnited,d, fifthfifth aandn d a used to playp under idated by Liverpool.” The match sheets this season. Leicester have top-top- and without MouMourinhorinho MauricioMauricio PPochettino, could still be an awkward trip “I can’t see any other result sscoringcoring strikerstriker Jamie injuredinjured sideside ssinceince you would for the visiting Reds who beat but Liverpool winning the title, Vardy back in defenderdef e n der have expected Tottenham in last year’s Cham- but Tottenham away will be a aaction,ction, with the HarryH arry them to come pions League final and have a tough game, make no mistake EnglaEnglandnd interna-interna- Maguire,Maguire, host out anda have a near-perfect record of 58 points about that,” he told Sky Sports. tional turningturning 33 on bottombottom sideside go ata us but I out of 60 this season to sit 13 “They’ll want to break that Saturday, NorwichNorwich can’tcan see that points clear at the top. Liverpool unbeaten run and it afteafterr City.City. haphappening Mourinho, who replaced the will be a tight game for sure -- heh e Jose Mourinho undeunder Jose sacked Pochettino at Spurs in you wouldn’t write Tottenham Mourinho,”Mourinh former November, has only twice been off, they’ve got outstanding Juergen Klopp LiverpoolLiverpoo striker on the winning side against players in the team.” FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 19 Kecmanovic reaches semi-finals YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

Qatar ExxonMobil Open at Khalifa before rain stops action in Doha International Tennis and Squash Complex (seedings in parentheses): RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA ** The rained-off quarter-finals to Men's Singles Quarter-final Young Serbian Miomir be played before semis today Miomir Kecmanovic, Serbia, Kecmanovic yesterday showed defeated. Marton Fucsovics, the exit to plucky Hungarian Hungary, 6-2, 6-0. qualifier Marton Fucsovics to reach the semi-finals of the $1.5m ** Action at Khalifa International Qatar ExxonMobil Open seconds Tennis and Squash Complex starts before rains drove the players off the courts. at 1:00pm today TODAY'S ORDER OF PLAY Kecmanovic, a ‘friend’ of World No.2 Novak Djokovic, pro- CENTER COURT duced a commanding show to Starts at 1:00pm win 6-2, 6-0 in just 59 minutes Quarter-Final of play on the Center Court. (Q) Corentin Moutet vs Fernando With Russia’s Andrey Rublev Verdasco and Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert set to start their warm- ups for their quarter-finals, rains Followed by caused another delay. Quarter-final Organisers eventually post- (1) Stan Wawrinka vs Aljaz Bedene poned all three remaining quarter-finals for today Followed By afternoon because of consistent Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic returns a shot drizzle. to Hungarian qualifier Marton Fucsovics Semi-final The remaining three quarter- during their quarter-final match of the Miomir Kecmanovic vs Pierre- finals and the scheduled semi- Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 at the Khalifa Hugues Herbert or Andrey Rublev finals will be played today, International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. organisers confirmed Followed By yesterday. PICTURE: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ Semi-final The 20-year-old broke Fuc- THE PENINSULA sovics three times in the first set Stan Wawrinka or Aljaz Bedene vs - in games 1, 5 and 7 - before Corentin Moutet or Fernando completely dominating the Hun- Verdasco garian player in the second set. “I’m feeling good. You know, MIOMIR KECMANOVIC IN 2019 Kecmanovic fired 6 aces in I’m playing good. Hopefully I can COURT 1 the match, a first for the two keep it up,” he added. Age: 20, World No. 62, 24-22 in 2019 (Antalya young players on the ATP Tour. Kecmanovic said he doesn’t Final), 3-1 at Doha (2020 SF) Starts at 12:30pm With rain starting to fall on Yeah, it was pretty regret not playing the ATP Cup in Quarter-final Center Court, Kecmanovic Australia, an event that has á Last year reached quarter-finals or better in four Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs (2) good timing. Good tournaments and went 2-2 in QF matches. First QF in Doha. wrapped the match without clashed with the dates of the Doha Andrey Rublev dropping serve in the second set, thing that I was able leg of the ATP Tour. á
Achieved new career-high ranking 15 times, breaking into “Yeah, it was pretty good to finish before this “It would be good if I made it, Top 100 and Top 50. Peaked at No. 47 on September 9. Followed By / Possible Court timing. Good thing that I was able but I didn’t, so I can’t really be mad Advanced to 1st ATP Tour SF and final at Antalya (rain) happened. I’m á
Change to finish before this (rain) hap- about it. The guys in front of me (Defeated Thompson in 3 TBs, Lost to Sonego after pened,” Kecmanovic said after definitely looking are better, so I can’t really say any- Final holding 1 MP). walking into the press box with forward to coming thing about it,” Kecmanovic said. Frederik Nielsen/Tim Puetz or Luke á Defeated Ruud and Davidovich Fokina to qualify for Next an umbrella in hand. out again and to “I think it’s -- maybe for some Bambridge/Santiago Gonzalez “I’m definitely looking countries because the second Gen ATP Finals SF (Lost to eventual champion Sinner). playing my best game: Rohan Bopanna/Qesley Koolhof forward to coming out again and (best) players and all the rest are á Reached QFs at ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells as LL or Henri Kontinen/Franko Skugor to playing my best game,” the Kecmanovic way off the rankings. So maybe (Lost to Raonic) and Atlanta (Lost to Fritz).

Serbian added. they have a bit of advantage over á Qualified at ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati and beat COURT 2 Kecmanovic said he trained some of us who are top 100 but No. 6 A. Zverev for biggest career win (Lost to Bautista with Djokovic and tennis icon can’t play,” the Serbian added. Starts at 12:30pm Agut in 3R). Roger Federer during the “It just means I have to do Semi-final off-season. bit used to it and maybe it’s now better next year I guess,” he added á Posted 1st Grand Slam win at Roland Garros (Defeated “Yeah, I was practicing with a little bit easier to play against quickly. Kudla in 5 sets, Lost to Goffin in 2R). Frederik Nielsen/Tim Puetz vs Luke Roger and Novak and Karen, too, some of the other guys,” Kec- “Was there wind today? I don’t á Earned 1st ATP Tour win of career at Brisbane as Q Bambridge/Santiago Gonzalez so it was definitely a good group manovic said without naming know,” Kecmanovic said when (Defeated Mayer, Lost to Raonic in 2R). Finished season of guys to practice with,” Kec- players. asked about the playing condi- with 24 wins. COURT 3 manovic said. The young enter- “There are definitely things I tions. “I didn’t feel it (the wind) on á Also qualified at Australian Open (Lost to Verdasco in Starts at 12:30pm prising Serbian said he had still have to work on,” he added. court. I actually thought it was Semi-final improved his game. “Yeah, definitely it wasn’t a big perfect today. Like, it wasn’t hot. 1R) and Budapest (Lost to Millman in 1R). “I definitely think I’ve maybe trip. I was in Dubai for a month, It wasn’t windy for me. I thought á Retired in Wimbledon 2R vs. Paire (Right ankle) and (3) Rohan Bopanna/Wesley improved up my game a little bit so definitely starting to feel at it was perfect. You know, up until Dallas, USA Challenger 2R vs. E. King (Illness). Koolhof vs (2) Henri Kontinen/ because they take time away for home here,” Kecmanovic said the rain started, I felt good,” he Franko Skugor you. I think I’ve kind of got a little about playing in Doha. added.

President of the Qatar Tennis Squash and Badminton Federation, Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi (fourth, left); Secretary-General, ariqT Darwish Zainal (third, left) and board members posing for a photograph following the Annual General Meeting of the Federation held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Qatari teen Nawaf relishes ATP Tour debut ATP — DOHA step playing these huge names and really liked it, so I told him and being surrounded by big that I wanted to play.” In a tournament filled with estab- stars. I was impressed with their At age 12, the Qatar Tennis lished ATP Tour veterans, the level of tennis and so many Federation sent him to train at the youthful presence of 14-year-old aspects of their game. The world-renowned Mouratoglou It’s a turning point in my Rashed Nawaf offered a unique pressure is hard in singles, but it’s Tennis Academy in France, where career. It’s a big step change to the draws at the Qatar a bit less in doubles. You have the he still resides. Nawaf’s game playing these huge names ExxonMobil Open in Doha. support of a partner and it helps, quickly blossomed there and he’s and being surrounded by The Qatari teenager was especially with someone like been serving up notice in top rewarded for his junior success Malek.” junior events, finishing runner- big stars. I was impressed by making his tour-level debut Nawaf’s debut in Doha was up last year at the prestigious Les with their level of tennis on home soil. particularly fitting because he’s Petits As tournament and in the and so many aspects of Nawaf competed in the been a regular visitor to the 14-and-under draw at the Orange their game. The pressure singles qualifying draw and faced Khalifa International Tennis and Bowl. a Top 100 player in Brazilian Squash Complex as a spectator. But while Nawaf is pleased is hard in singles, but Rashed Nawaf of Qatar Thiago Monteiro, then paired with He immediately took to with his progress, his ambitions it’s a bit less in doubles. serves against Henri Tunisian Malek Jaziri in doubles tennis when he first attended this are much loftier. He hopes that You have the support of Kontinen of Finland and battled a pair of elite doubles event as a young boy and his someday lifting the title in Doha a partner and it helps, and Franco Skugor of players in Henri Kontinen/Franko passion for the sport hasn’t will be just one accomplishment Croatia during their Skugor. Although Nawaf lost both wavered since. in a fruitful ATP Tour career. especially with someone Qatar ExxonMobil Open matches, he’s confident that the “I was always at this tour- “I believe it’s the dream of like Malek: Rashed Nawaf 2020 doubles first round experiences will only help him in nament growing up and it played every tennis player to be one of match on Monday. the future. a big role in my love for tennis,” the best singles players in the PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ “It’s a turning point in my Nawaf said. “I went with my world and win a Grand Slam,” THE PENINSULA career,” Nawaf said. “It’s a big father to watch this tournament Nawaf said. “It’s the same for me.” SPORT SPORT | 17 SPORT | 18 Captain Finch ATP Cup: Hosts confident as Australia and Australia head to Russia storm into India for ODI series semi-finals

FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 2020 Qatar, Syria share points in AFC U-23 opener

ACF.COM — BANGKOK

Substitute Alaa Aldin Dali struck late on to salvage a point for Syria as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Qatar in Group B of the AFC U-23 Championship Thailand 2020 campaign yesterday. Dali converted Mohammad Alhallak’s cross at the far post to earn a share of the spoils for Syria on a night when Yusuf Abdurisag’s early effort and an own goal from defender Yosief Mohammad had threatened to be their undoing. In what ultimately proved to be a sign of the drama to come, Qatar were ahead within 60 seconds. Syria goalkeeper William Ghannam fumbled Amro Surag’s deep cross leaving Yusuf Abdurisag the simplest of Yusuf Abdurisag scoring Qatar's first goal finishes from close range. against Syria. INSET: Qatari players celebrating To his credit, Ghannam after Syria's Yosief Mohammad scored an own made amends for his error goal during their AFC U-23 Championship moments later, this time Thailand 2020 match yesterday. palming away Hashim Ali’s fierce drive following a neatly worked free-kick. cross. Syria were, though, to goalkeeper Mohammed Al Bakri and then Barakat thumping an stop, before the Al Wathba cus- sensational fight back.Qatar will After weathering a brief throw themselves a lifeline as little or no chance. effort into the side netting todian produced a fine double next be in action when they face Syrian flurry, Qatar stretched half-time approached, Abdul Clearly buoyed by their goal, shortly after. save to deny Hashim Ali and Saudi Arabia, with Syria their advantage in the 22nd Rahman Barakat converting Syria started the second half As the game wore on and Abdurisag. scheduled to meet Japan. minute as Yosief put through his Kamel Koaeh’s pinpoint set- brightly, with first substitute with defences dominating, However, in a dramatic late Both games will take place own net when trying to deal piece courtesy of a powering Abdul Kader Adi fizzing a drive Qatar forward Khalid Mazeed twist, Dali was on hand to draw at the Thammasat Stadium on with Homam Ahmed’s whipped header that gave Qatar narrowly wide on 56 minutes forced Ghannam into a smart Syria level and crown a Sunday. Qatar Cup: Al Duhail, Al Sailiya ready for semi-final clash

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

Al Duhail had a fabulous season in 2018 that saw them sealing the domestic treble by winning VS the coveted QNB Stars League (QSL), Qatar Cup and Amir Cup AL DUHAIL VS AL SAILIYA trophies. At Al Sadd Stadium Today, when the Red Knights Kick-off at 7:30pm take on Al Sailiya in the first semi-finalsemi final of Qatar Cup 2020 Cup crown, which they won theythey will have the ssamea feat in after defeating Al Sadd in 2018. their minds,minds, and why “When I came here, I knew not, after a nearn perfect the history of our club and its firstfirst half of the ambitions. When the adminis- domesticdomestic season.se tration has provided us with all RuiRui FFaria-coachedari the facilities, our target is to AlAl DuDuhailhail aare entering compete for all titles,” Faria said the QatarQata Cup – at a pre-match press conference taking placepla after a yesterday. Al Duhail's coach Rui Faria (left) andAl Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of their one-yearone-yea gap – “The line between success Qatar Cup 2020 semi-final match which will take place at the Al Sadd Stadium today. PICTURES: EBRAHIM KUTTY with aann unbeaten and failure is thin. But in the rrunun in the QSL, world of football, you cannot whichwhich they are know what the results can be. long. We know the philosophy Rui Faria-coached Al Duhail are entering the Qatar repeat them and target victory lleadingeadin from Some coaches believe good with which they will be playing Cup with an unbeaten run in the QSL, which they are and reaching the final,” Trabelsi nininene victories work with the team is success, and we will be ready for them,” leading from nine victories and three draws. said yesterday. andand ththree draws but in Al Duhail, the philosophy he said. “No one can think that we (30 points).p is to win trophies,” he added. With the likes of Mehdi Al Sailiya, who are featuring in the four-team event by will win the Cup. We do not On the eve Al Sailiya, who are featuring Benatia, Karim Boudiaf, think about the cup, but think virtue of finishing third in the previous QSL season, ofof AlA Duhail’s in the four-team event by virtue Mohammed Muntari, Ismail about the next match. Al Duhail semi-finalse of finishing third in the previous Mohammed, Yousef Msakni and endured a tough week in which they were shocked by has outstanding players, espe- againsta Al QSL season, endured a tough Paulo Edmilson playing in their Al Khor. cially in attack. Ours is a more Sailiya,S week in which they were colours for long, Al Duhail have collective effort,” he added. Faria shocked by Al Khor. But, Faria been boosted by new recruits in North Korean player Han Cup, hoping for an improved The match will be played at stressed is aware of the threat Al Sailiya Croatian star Mario Mandzukic Kwang-Song is training with the showed from his side. Al Sadd Stadium with the kick his team may pose to his side. and promising North Korean team, which is an additional “There is always great seri- -off scheduled for 7:30pm. The will go all “We’re facing a team that we Han Kwang Song. option for us,” said Faria. ousness when we face Al Duhail. winner will meet Al Rayyan or out to know well. They have stability “We know the value of Meanwhile, Al Sailiya coach In the last game, we were closer Al Sadd, who will play the defend at the technical level as their (Mario) Mandzukic, but we focus Sami Trabelsi said his team was to winning had it not been for second semi-final tomorrow, in theirthe Qatar coach has been with them for on the team as a whole. Our new completely focusing on the Qatar our mistakes. We hope not to January 17 final.

Jockey Ronan Thomas guiding Aahil to victory during the Aahil wins feature event of the Qatar Racing Kecmanovic in semi-finals and Equestrian Club's 22nd Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic returns the ball to Hungarian Race Meeting yesterday. Umm qualifier Marton Fucsovics during their quarter-final match of Qarn’s Aahil won the H H Sheikh the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 at the Khalifa International Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Kecmanovic Trophy (4yo & older Local PA). won 6-2, 6-0 to advance. PICTURE: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA