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Albania is open to investments in tourism, All systems go for Asian energy and infra sectors Athletics Championships published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11156 April 17, 2019 Sha’baan 12, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief Sixth CMC elections Amir meets Albanian PM QATAR | Diplomacy Qatar calls for arms embargo against Haft ar see 50% voter turnout HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani O 29 members declared elected has called for an eff ective UN arms embargo against eastern Libyan By Shafeeq Alingal 6,383 female voters exercised their The polling was held between 8am commander Khalifa Haftar and for Staff Reporter franchise. Representatives from four and 5pm. There were a total of 85 can- his troops to withdraw from areas constituencies, with a total of 1,082 didates, including fi ve women. they have occupied, Italian daily voters, were elected uncontested. In a statement to the media, Direc- La Repubblica said yesterday. HE he sixth edition of the Central “The electoral process was conduct- tor General of Public Security Staff the Foreign Minister also told the Municipal Council (CMC) elec- ed in an honourable and distinct man- Maj Gen Saad bin Jassim al-Khulaifi newspaper in an interview he was Ttion, held yesterday, saw 13,334 ner since the fi rst hours of opening,” appreciated the keenness of the voters pleased to be told by his French voters or 50.1% of a total 26,640 Qatari said Maj Gen Majid Ibrahim al-Khu- and said that the Ministry of Interior counterpart that Paris was working voters taking part to elect representa- laifi , director of Elections Department provided all kinds of support for the to ensure a planned national tives in 25 constituencies. under the Ministry of Interior and successful conduct of a transparent reconciliation conference on Libya While 6,951 males cast their votes, head of the CMC Electoral Committee. election. To Page 24 goes ahead. Page 3

ARAB WORLD | Unrest His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani receives Albanian Prime Sudanese protesters Minister Edi Rama at his Amiri Diwan off ice yesterday. harden their demand O Maritime transport agreement, MoUs signed Sudanese protesters yesterday hardened their demand that the is Highness the Amir Sheikh countries and means of boosting them military men in power quickly step Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in various fi elds, in addition to a number down and make way for civilian Hmet with the Prime Minister of of regional and international issues of rule, refusing to budge from their Albania Edi Rama and the delegation common concern. The meeting was at- sit-in outside army headquarters. accompanying him at the Amiri Diwan tended by HE the Prime Minister and The country’s new military ruler yesterday. Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, During the meeting, they reviewed bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and a in another apparent concession Election off icials handing over a ballot to a voter. PICTURE: Thajudheen Maj Gen Majid Ibrahim al-Khulaifi bilateral relations between the two number of ministers. To Page 2 to the protesters, meanwhile fired prosecutor general Omer Ahmed Mohamed. “Freedom, peace, justice,” read banners carried by hundreds of University of Khartoum academics who marched to the protest site, demanding the transitional military QP wins exploration council resign. Page 8

EUROPE | Fire Macron vows to rebuild rights in 5 off shore Notre-Dame in 5 years President Emmanuel Macron yesterday vowed to rebuild Argentina blocks Notre-Dame cathedral “even more beautifully” within five years, as France reeled with shock from atar Petroleum (QP) has won Commenting on these results, HE the fire that gutted the great Paris exploration rights in fi ve off - the Minister of State for Energy Af- landmark. Macron announced the Qshore blocks in the North Ar- fairs, the president and CEO of QP fast timescale — for a process some gentina, and Malvinas West basins in Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, said: “We experts said would take decades — Argentina. are pleased to have been awarded in an address to the nation where he The winning bids were announced these offshore exploration blocks, hailed how the disaster had shown yesterday by Argentina’s Secretariat of which further strengthen QP’s foot- the capacity of France to mobilise Government of Energy (SGE) at the end print within Argentina along with our and unite. Pledges worth around of a public tender process that started existing Neuquén basin unconven- 700mn euros ($790mn) have in November 2018. They will be subject tional assets. This important result already been made yesterday from to customary confi rmation and regula- marks yet another step towards im- French billionaires and businesses tory approvals by the Argentinian au- plementing our international growth to restore the Gothic masterpiece. thorities. strategy, and maximising synergies Page 15 QP won the exploration rights for with our existing strong base in Latin blocks MLO-113, MLO-117, and MLO- America.” AMERICA | Health 118 in the Malvinas West basin as part of a consortium comprising an Exx- “We are pleased to have Health offi cials work to onMobil affi liate (operator with a 70% been awarded these stem measles outbreak interest) and a QP affi liate (with a 30% off shore exploration blocks, The origins of the measles outbreak interest). which further strengthen in the United States are not a QP also won the exploration rights for QP’s footprint within mystery. Persons infected with the blocks CAN-107 and CAN-109 in the Argentina along with our virus brought it to the United States North Argentina basin as part of a con- existing Neuquén basin from Israel and Ukraine and passed sortium comprising an affi liate of Shell unconventional assets. it on to members of their tight-knit (operator with a 60% interest) and an This important result communities, many of whom had affi liate of QP (with a 40% interest). marks yet another step not been vaccinated. The challenge towards implementing our for US health authorities is stopping international growth strategy” the outbreak from spreading further. HE al-Kaabi thanked the Argentini- SPORT | Champions League an authorities for their transparent and effi cient tender process, and QP’s stra- Ajax stun Juve, Barca tegic partners ExxonMobil and Shell ease past Man United for their continued support of the joint Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal could not future objectives. save his team as Ajax came from The exploration blocks off ered dur- behind to stun Juventus in Turin ing the public tender included 38 yesterday to reach the Champions shallow, deep and ultra-deep water League semi-finals for the first off shore blocks in the Austral, North time since 1997, beating the Italian Argentina, and Malvinas West basins. giants 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on QP participated in the bid round as a aggregate. In another last-eight non-operating partner. match, Lionel Messi scored twice as Competing bids were submitted yes- Barcelona eased into the semis by HE the Minister of State for Energy terday during a public session, and the beating Manchester United 3-0 at Aff airs, the president and CEO of QP winners were announced at the same home, winning 4-0 on aggregate. Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi session. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 QATAR

Amir holds talks with Albanian prime minister

From Page 1

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior held formal talks with the visiting Albanian prime minister at the Amiri Di- wan. During the meeting, they discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries and the prospects for enhancing and developing them, especial- ly in the economic and invest- ment fi elds. A number of regional and international issues of mutual concern were also discussed. HE the Prime Minister and his Albanian counterpart wit- nessed the signing of a maritime transport agreement, a letter of intent between the Ministries of Interior of the two countries on co-operation in the fi eld of security, and a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in the fi eld of sport. The meeting was attended by a number of ministers and members of the delegation ac- companying Rama. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holding talks with the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and the accompanying delegation at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. The meeting was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani holding talks with the HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and the Albanian Prime Minister Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, in Doha yesterday. Edi Rama witness the signing of an agreement between Qatar and Albania.

Botswana president visits Katara Qatar and Poland hold First meeting of Qatar-US policy working group held

political consultations QNA aviation, education and culture, Washington and tackled a number of regional and international issues of com- QNA mon concern. Warsaw he governments of Qa- The two sides agreed that the tar and the US convened policy working group will meet Tthe fi rst meeting of the every six months on a rotational he ministries of Foreign policy working group of the basis, and that the next meeting Aff airs of Qatar and Po- Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue in will be held in October 2019 in Tland held a round of po- Washington yesterday. Doha to discuss the progress Botswana President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, and his litical consultations in the Polish The Qatari delegation was led made in the issues and topics accompanying delegation visited the Cultural Village capital Warsaw yesterday. by the Director of the Depart- addressed in the fi rst meet- Foundation – Katara, on the sidelines of his off icial visit to Qatar. The Qatari side was chaired ment of Policy and Planning of ing. The two sides stressed the During his visit on Monday night, the president toured the by HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs strength of the historical rela- diff erent premises and facilities of Katara. On the occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Fahad al-Khater, tions between the two coun- General Manager of Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Ham- while the US side was headed by tries and the importance of awarded an honour shield to the president of Botswana. Dr madi, while the Polish side was the Deputy Assistant Secretary taking them to wider horizons. Masisi left Doha yesterday concluding his off icial visit to Qatar. headed by the country’s Deputy of State for Near Eastern Aff airs The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Maciej Lang. Timothy Lenderking. the Director of the Department They discussed bilateral rela- The meeting discussed means of American Aff airs of Ministry of tions between Qatar and Poland of supporting and developing Foreign Aff airs, Dr Issa Mohamed and ways of supporting and de- relations between the two coun- al-Mannai and senior offi cials of veloping them, in addition to HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed tries and enhancing co-opera- the Ministries of Defence, Educa- a number of issues of common bin Hassan al-Hammadi, with Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister tion in the fi elds of diplomacy, tion and Higher Education, and Qatar, Botswana vow concern. Maciej Lang. regional security, military, civil the Civil Aviation Authority. to promote relations

QNA solution to all regional and Doha international issues through dialogue. EdEx Qatar 2019 exhibition kicks off During the meeting between t the invitation of His the Botswana businessmen and Highness the Amir the Qatari Businessmen Associ- QNA The First Vice-Chairman of ASheikh Tamim bin Hamad ation (QBA), the QBA expressed Doha the Qatar Chamber and Chair- al-Thani, President of Botswana interest in investing in the Re- man of the Chamber’s Educa- Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi paid an public of Botswana in the fi elds tion Committee Mohamed bin offi cial visit to Qatar from 14 to of agriculture, hotel and infra- he third edition of EdEx Ahmed bin Towar al-Kuwari 16 April, 2019. structure. Qatar 2019, organised by said that the conference and ex- His Highness the Amir and During the visit, the following TInforma Tharawat, was hibition of educational exchange the President of Botswana held memorandums of understand- launched yesterday under the for the third year in a row refl ects a session of offi cial talks at the ing were signed between the two patronage of the Ministry of the continued attractiveness of Amiri Diwan on Monday, April countries: Education and Higher Education the Qatari educational sector for 15. z MoU in defence co-opera- and Qatar Chamber of Com- investors, as the exhibition was The two sides stressed the tion, merce and Industry, with the attended by major companies strength of bilateral and friend- z MoU in political consulta- participation of 30 companies specialised in investing in the ly relations between the two tions, off ering the latest international education sector from all over countries and their keenness to z MoU in the fi eld of culture, technologies that can positively the world. promote and develop them, es- z MoU in the fi elds of youth infl uence the quality of educa- This enables Qatari compa- pecially in economic, trade and and sports. tion in Qatar. nies and businessmen in the pri- political fi elds, in multi-faceted At the end of the visit, Presi- EdEx Qatar aims at present- vate sector to learn about the lat- co-operation and in continuous dent Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi ex- ing the latest developments and est technologies and ideas in the communication at the offi cial pressed his sincere thanks and changes in the world of educa- development of this vital sector, and popular levels. appreciation to His Highness the tion, providing a platform for praising Qatar’s keenness and There was also extensive Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad exchanging ideas on improving eff orts to develop the education discussion during which al-Thani for the warm welcome the quality of education, and sector. views were exchanged on a and hospitality accorded to him discussing issues related to in- Al-Kuwari stressed the im- number of regional and in- and his accompanying delega- vestment in education by the portance of the contribution of ternational issues of common tion during his visit. The Presi- private sector and opportunities, the private sector to education concern, including the situ- dent invited the Amir to visit and interest in entrepreneurship, through its large investments ation in the Middle East and Botswana at a date to be agreed digital skills, and other issues in the fi eld of education, which Africa. The two sides stressed upon through diplomatic chan- that support the state’s direction supports the country’s direction the importance of a peaceful nels. towards a knowledge economy. towards the knowledge economy. The third edition of EdEx Qatar 2019, organised by Informa Tharawat, was launched yesterday. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 3 QATAR Enforce UN arms embargo on Libya, says FM

AFP/QNA Rome

E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of HForeign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- Thani has called for the strict enforcement of the UN arms embargo on both sides of the confl ict in Libya. “The war won’t stop with the appeals launched from the fi rst day which (Libyan commander Khalifa) Haftar has ignored – nor, as Tripoli has called for, by freeing the (UN-backed) gov- ernment from the embargo,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrah- man al-Thani said in an inter- view published in yesterday’s La Repubblica. Sheikh Mohamed, during a visit to Rome, said the interna- tional community could end the fi ghting by enforcing the embar- go against Haftar and preventing HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conti and (right) Italian Minister of Foreign Aff airs Enzo Moavero those countries that had sup- Milanesi in Rome on Monday. plied him with modern weapons and munitions from continuing troops were able to cover HE the Deputy Prime Minister common concern, especially the at the local and international Minister of Foreign Affairs Italian Minister of Foreign Af- to do so. 1,500km of desert towards and Minister of Foreign Aff airs situation in Libya. levels. and the Italian prime minis- fairs Enzo Moavero Milanesi in Asked if he meant Saudi Ara- Tripoli without anyone realis- Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Ab- The Foreign Minister stressed ter stressed the importance of Rome on Monday. bia, the United Arab Emirates ing?” rahman al-Thani met the Italian dulrahman al-Thani expressed the need for the militias to re- international co-ordination During the meeting, they dis- and Egypt, he noted that all Ten days ago, Haftar’s self- Prime Minister Giuseppe Conti, Qatar’s concern about the seri- spect international law and the to support coexistence, peace, cussed bilateral relations and three countries had close links styled Libyan National Army during his visit to Italy on Mon- ous military escalation led by Security Council resolutions and and stability in Libya for the means of boosting them and with Haftar and had a stake in (LNA) launched an off ensive to day. General Haftar, pointing out that immediately stop all attempts to benefit of the Libyan people enhancing the prospects for creating a regime like their own seize the Libyan capital – home During the meeting, they dis- such actions do not take into ac- obstruct eff orts to complete the and putting Libyan interest co-operation in addition to a in Libya. to the UN-backed Government cussed bilateral relations and count the supreme national in- Libyan dialogue. above all considerations. number of issues of common in- “And I ask the question: can of National Accord (GNA). means of enhancing and devel- terest of the Libyan people and In a joint statement, HE the HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Ab- terest, especially the situation in someone explain how Haftar’s QNA reports: oping them, as well as issues of will have serious repercussions Deputy Prime Minister and dulrahman al-Thani also met the Libya.

Ehsan Centre celebrates Family Day

GAC participates in 21st meeting of GCC Customs Union The Centre for Empowerment models of a Qatari wedding, as and Elderly Care (Ehsan), a well as organising an exhibition branch of Qatar Foundation for showcasing an old Qatari house, he General Authority of ity of Customs, Ahmed bin Ab- tomatic transfer of customs du- committee and the extraordi- issues on the customs arena. Social Work, celebrated Family models of the simplicity of life in Customs (GAC) partici- dullah al-Jamal, headed Qatar’s ties and their results. nary meeting of the harmonised It is worth noting that the Day under the theme ‘Let’s Love the past and making comparisons Tpated in the 21st meeting delegation. The meeting also discussed system committee. importance of these meetings Them’. between houses and families in of the Customs Union of the Gulf The meeting discussed a the minutes of the committee The meeting also followed contributes to the promotion of The event is celebrated every the past and present. Co-operation Council States memo of the Secretariat General meeting charged with reviewing up the decision of the Supreme customs work between the GCC year on April 15. The Ehsan Centre participated (GCC), which held its sessions on the follow-up to the imple- the implementation of the uni- Council in its 17th consultative countries and improve their ef- Ehsan celebrated the event at in an awareness pavilion in yesterday at the headquarters of mentation and the decisions of fi ed customs law for the GCC meeting on the completion of the fi ciency, refl ecting positively on its three branches – Old Airport, co-operation with the Family the General Secretariat in Riya- the Customs Union at its previ- countries, considered the min- requirements of the Customs Un- the facilitation of trade and se- Al Shamal and Azghwa – by Consulting Centre (Wifaq) to dh. ous meeting, and the report of utes of the meeting of the cus- ion, the movement of trucks be- curity and the fl ow of goods. holding a number of heritage and introduce the centre’s services Chairman of General Author- the Secretariat on the direct au- toms and computer procedures tween member-states and other – QNA folklore events and presenting and answer public queries. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 QATAR

PM meets grand mufti of Bosnia Deputy PM meets NAVCENT commander

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah met yesterday with Vice Admiral James Malloy, commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT); and Commander of the US 5th Fleet and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed military relations between the two sides and means of enhancing HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met them. Qatar Amiri Naval Forces Commander Major General (Navy) Abdullah bin Hassan al-Sulaiti and a number of senior off icers the head of Muslim scholars and grand mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina Hussein Kavazovic and the in the Qatar Armed Forces attended the meeting. z Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to Qatar. The meeting reviewed relations of bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, also met with Vice-Admiral James Malloy and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they co-operation between the two countries and ways of developing them. discussed bilateral military relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them.

Lincoln Continental model of 2017 recalled The Ministry of Commerce vehicle defects and repairs. Consumer Protection and and Industry, in The Ministry said that it Anti-Commercial Fraud collaboration with Almana will co-ordinate with the Department, which processes QNL lecture explores links Motors Company, has dealer to follow up on the complaints, inquires and announced the recall of maintenance and repair suggestions through the Lincoln Continental model of works and will communicate following channels: Call centre: 2017 over a faulty door latch. with customers to ensure 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. The recall campaign comes that the necessary repairs qa, Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, between heritage and rights within the framework of the are carried out. Instagram: MOCIQATAR, Ministry’s continuous eff orts to The Ministry urges all Ministry of Commerce and protect consumers and ensure customers to report Industry mobile app for atar National Library’s ( QNL) that car dealers follow up on any violations to its android and IOS: MOCIQATAR fi rst anniversary lecture yes- Qterday discussed the crucial relationship between cultural her- itage and human rights as its main subject. The role heritage plays in maintaining the identity, history and cultural legacy of communities in the Arab region was highlighted. The event was opened by Dr So- hair Wastawy, executive director, QNL, followed by HE the Minister of State Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, who talked about the eff orts that Qatar has been making to support the preservation of, and access to cultural heritage. “Qatar, under the leadership of His HE the Minister of State Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Princess Dana Firas delivering the keynote address. al-Kuwari speaking at the event. Hamad al-Thani gives cultural herit- age its utmost attention, and regards Global Ambassador and president of human history and relations. This tation of cultural and natural heritage. it as a cornerstone of cultural eff orts in the Petra National Trust, who dis- stands as tangible evidence of our Tourism has the potential to reach line with our National Vision 2030. Our cussed the protection of heritage region’s role as a wellspring of cul- communities long forgotten by main- cultural institutions, including Qatar sites in confl ict zones. ture and science, an epicentre of stream development and business National Library and Qatar Museums, “We are blessed in our region connectivity among peoples and a ventures; it can continue to prosper are working day and night in co-oper- with innumerable natural and cul- cultural, historic, religious and eco- even in the face of fi nancial crises and ation with regional and international tural treasures and an exceptionally nomic crossroads for thousands of economic slowdowns; it can provide organisations to preserve heritage and rich heritage. All around us today, in years,” said Princess Dana. jobs when most needed, and if har- strengthen its status,” he said. this incredible setting, we see, smell “One challenge that many World nessed properly it can contribute to The keynote speech was deliv- and experience the documentary Heritage sites face today is badly conserving nature and preserving ered by Princess Dana Firas, Unesco evidence of thousands of years of managed tourism and the over exploi- historic sites and cultural traditions.”

QBRI marks World Parkinson’s Day

atar Biomedical Research tendees with an understanding community and our duly mandate is Institute (QBRI), part of Ha- of the disease, as well as its clini- to serve all segments of society. Our Qmad Bin Khalifa University cal features and practical tips for Parkinson’s awareness campaign has (HBKU), recently hosted events to caregivers. brought forward ideas, mechanisms, mark World Parkinson’s Day and In addition to the lecture, QBRI and tools through which we can raise awareness about the disease and the Centre for Empowerment identify early signs of the disease.” among the wider community. and Elderly Care (Ehsan), co-led Dr Adeli said, “Awareness cam- The institute initiated its Parkin- a Parkinson’s disease awareness paigns keep the public informed and son’s activities with a lecture, held event at Mall of Qatar on April 12. help them identify early symptoms in collaboration with Hamad Medi- The information booth provided of the disease. As a clinician, I con- A speaker delivers lecture at an event. cal Corporation. detailed information about the dis- sider this very important. Through Dr Omar El-Agnaf, executive di- ease, including early signs and ways our research, we are now getting development of novel biomark- rector at QBRI, presented an intro- through which individuals can care closer to the ultimate goal of ear- ers to facilitate early diagnosis and duction to the research on Parkin- for relatives with the illness. lier diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. treatment, and screening for small son’s disease carried out at QBRI’s Dr El-Agnaf said, “QBRI adopts This will unravel the challenges sur- natural molecules as potential novel Neurological Disorder Research a two-pronged approach through rounding Parkinson’s and help ad- Parkinson’s therapeutics. Centre. which it conducts relevant, state- vance novel solutions.” QBRI is also working towards Dr Gholam Adeli, consultant of-the-art research while always The Neurological Disorders Re- novel diagnoses and vaccines for the neurologist of movement disorders remaining mindful of its duty to en- search Centre is currently work- disease to accelerate the global quest and neurophysiologist at HMC, gage, inform, and educate the pub- ing on diverse projects related to for more eff ective diagnoses and im- delivered the lecture, providing at- lic. Our work is inseparable to our Parkinson’s disease, including the proved treatment. German parliamentarian: Climate crisis would reinforce gender discrimination

he vice president of the Ger- ing out on the fi nancial security man Bundestag (Parliament), and access to needed resources TClaudia Roth, was at Geor- they bring. getown University in Qatar (GU-Q) GU-Q dean Dr Ahmad Dallal said, recently for a public talk on the ris- “It was a wonderful opportunity to ing threat of climate change to the have this enriching dialogue with an health, safety, and security of wom- infl uential lawmaker and humani- en and girls worldwide. tarian advocate, where our students In a lecture titled, “Women’s could apply classroom theory to Rights, Global Feminism and Sus- lived realities and perspectives, and tainable Development: Time for a gain a unique understanding of the Change,” the German parliamen- complexities of our world.” tarian and human rights activist With climate change eroding explored the many ways that envi- coastlines, she remarked, millions ronmental changes have had an out- of people are at risk, and thousands sized impact on the most marginal- of years of cultural heritage and his- ised members of society. She urged tory. In particular, low and middle the audience, which included stu- income countries are paying the dents, faculty, staff at GU-Q, mem- German parliamentarian Claudia Roth speaks on climate change at GU-Q. cost of the climate change caused by bers of the diplomatic community, more developed countries. and the ambassador of Germany players, including politicians, a free change as a result of unequal access “The structural discrimination Hans-Udo Muzel, to seek solutions and vocal civil society, activists, aca- to information and resources about of women is a reality all around the to these problems. demics, universities, school students, the threats. globe. The impact of hunger, pover- “There are major social policy chal- and students like you – the makers of Women also serve as caretakers ty, armed confl ict, and increasingly, lenges and issues that will aff ect your tomorrow’s world,” she said. to children and extended family, climate change, aff ect women in the generation, so I’m especially pleased She explained that the climate she said, making it more diffi cult Global South particularly hard. So to be speaking with you today. The an- crisis presents major risks by re- to seek safety. And with food secu- we must ask ourselves what we need swer to these diffi cult questions don’t inforcing existing structural gen- rity at risk due to climate change, to do, what politics and behaviour lie in Germany or Qatar alone. They der discrimination. Women face she added, more women work in do we need to change to end this in- can only be found in global partner- higher mortality rates in the fl oods agriculture instead of seeking an justice and abuse once and for all,” ships. This requires a diverse array of and heat waves caused by climate education and employment, los- she added. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 5 QATAR Sheikha Hind meets Princess Dana Firas ‘Development relationship key arm of foreign policy’

talian Vice Minister for Foreign Aff airs and In- Iternational Co-operation Emanuela Claudia Del Re un- derlined the importance of ‘de- velopment co-operation’ as a key arm of foreign policy in her talk at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) yesterday. Titled “Development Co-op- eration: The Italian approach”, the event was organised in co- operation with the Italian em- bassy in Doha, and co-hosted by Education Above All (EAA) Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano (right, first row), as well as students, faculty, staff , members of the Foundation and GU-Q. Education City community, and professionals working in international development, attended the talk “Our goal is to create a two- at GU-Q yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma way donor-benefi ciary rela- tionship instead of a one-way grammes, lauding the leverage HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and Chief Executive Off icer, Qatar Foundation (QF), project, and build with our part- of the private sector for social met yesterday with Princess Dana Firas, Unesco Global Ambassador and President of Petra National Trust, ners a privileged relationship of and economic inclusion. at Education City. During her visit to QF, Princess Dana also received a presentation on the organisation’s shared values which can gener- On specifi c thematic priori- vision and mission; was given further insight into its eff orts and initiatives in education, science and research, ate mutual benefi ts and long- ties, she confi rmed that “Italy and community development. Princess Dana is a leading advocate for heritage protection and preservation, term structural solutions,” Del considers education to be one and its role in sustainable development, with her work in this area leading to her designation as a Unesco Re told students, faculty, staff , of the principal sustainable de- Goodwill Ambassador in 2017. members of the Education City velopment goals of the UN 2030 community, and professionals Agenda and looks forward to working in international devel- further develop partnerships in opment at the event. this fi eld with Qatar”. She also addressed current GU-Q Dean Dr Ahmad S Dal- and future challenges of inter- lal stressed the importance of national development co-op- promoting interaction between eration, highlighting her vision students and representatives of Ooredoo unveils scheme for “shared development.” government and policy mak- The vice minister also shared ers saying “our students go on GU-Q Dean Dr Ahmad S Dallal hands over a memento to Italian Vice Italy’s best practices and dis- to be future leaders and diplo- Minister Emanuela Claudia Del Re yesterday. cussed about the reform of the mats, and learning how to be Italian system of development fair, thoughtful, and innovative achieve these global goals.” In the fi eld of co-operation, on new subscription co-operation, which enabled a in their future roles.” “Along with the Italian gov- Italy ranks fourth among the more eff ective and integrated “This requires seeing fi rst- ernment, we are working to- G7 in terms of percentage of oredoo yesterday an- tomer satisfaction is a core ele- governance structure, includ- hand how leaders behave, present gether with a diverse array of Offi cial Development Assist- nounced a new promo- ment of our corporate strategy. ing a new Italian Agency for their ideas, garner support, and partners and stakeholders to ance given and Gross National Otion for customers who We are delighted to be able to Development Co-operation, as encounter challenges, and we are meet the SDGs. We call for all of Income. purchase selected Internet de- off er our mobile broadband cus- well as more consistency in im- pleased to give them the opportu- the global community to come Del Re was appointed Vice vice together with new subscrip- tomers this cashback promo- plementation. nity to engage with world leaders together to achieve these im- Minister for Foreign Aff airs with tion of mobile broadband unlim- tion, adding even more value to Del Re elaborated on the and diplomats such as Vice Min- portant objectives,” EAA repre- responsibility for International ited plan receiving up to QR600 our great mobile broadband and pressing challenge of confl icts ister Del Re,” he added. sentatives added. Co-operation in August 2018. in cashback over six months. Internet device deals.” and migration, and on the posi- Attending the event, EAA “Only through collaboration A scholar and sociologist, she Customers purchasing either a Customers can sign up to a tive role of diaspora communi- representatives said: “We had and partnership can we achieve is an expert in confl ict stud- Netgear MR1 router or a Huawei Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, new mobile broadband pack on- ties in bridging countries of ori- the privilege to meet with Del these targets. Its “shared de- ies, migration, refugee issues, Mi-Fi, and subscribing to mo- director, public relations and line, at any Ooredoo shop or via gin and countries of residence. Re to discuss global eff orts and velopment” approach and rec- and minorities, as well as reli- bile broadband Unlimited Lite, corporate communications at the Ooredoo app, and can pur- She also called for a greater challenges in reaching the Sus- ognition of the importance gious phenomena. She has car- Standard or Max, will receive up Ooredoo, said, “We know value chase an Internet device at our involvement of the private tainable Development Goals of education in driving global ried out longitudinal research to QR100 credited to their bill for money is a key driver for our eShop online or at any Ooredoo sector in development co- (SDG) 2030 and the importance prosperity,” EAA representa- in confl ict areas and areas in every month for six months. customers, and complete cus- shop. operation strategies and pro- of investing in education to tives noted. transition since 1990. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 QATAR Qatar Steel staff donate blood ‘Greenhouse Fertigation’ workshop conducted

atar Fertiliser Company (Qaf- co), Agrico and Yara Interna- Qtional (Norway) jointly con- ducted a ‘Greenhouse Fertigation’ workshop for 20 experienced agrono- mists and farm managers from Qatar at the Hydroponic Trial and Demonstra- tion Centre in Al Khor recently. The workshop was one of the ini- tiatives undertaken in line with a co- operation agreement that the parties signed in October last year, a press statement noted. The Trial and Demonstration Centre occupies an area of more than 4,000sq m and its purpose is to develop and Qatar Steel, a subsidiary of Industries Qatar, recently organised a blood donation campaign at its plant in the Mesaieed demonstrate the most sustainable crop Industrial City in co-operation and co-ordination with the HMC Blood Transfusion Unit. As part of Qatar Steel’s management systems suitable for Qa- corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the annual campaign was organised to strengthen blood reserves in the tar to the local farming community. country. Employees from the various departments participated in this campaign, showing their awareness towards the The workshop covered theoreti- importance of blood donation and its impact on society. “We believe that it is the duty of all governmental and private cal and practical aspects of fertigation institutions and apex bodies to participate in and support in this type of community activities as part of CSR,” said management for hydroponic systems, A presentation at the workshop. Mohamed Saleh al-Mahdi, Administration Divisional Manager, Qatar Steel. which are becoming more popular in Qatar for growing vegetables. solved to demonstrate the importance recipes of fertiliser solution for diff er- Fertigation is a method of applica- of the usage of a wide range of nutri- ent crops and growing stages. tion of required nutrients through ir- ents in order to maximise production. The workshop concluded with a tour rigation systems. Diff erent dosing equipment were around the Trial and Demonstration The participants of the workshop studied to demonstrate advantages of centre that currently produces toma- had a chance to deepen their knowl- precise application of fertilisers for toes and cucumbers. edge of diff erent types of fertilisers, maximum productivity of crops. The workshop was conducted by Tore diff erences in fertigation and foliar ap- A demonstration was also conduct- Frogner, Calcinit product manager from plication of fertilisers. ed on using simple online software, Yara Norway, and Carol Khadra, agron- Several theoretical problems were such as www.myyara.com, to calculate omist from Yara Middle East.

‘Put Your Purple On’ held at CNA-Q ollege of the North Atlantic – Qatar’s (CNA-Q) stu- dents of the Dental Hygiene programme, demon- Cstrated pride in their profession by marking National Dental Hygienists Week in Qatar. As part of the community health class, students par- ticipated in the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association ( CDHA) campaign called ‘Put Your Purple On’. The campaign involves taking and sharing purple-themed photos, and having community landmarks lit up in purple. In April 2018, 16 municipal landmarks across Canada and one in the UK were adorned in purple. This year the CDHA wanted to reach out to a broader international community. This year, for the fi rst time ever, the campaign reached the Middle East. In Qatar, CNA-Q’s Dental Hygiene programme began its participation in the campaign with a group photo at the Souq Waqif and fi nished at West Bay’s iconic Tornado Tow- er, which was illuminated in purple on the evening of April 6. Tornado Tower houses the Canadian Embassy, and the group was honoured by the presence of Canadian ambassa- dor, Stefanie McCollum. Students and faculty wore match- structors and students who want to share their pride in ing purple T-shirts. Purple has been the offi cial colour of the the practice of dental hygiene, and the importance of ‘oral dental hygiene profession since 1897, signifying compas- health for total health’. They remind us that taking care of sion, purpose and inspiration. our mouth, teeth, and gums positively impacts other as- “This is the fi rst year the competition has come alive in pects of our lives,” said Dr Andrea Smilski, dean of CNA-Q’s Qatar. The commitment and excitement of CNA-Q’s in- School of Health Sciences.

‘Gold Promise’ at Malabar Gold and Diamonds ‘Mega Promotion’ at alabar paying 10% of the Jumbo extended Gold & entire amount on MDiamonds, the selected gold umbo Electronics has announced one of the largest jewellery. This off er that its ‘Mega Promotion’ has been jewellery retailers is valid until May Jextended until April 20. globally with a retail 7. Eight gram gold The bi-annual customer promo be- network of 250 out- coins can be bought gan three weeks ago and has now been lets, has announced with no making extended “due to popular demand”, a festive season charges from any Jumbo Electronics said in a press state- ‘Gold Promise’. Malabar Gold & ment. Customers get Diamonds outlet Customers shopping at any Jumbo chances to win as- during this period. Electronics store “can benefi t from sured gold coins There is also a zero great savings on world-class brands” with gold and dia- deduction off er in this promotion, the statement notes. mond jewellery on 22K (GCC) gold In addition to the savings, customers purchases under the jewellery exchange. also get an assured gift for their pur- promotion, which runs until May 11 Both these off ers are valid until May chase. Some of the assured gifts include in Qatar, according to a statement. 11. a LG 55” Ultra HD smart TV, sound bars, The company has also unveiled the The latest jewellery collection garment steamers, Bluetooth speakers latest festive jewellery collection in launched in celebration of the fes- and earphones. To get the assured free gold, diamond and precious gems. tive season includes both traditional gift, customers have to shop for a mini- Customers can win a guaranteed and contemporary designs in 18 and mum of QR1,000 and they get the des- gold coin or up to 100 gold coins in- 22K gold, diamond and precious ignated gift based on the price bracket stantly on purchase of gold jewellery gem jewellery. in which their purchase falls. worth QR2,500 via ‘Scratch & Win’ Malabar Gold & Diamonds has Some of the leading brands that can coupons. They also get a two-gram incorporated these designs as a part be purchased from a Jumbo store in- gold coin on diamond jewellery pur- of various brands, namely Ethnix — clude LG, Morphy Richards, Apple, JBL, chase of QR5,000 and a one-gram Handcrafted Designer Jewellery, Era Harman Kardon, Brother, Blueair, Os- gold coin on purchase of diamond — Uncut Diamond Jewellery, Mine car, OnePlus, Indesit, Forbes and Nikai. jewellery worth QR3,000. — Diamonds Unlimited, Divine- In- Customers who buy extended war- Customers can as well get protec- dian Heritage Jewellery, Precia — Gem ranty get up to 12 months’ additional tion from the increasing gold rate by Jewellery and Starlet – Kids jewellery. extended warranty-free.

DECC goes green for Qatar Family Day

The Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) celebrated the annual Family Day in Qatar on April 15. The DECC’s facades were illuminated in green to highlight the importance of the family and its role in community building. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 7 QATAR

Qatar Airways wins awards for onboard catering, amenity kits, charitable initiatives

atar Airways is celebrat- recognition of the airline’s breast tering Innovation’ for the el- Economy Class Amenity Kit’ through the volume of awards ing April with a host of cancer awareness amenity kit, egant Caviar presentation, ‘Best rounds off wins for the airline’s presented to us recently by pres- Qaward wins across a va- which was cited as a worthy ini- for Onboard Kids’, and ‘Best Product Development and De- tigious industry leaders. We re- riety of categories, highlighting tiative, helping to raise aware- for Onboard Snacks - First and sign department in April. main committed to off ering our its outstanding onboard hos- ness of an important cause in a Business Class’. Qatar Airways Group chief award-winning service and to pitality, passenger experience, simple but eff ective manner. The airline’s First Class male executive HE Akbar al-Baker further enhancing our custom- and commitment to charitable Qatar Airways also received amenity kit and its goody bag said, “We would like to thank the ers’ fl ying experience.” initiatives. the ‘Trendsetter of the Year for children also won two Gold judges and our passengers for Qatar Airways was also The airline won two separate Award’ for its versatile Tasting awards at The TravelPlus Airline presenting us with these awards. awarded the PAX International accolades at the ‘2019 Onboard Platter, an express dinner option Amenity Bag Awards ceremony To be recognised across such a Readership award for ‘Best Cabin Hospitality Awards’ that took aimed at optimising rest and that took place in Hamburg, diverse spectrum from Onboard Interior Passenger Experience’ place in Hamburg, Germany, sleep on overnight fl ights from Germany on April 2. Catering to Product Design is a and received the ‘Best In-Flight on April 1. In recognition of the Europe. This concept was found These awards are judged by refl ection of the dedication and Duty Free Programme’ award for importance of sustainability, in- by specialist judges to take the passengers and celebrate the hard work of all our employees the Middle East - the third time The awards highlight Qatar Airways’ outstanding onboard hospitality, novation, and corporate social tasting menu trend to a new level design excellence of amenity throughout the organisation. in four years that it has won this passenger experience, and commitment to charitable initiatives. responsibility and responding for premium passengers. kits, sleeper suits, and bedding. “As an airline, we constantly award – at the recent ceremony to trends, Qatar Airways and The airline also received The airline’s win at the PAX In- strive to provide the best serv- in Germany. In addition, the Class’, ‘Middle East Best Airline’, and ‘Middle East Best Economy Formia won a special award for ‘Highly Commended’ in three ternational Readership Awards ice to our passengers and we airline named ‘World’s Top 10 ‘Middle East Best Major’, ‘Mid- Class’ by TripAdvisor Travellers’ ‘Best Charitable Initiatives’, in categories: ‘Best Onboard Ca- on April 3 for ‘Best Middle East are honoured to be recognised Airline’, ‘World’s Best Business dle East Best Business Class’, Choice Airline Awards 2019. Al Jazeera Forum set to explore blockade on Qatar

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

his year’s Al Jazeera Fo- rum will be discussing Tseveral topics such as ‘In- tra-Gulf Relations: Blockade of Qatar: two years later?’ as well as ‘The Gulf’s future role in reshap- ing power balances in the Middle Qatar Airways Group chief executive HE Akbar al-Baker and Sabco Sports chairman Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad bin Hamoud al-Busaidi after East.’ signing the agreement. The 13th Al Jazeera Forum will be held on April 27 and 28 at Sheraton Doha. Dr Mohmed Elmoctar El Khalil, director of Studies Centre, Al Jazeera Cen- tre for Studies, gave the details Qatar Airways is ‘offi cial airline of the forum at a press confer- ence yesterday. Dr Mohmed Elmoctar El Khalil Other major topics of discus- sion at the event will be ‘The ence in the rest of the world. The for paving the way for the “Deal partner’ for Oman sports events Reality of the Gulf System and assassination of Saudi journal- of the Century”, which refl ects the Erosion of Saudi Infl uence’; ist, Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey the extent of the strategic con- ‘Khashoggi’s Assassination: has raised new questions about fusion growing in the Arab world atar Airways is the Of- including athletics, chess, sailing grammes off ered by the Min- whole.” Al-Busaidi, said: “Qa- Another crisis that adds to the Saudi Arabia’s domestic as well and the Gulf region in particular. fi cial Airline Partner and volleyball, with the qualifying istry of Education in Oman are tar Airways is a key organisa- Regional Complexities’ ; ‘Global as regional policies,” noted Dr El Qatar has decided to withdraw Qfor three of Oman’s players of each sport advancing to open to both boys and girls that tion in the region, and they are Media and the Dilemma of Polit- Khalil. from OPEC and to focus instead Ministry of Education sports the fi nals. Similarly, the Football are enrolled in public schools well known for their support of ical Crime’; ‘ The Challenges of The offi cial explained that the on its plan to raise its LNG ex- programmes, in addition to the Programme also runs from Octo- across the country, and who are sport and the community. This US Policy in the Middle East: the Saudi role has declined in the ports by double in the next six Oman International Youth Cup ber to March of each year and the aged under 18. is an important initiative that Gulf - Iran – Israel’ and ‘Arms tripartite rivalry with Turkey years,” he noted. (OIYC), it was announced yes- qualifying teams from each region HE al-Baker, said: “Qatar will greatly benefi t the children Race in the Middle East: Drivers and Iran in the Gulf region. He He maintained that the so- terday. compete at the fi nals that tradi- Airways is delighted to be part- of Oman.” and Trajectories’ pointed out that Saudi Arabia called “Arab Alliance” in the Qatar Airways Group chief tionally take place in Muscat. nering for the fi rst time with Qatar Airways sponsors pre- Dr El Khalil said the Arab re- is no longer trusted as the “big Yemen war has shrunk into a bi- executive, HE Akbar al-Baker, Furthermore, the new Na- the Omani Ministry of Educa- mier sporting clubs around gion expanding from the Gulf sister” that could guarantee the lateral liability by Saudi Arabia signed an offi cial sponsorship tional Obstacle Series (NOS), tion for their three youth sports the world. The airline recently to the Atlantic has endured, national security of the small and UAE in an attempt to defeat agreement with Sabco Sports runs year-round and invites programmes, in addition to the revealed multi-year sponsor- since the popular uprisings in members of the GCC and the Houthis, restore legitimacy, and chairman, Sayyid Khalid bin Ha- students from public and pri- Oman International Youth Cup. ship agreements with several 2011, several civil wars, politi- most recent Gulf summit held to reduce the Iranian infl uence in mad bin Hamoud al-Busaidi. vate schools to take part in These sponsorships strengthen global sports entities, includ- cal labyrinths, and fl uctuations in Riyadh failed to heal the rift the civil-war torn country. “In Each programme off ers Om- the challenge. The NOS Pro- the airline’s extensive global ing leading German football in the balance of power, which between Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Washington, the US Senate is ani youth an opportunity to join gramme is a new scheme that sporting partnership portfolio team FC Bayern Munchen AG, intersects, or clashes, with the Manama, on the one hand, and pushing the Trump administra- diff erent sports leagues, held was launched by Sabco Sports and demonstrate the strength Italian football club AS Roma agendas of certain superpowers Doha on the other. tion to withdraw from the war in throughout the year in Oman. The in Oman, and advocates for a of our commitment to Oman, and Argentinian club Boca Jun- and regional governmental and According to the offi cial, faced Yemen and reconsider US-Saudi partnership is undertaken in as- healthier lifestyle for youth. a destination always popular iors. In addition, Qatar Airways non-governmental actors. with this divergence between the relations while several European sociation with Sabco Sports, who The Oman International Youth with our customers. is the offi cial airline sponsor “The Gulf crisis and the Gulf states, some have decided countries decided to halt arms are the commercial partner for the Cup is a football tournament for “By sponsoring these Pro- of CONMEBOL professional blockade of Qatar have exacer- to form new alliances outside deals with Riyadh. As the block- Oman Ministry of Education. Under 9s, Under 11s, Under 13s grammes and the Youth Cup, football competitions across bated the situation, fragmented GCC driven by security, military ade of Qatar nears its third year The Olympic Programme runs and Under 15s, from across the we hope to further inspire fu- South America, including the the Gulf Co-operation Council’s and economic considerations. without achieving any of the from October to March of each globe, who have the opportu- ture generations in sports and Copa CONMEBOL Libertado- (GCC) unity, undermined the “Some Gulf states have de- Quartet’s objectives, Qatar con- year and enables children from nity to showcase their football specifi cally football, a sport res, Copa CONMEBOL Suda- state members’ ability to face cided to open up to Israel on the tinues its quiet diplomacy in the diff erent regions across Oman skills from the heart of the Mid- that has been on the rise in mericana and the CONMEBOL growing regional challenges, and verge of normalisation of diplo- region and internationally,” he to compete in a variety of sports, dle East. The three sports Pro- Qatar and the Middle East as a Recopa. hindered their strategic infl u- matic ties, amidst enthusiasm highlighted.

Domasco, MBM in pact for Volvo vehicles Maserati Quattroporte GranLusso:

oha Marketing Services Company (Domasco), the a ‘One of One’ at Shanghai Auto Show Dexclusive distributor of Volvo Buses in Qatar, has signed a new deal with MBM Transport, aserati has announced style,” the statement noted. one of the leading transporta- that is presenting a The Quattroporte GranLusso tion services company in Qatar, Munique new model at ‘One of One’ features an ex- to provide them with premium the Shanghai Auto Show, one terior colour specially created Volvo coach and Volare buses. of the most important fairs in for the customer. Xuan Feng’s Domasco managing director Asia. choice: a light blue with opaque Faisal Sharif, said: “This second Showcasing a preview of trim, evoking worn denim ma- bulk deal in the past two years be- its future customisation pro- terial, perfectly capturing his tween Domasco and MBM Trans- and gas industry through MBM and pleasant interior, as well as gramme, Maserati is presenting personality and lifestyle. port shows the successful partner- Transport.” their safety both in the protec- a Quattroporte GranLusso ‘One The interior: distinguished ship between the two companies Introduced in Qatar for the tive structure and well thought of One’, customised by Maserati by a combination of traditional that has placed them at the fore- premium mid-size transporta- out seating. The globally-cer- Centro Stile in collaboration black and the new ‘Bianco Ghi- front of the premium coach/bus tion segment, Volare Buses are tified MBM Transport provides with a VIP customer: Xuan accio’ colour: the lower dash- industry in the country.” produced and commercialised premium and world-class Feng, chief editor of T Maga- board, the door panels and seats He added: “MBM Transport by Marcopolo S.A. in Brazil. transportation services to some zine China. feature this two-tone scheme in has been serving their premium The unique design and qual- of Qatar’s biggest companies. In a press statement, Ma- order to imbue the cabin with a clients with Domasco’s Volvo ity of Volare Buses makes them Volvo buses currently oper- serati said it is “intensifying rich and contemporary feel. Coach Buses for the past few the ideal choice for city driv- ate in 140 countries, whereas its focus on customisation, The upholstery of the seats years. This new deal will serve ing and for tourism compa- Marcopolo exports its buses showcasing it’s innate Italian features vertical stitching Domasco’s Volvo Coach and nies. Volvo’s Coach Buses are to more than 60 countries characteristics by combining inspired by the classic pin- Volare Buses to clients in the oil renowned for their comfortable worldwide. virtuous craftsmanship, state- The Maserati Quattroporte GranLusso ‘One of One’ at the Shanghai stripe pattern of men’s fabrics. of-the-art technology and so- Auto Show 2019. Thanks to the special dying phisticated design”. process that takes place in oak Highlights of this eff orts are with the GranLusso trim. customer select the accessories casks, a technique that allows the Quattroporte S Q4 Gran- The most prominently fea- and the confi guration, but he enough time for the pigments Lusso MY19, characterised by tured model on the Maserati was also fully involved in the to be naturally absorbed by the interiors featuring Zegna Pel- stand at the 2019 Shanghai personalisation of his car. leather, the fi ne Pieno Fiore letessuta, a new and unique Auto Show is the Quattroporte This was an exclusive project leather, takes on an elegant, material created by Ermenegil- GranLusso ‘One of One’. in which Feng told the Maserati deep and luminous colour. do Zegna exclusively for Ma- The Maserati Centro Stile Centro Stile his own personal The leather is soft and sup- serati. guided Feng through the proc- story, including his passions ple, with a light and deliber- Along with the Quattroporte ess of confi guring his car, and goals in life, translating his ately irregular texture, imbuing GranLusso ‘One of One’ and carrying out a collaborative personal history and passions it with structure and character. the Quattroporte S MY19 with customisation operation that into his unique Maserati. The stitching for the door pan- interiors in Zegna Pelletessuta, enabled the customer to ac- “This new level of customi- els and upper dashboard repeat Maserati is also displaying the tively participate in the crea- sation truly connects Xuan the denim light blue tone of the Levante and Ghibli MY19, both tive process: not only did the Feng’s personality and life- exterior. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Second China-Arab states forum on reform and development begins

QNA issues, in addition to the com- with relevant UN resolutions He noted that the State of at Beijing and Shanghai uni- Shanghai plementary advantages and in- and the Arab peace initiative, in Qatar was among the fi rst Asian versities in order to discuss the terrelated interests in several order to reach a comprehensive, countries that signed the mem- frameworks and mechanisms areas. just and lasting solution to this orandum of co-operation and to implement and activate the he second Arab-China He called for continued po- issue as soon as possible. In a understanding in the initiative agreements and memoran- Forum on Reform and De- litical trust and deepening co- related context, the Director of and said it is paying attention to dums of understanding signed Tvelopment has kicked off operation between the two sides. the Diplomatic Institute Dr Ab- everything related to the initia- on the sidelines of the visit of in the Chinese city of Shanghai Chen stressed that the Arab dulaziz bin Mohamed al-Horr tive. His Highness the Amir of Qatar under the theme “Work together and Chinese sides are keen on said the participation of the He added that the forum is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- to build the Belt and Road and promoting the important con- State of Qatar in this forum and an introduction to the second Thani to the People’s Republic share development and prosper- sensus reached by Chinese Pres- all relevant events comes from Belt and Road Forum, which of China at the beginning of ity”. ident Xi Jinping with the leaders the interest in activities and de- will be held in Beijing at the this year, on exchanging aca- This year marks the 70th an- of the Arab countries, and on velopment projects, which ben- end of this month and which demic and educational experi- niversary of the founding of new implementing the outcome of efi t the Asian region in general. will be attended by a number ences and diplomatic training. China, a crucial year for building the eighth ministerial meeting In an exclusive statement to of ministers representing sev- He explained that Diplomat- a well-off society in a compre- of the China-Arab Co-operation Director of the Diplomatic Institute Dr Abdulaziz bin Mohamed QNA, Dr al-Horr stressed the eral sectors, with the presence ic Institute is also co-operating hensive way, Chinese Assistant Forum, especially co-operative al-Horr during his participation in the forum. importance of the forum which and participation of a number with Shanghai University in Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong documents on the ‘Belt and focuses on the ‘Belt and Road’ of presidents and leaders from order to publish a book on the said in a speech at the opening of Road’ Initiative. darity and self-determination of Chinese offi cial said that the Initiative and issues of develop- around the world. Chinese-Arab relations in Ara- the forum. As a responsible and commit- the Arab countries to meet the Palestinian issue is a central is- ment and reform, especially as Dr al-Horr noted the co-op- bic and Chinese languages. He said Arab countries are at ted country, China fi rmly sup- challenges they face, as well as sue of peace in the Middle East, the initiative seeks to achieve the eration between the Diplomatic The Institute will publish the an important stage that estab- ports the Arab countries to de- supporting Arab countries in de- and the peace process based on development goals not only for Institute and the universities of Arabic version while Shanghai lishes for a common vision and fend their legitimate rights and velopment, he stressed. the two-state solution should be the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai and Beijing, referring University will publish the Chi- convergent positions on many interests by supporting the soli- On the Palestinian issue, the pushed forward in accordance but for the region in general. to meetings held with officials nese version.

DIPLOMACY Zarif in Damascus ahead of Syria talks Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif visited Damascus yesterday ahead of a fresh round of talks next week in Kazakhstan towards ending Syria’s eight-year civil war. Iran and Russia are key allies of the Damascus Sudan’s council fi res top regime, and along with rebel backer Turkey have sponsored the so-called Astana negotiations track to end the conflict. Kazakhstan is to host a fresh round of talks on April 25-26 in its capital, last month renamed from Astana to Nur-Sultan. In Damascus, Zarif and President Bashar al-Assad discussed “the next round of Astana talks and the importance of lasting communication between Damascus and Tehran for continued co- three public prosecutors operation”, the presidency said in a statement. Both countries are facing a flurry of sanctions by Western nations including the United States, with Reuters Washington this month designating Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Khartoum US wants tangible Guard Corps a terrorist organisation. Syria is in the grips of a growing steps to exit blacklist fuel crisis that it blames on these sanctions. Zarif and Assad accused Western countries headed by the United States of “launching wars and he head of Sudan’s rul- The United States is willing to economic terrorism against anyone who did not agree with them” in re- ing Transitional Military remove Sudan from its blacklist gional matters, the presidency said. Earlier yesterday, Zarif met his Syrian TCouncil has fi red the of state sponsors of terrorism counterpart Walid Muallem. After the meeting, Zarif told journalists Iran, three highest-ranking pub- if its new military leaders take Russia and Turkey would be focusing on the militant-held bastion of Idlib lic prosecutors, the TMC said tangible steps, a US official said in northwestern Syria, pro-government newspaper Al-Watan said. The re- yesterday, after protesters de- yesterday. gion on the border with Turkey is held by Syria’s former Al Qaeda aff iliate, manded an overhaul of the ju- Sudanese officials have for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and is in theory protected from a massive regime diciary as part of steps toward years sought to get off the list, off ensive by a Russia-Turkey deal. The September accord aimed to set up civilian government. engaging in inconclusive talks a buff er zone around Idlib, but was never fully implemented as militants The Sudanese Professionals’ with the United States. refused to withdraw from it. “The Astana guarantors...need to abide by Association spearheading the A State Department official said the commitments linked to the Idlib file,” including “disarming terrorists revolt has issued a long list of that Washington had renewed groups and them leaving Idlib”, Zarif said, according to Al-Watan. Regime demands for wholesale change its willingness to consider a forces have continued to bombard Idlib despite the deal, increasingly so to end repression and ease an delisting during meetings with in recent weeks. Zarif is expected to visit Turkey after Damascus. Endless economic crisis after the mili- the military rulers who last rounds of UN-backed Syria peace talks have failed to stem the bloodshed, tary deposed veteran Omar al- week ousted veteran leader and Iran, Russia and Turkey have sponsored the parallel Astana negotia- Bashir last week. Omar al-Bashir in the wake of tions track since early 2017. In a statement, the TMC said months of street protests. council chief Abdel Fattah al- A way to rescind the designa- Burhan had sacked chief pros- tion “may be available if there UNREST ecutor Omar Ahmed Mohamed is a fundamental change in Algeria panel chief resigns amid agitation Abdelsalam and deputy public the leadership and policies prosecutor Hesham Othman and if the Transitional Military The chairman of Algeria’s Constitutional Council, Tayeb Belaiz, resigned Ibrahim Saleh, as well as head of Council is not supporting acts yesterday, as thousands of people took to the streets demanding the public prosecutions Amer Ibra- of international terrorism and departure of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s allies. Belaiz him Majid. Sudanese demonstrators gather during a rally outside the army complex in Khartoum, yesterday. The provides assurances that it will presented his resignation to interim president Abdelkader Bensalah, the Alwaleed Sayed Ahmed Mah- banner in Arabic reads “Initiative by Khartoum University professors for peaceful transition of power.” not support acts of interna- state-run news agency APS reported. moud was appointed to carry tional terrorism in the future,” Demonstrations have continued since Bouteflika’s resignation, as the out Abdelsalam’s duties, it said. and added that mass protests most respected groups in Su- Commission chairman Moussa the official said on condition of crowds have demanded a radical change in the country and rejected Mahmoud’s background was would not cease until the de- danese society, adding powerful Faki Mahamat in Addis Ababa anonymity. Belaiz, Bensalah and incumbent Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui. not immediately known. mands were met. symbolism to the march. and gave him a letter from Bur- Yesterday, thousands of students took to the streets in the capital, Al- In its fi rst news conference The judiciary chief was not Egypt’s President Abdel Fat- han on the situation in Sudan giers, demanding the departure of both men. “We will continue demon- on Monday, the SPA — which mentioned in the TMC state- tah al-Sisi called TMC head and inviting Mahamat to visit, thority within 15 days or risk strating until the regime changes, including all its arms that are in pow- led months of protests that led ment. Burhan to off er his backing, a the state news agency SUNA Sudan being suspended from er now,” said Azzouz Rahmani, an engineering student. News of Belaiz’s to Bashir’s overthrow after 30 Yesterday, hundreds of Uni- spokesman for Sisi said. said. the AU. resignation was welcomed by the protesters who started chanting years in power — called for the versity of Khartoum professors The spokesman said in a It quoted Sheikh as saying On Monday, Sheikh told a “Bensalah is left.” Samia Baloun, 25, said the departure of Belaiz “opens TMC to be dissolved in favour of carrying signs reading “civil- statement that Sisi had affi rmed Mahamat had expressed “un- news conference in Addis Aba- the way for the resignation of other members of the regime, who are an interim civilian ruling coun- ian transitional government” “Egypt’s full support for the derstanding” for the decisions ba, where the African Union is hated by the streets.” On April 9, Bensalah was appointed by parliament cil with military representa- and “democracy” marched to security and stability of Sudan the TMC had taken so far. based, that the TMC was al- to lead the North African country in a three-month transitional period. tives. a protesters’ sit-in outside the and its support for the will and The AU’s Peace and Security ready in the process of picking He has set the presidential vote for July 4. Bouteflika, 82, was forced to It also called for Abdelsalam’s Defence Ministry that began on choices of the Sudanese people”. Council on Monday called for a prime minister for civilian rule resign on April 2 after weeks of nationwide protests against his 20-year removal along with the chief of April 6, a Reuters witness said. TMC member Jalal al-Deen the TMC to transfer power to — ahead of elections promised rule and pressure from the influential military. The opposition has since the judiciary and his deputies, Academics are among the al-Sheikh met African Union a transitional civilian-led au- within two years. called for an overhaul of the political system in the country.

Court jails 139 on terror charges

A court in Bahrain sentenced 139 people to jail on terrorism charges yesterday and revoked the citizenship of all but one of Lebanese protest ahead of budget them, the public prosecutor said, in the latest mass trial in the state. Most of the leading opposition figures and rights activists are imprisoned or have fled abroad. The High Criminal Court Reuters Economists are now looking for handed out life jail terms to 69 of the defendants, the prosecutor Beirut a bigger cut because last year’s said, adding they were sentenced for crimes including joining deficit was bigger than expected a “terrorist” group, bombings, attempted murder and receiving at between 10-1/2 to 11% of GDP arms and explosives training. It said the defendants had formed he Lebanese government instead of a projected 8.2%. Seri- a cell with the purpose of carrying out attacks in the country. The has yet to disclose its budget ous reforms would help Lebanon defendants have the right to appeal the ruling, it said. Of those Tfor 2019 but protesters are unlock some $11bn in financing sentenced, 60 were in absentia, a defence lawyer said. already in the streets fearing the pledged in Paris. The govern- “diffi cult and painful” reforms it is ment last week approved a plan expected to announce as it tries to to overhaul the power sector — a get spending in control and rein in major drain on state finances for public debt. years. Retired army offi cers blocked Critics say the government several highways with burn- must deliver this time, pointing ing tyres yesterday, a preemp- to previous such plans that were tive warning to the government never implemented. against any cuts to their pensions The public sector wage bill that might be part of its eff ort to is the state’s biggest outgoing, reduce one of the world’s heaviest followed by servicing the pub- public debt burdens. lic debt equal to around 150% of Though small, the protests of- GDP. fered a glimpse of the political The wage bill went up in 2017 minefi eld facing the government. after increases were agreed ahead The budget is seen as a critical of a parliamentary election. test of its will to enact long-stalled Nassib Ghobril, chief economist reforms that economists say are at Lebanon’s Byblos Bank, hopes more pressing than ever for an to see the defi cit brought down economy that has suff ered years of by 2% of GDP and says reforms low growth. Retired army off icers hold Lebanese flags during a protest in Aley, Lebanon, yesterday. should include shutting down the State fi nances are strained by many obsolete government agen- a bloated public sector, high debt Gebran Bassil hinted at such steps the country has reached this dif- ful” to avoid a worsening of cies. “They have to freeze hiring, servicing costs and hefty subsidis- on Saturday. “There are those who fi cult level...we are not responsible economic, financial and social freeze future salary increases, and es spent on the power sector. should be making people aware for it, the politicians are,” said Am- conditions. Prime Minister Saad increases in benefi ts, and they “We went out today to tell today that if a temporary reduc- mar, a father of three who served in al-Hariri said last week he was have to cut the number of public them that our pensions are a red tion doesn’t happen, then there the military for three decades. concerned about a Greek-style sector employees and restructure line,” said Khaled Ammar, one of a will be no salaries for anyone,” he Lebanese leaders have been crisis in Lebanon while saying the way companies restructure number of retired offi cers blocking wrote on Twitter, adding that “if warning of economic crisis for that government measures would when they are in fi nancial diffi cul- the highway south of Beirut. we must start with the ministers some time. In a February policy prevent “economic problems”. At ties,” he said. The budget has yet to be fi nal- and MPs, so be it”.Protesters said statement, the new government a Paris conference last year, Leb- “The public sector has recruited ised but speculation it will include tackling corruption should be the committed itself to launching anon promised to cut its budget 31,000 people over the last four cuts to the massive public wage bill priority. fast and effective reforms that deficit by 1% of gross domestic years — more than the entire fi - has grown since Foreign Minister “If the economic condition of could be “difficult and pain- product a year over five years. nancial sector.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 9 AFRICA

TRAGEDY ECONOMY RELIEF ANGRY AUDIENCE TRASH TALK 3 dead, many missing in DR Zimbabwe nearly Planting season begins in 13 sentenced in Guinea Congo lake capsize doubles bread price flood-struck Mozambique for killing preacher

Three people died and dozens were missing The price of bread nearly doubled in Zimbabwe About 1mn victims of Cyclone Idai in A court in the West African state of Guinea has after a large canoe capsized overnight on Lake yesterday, another burden for citizens already Mozambique have received food assistance handed down life sentences to 13 people accused Kivu in eastern DR Congo, local sources said struggling with a weak currency and rising prices from the UN, as families now begin planting of killing a preacher whose sermon is believed yesterday. “The toll in human lives is unknown, for basic goods. Bread now costs 3.50 RTGS crops in preparation for an October harvest. to have angered local villagers. The court in the but it is very heavy,” said Apollinaire Bulindi, an dollars a loaf, up from 1.80 on Monday, according “More than 700,000 hectares of crops — eastern town Kankan on Monday recommended honorary provincial minister and prominent to prices displayed by most shops visited by primarily maize — were washed away ahead the defendants serve a minimum of 30 years for engineer. Sources said between 50 and 100 Reuters in Harare. “Bread has now become a of the main April-May harvest, deepening the January 2018 shooting. All but one of the 13 people were aboard the motorised boat, known luxury. How many people can aff ord it at this food insecurity,” the World Food Program were sentenced in absentia — 12 are suspected to locally as a pirogue, which was also laden with rate?” said Sarah Chisvo, a mother of three who (WFP) said in a statement. “Planting for a have fled abroad. “The ringleader, Moussa Kante, goods. “Operations are continuing,” a rescue was picking up groceries. “The government needs second 2019 harvest in October-November was the only one who was in court, pleading not worker told AFP, adding that 35 people had been to do something before this gets out of hand.” must be completed in the coming days,” guilty,” Judge Kpoulomou Gbamon told AFP. The A ‘plastic monster’, made with single-use rescued, while three bodies had been plucked In February, faced with acute shortages of US the UN body said, adding that the Food and preacher, Abdul Aziz Tuwaijri, was shot dead in plastic packaging, being displayed at a protest from the water. Lake Kivu Commissioner Norbert dollars, Zimbabwe introduced a new currency, Agriculture Organization was distributing the village of Kantebalandougou, near the border of the environmental group Greenpeace Africa Rugusha said he would issue a “full toll” later. called the Real Time Gross Settlement dollar. seeds to 14,700 farming families. with Mali and Ivory Coast. in Nairobi yesterday.

16 massacred at President tells sceptical party for newborn in Nigeria confl ict

AFP Congolese ‘ebola is real’ Kano ixteen people were killed and 14 were wounded Reuters breaks of Ebola, which causes when gunmen opened fi re at a party to name a new- Goma severe vomiting, diarrhoea and Sborn baby, police said yesterday, in the latest vio- bleeding, since the virus was dis- lence between farmers and herders in central Nigeria. covered there in 1976. Those murdered included the parents and the infant, ongolese President Felix The current one has seen 1,264 residents said. Tshisekedi yesterday im- confi rmed and probable cases The attack on Sunday night happened in Nasarawa, a Cplored people in areas hit and 814 deaths since it was de- state wracked by long-running violence between settled by the nation’s worst-ever Ebola clared last August. farmers and semi-nomadic pastoralists who move with outbreak to accept the disease is It is surpassed only by the their herds. real and trust health workers. 2013-2016 outbreak in West Af- The gunmen opened fi re on guests as they celebrated Mistrust of fi rst responders rica, in which more than 28,000 with the family and their newborn baby in Numa village, and widespread misinformation cases were reported and more in the Akwanga area of the state. propagated by some community than 11,000 people died. “The attack happened when some people were having leaders has led many in aff ected Following a series of attacks on a celebration at night,” state deputy police commissioner areas of eastern Democratic Re- treatment centres by unidentifi ed Umar Shehu Nadada told AFP. “The unidentifi ed gun- public of Congo to refuse vacci- assailants in February and March, men killed 16 people and injured 14 others.” nations. the current outbreak is now Numa, a farming village home to people from the Mada Instead, they turn to tradi- spreading at its fastest rate yet. ethnic group, has been at loggerheads with Fulani herders. tional healers, whose clinics have More than 100 cases were con- Residents accused the herders of the attack, saying the contributed to the haemorrhagic fi rmed last week. men turned up about three hours after dusk to join the fever’s spread. Tshisekedi, who won a dis- party. “It is not an imaginary dis- puted election last December to In the darkness, they opened fi re into the crowd. ease,” Tshisekedi said after arriv- succeed Joseph Kabila, yesterday “We believe the attackers are Fulani..they pretended ing in the city of Beni on his fi rst also called for the disarmament to have come to celebrate with the family,” said resident tour of eastern Congo since being of dozens of militia that operate Emmanuel Kato. inaugurated in January. in the east and whose presence “It was while the party was going on that they brought “If we follow the instructions, has complicated the Ebola re- out their guns and started shooting the people, killing 16 in two or three months Ebola will sponse. and injuring many others.” be fi nished,” he optimistically “The time of armed groups Kato said those killed included the couple and their told a crowd after having his tem- is over,” he said. “The new gov- newborn, as well as a pregnant woman. perature taken and washing his ernment is reaching out to these Philip Gyunka, a senator at the National Assembly rep- hands, as required of all incoming children of the country to surren- resenting the area, said the attack was fallout of a recent DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi (centre) met yesterday with UNFPA off icials at Beni General Hospital in Beni passengers to Beni airport. der arms through disarmament confl ict between the Mada and Fulani. to discuss the Ebola crisis. Congo has suff ered 10 out- programmes.” Nasarawa state, like neighbouring Benue and Plateau, are part of the “middle-belt” states that divide Nigeria’s mainly-Muslim north from the predominantly Christian south. The region has seen deadly clashes between Fulani herders and farmers over land, grazing and water for Food, water scarcity set to Family sues Boeing over years.

Ethiopia plane crash Citing 17th-century ties, Ivory Coast ‘king’ joins Notre-Dame campaign worsen as Kenya rains fail Reuters tivist Ralph Nader’s great niece, and Nairobi a Rwandan. Kabua’s sister, Esther Kabau- A traditional monarch in Ivory Coast yesterday vowed to Reuters Farming, including tea, fl ow- that eight of its own staff had Wanyoike, choked up as she told a help rebuild Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, which in the Nairobi ers and coff ee exports account been infected by the disease. Kenyan family has fi led a law- press conference that she wanted to 17th century played an extraordinary part in his kingdom’s for close to a third of annual eco- “There is an upsurge of cholera suit in Chicago against Amer- use her brother’s death to improve history. Amon N’Douff ou V, king of Sanwi in southeastern nomic output. cases in the county of Nairobi. Aican aviation giant Boeing aviation safety. Ivory Coast, told AFP: “I am in full consultation with my enya is likely to suf- The government said last We have had several cases admit- over a March 10 Ethiopian Airlines “He didn’t leave a child. My mum is elders – we are going to make a donation for the rebuild- fer from worsening food month 1.1mn Kenyans, mainly ted in our hospital. Unfortunate- crash that killed 157 people, lawyers devastated,” she said. “We can use his ing of this monument.” Kshortages and water scar- in the arid counties of Turkana, ly we had eight staff aff ected,” and family members said yesterday. demise to ensure safer travel for all.” “I couldn’t get to sleep because I was so disturbed by city as the rainy season fails, its Marsabit, Isiolo, Tana River and the Nairobi Hospital, which is Siblings of 29-year-old engineer US lawyer Nomi Husain, who is the pictures” of the fire, he said. “This cathedral repre- meteorological department said Garisssa, need humanitarian private, said in a statement. George Kabau said they wanted to also representing one of the Ameri- sents a strong bond between my kingdom and France.” yesterday. food assistance. The statement gave no fi gures force the company to release docu- can families, said the lawsuit was In 1687, after French traders had established a foothold The so-called long rains sea- The Famine Early Warning for how many cases the hospital ments and e-mails relating to its 737 fi led in Chicago late on Monday. in the kingdom, the king sent a son named Aniaba, aged son from March to May has fallen Systems Network, which is fund- now suspected there were in the MAX 8 model, which was grounded The family was seeking to hold about 15, to Paris as a token of his bona fides. The boy was far below the long-term average ed by the United States Agency city. worldwide after two major plane Boeing accountable, he said. taken to Notre-Dame where the sight of the cathedral is for the period, Stella Aura, direc- for International Development, The hospital, which has some crashed in Ethiopia and Indonesia. “We want to let the litigation said to have driven him to religious ecstasy. tor of the Kenya Meteorological blames the failure of Kenya’s long of the most advanced facilities A preliminary report released process play out,” he said. His tale reached the ears of the Sun King, Louis XIV, Department, said in a statement. rains on tropical cyclone Idai, in the city, said it had put in “all earlier this month indicated Ethio- “When you put profi ts over safe- who became his godfather and protector. “Based on the current condi- which redirected moisture away precautionary measures”. pian Airlines pilots wrestled with ty, you will be held accountable and The prince was baptised, adding the name of Louis to tions and the projected weather from the region. There was no immediate com- a computer system that repeatedly you will pay a price.” his own, and joined the king’s cavalry regiment, reputedly conditions, dry conditions are Hundreds of thousands of ment from health ministry and ordered the nose down because of Boeing said it would not com- becoming the first black off icer in the French army, and expected to dominate most parts people still need aid after Idai local government offi cials. faulty sensor data. ment on the lawsuit directly. was given a handsome pension from the royal purse. of the country, leading to further battered Mozambique, Zimba- The disease, which is spread The same system was a focus of “As the investigation continues, Sanwi became a French protectorate in 1843, and deterioration of food security bwe and Malawi in March. by ingesting faecal matter, causes the preliminary report into the Oc- Boeing is co-operating fully with the merged into Ivory Coast in 1959, a year before independ- and water resource,” she said. More than 1,000 people have acute watery diarrhoea and can tober Lion Air crash in Indonesia, investigating authorities,” the com- ence. The prince returned to Ivory Coast in 1701 after “Areas aff ected by the drought been reported killed by the kill within hours if not treated. which killed 189 people. pany said in a statement to Reuters. the death of his father, but what happened to him next is conditions will require interven- storm, the fl ooding it caused and At least four people were killed Dozens of families are already su- At least 32 Kenyans were on unclear. tions to support livelihoods.” heavy rains before it hit. and dozens more treated when ing Boeing over the Lion Air crash, board, the airline said at the time, Some accounts say that he was sidelined by the new Blaming the recent dry weath- Meanwhile, the Kenyan capital another outbreak of the disease and three lawsuits have already although that number may be larger king and went to live in modern-day Togo, acting as er, the World Bank has trimmed has experienced a jump in chol- hit the city in 2017, causing au- been lodged over the Ethiopian Air- because some of the travellers were adviser to the local monarch. its forecast for Kenya’s economic era cases, one of the city’s top thorities to shut down some res- lines crash, by the families of two dual nationals and the full manifest Others say he went blind, or returned to France. growth to 5.7% from 5.8%. hospitals said yesterday, adding taurants. Americans, including consumer ac- has still not been released.

Loyal but fed up: South Africans’ patience with African National Conference running low

By Philippe Alfroy, AFP promising ‘A better life for all’ ANC once more in May 8 general livery protests in recent years. district — considered Africa’s us, they are just coming to get our had travelled about 300km south Johannesburg — housing, services, education elections. Offi cial unemployment is over richest square mile — the town- votes and then they disappear for to Thabong township in the min- and jobs for black people denied The party holds 249 or 62% of 27%. ship bears witness to the failings fi ve years,” said Nana Zweni, a ing town of Welkom, where he equal opportunities under dec- the 400 seats in the national par- But on the campaign trail, of government. 44-year-old, unemployed moth- promised new houses, laptop n 1994 we voted for Nelson ades of apartheid. liament, its poorest showing in Ramaphosa — a trade union Sewers and waste dumps lie er of four. computers and “a better life” Mandela, then for Thabo “This time I’m just not going fi ve successive elections. leader-turned multi-millionaire open, roads are potholed, and But despite their anger, people overall. IMbeki, then again for Jacob to vote,” said Kutlawano, disil- At its height in 2004, the ANC — sometimes appeared out of makeshift homes with corru- still plan to vote for the ANC. “We must respond to the pain Zuma. But nothing has changed,” lusioned. got nearly 70% of the vote. touch with the daily struggle of gated iron walls and roofs are The DA has battled to carve and the suff ering of our people sighed Aubrey Kutlawano after Around him, the stadium in Polls suggest it will dip to an the masses. crowded. away at the loyal ANC voting here,” he told the rally, punctu- attending an election rally by Johannesburg’s Alexandra town- unprecedented low of 61% in Ramaphosa expressed “shock” Most of the 200,000 residents base, and polls show it dipping ating his speech with shouts of South African President Cyril ship emptied swiftly. parliamentary vote — still far at the state of electricity provi- subsist without electricity, run- from about 22% to 18% in May. “Amandla” (“Power”) as in the Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa’s closing words ahead of its nearest competitor, sion in a country where people ning water, or an income. The radical Economic Freedom time of revolutionary struggle. Aged 42, Kutlawano has no job had barely died down before he the opposition Democratic Alli- have had to fi nd ways of living “Everybody is complaining Fighters, whose leader split from Those present had famil- and lives in a single room with was hustled to a limousine by ance (DA) which holds less than a around regular power cuts. about Alex being a high-crime the ANC and promises to seize iar concerns. “Since we are in a three other people, including his bodyguards. quarter of the seats. In Alexandra, people are angry. place, that’s only because peo- land from whites, is polled to rise democracy, nothing has really disabled sister. Near the barriers erected be- The ANC is embroiled in nu- The DA runs their municipal- ple don’t have jobs,” said resident slightly from 6% to 10% of the changed. We’re still living here in “They are just greedy people tween potential voters and the merous corruption scandals, ity, part of Johannesburg, but it Kgomotso Mosepidi. vote, still far from a power chal- (an) informal settlement, strug- working for themselves,” he de- political class, kids jostled to grab with high-profi le fi gures accused is the ANC — which governs the “People are forced to steal to lenge. gling to get basic services,” said clares of the African National a T-shirt in the black, yellow and of lining their pockets even as larger Gauteng province — they make a living,” added the father “It’s the liberation movement, Tau Mphasa, 54. Congress (ANC). After decades green colours of the ANC. millions of ordinary citizens bat- blame. of eight, who has a diploma in they set us free. And Cyril is a Yet, hope remains. “I think fi ghting apartheid and its en- For weeks, Ramaphosa has tle to make ends meet. Overlooked by the glass and information technology but has face of hope. Better the devil you Cyril is the one. But it’s their last trenched discrimination, the attended rallies to persuade an The country of 57mn people steel towers of the upmarket been unemployed for fi ve years. know...,” summarised Zweni. chance. If he doesn’t deliver, next ANC came to power 25 years ago electorate of 27mn to back the has seen widespread service de- Sandton business and shopping “The state is doing nothing for Before Alexandra, Ramaphosa time I will go elsewhere.” Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 AMERICAS

CAUSE UNKNOWN IN THE DOCK DENIED BAIL JUSTICE ‘BORING’ 4 killed in ‘targeted’ Hate crime charges filed in Woman up to ‘something Wisconsin man guilty of Journalists’ White House Canada shootings Louisiana church burnings nefarious’ at Trump resort sex traff icking dinner faces competition

Four people were shot dead on Monday in three Three additional charges were lodged against A US federal judge on Monday said that A Wisconsin man who prosecutors say transported President Donald Trump will hold a rally in areas of the western Canadian town of Penticton, the son of a sheriff ’s deputy accused of burning a Chinese woman who allegedly brought seven young women across state lines and forced Wisconsin on the same night as the annual White federal police said, describing the shootings as down three predominately black churches in malicious software to President Donald Trump’s them into prostitution using ads on Backpage. House Correspondents’ Association dinner in a “targeted incident.” “We have determined four southern Louisiana in the past few weeks. A Florida resort seemed to be “up to something com before US authorities shut it down was Washington. The event in Wisconsin on April people are deceased at three locations within a Louisiana judge added three federal hate crime nefarious,” denying her bail as she awaits trial. found guilty on Monday on federal sex traff icking 27 was announced yesterday by the Trump 4km radius,” Superintendent Ted De Jager said charges against Holden Matthews, 21, and denied On March 30, Zhang Yujing was arrested at charges. The conviction of Erin Graham, 37, marks re-election campaign. He narrowly won the state in a press conference. A 60-year-old man handed him bond on Monday, multiple media accounts Mar-a-Lago, where Trump was on one of his the latest criminal case stemming from Backpage, in the 2016 election. Trump turned down an himself in and was detained after police were called reported, including CBS News. Matthews, a white frequent visits, after attempting to enter while which became the largest sex marketing website invitation to the journalists’ dinner for the third over the first two killings on Monday morning, De resident of St Landry Parish, the county where carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb before it was seized in April 2018 as part of an year running, though he had attended before Jager said. Investigators then discovered the bodies the fires occurred, was previously charged with drive containing malware, according to court investigation that saw the website’s founders he became president. He took a dig at the event of two more victims during a search of the suburbs three counts of arson on religious buildings, documents. “It does appear to the court that Ms and CEO charged in a 93-count federal court earlier this month saying it is “so boring and so of the city, population around 30,000. A motive off icials said. Matthews entered a plea of not Zhang was up to something nefarious,” Judge indictment. Graham was found guilty of seven negative.” Previous president have attended the has not been established but the victims and the guilty on Monday and remains in custody at the William Matthewman said during her hearing, counts of sex traff icking following a five-day trial in dinner regularly, often sitting through comedy suspect all knew each other, local media reported. St Landry Parish jail, media reports say. the Miami Herald reported. federal court in Madison, Wisconsin. acts that were scathingly critical. Banks get House subpoenas as part

of Trump probe The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations joins a coalition of community organisations in support of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, outside the Nuss Truck and AFP empire after several of its casinos exploring these matters, includ- Barr’s summary also declared Equipment in Burnsville, Minnesota, where US President Donald Trump spoke on Monday. Washington went bankrupt in the 1990s, re- ing as they may involve the presi- that Trump had not attempted to sulting in claims by creditors val- dent and his associates.” obstruct the Mueller probe, even ued at $330mn in today’s dollars. With two days to go before if Mueller himself was quoted as emocratic lawmakers Adam Schiff , the intelligence release of the report on Russian saying he was on the fence and investigating President committee’s chairman, said meddling in the 2016 US elec- could not “exonerate” the presi- Omar supporters protest Trump DDonald Trump’s yesterday Deutsche Bank has been coop- tion, Trump yesterday again in- dent on this. fi nances announced they have is- erating with the committees and sisted that he is the real victim. Tomorrow, the actual Muel- sued subpoenas to several banks, described the subpoena issued to “The greatest Scam in political ler report — although with many allegations at Minnesota rally including Deutsche Bank, as part it as “friendly.” history,” he tweeted in his latest portions expected to be covered of a probe into “potential foreign “As part of our oversight au- eff ort to portray the probe into his up for legal or security reasons — infl uence” in US elections. thority and authorized inves- Russia links as a secret attempt to will be made public. By Joey Peters, Reuters Writing on Twitter ear- Trump railed against the US The subpoenas were an- tigation into allegations of po- bring down his presidency. Despite claiming repeatedly to Burnsville, Minnesota lier in the day, Trump blasted immigration system and what nounced by the heads of the tential foreign infl uence on the “If the Mainstream Media have already been fully vindicat- both Omar and House Speaker he called its “horrible and fool- House intelligence and fi nancial US political process, the House were honest, which they are not, ed, Trump is increasingly com- Nancy Pelosi for defending her, ish loopholes.” services committees, which are Intelligence Committee issued this story would be bigger and bative ahead of the release. upporters of US Repre- after he tweeted a video on Fri- Lawmakers from Trump’s looking into the president’s fi - subpoenas to multiple fi nancial more important than Watergate,” “No Collusion — No Obstruc- sentative Ilhan Omar ral- day suggesting Omar had been Republican Party have accused nances as part of a larger probe institutions in co-ordination Trump tweeted, referring to tion!” he said in another early Slied on Monday outside a dismissive of the September 11, Omar of minimizing the Sep- into election meddling by Russia. with the House Financial Serv- the 1970s political scandal that tweet yesterday after calling on Minnesota business visited by 2001, attacks. tember 11 attacks, while crit- Deutsche Bank, a major lender ices Committee, including a brought down president Richard his nearly 60mn Twitter follow- President Donald Trump, after The video spliced news foot- ics of the president say he took to Trump real estate projects, friendly subpoena to Deutsche Nixon. ers to read a column by conserva- he launched a fresh attack on age from 9/11 with a clip from Omar’s words out of context said in a statement that it is en- Bank, which has been coopera- Special counsel Robert Mu- tive writer Andy McCarthy that the Muslim-American lawmak- a speech Omar gave last month in order to stoke anti-Muslim gaged in a “productive dialogue” tive with the Committees,” he eller’s two-year investigation attacked the Mueller probe in the er by calling her an “out of con- in which she said “some people sentiment. with both committees. said in a statement. focused on the extent of Rus- New York Post. trol” purveyor of “hate” speech. did something” in reference to Omar was speaking at a CAIR “We remain committed to pro- “We look forward to their con- sia’s attempt to manipulate the “A must read,” he said. Trump was in Minnesota, the attacks. banquet in California in March viding appropriate information tinued co-operation and compli- election — and whether Trump’s According to Trump, court- which Omar represents in Con- “Before Nancy, who has lost when she made her controver- to all authorised investigations ance,” he said. campaign colluded with Moscow approved surveillance of his gress, for a tax reform roundta- all control of Congress and is sial remarks about 9/11. in a manner consistent with our Maxine Waters, chair of the Fi- to gain advantage over rival Hil- campaign’s links to Russians ble. getting nothing done, decides Omar also said Muslims had legal obligations,” it said. nancial Services Committee, said lary Clinton. amounted to “spying.” Some of the Omar support- to defend her leader, Rep Omar, “lived with the discomfort of The German investment bank her committee was investigating A brief preview of the fi ndings He has even called the probe ers who gathered outside Nuss she should look at the anti-Se- being a second-class citizen was one of the few major western “the potential use of the US fi nan- released by Trump’s attorney treason and indicated he would Truck and Equipment in Burns- mitic, anti-Israel and ungrate- and, frankly, I’m tired of it, fi nancial institutions to continue cial system for illicit purposes.” general, William Barr, showed he like to see criminal charges ville, about 24km south of Min- ful US HATE statements Omar and every single Muslim in this to lend to Trump’s real estate The committee, she said, “is had been cleared on collusion. brought against his investigators. neapolis, called on Democratic has made,” Trump wrote. “She country should be tired of it.” leaders in Washington to take a is out of control, except for her Pelosi, in Europe leading a stand for Omar. control of Nancy!” delegation, said on Monday the “Some of Ilhan’s words were The Minnesota branch of the president should not use 9/11 as taken out of context. I know Council on American-Islamic a political tool. that she abides by the Consti- Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil “I think that is wrong, I think Bill seeks to save Ohio nuclear power plants tution. She is a proud Ameri- rights and advocacy group, re- it’s beneath the dignity of the can. She might have some opin- sponded to Trump’s attacks by offi ce, and I don’t think that it Reuters on Lake Erie are owned by First- Markets in Washington said they and coal-fi red power plants. ions, but that shouldn’t put her organizing the rally, where peo- plays that well, I hope that it Washington Energy Corp’s bankrupt FirstEn- “expect the bill to move swiftly in The Ohio bill off ers a $9.25 in a position that we attack her,” ple carried signs and chanted in doesn’t,” she said. ergy Solutions unit, which said the House, despite possible op- per megawatt credit for roughly said Abdullahi Farah, a Somali- support of Omar. Omar said on Sunday that it would shut the money-losing position from the gas industry.” 30mn megawatt hours of “clean” American who attended the Democrats “could have done she had experienced an increase House of Representatives reactors in 2020 and 2021 unless Ohio is one of the biggest and generation, which would cost rally. more to help out, but in the end in threats on her life, many di- subcommittee in Ohio they start receiving some fi nan- fastest growing US natural gas ratepayers about $300mn per Omar, an immigrant from I think they care more about rectly referencing or replying to Awill today hear a clean cial support from state or federal producers. year. Somalia, was elected to the US their image,” said Abdirahman the president’s video. energy bill designed to save the programmes. Cheap and ample gas from shale One megawatt can power House of Representatives in Abdullahi, an area resident. Pelosi said Sunday she had state’s two nuclear power plants Two Republican Representa- fi elds like the Marcellus and Utica about 1,000 US homes. November. About 200 people rallied in spoken with the House Ser- from retirement and encourage tives — Jamie Callender and in Ohio has depressed electric- That money would go to quali- She represents the state’s support of Omar while another geant-at-Arms to ensure that the building of new renewable Shane Wilkin — had introduced ity prices across the country over fying clean energy resources, like fi fth congressional district, 200 supporters of Trump gath- Capitol Police are conducting facilities. the Ohio clean energy bill on Fri- the past several years, making it nuclear reactors, which produce which is partially adjacent to ered across the street and waved a security assessment to safe- The two reactors at the Davis day. uneconomical for generators to no carbon emissions, and wind the district Trump visited on American fl ags. guard Omar, her family and Besse and Perry power stations Analysts at Height Capital continue operating some nuclear and solar plants. Monday. Inside at the tax event, staff .

Canada’s oil-rich Alberta goes to the polls as national vote looms

By Nia Williams, Reuters Trudeau ‘white supremacy’ warning is ‘ethnic attack’ Calgary, Alberta Maxime Bernier, the founder of to change a report on terrorist Ralph Goodale’s off ice condemned a right-wing party running in threats in Canada that was first the statement. oters in Alberta, Canada’s Canada’s October federal election, published last year to no longer “While the vast majority of main oil-producing prov- said on Monday that Liberal Prime explicitly mention “Sikh extrem- Canadians celebrate our country’s Vince, headed yesterday Minister Justin Trudeau’s warn- ism.” diversity, toxic elements continue to the polls for an election that ings about the dangers of white “We’re told the word Sikh was to peddle vile, hateful intoler- opinion surveys show will see the supremacy were an attack on an removed because ‘entire religions ance,” Goodale’s spokesman, Scott right-of-centre United Conserv- “entire ethnicity.” should never be equated with Bardsley, said in an e-mail. ative Party oust the left-leaning Bernier, a former cabinet terrorism.’ And yet, (Trudeau) has “We condemn Mr Bernier’s at- New Democratic Party govern- minister who quit the Conserva- been warning us for weeks about tempt to legitimise them. All politi- ment. tive Party last year to form his own the dangers of ‘white supremacy,’ cal leaders have a responsibility to A victory by Jason Kenney’s faction called the People’s Party equating an entire ethnicity with denounce hatred and intolerance, UCP would set the western prov- of Canada, has focused on limiting terrorism,” Bernier wrote on Twit- not court them,” he added. ince on a collision course with immigration and promoting free ter and Facebook. The Public Safety Ministry said Justin Trudeau’s federal Liberal trade. “Hypocrite! It’s all about pan- the number of police-reported government over climate policy His comments late on Monday dering for votes,” he wrote. hate crimes in Canada jumped and carbon pricing in the run-up were in reference to last week’s Trudeau’s off ice declined com- 47% in 2017, the most recent year to the October national election. move by the Trudeau government ment, but Public Safety Minister for which there are off icial data. Kenney, a former federal cabi- net minister, accuses Trudeau’s Liberals of taking the oil and gas pipelines and regulations), with “If the UCP gets in, it’s prob- with a “kamikaze” candidate to industry for granted. no guarantee anything will actu- ably positive from a business discredit his main rival. The UCP is expected to take ally come out of it,” Wesley said. view, but I don’t think the market The Royal Canadian Mounted 50% of the vote versus 40% for Both parties support new oil will trade on it,” said Robert Fit- Police are looking into allega- the NDP led by Premier Rachel pipelines, including the Trans zmartyn, head of energy institu- tions of irregular campaign con- Notley, according to the latest Alberta New Democratic Party leader and Premier Rachel Notley puts on welding equipment during a Mountain expansion that will tional research at GMP FirstEn- tributions. Ipsos/Global News poll. campaign event at Nardei Fabricators in Calgary on Monday. triple the amount of crude reach- ergy in Calgary. “Would you be able to dedicate Kenney has cast himself as ing the Pacifi c Coast, and meas- Nearly 700,000 Albertans yourself to the fi ght for a pipe- champion of Alberta’s belea- to the world: Alberta is open for oil price crash. of the same leadership and the ures to prop up Alberta’s energy have already voted in advance line, the fi ght to diversify our guered energy industry and business again,” Kenney said at a While economic conditions UCP is promising the return of industry, which struggled last polls and the NDP is hoping con- economy, the fi ght to get those vowed to take more decisive ac- campaign event on the weekend. have improved, many voters have jobs and economic prosperity,” year with record discounts on troversy surrounding the 2017 extra contracts upgrading and tion on jobs, the economy and The NDP ended decades of lost patience with persistent said Jared Wesley, political sci- Canadian crude because of pipe- UCP leadership race won by Ken- refi ning our resources while your pipelines. conservative rule in Alberta budget defi cits, higher unem- entist at the University of Al- line congestion. ney will sway voters. leadership is under RCMP inves- “We have a positive main- when it swept to power in the ployment and a lack of progress berta. The UCP is also planning to cut Canadian media organiza- tigation? I don’t think so,” Notley stream plan to get Alberta mov- 2015 election, but inherited an on new oil export pipelines. “But the big promises from Ja- corporate taxes, but overall both tions have reported that during said at a campaign event in Cal- ing again...a plan that announces economy hammered by a global “The NDP is offering more son Kenney involve fi ghting (over parties are seen as pro-energy. the race, Kenney’s camp colluded gary on Monday night. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 11 ASIA

Canadian tourist dies Hundreds of ethnic Thais in Thai zipline accident AFP zipline journey when “the Bangkok lock on his body harness and the main line broke”, plunging the Canadian from the height Canadian fell to his of 12m. death from about 12m “All evidence will be sent fi ght for right to forest A(39ft) while ziplining at to the forensic offi ce,” Sarakin a popular tourist attraction in said, adding that no one has Thomson Reuters Foundation ally lived and farmed there – and “They are just asking that they digenous families face evictions called for recognising the Karen northern Thailand, police said yet been charged for the fatal Bangkok is on a tentative list of world not be evicted, and that their after their forest rights claims people’s way of life and their yesterday. accident. heritage sites. land rights are secure – because were rejected. right to earn a livelihood the Home to famed Buddhist Flight of the Gibbon has The United Nations’ cultural if the park gets heritage sta- Since Kaeng Krachan was de- traditional way. But this has not temples, lush jungles and pic- been closed since the incident undreds of indigenous agency (Unesco) had referred tus without that, there will be a clared a national park in 1981, been implemented, said Tamee. turesque waterfalls, Chiang and is currently awaiting for Karen people in Thai- the submission back to the Thai great many more evictions.” hundreds of Karen – a hill tribe After the military government Mai is a well-known desti- permission to resume activity, Hland face evictions from government in 2016, asking it to A spokesman for the forest people thought to number about took charge in 2014, it vowed to nation in the north for visi- said a company representative a national park that authorities address “rights and livelihood department did not respond to 1mn in Thailand – have been “take back the forest” and in- tors seeking an alternative to said. wish to turn into a World Her- concerns” of the Karen commu- requests for comment. evicted, according to activists. crease forest cover to about 40 Thailand’s beaches. Thailand is largely con- itage Site, joining millions in a nities, and get their support for A spokesman for the UN hu- Last year the country’s top percent of the total surface area The 25-year-old man was sidered a safe destination for similarly precarious situation the nomination. man rights offi ce (OHCHR) in court ruled that about 400 who from about a third. taking part in Chiang Mai’s tourists and typically draws as authorities worldwide push The Thai government plans to Bangkok said they had recently had been evicted in 2011, had no This has resulted in hundreds Flight of the Gibbon, a popular more than 35mn visitors each tough conservation laws. respond later this year, accord- facilitated a meeting between a legal right over the land. of reclamations from farmers activity that allows tourists to year. The Kaeng Krachan is Thai- ing to campaigners. rights organisation working with “The security of indigenous and forest dwellers, according zip through lush jungle while But tourism took a hit in land’s biggest national park, “The communities have not the Karen, and Thai offi cials. people in Thailand is so tenu- to research organisation Mekong hooked onto a harness. 2018 after a ferry carrying sprawled over more than been consulted or reassured on Worldwide, more than ous because they have no legal Region Land Governance. He “fell to his death from the Chinese visitors in southern 2,900sq km (1,120sq miles) on their access to the forest,” said 250,000 people were evicted rights, and no recognition of “It is the biggest challenge facing zipline... on Saturday,” said po- Thailand sank in July, killing the border with neighbouring Kittisak Rattanakrajangsri of from protected areas in 15 coun- their dependence on forests,” indigenous people,” said Tamee. lice offi cer Sakarin Wiratsaken 47 people. Myanmar. advocacy group Asia Indigenous tries from 1990 to 2014, accord- said Worawuth Tamee, an indig- “Parks are not just for the of Chiang Mai’s Mae On dis- The accident highlighted Renowned for its diverse Peoples Pact. ing to Washington DC-based enous rights lawyer. enjoyment of city people and trict, adding that the Canadian lax safety rules in the tourism wildlife, it is also home to about “The communities are not op- advocacy group Rights and Re- “The laws have made them tourists. They are also the home was travelling with his wife. sector, and authorities have 30 communities of ethnic Karen posed to the heritage status,” he told sources Initiative. encroachers,” he said. of poor, indigenous people who The incident happened been scrambling to remake the people, who have tradition- the Thomson Reuters Foundation. In India, more than 1.9mn in- A 2010 Cabinet resolution had have nowhere else to go.” halfway through the victim’s country’s image since. Two jailed reporters Military rehearsal win Pulitzer Prize Reuters Central American migrants,” complete their story, they were New York Reuters editor-in-chief arrested in what international Stephen J Adler said. observers have criticised as an The Reuters award was for eff ort by authorities to block euters has won two Pu- an investigative report that the report. The article, “Mas- litzer Prizes, one for in- revealed the massacre of 10 sacre in Myanmar,” was com- Rvestigating the massacre Muslim Rohingya at the village pleted by colleagues Simon of 10 Muslim Rohingya men of Inn Din, in the heart of the Lewis and Antoni Slodkowski in Myanmar, and another for confl ict zone of Rakhine State and published in February of photographs of Central Ameri- in Myanmar. last year. can migrants seeking refuge in Two young Reuters report- In September, Wa Lone and the United States. ers, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to The awards marked the sec- both Myanmar citizens, found seven years imprisonment for ond year in a row that Reuters a mass grave fi lled with bones violating the country’s Offi cial has won two Pulitzers, the most sticking out of the ground. Secrets Act. prestigious prize in American They went on to gather testi- “I’m thrilled that Wa Lone journalism. Overall Reuters has mony from perpetrators, wit- and Kyaw Soe Oo and their col- won seven since 2008. nesses and families of victims. leagues have been recognised Two of this year’s honourees They obtained three dev- for their extraordinary, coura- have been jailed for 490 days in astating photographs from geous coverage, and our pho- Myanmar for their role in un- villagers: two showed the 10 tojournalists for their moving covering the killings. Rohingya men bound and pictures that show human- “While it’s gratifying to be kneeling; the third showed the ity defying huge obstacles,” recognised for the work, pub- mutilated and bullet-ridden Adler said. “I remain deeply lic attention should be focused bodies of the same 10 men in distressed, however, that our more on the people about the same shallow grave. brave reporters Wa Lone and United Wa State Army (UWSA) soldiers participate in a rehearsal in Panghsang yesterday, ahead of a military parade to celebrate 30 whom we report than on us: in In December 2017, before Wa Kyaw Soe Oo are still behind years of a ceasefire signed with the Myanmar military. this case, the Rohingya and the Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo could bars.” Dog pulled Vietnam seizes 600kg of meth Bangladesh actor in AFP trucks... for delivery”, accord- that was stored in packages for have fl ooded the market. from sea set for Hanoi ing to a report from Cong An tea and vitamin supplements. Last year seven young peo- Nhan Dan, the offi cial mouth- Synthetic narcotics manu- ple died of suspected over- Indian piece of the Ministry of Pub- factured in the lawless “Gold- doses at an electronic music olice in central Vietnam lic Security, after the bust on en Triangle” region straddling festival in Hanoi. new lease of life have seized more than Monday. Myanmar, Laos and Thailand Vietnam boasts some of the poll row Phalf a tonne of metham- Dozens of police swarmed often fi nd their way into Vi- world’s toughest drug laws, phetamine in one of the larg- a house where the drugs were etnam, though homegrown and anyone caught with more IANS AFP arriving at a port in Songkhla est drug busts in recent years being stored, occupied by an labs have also been reported in than 600 grams (21 ounces) of New Delhi Bangkok province on Monday in the communist country elderly couple believed to be recent years. heroin or more than 2.5kg of morning. where synthetic drug use is on related to one of the dealers, The one-party state is both methamphetamine can face In a video posted by animal the rise. according to state-run Tuoi a hub for drug use and also a the death penalty. he Indian government yes- An exhausted dog found rights group Watchdog Four people were arrested Tre newspaper. popular thoroughfare for ship- The latest bust on Monday terday cancelled the visa of paddling 220km (135 miles) Thailand, Boonrod was after police stormed a house Police said they were investi- ments of illicit narcotics. comes after two massive sei- Tthe Bangladeshi actor Fer- off the Thai coast is set for a welcomed on the shore with in central Nghe An prov- gating the source of the meth and Opium and heroin are the zures last month in Ho Chi dous Ahmed after he campaigned new lease on life after an oil a lei of yellow flowers and ince where they found 600kg where it was to be shipped to. drugs of choice among older Minh City – one a 300kg haul for a Trinamool Congress Lok rig worker who rescued him lots of neck scratches from (1,300 pounds) of meth, some The bust follows a week- users, but youngsters are in- of heroin, another a 300kg Sabha candidate in West Bengal. promised to adopt the plucky port workers. of it stuff ed in speaker boxes. end seizure of 30kg of drugs in creasingly turning to party haul of meth – both involving The government has also pooch. “Thank you for seeing the The meth shipment was southern An Giang province, drugs such as ecstasy, meth Chinese nationals who were asked him to leave the country The tan-coloured dog, named value of a little life that floats “about to be loaded onto including about 18kg of meth and ketamine which taken into custody. and blacklisted him, a Home Boonrod by his rescuers so far,” said Facebooker Ministry statement said. – Thai for “survivor from Wanna Wongvorakul. “After receiving a report from karma” – was fished from Boonrod was placed in the the Bureau of Immigration re- the ocean on Friday by rig care of local charity group garding visa violations committed workers who spotted his Smile Dog House. New Year splash by Bangladesh national Ferdous head bobbing between the “So far his health is ok... it’s Bangladesh urged to act Ahmed, MHA (Ministry of Home waves in the Gulf of Thailand. only skin problems that he’s Aff airs) has cancelled his business There was no indication of suff ering from now,” a Smile visa and issued him a leave India how he got there, or how Dog House staff said. against woman’s killers notice. He also has been blacklist- long he had been lost at sea. ed. FRRO Kolkata has been direct- But local media speculated IANS The attack came after she ed to ensure compliance of these he may have fallen off a New York refused to back down from pur- orders,” the statement said. fishing vessel and paddled suing her March 27 complaint Earlier, the Deputy High Com- towards the rig. of attempted rape against the mission for Bangladesh has Boonrod is recovering in he Bangladesh gov- madrassa principal. asked him not to take part in the Songkhla province under ernment should thor- She died from burns cov- election campaign in India and the care of a vet, an animal Toughly investigate the ering 80% of her body on return to his country. charity group said yesterday. murder of a madrassa student April 10. Ahmed now working in Ben- “Since he came onto the and fairly prosecute all those The attack led to nationwide gali fi lm industry, on Sunday cam- platform, he didn’t cry or responsible, Human Rights protests calling on the govern- paigned for Trinamool’s candidate bark at all,” Chevron worker Watch (HRW) said yesterday. ment to reform and enforce Kanaia Lal Agarwal from Raiganj Vitisak Payalaw said in a The murder of Nusrat Ja- Bangladeshi laws and practices in North Dinajpur district of West Facebook post chronicling han Rafi , who was killed af- concerning sexual assault. Bengal. He was seen along with the dog’s rescue. ter she fi led a complaint of “The horrifying murder of a two other Bengali actors, Ankush “He likely lost a lot of body attempted rape, should spur brave woman who sought justice Hazra and Payel Sarkar. water from the sea water.” the authorities to take con- shows how badly the Bangladesh “Based on media reports, he Vitisak said in a message certed action to combat sex- government has failed victims of was asked whether he partici- yesterday he plans to adopt ual violence in the country. sexual assault,” said HRW. pated in the campaign or not. the now-famous canine once The police said that Nus- “Rafi ’s death highlights Ahmed told us that he was there he returns to shore at the end rat Jahan Rafi , 18, was tricked the need for the Bangladesh A man pours water on a competitor during a cycle race as for the purpose of shooting and of the month. into going to the rooftop government to take survi- part of traditional festival games of the Sri Lanka national had participated in the (ongoing Boonrod stayed on the rig for Boonrod the dog after he of a cyclone shelter at her vors of sexual assault seri- New Year celebrations in Colombo yesterday. The New Lok Sabha election) campaign. It two nights before another was rescued by workers on madrassa in Feni on April 6 ously and ensure that they Year which is common to both majority Sinhalese and was not a right thing to take part vessel picked the pooch up an oil rig off the coast of the where at least four people can safely seek a legal rem- minority Tamils dawned on April 14, but celebrations can in the election as a foreign na- on its way back to shore, Gulf of Thailand. grabbed her, doused her in edy and be protected from go on for weeks. tional. He was asked to go back,” kerosene and lit her on fi re. retaliation.” the offi cial said. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Japan, US struggle to fi nd crashed fi ghter jet wreckage and its ‘secrets’

AFP A defence ministry spokes- dispatched one military aircraft the leading role in investigat- plane.” And Hideshi Takesada, a site. Japan’s air force announced deployed at the Misawa Air Base, Tokyo man told AFP that the remains of and one vessel to join the mis- ing the cause of the accident,” he defence expert and professor at a commission last week to study according to the defence min- the jet’s tail had been found but sion, said the offi cial, adding that said. Takushoku University in Tokyo, the cause of the accident but it istry. The remaining 12 fi ghters they were still hunting in vain for the search has not yet been scaled said it would not be a surprise remains unclear exactly what have been grounded for the time ne week after an F-35A the rest of the fuselage, as well as back. Japan is deploying F-35As, if Moscow and Beijing were en- happened to the plane. US de- being, the ministry said. stealth fi ghter jet crashed the pilot. Defence Minister Takeshi each of which costs more gaged in undercover activities to fence contractor Lockheed Mar- The F35-A jets are a key part Ooff the northeastern coast “On average two aircraft, in- Iwaya said the crash would be than 10bn yen ($90mn), fi nd some of the debris. tin touts the hi-tech fi ghter as of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s of Japan, US and Japanese mili- cluding a helicopter, and two discussed at a meeting with his to replace its ageing F-4 “Even if Japan and the US fi nd “virtually undetectable” and says eff orts to upgrade the nation’s tary vessels are struggling to fi nd patrol vessels are constantly de- US counterpart in Washington fi ghters it, they may not disclose details, it allows the US and its allies to military capacity to meet chang- the wreckage and protect its val- ployed in the around-the-clock on Friday, which will also involve including its exact location, due dominate the skies with its “un- ing power dynamics in East Asia, uable “secrets.” The Japanese jet search operations,” said the offi - the two allies’ foreign ministers. Akira Kato, a professor of in- to concerns that China and Rus- matched capability and unprec- with China rapidly modernising vanished from the radar on April cial, who asked to remain anony- “The F-35A is an airplane that ternational politics and regional sia might try to collect it,” Take- edented situational awareness.” its military. 9 over the Pacifi c as it was con- mous. contains a signifi cant amount of security at Tokyo’s JF Oberlin sada told AFP. Japan is deploying F-35As, Over the next decade, Japan ducting a training mission with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence secrets that need to be protect- University, said rivals China and Japan’s defence ministry con- each of which costs more than plans to purchase as many as three other aircraft some 135km Force has also dispatched an un- ed,” Iwaya told reporters. Russia would have “a strong in- fi rmed it had not spotted any 10bn yen ($90mn), to replace its 105 F35-As and 42 units of other east of Misawa, northeastern Ja- manned submersible vessel. “With the help of the United terest in collecting even a single suspicious vessels or aircraft ageing F-4 fi ghters. high-capacity jets, most likely pan. Separately, the US military has States, we will continue to take screw of the state-of-the-art from a third country near the The jet was one of 13 F-35As the F35-B variant. Taiwan president says Chinese drills a threat but not intimidated

Reuters Taiwan scrambled jets and country”. China has repeatedly Taipei ships to monitor the Chinese carried out what it calls “island forces on Monday, the island’s encirclement patrols” in the past defence ministry said, accusing few years. Ryan said the United aiwan has not been intim- Beijing of “trying to change the States considered any military idated by China’s military status quo of the Taiwan Strait”. threat to Taiwan a concern and Tdrills this week, President China’s Taiwan Aff airs Offi ce urged China to stop, saying it was Tsai Ing-wen said yesterday, af- said Taipei was seeking to “slan- counterproductive. “I urge Bei- ter the latest Chinese manoeu- der” China and mislead the pub- jing to choose the path of peace, vres were denounced by a senior lic with its criticism of the exer- respect, and civility by resuming US offi cial as “coercion” and a cises to provoke confrontation. dialogue with Taiwan’s demo- threat to regional stability. “No person or any force cratically elected administra- China’s People’s Liberation should underestimate our fi rm tion,” he said. Army said its warships, bombers determination and strong ability China has stepped up pressure and reconnaissance aircraft had Tsai Ing-wen to defend the country’s sover- on Taiwan and suspects Tsai is conducted “necessary drills” eignty and territorial integrity,” pushing for the island’s formal around Taiwan on Monday. It defend our air space. I want it said. The People’s Liberation independence. That is a red line described them as routine. to express my appreciation to Army Daily said the goal of the for China, which has never re- Tsai said Taiwan was resolute the US government for the an- drills was to practise a “com- nounced the use of force to bring in its defence. nouncement,” she said. Tsai was bined fi repower assault” that in- Taiwan under its control. “China’s armed forces yester- speaking at a forum co-hosted cluded electronic jamming from Tsai says she wants to main- day sent a large number of mili- by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign aircraft under the protection of tain the status quo with China tary aircraft and naval vessels Aff airs to mark the 40th anniver- fi ghter jets. but will defend Taiwan’s security into our vicinity. Their actions sary of Taiwan-US ties under the Bombers “screamed” towards and democracy. Workers delivering ballot boxes to remote villages in Yalimo, Papua province, in Indonesia. From sending threaten Taiwan and other-like Taiwan Relations Act, following the area and carried out “sud- The visit by US offi cials comes ballot boxes by elephant in Sumatra to keeping voters safe in Papua’s rebel territory, Indonesia is pulling minded countries in the region,” Washington’s decision to ditch den attacks” while warships weeks after Tsai said the United out all the stops for one of the world’s biggest one-day polls, being held today, across a vast archipelago Tsai said. “These actions only formal recognition of Taiwan in occupied assault positions and States was responding positively of 260mn. serve to strengthen our resolve. favour of China in 1979. conducted attacks on enemy fi re to Taipei’s requests for new arms Our military forces have the ca- The event was attended by a points, the offi cial paper of Chi- sales to bolster its defences in the pacity, determination, and com- delegation led by Paul Ryan, the na’s military said. face of growing pressure from mitment to defend Taiwan and former speaker of the US House Landing forces reached speci- China. Washington sent Navy not allow coercion to dictate our of Representatives. fi ed waters, which were circled and Coast Guard ships through Jakarta motorbike taxi driver own future,” she said. The United States has no by helicopters at low altitude. the narrow strait separating the Tsai also said the Trump ad- formal ties with Taiwan but is The paper cited a Chinese mili- island from the mainland last ministration had notifi ed Taipei bound by law to help provide the tary representative as saying month, part of an increase in that its pilots could train at the island with the means to defend the exercises were held annu- the frequency of US movement among hopefuls in election Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. itself and is its main source of ally and “completely within the through the strategic waterway “It enhances their abilities to arms. normal legal rights of a sovereign to show support for Taipei. Reuters ferrying passengers around the is described as the world’s big- Jakarta capital Jakarta, and often works gest single-day election. Former China forms task a seven-day week to make more WBA featherweight boxing than the minimum wage. “I am champion Yohannes Christian force to review he only motorbike taxi probably the poorest candidate,” “Chris” John is running for par- Indian-owned coal mine a design changes driver running for national quipped Suhandi, a candidate for liament, as is pop singer and ac- Tparliament in Indonesia the National Awakening Party tress Krisdayanti. to 737 MAX says he can’t aff ord the flashy (PKB), part of a coalition backing Candidates with catchy names billboards or music concerts used President Joko Widodo’s bid for have gone viral on social media. fl ashpoint for Australian poll China’s aviation regulator by other candidates to drum up re-election. “Mikhail Gorbachev” is running said yesterday that it had support. Suhandi hands out pens “If I am successful, I will legal- for PSI, a party targeting young set up a task force to review and stickers to fellow drivers and ise motorcycle taxis as a form of voters. Fransisca Santa Clause is Reuters tion constituents on either side impacts on climate,” said Peter design changes to the Boeing promises to fi ght for better work- public transportation,” Suhandi standing for an Islamic party in Townsville of the issue of climate change, Jones, a social work lecturer Co 737 MAX that had been ing conditions if he wins a seat in said, adding he would seek a seat local elections on the main island which has rocketed up the agen- leading a Stop Adani campaign submitted by the planemaker today’s election. on the parliamentary commit- of Java. da after a summer of debilitating in Townsville, which was rav- after the fleet was grounded He is among more than tee on transport. His campaign Clause, who was uncomforta- n the main shopping drought, devastating bushfi res aged by fl oods in February. last month. The Civil Aviation 245,000 candidates campaign- pledges include insurance for ble with her name, decided to run street in the tropical and a once-in-a-hundred year “Jobs shouldn’t be coming Administration of China ing in simultaneous parliamen- drivers and minimum tariff s for after encouragement from her Onorth Australian city of fl ood. While opinion polls point at the expense of the environ- (CAAC) has reverted to Boeing tary and presidential polls in the motorbike ride-hailing. family and the party, news portal Townsville, dotted with “For to a victory for Labor, the acri- ment.” and the US Federal Aviation world’s third-biggest democracy. The number of motorbike taxi Detik.com reported. Lease” signs, Chrissa Alexion monious debate over coal and Far to the south, in the cit- Administration (FAA) on “Since I don’t have money, drivers in Southeast Asia’s big- The path to parliament is not is adamant a planned $4bn coal climate has driven some voters ies of Sydney and Melbourne, issues regarding the aircraft’s my campaign style is door-to- gest economy has surged along easy. Suhandi is among 108 can- mine should be shelved because towards a growing number of the ruling conservative Coali- airworthiness and is waiting door, face-to-face, and talking to with mobile apps that off er rides didates in his Jakarta district and of its contribution to climate independent candidates. tion is under fi re for failing to for their response, the Chinese my fellow motorcycle taxi driv- to commuters or food delivery hopes to win enough votes to change. “I think this is going to be a do enough to curb carbon emis- regulator said in a statement ers,” said Suhandi, 40, who uses services. Many drivers complain grab one of the eight seats rep- “It’s madness,” she told tight race,” said Michael Mc- sions. Prime Minister Scott on its website. China was the only one name. The father of a about working long hours for low resenting it. “If I fail, I will con- Reuters, on holiday from the Millan, strategy director for Morrison famously brandished first country to ground the two-year-old boy earns about pay. Suhandi is not the only un- tinue my job as a motorbike taxi Queensland state capital. “Jobs Townsville Enterprise Ltd, a a lump of coal, Australia’s sec- newest version of Boeing’s 150,000 rupiah ($10.66) a day conventional candidate in what driver,” he said. are really important but ... group promoting investment ond largest export earner, in workhorse 737 model last where I come from in Brisbane, in the biggest town in north parliament when he was treas- month following a deadly no one wants the mine to go Queensland. “I think what urer, taunting the opposition Ethiopian Airlines crash China seizes nearly 2,750 elephant tusks in huge bust ahead.” we’ve seen play out in relation over its renewable energy push. on March 10. Boeing filed Some 380km into the re- to the Adani mine will have an The Liberals last year lost the an application on March 15 Chinese authorities have seized in a single case investigated TRAFFIC, an international NGO mote Outback, Ben Houlihan, infl uence through the elec- long-held seat of former prime through the FAA to obtain an 7.5 tonnes of ivory – 2,748 independently by the General monitoring wildlife trade, said in who runs the pub in Einasleigh tion process. Every job counts. minister Malcolm Turnbull airworthiness certificate from elephant tusks – in one of the Administration of Customs’ a press release that the seizure (population 37), is in favour of When you have potential par- to an independent who cam- CAAC, the Chinese regulator biggest busts in recent years as anti-smuggling bureau in recent was potentially the second the Carmichael mine in the un- ties opposed to mining, that paigned strongly on climate said in the statement that the country cracks down on the years,” said Sun Zhijie, director biggest ivory seizure worldwide developed Galilee basin, pro- will be considered come polling policies. summarised remarks from a sale of illegal wildlife products. of the administration’s anti- on record. posed by India’s Adani Enter- day.” Another ex-prime minis- monthly briefing. CAAC said The country banned ivory sales smuggling bureau. In a report conducted with WWF prises. “We need the jobs and Queensland is set to be a ma- ter, Tony Abbott, also faces an it had since set up a task force at the end of 2017 in an attempt The operation “destroyed last year, the organisation found the royalties ... They’re playing jor battleground in the election, independent looking to oust to review changes submitted to rein in what used to be the an international criminal that China’s ivory ban has had a political game with people’s with nearly half its seats on a him from a seat he has held for by Boeing in accordance with product’s largest market in the organisation that for a long time positive eff ects, with the number livelihoods,” he said. knife’s edge. Labor won Towns- 25 years, while Treasurer Josh a bilateral agreement between world. Imports were banned in has specialised in smuggling ivory of respondents who said they The mine has become a light- ville’s seat at the last election by Frydenberg is battling not one the United States and China. 2015. tusks,” Sun said. intended to purchase ivory in the ning rod for voters ahead of just 37 votes. Unemployment but two independents, both Boeing is planning to update The smuggled tusks were Twenty suspects were detained, future dropping by almost half next month’s general election, in the city, a stepping off point pushing for urgent climate ac- the software on an anti-stall confiscated last month in an he added. compared to 2017 before the ban dividing the country as well as for the Great Barrier Reef, is at tion. system linked to the Ethiopian operation by customs off icers The tusks were shipped by sea took place. Australia’s major political par- 10% and youth unemployment Labor, the traditional work- Airlines crash and an earlier and police across six provinces, from African countries. After Ivory is seen as a status symbol ties — the conservative Liberal- is running at more than 20%. ers’ party, has its own issues. It one of Indonesia’s Lion Air but according to the General transiting through various other in China. Other illegal wildlife National coalition government “We’re beginning to join the is being torn between its alle- the planemaker has not yet Administration of Customs. countries, they were smuggled products, such as pangolin scales, and the opposition Labor Party. dots between activity like min- giance to the mining union and submitted the update to FAA “This case represents the largest across the Chinese border hidden continue to see demand for their Both Labour and the Coali- ing and burning coal and the losing votes to the Greens. for approval. amount of elephant tusks seized among lumber, according to Sun. supposed medicinal properties. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 13

BRITAIN Court castigates Home Offi ce over misuse of immigration law Guardian News and Media tackle terrorism – to refuse appli- page judgment is that one of these been) legally fl awed” and must honesty, without giving applicants tions”. rights which the secretary of state London cations from hundreds of people cases has been quashed while the change. Criticism of the Home an opportunity to proff er an inno- This question, the judges said, will have to justify”. for making legal amendments to other three will be allowed to ap- Offi ce’s use of the clause has be- cent explanation”. “cannot simply be ignored”. There are more than 70 other their tax records. peal, including one in which the come part of the wider debate over Javid was at further fault, the The court also gave applicants 322(5) appeals or applications for he appeal court has issued The department has tried to court said there was “at least ar- the “hostile environment” and a judgment went on, for failing to threatened under 322(5) a new and permission to appeal pending be- a damning judgment criti- force at least 300 highly skilled guably, a distinct unlawfulness, in target-based culture that also gave “address the further questions of extra layer of protection by fi nding fore the court and an unknown Tcising the Home Offi ce’s migrants to leave the UK under that the secretary of state failed to rise to the Windrush scandal. whether the dishonesty in ques- that all further use of the clause number of challenges pending in use of a terrorism-related para- paragraph 322(5), with a further 87 make an explicit fi nding of dishon- In the judgment delivered yes- tion render(ed) the presence of the must be subject to article 8 of the the fi rst-tier tribunal or upper tri- graph of immigration law as “le- having left and another 400 po- esty”. terday morning by Lord Justice applicant in the UK undesirable European convention on human bunal. “The intention is that our gally fl awed” and ruling it must be tentially aff ected, between January But the wider impact of the Underhill, Lord Justice Hickinbot- or whether there are other factors rights, meaning the notice of li- decision in these appeals will de- changed. 2015 and May 2018. judgment is the court’s fi nding tom and Lord Justice Singh, Javid which outweigh the presumption ability to removal – which is the termine the various issues of prin- The Guardian has repeatedly The court of appeal has exam- that the “general approach (by the was criticised for assuming the in favour of removal, or give appli- consequence of refusal of indefi - ciple raised in at least most of the highlighted the Home Offi ce’s use ined four of these cases in depth. home secretary, Sajid Javid) in all applicants’ amendments to their cants the opportunity to raise any nite leave to remain – will “con- pending legal challenges in all of of the rule – designed in part to The immediate result of its 60- earnings discrepancy cases (has tax records were “the result of dis- matters relevant to those ques- stitute an interference with those these cases,” the court said.

200 held at London Labour will climate protests scrap Sats, let AFP London

ore than 200 people have been arrested in teachers teach, Mongoing climate change protests in London that brought parts of the capital to a standstill, police said yesterday. Demonstrators began block- ing off a bridge and major cen- vows Corbyn tral road junctions on Monday at the start of a civil disobedience campaign that also saw action in Guardian News and Media are giving young children night- of a broad and balanced primary other parts of Europe. London mares and leaving them in fl oods curriculum and to the rekindling The protests were organised by of tears,” he said. of the spirit of creativity in our the campaign group Extinction The government tests have schools. We welcome Labour’s Rebellion, which was established abour has announced plans not only been unpopular with commitment to work with the last year in Britain by academ- to scrap compulsory na- teachers; parents have also been profession in order to develop ics and has become one of the Ltional tests for primary concerned about the damaging these groundbreaking policies world’s fastest-growing environ- school children in England, with impact of high-stakes testing on further.” mental movements. a promise to relieve pressure on young children and many have Sats were introduced in 1990 London’s Metropolitan Police overstretched schools and free staged their own Sats boycott by to hold schools to account and said that by yesterday evening, up teachers to deliver a “rich and keeping their children off school. help drive up standards. Six- and 209 arrests had been made. varied curriculum”. Welcoming Labour’s an- seven-year-olds sit the stand- “We expect demonstrations to Jeremy Corbyn chose to set out nouncement, More Than a Score ardised national tests in English continue throughout the coming his proposals to abolish the re- – a coalition of parents and and maths at the end of key stage weeks,” the police statement said. gime of “extreme pressure test- teachers opposed to overtesting 1 and again at the end of key stage The arrest fi gure includes three ing” in an address to teachers – said: “It doesn’t have to be this 2, in their fi nal year of primary men and two women who were gathered in Liverpool for the an- way. There are more supportive school. detained at the UK offi ces of en- nual National Education Union ways to assess children and fairer In 2018, the government an- ergy giant Royal Dutch Shell on conference. ways to measure schools, with- nounced KS1 Sats would be re- suspicion of criminal damage. In a speech warmly received out the need to turn children into placed with a new baseline as- Campaigners daubed graf- by NEU members, who voted on data points.” sessment in reception (ages four fi ti and smashed a window at the Monday in favour of a ballot to Labour would consult par- to fi ve), beginning in 2020, with Shell Centre building. boycott Sats tests next year, the ents and teachers and come up KS1 Sats becoming optional from The majority arrested were Labour leader said: “We need with a more fl exible and practi- 2023. seized for breaching public order to prepare children for life, not cal system of assessment, which Paul Whiteman, the general laws and obstructing a highway. just for exams.” He denounced is tailored to individual pupils, secretary of the National Associ- The protest saw more than a the high-stakes testing cul- Corbyn said. ation of Head Teachers, also wel- thousand people block off central ture, complaining that children “Our assessment will be based comed Labour’s approach. “In London’s Waterloo Bridge and lay in England’s schools are among on clear principles. First, to un- reality, Sats do not tell teachers trees in pots along its length. the most tested in the world, and derstand the learning needs of or parents anything they didn’t Later, people set up camps in pledged a Labour government each child, because every child is already know about their child Hyde Park in preparation for fur- would abolish Sats for seven- unique. And second, to encour- or school, but have the nega- ther demonstrations throughout and 11-year-olds, as well as con- age a broad curriculum aimed at tive unintended consequences the week. troversial plans for baseline as- a rounded education,” he said. of distracting from teaching and The police have ordered the sessments for reception classes. “When children have a rich learning and narrowing the focus protesters to confine them- Corbyn told the 1,500-strong and varied curriculum, when of the curriculum,” he said. selves to a zone within Marble audience that Labour understood they’re encouraged to be crea- Julie McCulloch, the director Arch, a space at the junction of teachers were overworked and tive, to develop their imagina- of policy at the Association of Hyde Park, the Oxford Street overstressed. “Teachers get into tion, then there’s evidence that School and College Leaders, said: main shopping thoroughfare the profession because they want they do better at the core ele- “Sats are a fl awed way of meas- and the Park Lane street of to inspire children, not pass them ments of literacy and numeracy uring the performance of prima- plush hotels. along an assembly line,” he said. too.” ry schools and a new approach is “We so far have 55 bus routes “We will raise standards by The announcement was wel- long overdue. closed and 500,000 people af- freeing up teachers to teach. comed by the NEU. Its joint gen- “These tests cannot possibly fected as a result,” the police said. Labour trusts teachers. You are eral secretary Mary Bousted said: refl ect the breadth and richness Campaigners want govern- professionals. You know your “The NEU has long advocated of the curriculum and learn- ments to declare a climate and job. You know your students.” an assessment system that has ing which takes place in primary ecological emergency, reduce Speaking weeks before the the trust of teachers and school schools, and can lead to an over- greenhouse gas emissions to zero latest cohort of 10- and 11-year- communities – one that will emphasis on English and maths by 2025, halt biodiversity loss and olds take Sats, Corbyn highlight- support children’s learning and to the detriment of other sub- be led by new “citizens’ assem- ed the pressure the tests put on raise standards of attainment in jects.” blies on climate and ecological Police off icers detain a climate change activist at Waterloo Bridge during the Extinction Rebellion young children. “Sats and the re- our schools. justice”. protest in London yesterday. gime of extreme pressure testing “We look forward to the return Rudd not ruling out Brexit talks with government ‘stalling’

Tory leadership bid Guardian News and Media ow ministers on environmental London protections, security and workers rights, which Corbyn described Guardian News and Media BBC Radio 5 Live that it is “en- that’s one of the key areas that I as “quite interesting, quite long London tirely possible” she will launch would start with any leadership abour leader Jeremy Cor- technical discussions, particularly a bid for the Conservative party candidate. And I know that oth- byn has said talks with the on environment regulations”. leadership, saying “I don’t rule er members of the One Nation Lgovernment are stalling due Speaking yesterday, Corbyn un- mber Rudd has said she it out.” group feel the same. to a Tory desire for post-Brexit derlined again that an agreement will not rule out run- There has been speculation “We have to do it in a way that deregulation including pursuing a could only be reached if Theresa A ning to succeed Theresa that Rudd sees herself more as a protects the economy and jobs. US trade deal, a sign that the cor- May was prepared to accept La- May as prime minister, despite kingmaker than likely winner of So what we oppose – not eve- dial tone of the negotiations is fal- bour’s central demand for a com- her unpopularity with Con- the competition, meaning she rybody in the One Nation cau- tering. mon external tariff policy with the servative party members over could run to drop out and take cus, but almost everybody – is Corbyn said that Labour had EU. her fight against a no-deal her supporters to back one of the leaving without a deal, which been putting a robust case for “The government doesn’t ap- Brexit. remaining contestants. we think would be damaging. a customs union to the govern- pear to be shifting the red lines be- The work and pensions sec- There has been speculation So that’s where we start. And on ment in talks over the past week cause they’ve got a big pressure in retary said she was “leaving the she could eventually back John- that I’m afraid I do have a disa- but suggested he feared the two the Tory party that actually wants door ajar” to a leadership bid, al- son, who is a friend, despite her greement with a number of my sides would not fi nd common to turn this country into a deregu- though she was not “not particu- saying during the EU referendum colleagues.” ground. lated low-tax society which will do larly working on” a campaign. campaign that he was “not the Under the rules of the contest, “There has to be access to Eu- a deal with Trump. I don’t want to May has not set a date for her man you want to drive you home MPs will pick two candidates ropean markets and above all there do that,” he said. departure yet, only promis- at the end of the evening”. who would then be put to a ballot has to be a dynamic relationship to Corbyn said that the UK had ing to go once her Brexit deal is She told the BBC she was not of Tory members. Conservative- protect the conditions and rights “lost a lot of time by the dither- through. going to be drawn on whether she Home surveys show that Rudd’s that we’ve got for environment ing of the government on bringing But several cabinet ministers, would support Johnson, adding popularity has plummeted and consumer workplace rights,” issues to parliament,” suggesting including Sajid Javid and Jeremy that his language is “an area we among activists after her cam- he said. he believed the route out of the Hunt, are building leadership would certainly want to test him paign against a no-deal Brexit “We’ve put those cases very impasse would be moving on to teams, as well as leading Brexit on”. alongside David Gauke, Greg robustly to the government and binding indicative votes in par- supporters Boris Johnson and She added: “The area that Clark and David Mundell, which there’s no agreement as yet.” liament, rather than pursuing a Dominic Raab. we really disagree on is how we has seen them nicknamed the Meetings are scheduled this compromise deal between the two Rudd told Emma Barnett on leave the European Union and Gaukward squad. Amber Rudd: eyes top job week between ministers and shad- frontbenches. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND LATIN AMERICA

Patients ‘being put at risk’ as hospitals face shortage of nurses

Daily Mail the research arm of the NHS, con- “resulted in a gradual dilution of short of making the recommen- shortage of registered nurses, an average vacancy rate of 10% skill mix,” the report said. “Regis- London cluded that patients are routinely national safe staffi ng policy”. dation into a mandatory mini- and failure to increase supply across the country. Some hospi- tered nurses accounted for 66% cared for in wards that are left at The 2013 Francis Inquiry iden- mum staffi ng level – leaving it suffi ciently, has not been ad- tals have a 20% nurse shortfall. of nursing staff in 2017 compared a ‘high risk’ staffi ng level. The re- tifi ed inadequate staffi ng as up to individual NHS trusts to dressed. This failure has prevent- The report warned of a “dilu- with 69% in 2013.” ne in four NHS hospitals port also warned that healthcare contributing to the crisis at Mid set their own staffi ng require- ed safe staffi ng levels from being tion” in skills on wards as health- A 2016 study, also by South- is routinely failing to put assistants – who do not have the Staff ordshire hospital, in which ments. The new report, which achieved. NICE identifi ed a ratio care assistants are used to fi ll the ampton University, warned that, Oenough nurses on duty to same training as registered nurses hundreds of patients are thought questioned 91 directors of nursing of eight patients per registered gaps. for every 25 patients, substitut- keep patients safe, a damning re- – are being used to shore up the to have died as a result of neglect in NHS trusts, said: “One in four nurse as a level that threatens pa- It said the number of full-time ing just one qualifi ed nurse with port said. lack of fully qualifi ed staff . between 2005 and 2009. trusts surveyed reported that the tient safety. But in our survey of equivalent nurses in NHS trusts a lower-qualifi ed member of staff Experts warn that the lessons The review, conducted by The NHS watchdog NICE then number of patients per registered directors of nursing, one in four has risen by 10% since 2013 – was associated with a 21% in- of the Mid Staff ordshire hospital Southampton University, said recommended that a level of more nurse had exceeded 1:8 on more reported wards were routinely but there has been a 30% rise in crease in the odds of dying. scandal have been forgotten amid a 40,000 shortage in registered than eight patients per registered than 65% of shifts in the past 12 running with this high-risk level.” healthcare assistants and sup- Professor Ball added: “The a desperate staffi ng crisis across nurses across England meant nurse should trigger a review of months.” Her team said hospitals face port staff . “The disproportionate continued failure to train enough the health service. hospitals fi nd it impossible to staffi ng. Lead author professor Jane major challenges in recruiting and increase in support staff numbers registered nurses to meet patient The 224-page report, funded by safely staff their wards. This has But the government stopped Ball said: “The ongoing national retaining registered nurses, with has resulted in a slight lowering of needs is a fundamental fl aw.” TSB becomes Lamb ‘adopted’ by dog fi rst bank to off er ‘refund’ to fraud victims

Daily Mail frauded time and time again. London Martyn James, of complaints website Resolver, said: “The bank will need to see you were an SB has become the fi rst innocent victim of fraud – and bank to promise compen- you still have a responsibility to Tsation to all victims of not hand over the keys to your fraud – piling pressure on others account carelessly. to follow their example. “But have no doubt, this is a High street lenders have long game-changer for the banks and resisted paying compensation to their approaches to fraud. It’s customers who are tricked into going to be harder for those who transferring money to criminals. have fought against refunding But TSB now says it will pay their customers to hide behind out to all victims hit by these technical excuses for not paying scams, setting a major precedent out.” They are the unlikeliest of bedfellows, but Tom the rescue dog and Tiger the orphaned lamb have become inseparable. Tom adopted the days-old lamb when its mother was for the banking industry. The move by TSB comes as the put down after a diff icult birth. Owner Mary Maitland said: ‘Tom licks and cleans the lamb and they curl up in bed together.’ Maitland, 56, who runs a holding yard for racehorses Other lenders such as Lloyds bank tries to restore its reputa- near Newmarket, Suff olk, said: “I have two sheep which I keep as pets, and have a few lambs every year. This year we had to get in the vet to give Tiger’s mother a caesarean. and Royal Bank of Scotland now tion after an IT meltdown last Afterwards she couldn’t get back on her feet and had to be put down. My second ewe, Nina, had two lambs and I tried to get her to take on Tiger, but she wouldn’t. Thankfully, face calls to follow suit. Ga- year locked 1.9mn out of their Tiger seems to have taken a shine to Tom.” Maitland said Tom, who was rescued from Spain, is a cross between a bearded collie and an unknown breed. reth Shaw, of consumer group accounts. Which?, said: “Finally, a bank The computing failure led to has recognised the daily dev- a fraudster feeding frenzy where astation caused by fraud and criminals tricked hundreds of pledged to protect its customers anxious customers into giving from these increasingly complex away their life savings. After an scams. outcry, TSB refunded those af- “We look forward to seeing fected at a cost of up to £49mn. TSB’s move delivering real re- The bank also hiked interest sults for customers, with the rates on its Classic Plus current Ruling paves way for £14bn bank swiftly and fairly refunding account to 5% to persuade cus- all victims. Other banks should tomers not to leave. It is cut- quickly make the same pledge ting this rate back down to 3% in – as their customers will rightly July – a move which will save the be questioning why their bank bank millions of pounds a year in chooses to leave them unpro- interest payments. It would not lawsuit against Mastercard tected.” say if the savings from interest Fraudsters often win their vic- rate cuts are likely to be bigger Guardian News and Media tion Appeal Tribunal threw out posing excessive card transac- move forward, rather the court was not a basis for rejecting cer- tims’ trust by pretending to be a than the cost of refunding fraud London Merricks’ claim, ruling it would tion charges, damaging con- has simply said a re-hearing on tifi cation for a court action. police offi cer or other respect- victims. not grant an order for the case to sumers over a prolonged period. certain issues should happen. Merricks said the maximum able fi gure, telling targets their Several other major lenders continue to trial. In a dramatic “When challenged, all they “Mastercard continues to payout will be about £300 for money is in danger and must be including NatWest owner RBS, lmost every adult in the turnaround, the court of appeal have done is to raise technical disagree fundamentally with the anyone who can prove they were moved to a new account to keep Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC have UK could receive a payout has ordered the tribunal to re- legal arguments that turn out to basis of the claim and we believe in the UK in the 16 years between it safe. signed up to a voluntary code of Aof up to £300 from Mas- consider what has become the have no merit – as the court of UK consumers receive real value 1992 and 2008. A total of £354mn was stolen conduct which will require them tercard after a court ruling paved biggest class action in British appeal has now shown. It’s now from the security, convenience In total, Merricks said 46mn last year through these scams, to refund scam victims from May the way for a £14bn class action legal history. time for Mastercard to admit the and consumer protection of our adults could qualify and they known as authorised push pay- 28. lawsuit. Merricks said he was confi - damage they did, to apologise to payment services.” need never have held a Master- ment frauds. Until now, banks But this scheme only has The legal action taken by dent the tribunal will certify the the British public, and to agree The tribunal originally re- card. His case rests on the fact have refused to give compensation funding until the end of this year, former fi nancial ombudsman action, enabling it to go to court to pay the compensation they jected Merricks’ claim partly that higher prices would have in these circumstances, claiming it when it is hoped an alternative Walter Merricks claims that and result in a multibillion- owe.” because it could not fi nd clear been paid by all consumers dur- is the fault of the victim. solution can be found – which 46mn UK consumers paid high- pound payout, if successful. Mastercard said it will fi ght evidence about how the Master- ing the period. TSB has now promised that it might involve all customers pay- er prices in shops over a 16-year “I am very pleased with yes- the case all the way to the su- card fees had been passed on to The case is the fi rst major test will refund all customers hit by ing a levy. period because of allegedly ex- terday’s decision,” said Mer- preme court, if necessary. It said consumer – or absorbed by the of a regime introduced under the scammers – making an excep- A spokesman for RBS said it cessive transaction fees charged ricks. “It is nearly 12 years since in a statement: “This decision retailer – and how individual Consumer Rights Act for people tion only if someone repeatedly will reimburse victims of “so- by Mastercard. Mastercard was clearly told that is not a fi nal ruling and the pro- losses could be calculated. But to recover losses from competi- ignores safety advice and is de- phisticated scams”. Two years ago, the Competi- they had broken the law by im- posed claim is not approved to the court of appeal found that tion law infringements.

Pelosi in Dublin Ukip MEP addresses Songwriter Reed dies aged 83 pro-apartheid club Guardian News and Media Reed also co-wrote the 1972 London song Marching on Together, better known as the anthem Guardian News and Media ment to establish a “homeland” African continent.” of Leeds United FC. The track London for white South Africans. Harvey’s own Facebook page ongwriter Les Reed, the peaked at No 10. It was released The Springbok Club, which includes posts which call Gren- co-writer of Tom Jones’s again in 1992, reaching the Top also includes expats from the fell Tower “high-rise tower block Shits Delilah and It’s Not 50, despite only being available leading Ukip MEP made a former Rhodesia, has a section of the year 2017”, and which ar- Unusual, has died aged 83, his in Yorkshire record stores and in speech to a pro-apartheid of its website called “Terrorist gue President Barack Obama was family has confi rmed. Artistes the LUFC shop. Aclub of expat South Af- Watch”, which carries articles not born in the US. including Elvis Presley, Bing Sir Tim Rice tweeted: “He was ricans which has far-right links calling Mandela a violent terror- Agnew’s speech at a London Crosby and Shirley Bassey also (the) composer of countless hits and calls Nelson Mandela a ter- ist and a communist. pub on April 6, at an event mark- recorded songs written by Reed. that will live on for years, dec- rorist, it has emerged. Thomas Mair, the far-right ing the 100th anniversary of the Released in 1964, It’s Not ades, to come. All his music biz Stuart Agnew, who is top of terrorist who murdered Cox, the birth of Ian Smith, the prime Unusual was Tom Jones’s debut chums will miss him enormously one of the party’s regional lists Labour MP, in 2016, subscribed minister of white-run Rhodesia, single, and his fi rst No 1 hit, also and will never forget his songs, for re-election if new Europe- to a print magazine published by covered his period living in Rho- featuring Reed as arranger and talent and generosity of spirit.” an elections take place in May, the club called SA Patriot, which desia and an offi cial European pianist. The pair reprised their Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp addressed a recent meeting of has since been rebranded Impe- parliament trip to South Africa success with Delilah in 1968, said that “a master of British the Springbok Club, which is rial Patriot. he took part in. which reached the Top 10. songwriting has left us”. led by a former activist in the The club is led by Alan Har- Agnew told the Guardian he Jones paid tribute to Reed Singer-songwriter Mike Batt far right National Front (NF) vey, a former NF activist who would “speak to any audience” if on Twitter, describing him as called Reed his “role model” and has links to the murderer emigrated to South Africa in the asked, and that the restoration of a “gifted songwriter who was and American pop singer Con- of Jo Cox. 1970s but returned to the UK fol- apartheid was “neither desirable instrumental in penning many nie Francis said: “Les gave new The organisation has the lowing the end of the apartheid. or achievable”. a hit, including two important meaning to the word ‘gentle- apartheid-era South African fl ag A transcript of a speech by He said: “I was forced to leave songs for me … Les was a love- man’.” In a statement, his fam- as an emblem, and has called for Harvey on the club’s website says my job as a waiter in a drive-in ly man, whose legacy will live ily said: “We are all so im- the return of “civilised European that its use of the apartheid-era restaurant in 1975 for calling a through his music.” mensely proud of everything rule” to the continent. fl ag as an emblem makes it plain black customer ‘sir’. What some In 1959, Reed joined the John Les achieved in his incredible Agnew, who is one of the few “where our true sympathies lie”. white South Africans are calling Barry Seven as a pianist, and lifetime. We know that his name Ukip MEPs elected in 2015 to re- He continued: “We want our for is a reverse apartheid where Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar greets speaker of the developed his career as a song- will be remembered for what he main loyal to the current leader, countries back, and believe this there is a ‘homeland’ for whites. US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi at Government writer in the 1960s, writing hits did for music and that he will Gerard Batten, told the Guardian can now only come about by the If the present murder rate of Buildings in Dublin yesterday. Pelosi is heading a US for artistes including Lulu, Her- always live through his songs he does not support apartheid, re-establishment of civilised white farmers continues, world congressional delegation to Ireland. man’s Hermits and the Dave and compositions for the rest of but that there is a possible argu- European rule throughout the opinion might agree.” Clark Five. time.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 15 EUROPE Notre-Dame Cathedral still stands, gutted but ‘valiant’ Donors pledge €700mn to Landmarks and monuments rebuilt from ruins rebuild Notre-Dame From bombed cathedrals to historic opera houses that went up in flames, Reuters/AFP/DPA here are examples of landmark buildings that were destroyed and then Paris rebuilt, as is planned for Paris’s fire-gutted Notre Dame Cathedral. „ Notre-Dame of Reims – In September 1914 the gothic cathedral in the French city Reims was struck by intense World War I German bombard- arisians gave thanks yes- ment, sparking a massive blaze. terday to see the bell tow- With towers rising 81m (266’) high, the Notre-Dame (Our Lady) of Reims Pers and great stained-glass – where French kings were once crowned – had already been devastated rose window of Notre-Dame by fire in 1481. still standing, after fi refi ghters In 1919 the French state undertook reconstruction, supported by private laboured through the night to patrons, notably the Rockefeller family. douse the fl ames that gutted one It re-opened in 1938 with the previous oak framework replaced by a of the most potent national sym- lighter, fire-proof frame and new stained glass windows designed by Marc bols of France. Chagall and Imi Knoebel. Authorities said they sus- „ Dresden cathedral – In February 1945 the 18th-century Frauenkirche in pected the fi re was caused by ac- the German city of Dresden collapsed under Allied bombing at the height cident. of World War II. President Emmanuel Macron For nearly a half-century the heap of ruins remained untouched. declared that the cathedral would It was only in 1994 that a project began to rebuild Germany’s largest be rebuilt. church. Industrialists pledged hun- The “Call from Dresden” launched in 1990 collected €180mn for the work, dreds of millions of euros. with the 600,000 donors ranging from individuals to German and foreign Ordinary people sang, wept businesses. and prayed below the cathedral The baroque masterpiece was reconstructed faithfully and included that has towered above the capi- 8,400 stones from the original building. tal for more than 800 years. It re-opened in 2005. More than 400 fi refi ghters „ Moscow’s Christ the Saviour – This cathedral in the heart of Moscow were needed to tame the inferno was built in 1839 as a monument to the victory of Russian forces over that consumed the roof and col- Napoleon. lapsed the spire of the gothic Stalin had it dynamited in 1934 to make way for a Palace of the Soviets masterpiece. but the project was dropped and a giant open-air swimming pool built They worked through the instead. night, fi nally quelling the blaze The Moscow Pool shut in 1993 and work began two years later on a some 14 hours after it began. replica of the original Russian Orthodox cathedral based on the original “Yesterday we thought the Staff members walk inside the Notre-Dame Cathedral, in the aftermath of a fire that devastated the building. plans. whole cathedral would collapse. The new Cathedral of Christ the Saviour opened in 2000. Yet this morning she is still has yet to be determined, Patrick in Poland, which was rebuilt af- The cathedral has long relied ing’s rival LVMH and the family „ Barcelona’s Liceu opera – Spain’s most celebrated opera house, the standing, valiant, despite every- Chauvet – the rector of the ca- ter World War II following wide- on individual donations for re- of its founder Bernard Arnault, 150-year-old Liceu in Barcelona was destroyed by fire in 1994 during thing,” said Sister Marie Aimee, a thedral – told broadcaster France spread destruction. pairs, and a few years ago created France’s richest person. work on a new stage set. Only the foyer and the horseshoe arch over the nun who had hurried to a nearby Inter that that there had been “You will also rebuild your ca- a US-registered charity enabling The L’Oreal cosmetics group auditorium were left standing. church to pray as the fl ames wardens checking the roof for fi re thedral,” Tusk said during a Eu- American voters to deduct gifts and its founding Bettencourt Five years of work and around €110mn were needed to rebuild the spread. “It is a sign of hope.” hazards three times a day. ropean Parliament session in the from their taxes. family off ered €200mn, while theatre. From the outside, the impos- “I think there is nothing more French city of Strasbourg. “I call Offi cials breathed a sigh of re- French oil giant Total said it It reopened in 1999, its Italianate interior – with brilliant colours, sweep- ing bell towers and outer walls, you can do,” Chauvet said, adding on all the 28 member states to lief that many relics and artworks would contribute €100mn. ing balconies and gilded plaster-work – recreated almost exactly to the with their vast buttresses, stood that the public would now have take part in this task.” had been saved. Several other business execu- original. fi rm, though the insides and the to wait for the outcome of offi cial “I know that France could do it At one point, fi refi ghters, po- tives and blue-chip French fi rms „ Venice’s Phoenix – The celebrated La Fenice, the Phoenix, was so upper structure had been evis- investigations. alone, but at stake here is some- lice offi cers and municipal work- also said they would contribute, named because it was rebuilt on the site a theatre which burned down in cerated. Yesterday police began ques- thing more than just material ers formed a human chain to re- some announcing pledges of 1773. Paris public prosecutor Remy tioning the workers involved in help,” Tusk said, adding: “We are move the treasures, including a €5mn, €10mn or €20mn. It opened in 1792 as one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses but Heitz said there was no obvious the restoration, the prosecutor’s bound by something more im- centuries-old crown of thorns It was too early to estimate the burned to the ground again in 1836, was quickly rebuilt and reopened the indication the fi re was arson. offi ce said. portant and more profound than made from reeds and gold, and cost of the damage, said the her- following year. Fifty people were working on Hundreds of stunned onlook- treaties.” the tunic believed to have been itage charity Fondation du Patri- Following yet another fire in 1996, only the outer walls survived. what would be a long and com- ers had lined the banks of the German Foreign Minister worn by Saint Louis, a 13th cen- moine. With support from the Italian government, Unesco and donors from plex investigation, offi cials said. river Seine late into the night, re- Heiko Maas said that Berlin stood tury king of France. Air France said it would off er across the world, La Fenice rose once again after a €60mn reconstruction One fi refi ghter was injured but citing prayers and singing as they ready to give its support as a close “Notre-Dame was our sister, free fl ights to experts brought in programme, reopening in 2003. no one else was hurt, with the fi re stood in vigil while the fi re raged. friend of Paris. it is so sad, we are all mourning,” to help with Notre-Dame’s reno- „ Old Warsaw – More than 85% of Warsaw’s old town was destroyed on starting around 6.30pm after the It was at Notre-Dame that Considered among the fi nest said Parisian Olivier Lebib. “I vation, while glass giant Saint- orders of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in August 1944 as occupying German building was closed to the public Henry VI of England was examples of European Gothic have lived with her for 40 years. Gobain promised its expertise in forces retreated before the advancing Soviet Red Army. for the evening. crowned “King of France” in architecture, Notre-Dame is vis- Thank God that the stone struc- restoring the stained-glass win- It was rebuilt from the ruins by Warsaw residents, with work lasting until Firefi ghters examined the fa- 1431, that Napoleon was made ited by more than 13mn people a ture has withstood the fi re.” dows which exploded in the fi re. the mid-1960s and funded by donations from around the world and the cade, with its spectacular 10m emperor in 1804, and Pope Pius X year. The cathedral is owned by the Support came from outside Polish diaspora. fi ligreed stained-glass rose win- beatifi ed Joan of Arc in 1909. It sits on an island in the state and has been at the centre France as well, with Apple chief The restoration was meticulous, rebuilding exactly churches, palaces and dow still intact. Presidents Charles de Gaulle Seine, overlooking the Left Bank of a years-long row between the Tim Cook announcing the tech market-places, using archived documents and old paintings as models. They could be seen walking and Francois Mitterrand were hangouts of Ernest Hemingway nation and the Paris archdiocese giant would give an unspecifi ed Warsaw residents also rebuilt the 16th century Royal Castle, not spared in atop the belfries as police kept mourned there. and Pablo Picasso. over who should fi nance resto- amount to help restore a “pre- the blitz, between 1970 and 1984. the area in lockdown. Messages of condolence fl ood- “Notre-Dame de Paris is the ration work to collapsed balus- cious heritage for future genera- „ Sarajevo library – Bosnia’s 19th century National Library was destroyed Investigators will not be able to ed in from around the world. cathedral of the people, of the trades, crumbling gargoyles and tions”. in the war-time siege of the city of Sarajevo in August 1992. enter the cathedral’s blackened Pope Francis, the leader of the people of Paris, of the French cracked facades. Some gripes emerged on social The building, converted into a library in 1949, housed some 2mn books, nave until experts are satisfi ed Catholic Church, was praying people, of the people of the Prime Minister Edouard media over the huge fi scal deduc- old scripts and photographs. that its walls withstood the heat for those aff ected, the Vatican world. It is part of those refer- Philippe held a ministerial round tions companies in both France Only 300,000 books were spared from the flames. and the building is structurally said, adding: “Notre-Dame will ences of our history, of what we for consultations on reconstruc- and the US would be eligible for, Reconstruction work, part financed by the European Union, began in 1996 sound. always remain – and we have have in common, of what we tion, with Culture Minister with commentators saying that and the new library was inaugurated in 2014. The fi re swiftly ripped through seen this in these hours – a place share,” said Interior Minister Franck Riester and the minister taxpayers would be footing much the cathedral’s oak roof supports, where believers and non-believ- Christophe Castaner. for public accounts, Gerald Dar- of the fi nal bill. where workmen had been carry- ers can come together in the most The company carrying out the manin, in attendance. But pledges were also pouring French Muslims to help save “an Russian President Vladimir Putin ing out extensive renovations to dramatic moments of French his- renovation works when the blaze Within 24 hours, companies in from anonymous donors to architectural masterpiece that is off ered to send “the best Russian the spire’s timber-framed sup- tory.” broke out said it would co-oper- and local authorities had pledged groups, including the privately- the honour of our country”. specialists with rich experience ports. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II ate fully with the investigation. more than €700mn to rebuild run French Heritage Foundation, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said in the restoration of national her- The Paris prosecutor has expressed deep sadness while her “All I can tell you is that at the it, including €500mn from the which said it had secured more the city would unlock €50mn, itage monuments”. opened an investigation into “in- son and heir Prince Charles said moment the fi re began none of three billionaire families that than €13mn in pledges. while the government of the Paolo Violini, a restoration voluntary destruction by fi re”. he was “utterly heartbroken”. my employees were on the site. own France’s giant luxury goods On a more modest scale, a fund greater Paris region promised specialist for Vatican museums, Interior Ministry state sec- Chancellor Angela Merkel of- We respected all procedures,” Ju- empires: Kering, LVMH, and set up on the Leetchi fundrais- €10mn. said that the pace at which the retary Laurent Nunez said that fered German help to rebuild a lien Le Bras, a representative of L’Oreal. ing platform had reached nearly And French insurer Groupama fi re spread through the cathedral specialists had found “some part of “our common European family fi rm Le Bras Freres. Kering, whose brands include €29,000 by afternoon yesterday. said it would supply the estimat- had been stunning. weaknesses” in the cathedral fol- heritage”. The steeple of the Gothic Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci, France 2 television said it will ed 1,300 huge oak beams needed “We are used to thinking about lowing the fi re, especially in the European Council President edifi ce had been undergoing an kicked off the campaign late broadcast a special classical mu- to re-create the intricate roof them as eternal simply because dome. Donald Tusk called on all 28 EU €11mn ($12.4mn) overhaul fi - on Monday with a promise of sic concert tonight as part of the support. they have been there for centu- However, he added, overall the member states to help rebuild nanced by the French state to €100mn ($113mn). fundraising eff ort. The German and Italian gov- ries, or a thousand years, but the structure was holding quite well. the Notre Dame Cathedral, while repair damage infl icted by time, It was followed yesterday by The French Council of the ernments have also off ered to reality is they are very fragile,” Though the reason for the fi re recalling his home city of Gdansk pollution and the weather. a €200mn pledge from Ker- Muslim Faith also called on help in the reconstruction, while Violini said. Forget Brexit and focus on climate change, teenager tells EU leaders

By Jennifer Rankin accordingly because at the mo- six times faster than what is con- In February she told an audi- Noting the imminent Euro- Guardian News & Media ment they are not,” the 16-year sidered normal, with up to 200 ence including the European pean elections and the fact that old schoolgirl from Sweden told a species becoming extinct every commission president, Jean- members of her generation could standing-room-only meeting of single day,” she said. Claude Juncker, that the EU not vote, Greta urged MEPs to he teenage climate activ- MEPs and EU offi cials in Stras- “Erosion of fertile topsoil, needed to double the ambition of listen to scientists and millions ist Greta Thunberg has bourg. deforestation of the rainforest, its climate targets. of children who had taken part in Tchided European Union “If our house was falling apart toxic air pollution, loss of insects At that time the parliament’s school strikes. leaders for holding three emer- our leaders wouldn’t go on like and wildlife, acidifi cation of our senior leaders, led by the Europe- “In this election you vote for gency summits on Brexit and we do today,” she said. “If our oceans – these are all disastrous an parliament president, Antonio the future living conditions of none on the threat posed by cli- house was falling apart you trends.” Tajani, decided against inviting humankind,” she said. mate change. wouldn’t hold three emergency She was applauded after get- Greta to address MEPs in the par- Referring to Monday’s fi re In a clarion call to Europe’s Brexit summits and no emergen- ting to the end of the passage and liament’s debating chamber. at Notre Dame in Paris in her political leaders ahead of Eu- cy summit regarding the break- continued the speech without Centre-right and liberal speech, Greta called for “cathe- ropean parliament elections in down of the climate and the en- faltering again. groups argued against the invita- dral thinking” to tackle climate May, the founder of the school vironment.” Greta had previously addressed tion, which had been proposed by change. strike movement said that if pol- While climate change is some- the UN climate change summit the Greens. “It is still not too late to act. It iticians were serious about tack- times discussed at the EU’s regu- in Poland and the World Eco- Objections ranged from the will take a far-reaching vision, ling climate change, they would lar summits, the issue has never nomic Forum in Davos since her potential vulnerability of a child it will take courage, it will take not spend all their time “talking dominated as Brexit, migration lone protest outside the Swedish exposed to the chamber to a de- fi erce, fi erce determination to about taxes or Brexit”. or the eurozone crisis have often parliament last August triggered sire to reserve the plenary ad- act now, to lay the foundations In a typically blunt speech, monopolised the attention of Eu- Thunberg reacts during the session at the European Parliament in a worldwide school strike move- dress for politicians or senior where we may not know all the she said politicians were failing rope’s top leaders. Strasbourg. ment to raise the alarm about cli- offi cials. details about how to shape the to take enough action on climate Greta’s 10-minute speech was mate change. The meeting yesterday took ceiling. change and the threats to the interrupted by frequent applause many in the room rose to their As the young climate activist Neither was it the fi rst time place in the more low-key setting “In other words it will take natural world. and ended with a 30-second feet to applaud and take photos spoke of a “sixth mass extinction Greta had taken her uncompro- of a special meeting of the Euro- cathedral thinking. I ask you to “Our house is falling apart and standing ovation. of her as she sat on the podium “, her voice faltered. mising message to the EU insti- pean parliament’s environment please wake up and make changes our leaders need to start acting Before she began speaking, surrounded by cameras. “The extinction rate is up to tutions. committee. required possible.” Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 EUROPE

European Parliament backs rules aimed at protecting whistleblowers

AFP health and the environment. came days after Julian As- mission a year ago – must still be These potential breaches cover tries must off er whistleblowers played an important role in Strasbourg Recent corporate scandals sange, founder of the WikiLeaks formally approved by EU coun- tax fraud, money laundering, “comprehensive and independ- the Dieselgate scandal, where “have helped to shine a light on whistleblowing site, was arrested tries that have already shown public procurement, product and ent information” on how to re- Volkswagen was discovered to the great precariousness that and carried out of Ecuador’s em- support for them. transport safety, environmental port breaches and pursue their have used devices to hide diesel he European Parliament whistle-blowers suff er today”, bassy in London. Once approved, member states protection, public health, con- cases while providing them with emissions. has overwhelmingly voted said Virginie Roziere, the French He faces possible extradition will have two years to comply sumer protection and data pro- legal, fi nancial and psychological It also recalled how they helped Tfor rules aimed at protect- socialist who steered the legisla- to the United States on computer with the rules. tection. support. expose the scandal at Cambridge ing whistleblowers from repris- tion through the assembly. crime charges. The parliament said the rules The rules also aim to ensure Protection for whistleblowers Analytica, the now defunct Brit- als following corporate scandals The vote in parliament sends During the EU parliamentary off er the fi rst EU-wide protec- information disclosed remains is patchy across the bloc. ish data consultancy accused of such as Dieselgate and Cam- “a strong signal that it has heard debate on Monday, French MEP tion for whistleblowers who will confi dential. Only ten countries provide having harvested the data of mil- bridge Analytica. the concerns of its citizens, and Younous Omarjee, of the left- be able to choose between inter- The rules will, if adopted, comprehensive legal protection: lions of Facebook users without With 591 votes in favour, 29 pushed for robust rules guar- wing France Insoumise (France nal and external reporting, for also protect those dealing with France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, their permission. against and 33 abstentions, the anteeing their safety and that Unbowed) movement, men- example to national or EU au- whistleblowers, including col- Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, MEP Roziere also highlighted parliamentarians backed rules of those persons who choose to tioned Assange as a whistleblow- thorities. leagues, relatives and investiga- Slovakia, Sweden, and the United other scandals, like LuxLeaks to boost the fi ght against fraud, speak out”, the member of the er needing protection. The rules aim to both pro- tive journalists, the parliament Kingdom. and the Panama Papers, which corruption, corporate tax avoid- European Parliament (MEP) said. The new rules – proposed by tect and encourage reporting of said. The EU Commission said have exposed tax evasion by mul- ance and damage to people’s The EU parliamentary vote the executive European Com- breaches of EU law. It said that EU member coun- whistleblowers have already tinationals.

News website Formal appeal blocked under for Istanbul poll new law

Frode Berg listens to his lawyer from within the defendants’ cage Reuters as he attends the court hearing in Moscow. Moscow

ussian authorities blocked a regional news website rerun submitted Russia imprisons Rover the weekend over a report about graffi ti insulting Reuters across Istanbul, a city of more date after the Istanbul recounts Ekrem Imamoglu would receive Vladimir Putin, its chief editor Istanbul/Ankara than 15mn people. are completed and a fi nal result his mandate as mayor. said, under a new ban on insult- The High Election Board emerges. Yavuz said the gap between Norwegian retiree ing offi cials online. (YSK) has approved some of CHP spokesman Faik Oztrak Imamoglu and his AKP rival, The legislation, which Putin urkish President Recep those objections, ordering par- branded the AKP appeal for re- former Turkish premier Binali signed into law last month, al- Tayyip Erdogan’s AK tial or full recounts in several newed elections as a “plot” and Yildirim, had fallen to 13,900 lows authorities to block sites TParty (AKP) formally re- districts. called on the YSK to mandate votes from around 28,000 as a for espionage that carry content deemed to quested yesterday an annulment Some are still underway. Imamoglu as the elected mayor result of the recounts. show “blatant disrespect”. and rerun of Istanbul’s munici- Submitting his party’s appeal of the city. If all votes had been re- Kremlin critics say the meas- pal elections over what it said for the annulment and renewal “The authority that will put counted across the city, the AKP AFP Risnes told AFP. “That makes ure is a form of direct state cen- were irregularities, prompting of the vote to the YSK yesterday, a stop to this exploitation, who would have won, Yavuz added. Moscow it both a professional scandal sorship. the main opposition to accuse it AKP deputy chairman Ali Ihsan will hand the right the people The repeated AKP challenges and potentially also a political The law’s authors say it is of damaging democracy. Yavuz said that thousands of gave to the person who earned have fuelled frustration among scandal in Norway. As soon as needed to preserve healthy pub- Initial results from the March votes had been impacted by the it is the High Election Board,” CHP supporters, which spilled Moscow court has con- he gets back to Norway, an- lic debate online. 31 vote showed the main oppo- irregularities. Oztrak told reporters. “If there over into football stadiums at victed a retired Norwe- other phase of the scandal will The 76.Ru news site in Yaro- sition Republican People’s Party “There is clearly an organised is security and predictability of the weekend when fans chanted Agian border guard on start: fi nding out what really slavl, northeast of Moscow, was (CHP) narrowly won control of unlawfulness, an election fraud the law in this country, then the at top Istanbul derby matches spying charges and sentenced happened.” blocked by state media watchdog Turkey’s largest city, thereby here. The only authority that YSK’s decision should already for the mayoral mandate to be him to 14 years in prison. Novikov insists that Berg Roskomnadzor for more than 12 ending 25 years of control of a can end this controversy is the be clear.” given to their candidate. Frode Berg, 63, was detained “had been used without his hours on April 12-13, Chief Edi- key power centre by the AKP YSK,” he told reporters in the The AKP’s Yavuz said 16,884 Speaking yesterday to sup- in Moscow in 2017 following a knowledge”. tor Olga Prokhorova said. and its Islamist predecessors. capital Ankara. votes were marked as either porters chanting “give Imamo- sting operation by Russia’s FSB He also warned that Berg She said Roskomnadzor in- The loss of Istanbul, Turkey’s The AKP has already lost con- invalid or added to the tallies of glu the mandate” in Istanbul, security service. might not survive a lengthy formed 76.Ru after the site had fi nancial hub, would be a blow to trol of Ankara and other key cit- other parties in the elections. Imamoglu said the AKP actions Prosecutors accused him of prison sentence in Russia. been blocked that its report Erdogan, who campaigned hard ies. He said that the AKP had sub- harmed the credibility of Tur- spying on the country’s nuclear “He’s 63, and given the condi- about graffi ti on the columns ahead of the vote. Defeat in Istanbul, where Er- mitted three suitcases of docu- key’s democracy. submarines. tions of Russian prisons, that’s of a local police station crudely The post-vote uncertainty dogan was mayor in the 1990s, ments to the YSK to prove the “To those who said they car- Judge Andrei Suvorov of the basically a life sentence.” slurring Putin contained infor- has kept fi nancial markets on would be an even greater set- irregularities. ried what they call evidence in Moscow City Court found Berg Berg’s case was raised dur- mation that had been fl agged edge and contributed to a nearly back to the president. If the appeal is approved, suitcases, I say: I think you are guilty of espionage and jailed ing a meeting between Putin under the law against insulting 5% slide in the lira. The AKP urged electoral of- a second election would take experiencing an eclipse of rea- him for 14 years in a strict-re- and Norwegian Prime Minister authorities. In the 16 days since the elec- fi cials to block the YSK from place on June 2. soning. Stop this, don’t harm gime penal colony. Erna Solberg last week. After the news site removed a tion, the AKP has fi led numer- giving CHP candidate Ekrem If rejected, the results would this nation, these people,” he A dejected, tired-looking Asked by a journalist about photograph of the graffi ti from ous appeals for vote recounts Imamoglu his mayoral man- be fi nalised and the CHP’s said. Berg, dressed in a dark suit and the possibility of Berg being the report and sent a screenshot white shirt, stood inside a glass pardoned, Putin said: “A per- to Roskomnadzor, the site was cage as the judge read out the son can only be pardoned if he unblocked, Prokhorova said. verdict in front of journalists. has been convicted. He has not The amended report about the It was the only time the trial been convicted yet.” graffi ti was accessible on Mon- was open to the media and Novikov said that the fact day, but did not mention what it Another German govt jet suff ers problems many details of the case remain that Putin spoke publicly about said. unclear. the case was “probably a good Another Yaroslavl-based Russian prosecutors accused sign”. news site, Yarkub, said on Satur- DPA Berg of spying on the country’s Russian lawyer and human day that it had also been blocked Berlin nuclear submarines. rights activist Ivan Pavlov, who over a similar news item. The FSB declined to com- often defends people accused It removed all mention to Pu- ment yesterday. of espionage and treason, sug- tin in the reports and was un- here was more embar- In December, a former Rus- gested that Berg might indeed blocked, it said on the Telegram rassment for Germany’s sian police offi cer was accused be granted a pardon. messaging service. Toffi cial government aero- of handing Berg fi les on the “There were such prece- plane fl eet as a jet experienced Russian navy and given a 13- dents,” Pavlov told AFP. problems landing at Berlin’s year prison term. Risnes said that govern- Climate protesters Schoenefeld airport yesterday Berg has admitted to act- ments typically exchange their after a malfunction shortly after ing several times as a courier nationals convicted of spy- arrested at Hague take-off forced it to turn back. for the Norwegian intelligence ing but added that “there is no war crimes court “The machine had contact but said he thought he was only such case in Norway”. with the ground with both wings carrying money. “We don’t really know what Dutch police arrested around and a controlled landing was no Von der Leyen: The The defence team said they they have to give,” he added. 20 climate change protesters longer possible,” a spokesman Luftwaff e crew had hoped diplomatic eff orts could North Atlantic Treaty Or- from the Extinction Rebellion for the Air Force, or Luftwaff e, managed to bring the jet persuade Russian President ganisation (Nato) member movement yesterday after they told DPA in Berlin. to the ground under the Vladimir Putin to sign a presi- Norway normally enjoys good staged a demonstration at the “There were no passengers on most diff icult conditions dential pardon so Berg could be ties with neighbouring Rus- International Criminal Court in board,” the spokesman said. and to prevent released and go home. sia, with which it shares a land The Hague, off icials said. The crew will be medically something worse. The Global 5000 jet is towed over a taxiway at Schoenefeld Airport. Berg’s lawyer Ilya Novikov border. The protest at the tribunal, which examined in a Bundeswehr hos- said his client calmly accepted However, relations have is more used to dealing with war pital, he added. of the incident, with traffi c In January, President Frank- members of the government on the sentencing. grown more tense since 2014, crimes and genocide, came a Whether there were any in- suspended after 9.30am (0730 Walter Steinmeier was aff ected offi cial business. “He expects his government when Russia annexed Crimea day after the same grassroots jured in the incident remained GMT), the airport operator said. in Ethiopia, shortly before De- No politician was on board to undertake diplomatic ef- and a pro-Russian insurgency environmental group blocked key unclear. Flights resumed by lunch- velopment Minister Gerd Muel- yesterday, the spokesman said. forts,” Novikov said, adding erupted in eastern Ukraine. roads in London. Defence Minister Ursula von time, but delays were expected ler, also in Africa. The plane had been in Sch- Berg was not planning to ap- In recent years, Russia has “A number of persons entered der Leyen said the jet narrowly to continue into the afternoon. Defence Minister von der oenefeld airport for mainte- peal. “We see no practical use broadened its defi nition of the premises of the ICC today, as escaped a disaster. The fl eet of 14, partly quite Leyen commissioned the pro- nance, the Luftwaff e spokesman in appealing.” treason and espionage, alarm- general visitors to the court. After The Luftwaff e crew had man- old, aeroplanes, which are used curement of three new long- said. Both Novikov and Berg’s ing rights groups. that, they grouped and started aged “to bring the jet to the for members of the cabinet and haul aircraft in February for of- It was on the way to Cologne, Norwegian lawyer Brynjulf Espionage is punishable demonstrating outside the ICC ground under the most diffi - the president, has been dogged fi cial use. where it is stationed; why the Risnes said an eff ort by Nor- in Russia by up to 20 years in building,” ICC spokesman Fadi cult conditions and to prevent by a series of mishaps on offi cial The aircraft aff ected yes- plane had to turn around re- way had probably been made to prison. El Abdallah told AFP. “They were something worse”, she said yes- trips abroad. terday is said to be of the type mained unclear. gather intelligence. In another high-profi le case, evacuated by the Dutch police in terday. At the end of February this Global 5000 of the Canadian The spokesman initially “There are indications that former US Marine Paul Whelan a peaceful way.” Flights to and from Schoen- year, Foreign Minister Heiko aircraft manufacturer Bombar- spoke only of malfunctions. the Norwegian intelligence was detained in late December A picture tweeted by Extinction efeld were interrupted because Maas was stuck in Mali. dier, which is used to transport has been involved in the case,” and charged with espionage. Rebellion’s Dutch branch showed the protesters unveiling banners inside the ICC’s premises on a bridge between the security gate and the main court building. The group said 25 “rebels” were Ukraine media demands access to presidential favourite Zelenskiy involved and that they wanted to get the ICC’s 122 member countries “to recognise ecocide AFP tion that he is expected to win “Prove that the principles of once talked with you directly,” interviews to national and inter- is fi ghting separatists in its east. as an international crime”. Kyiv despite minimum engagement openness and transparency that the letter added. “Our profes- national media in the past, but Until now, the closest he has The “Extinction Rebellion” group with mainstream outlets. you proclaim are not just empty sional duty as journalists is to has been largely silent since he come to power has been playing was established last year in The 41-year-old political words,” an open letter signed by bring important information to topped the fi rst round of voting the Ukrainian head of state in a Britain by academics to attract krainian media have novice has eschewed traditional around 20 Ukrainian news out- the public in a timely and com- at the end of last month. popular TV show. attention to the slow response of called on comedian Vo- campaign events, preferring in- lets said. prehensive manner. Since you Critics say that his positions But supporters insist only a governments around the world Ulodymyr Zelenskiy to stead to appeal to voters through “Our readers, viewers and lis- ignore our interview requests, are vague and he lacks the politi- fresh face can address the coun- to rising temperatures and sea answer their questions ahead social media channels and teners are asking questions we we cannot fulfi l this function.” cal experience to govern a coun- try’s endemic corruption and re- levels caused by greenhouse gas of a weekend presidential elec- YouTube clips. cannot answer since we have not Zelenskiy has given limited try with a stalling economy that store faith in the political class. emissions. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 17 INDIA

EC has woken up, says court after action on four leaders

IANS president Ajit Singh, in anoth- New Delhi er ally, said the BJP should be “swept out” of Uttar Pradesh, which elects 80 members to the he Supreme Court yes- Lok Sabha. terday said it was content He said Prime Minister Twith the Election Com- Narendra Modi “may have a 56- mission (EC) action against inch chest but his heart is only Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) of one inch.” chief Mayawati, Uttar Pradesh Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chief Minister Yogi Adity- Adityanath visited a temple in anath, federal minister Maneka Lucknow to offer prayers after Gandhi and Samajwadi Party the ban. (SP) leader Azam Khan for their However, the crackdown controversial statements vio- seems to have had little impact lating the model code of con- on some other contestants. duct. The BSP candidate from On Monday, the EC banned Fatehpur Sikri, Guddu Pan- Mayawati and Maneka Gandhi dit alias Bhagwan Sharma, for 48 hours, and Adityanath launched a diatribe against Ut- and Azam Khan for 72 hours tar Pradesh Congress president Anand Kumar Bowmick, a social activist, carries masks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi through a busy street as he appeals people to vote in the from addressing any public Raj Babbar who is also contest- second phase of general election, in Chennai yesterday. meeting. ing from the same constituency. When senior advocate C A He told a news channel that Sundaram, appearing for the his supporters would beat up EC, told the court that the poll Babbar and Congress activists panel had acted against lead- with slippers. ers violating the model code Also yesterday, the BJP of conduct, the bench headed slammed Navjot Singh Sidhu, by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi cricketer-turned-politician quipped: “So, you have woken and Congress leader, for al- Gold smuggling hit up to take action. It seems the legedly urging Muslim voters EC has got its power back.” to vote out the BJP and Modi, The CJI’s repartee came on and said it would approach the the poll panel’s admission be- Election Commission. fore the top court on Monday Sidhu at an election rally in that it was almost “powerless” Katihar, while campaigning for in taking action against politi- veteran Congress leader and by election seizures cal leaders. former federal minister Tariq The court also refused to Anwar urged Muslims voters to Reuters tically. Grey market operators head of the bullion division at a the 13% tax, said Harshad Ajmera, Election Commission rules consider Mayawati’s plea exercise their franchises en bloc Mumbai don’t want to take the risk dur- Mumbai-based private bank. a gold wholesaler in Kolkata. makes it mandatory for people to against the EC gag order. The and defeat Modi. ing the election period,” Anantha “This is helping banks. Our But this week, even in the cash show valid documentation if they BSP chief’s lawyer Dushyant Sidhu reportedly said, “Do Padmanabhan, chairman of All gold business has improved in market, gold was sold at the mar- are carrying more than Rs50,000 Dave said that Mayawati was not consider yourself as being old smugglers have India Gem and Jewellery Domes- the last few weeks,” he said. ket price, said Ashok Jain, pro- in cash, or else it could be seized. unable to conduct important in minority. You constitute the slowed their operations tic Council (GJC) told Reuters. Gold smuggling surged in In- prietor of Mumbai-based gold This rule has been hurting the election meetings because of majority here. You are about Gover worries their ship- The Election Commission as of dia after the government raised wholesaler Chenaji Narsinghji. jewellery industry, especially in the order. 64% of the population here. ments will be caught up in sei- April 14 has seized $365mn in cash, the import duty to 10% in August Dealers were charging a pre- rural areas where more than half The court replied if she was Do not fall into the trap of zures of cash, bullion, booze and liquor, gold, drugs and other goods 2013. mium of up to $2.50 an ounce of gold is bought in cash. not happy, she could challenge people like (Asaduddin) Owai- drugs that are aimed at control- over the last month, more than Grey market operators – busi- over offi cial domestic prices, the The limit of Rs50,000 is “too the EC order with an appropri- si (president of All India Ma- ling vote-buying in India’s na- double the $172mn confi scated in nesses that smuggle gold from highest in nearly fi ve months. low for the jewellery industry” as ate petition before the court. jlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen). tional elections, industry offi - the last election cycle in 2014. overseas and sell it in cash to Up to 95 tonnes of gold was even a small 20g gold chain costs Meanwhile, leaders of the They have been propped up by cials told Reuters. The random checking of ve- avoid the duties – got a further smuggled into India in 2018, ac- more than that, said Padmanab- Samajwadi Party-BSP alliance the BJP.” In India, political parties and hicles and seizures have made it boost in 2017 when India im- cording to the World Gold Coun- han of GJC. held a mega election rally in “Recognise your strength and their supporters often off er mon- nearly impossible for smugglers posed a 3% sales tax on bullion. cil, although India’s Association “Demand has fallen due to the Agra without the presence of vote en block to defeat Modi,” ey or goods in exchange for votes. and other “grey market” opera- The grey market operators can of Gold Refi neries and Mints and cash restrictions. We have re- Mayawati. he said. The Election Commission, tors to move cash and gold from sell gold at discounts to prevailing other industry bodies put the fi g- quested that the Election Com- In her place, Mayawati’s Katihar is part of the back- which monitors the polls, tries to one place to another, said the market prices as they evade paying ure at more than twice that. mission raise the limit.” nephew Akash took the stage ward Seemanchal region in prevent this by setting up highway and made his maiden speech Bihar with a sizeable Muslim checkpoints to seize cash, gold, Vellore polling cancelled and appealed to the voters to population. liquor and other high-value items ensure the alliance candidates BJP leader Sanjay Tiger said that candidates avoid mentioning Polling in the Vellore Lok Sabha tra Kazhagam off icial. in Agra and Mathura Lok Sabha the EC should take action in their expenses due to a cap on constituency in Tamil Nadu Reacting to the development, parliamentary constituencies against Singh. “The party will the amount they can spend. was cancelled yesterday, two DMK president M K Stalin said won handsomely. also approach the EC in this Last month in Mumbai, in days after Income Tax off icials it has been done to defame the BSP leader Satish Mishra told connection,” he said. one of the biggest seizures since seized Rs11.5 crore cash from a party. the rally: “Five years of BJP rule z The Congress yesterday the current election was an- warehouse in the district. DMK treasurer Duraimurugan, has been a failure... The BJP was alleged that Prime Minister nounced on March 10, the Di- “Accepting the recommendation whose son D M Kathir Anand only exploiting religious feel- Narendra Modi had “omit- rectorate of Revenue Intelligence of Election Commission dated is the party’s candidate from ings.” ted” certain details about his seized 107kg of gold, worth about April 14, 2019, the President is Vellore, said it was murder of Samajwadi Party presi- property in his affidavits filed Rs300mn ($4.3mn). pleased to rescind election to democracy. dent Akhilesh Yadav launched during previous elections and The slowdown in smuggling Vellore Parliamentary Con- On the other hand senior All a scathing attack on Prime wanted the Election Commis- has boosted gold imports at stituency, Tamil Nadu to elect India Anna Dravida Munnetra Minister Narendra Modi and sion to take “thorough cogni- banks in the world’s second-big- a member to Lok Sabha,” an Kazhagam leader and Tamil urged the people to remove the zance” of it. gest buyer of the precious metal, off icial statement said. Nadu Fisheries Minister D ‘chowkidar’ (watchman). He Congress spokesperson Pa- allowing them to charge a pre- The seizure was made during a Jayakumar, demanded that the said the BJP was spreading ha- wan Khera alleged that Modi mium over global prices. search at a cement warehouse Election Commission disqualify tred and dividing the society. was “hiding something” about “After a big seizure in Mumbai, belonging to a Dravida Munne- the candidate. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) a property in Gandhinagar. smuggling has gone down dras- Shatrughan Sinha’s wife to challenge Rajnath

IANS Lucknow is a prestigious state Lucknow that has been with the BJP since 1991. The party’s iconic leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee held it from arely two hours after Home 1991 to 2009. Since then, Rajnath Minister Rajnath Singh filed Singh has been winning the seat. B his nomination papers with Asked about Poonam as a ri- almost no rival in sight, Poonam val, Rajnath Singh said: “Yes Sinha, wife of actor-turned-pol- somebody must contest, that is itician Shatrughan Sinha, arrived the beauty of democracy. We will in Lucknow yesterday to take him fight elections with full dignity. on as a Samajwadi Party candi- We will maintain the decorum date. that is the legacy of Lucknow.” Poonam reached Lucknow In other developments, former earlier and headed straight to Rashtriya Janata Dal MP and the Samajwadi Party office to former minister Ali Ashraf Fatmi formally become a member of resigned from all posts of the par- the party. ty and announced he will contest SP MP Dimple Yadav, the wife as an independent from Madhu- of Samajwadi chief Akhilesh Ya- bani in Bihar. dav, was present at the party of- Addressing a press conference, fice and gave the membership card Fatmi, a four-time RJD MP from to Poonam. Later, party founder Darbganga, said he will, however, Mulayam Singh Yadav also ar- remain with the RJD. rived at the party office and had a Fatmi said the RJD had earlier meeting with Poonam. assured him a ticket to contest Samajwadi Party sources said from Madhubani after the party that Poonam would file her nomi- fielded senior leader Abdul Bari nation papers tomorrow and she Suddiqui from Darbhanga. would be the candidate of the “Now it is for the party to give Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj me the symbol to contest from Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal party al- Madhubani. I will wait till April liance from Lucknow. The Con- 18.” Congress leader and former gress is likely to support her. Poonam Sinha, wife of actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha (right), is minister Shakeel Ahmad on Mon- The Congress decision not to welcomed by Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav after she joined the party, in day said he will contest the Lok field any candidate from the Uttar Lucknow yesterday. Sabha elections as an independ- Pradesh capital paves the way for ent candidate from Madhubani. a one-on-one face-off between in Lucknow, apart from 350,000 Last week, Shatrughan Sinha Ahmad was unhappy after his Rajnath Singh and Poonam Sinha. Muslims. Poonam is a Sindhi joined the Congress after quit- traditional seat of Madhubani There are 400,000 Kayastha while her husband Shatrughan ting the Bharatiya Janata Party, went to ally VIP under a seat shar- voters and 130,000 Sindhi voters Sinha is a Kayastha. his party of almost three decades. ing formula of the Grand Alliance. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 INDIA AugustaWestland accused seeks bail for celebrating Easter

IANS and the Central Bureau of Inves- They also told the court that be- vestigation,” Michel said in his court granted bail to Gautam The ED opposed Khaitan’s bail The agency said Khaitan was New Delhi tigation (CBI) to Michel’s appli- ing a Christian he was even then plea. Khaitan, another accused in the plea. “controlling” the modus op- cation. not allowed to make prayers. “The applicant (Michel) in- AgustaWestland deal, in a mon- It was the second bail plea erandi and was responsible for The court listed the matter for Michel has been in custody tends to fi le a detailed bail appli- ey laundering and black money moved by Khaitan. On March 12, routing money, misusing his ritish national Christian further hearing tomorrow. for more than nine months that cation and the counsels for the case. the court had rejected his plea connections and clients, in- Michel, the alleged mid- Michel’s lawyers Aljo K Joseph has aff ected his health and he applicant/accused is fi nding it Judge Kumar allowed for bail. cluding the ones inherited from Bdleman in the Rs3,600- and Vishnu Shankar told the has lost more than 7kg in the diffi cult to carry the said docu- Khaitan’s bail plea and asked Khaitan was arrested on Janu- his father, to launder money crore AugustaWestland VVIP court that April 14 to 21 is a holy last four weeks, the lawyers said, ments every time to Tihar Jail him to furnish a personal bond of ary 25, a week after the Income through a variety of accounts chopper deal case, yesterday week for Christians and with and demanded a general medical for taking proper instructions Rs25 lakh. Tax Department searched his in Dubai, Mauritius, Singapore, filed a petition in a Delhi court Easter falling on April 21. check-up for him. with regard to the present charge The court also asked him not offi ces and other properties in Tunisia, Switzerland, the UK seeking bail to celebrate East- The lawyers also told the court “The CBI has given volumi- sheet.” to infl uence witnesses or ham- Delhi and the National Capital and India. er. that Michel was in ED custody nous documents pertaining to Michel was extradited to India per with the investigation in the Region. The ED offi cials said that the Special Judge Arvind Kumar from December 22 to 28 last the entire case and ED has also on December 4, 2018 from the case. It also directed him to join On March 25, the ED fi led a accounts included those belong- has sought the responses of the year and was interrogated by the given more than 3,000 pages United Arab Emirates. the investigation whenever re- charge-sheet in the money laun- ing to his undisclosed shell com- Enforcement Directorate (ED) agency even on Christmas day. with regard to the entire in- In a related development, the quired. dering case. panies outside India. Jet Airways shutdown imminent, say sources

Agencies Jet’s creditors, led by SBI, Mumbai want a new investor to acquire a stake of up to 75% and initial ex- pressions of interest were sub- et Airways Ltd will be forced mitted last week. to shut down as soon as today “Lenders are committed to Jif it does not get emergency a revival plan for Jet Airways,” funding from its lenders, two Punjab National Bank’s Manag- sources familiar with the situa- ing Director Sunil Mehta said. tion said. “SBI is working on the emer- Bankers and a government of- gency funding, everything is fi cial said lenders are scrambling under discussion, nothing is fi - Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah takes part in a road show on the last day of campaigning for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, in Tumakuru in Karnataka yesterday. to secure funds to keep the once- nalised.” dominant airline, whose shares Mehta’s comments come after earlier slumped to their lowest Jet informed all employees in a levels since August 2015, fl ying. letter on Monday it was extend- Another source said that Jet’s ing a suspension of international board authorised its chief execu- fl ights until tomorrow due to a tive Vinay Dube to go back to its lack of funds. main lender State Bank of In- Separately, a government of- dia (SBI) one last time to ask for fi cial said that funding was likely Campaigning ends for emergency funds. to come through and that the “If we don’t get funds today, banks were not looking to take the airline will have to shut down Jet to bankruptcy court. immediately,” a senior company Etihad Airways, which owns a source told Reuters. 24% stake, has reportedly sub- Jet, which did not respond to mitted an expression of interest requests for comment, saw its to buy a controlling stake. second phase of polls shares fall by as much as 18.5% The Press Trust of India news yesterday after media reports agency reported yesterday that Jet IANS In the second phase, voting here to shower my blessings on worker announcing a “reward that its management had advised founder Naresh Goyal had pulled New Delhi will take place in all 39 seats in Rathore. I strongly believe that of Rs10 lakh to anyone who cuts the airline’s board to temporarily out of bidding, deciding not to try Tamil Nadu. It will also cover 14 the country is in safe hands off Satti’s tongue”, the BJP com- suspend operations. to retake control of the airline that seats in Karnataka, 10 in Mahar- when Narendra Modi is the plained. Business channel BTVI said he ran until last month. ampaigning came to an ashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, prime minister. So let’s all en- “It is shameful that the Con- that Jet’s board had authorised Jet has some seven operational end yesterday for 97 Lok fi ve each in Bihar and Odisha, sure that the BJP sends its MPs gress is stooping this low and Dube to seek a minimum of Rs- planes, one of its senior pilots CSabha constituencies and three each in Chhattisgarh to parliament to get a clear ma- resorting to pressure tactics and 4bn ($58mn) in interim funding, told Reuters on Monday. spread over 13 states and Union and West Bengal. jority,” he said. even threatening bodily harm to and to ground the struggling air- A year ago it had more than 120 Territories which will vote to- The electorate in fi ve con- Rathore takes on Congress the BJP leadership,” it said. line if no funds materialised. operating, but it has been hit by morrow in the second phase of stituencies in Assam, two in candidate Krishna Punia. Both A day earlier, the Congress ET Now reported that the competition from low-cost car- the mega electoral exercise. Jammu and Kashmir, and one candidates are sport stars and sought an apology from Satti Export-Import Bank of the US riers such as IndiGo and Spice- In Madurai, since the poll- constituency each in Manipur, former Olympians, who have for using derogatory remarks (EXIM) had recalled all loans to Jet, along with high oil prices, ing period is till 8pm due to the Tripura and Puducherry, would brought fame to the nation. against Congress president Ra- Jet and was seeking to repossess fuel taxes and a weak rupee. famous car festival tomorrow, also cast their votes tomorrow. Rajasthan’s 25 constituen- hul Gandhi and his family. all the planes it funded. India’s civil aviation regulator campaigning in the constitu- The elections started on April cies go to the polls in two phas- In Hyderabad, the YSR Con- EXIM did not respond to a re- disclosed yesterday that lessors ency was allowed till 8pm yes- 11 and will conclude on May es. The Jaipur Rural constitu- gress Party (YSRCP) sought quest for comment. have sought to de-register an- terday. 19. Counting of votes will take ency votes in the fi fth phase Governor E S L Narasimhan’s Jet, which has around $1.2bn other seven Jet aircraft. The 48-hour period preced- place on May 23. on May 6. The last date for fi l- intervention to prevent ris- in bank debt, has been teetering Once de-registered, lessors are ing the conclusion of voting is In other news, Minister of ing of nominations is April 18. ing attacks on party cadres and for weeks after failing to receive a free to take a plane out of the coun- called the “silence period” dur- State for Sports and Informa- The nomination papers will demand more security for the stop-gap loan of about $217mn as try and lease it to other airlines. ing which any kind of political tion and Broadcasting and Communist Party of India be scrutinised on April 20 and Electronic Voting Machines part of a rescue deal in late March. More than two dozen Jet-op- campaigning is prohibited. Bharatiya Janata Party can- (Marxist) Lok Sabha candidate names can be withdrawn until (EVMs) alleging that the law Jet, which also owes lessors, erated planes have been de-reg- As the silence period began, didate Rajyawardhan Singh from Jadavpur, Bikash Ranjan April 22. and order situation was dete- suppliers, pilots and oil compa- istered this month, and Jet has election rallies and street cor- Rathore off ered prayers before Bhattacharya, takes part in an Meanwhile, the ruling BJP in riorating in Andhra Pradesh. nies, has been haemorrhaging been forced to ground dozens ner meetings ended in the 97 fi ling his nomination papers for election campaign, in Kolkata Himachal Pradesh yesterday YSRCP president Y S Jagan planes in recent weeks as its les- more over unpaid dues. constituencies of Tamil Nadu, the Jaipur Rural seat yesterday. yesterday. asked the State Election Com- Mohan Reddy met the governor sors have scrambled to de-regis- A collapse of Jet would deal a Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar He was accompanied by mission to register a criminal and submitted a memorandum ter and take back planes even as blow to Prime Minister Narendra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Odi- yoga guru Baba Ramdev and and Rajya Sabha MP Kirorilal case against a Congress leader alleging that Chief Minister N its lenders have sought expres- Modi’s pro-business reputation sha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Rathore’s wife Gayatri, leg- Meena. for issuing threats to BJP state Chandrababu Naidu was mis- sions of interest from investors as he seeks a second term in on- Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, islator Satish Punia, former Ramdev asked everyone to chief Satpal Singh Satti. using his offi ce to target YSRCP interested in turning it around. going national elections. Tripura and Puducherry. lawmaker Rao Rajendra Singh vote for Rathore. “I have come A video showed the Congress cadres with false cases.

Court refuses to suspend ban Tharoor wants probe order on Chinese app TikTok into temple mishap

IANS ple when he went to celebrate Reuters spond to requests for comment. am, a lawyer arguing against Thiruvananthapuram Vishu, the traditional Hindu New Delhi Jokes, clips and footage re- Bytedance in the case, said. New year. lated to India’s thriving movie TikTok said in a statement The ritual involves sitting industry dominate the app’s that it had faith in the Indian hiruvananthapuram on one side of a balance scale he Supreme Court yes- platform, along with memes judicial system and was “opti- Lok Sabha Congress with offerings equivalent to terday refused a request and videos in which youngsters, mistic about an outcome that Tcandidate Shashi Tha- one’s weight on the other Tby China’s Bytedance some scantily clad, lip-sync and would be well received by mil- roor, aiming for a hat-trick side. Technology to suspend a ban on dance to popular music. lions” of its users. of wins, yesterday sought a As Tharoor sat on the bal- its popular video app TikTok, On April 3, the high court It did not comment further probe into a freak accident at ance, the chains holding it a lawyer involved in the case asked the federal government on the judge’s decision. a temple near due to which he broke and fell on his head. He said, putting the app’s future in to ban TikTok, saying it en- The company, however, wel- had to have eight stitches on was rushed to a hospital. one of its key markets in doubt. couraged pornography and comed the court’s decision to his head. Yesterday, he had a surprise TikTok, which allows users made child users vulnerable to appoint a senior lawyer who “My mother, who is 86 visitor in Defence Minister to create and share short vid- sexual predators. would assist the court in up- years old, said she has never Nirmala Sitharaman. eos with special eff ects, has Its ruling came after an indi- coming proceedings. ever heard of the ‘tulabharam’ The Congress MP said he become hugely popular in India vidual launched a public inter- The high court has requested breaking. So it’s better that a was touched by Sitharaman’s but has been criticised by some est litigation calling for a ban. written submissions from By- probe is needed to know what gesture. politicians who say its content Chinese startup Bytedance tedance in the case and will happened. The district Con- “Touched by the gesture is inappropriate. urged the Supreme Court last next hear it on April 24. gress committee president has of Nirmala Sitharaman, who The app was still available on week to quash the ban order, Salman Waris, a technology already written to the police dropped by today morning to both Apple and Google plat- saying it would go against free- lawyer at TechLegis Advocates seeking a probe. Let us know visit me in the hospital, amid forms yesterday after the Madras dom of speech rights in India. & Solicitors, said the legal ac- what actually happened,” her hectic electioneering in High Court upheld the ban and it The top court referred the tion against Bytedance could Tharoor said, after he was dis- Kerala. was not immediately clear if and case back to the high court, set a precedent of Indian courts charged from the Medical Col- “Civility is a rare virtue in when those companies would where a judge yesterday rejected intervening to regulate content lege Hospital here. Indian politics – great to see implement the court order. Bytedance’s request to put the on social media and other dig- The incident occurred at her practice it by example,” Apple and Google did not re- ban order on hold, K Neelameg- ital platforms. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Tharoor in hospital yesterday. the Gandhari Amman tem- Tharoor tweeted. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA US to allow lawsuits over Cuba property confi scation

AFP waived by successive presidents Under the 1996 law, Cuban sharply back to the former US has sparked a massive exodus. Organisation challenge and a of State Mike Pompeo and dated Washington mindful of the international exiles will be allowed to head eff ort of trying to weaken the The 1996 law — named for cycle of counter-claims in Euro- April 10. consequences. to US courts to sue both pri- Cuban government. far-right Republican senator pean courts. The two EU offi cials called on National security adviser vate companies and the Havana His predecessor, Barack Jesse Helms and congressman The EU has serious concerns Washington to adhere to a 1998 resident Donald Trump John Bolton will formally unveil government for profi ting from Obama, normalised relations Dan Burton — was approved by over the decision by Trump to agreement to grant a consistent will open the way for law- the shift today when he heads properties nationalised after with Cuba, eased travel re- Congress after Cuba in 1996 end the practice of suspending waiver for EU companies and Psuits in US courts over to Miami to address expatri- Fidel Castro’s 1959 communist strictions for Americans and shot down two aircraft fl own by on a rotating six-month basis a citizens while the bloc suspends property confi scated by Cuba, ates from Cuba as well as Ven- revolution. himself visited Havana, saying exiled activists, putting an end section of the 1996 Helms-Bur- a WTO challenge over the issue. enforcing a controversial law ezuela and Nicaragua, two other When it was initially passed, that a half-century of US ef- to tentative eff orts by then presi- ton Act that would allow such “Failing this, the EU will be that had been waived for more countries in Latin America with the law had been strongly op- forts to topple the regime had dent Bill Clinton to try to repair suits, principally from Cuban- obliged to use all means at its than two decades, an offi cial said leftist governments opposed by posed by the European Union, failed. relations. Americans. disposal, including in co-oper- yesterday. Trump. whose businesses have long- Trump has also been push- Meanwhile the European Un- The comments came in a letter ation with other international In allowing a key section of the Bolton “will announce the standing interests on the island ing for the ouster of Venezue- ion warned Washington that any seen by Reuters from EU foreign partners, to protect its interests,” 1996 Helms-Burton Act to take enforcement of Title III of the and are worried about the legal lan President Nicolas Maduro, move to allow US citizens to sue policy chief Federica Mogherini the letter said. eff ect, Trump is moving ahead Helms-Burton Act,” a senior ad- repercussions in US courts. a leftist fi rebrand who presides foreign fi rms doing business in and EU trade commissioner Ce- “The EU is considering a pos- with a provision that had been ministration offi cial said. But Trump has been shifting over a crumbling economy that Cuba could lead to a World Trade cilia Malmstrom to US Secretary sible launch of the WTO case.” Venezuelans at Brazil border live on bus going nowhere

Ortiz and his bus-mates are lombia, according to the World part of a flood of Venezuelans Bank. pouring into the rest of Latin Ixora Sanguino, 27, sweeps America the fl oor of the bus and folds the blankets. Reuters “I never thought I would ever Pacaraima, Brazil live in a bus, and least of all in another country like this,” said the mother-of-three who had to en destitute Venezuelan leave her children behind in Ciu- migrants who fled their dad Bolivar. Tcountry’s crisis did not “There is nothing in Venezue- get far when they crossed into la right now,” she said. Brazil: they have been living When she fi rst crossed the for three months on an aban- border, Sanguino slept in the doned bus just across the bor- street. der. The bus is an improvement, They sleep on cardboard, ex- sheltered from tropical rain. cept for the lucky one who gets Now she is trying to gather the hammock. enough money for a bus ticket The first shipment of Red Cross humanitarian aid to Venezuela is transported from the International Maiquetia Airport towards Caracas, in Venezuela yesterday. They cook on a wood fi re just to Boa Vista, the nearest Brazil- outside the door of the motor- ian state capital, to fi nd work and less 1983 Mercedes-Benz bus. send cash to her hungry family Two children go to the local back home. school every morning. The occupants of the rusty The penniless migrants work metal structure, once an ex- at odd jobs for spare change, press bus, dream of return- loading the cars and pickups of ing to their homeland one day Venezuelans who cross over to when things improve there, First shipment of Red Cross buy food and goods in short sup- but for now survival is a daily ply back home. struggle. “We’ve been living in this bus Rice cooks in a pot held over for three months,” says Hilde- the fi re on an improvised grill. maro Ortiz, 24, from Punta de Usually they eat rice and Mata in eastern Venezuela, who bones, or rice and chicken aid arrives in Venezuela hopes to move to a bigger Bra- when there is enough money zilian city once his son makes it between them to buy meat, she Reuters Maduro had blocked previous shipments would arrive in the guing Maduro’s 2018 re-election arrived via airplane from Pana- across the border. said. Caracas eff orts to deliver assistance and days ahead. was illegitimate. ma, included 14 power genera- Ortiz and his bus-mates are A Spanish priest provides a has denied the existence of a hu- “The same people who had Guaido has since been rec- tors, 5,000 litres of distilled wa- part of a fl ood of Venezuelans coff ee and bread roll breakfast manitarian crisis. previously denied the arrival (of ognised as Venezuela’s rightful ter, and three surgery equipment pouring into the rest of Latin for 350 Venezuelans daily at his he fi rst shipment of hu- There was little hope that the aid), who had previously brought leader by most Western nations. kits capable of serving 10,000 America, often driven by hunger mission house, but migrants manitarian aid from the shipment — intended to help this country to the verge of con- Several countries, including patients each, according to the and desperate to escape an econ- must arrive before 6am to get a TRed Cross intended to al- hospitals cope with shortages of frontation, are today complying the US and neighbouring Co- Red Cross. omy in free-fall as food short- place, she said. leviate a dire economic crisis in equipment and frequent power with humanitarian principles,” lombia, contributed to a Febru- Mario Villarroel, the Red ages and blackouts rattle their The bus off ers some protec- Venezuela arrived in the once- outages — would be anything Pizarro told reporters at the ary eff ort to deliver aid across Cross’ president in Venezuela, oil-rich nation. tion from mosquitoes and the prosperous, oil-rich country more than a palliative measure Congress, adding that the Red Venezuela’s land borders, in the said on Twitter that the materi- Tens of thousands of migrants cold of night, Ortiz said. yesterday, a representative of for Venezuela, where over 3mn Cross would handle the logistics hopes soldiers would disavow als would be distributed to hos- have fl ed the political and eco- When the bugs get bad, he the organisation and a lawmaker people have fl ed the chaos of hy- of distribution. Maduro’s orders to block it. pitals around the country. nomic upheaval in Venezuela starts a cardboard fi re to smoke said. perinfl ation and chronic short- Venezuela was plunged into While that eff ort failed, the The United Nations estimates through Pacaraima, the only them out. The delivery came after an ages of food and medicine. a political deadlock in January, International Federation of the that a quarter of Venezuelans are road crossing to Brazil, creating He is impatient to move to about-face by President Nico- But opposition lawmaker when Juan Guaido, the leader Red Cross and Red Crescent So- in need of humanitarian assist- tension at the border. bustling cities to the south. las Maduro, who last week said Miguel Pizarro said the lack of of the opposition-controlled cieties said in late March it was ance, with 1.9mn suff ering from About 3.7mn people have left “If only this bus had an en- his socialist government had “interference” by Maduro’s gov- National Assembly invoked the prepared to start an aid opera- malnutrition and some 300,000 Venezuela in recent years, most- gine, we would have been on our reached an agreement with the ernment with the entry of aid country’s constitution to as- tion. whose lives are at risk due to lack ly via its western neighbour Co- way to Manaus by now,” he said. Red Cross to bring aid. was a positive step and that more sume an interim presidency, ar- Yesterday’s shipment, which of medicine.

Plane hits house Red Cross volunteers in US museum scraps Mexico get armed escorts Bolsonaro event AFP Bolsonaro was chosen to re- New York ceive the “Person of the Year” Guardian News and Media leagues or fi nish off rivals. The president recently called award from the chamber at a Mexico City In the heroin-producing his crackdown on fuel theft a May 14 gala dinner attended by heartland of Guerrero state, success, but violence has surged ew York’s Museum of more than a thousand people. thugs recently stopped an am- since he took offi ce on December Natural History an- Every year, the body selects olice in an especially vio- bulance transporting an injured 1, 2018. Nnounced it had can- two people — one Brazilian and lent Mexican city have woman to the hospital and shot Government statistics show celled a private function one American — to recognise Pstarted providing armed her dead. 8,524 homicide victims over the booked to take place there that at the sold-out gala. escorts for Red Cross ambulanc- fi rst three months of Lopez Ob- would honour Brazilian Presi- It did not respond to a re- es after gunmen pulled a wound- “We’re all volunteers in rador’s administration, an aver- dent Jair Bolsonaro. quest for comment, nor has it ed man from an emergency vehi- this noble institution. We age of 94.7 per day – numbers The leader, who has been announced the gala’s new lo- cle over the weekend. believe in its mission … but Amlo disputed when pressed on attacked at home and abroad cation. The Red Cross suspended at this time we must care the topic by journalist Jorge Ra- for policies that critics say Following an avalanche of emergency services on Satur- for our physical integrity” mos at an April 12 press confer- threaten the environment and complaints, the museum last day in the city of Salamanca in ence. indigenous communities, was week announced it was con- Guanajuato state after a group The state of Guanajuato, the Public security secretary Al- due to receive an award at the sidering its options over the of armed men threatened para- centre of Mexico’s automobile fonso Durazo later confi rmed museum from the Brazilian- event. medics who were responding manufacturing industry, has the grim fi gures. But he said American Chamber of Com- “The external, private event to a shootout. Service has since become one of the most violent homicide fi gures in March had merce. at which the current president resumed, but police will escort regions in the country thanks to dropped by 21% – a fi gure some “With mutual respect for of Brazil is to be honored was paramedics in certain situations. violence between criminal gangs security analysts dispute. the work and goals of our indi- booked at the museum before “We’re all volunteers in this specialising in siphoning petrol “There is no sign that violent vidual organisations, we joint- the honoree was secured,” the noble institution. We believe in from pipelines. On a single day homicides have been contained ly agreed that the museum is museum tweeted last Thurs- its mission … but at this time in June 2018, six traffi c offi cers over the fi rst three months of the not the optimal location for day. we must care for our physical were murdered in Salamanca, present federal administration,” the Brazilian-Am. Chamber “We are deeply concerned, integrity. We, too, are parents, 300km northwest of Mexico security analyst Alejandro Hope of Commerce gala dinner,” the and we are exploring our op- children and brothers,” the Red City. wrote in El Universal. “That’s museum tweeted. “This tradi- tions.” Cross said in a statement. Andres Manuel Lopez Obra- not necessarily Lopez Obrador’s Firefighters work at the scene after a light aircraft crashed tional event will go forward at In an open letter published Drug cartel thugs have long dor, the president commonly fault: he inherited a powerful, into a house in Puerto Montt after taking off from La Paloma another location on the origi- in the French newspaper Le showed disregard for the work known as Amlo, announced a upward inertia” and not been aerodrome, about 1,000km south of Santiago yesterday. nal date and time.” Monde, 13 representatives of of physicians and fi rst respond- crackdown on fuel theft earlier able to deploy a militarised po- The pilot and five passengers where killed when the aircraft The statement was also Brazilian indigenous peoples ers – going so far as to burst into this year, provoking shortages at lice he has proposed to calm the plunged into a two-storey house setting it on fire. posted on the chamber’s web- had denounced Bolsonaro’s operating rooms to rescue col- petrol stations in some states. country. site. environmental policies. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 PAKISTAN More than 4,000 poll candidates face criminal charges

Internews Commission of Pakistan (ECP) turning offi cer the returns of his two years, or with fi ne which may is required to issue notices call- completion of the entire proce- a specimen for registration of Islamabad has designated the district elec- or her election expenses on Form extend to one hundred thousand ing upon the candidates to show dure involving issuance of three complaints with the district and tion commissioners (DECs) con- C, within 30 days of the publica- rupees, or with both.” cause as to why a complaint may notices by the ECP, action would session judges. cerned as authorised offi cers tion of names of returned candi- Under Section 136 of the Elec- not be fi led against them for fail- be taken against more than 4,000 “The respondent has prima he sword of Damocles to fi le criminal cases against all dates. tions Act, a returning offi cer is ure to fi le requisite returns. candidates across the country facie under the circumstances hangs over the heads of such candidates with the district He pointed out that under required to issue a notice to can- Under the law, the candidate who have not fi led details of their committed an illegal practice Tmore than 4,000 candi- and sessions judges. Section 175 (I), a person is guilty didates who fail to fi le requisite may fi le an application seeking election expenses. by not submitting the requi- dates, who contested the 2018 A source said that the off ence of the off ence of illegal practice, returns within the specifi ed pe- to justify the delay in fi ling the They said that letters have site returns, hence he is liable to general elections of Pakistan but of illegal practice may entail the if he or she fails to comply with riod, calling upon them to show returns, and then fi le the returns, been issued to the district elec- be proceeded against under the failed to meet the legal require- maximum penalty of up to two- Section 134 relating to election cause why proceedings may not and the ECP may approve the de- tion commissioners to fi le com- aforesaid sections of the Act,” the ment of submitting details of year imprisonment and a fi ne of expenses. be initiated against them. lay if it is satisfi ed that such fail- plaints against such candidates. draft complaint reads. election expenses to the return- up to Rs100,000. Section 183 of the Elections If they do not comply with the ure was made in good faith due to The ECP has asked the DECs It seeks registration of a com- ing offi cers concerned, even after He said that under Section 134 Act reads: “A person guilty of the provisions of Section 134 despite circumstances beyond the con- to spare those who submit the plaint against those who failed to the stipulated time frame to do of the Elections Act, a contesting off ence of illegal practice shall be notices, the returning offi cers are trol of the candidate concerned, returns before the fi ling of com- make it for further course of ac- so. candidate other than the winner punishable with imprisonment required to report to the ECP. and accept the returns. plaints against them. tion for its disposal in accordance Sources said that the Election is required to submit to the re- for a term which may extend to On receipt of a report, the ECP The sources said that after The DECs have also been sent with the Elections Act, 2017.

Voter gender gap Peshawar battle brings jumps to over 12mn

Internews down 3-storey building Islamabad AFP/Reuters/Internews security forces with automatic Peshawar guns, and also used mortars and he gap between male and hand grenades. female voters has climbed The suspects had taken cover Tto 12.54mn, with just two n entire three-storey in a residential building in Phase districts of Punjab accounting building was blown apart 7 of the Hayatabad locality, from for more than 1mn. Ayesterday as Pakistani se- where they attacked security An analysis of the latest curity forces detonated a huge forces. district-wise statistics of vot- amount of explosives hidden in- Jameel told the media that one ers released by the Election side, after a bloody, hours-long of the suspects had been killed Commission of Pakistan (ECP) gun battle with militants holed late on Monday night, and the shows that Lahore district con- up in a crowded city. rest were killed yesterday. tinues to be in the lead, with a Video footage by an AFP re- “The Special Services Group gap of 616,945 between male porter at the scene shows the and police personnel partici- and female voters, who number building collapsing in the blast, pated in the operation. Two of 3.05mn and 2.43mn respectively. with a cloud of dust and debris them were injured during (yes- In Faisalabad, the number of rising from the fallen structure. terday’s) action,” he said. male voters is 2.47mn and that of Offi cials said that the mili- The offi cer killed in the opera- women a little over 2mn, refl ect- tants – who have not yet been tion had lost his life on Monday ing a gap of 479,484. identifi ed – had used the build- night. The 20 districts with the larg- ing, in the Hayatabad residential Jameel said that investigators est gender gaps are 17 districts area of Peshawar, as a hideout. are working to identify the mili- of Punjab, two of Khyber Pa- Shafqat Malik, chief of Pe- tants. khtunkhwa, and one of Sindh. shawar’s bomb disposal squad, Peshawar Corps Commander In Gujranwala, the number of told AFP that the militants had Lieutenant General Shaheen male voters is 1.57mn compared planted a motorcycle bomb at Mazhar Mahmood visited the to 1.2mn women voters, a diff er- the gate of the building, and site of the operation yesterday ence of 368,557. linked it to more than 50kg morning. In Rahim Yar Khan, the of explosives throughout the During his visit, Mahmood number of male and female vot- structure. directed security offi cials to ers is 1.38mn and 1.04mn respec- Offi cers from the bomb dis- adopt all possible precautions to tively; a diff erence of 342,744. posal squad carried out a con- ensure the security of the area’s In Karachi (West), the diff er- trolled detonation of the mo- aff ected residents. ence is 334,227 as the district has torcycle device, Malik said, Residents living around the 1.02mn male and 691,870 wom- triggering the explosives inside demolished building were evac- en voters. and bringing the building crash- uated with the help of security In Sheikhupura, the number ing down. personnel and rescue forces. of male voters is slightly over The blast came after security Two injured women from Security forces gather near the demolished building during an operation in Peshawar. 1mn, with 735,651 women. The forces had fought the militants the area were also shifted to the diff erence is 271,121. for 17 hours, authorities said. Hayatabad Medical Complex for a rental basis for almost 15 days. spokesman for Pakistani Tali- been sapped in recent years by battle with Islamist militancy, In Sialkot district, the number In the moments before the treatment. “They seemed to be from the ban, said in a text message to successive Pakistani military with tens of thousands of people of male voters is 1.32mn, with explosion in the video footage, A local resident said that gun- rural areas, from their appear- reporters the fi ve dead men were operations, leading to a sharp believed killed. 1.06mn women. The diff erence bullet holes can be seen across fi ght started in the midst of a ance. All of them were middle- members of the militant group. drop in militant violence in re- Peshawar, near the Afghan is more than 260,000. the building’s facade. search operation launched by aged men, and there were no The Pakistani Taliban are an cent years. border, was for years at the cen- Kasur and Peshawar are next “During exchange of fi re, fi ve police in the area. woman with them. They used to umbrella group of several Sunni However, the militants con- tre of much of the violence. in line with a gap of 262,544 and terrorists have been killed,” the “This area was considered enter and exit the building using Islamist militant outfi ts waging tinue to pose a risk, including However, security across the 261,140, respectively. Pakistan military said in a state- peaceful, but the recent incident the basement door.” war to overthrow the govern- by launching attacks on soft tar- country, including in Pesha- There is a gap of 230,673 in ment, adding that one police of- has proved it otherwise,” the Neither the military nor Pe- ment. gets, such as last week’s bomb- war, has dramatically improved Bahawalnagar, 222,582 in Mul- fi cer was also killed, and two of- person said. shawar police named which The Taliban want to trans- ing which killed 19 in Quetta. since a government and military tan, 221,513 in Sargodha, 212,445 fi cers wounded. Talking about the suspects, of the myriad militant groups form the nuclear-armed nation The Islamic State group crackdown in recent years. in Vehari, 211,372 in Bahawalpur, Qazi Jameel, police chief for the eyewitness said: “The peo- operating in Pakistan that the and govern it along strict Islamic claimed responsibility for the Analysts warn, however, that 209,262 in Okara, and 202,363 in Peshawar city, told reporters ple [the suspected militants] fi ghters belonged to. Sharia laws. Quetta attack. Pakistan has yet to tackle the Khanewal. that militants opened fi re on had been living in the house on Mohamed Khurasani, a The insurgents’ strength has Islamabad has fought a long root causes of extremism. In Mardan, the gap is a little short of 200,000, while Jhang, Gujrat and Rawalpindi districts NAB won’t handcuff have a gap of 179,150, 168,486 arrested offi cials now and 167,558, respectively. The women representation National Accountability Bureau Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa now smoke-free zones among voters is lowest in erst- (NAB) chairman Justice (retired) while Frontier Region Bannu at Javed Iqbal has said that ar- 22%, followed by 31% in North rested off icials will no longer be Internews and indulging risky behaviour using pictorial health warnings vironments in public places and sifi ed as [in the] medium [tier]. Waziristan, 34% in Kohlu, 36% handcuff ed. Islamabad for which smoking cigarettes is on cigarette packs, and banning on public transport. “However, we fi nd that big in Qila Abdullah, and 38% each Addressing top provincial of- the fi rst step.” shisha imports. Kiani said that the Pakistan tobacco companies made de- in Dera Bugti and South Waziris- ficials at a ceremony in Lahore’s While discussing the burden The minister said that the Medical and Dental Council liberate adjustments in prices tan. Civil Secretariat, the NAB chair- he ministry of national of tobacco use, the minister government has begun the will develop the “health haz- resulted in a signifi cant price In contrast, women account man said: “Bureaucracy is the health services (NHS) said that Pakistan is among 15 Tobacco Smoke-Free Capital ards of tobacco use” subject for reduction, causing 88% of the for 49% of the total voters in backbone of the country, and if Thas declared the Pakistan countries in the world with a initiative to protect the popula- basic medical education. market to be taxed at the new Chakwal district, and 48% in it doesn’t make decisions, then Monument and the Lok Virsa heavy burden of tobacco-relat- tion from deadly diseases, such Earlier, Tobacco Smoke- lowest rate in the current tax Jhelum and Sohbatpur. how can we? The government Complex “tobacco smoke-free ed ill health. as cancer. Free Capital project director Dr system,” he said. In Rawalpindi, Khushab, At- drafts policies, and it is the zones”. According to an offi cial Kiani said that the World Minhajur Siraj gave a detailed The offi cial said that after the tock and Islamabad, the wom- bureaucracy’s job to implement The decision will increase the statement from the ministry, Health Organisation (WHO)’s presentation on the initiative. introduction of the third tier, en’s share is 47%. them.” number of public places in the the 2014 Global Adult Tobacco country offi ce, the European A representative of the Pa- around 160bn cigarettes were In FR Bannu, of the 17,798 reg- Iqbal continued: “Last year, mega capital where smoking is pro- Survey found that around 24mn Union and the International kistan National Hearts Asso- produced between May 2017 istered voters, the number of fe- corruption cases emerged in hibited to 214. Pakistani adults use tobacco in Atomic Energy Agency “are ciation said that the tobacco and March 2019. male voters is a low 3,949. Punjab. We have solid evidence At the Pakistan Monument, any form. constantly providing us the industry cost the exchequer The share of big tobacco In the 2013 general elections, against the bureaucrats we con- NHS Minister Aamer Meh- Tobacco prevalence among technical support, and this ac- Rs153bn between 2016 and companies was 75% of the total the gap between male and fe- ducted inquiries, and through mood Kiani pointed out: “A young people is 10.7%, and to- tivity has made its impressions 2019, being awarded a low tax market, which means they were male voters was 10.97mn, which these evidence, I will prove that healthy and smoke-free en- bacco kills around 160,000 Pa- on the International Commu- rate and adjusting the prices of able to sell 120bn cigarettes in jumped to 11.65mn in September what the NAB is doing is correct.” vironment in public places, kistanis each year, the ministry nity of Public Health due to its their most popular brands. the same period, but taxes were 2015, at the start of the local gov- “Bureaucracy should see healthcare establishments, said. innovative approaches”. “Almost 90% of all brands reduced. ernment elections. whether appointments and educational institutes, and on It added that the ministry’s He said that the ministry is consumed in Pakistan were “We suggest that the minis- There were 86.24mn regis- transfers are being made on public transport, is our collec- tobacco control cell is taking in the process of developing a taxed in the lower tier under the try play its role to increase the tered voters in 2013 – 48.61mn the basis of merit and whether tive responsibility, legal obliga- demand and supply reduction National Cancer Control Plan, previous tax system [FY 2016- tax, because a large number men and 37.63mn women. they are right or not,” the NAB tion, and moral duty. measures to reduce tobacco use and one of the large building 17]. If their prices had remained of people would quit smoking The fi gures released in Sep- chairman further said. “Off icers “It will be protecting our in the country, including ban- blocks for cancer prevention the same, [89% of them] would and their lives will be protected tember 2015 showed that the belonging to Grade 19 and above next generation from ill health ning the sale of lose cigarettes, and control is smoke-free en- have automatically been reclas- from chronic diseases,” he said. number of registered voters had will not be arrested without my gone up to 93.06mn. permission.”. There were 52.36mn male vot- “NAB regional off icers will not Use of plastic bags banned in Hunza region RSF criticises move to charge journalist ers and 40.7mn female voters, be able to arrest any off icer on which meant that the registra- their own, and from now on, no The use of plastic shopping bags has environmental and human health, it said. A reporter critical of the army and act and two criminal code provisions. tion of women voters had not arrested off icer will be hand- been banned in Hunza region in order to The notice warned shopkeepers and intelligence services is being prosecuted The charges include “defamatory kept pace with that of men. cuff ed,” he assured. prevent environmental degradation. people dealing in plastic bags to end for “cyber-terrorism”, global media remarks against the respected The number of voters prior to The NAB chairman further said: According to a notice issued by Hunza already existing stock of such bags watchdog Reporters Without Borders institutions of Pakistan” and “cyber- the 2018 elections was 97.01mn “It is the bureaucracy’s job to district administration, the Gilgit- till April 20, as after the date, the (RSF) said yesterday, slamming it as a bid terrorism”, the watchdog said, calling on – 54.5mn men and 42.42mn make policies in the interest of Baltistan Environmental Protection manufacture, sale, purchase and usage to “intimidate” Pakistan’s journalists”. a Karachi court to dismiss the charges. women. the country. The NAB is every- Agency (GBEPA) and Hunza district of the bags would be considered a crime, RSF said that Shahzeb Jillani, who works Jillani is due to appear in court in Karachi More than 10mn voters have one’s institution. Do not take a administration decided to impose ban on the notice said. for Pakistani television station Dunya today, according to RSF. been added to the lists since step which causes loss to the use of plastic bags in the district. The district administration advised News and has worked for the BBC and The Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) then, taking the total number country’s economy.” The decision was taken in light of people and businesses community to use Deutsche Welle in the past, faces charges in a statement also condemned the case to more than 107mn: 60.02mn implications of plastic bags usage on bags made from paper and clothing. under a controversial electronic crimes against Jillani. male and 47.48mn female voters. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Senator expresses satisfaction with universal health law draft

By Javier J Ismael Manila Times

enator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejer- cito was delighted over the com- Spletion of “preliminaries” in the drafting of the implementing rules Energy Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella listens as Fidel Dagsaan, head of the Power Network Planning Division of the and regulations (IRR) of the Universal National Grid Corp of the Philippines, explains the power situation during a news briefing in Taguig City. Health Care Law (UHC). Ejercito, who earned the nickname “Mr Healthcare” for spearheading the UHC, disclosed that discussions on four main components of the law had been completed at the Palace assurance on power Technical Working Group lev- el. These are local health systems, health financing, governance, and regulations and service delivery. situation amid supply crunch “I am happy because things are going well in the drafting of the IRR. As soon as the document is finished By Catherine S Valente or on unscheduled shutdown had a to- on or resolve the matter within 30 days and the law is operational, our peo- Manila Times tal capacity of 1,367 MW. These were: after fi ling. “Upon request of the de- ple will finally be freed from finan- Sual Unit 1 of TeaM Energy Corp (647 partment or any of its bureaus, all gov- cial stress when seeking primary, MW); Limay Unit 2 of SMC Consoli- ernment agencies with functions rela- curative and palliative services,” he alacanang has assured the dated Power Corp (150 MW); Unit 2 of tive to the approval of the projects of said in a statement. “I hope we can public that the government Southwest Luzon Power Generation the department or its duly authorised have the IRR by June or July at the Mwas on top of the situation Corp (150 MW); and Pagbilao Unit 3 of and endorsed entities, whether gov- latest.” amid a power supply crunch. Pagbilao Energy Corp. (420 MW). ernment or private, shall act upon and The next stage is the consolidation Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo Limay Unit 2 and Pagbilao Unit 3 resolve the matter within 10 calendar of the components and refinement made the assurance after the National resumed operations yesterday, while days. Toward this end, the secretary, of the final draft for approval of the Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) Sual Unit 1 will be back online tomor- with the approval of the president, may Department of Health and the Phil- Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito: expressing delight with ‘preliminaries’ on Monday placed the Luzon grid un- row. Unit 2 of Southwest Luzon Power establish an interagency secretariat for ippine Health Insurance Corp. der red and yellow alerts for the fourth will be back to normal operations on the purpose of expediting the approval “Then, the IRR will be published, wise known as “Universal Health selected laboratory tests are free. time this month, as power reserves re- April 21. of said projects,” the law stated. and that’s it. The people will be able Care Act,” in February. Filipinos are automatically covered mained thin because of nonfunction- Also, the Calaca Unit 2 of SEM- Millennium Energy Inc has signed a to enjoy the Universal Health Care The law ensures that all Filipinos by National Health Insurance Pro- ing units of several power plants. Calaca Power Corp. was operating at a PSA with Manila Electric Co (Meralco) that we worked on,” Ejercito said. will have access to quality and af- gramme and medication is cheap- Speaking to reporters, Panelo said de-rated capacity of 100 MW. to supply the power utility with 70 President Rodrigo Duterte signed fordable healthcare. er and primary care is stronger,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told Following the rotating brownouts, MW. Therma Mobile Inc, is also fi nal- into law Republic Act 11223, other- “Under the UHC, check-ups and Ejercito said. him the Department of Energy (DoE) a group of industry stakeholders pro- ising PSA negotiations with Meralco to was keenly monitoring the situation. posed solutions to achieve energy se- provide the listed fi rm with 161 MW. In its advisory, the NGCP said the curity in the Philippines. For, Infrawatch PH, an infrastruc- grid was on red alert, the highest warn- In a statement, the Petroleum Asso- ture-oriented thinktank, all power ing, from 1pm to 4pm. ciation of the Philippines (PAP) said the generating companies (gencos) in- A red alert means there is insuf- country possessed existing indigenous volved in the recent unplanned and fi cient power supply and authorities energy such as the Malampaya gas fi eld forced outages that caused unexpected may implement rotational brownouts in northwest Palawan, which helps in rotating brownouts within the Luzon in some areas. A yellow alert was also ensuring a stable power supply. power grid should be penalised. raised from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm “Supply from the Malampaya re- “The public demands an explana- to 8pm. mains stable. Production from the tion how in the world was it possible During a yellow alert, power reserves Malampaya platform has even been that major generating plants sudden- are below the minimum 647 mega- above its normal average due to the ly become unavailable in such a short watts (MW), but does not necessarily increased demand resulting from the window of time. More importantly, mean there will be power outages. outage of the other power generators,” the public should not be made to The NGCP said the alerts were raised PAP said. pay for these unplanned shutdowns. because of insuffi cient operating re- “The fact is that Malampaya has It should be these gencos (genera- serves due to the forced outage of mul- stepped up and responded to the in- tion companies) that should pay the tiple power plants. creased demand for electricity. costs of higher power rates in the The DoE said it would raise the pow- Otherwise, the power shortage spot market,” James Mark Terry Ri- er supply crunch that struck the entire would have been much worse, and the don, Infrawatch PH convener, said in Luzon grid to President Rodrigo Du- brownouts would have been longer and a statement. terte. more frequent,” PAP chairman Rufi no “We note that these generat- “This is what we can only assure Bomasang said. ing plants are operated by country’s everyone, all the information we will The natural gas platform fuels power leading conglomerates, and thus, all gather, we will endorse it to the Energy stations with a total generating capac- the more should they be made to ex- Regulatory Commission (ERC), Philip- ity of 3,200 MW. It eff ectively supplies plain why their plants went out, and pine Competition Commission (PCC)), electricity to the Luzon region. whether they are making a commit- Congress, especially to the president,” Aside from the Malampaya gas fa- ment to bear the costs of higher pow- Energy Undersecretary Felix William cility, Fuentebella said the Energy er prices from the spot market,” the ONE SMOKER. Fuentebella said at a press briefi ng. department could invoke Section 23 former youth party-list representa- “At the end of the day, we will remain of Republic Act 7638 or the “Depart- tive said. answerable to all these and we will try ment of Energy Act of 1992” to prompt “Should the gencos refuse to make to leave you with as many updates, as the approval of pending power supply a voluntary commitment, govern- transparent and as timely as we can,” agreements (PSAs). ment should initiate penalty pro- TWO PATIENTS. Fuentebella told reporters. He mentioned a Supreme Court rul- ceedings, similar to its intervention The power plants that went offl ine ing, stating the ERC should act upon in the water sector,” Ridon said. Overseas remittances hit fi ve-month low in February TOBACCO KILLS

By Mayvelin U Caraballo fund peso purchasing power, almost Manila Times assuring that household consumption continues, while also augmenting the sustained struggles of the export sec- oney sent home by overseas tor,” he pointed out. Filipino workers (OFWs) fell Cash remittances, which only count Mto a fi ve-month low in Feb- money coursed through banks, rose ruary, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas by 1.5% to $2.301bn in February from (BSP) reported. $2.267bn a year earlier. Personal remittances — com- It fell by 7.3%, however, from the prising OFWs’ net compensation, $2.484bn recorded in January 2019. personal transfers whether in the Year to date, cash remittances grew form of cash or in kind, and capital by 3.0% to $4.784bn from $4.647bn transfers between households — to- last year. talled $2.557bn, 1.2% higher than the Remittances from both land-based $2.528bn posted a year earlier, but ($3.73bn) and sea-based ($1.06bn) 6.8% lower compared to the $2.745bn OFW remittances witnessed a fall. workers rose by 1.0% and 10.5%, re- booked in the prior month. spectively, and were said to have sup- It was also the lowest since Septem- central bank Governor Benjamin Dio- ported the year-to-date tally. ber 2018. kno said in a statement. “By country source, the United The result brought year-to-date “This compensated for the 0.43% States registered the highest share of remittances to $5.302bn, 2.3% higher decline in the personal remittances overall remittances for the period at than the $5.182bn registered in the from land-based workers with work 35.5%,” Diokno said. comparable 2017 period. contracts of one year or more to It was followed by Saudi Arabia, “Personal remittances from sea- $1.93bn from $1.94bn,” he added. Singapore, the UK, the United Arab based and land-based workers with Nicholas Antonio Mapa, ING Bank Emirates, Japan, Canada, Qatar, Hong work contracts of less than one year Manila senior economist, said remit- Kong, and Germany, accounting for rose by 8.5% to $0.57bn in February tance fl ows remained healthy. 77.3% of total cash remittances for the Issued in Public Interest by GULF TIMES 2019 from $0.53bn in February 2018,” “The steady stream of dollars helped two-month period. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka 17 - 04 -2019 Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Economy and politics: The case for central bank independence

Just as US President Donald Trump looks to nominate two political loyalists to the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, so too, how free central banks are from political meddling was a key theme on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund meetings over the weekend in Washington. Trump, for sure, seems unhappy that the Fed under the chairman he chose, Jerome Powell, raised interest rates. Had it not “mistakenly raised interest rates,” he tweeted on March 29, US gross domestic product and stock prices “would have both been much higher.” European Central Bank president Mario Draghi has taken the rare step of commenting on the hot How to liberate debate over whether Trump is undermining the Fed’s independence. At the IMF meeting, Draghi said he was “certainly worried about central bank independence” and especially “in the most important jurisdiction in the world.” Algeria’s economy Also on Saturday, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said that for such institutions, “independence has served them well the informal sector, for low wages smartphones. But although they are The authorities should be transparent over the course of time and hopefully will continue to do By Rabah Arezki Washington, DC and with no social insurance. The intimately familiar with Facebook and about government transfers to SOEs so.” country’s impenetrable markets have Instagram, they have limited access to and avoid the pitfalls of soft budget The modern notion also deterred foreign direct investment, fi nancial payment apps such as PayPal, constraints that can result in higher- especially in labour-intensive service because the country’s over-regulated than-anticipated public spending. Central banks of central bank lgeria faces the herculean sectors such as tourism and hospitality. banking and telecommunications Policymakers must also strengthen the independence evolved task of transforming its Instead, under a tired social systems favour existing fi rms, stymie governance of SOEs in order to improve across the world over time. Following the economy to meet the pressing contract that dates back to Algeria’s competition, and foster collusion. As managerial independence, accountability, Great Depression, the Ademands of a young, growing, independence from France in the a result, most Algerians cannot order and effi ciency. This, in turn, could reduce are struggling and increasingly restless population. early 1960s, an ineffi cient form of goods and services online and transfer the potential burden that such enterprises US Congress gave the Despite the country’s favourable redistribution has been the sole money in the way their counterparts in impose on the budget through contingent to stay above Fed more power to set demographics, its economy remains engine of economic development. But advanced economies do. liabilities, such as government loan monetary policy. Still, it almost entirely dependent on oil and promotion and protection of so-called Promoting a digital economy in guarantees that would come due in the politics wasn’t free from political natural gas, which account for 95% of national champions, often SOEs, Algeria requires an extraordinary event of a default. merchandise exports. together with high levels of public “moonshot” eff ort. For starters, the Private companies could help arm-twisting: Both To provide enough jobs for the employment and universal subsidies, authorities must improve broadband Algeria’s economy to make the Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon pressured millions about to enter the labour has proven to be a frustratingly quality, make Internet access more technological leap needed to boost Fed chairs to keep interest rates low. market, Algeria’s economy needs to ineff ective formula for sustained aff ordable, and create digital and mobile productivity. Policymakers need to The case for central bank independence, however, has grow by more than 6% annually over growth. payment systems. These digital public encourage this, including through the next few years. But GDP growth was Market forces and more competition goods are as important to a new service partnerships that pair private fi rms gained ground elsewhere. The Bank of England was granted a paltry 1.5% in 2018, and is projected are essential for helping individuals economy as utilities such as electric with SOEs. operational independence in 1997. And the ECB, which to stay below 2% for the foreseeable and economies to reach their full power plants are to a traditional one. Here, European utility giants could oversees interest rates for all countries sharing the euro future. potential. But, as in other parts of the Increased connectivity will create serve as a model to follow. Since the currency, has been independent since its creation in 1998. The Algerian authorities must Arab world, this view has struggled new activities, tear down entry European Union began liberalising therefore take urgent steps to liberalise to gain ground in Algeria. Too often, barriers – starting with the critical its electricity sector more than two But in recent years there’ve been moves in the opposite and strengthen the economy, and powerful elites have seized control transportation, distribution, and decades ago, and also as a result of the direction. In the US, the Fed has been blamed for failing to lay the foundations for greater social of economic liberalisation attempts, logistics sectors – and help to develop 2015 Paris climate accord, these utilities foresee and prevent the fi nancial crisis and for bailing out inclusion. In particular, they need to weakening popular support for change. e-commerce by bringing urban and have invested massively in generating some of the very fi nancial institutions that contributed to boost competition, spur the creation But market reforms, if accompanied by rural areas closer to one another. renewable energy and digitising their of a digital economy, and revamp the arm’s-length regulation and supported Connectivity will also make it services. By tapping into Algeria’s vast the disaster. country’s state-owned enterprises by a reinforced legal system, could easier to track public spending, limit solar potential, utilities and SOEs could The Bank of Japan agreed in 2013 to co-ordinate policy (SOEs). prevent the perpetuation of such an bureaucratic red tape, and improve turn renewables into the new oil. with the government, a move some called an alarming Algeria’s economy has been running oligarchy. This would help to promote healthcare and education – in well-off Algeria’s economic and social attack on its independence. In December, the governor in place, with most major businesses equal opportunity and strengthen social and poorer regions alike. challenges are clear, and policymakers and banks still in state hands. cohesion. Finally, Algeria must shake up its must address them at a time of of the Reserve Bank of India resigned just weeks after the Moreover, measures to promote greater Algeria also needs to build an SOEs so that a genuine private sector heightened political uncertainty. Given government moved to exert more control over the RBI’s competition and establish an antitrust advanced digital economy that could can fl ourish. This will require reducing the country’s current mood, they may regulatory powers and how to use its excess capital. framework are in their infancy, and the enhance growth and provide jobs entry barriers in the utility sector and need to move fast. – Project Syndicate Central banks in Pakistan, Russia, Nigeria, South legal and judicial system has been weak for its cyber-savvy youth. Like their other areas, as well as establishing in enforcing them. peers in other Arab countries, young a dedicated regulatory body and zRabah Arezki is Chief Economist for Africa, Thailand and Turkey have also been pressured by High barriers to market entry help Algerians are active on social media; credible legal enforcement to promote the Middle East and North Africa Region politicians in recent years. explain why most Algerians work in nearly all have mobile phones or competition. at the World Bank. In July, Trump began criticising the Fed’s interest-rate increases, breaking with more than two decades of White House tradition of avoiding comments on monetary policy out of respect for the independence of the central bank. Independent central banks are seen better at controlling infl ation with a longer-term view of the economy than those under political control. But Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz has argued that economies with independent central banks don’t always do better in fi nancial crises. As central bankers have turned to new tools such as bond-buying to prop their struggling economies, they’ve also taken on more of the roles that normally have fallen to lawmakers and government spending. But the broader their tasks and the wider the eff ects, the more politics is bound to intrude.

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Algerian lawyers and judges chant slogans and raise a national flag as they gather for a demonstration for the independence of the judiciary outside the Justice Ministry © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved headquarters in the capital Algiers on April 13. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 17, 2019 23 COMMENT Trump’s most worrisome legacy

By Joseph E Stiglitz Again) agenda is, of course, not about discovering, and truth-verifying New York restoring the moral leadership of institutions. Central among them the United States. It embodies and are freedom of expression and celebrates unbridled selfishness and independent media. Like all people, irstjen Nielsen’s forced self-absorption. MAGA is about journalists are fallible; but, as part resignation as US Secretary economics. But that forces us to of a robust system of checks and of Homeland Security is no ask: what is the basis of America’s balances on those in positions Kreason to celebrate. Yes, she wealth? of power, they have traditionally presided over the forced separation of Adam Smith tried to provide an provided an essential public good. families at the US border, notoriously answer in his classic 1776 book The Since Smith’s day, it has been housing young children in wire Wealth of Nations. For centuries, shown that a nation’s wealth depends cages. But Nielsen’s departure is not Smith noted, standards of living had on the creativity and productivity of likely to bring any improvement, as been stagnant; then, toward the end its people, which can be advanced President Donald Trump wants to of the eighteenth century, incomes only by embracing the spirit of replace her with someone who will start to soar. Why? scientific discovery and technological carry out his anti-immigrant policies Smith himself was a leading innovation. And it depends on steady even more ruthlessly. light of the great intellectual improvements in social, political, and Trump’s immigration policies are movement known as the Scottish economic organization, discovered appalling in almost every aspect. Enlightenment. The questioning of through reasoned public discourse. And yet they may not be the worst established authority that followed The attack by Trump and his feature of his administration. Indeed, the earlier Reformation in Europe administration on every one of identifying its foulest aspects has forced society to ask: How do we the pillars of American society become a popular American parlour know the truth? How can we learn – and his especially aggressive game. Yes, he has called immigrants about the world around us? And vilification of the country’s truth- criminals, rapists, and animals. how can and should we organise our seeking institutions – jeopardises But what about his deep misogyny society? its continued prosperity and very or his boundless vulgarity and From the search for answers to these ability to function as a democracy. cruelty? Or his winking support questions arose a new epistemology, Nor do there appear to be checks of white supremacists? Or his based on the empiricism and on corporate giants’ efforts to withdrawal from the Paris climate skepticism of science, which came capture the institutions – the courts, accord, the Iran nuclear deal, and to prevail over the forces of religion, legislatures, regulatory agencies, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear tradition, and superstition. Over and major media outlets – that are Forces Treaty? And, of course, there time, universities and other research supposed to prevent them from is his war on the environment, on institutions were established to help exploiting workers and consumers. healthcare, and on the rules-based us judge truth and discover the nature A dystopia previously imagined international system. of our world. Much of what we take only by science fiction writers is This morbid game never ends, of for granted today – from electricity, emerging before our eyes. It should course, because new contenders for transistors, and computers to lasers, give us chills to think of who “wins” the title emerge almost daily. Trump modern medicine, and smartphones US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are appalling in almost every aspect. in this world, and who or what we is a disrupting personality, and after – is the result of this new disposition, might become, just in the struggle to he’s gone, we may well reflect on undergirded by basic scientifi c would ensure society’s wellbeing on our understandings of social not be perfect, but they have been survive. – Project Syndicate how such a deranged and morally research (most of it fi nanced by was a more complicated matter than organisation. Out of this process designed so that it is more likely challenged person could have been government). discovering the truths of nature. emerged an appreciation that that flaws will be uncovered and z Joseph E Stiglitz is University elected president of the world’s most The absence of royal or In general, one couldn’t conduct governance institutions based on the eventually corrected. professor at Columbia University and powerful country in the first place. ecclesiastical authority to dictate controlled experiments. rule of law, due process, and checks That process of experimentation, the 2001 recipient of the Nobel Prize But what most concerns me how society should be organised to A close study of past experience and balances, and supported by learning, and adaptation, however, in Economics. His new book, People, most is Trump’s disruption of the ensure that things worked out well, could, however, be informative. foundational values like individual requires a commitment to Power, and Profits: Progressive institutions that are necessary for or as well as they could, meant that One had to rely on reasoning liberty and justice for all, are more ascertaining the truth. Americans Capitalism for an Age of Discontent, the functioning of society. Trump’s society had to figure it out for itself. and discourse – recognising that likely to produce good and fair owe much of their economic success will be published this month by W.W. “MAGA” (Make America Great But devising the institutions that no individual had a monopoly decisions. These institutions may to a rich set of truth-telling, truth- Norton and Allen Lane.

Investor relations and the development Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 380c Minimum Temperature : 250c

THURSDAY of Qatar’s capital markets Maximum Temperature : 340c Minimum Temperature : 250c By Steff an Williams That’s where Qatar has an op- growth, the country’s growing roster presence in Qatar, advises compa- FRIDAY portunity to steal a march on the rest of listed companies need to respond nies on effective engagement with Maximum Temperature : 350c of the region and set the standard in and improve their approach to IR. investors. We work with our clients Minimum Temperature : 260c capital markets. IR has been seen as a low prior- to promote and build their invest- lmost two Fisherman's forecast years on In a major change that will take ity or a poor relation to PR. Having ment case and reputation with equity from the place in October this year, Qatar will a clear IR strategy should be a board markets investors and commenta- WARNING Astart of the be introducing a mandatory “rules- level responsibility with a seat at the tors. Our team is engaged by clients Inshore : Nil blockade, Qatar’s based” framework for investor top table. In the US, for example, the either as part of a wider integrated Offshore : Nil economy remains in relations (IR), which includes three role of the investor relations officer approach, or through a bespoke IR robust health. key measures to ensure that listed in a company is often a staging post programme. WEATHER Inshore : Relatively hot daytime Despite the embargo, and a tur- companies focus more on their IR on the way to a senior executive role. QSE listed companies have noth- with slight dust and bulent global landscape, the Qatar functions. The roll-out of this initia- The recent developments in Mifid ing to fear from the new rules. some clouds, mild by Stock Exchange (QSE) was the best tive is being led by the QSE. II, together with this year’s rules Higher standards of IR and levels night performer in the world in 2018, ris- The framework stipulates that all change, means that disclosure and of transparency will inevitably lead Offshore : Scattered clouds to ing 24%. companies must: appoint a dedi- transparency will have to grow to greater coverage by regional and partly cloudy at times October 2018 saw another land- cated and suitably qualified Investor through an increasing focus on IR. international analysts, which in turn WIND Inshore : Mainly Southwesterly- mark, when the Qatar Aluminium Relations Officer (IRO); create an IR A successful IR strategy is a mix creates a clearer picture for inter- Southeasterly 05-15/20 Manufacturing Company (Qamco) section on their company web- of art and science and should be national investors eyeing a part of KT became the 46th listed entity on the sites, made available in both Arabic implemented over a long-term Qatar’s economic story. Offshrore : Southeasterly - South- QSE. Further listings are expected and English; and provide periodic timeframe. In the words of legendary For companies aiming to increase westerly 03-13/20 KT in 2019. updates through quarterly inves- investor Warren Buffet, “the role of their market capitalisation, a deeper Internationally, many foreign tor presentations and investor calls an effective IR campaign is to attract pool of long-term domestic and Visibility : 4 - 8 KM institutional investors have bought hosted by a C-level executive. investors who never sell”. international investors represents a Offshore : 1 -3/4 FT great opportunity. The efforts of the into the Qatar story and billions To communicate the importance of If you don’t have the in-house ex- Around the region more dollars await the right oppor- the new framework and explain how pertise to develop a solid IR plan, or QSE to enhance the development of Weather tunities. the rules will work in concept and if you’d just like the benefit of a fresh Qatar’s capital markets is part of the Weather tomorrow Max/min As well as strong economic indica- principle, the QSE convened on 14 outside perspective, consider hiring 2030 Nation Vision and its blueprint today Max/min P Cloudy 29/16 tors, the race to attract capital and March a workshop attended by over external IR advisers — which can to diversify the economy, and should Baghdad Sunny 26/14 S Showers 29/22 investments will be won by those 80 people from QSE-listed compa- help provide the judgment, industry be applauded. Kuwait CityP Cloudy 33/23 P Cloudy 33/24 countries that have the best possible nies. knowledge, investment community Manama P Cloudy 34/25 Sunny 32/25 regulatory environment and are able As Qatar strengthens regulatory relationships, and capital markets z Steffan Williams is Partner and Muscat Sunny 32/24 P Cloudy 21/12 to smooth the way for corporate frameworks and creates an environ- expertise that you need to succeed. Head of Financial Communications, Tehran S T Storms 25/13 access. ment conducive to further economic Portland, which has a significant Portland Communications.

Live issues Financial scam victims have higher risk of Alzheimer’s

Around the world By Lisa Rapaport mild cognitive impairment. often called tau or tangles. Scientists “Memory loss is an early sign of Reuters Health Low scam awareness was associated suspect that the damage begins in the Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr Jason Weather Weather with a 56% higher risk of Alzheimer’s hippocampus, a region of the brain Karlawish, co-director of the Penn today Max/min tomorrow Max/min and a 47% higher risk of mild cognitive involved in memory. Memory Centre at the University of Athens Showers 18/09 P Cloudy 17/10 lder adults who are victims impairment, researchers report in the The only way to confi rm an Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Beirut Showers 18/14 P Cloudy 18/14 of fi nancial scams may Annals of Internal Medicine. Alzheimer’s diagnosis is by doing a “This study suggests that, perhaps, Bangkok M Cloudy 37/29 P Cloudy 36/29 be more likely to develop “Decreased scam awareness may be brain autopsy. changes in social cognition are, too; Berlin M Sunny 17/06 M Sunny 21/07 Odementia and Alzheimer’s a very early sign of Alzheimer’s disease Researchers examined autopsy meaning, changes in the ability to judge Cairo P Cloudy 24/12 Sunny 24/14 disease than elderly people who don’t - one that is present well before results for 264 people who died during other people’s emotions and social cues Cape Town Cloudy 19/13 Sunny 22/13 get tricked by scammers, a small US cognitive symptoms are recognisable,” the study. They found the brains of may signal a person is at risk of cognitive Colombo S T Storms 31/27 T Storm 31/27 study suggests. said lead study author Patricia Boyle people with lower scam awareness decline,” Karlawish, author of an Dhaka S T Storms 35/25 Sunny 34/26 For the study, researchers gave scam of the Alzheimer’s Disease Centre at had more damage associated with accompanying editorial, said by e-mail. Hong Kong M Sunny 26/21 S T Storms 27/25 awareness questionnaires to 935 older Rush University Medical Center in Alzheimer’s. Family members and caregivers of Istanbul P Cloudy 15/07 P Cloudy 13/08 people who didn’t have dementia. Chicago, Illinois. The study wasn’t a controlled older adults should keep a close eye Jakarta T Storm 32/26 T Storm 32/26 Five questions assessed how open “Evaluations of behaviours such experiment designed to prove whether on how well they manage money, and Karachi Sunny 32/23 Sunny 34/23 people were to sales pitches, how as scam susceptibility may help to or how scam awareness might directly fi nd a way to monitor their fi nancial London P Cloudy 18/08 P Cloudy 21/09 interested they were in potentially identify who is at greatest risk of infl uence the risk of developing transactions to try to head off scams, Manila P Cloudy 36/28 M Sunny 37/27 risky investments, and whether they developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s or dementia. Karlawish advised. Ideally, older adults Moscow M Sunny 10/02 Cloudy 09/0 understood that elderly people are who may benefi t most from therapeutic One limitation of the study is that should give online view-only access to New Delhi T Storm 26/19 M Sunny 30/21 more vulnerable to scams. intervention,” Boyle said by e-mail. Alzheimer’s can take years to develop accounts and be cautious about who New York M Sunny 17/09 Showers 16/03 On average, participants scored Alzheimer’s, which gradually and the study may not have been long gets access to their fi nancial records. Paris P Cloudy 19/09 M Cloudy 23/11 2.8 out of a possible fi ve points, with destroys memory and thinking skills, enough to detect all cases that might “Be aware that a power of Sao Paulo P Cloudy 27/17 Sunny 27/16 higher scores indicating lower scam is the most common cause of dementia develop with more time, the study attorney is a power to steal and that Seoul M Sunny 21/07 M Cloudy 17/07 awareness. among older adults. Inside the authors note. It’s also unclear whether joint accounts are just that, joint,” Singapore M Cloudy 33/27 S T Storms 32/27 After an average follow up of six brain, Alzheimer’s is associated with people who had low scam awareness in Karlawish said. “The other holder can Sydney P Cloudy 23/15 P Cloudy 25/17 years, 151 participants developed abnormal clumps known as amyloid questionnaires might actually become spend the money as he sees fi t and Tokyo Cloudy 21/10 Cloudy 22/12 Alzheimer’s disease and 255 developed plaques and tangled bundles of fi bers, the victims of fi nancial scams in real life. spend it legally.” Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 QATAR

Glimpses of Central Municipal Council elections in the country

Snapshots from the Central Municipal Council elections yesterday at diff erent polling booths in Doha. PICTURES: Thaujdheen and Jayaram

Sheikha Yousef Hasan al-Jufairi, who has been elected for the fifth term to the CMC.

Supreme Judiciary Council chairman lauds CMC poll HE the Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi praised the success of the sixth Central Municipal Council (CMC) elections, saying it reflects the keenness of Qatar’s wise leadership to include citizens in the prosperity witnessed in the country. Dr Hassan said that the electoral process went well, thanks to the eff orts made by the Ministry of Interior before and during the election process. He added, CMC elections are one of the pillars of the democratic experiences in Qatar and it is one aspect of the development witnessed by the state in political, sports, economic, social and cultural fields. “These elections also highlight the important role played by citizens alike in the decision-making process and their participation in decisions concerning the development of their residential areas.” Dr Hassan toured a number of constituencies during the voting process. Advisory Council Speaker welcomes new Sixth CMC elections members see 50% voter turnout HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid From Page 1 al-Mahmoud commended the elections of the Central Director of Planning and Quality De- Municipal Council (CMC) partment, and member of the Supervisory as one of the pillars of “our Committee Brigadier Abdul Rahman Majid democratic experience, al-Sulaiti confi rmed that the voting process which was founded by our was in accordance with the arrangements wise leadership to engage prepared by the Supervisory Committee. citizens in solving the On his part, Brigadier Salem Saqr al-Ma- issues of their society and rikhi, director of the Legal Aff airs Depart- developing their areas.” In ment at the Ministry of Interior and deputy an exclusive statement to chairman of the Supervisory Committee on Qatar News Agency (QNA), Elections, confi rmed that the election day al-Mahmoud said the sixth was concluded in the best way. edition of CMC elections Brisk polling was reported from most of comes when the country the booths. According to preliminary data, has taken great strides in 15 of the 25 constituencies where elections economic, political, social were held recorded more than 50% of poll- and cultural development, ing. They are: Markhiyya (56.2%), South thanks to the wise Duhail ( 53.7), Bin Omran (62.9), Thumama policy and directives of (53.1), Musaimeer and Abu Hamour (71.7), His Highness the Amir Muaither (53.5), New Rayyan (60.5), Bani Brisk polling was reported from most of the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Hajer (55), Khuraithiyath – Ezghawa (50.3), booths. al-Thani. Concluding his Al Sakhama (58.7), Al Karaana - Salwa Road statement, the speaker (72.8), Al Shahhaniyya (51), Al Jumailiya ing their ballots. thanked the members of (58.4), Al Khor (56.5), Al Zakheera (73.8) and Of the total 26,640 voters, 13334 exercised the former CMC for their Shamal (70.6) . With 73.8%, Al Zakheera their franchise. This included 6,951 male eff orts and hard work topped the list . voters and 6,383 female voters. The complete list of the winners, in the order for the benefit of their Out of the registered 520 voters, 484 cast In this election, 85 candidates, including country. He wished the their ballots at Al Zakheera. fi ve women, contested in 25 constituencies of constituency number, constituency name, new members success in Umm Slal Mohamed recorded the lowest out of 29 constituencies. Four districts -Mu- and the name of the elected member performing their role in voter turnout at 14.4 %. It was followed by jthaza, Rawdath Rashid-Al Jamila, Al Kaaban this national responsibility. Azeeziyya that saw 22.1% of the voters cast- and Ghuwairiyya -were won uncontested.