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Lebanon 70% tickets for central bank to FIFA Club World reduce Cup matches already interest rates sold: Official

Wednesday 4 December 2019 | 7 Rabia II 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8095 | 2 Riyals

Amir receives Amir chairs SC meeting, reviews preparation for Qatar 2022 invitation to attend GCC Summit

QNA DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia inviting H H the Amir to attend the GCC Supreme Council 40th session to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 10. The message was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani chaired yesterday the third meeting for 2019 of the Board of Directors of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- Legacy (SC) at the Amiri Diwan. The meeting was attended by Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani; H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, rahman Al Thani, during his meeting yes- terday with the Secretary-General of the Personal Representative of H H the Amir, and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors; Prime Minister and Interior Minister and Board Member H E Sheikh Gulf Cooperation Council, H E Abdullatif bin Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the other members of the Board. They reviewed the progress of work on all the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Rashid Al Zayani. `P3 projects and the progress of the operational and security plan for 2019 FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar. Darb Al Saai to come alive Qatar best in the Mideast for tourists with QND festivities soon with special needs SIDI MOHAMED Among the important organ- THE PENINSULA The Organising Committee of the Qatar isations participated in Darb Al SACHIN KUMAR in Qatar to everybody. National Day 2019 celebration will add more Saai festivities last year included THE PENINSULA “We are delighted to be Thousands of Qatar’s citizens activities this year that promote and enrich the Ministry of Interior, the Min- working with Wheel The World and residents will soon enjoy the spirit of loyalty, patriotism, pride and istry of Justice, the Ministry of Qatar has accomplished yet and using Google Assistant API Qatar National Day activities at national identity among people. Defense, Police College, Ministry another feat in making it the most technology to make Qatar acces- Darb Al Saai as more than 70 of Education and Higher Edu- accessible tourist destination for sible to all, and this initiative is percent of preparation at the cation, the Ministry of Munici- people with disabilities in the an ideal opportunity for us to main venue of Qatar National pality and Environment, Qatar region. It has become the first live our Ooredoo brand pillars,” Day celebrations has been Foundation among others. country in the Middle-East region said Sheikh Mohammed bin completed. The Organising Committee to feature in list of ‘Wheel The Abdullah bin Mohammed Al The Organising Committee has allocated many parking World’ - a travel company that Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Kuwait. of the Qatar National Day 2019 spaces for visitors, including promotes tourism for those with “In making a difference to celebration will add more activ- those with special needs. Nine disabilities and certifies countries those with disabilities we are ities this year that promote and gates have been allocated for and tourist experiences, said a caring; we are challenging the enrich the spirit of loyalty, patri- entry into the venue. Signboards senior Ooredoo official. current status that some activities otism, pride and national identity new entities will be participating Rashid Odaiba, Assistant are also provided to guide the Ooredoo, in press conference in Qatar – such as dune bashing among people. for the first time this year in the Director of the Media and Traffic public. held yesterday, launched 5G – are off-limits to those with dis- The celebration will begin on Darb Al Saai festivities such as Awareness Department said that Darb Al Saai, means the enabled and Google Assistant abilities; and we are connecting December 12 and will continue the Ministry of Culture and it is an honor for the General ‘Route of the Messenger’ used ready digital wheelchair which people with disabilities all over until December 20. The festiv- Sports. Directorate of Traffic to partic- by the delegates whom the allows its users to get information the world to enable them to book ities at Darb Al Saai are aimed to Also some new activities ipate in the National Day activ- country’s founder Sheikh Jassim about Qatar and its tourist attrac- unique experiences in Qatar via achieve the National Day vision have been added to the activities ities in Darb Al Saai like many bin Mohamed bin Thani would tions on the go. The telco leader the Ooredoo and Wheel The and meant to commemorate the this year such as Al Bidaa activity other institutions which partic- entrust to deliver his instruc- also introduced a Qatar specific World branded booking portal,” anniversary of the establishment depicting sea life of older days. ipate in it. tions and directives. These men Google Assistant ‘Sarah’ which he added. of the State of Qatar by the There have been changes to Talking to a local TV, he were known for their out- not only answers queries “We want to make the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin the locations of some of the further said: “This year we will standing characteristic traits regarding Qatar but also helps incredible experiences our won- Mohamed bin Thani. entities participating in the have a distinctive participation such as loyalty, obedience, the users to plan their travel. derful country has to offer available During a visit to Darb Al Saai event. All the tents have been through the Traffic Department courage and insight on account Ooreedoo announced its to all, and we look forward to wel- venue yesterday, The Peninsula installed and major fit-out works pavilion. There will be good sur- of which they were chosen to partnership with Wheel The coming visitors of all abilities to noticed that the preparations are are done. prises for visitors for the first play such a sensitive role in World which is aimed at opening enjoy them,” said Sheikh going on at a fast pace and many Colonel Jaber Mohamed time at our pavilion.” those difficult times. up the many tourist attractions Mohammed bin Abdullah. `P2 High traffic recorded as thousands of football fans opt for Doha Metro

MOHAMAD BWARY – citizens and residents – used will transfer the fans to the THE PENINSULA ONLINE the Metro to reach Khalifa Inter- stadium. national Stadium, where Qatar Earlier it was announced Doha Metro witnessed unprec- National Team played against that FIFA Club World Cup Qatar edented rush on Monday as most the UAE in their crucial group 2019 match ticket holders will of the football fans opted for match. The Sports City station is benefit from free travel on Doha metro instead of private only a short walk from the Metro. Anyone with a printed transport to reach Khalifa Inter- stadium. match ticket will be eligible to national Stadium for Qatar vs The Al Annabi didn’t disap- collect a free standard class day UAE match. point the packed stadium as they pass from any metro station on Doha Metro recorded crushed UAE 4-2 to reach the match days. 95,000 journeys yesterday and semi-final of the 24th Arabian Tickets will be available in they thanked the public for the Gulf Cup. all stations from the Gold Club support. “Yesterday was a Fans can depend on the box office. For more information momentous day for Qatar. metro for the semi-final also as on Doha Metro services can be 95,000 journeys were made Qatar will play Saudi Arabia on had from www.qr.com.qa. using the Doha Metro, this really Thursday, December 5 at Al Fans were praising the metro is changing the way we move. Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah at for the efficient service and con- Thank you!” Doha Metro 8pm. venience as they didn’t have to tweeted. The metro red line ends at face the evening traffic or look Commuters queueing outside one of the Doha Metro stations on Monday. PIC: Twitter.com/qrc_official On Monday, many people Wakrah Station and feeder buses for parking. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019

Doha prepares for Prime Minister meets CEO of Thales Group QRCS initiates Phase 2 of International Conference on education aid Disability and Development project in Afghan’s Urozgan Province QNA DOHA THE PENINSULA/DOHA

Qatar Foundation for Social Doha International The representation office of Work has concluded a series of Conference on Qatar Red Crescent Society preliminary workshops for the Disability and (QRCS) in Afghanistan has Doha International Conference initiated Phase 2 of a project to on Disability and Development Development will be support education in remote and to be held on Saturday and held on Saturday and poor provinces of the country. Sunday under the patronage of Sunday under the Educational aid has been H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser patronage of distributed to five schools in who is the founder of the foun- Urozgan Province, southern dation. H H Sheikha Moza bint Afghanistan. At a total cost of The conference, to be held Nasser, the founder of $180,000, the aid offered in cooperation with a number Qatar Foundation for included 548 double chairs and of United Nations organizations desks, 38 classroom tents, and with the participation of Social Work. 9,500 copies of textbooks, 1,095 high-level personalities from school bags with stationery, international, regional and local The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with the 300 kits of teaching aids, and institutions, and attracting international attention, is due to cul- Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, Patrice Caine, on the occasion of his visit to the country. They five containers to be used as minate in the Doha Declaration, which will be a global constitution reviewed areas of cooperation and ways of enhancing them. administration offices. to promote the rights of nearly 1.5 billion people with disabilities Estimated to benefit up to worldwide. 1,095 students, the project was The foundation concluded a series of preparatory workshops co-implemented with the that included over 20 discussion sessions with the participation of Qatar, Philippines sign MoU to hold political consultations Afghan Welfare Society, in coor- CEO of Qatar Foundation for Social Work Amal bint Abdul Latif Al dination with the Ministry of Mannai and hundreds of experts from universities, ministries, NGOs Education and the Provincial and relevant institutions to discuss a number of issues related to Department of Education. Earlier issues of persons with disabilities. this year, a memorandum of Al Mannai said that organising the conference required intensive understanding (MoU) was signed efforts, evidenced by five workshops the foundation that featured by the three parties to stipulate hundreds of experts over the past few months. She expressed her partnership in all preparations, hope that the conference would be a catalyst for an international logistics, selection of benefici- movement to support the rights of persons with disabilities, and aries, purchase of aid, delivery that the Doha Declaration would produce a roadmap for the pro- to the province, and handover to motion of the rights of persons with disabilities. the target schools in the Chora The first workshop, entitled ‘Strategies for Data Collection and and Tarinkot Districts, central Analysis and Building Inclusive Policies for Disability’ with the par- Oruzgan. ticipation of over 50 experts. The workshop examined the best prac- During the handover cer- tices and tools used globally in collecting data on persons with dis- emony, attended by parents abilities and how they can be used to develop policies that take into council members, school account their rights. directors, and community The workshop concluded that it was necessary to establish and leaders, Othman Ghani, from a update an integrated database for persons with disabilities on a village Shura Council, said this was regular basis, ensuring compatibility of data with international con- the first time they received such cepts and standards on disability. educational aid. He noted that the The second workshop entitled ‘Assistive Technology and its The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi (second right), met with the parents were so happy because Contribution to the Inclusive Development Goal of Disability’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, H E Teodoro L Locsin (second left), their children would have healthy reflected the belief in the effective role of technology in helping in Manila yesterday. They reviewed bilateral relations and a number of issues of common concern. seats inside safe tents, instead of people with disabilities and facilitating their social integration, espe- The meeting witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to hold political sitting on the ground, prone to the cially with the advancement of Qatar in this field. consultations between the two foreign ministries on issues of common concern. sun and rain. Asadullah Shafiq Saeed, Governor of Urozgan, expressed his great gratitude for QRCS’s 9th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival begins diverse humanitarian and development aid across RAYNALD C RIVERA shipbuilding and making ropes, Afghanistan, especially the edu- THE PENINSULA sail and dredging machine to the cation supplies to the needy display of ancient dhows, hand- schools. This aid, Saeed The annual Katara Traditional icraft, traditional food and asserted, would meet the needs Dhow Festival kicked off its longest seafood to cultural performances of the students in such difficult edition yet in a festive atmosphere and workshops, this year’s fes- conditions, promote the devel- yesterday at Katara Beach. tival has a lot on offer to Katara’s opment efforts in Afghanistan, Held under the patronage of visitors. and embody the strong rela- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin The festival also includes a tions between the Afghan and Hamad Al Thani, the 14-day fes- forum that hosts the crew of Fath Qatari peoples. “I hope that this tival, which marks its ninth Al Khair 4, which completed a his- support would continue and edition, was inaugurated by Dr. toric voyage to Europe promoting expand to other fields in the Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sualiti, the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Mar- future,” he added. General Manager of Katara, in itime contests including rowing, the presence of Sheikh Faisal bin sailing, Al Haddaq, free swimming, Qatar condemns Qassim Al Thani, and Dr. Al Brikha, Al Jinan, Shoush and attack on Church Mohammed Saleh Abdullah Al Tafrees, in addition to Senyar Sada, former Minister of Energy competition, will also be held in Burkina Faso and Industry. during the course of the festival. Organised by Katara Cultural One of the key features for QNA/DOHA Village, the event is inspired by this edition of the festival is the Qatar’s rich maritime heritage staging of ‘Al Qumash’ – a sto- The State of Qatar voiced strong and celebrates history through rytelling presentation by school- condemnation and denunci- cultural events. This year, the children which narrates Qatar’s ation of the attack that targeted festival has witnessed the par- Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sualiti (left), General Manager of Katara, and Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al rich maritime history which a church in eastern Burkina ticipation of 11 countries Thani visiting one of the stalls taking part in the ninth Katara Traditional Dhow Festival during its includes pearl diving and the Faso killing 14 people including including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, opening at Katara Beach, yesterday. changes it witnessed through children. Iraq, Turkey, India, Greece, Italy, time until the present. Visitors The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spain, Iran, and Zanzibar. “The Dhow Festival is the and from all walks of life to come troupes add colour to the the fes- can watch the show tomorrow reiterated Qatar’s firm position “This is the first time that the most distinguished among the and see this exciting festival. We tival which features a pro- and on Friday. Primary school on rejecting violence and Dhow Festival is being held over traditional and cultural festivals expect many more people this gramme packed with activities children will feature in the show terrorism, regardless of two weeks. It is also coinciding with and seeks to inspire the young time from all nationalities, and and events including exhibitions, which will be staged twice - at motives and reasons, and the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup football generation to learn and follow also fans of football who are and traditional art, competitions, and 7pm, and at 9pm. The festival affirmed Qatar’s total rejection tournament and the FIFA Club their forefathers’ cultural past. will be in Qatar,” he added. cultural and recreational activ- runs until December 16 and is of targeting places of worship World Cup Qatar 2019,” said Dr. Katara Cultural Village has put Traditional music and dance ities. From the rich showcase of open every day from 9am to 12 and intimidating the safe Sulaiti at the opening ceremony. in all efforts for people of all ages performances from different traditional methods of fishing, noon and from 3pm to 10 pm. civilians. Qatar best in Mideast for tourists with special needs

FROM PAGE 1 we are enabling this through strategic partners Qatar National Ooredoo,” said Fatima Sultan Al Tourism Council, Accessible Qatar, Talking to reporters on the side- Kuwari. Supreme Committee for Delivery & lines of the event, Fatima Sultan Al Via the new partnership, Legacy and Plug & Play and sup- Kuwari Chief Consumer Officer, Ooredoo will create unique expe- ported by Qatar Airways, Katara Ooredoo Qatar said that a team of riences in Qatar for visitors with Hospitality, Sharq Village & Spa, Wheel The World visited several additional needs, leveraging its 5G Embrace Doha, Qatar International places in Qatar. They met many network and technology. Using Adventures, and 365 Adventures. tourism companies and discussed Google Assistant API, the company Wheel The World promotes about accessibility of such places will offer a booking portal and a tourism for those with disabilities, for people with disabilities. Many pre-trip virtual assistant so visitors raising awareness of the challenges attractions and activities in Qatar can use it to plan their trip in they face when choosing travel are now certified by Wheel The advance. The digital wheelchairs options and working to make expe- World, she added. can be booked in advance before riences possible. The collaboration “Qatar is the first country in the or on reaching Qatar. has many high-profile backers Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, CEO, Ooredoo Kuwait; and Fatima Middle East that is added on the list The collaboration between including celebrities and influencers Sultan Al Kuwari, Chief Consumer Officer, Ooredoo Qatar; with other officials and special of Wheel The World. Qatar is always Ooredoo and Wheel the World is such as Samanta Bullock, Ghanim invitees at the event to announce Ooredoo’s partnership with ‘Wheel the World’ held at the pioneering and we are happy that accomplished together with Al Muftah, and Ahmed Al Shahrani. Marsa Katara in Doha yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 03 Winners of Qatar Global Amir receives invitation to attend GCC Summit Award for Dialogue among Civilizations announced

QNA/DOHA Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Abdelsalam from Egypt won the first place in this edition entitled Winners of Qatar Global Award “Migration in the Context of Cultural Dialogue” for Dialogue among Civilizations for his research entitled “The Impact of Muslim —second session 2019 were Migration on the Culture and Arts of the Far East” announced in Doha yesterday by Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilization at the countries of the Far East. bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Al Hammadi pointed out achieved within a short time a the ISESCO Chair in Alliance of that this award, which is the fruit significant in international par- Civilizations at the College of of cooperation between the Min- ticipation, depth in the cur- Sharia and Islamic Studies at istry of Foreign Affairs and Qatar riculum and scientific content, Qatar University. University, is part of the exec- and an important influence in Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Abdel- utive program of the Alliance of the field of civilizational dia- salam from Egypt won the first Civilizations Plan 2018-2022 logue in terms of creating a place in this edition entitled which third objective empha- deep intellectual movement Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from the Custodian of the Two “Migration in the Context of Cul- sized on the provision of recog- and a wide discussion in Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, inviting H H the Amir tural Dialogue” for his research nition awards for outstanding various topics of civilized dia- entitled “The Impact of Muslim research work and printing of logue, which is in line with the to attend the GCC Supreme Council 40th session to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 10. The Migration on the Culture and Arts sound research. mission of Qatar University in message was received by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed of the Far East”. Dr. Bachir Khalafi H E added that the cooper- its directions and strategy bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during his meeting with the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, from Algeria came in second place ation between Qatar Committee based on its qualitative excel- H E Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. for his research “Muslim immi- for the Alliance of Civilization and lence in Education. grants in the West between Qatar University identity requirements and the was not limited to requirements of citizenship”. the Award, but has In his speech during the cer- also expanded to emony announcing the winners, launch many Secretary-General of the Min- projects, including istry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. the Encyclopedia of Ahmad bin Hassan Al Hamadi Occidentalism and said that the first place winner the inclusion of the confirmed the depth of the Alliance of Civiliza- impact of Muslim immigrants on tions curriculum in the culture and arts of the Near the general courses East countries, which reflected required by the Uni- the advancement of Islamic civ- versity’s students, as ilization and its positive impact well as the exchange on Chinese, Japanese, Korean of teachers and and other Asian civilizations. experts in the imple- His Excellency pointed out mentation of many that the Ministry of Foreign programs and work- Affairs will work through the shops in various diplomatic missions of the State fields and others. in Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul to For his part, organize cultural events to President of Qatar publicize the winner book of University Dr. the Qatar Global Award for Hassan bin Rashid Dialogue among Civilizations Al Derham said this year and distributed to that the annual various universities, research award, which is centers and institutions, as well sponsored by as cultural centers dealing with Deputy Prime Min- the theme of civilizational dia- ister and Minister logue and acquaintance among of Foreign Affairs civilizations to familiarize the and Chairman of peoples of Asia with the role Qatar Committee played by Muslim immigrants for the Alliance of in the civilizational, cultural Civilization H E and artistic construction in the Sheikh Mohammed MoPH working with partners to correct cancer misconceptions QNA/DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health is working with many of its partners to correct cancer-related misconceptions and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention. The Ministry organized a workshop for about 100 social workers and psychologists in public primary and secondary schools on awareness and correcting misconceptions about cancer in collaboration with cancer awareness partners at Hamad Medical Corpo- ration, Primary Health Care Corporation and Qatar Cancer Society. During the workshop, several important topics related to cancer were discussed, including the role of partners in cancer awareness, identification, risk factors, signs, symptoms and prevention through a healthy lifestyle that includes protection from sunlight, nutrition, physical activity, abstaining from tobacco consumption, and cor- recting misconceptions about cancer. They also discussed the importance of early diag- nosis, screening and disease-related services in Qatar, as well as the experience of the Qatar Cancer Society in cancer prevention programs in schools and how schools can help prevent cancer. The workshop is part of a worldwide initiative to combat the global cancer epi- demic, focusing on correcting misconceptions about cancer, as well as the negative impact on cancer control mechanisms in society where misconceptions can affect how health interventions are accepted, prevent early screening efforts and hinder preventive measures. Head of the Health Promotion and Non-Communi- cable Diseases at the Ministry Dr. Kholood Al Mutawa said that the National Cancer Strategy states that besides the need to uncover the beliefs and misconceptions sur- rounding cancer, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and disseminate more information about the disease. She pointed out that awareness of the disease by making it part of the school curriculum for children is one of the effective ways to reach a wide audience, adding that it is recommended to include the definition of cancer, its prevention, early detection and how to act when sus- pected of infection in the program of teaching students, so that all school students have at least one lesson cov- ering this information. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019

Qatari-European Friendship Association meets with delegation of EWEI IJSO 2019 begins today QNA More than 70 countries Institute Competition will also DOHA are taking part in the be honored at the opening global scientific event, ceremony. Under the patronage of Prime the largest number in the More than 70 countries are Minister and Interior Minister history of the Olympics, as taking part in the global scien- H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser well as the participation tific event, the largest number in bin Khalifa Al Thani the 16th the history of the Olympics, as edition of the International of a large number of well as the participation of a Junior Science Olympiad will students, organizations large number of students, organ- begin today, under the theme: and other relevant izations and other relevant “Motivating Today’s Young organizations from Qatar organizations from Qatar and Generation for the Skills of and abroad. abroad. Tomorrow”. The International Junior Minister of Education and Science is an international Higher Education, H E Dr. Junior Science Olympiad 2019, science competition for stu- Mohammed Ali Abdul Wahed Dr. Khaled Al Ali; and President dents aged 15 years and under, bin Hammadi; Undersecretary of the International Junior which was launched in 2004, of the Ministry of Education and Science Olympiad (IJSO), Prof. and is held in December of Higher Education, Dr. Ibrahim Paresh Joshi, are set to give a each year in one of the coun- bin Saleh Al Nuaimi; Acting speech during the opening tries of the world. The State of Assistant Undersecretary for ceremony. Qatar has participated as an Higher Education Affairs and The winners of the Qatar observer since 2016, and in Chairman of the Scientific Com- Environment and Energy 2017 , 2018 it received bronze mittee for the International Research Institute (QEERI) medals. The Qatari-European Friendship Association of the Shura Council, headed by H E Yousef bin Rashid Al Khater, met yesterday with head of the delegation of the Eastwest European Institute (EWEI) Stefania Paradisi, and the delegation of Italian student accompanying her. During the meeting, they reviewed Public Prosecution holds second workshop the positions of the State of Qatar, and its internal and external policies, as well as the legislative and supervisory role of the Shura Council. The delegation praised the efforts of the State of Qatar in supporting on combating human trafficking the Arab-European relations for peace and stability in the region and the world. QNA DOHA Qatar takes part in UN Climate Change Conference The Public Prosecution repre- QNA ministers concerned with address climate change, and to sented by the Institute of MADRID climate change. enhance cooperation with inter- Criminal Studies and the The events include the national bodies to serve future Department of International The State of Qatar is partici- national speeches of the partic- projects in the state. Cooperation organised the pating in the 25th session of the ipating countries, and the Among the contents of the second workshop on combating Conference of the Parties to the holding of exchange sessions to exhibition are the Green Car Ini- human trafficking in cooperation United Nations Framework enhance the negotiating paths tiative and the inauguration of with the National Committee to Convention on Climate Change on the various issues within the the PV plant, which is unique in Combat Human Trafficking and which began yesterday in climate change agreement and the world, where electric cars the British Embassy in Doha as Madrid, Spain, with a delegation the Paris agreement. are charged with solar energy part of the implementation of the headed by HE Minister of Munic- On the sidelines of the con- that the plant stores, as well as international efforts to combat ipality and Environment, Eng. ference, the Ministry of Munici- highlighting the efforts of civil human trafficking. Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki pality and Environment will hold aviation in the field of protecting The three-day workshop Combating human trafficking workshop in progress. Al Subaie. an accompanying exhibition the civil aviation environment aimed at equipping participants It is expected that the discus- with the participation of some in the State of Qatar, and to with the necessary information sions and negotiations on the parties in the country, that achieve a safe, efficient and sus- and skills and knowledge of the series of other training programs namely the National Committee implementation of the ‘Paris includes presentations, videos tainable civil aviation system, rules of international law and the to be held in Doha and London for Combatting Human Traf- Agreement’ and the accompa- and activities to various parties which further enhances the provisions of international con- this year and early next year. ficking, the Supreme Council of nying events until December 13, from inside and outside the State status of the State of Qatar in the ventions in the field of com- The workshop was attended the Judiciary and the Ministry of with the participation of a of Qatar, to demonstrate national map of the global civil aviation bating human trafficking. by representatives of several Interior, as well as the Public number of heads of state and efforts, projects and how to industry. The workshop is part of a official authorities in the country, Prosecution. WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 05 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 Qatar’s continuous support for Somalia praised

THE PENINSULA to Somalia. He pointed out that a range of different development DOHA the opening of this institute rep- projects in Somalia, where the resents a qualitative addition to work is underway on the con- Qatar Fund for Development the Somali diplomatic activity struction of the 90-km (QFFD) has participated in a cer- through the training of diplo- Mogadishu-Jowhar road and the emony held by the Somali matic cadres at the ministry in 22-km Mogadishu-Afgoye road. Federal Republic to inaugurate cooperation with brotherly and The project aims to contribute the Diplomatic Institute rehabil- friendly countries. to the support of the Somali itation project. The ceremony The renovation works brothers through the contribution was attended by Somalia’s Min- included the rehabilitation of the and support of the State of Qatar ister of Foreign Affairs and entire building from the facades, to the Somali government International Cooperation H E units and interior halls, as well as through the establishment of Ahmed Eissa Awad, Ambassador the improvement of the infra- headquarters and state institu- of Qatar to Somalia, H E Hassan structure of the project as well as tions to strengthen the efforts of bin Hamza Hashim, ministers, the extension of public and private the Somali government in the sta- parliamentarians and ambas- facilities for the project. In addition bility and economic sadors accredited to Somalia, to the rehabilitation of the Prime development. and Chairman and members of Minister’s Building, the Ministry of This is part of the ongoing the Parliamentary Friendship Planning, Investment and Eco- efforts of the State of Qatar to Committee of Somalia. nomic Development, and the empower developing countries Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H E Ahmed Eissa Awad; Ambassador The minister delivered a Mogadishu Municipality building and bring them to stability and of Qatar to Somalia, H E Hassan bin Hamza Hashim; and other officials during the opening of the speech praising the Qatari gov- The Qatar Fund for Devel- prosperity in order to achieve ernment’s continuous support Diplomatic Institute. opment is currently implementing peace and justice. HBKU conference tackles Spotlight on rich Italian maritime desert climate challenges heritage at Katara Dhow Festival THE PENINSULA/DOHA RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA President of Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and Vice The Italian Embassy returns for the Chair, Board of Trustees, Hamad bin Khalifa second year at Katara Traditional Dhow University (HBKU) Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Festival with Casa Italia’s showcase of Kuwari participated in the opening day of the best Italian maritime traditions the International Conference on Sustainable featuring the city of Venice and the Energy Water and Environment Nexus in island of Sardinia. Casa Italia — literally Desert Climates 2019 (ICSEWEN’19). “Italian Home” — has been conceived ICSEWEN’19 is the flagship conference as a promotional space hosting the exhi- of Qatar Environment and Energy Research bition of Italian artisanal and food Institute, part of HBKU. The conference is products as well as live performance of held at the Qatar National Convention Centre Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari addressing Italian musicians and chefs to provide until December 5, 2019. Other dignitaries the conference. insight into the great variety of maritime who participated in the ceremony included traditions Italy shares with Qatar. Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President, HBKU; needs of diverse stakeholders, policy deci- This year Casa Italia gives particular Alistair Routledge, President and General sions, and to protect valuable resources.” focus on the city of Venice with its Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar; Luca Sutera, Dr. Vermeersch said: “The conference is ancient history and traditions and Sar- Chief Financial Officer, Nebras Power; Dr an important milestone towards QEERI’s objec- dinia, the renowned marvelous island Richard O’Kennedy, Vice President for tives of being recognized as a key player in the in the heart of the Mediterranean with Casa Italia at the ninth Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, which opened Research, Development and Innovation at local, regional, and international arenas. its meaningful maritime culture. yesterday at Katara Beach. Qatar Foundation, and Vice President for QEERI’s efforts to align with Qatar’s National Sara Marrocu, the Assessor for Research at HBKU; Dr. Mariam Al Maadeed, Research Strategy and become a reference Culture in Portoscuso — a fishermen Venetian art works made of handmade Mediterranean diet and Italian food Vice President for Research and Graduate centre in the fields of energy, environment and village founded in 16th century based “vetro di Murano”, the authentic world- products and perform live cooking Studies at Qatar University; and Dr. Marc Ver- water research and technology development on fishing and coral mining — has renowned Murano glass made by skilled shows to prepare traditional recipes. meersch, Executive Director, QEERI. are important for the country’s industries.” brought the traditional tools used for glassblowers, are also on show. Several Italian restaurants in Doha The first day of the conference also saw Routledge delivered keynote address on tuna fishing from the local Museum of Artisanal handcrafted and painted and Italian food importing companies the attendance of researchers, scientists and ‘Technology for Sustainable Energy’, while Fishery. A photography exhibition plates from the Amalfi coast, the — Al Messilia Resort, IFG Lavazza, Car- students who are working in the EWE Nexus. Sutera spoke on the topic of ‘Global Energy courtesy of Martino Motti explains the renowned Ceramics of Vietri with fish luccio’s, Colosseum, Bombo Crepes and Commenting on the conference, Eng. Al Transition’, and Dr. Al Maadeed on ‘Industry different phases of tuna fishing in Sar- themes, decorate an entire corner of Casa Agrico — delight visitors with the most Kuwari said: “The energy–water-envi- 4.0 and the Energy-Water-Environment nexus’. dinia related to the “Tonnara”, a tradi- Italia. The plates on show are created by popular Italian recipes and street food ronment nexus is associated with human, Eng. Meshaal Al Shamari, Vice Chair of MENA tional method to catch tuna. Ladies in the skilled hands of Umberto D’Arienzo, to celebrate the authentic Italian cuisine. economic, and environmental sustainability. Regional Network, World Green Building original Sardinian costumes l prepare who is member of a family of artisans Also displayed at Casa Italia is the This connection is becoming more pro- Council Director of Qatar Green Building handmade pasta and a trio of musicians and decorators and is carrying on the “Aureum Extra Virgin Olive Oil” from nounced with climate change. The under- Council explored the ‘Social Impact of Social from Cagliari play “Launeddas” — a second-generation family traditions. Apulia Region, a fine and delicate oil standing of the difficulties of these complex Development’ with Dr. Vermeersch highlighting typical wind instrument — to entertain The Municipal Councillor for produced by the family company relationships is necessary to balance the the work being carried out at QEERI. visitors with folk music. Fishery of San Benedetto del Tronto, Sadaro. Italian musician Gabriele Casa Italia also hosts the photo- Mario Ballatore, is presenting a photo- Giuliano and his folk group play live at graphic exhibition “The timeless Beauty graphic exhibition of this renowned sea the stand traditional music from the of Venice” courtesy of La Vela spa holiday destination located in the South of Italy including pizzica, taran- showcasing the most beautiful spots of Marche Region and has brought typical tella and tammuriata. this city. Authentic Gondola vessels are fishing nets from his town. Doha-based Italian saxophonist docked in front of the Italian stand with Italian TV Chef Massimo Malant- Ilenia Torsello also joins the live perform- stewards in gondolier attire to take pic- rucco is holding workshops to explain ances delighting visitors with soft music tures with the visitors. Traditional the benefits of the healthy while they enjoy the cultural display.

Qatar participates in Interpol maritime operation

QNA/DOHA that the standards and conditions applied by Qatar in the ports contributed The State of Qatar participated for the to the successful completion of the second consecutive year in the maritime process and didn’t result in inspections operation launched by the General and control of any violations related to Secretariat of the International Criminal environmental pollution during the Police Organization (Interpol) with the period of implementation of the process, participation of 60 countries under the which is a distinctive for Qatar in this slogan: 30 Days at Sea. regard. Regarding the results and gains The operation aims to combat viola- of the operation, Captain Al Sulaiti said tions of regulations related to marine that the participation in the process has pollution, in particular the illegal achieved several gains, including the disposal of waste from ships and in planning and tactical aspects. acquisition of considerable experience violation of international conventions, Regarding Qatar’s participation, related to the work of several entities in particular, the International Captain Al Sulaiti pointed out that the in the country on a real field level, and Convention for the Prevention of action plan included a set of proce- to ensure that there are no pollution vio- Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) for the dures at the national level, including lations, as well as the follow-up of protection of the marine environment, increasing the audit of ships by the Qatari authorities to the legislation and which has been ratified by Qatar. ports of the State, in addition to mar- regulations adopted in the country. The Ministry of Interior, represented itime field operations, as well as mon- The State of Qatar received a letter by the General Directorate of Coasts and itoring the dangers of pollution of thanks from Interpol, which praised Borders Security, the Amiri Navy, Ras through special equipment. the national plan that was imple- Laffan Port, Mesaieed Port, the Maritime He reported that during 2019, the mented and the high skills shown by Operations Department (Qatar percentage of vessels inspected the participants. Petroleum), Qatar Ports Management increased from 2018 Company and the Maritime Systems due to an increase in (Ministry of Transport and Communi- the number of cations) participated in the operation. entities involved in Assistant Director of Operations the operation from Department of the General Directorate previous posts, fol- of Coasts and Borders Security Captain lowing the highest Hassan Ahmed Al Sulaiti (pictured) and most accurate explained that this activity came within standards and cri- The operation aims to combat the framework of the Interpol program teria for inspection violations of regulations related for environmental security, which of ships. to marine pollution. included several stages, including He pointed out WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 07 QCDC, QU sign MoU to promote career guidance Gulf Studies Forum to

THE PENINSULA explore public policymaking DOHA and security in Gulf states Qatar Career Development Center has signed a memo- THE PENINSULA This year, the Forum randum of understanding with DOHA addresses Public Qatar University’s College of Policymaking in the Education to promote academic The Arab Center for Research Gulf States (domestic and career guidance, and and Policy Studies will convene advance professional devel- the Sixth Annual Gulf Studies issues track) and opment. Forum on December 7 and 8, Threats to the Gulf Abdulla Al Mansoori, 2019 at its Doha premises. States in the Regional Director, Qatar Career Devel- This year, the Forum and International opment Center (QCDC), and Dr. addresses Public Policymaking Ahmed Al Emadi, Dean of in the Gulf States (domestic Environment (internat- College of Education (CE), Qatar issues track) and Threats to the ional relations track). University, co-signed the Gulf States in the Regional and agreement during a ceremony International Environment held recently at Multaqa (Edu- QCDC and QU officials after the MoU signing at Education City Student Center. (international relations track). sessions. In addition to a public cation City Student Center). The first track focuses on lecture by Abdulaziz Nasser Al The MoU lays the founda- achieve their life goals, we con- and CE will exchange expertise Qatar’s national priorities.” topics related to economic Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Devel- tions for a strategic partnership tribute to Qatar’s development to advance each other’s goals These activities will be jointly diversification and labour pol- opment Bank. A number of Arab that will enable QCDC – a and sustainable growth in line through diverse forms of collab- planned and conducted to icies in the Gulf States, energy and foreign researchers will par- member of Qatar Foundation – with our shared objective with oration including training, advance career guidance and and climate change policies, ticipate in the forum, including and CE to advance their shared Qatar University, as well as the advisory, consultancy, and mul- meet development needs within education and higher education Khalid Rashid Al Khater; objectives at both local and Qatar National Vision 2030,” Al tifaceted service provisioning. the Qatari context and in policies, and the challenges of Abdullah Al Ghailani; Kadhim international levels. Mansoori said. Al Emadi said: “We are con- accordance with internationally public policy making in the Gulf Niama; Kristian Ulrichsen; Commenting on the MoU, Al “QCDC understands and fident that our joint efforts will recognized best practices. States, among others. The Abdullah Al Shayeji; Yacoub Al Mansoori said that the agreement values collaborations with key contribute to key achievements The MoU builds on QCDC second track looks at security in Kandari; Malak Al Rasheed; with CE will further empower stakeholders, such as Qatar Uni- in terms of promoting academic and CE’s unique collaboration the Gulf and the response of the Shareefa Abdullah Al Adwani; QCDC to achieve its goal of helping versity, to ensure laying the and career guidance in order to with local and international Gulf states to security chal- Dhafer Al Ajmi; Noof Al Dosari; youth make and implement sound foundations of solid and world- develop qualified cadres who can partners to serve the local com- lenges, US-Iranian tension, Radwan Termanini; Mohammed career decisions. class career guidance services in perform their duties and accom- munity and to meet the needs of energy security and so forth. Al Misfer; Yousuf Hamad Al “By providing support for our beloved country.” plish the tasks entrusted to them Qatar’s education and training These topics are covered in Balushi; Reem Ali Al Ansari and youth to grow professionally and In line with the MoU, QCDC to the fullest, ultimately serving sector. 41 papers distributed over 12 others. FIFA Club World Cup comes to QF

THE PENINSULA Qatar Foundation (QF) Junior sporting tournaments in Edu- DOHA Football League and university cation City in collaboration with students who took part in a range organizations such as Qatar Bas- Young people who participate in of sporting tournaments ketball Federation and the Qatar an array of sporting competitions organized by QF Community Football Association, as we con- at Qatar Foundation have had Development throughout the year tinue to see the standard of com- the chance to get a close-up look being able to have their pictures petition rise every year. Con- at one of football’s most glittering taken with the cup. cluding the year with the visit of pieces of silverware – the FIFA The trophy was also on the FIFA Club World Cup is a Club World Cup. display at the Torba Farmers great way to round the year off.” The 2019 edition of the inter- Market and the EC United event Now in its seventh year, the national football tournament will – organised by students from QF QF Junior Football League offers be held in Qatar from December universities to mark Qatar competitive sporting opportu- 11-21, with Qatari Stars League National Day – at Education nities to 550 boys and girls every champions Al Sadd being joined City’s Ceremonial Court. week. It is run in collaboration by the champions of Europe, “To have a major football with Aspire Academy and Future QF Junior Football League offers competitive sporting opportunities to 550 boys and girls every week. South America, Asia, Africa, trophy at Education City is a real Sports Qatar. It is run in collaboration with Aspire Academy and Future Sports Qatar. North America, and Oceania to motivation for the young people Competitions run by QF officially decide soccer’s club who play in our junior football Community Development world champions. league, and for those who partic- include basketball, badminton, Qatar Foundation Fall Sports presented. competing clubs being Liverpool, And ahead of the tournament, ipate in the sporting competitions bowling, billiards, table tennis, Banquet at Multaqa (Education The FIFA Club World Cup Flamengo, Espérance Sportive the trophy arrived at Education we organize,” said Alexandru Rosca, chess, and volleyball, as well as City Student Center), where tour- Qatar 2019 is the 16th edition of de Tunis, Al Hilal, Club de Fútbol City at the weekend, with school Head of Sports Programming, QF. fitness contests. The FIFA Club nament winners were the tournament and will see eight Monterrey, and Hienghène Sport, students who participate in the “We have had a great year of World Cup went on show at the announced and prizes matches played in Doha, with the as well as Al Sadd. AJ+ wins regional Emmy and three QC continues to provide relief Excellence in Journalism awards to Albania’s

THE PENINSULA Untold America, setup a fundraiser The first one was in 2018 and the earthquake DOHA among AJ+ staff so Shaheem could second one in June 2019. attend the awarding ceremony. “I In addition to winning a victims The Lone Star Emmy, which really want to thank my cow- regional Emmy, the same story recognises excellence in television orkers for their generosity. won an Excellence in Journalism THE PENINSULA broadcasting in the State of Texas, Shaheem is Deaf so he spoke and award of the Society of Profes- DOHA was awarded to AJ+ in the category signed his acceptance speech, sional Journalists (SPJ), in the cat- of Human Interest, for Untold which is very unusual for an event egory of Arts & Culture (TV/video). With funding from the Qatar America’s “How Do Deaf People like this. This was an incredible Two other AJ+ stories were also Fund for Development (QFFD), Experience Music?”. The video, opportunity to remind media to awarded by the SPJ, making for a AJ+ staff with the trophy during the award ceremony. Qatar Charity, through its field part of their Deaf People Series, make content that is accessible to total of three Excellence in Jour- office in Tirana, capital of tackles the misconception that everyone,” said Emily. nalism awards: Untold America’s “I’m so proud of the team for The SPJ NorCal’s 34th Excel- Albania, continues to provide Deaf people can’t enjoy music, by The awarding took place at “My Big Fat Indian Wedding (In being recognized by their peers for lence in Journalism Awards Dinner emergency relief aid to the telling the story of Shaheem the 17th Annual Lone Star Emmy America)”, in the category of Fea- their hard work and dedication in was held on 14 November in San victims of the earthquake that Sanchez, a Deaf dancer who is also Awards Ceremony, on 16 tures Journalism (TV/Video); and pursuing and highlighting untold Francisco, California. With nearly struck several areas of the an instructor at the American Sign November in Arlington, Texas. “Life As A Turban-Wearing stories that embody the AJ+ spirit”, 10,000 members, the SPJ is the country a few days ago. Language Music Camp. This is the third regional Emmy American Trucker”, in the category said Shadi Rahimi, Executive Pro- most broad-based journalism The assistance, which Emily Gibson, producer for for AJ+’s Untold America show. of Video Journalism (feature). ducer of two of the winning stories. organization in the United States. included water, ready to eat meals, and food baskets, ben- efited more than 1,150 people in several affected areas of the UCL Qatar students explore cities of Ankara and Amsterdam country, in addition to distrib- uting blankets, mattresses, and THE PENINSULA of their museological approaches. versity and Bilkent University. winter clothes. DOHA Each trip has had its own mem- At Ankara University, students The aid was delivered in the ories, and we as an institution are attended a seminar on Research presence of Hamad bin Ali Al UCL Qatar students have recently always excited to witness the Data Management and Digitali- Marri, Ambassador of the State returned from two international impact that these trips have on our zation of Cultural Heritage. In of Qatar to the Republic of trips, exploring the cultural insti- current students and graduates.” addition, they visited some of the Albania and Mayor of the tar- tutions of Amsterdam and Ankara Anusheh Zaman, a student in biggest libraries in Turkey and geted governorates. as part of their respective Master’s the Museums and Gallery Practice learned about the evolving library This urgent response comes Degrees in Arts (MA) programmes. MA expressed that it was sector in the country. within the framework of Each year, UCL Qatar students impressive to see how the The trip to Ankara was led by humanitarian and fraternal across both the MA in Museum and museums were trying to fill the Dr Fred Nesta, Senior Lecturer in duty towards communities Gallery Practice and the MA in gaps between their vision and Library and Information Studies, affected by disasters and crises Library and Information Studies ideas, by understanding what the who mentioned: “We have seen to help the earthquake victims programmes have had the oppor- UCL students during their trip to Amsterdam. audience and visitors want. She our students grow professionally in Albania and ease their tunity to travel abroad and also mentioned that this concept when they see what they learnt in human suffering, as thousands compare the theories learnt at the dents explored the different cur- The Amsterdam trip was led will be implemented in the stu- the classroom being applied in of them are displaced due to the Education City campus to real-life riculums, exhibitions and pro- by Dr. Alexandra Bounia, Senior dents’ exhibition taking place next practice in international contexts. destruction of their homes. practical examples. grammes of each museum. Lecturer in Museum Studies at year as part of her academic pro- After such experiences, they come Albania was recently hit by The Museum and Gallery Additionally, they were able UCL Qatar, who stated: “Each year, gramme requirements. back to campus with an expanded a strong 6.4-magnitude earth- Practice MA students who trav- to delve into the city’s arts and I have had the pleasure of accom- The Library and Information understanding and apply what quake, causing dozens of elled to Amsterdam visited twelve culture scene through special tours panying students to countries rich Studies MA students who trav- they have learned to their studies deaths, and hundreds of casu- museums, including the renowned as well as interact with different in history, culture and heritage, to elled to Ankara visited the coun- and professional careers here in alties, in addition to material Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum museum directors, representatives explore museums that are at the try’s top educational institu- Qatar and in their home losses and damage to and Stedelijik Museum. There, stu- and the local community. forefront of innovation in terms tions, including Ankara Uni- countries.” infrastructure. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 Modern slavery policy 1996 ESTABLISHED IN does not set people free CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

NEIL HOWARD ACTING MANAGING EDITOR AL JAZEERA MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] ecent years have seen a huge increase in public, political DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR and media attention focused MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Ron “modern slavery”. Widely [email protected] decried as a contemporary evil that affects all societies, “modern slavery” is understood to be a situation in which a person is exploited, forced to A file picture of children and teenagers sitting together to be registered by officials work, and unable to walk away from during a raid on a shrimp shed suspected of using slave labour in Samut Sakhon, their circumstances. It is typically Thailand. understood as analogous to terms like EDITORIAL “human trafficking” or “forced labour” funds. A key figure in this story is exploitation. This, in turn, legitimates and essentially as being “unfree”. Kevin Bales, who established the simplistic policy interventions, such as Over the past three decades, the widely critiqued Global Slavery Index. raid and rescue programmes, which Protecting social media number of institutions involved in the His prolific writing and advocacy have have been shown to actively harm fight against this unfreedom has helped establish the idea of modern people. he final decade of the last century witnessed the full- mushroomed, from a handful in the slavery in the public consciousness. During my field research across blown evolution of one of the most influential inven- early 1990s to many hundreds today. Mainstream thinking around West Africa and Southern Europe, I Ttions, the Internet, which by the initial half of the first In addition, governments the world modern slavery tends to selectively have interviewed many poor workers decade of this century has become an inevitable part of peo- over have passed domestic anti- apply a sentimental lens of concern labelled as modern slaves or victims of ple’s daily life. The eventual development of social media slavery legislation, collectively com- along lines that are unreflexively trafficking by authorities which sought networks such Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram etc mitting to eradicate slavery as part of white, liberal, and middle class. It con- to forcefully rescue them. Yet in most have become an integral part of our lifestyle, engaging people the United Nations Sustainable Devel- structs certain non-Western phe- cases, these workers understood them- constantly and accumulating everyone in some or the other opment Goals. Millions of dollars have nomena as problematic (such as the selves as having consented to their trending activity. Such sites are not only being used by indi- been spent annually by governments, survival work done by poor children work because doing so represented the viduals, but also by businesses, organisations and govern- NGOs and international agencies on in much of the Global South) while best of their very limited options. ments, who use these platforms for constant engagement anti-slavery policies, while media excluding from concern Western phe- So what alternatives do we have? with the masses. outlets have provided continued, often nomena (such as migrant detention Many critics have argued for aban- Over the past few years social media has changed the way sensationalist, coverage of the issue. centres) which are arguably equally or doning the concept of modern slavery people think and create opinions, made it easier to gather Despite this, major criticisms exist even more troublesome. entirely and instead articulating a more knowledge and communicate with people living in far-flung both of the concept of modern slavery Such thinking remains trapped in a coherent and structurally-attuned corners of the world. It provided people with an unparalleled and the way in which policymakers limiting liberal paradigm, whereby theory of freedom that can elucidate platform to express their opinions and fight for their rights. tend to address it. Scholars have “freedom” is understood as the the societal limitations placed on But at the same time, has brought in some inherent disad- pointed out absence of (primarily physical) indi- (some) people’s experience of it. vantages also forcing authorities and governments to for- that in vidual coercion. That is to say, in this One such theory is the idea of mulate new regulations to control its use on the pretext that practice liberal Western world view, I am free “freedom as the power to say no”, it has become an instrument in spreading rumours, false infor- many people to the extent that no one compels me which holds that people need the mation, hatred and even toppling governments. find them- to do something against my will and effective capacity as well as the In this context the Doha Inter- Mainstream thinking selves in cir- unfree to the extent that the opposite abstract right to refuse any given set of national Conference on ‘Social around modern cumstances applies. unpleasant circumstances, without Media Challenges and Ways of Sup- slavery tends to that might fit Yet this idea has major flaws, the which they cannot be considered free. porting Freedoms and Protecting selectively apply the definition gravest being that it fails to account On this understanding, a mother who Activists’ on February 16 and 17 of modern for the structural coercion inherent to sells sex for survival and is at liberty to Social media gathers importance and relevance. a sentimental lens slavery, yet life in a market society, which dic- stop when she wants but cannot deserves to The Conference, organised by the of concern along are not iden- tates that all of us must work for a because this is the only earning oppor- be free of National Human Rights Committee lines that are tified as living or go hungry, unless we are for- tunity she has, could be considered the shackles (NHRC), will bring together some unreflexively white, “modern tunate enough to be independently unfree to the extent that she lacks the 300 governmental and non-gov- slaves”. wealthy. effective power to secure her and her of unwanted ernmental organisations such as liberal, and middle Among And this is no simple theoretical family’s livelihood outside of this par- legislations and journalists’ unions, major com- class. It constructs the people issue; it has major policy implications. ticular and exploitative labour controls. At the panies and social networks, certain non-Western who are By reducing the circle of concern only relationship. same time it is including Google, Facebook and “unable to to certain acts of individualised And, of course, the fact that this is Twitter, international celebrities, phenomena as run away”, coercion, and by seeking to prevent the only way she has of accessing the imperative to human rights defenders, experts problematic. there are phenomena which are offensive only money she needs is necessarily deter- ensure that the and representatives of the tech- women in from the perspective of some view- mined by the social and legal rules in social media nology community, representatives abusive rela- points and not others, modern slavery place in her society which decide who of the United Nations, lawyers and tionships who cannot leave because of theorists and policymakers make a gets what. do not become jurists. poverty and patriarchy, migrants stuck number of mistakes. This re-theorisation has radical a platform for The NHRC Chairman said that in European detention facilities, and First, they exclude phenomena implications. It means that coercion spreading lies the Conference will discuss the migrant workers in the United States which may be similarly problematic must be viewed as a structural and not and selfish opportunities created by social who, because of the threat of depor- from their analysis. Second, they prob- merely individual phenomenon and media to promote human rights, tation, remain effectively trapped in lematise phenomena (and in particular that being vulnerable to it involves motives. explore the repeated forms of inter- exploitative employment. livelihood strategies) which may not inhabiting a position within the social ference in the use of these means, So, who decides who is a “modern be problematic for the people living order that structurally limits one’s identify good practices and lessons to benefit from social media slave”? within them. effective power to say no. in realising human rights, explore the impact of online speech “Modern slavery”, as a concept, is a And third, they normalise the In this sense, any coherent policy restrictions set by national laws and policies on journalists, recent Euro-American invention. It underlying causal conditions of all response to the problems of human rights defenders and political activists. sprang up in the 1990s among neo- problematic labour relations, concen- unfreedom in society would have to Social media plays a major role when it comes to exer- abolitionist NGOs which found it to be trating on individual “bad egg” perpe- focus on the expansion of this effective cising fundamental rights and freedom of expression and an effective and attractive tool for trators and deflecting attention away power for all people, not just those participation in public life. Protection of this freedom is an spreading their message and raising from core structures that facilitate labelled as modern slaves. essential part of safeguarding human rights. Social media deserves to be free of the shackles of unwanted legislations and controls. At the same time it is imperative to ensure that 30 years after conclusion of Cold War, a stable world order must be rebuilt the social media do not become a platform for spreading lies and selfish motives. The outcome of the conference hopefully JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI prevented from breaking out under the distorted market fairness. China’s opaque will result in developing understanding among stakeholders Cold War, but such strife erupted after its military buildup and maritime advances on the opportunities, risks and good practices to expand the reedom and democracy in the end, with multiple terrorist attacks on the pose a threat to neighboring countries. The civil space through social media and address the challenges United States and Europe, which United States perpetrated by an international “China model” of watching and control- and threats faced by activists on such platforms. exulted in the triumph of their terrorist organization. The United States ing its people has started spreading across Fvalues 30 years ago, are facing a waged war against terrorism in Afghanistan Asia and Africa. time of trial, confronted with challenges and Iraq, forcing it to make enormous war The Trump administration regards China from China and Russia. It is necessary to expenditures and pay a heavy human toll. as one of the forces attempting to “change prevent the development of a new Cold A feeling of war-weariness has spread the status quo.” This seems to illustrate War and rebuild a stable world order. in the United States, as more Americans his sense of urgency about the situation in QUOTE OF THE DAY Dec. 3 marks the passage of 30 years are skeptical about their country playing which a nation whose values are contrary since the US and Soviet leaders held talks the role of “global policeman.” to those of the United States will infringe Nato continues to be the in Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, where US allies, such as Japan and European on the rights and interests of his country. bedrock of peace and they declared an end to the Cold War. nations, need to appropriately respond to The current situation - in which the stability. We shouldn’t be The Communist bloc collapsed due the decline in US strength. They must fulfill United States and China are at odds in a surprised if we disagree, to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and a responsibility commensurate with their wide range of areas from trade and secu- but the strength of the democratization in East European coun- positions, if the burden on the United States rity to human-rights issues - is called the Nato lies in the fact that tries. This aroused the belief that the values is too heavy in some respects. “New Cold War.” and prosperity of the Western bloc would Since the end of the Cold War, China Another issue in this respect is how we have always overcome spread, but the exaltation of those days is has achieved high economic growth by tak- to deal with Russia. The administration these, and stayed united nowhere to be seen now. ing advantage of economic globalization. of Russian President Vladimir Putin has around our core task to The United States as a nation that pos- The administration of Chinese President Xi threatened the security of Eastern Europe protect each other. sesses overwhelming military and economic Jinping is seeking to turn his country into through such actions as Russia’s annexa- power, leading the stability and growth of a major power that can rival the United tion of Crimea in Ukraine, and this has put Jens Stoltenberg the world as the sole superpower - the dis- States. There are many problems with his Russia at odds with the United States. The ruption of this structure can be described as rule and growth model. US-Russia framework for nuclear disar- Nato Secretary-General a factor behind the present circumstances. The Chinese government’s preferential mament, carried on from the Cold-War Ethnic and religious conflicts were treatment of state-owned enterprises has era, is in danger of collapsing now. WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 09 Sterling Group begins exciting ‘Dine & Win’ promotion

The promotion will start today and run until the A senior official said: “Our second week of March 2020. The promotion will business is to serve great food offer diners the chance to win two Land Cruisers to our guests at all times. We, and/or food coupons worth QR500,000. Two as a company, believe that the measure of success of any food separate raffle draws will be conducted at the establishment is ‘quality’. We popular Caravan complex, Ramada Signal, and believe that food quality begins will be held on January 30, 2020 and on March 11, with the proper ordering of food supplies. We have a strong 2020. purchase team who, over the years, developed vendors who THE PENINSULA Through its diverse roaster share the same vision we do. DOHA of restaurant chains including Ordering quality product and Pizza Hut, Ponderosa Steak- equipment is a business men- Sterling Restaurants, a pioneer house, Bennigans, Shebestan tality and we take it very in providing exceptional promo- Palace, Caravan Bukhara, Coffee seriously.” tional has offered to its diners Beanery, Kababji, TCBY, Fud- Sterling restaurants has through its popular restaurant druckers, Asiana, Star of India always been evolving, chains in Qatar, is once again and much more, diners will now changing, modifying and back with an exciting ‘Dine & have the chance of enjoying their QR500, 000. Two separate raffle something in return for their single largest operator of high adapting to new business envi- Win’ promotion this month. favourite food as well as stand a draws will be conducted at the continued patronage of our quality restaurants and catering ronments and needs. It has a Renowned all over Qatar for chance to win the fabulous prizes popular Caravan complex, restaurants.” operations in Qatar and brings a huge number of qualified and providing exceptional dining on offer. Ramada Signal, and will be held Sterling restaurants have wealth of knowledge and expe- experienced employees in services and experiences, The promotion will start on January 30, 2020 and on been in the Food & Beverage rience to its projects through its Qatar. This mix of culture from Sterling Restaurants will be today and run until the second March 11, 2020. business in Qatar for a long time many support centers. It is also over 18 countries ensures com- offering their patrons the chance week of March 2020. The pro- A senior official of Sterling since its inception under the Tri- supported by other divisions of munication in any endeavour, to win two Land Cruisers and/or motion will offer diners the restaurants said: “We value our star Group WLL. Having various the company in Qatar, as well as understanding of the guest’s food coupons worth half a chance to win two Land Cruisers customers and believe that our business interests throughout the the region, to ensure maximum needs and the ability to excel million riyals. and/or food coupons worth regular clients deserve GCC, Sterling restaurants is the efficiency and output. in service standards. MOTC’s National Cybersecurity Drill ‘Star 7’ begins

THE PENINSULA Communications (MOTC) holds a regarding defending their elec- Yousef Al Abdulla, Director, DOHA national cybersecurity drill every tronic assets and addressing Critical Information Infrastructure year to achieve the objectives of weaknesses. These drills, he Protection at the Cyber Security The events of the 7th National the Qatar National Cybersecurity added, help diagnose exciting Sector, MOTC. Cybersecurity Drill (Star 7) began Strategy in terms of sharpening information security issues, Star 7 scenarios were designed yesterday with participation from national cybersecurity capacity suggest appropriate solutions and based on the outcomes of all pre- more than 900 professionals from and boosting cyberattacks enhance the relevant policies and vious exercises, in addition to 95 government and private entities response preparedness like standards. other various cyberthreats that across Qatar. detecting, investigating, managing The 7th National Cyberse- target Qatar and the region in Star 7, which continues until and responding to curity Drill complements last general, she noted. December 5, is organised this year cyberbreaches. year’s 6th National Cybersecurity Year after year, she said, the under the theme; “National Cyber MOTC’s Assistant Undersec- Drill, which focused on securing scenarios of each national drill are Participants at the 7th National Cybersecurity Drill. Defenses: Know Your Adversaries” retary of Cybersecurity, Eng. major events from a cybersecurity becoming closer to reality where with various exercises that test Khalid Al Hashmi said that such standpoint with deeper details and problem solvers are divided into entities’ preparedness to address national drills help measure the more thorough exercises this year two teams; the operation team and the challenge their own way sep- the two teams will have to work and handle cyberattacks. level of maturity across all insti- in preparation for the FIFA World the technology team with each of arately but this year’s exercises are together to take decisions together, The Ministry of Transport and tutions and entities in Qatar Cup Qatar 2022, said Eng. Nora them having to face and address based on teamwork, which means thus giving a rapider response. Qatar Charity honours brilliant students of ‘Future’s Leaders’ THE PENINSULA encourage them to continue their an operetta entitled “Vision of Edu- DOHA magnificent performance. cation in Qatar” by students of At the ceremony, 63 brilliant Qatar Primary School for Boys, a Qatar Charity (QC) has honoured students, both male and female, poem entitled ‘Set a Goal’ by a school students with outstanding who performed very well aca- student Fathia Al Abdullah, and an academic performance, many of demically during the school year operetta presented by Qatar their teachers, some of ideal 2018-2019, received the honor. Charity Center for Community families during a ceremony Besides, nine male and female Development in Al Rayyan. Officials with students at the ceremony. attended by numerous parents, teachers were honoured, in rec- Qatar Charity also honored the media persons, and social media ognition of their efforts in support supporter of the ceremony Jazeera Primary School for Boys. who excelled in the 2018-2019 schools to be active and beneficial influencers. of the students, in addition to hon- Medical Center, the host of the cer- Speaking at the ceremony, academic year, and the honoring persons in future. He also thanked The honouring of the students, oring three families for their emony Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Jassim Al Emadi, director of the of all those who contributed to the families who contributed to this comes as part of its compre- leading educational roles. Doha, the guest of honor Sheikh Local Development Department these remarkable achievements. feat, the supporters of the cer- hensive social care, welfare, well- The event also included a video Ayesh Al Qahtani, Qatar Charity at Qatar Charity, expressed his Al Emadi added that this honor emony, social media influencers, being provided by Qatar Charity clip on activities and programs Center for Community Devel- great pleasure in celebrating the would encourage them to continue and media persons who covered to the “Future’s Leaders” to implemented for ‘Future’s Leaders’, opment in Al Rayyan, and Qatar honoring of the ‘Future’s Leaders’ their excellent performance at the event. PISQ students go QVPF hosts cultural meet on a trip to Angry Birds’ World theme park

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The students of Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) were taken on a recreational trip to Angry Birds’ World theme park. The students of grade V- VIII were provided with a unique opportunity to visit the world’s first ever ‘Angry Birds’ World’, a theme park in Qatar. O C Vijayan, President of Vanimal Gramapanchayat, inaugurates QVPF’s annual meet The Angry Birds’ World is truly a ‘Snehapravasam’ at Asian Town Cricket Stadium Recreation Hall on Friday. maddening adventure with the PISQ students enjoying a ride at Angry Birds’ World theme park. furious flock through a range of over THE PENINSULA/DOHA time, especially those who leave behind 20 high-thrill rides for all ages. The their families at their native places. park has a large array of F&B outlets, interactive experience through a fun and adventure created lasting Qatar Vanimal Pravasi Forum (QVPF), an Earlier, the event kick started with a tug retail shops, edutainment activities variety of edutainment offerings. The memories in the children. expat community hailing from the South of war contest where a total of eight teams and a host of attractions that engage adventure junkies got thrilled by the It was a fruitful experience for Indian state of Kerala, hosted its annual battled it out to claim championship title. and entertain visitors. action-packed attraction ie the children since learning was incorpo- cultural meet recently at Asian Town In a sensational display of nail-biting fin- The enthusiasts of the Angry Birds 1,300sqm Trampoline Universe that rated with a riot of fun and enter- Cricket Stadium Recreation Hall. Titled ishes, Falcons Mambilakool routed their GO - One of the most downloaded challenges visitors to perform gravity- tainment. They thoroughly relished ‘Snehapravasam’, the cultural extravaganza rivals and clinched the title. The contest games of its time –enjoyed the heart- defying stunts over extreme the day with their peers, returning to was inaugurated by OC Vijayan, President which has indigenous roots kept spectators pounding experience with many trampolines. the school with wonderful memories of Vanimal Gramapanchayat. Renowned – including a large number of families – attractions such as the Blast Bomb – The entertainment park proved and a rejuvenated spirit. orator and motivational speaker PMA enthralled and entertained. a drop and twist tower that features to be the perfect outlet to the pas- Overall, it was an outing they will Gafoor delivered keynote address, while a QVPF president Sadique Chennadan pre- free-fall motion from a height of 11 sionate approach of the students as always remember. It was indeed a number of prominent personalities attended sided over the cultural meet while general sec- metres, or Red Alert where visitors it offered the youngsters a uniquely wonderful day filled with fun and cultural summit held in the evening. retary Shammas Kalathil welcomed the gath- are hurled into an exhilarating 360- immersive experience with a range frolic for all. While leaving, they left a Speaking on the occasion, Gafoor high- ering. Pravasi Forum Thanal chairman MK degree spin. of inherently thrilling attractions. The good impression of them in terms of lighted the importance of spreading love Abdul Salam declared a fund worth two lakhs They took keen interest in one of fun games also provided educational discipline and behaviour. They were and peaceful co-existence among people Indian rupees for educational aid. After a daz- the park’s uniquely impressive attrac- activities designed to help nourish the quite appreciative of the school man- of all cultural and religious backgrounds. zling karaoke session, the event concluded tions - the Big Tree. This enchanting curious minds of children. agement for arranging such fun filled He also urged expats to spend more ‘me’ with a vote of thanks by treasurer VP Faisal. structure drew both children into a fun, This new destination of untamed exquisite recreational trip for them. 10 HOME WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 Iraq parties debate new PM as violence hits cities AFP/BAGHDAD Rockets hit base Revolutionary Guards com- mander Major General Qasem Iraqi politicians and their hosting US forces Soleimani and Lebanese power- regional allies gathered in broker Mohammad Kawtharany, Baghdad yesterday to discuss a REUTERS/BAGHDAD a high-ranking political source way out of two months of said. “Soleimani is in Baghdad to protests that brought down the Five rockets landed yesterday push for a particular candidate to government, as violence hit on Ain Al Asad airbase, which succeed Abdel Mahdi,” the source southern cities. hosts US forces in Anbar said, without providing details. Demonstrators demanding province in western Iraq, an Kawtharany, who is Leb- root-and-branch reform have Iraqi military statement said. anese militant group Hezbollah’s flooded the capital and the Shia- No casualties were pointman on Iraq, “is also majority south since October in reported, it added, giving no playing a large role in per- the largest grassroots movement further details. suading Shia and Sunni political the country has witnessed in forces on this”, the source added. years. Political powers in Shia Seen as a threat to the ruling cleric Moqtada Sadr and his -majority Iraq have long had elite, the rallies were met with a Saraya al-Salam (Peace Bri- close ties with counterparts in Tehran open to resuming ties with Saudi heavy-handed response from gades) to intervene, Sadr’s office Iran and Lebanon further west, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (right), with Foreign Minister of Oman, Yusuf bin Alawi. at the security forces and armed said. He has yet to respond. both of which have also been Presidential Palace in Tehran, Iran, yesterday. Rouhani said Tehran has no objection to resuming ties groups that has left more than In Karbala, riot police fired rocked by protests in recent 420 people dead and nearly live rounds and tear gas at pro- weeks. The United States said with Saudi Arabia in a bid to maintain security and stability in the region. 20,000 wounded — the vast testers late into Monday night. Soleimani’s presence showed majority demonstrators. Federal police have dispatched that its arch-foe Iran was again Protests have continued in reinforcements to the flashpoint “interfering” in Iraq. the streets of Baghdad and city of Nasiriyah, where the most Protests in Iraq erupted two Quartet meeting on Syria was ‘good’: Erdogan across the south. In the shrine deaths have been in recent days, months ago over rampant cor- city of Najaf, 35 protesters were and to the port city of Basra. ruption, lack of jobs and poor ANATOLIA/ANKARA ministerial residence. The the PKK -- listed as a terrorist wounded when armed guards Some 500 officers arrived public services. Despite the oil leaders discussed Turkey’s oper- organization by Turkey, the U.S. in civilian clothes fired shotguns in Nasiriyah and another 150 to wealth of Opec’s second-biggest A quartet meeting on Syria with ation targeting the terrorist YPG/ and the European Union -- has and tear gas on crowds near the Basra for added security at producer, one in five Iraqis lives the leaders of France, Germany, PKK in northern Syria. been responsible for the deaths tomb of Ayatollah Mohammed prisons holding accused in poverty and youth unem- and the UK was “good,” Turkey’s Turkey on October 9 of nearly 40, people, including Baqir Al Hakim, a cleric who jihadists, fearing a breakout ployment stands at one quarter, President told reporters launched Operation Peace women, children, and infants. founded a major Shiite political amid the chaos. After a fresh the World Bank says. yesterday just after the meeting. Spring to eliminate YPG/PKK Yesterday evening Erdogan party, medics said. uptick of violence last week, In Baghdad, authorities Recep Tayyip Erdogan met terrorists from northern Syria will also attend two separate Najaf has been rocked by prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi announced they were releasing French President Emmanuel east of the Euphrates River in receptions to meet all his fellow violence since protesters torched formally resigned and talks to 16 people detained at protests. Macron and German Chancellor order to secure Turkey’s borders, Nato leaders. The first reception the Iranian consulate there last find a replacement have inten- The step came a day after Angela Merkel, both in London aid in the safe return of Syrian will be hosted by Queen Eliz- Wednesday, accusing Tehran of sified this week in Baghdad. Human Rights Watch accused for a two-day Nato summit, refugees, and ensure Syria’s ter- abeth at Buckingham Palace and propping up the government. Among those attending the the government of not doing alongside host British Prime ritorial integrity. the second at 10 Downing Street Tribal dignitaries have tried negotiations are two key allies enough to protect activists Minister Boris Johnson, at 10 In its more than 30-year hosted by Prime Minister to mediate, calling on populist of Iraq’s main Shia parties: Iran’s against harassment or abduction. Downing Street, the prime terror campaign against Turkey, Johnson. 23 killed, 130 Hariri backs businessman injured in Sudan factory fire Khatib for prime minister REUTERS/BEIRUT resigned as prime minister in REUTERS/ KHARTOUM late October under pressure Lebanon’s Saad Al Hariri from huge protests against the Twenty-three people were killed yesterday backed businessman ruling elite. and more than 130 injured when Samir Al Khatib to head the next A previous deal had a fire broke out after a gas tanker government, though he said appeared to be done but unrav- exploded while unloading at a some details still had to be elled last month after a can- ceramics factory in the Sudanese discussed. didate for premier withdrew. capital Khartoum yesterday, the Hariri, who resigned as Political sources said government said. prime minister in late October progress had been made in The blast at a factory in a under pressure from protests negotiations to form an interim northern suburb was so powerful against the ruling elite, told cabinet with businessman it blew the tanker into a nearby reporters yesterday that he Samir Al Khatib as prime lot, according to witnesses and a would not take part in the new minister. senior civil defence official. government. Bassil said there was now Video footage showed people Meanwhile, the caretaker agreement on a government A burning gas tank at the scene of a fire at a tile manufacturing unit in an industrial zone in Sudan’s running and shouting for help at foreign minister, Gebran Bassil, headed by “a trusted figure north Khartoum, yesterday. the site of the accident. Flames signalled that progress had Hariri fully backs” and with a and smoke billowed from the been made in talks on forming majority of “competent, spe- factory as volunteers and security happened, I heard a blast and factory employee. “I pulled out 14 wounded. “Preliminary observa- a new government that must cialized” people. forces tried to put out the fire. ran. One man in a galabeya (a bodies which were completely tions indicate a lack of necessary pull the country out of its worst “The government must be The fire completely destroyed the long flowing garment) was burnt,” said Hussein Omar, a vol- safety measures and equipment economic crisis in decades. open to everyone,” he told a factory, a government statement running behind me, he suffered unteer at the scene. The gov- at the factory, in addition to random Talks between the main news conference. “We have said. a serious injury and I was also ernment called on citizens to storage of flammable materials,” feuding parties have been dead- hope that matters have reached “I don’t understand what injured in my leg,” said William, a donate blood to treat the the government statement said. locked since Saad Al Hariri close to a happy ending.”

US ends freeze Tunisia grapples with post-revolution economic slide on $100m in REUTERS/TUNIS and address the frustrations domestic product to more than cities. Tourism was just starting last year. The state phosphate which threaten to undermine 70%. to recover in 2015 when militants company contributed 10% of Lebanon aid Tunisia’s designated prime trust in the young democracy’s The government expects a killed scores of foreign visitors Tunisian exports before 2011 but minister Habib Jemli expects to politics. deficit this year of 3.9% of GDP, in two attacks, sending the sector only 4% now. It is located in a poor AFP/WASHINGTON pull together a new coalition Economic growth, averaging down from 7.4% of GDP in 2016, back into collapse. region and the post-revolution government next week after an 4.7% in the decade to 2010, has 6% in 2017 and 4.5% last year. Visitor numbers only government increased its work- President Donald Trump’s election in October produced a averaged 1.8% since then, World The national current account returned to their earlier levels force by 21,000 people to administration said it has fractured parliament. Bank figures show. declined, foreign currency this year but the collapse of 30,000. Tunis Air, which has released $100m in military Since the 2011 revolution The uprising hit Tunisia’s reserves fell, the exchange rate Thomas Cook in September 8,000 staff for only 27 planes, assistance to Lebanon that had that overthrew the autocracy tourism industry and created for the dinar dropped and showed how vulnerable Tunisia has been losing money since the been quietly frozen for months and introduced democratic rule, intense pressure for the new inflation rose to more than 7% in remains to any sudden shock in revolution. It said last week it amid US complaints about the most economic indicators have democracy to create public 2017, and was still 6.5% in the sector. would lay off 400 jobs next year. clout of Hezbollah. weakened and the state has sector jobs, raise pay and September. A sudden surge in hiring by However the powerful UGTT A State Department official fallen further into debt. increase subsidies. Tunisia Unemployment, 12% before state-owned companies after the union has resisted many such and a congressional aide, both Economists say a strong gov- recorded a primary surplus in the revolution, is now 15% revolution contributed to a steep reforms and says other problems speaking on condition of ano- ernment with a clear economic 2010, with a net deficit of just 1%. nationally but far worse in Tuni- decline in both their per- such as corruption and misman- nymity, said that the assistance vision is essential to continue Since then, government debt has sia’s impoverished interior, formance and profitability. Their agement should be addressed has been unblocked by the efforts to stabilise state finances climbed from 41% of gross where it exceeds 30% in some losses cost the government $2bn first. White House’s Office of Man- agement and Budget. “The money is good to go,” UN condemns Haftar airstrikes on civilians in Libya Tunisia arrests 11 after clashes the State Department official said. ANATOLIA possible terms the airstrikes that horrific attacks, which constitute AFP/TUNIS The Trump administration TRIPOLI took place in the past few days yet another blatant violation of has been tight-lipped on the in different parts of Libya, international humanitarian and Eleven Tunisians were arrested during a night of clashes between reason for the hold-up in The UN Office for the Coordi- causing the deaths of civilians, human rights laws.” protesters and police in the central region of Sidi Bouzid, the interior support for Lebanon but has nation of Humanitarian Affairs the majority of whom were Calling on all parties to the ministry said, after the self-immolation of a young man sparked been pressing the government (OCHA) condemned airstrikes children and women,” he said in conflict to abide by obligations outrage. Clashes in Jelma started after the death last Friday of a to distance itself from Hez- carried out by East Libya-based a statement. under international law and 25-year-old who set himself on fire in the centre of the impover- bollah, the Shia movement forces in the past few days that He noted that civilians, human rights law, he added that ished town in desperation over his economic woes. close to Iran. claimed over a dozen civilian mostly children, still pay “the “such merciless attacks against Angry residents blocked roads and attacked police on Saturday Prime Minister Saad Hariri, lives. ultimate price” of a conflict civilians, health workers, as well and Sunday nights, interior ministry spokesman Khaled Hayouni who included Hezbollah “The Humanitarian Coordi- which they did not start and do as civilian infrastructure said. “Youths aged between 11 and 18 attacked law enforcement members in his cabinet, nator in Libya, Yacoub El Hillo not want. including hospitals and schools officers during the night, throwing stones at them and wounding resigned a month ago in the condemns in the strongest “I am appalled by these must end immediately.” 20 officers,” Hayouni said. face of major street protests. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 Nasa locates debris from crashed India moon lander

AP/NEW DELHI India’s space agency NASA performed additional lost touch with the searches in the area and made The US space agency NASA said Vikram lunar lander an official announcement. yesterday that it has found the The space agency said that debris from India’s moon lander, after it crash landed after receiving Subramanian’s which crashed on the lunar during its final findings, its team “confirmed the surface in September. approach to the identification by comparing The US space agency before and after images.” released a photo showing the site moon’s south pole NASA also said, “Despite the of the lander’s impact and the to deploy a rover to loss, getting that close to the debris field, crediting an Indian search for signs of surface was an amazing engineer for helping locate the achievement.” site. water. India’s space agency lost The engineer, Shanmuga touch with the Vikram lunar Subramanian, said he examined lander after it crash landed an earlier NASA photo to locate north of the landing spot and during its final approach to the the debris. found a small little dot. When I moon’s south pole to deploy a The space agency said in a compared it to the Lunar Recon- rover to search for signs of statement that Subramanian first naissance Orbiter images of the water. located the debris about 750 site from the last nine years, I A successful landing would Farmers’ sit-in against govt policies meters (half a mile) northwest located the debris and reached have made India just the fourth of the main crash site. out to NASA.” country to land a vessel on the Farmers sit on train tracks during a demonstration to demand complete farm debt waiver and to “It took days of work to find The 33-year-old engineer lunar surface, and only the protest against agricultural policies of central and state government near Rayya village some 35km the crash site,” Shanmugham announced his discovery on third to operate a robotic rover from Amritsar in the northern Indian state of Punjab, yesterday. said. “I searched around the Twitter on October 3, after which there.

Dengue outbreak AIIMS and Sweden jointly launch in Bengal leaves healthcare innovation centre 27 dead and IANS/NEW DELHI at the India-Sweden Business Director Sanjeev Misra, while 44,000 affected Summit in the presence of Swedish Sweden was represented by India and Sweden announced the King Carl XVI Gustaf and Union Swedish Trade Commissioner to IANS/KOLKATA launch of a Healthcare Inno- Finance Minister Nirmala Sith- India Anders Wickberg. vation Centre in India for early araman, and her Swedish coun- AstraZeneca board Chairman At least 27 people have died, diagnosis and digital intervention terpart Ibrahim Baylan, as per an Leif Johansson said: “AstraZeneca and around 44,000 people in the management of non- official statement. is honoured to partner with afflicted with dengue in West communicable diseases (NCDs) The signing of the Memo- AIIMS and the Swedish Trade Bengal this year, Chief Minister such as diabetes and cancer. randum of Intent took place at Commissioner’s Office to further Mamata Banerjee told the state The Swedish Trade Commis- the event to mark 10 years of innovation in healthcare.” Assembly yesterday. sioner’s Office, in collaboration with India-Sweden health cooper- The centre will mainstream She, however, claimed that the All India Institute of Medical Sci- ation. Others present were Union digital, scalable and affordable the number of dengue-related ences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan healthcare solutions for early deaths have gone down this Jodhpur, announced launch of the and his Swedish counterpart diagnosis and digital intervention year. “Last year, 86 people had Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf attends a programme on tackling India-Sweden Healthcare Inno- Maja Fjaestad. AIIMS Delhi was in the management of NCDs such died of the disease. This year emissions and air pollution in New Delhi, India, yesterday. vation Centre in India. represented by Director Randeep as diabetes and cancer, “a shared the number of deaths have The announcement was made Guleria, and AIIMS Jodhpur by challenge for India and Sweden”. come down to 27. We have managed to check the outbreak. Around 44,000 people were hit by the dengue virus,” she said. Maharashtra to consider shelving Bullet Train project Banerjee said 3,000 doctors and 4,000 nurses were working IANS/MUMBAI “We are reviewing now what meeting of top officials to discuss Supporting the state govern- he asked. to contain the disease, with the projects are critical for the devel- the viability of the Bullet Train ment’s stand, Congress state Sawant argued that when an start government spending Rs Maharashtra’s Maha Vikas opment of the state and whether project and what will be the spokesperson Sachin Sawant said advanced country like the US has 475 crore to control the Aghadi government will ascertain others like Bullet Train project state’s ultimate liability towards that the Bullet Train project is not opted for bullet trains, there outbreak. if mega-projects like the Mumbai- can be postponed for a later it, especially since it faces stiff being implemented without is no need for a developing Ahmedabad Bullet Train can be stage,” Patil said. resistance from farmers and proper application of the mind or nation like India to block val- Andhra temple shelved in view of a staggering Rs His comments came a couple tribals in the Palghar region. its actual benefits to the country. uable resources in it. priest held for 6.71 lakh crore debt burden on the of days after Chief Minister After Thackeray’s statement “This is intended to divert The Bullet Train project, state, Minister Jayant Patil said Uddhav Thackeray ordered a last Sunday that the state will give trade and businesses from which Thackeray categorically molesting minor girl here yesterday. review of all undergoing devel- a total loan waiver to farmers, Patil Maharashtra to Gujarat. Pres- said has not been stopped, but He said the debt burden opment projects taken up by the said the government is currently ently, the air fares on this sector will be reviewed, will be around IANS/AMARAVATI comprises Rs 4.71 lakh crore debt previous BJP-led government, devising means to provide relief are barely Rs3,000, but the Bullet 508km long - 156km in Mahar- besides the obligation of another especially the big ticket ones like to the peasant hit by the recent Train could be charging nearly ashtra, 4km in Dadar and Nagar Andhra Pradesh Police have Rs2 lakh crore on ongoing the Bullet Train. unseasonal rains and floods in dif- four times. Who will afford it, Haveli and the remaining 348km arrested a temple priest, who projects. The state has called a ferent parts. and how will it become viable?” in Gujarat. was on the run after raping a minor tribal girl in Kadapa district. D. Ravi alias Saty- anarayana, who was hiding in BJP lawmaker asks Centre The blind stumble on Delhi’s ‘broken’ streets East Godavari district, was apprehended by the police after to ban social media AFP/NEW DELHI they were alerted by their counterparts in Kadapa. IANS/NEW DELHI Constitution was made it was Tapping his white cane, Vinod According to police, the mentioned in Article 105 and 105 Kumar Sharma spends four priest, who had changed his Bharatiya Janata Party MP (2) that whatever would be dis- hours a day running the gauntlet getup and was calling up his Nishikant Dube yesterday cussed in the House, the of crowded trains and New family by using the mobile requested the Centre to come up reporting of the matter would Delhi’s congested, potholed and phone of others, was arrested with a law to ban social media to be proper and any member often pavement-less roads. in Annavaram. stop it from circulating misinfor- would be free to put his point Sharma is one of an esti- The priest had allegedly mation which leads to abusive without any fear and partiality. mated 63 million visually raped 14-year-old tribal girl on remarks affecting lives of people. Social media and breaking news impaired people in India, the pretext of teaching her the The MP from Jharkhand’s was not there when Article 105 according to the World Health Bhagawad Gita. The incident had Godda constituency raised the was made,” Dubey said. Organization. Of those, some occurred in Reddivaripalli in issue in the Lok Sabha during The MP said his father, eight million are completely Kadapa district on November 27. zero hour— time specified for mother and his whole family blind — around 20 percent of the matters of urgent public were also abused. “So, I per- the global total. Many Delhi Punjab signs pact to importance in which lawmakers sonally urge the government roads lack pavements, forcing can raise their issues with prior through you (Lok Sabha the 44-year-old father-of-three Forty-four-year-old blind man Vinod Kumar Sharma (left), walks study hyperloop notice to the Speaker. Speaker) that a law should be to walk on the roadside, from a platform onto the rail tracks with his wife Indrapti after transport feasibility “I seek your protection sir made to ban social media to stop probing his white cane in front arriving at Okhla railway station in New Delhi. (Lok Sabha Speaker). When the such activities.” as cars and trucks tear past just IANS/CHANDIGARH centimetres (inches) away. to beg or turn to charity to decades before it shut down last On trains, where pas- make ends meet. Poverty and year. He started to retrain as a The Punjab government sengers are packed like sar- poor access to healthcare in massage therapist in January, yesterdayy signed a pact with Campaigning for crucial dines in the megacity of 20 rural areas also contributes to resolutely making the long US-based Virgin Hyperloop million people, he is dependent the high prevalence of vision commute to classes at the Blind One to explore the feasibility of Karnataka bypolls ends on fellow commuters helping impairment in the South Asian Relief Association in Delhi. a hyperloop transport infra- him to navigate platforms and nation, experts say. “I have picked up massage structure project in Amritsar- IANS/BENGALURU squeeze in and out of carriages. Sharma — from one of as I have become older and Ludhiana-Chandigarh-national Sharma said that people always India’s poorest states, Bihar — there aren’t many other capital Region corridor in a bid Campaigning for the crucial by-elections to 15 assembly seats in help him to get on and off trains. lost his sight as a teenager while avenues for me,” he said. to improve the inter-city trans- Karnataka tomorrow ended last evening, with leaders and candi- “The people are good. But working in the fields of his Swapna Merlin from the portation in the region. dates of political parties and others doing their utmost to woo the there are broken roads and village. He moved to the Indian Blind Relief Association said “We signed a memorandum electorate as the results could influence the state’s future political open sewage holes which are capital to try and get treatment many of its trainees are from of understanding (MoU) with course. always a risk,” he added. but when doctors were unable rural regions and have been Los Angeles-based Virgin “The 13-day campaign concluded peacefully in all the 15 assembly Sharma, like many other to help him, he stayed on. brought up to believe that they Hyperloop One to conduct a constituencies. Barring stray incidents, there were no law and order blind Indians, also battles a dire Sharma trained at a school could not exist outside their fam- pre-feasibility economic study issues, as our officials kept a strict vigil for any the violation of the lack of opportunities in edu- for the blind and landed a job in ilies’ care. The International Day for the project,” said Vini model code of conduct,” an election official said. cation and employment for dis- a factory, making children’s of People with Disabilities was Mahajan, state Additional Chief Polling will be held from 7am to 6pm and votes will be counted abled people. Many are forced braille toys, for more than two observed yesterday. Secretary (Investment on December 9. Promotion). WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 ASIA 13 Pakistan govt forms committee to build consensus on army chief’s extension INTERNEWS While the PTI government maintains that it only have long maintained the PTI ISLAMABAD government is failing at working needs a simple majority to pass the required with them to resolve the issues The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf- legislation, it will still need Opposition’s support facing Pakistanis. led government has formed a in the Senate, where it lacks majority. Meanwhile, President of three-member committee to Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi has sum- commence work on drafting new moned the National Assembly to legislation codifying the modal- Defence Minister Pervez Khattak an Act of Parliament and to meet in the afternoon today. ities of extending an army chief’s and Minister for Planning Asad clarify the scope of Article 243 Earlier, the President revoked tenure of service. Umar, the committee has been of the Constitution in this November 22 orders of sum- The Supreme Court last week tasked to reach out to the oppo- regard.” While a majority of law- moning of the National Assembly allowed the government to sition to secure its support for makers have suggested they for December 2. extend the tenure of Pakistan any legislation it drafts. want to work with the opposition The delayed session of lower Army chief General Qamar Javed While the government has to ensure the smooth passage of House of the Parliament is likely Bajwa for six months on the con- maintained that it only needs a this legislation, Prime Minister to continue for two weeks. dition that it would use that time simple majority to pass this leg- Imran Khan’s initial reaction to In the light of directives of to enact legislation to remove islation, it will still require the court’s ruling was to slam the the Supreme Court of Pakistan, deficiencies in the law con- support in the Senate, where it “forces within” that sought a the government is also likely to cerning the reappointment or lacks this majority. In its verdict, clash of institutions between the introduce a bill for amendment extension in an army chief’s the apex court specifically urged government and the armed to the Army Act to give legal tenure. the government to “clearly forces. effect to extension of Chairman Comprising Foreign Minister specify the terms and conditions This has prompted backlash Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Shah Mahmood Qureshi, of service of the COAS through from opposition lawmakers who and three services chiefs. Jailed Zardari Authorities freeze opposition leader’s assets seeks bail on ANATOLIA / ISLAMABAD Twenty-three of their prop- are being politically victimised erties have been frozen, as part of a larger crackdown medical grounds Pakistan’s anti-corruption including two houses in Lahore against the opposition. authority yesterday issued city, which is the stronghold of Hamza Shehbaz, who is INTERNEWS orders to freeze immovable the Pakistan Muslim League- leader of the opposition in the ISLAMABAD assets of Opposition Leader Nawaz party that Shehbaz Sharif Punjab Assembly, is currently in Shehbaz Sharif. chairs. the prison pending trial. Traditional pottery Jailed former Pakistan pres- The National Accountability The trio is being probed in Shehbaz Sharif’s ailing elder A potter shifts earthen pots from a clay oven at a factory in Lahore, ident Asif Zardari approached Bureau order also names his cases related to money laun- brother and three-time prime Pakistan, yesterday. Pots made from clay in a traditional way are the Islamabad High Court sons, Hamza Shehbaz and dering and owning assets minister, Nawaz Sharif is out on still popular in Pakistan, where some high-end restaurants are yesterday seeking bail on Suleman Shehbaz, local daily beyond known income. They bail seeking treatment in also using these pots. medical grounds. Express Tribune reported. deny the allegations saying they London. The jailed Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman is cur- rently under treatment at the Imran: Fighting Pakistan Institute of Medical Parliamentary panel on ECP members meets today Sciences (PIMS) hospital in financial crime Islamabad. INTERNEWS opposition are equally repre- The government and chairman to ensure that the A day earlier, PPP Chairman ISLAMABAD sented in the committee, with six opposition are equally committee reaches a decision on main agenda of Bilawal Bhutto had announced members from each side. represented in the the appointments by December the PTI govt that the party will submit bail The parliamentary committee Under parliamentary rules, committee, with six 7. The IHC had intervened in the plea for Zardari on medical formed to finalise the names of the panel has to make a decision matter after a petitioner had grounds. “We do not trust Paki- members of the Election with a two-thirds majority, members each, but approached the court chal- INTERNEWS stani doctors,” he told the Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which means that in order to the panel has to make lenging the government’s uni- ISLAMABAD media. will resume its deliberations approve any individual for the a decision with a two- lateral decision to appoint Bilawal who was accom- today. post, the nominee’s name should thirds majority. members on the vacant seats Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran panied by his sisters Bakhtawar The committee met yes- be supported by at least eight from Balochistan and Sindh. Khan has said that fighting and Aseefa, the children of terday to deliberate on the pro- members. Under Section 3 of the Elec- financial crime was the main Zardari and former prime min- posed names for vacant seats For the vacant seat from names of retired judges Sadiq tions Act, 2017, it is a agenda of his government. ister Bilawal Bhutto, added, from Sindh and Balochistan Sindh and Balochistan, the oppo- Bhatti, Noorul Haq and Jabbar requirement that an ECP bench He observed this during a “Though it was a difficult task provinces as well as the sition has recommended the Qureshi for Sindh. must have at least three meeting with the newly- to convince him to file a bail, appointment of the chief election names of Shah Jatoi, Rauf Atta Sources said that Senate members, with or without the appointed Director General of Aseefa managed to convince commissioner (CEC). The and Rahila Durrani for Balo- Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and chief election commissioner. the Federal Investigation him. We have hope that we will meeting was chaired by Human chistan and the names of Nisar National Assembly Speaker Asad If the committee fails to Agency, Wajid Zia, who called get justice.” Rights Minister Dr Shireen Durrani, Rasul Memon and Qaiser had met on Monday to agree on two names for the on Imran. Earlier this month, an Mazari. Aurangzeb Haq for Sindh. devise a formula to ‘save’ the vacant seats the election com- Special Assistant to the accountability court had dis- The panel comprises eight The government has pro- ECP from becoming dysfunc- mission will become dysfunc- Prime Minister on Accounta- missed a plea seeking per- members from the National posed the names of Faiz Kakar, tional. The Islamabad High Court tional as the incumbent Chief bility, Mirza Shahzad Akbar, mission to move Zardari to Assembly and four from the Naveed Jan and Amanullah (IHC) had directed National Election Commissioner Sardar was also present. Zia assured Karachi for medical treatment. Senate. The government and Baloch for Balochistan and the Assembly speaker and Senate Raza is retiring on December 6. the prime minister that he would do his best to serve the country with commitment. In a related development, Sri Lanka leader suspends Director-General FIA Bashir Memon quit his post in protest, parliament for one month terming his removal from the office victimisation. AFP an economy still struggling after Memon quit the office 15 COLOMBO deadly Easter Sunday suicide days before his retirement and bombings that crippled the forwarded his resignation to the Sri Lanka’s new President country’s booming tourism Establishment Division. He was suspended parliament for a sector. due to retire on December 17. month from yesterday ahead of A 15-percent value-added Memon said he had stepped snap elections he wants to call tax was cut to eight percent, down in protest against his in March to consolidate his while another two-percent sacking from the post a few sweeping victory. goods and services tax was abol- days before his retirement. “I Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected ished from this month. am considering my removal president last month in a land- The construction industry from the position of DG-Ship of slide, issued a proclamation also saw its corporate tax burden FIA as victimisation that’s why overnight proroguing the legis- cut from 28 to 14 percent. I resigned in protest,” he said. lature and said a new session The official announcement Replying to a question, will begin from January 3. of calling a fresh session of the Memon said he was removed Rajapaksa, 70, is hoping to legislature will give the minority without any reason in a dis- ride a wave of popularity by government of Rajapaksa more graceful and insulting manner. calling an election six months control over parliamentary He said according to the before the current parliament’s oversight committees. practice, no officer close to five-year term expires in August. Rajapaksa is the younger Unloading a cargo ship the old way retirement was replaced from He has already ordered brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, his position but in his case all Labourers unload building materials from a cargo ship in Gabtoli, on the outskirts of Dhaka, yesterday. major tax cuts in a bid to boost president from 2005 to 2015. the traditions were violated. US troop drawdowns ‘not necessarily’ tied to Taliban deal: Esper REUTERS last week to Afghanistan by Pres- London for a NATO summit, whether such reductions would A draft accord agreed in Sep- developments in the coming days LONDON ident Donald Trump, who spoke Esper said the Trump adminis- necessarily be contingent on tember before peace talks col- or suggest that new troop draw- of potential troop reductions and tration had been discussing some sort of agreement with the lapsed would have withdrawn downs in Afghanistan might US Defence Secretary Mark said he believed the Taliban potential reductions in troop Taliban insurgency, Esper said: thousands of American troops in figure into NATO discussions this Esper said on Monday that any insurgency would agree to a levels for some time, both inter- “Not necessarily.” He did not exchange for guarantees that week. future troop drawdowns in ceasefire in the 18-year-old war. nally and with NATO allies. elaborate. Afghanistan would not be used “I don’t think there’s any Afghanistan were “not neces- If honoured by all sides, a “I feel confident that we There are currently about as a base for militant attacks on ‘new’ news right now, if you will. sarily” linked to a deal with ceasefire could lead to a signif- could reduce our numbers in 13,000 US forces in Afghanistan the United States or its allies. We’ve been discussing this for Taliban insurgents, suggesting icant reduction in violence. But Afghanistan and still ensure that as well as thousands of other Still, many US officials pri- quite some time,” Esper said, some lowering of force levels US military commanders would place doesn’t become a safe NATO troops. US officials have vately doubt the Taliban could when asked if he would raise the may happen irrespective of the still focus on the threats asso- haven for terrorists who could said US forces could drop to be relied upon to prevent al issue in London. ongoing peace push. ciated with two other militant attack the United States,” Esper 8,600 and still carry out an Qaeda from again plotting About 2,400 US service The remarks by Esper in an groups in Afghanistan: Islamic said, without offering a figure. effective, core counter-terrorism attacks against the United States members have been killed in the interview with Reuters came on State and al Qaeda. “And our allies agree we can mission as well as some limited from Afghan soil. Afghan conflict and many thou- the heels of a Thanksgiving trip Speaking as he flew to make reductions as well.” Asked advising for Afghan forces. Esper did not hint at any sands more wounded. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 Powerful typhoon leaves at least 4 dead in Philippines AP Manila International Airport was shut for seven MANILA, PHILIPPINES hours yesterday and more than 400 domestic Typhoon Kammuri barreled and international flights were cancelled. across the Philippines with fierce winds and rain yesterday, floods and landslides. archipelago of more than 100 leaving at least four people dead, A villager was electrocuted million people one of the world’s forcing hundreds of thousands while fixing the battered roof of most disaster-prone nations. of villagers to abandon high-risk his house in Libmanan town in Evacuating entire villages communities and prompting Camarines Sur province in the and communities and providing officials to shut Manila’s inter- hard-hit Bicol region, regional supplies to huge numbers of res- national airport. disaster response officer Claudio idents camped in schools and Kammuri toppled trees and Yucot said. In Oriental Mindoro, government buildings used as electrical posts, ripped off tin one of the last provinces to be emergency shelters is common roofs and battered a provincial lashed by the typhoon, a man during typhoons, volcanic erup- airport as it blew across island died after being pinned by a tions and earthquakes, largely provinces in the southern fringes fallen tree and another perished because many mostly poor com- of the main northern Luzon after being hit by a tin roof, Gov- munities are in disaster-prone A man walks past electric poles lying on the main highway after Typhoon Kammuri hit Camalig town, island before blowing into the ernor Humerlito Dolor said. areas. Philippines, yesterday. South China Sea. It weakened but A construction worker on his Kammuri’s pounding rain remained dangerous with way home on a motorcycle was and wind damaged the airport maximum sustained winds of 130 hit by a falling tree and died in in Legazpi city in Albay province, posts and downed transmission closure, airport manager Ed polo and tennis matches in kilometres (81 miles) per hour the port city of Ormoc in Leyte collapsing a portion of its ceiling, lines. Nearly 2 million people Monreal said. Manila and outlying provinces. and gusts of up to 200 kph (124 province, police said. scattering chairs in the arrival were affected by the power Authorities moved thousands Organisers said other events mph) as it exited, forecasters “There could have been more and departure areas and shat- outages, officials said. of Boy Scouts attending a jam- would be delayed if needed for said. if we did not do pre-emptive tering glass panes. A truck turned In Manila, officials shut the boree in the mountainous town safety but there was no plan to At least four people died and evacuations,” Dolor told on its side after being buffeted international airport for seven of Botolan in the northwestern extend the 11-day games which several others were reported reporters. by strong winds in the city, near hours starting before noon yes- province of Zambales. opened Saturday. injured, with officials attributing The Philippines is battered Mount Mayon, one of the coun- terday as the typhoon roared The Philippines postponed The coast guard suspended the low casualty figure to the by about 20 typhoons and try’s most active volcanos. through provinces south of the several competitions in the sea travel in the northeast, early evacuation of hundreds of tropical storms each year and Albay is one of several prov- capital. More than 400 domestic Southeast Asian Games, which it stranding more than 7,000 trav- thousands of villagers from vil- has frequent earthquakes and inces in the Bicol region which and international flights were is hosting, because of the stormy ellers along with thousands of lages prone to high waves, flash volcanic eruptions, making the lost post power due to toppled cancelled due to the airport weather, including wind surfing, cargo ships. HK leader says Malaysia’s former PM Najib begins defence in graft trial Two injured in new US law, Jakarta smoke AFP terminded the elaborate fraud. proceedings began with Najib violence will KUALA LUMPUR “The crux of my defence is giving testimony under oath. He grenade blast the entire scheme is designed by will be cross-examined by pros- harm economy Former Malaysian prime Jho Low,” Shafee added. ecutors and is expected to be on AFP minister Najib Razak was a Low “portrayed himself as the witness stand for around four JAKARTA AP “victim” of the multi-million someone influential in the days. HONG KONG dollar 1MDB scandal that saw Middle East countries” Najib told He began his testimony Two Indonesian soldiers were state coffers drained on his the packed courtroom, speaking reading from a 243-page injured yesterday after a smoke Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam watch, his lawyer said yesterday, calmly during five hours of statement, recalling his long grenade detonated near said yesterday that clashes as the ex-premier gave evidence testimony. career in politics and ministerial Jakarta’s national monument, between protesters and police in his own fraud trial. “I thought his influence and posts he held since 1978, but authorities ruled out an last weekend have dampened Huge sums were stolen from Najib Razak connections will help 1MDB including the post of finance attack. her hopes that a recent lull in sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia achieve its goals and attract minister, and giving lengthy The blast occurred around violence would allow the terri- Development Berhad, allegedly investment vehicle. investments.” Najib, 66, went on background on the setting up of 7:00 am local time (1200 GMT) tory’s economy to recover. by the ex-prime minister and his “Najib is not part of the con- trial in April over the contro- 1MDB and SRC. as military and police personnel The government will soon cronies, and spent on everything spiracy. He is a victim as much versy, in a case centred on the Defence lawyers had earlier were taking a morning jog launch a fourth round of from high-end real estate to as others in the 1MDB scandal,” transfer of 42 million ringgit said it would take two days for around the leafy grounds in the measures to support business, artwork. Najib’s coalition was his lawyer Muhammad Shafee ($10.1m) from former 1MDB unit him to read the entire statement, centre of the capital. protect jobs and offer economic ousted at the polls last year after Adbullah told reporters. SRC International into his bank but as his testimony went on, it “We’re now investigating relief, she told reporters after a six decades in power, largely due “The leader of the pack is Jho accounts. The former leader appeared it would take longer. why the smoke grenade was weekly meeting with advisers. to public anger over the scandal. Low,” he said, referring to arrived at the court wearing a He was able to read only 70 there,” Jakarta police chief Six months of unrest have He has since been arrested fugitive Malaysian financier Low blue suit and held a brief Muslim pages in his statement by the end Gatot Eddy told reporters, tipped Hong Kong’s already and hit with dozens of charges Taek Jho, a member of Najib’s prayer with supporters at the of the day. The trial will resume adding that the two injured had weak economy into recession. linked to the looting of the inner circle who allegedly mas- building’s steps. Defence today. been rushed to hospital. The pro-democracy protests have become more violent over time as the government has N Korea celebrates completion refused to give ground on most of the movement’s demands. The last two weeks have of ‘modern mountainous city’ been relatively quiet, as AFP fur-hatted officials — cut a red activists focused on winning SEOUL ribbon in front of a statue of his district council elections that father Kim Jong Il. became a referendum on public North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Winter already has North support for the protests. has opened a flagship Korea’s far north firmly in its grip, Pro-democracy candidates construction project close to and icicles hung from buildings, won a landslide victory in the Mount Paektu, a symbol of the Korean Central Television (KCTV) November 24 elections. Korean nation and officially the footage showed — the largely Police used tear gas and birthplace of his father and pred- empty streets covered in snow. pepper spray balls in skirmishes ecessor, state media reported Banners proclaimed: “Long last weekend, as protesters yesterday. live the great leader of the force blocked streets and vandalised The ceremony was held in of our party and country, some shops seen as sympa- snowy scenes before thousands comrade Kim Jong Un!” Kim had thetic to Beijing. Hong Kong is of soldiers and civilians, and por- “worked heart and soul to turn a semi-autonomous territory trayed as a demonstration of the Samjiyon County, the sacred of China. The clashes were resilience of the North, which is place of the revolution, into the much smaller than earlier ones, subject to international sanctions utopia town under socialism”, the but Lam said they threw cold imposed over its nuclear weapons official KCNA news agency said. water on her hopes that the rel- and ballistic missile The Korean people were, it ative peace would hold. programmes. said, “advancing along the This picture taken on Monday and released BY North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency “Again, we’re seeing violent Kim donned a black leather straight road chosen by them- (KCNA) yesterday shows a ceremony to mark the completion of the construction of the township of scenes that we don’t want to see trench coat and gloves for the selves without any vacillation anymore,” she said. Samjiyon County in North Korea. opening, and — surrounded by despite the worst trials”. Lam also said a new US law to defend human rights in Hong Kong will have an economic impact, undermining confi- Top Chinese diplomat set for first visit to South Korea in 5 years dence and creating an uncertain business environment. REUTERS Korea, a longtime ally of Beijing. Both sides are expected to The row resulted in a sharp somewhat, but there are still The Hong Kong Human SEOUL Wang’s visit will be his first primarily discuss Moon’s slump in South Korea’s tourism, several points of friction, Rights and Democracy Act since a dispute erupted over the planned attendance at a trilateral cosmetics and entertainment including THAAD and China’s air requires an annual review of A high-ranking Chinese diplomat installation of the US Terminal summit in China with Japan, and industries, which had prospered defence zone intrusions,” said the favourable trading status is visiting Seoul this week for the High Altitude Area Defence a possible visit by Chinese Pres- thanks to Chinese demand. China Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow that the US grants to the city. first time in five years as the two (THAAD) system in South Korea, ident Xi Jinping to South Korea is South Korea’s biggest trading at the Asan Institute for Policy President Donald Trump signed countries seek to improve ties though he and Kang have talked next year. partner. Studies in Seoul. it into law last week. amid a spat over a US anti- on other occasions. The United States suggested After Moon took office in On Friday, South Korea’s “We have freedom of the missile system in South Korea. The United States and South setting up the THAAD system to 2017, the two sides sought to military said it scrambled jets press, freedom of assembly, The Chinese government’s Korea, meanwhile, have been address North Korea’s missile mend ties through an agreement after a Chinese warplane religious freedom — we enjoy top diplomat, State Councillor locked in an increasingly public threats, and a total of six inter- under which South Korea rec- repeatedly entered the Korea air a high degree of freedom in Wang Yi, is set to arrive today for disagreement over how much ceptor batteries were installed ognised China’s concerns and defence identification zone over many areas,” Lam said. a two-day stay, during which he Seoul should pay for hosting at the southeastern air base of promised not to deploy addi- three and a half hours. “There’s an overseas gov- will meet his counterpart, Kang some 28,500 US troops. Seongju by 2017. tional interceptors. In July, South Korean war- ernment that interfered with Kyung-wha, and President Moon South Korea’s foreign min- Beijing angrily denounced But the economic rela- planes fired flares and warning Hong Kong affairs, and that is Jae-in, Seoul officials said. istry said Wang’s visit would be the move, saying the system’s tionship has not fully recovered, shots near a Russian warplane most regrettable.” China has South Korea sees China as a chance to bolster relations “for powerful radar could penetrate industry officials said. that violated South Korean air- said it would also suspend visits instrumental in reviving stalled new development,” with bilateral into Chinese territory and was “China ties have rather been space during the first long-range by US military ships and aircraft denuclearisation talks between and regional issues on the part of a US drive to establish a somewhat neglected after the joint regional air patrol by to Hong Kong. the United States and North agenda. global missile shield. THAAD rift had died down Chinese and Russian aircraft. WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 EUROPE 15

Putin says Finland PM resigns; coalition expected to survive Russia ready AFP President Sauli want elections because they’d HELSINKI Niinisto has asked do worse” than last time. for cooperation the government to “The most probable (sce- Finnish Prime Minister Antti nario) is that they will carry on, with Nato Rinne resigned yesterday after stay on in a caretaker with the same government pro- losing the support of the capacity until a new gramme” but possibly changing AFP coalition partner Centre Party, government has been a few cabinet ministers, she said. MOSCOW though the governing alliance is Rinne’s resignation comes expected to stay in power to appointed. after several weeks of political President Vladimir Putin avoid a snap election. crisis over a plan to move 700 yesterday said Russia is open A Social Democrat who has being prime minister jeopardises employees of Finland Post, a to cooperation with Nato as a headed the centre-left five-party the government programme, it public limited company with the two-day summit of the Western government since June, Rinne is better that I steer clear of it,” state as sole shareholder, to a alliance opened outside handed his resignation to Pres- Rinne told reporters. less advantageous collective London. ident Sauli Niinisto, who asked The Social Democrats, Fin- wage agreement to improve “We have repeatedly the government to stay on in a land’s biggest party, will now competition. expressed readiness to jointly caretaker capacity until a new appoint a successor to try to In September, criticism ini- resist real threats,” Putin said, government has been appointed, form a new government, which tially focused on the minister in Russian news agencies the presidency said. could take days or even weeks. charge of state ownership, Sirpa reported. “All of the governing parties Sanna Marin, the party’s Paatero, a member of Rinne’s He named these common have confidence in me, except number two behind Rinne and SDP. threats as “international ter- the Centre Party. When I was the current minister of transport, The crisis deepened in rorism, local armed conflicts told why they no longer have has already said she would be November when a large strike (and) the danger of uncon- confidence in me, I made the willing to take over. broke out, with employees of trolled proliferation of weapons decision to resign,” Rinne said. Political analyst Sini other industries walking off the of mass destruction.” The Centre Party was Korpinen said the coalition job in sympathy with the postal He was speaking in the angered after the prime minister parties — the Social Democratic employees, which is permitted Black Sea resort of Sochi as a was accused of lying by the head Party (SDP), Centre, Greens, Left under Finnish labour law. two-summit of Nato leaders of Finland Post — the culmi- Alliance and Swedish People’s Finland Post withdrew its opened yesterday in the British nation of a long-running dispute Party — would in all likelihood reform plans, but unions town of Watford. over reforms to the pay and con- agree to carry on together, as it demanded to know whether the He nevertheless used the ditions for some postal workers. was not in any of their interests state had approved the reform. occasion to lament the prickly Prime Minister of Finland Antti Rinne (right) shakes hands with “All of the government to bring down the government. Paatero made several contra- relationship between Moscow Finnish President Sauli NiinistoJ as he hands over his resignation at parties are committed to the... That is especially true for the dictory remarks before Rinne and the military alliance, saying government programme. If (me) Centre Party, which “doesn’t stepped in on November 28. the President’s official residence Mäntyniemi in Helsinki, yesterday. that despite Russia trying to suggest a “constructive” agenda, “since 2008 our coop- EU warns eration has practically been Fresh challenge for Macron as massive strike looms curtailed.” Malta against He slammed Nato, which discontent by broad swathes of system. He even pushed through has angered Moscow by interference in French society, from police and changes to the state-run rail strengthening its presence in firefighters to teachers and hos- operator SNCF, long considered countries on Russia’s borders, murder probe pital employees — as well as a an untouchable union bastion, for “acting inappropriately not yearlong “yellow vest” ending job-for-life guarantees to say rudely, without taking AFP movement demanding improved and other benefits for new into account Russia’s interests.” BRUSSELS living standards. employees. Russia is “obliged to view Looming over the reform is Those successes have only Nato expansion, the devel- The EU has warned Malta the spectre of 1995, the last major fired up union leaders, who have opment of its military infra- against any “political inter- attempt to change the pension vowed to maintain their strike structure close to (its) borders ference” in the investigation of system when weeks of strikes until Macron abandons his cam- as one of the potential threats the 2017 murder of journalist paralysed the country and forced paign promise for a “universal” to our country’s security,” he Daphne Caruana Galizia, a the government to back down. retirement system. said. fierce critic of the government. “The social discontent now It would do away with 42 He argued that the alliance In a phone call on Monday is stronger than it was in 1995,” “special regimes” for sectors is outdated, saying “bloc stere- with Malta’s justice minister, according to Bernard Thibault, ranging from rail and energy otypes of thinking of previous European Commission Vice a former CGT leader during the workers to lawyers and Paris years cannot be an effective President Vera Jourova protests 24 years ago. Opera employees, which often tool for seeking and taking A member of CGT labour union holds posters that read “All on strike “insisted that the investigation Bike shops have been inun- grant workers higher pensions effective decisions in the fast- on December 5” during preparations for the national strike against has to be brought to conclusion dated with rental requests, ride- or early retirement. changing conditions of the without any political inter- French government’s pensions reform plans, in Nice, yesterday. hailing services are planning to But unions say the changes modern world.” While the ference,” a spokesman said on add drivers and electric scooter would effectively require mil- Warsaw Pact on collective AFP Tuesday. PARIS sweeping reform drive. operators are offering special lions of private-sector workers defence signed between the She also “expressed her Paris metro and rail workers deals to help commuters cope to work beyond the legal USSR and European allies no concern regarding the situation will walk off the job starting with the expected traffic jams. retirement age of 62 if they want longer exists, Nato is still in Malta,” the spokesman said. France yesterday scrambled to tomorrow, banking on wide- So far, Macron has been able to receive the full pension they growing, he pointed out. The phone call occurred a make contingency plans for a spread support for their protest to ride out opposition to previous have been promised. Nevertheless he assured the day after Maltese Prime Min- huge strike against pension over- against plans they say will signature reforms, including Police unions, rubbish col- alliance that “I’m still counting ister Joseph Muscat, who has hauls that poses one of the require millions to retire later or less-restrictive labour laws and lectors, air-traffic controllers and on interests in shared security come under fire over his per- biggest challenges yet to Pres- face reduced pensions. tax cuts to encourage hiring and Air France workers have said and a secure and peaceful future sonal links to politicians impli- ident Emmanuel Macron’s It is the latest expression of overhauls of the education they will start striking tomorrow. for the planet prevailing.” cated in the case, said he would step down in January. Switzerland summons Sri Lankan ambassador Spain MPs sworn in, with Prague grants AFP on Monday, a statement said. including the names of Sri GENEVA The diplomatic spat began Lankans who had sought asylum far-right Vox party at No 3 Milan Kundera when a senior Sri Lanka police in Switzerland. Switzerland has summoned Sri officer sought asylum in Swit- According to the Swiss AFP Last month, Sanchez’s nego- citizenship Lanka’s ambassador and asked zerland after investigating foreign ministry, the woman was MADRID tiating team began talks with the to see the “purported evidence” several cases involving members “threatened by unidentified Republican Left of Catalonia AFP / PRAGUE that Colombo says casts doubt of the powerful Rajapaksa family men” and forced “to disclose Spain’s new parliament met for (ERC), a Catalan separatist party on claims by a Swiss embassy — Gotabaya Rajapaksa currently embassy-related information”. its opening session yesterday, which won 13 seats in Novem- Novelist Milan Kundera has staff member that she was serves as president. On Sunday, Sri Lanka sought with the far-right Vox as the ber’s election. gained Czech citizenship four abducted. The next day a local worker to raise doubts about the Swiss third-largest party following a But so far it has refused to decades after communist Envoy Karunasena Hetti- at the Swiss embassy in Colombo narrative, claiming ambassador divisive election that failed to offer its backing, demanding in Czechoslovakia stripped him of arachchi, who is based in Berlin, claimed she had been abducted Hanspeter Mock had been given resolve years of political exchange talks on the Catalan citizenship following his met Switzerland’s State Sec- and forced to hand over sensitive “clear evidence” that the staff deadlock. crisis which would likely include emigration to France, the Czech retary Pascale Baeriswyl in Bern information, reportedly member’s account did not add up. Just over three weeks after its call for a referendum on self- foreign ministry said yesterday. the vote, lawmakers were yes- determination — an idea Madrid Ministry spokeswoman terday taking the oath of office, has rejected out of hand. Zuzana Stichova said that although there was little indi- ERC is headed by Oriol Jun- Kundera and his wife Vera had cation of when a government queras, one of nine Catalan received the documents from would be formed. leaders handed heavy jail terms the Czech ambassador to Paris The legislature has been in October over a failed 2017 on November 28. gridlocked since an inconclusive independence bid in a move “There was no ceremony, April election which the which sparked a wave of mass just a personal delivery,” she Socialists won but without a protests, some of which turned said, adding the ministry appre- majority — in an outcome violent. ciated Kundera whose “books repeated on November 10, ERC and the Socialists are made the Czech Republic leaving Pedro Sanchez a winner due to meet again on Tuesday, famous worldwide”. but weakened. with Eurasia analyst Federico Communist authorities in And this time round, Vox — Santi saying a deal between then-Czechoslovakia banned which only a year ago was just them “remains likely” although Kundera’s books and stripped a marginal player — more than the talks “will probably drag on him of citizenship following the doubled its showing, snaring 52 for several weeks”. Even so, the publication of “The Book of mandates and becoming the outcome would be a gov- Laughter and Forgetting” in third-largest faction within the ernment which would be “inher- 1979, in which he called then- 350-seat parliament. ently unstable and... unlikely to Czechoslovak president Gustav Days after the election, last for a full term”, he said. Husak “the president of Sanchez and the radical leftwing But opposition to the pro- forgetting”. Podemos agreed in principle to posed coalition, notably from Kundera, 90, left his home form a coalition government. business leaders over a gov- country for France in 1975 and But such a government ernment including Podemos took French citizenship in 1981. Protest against job cuts would only have 155 seats, with support from the separa- Czech Prime Minister Andrej leaving it dependent on support tists, has sparked growing calls Workers from the steel division of the ‘Thyssenkrupp’ demonstrate with whistles, flags and fumigenes Babis offered citizenship to from other factions for the 176 for Sanchez to talk with the against layoffs in front of the industrial group’s headquarter in Duisburg, Germany, yesterday. Kundera and his wife during his mandates to pass an investiture rightwing opposition People’s visit to Paris last year. vote. Party (PP). 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 Trump slams Macron over Nato criticism AFP Donald Trump will have added to defence LONDON defended Jens budgets by next year. “And yet you still have many US President Donald Trump Stoltenberg, boasting delinquent — you know I call launched a two-day Nato that Nato members them delinquent when they’re meeting yesterday with a blis- have massively not paid up in full,” he said. tering attack on France’s crit- increased their Only nine of Nato’s 29 icism of the alliance and on members spend two percent of “delinquent” members that do defence spending their GDP on defence. not pay their way. thanks to his pressure. Trump cited in particular At a news conference held to Germany as falling short, celebrate Nato’s success in to make.” spending only 1.2 percent. cajoling European allies to boost Asked whether the US Leaders of the 29 allies are their defence spending, Trump alliance with Nato was shaky, descending on London to lock lashed out at French President Trump denied it, but said: “I do horns over spending and stra- Emmanuel Macron. see France breaking off.” tegic direction in a major test of Macron had tried to shake Stoltenberg renewed his own unity as Nato seeks to assert its up the agenda for the London criticism of the French leader’s relevance. summit by branding the 70-year- remarks, saying allies “should If the Macron comments set US President Donald Trump (right) meets with Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, ahead of old Western alliance “brain never question the unity and the an angry tone for the meeting, the Nato Summit, in Watford, in London, yesterday. dead”, but Trump slapped him political willingness to stand there are also expected to be down and warned he could see together and to defend each clashes with Turkey’s President Russian S-400 air defence Duda played down the dispute, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, France “breaking away” from other”. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was system. saying he believed “a good whose spokesman said he would Nato. Trump defended Stoltenberg, also furious with the French Erdogan, in turn, has warned solution” would be found. be emphasising the need for Nato “Nato serves a great boasting that Nato members leader. that Turkey will block an update But he weighed in on unity. purpose,” Trump told reporters have massively increased their “First of all, have your own to Nato’s plan to defend Baltic Macron, urging him to stop The summit also comes at an alongside alliance Secretary- defence spending thanks to his brain death checked. These countries unless the alliance rec- carping about Nato and come up unexpectedly awkward moment General Jens Stoltenberg. pressure. statements are suitable only to ognises the Kurdish militant YPG with “concrete propositions” for for Johnson, with Britain in the “I think that’s very insulting,” But the president then reit- people like you who are in a state group as terrorists. how to improve the alliance. midst of a frenetic election he said of Macron’s comment, erated his complaints about of brain death,” he said last week. Nato has mooted a plan to Russian President Vladimir campaign. branding it a “very, very nasty European spending. French officials summoned bolster the defences of Poland, Putin said Moscow was open to The substance of the meeting statement essentially to 28 “When I came in, I was angry the Turkish envoy in Paris to Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia cooperation with Nato against is thin, with only one three-hour countries. at Nato, and now I’ve raised complain, while a US adminis- against a potential attack from joint threats such as terrorism. session planned, where leaders are “Nobody needs Nato more $130bn,” Trump said, referring tration official predicted that Russia, though details remain Macron and Erdogan will expected to sign off on a set of than France,” he said. “It’s a very to the sum Stoltenberg says many members would confront unclear. come face to face in a four-way decisions already taken by Nato dangerous statement for them Canada and European members Turkey over its purchase of a Polish President Andrzej meeting with Merkel and British foreign and defence ministers.

Croatian students Climate change hits health, yet funds lacking: WHO back in school after REUTERS save a million lives a year through action goes to the health sector, unless we cut our carbon emis- That is where the big win is,” he teachers end strike GENEVA lower air pollution alone. she said, calling it “absolutely sions, then we will continue to said. “Health is paying the price of outrageous”. undermine our food supplies, our Some 101 countries AGENCIES Climate change is harming the climate crisis. Why? Because Global temperatures could rise water supplies and our air responded to WHO’s survey ZAGREB human health as more people our lungs, our brains, our cardi- sharply this century with “wide- quality - everything that we need about the risks from climate suffer from heat stress, extreme ovascular system is very much ranging and destructive” conse- to maintain the good health of change — but not big players Students have returned to weather and mosquito-borne suffering from the causes of quences after greenhouse gas our populations,” he said. including India and the US. schools in Croatia after teachers diseases including malaria, the climate change which are over- emissions hit record levels last The same sources cause air “Over two-thirds have ended their strike following an World Health Organization lapping very much with the year, international climate pollution and climate change, assessed that they have agreement with the government (WHO) said yesterday. causes of air pollution,” Maria experts warned last week. Campbell-Lendrum said, adding: increased risks from heat stress, on a rise in salaries. The UN agency, in a report Neira, Director of WHO’s “WHO considers that climate “So about two-thirds of the from injury and death from Primary and secondary issued a day after a climate Department of Environment, change is potentially the greatest exposure to outdoor air pollution extreme weather, from food, schools throughout Croatia yes- summit began in Madrid, urged Climate Change and Health, told health threat of the 21st Century,” is from burning of fossil fuels.” water and vector-borne diseases terday worked normally after governments to meet ambitious a news briefing. said WHO expert Diarmid “WHO estimates that over 7 and those range from everything more than 36 days of strikes. targets to reduce heat-trapping Yet less than 1% of interna- Campbell-Lendrum. million people a year die from from cholera to malaria,” Croatia’s public HRT broad- carbon emissions saying it could tional financing for climate “The reason for that is that indoor and outdoor air pollution. Campbell-Lendrum said. caster said this was the longest ever strike in the country. The unions agreed to stop Three Russian sisters face murder the action after the government promised a gradual hike in charges over abusive father’s death wages. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has described Mon- AFP stabbed their father with a knife day’s deal as a compromise. MOSCOW and beat him with a hammer, Teachers initially held a causing fatal injuries. partial strike, rotating between Investigators said yesterday that It pointed to “mitigating cir- schools. They recently widened two sisters who killed their cumstances” but said the two the strike to include all schools father after years of abuse older sisters were of sound mind every day. should face murder charges in and aware of their actions at the On Friday, teachers have a case highlighting Russia’s dire time of the attack. rejected a government offer of record on domestic violence. They face up to 20 years in a gradual 10.4 percent pay rise Three Russian sisters — prison if convicted. Investigators and are pressing on with a Krestina, Angelina and Maria recommended that the youngest strike, trade union leaders said. Khachaturyan — stabbed their sister, Maria, should enter man- Teachers and other father Mikhail to death in July, datory psychiatric care. employees in the education 2018 after suffering years of Lawyers and activists say the system had complained their beatings and assault. teenagers were forced to act to salaries were behind other Russia’s Investigate Com- save their own lives, pointing to public sector workers. mittee said in a statement that poor legal protections for abuse They also said that they are it had completed a probe into victims in a country where a undervalued by the gov- the killing and was recom- separate law on domestic vio- ernment in comparison with mending charges of murder and lence still does not exist. other public sector workers, conspiracy to commit murder Mari Davtyan, a lawyer for and want changes to regula- A migrant standing in a snow covered makeshift forest camp near Croatian border in Bihac, Bosnia against the two older sisters, Angelina, said the case should tions which they say mean their and Herzegovina, yesterday. Krestina and Angelina. not go to trial in its current form, salaries have for years lagged The probe established that adding that the sisters “used rea- behind workers in other areas EU official urges closure of Bosnia migrant camp the sisters, acting as a group, sonable force in self-defence”. of the public sector. AP Vucjak have worsened further Bosnian authorities have BIHAC, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA after snow fell on Monday. struggled to accommodate thou- Several hundred migrants who sands of people fleeing war and Kremlin views reports of possible A top European human rights were staying in the camp yes- poverty in the Middle East, Africa official demanded the immediate terday refused food and water and Asia. Russia’s UK vote meddling ‘with irony’ closure of a makeshift tent camp to protest the situation. Government officials have in northwestern Bosnia where Fazil Rahman, from Afghan- said that a new facility for REUTERS The opposition Labour Party “Such a persistent term — hundreds of migrants remain istan, said migrants “don’t want migrants near Sarajevo won’t be MOSCOW said on November 27 that the Russian hacker — is practically stranded despite snow and the food,” they just want to be ready for another 20 days. classified documents showed the used like a fetish in order to dis- freezing weather. allowed to cross into neigh- In Vucjak, some tents have The Kremlin said yesterday it ruling Conservatives were tract attention from one’s own “It should be closed as we boring Croatia and move on collapsed under the weight of viewed suggestions from plotting to offer up the state-run problems,” Peskov told speak,” Dunja Mijatovic, the toward Western Europe where wet snow and migrants are Western researchers that National Health Service for sale reporters. “It’s very convenient Council of Europe Commissioner they hope to start new lives. struggling to clear the snow from Russian hackers may have in trade talks with Washington, for demonisation, to cover up for Human Rights said while vis- “They don’t want it for lunch, those still standing. Some people leaked British-US trade docu- something Prime Minister Boris ones own headache, and to use iting the Vucjak camp near the they didn’t want it in the left their shoes outside the tents, ments before Britain’s election Johnson has denied. this fetish to frighten people with town of Bihac. “This is not a morning, they don’t want it at trying to keep the insides dry and with irony, saying such allega- The NHS is much loved by Russian hackers. We have place for human beings.” nighttime,” Rahman said. clean amid the muddy, garbage- tions were often a ploy to deflect Britons and has become an repeatedly come up against this The Vucjak camp has almost “People are asking just one strewn camp. attention. important issue in the December and we view it with a dose of no facilities. International aid question: to cross the border.” Mijatovic, who is Bosnian, Moscow was reacting after 12 election, in which Labour irony.” organizations have repeatedly Migrants come into Bosnia said: “I am really ashamed that experts said the leak and distri- trails the Conservatives despite Peskov said allegations warned it is unfit for migrants from neighbouring Serbia or something like this exists in my bution of the classified docu- cutting its lead in some opinion related to Russian hackers were because it is located on a former Montenegro. Most of them have country. The solution is to really ments online resembled a dis- polls. typically based on unconfirmed landfill and close to a mine field flocked to the northwestern close it (the camp) and to make information campaign Kremlin spokesman Dmitry information and not backed by from the 1992 to 1995 war. corner of the Balkan country it possible for these people to uncovered this year that origi- Peskov said it had become easy facts. “So it’s not possible to Already poor conditions in which borders Croatia. survive the winter”. nated in Russia. to demonise Russian hackers. comment on these seriously”. WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 AMERICAS 17 Evidence of Trump misconduct ‘overwhelming’ AFP & REUTERS sought to undermine the integrity The 300-page mittee chair Adam Schiff. wide-ranging news conference Republicans, in an advance WASHINGTON of the US presidential election report, meant as the “At the end of a one-sided at a Nato summit in London, rebuttal report released on process, and endangered US sham process, Chairman Schiff lashed out at Democrats in the Monday, said Democrats had not The evidence for impeaching national security.” basis for articles of and the Democrats utterly failed House of Representatives who established that Trump had com- President Donald Trump for mis- The report, which will form impeachment, accused to produce any evidence of are leading the impeachment mitted an impeachable offence. conduct in office and obstruction the basis for the House Judiciary Trump of endangering wrongdoing by President inquiry into the Ukraine matter At issue is whether the Repub- is “overwhelming”, the final report Committee to draw up formal national security and Trump,” she said. The report and denounced the censure idea lican President misused the on the House investigation into the charges, or articles of “reads like the ramblings of a raised by some members of Con- power of his office to pressure US leader said yesterday. impeachment, in the coming of an unparalleled basement blogger straining to gress as “unacceptable”. Kiev to investigate former US The 300-page report, meant weeks, spells out two key areas effort to stifle the prove something when there is “I did nothing wrong,” Trump Vice President Joe Biden, who as the basis for articles of of wrongdoing by Trump. probe into claims he evidence of nothing.” said in London. “You don’t is seeking the 2020 Democratic impeachment, accused Trump In the first instance, it pressured Ukraine for So far, analysts doubt censure somebody when they presidential nomination. of endangering national security alleged, Trump conditioned mil- Trump’s fellow Republicans in did nothing wrong.” US Under Secretary of State and of an unparalleled effort to itary aid and a face-to-face dirt on a Democratic the Senate would convict and Trump has accused Demo- for Political Affairs David Hale, stifle the probe into claims he meeting with President Volo- election rival. remove him from power, crats of using the impeachment the No. 3 State Department pressured Ukraine for dirt on a dymyr Zelensky on Kiev opening although some lawmakers have process to overturn the results official, told a Senate Foreign Democratic election rival. several politically-motivated “The evidence of the Presi- raised the idea of a censure in of the 2016 presidential election Relations Committee hearing “The impeachment inquiry investigations, including into dent’s misconduct is over- recent days as a way to rebuke as he seeks re-election next yesterday that he had seen no has found that President Trump, former vice president Joe Biden, whelming, and so too is the evi- the president’s actions without November. Opinion polls show evidence that Ukraine — not personally and acting through the Democratic frontrunner in dence of his obstruction of Con- the risk of removal from office. Americans are bitterly divided Russia — interfered in the 2016 agents within and outside of the the 2020 election race. gress,” said the report. “No other Earlier, Trump rejected the over whether to impeach Trump. elections, undermining an US government, solicited the inter- Secondly, the report said, president has flouted the Consti- possibility of US lawmakers House Intelligence Com- argument used by Trump and ference of a foreign government, Trump actively sought to tution and power of Congress to censuring him instead of mittee Chairman Adam Schiff, in some of his supporters. Ukraine, to benefit his reelection” obstruct the congressional probe, conduct oversight to this extent.” impeaching him over accusa- an interview with MSNBC on An investigation by the next year, the report said. refusing to provide documents In a statement, White House tions he improperly pressured Monday night, said the com- Republican-controlled Senate “The president placed his to investigators, preventing wit- spokesperson Stephanie Ukraine to probe a political rival, mittee would continue its inves- Intelligence Committee also own personal and political nesses from appearing, and Grisham dismissed both the as Democrats prepared to lay out tigation after the release of its could not substantiate allegations interests above the national threatening some of those who report and the investigation led their case for impeachment. report and while the judiciary of Ukraine’s interference, two interests of the United States, did appear. by House Intelligence Com- Trump, speaking at a panel did its work. congressional sources said. US court orders banks Democrat Kamala to release Trump’s Harris ends 2020 financial documents White House bid REUTERS REUTERS In yesterday’s decision, a 2-1 WASHINGTON NEW YORK majority of the 2nd Circuit panel rejected Trump’s argument that First-term US Senator Kamala Harris of California A US appeals court yesterday Congress did not have a valid announced yesterday that she is ending her 2020 handed President Donald Trump purpose for seeking his records, presidential campaign after failing to garner another defeat in his bid to keep and that enforcing the sub- support in key states despite an early rise in the his financial records secret, poenas would compromise his polls, according to a campaign source. directing Deutsche Bank AG and and his family’s privacy. “I’ve taken stock and looked at this from every Capital One Financial Corp to The panel said that congres- angle, and over the last few days have come to comply with subpoenas from sional investigations “substan- one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Harris congressional Democrats tially ‘overbalance’ the privacy said in an email to supporters yesterday. demanding the material. interests invaded by disclosure “My campaign for president simply doesn’t A three-judge panel of the of financial documents”. have the financial resources we need to continue.” Manhattan-based 2nd US Circuit Deutsche Bank has long Harris held a conference call with staff yesterday Court of Appeals rejected been a principal lender for afternoon to inform them of her decision, Trump’s bid to block two House Trump’s real estate business. A Diplomacy according to sources. of Representatives committees 2017 disclosure form showed Harris, the only African-American woman US President Donald Trump shaking hands with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin from enforcing subpoenas to the that Trump had at least $130m seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, Trudeau during a meeting at Winfield House, London, yesterday. two banks seeking the documents. of liabilities to the bank. positioned herself as a unifying candidate who Trump had sued the two banks in Congressional investigators could energize the party’s base of young, diverse an effort to prevent the disclosure have already identified possible progressives while also appealing to more mod- of his financial records. failures in Deutsche Bank’s erate voters. The Republican President is money laundering controls in its US court blocks resumption Yet after climbing into double digits in opinion expected to appeal the matter dealings with Russian oligarchs, polls following a strong debate performance in to the US Supreme Court. people familiar with the matter June, Harris who is 55, slid out of the top tier in Lawyers for Trump could not be have told Reuters. of federal executions recent months and lags behind leading candidates’ reached for comment. The sub- Trump has sought to keep AFP overturn the suspension, but on Monday, fundraising hauls. poenas were issued months his financial and tax records WASHINGTON one week before the executions were to The senator from California’s departure from before House Democrats began private. He broke with tradition begin, a federal appeals court in Wash- the race is the first of a top-tier candidate from an inquiry in September into by not releasing his tax returns A US appeals court ruled on Monday that ington ruled that the attorney general had the crowded nominating contest. whether there were grounds to as a candidate in 2016 and as the government could not resume its use “not satisfied the stringent requirements” Harris entered the race as an immediate impeach Trump over his request president. In separate legal cases, of capital punishment, in a setback for for winning the case. front-runner but then struggled to maintain to Ukraine to investigate Dem- Trump has sought to block House President Donald Trump’s advocacy of “The courts have made clear that the support, which critics said was fueled by her ocratic political rival Joe Biden Democrats from obtaining his tax the death penalty. government cannot rush executions in inability to articulate policy positions and the and his son Hunter Biden. and financial records. Attorney General Bill Barr announced order to avoid judicial review of the backlash of an attempt to attack rival former In subpoenas issued in April, The Supreme Court as soon in July that the Federal Bureau of Prisons legality and constitutionality of its new Vice President Joe Biden. the House Financial Services as Dec. 13 will decide whether to would adopt a new lethal injection pro- execution procedure,” said Shawn Nolan, Committee and the Intelligence hear Trump’s appeal of lower tocol, clearing the way to carry out death a lawyer for one of the convicts. Committee asked Deutsche court rulings that directed Mazars sentences, with five executions set to start The government is expected to turn Bank for records related to LLP, his long-term accounting December 9 at the federal penitentiary to the US Supreme Court to green light Trump, three of his children and firm, to provide local prosecutors in Terre Haute, Indiana. executions. Were they to resume, the first the Trump Organization. Law- in New York Trump’s personal The federal government hasn’t person set to die is Daniel Lewis Lee, who makers have said the requests are and corporate tax returns from carried out an execution since 2003, and robbed and killed a family of three, part of a wider investigation into 2011 to 2018 as part of a criminal the surprise announcement aroused the including an eight-year-old girl in 1996. money laundering and foreign investigation. indignation of death penalty opponents. Federal executions were on hold for influence over US politics. Trump also is due to file by Four of the defendants scheduled for nearly four decades until 2001, when The Financial Services Com- Thursday his appeal of a court death sued, challenging the legality of the Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh mittee subpoenaed Capital One ruling in Washington directing new protocol. was executed. Two more people were put in April, seeking records related Mazars to turn over his financial In late November, a court suspended to death in federal prisons over the sub- to the Trump Organization’s records to the House Oversight executions, pending a decision on the sequent two years, and then the federal hotel business. Committee. merits of their case. Barr appealed to executions were halted again. White House hopeful Warren takes US mother charged over aim at unpredictable work schedules hanging deaths of 2 kids AFP/NEW YORK REUTERS If an employee seeks a change 30,000 retail and food industry NEW YORK to accommodate caring for a workers that found 80% had An American mother has been charged with family member, attend training “little to no input” into their work murder after her two young children were found Democratic White House or educational classes or a second schedules. One in four said they hanging in the basement of their home in Penn- hopeful Elizabeth Warren yes- job, employers would have to were required to remain sylvania, prosecutors said. terday said that if elected she accede to the request unless they available for “on-call” shifts they Lisa Snyder, 36, claims that her eight-year- would require employers of 15 provide a “legitimate business are not guaranteed. Two-thirds old son and four-year-old daughter had com- or more to post work schedules reason” why not, according to a got less than two weeks’ notice mitted suicide because the boy was being bullied at least two weeks in advance, preview of the plan Warren of schedules and half received at school. “This is a horrific, tragic incident,” Berks in a bid to tackle unpredictable detailed on the website Medium. less than a week’s notice. County district attorney John Adams told reporters and last-minute scheduling. “Many employers — especially “Employers take advantage of that on Monday shortly after Snyder was arrested. The proposal is modeled in the retail and service industries flexibility,” Warren wrote. Snyder’s arrest comes two months after after a bill that Warren, a US — have adopted ‘just in time’ Warren’s proposal would also Conner and Brinley Snyder were found close to senator from Massachusetts, scheduling practices that use algo- mandate that companies with 15 death in the small town of Albany Township, 68 introduced in Congress called rithms to assign workers hours in or more employees give workers miles north of Philadelphia. the Schedules that Work Act, to real time,” Warren wrote. “As a 11 hours off between shifts, com- On September 23, Snyder, who was raising require employers in the food result, millions of workers face pensating them extra for hours the children alone, called 911 to say she had found service, retail, cleaning, hospi- work schedules that can change worked voluntarily in that them hanging in the basement. tality and warehouse industries dramatically week-to-week or window. Warren estimates her Emergency services discovered them hanging to give employees two weeks’ day-to-day,” she added. plan would affect as many as 27 from a beam by a dog leash with two chairs lying notice of their work schedules. Warren pointed to a study of million US part-time workers. on their sides nearby. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 US Marine charged with illegally flying guns into Haiti

AP The criminal complaint doesn’t state his rank, said he’s RALEIGH filed last week in a a firearms instructor and knew that bringing the guns to Haiti A US Marine caught smuggling North Carolina federal was illegal. He told investigators guns into Haiti told investigators court charges Jacques he knew he would be arrested he wanted to help the country’s Yves Duroseau with in Haiti and that it was part of a military learn marksmanship smuggling firearms. plan to get attention to make a and defeat “thugs” causing insta- statement, according to the court bility in the country, according documents. to a criminal complaint. Media representatives for the Spokesmen for NCIS and the British cave diver Vern Unsworth arrives with his attorney Lin Wood (right) at US District Court in The criminal complaint airline didn’t respond to a US Marine Corps said they were Los Angeles, California, yesterday. filed last week in a North message seeking comment. preparing responses to questions Carolina federal court charges Haitian authorities took about his rank and whether he Jacques Yves Duroseau with Duroseau into custody and ulti- would face further military smuggling firearms. Prose- mately, he was questioned by US charges. Elon Musk goes on trial in US cutors say Duroseau flew from Naval Criminal Investigative The criminal complaint said North Carolina to Haiti with Service agents in that country. the other person with Duroseau, baggage including eight The criminal complaint said who wasn’t identified, told firearms — at least five of he told the agents he had trav- agents that Duroseau “was in for defamation over tweet which he bought himself — but elled there to “defeat the thugs contact with the US Embassy in REUTERS to testify in his own defense. He “stick his submarine where it lacked needed authorization to that have been creating a little Haiti to tell them that he wanted LOS ANGELES has apologized for the remark. hurts.” Two days later, Musk take them abroad. bit part of the instability in Haiti”. to be President of Haiti.” The While the case does not lashed out at Unsworth in a series Duroseau, an active-duty US In describing the eight criminal complaint doesn’t list Tesla boss Elon Musk went on involve Tesla, investors and reg- of tweets, including one which Marine, and another unnamed firearms, he told the agents he any charges against the second trial after he described a British ulators have expressed concerns called him a “pedo guy”. person departed an airport in “picked every gun” to teach person. cave explorer who helped rescue about the accuracy of his tweets. Unsworth has denied Musk’s New Bern, North Carolina, on marksmanship to the Haitian The electronic court docket a group of boys from a cave With 29.8 million followers, accusations. To win the defa- November 11, Veterans Day, Army, according to the court doesn’t identify a defense complex in Thailand as a pedo- Musk’s Twitter account is a major mation case, Unsworth needs to bound for Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, documents. The Miami Herald attorney who could speak on phile on Twitter. source of publicity for his electric show that Musk was negligent, with two plastic containers of first reported on what was in the Duroseau’s behalf. A spokesman Vernon Unsworth, who car company. The Unsworth case which does not require an intent to firearms and a third with ammu- criminal complaint. for the federal prosecutor’s played a leading role in the is among the last issues hanging defame. He must prove the tweets nition, according to the criminal The complaint says the office, Don Connelly, declined recovery of the 12 boys and their over Musk from a turbulent 2018 were false, that Musk did not use complaint. firearms included five handguns to answer questions about soccer coach from Tham Luang and early 2019, when he regularly reasonable care to determine if they Duroseau had filled out a and three rifles, and they were whether Duroseau had a lawyer Nang Non cave in July 2018, has clashed with Wall Street and short were true, and that people rea- firearm declaration form with able to trace at least five of them or when he would be brought said Musk falsely labeled him a sellers as Tesla struggled with pro- sonably understood them to mean American Airlines stating he was to purchases made by Duroseau. back to the US. “pedo guy” on Twitter. duction problems. he was a pedophile. carrying unloaded guns but Authorities say they found a The docket also lists a vari- He says Musk, whose Twitter The episode began after The case against Musk got a didn’t have permission from the 2018 receipt for one of the guns, ation of his surname as Durosau, habits have long been under a Musk offered a mini-submarine boost when Wilson last month US Marines to leave the country which was bought at a store in but the indictment refers to him microscope, should pay punitive from his SpaceX rocket company said Unsworth’s sudden fame or permission from US author- North Carolina, in his trash. as Duroseau throughout. A and other damages for harming to help with the cave rescue. from the rescue did not make ities to export firearms, Kitchen stated that Duroseau federal magistrate judge issued his reputation. The trial before US Unsworth told CNN on July 13, him a “public figure,” meaning according to the complaint also brought body armor and an an arrest warrant for Duroseau District Judge Stephen Wilson in 2018, three days after the rescue he did not need to show that signed by Homeland Security officer’s uniform with him. last week and asked the US Mar- Los Angeles is scheduled to last was completed, that the offer was Musk acted with “actual malice” Special Agent Charles Kitchen. The complaint, which shal’s Office to serve it. about five days. Musk is expected a “PR stunt” and that Musk could when posting his tweets. Colombia govt Jimmy Carter hospitalised ‘ready to meet’ with urinary tract infection protest leaders REUTERS wife, Rosalynn, 92, for a pro- AFP CALIFORNIA cedure to relieve pressure from BOGOTA bleeding on the outer lining of his Former US President Jimmy brain - a subdural hematoma - The Colombian government said Carter, released from one hos- caused by recent falls. Doctors that it is prepared to meet with pital in Georgia the day before pronounced the surgery a success. leaders of the anti-government Thanksgiving, was admitted to In October, Carter fell twice. The protest movement but asked they another over the holiday first fall required he receive cancel a national demonstration weekend for treatment of a stitches to his face and the second scheduled for today. urinary tract infection, the resulted in a brief hospitalization The protests, which are Carter Center said in a for a minor pelvis fracture. entering their 12th consecutive statement. After the first fall, he resumed day, have drawn anywhere “He is feeling better and work on a homebuilding project from hundreds to several looks forward to returning home for the nonprofit group Habitat thousand people who often Soldiers stand guard outside the Municipal Presidency in Villa Union, Coahuila state, Mexico. soon,” the statement said of for Humanity. In May, the former bang pots and pans as they Carter, who at age 95 has lived Democratic president broke his demand right-wing president longer after leaving the White hip, also at home, requiring him Ivan Duque change his policies. House than any former pres- to undergo surgery. “We are ready to meet with them Mexican forces hunt cartel gunmen ident in U.S. history. Carter defeated Republican this afternoon or tomorrow to AFP bullets before attacking city hall, founded by corrupt army com- The former peanut farmer President Gerald Ford in 1976 to discuss” their complaints, Diego VILLA UNION taking seven hostages along the mandos in the northern state of and Georgia governor was become the nation’s 39th pres- Molano, a senior official in way, including five minors. Tamaulipas in 2010. admitted to Phoebe Sumter ident, serving a single four-year Duque’s government appointed Mexican forces hunted for a drug Officials responded by Authorities arrested two of the Medical Center in Americus, term in the White House. to lead the government’s nego- cartel commando behind a deploying the army, National gunmen, who told investigators Georgia, over the weekend, the He lost his 1980 re-election tiations, said. bloody firefight in a town near Guard and state and local police, the cartel’s objective was to “come Carter Center said, adding that bid to Republican Ronald The National Strike Com- the US border that left six locals triggering a series of firefights in and hit Villa Union hard” in its next statement would be Reagan. After leaving office in mittee — which groups unions, and 16 gunmen dead — the latest Saturday and Sunday that left 22 order to “intimidate” the state issued “when he is released for 1981, Carter went on to become students, university lecturers and security embarrassment for people dead: two kidnapped city government, according to Gov- further rest and recovery.” an international fixture and indigenous groups — had in an President Andres Manuel Lopez employees, four state police and ernor Miguel Angel Riquelme. Carter, who resides in Plains, noted humanitarian. open letter called on Friday for Obrador. 16 gunmen, according to author- Riquelme praised the Georgia, was sent home He won the Nobel Peace Prize an “inclusive, democratic and At least 60 gunmen ter- ities in Coahuila state, where “bravery” of the group of 15 Wednesday from Emory Uni- in 2002 for his efforts toward effective dialogue,” while also rorized the small northern city Villa Union is located. police who responded to the versity Hospital in Atlanta fol- finding peaceful solutions to vowing to continue protesting of Villa Union over the weekend, Witnesses said the gunmen initial attack, whom he said lowing the latest in a string of global conflicts, advancing Duque’s announcement of a riding into town in heavily wore the insignia of the Northeast managed to contain the gunmen recent health scares. democracy and human rights and “national dialogue” earlier last armed four-by-fours and Cartel, a breakaway from the even though they were badly He was admitted there on promoting economic and social week. Molano asked protest spraying dozens of houses with ultra-violent Zetas, a drug cartel outnumbered. November 11, accompanied by his development. leaders to cancel plans for a December 4 demonstration in an attempt to reduce the pro- tests’ effects on pre-Christmas TikTok accused in California lawsuit of sending user data to China commercial activity. “We tell the National Strike REUTERS especially devoted fan base personally-identifiable user her knowledge and produced a giant Alibaba Group. Committee that President SAN FRANCISCO among US teenagers. data.” TikTok did not immedi- dossier of private information The lawsuit also claims that Duque’s government is fully The company is already ately respond to a request for about her, including biometric source code from Chinese tech prepared to engage in dialogue, A California college student has facing a US government national comment on the allegations, but information gleaned from videos giant Baidu is embedded within without ultimatum, without accused popular video-sharing security probe over concerns maintains that it stores all U.S. she created but never posted. the TikTok app, as is code from pressure, for the good of app TikTok in a class-action about data storage and possible user data in the United States According to the filing, TikTok Igexin, a Chinese advertising Colombia,” he said. lawsuit of transferring private censorship of political sensitive with backups in Singapore. transferred user data to two service, which security researchers Protest organizers have yet user data to servers in China, content. The documents identify the servers in China - bugly.qq.com discovered in 2017 was enabling to respond to his demand. despite the company’s assur- The lawsuit, filed in the US plaintiff as Misty Hong, a college and umeng.com - as recently as developers to install spyware on The committee has called ances that it does not store per- District Court for the Northern student and resident of Palo Alto, April 2019, including information a user’s phone. for two other national demon- sonal data there. District of California last California, who downloaded the about the user’s device and any The legal documents did not strations since the November The allegations may deepen Wednesday and originally TikTok app in March or April websites the user had visited. provide evidence of the data 21 launch of Duque’s national legal troubles in the United States reported by The Daily Beast, 2019 but never created an Bugly is owned by Tencent, transfers or the existence of dialogue, while not associating for TikTok, which is owned by alleges TikTok has surrepti- account. China’s largest mobile software Baidu or Igexin source code in itself with the smaller daily Beijing ByteDance Technology tiously “vacuumed up and trans- Months later, she alleges, she company, which also owns social the app. Hong and her legal rep- demonstrations in major cities Co but operates entirely outside ferred to servers in China vast discovered that TikTok had network WeChat, while Umeng resentatives could not immedi- Bogota, Medellin or Cali. of China and has developed an quantities of private and created an account for her without is part of Chinese e-commerce ately be reached for comment. WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 19 Faculty member from HBKU’s CIS takes part in World Halal Summit THE PENINSULA DOHA

A faculty member from the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently participated at this year’s World Halal Summit, in Istanbul. The summit is one of the largest halal events that gather leading experts from around the world and discuss current issues in the halal sector. Dr. Dalal Aas- souli, assistant professor and program coordinator of the MSc in Islamic Finance program, gave a presentation on efforts to embed sustainability into the Islamic Dr. Dalal Aassouli with leading experts at the World Halal Summit, in Istanbul. financial industry. This began by emphasizing that the United Key enabling factors include On educating current and HBKU offer a great platform for Nations’ Sustainable Development financial innovation, partnerships, future practitioners in the Islamic students and professionals to Goals (SDGs) provide opportu- awareness and impact assessment. Finance world, Dr. Dalal Aassouli attain the skills needed to under- nities for this sector to incorporate Dr. Aassouli also outlined how said: “The Islamic financial stand global sustainable devel- sustainability principles into its HBKU’s Islamic finance programs industry is well positioned to play opment challenges, and propose activities to better support devel- can support fulfilment of SDGs on a key role in achieving the SDGs. viable ethical financial alternatives opment objectives. a global level. Our Islamic finance programs at to tackle them.’’ More than 28,000 visit QRI for therapy this year

THE PENINSULA/DOHA of patients being cared for across palsy, 14 years of age and above. Ahmadul said the implemen- HMC and also an increased demand Although the scope of physio- tation of the stroke physical therapy Teams with the Physiotherapy for services focused on developing, therapy services at QRI is mainly CPG has been significant in terms Department at Hamad Medical maintaining, and restoring neurological and geriatric, we of aiding clinical decision making Corporation’s (HMC) Qatar Rehabil- movement and functional ability accommodate other patients, espe- and applying evidence-based itation Institute (QRI) have provided threatened by age, injury, disease, cially if the service they require is treatment. rehabilitation services to patients or environmental factors. not offered in another HMC facility,” “In 2014, under the guidance during more than 28,000 patient He said while the majority of said Ahmadul. and vision of the Chief of Physio- visits this year, representing about patients cared for at the Physio- Noora Al Mudahka, Chief of therapy, Noora Al Mudahka, we half of the total outpatient services therapy Department include those Physiotherapy, says the adherence commissioned a team of specialists provided at the region’s largest with neuromuscular challenges of QRI’s physiotherapists to a struc- to generate a physiotherapy-spe- tertiary rehabilitation hospital. resulting from stroke and other tured stroke Clinical Practice cific guideline for post-acute stroke This figure is expected to reach neurological diseases, about 30 Guideline (CPG) has helped to care for all physiotherapy staff 30,000 by the end of December, an percent are older adults, patients enhance the effectiveness of post- across HMC who specialize in neu- increase of 15 percent from last 70 years of age and above, with acute stroke physical therapy. She rological physiotherapy. After a year year’s recorded patient visits. Al musculoskeletal impairments, notes that QRI’s results are compa- of intensive work, the team success- Madzhar Ahmadul, Physiotherapy including arthritis and joint pain. rable with international bench- fully produced the PAAS Guideline Supervisor at QRI, said the increase “We also treat patients with marks and says since introducing (Physical Therapy After Acute in the number of patients requiring progressive disorders of the nervous the CPG the Department has suc- Stroke). Staff were trained in the use physiotherapy treatment highlights system, such as multiple sclerosis cessfully rehabilitated thousands of of the Guideline through a one-day both an overall rise in the number and we see children with cerebral stroke patients. workshop,” said Ahmadul.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Arjun Suravaram (2D/Telugu) 2:15pm; Arjun Suravaram (2D/Telugu) 2:30pm; Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi (2D/Nepali) 2:15 & Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:15, 5:15,6:15 & 7:15pm 5:00pm; Knives Out (2D/Action) 7:15pm; Helen (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 9:15pm Helen (2D/Malayalam) 9:30pm; Marnie’s World (2D/Animation) 4:15pm Under World (2D/Malayalam) 11:30pm; Adutha Saathai (2D/Tamil) 4:00pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:00, 3:45, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2D/Tamil) 8:15pm; & 7:15pm; Joker (2D/Crime) 9:00 & 11:15pm Charlie’s Angels (2D/Action) 6:00pm Adutha Saathai (2D/Tamil) 5:00pm; Le Mans ’66 (Ford Vs Ferrari) (2D/Action) 8:30pm Le Mans ’66 (Ford Vs Ferrari) (2D/Action) 8:30 Under World (2D/Malayalam) 11:00pm & 11:15pm; Knives Out (2D/Action) 11:30pm Jack And Daniel (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm;

LANDMARK FLIK Mirqab Mall

Helen (2D/Malayalam) 2:15, 9:30& 11:30pm 21 Bridges (2D/Action) 10:20pm Arjun Suravaram (2D/Telugu) 4:30pm; Charlie’s Angels (2D/Action) 9:00 & 11:20pm Knives Out (2D/Action) 7:15pm Enta Habibi W Bas (2D/Arabic) 6:50pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:00, 3:45, 5:30, 6:15 & 7:15pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 10:55am, 11:20am, 12:15, 1:00, 1:25, 2:20, Adutha Saathai (2D/Tamil) 2:15 & 11:30pm; Marnie’s 3:05, 3:30, 4:00, 4:25, 5:10, 6:05, 6:30, 8:10pm, World (2D/Animation) 4:30pm; Frozen II (3D/Animation) 7:15pm Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2D/Tamil) 11:00pm; Le Mans ’66 (Ford Vs Ferrari) (2D/Action) 8:15pm Joker (3D/Animation) 10:50pm Android Kunjappan 5.25 (2D/Malayalam) 9:00pm Knives Out (2D/Action) 11;10, 1:40, 4:10, 6:40, 9:20 & 11:50pm Last Christmas (2D/Comedy) 5:35pm AL KHOR Le Mans ’66 (Ford Vs Ferrari) (2D/Action) 10;50am, 1:45, 2:30, 3:50, 4:30, 5:25, 7;35, 8:35, 9:10, 10:30, 11:30pm & 0:05am Helen (2D/Malayalam) 10;30am, 4:00 & 9:30pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 & 6:45pm Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 11:10am & 1:35pm Le Mans ’66 (Ford Vs Ferrari) (2D/Action) 11:30am, Mercy Black 0:20am 5:30 & 11:30pm; Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2D/Tamil) 1:00, 6:30pm & 12:00 midnight; Knives Out (2D/ ASIAN TOWN Action) 9:00 & 11:45pm; Happy Sardar (2D/ Malayalam) 2:30 & 8:30pm Helen (2D/Malayalam) 5:00, 7:15, 8:30, 9;30, 11;45pm; Jack And Daniel (2D/Malayalam) 5:45pm; ROXY Under World (2D/Malayalam) 10:45pm Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2D/Tamil) 6;00, 9:00pm & 12:00am; Arjun Suravaram (2D/Telugu) 3:40 & 10:00pm Enal Noki Paayum Thota (2D/Tamil) 12:30 & 6:40pm Android Kunjappan 5.25 (2D/Malayalam) 8:45pm Frozen II (3D/Animation) 12:30, 2:30, 4:00, 6:45, 9:15 Happy Sardar (2D/Malayalam) 6:00, 11:30pm & 2:15am & 11:00pm Helen (2D/Malayalam) 11:30pm Knives Out (2D/Action) 2:40, 4:10, 8:20 & 10:00pm Le Mans ’66 (Ford Vs Ferrari) (2D/Action) 1:00, 6:15, 5:20 & 11:00pm Marnie’s World (2D/Animation) 12:30, 4:45 & 9:00pm; Under World (2D/Malayalam) 1:00 & 6:50pm

ARJUN SURAVARAM

Arjun Suravaram is a Telugu-language action thriller film written and directed by T N Santhosh and pro- duced by Akella Rajkumar and Kaviya Venugopal. The film features Nikhil Siddharth, Lavanya Tripathi. 20 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 43 AM UN: 2010s hottest SHOROOK 06. 04 AM decade in history ZUHR 11. 24 AM MAGHRIB 04. 45 PM ASR 02.24 PM ISHA 06. 15 PM AFP their highest recorded MADRID temperatures. The world’s seas are WEATHER TODAY This decade is set to be the now a quarter more acidic hottest in history, the than 150 years ago, threat- United Nations said ening vital marine eco- yesterday in an annual systems upon which bil- assessment outlining the lions of people rely for ways in which climate food and jobs. change is outpacing In October, the global humanity’s ability to adapt mean sea level reached its to it. highest on record, fuelled The World Metero- by the 329 billion tonnes logical Organization said of ice lost from the global temperatures so far Greenland ice sheet in 12 this year were 1.1 degrees months. Celsius (two degrees Far- Each of the last four enheit) above the pre- decades has been hotter industrial average between than the last. And far from 1850-1900. climate change being a That puts 2019 on phenomenon for future Spanish Envoy meets Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula course to be in the top generations to confront, The Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, Dr. Khalid bin Mubarak Al-Shafi, yesterday received Ambassador three warmest years ever the effects of humanity’s of the Kingdom of Spain to Qatar, Maria Belen Alfaro Hernandez, at The Peninsula office. The recorded, and possibly the insatiable, growth-at-any hottest non-El Nino year cost consumption means Ambassador was briefed about the evolution of the newspaper over the past two decades since its yet. Man-made emissions millions are already establishment and its mission, vision and role of the newspaper’s website. The Spanish envoy and from burning fossil fuels, counting the damage. the Editor-in-Chief discussed cooperation between the Spanish embassy in Doha and the newspaper. building infrastructure, The report said more PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA growing crops and trans- than 10 million people o o porting goods mean 2019 were internally displaced 19 C 28 C is set to break the record in the first half of 2019 — Japanese man makes 24,000 complaint calls Minimum Maximum for atmospheric carbon seven million directly due concentrations, locking in to extreme weather events AFP / TOKYO Tokyo police took 71-year- But this could be the tip of Misty at places first becomes moder- further warming, the WMO such as storms, flooding old Akitoshi Okamoto into the iceberg, with media outlets ate temperature daytime with scattered said. and drought. A Japanese pensioner has been custody last week after he made reporting that he made thou- clouds. Oceans, which absorb By the end of the year, arrested after ringing a phone hundreds of toll-free calls over sands more calls from public pay

90 percent of the excess the new displacements due company 24,000 times to eight days to the customer phones to voice his displeasure

HIGH TIDE 04:54 – 17:50 LOW TIDE 00:57 – 12:31 heat produced by green- to weather extremes could complain they had violated his service section of major tele- with the company and insult Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department house gases, are now at reach 22 million. contract, police said. phone operator KDDI. customer service staff. QSTP’s XLR8 Program invites aspiring entrepreneurs to make their mark

THE PENINSULA Technology Park (QSTP)’s number of companies have together academic planning, data participants with the opportunity to make a commercial impact. DOHA flagship accelerator program, achieved success both in Qatar analytics, and career navigation. to interact with like-minded First module helps partici- which, since its inception four and foreign markets. These Both companies have success- people to explore innovative pants identify target markets, In today’s world of fast-tracked years ago, has contributed to the include WakeCap, a company fully expanded beyond Qatar, solutions to an array of chal- design an early prototype, and technological development, growing innovation ecosystem that develops wearable technol- making their mark in interna- lenges, and equips them with the solicit customer feedback, while institutions around the world are in Qatar and propelled the ogies to improve the safety of tional markets such as China, the tools necessary to succeed. the second enables entrepreneurs creating initiatives aimed at growth of aspiring tech entre- construction workers and US, and Mexico. It features three modules that to assess whether the market is supporting entrepreneurs and preneurs around the world. increase productivity on sites, Through the intensive ten- take participants on a stimulating large enough to sustain a startup. bolstering innovation. Among Out of the startups that have and Stellic, a fully-integrated week training and mentorship journey to transform their ideas The third module trains them on these is XLR8, Qatar Science & emerged from XLR8 so far, a portal that brings program, QSTP provides into products with the potential how to attract investment.