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Emir condoles PM launches five-year NDS2 with Presidents of Nepal and MOHAMMED OSMAN The national strategies THE PENINSULA are steps towards Bangladesh the completion of QNA DOHA: The blockade enforced Qatar National Vision on Qatar has proven the visionary foresight of the country’s wise 2030 and its four DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh leadership which had launched pillars represented Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Qatar National Vision 2030 back in economic, sent a cables of condolences in 2008, said the Prime Minister social, human and to President of the Federal and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Democratic Republic of Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa environmental Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Al Thani in a speech during the development. and to President of People’s launch of Qatar’s 2nd National Republic of Bangladesh, Development Strategy (NDS2) ambitions of the people of Qatar Muhammad Abdul Hamid on 2018-2022. in achieving balanced, sus- the victims of the Bangladeshi The national strategies are tainable development that uses civil aircraft crash at the Trib- steps towards the completion of the country’s resources huvan International Airport Qatar National Vision 2030 and optimally. in Nepal and wishing speedy its four pillars represented in eco- H E the Prime Minister listed recovery for the injured. nomic, social, human and envi- some of those challenges Deputy Emir H H Sheikh ronmental development. including that development must Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani H E the Prime Minister be sustained, maintains the reli- sent similar cables. launched the 2nd strategy during gious and cultural identity, must Prime Minister and a ceremony held yesterday at be managed in a way that avoids Interior Minister H E Sheikh Sheraton Hotel in the presence the negative consequences of Abdullah bin Nasser bin of a number of their Excellencies years of rapid growth. Khalifa Al Thani sent similar Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani speaking at Sheikhs, ministers, and officials Other challenges also include cables to Prime Minister of the launch of Second National Development Strategy at Sheraton Hotel yesterday. in governmental and non-gov- the size and type of labour Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina ernmental sectors which are part needed to strike a balance Wajed and Prime Minister of of the strategy. between the country’s national same source, which compounds non-governmental organisations for strengthening of human Nepal, Khadga Prasad Oli. The goal of the QNV 2030 identity and the safety of society the threats to environment and participated in the preparation planning capacities and the was building a society based on on one side, and the require- the threats of pollution. of the NDS2. The methodology capacity-building of the justice and equality with a con- ments of development on the H E the Prime Minister said focused on analysing the current members of the specialised Emir congratulates stitution that protects freedoms other. The attention paid to the that the current phase requires status, comparing it regionally departments, and for enhancing and enhances traditions, morals, environment was also crucial meeting all the challenges that and internationally, and then the efficiency of their German Chancellor security and stability said H E the given the country’s hydrocarbon we must be overcome. He determining the priorities for the performance. Prime Minister, noting that the resources and the fact that the noted that all government strategy. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh vision was responding to the region’s economy relies on the entities, the private sector, and H E the Prime Minister called →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratula- tions to German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel on the occasion of her re-election for a new term. Deputy Emir DIMDEX 2018 attracts H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Minister nearly 13,000 visitors H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent similar cables. SIDI MOHAMED of Defence Roberta Pinotti. THE PENINSULA In a press statement, Staff Brigadier Emir greets (Sea) Abdulbaqi S. Al Ansari, Chairman of DOHA: A record number of agreements DIMDEX said that “more than 27 agree- President of Nepal have been signed at the Doha International ments and MoUs were signed during the DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Maritime Defence Exhibition and last three days of DIMDEX. Next edition of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Conference (DIMDEX 2018), which DIMDEX will witness military exhibits sent a cable of congratula- concluded yesterday attracting close to made by Barzan Holdings, the first defence tions to President of Nepal, 13,000 visitors. and security company responsible for Bidhya Devi Bhandari, on the The biggest deal was signed between empowering the military capabilities of occasion of her re-election for Qatar Air Force at the Ministry of Defence the Qatar Armed Forces in the State of a new presidential term. and Italian aerospace and defence group Qatar.” “Barzan Holdings has partnerships Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Leonardo and under it, the consortium will with manufacturers, and there will be Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin supply 28 medium sized twin-engine some of the equipment made in Qatar sent similar cable. Mohamed Al Attiyah (right, standing) and Italian Minister of Defence, Roberta NH90 military helicopters to Qatar. through Barzan Holdings like light Pinotti (left, standing) witnessing the signing of an agreement between Qatar Air The signing ceremony was attended weapons, military vehicles and latter the Qatar condemns Force and Italian aerospace and defence group Leonardo to supply 28 medium- by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of complicated defence equipment,” he said. sized twin-engine NH90 military helicopters to Qatar. The signing ceremony was State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin assassination bid held at the Ministry of Defence yesterday. Mohamed Al Attiyah and Italian Minister →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 on Libyan High Council President New centre to market DOHA: The State of Qatar has Italian Minister lauds Qatar’s strongly condemned the assassination attempt on local agricultural products President of the High Council of Libya Dr Abdulrahman Al efforts in fighting terrorism SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Environment. He said that the Sweihli. THE PENINSULA new centre will offer service for In a statement yesterday, THE PENINSULA and countering extremist ide- year and now I am visiting packaging the local agricultural the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ology that does not belong to any DIMDEX 2018 here and it con- DOHA: The Ministry of Munici- products and storing the surplus said that the incident is a DOHA: The Minister of Defence religion”. tributes to enhancing relations pality and Environment (MME), stock. rejected criminal act aimed of the Italian Republic, Roberta Regarding the question in the field of security and in cooperation with the Ministry He was speaking with media at undermining the interna- Pinotti, has appreciated the about the GCC crisis and if it defence between both coun- of Economy and Commerce persons on the sideline of a cer- tional efforts for a political Qatari efforts regarding fighting effects the relationship between tries”. The joint military exercise (MEC) launched yesterday a new emony held at Lulu Hyper solution in Libya, and stressed terrorism. both countries, Pinotti told The between both countries repre- initiative to make available local Markets - Gharafa to launch new the need to bring the perpe- “We have signed an Peninsula on the sideline of sents the joint confidence vegetables to the consumers initiative. The new initiative trators to justice. agreement with Qatar related to DIMDEX 2018 yesterday that between both countries. About without middlemen at major “Qatar Farms” was launched The statement affirmed fighting terrorism and “We feel serious concern about the two agreements which were commercial outlets. yesterday at Lulu Hyper Markets Qatar’s support for the Libyan extremism, and we know that the crisis and hope all these signed between Qatar and Italian Plans are afoot to establish a Gharafa branch and Family political agreement and its defeating terrorism takes long countries to discuss the problems companies, Pinotti said: “The new centre for marketing local Food Centre (FFC) Al Khisa outputs, and the international time and requires more of and find solutions”. signing of the agreements agricultural products, said Sheikh branch and will be launched efforts aiming at achieving cooperation”. Pinotti noted that the rela- between Qatar and Italian com- Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, today at Carrefour Villaggio Mall security and stability in Libya She also commended Qatar’s tionships between Qatar and panies was very important.” Assistant Undersecretary for and Al Meera at Hyatt Plaza Mall. and realising the legitimate efforts in combating violence by Italy are excellent, adding that Agriculture Affairs & Fisheries at aspirations of its brotherly spreading science and culture “I visited Qatar on October last →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 the Ministry of Municipalities and →CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 people. 02 HOME THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 PM reviews ties with Italian delegation Cabinet nod for draft law on national service

QNA The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior briefed the Cabinet on the outcomes of his DOHA: Prime Minister and visit to the Kingdom of Morocco on March Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa 11 and 12, during which he chaired the Al Thani chaired yesterday the Qatari side at the 7th meeting of the Qatari- Cabinet’s regular meeting. Moroccan Joint Supreme Committee. Following the meeting, Min- ister of Justice and Acting Min- ister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al agenda as following: The Cabinet provisions of the Cabinet’s Mohannadi said the following: took the necessary measures to decision No. 49 of 2013 on estab- At the outset of the meeting, the pass a draft law on national lishing the Standing Committee Prime Minister and Minister of service after it reviewed the rec- for Reviewing Recruitment Appli- Interior briefed the Cabinet on ommendation of the Advisory cations at the Ministry of Interior. the outcomes of his visit to the Council on the draft law. It also approved a draft Kingdom of Morocco on March The Cabinet also took the nec- decision of the Minister of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yesterday 11 and 12, during which he essary measures to issue a draft law Municipality and Environment with Minister of Defence of the Italian Republic, Roberta Pinotti, and the delegation accompanying chaired the Qatari side at the 7th amending some provisions of Law on the terms and conditions of her, who are participating in the sixth Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition (DIMDEX meeting of the Qatari-Moroccan No. 5 of 2015 regarding similar com- the replacement procedure of 2018). The two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and the means to enhance them in all fields, Joint Supreme Committee. mercial, industrial and public shops substituting and transferring the particularly in security and defence areas. The Minister stressed that and street vendors after it reviewed precondition of the government the meeting of the committee the recommendation of the lands disposition by the state to and the agreements, programs Advisory Council on the draft law. the beneficiaries and the lands and Memorandums of Under- Pursuant to the amendment, or housing owned by them. standing signed at the end of the a decision by the Cabinet, based The Cabinet, meanwhile, meeting strongly boost the dis- on the proposal of the Minister, approved the accession of the Qatar, Canada to boost cooperation tinguished relations between the shall determine the licence period State of Qatar to both the Inter- two countries and their bilateral according to the type of the shop. national Covenant on Civil and THE PENINSULA cooperation in various fields for This period may be renewed for Political Rights and the Interna- a strategic partnership that a period or other similar periods tional Covenant on Economic, DOHA: A Canadian meets the aspirations of the two after completion of the pre- Social and Cultural Rights. parliamentary dele- brotherly peoples, in accordance scribed fee. The competent It also approved the hosting gation comprising with the directives of the Emir department shall renew the of the 14th edition of the World Borys Wizesnewskyl, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad licence accordingly at the request Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Faycal El Khoury, Al Thani and his brother King of the concerned party. in 2018 in Doha and the partic- Michael Cooper, Colin Mohammed VI of Morocco. Moreover, the Cabinet ipation in the China Interna- Frayser, Kelly Mc After that the Cabinet approved the proposal of the tional Import Expo (Shanghai - Cauley and Ali Ehsassi reviewed topics on its meeting’s Interior Ministry to amend some November 5-10, 2018). has concluded their visit to Doha by field trips through which they discovered the aspects of cooperation Foreign Minister meets Nato Parliamentary Assembly delegation between the State of Qatar and Canada and QNA the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ways of bolstering and DOHA: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of to Brussels and the promotion of political dialogue developing them. Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- between Qatar and Nato. The delegation rahman Al Thani met yeserday with the delegation The Deputy Prime Minister briefed the visiting was received by the The Canadian delegation with the Speaker of the Advisory Council H E Ahmed of the Nato Parliamentary Assembly, which delegation on the developments of the Gulf crisis Speaker of the bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and Council members. includes members of the security, defence and and the efforts of political cooperation between Advisory Council H E foreign affairs committees of the national parlia- Qatar and Nato. He also briefed the delegation on Ahmed bin Abdullah ments. the position of Qatar on international issues, espe- bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and Council members. They discussed means of cooperation. They discussed the follow-up to the visit of cially Syria, Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 HOME 03 Prime Minister launches five-year NDS 2

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Their Excellencies the Ministers, and other dignitaries during the launch of NDS 2 yesterday.

Continued from page 1 and conservation and devel- up NDS2, which was formed fol- to prepare their strategic and of innovation and creativity, in projects and services sector, an opment of natural resources. lowing the efforts of a team of executive plans that are con- addition to encouraging investment increase in the efficiency of The Prime Minister and Minister of Development about 150 people. sistent with NDS2, and that can in sectors that accelerate the tran- financial management, Interior Minister emphasised on Planning and Statistics H E Dr Regarding the impact of the achieve their results within the sition towards the knowledge enhancement of economic stability sustainability as a principle in Saleh Mohamed Salem Al Nabit siege imposed on Qatar on the specified time frame. economy. and rationalisation of national development initiatives said that Qatar’s economy is preparation of NDS2, the Minister H E Al Nabit pointed out that H E Al Nabit said the next five expenditure. that stimulated important policy expected to grow between two noted that the strategy has flex- Qatar is going through a crucial years will witness the completion The health sector will work on innovations, such as the devel- and three percent in 2018, while ibility to respond to all variables period of its economic and social of a high-level physical and infor- consolidating a comprehensive opment of a road map to mod- the non-oil sector is expected to including the new situation, development and institutional mational infrastructure and eco- model to offer a high-level ernise the budget and the devel- achieve good growth rates this focusing on increasing self-suf- maturity, whereas NDS2 has pushed nomic infrastructure related to healthcare system and there will opment of comprehensive year, which are important growth ficiency and international coop- towards achieving this transfor- major developmental projects, be a focus on promoting education National Health policy, restruc- rates under the current condi- eration. He pointed out that NDS2 mation in all sectors of the State and where with its completion, a com- quality and increasing enrolment turing of the educational system, tions in Qatar. dealt with the emerging devel- at all levels. He expressed hope for prehensive system will be operated numbers and levels of management of public Addressing a press conference opment priorities and absorbed achieving greater economic diver- to manage and maintain the infra- achievement, in addition to an investment, stimulation of the held on the sideline of the launch the goals of global sustainable sification and private sector devel- structure and its facilities. increase in the number of Qatari private sector and reform of the of Qatar’s (NDS2) 2018-2022. H E development. opment in addition to creating the He said the next few years will graduates from academic pro- policy government support and Al Nabit praised the role of the gov- He stressed that the coming suitable investment environment to also witness the completion of grams associated with knowledge- guidance to target groups, ration- ernmental and non-governmental period until the end of NDS2 attract foreign investments over the updating the public sector based economy, the Minister alisation of public expenditure bodies that participated in drawing requires all government agencies next five years, especially in the field including the e-government added. Nearly 13,000 visit DIMDEX 2018 Italian Minister lauds Qatar’s efforts in fighting terrorism Continued from page 1 signed with Beretta to supply The agreements were signed Continued from page 1 before it must be done now DIMDEX like Turkish and rifles to Qatar for use by different in the presence of Deputy Prime through cooperation because of others.” The Italian Minister added: military sectors in Qatar. Minister and Minister of State for Barzan Holdings (Strategic joint marine challenges.” Commenting on the success “The agreements will enhance The second agreement was Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid Partner), signed more than 20 Topics discussed during the of DIMDEX 2018, Al Ansari, the relations between the two with Leonardo company to bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and MoUs and partnership agree- conference focused on granting Chairman of DIMDEX, said: “It countries and it include also joint supply 28 medium sized twin- Minister of Defence of Italy ments with multiple regional and maritime security and access to was an honour welcoming and training”. engine NH90 military heli- Roberta Pinotti, in the course of international defence com- the global maritime community, working with industry leaders The first agreement was copters to Qatar. the 6th edition of DIMDEX 2018. panies, aimed at empowering building capabilities in chal- and Qatar’s foremost businesses the military capabilities of Qatar lenging environments, interna- that have ensured the con- Armed Forces, and enhancing tional military cooperation, and tinuous success of DIMDEX.” the security and protection of the maritime defence planning and This year’s edition marked a country’s natural resources. building capabilities, he added. special occasion as it celebrated About the Naval Commanders “Despite the siege, the its 10th anniversary. Conference at the DIMDEX 2018, edition of DIMDEX 2018 was Over 180 global exhibitors and Al Ansari said, “the conference the best compared to the close to 90 VIP official delegations was held under the theme number of companies partici- from 60 countries participated in ‘Building Capabilities in Chal- pating which is more than 180, this year’s edition across the lenging Environments through and compared to the number defence, maritime and security Visionary International Military of countries which is more than sectors, and DIMDEX continues Cooperation and Defence 60. Also, some of the pavilions to earn its position as one of the Engagement’ and as we have seen already announced its partic- most prestigious maritime the military operation is not like ipation in the next edition of defence shows in the region.

Kahramaa records Public Prosecution developing lowest power cuts online portal since its establishment QNA THE PENINSULA successful in maintaining the DOHA: The Public Prose- state’s electricity and water cution launched yesterday the DOHA: The Qatar General Elec- needs for all sectors in the first phase of developing their tricity and Water Corporation country. online portal. (Kahramaa) registered during the The meeting, which was The Public Prosecution last quarter of 2017 the lowest chaired by President of Kah- held yesterday a workshop period of power cuts since the ramaa Eng Issa bin Hilal Al for a number of law firms to establishment of the Corporation, Kuwari, was attended by update them on the upcoming exceeding the global and regional directors of departments and changes and the work plan, indicators in this field. aims to monitor and evaluate to ensure the new portal will According to a press release performance and review the be used efficiently and easily. issued by Kahramaa yesterday, progress of work in accordance The new portal will have a on the occasion of the quarterly with approved plans and to host of features, the most performance review meeting enhance the values committed prominent of which is that during the fourth quarter of 2017, by the institution. they will be linked with the water networks also achieved The meeting reviewed per- Hukoomi and Sak portals. the required performance indi- formance reports of various This will ensure that data can cator with regard to the availa- administrations, their progress, be easily, accurately, and bility of the country’s water the progress of projects they quickly verified by the new reserves under the increasing carry out, the difficulties portal. Another feature will demand and expanded the water encountered, and the mecha- see users get electronic copies network to cover new sectors. nisms and strategies taken to of the files they need without The statement added that solve them, in order to ensure having to visit the head- Kahramaa has succeeded in the progress of work according quarters of the public prose- implementing all projects to the approved plans especially cution. The changes reflects according to plans developed in the current circumstances. It the public prosecution’s com- without affecting delivery dates also tackled the vision of Kah- mitment to improve its of projects, especially those ramaa and its strategic plans as service levels and lift the pro- serving development projects a major development partner ductivity of its employees. in the country. in the country, and its keenness The public prosecution’s The indicators showed a rise to ensure that its commitments commitment also is part of its in the performance in the fourth towards providing electricity responsibilities in Qatar’s quarter and during 2017 in and water to the country are e-government project, which general, as Kahramaa has been met with high efficiency. aims to improve the services. 04 HOME THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 8 restaurants to take part in Gout de/Good France IRFAN BUKHARI Every year on March 21, Fauchon; Idam (MIA – Alain Ducasse); THE PENINSULA Goût de/Good France La Villa (Mercure); Market by Jean Georges (W Hotel); Olive Oil (Rotana City DOHA: As many as eight well-known celebrates French Centre); Porcini (Ritz Carlton); Prime restaurants of Qatar will be taking part gastronomy and its values Steakhouse (Intercontinental The City); in Gout de/Good France being marked in more than 150 countries and Walima (Mondrian) on March 21 to present a valuable oppor- across the five continents. The ambassador said that it was the tunity to enjoy French cuisines. wish of Alain Ducasse to make 2018 Every year on March 21, Goût de/ edition an opportunity to pay tribute to Good France celebrates French gas- cuisine, the diversity of our local pro- Paul Bocuse as participating chefs will Eric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Qatar, with French chefs during a press tronomy and its values in more than 150 ducing regions, as well as the inclusion have the option of including in their conference at his residence yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA countries across the five continents. of the “gastronomic meal of the French” menus a dish from the repertoire of Paul Addressing a press conference Eric on the Unesco list of intangible cultural Bocuse or one inspired by the spirit of Tatin, a dish inspired by the legacy of culinary expertise. As the leading agri- Chevallier, Ambassador of France to Qatar, heritage, are all key advantages that help his cuisine. Paul Bocuse would also be part of the cultural region of France, Nouvelle-Aqui- said that gastronomy is a pillar of France’s keep France at the top of the list of the Eight chefs from participating res- menue. taine is also the country’s leading region attractiveness for tourists and is an active world’s tourist destinations.” taurants were also present at the event The Goût de/Good France menu for gastronomy, a byword for good component of its cultural outreach. In this 4th edition of Goût de France/ and spoke briefly on the preparations includes an aperitif with finger food, a products, fine dining and good He said that organised by the French Good France, over 3,000 restaurants and they were making to mark the day. starter, one or two main course(s), a restaurants.” Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and more than 150 French embassies, will offer Damien Leroux, chef from Idam told The cheese platter and a dessert, accom- This year, Good France is being sup- the renowned Chef Alain Ducasse, Goût de the finest meals, from highest gastronomy Peninsula that the restaurant was all set panied by French beverages. ported by the number one outdoor France/Good France, highlights the art of (haute-cuisine) to high-quality Bistro con- to celebrate Good France with authentic From now on, the ambassador said advertising company in the world, living “à la française” (the French way of life), cepts. As many as 1,300 restaurants par- French cuisine including lobster salad a that a spotlight will be thrown on a JCDecaux, which is a sponsor of Goût de promotes French products, and more glo- ticipated in the first edition in 2015. la francaise; duck and foie gras pie; red French region each year. “This 4th Goût France / Good France. This year, Qatar bally, France as a tourism destination. In Qatar, eight well-known restau- mullet, crispy potato scales; refined de/Good France showcases the Nouvelle- Culinary Professionals (QCP) is also sup- “The richness and singularity of our rants are participating including comte cheese among others. He said Tart Aquitaine region and the diversity of its porting Good France. Qatar Airways wins four awards at APEX CRA to mark World THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar Airways has been awarded the APEX Passenger Consumer Rights Day Choice award for ‘Best Overall THE PENINSULA Airline: Middle East’; ‘Best Food complaint with CRA after 48 and Beverage: Middle East’; ‘Best hours for mobile service discon- Cabin Service: Middle East’; and DOHA: The Communications nections, after 72 hours for fixed ‘Best Seat Comfort: Middle East’ Regulatory Authority (CRA) is line disconnections, or after 30 by the Airline Passenger Expe- commemorating the World calendar days for complaints rience Association (APEX). Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) that aren’t related to a service The latest set of awards were with a public outreach event from disconnection. Consumers can presented to the airline during today until March 18, at Katara also contact CRA any time if they a ceremony at APEX Asia held Cultural Village. Through the are dissatisfied with the offered yesterday in Shanghai, where the event, CRA intends to empower resolution of the closed com- airline also received a 2018 Five- consumers of communications plaint. Special needs consumers Star APEX Official Airline rating. services to understand their rights can lodge complaints with CRA “As an airline, we con- and responsibilities so they have “CRA ensures to balance the for service disconnections or any stantly seek to improve the in- a more satisfactory experience. rights of consumers with the other unresolved issues as long flight experience for all of our The event at Katara — in front needs of service providers as a period of 48 hours has customers, no matter which of L’wzaar Restaurant, Gate 14 -15 therefore it is important that passed. class they are flying in. We from 4.30pm to 9pm — is an consumers know their rights and Complaints are assessed by want their experience with Officials with the awards. exciting opportunity for CRA to responsibilities. This will help CRA against a set of criteria to Qatar Airways to exceed all directly engage with consumers and them make informed decisions. validate a complaint. CRA their expectations and to be opinion of all of our passengers, including enhancements to the raise awareness of issues relating Consumer protection is not just receives and investigates com- truly better than anything they and we will continue to push airline’s in-flight catering, with to the use of communications an annual event for us, it is at the plaints by working with both the have experienced before,” said the boundaries of what flying a new bespoke Pre-Select Dining services in Qatar. During the event heart of everything that we do complainant and service pro- Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief can be and setting a new service for its First and Business there will be activities for kids and and every day is dedicated to the viders to find a fair and mutually Executive, Qatar Airways. “As standard for the industry,” he Class passengers, giving them adults, and CRA’s team will provide consumers,” said Amel Salem Al acceptable resolution. such, we are particularly said. even more choice and freedom tips to help visitors better under- Hanawi (pictured), Consumer Consumers of communica- excited to receive these awards The APEX awards come in to create a personalised à la carte stand their rights and responsibil- Affairs Department Manager, tions services can contact CRA for food and beverage, cabin tandem with a series of recent dining experience every time ities. CRA team will also educate adding, “CRA is here to help and in a variety of ways: by calling service and seat comfort, as innovations announced by the they travel on long-haul flights consumers on other topics related I would like to invite all con- the 24/7 hotline number (103), they are based on customer airline to continually improve from Doha. The airline also to roaming, spam and scam calls. sumers to join us at the event”. by email CRA at consumer- feedback. We greatly value the the passenger experience, recently launched a premium The highlight of the event is an CRA follows a clearly defined [email protected], by tweeting global chauffeur service opportunity for visitors to lodge process for the resolving com- directly to @CRAqatar, by vis- for passengers, offering complaints against licensed service plaints. Consumers are free to iting the CRA’s headquarters at door-to-door seamless providers of communications approach the CRA if a complaint Al Nasr Tower B, by submitting transfers. services onsite and learn more lodged directly to their service online complaints form on CRA’s Qatar Airways last about CRA’s complaints resolution provider remains unresolved. website, or through “Arsel” year launched its process. Consumers can lodge a mobile application. groundbreaking new Business Class seat, Qsuite, featuring the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Ashghal completes packages 1 and 2 Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing of Rawdat Abal Heeran project passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable THE PENINSULA second packages of the eliminate the use of panels and movable TV Roads and Infrastructure sewage tanks and solve monitors on the centre DOHA: The Public project in Rawdat Abal the problem of ground- four seats allow Works Authority Heeran serve almost water pollution and its colleagues, friends or (Ashghal) has announced 2,622 residential plots, environmental and families travelling the completion of and several schools, health impact. A surface together to trans-form packages 1 and 2 of the mosques, and public water drainage system their space into a private Roads and Infrastructure places, on a total area of was also constructed suite, giving them the Development Project in 5,300,000 square metres. using micro-tunnelling option to work, dine and Rawdat Abal Heeran, “A wide range of technique, in addition socialise together. These and opening of all roads road development and to constructing a new features provide the within the project area construction works treated sewage effluent ultimate customisable for traffic. were implemented. such as providing network to be used for travel experience that Eng Salem Al Shawi This is in addition to pedestrian and cyclist irrigation purposes.” enables passengers to (pictured), Assistant implementing infra- paths, pedestrian Works related to create an environment Roads Projects structure development crossings, parking bays, services for more than that suits their own Department Manager in works according to the and street lighting. This 1,400 undeveloped plots unique needs. Ashghal, said the first and highest standards.” is in addition to have been constructed Eng Salem Al Shawi installing interlock and and completed such as said that the two landscaping works that roads, drainage, potable packages included the aimed to improve the water and electrical construction of 68km of quality of life for the connections. modern roads along residents and business The first package with associated service owners in the area. was implemented by roads in order to reduce Eng Salem added: “QBS International”, traffic congestion hence “The two packages while the second was facilitating access to all included works to implemented by “Al the residential and develop the infra- Tayseer Contracting commercial establish- structure in the area, Company” and “Consol- ments in the area. including the con- idated Contractors Other works to struction of a new Company” joint venture, enhance traffic safety sewer drainage at a total cost of approxi- were implemented, network, which will mately QR989m. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 HOME 05 06 HOME THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 More than 60 entities to join Qatar Airways is official airline 34th Traffic Week celebrations sponsor of QIFF THE PENINSULA children and some youth initia- tives through youth hostel THE PENINSULA DOHA: More than 60 entities will centers and Qatar University” , help bring the world to Qatar, join the celebration of the 34th Colonel Al Hajri said. DOHA: Qatar Airways and offer visitors their first taste traffic week that will be held on All concerned ministries, announced yesterday that it is of Arabian hospitality when March 18-24, at Darb Al Saai, authorities and agencies will take the official airline sponsor of the they arrive in Doha. Every year under the theme“Your life is a part in awareness programs held Ninth Qatar International Food the Qatar International Food trust”. This was announced as part of the traffic week cele- Festival (QIFF), which is Festival is a celebration of during a press conference held brations in addition to the cul- organised by Qatar Tourism Qatar’s extraordinary cultural at the traffic headquarters in tural performances and the Authority and begins today. This and culinary diversity, and we Madinat Khalifa yesterday. debate among high school stu- year the airline will fly in a could not be more proud to par- Colonel Muhammad Radi Al dents under the title “Driving lineup of regional celebrity ticipate in this event”. Hajiri, Director of Traffic without a license between chefs to Doha, who will bring The 11-day festival, which Awareness Department told that rejection and acceptance”. their culinary talent to the festi- runs until from March 25 at the the activities will be open for the The seminar corner which val’s Live Cooking Theatre, a Hotel Park beside the Sheraton public from the morning 8 am will be organized throughout the highlight of the annual event. hotel Doha, will feature nearly till 9pm night in two shifts. He week will address a number of Colonel Muhammad Radi Al Hajiri (right) and Major Jabir Muhammad Celebrated chefs taking part 180 food trucks and stalls, as added that there will be activ- traffic issues such as Qatar’s road Odhaiba (left) at the press conference. in this year’s festival include well as a mini-zoo, a dedicated ities in different parts of the safety strategy until 2022, the famed Michelin-starred chef coffee zone, a Health Zone with country other than Doha under role of the family in traffic theoretic and practical tests of sponsored by driving schools. Wolfgang Puck and Qatari chef free fitness classes, in addition the traffic departments in awareness, schools and their role driving. All services of the The event also includes and food programme presenter to daily live cultural perform- Shamal, South and Dukhan. in the dissemination of traffic traffic can be learned through activities and pavilions of Aisha Al Tamimi; Lebanese ances and a fireworks display. Major Jabir Muhammad awareness and traffic infor- the pavilions lined up in the Lakhwiya, a motorcycle circuit, celebrity chef Ramzi Choueiri; “We are delighted to partner Odhaiba, said that “The asso- mation between reality and hope. exhibition such as Talaa camera Batabit Qatar, as well as the Filipino celebrity TV chef Nino once again with Qatar Airways ciated activities include events There will be special for traffic violations, Fahes activities of Al Shaqab. It also Logarta; Food Network pastry in delivering unique culinary at Souq Waqif, Traffic Fort and counters for traffic licensing services, driving training by includes a traffic village in chef Anna Olson; Turkish experiences through Qatar special areas for productive fam- affairs department that will driving schools and services of cooperation with Shell, which celebrity chef Murat Bozok; International Food Festival. As ilies. The main venue in Darb al introduce licensing procedures, insurance companies. There will includes a range of awareness Kuwaiti celebrity TV chef our national carrier and award- Saai include activities for Metrash 2 services and be traffic related contests daily activities suitable for all ages. Sulaiman Al Qassar; Indian chef winning airline, Qatar Airways Ajay Chopra; Kuwaiti chef Asmaa is a key component of our Al Bahar; US 2012 MasterChef efforts to develop and promote winner Christine Ha, IDAM Exec- unique end-to-end visitor expe- utive Chef Damien Leroux, and riences, that extend our QU hosts Animal Ethics Awareness Day Kuwaiti chef Fawaz Al Omaim. message of welcome to the Qatar Airways Senior Vice world, Rashed Al Qurese, Chief THE PENINSULA by Dr Hamda Al-Naemi, Associate Professor President Marketing and Cor- Marketing and Promotion at QU College of Pharmacy (CPH) and IACUC porate Communications, Salam Officer at QTA. DOHA:THE Office of Research Planning and Head Dr Husam Younes, CPH Associate Pro- Al Shawa, said: “We are “We are confident that our Development at Qatar University Office of fessor Dr Abdelali Agouni, Professor at QU delighted to take part in this guests arriving on board Qatar the Vice President for Research and Graduate College of Medicine Dr Ala-Eddin Al world-class event, bringing Airways will enjoy unique and Studies recently held the Animal Ethics Moustafa, and Associate Professor at QU culinary masters from around authentic experiences, and Awareness Day in collaboration with the College of Health Sciences Dr Nasser Rizk. the globe to Doha to showcase become ambassadors to Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health. They discussed the implementation of ethical their talent. As the national most popular celebration of The event aimed to raise community standards by QU. carrier of the State of Qatar, we food and culture,” he said. awareness on research ethics and to high- Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed stressed the light the role of QU Institutional Animal Care importance of ethical consideration when and Use Committee (IACUC) following the using animals. She pointed to the benefits latest ethical international standards within of animals which are mentioned in the Holy an Islamic framework. Quran. She also noted that animals have Attendees included QU VP for Research many benefits for the society, especially in and Graduate Studies Prof Mariam Al- pharmacological experiments which con- Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed Maadeed, QU Director of Research tribute to the advancement of the society. Planning and Development Dr Aiman Dr Abdelbary Elhissi said: “The high level Erbad, QU Laboratory Animal Research It drew the participation of experts and that QU reached with regard to paying Center (LARC) Founding Director Dr researchers from QU, the Anti-Doping Lab attention to the ethics of dealing with exper- Hamda Al-Naemi, QU Manager of Research Qatar, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), imental animals is a real indication of the Excellence Dr Abdelbary Elhissi, and Min- Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the Min- level of civilization achieved by Qatar in istry of Public Health Executive Manager istry of Public Health, and Sidra Medical and recent years. The implementation of ethics Dr Iman Sadoun, as well as QU faculty, Research Center. in research is an integral part of research researchers and staff. The event’s program featured lectures excellence.” Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Qumra concludes with inspiring masterclass now available at Ooredoo by Oscar-winning costume designer THE PENINSULA research on the cos- DOHA: Ooredoo announced yesterday device has been designed to offer a next- tumes from that the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and generation Dual Aperture lens camera DOHA: The fourth edition paintings as well as S9+ device is available in Ooredoo’s that can automatically switch between of Qumra, the annual from contemporary Villaggio, Landmark and HQ2 Shop, as light conditions, offers a Super Slow-mo industry event by the Doha fashion, “as there is well as via the eShop. option for action shots, can change the Film Institute, concluded always something Customers who pre-ordered their users face into an Augmented Reality yesterday with an inspiring one can take inspi- device should follow the instructions emoji and offers an edge-to-edge screen. masterclass by three-time ration from it”, given via SMS to collect their new smart- The new Galaxy also offers a host of Oscar-winning costume creates mood- phone. For anyone who did not pre- wearables and accessories for every designer Sandy Powell, boards for the char- order a Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+ moment. Capture stunning 360 videos Order of the British Empire acters, and then device, all purchases will include a free and live-stream with the Gear 360 (OBE). decides on the 20 GB Data Card (worth QR200), screen camera, play games and discover VR The masterclass, which colours, contrasts insurance, and a 35 percent off discount experiences with the Gear VR headset offered a behind-the- and fabrics. voucher for Clear-Coat. and have a fitness coach on your wrist scenes look at some of the Powell said she The new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ with the Gear Sport. captivating films she had is not overly worked on, brought to close attracted to working six days of lively discus- in science fiction sions, interactions, men- films because “I am toring sessions and work- not attracted to Traffic diversion on Al Thakhira Road shops through which 34 Three-time Oscar-winning British costume designer Sandy Powell (left) them. I am not inter- Qumra Projects by first- at Qumra Masterclass moderated by Richard Pena (right) yesterday ested in creatures, DOHA: Ashghal said and second-time film- at Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium. aliens, and super- that it will close one makers from 25 nations, heroes,” and she has lane in both direc- were nurtured by six taken delight in tions of Al Thakhira Qumra Masters and over 150 industry Jarman’s Caravaggio, after having doing independent, low budget films Road in Al Khor, for a experts. worked with him on music videos. “I because “they push you creatively” to distance of 1km Moderated by Richard Pena, the didn’t know what I was doing,” she said, work within the resources. Her advice, between Al Khor Sandy Powell masterclass was high- with the average age of the crew at 25, from her personal experience as Community Round- lighted by show-reels of some of her and each of the member learning by costume designer, is to “work instinc- about and Al Meera masterful works that bring out Pow- doing. “It was real learning.” tively not intellectually”. Hypermarket ell’s versatility and ingenuity as one of With an accomplished ouvre that This year, Qumra hosted six junction. The closure the world’s renowned costumed includes several period films, fairytales modern legends in cinema, who men- starts on Friday designers. and historic set-pieces such as Orlando, tored young filmmakers through their (March 16) and lasts Powell said she discovered her Shakespeare in Love, Gangs of New Masterclasses and one-on-one sessions. for three months, in passion for costume design while York, The Aviator, Hugo, and Cin- They included Powell, Oscar® winning coordination with the working on theatre and going on to derella, Powell said that while it is actor Tilda Swinton; Oscar® nominated General Directorate “learn from mistakes”. Her advice for important to work with the team, she director Bennett Miller; Venice Golden of Traffic. Traffic will young talents is to understand the art also goes by her instinct and intuitive Lion winning Russian director and be diverted to the remaining lane on Al Treatment Works, Transfer Pumping of costume design with the funda- understanding of the character. writer Andrey Zvyagintsev; Cannes Thakhira Road, as shown in the map. Station and Associated Pipelines. Ashghal mental approach that “you are creating She said her priority in choosing a Palme d’Or winning Thai filmmaker The traffic change is required to will install road signs to advice motorists characters and making them project is its script, and that is open to and visual artist Apichatpong Weera- enable the works of laying Sewer rising of the closure. The authority requests all believable”. work in Bollywood, adding the industry sethakul; and the only documentary mains as part of design, build, operate road users to abide by the speed limits, She discussed her debut work as “has a number of good designers director to win the Berlinale Golden and maintain of Al Thakhira Sewage and follow the road signs to ensure safety. film costume designer for Derek already”. She does background Bear, Italian director Gianfranco Rosi. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 HOME 07 Jamie’s Italian debuts in Qatar THE PENINSULA DOHA: Apparel Group, one of GCC’s largest fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate announced the opening of Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Qatar’s popular hub, Doha Festival City. Jamie’s Italian has opened for the first time in Qatar, giving diners and foodies an opportunity to indulge in some authentic Italian salads, grills, pizzas, pasta and des- serts. The restaurant is spread over 2700 sq mts and was inaugurated by the UK Ambassador, Ajay Sharma Qatar, South Korea review defence ties on February 21. Jamie’s Italian is a rustic Italian Commander of the Joint Special Forces, Brigadier General Hamad bin Abdullah British Ambassador to Qatar, Ajay Sharma, inaugurating Jamie’s Italian restaurant casual dining concept from British Al Fetais Al Marri, met yesterday with the South Korea’s Defence Attache to Qatar. in Qatar’s popular hub, Doha Festival City. Chef Jamie Oliver. The menu is During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations in the defence and military simple and classic; celebrating fresh, pasta made on site, every single day, the whole family can enjoy. Jamie’s fields as well as means of enhancing and developing them. sustainable and impeccably sourced hand-stretched pizzas, rustic main Italian, open from 12pm to 11pm from ingredients. The restaurant serves fresh courses and indulgent desserts, that Saturday - Friday. Cloud-based solutions back Qatar’s growth SACHIN KUMAR customer service and retention, competitiveness on the global THE PENINSULA and improved inventory turnover stage,” he said. -- supporting growth of Qatar’s Attendees to the SAP NOW DOHA: Cloud-based digital solu- key economic sectors,” he said . Qatar event exchanged best prac- tions not only reduce complexity, Aspire Academy, with tices in digital transformation, optimise costs and drive inno- channel partner Clariba, won in and heard about the latest tech- vation for firms but it also the “Business Transformation” nology trends, supporting Qatar supports Qatar’s self-sufficiency category, for deploying a wide National Vision 2030 goals. and diversified economic growth. range of analytics solutions. “The leadership of Ooredoo, Speaking at the media round- These solutions run on the in- Jaidah Group, and Aspire table yesterday, officials of memory SAP HANA platform to Academy underscores the impor- Ooredoo, Aspire Academy, Jaidah transform the performance for tance of digital transformation to Group and SAP Qatar under- hundreds of top athletes and enable Qatar’s self-sufficiency FROM LEFT: Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Director of Community and Public Relations Ooredoo Qatar; scored the crucial role of cloud- football players. and economic growth, in line Rok Libnik, Assistant Director Manager and ICT service Ooredoo; Nasser Mohammed Al Marri, Head based digital transformation in “With analytical dashboards with Qatar National Vision 2030,” driving innovation, job creation, of Educational and Sport IT service Aspire; Saji Oommen, IT Director Jaidah Group; Fokion- Takis and interactive reports that can said Fokion Angelopoulos, and economic growth in Qatar. G Angelopoulos Managing Director SAP; and Sameer Narvekar, Quality Manager SAP; during the be viewed on mobile devices, Country Manager, SAP Qatar. SAP Qatar yesterday hosted mediaroundtable at St Regis Hotel yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA Aspire Academy’s coaches, sports “Qatar NOW’s success shows technology conference SAP NOW scientists, athletes, and man- that Qatar’s CIOs are early at St Regis Hotel that brought models will support Qatar’s self- expertise with our nation-leading automotive and heavy equipment agement can track and adopters and disruptors. Organ- together hundreds of Qatar’s top sufficiency and diversified eco- infrastructure, we can deliver dealerships with SAP S/4HANA, benchmark athlete training, izations can find the biggest executives, who discussed the nomic growth,” said Yousuf business breakthroughs across Jaidah Group now has real-time fitness, and matches to improve benefit from combining, on one latest technology innovations. Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Oper- Qatar,” he said. views on our financial reporting,” performance,” said Nasser Al digital platform, artificial intelli- Ooredoo, an SAP strategic ating Officer, Ooredoo. “At SAP At SAP NOW, Jaidah Group said Saji Oommen, CIO, Jaidah Marri, Head of Educational & gence, machine learning, block- partner for cloud services, pre- NOW, we have showcased how and Aspire Academy won Middle Group speaking during the media Sport IT Services, Aspire chain, and the Internet of Things sented how Ooredoo’s network our cloud partnership with SAP East and North Africa Quality roundtable held on the sideline Academy. “Thanks to our digital solutions, helping to catalyze and Data Centre solutions can transform industry verticals Awards for successful digital of SAP NOW conference. “We transformation with SAP, we will Qatar’s Digital Economy growth, support innovation and transform and citizen experiences, such as transformation and digital now have the actionable insights be able to better develop the top fueling job creation, and trans- businesses every day. smart utilities and smart sta- business models. leading to accelerated turna- young athletes in Qatar and forming daily lives,” added “Cloud-based digital business diums. By combining global “In digitally transforming our round, enhanced levels of enhance Qatar’s national teams’ Fokion Angelopoulos. 6th Middle East Forum QM contributes to publication of QNDP THE PENINSULA institutions in the country, development that preserves the sub-committees to feed into the on Quality & Safety including Qatar Museums. environment, as well as overarching plan and which DOHA: Qatar Museums further In helping move the country underpin strategic performance cover all spheres of public life. from March 23 to 25 cemented its leadership in the forward towards realising the management across the coun- The Advisory Committee has cultural and institutional devel- ambitions of the Qatar National try’s leading organisations and spent considerable time during THE PENINSULA opment of Qatar through its Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), the institutions. these past few months carefully contribution to the publication plan covers a variety of tangible A team from Qatar Museums scrutinizing plans covering all DOHA: The largest conference of the Qatar National Devel- programmes and projects has played a vitally important aspects of the country’s devel- dedicated to healthcare quality opment Plan 2018 – 2022. designed to improve and role since 2017 in the formu- opment – ranging from culture, improvement and patient safety Led by the Ministry of support institutional devel- lation of the plan through active safety & security, finances, in the Arab world is about to Development Planning and Sta- opment, service provision, involvement on the Central immigration, employment, edu- open its doors to more than tistics (MDPS), the publication financial management, sustain- Advisory Committee which was cation, healthcare and more. It 2,500 local and international of the plan represents the cul- ability of economic prosperity, charged with reviewing, eval- is comprised of a variety of healthcare professionals. mination of many months of strengthen human devel- uating and strengthening experts and leading figures that Organisers have announced intensive work by a number of opment, support social devel- numerous strategies and plans represent a wide cross-section that the sixth Middle East Forum leading public bodies and opment and sustainable developed by various of the public and private sector. on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, being held from March 23 to 25 March at the Qatar National Convention QCDC wraps up 5th edition of Ashghal to replace 3 roundabouts at Centre (QNCC), will feature an specialized centers, including expanded ‘Knowledge Zone’ the ITQAN Clinical Simulation Career Advisor Training Course Wadi Al Salmiya Street with signals exhibition section with strategic and Innovation Center, Qatar THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA healthcare partners showcasing Organ Donation Center (HIBA), very pleased with the success their contribution to quality the Tobacco Control Center, and of the fifth edition of our Career improvement and patient Hamad International Training DOHA: Qatar Career Devel- Advisor Training Course, which DOHA: The Public Works safety. Center. Additionally, the Ambu- opment Center (QCDC), a builds on the success of the pro- Authority, ‘Ashghal’, will This year’s primary partners lance Service will stage live member of Qatar Foundation gram’s previous editions.” recreate three rounda- for the ‘Knowledge Zone’, the demonstrations in a specially (QF), has wrapped up the fifth Course instructors included bouts into two signal- Forum’s unique exhibition designed presentation area, edition of its Career Advisor Anita Abraham, Professional controlled intersections space, include the Ministry of which will also feature select Training Course (CATC), which Development Specialist of on Wadi Al Salmiya Street Public Health, Primary Health poster presentations. aims to provide participants Science, National Center for which connects Al Khara- Care Corporation (PHCC), Sidra “We are delighted to have with essential career guidance Educational Development, ityat Interchange with Al Rufaa Shamal Road, notably Al Medicine, the World Innovation so many strategic partners from and planning skills to assist College of Education, Qatar Uni- Street in Al Kharaitiyat Area. Kharaitiyat Interchange, Al Summit for Health (WISH), different sectors participating young people in their career versity, who has worked in the Ashghal has stated that Kharaitiyat Area and local Qatar University, and Cerner. in the Forum this year. Every development journeys. field of education for 25 years; there will be two signalized approaches such as Zikreet Qatar Armed Forces and the one of them makes an This edition of the course, and Susanna Mascarenhas, Pro- junctions replacing two round- Street and Gharrafat Al Rayyan Ministry of Interior will also be important contribution to offered only in English, brought fessional Development Spe- abouts, one to link Zikreet Street towards Al Rufaa Street and in attendance and will feature patient safety, and they rep- together 15 career advisors, aca- cialist, National Center for Edu- with Wadi Al Salmiya Street and Dukhan Road. Also, the upgrade special mobile healthcare resent how collectively each demic counsellors, and experts cational Development, College another to tie Gharrafat Al will boost traffic to areas of Bani services. helps raise the standards of in career guidance and career of Education, Qatar University, Rayyan Street with Wadi Al Hajer, Al Wajba and Al Rayyan Additionally, Cerner, a patient care in Qatar,” said Dr development from leading who, with a career spanning 28 Salmiya Street. Meanwhile, the besides the key close facilities, global leader in healthcare tech- Abdulla Al Ansari (pictured), Qatari organizations including years in Doha, has seen first- third roundabout on Wadi Al including Mall of Qatar and Cel- nology and the provider of the HMC’s Acting Chief Medical QF, Awsaj Academy, Qatar hand the growth of education Salmiya connecting Wadi Al ebration Complex. electronic health records Officer and Middle East Forum Airways, and Qatar Petroleum. in Qatar. Ahmed Al-Baker, HR Mashreb Street and Barqa Al A diversion will be in place platform used across Qatar, will Co-Chair. Launched in 2015, the CATC Training Specialist at Hamad Hamil Street will be changed on Wadi Al Salmiya Street on participate in the launch of a HMC’s exhibition stand will is the first customized training International Airport, said the into a T-Junction. dual carriageways as the vehicle joint project with PHCC and showcase one of this year’s key program of its kind for career program was very useful, The new reconstruction will movement will be shifted onto HMC that demonstrates patient- Forum topics, ‘Joy at Work’ and advisors in Qatar and the GCC Additionally, six months provide some expansions, a 1500-metre long parallel route centered care. will engage with stand visitors region. The course is also cer- after the completion of the increasing the number of lanes comprising three roundabouts Other stands confirmed for to demonstrate the importance tified by Kuder Inc, a world course, participants will have at the new intersections from and two lanes in each direction. this year’s ‘Knowledge Zone’ of the concept, not only to the leader in career planning access to an online interface for two into three. The fresh The new layout will be in effect will feature the latest advance- individual but also to the organ- services. Abdulla Al Mansoori, the course, which will serve as revamp will largely improve on March 16 and last till Sep- ments from some of HMC’s ization and ultimately patients. Director, QCDC, said, “We are a knowledge bank. traffic leading to and from Al tember 30. 08 HOME THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 Emir honours three New centre to market local products CMU-Q alumni for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al academic excellence Thani said: “The new initiative will allow customers to buy local vege- THE PENINSULA administration grad, is now a tables under retail trading system as DOHA: Three Carnegie Mellon strategy and investment analyst it is being showcased in loose form University in Qatar (CMU-Q) at beIN Media Group. Al Mana, unlike existing programme that offer alumni received the Education also a business major, is a mar- premium products in packet under Excellence Award from Emir H keting finance analyst at Qatar certain rules and regulation.” H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Shell, and Al Muftah, an infor- Under new initiative, the partic- Thani at a recent ceremony. mation systems graduate, is an ipating commercial outlets will offer Omar Al Emadi received the information systems analyst at local premium quality vegetables at platinum award, while Noor Al Qatar Central Bank. special prices that will be lower com- Mana and Alanood Al Muftah The Education Excellence pared to those imported, he added. received the gold award. Award is presented by the Min- He said under new initiative, the The Dean of CMU-Q, istry of Education and Higher vegetables are being showcased in Michael Trick, said, “It is a deep Education, and given to students open basket allowing customers to honour that three of our recent who have demonstrated choose and buy as per their wish in a graduates were recognised with achievement in the classroom bid to increase the sale. He pointed this award. At Carnegie Mellon, and pass a rigorous interview out that high quality local vegetables Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani (centre), Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture Affairs & we strive to educate global cit- process. Winners are also will be available with the retail sales Fisheries at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment; Yousef Al Khulaifi (left to him), Director izens who will make a dif- judged on their community system of items like tomato, ference in their own, unique involvement, extracurricular cucumber, squash, pepper, eggplant, of Agricultural Affairs Department; with other officials and local farmers at the launch of the ways. Omar, Noor and Alanood activities and leadership roles. cabbage, broccoli, herbs and others initiative at Lulu Hypermarket-Gharrafa, yesterday. are very deserving of the award With ten graduating classes, in the participating commercial and I wish them every success nearly 700 young professionals outlets, with and reasonable prices in their careers.” All three have graduated from CMU-Q. for consumers. list of vegetables issued by the Ministry. The daily declared price, said Abdullah Khalifa alumni graduated from CMU-Q Today they work in top The products showcased under that ini- participating outlets will offer these products Al Kuwari, Director of Licensing and Market in 2017. Al Emadi, a business organisations. tiative will undergo the daily price with the difference of QR1 per kg from the Monitoring Department at the Ministry. Bombay Silk Centre to celebrate 30th anniversary Colorectal Cancer SALIM MATRAMKOT most common THE PENINSULA cancer in Qatar THE PENINSULA DOHA: Bombay Silk Centre (BSC), established in 1988, is an exclusive showroom for silk DOHA: Colorectal cancer is products and is located in Shara the third most commonly Kaharbaa at the heart of Doha. diagnosed cancer in Qatar The pioneer at the helm of and a leading cause of Bombay Silk Centre is Bekal cancer-related deaths in both Mohammed Salih, also known as men and women in the the “Silkman of Doha”. country, according to an A first of its kind showroom official at Hamad Medical in Qatar, when it was opened, is Corporation (HMC). now gearing up to celebrate the They know we never compro- Tailoring now has Statistics released by the 30th anniversary on March 22 mised in quality and pricing.” 22 branches in Ministry of Public Health’s under the leadership of Salih When the first branch of BSC Qatar and some Qatar National Cancer Reg- “Bombay Silk Centre deals opened, it was a ‘three-shutter’ branches in neigh- Bekal Mohamed Salih (centre), Managing Director, Bombay Silk Centre and Chairman istry indicate that among all Natural Mulberry Silk, Dupion shop with five employees. “Four bouring countries. of BMS Exports (Mumbai), India, with Vipresh Seth (sixth right), General Manager, male cancers in Qatar in 2015, Silk, Pashmina Wool Shawl, years later, we moved to a new More than 900 BSC, and some of the employees of BSC at the showroom. colorectal cancer was the Bhagalpuri Khadi Silk, Natural premise with ‘eight- shutter’ shop employees are PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA second most common with 94 Linen by Linen Club, 160 micron in the same area,” he says. A few working at Lexus new cases reported, followed Kashmer woolen by Reid & Taylor, years later he opened a branch Tailoring. with the late Kunjhammad, a Century Textiles and Tailoring. by leukemia with 65 new Chairman Collection by Raymond, in Salwa Road. Now BSC occupies Achievements apart, Bekal friend from Bekal. Khalifa Sultan “It was a small shop in Shara cases reported. original hand-embroidered 11,000 square feet in floor area Mohammed Salih is very active Al Suwaidi, a citizen, helped him Kaharabaa. I took initiative to Colorectal cancer is Zardosi Silk, Banarasi Uphada, and now employs more than 100 on the social and charity front. legalise his stay in Doha. In 1974, expand the business. Other cancer that starts in the colon Paithani, Bengal & Coimbtore workers. He is a member of ICC, ICBF, Salih went back home. After four partners, mainly Moideen and or rectum. Also known as Cotton, Rajkot Handlooms, Jamd- “It’s not just my hard work. KMCC, Welfare League and months, he returned to Doha. He Thangal cooperated well. The bowel or colon cancer, most hanis, and Jaipuri Bandhej to name People like General Manager several other bodies functioning took up odd jobs for livelihood. business flourished,” he says. colorectal cancers begin as a a few,” says Salih. Vipresh Sheth, Paulose, Suna- in Qatar and in Kerala. Later he landed a job at a British While at Century Textiles, growth called a polyp on the Recalling the launch in 1988, daran and other staff brought all Recounting his life’s journey Bank and worked for two years. Dubai’s Al Humaidi group inner lining of the colon or Salih says: “Many others followed these business. They are with me from his native village of Bekal, In 1977, he started ‘Metro Hotel’, backed by Indian silk merchants rectum. Polyps are often non- suit with similar shops. But we since the beginning and I am very in Kasaragod district of Kerala, an Indian restaurant, which gave Vijay Silk Limited suggested cancerous, but some can remain number one in Qatar. Our grateful to them,” says Salih. He India, Salih says he landed in him enough money to start a textile him to start a separate shop for develop into cancer. customers are mainly Qataris but also started Lexus Tailoring, Qatar in December 1971 on a shop in Souq Faleh in partnership silk products. Thus Bombay Sllk Commenting on the inci- expatriates from the US, Europe, devoted to stitching long Arabic cargo dhow from Khor Fakkan. with MP Shafi Haji. Centre took shape and from dence of colorectal cancer in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and robe (thobe) for men with Abdul In 1972, he started a small res- In 1980, he joined hands with thereon there was no looking Qatar, Dr Mohamed Sri Lanka placed huge trust in us. Azeez Akkara in 1997-98. Lexus taurant in Azeeziya in partnership three partners who were running back. Abunada, Lead Colorectal Surgeon at HMC said, “Envi- ronmental conditions, family history, and diet are among the major factors that can AAB opens promotional galleries to lead to colorectal disease. The risk can, however, be lowered reach out to Toyota & Lexus customers by avoiding a high-protein diet and fat-rich foods, THE PENINSULA AAB seeks to make it easier Land Cruiser and its history in quitting smoking, and most for visitors to discover all the the region, the iconic all new importantly maintaining an DOHA: AAB is taking new initi- exceptional features and advan- 2018 Camry and the hybrid Prius active lifestyle.” “Colorectal atives to think outside the box tages via the gallery located the bestselling vehicle in its cancer is one of the leading and reach their Toyota & Lexus inside the Mall of Qatar where segment globally. Lexus will also causes of cancer-related fan base locally by opening the latest models are on display. have on display the state of the deaths in Qatar. To reduce the FFC promotes local products promotional galleries outside the The gallery is open to cus- art LC500 coupe with its futur- number of cases in Qatar we parameters of the conventional tomers and all visitors in the mall istic design and sporty charac- are doubling our educational Dr Falah bin Naser Al Thani (second right), Under-Secretary showroom. The new strategy is from 10am-11pm on a weekly teristics. The GS-F is also on and awareness efforts and of Assistant for Agriculture Affairs & Fisheries Resources at not for customers to come to the basis and from 10am-12am on display highlighting its powerful highlighting preventive MME; Jabir Abdullah Al Ansari (third left), Director, Family Food showroom but for the showroom weekends. During these hours, V8 engine and 471hp making it measures. We are also Centre (FFC); Abdullah Khalifa Al Kuwari (fourth left), official to come to them. the sales staff are happy to a true force to be reckoned with. working hard to improve the from MEC; Faisal Hyder (second left), CEO; Jamal Hyder (right), In the gallery Toyota & Lexus welcome visitors to the gallery Visitors can also feast their eyes treatment offered to people General Manager; and Shafi Faisal (left), an FFC official, cutting have on display their latest and present to them the latest on the new 7 seater RX350 with diagnosed with the disease by a ceremonial cake to mark the launching of a programme for models ranging from small pas- technology and unique selling the retractable rear folding seats implementing the latest and marketing premium quality Qatari vegetables at the Al Kheesa senger vehicles, to sports coupes points of the displayed models combing space and luxury ele- best surgical techniques,” Dr branch of FFC yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA & SUVs. including the legendary Toyota ments to any drive. Abunada said. Place and time of birth can affect media preferences in later life THE PENINSULA the scholarly journal Communi- the MENA region (Middle East senior associate dean at NU-Q. films on DVD more frequently cations, examines possible cor- and North Africa), where “This relationship is stronger in and do not call either religious DOHA: A new study by Klaus relations between both the summers are almost countries with higher average and spiritual programs their Schoenbach, an internationally season and hemisphere in which unbearably hot, forcing people summer temperatures. The favorites. renowned researcher, has found one is born and media prefer- to stay inside or to cover them- duration of summer correlates The study does note that the that when and where you are ences later in life. selves up – that is, more like with more media use later in life impact of climate during a per- born could influence the type of The work builds on previous during northern winters. to compensate for a lack of son’s first six months in life media you consume. studies conducted in Europe and “The more summer cheerfulness and liveliness.” should fade with age. Schoenbach, who served as Japan suggesting that those born months people born in the Individuals with more – but “This study provides new evi- NU-Q’s senior associate dean for during winter months – when MENA region experience in also relatively hotter – summer dence of how temperaments four years, concluded that service less light and colder temperatures Klaus Schoenbach speaks about his the first half year of their life, months directly after birth more come about that lead to specific in December and continues to cause people to stay indoors – latest research project. the more we would expect often prefer entertaining genres me-dia behaviors, thus helping serve as a distinguished adjunct tend to be less cheerful, lively and them to use and prefer enter- such as comedy and drama, both to expand and refine mood-man- professor. self-assured, and therefore more content to manage their mood. taining media content,” said Sch- on TV and online. Younger agement theory,” said The study, just published in likely drawn to entertaining The NU-Q study focuses on oenbach, who is also a former respondents also tend to watch Schoenbach. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 MIDDLE EAST 09 Turkey ramps up assault on Afrin AFP Turkish and allied should Turkish forces draw forces have almost closer. Shells rained down on BEIRUT: Turkey turned up the encircled Afrin city, Afrin city, killing seven civilians heat on Syria’s Afrin yesterday, including one child and launching deadly strikes on from which thousands wounding 25 others. Damascus loyalists deployed started fleeing when Earlier, dozens of desperate around the Kurdish enclave and it became apparent residents were seen lining up closing in on its main city. Ankara’s goal was outside a bakery distributing free The development — which bread. “Regardless of who will could redraw the map of nothing short of full win in the end, as soon as the northern Syria as the conflict capture. battle for this small pocket enters its eighth year — came as begins, it will mean a massacre Russian-backed regime forces against civilians,” said YPG pounded shrinking rebel pockets which controls Afrin, laughed off media adviser Rezan Hedo. Families board Syrian Red Crescent buses evacuating humanitarian cases from Douma in the rebel- in Eastern Ghouta near the claim. Turkish and allied The Observatory said that held enclave of Eastern Ghouta to the government-controlled Wafidin crossing on the eastern Damascus, killing 25 civilians. forces have almost encircled Turkey-led forces controlled 70 Afrin’s encirclement “will Afrin city, from which thousands percent of the wider Kurdish outskirts of the capital Damascus, yesterday. have been completed by the started fleeing when it became enclave, after seizing several vil- evening”, a Turkish presidency apparent Ankara’s goal was lages. On the outskirts of source said yesterday, toning nothing short of full capture. Damascus, hundreds of kilo- Two dozen sick civilians leave down President Recep Tayyip Yesterday, Turkish bombing metres south of afrin, another Erdogan’s earlier statement raids killed 10 fighters loyal to humanitarian emergency was saying it would fall by evening. the regime, which last month unfolding in Eastern Ghouta. Afrin city lies in the heart of deployed pro-government forces For nearly a month, Syrian enclave amid siege a Kurdish-majority enclave after the Kurds asked for help. Moscow-backed Syrian gov- AP against which neighbouring “The air strikes targeted a check- ernment forces and allied left the enclave on Tuesday. enclave and Damascus. At least Turkey launched a deadly point on the only road leading militia have waged a devas- Government forces have two ambulances and a bus ground and air offensive on from afrin to regime-controlled tating air and ground assault BEIRUT: Two dozen civilians in recently split the enclave in two brought patients and their fam- January 20. Before the retraction, territory to the southeast,” said that has killed more than 1,220 need of medical care were evac- and cut off the towns of Douma ilies to the area. The broadcaster Erdogan had told supporters in the Britain-based Syrian Observ- civilians. The United Nations uated yesterday from Syria’s and Harasta after their offensive said 25 people were Ankara he hoped “Afrin will, God atory for Human Rights. has called for urgent medical besieged rebel enclave near the intensified in February. Oppo- evacuated. willing, have completely fallen Displaced families have evacuations for more than capital, Damascus, the latest sition activists say more than One resident told the state- by the evening.” swelled the city’s population to 1,000 people who desperately trickle of urgent cases to leave 1,100 civilians have been killed run TV that he was happy to get A top official in the Kurdish around 350,000, and officials need medical treatment outside the area amid an ongoing since mid-February. Activists, out of eastern Ghouta safely. “I People’s Protection Units (YPG), feared a humanitarian crisis the besieged area. military offensive as government yesterday, reported continued hope all people manage to get forces advance. Local authorities bombings of the enclave. The out. They all wish to get out. But in Harasta, one of the towns in Syrian Observatory for Human they (rebel fighters) are not eastern Ghouta, meanwhile, said Rights and Syrian Civil Defence letting them out,” the unnamed they have been cut off from the first responders, known as White resident said. “It is not up to us. rest of the rebel-held enclave, Helmets, said Kfar Batna, a town It is up to them.” isolating 20,000 residents with in the southwestern corner of the There is an estimated no access to medical aid or enclave was particularly heavily 400,000 residents trapped in supplies. bombed since Tuesday. eastern Ghouta. Despite a UN A spokesman for a medical A video by the White ceasefire, the government’s mil- charity said the isolation meant Helmets shows rescuers rushing itary offensive continued against that Harasta and another cut-off to a neighbourhood in the town, the region, only miles from the pocket have not been able to scrambling to find survivors and Syrian capital and in rebel hands send patients out in the evacu- unable to pick up the dead amid since 2012. Russia ordered a ation. A list of least 1,034 continuing bombing. A couple of daily humanitarian pause late patients, including 72 urgent women emerge from a cloud of last month, but almost no left cases, for evacuation from smoke, walking over a pile of during the breaks. Russia and the eastern Ghouta has been drawn debris to get to the rescuers. Syrian government said rebels up, said Mohamad Katoub, of the Meanwhile, Syrian state-run have prevented the residents Syrian American Medical TV broadcast footage of the from leaving, while rebel fighters Society, which oversees a patients exiting eastern Ghouta. say the Russia-ordered human- number of medical facilities In the footage, about a dozen itarian corridor contravenes U.N. there. The evacuation is part of residents, mostly women and standards for safe and voluntary a deal negotiated by the United children, many looking haggard evacuation. Nations to allow urgent medical and carrying a few belongings, The largest rebel group in cases to leave the rebel-held are seen walking out of the eastern Ghouta, the Army of enclave to government-held enclave through the corridor Islam, negotiated the medical Civilians fleeing Afrin after Turkey said its army and allied rebels surrounded the Kurdish city in Damascus for treatment. About manned by Syrian soldiers that evacuation but vowed to con- northern Syria, pass through the village of Anab northwest of the city, yesterday. 150 patients and their families links between the rebel-held tinue fighting till the last man.

Nigeria’s Buhari South African police Strike by doctors cripples says no rest until last kidnapped accused of abuse hospitals in Zimbabwe girl released AFP AFP and sexual assault charges. central hospitals, children’s broken arm, but the doctors are LAGOS: Nigerian authorities Police provincial commis- units, provincial hospitals and only attending to critical cases,” will not rest until the last JOHANNESBURG: South sioner Deliwe de Lange said HARARE: Zimbabwe’s main cessation of emergency life- Sicelo Phahlane, said leaving kidnapped girl from the African police were yesterday the allegations against the state hospitals turned away saving procedures throughout Mpilo, the main state hospital in northeastern towns of Chibok probing one of their own officer were “receiving the many patients and only attended the country.” the second city of Bulawayo. and Dapchi have been officers who was accused of necessary attention as a matter to emergency cases on Senior doctors, yesterday, “This new government released, President molesting young girls while of priority”. Wednesday as a strike by doctors joined the strike, stoking fears must address the doctors’ Muhammadu Buhari said investigating harassment of Provincial education min- escalated. of loss of lives. grievances urgently to save yesterday in comments scores of primary school pupils. ister Panyaza Lesufi expressed The strike, which seek to Labour unrest could pose a lives and show it has a different posted on his office’s official The forensic investigator dismay at the latest “shocking pressure the government for test for President Emmerson approach to issues from the Twitter feed. He made the allegedly molested two girls and disturbing” accusations. “A salary increases and address Mnangagwa, who came to power previous one.” remarks during a visit to aged seven and eight on person entrusted with pro- drugs shortages in hospitals, has in November after the fall of A doctor at Mpilo, asking Yobe, the northeastern state Monday when he visited their tecting children has violated spread since starting two weeks Robert Mugabe. not to be named said: “We are in which Dapchi is located. school to prepare pupils for a their trust, “ Lesufi said in a ago among junior doctors. Mnangagwa has vowed to not going back to work until the Some 110 girls were court appearance. statement. “We will only return to work revive the economy and boost authorities address us.” kidnapped from their school The girls are among up to The opposition Democratic when all issues raised have been investment, after public sector Zimbabwe’s economy has in the town by suspected 87 girls allegedly abused by a Alliance party called for better fully resolved,” the Zimbabwe strikes were a regular feature of been on a downturn for nearly members of Boko Haram last security guard at a school in vetting, saying that 57 police Hospital Doctors Association Mugabe’s rule due to delayed two decades and cash shortages month, the most high-profile Johannesburg’s Soweto officers with criminal records (ZHDA) said in a statement. payment of salaries. have been experienced for mass abduction since the township last year. are employed in units special- “We note with concern the “My brother had an more than a year with banks 2014 kidnap of over 270 The guard is facing rape ising in child protection. closure of almost all appointment for a review for his running out of bank notes. Chibok schoolgirls. Guinea teachers Kenyan president’s pick for top prosecutor draws criticism call off strike CONAKRY: Guinea’s REUTERS Tuesday, along with his selection should not be someone of his he picked had the candidate from “Kenya needs an explanation powerful teachers’ union of Paul Kihara Kariuki as attorney background,” said activist Okiya the three names recommended as to why very experienced and called off a month-long strike NAIROBI: President Uhuru general. Omtatah. “This is a red flag.” to him by the selection panel. able deputy prosecutors were not yesterday after reaching an Kenyatta’s pick of a national Critics said the choice of Haji, “We are very concerned Among those short-listed chosen for the position,” Kiama agreement with the intelligence officer to serve as who is the deputy director of the because he is not known within were senior prosecutors, said said. Before joining Kenya’s intel- government on pay condi- Kenya’s top prosecutor drew crit- national intelligence service and the legal profession,” said George Peter Kiama, head of the Inde- ligence service, Haji worked in tions. The strikes have para- icism from lawyers and rights has no experience as a prose- Kegoro, executive director of the pendent Medico-Legal Unit, a the Attorney General’s office in lysed the country’s education groups yesterday. cutor, endangered the inde- Kenya Human Rights Com- Nairobi-based rights group. the commercial law department, system and fractured rela- The president nominated pendence of the judiciary mission. “He is associated with The spokesman did not according to Isaac Okero, pres- tions between teachers, Noordin Mohamed Haji to be because the nominee is viewed the security establishment and comment on the make-up of the ident of the Law Society of Kenya. parents and the state, while director of public prosecutions as a Kenyatta administration he is a political insider.” short-list, the finalists nor the “His exposure to the practice President Alpha Conde faced and forwarded his selection to insider. Kenyatta’s spokesman identify of those on the selection of criminal law seems to have criticism for allowing the parliament for approval on “The holder of this office Manoah Esipisu told Reuters that panel. been very limited,” he said. industrial action to drag on. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

H E Dr Saleh bin Mohammed Al Nabet (centre), Minister of Development Planning and Statistics; Dr Sameh El Saharty (left), World Attaining self-sufficiency Bank Director of Human Development Programs in the Gulf State; Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Al Naimi (second left), President of the Community atar is always at the forefront in providing College of Qatar (CCQ); Ambassador Tariq bin Ali Faraj Al Ansari (right), Department of International Cooperation; and Ali bin Abdullatif global and local experts a platform to Al Misnad (second right ), Qatar Chamber board member, during a press conference held on the sidelines of the launch ceremony of exchange ideas, bring in new trends and Qatar’s 2nd National Development Strategy 2018-2022 at Sheraton Hotel yesterday. PIC: KAMMUTTY VP / THE PENINSULA Qdevelopments and make use of business opportunities. In this context, Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2018), which will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from March Qatar’s Second National Development Strategy a 20 to 22, will help Qatar and the region attain sus- tainable food production programme. The visionary programme is held under the constant progress towards sustainable economy patronage of Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin QNA Khalifa Al Thani and is organised by the Ministry of medium-term strategy and annual Municipality and Environment. output plans. The sixth AgriteQ 2018 is in line with Qatar’s atar Second National Devel- The new strategy book said that its move towards attaining self-sufficiency in every opment Strategy (2018- preparation was influenced by the field as Qatar is keen to diversify its economy, broad- 2022), launched yesterday emerging conditions in terms of gov- The new strategy was ening its targets towards achieving a sustainable Qhas outlined a national stra- ernment structure and economic characterised by the addition and comprehensive development in line with the tegic roadmap for the next five years, developments, the number of sectors of a new chapter dealing Qatar National Vision 2030. after mobilising efforts to guide the was reduced from 14 sectors in the Qatar’s efforts and hard work to achieve self- activities and resources available to first strategy to eight sectors in the with global partnerships sufficiency increased manifold meet the national priorities set for this second strategy, organized according for development, which after the unjust siege imposed period, and thus making it clear that to the four pillars of Qatar National aims to strengthen Qatar’s on this great nation by some the economic prosperity of the State Vision 2030. role at all regional and countries. However, the unjust of Qatar will be sustained through the The second national development blockade of land, sea and air development of economic infra- strategy (2018-2022) addressed the international levels, raise gave Qatar major opportu- structure, economic diversification, most important challenges facing the the level of international It is commendable nities to realise its hidden private sector development, natural first national development strategy partnerships and contribute that the country power in every field. resources management, human (2011-2016). effectively to regional The AgriteQ 2018 certainly development, sustainable social Through a broad participatory aims at increasing and international peace the agricultural will give a major boost in development and sustainable envi- process, the second national strategy, meeting food security goals, a ronment development. adopted the national priority devel- and security, the strategy sector’s GDP top priority for the country, The new strategy was charac- opment agenda for the coming years included also a new chapter input by more especially in the region’s terised by the addition of a new to the end of 2022, by emphasizing on strategic performance current circumstances. The chapter dealing with global partner- and re-evaluating national devel- than 4 percent management, which is also annually and participation of over 300 ships for development, which aims to opment goals, identifying change exhibitors from 37 countries strengthen Qatar’s role at all regional obstacles and re-evaluating priorities, considered as a compass Agriteq 2018 will itself shows that the world and international levels, raise the lessons learned and what can be to monitor implementation be instrumental leaders in the field is keen to level of international partnerships and achieved on the ground. paths, ensure smooth and in promoting participate in the development contribute effectively to regional and According to the new strategy, the of Qatar. And the efforts of international peace and security, the State of Qatar will focus during the efficient follow-up, and to efforts to achieve organisers to make it a grand strategy included also a new chapter next five years on reforms in the area know obstacles and work to these goals. success should also be on strategic performance man- of policy and motivation, and enhance overcome them in a timely appreciated. agement, which is also considered as productivity at all levels, and devote Qatar used to import more a compass to monitor implementation efforts of economic diversification, manner. than 90 percent of its food paths, ensure smooth and efficient and participants in the second needs and is continuously launching several initi- follow-up, and to know obstacles and national development strategy are atives and projects that are aimed at increasing work to overcome them in a timely expected to focus on strengthening local production and achieving self-efficiency in manner, taking advantage of the their institutional and organizational economy and expand its absorptive the basic produces. lessons of the first strategy to focus on capacities, formulating incentive capacity, avoid bottlenecks and “The exhibition reflects the strategic pursuit of results and outputs through moni- frameworks and policies to attract the increase its competitiveness. self-sufficiency in agricultural production, which toring the most important key per- private sector, enhancing their contri- It cautioned that although many aims at increasing the country’s domestic production formance indicators to determine the bution to the local economy and achievements have been made in the capacities and reduce its dependency on imported safety of their implementation. enhancing productivity in all its economic infrastructure sector such products”, said Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, According to the strategy book dimensions. as transport, communications and Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry’s Agricul- issued today, efficient implementation The new Strategy seeks to achieve information and the supply of elec- tural Affairs, Livestock and Fisheries. of the national development strategy its objectives driven by expectations tricity, water, sanitation and con- It is commendable that the country aims at will continue that the real economy will grow struction networks, it is difficult to increasing the agricultural sector’s GDP input by to be subject during the period (2018-2022) by the determine the extent to which they more than 4 percent annually and Agriteq 2018 will to moderni- activities of the non-oil and gas sector, meet the economic and human needs be instrumental in promoting efforts to achieve these zation of the especially in the sectors of mer- and the efficiency of operation and goals. public sector chandise and traded services, while maintenance. It’s worth mentioning that the exhibition, which and the rationalisation of government In this context, the Strategy cited will showcase innovations in agricultural techniques, upgrading its spending in this period will balance international indicators, including the will also host a series of lectures and meetings to The new Strategy performance, the public financial balance of the infrastructure index, in which Qatar discuss current and future projects in the agricul- seeks to achieve its in order to country, and facilitates the creation of ranked 18th out of 138 countries in tural sector with farm owners, agricultural experts, objectives driven by complement a wider space for private sector 2016, and the logistics performance government agencies, environmental specialists expectations that the efforts activities. index in which Qatar ranked 30th out and technology providers. exerted in The second National Devel- of 160 countries in 2016. The Strategy, the real economy this direction opment Strategy stressed that main- however, called for action to will grow during the and the tran- taining the economic performance of overcome future challenges facing period (2018-2022) sition of the the State of Qatar to achieve the the economic infrastructure sector by imple- goals of its National Vision 2030 developing a supportive infra- QUOTE OF THE DAY by the activities of menting gov- should be institutionally linked to structure for the national economy the non-oil and gas ernment sustainable development programs that is sustainable, high quality and I would like to be sector, especially entities from and plans. The Strategy noted that able to keep up with the latest tech- very clear. We have in the sectors of the state of despite the great legislative and reg- nology systems. recognizing promised €3bn for merchandise and ulatory efforts to consolidate these This can be achieved through the the refugee program the impor- values, achieving sustainability provision of sustainable water, traded services, while tance of requires continuous and integrated increasing the production of tradi- and another €3 bn to the rationalisation of planning as a efforts based on outstanding interna- tional and renewable energy, recy- Turkey for the coming government spending tool to tional experiences, as well as vig- cling of project waste, more coordi- years. This decision achieve the orous efforts to build national eco- nation among relevant government in this period will results, to the nomic capacities, both institutional agencies, particularly in the identifi- of the EU will be balance the public regular appli- and human, and to preserve them as cation of project priorities, the exact respected fully. financial balance of the cation of a national wealth and heritage for size of their investments, the expected country, and facilitates institutional future generations. demand and the issuance of appro- practices in According to the Strategy, the sus- priate legislation, as well as the pro- Jean-Claude Juncker the creation of a wider European Commission the prepa- tainability of the economic boom vision of data and technical capabil- space for private ration of the requires more investment in the eco- ities of human cadres, and addressing Chief sector activities. executive nomic infrastructure, which in turn issues related to electronic security, plans, would raise the efficiency of the according to the Strategy. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 OPINION 11 Trump shows signs of breaking free of advisers’ constraints

lmost from the moment Rex Yes, Trump withdrew the US the spring of 2017. Similarly, during Tillerson’s departure may thus Tillerson was sworn in as from the Trans-Pacific Partnership the summer of 2017 the unified indicate that the defenders of the secretary of state a little and announced his intention to do opposition of Trump’s key national Iran deal are becoming weaker as more than a year ago, it likewise with the Paris climate security aides reportedly prevented Trump’s self-imposed May A him from simply withdrawing from seemed clear that his tenure would change accords. Yes, he disrupted deadline for renegotiating that be short and undistinguished. And alliances and partnerships alike the Iran nuclear deal, and led him to agreement nears. More broadly, it HAL BRANDS although Tillerson ultimately lasted through incompetent and boorish seek its renegotiation instead. Con- indicates that Secretary of Defense BLOOMBERG just long enough to give the behavior. Yes, he threatened to tear trary to the fevered dreams of con- James Mattis is losing a key ally — impression he might stick around up trade agreements from Nafta to spiracy theorists, this was not some the two were often reportedly in after all, his firing basically confirms the US-Korea bilateral trade deal. “deep state” at work. It was Trump’s lockstep in seeking to pull Trump these judgments. But the symbolic departures were own political appointees grabbing back toward the mainstream. As a variety of commentators normally greater than the sub- the wheel to stop the president from To be clear, there are also have already noted, Tillerson’s stantive ones. Trump did not, for driving US foreign policy into a ditch. more positive possibilities asso- primary legacy from his 14 months of instance, withdraw from Nafta The result of these and other ciated with Tillerson’s exit. If one service is a demoralised, disem- despite his clear desire to do so; he instances was a widespread sense believes that having a trusted, powered State Department that is did not reinstitute torture, despite that Trump was being moderated. empowered secretary of state with hemorrhaging talent and experience. having repeatedly touted the efficacy The president, however, appears to the president’s ear is important to But in one of the many ironies of the of that practice. He even (so far) has have other ideas. the success of American Trump era, Tillerson’s departure — remained within an Iran deal that he I have argued that Trump’s diplomacy, then “Rexit” may be a and his replacement by CIA Director had repeatedly castigated on the foreign policy might be significantly step in the right direction. If one Trump’s foreign Mike Pompeo — may nonetheless be campaign trail. And on a number of more disruptive in year two of his believes that Tillerson’s effort to bad news regarding what it is to policies — Afghanistan, the Islamic presidency than it had been in year reorganize the State Department policy has not been come in year two of the Trump presi- State and others — the policies he one. In part, this was because the was ill-conceived and counter- particularly good, dency and beyond. It is conceivable pursued were not far removed from administration had simply kicked productive, then his removal may but at least it has that Tillerson’s firing will return the what any Republican administration hard issues like Iran and Nafta down be welcome, as well. Finally, been far less radical State Department — and the sec- might have done. the road, meaning that Trump was having headed the CIA, Pompeo retary of state — to a more prominent There were many reasons for soon going to be confronted with a surely understands the threat than one might have role in American policy. Yet it may this, but top of the list is the fact that choice between escalating and posed by Russian electoral inter- expected based on also indicate that Trump is progres- Trump was simply hemmed in by his retreating. And in part it was because vention in the US and other coun- his campaign rhetoric. sively casting off the constraints that most important advisers. Given how the president would feel greater tries — although whether he can have prevented him from doing even unorthodox Trump’s worldview was, political pressure to deliver on some get Trump to take meaningful As a candidate, greater damage. it was virtually inevitable that he of his campaign promises as the 2018 action here is another question. Trump frequently Trump’s foreign policy has not would have to surround himself with midterms approached. With Trump, the fundamental gave the impression been particularly good, but at least it aides that did not subscribe fully, or My fear was that all this — as well question is always whether the that he intended to has been far less radical than one even partially, to his America First as his inevitable resentment at being president or his more responsible might have expected based on his brand of zero-sum nationalism. And “managed” by his advisers — would advisers are winning the struggle tear up alliances, campaign rhetoric. As a candidate, on a variety of issues, Trump’s tempt Trump to break free of his over the direction of American discard free trade in Trump frequently gave the Cabinet succeeded in moderating his constraints and impose greater statecraft. favor of wholesale impression that he intended to tear more impulses. changes in US policy. This is what protectionism and up alliances, discard free trade in According to press reporting, for now appears to be happening. The author is the Henry A Kiss- favor of wholesale protectionism and instance, the intervention of advisers Case in point: the steel and alu- inger Distinguished Professor at fundamentally upend fundamentally upend the foreign like National Economic Council minum tariffs that were formally the Henry A. Kissinger Center for the foreign policy policy tradition he inherited. Yet chairman Gary Cohn and Secretary imposed last week. The president’s Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins tradition he inherited. during his first year in office, most of of Agriculture Sonny Perdue dis- “establishment” advisers University’s School of Advanced those promises went unfulfilled. suaded Trump from ditching Nafta in reportedly fought hard against International Studies and a those tariffs, but Trump ignored senior fellow at the Center for them, choosing to heed the protec- Strategic and Budgetary Assess- tionist urgings of economic nation- ments. His latest book is alists such as Peter Navarro and “American Grand Strategy in the Robert Lighthizer. Age of Trump.” In the wake of that decision, Cohn resigned, an ominous sign of how the internal balance of power may be shifting as the NAFTA rene- gotiations approach a critical stage. Tillerson’s departure may have similar implications for other foreign D-RING ROAD policy issues. POST BOX: 3488 After all, Tillerson — for all his DOHA - QATAR well-documented flaws — was one of [email protected] the advisers seeking to persuade Trump to avoid the massive self- inflicted wound of pulling out of the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Iran nuclear deal. But the president TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 seems to have grown tired of Tiller- FAX: +974 4455 7758 son’s opposition on that issue — he cited it as one of the reasons for MANAGING EDITOR firing him — and thus replaced him TEL: 4462 7505 with Pompeo, an Iran hawk who has been associated with efforts to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 weaken or even terminate the agreement. LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743

BUSINESS NEWS SECTION apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “Abe is the culmination of changes that forcing them to focus on re-election TEL: 4462 7535 has made some lasting changes to began earlier that made clear where the rather than challenging him, while he has bolster the power of the premier’s buck stops,” said Gerry Curtis, emeritus rewarded their constituents with public SPORT NEWS SECTION office, but his political longevity is professor at New York’s Columbia Uni- works spending. “Prime Minister Abe has J TEL: 4455 7745 mainly due to strong allies, weak versity. “After Abe, how the institutions been very good ... at both carrots and enemies and good luck — a hat trick suc- work depends on the individual.” Abe and sticks,” said University of Tokyo professor ONLINE SECTION cessors may find hard to emulate. Suga have made skilful use of their Yu Uchiyama. LINDA SIEG TEL: 4462 7501 Abe, 63, is in the midst of what may be increased clout. Even before the new Some of his strategies, however, such REUTERS [email protected] the worst political crisis since his return to system was adopted, for example, Abe as trying to dampen media criticism by limiting access to information as well as named an ex-diplomat sympathetic to his PUBLIC RELATIONS putting bureaucrats in their place, may drive to loosen the limits of the pacifist TEL: 4455 7613 constitution on the military to a post in already be backfiring. Rivals inside the [email protected] charge of interpreting that charter. LDP are also getting feisty feistier, with Abe has assembled a tight inner circle some speaking out about the suspected ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Japan political longevity of aides, many of whom have learned cronyism scandal. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 from missteps of his first, troubled term in “Abe declared war on the media and FAX: 4455 7870 2006-2007. That tenure ended when he the media is now getting its revenge,” said [email protected] likely elusive in a quit abruptly in the face of scandals in his Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian studies cabinet, a hung parliament and bad at Temple University’s Japan campus. The CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT post-Abe world health. “It’s an insider group of trusted conservative Abe’s perceived nemesis, the TEL: 4455 7857 friends that run a very, very stable ship,” liberal Asahi newspaper, was first to [email protected] said Jesper Koll, head of equities fund report that the finance ministry had WisdomTree Japan. “In a very un-Jap- altered documents about the land deal. SUBSCRIPTION & anese fashion, he is not afraid to exercise “Abe declared war on the autonomy of the DISTRIBUTION office in December 2012, as doubts swirl power and use the institutional bureaucrats, but I’m not betting against TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 over suspected cronyism in a land deal framework.” the bureaucracy,” Kingston added. FAX: 44557819 with a school operator linked to his wife, Abe has also benefited from a frag- Likely successors, such as former [email protected] Abe’s willingness to Akie. mented opposition and voters’ memories foreign minister Fumio Kishida and risk snap elections — He has denied he or his wife inter- of the rocky reign of rival Democratic former defence minister, Shigeru Ishiba vened in the sale. But the affair could dash Party of Japan — which has since shat- may not have the right stuff to pull the two in the past four Abe’s hopes of a third three-year term as tered into three smaller parties. He has levers of Kantei power with the same skill All thoughts and views years — has helped governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led his ruling bloc to three huge wins in as Abe’s team, analysts said. expressed in these columns keep LDP lawmakers president from September, leading to a lower house elections, helped by a splin- That has some experts worrying that are those of the writers, in line by forcing leadership change sooner than expected. tering of opposition votes and low Japan could again see the revolving door Among the reforms Abe made was the turnout. His “Abenomics” recipe for premiers of the past. Japan had five prime not of the newspaper. them to focus on launch in 2014 of a cabinet bureau giving growth, including hyper-easy monetary ministers in the five years before Abe re-election rather than him and his close aide, Chief Cabinet Sec- policy and fiscal spending, has given returned for a second term, and nine All correspondence challenging him, while retary Yoshihide Suga, authority to Japan its longest period of expansion between 1989 and 2001, before Junichiro regarding Views and he has rewarded appoint hundreds of senior officials, tight- since the 1980s, a fact not lost on voters, Koizumi managed a five-year term. ening their grip on the bureaucracy. although consumption could lose steam “If Abe has to go now, I’d predict that Opinion pages should be their constituents That was the latest in a series of and wage growth is weak. the next prime minister would last less than send to editor-in-chief with public works moves over the past two decades to cen- Abe’s willingness to risk snap elec- two years,” said Koll of WisdomTree Japan. office or mailed to the spending. tralise power in the “Kantei,” as the prime tions — two in the past four years — has “Abe is an active prime minister. Whoever minister’s office is known. helped keep LDP lawmakers in line by comes next will be a passive one.” [email protected] 12 ASIA THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 Shock defeat for BJP in UP and Bihar by-polls

IANS BJP was defeated on most likely to win”. the Gorakhpur, and Tejashwi Yadav said the PATNA: Opposition leaders Samajwadi Party and the BSP yesterday advocated, with Phulpur Lok Sabha should fight the 2019 Lok Sabha renewed vigour, for a grand seats in UP by SP-BSP polls together and urged the Con- alliance to defeat the BJP in the combine while the Lalu gress to join them. “A Grand 2019 Lok Sabha elections after it Alliance is the demand of time, it was crushed in three Lok Sabha Prasad’s RJD defeated is the demand of the people. Keep seats in the by-polls, especially the JD-U — an NDA ally your ego away. There is a need in Uttar Pradesh where an — on Araria Lok Sabha to teach a lesson to those who alliance of arch rivals SP and BSP seat in Bihar. have destroyed the country,” he sealed the BJPs fate. said. Sharad Yadav said even “a The Bharatiya Janata Party partial unity” among opposition (BJP) was defeated on the Gora- Trinamool Congress chief parties was enough to defeat the khpur, and Phulpur Lok Sabha Mamata Banerjee were quick to BJP. “The (BJP-led) government seats in Uttar Pradesh by Sama- congratulate the victorious can- will go even if there is a partial jwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party didates of the opposition camp. unity among the opposition combine while the Lalu Prasad’s Although Samajwadi Party parties,” he said. Samajwadi Party candidate Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel (centre) celebrates with supporters after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President and former Uttar Asked if the opposition winning by-election Phulpur (Allahabad) Lok Sabha seat in Allahabad yesterday. defeated the Janata Dal United Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh parties were chalking out unity (JD-U) — an NDA ally — on Araria Yadav avoided a direct reply to plans ahead of the 2019 general Lok Sabha seat in Bihar. the chances of his party forging election, he said the “process is end has started,” the Trinamool termed it as a lesson to the party Minister Narendra Modi. The RJD had the backing of an alliance with BSP and others on” and added that the opposition Congress leader tweeted. which would do an He said local factors play a the Congress in Bihar though in for the next year’s Lok Sabha unity was a “big challenge” and “Congratulations to Lalu introspection. role in by-elections but in the Uttar Pradesh the Congress polls, saying there was still time, would take “time and honest Prasadji for winning Araria and Reacting to the shocking general elections, the good per- fielded its candidates on both but emphasised that the by- efforts” to materialise. Jehanabad. This is a great defeat of the party in the seats formance of the Modi gov- seats. Buoyed by the victory, a polls results did give a “message Banerjee congratulated victory,” she said. held by him and his Deputy ernment and its welfare schemes number of opposition leaders and a direction” to the national Akhilesh Yadav, BSP chief Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, he, will have an impact in BJP’s including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav politics. Gandhi, while congrat- Mayawati and Lalu Prasad as the Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday however, expressed confidence favour. In Bihar, BJP leader and and veteran socialist leader ulating the victorious candi- opposition took big leads over the said the BJP under-estimated the that this would have no impact Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Sharad Yadav called for a Grand dates, said that the results BJP in Lok Sabha by-elections. SP-BSP alliance that led to its on the general elections in 2019 Kumar Modi downplayed the Alliance at the national level to showed the “electorate is very “Great victory. Congratula- defeat in the by-elections to the in which national issues will play RJD’s victory, saying it was the defeat the BJP. Congress Pres- angry against the BJP and will tions to Mayawatiji and prestigious Gorakhpur and a dominant role and it will be a result of sympathy votes in Lalu ident Rahul Gandhi and vote for the non-BJP candidate Akhileshji... The beginning of the Phulpur Lok Sabha seats and vote on the performance of Prime Prasad’s favour.

Nepal Chief Justice sacked for faking SC: Ayodhya parties date of birth free to settle dispute AFP IANS making it clear that it was for the KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Chief parties to settle the issue but as Justice Gopal Parajuli was NEW DELHI: The Supreme far the court was concerned it sacked yesterday for faking Court yesterday said that the would not get into it except for his date of birth in order to parties to the Ramjanmab- deciding the title suit. remain in office longer. hoomi-Babri Masjid dispute The court also said this to The controversy over were free to settle the conten- former Union Minister Arif Parajuli’s date of birth has tious issue between themselves Mohammad Khan who told the been brewing for months but it will not ask them take it as court that two professors of MIT after he charged a prominent a way forward except for Pune have drawn a plan to activist and Nepal’s largest deciding the title issue. convert the disputed site into a newspaper with contempt of A bench of Chief Justice place of worship for all religions court for raising concerns Dipak Misra, Justice Ashok and teaching of their spiritual about his multiple birthdays. Bhushan and Justice S Abdul tenets. The decision came just Nazeer said this as a number of “If anybody is a professor or moments before Parajuli applicants including the resident academician, he can speak to administered the oath of Bidhya Bhandari takes oath as Nepal’s President of Ayodhya and Faizabad urged both the parties and if he suc- office to Nepal’s President to court to ask parties to the ceeds, then he can approach Newly-elected Nepali President Bidhya Bhandari (centre) looks on next to Nepal’s Chief of Justice Bidya Bhandari, who was ree- dispute — Sunni Wakf Board and us,” Chief Justice Misra said Gopal Prasad Parajuli (left), Vice-President Nanda Kishor Pun (second left), Prime Minister KP Oli lected for a second term on Nirmohi Akhara — to arrive at a declining the plea for court Tuesday. He administered the (second right) and Speaker of the House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara during the compromise. exercising its extra-ordinary oath nonetheless. It is not swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Residence in Kathmandu, yesterday. “You say that they must com- power. “Inherent power must clear if Bhandari will have to promise, how can we issue notice not grow up to this. It has its be sworn in again. on it,” said Justice Bhushan, own limitation,” he noted. Sri Lanka to lift Maran brothers social media Rohingya return: Myanmar, UN agencies begin talks AP discharged in ban: Minister proposal and concept paper to Muslims who fled the western drew support from the discon- the government’s invitation for state of Rakhine to Bangladesh tented as prejudice against their REUTERS illegal telephone NAYPYITAW: Senior officials in UN involvement, which the gov- after security forces carried out community grew in over- Myanmar announced yesterday ernment is now studying. brutal crackdowns in response whelming Buddhist Myanmar. exchange case COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is likely that they have begun talks with “We considered that the time to attacks by Rohingya insurgents Stanislav Saling, a UN IANS to lift a ban on social media UN agencies to see how they is now appropriate to invite last August. spokesman in Myanmar, con- networks this week, a could assist with the repatriation UNHCR and UNDP to be involved Antagonism between firmed that in response to Myan- government minister said, of Rohingya refugees who fled in the repatriation and reset- Rakhine’s Buddhist community mar’s initiative, the U.N. agencies CHENNAI: A special CBI almost a week after blocking to Bangladesh to escape violence tlement process, as well as in car- and Rohingya Muslims led to submitted a note proposing how court discharged DMK leader access to prevent the spread against them. rying out activities supporting the communal violence in 2012, they could help create conditions and former Telecom Minister of communal violence. Foreign Ministry Permanent livelihoods and development for forcing at least 140,000 “for the safe, dignified and vol- Dayanidhi Maran, his brother At least two people were Secretary Myint Thu said the all communities in Rakhine Rohingya from their homes into untary return for refugees, in line and Sun TV group head Kala- killed in clashes in early March offices of the UN High Commis- state,” Myint Thu said. squalid camps for internally dis- with international principles.” nithi Maran and five others in when Sinhalese Buddhists, sioner for Refugees and the U.N. Human rights experts believe placed people. Most Rohingya are Neither the UN nor the gov- the alleged illegal telephone angered by a killing of a driver, Development Program safety cannot yet be guaranteed treated as stateless persons with ernment made public details of exchange case. attacked mosques and responded last week with a for about 700,000 Rohingya limited rights, and the insurgents the proposal. The seven had filed a dis- Muslim-owned properties in charge petition which the the central Kandy district, a court allowed on the grounds popular tourist destination. of lack of prima facie material Some of the violence was against them. The Central instigated by postings on China hopes Tillerson move Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Facebook threatening more had alleged a loss of Rs1.78cr attacks on Muslims, according to the government due to the to the government, which on won’t affect Sino-US ties installation of alleged an March 7 cut access to illegal telephone exchange at AFP Facebook, Viber and Dayanidhi Maran’s house WhatsApp. It initially said the which was used for Sun TV ban would last for three days, BEIJING: China voiced hope yesterday Donald Trump’s sudden operations. but users say the services have firing of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will not impact bilateral The others who were dis- remained blocked, indicating relations or planned talks between the US president and North charged were BSNL’s former that in practice the ban has Korea’s leader. Chief General Manager K been extended. Harin Beijing is believed to have a positive assessment of Till- Brahmanathan and former Fernando, the Telecommuni- erson, who was seen as a light touch in contrast to Trump’s Deputy General Manager M cation Minister, said senior “good cop, bad cop” routine of slamming Beijing on Twitter Velusamy, the former minis- Facebook company officials while simultaneously flattering its leadership in person. Plenary session of CPPCC ter’s Personal Secretary V were expected to visit Sri “We hope that this personnel change will at the least not Gowthaman, and Sun TV Delegates line up to vote during the fourth plenary session of the Lanka tomorrow and the gov- have any effect on the development of Sino-US bilateral rela- network employees S Kannan Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the ernment was likely to lift the tions or Sino-US cooperation in some important areas,” foreign and KS Ravi. This is the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, yesterday. ban on both Facebook and ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters at a regular press second major legal victory for WhatsApp access. briefing. a DMK leader. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 ASIA 13 More troops sent to west Afghanistan after attacks AFP That came after an attack on soldiers in Bala Buluk district FARAH: Afghanistan has over the weekend that resulted deployed more troops to a The latest assault in in multiple casualties. restive western province where A February 24 raid on an a multi-billion-dollar pipeline is Farah, which borders army base in the same district planned after the Taliban Iran, happened in killed at least 18 soldiers, offi- launched multiple attacks the early hours of cials said, in one of the deadliest against security forces, causing attacks on security forces in heavy casualties, officials said yesterday when recent months. yesterday. Taliban militants Farah is a poppy-growing The latest assault in Farah, stormed a checkpoint province in a hard to reach part which borders Iran, happened manned by police & of Afghanistan which a section in the early hours of yesterday of the multi-billion-dollar TAPI when Taliban militants stormed intelligence officers gas pipeline will traverse. a checkpoint manned by police on the outskirts of the The conduit is named for the and intelligence officers on the provincial capital of four countries involved: Turk- outskirts of the provincial capital the same name, killing menistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan of the same name, killing seven and India. Selfie with Aussie troops security forces. seven security forces. Despite security concerns, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull takes a selfie with a group of Australian Army soldiers It came as the Taliban face the Taliban have pledged to after inspecting armoured vehicles at the Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, Australia, yesterday. growing pressure to take up provincial council member Gul cooperate with the project. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s Ahmad Faqiri. Farah has been the scene of offer of peace talks to end the “We have sent more troops intense fighting in recent years. 16-year insurgency, but so far and commando forces to Farah In 2017 insurgents tried to the group has given only a muted to contain the situation,” defence overrun the capital three times, response. ministry spokesman Dawlat according to the Afghanistan Peshawar High Court orders NEWS BYTES “When commando forces Waziri said, adding the army Analysts Network. were deployed they (the mili- chief of staff had also visited the “The security situation has free healthcare for lawyers tants) retreated,” Jamila Amini, province. been deteriorating day by day in Pakistani citizen a member of the Farah pro- “The situation will soon Farah,” Faqiri confirmed, esti- INTERNEWS vincial council said. come under control,” he said. mating around a dozen security provision of free treatment to the released from Four members of the Taliban fighters on Monday forces are killed in the province lawyers in the capital city. National Directorate of Security, briefly took control of the every day. PESHAWAR: A Peshawar High He said it was an injustice to Indian prison Afghanistan’s spy agency, and administrative building of Former Farah governor Court bench yesterday directed the lawyers of Khyber three police were killed, she Farah’s Anar Dara district, killing Mohammad Aref Shah Jahan the provincial government to Pakhtunkhwa that they had not LAHORE: A Pakistani cit- added. eight police, before they were resigned in January after days of provide free medical treatment been provided the health facil- izen was released from an The incident and death toll beaten back by security forces, protests in the provincial capital to local lawyers and their family ities, which were given to lawyers Indian prison yesterday, after were confirmed by fellow officials said. over rising insecurity. members like Punjab and Sindh. in Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad. spending 25 years in the neigh- Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth Zahid said under the Consti- bouring country. and Justice Mussarat Hilali pro- tution, it was the responsibility of The citizen named Siraj- nounced a short order in this the government to provide free ud-din Mohammad reached respect accepting two petitions health facilities to its citizens. Pakistan today after obtaining filed by lawyers. He contended that the KP his freedom from the prison. One petition was filed by government had so far not been The Ansar Burney Trust played advocate Shabbir Hussain fulfilling that constitutional a major role in bringing Siraj Gigyani in 2015 and the other by obligation. to Pakistan. the Peshawar District Bar The lawyer said the province Siraj erroneously made his Association. was hit hard by militancy for over way into India at the age of 11. Both the petitioners a decade. After running from his home in requested the court to issue He said like rests of the cit- Mansehra, Siraj reached Lahore directives for the provincial gov- izens the lawyers was also badly and mistakenly took Samjhota ernment for the provision of free affected by acts of terrorism and Express to India. medical treatment to lawyers and militancy. An additional advocate After spending a great deal their families across the province general said Khyber of time in India, Siraj married a like the treatment permissible to Pakhtunkhwa was a poor woman from a Muslim family government officers of BPS-17 province and provision of free in 2005. In 2009, Siraj pre- and BPS-18. medical facilities to thousands of sented himself before police Zahidullah Zahid, counsel for lawyers would put an extra and expressed the desire to the petitioners, along with other burden on the provincial go to Pakistan with his family. lawyers said the Punjab gov- exchequer. The bench observed Following which the police ernment had permitted free that the other two provinces had sent him to jail, from which he medical treatment to all lawyers already been providing such gained freedom yesterday. An in that province in 2005. facilities to lawyers like the Indian NGO fought for Siraj’s He pointed out that in 2015, federal government. right to Indian citizenship, how- the Sindh government, too, had It asked when other prov- ever, he was sent to jail again. introduced free health facilities inces could provide that facility Protesting for protection of ancestral land for lawyers in the province. to lawyers, why the KP gov- Pakistani authority The counsel said in light of a ernment couldn’t do so. Indigenous people hold a protest in front of the Chinese Consular Office, shouting against the building to fight hate speech judgment of the Islamabad High The AAG said KP had limited of mega dams in their ancestral territories under the Philippine-China deals in Manila, yesterday. Court, the federal government resources compared to Punjab KARACHI: In order to report also recently ordered the and Sindh. and fight hate speech in the country, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) of Pakistan has launched a smart- Senior Pakistani politician predicts NZ censures US-based diplomat for anti-Trump tweets phone app ‘Chaukas’ under its Tat’heer programme, a cyber disagreement over interim set-up counterterrorism drive that AP and made her account private. political news website ‘The Hill’ includes mapping radical con- INTERNEWS would be postponed for a couple New Zealand’s Ministry of that said a 2020 Democratic tent available on the internet. of months. ‘I am sure the oppo- WELLINGTON: New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade said the ticket with Bernie Sanders and The main aim of the app, ISLAMABAD: Former MNA Javed sition and the government will yesterday censured its second- tweets didn’t meet its code of Elizabeth Warren could ‘win big’. according to Nacta, is to help Hashmi says the matter of the not be able to reach any ranking diplomat in Washington conduct for social media, which ‘No it couldn’t,’ Beresford people identify hate content, interim government will be agreement on who should be the after she sent tweets saying US require diplomatic staff to responded. “Please get your giving the user options to send placed before the Supreme Court caretaker prime minister,‘ he pre- Democrats needed to get their act maintain political neutrality and (expletive) together or we will all a photograph, video, banners due to disagreement between the dicted. He said he would like to together for the next presidential take care in expressing personal die.” She also wrote that Demo- and activities or written mate- government and the opposition. remind the chief justice that he election ‘or we will all die’. opinions. crats had ‘learned nothing’ and rial which will then be passed He told reporters yesterday was just a judge and not a ruler, Deputy Head of Mission Caroline Beresford sent at least three that ‘If this is what they have on to the relevant law enforce- if the matter landed in the so he should avoid creating the Beresford later deleted the anti- tweets late last week disagreeing against Trump we should be ment agencies. Supreme Court, general elections East Pakistan like situation. President Donald Trump tweets with an opinion column on planning for the eight years’.

Duterte to withdraw Philippines from ICC after ‘outrageous attacks’ REUTERS March 13 and not signed by Abdallah referred most questions murder and cover-ups and say million years’ have jurisdiction. The effective one year after receipt of Duterte, said the withdrawal from to the court’s prosecutors, who they killed about 4,100 drug ICC’s preliminary examination into the notification. Duterte and the MANILA: The Philippines said the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome could not immediately be reached dealers in shootouts. Police say the complaint seeks to establish Philippines are under the juris- yesterday it is withdrawing from Statute, was ‘effective for comment. they have no ties to armed men whether crimes have taken place. diction of the ICC as a result of the International Criminal Court immediately’. Duterte’s war on drugs has responsible for the deaths of about Such a process typically takes being a member, and pulling out (ICC) due to what President That was confirmed separately caused international alarm and 2,300 drug users and peddlers. years. would not change that jurisdiction Rodrigo Duterte called ‘outrageous’ by Duterte’s spokesman and his fierce criticism from some UN rap- Duterte, who is hugely popular Jude Sabio, the Philippine retroactively. The ICC can only attacks by UN officials and viola- legal counsel, who both said the porteurs and officials, including UN among Filipinos, has no love for lawyer who filed the ICC complaint intervene in a member state when tions of due process by the ICC. ICC’s examination was part of a High Commissioner for Human the ICC, calling it ‘useless’ and last year, said Duterte’s move was that state is unable or unwilling to The decision marks an about- plot by the president’s enemies. Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, who ‘hypocritical’. predictable, futile and designed to carry out investigations and pros- face by Duterte, who initially wel- Duterte’s statement said the on Friday said Duterte should He at first dared the ICC to appeal to his base. ecute suspected perpetrators. The comed a preliminary ICC exami- withdrawal was because of submit himself for a psychiatric indict him, saying he was willing “Looks like they are really Philippines says its legal processes nation announced last month into ‘baseless, unprecedented and out- examination. to rot in jail for his people. He then afraid. Why? They feel that this will are functional and independent. a complaint, filed by a Philippine rageous attacks’ by UN officials, The maverick former mayor said he would prefer a firing squad proceed to an investigation,” Sabio Senator Antonio Trillanes, who lawyer, that accuses him and top and what he said was an attempt has sparred relentlessly with critics to prison. said. “His statement is only good filed supplementary communica- officials of crimes against by the ICC prosecutor to seek juris- and refused to change his He has recently changed his for politics, just so his supporters tions to support Sabio’s complaint, humanity, committed during a war diction over him ‘in violation of due approach, or accept that police tune, telling security forces not to can hear that he is withdrawing said the withdrawal was flip- on drugs that has killed thousands process and presumption of may have executed suspected cooperate should there be any from the ICC. But it will have no flopping by Duterte, who ‘knows of people. innocence’. dealers, as activists allege. international investigation. He last binding legal effect.” According to that there is no way out for him in A 15-page statement, dated ICC spokesman Fadi el Police deny allegations of week said the ICC would ‘not in a ICC rules, the withdrawal becomes the ICC’. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 Tokyo regrets departure of Tillerson

REUTERS “We’re aware that Pompeo Jinping’s signature foreign policy was one of the strongest voices initiative. TOKYO: Japan’s foreign minister in the talk of military action and “Tillerson has at times been said yesterday he personally “He (Tillerson) was fed Trump related assessments, quite critical of China, including regretted the departure of ‘frank, but things have since changed a of Belt and Road,” Jia said. trustworthy’ US Secretary of State a frank, trustworthy lot,” one senior official said, “Trump is not as hawkish on Rex Tillerson ahead of a proposed counterpart and I referring to upcoming inter- China as many assume. He has summit between President thought we would Korean talks and the prospect of tried to communicate and to cut Donald Trump and North Korean a Kim-Trump summit. “So, we a deal.” Coming from the CIA, leader Kim Jong Un. deal with the North will see.” Chinese Foreign Min- Pompeo is more likely to see Trump fired Tillerson on Korea issue together, istry spokesman Lu Kang said China as a threat but his views Tuesday after a series of public but personally, I feel China hopes the change in per- will probably soften, Jia said. rifts over policy on North Korea that this situation sonnel will not impact the devel- “Once you are in the secretary and other issues, replacing him opment of relations and of state position, you need to be South Korea’s former president Lee Myung-bak arrives at the with loyalist Central Intelligence that has developed important areas of cooperation. more pragmatic and take into prosecutors’ office in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. Agency Director Mike Pompeo. is unfortunate,” “We of course hope that the account the huge stakes involved, “He (Tillerson) was a frank, Japanese Foreign positive momentum on the so the impact will not be as big as trustworthy counterpart and I Minister Taro Kono Korean peninsula, including the some people expect.” Most thought we would deal with the political will for talks of both the important for China was that Former South Korean president North Korea issue together, but said. United States and North Korea, Pompeo makes contact with his personally, I feel that this situ- will be maintained,” Lu told a Chinese counterparts to ensure a questioned over corruption ation that has developed is daily news briefing. smooth meeting between Kim and AP unfortunate,” Japanese Foreign South Korea’s Foreign Minister Shares in Japanese defence Trump as soon as possible, said Service, the country’s main spy Minister Taro Kono told Kang Kyung-wha decided to go equipment makers rose sharply Ruan Zongze, a former Chinese agency, for personal purposes reporters in Tokyo. ahead with a planned trip to Wash- on speculation that geopolitical diplomat now with the China SEOUL: Prosecutors yesterday through his aides. “For sure, America holds the ington to discuss North Korea tensions may rise after the firing Institute of International Studies, questioned South Korea’s Prosecutors allege that Lee key, so I want to meet his suc- despite Tillerson’s departure, the of Tillerson and Pompeo’s a think tank affiliated with the conservative former President took other illicit money from cessor as secretary of state soon ministry said in a text message. An appointment. Ishikawa Sei- Foreign Ministry. Lee Myung-bak over corruption business groups including and exchange views on North official had earlier said she would sakusho surged as much as 15 “Time is short. There are a lot allegations, making him the Samsung and a former law- Korea and other matters,” Kono cancel the visit. percent, while Howa Machinery things to do. Every day is very latest of the country’s leaders maker. South Korean media said. Critics expressed dismay at Other South Korean officials, jumped 11 percent. important,” he said. Pompeo is entangled in scandal. said the illicitly obtained funds the decision to swap out top dip- also speaking on the condition of Jia Qingguo, an expert on also known for his hawkish views The move came about two totaled 11bn won ($10m). lomats so soon before the anonymity, said that while Chinese diplomacy at Peking on trade. He takes over as the weeks after prosecutors Lee is also accused of using unprecedented potential meeting Pompeo was known to have University in Beijing, said China chief US diplomat as the United demanded a 30-year prison an auto parts manufacturer between Kim and Trump, and hardline views on North Korea, may see positive outcomes from States is finalising the imposition term for Lee’s conservative suc- called DAS as a channel to worried that Pompeo would he was a seasoned politician and the change when it comes to the of hefty tariffs on steel and alu- cessor, Park Geun-hye, over a establish illicit slush funds encourage Trump to be hawkish seemed to know how to US position on the Belt and Road minium that have upset a number separate bribery scandal that amounting to 30bn won ($28m) on North Korea. compromise. initiative, Chinese President Xi of Asian trading partners. led to weeks of massive anti- and embezzling its official government protests. Park is in funds. jail as she awaits a court verdict One of Lee’s brothers is set for early next month. DAS’s largest shareholder, but “I stand here today feeling prosecutors suspect Lee is its de Singaporean firms wretched,” Lee said in televised facto owner. remarks after arriving at a Seoul Nearly all former presidents being investigated prosecutors’ office. “I am very in South Korea, their family for selling luxury sorry for causing worry for the members and key aides were people.” South Korean politi- embroiled in scandals either just goods to N Korea cians accused of misdoing often before they ended their terms apologize for causing trouble or after they left office. REUTERS while still denying wrongdoing. South Korea’s first pres- Lee has previously called the ident, Syngman Rhee, resigned SINGAPORE: Singapore investigation ‘political revenge’ and fled to Hawaii in 1960 amid said yesterday it was orchestrated by the current protests over allegations of investigating two local liberal government of President vote-rigging. Park’s father, Park companies accused of Moon Jae-in, a statement that Chung-hee, who ruled South supplying luxury goods to prompted fury from Moon. Korea for 18 years following a North Korea in violation Lee also referred to the 1961 coup, was gunned down of UN sanctions. 2009 suicide of ex-liberal Pres- by his own spy chief during a Citing a leaked draft of ident Roh Moo-hyun, who leapt 1979 drinking party. a UN report, British broad- to his death amid a high-profile Park’s successors Chun caster BBC said earlier this corruption investigation of his Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, week the two firms were family when Lee was president. both former army generals, OCN and T Specialist, Moon, who was Roh’s chief of spent time in jail after leaving sister companies that Vietnam PM in Canberra staff, previously called the Roh office for bribery, treason and share the same director. investigation by the Lee gov- other charges. Presidents Kim Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and his wife Madam Tran “The Singapore ernment politically motivated. Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung Nguyet Thu hold hands with children from a welcoming party after arriving for an official visit at authorities are aware of Prosecutors accuse Lee of saw their terms tainted by cor- these cases and we are in Fairbairn airfield in Canberra, Australia, yesterday. taking about 1.75bn won ($1.6m) ruption scandals involving their correspondence with the from the National Intelligence sons. UN Panel on them,” Sin- gapore’s foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. “In respect of the two Aceh mulls beheading Cambodia urged to pay heed to human rights companies mentioned in AP the BBC report - OCN and as penalty for murder Professor Rhona Smith, Hun Sen has cracked down T-Specialist - our author- speaking at the end of her fifth severely on his opponents ahead AP ities have commenced and Human Rights Office, said the PHNOM PENH: With political visit to Cambodia as a UN rap- of the scheduled polls, shutting investigations into these provincial government has asked and press freedoms under porteur, praised Cambodia for down critical media and using companies. BANDA ACEH: The conservative his office to research beheading pressure ahead of elections its gains in economic and social the courts to dissolve the only However, we are Indonesian province of Aceh as a method of execution under scheduled for July, the UN’s rights, but declared that ‘it is also credible opposition party. unable to provide addi- known for publicly caning homo- Islamic law and to consult public specially appointed researcher necessary to respect civil and He has repeatedly cited the tional details as investiga- sexuals, adulterers and gamblers opinion. on human rights in Cambodia political rights’. Smith said need for peace and stability as a tions are ongoing.” Under is considering the introduction of Aceh is the only province in said yesterday it is a mistake for freedom of expression was reason for taking such measures, UN sanctions, it has been beheading as a punishment for Indonesia to practice Shariah law, the government of long-serving under serious threat, as was peo- declaring that there will be illegal to sell luxury items murder, a top Islamic law official a concession made by the central Prime Minister Hun Sen to prior- ple’s right to take part in public trouble if he is not allowed to to North Korea since 2006. said yesterday. Syukri M Yusuf, government in 2005 to end a war itize stability and development affairs through freely chosen stay in office for another decade, the head of Aceh’s Shariah Law for independence. over human rights. representatives. as he has vowed to do. Abe denies involvement by him, wife in discount land-sale deal REUTERS the sale to school operator Moritomo officials at the finance ministry to alter Gakuen. “When you look at the docu- the documents. TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo ments even before they were altered, it The scandal has caused a stalemate Abe yesterday remained steadfast that is clear that my wife and I were not in parliament, with opposition parties he and his wife were not involved in a involved,” Abe told an upper house budget boycotting debate on the next fiscal year’s discount land-sale deal that has seen the committee, a statement echoed by chief budget, potentially delaying reforms to opposition call for the resignation of his cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga. boost long-term economic growth. ally, Finance Minister Taro Aso. Abe has said he would resign if evi- Yesterday, Tetsuro Fukuyama, sec- Abe and Aso have come under fresh dence were found that they had. retary-general of the main opposition pressure over the ministry’s admission According to the ministry documents, Constitutional Democratic Party told this week that it had altered documents a comment from Moritomo Gakuen citing reporters the ruling LDP-Komeito coa- related to the sale of state-owned land at Akie Abe as telling him, “This is good land lition had agreed to summon former a steep discount to a school operator with so please proceed”, was removed. National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa ties to Abe’s wife, Akie. Yasunori Kagoike, the former head of Sagawa to testify in parliament. Suspicion of a cover-up could slash Moritomo Gakuen, and his wife remain Sagawa headed the ministry division Abe’s ratings and dash his hopes for a in custody after being arrested last July that submitted the documents before he third term as leader of his Liberal Dem- over the deal. became tax agency chief in July, an ocratic Party (LDP). Victory in the LDP Asked about the reference yesterday, appointment critics saw as a reward for September leadership vote would put him Abe said: “I checked with my wife and his efforts to smooth over the issue with on track to become Japan’s longest- she says she said no such thing. My wife his statements to parliament last year. serving premier. was neither the person in charge of estab- Yesterday, Kiyomi Tsujimoto, a prom- Copies of documents released by the lishing the school nor Mr Kagoike’s boss, inent Constitutional Democratic Party Protesters shout slogans and hold placards during a rally denouncing Japanese finance ministry on Monday showed that so naturally she would not have made lawmaker, asked for Abe’s wife to appear Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso over a suspected cover-up references to Abe, his wife and Aso were such a remark.” Abe and Aso told par- for questioning, a senior LDP politician removed from the ministry’s records of liament they had never instructed said earlier. She did not receive a reply. of a cronyism scandal in front of Abe’s official residence in Tokyo, yesterday. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 EUROPE 15 EU pledges aid to Syrian refugees in Turkey

REUTERS The EU announced refugees in Turkey, though the cannot do without it. deemed it poor, could rec- a second tranche of bloc’s executive European Com- Though the number of people ommend the bloc gets tougher BRUSSELS: The European Union $3.7bn for projects mission and the member states who reached Europe on smug- on visas for that country in the yesterday said it would chip in must yet agree on the exact glers’ boats since 2014 is small hope of encouraging a change in another $3.7bn for Syrian benefiting Syrian financing. compared to the bloc’s popu- policy. refugees in Turkey, and restrict refugees in Turkey, “Our cooperation with lation of 500 million, higher Currently, citizens of 105 travel for countries refusing to though the bloc’s Turkey is key to address common immigration caught the EU by countries in the world - from take back their citizens who fail executive European challenges,” Avramopoulos told surprise and caused political Russia to Congo to Bolivia - need to obtain asylum in Europe. a news conference, referring to chaos. a visa to get into Europe’s The latest measures to curb Commission and the the many rifts between Ankara It still reverberates, as last Schengen zone of free travel and immigration from the Middle East member states must and the EU, which sees President seen in the resounding defeat of Avramopoulos said 15 million and Africa, which overwhelmed yet agree on the exact Tayyip Erdogan as increasingly Italy’s centre-left in elections this such entry permits had been the bloc when it surged in 2015 financing. autocratic.“Unnecessary escala- month.As EU states struggle to issued in 2016. to 2016, were announced by the tions can and should be avoided,” become more effective in With some African and Asian EU’s top migration official, Dim- A 2016 deal with Turkey, he said, hoping for a swift return deporting failed asylum seekers countries topping the EU’s list of itris Avramopoulos (pictured). nationalist and populist parties. though criticised by rights groups of two Greek soldiers held in or people who overstay the time problematic returns, the Com- Some 1.8 million refugees and The EU has since been tight- for restricting the chance to claim detention in Turkey. allowed, the bloc agreed last June mission said the bloc was still migrants have reached Europe ening its external borders and asylum by those in need, has cut Despite heavy criticism of to restrict visas for foreign coun- short of one billion euros for across the Mediterranean since asylum laws, as well as offering to a trickle arrivals through its soil Erdogan’s track record on human tries that refuse to take back their projects to improve life for people 2014, according to UN figures, money and other help to third to EU member Greece. rights, the bloc’s top officials will nationals.The Commission pro- in Africa. causing friction among member countries in exchange for pre- The EU yesterday announced host him for high-level talks next posed on Wednesday to regularly The bloc hopes such projects states at odds over how to handle venting people from trekking a second tranche of $3.7bn for week, a reminder that many in monitor how third countries would weaken people’s resolve them and lifting support for north. projects benefiting Syrian the EU may dread Ankara but cooperate on returns and, if it to try get to Europe.

Lithuanian lawmaker quits after surviving impeachment vote AP Probes had concluded Bastys, Kaliningrad, which shares a who is suspected of liaising with border with Lithuania, among VILNIUS: A Lithuanian lawmaker shady Russian lobbyists, had acted others. resigned yesterday, a day after against Lithuanian interests by No criminal investigation surviving an impeachment vote working with Russians and against Bastys has been opened. in the Baltic country’s parliament breaching the constitution of In recent years, Lithuania for his reported ties to Russia. Lithuania. He has denied any has deported several Russian Mindaugas Bastys, a former wrongdoing. nationals suspected of espi- Social Democrat-turned-inde- Lithuania’s secret service con- onage. Lithuanians also have pendent, announced his decision cluded Bastys had close personal been convicted for spying for after Prime Minister Saulius relationships with people repre- Belarus, which authorities say is Skvernelis had urged him to step senting Russian state nuclear sharing information with Russia. down. monopoly Rosatom and Russian In July, a court in Lithuania Lawmakers in the 141-seat state television. The Lithuanian found a Russian national guilty Seimas were unsuccessful in government has strongly objected of spying and sentenced him to revoking Bastys’ mandate for lying to two nuclear power plants being 10 years in prison for attempting about his Russian connections built by Rosastom in Belarus, to recruit local officials to plant after failing to reach the needed south of the Baltic country, and in listening devices in the offices of 85 votes for an impeachment. the Russian exclave of the Baltic nation’s president. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (second right) and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier with the members of the new German Cabinet during the appointment ceremony at Bellevue Palace, in Berlin, yesterday.

Two Frenchmen on trial Hungary jails Angela Merkel clings onto power migrant over AP for online identity theft seeking agreement with France governed for the past four years AP border riot and others on the future of a but putting together the new REUTERS BERLIN: Angela Merkel sworn fractious European Union. administration has been unprec- PARIS: Two Frenchmen are going on trial for allegedly stealing in for her fourth term as German “The expectations of our edentedly hard work. Emmanuel Macron’s online identity last year when he was chancellor yesterday, putting an friends and partners are huge, Yesterday’s parliamentary running for president. BUDAPEST: A Hungarian end to nearly six months of particularly in Europe,” Pres- vote came 171 days after the The unusual case, to be heard in a Paris court, follows a court sentenced a Syrian- political drift in Europe’s biggest ident Frank-Walter Steinmeier election, nearly double the pre- complaint filed by Macron days before he was elected French Cypriot man to seven years economy. told Merkel and her ministers as vious record. The Social Demo- president in May. in prison for illegally crossing Lawmakers voted 364-315 he formally appointed the new crats initially planned to go into The main defendant, Jean-Paul Mongin, a 38-year-old book the border and being an to re-elect Merkel, Germany’s Cabinet. “Many hope we in opposition after crashing to their editor and conservative right-wing activist, is accused of using accomplice in a terrorist act leader since 2005. The coalition Germany will show that liberal worst result since World War II, a Gmail address purporting to belong to Macron to send a long during clashes with police in of Merkel’s conservative democracies are capable of but Steinmeier nudged them into political email titled “10 good reasons not to vote for me” and September 2015, state news Christian Democratic Union, its acting and facing the future.” a reluctant about-turn after Mer- signed “Emmanuel.” agency MTI reported. Bavaria-only sister party, the Merkel will travel to Paris kel’s talks with two smaller Also on trial is an acquaintance of Mongin who allegedly Ahmed Hamed was part of Christian Social Union and the tomorrow for talks with French parties collapsed in November. helped him create the email address and send the text to a list a group that crossed illegally center-left Social Democrats has President Emmanuel Macron on Merkel was able to take of about 100 recipients just before the first round of the pres- into Hungary on September 16, 399 of the 709 seats in the first trip abroad of her new office only after two-thirds of the idential election, according to the prosecutor’s summons. 2015 and also spoke to the parliament. term. The chancellor heads a Social Democrats’ members The email was then forwarded to other people, including crowd using a loudspeaker In what is widely expected much-changed Cabinet, with the approved in a ballot the coalition journalists and members of Macron’s campaign. before hundreds of migrants to be her last term, Merkel will governing parties - which are deal clinched last month. Mongin has admitted writing the email and using the Gmail forced open the border gate have to hold together what is traditional rivals - keen to send At least 35 coalition law- address but denied any intent to really pose as Macron, according and police fired water cannon potentially her most fragile coa- signals of renewal after a Sep- makers didn’t support her, and to his lawyer. He faces up to one year in prison and a $17,600 and tear gas. A witness in the lition yet, while also addressing tember election in which all lost Merkel won only nine votes fine if convicted of passing himself off as someone else “in order courtroom at the court in the challenges such as a potential significant ground. more than the absolute majority to damage their honour or reputation.” southern town of Szeged said Europe-US trade war and The same parties have she needed. the man, who was guarded by masked police, received the sentence calmly. Famed physicist Stephen Slovenia’s Hawking dies at 76 teachers seek AFP Hawking’s children, Lucy, Robert, higher wages and Tim said in a statement. LONDON: British physicist “He was a great scientist and AP Stephen Hawking, whose mental an extraordinary man whose genius and physical disability work and legacy will live on for LJUBLJANA: Slovenia’s made him a household name and many years.” Prime Minister teachers on strike for the inspiration across the globe, died Theresa May was among the first second time in a month after yesterday aged 76. to pay tribute, writing on Twitter failing to reach a deal with Propelled to stardom by his that Hawking was “a brilliant and the government on higher 1988 book “A Brief History of extraordinary mind” whose wages. Many schools and Time”, which became an unlikely legacy “will not be forgotten”. kindergartens remained worldwide bestseller, Hawking Well-wishers lined up at the closed yesterday as teachers dedicated his life to unlocking the University of Cambridge to sign held street protests in several secrets of the Universe. a book of condolences. towns, blowing whistles and His genius and wit won over “He was a fun person to work horns. fans from far beyond the rarified with and had a great sense of This is the latest in a string world of astrophysics, earning humour. For his students, at the of strikes and protests by comparisons with Albert Einstein blackboard, sometimes a little People queue to sign a book of condolence inside the chapel at Gonville following the death of public sector workers in the and Sir Isaac Newton. scary... He was an inspiration,” Professor Stephen Hawking, in Cambridge, Britain, yesterday. small European Union Hawking died peacefully at Justin Hayward, who was Hawk- country who are demanding his home in the British University ing’s PhD student from 1991 to him of mobility, leaving him con- world,” his family said. “He once science, Galileo Galilei -- Stephen higher salaries amid an eco- city of Cambridge yesterday 1995, said. fined to a wheelchair, almost said, ‘It would not be much of a William Hawking became one of nomic recovery. morning. A university source said Hawking defied predictions completely paralysed and unable universe if it wasn’t home to the the world’s most well-regarded Teachers want their sal- that his health deteriorated that he would only live for a few to speak except through his people you love’. We will miss scientists and entered the pan- aries - around $1,100 a month around holiday time. years after developing a form of trademark voice synthesiser. him forever.” theon of science titans. for junior teachers and $1,470 “We are deeply saddened motor neurone disease in his “His courage and persistence Born on January 8, 1942 -- His death was announced on a month on average - to be in that our beloved father passed early 20s. with his brilliance and humour 300 years to the day after the the 139th anniversary of the birth line with those of other public away today,” Professor The illness gradually robbed inspired people across the death of the father of modern of Albert Einstein. workers. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 Britain to expel 23 Russian diplomats AP British Prime Minister unjustified and shortsighted.” Theresa May also “All the responsibility for the LONDON: Britain announced deterioration of the Russia-UK yesterday it will expel almost two said Britain would relationship lies with the current dozen Russian diplomats, sever clamp down on murky political leadership of Britain,” it high-level bilateral contacts with Russian money and said in a statement. Moscow and take both open and strengthen its powers Russian ambassador Alex- covert action against Kremlin ander Yakovenko, said Britain’s meddling after the poisoning of a to impose sanctions actions were “a provocation.” former spy, plunging UK-Russian on abusers of human Critics of the British gov- relations into their deepest freeze rights. ernment have long claimed that since the Cold War. the U.K. is reluctant to act against Prime Minister Theresa May Russia because London’s told lawmakers that 23 Russian invitation for Russian Foreign property market and financial diplomats who have been iden- Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit sector are magnets for billions in tified as undeclared intelligence Britain has been canceled, and Russian money. Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May addressing the House of Commons on her government’s reaction officers have a week to leave the May said British ministers and Some Russia experts said the to the poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, in Salisbury, country. royals will not attend the soccer measures announced by May May spoke after Moscow World Cup in Russia this summer. were unlikely to make Russian in London, yesterday. ignored a midnight deadline to May also said Britain would President Vladimir Putin’s gov- explain how a nerve agent clamp down on murky Russian ernment change its behavior. She Soviet Union during the Cold War from another former Soviet all the way.” developed by the Soviet Union money and strengthen its powers did not expel Russia’s ambas- - came to be used in Britain. country, pointing to Moscow’s On Wednesday it also called was used against Sergei and Yulia to impose sanctions on abusers sador or announce sanctions Russia said the UK must first foe, Ukraine. for an urgent meeting of the UN Skripal. The father and daughter of human rights - though she against any individuals. provide samples of the poison Lawmaker Vladimir Gutenev, Security Council to discuss the remain in critical condition in a gave few details. “There does not seem to be collected by investigators. a member of the state com- investigation. hospital in Salisbury, south- “We will freeze Russian state any real appetite so far to inves- Putin spokesman Dmitry mission for chemical disar- European Council President western England, after being assets wherever we have the evi- tigate the ill-gotten gains of the Peskov said yesterday that Britain mament, said Russia had Donald Tusk said that the attack found unconscious on March 4. dence that they may be used to Russian elite that have been laun- has offered “baseless accusations scrapped its stockpile of was “most likely” inspired by May said Russia had provided threaten the life or property of K dered through London,” said John which are not backed up by any Novichok. Moscow and announced he no explanation, and “there is no nationals or residents,” May said, Lough, an associate fellow in the evidence.” He said Russia would “It is hard to say what may be would put the issue on the agenda alternative conclusion other than promising to use all possible legal Eurasia program at the Chatham cooperate with the investigation happening in neighboring coun- at an EU leaders’ summit next that the Russian state was cul- powers against criminals and House think-tank. but does not see Britain’s will- tries,” he was quoted as saying week. pable for the attempted murder corrupt elites. “It is not clear to me that Lon- ingness to reciprocate. by the Interfax news agency. May said Russia’s use of a of Mr. Skripal and his daughter.” “There is no place for these don’s response will hit the “We hope reason will prevail Britain has sought support chemical weapon was “an affront She announced a range of people - or their money - in our Kremlin where it hurts.” and other countries will think from allies in the European Union to the prohibition on the use of economic and diplomatic country,” she said. Moscow refused to comply hard how serious the evidence and Nato, including the United chemical weapons. And it is an measures, including the sus- The Russian embassy in with Britain’s demands that it against Russia is,” he said. States. May’s office said President affront to the rules-based system pension of high-level bilateral London said the expulsion of dip- explain how Novichok - a form Russia has claimed that the Donald Trump told the prime on which we and our interna- contacts with Russia. An lomats was “totally unacceptable, of nerve agent developed by the nerve agent could have come minister the US was “with the UK tional partners depend.”

Bulgarian govt Finland named world’s happiest country eyes Russia REUTERS last year to oust Norway from the over the last half century, the political situation in the United status. The foreign-born were to overhaul top spot. The 2018 top-10, as ever happiness index has been hit by States could affect future hap- least happy in Syria, which has VATICAN CITY: Finland is the dominated by the Nordics, is: weakened social support net- piness reports, Sachs said: been mired in civil war for seven fighter jets world’s happiest country, Finland, Norway, Denmark, works, a rise in perception of “Time will tell, but I would years. REUTERS according to an annual survey Iceland, Switzerland, Nether- corruption in government and say that in general that when “The most striking finding issued yesterday that put Burundi lands, Canada, New Zealand, business and declining confi- confidence in government is of the report is the remarkable SOFIA: Bulgaria has chosen at the bottom of the happiness Sweden and Australia. dence in public institutions. low, when perceptions of cor- consistency between the hap- Russian Aircraft Corporation index and found Americans were The United States came in “We obviously have a social ruption are high, inequality is piness of immigrants and the MiG (RSK MiG) to overhaul getting less happy even as their at 18th, down from 14th place crisis in the United States: more high and health conditions are locally born,” said Professor and maintain its 15 ageing, country became richer. last year. Britain was 19th and inequality, less trust, less confi- worsening ... that is not con- John Helliwell of Canada’s Uni- Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter The UN Sustainable Devel- the United Arab Emirates 20th. dence in government,” the head ducive to good feelings.” versity of British Columbia. jets until 2022, Defence opment Solutions Network’s One chapter of the 170-page of the SDSN, Professor Jeffrey For the first time since it was “Although immigrants come Ministry documents show. (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness report is dedicated to emerging Sachs of New York’s Columbia started in 2012, the report, from countries with very dif- The Black Sea state is a Report ranked 156 countries health problems such as obesity, University, said as the report which uses a variety of polling ferent levels of happiness, their member of the European according to their scores for depression and the opioid crisis, was launched at the Vatican’s organisations, official figures reported life evaluations con- Union and Nato but deemed things such as GDP per capita, particularly in the United States Pontifical Academy of Sciences. and research methods, ranked verge towards those of other RSK MiG the only supplier social support, healthy life where the prevalence of all “It’s pretty stark right now. The the happiness of foreign-born residents in their new coun- able to provide reliable expectancy, social freedom, three has grown faster than in signs are not good for the US. It immigrants in 117 countries. tries,” he said. “Those who move support for its MiG 29s, which generosity and absence of most other countries. is getting richer and richer but Finland took top honours in to happier countries gain, while date to when Sofia was part corruption. While income per capita has not getting happier.” that category too, giving the those who move to less happy of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact Finland, rose from fifth place increased markedly in the US Asked how the current country a statistical double-gold countries lose.” alliance in the 1980s. Bulgaria therefore did not invite other bidders for the deal. Sofia has said it needs to keep its Soviet-era aircraft operational after plans to buy ‘Serbia ready to end eight new fighter jets from a fellow Nato state hit a proce- dural snag. The process is row with Kosovo’ expected to start almost from scratch later this year. AFP compromises,” Vucic said. The Defence Ministry He spoke after meeting with planned to sign a four-year, BELGRADE: Serbian President Wess Mitchell, the US acting $51.45m deal with RSK MiG Aleksandar Vucic said yesterday assistant secretary of state for in December but put it off fol- his country is ready for a European affairs. lowing an appeal by compromise over Kosovo since Mitchell is on a tour of the Ukrainian arms exporter resolving a dispute with its region that has already taken Ukrinmash. former province is key to its bid him to Kosovo and Bulgaria’s anti-monopoly to join the EU. Serbia has Macedonia. commission later rejected refused to recognise Kosovo’s “We can accept only a com- Ukraine’s appeal and a special independence, declared unilat- promise ... but not a humiliation Defence Ministry commission erally a decade ago. of our own people,” Vucic said. approved RSK MiG’s offer on Brussels insists normali- Elected last year, Vucic, March 6, according to the doc- sation of ties between the once an ultranationalist and uments posted on the minis- former foes, who fought each close ally of the Serbian try’s website. other in a 1990s war, is a key strongman Slobodan Milosevic, Some eastern European condition they both must meet has become a staunch pro- Nato allies that were once in order to join the EU European liberal who hopes to Soviet satellites still rely on “For us, the most difficult bring Serbia into the EU. Russian-made military jets - hurdle on the European path is As he was sworn in May last Street art two-thirds of Poland’s mil- indeed the situation over year, Vucic urged an “internal itary equipment dates from Kosovo and that is why Serbia dialogue” over the politically People walk past an eye mural drawn by British street artist My Dog Sighs, in Rome, yesterday. the pre-1991 Soviet era, for is .... ready to talk about possible sensitive issue of Kosovo. example.

Ireland Prime Minister calls for new power-sharing talks next month REUTERS stalemate, Irish Prime Minister saying they were not being treated Northern Ireland and Ireland had We face enormous challenges peach in Northern Ireland. Leo Varadkar said. as equal partners by the pro-British complicated the political talks in from Brexit, which has “After that, I believe the DUBLIN: The British and Irish The British region has been Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Belfast, Varadkar called for a fresh undoubtedly changed the period after April 1 should see a governments should redouble without a devolved executive - a Each side has blamed the other round once EU leaders endorse a political climate in Northern redoubled effort on the part of efforts next month to broker a central plank of its 1998 peace deal for repeated failures to reach a joint stance on their future rela- Ireland,” Varadkar said in the both Governments and all of the deal that would restore a power- that ended three decades of vio- deal. Acknowledging that the tionship with Britain on March 23. text of a speech due to be parties in Northern Ireland to sharing government in Northern lence - since Irish nationalists Sinn impact of Brexit negotiations on “The next few weeks will delivered at an event in Wash- seek agreement on the resto- Ireland after a year of political Fein pulled out in January last year, the future of the border between rightly see a focus on Brexit. ... ington celebrating 20 years of ration of the institutions.” THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 AMERICAS 17 US students stage walkouts against guns AFP Florida prosecutors have announced plans WASHINGTON: Students across to seek the death the United States walked out of classes yesterday in the largest penalty against Nikolas protest against gun violence seen Cruz, a former student in years, demanding action at Stoneman Douglas, following last month’s shooting unleashed a hail of rampage at a Florida high school. Hundreds of teenagers from gunfire on his one- Washington area schools time classmates. gathered outside the White House chanting “Never again!” and “Enough is enough!” At a Los Angeles high school, They held up signs reading students spelled out the word “Books Not Bullets” and “Protect “Enough” -- the gun control People Not Guns.” movement’s catchphrase -- by With the crowd swelling into lying down on the ground on a the thousands, the students football field. marched to the grounds of the US In New York, students, many Students from the Washington area carry signs as they march to the US Capitol, in Washington, DC, yesterday. RIGHT: Students from Capitol where they were joined of whom wore orange -- the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Westglades Middle School marching to a nearby park as part of a National School Walkout by Democratic members of Con- color of gun control -- walked out to honour the 17 students and staff members killed at the school, in Parkland, Florida. gress and denounced the National from more than 50 schools. Rifle Association (NRA), the pow- “We want change,” and “Am many lives this year.” control seen in years. proposal to a commission on Trump’s inauguration. erful US gun lobby. I next?” they chanted. Parmah, who goes to Students from the school school safety -- as well as from According to the #Enough “You, the young people of this The “National School Thomas Wootton High School have taken the lead in a national expanded background checks for campaign, students from more country, are leading the nation,” Walkout” was intended to last for in Rockville, Maryland, said campaign, meeting Trump and gun purchases. than 3,000 schools nationwide Senator Bernie Sanders of 17 minutes, one for each victim. President Donald Trump’s con- other politicians, and helping Such checks are currently signed up to take part in yester- Vermont shouted to the crowd But it quickly became troversial proposal to arm and force through a new law on age only performed on people buying day’s demonstration. through a megaphone. apparent that tens of thousands train teachers “is just a bad, bad limits for gun purchasers in firearms from licensed gun Another nationwide student- “People are sick and tired of of students around the country idea.” Florida. The US public supports dealers. Sales online and at gun inspired protest, the March For gun violence and the time is now decided not to go to class at all “There should be no guns in tougher gun laws, according to shows are exempt. Our Lives, is to be held on March for all of us, together, to stand up and to protest instead. schools,” Parmah said. polls taken since the Parkland Efforts to ban semi-automatic 24. to the NRA.” Brenna Levitan, a 17-year-old The nationwide protest is shooting, but there is little weapons have made no headway. Some schools forbade their At 10:00am, students in who goes to high school in Silver being held one month to the day support for meaningful reforms Cruz, the Parkland shooter, students from taking part in yes- numerous US cities held a Spring, Maryland, attended the after Nikolas Cruz, a troubled in the Republican-controlled used a semi-automatic AR-15 terday’s walkout. moment of silence to honor the White House demonstration with 19-year-old former student at Congress. military-style rifle, a type now Florida prosecutors have 14 students and three adult staff her mother. Stoneman Douglas, unleashed a Trump momentarily signaled being targeted by activists, who announced plans to seek the killed on Valentine’s Day at “We want to show Congress hail of gunfire on his one-time support for curbing access to are also against high-capacity death penalty against Cruz, who Marjory Stoneman Douglas High and politicians we are not classmates. guns, notably by raising the age magazines. is due to appear in court today to School in Parkland, Florida. standing by, we are not silent The United States has more for purchases from 18 to 21, but Organisers of yesterday’s be formally charged. At a high school in Cherry anymore,” Levitan said. than 30,000 gun-related deaths now stands accused of bowing to walkout were also behind the His lawyers have indicated he Hill, New Jersey, students “Parkland is going to be the last annually but following the the NRA. Women’s March, which saw mil- would accept to plead guilty in marched to the football field and school shooting.” Stoneman Douglas killings stu- The president backed away lions of demonstrators take to the exchange for guarantees that he assembled in a heart formation Farah Parmah, also 17, said dents launched one of the most from supporting age limits on gun streets across the country in would not face capital to pay tribute to the victims. “gun violence has taken way too concerted movements for gun purchases -- sending the January 2017 to protest President punishment.

Three injured VP commits to governing as teacher fires gun in class Peru if President ousted

REUTERS AP elections would be held if both Vizcarra and Kuczynski’s second SEASIDE: A teacher in LIMA: Peru’s Vice-President vice-president resign. In the past Northern California acciden- Martin Vizcarra would not week, ruling party lawmakers tally fired his gun inside a resign to pave the way to early have called for Vizcarra to classroom, injuring three elections if President Pedro pledge to resign out of loyalty. students, police said. Pablo Kuczynski were removed But Vizcarra believes it Dennis Alexander, who is from office by an impeachment would be his duty to govern Peru also a reserve police officer, vote, two sources said. until the next scheduled elec- was pointing the gun at the Opposition lawmakers are tions in 2021 instead of deep- ceiling to make sure it was not seeking to impeach centre-right ening the political turmoil by loaded when the weapon dis- Kuczynski over accusations he resigning, said a source close to charged inside his classroom lied about his ties to Odebrecht Vizcarra, who asked not to be at Seaside High School in the , a Brazilian construction con- named. coastal community of glomerate at the heart of a far- A government source also Seaside, KSBW-TV reported. reaching graft probe. said that Vizcarra, a 54-year-old The Seaside Police After a first impeachment former governor of a mining Department said no one suf- vote failed in December by just region, was opposed to stepping fered “serious injuries.” One eight votes, a second was pre- down. Vizcarra declined to 17-year-old boy sustained sented by opposition lawmakers comment. On the eve of the Supporters of US Democratic congressional candidate Conor Lamb during election night rally in moderate injuries when bullet last week. Kuczynski, a 79-year- impeachment vote in December, Pennsylvania’s 18th US Congressional district special election, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. fragments lodged in his neck, old former Wall Street banker Kuczynski signaled that if he lost, the student’s father, Fermin who denies wrongdoing, warned both his vice presidents would Gonzales, told KSBW. “It’s the it would create chaos and said resign to protest what he called craziest thing. It could have Pennsylvania Democrat claims victory there was no legitimate reason a legislative coup. been very bad.” to oust him. But Vizcarra disagreed with REUTERS Alexander was teaching The election should have by voters whose registration If Kuczynski were removed that stance and refused to sign a gun safety lesson for his been a shoo-in for Republicans. requires extra confirmation - from office, Peru’s constitution a resignation letter prepared for administration of justice and CANONSBURG: Republicans Trump actively campaigned for was to begin tomorrow. dictates that Vizcarra replace him before the vote, the sources was about to show the stu- sounded alarm bells yesterday Saccone, who started the race Republicans have not con- him as a president. Early said. dents how to disarm after Democrats claimed victory well ahead of Lamb in a district ceded the race and were not someone, Gonzales said. in a Pennsylvania congressional Trump won by almost 20 points ruling out a recount or other Gonzales said no officials election seen as a referendum on in the 2016 presidential election. legal action, a spokesman for the contacted parents to let them President Donald Trump’s Republican Speaker Paul National Republican Congres- know what happened and that performance, although the final Ryan called the election a sional Committee said. Provi- he was shocked when his son vote result remained officially too “wakeup call” in a meeting with sional ballots will not be counted returned home with blood on close to call. Republican House members yes- until tomorrow. his shirt and bullet fragments In an ominous sign for terday and pushed them to raise House Republicans called the in his neck. He rushed his son Trump’s Republicans eight months more campaign funding. He also race unique, noting Lamb, 33, a to a hospital for X-rays. before national midterm elections, urged them to do more to high- US Marines veteran, had dis- “Alexander was placed on moderate Democrat Conor Lamb light tax cuts approved by the tanced himself from his party’s administrative leave from his led conservative Republican Rick Republican-dominated Congress leaders and staked out positions teaching job and he was also Saccone by a fraction of a per- and signed by Trump. to the right of many Democrats. placed on administrative centage point in the race for the Lamb led Saccone by 516 “I don’t think you’ll see leave at the Sand City Police seat in the US House of Represent- votes yesterday after absentee another candidate like Lamb,” A file photo of Peruvian vice-president Martin Vizcarra (left) and Department, police and atives. The final result may not be ballots were counted. Counting said Republican Representative Mercedes Araoz, outside his house, in Lima, Peru. schools officials said. available until tomorrow. of provisional ballots - those cast Chris Collins of New York. Two victims of Texas package bomb were mother and son REUTERS mother was injured in a blast at identify, was in stable condition, he remained in critical condition with killed Anthony Stephan House, a and a “concussive wave.” their east Austin home that police said. life-threatening injuries, Manley said. 39-year-old black man, at his No motive has yet been found AUSTIN: Two victims of a parcel believe was one of a string of Mason was a talented musician The attacks sparked home in the Harris Ridge neigh- for the blasts, which occurred bomb that exploded on Tuesday related attacks in the state capital with the Austin Youth Orchestra heightened security at Austin’s borhood about 19kmnortheast of when parcels left overnight in at a house in Austin, Texas, were that may be hate crimes. where he played double bass, South by Southwest Festival of downtown. The blast was pow- front of residences in three sep- identified as 17-year-old Draylen “He was an outstanding young according to the Austin American- music, technology and film, erful enough to blow out a wall arate neighborhoods were moved Mason and his mother, the city’s man who was going places,” Austin Statesman newspaper. which draws hundreds of thou- at the home’s entryway. or opened. “We are not saying police chief said. Police Chief Brian Manley said of A 75-year-old Hispanic woman sands of out-of-town visitors. Manley said Monday’s blasts that we believe terrorism or hate Mason, who was African- Mason. The teen’s mother, who is in seriously hurt in a second package The explosions came 10 days were of a similar force, causing are in play, but we absolutely American, was killed and his her 40s but whom he did not explosion in east Austin on Monday after another package bomb “traumatic penetrative injuries” have to consider that,” he said. 18 AMERICAS THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 US warns of ‘bedlam’ without border wall

AFP Congress has yet to that might be “two foot away” on approve the funding the Mexican side. SAN DIEGO: Donald Trump -- “Without a wall there would making his first trip to California amid skepticism and be bedlam, I imagine,” he added. as president -- warned there Democratic opposition, Trump inspected nine-metre would be “bedlam” without the but an administration models made of concrete and controversial wall he wants to official said the wall steel, erected side-by-side at build on the border with Mexico, Otay Mesa, an area in southern as he inspected several prototype would save far more San Diego along the border with barriers. The trip to the “Golden money than it cost. Tijuana, Mexico. State” -- the most populous in the Each prototype cost more country and a Democratic frontier. than $300,000 and, according to stronghold -- was largely “For the people who say ‘no some estimates, the complete upstaged by his own wall’ -- if you didn’t have walls wall could carry a $20bn price announcement that he had over here, you wouldn’t even tag. sacked Secretary of State Rex have a country,” Trump said near Congress has yet to approve Tillerson. the border in San Diego. the funding amid skepticism and The motorcade carrying US President Donald Trump drives past a US-Mexico border fence, in San On the other side of the Trump repeated his Democratic opposition, but an Diego, California. border, a small group of anti- insistence that law enforcement administration official said the Trump protesters vented their personnel should be able to see wall would save far more money be seen from across the border Kira Innis, 31, said she was Washington amid continuing frustration, and announced plans through the structure so that they than it cost. in Tijuana, where residents are backing Trump “because he disagreement. to boycott US businesses over the could monitor criminal cartels “Congress must fund the not overly impressed with the doesn’t give a good gosh darn “I have a great relationship BORDER WALL,” Trump tweeted real estate tycoon. about somebody’s color, he cares with the president of Mexico, a after leaving the border. Ahead of the visit, a few about putting more green in their great guy,” Trump said, adding White House opposes California has been at the dozen people gathered for a pro- pocket.” that “we’re trying to work things forefront of resistance to the Trump rally on the US side near On the Mexican side, federal out.” migration deal with Congress Republican leader’s anti-immi- the prototypes, while a similar police had to persuade around Before leaving San Diego, a AP gration agenda and at odds with number of the president’s 50 demonstrators not to burn a military port, the president con- his stance on a number of other detractors came to the San Ysidro yellow-haired pinata in Trump’s gratulated troops at Miramar WASHINGTON: The White House said yesterday it does not favour issues, from gun control to mar- border post. likeness. Marine Corps Air Station on the an immigration agreement with Congress that would involve ijuana and the environment. “This is an environmental Pointing to one of the proto- coalition’s taking back “almost extending protections for young immigrants for three years in Trump skewered California’s catastrophe, on top of a misallo- types towering behind the cor- 100 percent” of the IS militant exchange for three years of border wall funding. Democratic Governor Jerry cation of government resources rugated metal border fence, group’s captured territory in Syria Deputy press secretary Raj Shah said the administration con- Brown, saying he’d done “a ter- that could be used for health care Eladio Sanchez, 30, admitted that and Iraq. tinues to negotiate an immigration overhaul that would address rible job” of running a state where or social services,” Cody Pet- it might slow him down, but “They never got hit like this. the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program the taxes were “way out of terson, president of the San Diego noted: “You can get over it We took off the gloves. In one me that protects young immigrants from deportation, while also whack” and criminals were County Democrats for Environ- anyway.” year we did more damage to ISIS stopping illegal immigration and modernizing the legal immi- allowed to roam free in sanctuary mental Action, said of the wall. The border with Mexico than other administrations, a gration system. cities. Demonstrators draped them- stretches nearly 3,200km and certain other administration, did Two Republican officials briefed on the talks said the so-called He said he had seen estimates selves in US flags and waved about a third of it already has in many years,” he said. “three-for-three” proposal had been floated in staff-level discus- that the “intolerably high” illegal placards emblazoned with some type of barrier or wall. He didn’t name which of his sions in recent days. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity immigration costs came to slogans such as “Humpty Trump’s insistence that predecessors he was referring to, because they weren’t authorised to speak publicly. The discus- $100bn a year in terms of drugs, Trumpty will fall off his wall,” Mexico pay for the wall has although the insurgency’s most sions were first reported by The Washington Post, which said the crime, education and social “Resist unstable idiot,” and “No soured relations and Mexican significant advances were made idea was being discussed as part of an upcoming spending bill. services. hate in the Golden State.” President Enrique Pena Nieto after 2013, during Barack The hulking prototypes can Among Trump’s supporters, recently canceled plans to visit Obama’s second term.

Honduran man pleads guilty in US mayors back federal policy proposal REUTERS bomb plot case Responsible for 80 percent of global economic national bank to fund investments striking a balance between output and set to be home to two-thirds of aimed at making infrastructure human needs and the envi-

TEPIC: Mayors from 21 US cities the world’s people by 2050, many cities are more resilient, that would help ronment that surrounds us.” AP including New York and Los cities pull in financing from the “Bolstering police forces, MIAMI : A Honduran man has Angeles backed a proposal calling grappling with how best to integrate and public and private sector. investing in crime prevention and pleaded guilty to US charges for the federal government to protect their booming populations. It also called for federal ramping up schemes to in a plot to detonate a bomb better channel infrastructure funding to help small businesses reintroduce offenders to the in a Florida mall food court funding, boost affordable housing changes to keep their residents set to be home to two-thirds of to better prepare for disasters community, would also benefit in support of the IS militants. and strengthen businesses and safe and prosperous,” said the world’s people by 2050, and to recover after they hit. cities, along with improved Vicente Adolfo Solano communities to withstand shocks. Michael Berkowitz, 100RC pres- many cities are grappling with New Orleans Mayor Mitch support for violent crime pleaded guilty yesterday in The Rockefeller Foundation- ident, in a statement. how best to integrate and protect Landrieu said efforts to tackle victims.” Miami federal court to a backed 100 Resilient Cities “But the nature of the chal- their booming populations. social inequality needed to run “Our cities and our nation are single count of attempting to (110RC) initiative said its federal lenges they will face in the 21st In the United States, city alongside moves to strengthen experiencing complex and unprec- provide material support to a policy recommendations would century - from catastrophic leaders have vowed to lead the infrastructure in his flood-prone edented challenges, such as the foreign terrorist organisation, help protect cities as they deal events like hurricanes, to long- drive to slash carbon emissions city. “Being resilient means more increasing impacts of climate which carries a maximum with problems like increasingly term stressors like unem- driving climate change, after than having levees and wetlands change and acute shortages of 20-year prison sentence. extreme weather events, social ployment and violent crime - President Donald Trump said he to hold back water,” he said. affordable housing,” said Jesse Court records show Solano inequality and crime. require an active and engaged would pull the country out of the “It also includes combating Arreguin, mayor of Berkeley, Cal- will be sentenced May 30. “Cities have always taken federal government to help.” Paris climate change deal. the long-standing, generational ifornia. “Cities are leading the The FBI said the 53-year- responsibility for driving their Responsible for 80 percent The 100RC proposal urged the challenges around crime, edu- charge in addressing these and old Solano wanted to det- own transformational policy of global economic output and US government to set up a cation, income inequality and other urgent challenges.” onate a bomb last October at the Dolphin Mall near Miami but was actually working with undercover FBI operatives who gave him a fake bomb White nationalist faces before his arrest. physical assault charges United Airlines AP admits dog documents. After Parrott PAOLI: A white nationalist regained consciousness the died mid-flight arrested for physically harassing second time, he fled the scene a woman protesting at a 2016 and called 911 early Tuesday. AFP Donald Trump rally is accused An officer called to Heim- WASHINGTON: A dog has of attacking his wife and her bach’s home arrested Heimbach died during a United Airlines stepfather in southern Indiana. after hearing him arguing and flight after a flight attendant Matthew Heimbach, 26, was scuffling with his wife, who was insisted it be placed in an charged with battery and inside with him and their two overhead bin. The black domestic battery committed in children. Brooke Heimbach, who French bulldog was in a pet the presence of a child under age was crying and had a reddened carrier during the flight from 16. He was released from jail after face, told the officer Heimbach Houston to New York. posting bond. Heimbach is had assaulted her, a police report United said it took respon- chairman of the Traditionalist states. A message seeking sibility for the death, saying Worker Party, which has comment was sent to Heimbach’s pets should not be placed in described itself on its website as cellphone. the overhead storage com- “fighting to secure the existence Heimbach has for several partments. “This was a tragic of our people and a future for years been a leading figure in accident that should never white children.” Court documents the white nationalist movement. have occurred,” the airline alleged Heimbach assaulted his He was one of the scheduled said in a statement, adding wife’s stepfather, David Matthew speakers at a white nationalist that it expressed its “deepest Parrott, at the property where rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, condolences to the family.” Heimbach lives with his family where a car plowed into a Passenger Maggie Grem- and other group members in crowd last August, killing a minger, 30, who was seated Labour protest Paoli, about 65km south of counter protester. During a behind the pet owner, said the Bloomington. March 2016 rally in Louisville, owner was told to put her dog Police officers stand guard outside the Guatemalan constitutional court, as workers of the silver The men had argued over Kentucky, for then-presidential in the compartment after mining company, San Rafael, the Guatemalan branch of the Canadian Tahoe Resources, take part Heimbach’s alleged affair with candidate Trump, Heimbach boarding with two kids in a protest demanding the Court to order the company to resume operations in the country, in Parrott’s wife before Heimbach physically harassed an African- including an infant, according Guatemala City, yesterday. choked Parrott twice into uncon- American woman who was pro- to The New York Times. sciousness, according to court testing at that rally. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 HOME 19 Cleft Hospital Pakistan conducting free cleft lip surgeries THE PENINSULA Treatment and Training services revealed that the idea of this ded- in the Hospital. “Cleft lip and icated hospital was conceived by DOHA: Dr Ijaz Bashir, a world palate are correctable birth Dr Ijaz Bashir during 1996 and renowned Pakistani surgeon and defects which if left untreated can since then a surgical teams from CEO of Cleft Hospital Pakistan, cause facial deformity, speech United Kingdom visit twice yearly Gujrat disclosed that more than and feeding disorders and major to Gujrat for the purpose and 9,000 children in Pakistan are psychological trauma not only for carry out numerous surgeries on born with cleft lips or palates the poor patient but also for the daily basis. every year and their proper reha- entire family”, Dr Ijaz informed. The Cleft Hospital is a unique bilitation remains difficult in view Dr Ijaz briefed the partici- institution of its own kind where of the non-availability of enough pants that cleft surgeries are nor- complete care for cleft patients plastic surgeons and lack of team mally conducted by plastic sur- is provided ‘free of cost’ for poor approach for multi-disciplinary geons, but there has been dearth patients. It has also achieved management. of plastic surgeons in the country world class standards with the He was talking to the Paki- and even a single operation can help of local and international stani Community in Qatar change the life of a child. surgeons from UK, USA, Turkey recently during a video presen- He underlined the impor- and Ireland, Orthodontists, tation on Cleft Hospital Pakistan tance of timely medical inter- Speech therapists, Audiologists - a ‘Charitable’ institution for such vention and said that delay in the and paramedics who have pooled treatment in Pakistan. Apart from treatment could cause irre- their services to provide state of Pakistani doctors, surgeons from versible damage to speech. About art Cleft Treatment Services and Britain, USA, Turkey and Ireland the causes of this deformity, he Trainings. Cleft Hospital Pakistan besides Orthodontists, Speech said that genetic factors were was awarded Global Leader Mohammad Idrees Anwar, a in Gujrat while opening Pakistan overcoming patients’ misery as therapists, Audiologists and par- thought to play an important role. Award in 2015 by Smile Train prominent Pakistani Community Welfare Forum-Gujrat Chapter well as of their families purely on amedics have also pooled their Earlier, Dr Zahid Rafiq, a prom- USA. So far more than 10000 Member, welcomed the distin- last year. He showered praise on humanitarian basis thus bringing services on regular basis by pro- inent Anesthetist who works for children and adults have been guished guest and revealed his Dr Ijaz and his dedicated team smiles and confidence on the viding ‘free of cost’ Cleft Sidra Medical & Research Centre, treated by this organisation. first meeting with Dr Ijaz Bashir for their tremendous role for faces of many parents. ICAI felicitates women achievers THE PENINSULA said that every woman is ICAI), CA Leena Dasani (Chair- inspiring in her own way and it person- Doha Chapter of ICAI DOHA: Doha Chapter (‘The is very essential to use the 1999-2000), CA Aastha Chapter’) of the Institute of example of successful women to Rangan(Chairperson- Muscat Chartered Accountants of India encourage and motivate other Chapter of ICAI), CA Shanti (ICAI), celebrated the Interna- women who are facing their own Krishnakumar and Sangeetha tional Women’s Day by challenges and struggles, to help Seetharaman for their contri- conducting a full day seminar them realise how unique, strong bution to society and CA fra- on March 9. and beautiful they are. ternity on occasion of Interna- The morning session focused CA R M Vishakha, MD and tional Womens Day. on ‘Women as value drivers’, CEO of India First Life Insurance, CA Rukkaiya Pachisa, Vice while the post lunch session connected with the audience, Chairperson of Doha Chapter in covered the ‘Indian Budget 2018 speaking from the heart on her her concluding remarks insisted - A change agent for Reforming own experiences and challenges that we the educated women, India’. in rising to the CEO level in her should use our voice for the Little chefs of DPS-MIS Nursery Over 150 finance profes- organisation. voiceless, helpless and the most ‘Little Chef’, a cooking without fire activity, was conducted for the students of DPS-MIS Nursery on sions, in senior positions in busi- The chapter felicitated the vulnerable women in the March 4. The tiny tots were taught to make vegetable sandwiches. The teachers made special efforts nesses and organisations across women achievers who attended society. for integrating the activity with table manners and teaching the students about the nutritious value Qatar attended the event. the event including CA RM CA Dr R Seetharaman, the of sandwiches, encouraging them to bring healthy tiffins every day CA Rupalakshmi Setty, Vishakha (MD, CEO India First CEO of Doha Bank was the Chief Chairperson, Doha Chapter of Life Insurance), CA Sripriya Guest for the Indian Budget 2018 ICAI, in her opening remarks Kumar(Central Council Member session.

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Tomb Raider 10:00, 11:30am, 12:30, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30, 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, Bonnie Bear: A Mystical Winter (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:30 & 5:30pm 9:30, 10:30pm & 12:00midnight Death Wish (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:15 & Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 2:30, 6:30, 8:45 & 11:00pm 11:30pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, Raid (2D/Hindi) 3:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm 4:00 & 6:00pm The Lodgers (2D) 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Ragdah Almotawahesha (Arabic) 5:00 & 7:00pm Boonie Bears: Mystical Winter (2D) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00pm Talq Sena3y (2D/Arabic) 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight The Arabian Warrior (2D/Drama) 7:30pm In Syria (2D) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm In Syria (2D/Arabic) 8:45pm Ragdah Almotawahesha(2D) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00&12:00midnight Aami (2D/Malayalam) 11:00pm Hangman (2D) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Okdat Al Kawja (2D/Arabic) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00mid- night Black Panther (2D) 10:30am, 3:15 & 8:00pm Game Night 1:15, 6:00 & 10:45pm ASIAN TOWN Tomb Raider (2D) 12:00noon, 2:45, 5:30, 8:15 & 11:10pm Raid (Hindi) 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00, 11:15pm & 01:15am Tomb Raider (3D IMAX) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 & 11:00pm Kirrak Party (Telugu) 12:15pm Captain (Malayalam) 2:45pm MALL Kaly (Malayalam) 12:30 & 8:15pm Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 3:15pm Bonnie Bear: A Mystical Winter (2D/Animation) 2:30, Hate Story 4 (Hindi) 6:00pm Aami (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 4:15 & 6:00pm Raid (2D/Hindi) 2:30 & 11:30pm 8:00, 9:30, 11:00, 12:30 & 02:00am Aami (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 11:15pm Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 5:00, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:30pm Ragdah Almotawahesha (Arabic) 5:30 & 7:30pm AL KHOR The Arabian Warrior (2D/Drama) 8:00pm Tomb Raider (Action) 11:00am, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm In Syria (2D/Arabic) 9:15pm Raid (Hindi) 12:15, 3:00, 5:45, 8:30 & 11:15pm The Lodgers (Horror) 9:45pm Kirrak Party (Telugu) 11:00am & 5:00pm Aami (Malayalam) 2:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm LANDMARK

Aami (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 11:15pm ROXY Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 2:30, 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm Bonnie Bear: A Mystical Winter (2D/Animation) 3:00, 5:00 & 7:15pm Bonnie Bears: Mystical Winter 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 Raid (2D/Hindi) 4:45, 9:00 & 11:30pm & 6:30pm Tomb Raider (Action) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:30, 5:00, Ragdah Almotawahesha (Arabic) 5:30, 7:15 & 9:15pm 6:00, 8:30, 10:30, 11:00 & 12:30pm The Arabian Warrior (Action) 8:30 & 10:45pm FLIK Mirqab Aami (Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:45 & 7:30pm Raid (Hindi) 10:30am, 1:103:50, 6:30, 9:10 & 11:50pm Aami 11:50am, 3:10, 6:30 & 9:50pm Black Panther 11:50am, 12:45, 2:30, 5:10, 6:35, 7:50, 9:15, 10:30pm & Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. 12:00midnight Boonie Bears: Mystical Winter 11:30am, 1:30 & 6:30pm Death Wish (Action) 2:00 & 4:15pm RAID Early Man 2:40pm Ferdinand 10:30am Game Night 11:55am & 6:15pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 12:45, 3:35 & 5:35 & 6:00pm In Syria 3:35 & 10:40pm Ragdah Almotawahesha 10:45am & 7:25, 9:25 & 11:25 pm The Lodgers 8:30, 10:40pm & 12:35am Tomb Raider 10:20, 11:40am, 12:40, 3:00, 5:20, 7:40, 8:20, 10:00pm & 12:20am 3D 2:00, 4:20, 6:40, 9:00 & 11:20PM

Based on real events, Raid revolves around Amay Patnaik, a fearless Income Tax officer who carries out a non-stop raid at the mansion of Tauji, the most powerful man in Lucknow. 20 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 28 AM Ai Weiwei’s expo opens at Fire Station SHOROOK 05. 44 PM RAYNALD C RIVERA The exhibition also features the THE PENINSULA ZUHR 11. 43 AM MAGHRIB 05. 45 AM film “Idomeni” (2016) which captures ASR 03. 08 PM ISHA 07. 15 PM the everyday conditions of the ref- DOHA: Thousands of clothes and ugees up to the moment when the shoes once owned by refugees are camp was evacuated. WEATHER TODAY displayed in Laundromat, the first Alongside Laundromat, other ever exhibition in the Gulf by icono- projects by the artist exhibited include clastic Chinese artist Ai Weiwei that Stacked Porcelain Vases as a Pillar puts the spotlight on the global (2017), which represents six themes refugee crisis, which opened of the refugee condition — War, Ruins, yesterday at Garage Gallery at the Fire Journey, Crossing the Sea, Refugee Station. Camps, and Demonstrations, and Tyre A total of 2,046 articles of clothing (2016), a traditional symbol of safety are neatly arranged and hanged on turned on its head by being crafted clothes racks which stand on the floor from marble and representing the covered with Ai’s Newsfeed com- struggle faced by refugees crossing prising daily press coverage, personal the Mediterranean Sea. observations and images on war, dis- This is the first time the renowned placement, and the refugee and artist and political activist has Thousands of articles of clothing and photos are on display at Laundromat, migrant journey among others. exhibited in the Gulf region. It follows the first-ever exhibition by renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei in the Gulf, The clothes were collected from his visit to Doha last year when he launched yesterday at the Fire Station. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA a makeshift refugee camp in Idomeni visited museums and art projects, – a small village in northern Greece delivered a lecture and met with to the Chairperson of Qatar Museums, for a young generation of artists and and official border crossing to the Qatar’s aspiring artists. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad build an exciting future for Qatar. An former Yugoslav Republic of Mace- “My relationship with Qatar began bin Khalifa Al Thani officially opened exhibition such as this, which brings donia. The camp was shut down in when I first visited the country last the exhibition which is open to the attention to an issue that has preoc- May 2016 and the refugees that had year. I had the chance to tour the Fire public until June 1. cupied a generation, is sure to be of been living there were evacuated, Station and meet with the artists who Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of interest to the wider community as leaving their importat possessions had residencies there. It was a great Qatar Museums’ Fire Station Artist in well. This is a show that should not behind including their clothes. experience to see the openness with Residence Programme, said: “We are be missed, and we urge all those who The walls of the exhibition space which they practiced their craft and hugely honoured to present Laundro- live in and visit Qatar to experience o o are dotted with 17, 062 photos taken I am pleased to have the chance to matat the Fire Station — a place where it.” 21 C 33 C by Ai on his iPhone during the filming bring Laundromat to this space and our residents encounter new perspec- The travelling exhibition, which of his documentary feature “Human continue taking my message to people tives and find inspiration in the work serves as a powerful commentary on the Minimum Maximum Flow” in which he travelled to 40 around the world,” he said. of well-established artists. By bringing refugee crisis, highlights Qatar’s devel- Misty at places at first becomes relative- refugee camps in 23 countries con- Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al such internationally significant talent opment as a creative and artistic hub that ly hot daytime ducting over 600 interviews. Mahmoud, CEO and Special Adviser to Qatar, we hope to spark creativity encourages dialogue through art.

HIGH TIDE 04:00 – 16:00 LOW TIDE 11:00 – 21:30 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Al Bidda Park Spring Bazaar opens today Jupiter’s Great Red THE PENINSULA Spot grows DOHA: Al Bidda Park in collaboration IANS with QSports will officially open the first “Al Bidda Park Spring Bazaar” today. The Spring Bazaar will be the first WASHINGTON: Jupiter’s public event to be held at the newly Great Red Spot, which has opened park where over 60 exhibition been shrinking for a century booths have been setup along with 15 and a half, seems to be food court kiosks and a variety of chil- growing taller as it gets dren’s games that include a 1,000 square smaller, Nasa scientists have meter outdoor trampoline park, bike found. rentals, trackless train and a 15-meter- The Great Red Spot is a high giant inflatable slide. The event will persistent high-pressure run for seven weeks until May 8, said a region in the atmosphere of release. Jupiter, producing an anti- The “Bazaar” offers a wide variety of cyclonic storm 22 degree products and services targeting citizens, south of the planet’s equator. residents and tourists, such as handi- Various arrangements at “Al Bidda Park Spring Bazaar”. The findings, published in crafts, Abayas, Jalabiyas, scarves, Arabic the Astronomical Journal, perfumes, accessories and other importance of the event in promoting year. indicate that the Great Red products. Residents can also enjoy their products and services to a large He further stated that there are Spot recently started to drift special weekend stage performances and number of people visiting the park daily. plenty of surprises with mini-weekend westward faster than before. kids games with a chance to win prizes. Ghanim al Mohannadi, Deputy events being planned throughout the Historically, it’s been assumed QSports, the official event organiser, Chairman of QSports, stated that the next seven weeks. One such event is sure that this drift is more or less announced that the door is still open to organisation of the Spring Bazaar in its to drive thousands of people to partic- constant. The study confirms entrepreneurs, retailers, restaurants first edition is part of the overall direction ipate is the first ever 2K Inflatable Run that the storm has been wishing to participate in the “Spring of QSports to promote outdoor activities where families can join their kids in con- decreasing in length overall Bazaar 2018”. Businessmen that are par- whilst taking advantage of near perfect quering the World’s largest inflatable since 1878 and is big enough ticipating will benefit from the weather in Qatar during this time of the obstacle course. to accommodate just over one Earth at this point. But the historical record indicates the area of the spot grew tempo- Warming could threaten Ninth QIFF opens today rarily in the 1920s. half of species in key areas THE PENINSULA Rockefeller’s Culinary Professionals, Askar, Chef Ramzi, Turkey’s Murat Mini Zoo Events, AlRayyan Bozok and Qatar’s Aisha Al- AFP Picasso could African wild dogs. DOHA: The ninth Qatar Inter- Water, RAW ME, Zomato, Tamimi are among the 14 PARIS: Global warming could place The team looked at the impact national Food Festival (QIFF), Talabat, UBER, Qatar TV, Al internationally-renowned raise $0.5bn 25 to 50 percent of species in the of climate change on nearly 80,000 the country’s longest-running Rayyan TV and Olive Radio chefs who will take to the REUTERS Amazon, Madagascar and other terrestrial plant, mammal, bird, food festival, opens today at To mark the launch of stage to share their secret biodiverse areas at risk of localised amphibian, and reptile species. Hotel Park. QIFF 2018, an opening cer- ingredients and techniques. PARIS: A rare Picasso once extinction within decades, a report At warming of 4.5 C, based on a Over the course of the emony will be held at And in celebration of the owned by Gertrude Stein is said Wednesday. “business-as-usual” scenario of no coming 11 days, residents and 6pmwith one of Hollywood’s aromatic coffee bean, there is part of an art trove belonging The lower projection is based emissions cuts, the Amazon could visitors are invited to sample favourite chefs, Wolfgang a new coffee zone offering a to the Rockefeller dynasty on a mercury rise of two degrees risk the local extinction of 69 and enjoy a variety of gastro- Puck and Qatar’s very own truly unique experience. that could raise half a billion Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) percent of its plant species. nomic experiences, including Aisha Al-Tamimi sharing the Other special features include dollars this year, in what over pre-Industrial Revolution The Miombo Woodlands risks a fresh farmers’ market, QIFF Cooking Theater stage a Mini Zoo in the zone dedi- auctioneer Christie’s says levels -- the warming ceiling the losing 90 percent of its amphibians, garden picnics and special for an exchange of culinary cated to young children. could be the most valuable world’s nations agreed on in 2015. 86 percent of birds, and 80 percent festival menus at participating insights that span from East Adding to the festive sale ever of a private The highest is for out-of-control of mammals, according to the restaurants around Qatar. The to West. Their discussion will atmosphere at Hotel Park, the collection. warming of 4.5 C. report. Festival will run from 4 pm to be followed by the Theater’s main festival stage will host a Ten works on display at “Global biodiversity will suffer Under the 2015 Paris 12 midnight from Saturday to first demonstration by US Iron variety of cultural shows from Christie’s in Paris, including terribly over the next century unless Agreement, countries made vol- Wednesday and will extend Chef Masaharu Morimoto and countries all across the globe. the Picasso and a Monet, rep- we do everything we can,” said con- untary pledges to curb planet- to 1am on Thursdays and the event will culminate in a They include Ethiopia, India, resent a small fraction of the servation group WWF, which com- warming greenhouse gas emissions Fridays. fireworks display above the South Africa, Turkey and 1,600 lots once owned by bil- missioned the analysis published in from burning coal, oil and natural QIFF 2018 is organised Doha Corniche. Vietnam. And on the second lionaire banker David Rock- science journal Climatic Change. gas. - ‘New normal’ - But even if and delivered by QTA with The festival’s signature weekend of the festival, efeller and his wife Peggy that “We must keep average global those pledges are met, scientists the support of numerous feature, the QIFF Cooking Kuwaiti singer Abdulaziz will go under the hammer in temperatures down to the absolute predict warming over 3 C, a recipe partners representing the Theatre, returns this year to Louis and Lebanese band, May for charity. minimum.” The report focused on for disastrous climate change-trig- entertainment, hospitality provide a space for connois- Wahdon will take to the QIFF David Rockefeller, a 33 so-called “Priority Places” which gered sea level rises, superstorms, and F&B sectors in Qatar. seurs and novices to learn all entertainment stage for free former CEO of Chase Man- host some of the world’s richest and floods, and droughts. The Festival’s Strategic about how to handle, prepare, live performances on the eve- hattan bank and grandson of most unusual terrestrial species, Warming of 3.2 C would place Partner is Katara Hospitality, cook, present and even pho- nings of March 23 and 24 the oil tycoon John D. Rock- including iconic, endangered, or about 37 percent of species in Pri- the global hotel owner, tograph food. With a special respectively. efeller, died last year at the endemic plants and animals. ority Places at risk of local developer and operator theme for each day, it will run Throughout the festival, age of 101. “We’re talking They include southern Chile, the extinction, said a WWF statement. based in Qatar. The award- live competitions and dem- there will be live perform- probably north of 500 million eastern Himalayas, South Africa’s “Even with the emissions cuts winning five-star national onstrations daily from 4pm to ances by Doha-based hip hop dollars which will make it the unique Fynbos ecoregion, Borneo, pledged under the Paris Agreement, carrier, Qatar Airways is the 10.30pm. The US’s Christine dance troupe, Beats and Bytes most valuable collection sale Sumatra, the Namibian desert, West temperatures that were extreme in Festival’s official airline. Ha, Kuwait’s Sulaiman Al as well as Music Vending of all time, and the most val- Africa, southwest Australia, coastal the past are set to be the new Other partners include Qassar, the Philippines’ Luis Machine, The Doha String uable charity sale of all time,” east Africa, and southern Africa’s normal in all Priority Places,” it Msheireb Museums, Doha Rey ‘Niño’ Logarta ,India’s Quartet & Friends, Doha Jazz Christie’s auctioneer Jonathan Miombo Woodlands, home to added -- in some as early as 2030. Film Institute,beIN,Qatar Ranveer Barar, Lebanon’s and an American music band. Rendell said.